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Using the word domination to describe the Brandon U15 AAA Wheat Kings season would be an understatement.
A team that includes Dauphin's Easton Odut and McCreary's Brady Turko dismantled their opponents all season long and they're now provincial champions. They went 31-1 in the regular season while scoring an astonishing 284 times in just 32 games. That's an average of just less than nine goals per game and they allowed just 88 goals, an average of 2.75 goals-against per game.
Turko finished third in team scoring in the regular season scoring 30 times and adding 51 assists. Just behind was Odut who scored 36 times and had 75 points.
Fast forward to the playoffs and the Wheat Kings were back at it as they won 10 of their 11 games to be crowned provincial champions. They capped off their title run by scoring 23 goals in just four games against the Bruins Gold in the league final. Brandon scored just less than seven goals per game in the playoffs.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Kurtis Luke is finishing his junior hockey career in Winnipeg and he's looking to ride off into the sunset as a champion.
The Ste. Rose native is back with the St. James Jr Canucks and he's having a career year and the team has also dominated all season long. The Canucks were crowned regular season champions as they won 37 of the 45 games they played and they beat out Transcona by 11 points for first place.
In the first round of the playoffs, the team hammered Charleswood in four straight games, scoring 20 goals in the process and giving up just four.
"It's definitely one of the best teams that I have been on," said Luke. "We have a lot of depth and we can score a ton. Even our defence is extremely solid, but offence is definitely what pushes us ahead the most."
Kurtis was efficient offensively two seasons ago with his 14 goals and 15 assists. This year, the Ste. Rose sniper has taken his game to the next level. He scored 38 times and finished second in league scoring with 84 points, just seven back of TJ Matuszewski who won the regular-season scoring crown. Then Luke followed that up by torching Charleswood in the first round of the playoffs as he scored five times and had five assists in just four games. His 10 points have him in second in playoff scoring so far.
The Jr. Canucks are super strong, evidently, Kurtis is as well and he's just happy to be helping the team win games at the most important time.
"It feels pretty good but I couldn't do it without my teammates, they help me succeed," offered Luke. "It's a great feeling as well getting past the first round, it's the first time in my life that I have been into the second round of the playoffs."
Next up for the Canucks is a best-of-seven semifinal against the Raiders Jr. Hockey Club. They upset the St. Vital Victorias in the first round in six games. That series begins this weekend.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The snow is starting to melt and that means baseball season is just around the corner.
After two years of interrupted seasons, the Dauphin Minor Baseball Association is preparing for another season, one they hope to begin on May 2. Registration for the upcoming is now open at Dauphin Baseball and registration will continue until April 16, there will be no late registration this season.
"We're looking forward to a full season this year," said Jodie Romanow.
Dauphin Minor is looking for coaches in all age groups from t-ball all the way up to U18. If you're interested in becoming a coach, Dauphin Minor's website has all you need and you can use the link above to get involved.
There is also an umpire clinic taking place and it'll be on Saturday, April 23. The day will be about seven hours and you are required to bring lunch. If you're new to the game and looking to become a Level 1 umpire, the cost is $60, it's $70 for Level 2 and Level 3 is $100.
You can also contact Bob Alm for more information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To register for one of the sessions on April 23, head to umpire registration.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Parkland Gators took part in the Manitoba Junior Provincials at the Pan Am pool in Winnipeg and once again put forth some great performances.
Seven swimmers took part in all and Parker Beer brought home a gold medal in the 50m freestyle while he finished fourth in 50m backstrokes, 100m backstroke, 50m fly stroke and 100m breastroke. He achieved personal best times in all seven of his swims.
Chayne Paziuk: 5th in 50m backstroke, 8th in 50m breaststroke and 8th in 200m backstroke
Mila Heschuk: 6th in 200m breaststroke, 7th in 100m individual medley, personal best in all seven swims.
Paityn Bourgouin: 10th in 200m backstroke, 11th in 100m individual medley
Mya Jensen: 10th in 100m individual relay, 11th in 50m breaststroke
Sophia Heschuk: 11th in 100m individual medley, 12th in 100m breaststroke
Kiara Wilson: 7th in 100m backstroke, 200m breaststroke and 8th in 200m backstroke
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Grandview Spartans varsity girls basketball team earned a silver medal at the provincials.
Playing in the 'A' event over the weekend, the Spartans won their first two games of the tournament to advance to the final. In that final, they came up short against Glenboro. Jorja Cords was named a tournament all-star.
Grandview won their first two games by a combined 56 points.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It was a comeback that members of the 2021-22 Dauphin Clippers varsity girls basketball team will likely never forget.
