06/10/2026
ODDS & ENDS
This has nothing to do with upcoming HUSKIE events but it made me think (and I am trying to add content).
"When I went to Catholic high school in Philadelphia, we just had one coach for football and basketball. He took all of us who turned out and had us run through the forest. The ones who ran into the trees were on the football team."
- George Raveling, College basketball coach Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
I don't remember running in the forest and hitting trees, probably because I did not go to Catholic high school. But I do remember I chose football & hockey over basketball and baseball because you weren't allowed to hit anyone. That aha moment came at Westminster Jr High when I ran into a cement wall gym teacher named Bob Bennett. I kind of liked it, so I chose football over basketball and gave up on hockey because I could not keep my ankles sharp enough. (You'll understand that if your old enough to remember that hockey skates use to be leather and were not always made like ski boots).
I chose football, best choice I ever made. Football taught me about sportsmanship and dealing with winning and losing. It also gave me insight into life in-general. Making the right choices, depending on teammates, knowing that as a T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More) and most of all making friends for life. I spent my three years with the Huskies sitting on the bench and being a mobile tackling dummy for some great Huskie linebackers, Vic Bit, Hugh McColl and Jerry Shockey. I don't regret a minute of it. So if you're out running later and you hit a tree, football was probably the right choice.
One of the newest members of the Alumni Board of Directors is Matt Mandrusiak. Matt never played with the Huskies, but like his famous father Dwyane was part of the equipment staff for some years. Today he is the Manager of Philanthropy at the Edmonton Community Foundation. I mention this as the Edmonton Huskies Alumni Fund at ECF has just received its third legacy gift from a Huskie alum who passed and remembered how much the Huskies had contributed to his success off the field in his life after football. Now there are those who may be reading this who might think what a morbid subject, but a friend of mine asked me today, if you had $3Million to leave to your kids will it enhance their lives or ruin them? So please indulge me as I asked Matt to provide me and you with some information as to how to leave a legacy gift in your will or through insurance to the Edmonton Huskies Alumni Fund so that it enhances the lives of those who play now and of those who will be our community leaders in the future.
EDMONTON HUSKIES ALUMNI FUND - LEGACY GIVING
Leave a lasting mark for Huskies to come. A gift through your will or estate plan is one of the most powerful ways to
champion the next generation of student-athletes — long after your playing days are over.
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The Edmonton Huskies Alumni Fund exists because people like you believe in what this program builds: discipline, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. Today, we invite you to consider making that belief permanent — by including the Edmonton Huskies Alumni Fund as a beneficiary in your estate plan. Legacy gifts — sometimes called planned gifts — cost nothing today, yet they can fund alumni awards, scholarships, and program support for generations to come. And when directed through the Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF), your gift is structured to deliver the maximum tax benefit available under Canadian law.
Why the Edmonton Community Foundation? ECF holds and manages the Edmonton Huskies Alumni Fund. ECF is a registered public foundation, meaning gifts made through it qualify for the full charitable tax credit on your estate’s final return. Your estate can claim up to 100% of net income in the year of death — significantly reducing the tax burden on your beneficiaries while permanently supporting the causes you love.
WAYS TO GIVE
→ Bequest in your will. The simplest planned gift. You instruct your estate to direct a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the residual balance to the Edmonton Huskies Alumni Fund via the Edmonton Community Foundation. Your will remains fully flexible — you can update it at any time during your lifetime.
→ Registered account beneficiary designation. Name the Edmonton Community Foundation (for the benefit of the Edmonton Huskies Alumni Fund) as a beneficiary on your RRSP, RRIF, or TFSA. These assets pass outside your estate, and the resulting donation receipt can offset the substantial income inclusion that registered assets trigger on death — often eliminating that tax entirely.
→ Life insurance gift. Donate an existing or new life insurance policy by naming the Edmonton Community Foundation as owner and beneficiary, or simply designate them as beneficiary on a policy you retain. The death benefit flows directly to the Fund, and your estate receives a donation receipt for the full proceeds.
→ Gift of securities or appreciated assets. Publicly traded securities donated in-kind to the Edmonton Community Foundation attract a capital gains inclusion rate of zero — meaning you or your estate pay no tax on the accrued gain, while still receiving a full fair-market-value donation receipt. This is often the most tax-efficient gift available.
→ Endowment through the ECF. Work with the Edmonton Community Foundation to establish a named endowment fund in your honour or a loved one’s name. The capital is invested permanently, and the annual distributions flow to Huskies Alumni awards in perpetuity — ensuring your legacy lives on every year, forever.
Making a legacy gift doesn’t require a large estate or complicated paperwork. A conversation with your financial advisor or estate lawyer — and a simple update to your beneficiary designations or will — is often all it takes. We encourage you to speak with your advisor about which option suits your situation, and to let us know of your intention so we can thank you and ensure your wishes are honoured exactly as you envision.
Get in Touch: Ready to learn more? Contact the Edmonton Huskies Alumni Society to discuss your options and connect with a philanthropy advisor at Edmonton Community Foundation — at no obligation.
