The Saskatchewan Huskies are the athletics teams representing the

University of Saskatchewan The University of Saskatchewan (U of S, or USask) is a Universities in Canada, Canadian public university, public research university, founded on March 19, 1907, and located on the east side of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon, Saskatch ...

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Saskatoon () is the largest city in the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Saskatchewan. It straddles a bend in the South Saskatchewan River in the central region of the province. It is located along the Trans-Canada Hig ...

. The university began their athletics program in 1907 and has competed with others since 1911. They currently compete in elite inter-university competition administered by

U Sports U Sports (stylized as U SPORTS) is the national sport governing body for universities in Canada, comprising the majority of degree-granting universities in the country and four regional conferences: Ontario University Athletics (OUA), Résea ...

and its members, both as regions and as individual institutions. The University of Saskatchewan is a member of the Canada West Regional Association, one of four such associations within U Sports. The Huskie Athletics program is administered at the University of Saskatchewan by the college of

Kinesiology Kinesiology () is the scientific study of human body movement. Kinesiology addresses physiological, anatomical, Biomechanics, biomechanical, Pathology, pathological, neuropsychological principles and mechanisms of movement. Applications of kines ...

. At various times in its history, Huskie Athletics has offered teams in 24 different

sports Sport is a physical activity or game, often competitive and organized, that maintains or improves physical ability and skills. Sport may provide enjoyment to participants and entertainment to spectators. The number of participants in ...

. At present date, there are 15 teams in the following sports: men's

Canadian football Canadian football, or simply football, is a Sports in Canada, sport in Canada in which two teams of 12 players each compete on a field long and wide, attempting to advance a Ball (gridiron football), pointed oval-shaped ball into the opposi ...

and both men's and women's teams in

basketball Basketball is a team sport in which two teams, most commonly of five players each, opposing one another on a rectangular Basketball court, court, compete with the primary objective of #Shooting, shooting a basketball (ball), basketball (appro ...

, cross country,

ice hockey Ice hockey (or simply hockey in North America) is a team sport played on ice skates, usually on an Ice rink, ice skating rink with Ice hockey rink, lines and markings specific to the sport. It belongs to a family of sports called hockey. Tw ...

soccer Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a team sport played between two teams of 11 Football player, players who almost exclusively use their feet to propel a Ball (association football), ball around a rectangular f ...

track and field Track and field (or athletics in British English) is a sport that includes Competition#Sports, athletic contests based on running, jumping, and throwing skills. The name used in North America is derived from where the sport takes place, a ru ...

volleyball Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules. It has been a part of the official program of the Summ ...

, and

wrestling Wrestling is a martial art, combat sport, and form of entertainment that involves grappling with an opponent and striving to obtain a position of advantage through different throws or techniques, within a given ruleset. Wrestling involves di ...

. Both the football and soccer teams play their home games at Griffiths Stadium, while the men and women's hockey teams play at Merlis Belsher Place.

Awards and standings

The Huskies are year after year one of the top sport schools in Canada. The football team is recognized as one of the best programs in

. The football team has won the Vanier Cup as National Champions on 3 occasions (1990, 1996, and 1998) and have been runners up on 6 occasions since 1989. The men's volleyball has been national champions on four occasions, in 1979, 1988, 1999, and 2004. They continue to have a strong team each year. The U of S Huskies have also recently achieved success in men's and women's

, and

. The most successful Huskie team is the Men's and Women's Track and Field teams. Combined they have won the Canada West conference championship 38 times and the national championships 12 times. Most of these championships were won under the leadership of Lyle Sanderson.

Championships

Note: The Huskies no longer participate in Field Hockey or Swimming and Diving.

Huskies football

The football program at the University of Saskatchewan is one of the more successful programs. They have captured 18 Canada West championships, appeared in 9 Vanier Cup games, winning 3 of them. They play their games at Griffiths Stadium and have hosted many playoff games, including the 2006 Vanier Cup.

Ice hockey

Huskies men's hockey

The University of Saskatchewan men's hockey team played their first season in 1909–1910. The current program consists of former

major junior Junior ice hockey is amateur-level ice hockey for 16 to 20 year-old players. National List of members of the International Ice Hockey Federation, Junior teams compete annually for the IIHF World Junior Championship. The United States men's nationa ...

and junior A hockey players from across Canada. Since 2018, the Huskies play their home games at Merlis Belsher Place, which replaced Rutherford Arena. The Huskies won their ninth

Canada West The Province of Canada (or the United Province of Canada or the United Canadas) was a British colony in British North America from 1841 to 1867. Its formation reflected recommendations made by John Lambton, 1st Earl of Durham, in the Report ...

