Family ties cement Blackburn in football

Receiver playing out final high school season with Bears

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Ben Blackburn is one of Saskatoon high school football’s best players.

Football is all in the family for Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears star receiver Ben Blackburn.

His father David was a receiver for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team from 1989 to 1994, which included being a member of their 1990 Vanier Cup winner as U Sports champions. Ben’s older brother Brady is currently a receiver for the Harvard University Crimson.

Ben’s oldest sibling in sister Lucie is a flag football player and was a member of the U of Saskatchewan Huskies Women’s Track and Field Team. Ben’s mother Lariene is also an alumna of the U of Saskatchewan Huskies Women’s Track and Field Team.

Looking at his family tree, it comes as no surprise that Ben is the sure-handed Grade 12 pass catcher with the Bears and arguably one of Saskatoon’s best high school players at the moment. When asked who might be the best football player in the family, Ben quickly sided with the women.

“I want to say me, but Lucie is pretty good at football,” said Ben, who can make magic returning kicks as well. “I bet if my Mom tried to play football, she’d be pretty good too.

“It is probably one of the girls, honestly. It is probably one of the girls.”

While football runs deep in his family, it wasn’t the sport Ben played seriously at first. Once Brady began playing football, Ben wasn’t too far behind.

“We were all the hockey family,” said Ben, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 170 pounds. “Brady started playing football, and I was like, yeah, I want to play football too.

“I’ve played football since Grade 7 and just fell in love with it ever since.”

Ben said one of the things he liked most about football was there was always an opportunity to become an even better player than you are in the present day. He also loves the relationships he has built with his teammates over the years, especially the players on the Bears.

“The team, the guys are so great,” said Ben, who will turn 18-years-old on November 9. “We had a great team this year and all years past.

“It is just so fun to be around.”

One of Ben’s biggest early highlights playing for the Bears came when he got to be part of the senior team as a Grade 9 student in 2023. That was the one high school season Ben got to play alongside Brady, who was in his Grade 12 campaign that year for the Bears. The pair made lots of great plays on the Saskatoon Minor Football Field turf located at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex.

Ben Blackburn (#4) listens to instructions on the sidelines.

“It was super fun honestly,” said Ben, who along with Brady helped the Bears win a 5A city title in 2023. “All his guys really made me feel at home.

“I was just a youngin. It was just great energy. It was a battle every practice.

“And just having him on the team, it really helped me just like with my confidence and him just showing me the way.”

Now suiting up as a Grade 12 senior, Ben’s ties to the Bears have become deep.

“It has been amazing,” said Ben. “It is just a family at this point.

“The coaches, it is not like they’re freaking 60 and just kind of bossing us around. It is really super cohesive and lots of energy. They focus us.

“They want us to get better every practice and just push us to be the best we can.”

Bears head coach Will Redl has been a long-time teacher at Aden Bowman, and one of his blessings has been working with Ben and his family members over the years.

“Well, Ben is like the third Blackburn I’ve had the opportunity to teach and coach,” said Redl. “I had his sister and his brother and him being the youngest of all.

“He is just another Blackburn to me. He is really driven. He has a desire to be the best at whatever he does, and I think he has obviously proved it.”

Redl said Ben does lots of things well when it comes to the sport of football.

“I think as an individual, obviously, his speed,” said Redl. “He works a lot at it.

“To be as fast as he is doesn’t just happen. His desire to catch every ball and to work like that. Albeit, he is a smaller player, but he plays bigger than his size.

“I think as a teammate though that is what stands out even more is that he is not secluding himself from his teammates or trying to distance himself. He wants to be a part of things, and he leads in that way too.”

Away from the game, Redl said Ben and his family are outstanding.

“All the Blackburn kids are great kids,” said Redl. “They’re wired the right way.

“They understand sport and that it is not always going to go their way. They have to still be good people off the field or court. I think it comes a lot as a family and Ben (Blackburn) just does that every day.”

Ben Blackburn (#55) is part of Aden Bowman’s track and field program.

Along with playing for the Bears football team, Ben has been a member of Aden Bowman’s track and field program throughout his high school days along with playing basketball in Grades 9 and 10. While track and field is also in his family’s background, Ben said being part of the track and field program has helped him in football.

“I think it is really beneficial,” said Blackburn. “I think I can see my speed translating onto the football field.

“It is just another thing to push myself and just try to win. You’ve got some buddies on the track team, and it is just a great time. I know in the past my long speed wasn’t great, but then track really helped.

“I just kind of put it all together and still hope I can get faster.”

As the 2026 high school football season enters its final weeks, Ben said it doesn’t seem real that his time with the Bears is nearing an end.

“It is crazy,” said Blackburn. “It seems like yesterday it was that Grade 9 team.

“It is sad in a way, but it gets to this time. We’ve just got to go as far as we can.”

He is pumped his family has been with him for his whole journey in the sport and naturally credits them as being his biggest influences in helping him along the way.

“My brother, his work ethic is like no one else,” said Ben. “He has really instilled that in me.

