It was a year ago YXE FC defied the odds, captured gold at the men’s master’s western championship in Edmonton. A first for Saskatchewan, YXE has qualified once again. They look to defend their title, at home. For only the second time, the competition will be played in Saskatoon.
In addition, the women’s masters’ championship will be played for the first time on Saskatchewan soil. Unlike the men, it will include teams from Eastern Canada. Clubs from Ontario and Quebec will make the trip out west to battle for a national title.
YXE consists primarily of players from Saskatoon, but also a few additions from across the province. Local product and former Canadian international FUTSAL player Jay Tomchuk headline a star-studded roster. While Jay plays on the men’s, his wife Jamie LeMay-Tomchuk is a lethal weapon up front for the women.
Stalwart defender Fitzroy Christie, Jeff Friesen, along with midfielders Dwayne Gareau and Jamie Hembroff will see a lot of time on the field. The ever-steady Jeff Dobchuk is between the pipes, starting goal keeper.
Historically, Saskatchewan’s representatives have reached the podium numerous times, consistently winning bronze. In 2022 they finally broke through, defeated powerhouses BC and Alberta, each by a single goal. They actually had first place wrapped up with a game in hand. It’s a round robin format where each of the four western provinces play each other. There is no final or knock out stage, winning first place in the pool secures the gold.
While the men come in as reigning champion, it is a newly formed YXE Storm that will compete on the women’s side.
A national club tournament is nothing new for coach Percy Hoff. Heavily familiar with the women’s game, Hoff knows what it takes to compete at this level.
The Storm, led by Amber Fusco, have put together a solid group of players with veteran experience. They will need all of that, and a little bit of luck, as a daunting task lay ahead of them. In their group of three, they drew eastern giants Ontario and Quebec. There is little forgiveness in this tournament as whoever finishes first in the pool will play for gold, second will play for bronze, and third place for consolation.
Michelle Keene has scored at national competitions in the past, and will look to add to her total this weekend. Leanne Anderson and Megan Baptist will command the midfield. Center backs Theresa Brossart, and Maria Bailey will defend in front of Codi Ens goal, the Storms boisterous starting keeper.
Storm won a three-team provincial qualification to get here. They have since played a number of friendlies against local talent to prepare for this rare opportunity of playing a major competition in front of a home town crowd.
All games at the Saskatoon Sports Centre in University Heights. And while the tournament kicks off September 21, both Saskatchewan teams will have to wait until day two to get things underway.
YXE Schedule:
Friday, September 22 6pm - YXE Women v Ontario, 8pm YXE Men v Alberta
Saturday, September 23 1pm - YXE Women v Quebec, 3pm YXE Men v Manitoba
Sunday, September 24 9am or 1130am - YXE Women, 2pm YXE Men v BC
As the master’s teams are set to play this weekend, it is still two weeks away before four Saskatchewan youth teams embark on their trips out east. From October 4-9, two boy’s teams from Saskatoon, and two girl’s teams from Regina will put forth their best efforts to bring home a national title. Something our province hasn’t seen in over a decade.
Under-15 Girls - FC Regina Bluestars, Boys - Saskatoon ASTRA in Waterloo, Ontario
Under-17 Girls - Regina QC United, Boys - Saskatoon Alliance in Moncton, NB
Lee Kormish is a freelance writer who can be reached leekormish@sasktel.net or follow @leekormish
