Badgers rugby takes centre stage in photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Members of the Badgers take part in a game-type drill.

The champs are here, and they have become Indoor Training Centre regulars.

The Saskatoon Badgers Rugby Club have been holding training sessions on the field turf on Wednesday nights throughout the winter months. They are often one of the last groups to take the field, and if you cross paths with them, you will appreciate their upbeat vibe.

In 2024, the Badgers had a banner season going undefeated for the entire campaign. On September 14 of that year, they claimed the division 1 provincial title with a 37-15 victory over the Regina Rogues Rugby Club at Saskatoon Rugby Club Field 1 in the north end of town. The Badgers at one point rolled off 32 straight points in the winning effort.

Luciano Jolly completes a breakout dash down the sidelines.

During their sessions on the field turf at the Indoor Training Centre, the Badgers, who were founded in 1996, focus a lot of their drills around team play.

Our lead photo for this photo round up sees two Badgers plays at the right of the picture approaching a trio of defenders. The player who has the ball is looking to pitch it out of trouble. During the drill, the side with the ball is attempting to get to the other end of the field to score a try.

The second photo sees Badgers player Luciano Jolly completing a run into the clear down the sidelines. Along with helping the Badgers win a provincial title in 2024, Jolly aided the Saskatoon Hilltops in winning CJFL championships in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

A Badgers player, right, sets to receive the ball.

The third photo sees a Badgers player about to receive the ball after a pitch out before attempting to advance upfield. All three Badgers photos came from a training session held on March 26.

Along with the pictures from the Badgers training session, this photo roundup includes other scenes from the ski trails that run across the Glenn Reeve Fields and the Indoor Training Centre. On the ski trails, the weather helped for the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club to get in some last lessons for their junior age skiers. At the Indoor Training Centre, baseball, cricket and softball groups continued to work towards getting better for their upcoming campaigns in the spring.

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 10 shots we hope you enjoy.

Big drive

A player from the Going Yard Baseball Academy drives a hard liner during a training session on March 11 at the Indoor Training Centre. Hitters were fine tuning their skills on this hitting day before taking part in some live at bats.

Fun on the hill

A group of skiers from the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club were sizing up a downhill trail at the top of one of the ski hills on the trails that run across the Glenn Reeve Fields on March 16. The Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club aims to help youngsters get a taste of all aspects of skiing.

All about having a blast

A young skier from the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club is having a blast taking part in a back and forth race on one section of the ski trails that run across the Glenn Reeve Fields on March 16. The skier was taking part in a race, where the skiers only used one ski. The coaches from the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club are creative in finding ways for youngsters to have fun and get great experience with the sport.

Look it in

A catcher from the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy tracks a ball into his glove during a practice session at the Indoor Training Centre on March 20. The catcher was taking part in a session where the Berries worked on fielding, catching and hitting.

Line shot

A member of the Saskatoon Warriors Cricket Club drives a line shot during a practice session in one of the pitching lanes at the Indoor Training Centre on March 23. Hitters in cricket want to drive the ball to score runs, and they will also make defensive hits to prevent a bowler from hitting the wickets and causing an out.

Warriors are all smiles

Members of the Saskatoon Warriors Cricket Club were all smiles during a practice session in one of the pitching lanes at the Indoor Training Centre, because they were having a great Sunday fun day on March 23. The Warriors enjoy being in good spirits and socializing with others who pass by.

Hot throw to first

An infielder taking up the second base position guns a throw to first base during a practice session for Saskatoon Selects U17A Red squad on March 30 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Selects were getting repetitions in on infield defence, so they can execute those skills like second nature when the spring season comes.

Off to the races

A member of the Twin City Angels U17A jets down the first base line after making a hit during a simulated game session on March 31 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Angels like using the field turf at the Indoor Training Centre to work on game play situations. It helps the player get in a groove dealing with the unexpected things that come in a game situation.

That one is out of here

A hitter drives the ball for a deep shot during a training session held by the 222’s Fastpitch program on April 3 at the Indoor Training Centre. This photo was from one of the Hitting Factory sessions the 222’s hold on a regular basis during the winter months.

