Troy Semenchuk is part of the crew of officials for Sunday's Grey Cup. (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Rob Mahon

Local Official At Grey Cup

Prince Albert man to join officiating crew at Grey Cup

Nov 19, 2022 | 8:00 AM

Though their beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders will not be part of the big game, plenty of eyes in Prince Albert will be on the Grey Cup in Regina on Sunday. They’ll have a familiar face to be on the lookout for among the officials.

Prince Albert’s own Troy Semenchuk, an umpire in his sixth year of officiating, will be in the offensive backfield for the Grey Cup. Spots for officials in the game are based on their work during the season.

“Everyone wants to work that last game of the year,” Semenchuk said. “Everyone works so hard throughout the season to be named to that crew and gain the trust of the department and our peers. To get that nod is something I’ll never forget. I’ll never forget the moment when I found out I was going to be on the crew.”

Once he was named to the playoff roster for officials, the hard work to get named to the Grey Cup crew began, and Semenchuk was one of names on that roster for the biggest date on the CFL calendar. And just like the players, he’s got a lot of preparation to go through before kickoff.

“There’s a mechanics study, we watch a lot of film,” Semenchuk said. “We bounce things off of the guys and gals on the crews. There’s a lot that goes into it. We live and breathe football throughout the season and we’ve got to be at our best when we take the field.”

Budget 2025

Halfway through budget talks, council makes few changes

9h ago

Crime

Cocaine and cash seized during bust at Prince Albert business

14h ago

Crime

P.A. security guard robbed and stabbed, one person arrested

Jan 08, 2025

So far, Semenchuk said the preparation has been going well, and even the weather shapes up to be almost cooperative. And for a person who has immersed himself in football so thoroughly in his life, it’s a weekend he couldn’t be prouder to be part of.

“I pretty much owe everything I have in life to football,” Semenchuk said. “I played high school football and then I was able to play five years with the Saskatoon Hilltops. I got a job at Carlton Comprehensive high school and I was coaching football there. I coached at Carlton for 11 years.”

While he said he had to be “goaded” into refereeing a bit at first, Semenchuk is thrilled to be doing it now. And to be recognized among his peers as being fit for the biggest game of the year, it was a big moment for him.

“I’ve worked with all of the officials on this crew,” Semenchuk said. “There was a time when we didn’t have set crews and would work with different officials each week. I’m very familiar and comfortable (with them). It’s an outstanding group of officials.”

When asked if he was just a little disappointed if the Riders weren’t in the big game, Semenchuk offered a good-natured “no comment”.

—-

rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP