Saskatoon Hilltops

Saskatoon Hilltops
Established 1947 (1947)
Based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Home stadium Saskatoon Minor Football Field
Head coach Tom Sargeant
General manager Lane Bannerman
League Canadian Junior Football League
Division Prairie Football Conference
Colours royal blue, gold
League titles 20 (1953, 1958, 1959, 1968, 1969, 1978, 1985, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017)
Website Official website

The Saskatoon Hilltops are a junior Canadian football team based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The Hilltops play in the six-team Prairie Football Conference, which is part of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) and competes annually for the national title known as the Canadian Bowl. The team was founded in 1921 as a senior team in the Saskatchewan Rugby Football Union, in which it played until 1936. The team reorganized in 1947. Beginning in 1953, the Hilltops have won 20 Canadian Bowl championships, the most of any Canadian junior football team in history. The Saskatoon Hilltops is the only CJFL team to win four consecutive Canadian Bowls 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Saskatoon Minor Football Field at Gordie Howe Sports Complex is the home field for the Saskatoon Hilltops. [1] In 2011, Saskatoon's city council decided that plans for Gordie Howe Bowl were not feasible and plans to upgrade the facility were put on hold.[2] On September 6, 2014, the first Hilltop game was played on the newly installed artificial turf against the Regina Thunder football team. With funding by Friends of the Bowl Foundation, community donors and the City of Saskatoon, new scoreboard, lights and sound system were also new additions. The new clubhouse and ticket office were ready for use for the 2016 season. Also the grounds were upgraded along with a wall of fame which include all the major donors to the complex. A multi million dollar expansion started in 2017 for the Gordie Howe Sports Complex. 2500 seats donated by the Saskatchewan Roughriders from the old Mosaic stadium were installed on the east side ready for the regular season. Further to the seating, another 2500 seats from the old Mosaic stadium was installed on the west side along with nine corporate boxes including a press box and general common room for guests all ready for the 2018 season. In the spring of 2018 excavation started on the grounds for building an Olympic size track and field and skating oval. A 90,000 square foot facility was being built for indoor baseball practices along with a weight room and upper level meeting rooms. New baseball ticket office and rooms with upgrades to the ball diamonds. New Nordic skiing track. Another artificial football field. Five paved parking lots. Slated plan for all of these to be completed is sometime in 2019. [3][4]

Pass Reception Saskatoon Hilltops, October 10, 2008 playoff game vs Winnipeg Rifles in the Prairie Football Conference

Executive committee

Going for Touchdown October 10, 2008 playoff game
Cheerleaders
PositionHolder
PresidentTerry Postey
President ElectChris Hengen-Braun
Past PresidentEric Nimilowich
Vice PresidentRod Janzen
Team ManagerLane Bannerman
TreasurerGreg Peacock
SecretaryCliff Powlowski
Operational DirectorJeff Shyluk
Operational DirectorJanice Kozun
Operational DirectorJerry Rice
Operational DirectorWalt Smith
Media CoordinatorChris Hengen-Braun
New Clubhouse CoordinatorAl Gibb
Sponsorship/Program CoordinatorGerald Dewald
Golf Tournament CoordinatorSpero Kokonas
Alumni Game CoordinatorGabe Mackesey
Roughrider Luncheon CoordinatorWalt Smith
50/50 CoordinatorCraig Cupid
Gate PersonalCraig Allan/Ron Krieger/Don Lavallee
Head CoachTom Sargeant

Coaching staff

Kilburn Park in Buena Vista is the practice field of the Saskatoon Hilltops
PositionHolder
Head Coach/Offensive CoordinatorTom Sargeant
QuarterbacksShane Reider
Running BacksAndre Lalonde
Defensive BacksBrent Turkington
Offensive LineDonnie Davidsen
Defensive LineDave Fisher
Defensive Coordinator/LinebackersJeff Yausie
ReceiversBarclay Schlosser

2014 Season

The Hilltops entered the playoffs with 6 wins and 2 losses which resulted in a first place standing. On October 19, 2014 the play off game against the Winnipeg Rifles was finalized with a 43 to 13 score in favour of the Hilltops.

Final Score on the new scoreboard at the playoff game between the Winnipeg Rifles and Saskatoon Hilltops on October 19, 2014 at the Saskatoon Minor Football Field

. The Hilltops proceeded to the Prairie Football Conference PFC finals on Sunday October 26, 2014, defeating the Calgary Colts 27 - 7 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. On Nov 8, 2014 the Hilltops completed their successful playoff run with a victory over the Langley Rams at MacLeod Stadium with a final score of 39 - 14. This was the first of four consecutive Canadian Bowls.