Textbook block

A catcher blocks a wild pitch during a training session held by the 222’s Fastpitch program on April 3 at the Indoor Training Centre. This picture was from one of the Catching Factory sessions the 222’s hold on a recurring basis over winter.

Ski trail fun part of winter season farewell in photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club members enjoy some fellowship.

The ski trails got a sendoff.

After about a 12 day stretch in the middle of February that had daily temperatures colder than -25 C, people rushed back to the ski trails that run across the Glenn Reeve Fields and to the ice surface at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. Folks wanted to get in their last uses of both facilities as the winter season wound to an end.

On March 2, the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club came with a sizeable group of its membership to the trails at Glenn Reeve Fields. They seemed to give the trails a sendoff skiing in a fun atmosphere throughout the day.

A trio of skiers heads down a trail in classic ski form.

Our lead photo for this photo roundup sees a large group of skiers hanging out and enjoying their friendships at a tent structure set up by the timing hut. The skiers were in an upbeat mood enjoying some beverages from Tim Hortons.

The second photo sees a trio of younger skiers making their way across the trails in classic ski form. The third photo sees a trio of slightly more veteran skiers returning to the main area of the trails at the Glenn Reeve Fields after going on a longer jaunt.

Over the past six years, the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club has made great use of these trails. The club uses these trails frequently as a place to train junior aged skiers. The organization has hosted its annual Loppetapalooza event and the Saskatchewan Provincial Cross Country Ski Championships here.

Along with the pictures of skiing across the Glenn Reeve Fields, this photo roundup includes other scenes from the Oval and the Indoor Training Centre. 

A trio of skiers head to the main area of the Glenn Reeve Fields trails.

On the Oval, the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club and public skaters took their final strides. At the Indoor Training Centre, Baseball, rugby and softball groups continued their season preparations.

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 13 shots we hope you enjoy.

Gun it

A catcher from the Twin City Angels U17A team fires a throw to second base attempting to throw out a base runner during a practice on February 10 at the Indoor Training Centre. While they sharpen up their skills in their sessions, the Angels enjoy the vibe of the indoor facility.

Fun with technology

Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy coach Logan Hofmann, centre, checks out some statistics with some players on a device that measures hitting analytics on February 12 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Berries were ending the session seeing if they could hit personal bests in various hitting analytics.

Special delivery

A pitcher from the Going Yard Baseball Academy sets to fire a strike across home plate during a training session at the Indoor Training Centre on February 12. Going Yard runs various pitchers’ sessions where they work on all aspects of a hurler’s game including skills and strength building.

All-out effort

A Saskatoon Selects player stretches out to make a diving catch during a drill on February 20 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Selects sharpen up a variety of skills during their training sessions including working on the most efficient way to make a diving catch.

Photo excitement

A couple of skaters eagerly check out a photo that one of them took during a public skating session on February 22 at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. The skaters were stopped by the trees on the northwest corner of the track, which is a favourite area for selfie photos.

Snow plentiful at the Oval

A trio of skaters peacefully stride down the front straightaway of the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval on February 22. All the facilities on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds received a lot of snow this winter including the Oval. Even with skates on and being on an elevated ice surface, the snow on the sides of the track was up to the knees of these skaters.

Out in full force

A huge group of young skiers make their way down one of the trails on the Glenn Reeve Fields under the guidance of a pair of instructors from the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club on February 23. The youngsters had a blast on the trails.

Lions hit their stride

A pair of members from the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club jet down the back straightaway of the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval on February 24. The Lions skaters were perfecting their stride taking full advantage of the lap time they had on the track.

All smiles under the Oval lights

A member of the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club cracks a smile coming out of a corner and cruises onto the back straightaway of the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval on February 24. The skater was enjoying one of the final Lions practices at the Oval for the 2024-25 season.

Toss to daylight

Luciano Jolly of the Saskatoon Badgers Rugby Club receives a pitch to get a free release down the sideline during a practice session on February 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Badgers tackled this session with the focus you see in the middle of the season.

