The Regina Thunder are ready for the daunting task of returning to the National Championship as they kicked off the 2023 edition of training camp this past weekend.
Last year, the Canadian Bowl was held at Mosaic Stadium after the Thunder defeated the Saskatoon Hilltops in the Prairie Football Conference Finals. The Thunder lost the National final to the Okanagan Sun.
On the eve of the Thunder kicking off their training camp, head coach Scott MacAulay joined Sean Kleisinger on the SportsCage to discuss the upcoming season for the Thunder.
Following the heartbreak of last year’s results, MacAulay says the fire still burns for another trip to the National Championship.
“Sometimes it’s not always the wins and losses even though trust me I want to win, it’s also having that opportunity to be apart of this organization and represent the City of Regina.”
Last year, the Thunder returned with a veteran-laden squad, but this season there will be a mixture of youth and experience in the starting lineup according to MacAulay.
On defence, Regina will have plenty of experience at linebacker and in the secondary, but MacAulay says the defensive line will see some new faces. He added the coaching staff is excited about the group’s potential even with the changes.
There are plenty of veterans for the Thunder on the offensive side of the ball, especially at running back and along the offensive line. The Thunder head coach noted they have holes at wide receiver to fill due to graduation.
The biggest positional battle at training camp will be the team’s starting quarterback. MacAulay says there are some big shoes for the Thunder to fill with the graduation of Carter Shewchuk, who was the team’s starter the last two seasons.
“Went 16-0, never lost a regular season game over two years and now we got to find someone to replace him.”
Two of the combatants at quarterback trying to win the starting job for the Thunder in training camp, Carter Moberg and Nik Hasselfield.
MacAulay says both players have attributes that are attractive for a starting quarterback.
He described Hasslefied as tall, strong-armed, with a solid football I.Q. Moberg also possesses a strong arm according to the Thunder head coach adding Moberg is a likeable teammate.
In training camp, MacAulay will be searching for a player who can lead the team and hold a firm grasp on the playbook.
Training camp will continue throughout the week for the Thunder before they take a pause on Friday for a weekend break. The team will resume practicing on Tuesday.
Regina will travel to Brandon on Saturday, August 5, when they meet the Winnipeg Rifles in an exhibition matchup.
The regular season will begin for the Thunder on Sunday, August 13, in Calgary against the Colts.
Regina’s home opener at Leibel Field will be on Sunday, August 27, when they host the Rifles.
