FB: Saskatchewan's Daniel Wiebe named Player of the Year

Nov. 5, 2025 - Saskatchewan receiver Daniel Wiebe has been named the 2025 Canada West Football Player of the Year.

The homegrown Saskatoon product recorded an impressive triple crown, leading all conference receivers in total receptions, yards, and touchdowns. The fifth year standout led the Huskies to a first place 7-1 finish, while also setting Huskie program records for single-season and career receiving touchdowns.

The BioSteel Hardy Cup-bound Huskies dominated the conference's major awards, which were officially announced Wednesday morning.

Wiebe was joined by teammates Charlie Parks (Outstanding Lineman) and Seth Hundeby (Outstanding Defensive Player), while Scott Flory was named Coach of the Year.

Calgary receiver Zion Grant was named Rookie of the Year, while Alberta's Chevy Thomas was recognized for his outstanding community work with the Student-Athlete Community Service Award.

The Regina Rams were represented by Dwayne Masson, who was named the conference's Gino Fracas Award nominee.

All recipients will go on as Canada West's nominations for the U SPORTS national awards.

All eyes on the 88th BioSteel Hardy Cup

The conference's football season is set for a dramatic conclusion this Saturday, as the Regina Rams and Saskatchewan Huskies will clash in the 88th BioSteel Hardy Cup.

It's a highly anticipated rematch of last year's championship game, with kick-off set for 2 p.m. CST at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon.

Fans can stream the game on Canada West TV - Powered by BioSteel, or watch on SaskTel maxTV: Channels 49 and 349.

The winner of the BioSteel Hardy Cup will host the U SPORTS Mitchell Bowl on Nov. 15, pitting the Canada West champion against the OUA champion.

MAJOR AWARD WINNERS & ALL-STARS

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Daniel Wiebe (Saskatchewan Huskies)
​Position: Receiver
​5th Year | Saskatoon, Sask. | Arts & Science - Religion and Culture

In his final season as a Huskie, fifth-year receiver Daniel Wiebe put on a phenomenal performance throughout the 2025 Canada West campaign.

Leading the Huskies to a 7-1 record and the top spot in the conference standings, the local Saskatoon product recorded the triple crown in Canada West, leading all receivers with 60 receptions, 929 yards, and 11 touchdowns.

Doing so with two different quarterbacks under centre, it was also a historic season for Wiebe, setting Huskie program records for single-season and career receiving touchdowns. He also came within striking distance of two conference records, finishing third all-time in both single-season receptions and touchdowns.

Wiebe becomes just the second Saskatchewan receiver to be named the Canada West Player of the Year, joining former Huskie Dan Farthing, who won the award in 1988. He is also the first Huskie Player of the Year since Mason Nyhus in 2022, and the 11th in program history.

“Daniel is absolutely deserving of this recognition. He’s an elite, explosive and versatile player who proved it every week, no matter the opponent, and while playing with two different quarterbacks. A true difference maker, he did a phenomenal job for us and was without a doubt the most dynamic player in the conference.” - Saskatchewan Head Coach Scott Flory

OUTSTANDING LINEMAN: Charlie Parks (Saskatchewan Huskies)
​Position: Defensive Lineman
​Fourth Year | Regina, Sask. | Arts & Science

In what could be considered a breakout season, fourth-year defensive lineman Charlie Parks becomes the first Saskatchewan defensive player to be named Canada West Most Outstanding Lineman since Evan Machibroda in 2019.

After being unable to appear in the 2024 season due to injury, Parks came back with a vengeance, quickly turning into one of the most productive defensive linemen in both the conference and country. Parks finished the season with a Canada West-leading 5.0 sacks and tied for the most tackles for loss with 6.0 in addition to adding 23.0 tackles, a forced fumble, and fumble recovery.

The Regina product's best game of the season came on home turf, when Parks came up with several game-breaking plays to help the Dogs improve to 5-1 with a win over Alberta.

Parks also becomes the eighth Huskie and sixth defensive lineman in program history to be recognized with the conference award.

“Charlie is long, explosive, and the kind of player teams have to game plan around. His combination of size and speed makes him a real problem for opposing offences and he displayed that all season long. He’s a football player to his core, and I’m incredibly proud of the growth he’s shown over his four years here and grateful he’s been a part of this program.” - Saskatchewan Head Coach Scott Flory

OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER: Seth Hundeby (Saskatchewan Huskies)
​Position: Linebacker
​Fifth Year | Saskatoon, Sask. | Engineering

The second Saskatchewan linebacker in the past three seasons to be named the conference’s top defensive player, Seth Hundeby was one of the most dominant players in the nation in 2025.

Totalling 41.5 tackles and three sacks, the future Saskatchewan Roughrider also led the conference in forced fumbles (3) and was tied for the top spot in both tackles for a loss (6.0) and interceptions (2) despite missing a game. A two-time conference Defensive Player of the Week in 2025, Hundeby was also the lone Canada West defensive player to record five turnovers in 2025.

A player who demanded attention from both opposing offences and spectators alike, Hundeby was a key contributor to one of the best defensive units in Canada West and U SPORTS.

Hundeby becomes the 11^th Huskie in program history to be named Canada West’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player, and first since former teammate Nick Wiebe in 2023.

“In my opinion, Seth is the most dominant defensive player in the country, and he’s proven that week in and week out. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism is something you rarely see, and what he’s shown at this level makes it clear he has a bright football future ahead of him.” - Saskatchewan Head Coach Scott Flory

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Zion Grant (Calgary Dinos)
​Position: Receiver ​
​First Year | Pickering, Ont. | Open Studies

It was evident right from the start that Zion Grant fit right in at the U SPORTS level. The 6-foot-4 receiver had two catches in his university debut and only went up from there. The Pickering, Ont., product had his breakout performance in Week 4 at UBC, hauling in six passes for 139 yards and his first career touchdown.

