The Saskatoon Valkyries pose with the WWCFL trophy. (Saskatoon Valkyries/Facebook)

By Derek Craddock

CHAMPIONS!!!

P.A. players hoist the trophy with the Valkyries

Jun 28, 2022 | 5:12 PM

This year’s national champions with the Western Women’s Canadian Football League (WWCFL) featured some local talent on the field.

The Saskatoon Valkyries beat the Manitoba Fearless 36-6 this past weekend to claim the league title, their seventh in team history.

Prince Albert’s Ashley Viklund and Rebecca Grimard were a part of the team this season and for Vicklund, it was a bittersweet moment as she closed out her final season with the club.

“They were just an absolute powerhouse and the talent was something that I had never played with before and it was a real honour to be a part of the 2022 Valkyries for my final year in the WWCFL”

READ MORE: P.A. football player living her dream in Saskatoon

Raising awareness

MADD Prince Albert launches 37th annual Project Red Ribbon

2h ago

Court proceedings

Crown stays sexual assault charge against Waskesiu business owner

7h ago

Elevate Your Self-Care Game With These Smart Lifestyle Moves

Nov 15, 2024

Viklund said the moment the clock wound down was an unbelievable feeling for her and her teammates.

“It’s a pretty big moment, we worked really hard.”

Unfortunately, the team was unable to play its first playoff match after their opponent, the Winnipeg Wolfpack forfeited the match.

That gave the Valkyries an automatic win and a date with the Edmonton Storm. They won that game 52-0.

Viklund recounts the final seconds of that game.

“We had put a lot of time into building another championship team and I think that showed in going undefeated all season,” she said. “We got to those last few minutes and we were pretty excited.”

Despite the score being heavily in Saskatoon’s favour, Viklund added they were impressed by Manitoba’s determination.

Now that the season is done, Viklund is in Regina to coach the U18 Team Saskatchewan women’s team for the Canada Cup. At the end of July, she flies to Finland to play with Team Canada at the Women’s Football World Championships.

—

derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock