Cubs claim seventh SPBL title in photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Cubs celebrate their 18U AAA SPBL championship win.

The Saskatoon Cubs got hot at the right time.

Back on July 10, the Cubs dropped a 1-0 decision to the White Butte Broncos in White City. Having lost six out of their last seven games at that time, the Cubs saw their record fall to 14-13.

While the Cubs were still looking solid to earn a spot in the 18U AAA Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League Provincial Championship tournament, it was uncertain how they would look once they got to that event, which would be held from July 24 to 27 at Cairns Field and Leakos Field.

The Cubs proceeded to close the regular season with five straight wins to improve to 19-13 and sit fifth in the SPBL’s 18U AAA standings. They kept rolling at provincials posting a 3-1 record in preliminary round play to top Pool A.

Reese Brons fires a pitch to the plate for the Cubs.

On playoff round Sunday on July 27, the Cubs had their best day of the 2025 campaign to date. They blanked the Regina Athletics 10-0 in a semifinal contest with Tyson Dale pitching a complete game victory and hitting a three-run home run. 

In the championship final, the Cubs blew past the Regina White Sox 12-2 with Reese Brons throwing a complete game victory, while driving in five runs on two hits.

All of a sudden, the Cubs are 10-1 in their last 11 games, and they captured their seventh 18U AAA SPBL title in the process. They will take part in Baseball Canada’s 18U National Championship tournament to be played August 14 to 17 in Fort McMurray, Alta.

Our photo roundup for August 2025 is anchored by the exploits of the Cubs. Our lead photo shows the Cubs celebrating with the provincial championship plaque after winning the 18U AAA SPBL title game.

Reid Wandler (#18) has fun after the Cubs 18U AAA SPBL title win.

The second photo sees Brons tossing a pitch to home plate during the championship contest. The third picture shows Reid Wandler having fun during the post-game celebrations jumping into the arms of one of his teammates.

Along with the pictures of Cubs provincial title win, this photo roundup includes more shots from 18U AAA SPBL provincials. 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 18 shots we hope you enjoy.

Update complete

The sign featuring the championship win totals of the Saskatoon Valkyries and Saskatoon Hilltops sits in the north end zone of Saskatoon Minor Football Field. It was recently updated to note the Valkyries have won 10 WWCFL titles after taking the league championship on June 28 against the host Edmonton Arctic Pride at Commonwealth Stadium. The Hilltops have won an impressive and seemingly unbelievable 23 CJFL championships.

Off to the races

Receiver Dylan Borstmayer jets into the open field after making a catch for the Gryphons during Saskatoon Touch Football League action on July 22 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Gryphons prevailed over the Wolves 47-28.

Pass under pressure

A quarterback from the Mario Bros unloads a pass downfield under the pressure of a rush by a Midwest Sportswear Untouchables pass rusher. The Untouchables got past the Mario Bros 22-11.

Safe!

Saskatoon Diamondbacks base runner Kaden Prosofsky slides in safely at third base during his team’s opening game at the 18U AAA Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League Provincial Championship tournament on July 24 at Leakos Field. The Diamondbacks prevailed over the Saskatoon Giants 5-4 in this contest that required two extra innings.

Home sweet home

Saskatoon Giants base runner Emmett Goetz crosses home plate during his team’s final preliminary round game of the 18U AAA Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League Provincial Championship tournament on July 26 at Leakos Field. The Giants fell 4-2 in this contest to the Swift Current 57s. The two squads met in a standings tiebreaker game, which the Giants claimed 14-9. The Giants proceeded to fall in a provincial semifinal 5-4 to the Regina White Sox.

Berries home game fun

A trio of youngsters take part in a fun promotional race at a Saskatoon Berries WCBL regular season game on July 26 at Cairns Field. Part of the reason the Berries attract big crowds to their games is because the hold creative and fun promotions throughout their contests.

