RIOT & VALKYRIES: A RIVALRY RETROSPECTIVE

In 2011, the football rivalry between Saskatoon and Regina saw a new addition with the formation of the Western Women’s Canadian Football League and two of it’s founding teams: the Regina Riot and the Saskatoon Valkyries.

Things started off as you might expect based on the recent football history of the two cities, with Saskatoon taking an early advantage in the rivalry. Eight year Regina Riot veteran Trisha Jattansingh explains:

“The Valkyries came into the WWCFL already a powerhouse. They were miles ahead of any other team in the league. I remember the first game we played against them, we were beaten 62 – 2. I still remember that feeling.”

It was like this a lot over the ensuing seasons, as the Valkyries racked up four consecutive WWCFL Championships. The Riot eventually improved to the point of being able to beat their provincial rivals occasionally during the regular season, but never when it mattered.

That changed in 2015.

“Beating the Valkyries to advance to the WWCFL Championship in 2015 was a really great moment” recalls Riot Head Coach Olivier Eddie. “The Valkyries were almost able to execute an incredible comeback, but we were able to drive down the field and kick a game-winning field goal with seconds remaining.”

This victory seemed to signal a turning point in the rivalry between the two teams. Beginning that year, the Riot & Valkyries have alternated WWCFL Championship wins. Since that time, neither team has managed a clean sweep of the other during the course of a single season.

Second year Regina Riot player Aly Bell provides a unique perspective on the rivalry, having spent two seasons with the Saskatoon Valkyries as well. She outlines the similarities between the two programs that make them such great rivals:

“A big part of the Riot/Valkyries rivalry stems from how elite both programs have become. Athletes from both programs train year round to better themselves on the field. Players on both sides are passionate, smart and dedicated. They work their butts off. They’re all elite athletes, and no athlete likes to lose.”

But there are differences between the two teams as well.

“My experiences between the two teams are incomparable” continues Bell. “I learned the game and fell in love with it during my first two seasons with the Valkyries. The culture in Saskatoon is just completely different than the culture here with the Riot. It’s not a bad thing. One isn’t better than the other. It’s just different.”

And Bell is happy she made the jump.

“Coming to Regina for my third season was a tough decision, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. I was able to adjust to the culture immediately. The coaches here are top notch. I was able to learn the game through a completely different set of eyes and from different coaching styles, which only bettered me as a player.”

In 2018, the Riot remain one step ahead of their toughest competitors. The reigning WWCFL Champions were able to go into Saskatoon three weeks ago and hand the Valkyries at 28 – 7 loss on their home field.

“I have seen the rivalry evolve over our 8 years in the league” explains Jattansingh. “We are no longer chasing the Valks, trying to catch up to them. Now we’re the ones being chased.”

Regina hopes to sustain their recent success when the two teams meet again this weekend with first place in the Prairie Conference on the line. That game takes place on Sunday, June 3rd at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff is at 2pm. Tickets are available online or at the door.

SGEU HELP RIOT REACH THE NEXT LEVEL

As a small non-profit, the Regina Riot relies on their sponsorships in order to remain a viable organization. The Regina business community has always supported their women’s tackle football team, and that support continues to grow each year. 37 individual businesses are sponsoring the Regina Riot this season, more than any year before. Chief amongst those sponsors are the SGEU Crown Corporation.

SGEU’s support of the Riot is nothing new. They’ve been sponsoring the team for a number of years previous to this one. But it was this 2018 season where SGEU truly showed their passion for Riot football.

“We had always had a good relationship with SGEU, they had always been a consistent supporter of the team in the past” explains Regina Riot President Clarke Westby. “But this year they took that support to an entirely different level.”

For the 2018 season, SGEU provided the Regina Riot with a $20,000 sponsorship. This incredibly generous show of support allowed the Riot to make some important purchases, not the least of which was to spend $5,000 on new helmets for the team. As a thank you, all Riot helmets are now adorned with an SGEU logo.

The Riot were also able to use the sponsorship to cover the costs of team clothing, as well as other costs associated with running the team such as team travel and operational costs on game day.

