McCullough rolls for Canada in photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Devon McCullough checks a signal from the pitching circle.

Devon McCullough was tuned up in peak form like a 1969 Dodge Charger on a drag strip.

The 34-year-old veteran pitcher and local product suited up for Canada’s National Men’s Team to play in the Super 8 International Men’s Fast Pitch 4 Nations Cup from July 3 to 5 on the familiar ground of Bob Van Impe Stadium. Growing up in Montgomery Place, McCullough is extremely familiar with the storied facility located at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex.

On July 3, McCullough had a perfect game going after five complete innings in Canada’s opening contest of the 4 Nations Cup against Japan. He was pulled with Canada holding a 3-0 advantage for closer Justin Schofield. Schofield closed out the final two innings allowing Canada to post a 3-1 victory.

Devon McCullough sets in his wind up playing for Canada.

McCullough’s next action would come when he got the start in the Championship Game of the 4 Nations Cup on July 5. He threw six complete innings giving up just one run as Canada held a slim 2-1 advantage over New Zealand before giving way for Schofield to pitch the seventh. Schofield closed out the 2-1 win with three consecutive strikeouts as Canada claimed the 4 Nations Cup.

During the 4 Nations Cup, McCullough’s play brought back memories of the 2015 International Softball Federation Men’s World Championship Tournament held on the Complex grounds. In the championship game played on July 5^th of that year, McCullough, who was the youngest player on Canada’s roster at age 24, threw the final four-and-two-third innings for the Canadian side striking out eight batters, while scattering one hit and five walks. His performance allowed Canada to rally from a 5-0 deficit to post a 10-5 victory.

Our lead picture for this photo roundup shows McCullough in the pitching circle in the 4 Nations Cup final this past July 5 getting a sign before he delivers a pitch. The second photo displays McCullough in a wind up during the 4 Nations Cup title contest. The third photo sees McCullough unloading a rocket throw to home plate in Canada’s tournament opening game against Japan on July 3.

Devon McCullough unloads a heater to home plate.

Following the 4 Nations Cup victory that saw Canada post a 4-0 record, the Canadian side traveled to Prince Albert to take part in the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup that started on July 8 and is slated to run through to July 13 at Prime Ministers’ Park. New Zealand also heads to the World Cup after posting a 1-3 mark at the 4 Nations Cup.

Along with the pictures of McCullough, this photo roundup includes more shots from the 4 Nations Cup. The photo roundup also includes other scenes from baseball, football, softball and track and field.

The pictures in this photo roundup capture some of the memories that are made on our grounds. In this photo roundup, all of these pictures were taken by our Communications Coordinator in Darren Steinke.

Without further ado, here is a selection of 16 shots we hope you enjoy.

Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame bound

Larry Pavloff, left, and Sherry Anderson shake hands at a news conference to announce the 2025 class for the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame held on June 11 at Gordie Howe Sports Centre building. Pavloff is heading to the Hall as an athlete for his exploits in softball. Anderson is going to the Hall as the skip of her senior curling teams from 2016 to 2023 that won five Canadian titles and three world championships. Her foursome included Patty Hersikorn at third, Brenda Goertzen at second and Anita Silvernagle at lead. The official induction dinner will take place on Saturday, November 1 at Prairieland Park.

Up and over

A trio of athletes leap over their respective hurdles in the women’s 100-metre hurdles final that was part of the Canada Summer Games Trials held on June 15 at the Track and Field Track. The Canada Summer Games Trials and the U12, U14 and Masters Provincial Track and Field Championships run by Saskatchewan Athletics took part over two days concluding on that June 15^th day.

Run with power

Saskatoon Valkyries star running back Sarah Wright rumbles her way past a trio of tacklers from the Regina Riot in the WWCFL’s Prairie Conference Final playing on June 21 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. In a contest that was played mainly in a downpour, Wright scored the game’s only touchdown as the Valkyries blanked the Riot 9-0.

Valkyries team photo time

The Saskatoon Valkyries pose for the customary team photo after blanking the Regina Riot 9-0 in the WWCFL’s Prairie Conference Final on June 21 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Valkyries would move on to win their 10^th WWCFL championship prevailing in the league’s championship game 28-0 over the host Edmonton Arctic Pride on June 28 at Commonwealth Stadium.

Eyeing up the coverage

Blitz quarterback Nicole Braun eyes up the downfield coverage during Saskatoon Touch Football League action on June 23 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Blitz came away with a 39-9 victory over Can’t Catch This during this contest as Braun threw five touchdown passes.

