Grey Cup Champion Nick Wiebe Returns to University of Saskatchewan for Winter Classic Hockey Game
Nick Wiebe, the Saskatchewan Roughriders' most outstanding special-teams player and a 2026 Grey Cup champion, made a nostalgic return to the University of Saskatchewan for the Roughriders Foundation Winter Classic charity hockey game. The event, held at Merlis Belsher Place, marked a special homecoming for the former Huskies standout linebacker, who once dreamed of a professional hockey career.
A Homecoming at Merlis Belsher Place
The fourth annual Winter Classic took place on Saturday, bringing Wiebe back to the arena where he previously participated in the Huskies' Offence Versus Defence games during his university days. "It feels like I'm back at home," Wiebe remarked. "I sat in that student section many times and watched the Huskie teams and spent a lot of time in this arena. It's cool to be back, and good to be feeling like I'm at home again."
Reflecting on the differences between the university games and the Winter Classic, Wiebe noted that the charity event felt more organized, while his Huskie experiences were "a little bit more loose." Despite the structured atmosphere, he embraced the opportunity to play a supportive role on the ice, aiming to be a "glue guy" who keeps the locker room united and facilitates plays for more experienced players.
From Hockey Dreams to Football Glory
Wiebe's journey to becoming a Grey Cup champion began with childhood aspirations in hockey. Growing up in the Okotoks Minor Hockey Association, he once believed he would pursue a professional career in the NHL. "I actually thought hockey would be the sport I'd go pro in. I was actually that delusional when I was a kid," Wiebe admitted with a laugh. "But then I realized that I couldn't skate that well, and football was kind of my path. So I decided to go down that one instead."
His football career flourished at the University of Saskatchewan, where he recorded 124 solo tackles and 77 assists over 31 regular-season games in three seasons with the Huskies. Selected in the second round, 12th overall, in the 2024 CFL draft, Wiebe transitioned to the Roughriders, ultimately helping secure a Grey Cup victory.
The Surreal Reality of Grey Cup Immortality
Wiebe's name is now permanently engraved on the Grey Cup trophy, a milestone that continues to resonate with him and his family. "I told my dad that my name is on the Grey Cup now and I think he got a little emotional," Wiebe shared. "It's pretty surreal, to be honest ... Obviously two months after, it's kind of settled a little bit. I think it's started to set in now that my name's on the Cup forever. That's a pretty cool thing."
Despite the championship glory, Wiebe emphasized that his daily life remains largely unchanged. "My parents still make fun of me all the time," he said. "I still have to make my bed, do the whole deal. Nothing has really changed a whole lot around the house. Every once in a while, I'll get a question, more on the Grey Cup, or someone will say congratulations when I am in public, but not a whole lot has changed. I'm still the rented mule in the house these days."
Embracing the Winter Classic Experience
During the Winter Classic, Wiebe focused on enjoying the experience and contributing to the team dynamic. He humorously mentioned plans to "take a run" at former Huskie and current Roughriders teammate Noah Zerr, aiming to add some playful competition to the game. His philosophy for the event centered on teamwork and appreciation for the sport's veterans, stating, "I need to pass the puck and be a 'glue guy.' That's kind of my philosophy (for the Winter Classic): keep the locker room together, pass the puck and love the guys who actually did this for a living for a long time and score goals."
The Winter Classic not only provided a platform for charity but also allowed Wiebe to reconnect with his roots, blending his football achievements with his enduring love for hockey and the University of Saskatchewan community.