Matt Mandrusiak - Manager, Philanthropy Edmonton Community Foundation. 780-974-7923 [email protected]
Don Charnaw - Donor Relations, Edmonton Huskies Alumni Fund. 780-807-9317 [email protected]
This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a qualified advisor regarding your personal circumstances.
Your 2026 Edmonton Huskies Alumni Board of Directors; Paul McCann, President. Ron McIntyre, Vice President. Mike Kapalka, Treasurer. Don Charnaw, Recording Secretary. John Belmont, Dan Butcher, Dale C***s, Jim Drummond, Chris Durham, Mike Eurchuk, Bonnie Lorrimer, Matt Mandrusiak, Gavin Martinson, Greg Patterson. Larry Tibble, Past President.
A huge thank you goes out to Brent Pope who at the last Huskie Hall of Fame Gala {in 2025) purchased a lunch for four Huskies plus special guest, the Prince of Puns, Gene Principe. Brent then gifted that to one of his best friends and former teammate, Dan Butcher. Dan in turn (not feeling 100%) gifted it to four others, two teammates, one of his former coaches and me. Why me? I have no idea. But a great time and a delicious lunch was had at Cafe Amore. Gene Principe was in fine form and lots of behind the scene stories of Oiler broadcasts were shared. Thank you also goes out to Cristo Crudo owner of Cafe Amore for donating the prize to the Hall of Fame for the live auction. If you haven't been to Cafe Amore you are missing great Italian food in the heart of Edmonton!
So What's Happening with the Team? Great question - The boys have supervised weight sessions with Coach (and Personal Trainer) Zach Wilkie twice a week and skills and footwork drills two days a week at Huskie House. Thanks to new Papa and Head Coach, here is the coaching line-up and players to watch. Huge congrats to the Klein family welcoming Xavier (May 21, 2026) into the Pack.
Head Coach - Marshal Klein
Offensive Coord - Zach Wilkie (2009 - 2012 Huskies)
Defensive Coord - Josh Tkachyk
Special Teams Coord - Adam K***z (2011-2012 Huskies)
Offensive Line - Mike Kozushka
Assistant OLine - Jack Hanna (2014-2018 Huskies)
Runningbacks - Ewan Vanderheide
Recs - Kolby Hurford
Defensive Line - Nathean Gaigneur (2001 - 2006 Huskies)
Linebackers - Yohann Akale (2021 - 2022 Huskies) & Nick Cowan (2018 - 2019 Huskies)
Defensive Backs - Sheldon McNabb ( 2020 - 2024 Huskies)
Kickers - Dale C***s
Graduate Assistant (O) - Evan Bedard (2024 - 2025 Huskies)
Graduate Assistant (D) - Jaden Hansen (2024 - 2025 Huskies)
Graduate Assistant & Analytics - Kwame Donquah
Top newcomers would be:
Howells Boateng - RB - Camrose
- Physically punishing Runningback who looks like he stepped off of a Pro Roster. Played for Coach K***z at the Battle River Shock & was an Elks Selects standout
Ethan Grannum - RB - Lloydminster
- One of the top RB recruits in the province in the Class of 2025, fresh off an ACL repair that kept him out of his rookie season. Will be a weapon on offense and in the return game.
Dezso Garaba - WR - Peace River
- A physical specimen at receiver. Was a Cat in 2024, sat out in 2025 to come and be a Huskie for the 2026 season. At testing was in the top 3 for 5 categories with: 9'1" Broad Jump, 30.6" Vertical, 4.76 40 Yard Dash, 1.57 10 Yard Split, 4.28 5-10-5. He may be one of the most physical players on the team with his tenacious blocking, and a lethal rec.
Lex Blom - DL - Salisbury Composite
- Another physical specimen who will likely push to win the Huskies another CJFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Was benching upwards of 20 reps at 225 at Sal, and reformed his body even more. Gave a lot of our OL starters issues at Spring Camp and has seen to have already turned the corner in our winter/spring practices. Embodies that Huskie Grit, as he was sporting multiple stitches at Spring Camp thanks to rugby!
The entire LB Class: Gage Noel (St. Joe's GP), Memphis Callahan (Salisbury Comp), Kain MacLeod (Jasper Place), Isaac Kostiw (Westlock), Riley Gauthier (Beaumont) - All 5 of these players will push to see the field immediately, but will be the core of our special teams. All had USport offers/interest, but chose to come to the CJFL for the benefits to their career. All have their own strengths/weaknesses, but all share an incredibly high motor, great speed and a little psychosis that is important for all Linebackers. This class rivals most USports programs.
The Sask contingency: Ryland Monteith DB (Holy Cross - Saskatoon), Berkeley Kendry DL (St. Joe's - Saskatoon), Miller Childress DB (Carlton Comp - Prince Albert) - Ryland Monteith comes from the number 2 ranked high school team in the country. A long, physical, defensive back with a true Huskie attitude. He is also a national ranked wrestler! (Mike Eurchuk approves that). Berkeley Kendry is a provincial team defensive lineman from the second strongest program in Saskatoon. An undersized defensive end who garnered a lot of USports attention, but knows the benefit for linemen in Junior football. Will join Lex as a rookie DL that not only pushes to play, but makes an immediate impact. Miller Childress was likely the top safety in Saskatchewan for the Class of 2026. Has elite speed, phenomenal play recognition, and plays the game the right way. Another player who garnered a lot of USport interest in the CanWest. All three players represented the Huskies well at the Saskatchewan Senior Bowl where their Team North stuck it to Team South 47-11!
