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We’re heading into the final stretch of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) regular season, and the battle for playoff spots is reaching a fever pitch. With just two weeks left, every game is a high-stakes showdown—some teams are fighting for better positioning, while others are scratching and clawing to stay in the race.
Buckle up, because the drama is about to hit its peak. Let’s dive into what promises to be an electrifying finish to the MJHL season!
MGEU West Division: (as of February 26, 2025)
1st place - Dauphin Kings (32-15-2-1)
After finishing a stretch that saw them play 13 games in 24 days, the Dauphin Kings earned a well-deserved break. Following Sunday's win against the Winnipeg Blues, Dauphin does not play again until Friday when they make the short trip to Neepawa to play the Titans.
Dauphin holds a six-point lead over Northern Manitoba as they chase a West Division crown. Just as February was hectic for the team, March continues that trend. Including Friday, Dauphin plays eight games in 16 days.
The team's final regular season game is at Credit Union Place on March 15 against Waywayseecappo. The team will continue to play Friday without three of their best offensive producers Cayden Glover (upper-body), Madden Murray (upper-body), and Havryil Simchuk (lower-body) remaining out for Dauphin.
Dauphin has proven time and time again that even without their top players, they can compete and beat the powers in the league. They beat Winkler earlier this month, beat Niverville, and played Steinbach very tight.
Despite Simchuk, Murray, and Glover still sidelined, the Dauphin Kings refuse to back down. They've proven they can battle with the league’s best, and once they get their firepower back—watch out. This is a team that not only believes they can make a run but is ready to shake up the playoff picture when the time comes.
2nd place - Northern Manitoba Blizzard (30-19-0-1)
They brought in another American goalie with the hopes he would be as dominant as Tomas Anderson was last year. Alex Reedy has not lived up to the hype, however, Taye Timmerman has come in and slammed the door. The 17-year-old rookie out of Winnipeg has been sensational for the Blizzard, with 18 wins, and ranking fourth with his 2.46 goals-against average.
Beyond the crease, few teams in the league can match the relentless work ethic of the Northern Manitoba Blizzard. They may not boast the deepest offensive arsenal but make up for it with grit, tenacity, and a never-back-down mentality. Led by 20-year-old Miguel Bouvier and his impressive 60 points, this team is in your face every shift, making life miserable for their opponents. Quincy Supprien is one of the fastest players in the league and plays tenacious while Marlen Edwards, who won a bronze medal with Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge, has 37 points and is a workhorse.
This team may have taken a slight step back from last season when they pushed Steinbach to seven games in the semi-final, but they aren't a team to take lightly. They will grind and attempt to break teams down. They're looking to chase down Dauphin while staying ahead of Neepawa, which would guarantee home ice in the first round of the playoffs.
3rd place - Neepawa Titans (27-19-2-3)
Big props to what hometown star Ken Pearson has done with the Titans. Neepawa is heading to the Turnbull Cup playoffs, but they're not satisfied. While catching the Kings is unlikely, chasing the Blizzard certainly is.
Neepawa enters the weekend just two points back of Northern Manitoba for second place. Neepawa recently lost the services of one of their top defenders as Ryan Gower of McCreary has joined the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Neepawa has beaten all the top teams in the league and after they were embarrassed against Dauphin in a 7-1 loss on February 14, the Titans have caught fire with wins in four straight.
They've scored 21 goals in that time while only allowing eight. Neepawa's schedule for the remainder of the regular season is by no means easy and it doesn't help that the Blizzard have a game in hand on them, but never say never.
The Titans host Dauphin on Friday night. You can hear that game with Darnell Duff here on 730CKDM, beginning with the Parkland Source for Sports pregame show at 7:20.
4th place - Waywayseecappo Wolverines (21-28-2-1)
Everyone in the community of Waywayseecappo is chanting 'Mariko, Mariko'.
