Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Institute of Saskatchewan Football takes photo roundup spotlight

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

A group of offensive linemen set a block at an ISF session.
The Institute of Saskatchewan Football is one of the newest programs that calls the Gordie Howe Sports Complex home.

It was officially born on May 10, 2024, and it was created by Saskatoon Minor Football in partnership with the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre and Ignite Athletics. The Institute of Saskatchewan Football (ISF) is a fully accredited academic program that allows students to further develop their football skills during the winter semester through the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre.

It is open for high school students in Grades 10 to 12, and those who take part in the program get high school credits for playing football, training and the leadership component. The Institute focuses on academics, skill development, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, sportsmanship and character building, college and university opportunities, personal growth, competition and exposure, injury prevention and safety and enjoyment of the game.

Mikenzie McLane (#10) and Addison Zakowski compete in a drill.
The student-athletes who are part of the program, which is in its second season of operation, are often seen on the field turf field or at Ignite Athletics in mornings at the Indoor Training Centre during the current days. They take part in online classes and study periods in the afternoon. When the snow melts on Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the student-athletes take part in their football training there.

The lead photo of our photo roundup sees a group of offensive linemen go through a blocking scheme in a walk through. The second picture sees receiver Mikenzie McLane getting inside position on defensive back Addison Zakowski to make a catch in a one-on-one flag football drill.

The third shot shows defensive lineman Preston Epp exploding out of his stance during a defensive team scheme walk through.

Preston Epp launches into action during an ISF session.
All three of these Institute of Saskatchewan Football photos were taken during a training session on March 26.

Along with the pictures from the Institute of Saskatchewan Football, this photo roundup shows the close out of activity on the ski trails. Due to the consistent mix of melting followed by new snowfalls in recent weeks, action at the Indoor Training Centre continues to stay in high gear as winter itself seems intent to work overtime. The photo roundup has 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 15 shots we hope you enjoy.

Eye on the ball

Catcher Aiden Kilshaw tracks a ball coming into his glove during a Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy training session on March 11 at the Indoor Training Centre. Kilshaw is an elite-level player who was catching pitches off a pitching machine for an extra challenge. He played for the Saskatoon Cubs SPBL Under-18 AAA championship team last season and will return to the Cubs this coming season. Kilshaw will also be an affiliate player with the Berries WCBL team.

Ready, set, go

A group of young skiers take off on a short sprint on the trails that run across the Glenn Reeve Fields on March 15. Child and junior aged skiers were taking part in a host of fun activities organized by the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club.

One last Sunday fun day for skiers

The members of the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club came out in droves to enjoy the trails that run across the Glenn Reeve Fields for one last fun Sunday on March 15. The skiers embraced being out on the trails for what would be the last Sunday of the 2025-26 winter season.

Coming right at you

A hitter drives a ball into a net on March 18 at the Indoor Training Centre as part of a session from Keith Mackintosh’s Hitting Series offered via the 222’s Fastpitch program. The athletes in this session focused on perfecting various details in the skill of hitting working off tees.

Fun with fundamentals

A couple of young players work on some infielding fundamentals during a night time Going Yard Baseball Academy session on March 19 at the Indoor Training Centre. During these sessions, Going Yard usually has their child aged player cycling through a group of three or four stations to help build various skills.

Firing a relay to first

A second baseman from the Saskatoon Giants Under-18 AAA team fires a relay toss to first base during a training session on March 22 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Giants fell in a semifinal in last year’s 18U AAA Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League Provincial Championship tournament held at Cairns Field and Leakos Field. They will be looking to turn heads again in the upcoming 2026 campaign.

Bunt and run with a smile

A hitter with the Saskatoon Cubs Under-18 AAA team lays down a bunt before taking off on a run with a smile during a practice session on March 25 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Cubs are continuing to gear up for the upcoming Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League season in search of a second straight provincial title.

Getting those knees high

Running back Lucas Hawley works on getting his knees high running over a series of pads during a drill at an Institute of Saskatchewan Football practice session on March 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. Hawley is sharpening his skills with the development opportunities offered by the Institute.

