SASKATOON, SK – The Saskatchewan Huskies ended their season Sunday hosting the Alberta Golden Bears for the annual Bateman Cup game at Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park. The matchup ended in a draw for the previous three years, but this year the Golden Bears would walk away with a 1-0 win over the Huskies.

The Bateman Cup is an annual competition against the Alberta Golden Bears. The event is named after Reginald Bateman, who was one of the first four professors at the University of Saskatchewan in 1909, and its first professor of English. He fought and died in World War I and Sunday afternoon's game honoured members of the armed forces. 

Jaron Slopinski got the start in net to finish the season for the Huskies. The Golden Bears started Liam Collens, who would earn himself a shutout with three saves.

After back-and-forth offensive momentum, Alberta put up the game's only goal in the first half's final minutes, with a pass from Marcus Velado-Tsegaye to Habib Assem. Assem was able to capitalize on the opportunity, putting it past the Huskies' goaltender in the 44th minute.

Both teams continued to exchange close calls in the second half, playing an aggressive, high-paced game, but neither team succeeded in any attempts. With no goals recorded in the second, Alberta proceeded to walk away with the win.

The Huskies out-shot the Golden Bears 9-5 with three shots on goal but could not get the ball past Collens. Saskatchewan finished the game with five corner kicks, Alberta going without.  

The Bateman Cup was presented to the Golden Bears by members of the North Saskatchewan Regiment, a primary reserve infantry based in Saskatoon. Fifth-year player Zach Edwards was named game MVP for the Huskies in his final game in green, and Jake Bosch was game MVP for the Golden Bears. 

That concludes the men's 2023-2024 season as they sit out of reach of a play-off position—a huge thank you to everyone who came out to support the Dogs this season. See you next year, Huskie fans!