Major brothers pumped for home nationals with Jacks

Duo has fond memories hosting Canadians with Pride in 2023

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Will Major sets to make a throw to first for the Jacks.

Brothers Will and Max Major hope to recreate and exceed the softball excitement that was on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds in 2023.

Back in 2023, the products of Delisle, a town located about 43 kilometres southwest of Saskatoon, suited up with the Delisle Pride at the U23 Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship held on the Complex grounds mainly at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The event wrapped up in early August of that year, and the Pride were the host team for that tourney.

At that tournament, the Pride went on a run to the championship game, where they fell 11-1 to the Tavistock Merchants. As the Pride went on their run and piled up the wins, they drew larger and larger crowds for their games at Bob Van Impe Stadium.

Now playing for the Saskatoon Jacks, the Majors want to make similar and better memories when the Complex hosts the Men’s and Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship this coming August 26 to 30. The Jacks are the host squad for the Men’s side of that event.

Max, who is the younger brother at age 22, is still playing for the Pride U23 team as well. Right before the Men’s and Master Men’s event, he will suit up for the Pride at the U23 Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship that runs at the Complex this coming August 22 to 26.

Max Major sets to make a throw to second base for the Jacks.

Both Majors have fond memories of the big crowds that came out to see their Pride team in 2023 and would love to see a repeat of those big crowds this year.

“That was awesome,” said Will, who is a 24-year-old second baseman. “It was probably the most (fans) I’ve ever been fortunate enough to play in front of.

“It was a great turnout. We’re really hoping to get something similar to that this year being back at home. Yeah, that was a special one.

“That is one I wish I could relive again for sure.”

“It felt like each game we kept getting more people and more people and more people were buying in,” said Max, who is a catcher.  “We actually had awesome crowds, and it kind of makes the game so easy when you’ve got a few hundred or a few thousand people some nights actually cheering on your back.

“I know in softball we don’t get that a lot anymore. It is kind of a small-town, local game now. It is so enjoyable, and we’re so pumped to have it (nationals) at home, because we know that we’re going to have good crowds and a ton of support.”

The Majors started playing with the Jacks in 2024 and suited up for the Men’s and Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship that ran at the Complex from August 28 to September 1 of that year. The Jacks went 3-3 in the preliminary round of the Men’s side of the event and lost their first game in the playoff round to be eliminated from the tourney.

Will Major sets for an at bat with the Jacks.

The 2025 campaign would be a much different season for the Jacks and the Majors. They returned to the Men’s and Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship held from August 27 to 31 of that year in Kitchener, Ontario.

At that tourney, the Jacks looked poised to prevent the defending Canadian Men’s champion in the Galway Hitmen from St. John’s, Newfoundland, from extending their dynasty. Saskatoon posted victories of 3-2 and 5-1 against the St. John’s side in their first two meetings.

The Jacks made the championship final only to drop a 2-1 heartbreaker to the Hitmen. With the win, the Hitmen would lay claim to winning 10 out of the last 12 Canadian Men’s titles, which included the squad being named the 3 Cheer Pub for their first three victories.

Following that event, the Majors would play for Softball Canada’s U23 Men’s National Team at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Americans U23 Men’s Pan American Championship that ran in September of 2025 in Santa Rosa (La Pampa), Argentina. They are both currently part of the Athlete Pool for Softball Canada’s Men’s National Team.

The experience of 2025 and the silver medal finish at nationals with the Jacks has increased the anticipation for the upcoming Men’s nationals this year at home.

Max Major rounds the bases for the Jacks.

“Last year was a lot of fun,” said Will, who stands 5-foot-8 and weighs 160 pounds. “We were on a different level that week.

“We were playing some of the best ball I think we’ve ever played as a team collectively. We did get them (the Hitmen) twice, but at the end of the day, they got us when it mattered. It is unfortunate, but hopefully, we’ll see them again this year.

“They’re a great team. That is one that a lot of us wish we could have back for sure. They are a true dynasty those guys though.”

“We obviously know that (the Hitmen) is one of the best teams around for a reason,” said Max, who stands 6-feet and weighs 165 pounds. “They’re always in those final three or usually winning it.

“To get them twice was a huge boost for our team, but we knew going into that final that team wasn’t going to go away. All three games were close. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Hopefully, we get to play them again this year and can have another good run in with them.”