2017 Season

The Hilltops entered this season having completed their third "threepeat", the first being three consecutive Canadian Bowl Championships in 2001, 2002 and 2003; the second 2010, 2011 and 2012, and the most recent 2014, 2015 and 2016. Everyone in the Hilltop family was determined to complete a "fourpeat", a feat that only the Regina Rams (1993, 1994 and 1995), the Edmonton Huskies (1962, 1963 and 1964) and the Montreal AAAs (1925, 1926 and 1927) also had a chance at achieving. The only lapse in victories during the 2017 season was a mid-season final minute loss to the Regina Thunder (29-26). The final regular season win over the undefeated Edmonton Huskies earned the Hilltops a matching 7-1 record, but the head to head victory gave the Hilltops first place in the PFC and home field advantage for three consecutive playoff games. The Hilltops increased consistency in play during their playoff run with solid victories against the Winnipeg Rifles and the Regina Thunder and a convincing 48-0 win over the Vancouver Island Raiders. The stage was set for their attempt to win a fourth consecutive Championship at the home field of the Windsor AKO Fratmen, the oldest CJFL team in continuous operation since 1929 to be played on Remembrance Day Nov 11th, 2017. The Hilltops were victorious thus completing the "fourpeat" on their third attempt.

Canadian Championships

Hilltops championship mini van

The Hilltops have won 20 of the 23 Canadian Championships they have played in, the most recent being the 2017 Canadian Bowl versus the Windsor AKO Fratmen at Windsor, Ontario.[5] Winning by rising to meet challenges is the Hilltop Way according to Tom Sargeant aka "Sarge" whose booming voice, getting excited and demanding perfection has been a hallmark for two decades and a virtual repetition of last season. “I’m pretty sure the odds are in my favour". The Saskatoon Hilltops were vying for their third straight Canadian Championship against the Westshore Rebels. "They know how to win football games. I am proud to support them, and proud they are representing Saskatchewan". said Kevin Doherty, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Parks, Culture, and Sport of a friendly wager made between himself, and Bill Bennett, British Columbia’s Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. It was Bennett who donned a Saskatoon Hilltop jersey for a day.[6] [7] [8] [9]

Canadian Bowl Championship Games

YearChampionFinalists
2017Saskatoon Hilltops 56Windsor AKO Fratmen 11
2016Saskatoon Hilltops 37Westshore Rebels 25
2015Saskatoon Hilltops 38Okanagan Sun 24
2014Saskatoon Hilltops 39Langley Rams 14
2012Saskatoon Hilltops 23Langley Rams 21
2011Saskatoon Hilltops 29Hamilton Hurricanes 1
2010Saskatoon Hilltops 34Vancouver Island Raiders 23
2007Saskatoon Hilltops 26St. Leonard Cougars 3
2003Saskatoon Hilltops 59Victoria Rebels 0
2002Saskatoon Hilltops 20St. Leonard Cougars 18
2001Saskatoon Hilltops 45Okanagan Sun 11
2000Okanagan Sun 36Saskatoon Hilltops 28
1996Saskatoon Hilltops 38Windsor AKO Fratmen 7
1991Saskatoon Hilltops 48Ottawa Sooners 7

Armadale Cup Championship Games

Gordie Howe Bowl is the home of the Saskatoon Hilltops
YearChampionFinalist
1985Saskatoon Hilltops 29Ottawa Sooners 11
1978Saskatoon Hilltops 24Ottawa Sooners 4

