Sault Steelers joing the Power 5 Football League

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The Sault Steelers joined the Power 5 Football League earlier this week after five decades plus of involvement with the Northern Football Conference.

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“I think there was a parting of the ways coming,” Steelers GM John Bujold said without further about league politics within the NFC. “And when it was confirmed this was going to be the case, we chose the direction we thought was going to give us the best shot.”

From idea to inception, the entire process of forming a new league took about three weeks in duration.

“We went with the group we felt the most comfortable with,” Bujold said.

Two relevant details played into the decision for the Steelers to eschew the NFC in favour of the Power 5.

“One of the biggest factors was that Sudbury was the shortest trip in the league and that made us consider that route more clearly,” Bujold said. “Sarnia is a short trip (through Michigan) and Tr-City, we have a good working relationship with, as an opponent. For us, that is why we made this choice the way that we did.”

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A league announced on Wednesday that a fifth franchise will join the league next season. The name of the team has not been released.

“We are thrilled to unveil the Ontario Power 5 Football League, a platform where the rich football heritage of Ontario can shine brighter than ever before,” league president Barry Rushon said in a press release. “With the Sudbury Spartans, Sarnia Imperials, Tri City Outlaws, and Sault Steelers leading the charge, the P5FL is poised to captivate football fans across the province and beyond.”

Bujold also thought it was prudent to align his club with stable and historic franchises. Tri City was a former national champion, Sudbury was one of the founding teams of the NFC and the Sarnia Imperials won a Grey Cup twice during the 1930’s.

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“These are well run programs with a rich history,” Bujold said. “I can’t wait to see what this league brings with, hopefully, some expansion down the road. It is a fresh start, and we are all excited about how successful (the transition) has gone so far.”

Bujold wasn’t heavily involved in the entire process, nonetheless happy to see the football field this weekend.

The Spartans host the Steelers at James Jerome Sports Complex on Saturday evening at 7 p.m.

“The first week of any season is stressful just getting all the pieces in place,” Bujold said. “It will be cathartic to get on the field and get all the stress out.”

The Steelers will be in Guelph next weekend to play the Outlaws. The home opener is scheduled for June 22 against the Imperials.

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