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- calendar_today November 8, 2026
Regina Thunder on the Brink of a Championship
The Regina Thunder are preparing to compete for their first Canadian Bowl championship since 2013. With just one win standing between them and national glory, the team is hoping to finish the season on a high note at the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) final in Victoria on Sunday.
Season Success in the Prairie Football Conference
This season, the Thunder dominated the Prairie Football Conference (PFC), finishing with a 7-1 record. They secured the conference title by defeating the highly decorated Saskatoon Hilltops, a team with 24 national championships to its name. The Thunder then advanced by winning a national semifinal for the first time on the road, defeating the Sault Ste. Marie Cougars 44-15.
Leadership and Team Development
Head coach Scott MacAulay, who joined the Thunder as head coach in 2013 and led them to their first Canadian Bowl victory that same year, credits the team's success to a mix of returning young players and veterans. "We've got a lot of veteran presence, but at the same time, we're young. And we made a lot of changes during the off-season in regards to some coaching changes and some player personnel changes," MacAulay said.
MacAulay also highlighted the impact of team president Murad Al-Katib in helping the organization grow, emphasizing increased community involvement and off-field fundraising as key factors in supporting the players and recruiting talent.
Standout Performances Fueling the Thunder
A major contributor to the Thunder's offensive strength has been all-Canadian running back Peter Boersch. In his fourth season, Boersch led the country with 1,221 rushing yards over eight games and added 703 more rushing yards in three playoff games. Boersch emphasized the importance of experience, stating, "Learning to win is a real thing. ... This year, I feel like we've just got a vast wealth of experience and knowledge."
On defense, all-Canadian defensive back Marcus Butz has been instrumental, leading the conference with six interceptions and returning four of them for touchdowns. Now in his fifth and final year with the team, Butz reflected on his journey, describing his time with the Thunder as a "blessing."
Canadian Bowl Final Against Westshore Rebels
The Thunder are set to face the Westshore Rebels for the national title, marking their third appearance in the Canadian Bowl. Their last victory was a decade ago, and the team is eager to break the championship drought. MacAulay and his coaching staff are focusing on keeping the team grounded, approaching the game as just another week of practice and preparation.
Looking Ahead
As the Regina Thunder prepare for the Canadian Bowl, the players, coaches, and supporters are hopeful that the team's perfect storm of experience, leadership, and community support will lead to their first national championship since 2013.
Source: cbc.ca.
