The Sporting Landscape
Sports matter to prairie identity, perhaps more than in more populated regions. When your province or state is small, a team's success feels personal. And nothing illustrates the current divide quite like the different sports cultures on either side of the border.
Current Teams and Leagues
Saskatchewan:
- Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL): The cultural institution. Population 1.2 million, fanbase nationwide. Green and white is a lifestyle.
- Saskatchewan Rush (NLL): Professional lacrosse, strong following
- WHL Teams: Regina Pats, Saskatoon Blades, Moose Jaw Warriors, Prince Albert Raiders, Swift Current Broncos—five major junior hockey teams for a population of 1.2 million
- University: U of R Cougars, U of S Huskies (Canada West)
North Dakota:
- No major professional teams
- NDSU Bison (FCS Football): Dominant program—9 national championships since 2011. The Fargodome atmosphere rivals anything in college football.
- UND Fighting Hawks (Hockey): Traditional powerhouse, 8 national championships, NHL pipeline
- Minor League: Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (independent baseball)
South Dakota:
- No major professional teams
- SDSU Jackrabbits: FCS football, growing program
- USD Coyotes: Summit League, competitive across sports
- Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL): Junior hockey
Football: CFL vs. NCAA
This is perhaps the most interesting integration question. The CFL and American college football are different games with different cultures:
| Aspect | CFL (Roughriders) | NCAA (NDSU, SDSU) |
|---|---|---|
| Field Size | Larger (110 x 65 yards) | Smaller (100 x 53⅓ yards) |
| Players | 12 per side, 3 downs | 11 per side, 4 downs |
| Season | June-November | August-January |
| Fan Culture | Multigenerational, all ages | Student + alumni focused |
| Tailgating | Present but moderate | Intense, elaborate |
| Coverage | National TV (TSN) | Regional/ESPN+ |
Would Dakotans embrace the Roughriders? Would they abandon NDSU? Could they do both (seasons overlap)? Would the CFL consider expansion to Fargo?
Hockey: Natural Fit
Hockey might be the easiest integration point. Both regions love the game, and the infrastructure exists:
- Saskatchewan's WHL could potentially expand to include Fargo or Sioux Falls
- UND hockey is already at a level comparable to Canadian university programs
- Minor hockey development systems are similar
- The culture of outdoor rinks, early morning practices, and hockey parents is identical
What Could Integration Look Like?
Option 1: Full Integration
- Dakota teams join Canadian leagues where possible
- Roughriders become the regional team for the entire integrated province
- WHL expands to include Dakota cities
Option 2: Hybrid Model
- NCAA programs continue operating (with Canadian students becoming international students, or special arrangements)
- Professional leagues integrate
- Exhibition games and tournaments build cross-border connections
Option 3: Parallel Systems
- Maintain current league structures
- Create new cross-border competitions
- Let fans follow multiple teams
The Curling Question
Saskatchewan is a curling powerhouse—consistently producing national and world champions. North Dakota has competitive curlers but nothing like the depth in Saskatchewan. Integration could expand the talent pool and introduce more Americans to the sport. Or Dakotans might just think it's weird. (They'd be wrong, but it's a possibility.)
Questions for Discussion
- Could Dakotans ever truly become Roughrider fans?
- What would happen to NDSU football's identity in an integrated region?
- Which sports would integrate most naturally?
- Should sports integration be a priority, or would it happen naturally over time?
This forum explores the lighter side of integration—the games we play and the teams we cheer for.