The sponsorship was brought in for the Riot in large part due to the work of Team Manager Bre Deren, She worked directly with Bob Bymoen and Debbie Wallace of SGEU to help make the deal happen.

“Bob & Debbie are very passionate about Riot football,” says Bre. “Bob’s daughter played football on a men’s team, so he was very excited to see the opportunity that the Riot brought forward for women of all ages.”

Bre also spoke about the positive impact that the sponsorship has had on the team.

“Their support has allowed the women on this team to focus on playing the sport they are passionate about. It wasn’t long ago that it was the responsibility of the players to worry about how to find the financial means to run this team. A sponsorship of this nature is valued and cherished.”

The commitment that SGEU has shown to the Riot is tangible, and everyone involved with the team feels it. Head Coach Olivier Eddie and General Manager Alicia Dorwart also expressed their gratitude for the sponsorship.

“What SGEU has done for us enables our team to operate at it’s best” explained Head Coach Olivier Eddie.

“SGEU’s generous donation and support of the Regina Riot has a large impact on the success of this organization,” elaborated General Manager Alicia Dorwart. “We appreciate and thank them for allowing us to continue to grow the sport of football for women in this city.”

Perhaps Riot President Clarke Westby wrapped things up best.

“We appreciate all our sponsors, as we wouldn’t be able to run our team without them” said Westby. “But we are truly amazed by the partnership that we have developed with SGEU. It’s one that we hope can continue to grow for years to come.”

HOME OPENER CANCELLED; RIOT WIN BY FORFEIT

The Winnipeg Wolfpack have had to cancel their trip to Regina to play the Riot this weekend due to unforeseen circumstances. The two teams were scheduled to play at Mosaic Stadium on Sunday afternoon in what would have been the Riot’s home opener. Instead the Wolfpack will forfeit the game, bringing Regina’s record to 3-0.

The Riot’s home opener will now take place against the Saskatoon Valkyries on Sunday, June 3rd at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff will be at 2pm. Tickets will be available at the door as well as online.

RIOT VANQUISH VALKS; PREPARE FOR HOME OPENER

The Regina Riot Road Trip (sponsored by Moose Mountain Bus Lines) continued this past weekend as the team rolled into Saskatoon to challenge their provincial rival Saskatoon Valkyries. It was the first meeting between the two teams this season, and the stakes were high. The result could end up playing a significant factor in which team finishes first in the Prairie Conference this season.

Things got off to a quick start, with Riot quarterback Aimee Kowalski connecting with receiver Jenna Koller for a 60-yard touchdown on the second play from scrimmage. The Valkyries struck back almost immediately with a return touchdown on the ensuing kickoff.

That would be the only scoring that the Valkyries could muster on this night. The Riot defense put the clamps down on Saskatoon all evening, not allowing their offense to put points on the board throughout the duration of the contest. The Riot would score three more touchdowns during the game, leading to a final score of 28 – 7.

“We were quite pleased to head back home with the win and a 21 point advantage in what we like to call our home-and-home series” said Head Coach Olivier Eddie after the game. “Being in the driver seat means that the odds are in our favour to host multiple playoff games.”

The strong defensive showing by the Riot is promising following an offseason scheme change on that side of the ball. Particularly impressive was the play of safety Mira Trebilcock, who Eddie pointed out played sideline-to-sideline in her efforts to defend the pass.

But just because the Riot won their first match up with the Valkyries does not guarantee future success. Last year the Riot were also successful in defeating Saskatoon on the road, but failed to capitalize and lost the return matchup when they hosted the Valks later that season.

“We need to avoid complacency” said Eddie afterwards. “We have a good football team but in this league you need to be great to win it all. We have to keep our foot on the gas pedal.”

The Riot will have their next opportunity to put the pedal to the metal in just over a week when they play host to their home opener against the Winnipeg Wolfpack. In the meantime, the players and coaches will have a break from game action as they enjoy their single bye week of the season.

The Riot home opener against Winnipeg will take place on Sunday, May 27th at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff is at 2pm. Tickets are available at the door.

