Max Gubbe, pictured here will compete on the national stage at this year's Canada Cup. (Submitted photo/Max Gubbe)

By Martin Martinson

National Competition

Vikings standout, Gubbe ready for Canada Cup experience

Jul 5, 2023 | 5:00 PM

It has been a whirlwind start to his football journey for Battlefords local, Max Gubbe.

Since first hitting the gridiron with the North Battleford Comprehensive High School Vikings’ football team two years ago, Gubbe has quickly established himself and turned heads in the sport.

Following his debut season with the Vikings in eighth grade, Gubbe was one of two North Battleford locals who would go on to take home the gold in his first experience suiting up with Team Saskatchewan at the 2022 Football Canada U16 West Challenge.

Flash forward to today, and Gubbe is now getting ready to don the provinces’ green and white once again, this time at the next level, at the 2023 Football Canada Cup.

The Canada Cup is a national football championship, featuring provincial teams made up of the top U18 players from across the country, taking place July 7-15, in Edmonton, Alta.

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Gubbe is the youngest player to make Saskatchewan’s 40-man roster, fulfilling a goal the defensive end had set for himself heading into the year.

“Right since U16 last year, a couple of months after high school football, I just started thinking about [this tournament] and really getting into the gym,” he said. “I thought I probably wasn’t going to make the team just because of my age and I’ve only been playing football for like two years, but I ended up having a good showing at tryouts and made the top 40 of the main team.”

Making Saskatchewan’s final roster is a feat nothing short of impressive in itself.

Gubbe was one of more than 300 hopefuls to attend open tryouts at the start of the spring, vying for a spot on the team. From there, he made the cut to the top 100, where he once again proved his medal to be named to the final 40-man main roster.

“I was pretty excited, being the youngest on the team I was just happy to make it, and I just want to show my skill and play for my team and represent North Battleford,” he said of the opportunity ahead. “I’m super excited to represent my town and my family, and my school.”

Following the Football Canada Cup, Gubbe will return home just in time to set out to the east coast on a flight to Halifax to compete on the national stage in soccer as well, on the provincial U16 team at the North American Indigenous Games, held July 15-23.

“I’m super excited to play both of my two favorite sports in one summer, I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1