Perfect bunt

Saskatoon Cubs hitter Kaden Dimen lays down a textbook bunt during the title game of the 18U AAA Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League Provincial Championship tournament on July 27 at Cairns Field. Dimen and the Cubs rolled past the Regina White Sox 12-2 for the win.

Cubs are the champs

The Saskatoon Cubs pose for the customary team photo after winning the title game of the 18U AAA Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League Provincial Championship tournament on July 27 at Cairns Field. This was the first provincial championship win for the Cubs since 2022 and their seventh in team history.

Opening ceremonies salute for Moore

Dave Moore, front left, received a wall mount from Softball Canada to recognize his contribution by umpiring in the sport for 50 years. Moore received the recognition during the opening ceremonies for the Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship and the U20 Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournaments held at Bob Van Impe Stadium on July 30.

Hard line drive

Saskatoon Selects hitter Rayn Ray drives a hit through the infield during a preliminary round contest at the U20 Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament the evening of July 30 at Joe Gallagher Field. The Selects would drop a 10-1 decision to Equipe Quebec.

Eye on the ball

Catcher Abby Burgess of the Saskatoon Prairie Pirates tracks the ball into her glove during action at the Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament on August 1 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The Pirates downed the Saskatoon Tigers 11-6 for a third win that was part of a four-game winning streak.

Going yard

Hitter Lyndsay Koscielski of the Carnduff Southeast Steelers nails a three-run home run during a first versus second place page playoff game on August 2 at Bob Van Impe Stadium at the Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament. Koscielski’s homer powered the Steelers to a 6-1 win over Equipe Quebec and earn a berth in the event’s championship game.

Happy home arrival

Hitter Lyndsay Koscielski of the Carnduff Southeast Steelers jumps on home plate to complete a jaunt around the bases after hitting a three-run home run in a first versus second place page playoff game on August 2 at Bob Van Impe Stadium at the Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament. Koscielski’s teammates were waiting to celebrate the round tripper for the veteran shortstop.

Special delivery

Chatsworth Longhorns pitcher Joseph Weiler unloads an off-speed pitch to home plate during the title game of the U20 Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament on August 3 at Joe Gallagher Field. In a battle of Ontario, the Longhorns downed the Plattsville Lightning 6-4 to take the tournament championship.

Stealth snag bronze

The Saskatoon Stealth pose for a customary team photo after being awarded their bronze medals following the conclusion of the Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament on August 3 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The Stealth finished the tournament with a 6-3 record.

Let it rip for record win 45

Saskatoon Berries pitcher Klevert Martina goes through his delivery to send a pitch to home plate during a WCBL regular season contest on August 3 at Cairns Field. The Berries downed the Medicine Hat Mavericks 14-10 after 10 innings in this contest for their 45th win, which is a new record for the most wins in one WCBL regular season. The Berries would top the final WCBL regular season standings with a 46-9 mark.

Ready for launch

A local area track and field athlete launches a shot put during a practice session on August 7 at the Track and Field Track. The practice session was for athletes who will take part in the Canada Summer Games that started August 8 and runs through to August 25 in St. John’s, Newfoundland. The athletics competition is set for the second week of the event.

Perfecting all points of a throw

A local area track and field athlete works on all skill aspects of throwing a javelin during a practice session on August 7 at the Track and Field Track. The javelin thrower is a member of Saskatchewan’s Track and Field Team who will compete at the Canada Summer Games in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Berries back in business in rocking photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Carter Beck gives a thumbs up after sliding in safe at third.

They were Saskatoon’s hottest ticket in the summer of 2024 and are continuing their momentum early in their 2025 campaign.

The Saskatoon Berries began their inaugural Western Canadian Baseball League season a year ago playing their home games out of Cairns Field. Over their 26 regular season home dates, they averaged 1,931 spectators per game.

The expansion Berries started out 3-8 before jetting to a 31-26 finish to place sixth overall in the 12-team circuit. They advanced to the best-of-three East Division Championship Series before falling 5-3 in a series deciding Game 3 to the Moose Jaw Miller Express on August 13, 2024 at Cairns Field.

