Liam Critch Commits to Edmonton Huskies

For Liam Critch, football has never just been something he plays. It’s something that’s shaped him from a young age. Following in the footsteps of his three older brothers, Connor Critch, Duncan Critch and Brodie Gamble, Liam has held a passion for the sport as long as he can remember.

“I’ve always looked up to my brothers,” Critch said. “Watching them go through it… it pushed me to work harder and kind of follow that same path.”

“Being around BAFA my whole life… it just kind of became second nature,” Critch shared during his recent interview with Chad. “It’s where everything started for me.”

That foundation, built through the Bonnyville Amateur Football Association, has shaped not just his game, but his mindset. Now, it’s carrying him into his next chapter with the Edmonton Huskies of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL). Critch acknowledged this significant step forward in his football career while staying grounded in the community that helped get him there.

“BAFA has done a lot for all of us,” he said. “It’s more than just football there—it’s the people, the coaches, everything.

Earning the Next Opportunity & Chasing Something Bigger

The move to the Huskies didn’t happen overnight. It’s been built through years of development, consistency, and a willingness to keep improving.

“I just wanted the opportunity to keep playing and keep getting better,” Critch explained. “The Huskies felt like the right place to do that.”

The CJFL offers exactly that—high-level competition and a clear path for athletes looking to take the next step. For Critch, that next step is already on his radar.

“I’d love to play at the U of A,” he said. “That’s definitely a goal.”

It’s a goal that carries extra meaning, with his brother Duncan already part of the University of Alberta Golden Bears program.

“Being able to play with him… that would be pretty special,” Critch added.

Yet, Liam is not stopping there.

“Obviously, the CFL is the dream,” he said. “That’s what you work toward.”

It’s a big goal—but it’s grounded in a clear understanding of what it takes to get there.

“Just keep working, keep improving… that’s the biggest thing.”

Hometown Built

There’s a rhythm to stories like this in Lakeland. Athletes come up through local programs. They put in the time, take the next step, and carry their community with them when they go.

Critch fits that pattern—but he’s also writing his own version of it and looking to give back after his playing career is finished.

“This community has always supported me…I’m just grateful for that,” he said. “If I do come back home, I’ll definitely think about coaching because we got good football here.”

Now, as he heads to Edmonton to join the Huskies, that support goes with him—along with everything he’s built along the way. Simple, but powerful.

Start local. Stay committed. Keep moving forward. Thank you, Liam Critch and the Critch family!