Photo roundup centre stage taken by Canada Games tryout session

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

A pitcher gets in the wind up for a pitch at a Canada Game tryout.

The field turf field at the Indoor Training Centre can be used for game or simulated game situations for both younger and older age groups.

The field that measures 90 yards by 50 yards has hosted game action for younger age groups in various sports. 

Most notably just months after opening in 2019, the Saskatoon Minor Softball League held its under-12 and under-14 city championships there when heavy rainy weather conditions made outdoor diamonds unplayable. 

Teams were able to take part in games using complete diamonds set to the dimensions for their respective age groups.

Older age groups are able to hold simulated games and scrimmages there too in order to get training and evaluations done.

A hitter drives a ball into the outfield at a Canada Game tryout.

On April 27, Softball Saskatchewan used the Indoor Training Centre to hold scrimmage game situations for the final tryout session for its Canada Summer Games Men’s Team in the U20 age group.

The diamond was positioned in a way to allow for a full infield and only parts of right field and left field were cut off.

Our lead picture for this photo roundup shows a pitcher in a wind up unloading a pitch to home plate. The second picture of this photo roundup shows a hitter smoking a hit into the outfield. The third picture shows a runner heading towards third base while paying attention to what is happening in the infield.

A runner runs the base path while being alert at a Canada Games tryout.

Along with the pictures from the final tryout session for Softball Saskatchewan men’s team that will play in the Canada Games, this photo roundup includes other scenes from baseball, cricket, football, softball and track and field. 

The images come from various facilities including the Indoor Training Centre, Cairns Field, Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Glenn Reeve Fields and the Track and Field Track.

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.

Valkyries back in action

The Saskatoon Valkyries, who have won the last four straight WWCFL titles, do a post-practice cheer on April 15 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Valkyries begin their regular season schedule on Saturday, May 10 when they host their provincial rivals the Regina Riot at 7 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Saskatoon will also host the Manitoba Fearless on Sunday, June 8 at 1 p.m. at SMF Field.

Smart shot

A member of the Sixers cricket team drives a low throw into what would be an open part of the field during a practice session in a pitching lane on April 19 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Sixers and the rest of the Saskatoon and area cricket teams are enjoying the start to the outdoor season.

Passing on pointers

A coach from the Saskatoon Royals female baseball program, left, demonstrates a stance and other aspects of hitting to a young player on April 20 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Royals have been holding training sessions on Sundays during the off-season for a number of years at the Complex.

Playground battle

A running back tries to escape the grasp of a tackler during a session at the Playground To Pros camp run by Saskatoon Minor Football on April 22 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Easter time camp helps develop skills and fundamentals at the grassroots level.

Coach Mace is in the house

The second day of the Playground To Pros camp held by Saskatoon Minor Football at our Indoor Training Centre on April 23 finished with a sweet bonus for the players. Corey Mace, who is the Saskatchewan Roughriders Head coach and Defensive Coordinator, stopped in to give words of encouragement to the athletes.

Thank you photo for coaches

Following the third and final day of Saskatoon Minor Football’s Playground To Pros Camp at the Indoor Training Centre on April 24, the coaches posed for a group photo. A lot of familiar faces from the local football community helped out with this camp. The photo gives a thank you to the field bosses for offering their time to work this camp.

Big turnout for Playground To Pros

Everyone who was involved with the Playground To Pros camp held by Saskatoon Minor Football at the Indoor Training Centre posed for a group picture after the event’s final session on April 24. Memories were made that will last a lifetime.

Sweet hands

A receiver makes a big catch in traffic during Rush High School Female Flag Football League action on April 28 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Rush league has been a big vehicle for getting and keeping female players in the sport of football.

Running to find daylight

A receiver bolts downfield after making a catch during an evaluation session on May 1 at Saskatoon Minor Football field for the North Sask Academy program run by Saskatoon Minor Football. Following these evaluation sessions, Saskatoon Minor Football places players on six different teams via a draft for a schedule of spring season contests.

Track and Field Track returns to action

Kira Comfort, who is a member of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Women’s Track and Field Team, slings a javelin down the infield of the Track and Field Track during a training session on May 1. That was the first day the Track and Field Track was open for the 2025 season.

Here comes the heat

A Saskatoon Selects pitcher fires a pitch to home plate during game action on May 2 at Glenn Reeve Field #4 on May 2. Excitement was in the air as softball teams got outside for game action at the beginning stages of their respective 2025 campaigns.

Tracking the ball in

A Saskatoon Hustlers player follows the ball into her glove for an out during game action on May 2 at Glenn Reeve Field #7. After putting in time to get stronger and faster during workouts and practicing to sharpen up skills in the off-season, players enjoy getting to show off the results of the work they put in when the 2025 spring and summer season begins.

Pressure throw

A quarterback in the Rush High School Female Flag Football League fires a pass downfield under pressure on May 6 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The quality of play in the Rush league keeps getting better year after year.

Special Delivery

A Saskatoon Giants pitcher delivers a throw to home during under-18 AAA contest in the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League on May 7 at Cairns Field. The Giants went on a magical run last season to win the provincial title.

