Epic Hilltops CJFL title win tops photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Hilltops raise the Canadian Bowl as CJFL champions.

Epic home CJFL championship wins by the Saskatoon Hilltops at Saskatoon Minor Football Field will never get old.

On November 9 at SMF Field, the Hilltops claimed a thrilling 21-18 victory over the Kelowna, B.C., based Okanagan Sun in the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl. With 1:33 remaining in the fourth quarter, Sun quarterback Liam Kroeger ran home a touchdown from 18 yards out to complete a 108-yard scoring drive that saw an 18-11 Hilltops lead become an 18-18 tie.

Saskatoon responded with a drive to put kicker Ryder Gratton in position to nail what was ultimately the winning field goal from 37 yards out with 28.6 remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Hilltops their 21-18 lead. On the ensuing Sun drive, third-year strong side linebacker Zaden Taylor intercepted Kroeger to seal the three-point win for the Hilltops. The victory marked the 24^th time the Hilltops became CJFL champions.

The Hilltops enjoy their CJFL title win during the team photo.

This year’s CJFL title tilt included the victors in the Hilltops (9-2 overall) and the vanquished in the Sun (13-1 overall), but neither team could be labeled as being defeated. The family at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex found the Sun players, coaches and staff were really gracious to interact with and a joy to have at SMF Field for a pair of days.

That November 9 day was so busy it caused that month’s upload of this blog to be moved up one day to November 8. Of course, the Hilltops win in the Canadian Bowl made for a natural anchor for this photo roundup.

The lead picture sees the Hilltops raising the Canadian Bowl to the sky as a part of their post-game celebrations. The second shot shows a close up view of the Hilltops enjoying themselves during customary post-game championship team photo. The third picture sees Hilltops star fifth-year defensive tackle Johnathon Stevens, left, and legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant enjoying a moment together as part of the team’s happy post-game festivities.

Johnathon Stevens (#57) and Hilltops HC Tom Sargeant enjoy the moment.

Along with the pictures from the Hilltops win in the Canadian Bowl, this photo roundup reflects the fact that stellar contest was the last football game to be held at SMF Field for the 2025 calendar year. The winter season moved in, and the Indoor Training Centre became the main hub of activity resulting in pictures from baseball, cricket, softball and ultimate disk.  

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.

Collins in for six

Saskatoon Hilltops star graduating running back David Collins completes a 23-yard touchdown run during the second quarter of the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl – on November 9 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. In the Hilltops 21-18 victory on that day, Collins had game highs in carries (26), rushing yards (143) and rushing touchdowns (two).

Kroeger valent in setback for Sun

Okanagan Sun star quarterback Liam Kroeger came up with a monster effort as his squad fell 21-18 in the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl – on November 9 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. He completed 26-of-44 passes for 296 yards. Kroeger did throw two interceptions, but both picks came from athletic plays made by the Hilltops. He carried the ball six times for 54 yards and one major score.

Sweet Sun sideline catch

Okanagan Sun receiver Jordayne Falconer makes a tough sideline catch as his club came up short 21-18 against the Saskatoon Hilltops in the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl – on November 9 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Falconer finished the contest making seven catches for 62 yards.

Final pose for Hilltop Cheer team in 2025

The 2025 edition of the Saskatoon Hilltop Cheer Team performed as a group on game day for the final time at halftime of the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl – on November 9 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The cheerleaders struck their signature final pose to end their routine as the Hilltops would go on to win their 24^th CJFL title.

Hilltops grads enjoy the Canadian Bowl

The Hilltops graduating players enjoy a moment with the Canadian Bowl after winning their 24^th CJFL title on November 9 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The grads include front row from left, Isaiah Vallderruten, Brexton Elias and David Collins. The back row, from left, includes David Boyd Jr., Colton Zimmer, Jackson Dean, Nathan Young, Jace Mowles, Dalton Urban, Ryan Adamko and Johnathon Stevens. Tucked away further in the back behind Mowles and Urban is Nahom Menghestab.

Frisky officially signs with Scarlet Knights

There were all happy times in Classroom 2 at the Indoor Training Centre on November 19. Emma Frisky officially signed on with the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights Women’s Softball Team. Frisky’s family held a celebration with family, friends and some of Emma’s coaches over the years. The Frisky family photo of the signing includes, from left, father Tyrel, Emma, mother Tracy and brother Jack.