Grant followed that performance up with a season-high seven catches to go with yet another score one week later against Saskatchewan. He had yet another highlight-of-the-year candidate with a 78-yard catch and run for a touchdown at Manitoba in Week 7, once again going well over 100 yards receiving in that one.

In all, Grant finished his rookie campaign ranked tied for fifth in Canada West in receiving touchdowns (three), and eighth in catches (37), yards receiving (497) and yards per game (62.1).

The standout is the Dinos’ first Canada West Rookie of the Year since 2018 when Tyson Philpot earned the honour, and Grant becomes the 15th award recipient in Calgary’s program history. He is also just the second receiver in the last decade to become the Peter Gorman nominee as U SPORTS Rookie of the Year.

“Zion Grant is an exceptional talent. We were thrilled to have acquired him in the 2025 recruiting class. He earned a starting role this season and had opportunities to shine in each game this year. We’re thrilled for him for this accomplishment and we think he’s got a very bright future here at the Dinos Football program.” - Calgary Head Coach Ryan Sheahan

STUDENT-ATHLETE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Chevy Thomas (Alberta Golden Bears)
​Position: Receiver
​Fifth Year | Calgary, Alta. | Arts

Throughout his five seasons with the Alberta Golden Bears, Chevy Thomas has exemplified the core pillars of the Russ Jackson Award: academic excellence, athletic achievement, and outstanding community leadership.

An Academic All-Canadian and respected team captain, Chevy has made a lasting impact both on the field and in the community. He is the Founder and Director of Responsibility 2 Inspire (R2I), a non-profit organization that provides accessible, high-level football development for under-advantaged youth by removing financial barriers to sport participation.

His community work extends to Free Play for Kids, VOICE, and five years of multisport youth coaching. Off the field, Chevy has worked in government roles that focus on diversity, inclusion, youth engagement, and community support — demonstrating a commitment to public service beyond athletics.

“Chevy has been an integral member of this program for five seasons, and even in the ten months I’ve had the privilege of coaching him, his impact has been inspiring. He was one of our leaders in receiving yards this season and a strong Canada West receiver, but what sets him apart is his heart for young people. Through his non-profit, Responsibility to Inspire, and his efforts sending under-advantaged youth to Kids Camp, Chevy has already changed lives. With his future in government and law, we all know his influence will continue to grow well beyond football. He exemplifies everything the Russ Jackson Award stands for.” - Alberta Head Coach Stevenson Bone

"I just want to say how honoured I am to be the recipient of such a prestigious award. I would like to thank my family, who have been there by my side supporting me every step of the way in everything I wanted to. I want to thank the Golden Bears, all my teammates, and my coaches. They have empowered me to always pursue growth, service and excellence; these words are the pillars of our culture at U of A and are words I try to live by each day. Responsibility to Inspire (R2I) to me is really just about fulfilling my responsibility to give back all that was invested in me growing up. As a young man who was blessed enough to have hundreds of people in my life that wanted the best for me, from my family, former teammates and coaches, friends and professional mentors, every step of my journey was aided by someone willing to believe in me. And now as I begin to take the next step, I know I have a responsibility to inspire the next generation because that's what was done for me." - Chevy Thomas

Coach of the Year: Scott Flory (Saskatchewan Huskies)

After guiding the University of Saskatchewan Huskies to their first one-loss season since 2022, head coach Scott Flory has been named Canada West Coach of the Year.

The conference recognition is Flory’s third in eight seasons of leading the Huskie program. In addition to posting a 7-1 record, his Huskies locked up the No. 1 seed in the Canada West playoffs. They were also ranked in the U SPORTS Top 10 in each iteration of the national rankings this season.

The 15-year CFL veteran and three-time Grey Cup Champion led the most productive team in Canada West on both sides of the ball. The Dogs defence stifled opponents while averaging just 17.9 points against, the fifth-fewest in the nation, while producing 31.6 points per game offensively with two quarterbacks under centre.

"We are incredibly proud of the success that both Coach Flory and the program have achieved this season. This recognition is a testament to his commitment to our student-athletes, the culture he continues to build, and his exceptional knowledge of the game, producing results both on and off the field. We could not be more excited to see the Huskies back at the top of the conference and competing in our 27th Hardy Cup." - Shannon Chinn, Saskatchewan Huskies Chief Athletics Officer

GINO FRACAS AWARD NOMINEE: Dwayne Masson (Regina Rams)

Regina Rams assistant coach Dwayne Masson has been a pillar of football development in Saskatchewan for nearly four decades. Now in his 12th season with the Rams, Masson continues to shape both the program and its players through his unmatched dedication, mentorship, and innovative coaching approach. As the Rams’ run game coordinator and running backs coach, Masson had a direct impact on the success of the team in 2025. The Rams received outstanding seasons from running backs Marshall Erichsen and Christian Katende, leading the defending Hardy Cup champions to an impressive 6-2 regular season record and now a berth in the 88th BioSteel Hardy Cup.

“I can't imagine anyone more deserving of this highly regarded award than Dwayne. He is known for his dedication to the sport and the impact he has had in mentoring student-athletes over the years. From grassroots to the highest levels of football, Dwayne has been a coach in this province for 37 years. He has been a member of our coaching staff since 2013 and is an integral part of our group, bringing great wisdom and innovation to our team. So much of our successes on the field and in developing quality student-athletes and people tie directly back to Coach Masson.” – Rams head coach Mark McConkey