Drive, drive, drive

A member of the Saskatoon Badgers Ruby Club drives back a teammate holding a blocking bag during a practice session on February 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. Rugby clubs like the Badgers ensure players execute the contact aspects of the game in correct fashion.

Final hurrah for Oval

The front straightaway of the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval sits peacefully in front of the K+S Potash Canada Multi-Sports Centre building on March 2. This was the view of the Oval as it closed up for the season later on that day. The Oval will return once again in December.

Rapid fire snag

A member of the Saskatoon Cubs baseball team makes this snag of a ground ball look picture perfect. However, the fielding of a ground ball wasn’t that simple as the Cubs were using a machine to fire ground balls downfield at a rapid pace. This drill was used to help the Cubs players with their reaction time.

Winter season stretch run brings fun in photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The scene at the start line for cross country ski provincials.

Business picked up for winter sports on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds as the season with the snow and ice headed into its stretch run.

In both Nordic skiing and speed skating, the chase for medals hit its peak time. Skiers and speed skaters were busy training before departing for championship events or major meets.

The Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club got to host the Saskatchewan Provincial Cross Country Ski Championships on our grounds this past February 11 and 12. Skiers from all corners of the province made it to the trails that run across Glenn Reeve Fields looking to capture provincials medals. The action made for long and fulfilling days for race staff the oversaw the event.

Our lead photo from February 11 shows a busy start line for a race for skiers in a youthful age group. While a young skier takes off to take on the course, you can see three race officials with clipboards are present to ensure everything runs in an orderly fashion.

The Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club held their final practices at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval to prepare for the last major long track races of the season. A number of Lions skaters attended the Canada Winter Games, which ran from February 18 to March 5 across Prince Edward Island with long track speed skating taking place at the Halifax Oval in Halifax, N.S. The speed skating portion ran from February 18 to 25.

The Clarence Oval Downey Speed Skating would close for the season this past March 2 after providing many great speed skating and public skating sessions.

At the Indoor Training Centre, athletes continued to train for sports that take place in the spring, summer and fall. As February came to an end and the calendar flipped over to March, some sports groups started to hold sessions for player evaluations.

These photos 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 12 shots we hope you enjoy.

Finding the perfect pace

A skier focuses on a good start by setting a sound pace at the beginning of her race at the Saskatchewan Provincial Cross Country Ski Championships held on February 11 on the trails that run across the Glenn Reeve Fields.

Downhill speed

A skier jets down the side of a hill during a race at the Saskatchewan Provincial Cross Country Ski Championships held on February 11 on the trails that run across the Glenn Reeve Fields. Cross country ski races have many different dimensions, and for short spurts, athletes become downhill skiers.

Rounding the bend

A skier rounds a corner during a race at the Saskatchewan Provincial Cross Country Ski Championships held on February 11 on the trails that run across the Glenn Reeve Fields. This curved part of the track runs beside one of the outfield fences for one of the softball diamonds. You can see an outfield fence distance marker on the left side of the picture.

Paying attention to details

Jason Warick, who is one of the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club coaches, stands off to the left side of the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval while giving pointers to young speed skaters on February 14. The Lions have a number of stellar coaches working with athletes at various age groups.

Firing off the throw to first

An infielder at a Saskatoon Giants training session fires off a throw to first base on February 16 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Giants are putting in preparation work for the upcoming Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League season.

Family Day fun

A pair of skaters enjoy the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval during an extended public skating session held on Family Day on February 20. Public skating sessions were popular at the Oval again this winter season. The Oval closed for the season on March 2.

Bringing the heat

A young pitcher sets to deliver a heater during a training session for Baseball Sask’s female program on February 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. Baseball Sask delivers good programs for female players.

Getting cornered

A running back gets boxed in by a trio of defenders during a Saskatoon Valkyries training session on February 28 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Valkyries will be in search of their eighth WWCFL title this coming season.

No rest for the driven

After returning from the Canada Winter Games that were held in Prince Edward Island with long track speed skating taking place at the Halifax Oval in Halifax, N.S., Melissa Scutchings was back skating at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval on February 28 with a small group of her Saskatchewan Lions Speed Skating Club teammates. Scutchings and her teammates worked on continued improvement while reflecting on the multi-sport experience they just took part in.

