USask, U of R celebrate U-Prairie Challenge Championship Weekend
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) Huskies and University of Regina (U of R) Cougars/Rams will celebrate the completion of the inaugural U-Prairie Challenge (UPC) presented by SaskMilk with Championship Weekend festivities from Friday, February 3 to Sunday, February 5 at Merlis Belsher Place.
The head-to-head competition helped fuel the friendly rivalry between the province’s two U SPORTS athletic programs and spotlight the elite student-athletes who instill pride in both institutions. In all, the UPC involved 11 men’s and women’s sports – including soccer, football, hockey, volleyball, basketball, track and field, and cross country – in a year-long points-based competition to secure provincial bragging rights.
Peter Stoicheff, president and vice-chancellor of USask, said the inaugural U-Prairie Challenge has been an overwhelming success.
“The U-Prairie Challenge served as a wonderful opportunity to showcase Canadian university athletics at its finest for fans from across Saskatchewan, as the province’s two university programs teamed up to spotlight elite student-athletes and take our rivalry – and our partnership – to a new level,” said Stoicheff. “The Championship Weekend is an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate what has been an outstanding season for both athletic programs.”
Dr. Jeff Keshen, president and vice-chancellor of the U of R, said the U-Prairie Challenge only enhanced the already high level of sport.
“Having an extra something to play for – the U-Prairie Challenge trophy – has given added inspiration and motivation to our athletes throughout the year,” Keshen said. “I have always believed in the power of sport to bring people together.”
Championship Weekend Events
UPC Championship Weekend features the Huskie men’s hockey team in action against the U of R Cougars on Friday night. Friday’s game includes in-game entertainment and giveaways, a post-game family skate, and a cabaret featuring local band Gong Show.
The Huskie women’s hockey team will battle the U of R Cougars in the final two games of the series on Saturday and Sunday. Sunday’s game will conclude with the U-Prairie Challenge Trophy Presentation and will feature in-game entertainment, inflatable jumping areas for kids, and a post-game skate with Huskie athletes.
More information is available at uregina.ca, usask.ca and huskies.usask.ca, where fans can also purchase tickets to the U-Prairie Challenge Championship Weekend, follow their favourite teams, and support our student-athletes.