Barry the Bear is feeling happy with a bowl full of popcorn.

Centre-fielder Carter Beck, who is from Carnduff, Sask., took home WCBL awards as the circuit’s Rookie of the Year and Most Outstanding Canadian. In 51 regular season games with the Berries, Beck posted a .374 average, 11 home runs, 38 runs batted in and 53 runs scored.

In the early part of the 2025 season, the Berries have jumped out to a 7-2 start. While they are playing in just their second season, they have been tabbed as an early favourite to contend for the WCBL championship.

Our lead picture for this photo roundup shows Beck giving the thumbs up after sliding safely into third base after hitting a triple in a 14-6 victory over the Fort McMurray Giants on June 4 at Cairns Field. Our second photo comes from that same game, and it shows mascot Barry the Bear about to enjoy a bowl of popcorn. The third picture sees pitcher Merek Yeager going through his windup on a throw to home plate.

Merek Yeager windsup to fire a pitch over home plate.

Along with the pictures featuring the Berries, this photo roundup includes other scenes from baseball, football, softball and track and field. All these sports are in full swing, and it is common there are nights on the Complex grounds where Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Track and Field Track, Cairns Field, Leakos Field and all eight of the softball diamonds are all in use at the same time.

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 15 shots we hope you enjoy.

Here comes the heat

Saskatoon Diamondbacks pitcher Sean Coverett fires a pitch to home during a Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League Under-18 AAA game on May 13 at Cairns Field. The Diamondbacks would get past the East Central Red Sox on this night 11-8.

Gainer meets the fans

Saskatchewan Roughriders mascot Gainer the Gopher gives high-fives and meets fans at Saskatoon Minor Football Field as part of the CFL team’s Green and White Day on May 17. Green and White Day is one of the first big events of the 2025 season where the Roughriders interact with their fans.

All-out effort

A Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver makes a catch during simulated game activities during the team’s Green and White Day held on May 17 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Roughriders went through a number of simulated game situations in their player evaluations.

Meeting Rider Nation

The Saskatchewan Roughriders meet their fans following a simulated game session that was part of the team’s Green and White Day activities held on May 17 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Roughriders players satisfied all the autograph and picture requests that came their way.

Conference call

Members of the Wynyard Blues have a meeting on the pitching mound during action at the Quinn Stevenson Memorial 18U AA Tournament on May 24 at Leakos Field. In a tightly contested game, the Blues dropped a 2-1 decision to the Saskatoon Cardinals.

Setting the pace

A group of runners finds their pace during a 3,000-metre race during the SSSAD’s Bob Adams City Championship on May 29 at the Track and Field Track. This was the second of two days the city championship ran at the track.

Big effort

A discus thrower from Aden Bowman Collegiate launches a throw during action at the SSSAD’s Bob Adams City Championship on May 29 at the Track and Field Track. School meets attract athletes that view track and field as their main sport and athletes from other sports.

Take off

A shot put thrower from Bishop James Mahoney High School launches a shot during action at the SSSAD’s Bob Adams City Championship on May 29 at the Track and Field Track. All athletes at this meet were looking to qualify for the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association provincials that ran June 6 and 7 in Moose Jaw.

Angel in the outfield

A centre-fielder from the Twin City Angels U17A team reacts to making a diving catch in the outfield during a game at Glenn Reeve Field #4 on June 4. The effort drew cheers from players in the dugouts of both the Angels and the Saskatoon Stealth.

Defensive gem

Fort McMurray Giants shortstop Darcy Barry comes up with a great defensive throw to get the out at first in a WCBL game against the Saskatoon Berries on June 4 at Cairns Field. The play was one of a handful of highlights for the Giants as they fell 14-6 to the Berries.

Crusader takes down Crusader

A Team Green defensive lineman who also plays for the Holy Cross Crusaders High School Football Team takes down a Team Green quarterback who also plays for the Crusaders. Team Black and Team Green were going at it in the Saskatoon Minor Football North Sask Academy U18 championship game at Saskatoon Minor Football Field on June 4. Team Black prevailed over Team Green 20-17.

