Berries home opener equals really great time in photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Josh Henson fires a ball to first base for a final out in a win on May 30.

The Saskatoon Berries regular season home opener has become a much-anticipated annual date on the calendar for the Gordie Howe Sports Complex.

In their two seasons of existence, the Berries have provided great baseball and a top-quality entertainment experience at the ballpark with their various in-game promotions. Cairns Field has hosted many perfect Berries baseball nights in 2024 and 2025. In both those campaigns, the Berries have advanced to the best-of-three WCBL’s East Division Championship Series and fell in a series-deciding Game 3 on both occasions.

Going into season number three in 2026, there is much anticipation about how much excitement Berries head coach Joe Carnahan and his players can deliver. After starting the WCBL regular season with two wins over the Beavers in Weyburn, the Berries opened their home schedule hosting the Beavers on May 30 at Cairns Field.

Joe Carnahan points out intructions to his players on May 30.

The Berries faithful, who are known as the Jam Fam, were treated to a back-and-forth battle that saw the Saskatoon side score one run in the bottom of the eighth to break a 6-6 tie and jump in front 7-6. That 7-6 score would stand up as the final outcome as the Berries retired the Beavers in order in the top of the ninth with three ground outs.

Our lead photo shows Berries third baseman Josh Henson firing a ball to first base for the game’s final out. Our second picture sees Carnahan pointing out instructions to his players in the Berries dugout. The third shot sees hometown right-handed pitching product and Saskatoon Cubs 18U AAA Team alum Colin Plain delivering a toss to home plate.

To add to the excitement of the 2026 campaign, the Berries will host the 2026 WCBL All-Star Weekend on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, which marks the first time that festivities around the circuit’s all-star game will run over two days. Festivities start at 4 p.m. on July 19 and include a bunt contest, a little league home run derby, a WCBL home run derby and a live concert by Jordyn Pollard. The WCBL All-Star Game is slated for 1 p.m. on July 19 and a post-game autograph session will follow.

Colin Plain fires a pitch to home plate on May 30.

Along with the pictures from the Berries, this photo roundup is finally flooded with images from the outdoor spring season after winter decided it wasn’t going to work overtime anymore. The photo roundup has pictures from a busy high school track and field season along with images 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 20 shots we hope you enjoy.

Valkyries embrace bad weather

During their first home game of the 2026 WWCFL campaign on May 17 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Saskatoon Valkyries, who are the defending league champions, encountered numerous different weather conditions excluding sunny and hot ones. That is best seen here as Valkyries quarterback Julia Smith calls a play deep in her own end. The Valkyries blanked the visiting Winnipeg based Manitoba Fearless 7-0 on this day.

The return of Girolami

After taking a year off, Haley Girolami returned to the Saskatoon Valkyries. She returns a punt here for the Valkyries on May 17 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field in a 7-0 win over the Winnipeg based Manitoba Fearless. Girolami is already one of the Valkyries all-time greats, and her return gives a boost in the experience department to a roster that is fairly young.

Supreme focus on the deep ball

A receiver makes a catch on a deep pass during a Rush Female High School Flag Football league contest on May 18 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football, this circuit allows players to form teams with fellow students from their own high schools, and it creates another avenue for female players to experience the fun in football.

Breaking to the open field

A running back from Team Black attempts to motor past a pair of Team Blue defenders during a Varsity Academy league contest on May 20 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The circuit is overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football, and the league contains teams that are stacked with the best high school aged players from Saskatoon and the northern part of the province.

Special delivery

Saskatoon Diamondbacks right-handed pitcher Dylan Pura sends an off-speed toss to home plate during his team’s Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League 18U AAA contest against the Sask 5 Marlins on May 21 at Leakos Field. In a back-and-forth encounter, the Diamondbacks had to score twice in the bottom of the seventh to pull out a 5-4 victory.

Taking flight

An athlete from Hague High School thrusts a shot into the field during a shot put competition as part of the Central Valley Athletic Conference’s track and field B meet on May 21 at the Track and Field Track. The event helped athletes from schools in communities surrounding Saskatoon gain experience in a live event setting.

