EDMONTON / JASPER 2026

Nelson will travel to Edmonton and Jasper for a 2026 Pre-Season trip. The Lords will spend time in Edmonton preparing for and playing a Pre-Season game before heading to Jasper for some team building time. The team returns to Edmonton to continue preparations for their Week 2 match-up before flying home.

NON-CONFERENCE GAME

NELSON LORDS @ HARRY AINLAY TITANS

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH - 2:00PM (MT)

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA - FOOTE FIELD

Nelson will take on perennial National Contender Harry Ainlay to open their 2026 Season. The Titans are a premier program in Alberta with numerous Provincial Titles over the past few seasons. Harry Ainlay will meet the Lords for their 3rd game of the season after playing Raymond (Aug 21) and Lethbridge (Aug 28) while Nelson will play their season opener in Edmonton. The game will be part of the Harry Ainlay High School Homecoming events planned for the weekend.

Much more to come!!

GOLF TOURNAMENT IS BACK!!!

Our Annual Golf Tournament is set for Tuesday July 7th, 2026 once again at Mount Nemo Golf Club.

We would love to see you there or have you involved in supporting the event. Please click below to see the opportunites that are available and to register!

THANK YOU NELSON!

A big thank you to all our players, parents and volunteers for a memorable 2025 season. It was a season that started out with incredible sadness as we lost our beloved Coach Mlekuz to cancer at the age of 82 on the day we opened Training Camp.

Our entire program and most importantly our players and coaches showed incredible resilience and strength to focus on football and make sure the season was a positive one. A heart breaking loss for our SR Lords at Assumption does not take away from the great season both teams had on and off the field.

Best of luck to all our graduates as you move on from Nelson. For those continuing their football careers at the next level we are excited to be along for the ride.

To our photographers who captured everything and created memories for life we cannot thank you enough. Matthew, Guran, Armando, Marlo, David as well as our Yearbook and Student Photographers you produced some outstanding work this season.

To our Parents and Alumni, a massive Thank You. You continue to understand the importance of football for our youth and support our program both financially and by giving your time.

And finally to our fans - you are the best in the country. We cannot wait to see you back at Nelson Stadium in September.

The 2026 Lords are now loading...

GHAC SEMIFINAL

ASSUMPTION CRUSADERS -- 38

NELSON LORDS -- 35

Nelson was unable to make the final tackle of the game and it cost them a trip to the GHAC Championship. In arguably one of the best football games of the year in Ontario this game had everything. Assumption jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead before Nelson would reel off 28 straight points to go up 28-10. A blocked punt by Assumption turned the tide and they went on a run putting up 22 straight to take a late 32-28 advantage late in the 4th quarter. The Lords marched 90 yards in the final five minutes and a Ben Carmichael touchdown put Nelson up 35-32 with just under two minutes remaining. The Crusaders, led by their All-Star Quarterback drove the ball to the Nelson 10 yardline with 13 seconds remaining. Instead of a tieing field goal attempt, Assumption elected to go for it on 3rd down and 1. The Crusaders would find the endzone as time expired to complete the comeback.

Nelson got exceptional games from their Offensive Line and running game. Ben Carmichael racked up 4 rushing touchdowns while Zachary McGugan also added a major on the ground. Carmichael and McGugan along with Trent Hunter and Logan McLeod would be key on the defensive side of the ball as well.

A tough loss for Nelson ends the season and the careers of a handful of 4th and 5th year Lords who have made significant contributions to our program.

Coming Soon!

QB SPORTS PLAYER OF GAME --- GHAC SEMIFINAL

#0 BEN CARMICHAEL

Carmichael left everything on the field Wednesday at Assumption. He rushed for 4 touchdowns on 8 carries for 25 yards. He also added 6 tackles and a batted ball on defence against a tough Crusader squad.