Championship during the 2015–16 season. In 2017, the Huskies lost the University Cup final by a score of 5–3 to the University of New Brunswick. In 1983, the Huskies won their only University Cup. The Huskies have a list of alumni who have played or coached in the

National Hockey League The National Hockey League (NHL; , ''LNH'') is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. The NHL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Cana ...

. Among those included are

Mike Babcock Mike Babcock (born April 29, 1963) is a Canadian former ice hockey player and coach. He spent parts of eighteen seasons as a head coach in the National Hockey League (NHL), beginning when he was named head coach of the Anaheim Ducks, Mighty Duck ...

, the former coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Todd McLellan, the current coach of the Los Angeles Kings. In 2017, Huskie's goaltender Jordan Cooke was the first active U Sports player to be named to Team Canada's Spengler Cup roster.

Huskies women's hockey

Notable alumni

Basketball

* , CIS 4x All Canadian, CIS 2x Nann Copp Trophy Winner, Canadian National Team player * Andrew Spagrud, 2003–04 CIS Dr. Peter Mullins Trophy winner

Cross-Country

*Jamie Epp, 2xCIAU/CIS Champion and MVP (2000, 2002), 4xAll XC All Canadian, 5x Canadian National Team Member (1999 World Jr XC, 1999 Pan Am Jr Track, 2000 & 2002 FISU XC, 2003 World Sr. XC). Was also a 12x CIAU/CIS medallist in Track and Field

Hockey

Men's

* Jon Barkman, forward, 2001–02 CIS Senator Joseph A. Sullivan Award winner, 2001–02 CIS R.W. Pugh Award winner * Robin Bartel, former

defense Defense or defence may refer to: Tactical, martial, and political acts or groups * Defense (military), forces primarily intended for warfare * Civil defense, the organizing of civilians to deal with emergencies or enemy attacks * Defense industr ...

Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary. The Flames compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The ...

and

Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver. The Canucks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conferenc ...

* Jason Becker,

, 1995-96 CIS Clare Drake Award winner * Dave Chambers, former head coach of the Huskies ice hockey team and the

Quebec Nordiques The Quebec Nordiques (, pronounced in Quebec French, in Canadian English; translated "Northmen" or "Northerners") were a professional ice hockey team based in Quebec City. The Nordiques played in the World Hockey Association (1972–1979) an ...

. * Gerry Couture, former forward,

Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...

Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...

and

Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks (spelled Black Hawks until 1986, and known colloquially as the Hawks) are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago. The Blackhawks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (N ...

* Willie Desjardins, forward, 1982-83 CIS Major W.J. "Danny" McLeod Award winner * Dave Dunn, former

and

Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...

* Bill Hay, former forward,

* Dave King, former head coach,

and

Columbus Blue Jackets The Columbus Blue Jackets (often simply referred to as the Jackets) are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio. The Blue Jackets compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern C ...

, 1979-80 CIS Father George Kehoe Memorial Award winner * Ed Litzenberger, former forward,

and

* Ken Lovsin, former

Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The Capitals compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NH ...

, 1994 Olympic silver medal, Ice Hockey * Charlie Mason, former forward,

New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...

New York Americans The New York Americans, colloquially known as the Amerks, were a professional ice hockey team based in New York City from 1925 to 1942. They were the third expansion team in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the second to play ...

and

* Eddie McCalmon, former forward,

and Philadelphia Quakers * Ross McKay, former

goaltender In ice hockey, the goaltender (commonly referred to as goalie or netminder) is the player responsible for preventing the hockey puck from entering their own team's net, thus preventing the opposing team from scoring. The goaltender mostly plays ...

Hartford Whalers The Hartford Whalers were a professional ice hockey team based for most of its 25-year existence in Hartford, Connecticut. The club played in the World Hockey Association (WHA) from 1972 until 1979, and in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1 ...

* Earl Miller, former forward,

and

Soccer

* Kaylyn Kyle,

midfielder In the sport of association football, a midfielder takes an Glossary of association football terms#O, outfield position primarily in the middle of the pitch. Midfielders may play an exclusively defensive role, breaking up attacks, and are in t ...

