In frigid Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan Huskie athletes brave temperatures in the -40s to train at the Merlis Besher Centre. The Huskie women’s basketball team continues a remarkable winning streak of 44 games, undefeated for over a year and two seasons since their defeat by the Calgary Dinos in November 2024.
With a flawless 14-0 record in the current season, the Huskies will face the Calgary Dinos, the team that ended their winning streak back in 2024. Forward Téa DeMong expressed eagerness for the upcoming challenge, viewing it as an opportunity for revenge.
The team benefits from experienced leadership, boasting five fifth-year players and three fourth-year members. Head coach Lisa Thomaidis, a seasoned mentor in her 27th year with the team, emphasized the significance of veteran leadership in the team’s achievements.
Huskie captain Gage Grassick praised the coaching staff’s influence on the team’s consistent success, emphasizing their ability to nurture both personal and athletic growth in players. Grassick, the U Sports player of the year in 2025, described the team as “gritty,” highlighting their relentless and determined play style.
The Huskies, currently ranked number 1 in the Canada West conference, anticipate tough competition from the Dinos and other top-ranked teams in the league. Thomaidis emphasized the value of facing strong opponents to elevate the team’s performance as they approach the playoffs.
Looking ahead, Thomaidis expressed optimism about the team’s potential for further success, aiming to build on the impressive performance from the previous season. The Huskies will clash with the Calgary Dinos at 6 p.m. CT on Friday at the Physical Activity Complex, with the men’s game following suit. The action continues on Saturday at 5 p.m. CT.
The Huskies’ journey to defend their winning streak and maintain their top-ranking status promises intense matchups and fierce competition in the Canada West conference.