Building leg power

A member of the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy does a jumping exercise with a weighted bag during a training session on November 20 at the Indoor Training Centre. The exercise with the weighted bag was one stop on a circuit for a conditioning workout.

Berries Academy trio all smiles

A trio of players from the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy pose for a picture during a break between taking part in hitting drills on November 20 at the Indoor Training Centre. It is always important to mix in some fun while putting in work to get better.

Off-speed treat

A pitcher from the 222’s Fastpitch program works on an off-speed pitch during a practice session at the Indoor Training Centre on November 25. A large number of the program’s pitchers were out sharpening their skills on this night.

A perfect track

A catcher from the 222’s Fastpitch program tracks the ball into her glove during a practice session on November 25 at the Indoor Training Centre. With the 222’s having a number of pitchers out working on their skills on this night, a large number of catchers came out to work on their craft.

Big smash

A hitter from the 222’s Fastpitch program drives the ball for what would result in an outfield hit during a game at a practice session on November 25 at the Indoor Training Centre. The hitters during these practice sessions focus on improving their respective approaches at the plate.

Cool under pressure

The teams have fun-loving names, but the players that make up the Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society have great skill too. In this contest on November 27 at the Indoor Training Centre, a player from the Ultimate Chicken House sets to slip a pass through a defender from the Turnovers.

A catch for a score

A player from the Ultimate Chicken House hauls in a scoring catch in a Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society game against the Turnovers on November 27 at the Indoor Training Centre. Everyone who takes part in these games gets a great workout and leaves feeling positive about their overall day.

Building strength

A player from the Going Yard Baseball Academy throws a medicine ball during a practice session on December 4 at the Indoor Training Centre. The player was working on building up his strength in order to help him throw a baseball farther and faster.

Line drive

A hitter from the Going Yard Baseball Academy drives a ball off a tee into a net during a practice session on December 4 at the Indoor Training Centre. The hitter was working on the mechanics of his swing.

Hawkins gets in work

Professional pitcher and Going Yard Baseball Academy coach Garrett Hawkins gets in his own work during a practice session on December 4 at the Indoor Training Centre. Hawkins did some throwing on this day. On November 18, Hawkins’s contract was selected by the San Diego Padres to be part of their MLB roster. That officially places Hawkins on the club’s 40-man MLB roster.

Let it rip

A bowler fires a lightning fast toss at a wicket during a pick-up cricket game on December 5 at the Indoor Training Centre. The bowler was part of a group of players who rented out some turf time at the Indoor Training Centre to play the game they love in a modified format with a half field.

Alert scoring run

A pair of hitters make a run to score a point during a pick-up cricket game on December 5 at the Indoor Training Centre. In the modified format with a half field, the players were looking to the outfield to check out how defenders were doing when it came to getting the ball back to the close infield. The night time session on this day was great for enjoying both friendship and the sport.

Community drives Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society

Organization aims to create positive experience for all

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

A smart pass is made in SUDS action at the Indoor Training Centre.

Dani Bouvier’s lifelong passion for the sport of ultimate frisbee came from a simple beginning that brought a special community of people into her life.

Back in 2010, Bouvier started out playing the sport as a substitute player on a friends’ team. Her friend knew Bouvier enjoyed running and figured ultimate frisbee would be a great sport for her to try.

“I showed up, and I ran around,” said Bouvier. “I played five or six games that first summer season, and I was hooked.”

From that beginning, Bouvier started her journey playing in the sport’s competitive scene and eventually becoming the Vice-President of the Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society (SUDS), which is the organization that oversees the sport of ultimate frisbee for Saskatoon and area. 

After playing in SUDS run leagues for over 10 years, Bouvier decided it was time for her to give back to the sport. She said the people she has met and became friends with in the sport have been really good to her over the years.

“The thing I love most about ultimate frisbee is the community and not only the community here in Saskatoon but across the country,” said Bouvier. “Everyone involved in the sport is so welcoming and friendly.

“I love meeting new people and going on new adventures, while playing a sport I love.”

While ultimate frisbee was created in the late 1960s, SUDS had its origin in 1994 as an ultimate club with the original name of “Chocolate Starfish.” A year later, club changed its name to “Sun & Moon,” and in 1999, the club became a league called the “Sun & Moon Ultimate League.” In 2002, the “Sun & Moon Ultimate League” became incorporated as a non-profit organization and took on its current moniker.

Post-game high fives are part of the upbeat atmosphere at SUDS games.