“Just the support I get from my parents and my sister, it just really pushes me. I think it just makes me a better person overall.”

As for playing football beyond high school, Ben said at the moment he prefers to soak in everything living in the present.

“We’re just going to ride out this season,” said Blackburn. “We’re waiting on a few things.

“Hopefully, I’ll be playing football somewhere next season.”

Redl believes Ben will get his chances to continue the sport after high school and will be in the game for a longer term of time.

Ben Blackburn (#4) wants make a few more end zone visits this season.

“He has some opportunities coming next year that will lead into things a lot more down the road,” said Redl. “I think Brady’s experience down in the States has aided him (Ben) with how well Brady has done.

“I think he (Ben) will reap some of the benefits of that.”

To see the 2026 schedule for high school football, check out the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletics Directorate site at sssad.net/schedule/.

WCBL All-Star Weekend takes photo roundup centre stage spotlight

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The East All-Star Team celebrates a Carter Roth home run.

A WCBL first took place at Cairns Field, which was a big highlight on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds.

On July 18 and 19, the circuit hosted its first ever WCBL All-Star Weekend. In past years, the WCBL hosted an All-Star Game with a Home Run Derby on the same day. When the Saskatoon Berries were named as hosts for this year’s All-Star Game, they elected to extend the festivities to a two-day event to create the WCBL All-Star Weekend.

For Saturday, July 18, a Bunt Competition and a Home Run Derby for WCBL players was held along with a Junior Home Run Derby featuring minor baseball players from Saskatoon and area. 

The day’s fun concluded with a concert put on by country singer Jordyn Pollard. The All-Star Game itself followed on Sunday, July 19.

Lucas Holowachuk competes in the Junior Home Run Derby.

Our lead picture for this photo roundup comes from the All-Star Game on July 19. It shows a trio of players from the East All-Star Team celebrating a two-run home run from Medicine Hat Mavericks infielder Carter Roth, who is wearing number one. Roth was 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBI in pacing the East All-Star Team to a 9-2 victory over the West All-Star team.

The second shot comes from the first day of the WCBL All-Star Weekend on July 18. It shows Lucas Holowachuk watching one of his hits go yard during the Junior Home Run Derby. Holowachuk, who plays for the Saskatoon Sturgeon 13U AAA squad, won the Junior Home Run Derby with eight homers.

The third photo came from a between innings break during the All-Star Game on July 19. 

The ZOOperstars! were a hit with fans at Cairns Field.

It shows Nomar Garciaparrot, left, and Harry Canary taking part in a performance by the ZOOperstars! touring inflatable act.

Along with the pictures from the WCBL All-Star Weekend, this photo roundup is loaded with images from the continuing summer season that season baseball and softball hitting post-season play. 

The photo roundup is loaded with pictures from the Complex’s original staple sports in 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 24 shots we hope you enjoy.

Homebound

A base runner for the Watrous Royals U13B Teams heads for home during a game at Joe Gallagher Field on July 12 that was part of Softball Saskatchewan’s U13B and U15B Girls North Provincial Championship Tournaments. Royals ultimately won the U13B title, while the Maidstone Lakers claimed the U15B crown.

Beck returns to “Berry Patch”

Saskatoon Berries alumnus Carter Beck returned to Cairns Field to see his old WCBL team play on July 15. Before the game, Beck threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Beck officially became a Berries alum when he was selected in the first round and 26^th overall by the Atlanta Braves on July 11 in the MLB Draft. On August 4, Beck officially signed his MLB contract with the Braves.

Corralling a high one

A Saskatoon Cubs catcher Jake Hofmann prevents a high pitch from going to the backstop during a doubleheader against the Swift Current Argue Law 57’s in 18U AAA Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League action on July 14 at Leakos Field. The Cubs took both contests by identical 8-7 scores.

Picture perfect bunt

Saskatoon Berries second baseman Gael Salinas executes a bunt perfectly during the Bunt Competition on the first day of the WCBL All-Star Weekend on July 18 at Cairns Field. Salinas, who is a fan favourite, would claim victory in the event.

Frozen rope is out of here

Energy City Cactus Rats hitter David Simmons drives a line shot out of the park during the Home Run Derby on the first day of the WCBL All-Star Weekend on July 18 at Cairns Field. Simmons prevailed as the winner of this event. The Cactus Rats are located in Spruce Grove, Alta.

Showtime for Pollard

Country singer title Jordyn Pollard concludes the first day of the WCBL All-Star Weekend on July 18 at Cairns Field putting on a concert. Pollard, who is from the Saskatchewan side of Lloydminster, ensured the fans went home in an upbeat mood.

Memories that live forever

The Traveling Mobile Exhibit for the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame is at the WCBL All-Star Weekend at Cairns Field. This photo taken from inside the traveling exhibit on July 18 shows pictures of some of Hall of Fame inductees including Saskatoon product Catriona Le May Doan.