Sliding in safe

A Saskatoon Raiders base runner slides in safely at second base in a game against the Saskatoon Hustlers in action in the League Championships for the Saskatoon Minor Softball League played on June 29 at the Indoor Training Centre. Due to heavy rains that fell the previous day, the younger age groups continued their League Championships at the Indoor Training Centre due to the outdoor diamonds at the Complex being waterlogged.

Set to deliver

Tanner Hosick kicks the leg up to deliver a pitch for the Saskatoon Berries in a WCBL regular season clash against the Regina Red Sox on June 30 at Cairns Field. Hosick threw the final two innings of that game for the Berries and picked up the save in a 12-10 victory played before 2,058 spectators.

Running for fun

A trio of youngsters run the bases at Cairns Field after the Saskatoon Berries down the Regina Red Sox 12-10 in a WCBL regular season contest on June 30. Since the Berries first took the field in 2024, it has become tradition for youngsters to run the bases for a good time following the team’s home games.

Sutherland returns to home track

Star track and field athlete Savannah Sutherland returned to train at the Track and Field Track on July 2 following the conclusion of her NCAA career with the University of Michigan Wolverines Women’s Track and Field Team. The Borden product, who competed for Canada at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, ended her time in the NCAA in impressive fashion. At the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship on June 14 in Eugene, Oregon, Sutherland won the 400-metre women’s hurdles championship race in a time of 52.46 seconds. Sutherland’s time was a new Canadian record, a new NCAA record and the ninth fastest time ever recorded in the 400-metre women’s hurdles. A catch up story with Sutherland can be found on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex website by clicking right here.

Happy homer

Koki Sato, who is the left-fielder for Team Japan, was all smiles after hitting a solo shot home run for his squad in a game against Canada played at the Super 8 International Men’s Fast Pitch 4 Nations Cup held on July 3 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. Japan ultimately dropped a tightly contested contest 3-1.

Eye on the ball

Team Canada first baseman Colin Walsh catches a foul ball for an out against New Zealand in a contest played at the Super 8 International Men’s Fast Pitch 4 Nations Cup held on July 4 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. Canada would prevail 4-2 in that encounter over New Zealand.

Tracking the ball in

Team New Zealand catcher Cam Watts tracked a ball into his glove in a game against Canada that was played at the Super 8 International Men’s Fast Pitch 4 Nations Cup held on July 4 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. New Zealand ultimately fell in that clash 4-2.

Fist bumps for the win

United States third baseman Blaine Milheim and catcher Tyler Damon do a fist bump after their squad slips past Japan 2-1 in the third-place game of the Super 8 International Men’s Fast Pitch 4 Nations Cup held on July 5 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The United States completed the event with a 2-2 record, while Japan had a 1-3 mark.

Trophy time

Team Canada captain Shane Boland, left, receives the championship trophy from Bryan Kosteroski, who is the President of the Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association, after Canada took the Championship Game of the Super 8 International Men’s Fast Pitch 4 Nations Cup held on July 5 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. Canada finished the 4 Nations Cup with a 4-0 record.

Team Canada thanks the fans

Following their Championship Game win at the Super 8 International Men’s Fast Pitch 4 Nations Cup on July 5, members from Team Canada salute the fans at Bob Van Impe Stadium. After the tournament win, Canada departed to Prince Albert to compete in the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup that was set to run July 8 to 13.

Top level snag

Saskatoon Berries right-fielder Evan Janner makes a challenging catch in a WCBL regular season contest on July 8 at Cairns Field. The Berries fell just short dropping a 9-8 decision that day to the Moose Jaw Miller Express, but Saskatoon still sat first overall in the WCBL with a 27-5 record.

Softball all about family for McCullough

Veteran coach heads to Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Adrianne Vangool, left, and Dave McCullough shake hands.

For Dave McCullough, softball is about family.

He got into the sport coaching his sons Devon and Darren and daughter Brielle (McCullough) Frohaug. While he was coaching, the players on the teams he coached and their families became like family.

With those connections, McCullough’s teams have won a total of 27 provincial championships over 22 years. During his time involved with softball, going into any type of sports hall of fame was never a thought that crossed McCullough’s mind.

That all changed on June 14, when the 2023 class for the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame was announced at a press conference at the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building. McCullough was named as part of the 2023 class in the builders’ category for his contributions to the sport of softball as a coach and administrator.

“When I found out about being inducted into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame, I was speechless,” said McCullough. “Being nominated was an accomplishment but being accepted was overwhelming.

