University exhibition football game in Hat on Thursday

By JAMES TUBB on August 24, 2022.

jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb

High-end football will be on display Thursday night in Medicine Hat.

The University of Regina Rams are taking on the University of Alberta Golden Bears in an exhibition game Thursday night at the Methanex Bowl.

Brian Semenok has played a part in organizing this exhibition game in Medicine Hat for the last six years and said he he’s excited for the high0end game to make an appearance in the Gas City.

“It’s entertaining football and it’s the closest level to the CFL you’re going to see,” Semenok said. “You’ll see CFL draft picks and potential CFL draft picks, and the level of play is surprisingly fast. Because of the venue, and bleachers being so close, you’re gonna see how quick the game is and how intense it is.”

The game, which gets underway at 6 p.m., has been played for the last couple years and will feature local talent. Former Hat football players Logan Wells, Connor Taylor and Justin Maser are all suiting up for Regina, while Brian Davies will don the Golden Bears jersey.

Semenok’s son Travis played for Regina the last three university exhibition games in Medicine Hat and said it’s a special game.

“I always enjoyed coming back home and getting to play in the old barn in front of family and friends,” Travis said. ” I always begged coach (Mark) McConkey to let me get into the offensive game to score a touchdown.”

Travis, who coaches at Hat High, said it will be nice to see his former teammates and said he misses getting to play alongside them.

Brian said the game will be able to flourish this season as things have opened up.

“COVID really put a wrench in football in general, right from our little guys to high school and it is just nice that life is back to normal,” Semenok said. “We’re hoping for a real good crowd because we don’t have to deal with the COVID issue.”

Tickets will be sold at the gate with seats on a first come, first served basis. Adult tickets are $20, children under 12 are $5 and high school students, with an ID card, are also $5.

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