Running into traffic

A ball carrier encountered opposition defenders during Six-A-Side Tackle Football Program action on May 21 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The ball carrier battled before going down as ultimately too many tacklers got involved in the play. This Saskatoon Minor Football program focuses on skill development and offers an introduction to the tackle version of the sport.

They’re off

A group of sprinters takes off at the start line during the first day of the SSSAD’s Bob Adams City Track and Field Championship started at the Track and Field Track on May 27. Athletes soak in the chance to represent the city’s various high schools at this meet.

Up and over

Sid Nuque of the Bethlehem Catholic High School Stars works to stay ahead in the boys 80-metre hurdles final of the SSSAD’s Bob Adams City Track and Field Championship held at the Track and Field Track on May 28. Nuque took the race in 11.64 seconds edging out Tariq Kalyar of the Marion M. Graham High School Falcons, who posted a time of 11.80 seconds.

Saint goes marching in

Bella Vasconez of the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints had a golden day in the senior girls’ 3,000-metre race at the SSSAD’s Bob Adams City Track and Field Championship held at the Track and Field Track on May 28. She claimed top spot with a time of 11 minutes and 13.56 seconds. Vasconez would later finish second at the SHSAA Track and Field Championships on June 6, and that event was also held at the Track and Field Track.

Contact

Saskatoon Berries shortstop Nathan Houston drives ball into the outfield during his team’s 7-6 home opening win over the Weyburn Beavers on May 30 at Cairns Field. Houston is a Melville, Sask., product who played this past season with the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Baseball Team in the NCAA Division I ranks.

Running with Barry

Saskatoon Berries mascot Barry the Bear runs with a group of youngsters following the team’s 7-6 home opening win over the Weyburn Beavers on May 30 at Cairns Field. Since starting in 2024, one of the traditions the Berries have had at their games is allowing youngsters to run the bases at the end of the contest.

Home plate seating a hit

Saskatoon Berries fans, who are known as the Jam Fan, enjoy a new seating section that has been constructed behind home plate at Cairns Field. For the home opener pictured here on May 30, Berries fans in this section sat on fold up cushioned seats for one night only. Theatre style seats were installed for the team’s third home game on June 4.

Baseball nights are fun nights

A zoomed out view here of Cairns Field shows the new seating area behind home plate during the Saskatoon Berries 7-6 home opening win over the Weyburn Beavers on May 30. The upgrade makes Cairns Field feel that much more like a field of dreams.

Eye on the ball

A catcher with the Saskatoon Jacks men’s softball team tracks the ball into his glove during the first game of a Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association doubleheader against the Bruno Merchants on June 2 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The Jacks would take both games of the double dip by scores of 10-1 and 9-2.

Taking flight

Addisyn Hansen of the Twin City Angels U17A team drives a shot into the outfield in a Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association contest on June 2 against the Saskatoon Shock on June 2 at Glenn Reeve Field #3. The Angels came away with an 8-1 victory on this night.

Reaching higher heights

Jackson Tuplin would hit a height of 4.30 metres to win the senior boys’ pole vault at the SHSAA Track and Field Provincial Championships on June 5 at the Track and Field Track. The Swift Current Comprehensive High School student had an outstanding showing at provincials. He would also claim first in the senior boys’ 100-metre hurdles and place second in the senior boys’ 200-metre race and the senior boys’ long jump.

Jetting down the home stretch

Rosie Braun hits the home stretch at full speed in a senior girls’ 200-metre final race at the SHSAA Track and Field Provincial Championships on June 6 at the Track and Field Track. The Valley Christian Academy Lions athlete would squeak out a tight first place finish in a time of 24.93 seconds. Braun also claimed silver in the senior girls’ 100-metre race.

Falcon flies high in high jump

Evan Lukash of the Marion M. Graham Collegiate Falcons had one of his most memorable days at the SHSAA Track and Field Provincial Championships on June 6 at the Track and Field Track. Lukash claimed gold in the senior boys’ high jump with a leap of 1.96 metres.

It is fun to be a cow

The second day of the SHSAA Track and Field Provincial Championships held at the Track and Field Track on June 6 had some special break time entertainment just past the halfway point of the day. A group of athletes volunteered to dress up in cow suits to participate in a relay race down the front straightaway, take part in long jump and try high jump. The efforts were made to give the crowd some laughs. Some of the athletes are shown here in a group picture on the track. Kudos to SaskMilk for organizing this bit of fun. During the SHSAA Track and Field Provincial Championships, a total of 5,000 persons including athletes, coaches, officials and spectators passed through the Track and Field Track during each of the event’s two days.