Trophy time

Two captains from Team Black pose for a photo after receiving the championship trophy after their squad won the Saskatoon Minor Football North Sask Academy U18 championship game at Saskatoon Minor Football Field on June 4. The academy league features some of the best age group players in the north half of the province.

Kick the dust up

A member of the Melfort Spirit U19A women’s softball team stirs up a tonne of dust sliding into second base under the tag of a Saskatoon CT&V Selects U19A player on June 5 at Glenn Reeve Field #5. The Selects prevailed 7-1 in the Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association league contest.

Coming through in the clutch

Saskatoon Valkyries rookie receiver Jada Duchene jets upfield after making a clutch catch and gets a big first down inside the final two minutes of a WWCFL regular season contest against the Manitoba Fearless on June 8 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Duchene’s reception played out to be huge in allowing the Valkyries to hold on to a 16-12 victory.

Valkyries cheer undefeated regular season

The Saskatoon Valkyries give a big cheer after slipping past the Manitoba Fearless 16-12 in a WWCFL regular season contest on June 8 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The win secured a perfect 4-0 regular season record for the Valkyries.

Nationals thrills and other fun packs photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Fusion begin to celebrate a Canadian title on August 4.

Saskatoon’s softball community knocks it out of the park when it comes to hosting Softball Canada nationals, and the players seemingly deliver every time with stellar performances on the field.

Those two traditions carried on from this past July 31 to August 4 as the diamonds on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds hosted of Softball Canada’s Under-19 Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament. The tournament was outstanding, and it wrapped up with the Fraser Valley Fusion downing the Aurora Diggers 4-1 in the championship game on August 4 at Bob Van Impe Stadium.

The lead picture of our photo roundup comes from that title game and shows the Fusion players starting to celebrate after realizing a championship victory. 

Cadence Colborn drives a hit for the Prairie Dog Selects on August 3.

Most of the players on the Fusion were also members of their team that won Softball Canada’s Under-17 Girls’ Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament in August of last year on our grounds.

The host squad and Saskatchewan provincial champion Saskatoon Prairie Dog Selects had a good showing at the Under-19 Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament posting a 5-3 overall record. They were eliminated in the playoff round with a 7-5 loss to the Diggers and a 6-4 setback against the Fusion.

Prairie Dog Selects infielder Cadence Colborn, who mainly played first base, was named a tournament all-star. At the plate, Colborn posted a .474 batting average and nailed three home runs. The second picture of our photo roundup sees Colborn driving the ball deep in her team’s tournament ending loss to the Fusion on July 3 at Joe Gallagher Field.

The Fusion receive a Softball Canada championship trophy on August 4.

The Under-19 Women’s Canadians provided ample material for the photo roundup. The third photo shows the Fusion captains pictured with the tournament’s championship trophy after receiving it from Softball Canada director Jackie Dugger, who is on the right.

Along with images from the Under-19 Women’s Canadians, August’s photo roundup checks in with pictures from baseball, football and softball.

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 15 shots we hope you enjoy.

Muggli will always be remembered

The Saskatoon Cubs held a tribute night to honour the memory of Heath Muggli on July 12 at Cairns Field against the East Central Red Sox, who are from Muggli’s hometown of Muenster. Muggli served the baseball community in numerous roles including umpire and broadcaster. As part of the festivities, the Cubs raised funds for the St. Paul’s Hospital Urology Centre. In this photo from that night, the Cubs captains presented Muggli’s family with a team jersey signed by all the members of their squad.

Prairie Dog Selects crowned provincial champs

The Saskatoon Prairie Dog Selects pose for the customary team picture after winning Softball Saskatchewan’s U19 A Women’s Provincial Championship on July 14 at Joe Gallagher Field. The Prairie Dog Selects downed the Moose Jaw Ice 11-4 in the championship contest.

