Gordie Howe Communications|November 14, 2026
SASKATOON, Sask. – The Gordie Howe Sports Complex Management Corporation and Lazer Autobody are proud to announce the 2026 winners of the Lazer Autobody Spirit of Sport Awards.
These awards are presented to athletes who have earned the respect of their teammates by continually and consistently displaying integrity, commitment, and sportsmanship, and who are catalysts in making everyone on the field of play feel like they belong. They usually include one female and one male winner each in the sports of baseball, flag football and softball. The 2026 winners include:
Female 13U Baseball: Josie Fines
Male 13U Baseball: Hudson Romanyshyn
Female Flag Football (Grade 7 or 8): Lydia Bregenser
Male Flag Football (Grade 7 or 8): Jaxon Powlowski
Female U13 Softball First Winner: Tesla Elia
Female U13 Softball Second Winner: Danica Head
The Lazer Autobody Spirit of Sport Awards showcase some of the many young players who are part of the programs run by Baseball Saskatoon, Saskatoon Minor Football and the Saskatoon Minor Softball League. Capsule biographies of the award winner are attached below.
For more information:
Darren Steinke
Communication Coordinator
Gordie Howe Sports Complex Management Corp.
639-470-1197
steinke@howesports.ca
Lazer Autobody Spirit of Sport Awards winners 2026
Name: Josie Fines
Winner’s Division Name: 13U
Team Name: Royal Sox
Coach Name: Rob Fines
Why is the nominee deserving of the award: Josie is a quiet leader who leads by example through her dedication, teamwork and positive attitude. She is a coachable, hardworking athlete who consistently puts in the effort to improve her skills. Josie treats teammates, opponents and officials with respect and fairness, demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship in every game. Her character, commitment and humble leadership make her a deserving recipient of this award.
Name: Hudson Romanyshyn
Winner’s Division Name: 13U AAA
Team Name: Saskatoon Bulls
Coach Name: Matt Deutscher
Why is the nominee deserving of the award: Hudson Romanyshyn has demonstrated a quiet determination throughout the year to get better and has stood out with his attitude, hard work, listening ability and hustle. His attitude has helped him develop into the best hitter on the Saskatoon Bulls, and he has excelled at three positions – pitcher, outfield and first base. Hudson is often shuttled between multiple positions during a game but his performance is always exemplary. Hudson is still only scratching the surface of his natural ability, but he is already a top player in the province and a leader on the Bulls.
Female Flag Football (Grade 7 or 8)
Name: Lydia Bregenser
Winner’s Division Name: Rider All Girls Grade 8/9
Team Name: Seahawks
Coach Name: Ryan Lejbak
Why is the nominee deserving of the award: She is one of the best teammates a girl could ask for – puts her team first all the time. She is willing to play any position, doesn’t complain about being subbed, has a super positive attitude and is improving all the time. She is a good player too. She was in Grade 8 last year and going into Grade 9. She is so easy to coach. Wish we had more like her!!
Male Flag Football (Grade 7 or 8)
Name: Jaxon Powlowski
Winner’s Division Name: Rider Grade 8/9
Team Name: Browns
Coach Name: Bret Thompson
Why is the nominee deserving of the award: I (Bret Thompson) am proud to nominate Jaxon Powlowski for the Lazer Autobody Spirit of Sport Award in recognition of his outstanding commitment to teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play in the Saskatoon Minor Football 5-on-5 Fall Flag Football League. Jaxon lead by example both on and off the field bringing boundless energy to every practice and game. Whether encouraging a teammate after a tough play, celebrating a group success or demonstrating respect toward opponents and officials, Jaxon consistently elevates the spirit of everyone around him. His dedication is evident in his relentless work ethic and passion for the game, while his integrity ensures he always plays with fairness and respect. Jaxon represents the core value of Saskatoon Minor Football making him a truly deserving candidate for this award.
Female U13 Softball First Winner
Name: Tesla Elia
Winner’s Division Name: U13C
Team Name: Saskatoon Lasers U13C
Coach Name: Matthew Ingrouille
Why is the nominee deserving of the award: I am pleased to nominate Tesla for the Lazer Autobody Spirit of Sport Award. She leads by example with integrity, strong work ethic and consistent effort. Tesla supports teammates, celebrates others’ success and fosters an inclusive, positive environment. She treats everyone with respect and competes with fairness and humility. A natural leader and role model who always helps develop the skills and abilities of new and experience players. She embodies teamwork, dedication and sportsmanship. Tesla truly represents the spirit of sport.
Female U13 Softball Second Winner
Name: Danica Head
Winner’s Division Name: U13C
Team Name: Saskatoon Laser U13C
Coach Name: Matthew Ingrouille
Why is the nominee deserving of the award: Danica is the heart of our team. She has a remarkable ability to bring teammates together, keep everyone positive and make every player feel included. She is always the first to lead team cheers, celebrate others’ success and lift spirits during difficult moments. Danica willingly volunteers to help newer players, leads by example and consistently puts the team ahead of herself. Her enthusiasm, leadership, sportsmanship and commitment embody the true spirit of sport making her an outstanding nominee.
Gordie Howe Sports Complex
The Centre of Sport
At Gordie Howe Sports Complex, we’re about rising to every challenge and tackling obstacles head on, because we know that adversity builds character. For over 60 years, we’ve been inspired by the attitudes of our athletes, whose will to be better pushes them further.
As a hub of sport in Saskatoon, we’ve seen history made here. Thousands of Saskatchewan athletes have come through our doors and onto our fields. Each of them has emerged better through every practice, every game and every test of perseverance.
The drive of our athletes has motivated us to transform this place into a world class sports centre that is shared by Saskatoon and surrounding area.
