Image: Crazy Bees Photography / Valley Huskers wide receiver Steven Koniuck is pictured during a 2024 game in which he scored four touchdowns at Exhibition Field in Chilliwack. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Valley Huskers players move on

2 Valley Huskers players advance to play collegiate ball in Canada

Feb 13, 2025 | 12:07 PM

CHILLIWACK — Over two years ago, Steven Koniuck relocated from Winnipeg to Chilliwack with a goal of one day playing university football by joining the Valley Huskers team in the Canadian Junior Football League.

Koniuck made the most of his opportunity in the B.C. Football Conference by hauling in 34 receptions for 687 yards in 2024. This remarkable season made him a prime candidate for collegiate football in Canada, something the University of Ottawa reciprocated when they announced this week that Koniuck will play for them this fall.

“I spent the last two summers living in Promontory, Chilliwack where I played for the Chilliwack Valley Huskers,” Koniuck told Fraser Valley Today. “I came to Chilliwack from Winnipeg looking for an opportunity to get to play university football and I saw a way to get there through the Valley Huskers. Coach Bob Reist and Coach Kye Todhunter gave me an opportunity to play on the team and I took full advantage of it and thrived in my environment.”

Koniuck amassed 10 touchdowns and a stellar average of 20 yards a catch. He attributes his opportunity to the Valley Huskers and the exposure it gave him.

Image: Valley Huskers/ Steven Koniuck earned Player of the Week honours last year when he hauled in four catches for 144 yards and four touchdowns.

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“My time with the Huskers opened connections for me to university coaches all over the country. Without the Huskers, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this goal of playing university football as they provided a family culture and support system that pushed myself and my teammates to succeed,” Koniuck said.

The Gee-Gees welcomed Koniuck with open arms in a social media post earlier this week.

“Another Husker joins #GGnation! We are proud to welcome receiver Steven Koniuck to the Nation’s Capital!” U of Ottawa wrote. “Originally from Winnipeg, Steven was a massive presence in the pass game in Chilliwack last season, racking up 780 total receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in the BCFC!

The Gee-Gees also welcomed Valley Husker alum Tyson Hulgan, a 6-foot-1, 275-pound standout from Saskatchewan who provided a strong presence on the D-line this past year.

“We are excited to welcome defensive lineman Tyson Hulgan to the Gee-Gees family!” U of O said. “Tyson is bringing some prairie power to the D-line as the Moose Jaw native moves to the Nation’s Capital after a successful CJFL career in Chilliwack the Valley Huskers.”

Image: Crazy Bees Photography via University of Ottawa / Valley Huskers football player Tyson Hulgan will play for the University of Ottawa this fall.