Tomlenovich bitten by football bug

16-year-old excels at quarterback, has taken up coaching too

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Adley Tomlenovich sets to make a pass for the Fever on Sept. 22. 

Adley Tomlenovich is embracing all the joys that come from football both as a player and a coach.

The 16-year-old Grade 11 student from St. Joseph High School has established herself as an elite talent at quarterback in the female flag game. On top of playing in Saskatoon Minor Football’s Toon Squad League, she has played for Team Saskatchewan twice at nationals and threw passes for Team Canada at USA Football’s Junior International Cup in July of 2024 in the under-15 age group.

On top of playing the sport, Tomlenovich took up being the head coach for a Grade 6 female squad that plays in the 5 on 5 NFL Youth Flag Football circuit overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football. While she enjoys the people in the sport, Tomlenovich has been captivated by the game planning and the strategy that goes with the sport.

“(I love the) mental aspect of the sport, because my position is quarterback,” said Tomlenovich. “That is definitely the biggest mental game I would say.

“I love being able to read plays and figure out where everybody works best and that aspect of the game I love the most.”

Tomlenovich got her start in flag football about eight years ago, and she hasn’t looked back since that initial beginning.

“I started flag football back in about Grade 3 for me,” said Tomlenovich, who stands 5-foot-6. “A couple of friends were playing in a league, and that was back when we had like Velcro flags.

“I’ve definitely seen it grow over the years, because now, it is gone so big from where I started with it. I just started trying out for every opportunity that started coming to Saskatoon, and that is where I got to where I am today.”

Adley Tomlenovich played flag football for Canada in July of 2024.

Besides playing flag football, Tomlenovich played hockey for a lot of years and also took part in basketball and baseball while growing up. She also participated in dance, but ultimately, flag football won out as her main pursuit.

“I decided on this just because it was like my biggest love, and I wanted to put all my time into it, and this is where all my friends are,” said Tomlenovich, who has spent a lot of time throwing passes at Saskatoon Minor Football Field and the Indoor Training Centre on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds. “I decided that this would be the happiest route for me, so I decided to go to the Institute of Saskatchewan Football, so I could spend my days doing it.

“After school, I’m doing Toon Squad.”

Earlier this year while in her second semester of her Grade 10 school year, Tomlenovich was part of the inaugural group that took part in the Institute of Saskatchewan Football program offered by Saskatoon Minor Football. 

The program is an academy program that allows players to get high school credit for their football training. As part of that program, Tomlenovich gained some experience in tackle football.

On top of being part of the Institute of Saskatchewan Football, Tomlenovich has been a member of the Saskatoon Minor Football’s Toon Squad flag travel teams the past two years, where she has gone down to Florida to participate in game action. She is expecting to be back with the Toon Squad travel teams for a third straight year and with the Institute of Saskatchewan Football in the second consecutive year in early 2026.

To date, one of Tomlenovich’s biggest thrills has been playing for Team Canada at USA Football’s Junior International Cup in July of 2024 in the under-15 age group. She earned that opportunity after helping quarterback Saskatchewan’s provincial team to a gold medal at under-16 nationals in Kingston, Ont., in May of that year.

Adley Tomlenovich coaches an NFL 5-on-5 Youth Flag Football team.

“I just turned 15 when I was playing for Team Canada, so that was definitely a big experience at a young age,” said Tomlenovich. “It was really cool to be able to play at that next level and play against other countries, because every country has their own type of way of playing flag and their own strategies.

“I think that was the most interesting part was seeing how other countries run their offence.”

Over her career as a player, Tomlenovich has been coached by numerous members of the storied Saskatoon Valkyries, who have won 10 Western Women’s Canadian Football League championships in the tackle game. As she has grown up playing flag football, Tomlenovich said the Valkyries have been great influences and role models.

“I’ve definitely gone to learn different things from each of the coaches,” said Tomlenovich. “I’ve had so many coaches over my time and every one of them has a unique style.