The Majors have had the chance to play together on the same team for the last seven years. Both said a big highlight in their careers was playing together for Canada’s U23 squad and winning a silver medal at the WBSC Americans Pan American Championship that ran September of last year.

Will Major fields a ground ball at second for the Jacks.

The one thing that has eluded the Majors in their career playing together is a national title. Along with silver medal finishes with the Pride in 2023 and the Jacks in 2025, the Majors also played for the Pride in 2024 at the U23 Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship held that year in Kitchener. In the title game played on August 4 of that year, the Pride fell 6-3 to the Murno Mariners, who are also from Newfoundland.

While Max will play for the Pride at U23 Canadians once again, both brothers would love to win that elusive national title gold medal together at the upcoming Men’s Canadians on their home stomping grounds.

“It is incredibly exciting,” said Will. “If there was ever a time to get one, this would be awfully special.

“I think we’ve got a great team going into it this year, so hopefully, things go our way. It is going to be really exciting. Hopefully, we get great turnouts to all the games.

“It is a big tourney this year. I think there are quite a few teams in it this year compared to years past, so hopefully, it all works out.”

Max Major will play in two softball nationals in August.

“I think, obviously, the boys are hoping to have a very similar year to last year, and I don’t see why we can’t,” said Max. “Our whole team is just going to have to bear down for that week again.

“Our expectation is to, obviously, be playing Sunday afternoon (for the championship). That is what every team’s expectation is going there, but I think we’re one of the few teams that has a realistic opportunity.”

Right mix brings Steelers Canadian title three-peat

Combination of vets and youngsters power champs

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Steelers start celebrating a Canadian title win on August 3.

The veteran pros, young stars and the cast in between have turned the Carnduff Southeast Steelers into a dynasty.

On Sunday, August 3, at Bob Van Impe Stadium, the Steelers blanked Equipe Quebec 6-0 in the title game of Softball Canada’s Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship. The Steelers completed the event with a perfect 8-0 record as they captured gold at the Canadian women’s nationals for a third straight year.

The Carnduff side became the first Saskatchewan-based team to win three consecutive Canadian women’s titles. The only other squad from Saskatchewan to win the Canadian women’s title in back-to-back years was the Saskatoon Imperials back in 1969 and 1970.

The Steelers roster contains a collection of players from across Saskatchewan along with Abbotsford, B.C., product and pitcher Katie Korstrom, who has been part of Softball Canada’s national team system. The mix on the Steelers side is arguably shown in a pair of players in shortstop Lyndsay Koscielski and pitcher Jorde Chartrand, who also plays first base.

Koscielski is the ageless 37-year-old veteran who has six Softball Canada gold medals in her collection. Along with playing on all three Steelers championship teams, she was a key member helping her hometown Saskatoon Outlaws build a Canadian Junior Women’s Championship dynasty winning three titles in four years in 2008, 2010 and 2011.

Lyndsay Koscielski makes a defensive play in the infield.

Back in 2010, Koscielski celebrated a Canadian junior championship win with the Outlaws at Bob Van Impe Stadium. When she helped the Steelers win the Canadian women’s title on August 3, she did it with her partner Logan McKay, young daughter Charli McKay and young son Jax McKay in attendance among a sizable gathering of family and friends.

“It is very special to win at home when you have all your family and friends can come,” said Koscielski, who has played for the Steelers for the majority of the past 10 seasons. “It is always nice.”

“It is nice to have both of my kids here just to see me. She (Charli) has been asking for a trophy all week, so I had to get her one.”

Chartrand is the young 22-year-old who just finished her NCAA playing career with the University of North Carolina Greensboro Spartans and has seen frequent time in Softball Canada’s national team program. The Weyburn product has played for the Steelers for four seasons and was available to play for the Carnduff side at the past two Canadian women’s nationals.

At last year’s nationals played in Blackfalds, Alta., Chartrand was named an all-star at pitcher and the top player in the championship round as the Steelers won a second straight Canadian title. At the recently completed women’s nationals played at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex, Chartrand captured awards as the top pitcher and top player in the championship round. She threw a complete game shutout win against Quebec in the championship final striking out 13 batters.

Jorde Chatrand delivers a pitch for the Steelers.

Before starting her NCAA playing career, Chartrand was a regular who came to the Gordie Howe Sports Complex to train. She had a contingent of family and friends in the stands to see her pitch a gem in the Steelers championship win over Quebec and has had a blast playing for the Carnduff squad.

