FINAL SCORE
Saskatchewan - 48
Calgary - 6
 
SASKATOON, SK - The 2022 Hardy Cup champion Saskatchewan Huskies sent a strong message to Canada West teams on Friday night in a 48-6 win over the Calgary Dinos - they are still top dogs. The non-conference match up capped off two weeks of training camp for the Huskies, and provided a valuable opportunity to test out new recruits.

Quarterback Anton Amundrud looked at ease in his first game as the Huskies' starter on Friday night. Amundrud, who has been in this Huskie offense for three seasons, takes over for Hec Crighton trophy nominee, Mason Nyhus, who graduated after the 2022 season. 

"It was awesome to be back out here", said the Lloydminster product. "After the first drive the nerves go away and you have a lot of fun." Amundrud, who has a big arm, hit Daniel Wiebe on a 75 yard touchdown strike with 4:40 to go in the first quarter to help to Huskies to a 10-3 lead. He then connected with Brandon Pipko on a 58 yard strike in the second quarter. "I was back up last year, so getting out here and getting this experience, I had a wonderful time."

Saskatchewan coach Scott Flory was asked for his take on Amundrud's first start as a Huskie. "He is as expected. He made all the right reads." However, there is room for development according to the head coach. "His arm is so strong, he has to find that touch a little bit. We're excited for where is at and for his future. He just needs more snaps. Every snap, he'll get better and better."

70 players suited up for the pre-season match up and Saskatchewan took advantage of the non-conference game to provide valuable game experience to their new recruits. All four quarterbacks on the roster saw action in tonight's game, as did second string kicker Lukas Scott. Dinos head coach Wayne Harris sent a roster of 65 on to the field. The Huskies capitalized on a Dino miscue in the fourth quarter when Ethan Laing recovered a fumble deep in Dino territory and returned it 10 yards for a touchdown. 
 

Huskie back up quarterback Griffin Sander threw a late fourth quarter 18 yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Dylan Tereck and second year Kody Gutek ran one in from a yard out in the final minute to round out Saskatchewan's scoring. "We got everybody in and accomplished what we wanted to accomplish", said Flory. "We've got to clean up a little bit against the run on defense and offensively we have to run the ball a little bit better." 

The Huskies begin the 2023 regular season Friday, September 1 in Winnipeg against the Manitoba Bisons at 6:00 PM at IG Field. Game can be streamed live on CanadaWest.TV. Next home game for Saskatchewan comes on Friday, September 8 against provincial rivals, the Regina Rams, in the U-Prairie Challenge presented by SaskMilk Homecoming Game. Tickets available at HuskieTickets.com.

Quick Stats
Receiving TDs - Branson Pipko, Daniel Wiebe, Dylan Tereck
Rushing TDs - Kody Gutek
Field Goals - David Solie (3)
Sacks - Jayden Engel, Charlie Parks, Ruyter Swagar