Ben Stang, far right, winds up for a throw during the Meadow Lake Lions Club Bunnock Tournament on May 31, 2025. The 18-year-old, who has autism, says the game helps him feel relax and connected to his community. (Kenneth Cheung/ meadowlakeNOW staff)
THE GAME OF BONES

Bunnock helps autistic teen thrive through confidence and connection in Meadow Lake

Jun 3, 2025 | 12:56 PM

When Ben Stang winds up to throw on the bunnock court, it’s more than just a game — it’s where he feels most like himself.

The 18-year-old, based in Meadow Lake, has been playing the traditional backyard game for years. What started as a fun family activity has grown into a powerful tool for connection, confidence and belonging.

“I just really hope that people would play the game just for fun — not competitive or pressured,” Ben said. “I just like to keep it fun.”

Ben, who is autistic, was first entered in Macklin’s World Bunnock Championship in 2018. Since then, he’s embraced the sport with dedication — even in winter.

“I was wanting to break a record of playing bunnock in the winter,” he said. “Sometimes I get bored when we’re not playing bones, so I like to play bones so I can keep myself entertained.”

That commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed by his family.

“He’s pushing away the snow to clear up our bunnock court in our yard… we’re often fishing the bones out of mud and snow to start,” said his dad, Greg Stang. “That’s how much he wants to play.”

(Kenneth Cheung/ meadowlakeNOW staff)
(Kenneth Cheung/ meadowlakeNOW staff)

The family built their backyard bunnock court in 2021. Ben plays nearly every day, using the same careful setup and technique with each throw.

“He sets himself up the exact same way every time he throws — it’s kind of like golf,” said his mom, Amber Stang. “He says it’s luck, but I can’t beat him and I’ve played a lot longer than he has.”

Building confidence and trash talk

Ben’s quiet confidence isn’t just about skill; it’s also about camaraderie. His former Grade 8 teacher, Leighton Chiverton, is now a regular bunnock partner and hiking buddy.

“Ben just likes to beat me back and forth,” Chiverton said, laughing. “He says, ‘Oh, thank you for missing that shot, that’s very nice of you.’ If he thinks he’s going to lose, his favourite tactic is to bury a bone so it won’t fall when you hit it. He just likes to play little mental games — he’s pretty funny.”

Leighton Chiverton during the Meadow Lake Lions Club Bunnock Tournament on May 31, 2025. (Kenneth Cheung/ meadowlakeNOW Staff)
Ben and Leighton during their team’s round. (Kenneth Cheung/ meadowlakeNOW staff)

Ben admits trash talk is part of the fun, especially with Chiverton. “Nobody gets offended or anything. We’re just having fun,” he said.

And he plays with flair — sometimes kicking off cowboy-style and tossing a sharp “mean look” at his opponent before he throws.

A tournament win and a turning point

Ben’s proudest moment came when he won the Meadow Lake Lions Club Bunnock Tournament in 2024. He wasn’t playing with his parents, but with his aunts and uncles.

“It felt really awesome,” he said.

That moment, Amber said, was more than just a win. It was a breakthrough.

“Hearing everyone cheering for him… knowing that that hasn’t been something he’s ever experienced before in his life… it is truly one of the most heartwarming things ever,” she said. “That’s just not usually his experience.”

The Stang family pose with the trophy after Greg Stang’s son Ben (second from right) helped lead their team to victory at the 2024 Meadow Lake Lions Club Bunnock Tournament. (Submitted by Greg Stang)
Ben and his team at the 2025 Meadow Lake Lions Club Bunnock Tournament. (Kenneth Cheung/ meadowlakeNOW Staff)

The social impact has been lasting. While large crowds once caused Ben anxiety, tournaments no longer faze him.

“Big crowds usually bother you, Ben, but at the tournaments you’re not bothered. Why is that?” Amber asked during an interview.

“Because I’m with family,” Ben replied.

Even when playing with friends instead of relatives — like Chiverton — Ben now feels at ease.

“He really settled down,” Amber said. “He feels much more part of the group than he had in the past.”

From player to teacher

That sense of belonging has also inspired leadership. Last year, Ben helped teach bunnock to Amber’s seniors exercise class through the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

“It was pretty lovely,” Ben said. “It felt like we were all part of a community.”

“I just want it to be chill and relaxed. I don’t want to make them feel stupid,” he added. When students struggled, he’d let them step a little closer to throw — “give them an easy start.”

Chiverton called it a meaningful milestone.

“Another opportunity for a guy like Ben to have a chance at leadership, which is great,” he said. “I think that’s an excellent thing for anyone to be able to do.”

Finding his niche

Amber says bunnock has helped Ben develop socially in ways she never expected.

“He has a friend that comes over often, and Ben used to want me to come outside too because he doesn’t like when the conversation doesn’t flow and he doesn’t know what to say,” she explained.

“But now that he has something to do outside, it doesn’t matter anymore if I’m there.”

Ben Stang during the Meadow Lake Lions Club Bunnock Tournament on May 31, 2025. (Kenneth Cheung/ meadowlakeNOW staff)

Ben graduated from high school last spring, holds a job, and often chats with coworkers about the tournament. He’s also built a strong social circle, bonding with people like Chiverton over hikes, dogs and shared laughter on the bunnock court.

“I love that Ben has kind of found his niche,” Amber said. “It’s something he’s confident in. He feels good and it shows.”

A game for all ages and all people

Bunnock, also called “the game of bones,” has roots in Saskatchewan’s German-Russian heritage. Traditionally played with horse ankle bones — now replaced with synthetic versions — it’s accessible and inclusive.

“You’ll see all ages. In Macklin, the youngest players are often three or four. The oldest are in their 90s,” Amber said. “Some of the folks in my class use walkers — and they still all played.”

Chiverton, who coaches other sports, believes that’s what makes bunnock ideal for youth like Ben and for the broader community.

“Any opportunity where you can include a kid in a community, no matter who they are as a person, whether they are neurodivergent or not, I would try and get them involved as much as possible,” he said. “Being a part of something is the best thing we could possibly do.”

As for Ben, he’s just happy to be outside, surrounded by people who get him, doing something he loves.

“If you love being outside, you should try playing bones,” he said. “It’s a pretty safe game.”

Read more – Horse bones and hometown pride: Bunnock brings generations together in Meadow Lake

Forty teams, accounting for roughly 160 people, take part in the Meadow Lake Lions Club Bunnock Tournament on May 31, 2025. (Kenneth Cheung/ meadowlakeNOW staff)

Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

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