Sands meet takes centre stage in photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Aiden Gao blasts on to the straightaway at the Sands meet.

The Johns Sands Classic Long Track Meet has been one of the longtime winter traditions on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds that is always a highlight for the speed skating community.

In January of 2025, the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club wasn’t able to host any meets at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval due to the month mainly having temperatures colder than -25 C. It is against the regulations of both Speed Skating Canada and Speed Skating to Saskatchewan to hold outdoor competitions in temperatures which are that cold or colder.

This past January 3 and 4, the Lions hosted the Sands meet in pretty much ideal conditions where temperatures averaged around -14 C. A steady light snow that fell throughout the second day of the competition did offer a slight challenge with volunteers and staffers having to keep the track clear sweeping the snow away with brooms.

Keegan Beausoleil (#28) leads a group of skaters at the Sands meet.

Overall, the meet was a good time for all who were involved in it. For the Lions, it gave an ample opportunity for their younger aged skaters to show off the hard work they put into the sport along with hosting races for the older age groups as well.

The lead picture of our photo roundup sees Lions skater Aiden Gao jet out of the corners on the south end of the Oval on to the track’s main straightaway on January 4. Gao had a strong meet claiming a number of first place finishes.

The second shot shows Keegan Beausoleil leading a group of skaters down the Oval’s front straightaway during a 10-lap mass start race that wrapped up all the races for the event on January 4. Beausoleil won the mass start race and claimed few other first place finishes over the event’s two days. The third picture shows one of the medal presentations that occurred at the Oval after the Sands meet concluded on January 4.

A medal presentation is made at the conclusion of the Sands meet.

Along with the pictures from the Sands meet, this photo roundup reflects the winter season being in full gear on the Complex grounds. 

It includes pictures from baseball, cricket, football, skating, skiing, softball and ultimate disk. A lot of the shots come from the Indoor Training Centre.

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 17 shots we hope you enjoy.

Incoming heat

A young pitcher from the Going Yard Baseball Academy lets a pitch fly to home plate during a training session at the Indoor Training Centre on December 10, 2025. The instructors at Going Yard have a keen focus in helping players master their skills.

Big stretch

An outfielder from the 222’s Fastpitch program comes up with a catch after making a big stretch reach for the ball during a training session on December 10, 2025 at the Indoor Training Centre. The 222’s have called the Indoor Training Centre their home base since the facility opened on March 1, 2019.

Looking for an escape

An offensive player, right, looks to make a pass to get out of trouble during a pick-up game played by Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society members on December 15, 2025 at the Indoor Training Centre. While the Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society hosts a large number of regular season games at the Indoor Training Centre, teams will also take part in practice sessions at that facility too.

Going Deep

Huddle Buddies quarterback Jaxson Stanford fires a deep pass during a Saskatoon Adult Flag Football League contest against Blue Ballin on December 16, 2025 at the Indoor Training Centre. Blue Ballin edged the Huddle Buddies 43-39 in this encounter.

Let it fly

A young bowler fires a toss during game action at the Indoor Cricket Tournament hosted by Cricket Saskatoon for youth aged players on December 20, 2025 at the Indoor Training Centre. Cricket Saskatoon hosts this event annually as a way to give youngsters winter game action in cricket.

Lift off

A young batter drives a hit during game action at the Indoor Cricket Tournament hosted by Cricket Saskatoon for youth aged players on December 20, 2025 at the Indoor Training Centre. The youngsters that took part in this event came away having a great experience with the sport of cricket.

Coming together

Understanding it takes a community to make everything go, Cricket Saskatoon had everyone gather for a big group photo following its Indoor Cricket Tournament for youth aged players on December 20, 2025 at the Indoor Training Centre. The photo included players, parents, coaches and volunteer staffers.

Power shot

A hitter from the JQFP Softball program drives a ball hard into a net during a training session on December 30, 2025 at the Indoor Training Centre. The players from the JQFP Softball program took part in skill building drills of all sorts on this day.

Fun out on the ice

A group of skaters enjoy taking part in a public skating session on December 30, 2025 at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. The public skating sessions are open to skaters of all skill levels, and all sorts of fun action takes place at the Oval at these times.

Helping hand at the Oval

A really young skater gets a helping hand during a public skating session on December 30, 2025 at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. Public skating sessions at the Oval allow for some fun bonding time between family and friends.

Special Delivery

A pitcher from the Saskatoon Selects program sets to deliver a pitch during a modified game action on January 2, 2026 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Selects coaches were using this session to evaluate players for the upcoming spring and summer season.

Here comes the pack

A large group of skaters jets down the front straightaway on January 3, 2026 at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval during action at the John Sands Classic Long Track Meet. The seven-lap race for Youth 1 skaters saw those that participated have fun and make some good memories.

Spectators come in numbers for Sands meet

A healthy gathering of spectators and supporters packed into the second-floor observation deck at the K+S Potash Canada Multi-Sports Centre on January 3, 2026 to watch the John Sands Classic Long Track Meet hosted by the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club. The observation deck provides a comfortable viewing area.

Necessary sweep

A staffer sweeps the surface of the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval during a break in the action at the John Sands Classic Long Track Meet on January 4, 2026. Thanks to a light snowfall that fell for most of that day, the facility’s Zamboni was neutralized causing more traditional methods for ice clearing to be utilized.

Ready, set, go

A group of youth skaters take off at the start of a race during action at the John Sands Classic Long Track Meet on January 4, 2026 at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. The Sands often provides the lone time the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club can host a long track event during the skating season.

Learning the downhill ropes

A young skier from the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club practices going around an obstacle during an instructional session on January 4, 2026 on the ski trails that run over the Glenn Reeve Fields. The local ski club provides numerous instructional sessions for young and junior aged skiers at the Glenn Reeve Fields.

Out for some fun

A skier enjoys some time on the trails that run across the Glenn Reeve Fields on January 4, 2026. The fun days on the ski trials provide some of the best days on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds during the winter months.

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.

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.