Playing in the AAA provincial championships over the weekend, the Clippers opened their tournament with a decisive 21 point win over Steinbach Christian with Maddie Amyotte being named the team's player of the game.
After that big win, things weren't going the Clippers' way in their semi-final against the Neelin Spartans as Dauphin trailed by 23 points heading into the fourth quarter. But that's when Dauphin caught fire and completed a comeback for the ages as they outscored the Spartans, 29-4, in the fourth quarter to secure a nailbiting 59-57 win. Calista Hudyma was the Clippers player of the game in the contest, one that went down to the wire.
"The comeback was amazing to be a part of, we made some key changes after the third quarter and our changes made the difference," said Steve Hudyma. "The girls played some lockdown defence and hit some key shots. The emotion after the game was incredible, our girls were so happy and they deserved to be."
The only thing standing in the Clippers' way of winning a provincial title after the big win was the St. James Jimmies. Unfortunately, it was the Jimmies that came out on top as they downed the Clippers, 51-35. Despite the loss, Dauphin still finished second in the province and had a great season.
"The girls worked so hard all season and ultimately, it feels great to finish as one of the top teams in the province," ended Hudyma.
Dalmarie Lavallee was named the player of the game. Kiley Thompson was awarded the Harv Award for outstanding sportsmanship and teamwork while Calista Hudyma and Taz Genik were named tournament all-stars.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
This weekends Ladies Bonspiel at the Dauphin Curling Club wrapped up this afternoon with the A, B, and C finals taking place.
The winners of each of the finals are:
- A Final: The Melissa MacQuarrie rink with Kaylee Robinson, Allison Barsewsky, Shannon Demeria, and Jolene Showdra.
- B Final: The Tina Toews rink with Carol Sime, Suzette Crandall, and Candace Devos
- C Final: The Janelle Lach rink Hayley Lamb and Camille Lough.
Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you goes out to all the sponsors, organizers, and especially to all 24 teams that attended this weekend. We hope to see you all again next year.
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- Contributed by Eric Fawx
The Parkland U18 Rangers will head back to the drawing board as they'll look to rebound.
Opening up their league semifinal against the top-ranked Brandon Wheat Kings, it was a slow start for Parkland as they dropped the series opener.
Brandon scored twice in the first 69 seconds of the game and they ended up crusing to an 8-1 win. Carter Zalischuk scored Parkland's lone goal in the game.
Game two will be Friday in Dauphin at 7:30 at Credit Union Place.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Dauphin Kings first round schedule against Swan Valley has been confirmed.
Saturday, March 26 @ Dauphin - 7:30pm
Tuesday, March 29 @ Dauphin - 7:30pm
Friday, April 1 @ Swan Valley - 7:00pm
Monday, April 4 @ Swan Valley - 7:00pm
Friday, April 8 @ Dauphin - 7:30pm
Sunday, April 10 @ Swan Valley - 6:00pm
Tuesday, April 12 @ Dauphin - 7:30pm
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Photo credit - Pederson Photographic
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With their 41 wins, the Dauphin Kings had their winningest regular season since the 2012-13 campaign when they won 47 games.
The turnaround for the organization is one thing that certainly should be highlighted as if you date back just a few years to the 2017-18 season, Dauphin won just 14 games and finished near the bottom of the standings.
This year, the team has finished second place in the league and they’re Western Division champions. Dauphin will open their playoffs next weekend against the Swan Valley Stampeders, a team they went 7-1 against in the regular season.
Over the next week leading up to the start of the playoffs, we’ll feature players that have been a big reason for the team’s success this year and well, the list includes every single player on the team. From top to bottom, each and every player made a difference at some point this season.
Brayden Dube:
He was a nominee for the league`s rookie of the year award and despite coming up short, you can`t take away from the season the rookie from Roblin has put up.
One of the youngest players in the league at just16-years-old, Brayden scored 24 times this season which was the second-most in the league, only behind Carson Buydens who was named the league`s rookie of the year. Brayden also added 22 assists for 46 points.
“I’m very pleased with my performance this year,” said Dube. “I couldn’t have done it without my amazing teammates, they have helped me every step along the way.”
Brayden was also named to the rookie all-star team which comes as no surprise.
“That’s a pretty big honour,” said Dube. “To be a part of a small group of all-stars means a lot to me and I’m very thankful.”
Dube is only a few seasons removed from racking up 130 points with the U15 Parkland Rangers in the 2019-20 campaign. For the fans keeping track at home, those 130 points are the second-most in U15 AAA history only behind Jonathon Toews.