STACKED PANCAKES LINEMAN OF GAME --- GHAC SEMIFINAL

#55 TRENT HUNTER

Hunter ended his five year Nelson career with perhaps his best game. Playing both ways, big 55 helped the Lords OL rush for 5 scores and made for tough sledding adding 3 tackles and two pressures against the Assumption offence.

Congratulations to five former Lords and their Queen's Gaels Teammates on winning the 2025 Yates Cup.

Ryan Bechmanis -- Defensive Coordinator/Asst Head Coach

#78 Alex Hurst -- OL

#82 Ben Walker -- LS / REC

#27 Wilson Heslop -- DB

#23 Grant Lee -- DB

2025 HSSAA CHAMPIONSHIP

NELSON LORDS -- 35

GEORGETOWN 87s -- 14

Nelson was in control of this one from start to finish enroute to their 27th league title in school history. The Lords were determined to bring the Frank Geard Memorial trophy back home to New Street after being upset in last season's final. Nelson got a pair of touchdowns from Ben Carmichael and majors from Zachary McGugan, Santino Uvari and Mateo Monetta in the win. Kicker William Netto added a single and 4 converts. The defence had a strong day limiting the 87s on offence.

UP NEXT: The Lords make the short trip to take on the longtime rival Assumption Crusaders in the GHAC Semifinal on Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 2:00pm.

QB SPORTS PLAYER OF GAME --- HSSAA CHAMPIONSHIP

#0 BEN CARMICHAEL

Along with teammate Zachary McGugan, Carmichael put in an impressive performance on both sides of the ball. Carmichael finished the game with 13 carries for 137 and 2 touchdowns along with 5.5 tackles on defence!

STACKED PANCAKES LINEMAN OF GAME --- HSSAA SEMIFINAL

#45 JAMIE BENEDIK

Benedik put in his best performance of his career when the Lords needed it most. He helped anchor the edge of the Lords defence while pressuring the Georgetown passing game and deflecting two passes.

2025 HSSAA JR CHAMPIONSHIP

HAYDEN HUSKIES -- 38

NELSON LORDS -- 24

The Junior Lords fell short in their bid for a 10th consecutive league title. In a very entertaining game the Lords made some key mistakes and took some untimely penalties that they could not overcome. Nelson got a strong performance from RB/DB Adrian Kalinowski in the loss. Kalinowski scored a touchdown and added a field goal and 2 converts. Ableman added a pair of touchdowns along the ground and Berke Gurtekin scored on a 90yd Kickoff Return. This loss ends the Jr Lords season.

2025 HSSAA SEMIFINAL

NELSON LORDS -- 51

IROQUOIS RIDGE WOLFPACK -- 0

Nelson did not let the extremely difficult conditions affect them as they rolled over Iroquois Ridge in Thursday's HSSAA Semifinal. The ground game was going strong as Zachary McGugan and Jacob Slominski each scored a pair of touchdowns. QB Zachary Beninger would connect with Santino Uvari and Matteo Monetta for passing touchdowns as well. Jordan Anastasiou would punch in a late major of his own as well on the ground. Kicker William Netto was perfect on converts as well as chipping in 3 rouges on Kickoffs.

UP NEXT: The Lords host Georgetown in the HSSAA Championship on Thursday. Kickoff is set for 11:45am at Nelson Stadium.

QB SPORTS PLAYER OF GAME --- HSSAA SEMIFINAL

#22 ZACHARY MCGUGAN

After playing much of the season injured, McGugan is finally returning to form at just the right time. A tough runner who chipped in two rushing TDs as well as anchoring the defence to a big win. McGugan was also a key contributor on Special Teams in the win.

STACKED PANCAKES LINEMAN OF GAME --- HSSAA SEMIFINAL

#52 LOGAN MCLEOD

McLeod was dominant in the run game opening up holes for the Lords to rack up 5 rushing TDs in poor weather. A key fumble recovery on defence also helped propel Nelson to a big win and send them back to the HSSAA Championship game.