“I’m just having fun with my team,” said Chartrand. “It is just a lot of fun playing with these girls.”

Chartrand said the comradery amongst her Steelers teammates has helped her play well.

“Honestly, I think something that is overlooked a lot is just having fun and throwing relaxed,” said Chartrand. “These girls make it really easy to be relaxed on the mound knowing I have eight good teammates around me.”

For Koscielski, there are times it doesn’t feel like the years have marched on as fast as they have. She noted that only one other player from her Outlaws teams is still active in the current day in Steelers centre-fielder Karmen (Coffey) Twordik. Twordik caught the final out in the August 3 title contest win over Quebec.

Koscielski said it was special that the chips in life fell into place where she was a member of both Outlaws and Steelers dynasty teams.

Lyndsay Koscielski (#22) is pictured with daughter Charli McKay.

“It is pretty cool,” said Koscielski. “I’ve been lucky in my life to play with some pretty good teams, so it is nice.”

While Chartrand has piled up a lengthy list of accomplishments in softball at her young age, she has enjoyed playing on a Steelers team that has players close to her age like Korstrom, and veterans like Koscielski and Twordik. During nationals, it was common to find Chartrand entertaining her elder teammates’ children.

“It is awesome,” said Chartrand. “It is really fun to hear everyone’s life stories.

“Everyone is in such a different part of life. A lot of the older girls have been where I am, so they kind of just take you under their wing and are here to have fun and teach you some things, have some laughs and win a championship.”

One of Koscielski’s biggest highlights came in the first versus second place page playoff game against Quebec on August 2 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. She hit a three-run home run to power the Steelers to a 6-1 victory that allowed them to advance to the tournament’s championship game. When Koscielski jumped on home plate, she did so with the excitement of a player in their junior aged years in the sport.

Jorde Chatrand (#24) is pictured with MacKenzie Roach.

“It felt good,” said Koscielski. “The beginning of the tournament it was not as good hitting-wise, so it felt good to finally put the bat on something and get some runs in.

“It was like I’ve never done it before, but I was pretty excited.”

Going into next season, the Steelers will be attempting to be the first team to win four consecutive Canadian women’s titles. A number of teams have won three consecutive national championships, but no team has captured four straight titles.

When asked about returning next season, Koscielski preferred to dodge that query for now electing to celebrate the accomplishment of three straight championship wins.

“It is hard to say,” said Koscielski. “I was retired before the year, but once the year goes on, there might be another one in me.

“We’ll see.”

With that said, Koscielski said this year’s title win will always be special to her.

“You know every time you win or just play in these championships, it is always fun,” said Koscielski. “I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”

As for Chartrand, her future goal is to crack the roster of Softball Canada’s Women’s Team that will be part of the Summer Olympics to be played July 14 to 30, 2028 in Los Angeles, California. She is still expecting to rejoin the Steelers during the summer months.

The Steelers pose for a team photo after their Canadian title win.

“I go to Florida Gulf Coast (University) this fall,” said Chartrand. “I’m going to take a master’s and help coach down there and keep training, and 2028 is the goal.

“I will just keep my arm going in a circle until then and try and get better every day. These girls make it easy. I have a place to play when I come home, so I know that I’ll always be playing ball somewhere.”

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.

Gordie Howe Sports Complex living out big dreams

Sport park’s family has grown and is open to all

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Carter Beck hits a triple for the Berries on August 11.

The dream has become a reality.

Way back on March 1, 2019, the Gordie Howe Sports Complex Management Incorporated officially took over management of the Gordie Howe Sports Complex. The non-profit body came into existence over the dream of having a unified group coordinate everything that went on at the sports park.

Before Gordie Howe Sports Complex Management Incorporated came into existence, each sport was responsible for coordinating the activities on the facilities on the Complex’s grounds like Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the baseball and softball diamonds and the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval in winter. The dream of a unified group overseeing the operations of the sports park came with the hope things could be run in a more positive manner for all sports groups that would ultimately allow them to pull bigger events to the Complex.

A young cricket player practices making a defensive hit.

Fast forward from those beginnings to the present day, the Complex had a really successful 2024 year hosting various events from the sport of baseball, cricket, football, lacrosse, Nordic Skiing, rugby, softball, speed skating, track and field and ultimate disk. People have flocked to the Complex for training sessions and to take part in all sorts of events like the John Sands Classic Long Track Meet for speed skating, the massive SHSAA Track and Field Provincial Championships, Saskatoon Berries Baseball Club contests, Saskatoon Valkyries games, Saskatoon Hilltops contests, two Softball Canada nationals, various big games in baseball, football and softball, and an extremely successful and memorable high school football season.