Happy early Mother’s Day

A happy early Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. We hope you enjoy the above poem.

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.

Valkyries Winter Camp hits high gear in photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Kennedy Mann, right, uses proper form to make a tackle.

For one day, the Saskatoon Valkyries of the present and potentially the future came together.

The storied Western Women’s Canadian Football League team hosted its annual winter camp on January 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. The camp was for any female player who were at least 16-years-old and no former football experience was required.

A large number of Valkyries veterans take part in this camp along with a sizable amount of high school players and players who graduated from high school the previous June. Those who graduated the previous June could potentially join the Valkyries for the upcoming 2025 campaign, while those still in high school gained a valuable introduction to the squad with the hopes of becoming part of the team in the future.

Julia Smith throws a pass for the Valkyries.

Ultimately, over 70 athletes from across the province took part in this camp.

Our lead picture in this photo roundup sees linebacker Kennedy Mann, right, showing off her wrap up form during a tackling drill.

Mann has been a member of the Valkyries last three straight WWCFL championship teams.

The second photo shows young quarterback Julia Smith working on her technique as she throws the ball to a teammate. Smith was in her first season with the team in 2024.

Receiver Jada Duchene is shown in the third photo making a catch after running a pattern. Duchene is looking to play in her first season with the team.

Jada Duchene makes a catch for the Valkyries.

Along with the pictures from the Saskatoon Valkyries Winter Camp, this photo roundup includes other scenes from the Indoor Training Centre and images from the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. Baseball, rugby and softball teams are hitting stride preparing for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. Ultimate disc continues with regular season play and the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club prepare for various meets.

The pictures in this photo roundup capture some of the memories that are made on our grounds. In this photo roundup, almost 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.

Contact

A player from the Saskatoon Royals female baseball program nails a grounder during a practice session on January 12 at the Indoor Training Centre. The hitter was taking part in one of four skill building stations the Royals had set up on this day.

Finesse throw

Emma Frisky, who has played for Softball Canada’s Under-18 Women’s National Team, unloads an off-speed pitch to the plate during an individual session in the pitching lanes on January 12. Frisky enjoys putting in extra work at her craft, which makes her one of the country’s top players in her age group.

Slick toss

A player makes a smart toss up the field past a defender during Saskatoon Ultimate Sport-Disc Society action on January 17 at the Indoor Training Centre. The ultimate disc athletes enjoying taking part in competitive action in a very upbeat atmosphere.

They’re off

A group of young skaters from the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club jet down the back straightaway at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval on January 22. The young skaters of the Lions love it when they get to jet down the track.

Push race fun

The “push race” has become the team and family building activity for the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club. The “push race” involved all members of the club with skaters separated at different intervals along a straightaway. After the first skaters start, they get up to and push the next skater and then the next skater until you are pushing a line of skaters. These races result in all sorts of smiles and laughs even if one line of skaters wipes out. It is a fun part of Lions practices like this one on January 22 at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval.

Coach chatter

Head coach Pat Barry address his Saskatoon Valkyries before the morning practice session of their winter camp on January 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. Barry will put the Valkyries players into an upbeat spirit heading into drills for that session.

Group shuffle

Saskatoon Valkyries go through a slide shuffle drill during warmups at their winter camp on January 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Valkyries go through a number of warmup routines before heading on to the main part of a training session.

All about technique

An offensive line group goes through blocking technique repetitions during the Saskatoon Valkyries Winter Camp on January 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Valkyries coaches know that hand technique skills play a big part in getting the job done on the offensive line.

Here comes the “boom”

A couple of members of the Saskatoon Badgers Rugby Club take part in a contact drill during a practice on January 30 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Badgers practice focused on executing the contact aspects of the sports safely and correctly.

Little things matter

Saskatoon Giants head coach Trent Marien, centre, talks to his players following a practice on January 30 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Giants just finished off a session with a big focus working on pitcher pick off moves, and Marien was talking about how little things like getting outs off pick offs will add up in a game.

Locked down on first

A first baseman tracks a ball into his glove during a Going Yard Baseball Academy training session on February 4 at the Indoor Training Centre. This out was recorded during a session that focused on infield defence and base running.

Picture perfect skating night

The skaters from the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club went through their repetitions under a scenic sky on February 4 at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. This was a time nature presented a special gift.

Making it look easy

An infielder plays a ground ball in textbook fashion during a Saskatoon Phantoms Under-11 squad practice on February 4 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Phantoms coaches were also doing evaluations to make plans for the rest of the off-season and the upcoming spring and summer campaign.

Setting for a throw

An infielder sets his feet to make a throw to first base during a simulated game session put on by the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy on February 7 at the Indoor Training Centre. The simulated contest made players adjust to the unplanned variables that come up in game situations.

Final preps

Pitcher Garrett Hawkins goes through the mechanics of delivering a pitch on February 7 at the Indoor Training Centre. Hawkins will depart soon for Spring Training with the MLB’s San Diego Padres. He is on the comeback trail after missing all of the 2024 campaign having Tommy John surgery part way through 2023. We wish Hawkins the best of luck on his journey. He was outstanding with helping the young pitchers at the Complex with the Going Yard Baseball Academy.