Logan Stolz pictured here with mom, Monique, at the U18 Canada Cup. (Submitted photo/Monique Stolz)
Representing Saskatchewan

Battlefords local making most of Canada Cup experience

Jul 14, 2022 | 12:00 PM

North Battleford’s Logan Stolz is in the midst of a week to remember, representing the province in the gridiron on the national stage.

A member of the Saskatchewan’s U18 team at the 25th Football Canada Cup in Kelowna, B.C., Stolz, who recently completed his junior year at North Battleford Comprehensive High School, said the tournament is an experience he is just trying to soak in as it comes.

“It’s an amazing experience and it’s something I didn’t think I’d ever be a part of, so it’s an honour to be able to represent Saskatchewan in this big tournament,” he said. “It’s crazy just seeing all the small town guys all come together to become one as a team and play in this tournament.”

A middle linebacker for the provincial team, it is a position Stolz knows well having played the last four years with the NBCHS Vikings during the high school season.

This tournament marks the second time the 17-year-old has been named to represent Saskatchewan at a World Cup tournament. He was also named to the U16 Team two years ago when it was last held, but ended up sidelined after breaking his arm.

This time, returning with a two-time defending champion Saskatchewan team that won both the 2018 and 2019 tournaments, Stolz shared what it would mean to take home a championship at this year’s tournament.

“It would be crazy; it would mean everything to finally get to play in one of these tournaments and to actually win again and be the returning champions for Saskatchewan,” Stolz said. “These are the biggest games I’ve ever played in, and it’s just a really great opportunity.”

Team Sask opened their tournament Monday with a convincing 40-0 win over Nova Scotia. Following a couple of days of practice, Saskatchewan will return to action against Ontario later today, July 14. This afternoon’s game will be available via livestream on the Football Canada YouTube channel.

The U18 Canada Cup will run to July 17, and features eight provincial teams from across the country, including Saskatchewan, B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Each team will play at least three games, with the medal rounds to begin play on July 17.

The top players from this week’s tournament will also be scouted for a chance to represent Canada internationally at the 2024 World U20 Championships in Edmonton.

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1

View Comments