Local Sports

The Niagara River Lions have done it again!

For the second year in a row, the River Lions have emerged as the victors of the Canadian Elite Basketball League Championship.

It was a fierce battle between the Calgary Surge and Niagara River Lions, with both teams having strong yet different motivations.

The Surge were keen on grabbing the title this year, as it was their third appearance in a row in the CEBL Championship Playoffs.

The River Lions on the other hand, were motivated to prove that they could accomplish again what they did last year.

The Nicholson Centre was buzzing with energy on August 23, as the Southeast Saskatchewan Martial Arts Summit brought together seven local clubs for a full day of demonstrations, seminars, and community connection.

Organized by Sensei Robert Blowatt of Genki Martial Arts in Frobisher, the summit aimed to showcase the depth and diversity of martial arts in the region. “People are like, ‘OK, what’s it about? I’m interested in doing martial arts, but there isn’t a platform for that.’ This gives them that opportunity,” said Blowatt.

The Southeast Viragos are gearing up for their football season. With a their opening game today, starting with a road game in Swan River, Manitoba.

Coach Matthew McGillivray says the team is eager to hit the field.

After a busy offseason, the Viragos are ready to showcase their improved squad. “We've been working pretty hard this offseason, so we are definitely looking forward to showing everyone our new and improved team,” McGillivray added.

As the new school year looms, the Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI) Trojans football team is already deep into their pre-season preparations, led by newly appointed head coach Alec Zebrun. With a strong core of returning players, fresh talent, and a strong team culture, expectations are high for the upcoming season.

Zebrun, who steps into the head coaching position following the departure of Brendon Brydges, brings experience and familiarity to the position.

The 8-1 Saskatchewan Roughriders will have a chance to exact revenge on the only team to beat them so far this season when they take on the 6-3 Calgary Stampeders on Saturday night to close out Week 12 in the CFL.

Back on July 12, the Stampeders handed the Roughriders a 24-10 loss in what was a postponed game from the day before. Poor air quality caused by smoke forced the teams, and fans, to wait around Mosaic Stadium until past 11:00 PM before the game was officially moved to the next day.

The Strathmore Spartans senior boys football team are in Lethbridge for their first game of the season.

After beginning practice on Aug. 16, the Spartans will be taking on the Catholic Central Cougars on Saturday (Aug. 23).

"The team has been looking sharp these last couple of days," said head coach Danny Warrack. "They're mentally engaged and focused, so I'm expecting a good result."

The Spartans opened last season against the Cougars, as well, with the Spartans losing 35-0.

All Swift Current's Kai Foster could do was watch last night as Saskatchewan fell in the quarterfinal of the Canada Summer Games lacrosse tournament.

Foster, a goaltender for Saskatchewan, was the backup in last night's game as Alberta beat them 7-5 in their quarterfinal match-up.

He went 2-0 in his starts as Saskatchewan had gone 4-0 in preliminary round play. 

"First time Sask has ever done that I think," Foster said. "Just a tight group of guys. Everybody knows each other and knows where to pass the ball. Just a tight group."

It was a full house at the Canada Life Centre, 300 Portage Avenue, on Friday evening for the Canadian Elite Basketball League Playoffs.

The Eastern Conference Final began at 5 p.m. with a tough battle between the Niagara River Lions and Scarborough Shooting Stars.

The Scarborough Shooting Stars were dynamic and played consistently throughout the game, taking play opportunities during transitions.

The Niagara River Lions had a strong rebound game and were efficient at the free-throw line, making all 21 of their free throws.

It was a full house at the Canada Life Centre, 300 Portage Avenue, on Friday evening for the Canadian Elite Basketball League Playoffs.

The Eastern Conference Final began at 5 p.m. with a tough battle between the Niagara River Lions and Scarborough Shooting Stars.

The Scarborough Shooting Stars were dynamic and played consistently throughout the game, taking play opportunities during transitions.

The Niagara River Lions had a strong rebound game and were efficient at the free-throw line, making all 21 of their free throws.

Swift Current's Carter Tuplin found the podium in Newfoundland.

It was a special 400m hurdles final in St. John's as two local athletes qualified for Friday's race.

Tuplin finished 3rd in Canada with a time of 53.97, while Swift Current's Rowan Reimer was 8th at 57.55 seconds. Both did it as recent high school graduates in a U24 competition.