SASKATOON — Kian Schaffer-Baker never knew that being anchored to the bench could be so much fun.
The popular pass-catcher revelled in the role of victorious coach on Saturday afternoon after helping to guide Team Getzlaf to a 9-6 victory over Team Lauther in the third annual Roughrider Foundation Winter Classic charity hockey game.
En route to the dressing room at Merlis Belsher Place, Schaffer-Baker performed a Conor McGregor-like strut to celebrate a landmark win.
“It’s the greatest feeling ever,” the Roughriders’ No. 89 said. “More importantly, that’s bragging rights for a whole year.
“Brett, good luck. Every single time we talk, I’m going to bring this up.”
It was placekicker Brett Lauther who initially suggested a fund-raising hockey game to Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation Executive Director Cindy Fuchs.
What began as the floating of an idea ended up becoming reality in 2023, when the inaugural Winter Classic was played. Lauther’s team won the first two games in a shootout before a squad captained by former Roughriders receiver Chris Getzlaf prevailed in more convincing fashion on Saturday.
“Every day, we’re going to be out with the trophy, partying and doing some community engagement,” said Schaffer-Baker, who was assisted behind the bench by Equipment Manager Gordon Gilroy.
“We’re really going to enjoy this one. There was a lot of hard work put in all year long. We did a lot of work in the off-season and it paid off for these guys.
“We left our heart out there today.”
The heart of the matter is that proceeds from the game will go to the Roughrider Foundation’s Win With Wellness Presentation Series. Throughout the off-season, Roughriders player ambassadors visit schools across Saskatchewan, talking to students about mental health.
“It’s for a great cause,” said Regina-born Mike Sillinger, a veteran of 1,049 NHL games who scored two goals for Team Lauther on Saturday.
“It’s special and it’s nice to connect with all the guys.”
Sillinger, Joe Kocur and Luke Gazdic provided the NHL representation.
The rosters also included current CFLers (Lauther, Peter Godber, Noah Zerr and Mitch Picton) and Roughriders alumni (Andy Fantuz and Jason Clermont).
Ajou Ajou, who parlayed an impressive rookie season with the Roughriders into an NFL contract with the Indianapolis Colts, coached Team Lauther in collaboration with Assistant Equipment Manager Ty Robinson.
The efforts of all concerned — on the ice, on the bench or in any other capacity — elicited plaudits from Lauther, who extended his Winter Classic goal-scoring streak to three games.
“I’m super-grateful to everyone involved and that’s where I get my satisfaction,” he said. “I see the work people put in behind the scenes to make something like this happen. We can’t do it without everyone.
“It’s a lot of fun to make something like this happen, especially with (the money) going to the right place. We’re thankful to be here for another year and to raise some money for the kids in the province.”
The Roughriders are highly familiar with the University of Saskatchewan campus, where Merlis Belsher Place is located. The Green and White is preparing for another training camp at U of S-based Griffiths Stadium.
“We’ve had it marked on our calendars to be able to come out here and show support for all the people in Saskatoon who have shown us tremendous support for all these years,” Schaffer-Baker said. “Coming out here for training camp, they always host us and show us an amazing time.
“It’s a great cause that we’re out here for — Win With Wellness, supporting youth mental health — and that’s what it’s all about.
“We’re just bringing awareness to that and just coming out here and having fun.”
In that spirit, the contest — presented by McDougall Auctioneers Ltd. — was officiated once again by Luke McGeough. His late father, Mick McGeough, refereed 1,083 NHL regular-season games and 63 Stanley Cup playoff contests.
“Luke always does a good job of keeping it entertaining as well,” Fantuz said.
“It’s not just the game itself. For me, it’s about the whole weekend and reminiscing with the fellas.
“It’s not only for mental health. It’s good for our mental health, too, just to get back with our friends.”