“You definitely learn what works for you throughout having different types of coaches.”

Tomlenovich took a big step on her own journey of being a coach this past September and October with Saskatoon Minor Football’s NFL 5-on-5 Youth Flag Football. At first, she wasn’t expecting to fulfill a head coach role.

“One of my friends was coaching his younger sister and asked if I’d start helping out,” said Tomlenovich. “Then, he ended up not being able to coach the team anymore.

“I was like I would do it, so I took over the team. I didn’t know any of the girls. They were in Grade 6, but I loved coaching them so much.

Adley Tomlenovich, left, gives instructions in the role of head coach.

“It is really awesome to be able to help that next generation and imply what I know to the younger kids. I really enjoy getting to do that kind of stuff. I hope in my future years once I’m done with my flag career I can continue coaching.”

Tomlenovich had helped out coaching in football camps, but her experience with the NFL 5-on-5 Youth Flag Football marked the first time she had ever coached her own team. 

She ended up being the only coach on her squad, which meant she was responsible for practice plans and calling plays on offence and defence.

The talented quarterback would find herself constantly coaching against adults and often fathers who had daughters playing on opposing teams.

While she took on way more than most her age would when it came to coaching, Tomlenovich was ready to rise to the challenge when it came to shouldering those new responsibilities.

“It was definitely a lot even figuring out who is supposed to be on the field,” said Tomlenovich. “They are in Grade 6.

“They don’t really know what they are doing either, so it was definitely a lot. I’m running around quite a bit, usually being the sweatiest person at the end of the game. I had a lot of fun doing it, and I’m planning on doing it again in the spring.”

While she has found her coaching experience to be a great one, Tomlenovich’s primary focus is going as far as she can as a player in the flag game. The sport in both men’s and women’s competition will be part of the 2028 Summer Olympics to be played in Los Angeles, Calif. Tomlenovich would love to play in an Olympics one day as part of continuing the sport after the conclusion of her high school days.

Adley Tomlenovich, centre, will be calling plays long into the future.

“I hope to definitely play when I graduate,” said Tomlenovich. “I definitely hope to do something like that.

“It is now trying to become a D1 (Division I) sport in the (United) States, so that would be my first goal. After that if I have the opportunity to represent my country again at the Olympic level, I would definitely hope to take any stepping stone I can to get there.”

For more information on the flag and other programs offered by Saskatoon Minor Football, feel free to check out their website at saskatoonminorfootball.com/smf.

Toon Squad, football championship chase dominates photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Wings celebrate their Toon Squad League title win.

When late October and early to the middle of November roll around, it is like Christmas time for the local football community.

This is the time period every year when the championship chase takes place for pretty much all football leagues. Whether you are in the post-season for a short time or a long time, players from all age groups often can’t wait to get to this point in the campaign.

One of the more recent additions locally to the championship chase over about the last three years is the female flag Toon Squad League overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football. The circuit operates in September and October and teams can include players from junior high school to the high school ages. The game action on this circuit is very athletic.

The Wings pose for a team photo after winning the Toon Squad League.

On October 27 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the playoff schedule for the Toon Squad League was completed. The championship final was a thriller as the Wings just edged the Fever 33-31.

The lead picture for our photo roundup shows the Wings celebrations immediately after the officials ruled the championship game had been completed. The second shot shows the Wings posing for the customary team photo with the Toon Squad League championship trophy after winning the title game.

The third photo is an action picture from the championship game. It shows a Wings player eluding a Fever defender after making a pass reception.

A Wings receiver, right, eludes a Fever defender.

Along with the pictures from the Toon Squad League, this photo roundup is almost entirely made up of images that come from post-season football. That includes 5 on 5 NFL Youth Flag Football, the Kinsmen Football League, high school football and the Saskatoon Hilltops run to the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl. The Hilltops host the Canadian Bowl against the Okanagan Sun, who are from Kelowna, B.C., on Sunday, November 9 at 1 p.m. at SMF 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 15 shots we hope you enjoy.