RIOT WIN IN WINNIPEG; ON TO SASKATOON

The Regina Riot opened up their regular season schedule this past weekend by traveling to Winnipeg to play the Manitoba Fearless. The two teams are familiar with each other already this year, having met the weekend prior in Regina in a preseason game. The Riot were able to come away with a narrow victory in that contest, winning by a final score of 22 – 17.

That even level of play continued throughout the first quarter of action in Winnipeg on Saturday, as the Riot and Fearless went into the first quarter break tied up 7-7. It wasn’t until the second quarter where the Riot were able to pull ahead and never look back. This was thanks in large part due to the play of quarterback Aimee Kowalski. She would throw four touchdowns in the second quarter, and follow that up with one more in the second half as she led the Riot to a victory with a final score of 56 – 14.

“We started a bit slow on offense,” explained Head Coach Olivier Eddie after the game, “but we never really doubted that we would be able to bounce back. Aimee went 9 of 10 throwing the ball in the second and third quarters and put up 5 TDs. Our run game also kicked it into gear and we ended the game with 8 different ball carriers combining for 230 yards on the ground.”

It was an especially impressive outing for the Regina Riot’s young receivers, as second year player Jenna Koller hauled in three touchdowns and third year player Hope Jordens caught one as well. Fourth year player Rachelle Smith caught Kowalski’s fifth touchdown, and reigning Team MVP Carmen Agar was able to score one on the ground.

The Regina Riot defense, which was revamped in the offseason, also played well.

“We executed our new defense fairly well,” said Eddie. “We expected to make a few mistakes early on, but I’m proud of the group and how we progressed throughout the game.” The Riot’s stop unit also contributed offensively, scoring two touchdowns off of turnovers.

With their first victory of the season in the books, the Riot now turn their attention toward their first matchup of the season against their provincial rival Saskatoon Valkyries. The Riot holds a slight 5-4 record advantage against the Valkyries over the past three seasons, but the team knows that won’t help them this weekend.

“We know how good they are,” said Eddie when asked about the upcoming game. “This rivalry game could go anyway. It’s our job to make sure that we are prepared for the challenge.”

The Riot & Valkyries will square off in Saskatoon on Saturday, May 12th at Griffiths Stadium. Kickoff is at 8:00pm.

PRESEASON RECAP/WEEK 1 PREVIEW

PRESEASON GAME RECAP

The Regina Riot kicked off their first home preseason game in a number of years this past Sunday when they hosted the Manitoba Fearless at Leibel Field. The final score was closer than Riot fans may be used to, but the home team still managed to come out on top 22 – 17.

“The Fearless came out very strong” said Riot Head Coach Olivier Eddie after the game. “Kudos to them for the absolutely great match.”

Preseason is a time to evaluate the roster, and Coach Eddie took advantage by rotating most of his players onto the field at various points throughout the game.

“Preseason games give us the opportunity to get some new players valuable game experience,” said Coach Eddie. “It also allows us to evaluate our new athletes. Kristina McFadden is one of these new athletes that stood out to us on Sunday.”

It was also the first opportunity for the Regina Riot to implement their new defensive scheme in a game situation.

“We have a very different look on defense this season, and going through this first preseason game was an important first step” said Eddie.

At the game’s conclusion, Regina Riot WR Hope Jordens and Manitoba Fearless RB Hallie Eggie were named the Hillberg & Berk Players of the Game and each walked away with a new pair of Sparkle Ball Earrings.

 

HUMBOLDT BRONCOS TRIBUTE

Prior to kickoff of Sunday’s preseason game, a moment of silence was held at midfield in memory of those affected by the Humboldt Broncos tragedy of this spring. The Regina Riot have dedicated their 2018 season in memory of those who lost their lives in the accident, and the team will be taking donations to support the Humboldt community throughout this season.

 

WEEK 1 PREVIEW

The regular season kicks off this weekend, when the Riot will be making a trip to Winnipeg to play the Manitoba Fearless once again. It will be the one & only time the two teams meet in the regular season.

“Starting the regular season with a win is important to us,” stated Coached Eddie. “Manitoba proved to us this week that they will be a tough opponent, and we will need to be at our best.”

The regular season opener will take place in Winnipeg at Investor’s Group Field on Saturday, May 5th. Kickoff is at 7:30pm.