Acquired by the Wolverines from the Notre Dame Hounds earlier this season, Mariko Bercier brought his best game to the Arena Complex on Tuesday as the Wolverines earned two critical points. The 18-year-old turned away all 32 shots he faced in a 1-0 win. That gave the Wolverines a three-point lead over Virden for the fourth and final playoff spot in the West. Keep in mind that the Oil Capitals could cut that to a single point if they beat the Blues on Wednesday night.
They were dealt a blow when Dru Mushumanski left the team and joined the Chilliwack Chiefs of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), but the Wolverines, led by first-year head coach and general manager Landyn Cochrane have stuck with the process.
Jaxon Grosdidier leads the Wolverines' attack with 46 points while welcoming back Jack Clarke provides the team with a massive boost up front. Clarke had 52 points last year with the team before starting this year with the Kenai River Brown Bears in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Fuelled by great community support, the Wolverines are a great organization from top to bottom and a return to the playoffs is certainly within their grasp.
5th place - Virden Oil Capitals (20-29-1-1)
They spoiled the Ukrainian Night party and beat the Dauphin Kings late in January. One week later, they embarrassed the Kings in an 8-0 win. It looked like the Tyson Ramsey-led Virden Oil Capitals could run away with the fourth and final playoff spot in the West Division.
Now heading into their game on Wednesday, they're in chase mode and things won't be easy. Following Wednesday's game against Winnipeg, the Oil Capitals have six games left, five of which come against playoff teams. This includes two against Neepawa and one each against Niverville and Steinbach.
They improved when adding Loic Morin at the deadline and started to roll through the beginning of February. Come the middle of the month, Virden has completely cooled off, with losses in six straight. Barring an upset, they would come within a single point of the final playoff spot on Wednesday.
The battle for the final playoff spot in the West is set to be an all-out war—who will seize it when the dust settles? Meanwhile, the race at the top is just as intense. Can Northern Manitoba close the gap on Dauphin? Will Neepawa surge past the Blizzard to claim home ice for the first round of the dance? Buckle up, because the final stretch is going to be a thriller!
The West Division playoff race is a dogfight, but the same can’t be said for the East. While the Niverville Nighthawks haven't officially punched their ticket, their magic number sits at three—meaning it would take a complete meltdown and a miracle for them to miss out. As for Selkirk, their postseason hopes are almost extinguished, setting them up for another year on the outside looking in.
1st place - Winkler Flyers (40-7-3-1)
It's rare for a reigning champion to be a championship contender the following season in junior hockey—rosters turn over, key players move on, and the competition only gets tougher. That was the challenge facing Winkler after last year’s title run, as they bid farewell to several top talents, including Dalton Andrew (now at NCAA Division 1 powerhouse UND), Trent Penner, Jakob Jones, and Zach Nicolas. Yet, despite the departures, the Flyers haven’t missed a beat, proving that championship pedigree runs deep in Winkler.
Winkler returned a great nucleus. Jayce Legaarden is back and leads the team with 60 points while Brody Beauchemin, who was also a key piece to last year's team, is back and is second in team scoring with 57 points.
Between the pipes, Liam Ernst has been nothing short of spectacular. Remarkable? Sensational? Breathtaking? Take your pick—because night after night, he’s putting on a goaltending clinic and proving why he’s one of the league’s elite. He leads the league with eight shutouts, has 27 wins, and a 1.63 goals-against average that is the best in the league, and it's not even close. The next closest is Mitchell Kathler of Portage who has a 2.25 goals-against average. Isaiah Peters leads all defencemen in scoring with 49 points and can't forget about Nicholas McKee whose 55 points are eighth-best in the MJHL.
Since a 2-1 loss against Dauphin on February 9, the Flyers have won seven straight games. They play Steinbach on March 1, Portage on March 9, and other than that, four of their games come against teams that will not make the playoffs and they also play Waywayseecappo. They're firmly in a position to clinch the East Division crown and home-ice advantage for as long as they make it in the playoffs.