Muriel Gieni has set numbers Canadian masters track and field records.

“The amount of athletes that have been here for the last 2,000 days is unheard of,” said Bryan Kosteroski, who is the Chairperson of Gordie Howe Sports Complex Management Incorporated. “We are an example of a group of people who had a dream, who partnered and collaborated with all the sports organizations that are here.

“We created one of the top sports venues in Canada. We’re fully self-operational. We’re a full-fledged business now.

“We hire students of all ages year round. We really fill a void that has been in Canada about organizations taking a facility and growing a facility and operating a facility all in one.”

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

The Complex’s family has welcomed everyone of all ages and cultures since being established in March of 2019. That included hosting athletes from the Saskatchewan North Central Softball Academy’s Timbits Saturdays program who are aged five to 10 and to 66-year-old star athlete Muriel Gieni, who has broken Canadian masters record in track and field on at least 60 occasions in her career.

“The 222’s (Fastpitch program players) come from all across Western Canada for their programs here,” said Johnny Marciniuk, who is the Gordie Howe Sports Complex Management Incorporated Operations Manager. “We’ve got people in their 20s and 30s and 40s who are playing ultimate disc here.

Ultimate disc is a sport that attracts a wide group of athletes.

“The whole facility is multi-dimensional.”

Over the past year and a half, the Complex has welcomed the cricket community, who use the Indoor Training Centre for off-season work. The Saskatoon Berries played their inaugural Western Canadian Baseball League season in 2024 attracting an average of 1,931 spectators for 26 regular season home dates at Cairns Field.

The track and field community has hosted the SHSAA Provincial Championships for two straight years at the Track and Field Track. It is common for that event to draw in 4,000 people between athletes, coaches, support staff and spectators per day.

“For me, the highlight of this year was the increased amount of new sports and new athletes coming to the Complex,” said Kosteroski. “You look at how Cricket has grown.

The Mount Royal Collegiate Mustangs celebrate a win on Sept. 27.

“You look at track in the summer. You look at all of our sports they are all growing. To me, the Gordie Howe Sports Complex family keeps on expanding from year to year.

“The big thing there is that I look at the amount of people that come to the Complex a year. We say an average of 600,000, and we’re probably out of whack now. To me, that is the biggest highlight for me on the Complex personally.”

On top of the various sports communities gaining special experiences on the Complex’s grounds, Ignite Athletics has called the Complex home since the Indoor Training Centre officially opened in March of 2019. The crew at Ignite want to help the athletes they train to improve every day, so they can meet their athletic goals.

The John Sands Classic Long Track Meet attracts a lot of skaters.

As a result of the great work the Ignite staff does, they’ve attracted elite athletes from a wide variety of sports along with people who just want to be in better shape. In 2024, Ignite Athletics had a special year helping add to the overall family at the Complex.

“One of the things I’m really proud of is this being the Canadian Sport Centre for Saskatchewan in cooperation with Ignite Athletics, which is really cool and prestigious for us here,” said Marciniuk. “Ignite was an instigator for that, but they couldn’t have done it without the facility is what (Ignite Athletics co-owner) Joel (Lipinski) was telling us.

The Glenn Reeve Fields become ski trails in the winter.

“We also have Ignite Health that opened up weeks ago. It is something that is flourishing for them. They have chiropractor, dietician, physiotherapy, massage and dietary and nutrition.

“All of that is awesome.”

As for some other improvements in 2024, the Berries arrival saw the concession at the K+S Potash Canada Multi-Sports Centre be revamped, new foul poles were added to all the Glenn Reeve Field diamonds and a total of 80 trees were planted on the Complex grounds. The City of Saskatoon helped out building a bike path and new fencing along Dudley Street on the north side of the park.

The Saskatoon Wild Oats Rugby Club uses the Indoor Training Centre. 

Working with the Gordie Howe Sports Complex Management Incorporated board of directors that includes members of the sporting groups that use the park’s facilities, a revamp was done on the technological side. Kosteroski said the collaboration of the sports organizations has always been important in moving the Complex forward.

“The Gordie Howe Sports Complex in the fiscal 2024 had major business infrastructure adjustments where we created a new website, new booking systems and new accounting systems,” said Kosteroski. “Why the Complex did that was to ensure that we meet our customers’ demands and our growth needs in the future.

The Sentinels Lacrosse Club enjoy practising at the Indoor Training Centre.

“This year has been a major business development increase for the Complex. That is huge for a business to do all of those three different things in one year. We have to thank the Board of Directors for supporting this initiative as they see the growth of the Complex keep on going.

“We had to increase our capabilities, but also adjust our infrastructure to support that growth. That is huge for this business to do those three big things in one year.”

Now, the Gordie Howe Sports Complex is well into year six. Moving into the future, Kosteroski said the various sports communities are working towards bringing more major events to the Complex.

More big events like Softball Canada nationals will come to the Complex.

“Now, we’re starting to see all of our organizations looking at big bringing in world, national and international events,” said Kosteroski. “A lot of our ALTRs (authorized long term renters) are looking at now bringing in these major events because of the infrastructure in place now at the Complex.

“It took time for us to grow the infrastructure. Now for a lot of sports, that infrastructure is in place. Now, it is time for them to partner and start hosting major events, which we’re seeing a lot of verbiage from and a lot of noise about.”

As the various processes unfold in bringing more big events to the Complex, Kosteroski said the Gordie Howe Sports Complex Management Incorporated will be there to continue to collaborate with those sporting groups adding that everyone on the Complex grounds is family.

The Berries salute their fans on August 13.

“We talked about that when we started forming the Gordie Howe Sports Complex about how we’re going to grow and how we grow the family,” said Kosteroski. “The family is growing by itself now.”

For more information on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex, feel free to check out the Complex’s recently revamped website at gordiehowesportscomplex.ca.

Nationals bid farewell to summer, fall picks up in photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Jacks celebrate a win on August 30.

It seemed fitting Softball Canada’s Men’s and Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournaments offered the perfect farewell to the summer season on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds.

Saskatoon has a storied history for host Softball Canada nationals, and the Men’s and Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournaments offered one last big taste on the diamond until attention turned more fully to the activities of fall. A total of 10 men’s teams and six master men’s teams were out to display their skill from this past August 28 to September 1.

While the Galway Hitmen from Newfoundland took the men’s title and Cobourg Force from Ontario claimed the master men’s crown, athletes and teams from Saskatchewan carved out some highlights. Our lead photo shows the Saskatoon Jacks celebrating a win over the Bear Creek Express from Ontario on August 30 at Bob Van Impe Stadium.

Catcher Ryan Ray makes a plate block on August 31.

The Jacks finished the preliminary round with a 3-3 mark before falling in their first playoff game to the Saskatoon Angels. The Angels would win one more playoff game before bowing out of the event.

The second photo comes from Joe Gallagher Field on August 31, and it shows Melfort 222’s catcher Ryan Ray coming up with a plate block. Ray is famous on the Complex grounds for helping with facility maintenance and coaching softball players and teams of seemingly all levels of experience.

The third photo shows Saskatoon Jacks shortstop Brant Wiebe firing a rocket to get an out at first base in his team’s August 30 win over the Express.

Along with images from the Men’s and Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship, August’s photo roundup checks in with pictures from baseball, football and softball. Of course, the high school football season has started so we have a couple of check ins there. 

Brant Wiebe fires a ball to first base to get an out on August 30.

On our social media lines, our high school football posts are by far our most viewed posts, so it shows there is a strong attachment to that brand of the game.

We also have cool photos from the defending CJFL champion Saskatoon Hilltops and the U of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team.

The pictures in this photo roundup capture some of the memories that are made on our grounds. In this photo roundup, the majority of these pictures were taken by our Communications Coordinator in Darren Steinke along with a check in from another sweet source.

Without further ado, here is a selection of 15 shots we hope you enjoy.

Douglas on a tear

Star receiver Drake Douglas was on fire in the Saskatoon Hilltops 38-13 regular season opener against the Edmonton Huskies on August 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Douglas finished the contest hauling seven passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns. He also returned six punts for 113 yards. After three regular season games, Douglas has caught 17 passes for 319 yards and four touchdowns. He has also returned 18 punts for 229 yards.