10 QUESTIONS WITH MIRA TREBILCOCK

In the lead up to the 2018 regular season, we’ll be taking a closer look at certain Regina Riot players both on-and-off the field in our new series, 10 Questions. In our final instalment, we learn more about defensive back Mira Trebilcock.

 

  1. You are a hockey player who decided to start playing football. What was it about football that made you want to pursue that as well?

I had spent 4 years in the Chicago, Illinois attending university and playing NCAA hockey and soccer. Upon graduating it became clear that there are very few opportunities for women to continue competing in elite sports, especially in Western Canada. I was excited to try football, a staple within the American culture, yet something I never thought I would have the opportunity to play. Originally, I joined the Riot to learn a new sport and to be able to compete at an elite level again. I’ve since learned that football is one of the most dynamic sports, from the depth of the playbook to the breadth of the players who play the game. Moreover, I am very proud to be a member of the Riot, as female athletes I think it’s part of our responsibility to serve as positive ambassadors and leaders for young females in our community. Young girls can grow up watching and learning that their passion for sport is encouraged, even stereotypical ‘male’ sports like football.

 

  1. What is the biggest difference between playing hockey and playing football?

On the surface, almost everything is different. After all, one sport is played on ice and the other is played on a big grassy field – with the most obvious difference being the fact that football requires hitting, something that is penalized in women’s hockey. But, as I continue learning more about football some striking similarities have emerged. Hockey and football both require spacial recognition, anticipation, physicality and aggressiveness. Players on both sides of the ball have certain responsibilities depending on their respective positions and strategic efforts are used to score and prevent the other team from scoring points.

 

  1. You’ve been starting at safety for the Riot for a number of years. What is the biggest challenge of playing the safety position?

I am very fortunate that I had the opportunity to play safety in my very first season in 2015 and continue in that same position 3 years later. It’s a fun position. I think the biggest challenges are awareness and adaptability. Awareness of what’s happening on the field, with the opposition and with your own defence – and then being vocal about it. Everyone is in front of you – you’ve got to be confident and knowledgeable about what you’re seeing. No matter the defensive scheme, being smart and athletic has certainly made it easier to adapt if a play call is missed or something unexpected happens – as a safety you can be an athlete and make plays. The more a safety knows about the game, including technical terms, coverages, technique – even overall about positions of our team defence, from the linewomen, linebackers and defensive backs – the more reliable she can be, and the more likely she is to help her team succeed.

 

  1. Tell me about an interception of yours, or perhaps a near miss, that sticks out in your memory since joining the Riot.

There are 2 that stick out:

One was a terrible miss, in the final regular season game against the Wolf Pack in 2015, their quarterback threw a deep ball and I was in perfect positioning, literally all I had to do was catch it. Instead, the ball rattle first off my hands, then head, then chest and even feet – it hit every part of my body. We were already up a considerable amount at that point in the game, so it provided some comedic relief for everyone, but it certainly made me practice my catching a little more, which has helped in bringing in more interceptions since.

The second was an interception against the Fearless in a conference semi-final game in 2015. The play before the interception we had executed a ‘spin’ on defence perfectly resulting in a big hit and some yards lost for their offence. The next play they threw it up and I was able to bring it in and return it in for a pick-6 and the first touch-down of the game/of the 2015 playoffs. I thought it helped me redeem the comedy of that ball hitting every part of my body.

 

  1. If you could only pick one player as the funniest on the entire team, who would it be?

There are a lot of different personalities on our team that contribute to the unique dynamic we have. I always look to Stacey, Turner or Jenna to keep things light or to get a good laugh in at practice, even between plays.

 

  1. Explain to me the camaraderie and friendship that develops on a team like the Riot.

Winning teams have a well-honed sense of camaraderie that helps team members read one another’s signals, move as one, and watch each other’s back. Players on the Regina Riot are very welcoming, and happy to help one-another other learn the game and grow as players. This attitude helps to cultivate a strong sense of affiliation and pride, which ultimately makes team members of the Riot feel a shared sense of commitment and connection – it’s a culture we want to continue building stronger every year. My teammates and coaches have become some of my closest friends, leaders and mentors. We joke around that the Riot is your second family, because during season you spend so much time together. I think when the Riot is the most successful is when we share a deep sense of affiliation and friendship on and off the field. The more people value their relationships with one another, the better they will perform for one another and thus the team as a whole.