2025 HSSAA JR SEMIFINAL

NELSON LORDS -- 45

GEORGETOWN 87s -- 0

The Junior Lords got back on track with a big Semifinal win over Georgetown Thursday in awful weather conditions. Heavy rain and win were the story throughout the game with Nelson moving to a ground game to earn the win. The Jr Lords got a big game from the Offence with touchdowns from Noel Brannan (3 TDs), Aaron Ableman (2 TDs), and a major from Berke Gurtekin. Kicker Adrian Kalinowski converted all 6 majors and added a Field Goal in the win.

UP NEXT: Nelson will host the HSSAA Championship with a rematch against the Hayden Huskies on Thursday at 10:00am at Nelson Stadium.

2025 HSSAA WEEK 6

NELSON LORDS -- 49

HAYDEN HUSKIES -- 0

Nelson put together a complete game for the first time this season when it counted. The Lords started fast and never looked back dominating the opening half and cruising to a win after playing most of their bench in the second half. Nelson got three touchdowns from Mateo Monetta and two from Zachary McGugan. Running back Jacob Slominski would add a rushing touchdown as well. Receivers Simon Garratt and Anderson Manjak would add two point converts while the defence added two safeties. Kicker William Netto would account for the rest of the points on 3 converts and two rouges.

UP NEXT: The Lords host the Iroquois Ridge Wolfpack in an HSSAA Semifinal at Nelson Stadium on Thursday. Kickoff is set for 2:00pm.

QB SPORTS PLAYER OF GAME --- WEEK 8

#10 ZACHARY BENINGER

Beninger has arguably been the Player of the Week in each game this season. His cleanest performance came Thursday as he led an unstoppable offence to 49 points before coming out of the game just after half time.

STACKED PANCAKES LINEMAN OF GAME --- WEEK 8

#33 PARKER FERGUSON

Ferguson helped shut down the strong outside run game from the Huskies and helped the defence pitch a shutout in a must win game.

2025 HSSAA JR WEEK 5

HAYDEN HUSKIES -- 35

NELSON LORDS -- 2

The Junior Lords dropped their first regular season game in over a decade falling to a very good Hayden Huskies team. Nelson struggled to move the ball and to stop a powerful outside run game from Hayden. Despite the loss, Nelson will host an HSSAA Semifinal on Thursday with the hope of returning to the HSSAA Championship and getting another shot at the Huskies.

UP NEXT: Georgetown will visit for a huge Semifinal Thursday -- Kickoff at 3:45pm.

2025 HSSAA WEEK 5

NELSON LORDS -- 65

CRAIG KIELBURGER SPARTANS -- 6

After a touchdown on the first play of the game, Nelson never looked back in a lopsided 65-6 win at Nelson Stadium. Receiver Lily Ciesielski made history becoming the first female to score a touchdown for the Nelson Lords. Her 4th quarter touchdown was her second reception of the game. The Lords offence was virtually unstoppable and picked up touchdowns from Justin Bryant-Beaudry (2), Mateo Monetta (2), Jacob Slominski, Santino Uvari, Levi Terry, Simon Garratt, and Ciesielski.

UP NEXT: The Lords host the Hayden Huskies in the regular season finale which is also a battle for first place in the HSSAA

QB SPORTS PLAYER OF GAME --- WEEK 7

#22 JUSTIN BRYANT-BEAUDRY

Bryant-Beaudry was a threat everytime he touched the ball scoring two touchdowns on the afternoon. A number of big returns before finally breaking one to the endzone and a long TD run on offence sealed the deal for the Lords.

STACKED PANCAKES LINEMAN OF GAME --- WEEK 7

#55 TRENT HUNTER

Hunter had a strong outing on the OL opening the way for an unstoppable running game. Hunter has had a solid campaign on both sides of the ball this season.