Special seniors’ day walk

As has been a team tradition for a lengthy stretch of time, the Saskatoon Hilltops graduating players make a walk with their parents out to the turf at Saskatoon Minor Football Field before their final regular season home game. On October 12, Hilltops running back David Collins made that walk with his mom, Sadia VaPond, who traveled to Saskatoon from the family’s home in St. Michael, Minn. The Hilltops closed their regular season schedule that day with a 31-6 victory over the Calgary Colts.

Secure hands

A receiver with a Packers team hauls down a high pass in a game against a Bears team during female game action on the first day of the 5 on 5 NFL Youth Flag Football jamboree on October 18. This contest was played at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, but the jamboree was so big that it was also played on Joe Gallagher Field and all the Glenn Reeve Fields. The players went into these contests with lots of energy and excitement.

Caught in the open field

A receiver from a Chiefs team gets stopped by a defender from a Panthers squad during male game action on the first day of the 5 on 5 NFL Youth Flag Football jamboree on October 18 at Glenn Reeve Field #3. The jamboree also ran on October 19 across most fields on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds, and it concluded the NFL Youth Flag Football season for 2025.

At home in the end zone

Saskatoon Hilltops star running back Charles Sawi crosses into the end zone to complete a 27-yard touchdown run on a reverse play in a 60-26 victory over the Winnipeg Rifles in a PFC semifinal on October 19 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Sawi ran the ball three times for 104 yards and two touchdowns in that contest, and he returned three punts for 54 yards. If you look closely, you can see legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant cheering in the background of this photo.

Breaking off a big play

Bedford Road Collegiate Redhawks running back Abdulah Zahid breaks downfield on a long run against the Mount Royal Collegiate Mustangs in the Rusholme Bowl on October 23 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Redhawks blanked the Mustangs in this contest 35-0.

Saints go marching in as city champs

The Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints pose for the customary team photo after winning the SSSAD’s 5A City Championship Game on October 24 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. As has become a team custom, the Saints players sang John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” following the victory. They claimed a thrilling 23-17 victory over the Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears.

Turning on the afterburners

A Fever receiver takes the ball on a jet sweep play during the championship game for the female flag Toon Squad League on October 27 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The trick play went for a big gain in the thrilling contest that saw the Fever come up just short against the Wings 33-31.

Moments that last forever

Wings coach Alex Eyolfson hugs one of her players while holding the Toon Squad League championship trophy after the Wings won the title contest of the female flag league. The Wings just edged the Fever 33-31 in a heart stopper.

Crusaders reclaim SSSAD 6A title

The Holy Cross High School Crusaders pose for the customary team photo after reclaiming the SSSAD 6A City Championship at Saskatoon Minor Football Field after having last won the city title in 2023. On October 31, the Crusaders got past the defending SHSAA 6A champion St. Joseph High School Guardians 20-15 in a compelling contest. At the time, the Crusaders improved their record in regular season and post-season play to 8-0.

Lazer Autobody Spirit of Sport Awards announced

On November 1 at the SaskTel Learning Centre Classroom in the Indoor Training Centre, the Gordie Howe Sports Complex Management Corporation and Lazer Autobody announced the 2025 winners of the Lazer Autobody Spirit of Sport Awards. The winner included from left, Zoey Lenard (Female 13U Softball), Kya Tomlenovich (Female Flag Football (Grade 7 or 8)), Braxton Boschman (Male 13U Baseball), Morgan Nixey (Male 13U Softball) and Rylee Lenius (Female 13U Baseball). Also taking an award was Asher Thompson for Male Flag Football (Grade 7 or 8). For information on the Lazer Autobody Spirit of Sport Awards announcement, it can be found by clicking right here.

Tinkler Raiders take KFL’s Hilltops Division

The celebration was on for the Tinkler Raiders as they won the KFL’s Hilltops Division Championship. In the title game held on November 2 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Raiders downed the Schoenals Titans 64-22.

Raiders enjoy championship fun

The Tinkler Raiders pose for the customary team photo after winning the KFL’s Hilltops Division Championship on November 2 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Raiders downed the Schoenals Titans 64-22 in the title game.

KFL’s Huskies Division goes to Babineau Warriors

The celebration was on for the Babineau Warriors as they won the KFL’s Huskies Division Championship. In the title game held on November 2 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Warriors downed the Martensville Maddogs 48-32.

