What an NCAA rule change might mean for junior hockey in Sask.
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Previously, WHL players were declared ineligible to play NCAA hockey in the U.S.
It’s safe to say Scott Flory knows a thing or two about being involved in big games.
Flory won two Vanier Cup Championships back in his playing days with the University of Saskatchewan in 1996 and 1998, before going on to win three Grey Cups with the Montreal Alouettes.
Now, the challenge becomes winning more hardware from the sidelines as the head coach of the Huskies.
Flory and the Dogs came out as Uteck Bowl Champions this past weekend after a 14-10 comeback win over the Montreal Carabins. Flory said it was a gritty win after dealing with the Carabins faithful in the stands, added in with the breezy conditions in the game.
“For me, I don’t think people appreciated on TV though, (was) the wind. The cold wasn’t as big a deal as it was, that wind was coming.”
Going into the fourth quarter with the season on the line, the Huskies trailed 9-1 after a fairly conservative game played by both sides. The Huskies mustered two excellent drives in the final frame that each ended with Adam Machart finding the end zone to come out with the win.
The Huskies are now preparing for the 56th Vanier Cup taking on a stingy Western Mustangs squad in Quebec City.
Flory says there’s plenty of similarities from the Mustangs to the Carabins team.
“They’re a lot like the University of Montreal team. They’re big, they’re strong, they’re physical. Any time you’re whittling down to the final two teams, we know that it’s going to be a physical battle for sure,” Flory said.
After winning the Uteck Bowl in Montreal on Saturday, the Huskies were able to stay out east and take the trip straight to Quebec City to prepare for the biggest game of the season.
Flory states it’s been super nice to be united with all of the players and families throughout this trip of a lifetime, and is thankful to the university.
“Just letting the players know that basically, it’s just a one-way charter,” Flory said before taking off to Montreal for the Uteck Bowl.
“So thankful for putting us in the situation to be successful. They put us in the best position to be successful in that game on Saturday, and they’re doing the same thing here for letting us stay in Quebec City. It’s been awesome so far.”
With the Vanier Cup now on everyone’s mind, Flory states it’s all about staying in the moment leading up to Saturday’s game.
“Just about blocking out the distractions (and) getting into your own bubble, but not losing sight and perspective on the moment.”
“Monday night, I made sure the guys go out and walk and see the city. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in North America. Get out there, get all of that touristy stuff in. Don’t get lost on that, but also don’t let it consume you, and understand we’re here for a reason.”
The Huskies will try to win their first Vanier Cup in 23 years when Flory and the 1998 Huskies team won the trophy.
Kickoff on Saturday is 12 p.m.