Going long

Kacie Semkiw fires a pass deep downfield during a flag football scrimmage during an Institute of Saskatchewan Football practice session on March 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. While she is regularly a receiver, Semkiw got in repetitions to see what she could do from the quarterback position.

“Himey” coaches them up

Scott “Himey” Hundseth, right, instructs a group of players during an Institute of Saskatchewan Football practice session on March 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. Hundseth, who was the long-time head coach of the Holy Cross High School Crusaders Football Team and is still the squad’s defensive coordinator, is one of the many high-quality teachers/coaches with the Institute.

Zerr on the run

Noah Zerr takes off on a sprint during a workout session for a group of professional football players on March 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. An offensive linemen, Zerr was a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders 2025 Grey Cup championship winning team. He is also an alum of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team.

Gunning the ball to second

A catcher is all set before firing off a throw to second base on April 2 at the Indoor Training Centre. The catcher was taking part in the Erin Cumpstone Catching Series offered by the 222’s Fastpitch program. During this session, catchers were focused on making throws to second base looking to catch base stealers.

Slick toss

A young pitcher delivers an off-speed pitch to home plate during a training session on April 2 at the Indoor Training Centre. The pitcher was taking part in the Dean Holoien Pitching Series offered by the 222’s Fastpitch program. Pitchers were working on smoothing out mechanics on various throws.

Here comes the boom

A young player nails a tackling bag during the second day of the Playground To Pros camp, which is run by Saskatoon Minor Football, on April 8 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Easter time camp helps develop skills and fundamentals at the grassroots level.

Coach Ferland gives praise

Guest coach Logan Ferland gives a young player a “five” and praise after the player did well in a drill at the Playground To Pros camp, which is run by Saskatoon Minor Football, on April 8 at the Indoor Training Centre. Ferland is one of the star offensive linemen with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders and was one of the many guest coaches at the camp from the professional ranks. He can play every offensive line position and is best known for his work at the centre spot.

Monday, February 9, 2026

Familiar football faces of Saskatoon AFFL highlight photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Danielle Girolami sets to unload a pass for Flagging Rights.
The Saskatoon Adult Flag Football League has well-known faces galore from the Saskatoon and area football scene.

Born in 2012, the Saskatoon AFFL has been a mainstay on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds playing games at Saskatoon Minor Football Field from its start to indoor action at the Indoor Training Centre since it officially opened on March 1, 2019. On the women’s side, the league features lots of players that are either current members or alums of the powerhouse Saskatoon Valkyries WWCFL squad, and it is now seeing youngsters come up from Saskatoon Minor Football’s female flag programs.

The men’s side of Saskatoon AFFL features numerous players who are graduates of the historic Saskatoon Hilltops of the CJFL and of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team, who are a legacy squad in U Sports.

Tom Schnitzler snags a contested catch for Columbian Gold.
The veteran players in both the women’s and men’s games often show that their skills are as good as ever. Some of the players are aiming to make national teams overseen by Football Canada, while others use the competition as a break from responsibilities in the working world, often coaching in the overall sport and the family front.

The lead photo of our photo roundup sees Valkyries veteran Danielle Girolami all set to fire a pass downfield in a game for Flagging Rights on January 28 at the Indoor Training Centre. While known as a star defensive back for the Valkyries, Girolami enjoys throwing passes for a flag side loaded with players that have ties to the defending WWCFL champions.

The second picture sees Tom Schnitzler hauling in a contested catch as a receiver for Columbian Gold on February 4 at the Indoor Training Centre. Schnitzler is currently the head coach of the Holy Cross High School Crusaders, who are the defending Saskatchewan 6A provincial champions. As a defensive lineman, he won four CJFL titles with the Hilltops, suited up for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds and played in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Calgary Stampeders.

Keira Maffin is playing her first year with U of Saskatchewan White.
The third shot shows Keira Maffin slinging a pass for University of Saskatchewan White. 

Maffin is in her first year at U of S after graduating from Centennial Collegiate last June.

Along with the pictures from Saskatoon AFFL, this photo roundup has images from baseball, football, softball and speed skating.

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.

Incoming

A hitter from the 222’s Fastpitch program drives a ball off a tee into the net during a training session on January 14 at the Indoor Training Centre. These pictures when taken from behind the net can surely make someone blink or jump backwards.

Take off

A trio of young Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club skaters take off down the front straightaway of the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval on January 14. The Lions were doing sprint work, and this was an image from a 50-metre race.

All about the skill

A pitcher from the JQFP Softball program unloads a throw during a training session in the pitching tunnels at the Indoor Training Centre on January 17. The hurlers were putting a lot of concentration into perfecting the mechanics of various pitches.

Going the distance

The skaters from the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club were out doing endurance work on the morning of January 17 at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. Some of the skaters did a total of 30 laps to strengthen the aerobic energy system.

Warmup flow

A young player lets go of a throw during a warmup for a Going Yard Baseball Academy training session on January 21 at the Indoor Training Centre. Going Yard is good at having their players built towards performing the skills of the game of baseball at full speed.

Lift off

A young batter drives a hit off a tee during a Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy training session on January 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. The players were working on driving the ball into the outfield during this drill.

Nice snag

A player from the Saskatoon Lasers softball program catches a fly ball that was taking a drop during an outfielding drill on January 28 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Lasers were putting a mix of players from their various age groups through drills that were set up in three stations.

Smarts on the base paths

A baserunner was staying locked in to what was happening at home plate during a simulated game at a Saskatoon Selects training session on January 28 at the Indoor Training Centre. The simulated game was part of the Selects continuing evaluations for this upcoming spring and summer season.

Freeze

A trio of players from the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team all come to a power stop during a conditioning workout on January 29 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Huskies football squad, who are the defending Canada West champions, have been a day one user of the Indoor Training Centre for off-season work.

Shuffle and run

Veteran defensive back Ethan Laing does a number of side shuffle steps before breaking into a short sprint during a University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team conditioning workout on January 29 at the Indoor Training Centre. These conditioning workouts have drills that help the Huskies get used to the various stops and starts in football.

Berries Academy love for Grey Cup

The Grey Cup paid a visit to a Saskatoon Berries Training Academy session on February 3 at the Indoor Training Centre. A couple of Berries players showed their appreciation for the CFL’s biggest prize that was won this past November by the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Grey Cup at home at the Complex

The Grey Cup looked right at home for a couple of days at the Indoor Training Centre. The CFL’s biggest prize that was won this past November by the Saskatchewan Roughriders is shown at a Saskatoon Berries Training Academy session on February 3. One day earlier, the Grey Cup appeared at the Indoor Training Centre on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds for an Institute of Saskatchewan Football session.

Jetting through traffic

Receiver Jackson Andrews, centre, from Mean Machine (Litzenberger) jets between a pair of defenders from Seaman Squad during Saskatoon Adult Flag Football League action on February 4 at the Indoor Training Centre. Offensive players aim to show great elusiveness in the flag game.

Escape artist

Quarterback Max Major of the 7th Floor Crew eludes a pass rusher from Touchdown There during Saskatoon Adult Flag Football League action on February 4 at the Indoor Training Centre. Major is best known for his exploits in softball suiting up for Softball Canada’s national program on a number of occasions. He can also make plays in the flag game like Patrick Mahomes in the NFL.

Winter beauty at Cairns

A winter look at Cairns Field from February 7. These photos are keepers for the archives. In partnership with the Saskatoon Berries and the Sask Entertainment Group, 352 new seats as part of new stadium seating sections will be installed starting early spring and will be ready for the Berries opening day on May 30.

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

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 24th 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 24th CJFL title.

Hilltops grads enjoy the Canadian Bowl

The Hilltops graduating players enjoy a moment with the Canadian Bowl after winning their 24th 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.