Warriors soak in championship moment

The Babineau Warriors pose for the customary team photo after winning the KFL’s Huskies Division Championship on November 2 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Warriors downed the Martensville Maddogs 48-32 in the title game.

Maximum protection

A pair of blockers team up to stop an edge rusher to allow the quarterback to throw the ball during a Saskatoon Hilltops practice on November 4 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Hilltops were continuing their preparations to host the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl. The Hilltops host the Okanagan Sun from Kelowna, B.C., in the CJFL title contest on Sunday, November 9 at 1 p.m. at SMF Field.

Clutch on the ground

Holy Cross High School Crusaders running back Traven Wiggens piled up a lot of key yards late in the fourth quarter to allow his squad to pull out a 21-16 over Regina’s Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School Marauders in the SHSAA’s 6A Championship Game on November 7 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Wiggens, who is more known for his exploits as a linebacker, ran the ball nine times for 66 yards. He picked up the final first down for the Crusaders and ensured he was tackled in bounds in order to allow his squad to run out the rest of the clock and end the game with two knee downs.

This one was for “Himey”

On November 7 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Holy Cross High School Crusaders downed Regina’s Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School Marauders 21-16 in the SHSAA’s 6A Championship Game. That marked the first time since 1995 the Crusaders won a provincial title in football. Between 1995 and November 7, the Crusaders made it to 10 provincial title games and fell short on the scoreboard in each appearance. Following the win on November 7, the Crusaders captains ensured assistant coach Scott “Himey” Hundseth was the first to raise the championship trophy. Hundseth, who focuses on the defensive side of the ball, was the Crusaders head coach for their previous nine losses in the provincial final and remained on the Holy Cross coaching staff after retiring from his teaching position at the school in June of 2024. Hundseth is a teacher/coach with the Institute of Saskatchewan Football, which is overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football.

Crusaders soak in provincial title moment

The Holy Cross High School Crusaders Football Team poses for the customary team photo after winning the SHSAA 6A provincial title on November 7 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. This moment was a long awaited one for the Crusaders, whose last provincial title win in football came back in 1995. Holy Cross has won seven total provincial football championships with previous wins also coming in 1980, 1981, 1985, 1986 and 1994.

Bond has strong football bonds at Bedford Road

Grade 12 athlete excels in multiple roles with Redhawks

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Parker Bond calls out signals from his middle linebacker position.

Parker Bond is finding out time really does fly when you are having fun.

The 17-year-old Grade 12 student is playing out his final campaign with the Bedford Road Collegiate Redhawks Football Team and has been a starter on the squad since his Grade 10 year. As the high school football season ventures into its final weeks, Bond said it didn’t seem that long ago when he started to suit up for the Bedford Road side.

“It feels like just yesterday I was getting ready for my first spring camp back in Grade 9,” said Bond. “It is weird now to be the oldest on the team and to be out there as one of the main leaders of the team.

“It is awesome. I’ve had a good senior season so far.”

Bond has been playing the sport for a lengthy stretch. At age six he started playing flag football out in Martensville after his mom got him registered with the program there. The Martensville teams participate in the leagues overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football.

As soon as Bond could start playing tackle football, he joined the Martenville squads that play out of the Kinsmen Football League. He remained in the KFL until he was able to join the Redhawks.

Bond has done his whole football journey while living out in Langham with his family helping him commute into Martensville and Saskatoon over the years.

Those past experiences have been valuable to Bond with the Redhawks. His natural position is at middle linebacker on defence.

In 2025, Bond has also played on every special teams unit, and at fullback, running back and receiver on offence. He also had to take on the role of starting quarterback, when Redhawks starter Gabriel Goyer went down with an injury.

Parker Bond (#44) makes lots of tackles as the Redhawks MLB.

Though his Grade 12 season, Bond is soaking in and enjoying every aspect of his final campaign with the Redhawks.

“I’ve been playing for a while,” said Bond. “This year is probably so far one of the most fun years of football I’ve had just playing and having fun and everything.”

Bond’s presence on the team has been big for Redhawks head coach Dylan Andreychuk. With the Redhawks program, Andreychuk usually ends up coaching a sizable number of players who are gaining their first experience with the sport. The sideline boss said that having players like Bond on the team who have had previous experience with the sport are a huge help.

