Game Information

[SSK vs. AB GAME NOTES]
 
Date: Friday, August 31
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Saskatoon, Sask.
Venue: Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park
Watch: Sasktel Max / Canadawest.tv
Listen: CJWW 600
Get in the action: Tickets

A promising start to the 2017 season gave way to a difficult finish, but there were still plenty of positives to take away from former CFL and University of Saskatchewan lineman Scott Flory's first season in charge of the Huskies, after beginning the campaign with wins over the Manitoba Bisons and Alberta Golden Bears.

Moving forward into 2018, the team will return a number of key contributors from a squad that boasts a good mixture of youth and experience. Led by 18 returning starters, the Huskies begin their season at home against the Golden Bears on Aug. 31 at Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park. 

"We are going to be dynamic, the community can expect a fast team. Lots of speed, that's been the focus in the offseason. We want to be able to play at a faster pace than anybody else, but still have the toughness and physicality that are the staples of Huskie football." - Head coach Scott Flory.

Offence
Number of returning starters: 9

Key returning players:

• Kyle Siemens returns for his fifth and final season in the green and white of the Huskies. Now entering his third-year as starting quarterback, Siemens had an outstanding 2017 season, leading Canada West in both passing yards (2572) and touchdown passes (19).
• Playing in only six games due to injury last year, running back Colton Klassen still led the team with 395 yards on the ground. The third-year athlete averaged 5.2 yards per carry and scored three touchdowns in 2017.
• Wide receiver Sam Baker will be looked on to take on a larger role in the passing game after the graduation of All-Canadian Mitch Hillis. Baker was second on the Huskies in 2017 in receptions (33), yards (403) and touchdowns (4).

Defence
Number of returning starters: 9

Key returning players:

• Tristian Koronkiewicz returns for his fifth year of eligibility after an outstanding 2017 season. The defensive lineman recorded 24 tackles, four sacks and five tackles for loss last year. 
• Linebacker Ben Whiting will again be a leader for the team after recording 25 tackles and three tackles for loss in the just six games in 2017.
• After a strong showing at the East-West Bowl, defensive back Payton Hall is back for his fourth year of eligibility. Hall will anchor the secondary after securing four interceptions in just seven games last season.

Series ............................. SSK Leads 53-33
Current Streak.......................... AB - 1 W
Last Meeting...................Oct. 21, 2017
SSK 23 @ AB 49
 
5 Things

1) The Huskies and Golden Bears have met 8 times in the past five season with the Huskies holding a 6-2 advantage over that span.

2) It will be a clash of styles offensively, the Huskies led the conference in passing last season while Alberta led it in rushing.

3) Both teams lost an outstanding contributor at the end of last season, with the Huskies graduating Mitch Hillis and the Golden Bears' Ed Ilnicki

4) The theme of the game is 'Support Our Troops'

5) The 17 points the Huskies allowed in their first game against Alberta last year was their lowest total of the season.
 

By The Numbers
 
18 - The Huskies return 18 starters from last season and boast experience on both offence and defence

66 - The Huskies scored 66 points against the Golden Bears last season.

17 - A playoff appearance this season would mark the Huskies' 17th in the past 18 seasons

2,572 - Kyle Siemens led the conference and finished 2nd in the nation in passing yardage.