Leader-Post Championship Games

Touchdown October 10, 2008 playoff game
YearChampionFinalist
1969Saskatoon Hilltops 28Ottawa Sooners 7
1968Saskatoon Hilltops 27Ottawa Sooners 19
1960Montreal Rose Bombers 22Saskatoon Hilltops 20
1959Saskatoon Hilltops 46Toronto NK Knights 7
1958Saskatoon Hilltops 18Notre-Dame-de-Grace Maple Leafs 14
1953Saskatoon Hilltops 34Windsor AKO Fratmen 6
1948Hamilton Wildcats 14Saskatoon Hilltops 10
August 12, 2012 Amazing play by Saskatoon Hilltop quarterback number 8 Matt Karpinka. A lateral throw to the wide receiver number 5 Jared Andreychuk who threw it downfield for a catch by number 28 Kyle McGinnis and run!!! [10]
Touchdown Hilltops Sept 19 game Hilltops 43 Winnipeg Rifles 9 [11]
Hilltops capture Shrine Bowl 66-26, a two-game aggregate score between the Saskatchewan teams. The Hilltops beat the Thunder 24-9 on Sept. 8 and 42-17 on Sept. 22, 2012 [12][13]
August 12, 2012 Amazing play... catch by number 28 Kyle McGinnis and run!!! [14]
August 12, 2012 1:00 pm Andre Lalonde number 20 is seen here coming in with a touchdown at 2:29 p.m.
August 12, 2012 Calgary Colts v.s.Saskatoon Hilltops Hilltops Touchdown is shown here followed by an Hilltop attempt at a two-point convert to tie the game
September 8, 2012 Tackle by Regina Thunder Defensive Back #38 Landon Walter [15]
September 8, 2012 An amazing reception by Chad Braun, Receiver, #11. A 16-yard catch [16]
September 22 touchdown places score at Thunder 10 - 40 Hilltops; 5:24 left in 4th Quarter; convert good score 10-41. Game ends Thunder 17 - 42 Hilltops[17] [18]
Sunday October 14, 2012 1:00 p.m. Junior Football game in the Prairie Football Conference (PFC). Canadian Junior Football League teams included Edmonton and Saskatoon. The game concluded at Hilltops 42-11 Wildcats.[19] [20]
Wildcat QB Taylor Yaremchuck brought down by Hilltops Donovan Dale [21] [22] [23]
Graham Unruh makes a spectacular reception in the second quarter of the PFC Semi Final game
Hilltops are champions with their 15th PFC championship trophy Oct 21, 2012 at the Regina Thunder - Hilltop game[24]
Chris Friesen interception in the ending moments of the fourth quarter Oct 21, 2012
40 yard run by Andre Lalonde Hilltop 20 Oct 21 2012[25] [26] [27] [28]
Three PFC awards. Hilltop pass catcher Kyle McGinnis earned Outstanding Receiver. Donovan Dale received. The Outstanding Defensive Lineman Award, went to 5th-year linebacker Ben Cressman (pictured here).[29] [30] [31]
Defensive Lineman #79 Donovan Dale Saskatoon Hilltops PFC Defensive Team All Star
Final touch down of the Oct 21 2012 game vs Regina Thunder
Interception and touchdown. Hilltops win CJFL Semi Final versus London Beefeaters Oct 28,2012 51-7, earn Jostens Cup [32] [33] [34]
Touchdown by QB Jared Andreychuk at the Semi Final Game
Hilltop Toudhdown Playoff game between the Winnipeg Rifles and Saskatoon Hilltops on October 19, 2014 at the Saskatoon Minor Football Field SMF (was Gordie Howe Field). Game finalized with a 43 to 13 score in favour of the Hilltops. The Hilltops proceed to the Prairie Football Conference PFC finals on Sunday October 26, 2014
Catch by 73 Davis Mitchell Hilltop Receive Playoff game between the Winnipeg Rifles and Saskatoon Hilltops on October 19, 2014 at the Saskatoon Minor Football Field SMF (was Gordie Howe Field). Game finalized with a 43 to 13 score in favour of the Hilltops. The Hilltops proceed to the Prairie Football Conference PFC finals on Sunday October 26, 2014
60 Drayke Unger Offensive Line Touch Down Playoff game between the Winnipeg Rifles and Saskatoon Hilltops on October 19, 2014 at the Saskatoon Minor Football Field SMF (was Gordie Howe Field). Game finalized with a 43 to 13 score in favour of the Hilltops. The Hilltops proceed to the Prairie Football Conference PFC finals on Sunday October 26, 2014