“Coaching at Bedford Road, it is a grind sometimes,” said Andreychuk. “We’ve got to do a lot of like square one teaching.

“But a kid like Parker, he has right from day one in Grade 10 he joined us and he already had experience playing minor football. It is just a nice luxury for us at our school to have a guy with some knowledge of the game and experience to bring into the team as a youngster. To have him three years as a starter, it is just huge for us from a leadership standpoint and being able to mentor and lead some of the other players on our team.

“Just in his progression as a player and as a leader and all the work that he puts in during the off-season, he is just a great role model for the rest of the guys on the team.”

Both on and off the field, Andreychuk said Bond has been and continues to be a respectful young man, and he is a great student in the classroom.

“Everything that we hear from his teachers and everybody else in the building is very positive,” said Andreychuk. “We’re just very proud to have him as part of our team.

Due to injuries, Parker Bond took on the role of Redhawks starting QB.

“He is a leader on our football team, but also in the hallways and doing all the good things that we like to hear.”

Right from his start in the sport up to and including the current day, Bond enjoys the emotions and atmosphere of being out on the field with his teammates.

“I just love getting out there and getting hyped up with the teammates a lot and making big plays and getting tackles and getting turnovers,” said Bond. “Defence is always my favourite.”

Since Grade 8, Bond has also been playing with Saskatoon Minor Football’s North Sask Academy program in the spring. During his Grade 11 school year, Bond enrolled in the Institute of Saskatchewan Football for the inaugural year the program was operated by Saskatoon Minor Football. Bond said those experiences have been valuable in his journey through the sport.

“They’ve helped me so much,” said Bond. “I’ve played football year-round almost for the past few years.

“To get coaching from a bunch of different people for a bunch of different things, it is always really good, and I’ve had some really good coaches in the past few years that have really helped me get better.”

Bond said playing for the Redhawks has been one of the great joys he has had in the sport. He has enjoyed being on the field all of the time playing multiple roles.

Along with that, Bond has had a blast with his teammate over the years. He said some of his most special memories come from seeing all the school’s teachers and students turnout big with lots of school spirit during the team’s Welcome Week game. The team has a tradition of making the walk from Bedford Road Collegiate to Saskatoon Minor Football Field for that contest in a jaunt that is dubbed “The Red Mile.”

“It has been a lot of fun,” said Bond. “I got to start in Grade 10, and all since then, it felt like the team has really been behind me and rallying behind me.

Parker Bond has displayed great versatility with the Redhawks.

“I’ve been able to be a good leader on the team, and I’ve been able to develop a lot of leadership skills and football skills in the time I’ve been here. It is a really good experience.”

Bond has been thankful for all the coaches he has had over the years, but he credits one defensive coach for being his biggest influence in helping him out on that side of the ball and overall loving the game.

“I’ve had a lot of really good coaches throughout the years,” said Bond. “Probably the best coach I feel like I’ve had was when I was in Grade 8 through Grade 11 in Devon Gilkinson.

“He was my D-coordinator for a few teams that I played for in academy, and he was at Bedford Road for a couple of years, and he really helped me develop.”

While Bond’s high school football days are in their final weeks, Andreychuk believes his young star can have a longer future in the game due to his yes-coach attitude and his versatility.

“I think just because of his attitude and how he immerses himself in the game and the way he approaches practice and film study and nutrition, all the other things that it takes to get that edge and to make it at the next level, he is already doing,” said Andreychuk. “He has got those good habits.

“I’m very confident that he could find a football team that he can contribute to after high school.”

Bond said if all his football dreams could come true he would like to play in the CFL and NFL one day. With that noted, those are the dream goals.

For the moment, Bond would like to find a place to play next season in the CJFL or the U Sports ranks so he could continue to enjoy playing and being part of the sport of football.

Parker Bond (#44) aims to enjoy his final weeks with the Redhawks.

“That is the goal,” said Bond. “I think I can do it.

“I’ve been told I can do it. I’ll just go wherever I feel like I’m wanted. I’m going to be getting my film out there and sending some messages around throughout the season.

“Hopefully, I’ll get a spot somewhere, hopefully close to home.”

To see the 2025 schedule for high school football, check out the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletics Directorate site at sssad.net/schedule/.