With the exception of the pandemic, each year since 1997, an intrepid group of American high school football players has made its way north to compete in a cross border competition with Canadian prairie rivals. This year, for the first time, the Canadian squad headed south across the 49th for the CanAm Bowl.

The CanAm Bowl is a 6-man all-star game that showcases the USA (Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming, & Texas) against Canada (Saskatchewan & Alberta). The all-stars are comprised of the best graduating high school players in their respective leagues. This year’s Canadian squad included numerous regional players and coaches. From the Wakaw Warriors, the host team for the last CanAm Bowl in 2019, came DL Lucas Sosnowski, DB Lorrin Leblanc, Safety Owen Kristoff, DL Scott Lai, and coaches Darryl Dickson and Carter Haryett. The Wynyard Golden Bears contributed receiver Aaron Mozol, while the Watrous Wildcats sent receiver Pearce Bartko.

The game went in Lambert, Montana and went by the host team’s 4-down American football rules. In spite of strong showings both sides of the field, Team USA notched its nineteenth win as they walked off the field with a 71-30 win. Canada has won the contest five times in its appearances, including the 2019 Team Canada victory in Wakaw. 

The Warrior’s Lorrin Leblanc took home top defensive player honours on the Canadian squad, while Ben Walz of the Kerrobert Rebels got the nod for top Canadian offensive player.