References

  1. ↑ Nickel, Rod (September 3, 2008), "CUC adds 3,000 seats Council gives preliminary nod to Howe Bowl, arena expansion. Arena: Expansion expected to be complete in 2009", The StarPhoenix, pp. A4
  2. ↑ Hutton, David (January 20, 2011), "Gordie Howe Bowl plan 'isn't feasible'", Global National
  3. ↑ Streck, Aaron. "New turf rolled out and almost ready to go at Gordie Howe Park". Global News. Shaw Media.
  4. ↑ Pillar, Thomas (September 8, 2014). "Hilltops break in new Saskatoon Minor Football Field". Global News. Shaw Media. Retrieved October 19, 2014.
  5. ↑ Zary, Darren (November 11, 2017), "Saskatoon Hilltops do the four-peat, win fourth straight Canadian Bowl", The StarPhoenix, retrieved November 25, 2017
  6. ↑ "Bragging rights on the line at Canadian Bowl", Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, November 9, 2012, retrieved November 10, 2012
  7. ↑ Kingston, Gary (September 3, 2008), "Rams believe they can upset powerhouse Hilltops in Langley on Saturday Underdog Langley squad happy to avoid playing Canadian Bowl final in cold, snowy Saskatoon", The StarPhoenix, pp. A4, retrieved November 10, 2012
  8. ↑ "Ministers set friendly wager on junior football game", CBC News, November 9, 2012, retrieved November 10, 2012
  9. ↑ "MINISTER OF PARKS, CULTURE AND SPORT MAKES FRIENDLY WAGER ON CANADIAN BOWL", Government of Saskatchewan News, November 9, 2012, archived from the original on January 9, 2013, retrieved November 10, 2012
  10. ↑ Nugent-Bowman, Daniel (August 13, 2012), "Rough conference start for Hilltops", The StarPhoenix, retrieved August 13, 2012
  11. ↑ Morrison, Wray (September 19, 2012), "Hilltops defeat rifles 43-9 4 and 1 'Toppers now play three on the road", Newstalk 650 CKOM, retrieved Sep 19, 2012
  12. ↑ Nugent-Bowman, Daniel (September 23, 2012), "Hilltops cruise past Thunder Offence finds its stride early", Saskatoon Star Phoenix, retrieved Sep 25, 2012
  13. ↑ Morrison, Wray (September 24, 2012), "Hilltops hammer Thunder Toppers win Shrine Bowl", CKOM News Talk RAdio 650, retrieved Sep 25, 2012
  14. ↑ Down, John (August 12, 2012), "Colts topple the Hilltops Calgary takes season-opener on the road", Calgary Herald, archived from the original on August 15, 2012, retrieved August 13, 2012
  15. ↑ Nugent-Bowman, Daniel (September 9, 2012), Karpinka comes in to secure Hilltops' win over provincial rivals Late-game replacement after Harder went down, The StarPhoenix, retrieved September 9, 2012
  16. ↑ Slater, Craig (September 8, 2012), Heward leads Thunder's charge into Saskatoon Team faces rival Hilltops tonight (Sept 8) and Sept. 22, LeaderPost, retrieved September 9, 2012
  17. ↑ Morrison, Wray (September 24, 2012), Hilltops hammer Thunder Toppers win Shrine Bowl, LeaderPost, archived from the original on 2012-11-03, retrieved September 25, 2012
  18. ↑ Slater, Craig (September 24, 2012), Thunder dealt 'old-fashioned butt whooping', LeaderPost, retrieved September 25, 2012
  19. ↑ "Saskatoon Hilltops on Facebook". Facebook. Oct 14, 2012. Retrieved Oct 14, 2012.
  20. ↑ "Edmonton Wildcats on Twitter". Twitter. Oct 14, 2012. Retrieved Oct 14, 2012.
  21. ↑ Nugent-Bowman, Daniel (October 12, 2012). "Hilltops put Andreychuk back on active roster Quarterback likely to play in PFC semifinal Sunday". Saskatoon StarPhoenix. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
  22. ↑ Nugent-Bowman, Daniel (September 29, 2012). "Hilltops need victory to stay in thick of fight for". The StarPhoenixSeptember. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
  23. ↑ Daum, Evan (October 12, 2012). "Wildcats hunger for a little redemption Edmonton will try to avenge regular-season loss to Saskatoon in Sunday's PFC semifinal" (digitised online). Edmonton Journal. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
  24. ↑ Nugent-Bowman, Daniel (Oct 21, 2012). "Hilltops dominate in PFC final". Saskatoon Star Phoenix. Retrieved Oct 21, 2012.
  25. ↑ Biber, François (October 21, 2012). "Hilltops crowned PFC Champions Toppers thump Regina 37-0". Newstalk 980. CJME. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
  26. ↑ Piller, Thomas (October 21, 2012). "Saskatoon Hilltops PFC champions once again". Global News. Global Saskatoon. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
  27. ↑ Slater, Craig (October 21, 2012). "Hilltops steamroll Thunder in PFC final". Leader Post. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
  28. ↑ "CJFL: Hilltops win PFC final over provincial rivals". Canada Football Chat. October 21, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
  29. ↑ Nugent-bowman, Daniel (October 21, 2012). "Cressman named PFC's best on defence". The Star Phoenix. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
  30. ↑ "CJFL: Colts ride off as big winners at PFC Awards". Canada Football Chat. October 21, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
  31. ↑ "Saskatoon Hilltops award winners". The Star Phoenix. October 21, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
  32. ↑ "Saskatoon Hilltops head to Canadian Bowl", CBC News, October 28, 2012, retrieved October 28, 2012
  33. ↑ Green, Steve (October 28, 2012), "London Beefeaters taking on two-time defending national champions Saskatoon Hilltops in Josten's Cup", The London Free Press, retrieved October 28, 2012
  34. ↑ Biber, Srançois (October 28, 2012), "Hilltops advance to National FinalSaskatoon def. London 51-7 at Gordie Howe Boel", Newstalk 650 CKOM, retrieved October 28, 2012
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