PREVIEW: Rams, Huskies set for rematch in 88th BioSteel Hardy Cup

Article by Brian Swane, special to CW

Nov. 6, 2025 - For the second consecutive year, the Canada West football championship game will feature provincial rivals, as the University of Saskatchewan Huskies face the University of Regina Rams in the 88th BioSteel Hardy Cup.

Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. CST on Saturday (Nov. 8) at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon. Tickets are available at HuskieTickets.com, or fans can catch the action live streaming on Canada West TV - Powered by BioSteel and also broadcast on SaskTel maxTV 49/349.

This is a rematch of last year’s BioSteel Hardy Cup, which saw the Rams come from 13 points down to defeat the host Huskies by a score of 19-14. Regina scored the game’s final 18 points and kept the Huskies off the scoreboard in the second half.

Since that memorable game 12 months ago, the provincial rivals have seemed destined to meet again for the championship. They dominated the Canada West regular season, finishing first and second, respectively, with records of 7-1 for the Huskies and 6-2 for the Rams.

Saskatchewan and Regina were also Canada West’s top two teams in both points for and against: The Huskies scored 31.6 points per game and allowed 17.9 points per game; while the Rams scored 30.8 points per game and allowed 21.5 points per game.

"There’s a lot of mutual respect between these two programs, and that’s a real testament to the quality of football in this province,” says Huskies head coach Scott Flory.

“There’s no doubt Saturday will be a physical football game but we're ready for it and can’t wait to get out there in front of the best fans in the country at Griffiths (Stadium). It’s going to be a great game.”

In BioSteel Hardy Cup semifinal action on Nov. 1, the Huskies beat the UBC Thunderbirds 26-7 in Saskatoon, while the Rams pulled out a dramatic 32-29 victory over the visiting Manitoba Bisons in double overtime at Mosaic Stadium.

“We’re coming off a hard-fought playoff win which took all three phases to come up with plays when it mattered the most,” says Mark McConkey, Rams head coach.

“It’s a special time for football in this province right now and we can’t wait for the Hardy Cup rematch against the U of S. They have our full respect as one of the top teams in the country and we’re excited for the challenge that lies ahead.”

Football’s Battle of Saskatchewan has become synonymous with dramatic contests. When the Huskies and Rams met for the only time during the 2025 regular season, on Sept. 19 at Griffiths Stadium, Saskatchewan scored 12 unanswered points to rally from a 10-point second half deficit and beat Regina by a score of 22-20.

Players to Watch

The Huskies are led by star receiver Daniel Wiebe, who on Wednesday was named the Canada West Player of the Year. Wiebe had a historic season, setting the Huskies record with 11 receiving touchdowns while leading the conference in receptions (60) and receiving yards (926).

Regina counters with a powerful offensive unit of its own — one that has shown resilience in the face of adversity. The Rams will be without star running back Marshall Erichsen, whose record-setting season was cut short due to an injury sustained in last week's semifinal.

In his absence, the Rams will count on quarterback Owen Sieben to take charge. The third-year pivot was outstanding in last week’s semifinal win, completing 27 of 34 passes for 237 yards. With the Rams’ season on the line, Sieben orchestrated a clutch, game-tying drive in the final minute to send the contest to overtime — setting the stage for Regina’s dramatic double-overtime victory.

The Rams feature a conference-high 11 All-Stars on their roster, while Saskatchewan boasts eight, including defensive standouts Charlie Parks and Seth Hundeby, who claimed the conference’s Outstanding Lineman and Outstanding Defensive Player awards, respectively.

Regina holds an all-time edge of 4-2 in six previous playoff meetings with the Huskies. Besides last year, the only other all-Saskatchewan Hardy Cup came in 2002, when the Huskies prevailed by a score of 44-28 in Regina.

Saskatchewan has won the Hardy Cup a record 21 times, while Regina has captured the championship twice since joining Canada West in 1999.

The winner of the BioSteel Hardy Cup advances to host the U SPORTS Mitchell Bowl the following Saturday against the OUA champion.

BioSteel Hardy Cup Ticket Information

University of Saskatchewan| Huskie Athletics Ticketing - Football-Canada West Hardy Cup Final vs. Regina Rams

Football- Canada West Hardy Cup Final vs.the Regina RamsMain Gates @ 1pmKick-off @ 2pmFan Code of ConductHuskie Athletics is committed to providing a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for its guests. An individual's conduct must be legally appropriate, respectful and not be offensive/abusive to other fans, spectators, athletes, officials or Huskie staff.Unacceptable behaviour is up to the discretion of Huskie Athletics staff and includes but is not limited to:Foul/abusive language or obscene gesturesVerbal or physical harassment of home, opposing fans, other stadium guests and staff membersImpairment related to alcohol or drug consumptionProviding alcohol to a minor or being a minor in possession of alcoholSmoking of any substanceSitting in locations marked off limitsUse of compressed gas air hornsDisruption of the game or event including throwing objects, trespassing on the court or restricted areasFighting or making threatening remarks or gesturesIn addition, the following items are strictly prohibited inside any Huskie Athletics event venues (Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park, Physical Activity Complex & Merlis Belsher Place):Outside food or drinkSunflower seedsCompressed gas air hornsPets are not permitted – exception granted for service animalsAny guest not respecting the Code of Conduct may be removed from the venue.

usask.universitytickets.com

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