Beck gets triple for the cycle

In one of the most memorable moments of the Saskatoon Berries inaugural WCBL season, centre-fielder Carter Beck hit for the cycle in his team’s 14-1 victory over the Moose Jaw Miller Express in Game 1 of the WCBL’s best-of-three East Division Championship Series at Cairns Field on August 11. This photo shows Beck getting a triple in the bottom of the seventh to complete the cycle. Beck went 4-for-5 at the plate driving in three runs with a single, a double, a triple and a home run.

Berries final salute for 2024

The Saskatoon Berries salute the 1,811 spectators that came out to Cairns Field on August 13 as they fell 5-3 in a series deciding Game 3 of the WCBL’s East Division Championship Series. The Berries great inaugural season came up one win short of the WCBL final.

On target throw

Julia Smith of the Night Fever is set to release an accurate throw during Saskatoon Adult Flag Football League playoff action on August 21 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Smith’s Night Fever blanked the Honey Badgers 39-0.

Lipinski Memorial Award special night

The Darren Lipinski Memorial Award 50^th Award Banquet was held on August 27 in the main hall of the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building. For the 50^th anniversary of the award, 12 individuals were honoured for their outstanding contribution to softball in Saskatoon including Peggy Bonin, Susan Burns, Gord Cook, Bob Dybvig, Elyse Hamel, Brent Klassen, Debbie Krawchuk, John Michaluk, Larry Oleksuk, Gary Phillips, Gavin Russell and Nancy Scott.

Cool gift from Tree Canada

The Gordie Howe Sports Complex Management Corporation would like to thank “Tree Canada” for a $10,000 grant provided to plant 81 trees and shrubs on our 66 Acres. The trees include Blue Spruce, Scotch Pine, Larches, Lilacs and Foerster Grass.

We would also like to thank the Saskatoon Hilltops for coming through for us again to assist us with another project. The Hilltops planted trees for us for two days on their bye week. We are very proud of our association with the Hilltops Football Club, and we appreciate everything these young men do for us.

MVP for Ethier

Trevor Ethier sends an off-speed pitch to the plate for the Melfort 222’s on August 31 at Joe Gallagher Field during action at Softball Canada’s Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament. Ethier still keeps adding accolades to his decorated athletic career in both softball and hockey. He would be named the MVP of the master men’s nationals posting a .400 batting average, a .538 on base percentage and three runs batted in at the plate. He also posted a .460 earned run average in 15 innings pitched.

222’s pack the park

A big crowd turned out to see the Melfort 222’s play at Joe Gallagher Field on August 31 as part of game action at Softball Canada’s Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament. The 222’s would post a 7-4 victory over the Alberta Pirates.

Force Master Men’s Canadian champs

The Cobourg Force from Ontario pose for the customary team photo after winning the title game of Softball Canada’s Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament on September 1 at Joe Gallagher Field. They beat the Melfort 222’s 5-3 in the gold medal contest. This photo comes courtesy Softball Canada.

Hitmen claim Men’s Canadian title

The Galway Hitmen from Newfoundland pose for the customary team photo after winning the title game of Softball Canada’s Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament on September 1 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. They downed the Toronto Batmen 9-8 in eight innings in the gold medal contest. This photo comes courtesy Softball Canada.

Running with power

Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears running back Elijah Doleman powers his way downfield in an SSSAD high school football game on September 5 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Doleman and the Bears blanked the Tommy Douglas Collegiate Tigers 14-0.

Open field magic

St. Joseph High School Guardians running back Samuel Lafreniere weaves his way through the Centennial Collegiate Chargers defence in an SSSAD high school football game on September 6 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Lafreniere and the Guardians downed the Chargers 44-16.

Let it rip

Mary Lee McNeil fires a pitch to home plate for the U of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team during Western Collegiate Softball Association game action on September 6 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The U of S sided downed the Mount Royal University Cougars 10-1.

Big effort in the outfield

Thea Friesen makes a running catch in left field for the U of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team during Western Collegiate Softball Association game action on September 8 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The U of S posted a 9-2 victory over the U of Regina Cougars to complete a series of six games at home over three days posting a record of four wins and two ties.

Stretching to secure an out

Emma Maurice makes an impressive effort to stretch to catch a ball and keep her foot on first base to secure an out for the U of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team during Western Collegiate Softball Association game action on September 8 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. Maurice had many big defensive efforts helping the U of S take a 9-2 victory over the U of Regina Cougars to complete a series of six games at home over three days posting a record of four wins and two ties.