 

  1. How do you like to spend your time when you aren’t playing hockey or football?

When I am not playing football or hockey I work as a Development Officer for the Hounds at Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, SK. I help to build and facilitate the relationship between the high school and its vast community to help fundraise for the college. I am also working to complete my Master of Science in Sport Management at the University of Regina. I am a huge advocate for athletics and growing the game, especially for female athletes so I try to help out with the Female Midget AAA hockey team at Notre Dame any chance I can. With a hectic schedule, I do value any chance I get to spend with those closest to me, my family and friends -whether it’s a weekend brunch or catching up while playing on the ODR.

  1. What is your favourite moment in a Regina Riot jersey?

June 28, 2015.

 

  1. How has playing for the Riot helped you grow as a person?

Being part of a team is about being a part of something bigger than yourself. As much as I love to win and simply be competitive, it’s the notion of being able to challenge myself in a different area of my life, and make myself just a little bit uncomfortable that has provided me with great opportunities to develop on and off the field. Playing for the Riot has been a privilege that has positively impacted many areas of my life, helping me grow as an athlete, a professional and a steward within the community.

 

  1. Where do you think the Regina Riot are headed in 2018 and beyond?

The Regina Riot have seen immense growth, even throughout the three, going on four years I have been involved with the organization. Winning two championships certainly helps to establish the success of the program but it also cultivates a culture that people want to be a part of. It’s helped us recruit more athletes and more coaches with very diverse and experienced backgrounds who share the same values and goals that we aim to fulfill. It’s helped us form partnerships with medical staff and local organizations like Ovarian Cancer Canada, Mr. Mikes, AGT Foods and Evolution Fitness.

Through these partnerships and our involvement in the community, the Regina Riot is certainly becoming a familiar name that carries very positive connotations. The Riot acts as a powerful platform that unifies tenacity and drives action for female athletes in a sport that shares the exact same rules, regulations and equipment as the male version of the sport – the only difference is the gender of the athletes who play it. I think the Riot drives action for gender empowerment while celebrating the social and cultural achievements of athletes, coaches, business people and students within our community. I believe there is a very bright future ahead for the team and all those involved with it – beginning with a back-to-back championship in 2018.

Riot Offseason Recap/Preseason Preview

The Regina Riot’s season officially kicks off this weekend, so what better time to take a look at the offseason that was? We caught up with Head Coach Olivier Eddie to get his comments on a few key aspects of the offseason, as well as give his thoughts on the upcoming home preseason game with the Manitoba Fearless.

 

PLAYER RECRUITMENT

“We faced a significant challenge in the offseason as we welcomed a large group of first-time players. That said, our recruiting class is very athletic and the rate at which they’ve been able to pick things up has been better than anticipated. You can expect to see some fresh faces at key positions this year; most notably with the defensive back group. Both Kathryn Neigum and Michaela Sykora have been battling back and forth for playing time; they should make an immediate difference for our team this season.”

 

NEW COACHES

“We are welcoming some talented new coaches this season, including former Team Saskatchewan and Team Canada player and Regina Riot alumni Claire Dore. Joining her on the staff and new to the organization are experienced football coaches Zach Schmidt, Rob Hartman and Addison Richards. These additions will bring new perspectives and new life to our staff.”

 

TEAM CHEMISTRY

“We have a core group of veterans that have bought in to our team culture and philosophy. For one reason or another, the team seems to have gelled more over the winter months than teams in years past have. We are firm believers in the importance of team culture and know that it provides us with a firm backbone.”

 

PRESEASON PREVIEW

“We host the Manitoba Fearless in preseason action on April 29th. The Fearless have been busy recruiting and we have noticed that multiple ex-flag football players have joined their team. We expect them to bring speed and athleticism to their team but look forward to the challenge.”

