As the puck drops and the 12 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) teams hit the ice this weekend to kick off the highly anticipated 2024/2025 regular season, one goal unites them all – the chance to hoist the coveted CANTERRA SEEDS Cup at the end of it all. The energy is electric, and I am beyond excited to support these talented athletes and their journey towards glory.

My connection to hockey runs deep. Growing up in a small town in Saskatchewan, I have fond memories playing pond hockey under the stars on those chilly prairie nights. As a goalie—often considered a bit of a unique breed—I can confidently say the leadership skills I developed in that position have shaped the leader I am today. Goalies have this cool mix of staying calm under pressure and leading by example, showing the team how to stay focused and have fun, even in the toughest moments. Leading a team as a goalie isn't just about stopping pucks; it's about directing traffic, boosting your teammates’ confidence, and keeping everyone’s eyes on the ultimate goal: winning together. Now, as the CANTERRA SEEDS Director of Sales, I continue to lead much like I did on the ice—steady, supportive, and always focused on achieving success as a team.

Our partnership with the SJHL is now entering its third season, and we are looking forward to continuing to team up to grow the game we all love. From supporting Saskatchewan born players through our Golden Sheaf program to the thrill of watching the winning team hoist the CANTERRA SEEDS Cup, we've had a front-row seat to witness the dedication, passion, and hard work that these young athletes bring to the ice. It’s been a blast being part of this vibrant hockey community, and each season seems to get better and better!

Golden Sheaf Program – Celebrating Saskatchewan-Born Players

Now heading into its second year, the Golden Sheaf Program is designed to shine a spotlight on SJHL players with farming roots. Saskatchewan is known for its strong agricultural roots, and we’re thrilled to be able to celebrate this through hockey. This season, we'll be highlighting four exceptional Saskatchewan-born players who grew up farming and now bring the valuable life skills they learned off the ice into their game. These young players have stories of hard work, resilience, and teamwork that resonate far beyond the rink, and we can't wait to share these with you.

Throughout the season, we'll sit down with each player, giving them the chance to talk about how growing up on a farm shaped who they are – not only as athletes but as individuals. From the discipline of early mornings and long days in the fields to the lessons learned about teamwork and perseverance, their stories are a testament to how the farming life prepares you for challenges, both on and off the ice. Be sure to keep an eye on our social media channels and blog, where we will be sharing these inspiring conversations, celebrating their success, and highlighting the unique connection between hockey and agriculture. To get a sense of the incredible stories shared last year, you can read about the previous Golden Sheaf players here. Be sure to follow us on social media and our blog for this year’s updates!

Farmer’s Nights Out - A Well-Deserved Break for Our Farming Community

As the harvest season draws to a close, we know how important it is for our farmer customers to take a moment to relax and unwind after months of hard work. That’s why we’re launching our new Farmer’s Nights Out initiative this year. At select SJHL games throughout the season, we’ll be treating groups of local farmers to a night out – a chance to sit back, enjoy a hockey game, and be recognized for the incredible contributions they make to our province. It's our small way of saying thank you for their unwavering support and dedication throughout the year.

By bringing farmers together for these special nights, we’re building a sense of community, allowing them to connect, share their experiences, and cheer on their local SJHL teams. There’s no better way to bring together two of Saskatchewan’s greatest passions – farming and hockey – than by celebrating both at the same time! If you are interested in attending a Farmer’s Night Out this season, contact your local Territory Manager here.

A Commitment to Our Rural Communities

At CANTERRA SEEDS, we’re deeply committed to supporting the rural communities where we live and work. Our partnership with the SJHL allows us to stay connected to the heartbeat of these communities, all while fostering the values of teamwork, determination, and community spirit. Through hockey, we’ve been able to connect with families, celebrate local talent, and shine a light on the hard work of Saskatchewan’s farmers. This partnership goes beyond hockey – it's about fostering meaningful connections with the communities we serve, especially the farmers who are the backbone of their local communities.

This season, I look forward to cheering on the teams as the fight for the CANTERRA SEEDS Cup heats up. As a hockey player myself, I know firsthand the dedication and teamwork it takes to succeed, and I’m excited to witness these young athletes embody those qualities on the ice. From the opening faceoff to the final buzzer, we’ll be there every step of the way, proudly supporting the SJHL, its players, and the communities we serve. Here’s to another exciting season of hockey, and may the best team take home the CANTERRA SEEDS Cup!