Focus at the plate

Saskatoon Berries right-fielder Ethan Murdoch sets for an incoming pitch during action at the WCBL All-Star Game on July 19 at Cairns Field. Murdoch would finish the 2026 regular season leading the Berries with 14 home runs.

Giraffey Jr. on the loose

Ken Giraffey Jr. from the ZOOperstars! touring inflatable act gives a youngster a ride in a stroller during the WCBL All-Star Game on July 19 at Cairns Field. The ZOOperstars! brought out a tonne of laughs with their antics from those in attendance.

Super Sunday for Merchants

The Saskatoon Merchants pose for the customary team picture after winning the Softball Saskatchewan Men’s A Provincial Championship Tournament at Bob Van Impe Stadium on July 19. That day turned into a magical Sunday for the Merchants. First, they blanked the Earl Grey Rockets 4-0 in a semifinal earlier in the day. In the gold medal final, the Merchants scored three runs in the top of the eighth to down the Saskatoon Jacks 5-2 to capture the provincial title.

Pitching debut for Colborn

Best known for working behind the plate, catcher Braeden Colborn made his pitching debut at the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League 18U AAA level with the Saskatoon Giants on July 20 at Cairns Field. Playing his final career regular season game with the Giants, Colborn threw one inning in relief picking up a strikeout and inducing a double-play ball. With that effort, Colborn ensured he would give up no runs and have a 0.00 ERA for his SPBL 18U AAA career in regular season play. Colborn, who trains with the Going Yard Baseball Academy, will join the Williston State College Tetons Baseball Team in the fall in Williston, North Dakota.

Senior Eclipse capture Women’s Open title

The Saskatoon Senior Eclipse pose for the customary team photo after winning the Softball Saskatchewan Women’s Open Provincial Championship tournament on July 26 at Joe Gallagher Field. The Eclipse downed the Ceylon Devils in 15-2 in the championship game and posted a 5-0 record at the tourney.

Hitting the brakes

An Esterhazy Cyclones base runner makes a power stop after rounding third base during the title game of Baseball Saskatchewan’s 18U AA Tier 4 Provincial Championship Tournament on July 26 at Cairns Field. In a contest that was a slugfest, the Cyclones prevailed over the Tisdale Rangers 15-11.

Incoming

Saskatoon Berries pitcher Zachary Landreville unloads a toss during a WCBL regular season contest on July 28 at Cairns Field. Landreville struck out six batters and exited the contest after five innings with his squad holding a 5-3 lead against the visiting Medicine Hat Mavericks. The Mavericks prevailed 9-7 after 10 innings.

Slick side step

BGees receiver Marci Halseth slips past a Blitz defender to score a touchdown during a Saskatoon Touch Football League regular season contest on July 28 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Blitz ultimately prevailed in this contest 26-17.

Rolling out of pressure

Blitz quarterback Nicole Braun rolls away from pressure during a Saskatoon Touch Football League regular season contest on July 28 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Braun threw three touchdown passes and ran for another major in a 26-17 win over the BGees.

Grand entrance

A flag bearer and a piper lead a parade of athletes, coaches, umpires and officials on to Cairns Field during the opening ceremonies for Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on July 30. The ceremonies created a lifelong memory for all who took part in them.

Tracking the ball in

Team Saskatchewan catcher Andie Marshall follows the ball into her glove during a preliminary round game against Newfoundland at Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on August 1 at Cairns Field. Saskatchewan would claim an 11-2 victory in that encounter.

The celebration is on for Quebec

Players from Team Quebec celebrate winning Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on August 2 at Cairns Field after receiving the championship banner. Quebec completed the tournament having outscored their foes 76-18 going undefeated in six games.

Bronze for Saskatchewan

Team Saskatchewan poses for a team photo after receiving their bronze medals at Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on August 2 at Cairns Field. Saskatchewan finished the tourney with a 4-1 overall record.

Silver for Ontario

Team Ontario poses for a team photo after receiving their silver medals at Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on August 2 at Cairns Field. Ontario finished the tourney with a 3-3 overall record, and all three of Ontario’s losses came against tournament champion Team Quebec.

Gold for Quebec

Team Quebec poses for a team photo after winning gold at Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on August 2 at Cairns Field. Quebec finished the tourney posting a 6-0 overall record.

Off to the races

Receiver Ricki Obed returns a punt for Team Saskatchewan during a semifinal of Football Canada’s Canadian Women’s Tackle National Championship against Team Atlantic on August 5 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Team Saskatchewan would win this game 56-0 and would later win the championship final over Team Quebec 24-3 on August 8 at SMF Field.

Textbook block to open a seam

All-time great linebacker Emmarae Dale makes key block to create a lane for a Team Saskatchewan punt returner Ricki Obed (not in the photo) to run through during a semifinal of Football Canada’s Canadian Women’s Tackle National Championship against Team Atlantic on August 5 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Team Saskatchewan would win this game 56-0 and would later win the championship final over Team Quebec 24-3 on August 8 at SMF Field. Dale was named the defensive player of the tournament and returned two interceptions for touchdowns from 70 and 114 yards out in the championship game win.

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.

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 7^th 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.