Synergy sits at the top

The Saskatoon Synergy pose for the customary team photo after winning Softball Saskatchewan’s Women’s A Provincial Championship at Bob Van Impe Stadium on July 21. They downed the Carnduff Southeast Steelers 6-5 in a thrilling contest.

Eye on the ball

A Saskatoon Giants catcher tracks the ball into his glove during a Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League Under-18 AAA game on July 21 at Leakos Field. The Giants dropped a 10-0 decision to the Saskatoon Cubs in the final regular season game for both sides. The Giants rebounded from this setback and would win the circuit’s provincial title just seven days later in Regina.

All-out effort

After scrambling in the backfield, a BGees quarterback lets a pass fly down the field while on the run during Saskatoon Touch Football League action on July 23 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The BGees downed the Blitz in this outing 16-6.

Escape denied

A receiver from the Deadly Aunties squad was unable to evade a defender from the Honey Badgers during a Saskatoon Adult Flag Football League contest on July 24 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Honey Badgers took this game 26-8.

Jacks become provincial champs

The Saskatoon Jacks pose for the customary team photo after winning Softball Saskatchewan’s Men’s A Provincial Championship at Joe Gallagher Field on July 28. They downed the Bruno Merchants 7-0 in the title game.

Berries pack the park

Another big crowd turned out for the Saskatoon Berries 5-2 regular season victory over the Okotoks Dawgs on July 28 at Cairns Field. The Berries have been averaging around 1,900 fans per game during their inaugural WCBL campaign. Pictured here are the stands that run down the first base line for the July 28 victory, which saw 2,035 spectators turn out for a sunny Sunday afternoon encounter.

A Berry bash

Saskatoon Berries hitter Bailyn Sorensen drives a ball into the outfield during his team’s game on July 28 at Cairns Field. The Berries downed the traditional WCBL powerhouse Okotoks Dawgs on this day 5-2.

Trapped

The Saskatoon Wolverine Selects catch a White Rock Renegades base runner in a run down during a game at Softball Canada’s Under-19 Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament on August 2 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The Selects would ultimately get the base runner out, but fell 13-4 to strong squad from British Columbia.

Rallying for the hosts

The Saskatoon Prairie Dog Selects packed the fans into Joe Gallagher Field for a night playoff round game on August 3 at Joe Gallagher Field. The Selects faced the Fraser Valley Fusion in a winner moves on and loser is eliminated contest. In a stellar encounter, the Fusion prevailed 6-4 and would ultimately move on to win the tournament.

Reimer remains a gem

Fraser Valley Fusion pitcher Morgan Reimer continued to show why she is one of the best players in her age group in Canada. On August 4 at Bob Van Impe Stadium, Reimer was named the Top Player of the playoff portion of Softball Canada’s Under-19 Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament. She was presented with the Top Player honour following her squad’s 4-1 victory in the event’s championship game. Reimer is pictured here firing a pitch to home during that title contest.

Fusion go the distance for national title

The Fraser Valley Fusion pose for the customary team photo after winning the title game of Softball Canada’s Under-19 Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament on August 4 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The Fusion posted a 10-2 overall record in capturing a national title, which included winning six straight single-elimination playoff contests.

Beauty moment for Beatty

Following the conclusion of Softball Canada’s Under-19 Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament on August 4 at Bob Van Impe Stadium, Softball Canada presented Lawrence Beatty, right, with a gift for Saskatoon being an outstanding host. Softball Canada director Jackie Dugger made the presentation to Beatty for the national sports body. Beatty has held various roles with the sport of softball in Saskatoon.

Post-game rally

The Saskatoon Berries huddle up after falling 3-0 to the Medicine Hat Mavericks in Game 2 of a WCBL East Division semifinal series on August 8 at Cairns Field. The Berries loss evened the best-of-three series at 1-1. The Berries were aiming to regroup before heading on the road to play a series-deciding Game 3 the next day in Medicine Hat.