The Canada West football semi-final playoff game between the Regina Rams and Saskatchewan Huskies has been delayed.
Kickoff has been postponed five hours and will now happen at 7 o'clock Saturday night at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon, instead of the earlier afternoon start that had been originally scheduled.
Concerns about heavy wind gusts have been cited for the reasoning behind the rare and unusual move.
In a media release put out late Friday afternoon, Canada West made the announcement.
"Due to forecasted high winds, the kickoff time for Saturday's Canada West football semifinal between Regina and Saskatchewan at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon, Sask. has been adjusted."
"Originally scheduled for 2 p.m., the game will now kick off at 7 p.m. CST."
"The schedule adjustment was made in consideration of player and fan safety amid the forecasted weather conditions."
Weather forecasts vary on the severity of the wind expected but at least one has suggested gusts could reach up to 100 kilometers per hour.
The delay will also likely mean cooler temperatures for this game that will now be played under the lights instead of the prairie sunshine that is in the forecast for Saskatoon on Saturday afternoon.
Temperatures are now expected range from plus-5 at kickoff down to plus-2 by the game's end.
This is a noticeable change from the afternoon conditions expected to range from plus-11 down to plus-8 during the game's originally scheduled timeslot, though winds are expected to calm considerably.
This playoff match will be broadcast live on www.620ckrm.com with the pregame at 6:45 and kickoff at 7 o'clock.