In the current day, SUDS offers leagues, events and development opportunities all year long. The leagues have a variety of formats including mixed and single-gender offerings, four-versus-four, five-versus-five and seven-versus-seven games, indoor turf and outdoor grass locations and recreational and competitive options.

The organization offers coaching to players under 18 years of age, collaborates with the City of Saskatoon for sport clinics and helps facilitate new player clinics to introduce newcomers to the game.

The events SUDS oversees include tournaments - indoors on turf and outdoors on grass - as well as a fundraising event that is led by Ultimate Canada. SUDS also collaborates with their provincial sport organization in the Saskatchewan Ultimate Players Association for provincials.

“Ultimate has gained worldwide recognition as a fast-paced, low-cost sport that emphasizes sportsmanship through Spirit of the Game,” said Anna-Lise Hodgins, who is the General Manager for SUDS. “It’s easy to learn, requires little equipment and can easily be played in any open space.

“The basic skills of the game – throwing, catching, running and jumping – make for an easy transition for athletes from other sports, both team and individual. New participants often indicate that the strong sense of community at all levels of play make for a rewarding experience on and off the field.”

SUDS has regularly used the Indoor Training Centre on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds pretty much since it opened in 2019. It is impossible to miss the upbeat atmosphere that is present during SUDS activities on the indoor turf field.

SUDS has a variety of leagues in order to gain a broad appeal.

“The good vibe comes from the community, and the fact that this sport is a co-ed non-contact sport,” said Bouvier. “Everyone comes with an amazing attitude and a readiness to have fun.

“This sport is a great way to meet new people, get moving and it is probably the most cost-effective sport available to both adults and youth.”

Hodgins said the positive vibes felt at SUDS events at the Indoor Training Centre result from the players truly respecting the Spirit of the Game.

“Ultimate frisbee is unique in that it is self-officiated with players responsible for resolving any disputes that arise on the field,” said Hodgins. “Spirit of the Game governs the sport in terms of athlete conduct and score evaluation.

“The sport emphasizes fair play, sportsmanship and athleticism making it a popular choice for those looking for a fun and competitive way to stay active.”

Over the years, Bouvier said the sport of ultimate frisbee has a vast number of great memories. Some of her best memories have come in more recent times.

“My biggest highlight has probably been this past season where I played in 18 different tournaments in 11 different cities in three different countries,” said Bouvier. “I played in three national divisions in senior, masters and grandmasters.

“For masters, our team placed fifth, which was our best placement yet. I played at the World Beach Ultimate Club Championships in Portimão, Portugal. That was my first-time playing beach ultimate, and I had a great time.”

SUDS action has been a regular site at the Indoor Training Centre.

Her busy schedule includes some unforgettable times in the United States and in Canada.

“I also played in USAU (USA Ultimate) regionals with a team based out of Houston,” said Bouvier. “Regionals were hosted in Oklahoma City.

“I have also participated in the Ultimate Canada Conference that is held each November in different locations around the country. I gained so much knowledge and experience playing in so many different environments with many different people, and I think this has been the highlight in the ultimate world, so far.”

The familiar refrain with ultimate frisbee is the great people in the game makes participants want to stay in the sport. Hodgins first experienced that in 2004, when she was introduced to ultimate frisbee as a multi-sport athlete at age 16. She was introduced to the sport by her cousin from Vancouver, who moved in with her family at that time to get her degree at the University of Saskatchewan.

Hodgins said ultimate frisbee was her cousin’s primary sport growing up in Vancouver, and at the time, she played on different national teams and even won worlds. Following that introduction to the game, Hodgins said the people in the game have kept her in the sport.

“The local, provincial, national and international community of ultimate players are unique athletes who value inclusion and equity and perform beautifully with a flying disc,” said Hodgins. “It has a magnetic energy that has kept me in the game for 20 years already.”

Looking to the future, Hodgins said SUDS envisions growth and focus on supporting youth and marginalized athlete to help them find and experience with ultimate at their school or in their community. For a second straight year, SUDS will be participating in the YXE Urban Games, which is a summer event in Saskatoon that blends competitive sports and cultural exhibitions.

SUDS players respect the Spirit of the Game.

Bouvier believes the sport’s best years in Saskatoon are still to come.

“With the passion of the ultimate community as strong as it is, I believe ultimate frisbee in Saskatoon is going to excel above and beyond where we have seen it in the past,” she said.

For more information about the Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society and the programs they offer, feel free to check out website at Saskatoonultimate.org.