“(It is an) unbelievable feeling going into the Hall and being in there with some of the best athletes and builders is a true honor.”

McCullough will be joined in the 2023 class by two other inductees in the builders’ category in Derek Bloski for hockey and softball and Ivan Tam in athletics. Entering the Hall in the athletes category are Jeff Adamson in wrestling, Kelly Parker in Soccer, Kathy (Rollo) Seaman in diving, Adrianne Vangool in athletics and Heather Witzel in basketball.

Brielle (McCullough) Frohaug hits a homer for the G-Force in 2021.

The Saskatoon Outlaws softball teams that won Canadian Junior Women’s Championships in 2008, 2010 and 2011 will be going into the Hall in the team category. The WHL’s Saskatoon Blades were honoured by the Hall as the Sports Organization of the Year. The induction ceremonies will be held in the evening on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Prairieland Park.

“It feels pretty good to be inducted with the group that is being induct this year,” said McCullough. “The Outlaws were an outstanding ladies team that I had the opportunity to coach against in senior ladies Div. 1 ball when the Saskatoon G-Force moved up from minor to the ladies league.

“They (the Outlaws) were a great bunch of ladies with a huge amount of talent.”

McCullough said the biggest blessing he got in softball was the fact he was able to coach his kids to this very day. Devon and Darren play on the Saskatoon Angels senior men’s team, while Brielle suits up for the Saskatoon G-Force senior women’s team.

“To have coached all my kids has been the opportunity any father could wish for,” said McCullough. “That feeling is still going on as I am still coaching both my daughter’s team the G-Force and the Saskatoon Angels.

Devon McCullough in 2015. (Photo by Louis Christ)

“The best part is they love the game of softball as much as I do.”

While McCullough has made many great memories with sport, his most memorable moment came in 2013, when he served as an assistant coach for Brielle’s Saskatoon Scotiabank Selects midget girls’ team. The Selects made the Canadian Midget Girls’ Championship Tournament held in Charlottetown, P.E.I., in August of 2013.

The Selects advanced to the championship game, where they downed the White Rock Renegades from B.C. 2-1. Brielle scored on a bases loaded walk in the top of first inning. In the top of the sixth inning, Brielle drove in the winning run nailing a triple into the left centre-field gap to score Ally Gallant from first base.

The Selects became the first team from Saskatoon to win a midget girls’ national title. The core of that squad makes up the current G-Force senior women’s team.

“My most rememberable memory would be winning Canadians with the Selects for the first time and beating White Rock from B.C. in Prince Edward Island,” said McCullough. “It was an amazing feeling as it was the first time a midget girls’ team from Saskatoon had won it.”

The core group from that Selects team would win a Canadian Junior Women’s Championship as the Saskatoon Co-Op G-Force in 2016, and McCullough was an assistant coach with that squad. Last year, McCullough was the head coach of the G-Force as they won Softball Saskatchewan’s Women’s A Provincial Championship at Joe Gallagher Field. The G-Force slipped past the Carnduff Southeast Steelers 1-0.

“Winning never gets old,” said McCullough reflecting on last year’s provincial title win by the G-Force. “It gets better each time you go into a big contest and your team digs down and gives everything they have and leaves it on the field.

“It is amazing to watch. I have been blessed to have coached on both the men’s and women’s teams extremely talented athletes that never say never. (They) just get on the train and let’s ride.”

The G-Force pictured after winning a provincial title in 2022.

Another one of his best memories from the sport came from being a proud spectator dad. In 2015, Saskatoon hosted the International Softball Federation Men’s World Championship tournament, and Devon was a 24-year-old pitcher on the host Canadian national team side.

Canada made the event’s championship game taking on powerhouse and defending champion New Zealand at Bob Van Impe Stadium. Devon entered that contest in the top of the third inning with Canada trailing 4-0.

He pitched a gem the rest of the way allowing Canada to rally for a 10-5 victory. That contest became one of the signature moments in the history of the Gordie Howe Sports Complex.

“Man, what a feeling to see your son come in the 3rd inning and pitch the team to victory and the gold medal at the world championships,” said McCullough. “It was a moment in my life I will never forget with 7,500 fans yelling ‘Devo, Devo.’

“It’s an absolute rush and for him to strike out some of the best batters was such a great way to rap up the tournament.”

While the upcoming Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame induction has helped McCullough reflect on his career in softball, he still expects to make more memories in the sport.

