Saskatchewan Roughriders' Winter Classic Returns to Saskatoon with Grey Cup Celebration
The Saskatchewan Roughriders' fourth annual Winter Classic charity hockey game is set to take place this Saturday afternoon at Merlis Belsher Place in Saskatoon. This year's event carries special significance as it marks the first time the Winter Classic is being held following a Roughriders Grey Cup victory.
Grey Cup Makes Special Appearance
The Grey Cup, the Canadian Football League's championship trophy, will be on full display throughout the event. Fans attending the game will have the unique opportunity to have pictures taken with the iconic silver trophy on the concourse at Merlis Belsher Place. This marks a special convergence of football and hockey traditions in Saskatchewan.
"It's great to have the Cup in Saskatoon for the weekend," said team captain Brett Lauther. "We have a lot of fans there and it's where we have training camp every year. The Huskies are big supporters of the team as well. It's just what it's all about in this province, sharing the Cup all over the province."
Stanley Cup Champion Joins the Roster
Adding to the star power of this year's event, former NHL defenceman Mike Commodore will be making his Winter Classic debut in Saskatoon. Commodore, who helped the Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup in 2006, has since become one of hockey's most popular and outspoken commentators. He'll be joined by fellow former NHLers including Mike Sillinger, returning for his second consecutive year, and Ryan Bayda, a Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association product who played for the Saskatoon Contacts before his NHL career.
Traditional Team Matchup Continues
The on-ice action will feature the traditional matchup between Team Brett Lauther and Team Chris Getzlaf. This will be Getzlaf's third consecutive year as a captain and Lauther's fourth year leading his squad. The hockey line-up includes current and former Roughriders players such as:
- Noah Zerr
- Mitch Picton
- Nick Wiebe
- Andy Fantuz
Nick Wiebe, a former University of Saskatchewan Huskies standout, will be making his Winter Classic debut this year.
Guest Coaches Add to the Excitement
Guest coaches for the event will include several Rider players, adding to the community spirit of the fundraiser. This year's coaching roster features:
- Ajou Ajou
- Kian Schaffer-Baker
- Jacob Brammer
- Charbel Dabire
- Melfort product Logan Ferland
- Samuel Emilus (making his first appearance as a guest coach)
Emilus was recently named the Most Valuable Canadian in the 2025 Grey Cup Game, adding another layer of championship pedigree to the event.
Event Details and Location
The puck drops at 1 p.m. at the MBP Spectator Rink on the University of Saskatchewan campus. Merlis Belsher Place has been home to the charity hockey game since its inception in 2023, creating a tradition that continues to grow each year. The Winter Classic represents an important fundraiser that brings together football and hockey communities while supporting charitable causes throughout Saskatchewan.
The combination of Grey Cup celebration, Stanley Cup champion participation, and traditional Roughriders camaraderie makes this year's Winter Classic a must-see event for sports fans across the province.
