The three-day trip out west begins today and the team will be returning Saturday, August 25. In total, 70 players will make the trip to Saskatchewan with the hopes of building team chemistry and to give as many new faces as possible a chance to prove themselves in real-game action. The opportunity to play against one of the top programs in the Canada West should help the Gryphons gear up for the start of the regular season September 3rd against McMaster.
Both teams enter the 2012 campaign looking to pit their young offences against talented defensive units. Each team has a number of young players looking to make an impact on the offensive side of the ball, while both defences sport a number of returning veterans from two of the top defensive programs in the CIS.
After a 2-6 season in 2011 which saw several first year players inserted into key positions, the Gryphons are counting on the continued growth of their young squad to carry on in the new season. Second year quarterback Jazz Lindsey (Marktham, Ont.) returns as pivot, and will be leaning on running back Rob Farquharson (Niagara Falls, Ont.) to help carry the load as both continue their progression at the CIS level.
In total, the Gryphons may have as many as 10 potential returning starters on offence, including the entire offensive line. They also will see many of their top receivers return to the lineup, including fifth year receiver Saxon Lindsey (Markham, Ont.), the older brother to the Gryphonsβ pivot.
Guelph will once again expect great things out of their defence, which ranked fourth in the OUA in yards allowed in the 2011 campaign. The front seven will all return, anchored by fifth year veteran and OUA leading tackler Jake Reinhart (Guelph, Ont.).
Saskatchewanβs strength will be a veteran defence that includes speedy defensive backs Bryce McCall, Seamus Neary, Mitch Friesen and Luke Thiel, complimenting a tough and sturdy defensive line anchored by veterans David Rybinski, Joel Seutter, Zach Hart and Levi Steinhauer.
In 2011, the Huskie defence allowed opponents to score just 152 points in eight games, had a pass defence efficiency of 110.5 and snared 13 interceptions – the best in the Canada West in all three categories.
Rookie Drew Burko, who spent 2011 on Huskiesβ show teams, takes over at quarterback for Jahlani Gilbert-Knorren. The speedy Gilbert-Knorren moves to receiver joining veteran receivers Braeden George, Garrett Burgess and Jeff Moore. Dexter Janke will take over tailback duties. The Huskiesβ offensive line will be led by 2011 Canada West Rookie of the Year Jordan Arkko.
Kick off is set for 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets are available online atΒ huskies.usask.caΒ or by callingΒ Β 
306-966-1111. The game can be heard live on CK750 orwww.ck750.comΒ and live stats can be followed atΒ www.canadawest.tv
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