2025 HSSAA JR WEEK 4

NELSON LORDS -- 35

MM ROBINSON RAMS -- 0

The Junior Lords got contributions from their entire roster in a 35-0 win over MM Robinson. Touchdowns were scored by Adrian Kalinowski, Ben Ableman, Berke Gurtekin, Jordan Colameco and Noel Brannan. Kalinowski would convert all 5 majors.

UP NEXT: The Jr Lords host the Hayden Huskies in the regular season finale which is also a battle for first place in the HSSAA

2025 HSSAA WEEK 4

NELSON LORDS -- 50

MILTON MUSTANGS -- 6

The Lords were in cruise control from the start and rolled to a big win on the road in Milton over the Mustangs. Nelson jumped out to a 35-0 halftime lead thanks to a big second quarter from the offence. The Lords got touchdowns on the afternoon from Ben Carmichael, Santino Uvari, Mateo Monetta, Tristan Jean, Jacob Slominski and Simon Garratt. Parker Ferguson also had his first career touchdown on an interception return. Kicker Will Netto converted on 6 of the 7 scores and the defence added a safety touch.

UP NEXT: The Lords host the Craig Kielburber Spartans on Wednesday afternoon at Nelson Stadium.

QB SPORTS PLAYER OF GAME --- WEEK 6

#21 GAVIN MOORE

Moore had a great defensive game for the Lords. He made numerous tackles both on defence but was particularily noticeable on Special Teams.

STACKED PANCAKES LINEMAN OF GAME --- WEEK 6

#62 ANDREW ASAULYUK

Asaulyuk had his best outing of the season at Tackle. The OL gave up zero pressures and Asaulyuk was solid all game long blocking in the run game which exploded for 4 rushing TDs.

2025 JUNIOR WEEK 3

NELSON LORDS - 37

MILTON - 8

The Jr Lords got a strong game on both sides of the ball for a road win over the Mustangs. Burke Gurtekin found the endzone twice for the Jr Lords on the afternoon. Adrian Kalinowski and Noel Brannan also scored along the ground for Nelson. Brennan Laird scored his first career touchdown with on a punt return late in the 3rd quarter. Kicker Adrian Kalinowski coverted all 5 scores and the defence added a safety touch to round out the scoring.

UP NEXT: Nelson hosts the MM Robinson Rams on Wednesday at the Stadium.

2025 HSSAA WEEK 3

NELSON LORDS -- 23

GEORGETOWN 87s -- 18

Nelson overcame some sloppy mistakes to hold off a very good Georgetown team under the lights at Nelson Stadium. Costly fumbles and miscues early left points on the field for the Lords as the game was tight at halftime. Nelson got the run game going in the third quarter to take control of the game before a couple unforced errors left the game in doubt until the final seconds. Nelson got a strong game on the ground with three rushing TD's. Maddox Victorino, Ben Carmichael and Tristan Jean all found the endzone with kicker William Netto converting all three scores. The defence chipped in with a safety before shutting the door late on the comeback bid by the 87s.

A big Thank You to the Burlington Teen Tour Band Drumline for keeping things rocking all night long!

UP NEXT: Nelson is back on the road in Milton on Thursday for a match-up with the Mustangs.

QB SPORTS PLAYER OF GAME --- WEEK 5

#2 TRISTAN JEAN

Jean entered the game midway through the 2nd Quarter and immediately made his presence felt. He racked up 128 yards on 12 carries including another electric 37 yard touchdown run. His tough running got the Lords out of some tough situations as they held off the 87s.

STACKED PANCAKES LINEMAN OF GAME --- WEEK 5

#49 RYAN JONES

Jones had his best performance of the season with a dominant game at DE for the Lords. He was active all night from sideline to sideline helping keep Georgetown from making a comeback.

2025 JUNIOR WEEK 2

NELSON LORDS - 38

GEORGETOWN - 13

The Lords pulled away with a great second half and got contributions from their entire roster en route to a big win.

UP NEXT: Nelson travels to Milton on Thursday to tangle with the Mustangs.

