The Saskatoon Valkyries won their 11th Western Women's Canadian Football League championship on Saturday, defeating the Edmonton Arctic Pride 40-7 in a rematch of last year's final. The game, held in Saskatoon, saw the Valkyries overcome an early deficit to secure their sixth consecutive title.
Game Recap
Edmonton struck first when quarterback Bianka Suzuki connected with Emily McMillan for a touchdown 2:20 into the game, giving the Arctic Pride a 7-0 lead. The Valkyries responded early in the second quarter with a three-yard rushing touchdown by Sarah Wright, followed by a convert from Kaylin O'Neill to tie the game at 7-7.
Just over five minutes later, Saskatoon took the lead as Julia Smith threw a touchdown pass to Ricki Obed. O'Neill then added four consecutive field goals from 32, 22, 22, and 30 yards, the last coming early in the fourth quarter to extend the lead to 26-7. The Valkyries added two more rushing touchdowns before the game ended: a one-yard run by Wright and a 10-yard run by Sophia Graham, both converted successfully.
Key Performances
The Valkyries amassed 277 rushing yards, led by Drew Lundquist, who carried the ball 22 times for 126 yards and earned the team's Most Valuable Player award. Quarterback Julia Smith completed six of 17 passes for 56 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Rachelle Smith led receivers with four catches for 47 yards.
For Edmonton, the ground game was limited to just eight total yards. Bianka Suzuki passed for 134 yards on eight completions, with two interceptions and one touchdown. Emily McMillan caught five passes for 65 yards and a touchdown, while also recording four solo tackles, five assisted tackles, and a pass knockdown on defense, earning her Edmonton's MVP honors.
Saskatoon Blades in NHL Draft
Three Saskatoon Blades players were selected in the National Hockey League entry draft. Zach Olsen, an 18-year-old winger from Calgary, was taken in the third round, 73rd overall, by the Toronto Maple Leafs. He recorded 18 goals and 16 assists in 57 regular-season games, adding two goals and four assists in 10 playoff games.
Cooper Williams, also from Calgary, was selected 158th overall by the Maple Leafs. The centre had 23 goals and 34 assists in 57 regular-season games, with two goals and four assists in the postseason. Brayden Klimpke, another Calgary product, was drafted 117th overall by the Montreal Canadiens. He was named the Blades' defenceman of the year and MVP after collecting four goals and 43 assists in the regular season, plus a goal and four assists in playoffs.