, former Canadian National Team player, 2012 Olympic bronze medal * Brett Levis,

, FC Tulsa player

Track and field

* Cyprian Enweani, 1988 Summer Olympian, 200 metres, 1988 Summer Olympian, 4 X 100 metre * Kelsie Hendry, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05 CIS Women's Outstanding Track Athlete winner, 2008 Summer Olympian, Pole Vault, 2010 Commonwealth Games, Pole Vault, Bronze Medal *Courtney Hufsmith, 2019 FISU bronze medallist in 1500m Athletics at the 2019 Summer Universiade – Women's 1500 metres

Volleyball

*Levi Olson, 2018-2023, Canada West All-Star 2023, Czechia Extraliga Volleyball Professional Athlete, Germany Bundesliga Volleyball Professional Athlete, Sweden Volleyball Professional Athlete. *Dylan Mortensen, 2016-2023, U Sports All Canadian 2023, Canada West All-Star 2018-2023, U Sports Rookie of the Year 2018, Canadian Men's National Volleyball Team *Colin Fraser, 2014-2019 Canada West All Star 2014-2019, Switzerland Volleyball Professional Athlete * Bryan Fraser, 2009-2014 Canada West Universities Athletic Association All Star Team 2012-2013 & 2013–2014. Canada men's national volleyball team 2015–present, United Volleys 2015–2016, Abiant Lycurgus 2016-2017 * Kris Brand, Outside Hitter VC Franken, Indios de Mayaguez, Knack Randstad Roeselare * Tom Graham, 1986-87 CIS Men's Volleyball Coach of the Year winner

Awards and honors

The Saskatchewan Huskies athletics awards are known as the Major 7. The Female Athlete of the Year is awarded the Mary Ethel Cartwright Trophy, while the Male Athlete of the Year is the recipient of the E. Kent Phillips Trophy. Given to the Men's Rookie of the Year is the Howard Nixon Trophy. The Huskies' Female Rookie of the Year is bestowed the Patricia Lawson Trophy. In recognition of an All-Around Female Athlete that has demonstrated leadership, sportsmanship, academic ability and athletic prowess, the Valerie Girsberger Trophy is awarded. Recognizing a male athlete's highest qualities of sportsmanship and citizenship, the Rusty MacDonald Cup is awarded. The Huskies award for the Coach of the Year is known as the Colb McEwon Trophy. As a side note, the Huskies also recognize trainers with the Dr. Walter Hader Student Trainer of the Year award.

Athletes of the Year

''This is an incomplete list''

Canada West Hall of Fame

*Brent Schneider, Football: 2019-2020 inductee (inaugural class) *Willie Desjardin, Men's Hockey: 2019-2020 inductee (inaugural class) *Huskies, Men's Hockey, 1980-1983: 2019-2020 inductee (inaugural class) *Darcey Busse, Men's Volleyball: 2019-2020 inductee (inaugural class) *Adam Ens, Men's Volleyball: 2019-2020 inductee (inaugural class) *Lyle Sanderson, Men's Track & Field: 2019-2020 inductee (inaugural class) *Gordon Garvie, Men's Wrestling: 2019-2020 inductee (inaugural class) *Jamie Epp, Men's Cross-Country/Track & Field: 2019-2020 inductee (inaugural class) *Sarah Crooks, Women's Basketball: 2019-2020 inductee (inaugural class) *Breanne George, Women's Hockey: 2019-2020 inductee (inaugural class) *Mark Tennant, Women's Volleyball: 2019-2020 inductee (inaugural class) *Huskiettes, Volleyball, 1978-81: 2019-2020 inductee (inaugural class) *Kelsie Hendry, Women's Track & Field: 2019-2020 inductee (inaugural class) *Ethel Mary Cartwright, Builder-General: 2019-2020 inductee (inaugural class) *Dr. Sylvia Fedoruk, Builder- BB, VB, Track: 2019-2020 inductee (inaugural class) *Pat Jackson, Builder: 2019-2020 inductee (inaugural class) *Val Schneider, Builder: 2019-2020 inductee (inaugural class) *Diane Jones-Konihowski: Women's Track and Field: 2020-2021 inductee

References

External links

* {{Navboxes , titlestyle = {{CollegePrimaryStyle, Saskatchewan Huskies, color=white , list = {{Saskatchewan Sports {{Canada West Universities Athletic Association {{U Sports men's ice hockey {{U Sports women's ice hockey {{U Sports soccer {{U Sports volleyball U Sports teams