2025 HSSAA WEEK 2

NELSON LORDS -- 40

IROQUOIS RIDGE WOLFPACK-- 8

Nelson scored early and often and cruised to a 40-8 win Friday in Oakville. The Lords started fast racking up 4 rushing touchdowns on the afternoon. Maddox Victorino reached the endzone 3 times on 11 carries for 171 yards. Tristan Jean scored a major on another electric 35 yard touchdown run. Slotback Simon Garratt also found the endzone on a catch and run of 43 yards to round out the scoring. The Lords would tally 3 defensive safeties and two 2-pt converts to round out the scoring.

UP NEXT: Nelson hosts the Georgtown 87s under the lights at Nelson stadium in a much anticipated match-up.

QB SPORTS PLAYER OF GAME --- WEEK 4

#0 BEN CARMICHAEL

Carmichael had a dominant game for the Lords defence. The Linebacker was everywhere in the Nelson front seven forcing the Wolfpack to give up multiple defensive safeties before giving way to substitutions early in the 3rd Quarter.

STACKED PANCAKES LINEMAN OF GAME --- WEEK 4

#50 EZEKIEL BAILEY

Bailey had his best performance of the season locking down the middle of the Lords defence. His strong play resulted in many interior tackles and a strong effort before giving way to substitions.

2025 JUNIOR WEEK 1

NELSON LORDS - 37

IROQUOIS RIDGE - 0

Nelson overcame a slow start to run away with the game in the second half. Leading just 9-0 at halftime after an Aaron Ableman run and defensive safety. Quarterback Ableman would continue his heroics rushing for another score along the ground and hitting receivers Noah Walter and Ethan Ball for touchdowns through the air. Defensive Back Berke Gurtekin would round out the scoring with a interception return for a touchdown late in the 4th quarter. Kicker Adam Kalinowski converted all 5 scores.

UP NEXT: Nelson hosts the Georgetown 87s in the first half of a floodlight doubleheader

2025 REGULAR SEASON OPENER

NELSON LORDS -- 42

GARTH WEBB CHARGERS -- 0

Nelson picked up their first win on the 2025 campaign with a shut out victory over the Garth Webb Chargers in Oakville. The Lords got a contribution from every player on the roster en route to the win. Santino Uvari opened the scoring on a short pass from Zachary Beninger. Oliver Baker and Mateo Monetta added first half scores. Running Back Tristan Jean scored twice in the second half including an electrifying 50 yard run. Receiver Justin Bryant-Beaudry would round out the scoring and kicker Will Netto was 6/6 on converts.

UP NEXT: Nelson is back in Oakville on Friday to take on the Wolfpack at Iroquois Ridge.

QB SPORTS PLAYER OF GAME --- WEEK 3

TRISTAN JEAN

Jean had a break out game with two touchdowns including an explosive 50 yard run late in the 3rd quarter.

STACKED PANCAKES LINEMAN OF GAME --- WEEK 3

WILL BURPEE

Burpee anchors the Lords OL at Center. He helped the offence rush for 4 touchdowns while playing Center and Guard later in the game.

2025 JUNIOR NON-CONFERENCE

BISHOP TONNOS JR TITANS -- 37

NELSON JR LORDS -- 7

Nelson had a tough afternoon against a very talented Titans squad from Bishop Tonnos. The Jr Lords had a tough second quarter giving up 21 points and trailing 27-0 at halftime. Nelson opened the second half marching the field with a TD from Noel Brannan and convert by Adam Kalinowski. Miscues would allow the Titans to add two more scores in the 4th quarter to put the game away.

UP NEXT: Nelson opens HSSAA play in Oakville at Iroquois Ridge.