When it comes to this year, Dube will get his first taste of MJHL playoff hockey next weekend and he can’t wait to hit the ice with his hockey brothers.
“We have a great group this year and everyone has one common goal,” offered Dube. “We know nothing comes easy in the playoffs and we’re looking forward to getting down to the grind.”
Rookie story:
Just behind Dube was Luke Morris when it came to offensive production from rookies. His 40 points from 23 goals were the second-most on the team and Luke also came up extra clutch on multiple occasions.
He potted three game-winning goals including the game-winner against the Neepawa Titans on the second night of the season.
A great young man on and off the ice, Morris’ work ethic is contagious and the future is extremely bright.
Credit Union Place has been his home arena for years while playing with the Parkland Rangers program and now, Jayden Jubenvill is turning out to be an elite junior hockey player. From Gilbert Plains, Jubenvill has chalked up 33 points this year and is one of the team’s top lockdown defenders. Pair his skill with his elite skating skills, there’s no ceiling for Jayden
They call him the ‘Dangler King’ and he just celebrated a birthday. Jeriah Shantz scored his first career MJHL regular-season goal against the Virden Oil Capitals at Tundra Oil & Gas Place. He broke onto the scene with a great performance at the team’s JoFo Cup. He’s added four other goals and chalked up 16 points this year.
A physical force on the ice, Tanner Brouwer has been inserted into the lineup 43 times this season and Kings fans that watch every game have certainly seen Brouwer blossom into a more confident player on the ice. From Pine City, Brouwer is enjoying his time in Dauphin and his 13 points add up to a pretty solid rookie season.
Is he a forward or a defenceman? Well, Nolan Wickham can do it all. From Waskada, Wickham has been asked to play up front this season and he’s also played on the back end. A tireless worker, Wickham will do whatever is asked of him and he had an assist in Thursday’s season finale against the Freeze. 10 points is what he finished his first MJHL regular season with.
His biggest goal as a King was without a doubt against the OCN Blizzard when he scored a game-winner at the Gordon Lathlin Memorial Centre.
Tyson Pauze has suited up in 35 games this season and he’s scored twice while adding four assists. A game-winning goal is a big deal and it’s one that Tyson still remembers and is talking about.
“Absolutely, that was a special moment that I won’t forget,” said Pauze.
Ethan Williment scored on Thursday and has two goals this season. He’s also graduated high school so it’s safe to say that it’s been an exciting year for the young man from Winnipeg. Known as a player with great speed and solid hands, Williment has a very bright future and he’s always a guy with a smile on his face and is ready to do what it takes to make a difference. You can also see him driving around town in his sweet red Mustang.
The final rookie to highlight today is one that has put together a solid rookie campaign and he goes by the name of Keaton Woolsey. Woolsey finished the season at 11-5-1 to go along with a .905 save percentage and a 2.61 goals-against average. He also has two shutouts to his name. Shutouts rarely happen especially with rookies in the crease so his two just goes to show how good Keaton can be when he’s dialled in.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Photo credit - Pederson Photographic
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For the first time in more than two decades, the Parkland U18 Rangers are preparing for the second round of the Manitoba AAA U18 Hockey League playoffs.
The Rangers finished off the Yellowhead Chiefs on home ice at Credit Union Place in four games to advance in the playoffs for the first time since the 1996/97 season. In that year, Tim Evason scored the overtime winner as the Rangers downed the fifth place Winnipeg Warriors in three games.
Jayce Legaarden led Parkland in the first round with six points while Rylan Gibbs and Will Munro both had five. Brenden Birch-Hayden was tremendous in net, adding up a .942 save percentage to go along with a 2.03 goals-against average. The Rangers beat Yellowhead seven times this year including the regular season.
"It was an emotional win for our entire group, the guys were so pumped up and that includes our coaching staff," said Tyler Carefoot. "To be able to win a round with these guys, it's been very rewarding for our group."
Next up for Parkland is a daunting test as they'll go up against the Brandon Wheat Kings who finished in first place in the league. They went 33-4-3 and edged the Winnipeg Wild for first in the league. One of Brandon's losses came at the hands of Parkland as the Rangers downed them 6-4 in their final meeting of the season on February 4. Kyan Grouette and Will Munro led the way for Parkland in that game with two goals apiece while Carter Zalischuk and Jayce Legaarden each scored once.
"They're lethal on so many fronts, there's no doubt about it," offered Carefoot. "We have to have the mindset of why not us, that's our thought. They have a first-class powerplay so we need to be defensively aware at all times but we can draw off that win against them."
Game one of the series goes Sunday in Brandon at 1:30 p.m. The series will return to Dauphin next Friday at 7:30.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