Part of the 2023 Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame class with Dave McCullough.

“My family is very involved in the sport of softball, and my future all depends on when my drive for the game runs out, which could be never,” said McCullough. “As I have now taken on the 2025 Canada games team for Sask., it looks like I am going to be around for a while yet.

“The game of softball has been my passion and a game that would be hard to say goodbye to. For now, my future is up in the air and I will take each year step by step.”

McCullough’s day at Bob Van Impe

Saskatoon product powered Canada to golden comeback

Devon McCullough in 2015. (Photo by Louis Christ)

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Devon McCullough wasn’t walking into an unenviable situation, when he entered the championship game of the 2015 International Softball Federation Men’s World Championship tournament.

Playing in front of his hometown fans on July 5 of that year at Bob Van Impe Stadium, McCullough entered the contest to pitch relief for Canada in the top of the third inning against powerhouse and defending champion New Zealand.

New Zealand had just taken a 4-0 lead with one out and had a runner on second.

Despite the tough circumstances, McCullough remembered the 7,000 in attendance that night hadn’t given up on the Canadian side.

“The crowd was going nuts, and it was loud,” said McCullough, who was the youngest player on Canada’s roster at age 24 at that time. “It was pretty much the biggest moment I’ve been in I figure in my life especially up until then.

“I was definitely a little nervous going in, but I was also excited at the same time.”

McCullough’s first task was to stop New Zealand from potentially running away with the game at that point. He got the first batter out he faced on a groundout.

He proceeded to hit the next batter he faced with a pitch. Following that development, the Canadian coaching staff elected to load the bases by intentionally walking the next batter.

After loading the bases, McCullough walked the next batter he faced allowing New Zealand to go up 5-0.

He proceeded to stop the New Zealand rally at that point with a strikeout to end the top half of the inning. McCullough said getting that strikeout to strand three runners on base proved to be key to help his side start to get some traction.

Devon McCullough (#24) fires a pitch. (Photo by Jordan Silbernagel)

“That was a big game changer,” said McCullough. “If I give up a hit there or something, they could have scored three runs right off of that.

“The game could have been done right there.”

Canada’s offence proceeded to come to life after that. The Canadians scored four runs in the bottom of the third to cut New Zealand’s lead to 5-4 changing the complexion of the contest.

McCullough pitched a scoreless top of the fourth, and in the bottom of the fourth, Canada scored four more runs to go ahead 8-5. The younger chucker said the excitement rose for the host country as momentum had totally changed sides.

“The whole atmosphere in the dugout had changed,” said McCullough. “Everyone was standing up and loud.

“I think we pretty much knew by that point that we weren’t going to be stopped that day. We were just on a roll.”

Canada scored two more runs in the bottom of the sixth to cement a 10-5 victory.

McCullough pitched the rest of the contest to pick up the win striking out eight batters while scattering one hit and five walks over four-and-two-thirds innings. Throughout the game, he heard chants of “Devo” coming from the crowd.

Devon McCullough was the hero. (Photo by Jordan Silbernagel)

He put down the last two batters he faced in the top of the seventh with swinging strikeouts. After he recorded the final out, McCullough couldn’t believe the energy rush.

“It was like a shock almost,” said McCullough. “It was like, ‘Holy (explanative) we just won.’

“It was pretty much just yard sale everything.”

Since age 13, McCullough played numerous games at Bob Van Impe Stadium leading up to that world championship win. He has continued to play many more games at his hometown park and remains a member of the national team at age 29.

He has played at two world tournaments with Canada since earning bronze medals each time out.

While McCullough would love to help Canada win another world championship, he doesn’t expect anything will surpass winning it all representing his country in his hometown. When you add in the fact he was winning pitcher that helped turn around a dire situation, it becomes a fairy-tale script.

“It was awesome,” said McCullough. “I’ve told everyone that it doesn’t matter whether I go out and play and win anything else in ball, but nothing will ever top that.

“That is the number one thing that you probably would ever want as any ball player would want.”

An artistic picture of Devon McCullough. (Photo by Jordan Silbernagel)

McCullough believes he has watched the video of that championship game about 100 times since it happened. He said people in Saskatoon come up and talk to him all time about that world title win, especially if he is at one of the diamonds at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex at a weekend tournament.

“I see them in the beer tent just stopping for a beer,” said McCullough. “You are just talking about it like all the time.

“It is pretty special that is for sure. No one can ever take that one away from you winning the world championship at home. It is pretty awesome to think about.

“That was a pretty awesome day.”