2025 HOME OPENER

A.N. MYER MARAUDERS -- 41

NELSON LORDS -- 28

In a repeat of last week, Nelson fell behind early with some self-inflicted mistakes. A veteran Marauders squad capitalized on 1st Quarter errors and jumped out to a 21-0 lead. The Lords stuck with it and closed the lead to 8 pts midway through the third quarter. Unfortunately, crucial penalties and missed opportunities kept Nelson from coming all the way back and the game ended with a 13 point Myer win. Mateo Monetta had a strong game for the Lords as did running back Maddox Victorino. Victorino added 2 touchdowns, while Monetta added one and Santino Uvari chipped in a 2 pt conversion. Kicker Will Netto added a field goal and two converts.

A fantastic showcase of High School football was on display in an unmatched atmosphere at Nelson Stadium. The Red & Gold was everywhere with a massive crowd and an electrifying appearance from a CF-18 Hornet for that conducted a Fly Over!!!!

UP NEXT: Nelson opens HSSAA Regular Season play travelling to Garth Webb to tangle with the Chargers on Thursday.

QB SPORTS PLAYER OF GAME --- WEEK 2

MATEO MONETTA

Monetta had a strong day on offence with numerous catches to extend drives and a Touchdown.

STACKED PANCAKES LINEMAN OF GAME --- WEEK 2

LOGAN McLEOD

McLeod was solid playing two ways all evening. He made numerous key stops on the Defensive Line while helping the Lords get the rushing game going in the second half of the game.

2025 JUNIOR HOME OPENER

A.N. MYER MARAUDERS -- 20

NELSON LORDS -- 13

Nelson got the Junior season started against last year's Jr. MetroBowl Champion AN Myer Marauders. The Lords had some costly turnovers in the first half which lead to a 20-0 Myer lead at the half. Nelson battled back with strong play from QB Aaron Ableman and receiver Ethan Ball but could not complete the comeback. Both players scored majors and one convert was added by Adrian Kalinowski.

UP NEXT: Nelson hosts Bishop Tonnos in another Non-Conference Match-Up on Wednesday.

2025 SEASON OPENER --- QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY --- KINGSTON

FRONTENAC FALCONS -- 36

NELSON LORDS -- 28

Nelson's late comeback fell short in the final minutes against a tough veteran Falcons team at Richardson Stadium in Kingston. Nelson got two touchdowns from Mateo Monetta and scores from Daryus Lynch and Santino Uvari. RB Maddox Victorino had a strong day running the ball with multiple long runs. Kicker William Netto added a Kickoff Single and a Convert while Anderson Manjak chipped in a two point conversion. Nelson will host the AN Myer Marauders on Friday night in a big Week 2 Non-Conference match-up.

QB SPORTS PLAYER OF GAME --- WEEK 1

MADDOX VICTORINO

Victorino had a strong day carrying the ball once the Lords offence woke up late in the second quarter.

STACKED PANCAKES LINEMAN OF GAME --- WEEK 1

HENRY DOWNEY

Downey was solid all day long on both sides of the ball helping the Lords climb back into the game in the second half.

The Nelson family is heartbroken to share that our beloved Junior Football Coach, Nick Mlekuz, passed away this afternoon at the age of 82.

Since 1994, Coach Nick has been a pillar of the Nelson community, dedicating an incredible 31 years of service to the Jr. Lords football program. A steadfast leader and mentor, he touched the lives of thousands of athletes and families with his passion, wisdom, and unwavering commitment.

Those fortunate enough to play for him continue to cherish the memories, the lessons, and the signature sayings that made Coach Nick unforgettable. Even while facing his own challenges, Nick gave selflessly—always showing up, always giving his all—to uplift and support the young men and women of Nelson and the wider Halton community.

As we prepare for a new season without our Head Coach, the void is immense. We will take the field with heavy hearts, but with a deep determination to make him proud—just as he always believed in us. He promised he’d be watching, and we will carry that with us every step of the way.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mlekuz family, and with all those in the Nelson community who were touched by Coach Nick’s extraordinary life.

Rest easy, Coach. You’ve earned it.

COACH MLEKUZ CELEBRATION OF LIFE --- SEPTEMBER 24TH --- 4-7PM @ ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

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