Aiming to impress

An infielder uses perfect form to field a ball and make a throw to first base during a Saskatoon Selects player evaluations session on March 5 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Selects will use the evaluations they collect at this session to help with roster decisions for the upcoming softball season.

Sweet stroke

A hitter works on her form during a Hitting Factory session run by the 222’s Fastpitch program on March 7 at the Indoor Training Centre. Players taking part in Hitting Factory sessions focus on mechanics, mental skills and situational strategies of hitting.

Coming right at you

A hitter drives the ball into the net hard at Hitting Factory session run by the 222’s Fastpitch program on March 7 at the Indoor Training Centre. The athletes taking part in these sessions get more efficient at the skill of hitting.

Sweet happenings in photos as winter nears end, spring on horizon

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

A quartet of skaters enjoys the Oval on February 27.

The fun has come to an end at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval, and preparation is hitting high gear for the spring season.

While it doesn’t seem like it outside at the moment, the snow and cold will be gone before you know it. With all that noted, we enjoy the special moments of every season here at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex.

As the March 1 closing date approached for the Oval, people came out to soak in some final moments on the skating surface before it returns once again in December. The lead photo of this post shows a quartet of skaters enjoying a Sunday fun day on February 27.

The Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club Masters level skaters also enjoyed some last practice sessions before the ice came out at the Oval.

With the winter season coming to an end at the Oval, activity continues to pick up at the Indoor Training Centre with baseball and softball groups continuing to prepare for their upcoming campaigns in spring. 

While most football teams don’t open training camps until August, those clubs are well into preparations for their upcoming seasons. The storied Saskatoon Hilltops of the CJFL have strapped on the pads for their practice sessions.

The activity that happens on our grounds continues to provide great material for our continuing photo round ups.

These photos 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 10 shots we hope you enjoy.

Huskies enjoy some Frisbee fun

University of Saskatchewan Huskies offensive lineman Bryce Zerr sets to throw a Frisbee. Zerr and members of the Huskies took part in a short Ultimate Frisbee scrimmage follow a workout session on the turf field at the Indoor Training Centre on February 11.

Focus of the Phantom

A young player from the Saskatoon Phantoms program concentrates on perfecting the technical aspects of making a throw. The Phantoms put on a throwing skills session at the Indoor Training Centre on March 3.

Dash to the finish

A Paralympic skier makes a final sprint to the finish in provincial races hosted by the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club on February 12. Many skiers got out to enjoy the ski trails on our grounds and the grounds of our neighbours in the Holiday Park Golf Course during the winter season.

Running to daylight indoors

A young ball carrier breaks off a long run during a rookies practice for the CJFL’s storied Saskatoon Hilltops at the Indoor Training Centre on February 27. The newcomers the Hilltops have coming in are looking good in the very early going.

February Break Camp fun

A young hitter drives the ball off a tee during a February Break Camp hosted by the Going Yard Training Centre at the Indoor Training Centre on February 24. Players from various ages and skill levels took part in the February Break Camp to get in a baseball fix and to get excited for the coming season.

Going yard with Going Yard

A hitter hammers a ball during a hitting drill during a Going Yard Training Centre training session held on February 17 at the Indoor Training Centre.

Capturing a memory with a picture

A quartet of skaters pose for a selfie picture during a public skating session on February 27 at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. They ensured one last memory was photographed at the Oval before it closed two days later.

Masters level skater gets laps in

A Masters level skater from the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club gets some laps in at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. Masters level skaters took part in practice sessions at the Oval to continue their enjoyment of the sport along with sharpening their skills.

Charging in on a grounder

A player charges in on a ground ball during a Saskatoon Lasers practice session on February 27 at the Indoor Training sessions. The Lasers were using that session to grade players on skills to see how much they’ve improved during the off-season.

Sargeant doing his thing

Saskatoon Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant addresses the team’s newcomers after a practice session held at the Indoor Training Centre on February 27. Sargeant was his energetic and fired up self, which got onlookers pumped up and excited for the CJFL football season that is coming in August.