YORKTON - Dog River might be generally remembered as the town featured in the Canadian TV classic, and the Howler was the fictional town’s newspaper.
While the show is sadly long out-of-production – the Dog River Howlers remain in a very different world.
The Dog River Howlers are an invitational rugby club (men and women) founded by Karl Fix in early 2007 for the lovers of “our game”. The club is based in Dog River, Saskatchewan, Canada (actually the city of Regina).
The Howlers are made up of players and supporters from all parts of Canada, as well as a few from other countries, who believe that “rugby is more than a game, but a way of life”. The club tours to interesting parts of the world, plays rugby and enjoys unique cultural experiences, while also giving something back to that country’s sport and/or people.
One of those trips to Guatemala in 2023 was captured on film and the resulting ‘A Howlers Rugby Experience’ was entered in the 2025 edition of the Yorkton Film Festival.
Donald List the man behind the film said he’s been involved with the Howlers since 2006, filming several of their trips, but the one captured for A Howlers Rugby Experience was a bit different as the team arrived in Guatemala after an election where the incumbent refused to leave office sending the nation into turmoil.
The team faced roadblocks and delays but still found a way to play rugby and just as importantly to help raise funds and contribute to worthwhile endeavours which are not related to the game.
“It was an experience for the kids – (the team is U21) – they’ll never forget,” said Fix.
List said that sense of community beyond the pitch is a huge element in rugby.
“It’s a different psyche than you see in other sports,” he said, adding rugby is very much about creating “friendship and camaraderie” which extends long after the final whistle of a game.
Fix said that is really at the core of the Howlers program, noting “it’s not just rugby.”
Since 2006, more than 600 Canadian players have worn the Howlers kit, travelling to some 75 tournaments, many in South and Central America.
While they hope to win, Fix said it’s also about building community, handing out rugby gear to start teams, helping with supplies for schools in underprivileged areas, and simply being supportive of local people.
Along the way Fix said the young Howler players get to better understand “how good we have it here (in Canada). They see a totally different perspective.”
That’s important because sport is not about one day turning pro and making millions, said Fix, adding that’s true for youngsters in any sport from hockey to baseball to rugby.
“It never happens. It’s a lottery ticket,” he said of the big pro deal.
So if you can learn some “life lessons” along the way – like helping others and building community as the Howlers it’s a huge positive, said Fix.