There will be a joint team/alumni fundraiser coming up. The classic "Topless Carwash" will take place on Saturday July 18, (July 25th if the 18th is rainy) at Fountain Tire Commonwealth (9637 111th Ave.) 10am-5pm there will be free BBQ Hot Dogs and non-alcoholic bevies, courtesy of Fountain Tire Commonwealth. We will provide an update in the July Howler. Under the leadership of Chris Durham & Greg Patterson this promises to a fun time. Not wanting to scare you but be prepared to see some topless alumni and for the ladies be prepared to enjoy some of the young "studdley" players.
TIME TO BUCK UP!!
You don't have to leave a legacy gift just yet, but it is time to renew your membership with the Alumni. Membership dues are $50.00 and are 100% tax deductible. (Tax Receipts come from the CJFL after 'we launder the money" 🙂 ) Membership dues help pay for the operational costs of the Alumni, including the two BBQ's we sponsor every season, game day programs, community engagement and scholarships and awards. If everyone who actually opened the Howler paid their $50 membership fee we could be putting around $20K into the coffers. YET...at this moment we only have SIX that's right only SIX Alumni in good standing!!! So please use this as a reminder and send in your Membership. If by cheque, made out to Edmonton Huskies Alumni Society in memo line: Membership mail to EHAS C/O: Unit 28 -843 Youville Dr West NW - Edmonton T6L6X8 If by e-transfer to: [email protected]. If you use e-transfer, please make sure you include your complete mailing address in the comment section. ALUMNI remember: Once a Huskie, Always a Huskie!!
Letter to the Editor
Finally a letter (email) to the editor. I received this from a former Huskie Coach of mine. I am not sure if he wrote it because he felt sorry for me that I didn't have much to talk about, or because he felt sorry because he had seen my potential but chose me as the mobile tackling dummy, (see above) thus limiting my on field time to 3 targets, three catches, one on a 4-yard out for a TD. But whatever the case, thank you Coach always great to get an email and always great to hear from you. "Wonderfully Presented and Humorous News of the Gathering of Alumni and This Year’s Team at Huskie House and Field!!! The Game between the Gold and Black Teams, the Barbeque as well as the Alumni who were in Attendance; were all cleverly revealed!!! As a Huskies Alumnus, who could not attend that day, one senses a Positive Introduction to this Year’s Huskie Season!!! I couldn't agree more, no argument!
EHAS TO HOST TAILGATE at Double E HOME GAMES!
Thanks to the work of Alumni Greg Patterson and Mike Kapalka, the Edmonton Huskies Alumni Society now have a spot at the tailgate party before every Elks home game. Greg & Mike worked tirelessly to make this happen. So if you are going to a game, be sure to stop by and say hello to your fellow Alumni. I am not promising, but there maybe some swag and food if you buy a membership at the EHAS tailgate tent. See image below for the dates of home games. Home opener Saturday, June 20th @ 2PM. Huskie tent will be in spot #57 about 4 or 5 from the stage.
The Last Word by world famous author Ron McIntyre
For people who have never hit a marshmallow off a tee you have to give it a go. At the Huskies Annual Golf Tourney last week, we all had a chance to give it a full John Daley shoulder turn and let er rip on those poor little foodstuffs. When the metal hits that puffy thing it’s like when your head hits the pillow.
The Huskies Board of Directors, led by Jason and Bonnie Lorrimer, are to be applauded for pulling this year’s tournament off as that is no easy feat these days. As if putting a hundred guys in helmets, booking buses and all the other things that go into running a club, that has existed since 1954, isn’t enough, the Board successfully resurrected the tournament. The competition for golfing dollars out there is fierce and this year’s turnout was a great start. A big ‘WAY TO GO’ to the Huskies Board of Directors and thank you to all the sponsors
Jason Bula has officially become my unofficial pick for the ‘Mayor of Amateur Football’ in Edmonton. His sponsorship of a hole and providing UnHammered beer and Spolumbo sausages from former Edmonton Eskimo/Calgary Stampeder Tony Spoletinis; Spolumbos Deli in Calgary was greatly appreciated. I’m not much of a drinker these days having given up lemon gin when I was 16 but damn, I like a guilt - free UnHammered.
Bob Doige drove up from Tsawwassen B.C. for the event and joined old teammates Ross Bradford and George Spanach for some story telling. Bob started with the Huskies in 1959 andlater became a director for the club and was such a pleasure to talk to.
Editors note...The Tourney was cut short by lightning hail and rain...but according to Chris Durham a good time was still had by all. He wanted to thank George Spanach for keeping him warm with some of George's infamous pick-me-up and then put-me-to-bed???
GET YOUR MEMBERSHIP DUES IN PLEASE!!!
ONCE A HUSKIE, ALWAYS A HUSKIE!