 

That home preseason game against the Manitoba Fearless takes place at Leibel Field on Sunday, April 29th at 5:00pm. Tickets will be available at the door.

RIOT TO HOST 2018 WWCFL CHAMPIONSHIP

It was announced this week that the Regina Riot would be hosting the 2018 WWCFL Championship. The game will take place on Sunday, June 24th at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff will be at 3pm.

This announcement happens to coincide with a shift in the WWCFL playoff which makes a championship game against provincial & conference rival Saskatoon a distinct possibility for the first time in history. The playoff schedule will be structured like this:

 

ROUND 1

1st Seed Prairie Conference vs. 4th Seed Prairie Conference

2nd Seed Prairie Conference vs. 3rd Seed Prairie Conference

 

1st Seed Western Conference vs. 4th Seed Western Conference

2nd Seed Western Conference vs. 3rd Seed Western Conference

 

ROUND 2

Top Seed Prairie Conference vs. Lowest Seed Western Conference

Top Seed Western Conference vs. Lowest Seed Prairie Conference

 

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

WWCFL Championship Game

 

Regina & Saskatoon have previously met in the Prairie Conference Championship Game every year in league history. The two teams have combined to win every WWCFL Championship in league history, with Regina taking home two of the last three.

Regina’s championship bid was put together by a Hosting Committee consisting of Regina Riot General Manager Alicia Dorwart, as well as support staff members Bre Deren, Ciara Cullen & Amanda Hungle. This is the second time that the Riot will be hosting the championship game.

10 QUESTIONS WITH SHELBY MORAN

In the lead up to the 2018 regular season, we’ll be taking a closer look at certain Regina Riot players both on-and-off the field in our new series, 10 Questions. This week we talk with long-time Riot linebacker Shelby Moran.

 

  1. We heard a rumour that you’ve started at linebacker for the Regina Riot in every game in team history. Can you confirm?

This is 100% correct!!!

 

  1. So you’ve been with the Riot since Day 1. What made you want to sign up back then before a team really existed?

I played football throughout high school, beginning in Ontario and ending at Winston Knoll. Football has always been my passion, so as soon as I heard about the team and after the first Football 101 classroom session… I was in no matter what.

 

  1. How has the team changed in the years that you’ve been involved with it?

We have definitely become more elite and professional. The athleticism and age range has changed quite drastically too. The amount of people that know the team has gone way up, likely due to the increased media coverage we receive. When we began it was very hard to get volunteers for games or book facilities, now we have partnerships and sponsorships in place that help cover all of this.

 

  1. What is it about the defensive side of the football that attracts you?

I love to hit people and I love to tackle!!! I also like defensive schemes.

 

  1. What’s the hardest hit you’ve ever laid on someone?

I don’t really know, there have been quite a few. Probably one of the fumbles I’ve forced over the years.

 

  1. How do you spend your time when you aren’t playing football?

I mostly spend my time working as a carpenter or hanging out with my friends (many of whom are from the team). I like to go to the gym as well.

 

  1. We know the locker room can get pretty crazy sometimes. What’s your favourite locker room story (that you’re able to tell us)?

What happens in the locker room stays in the locker room…. (laughs)

If I have to say something, I would say either the pre-game dancing (which I’m very much a part of) or the post-game celebrations after either of our championship wins.

 

  1. What is your favourite moment in a Regina Riot jersey?

Both WWCFL Championship games come to mind, as well as the first time we ever beat Saskatoon (which just happened to be on my birthday AND Mother’s Day). But my absolute favourite moment is actually a bit different.

On our defense, the linebackers like to yell out some funny things when we’re on the field. One time, we yelled “dog squat” and managed to make the entire offensive line of the opposing team laugh, which caused them all to go offside. It was a great moment. (laughs)

 

  1. How has playing for the Regina Riot helped you grow as a person?

It has helped me become a better person by providing so many volunteer opportunities where I’m able to help out in the community. It has also helped me grow as a teammate and become a better role model for others.

 

  1. Where do you think the Regina Riot are headed in 2018 and beyond?

To some more championships!!!

I think we are going to continue to grow and continue to direct more of the spotlight our way. I think more and more girls are going to be looking up to the Regina Riot.