2nd place - Steinbach Pistons (38-10-2-1)
They're the highest-powered offence in the league with 228 goals while only allowing 123. Ty Paisley was a massive addition to the team early in the season as he can take over a contest with his great speed and sweet release. Add Noah Szabo on the back end and Connor Paronuzzi, who is well on his way to the scoring crown, the Pistons are primed for a deep playoff run.
They're also the hottest team in the league with eight straight wins. They have scored at least four goals in five straight games, including a 10-goal explosion on February 15 against the Blues. Much anticipation continues to build as Steinbach is close to moving into their new arena, the Southeast Event Centre for the final two games of the regular season on March 14 and 15. They've been playing at the HyLife Centre in LaBroquerie for the past two seasons and have certainly made the most of it, going 47-4-2-1 on home ice in the regular season over the past two years.
There aren't many flaws in Steinbach's game. They can score, and play a tight-checking defensive game and Christian Green has been steady between the pipes. He's won a league-leading 31 games and is second behind Cole Sheffield (2419) in minutes played (2393).
Steinbach is legit and just like every year, they are contenders and will be a tough out come the playoffs.
3rd place - Portage Terriers (37-13-0-1)
They play on Wednesday night which means their statistics will change. Portage’s backbone this season? Look no further than Mitchell Kathler. The rookie sensation from Airdrie has been nothing short of outstanding, racking up 25 wins while posting a rock-solid .922 save percentage and a stingy 2.25 goals-against average. Calm, composed, and clutch—Kathler has been the difference-maker the Terriers needed.
The Blake Spiller-led Terriers are a well-oiled machine that can win games in a multitude of ways. They'll light up the scoreboard if need be and are perfectly fine winning a 2-1 game. Led by Cameron Bullinger's 59 points, Portage has seven players with 26 points.
There are some lingering questions surrounding the Terriers after a tough 5-1 loss to Swan Valley over the weekend. However, let’s not forget—they were on a four-game win streak before that hiccup. Every top team has its off nights, and that defeat doesn’t define their potential.
One thing is clear: Portage has the tools to make a deep run, but their fate will largely rest on the shoulders of Kathler. The playoffs are a different beast entirely, and if Kathler continues his stellar regular-season form, the Terriers have the firepower to contend. With just four points separating them from Steinbach and a favourable schedule ahead, the race for home-ice advantage is far from over. Can they catch the Pistons, or will they fall short in the final stretch? Only time will tell.
4th place - Niverville Nighthawks (30-16-2-1)
They play Portage on Wednesday so things will change a bit. What won't change, however, is the fact that the recent play of the Nighthawks has turned them into contenders in the MJHL. Led by the solid goaltending of Austin Dubinsky, Niverville has strung together an excellent stretch of hockey.
While Niverville has lost three of their last four games, they strung together seven straight wins before that. Adam Vigfusson leads Niverville with 56 points but has been held out of the lineup because of injury as of late. The addition of the smooth-skating Sean Williams was key and Merik Boles has been producing at an elite level, with 46 points in 49 games. Matteo Speranza, who scored the overtime winner against Dauphin on Saturday as a part of a two-goal performance, has 38 points. This is a very well-rounded Niverville team who have seven players with at least 23 points.
While they are contenders, the real question is, can they get past the Winkler Flyers? They have been outscored 7-3 against the Flyers in their past two games and to beat Winkler four times in a seven-game span is daunting.
Wrap-up:
Playoff hockey is almost here, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. In the East Division, two powerhouse teams will see their championship dreams crushed in the opening round, while in the West, the battered but resilient Dauphin Kings are clinging to the top spot. Meanwhile, the battle for the final playoff berth in the West is shaping up to be a dramatic fight to the finish.
As for Selkirk, their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. A scorching 10-0 start gave way to a brutal 13-22-3-2 skid, leaving them needing a near-miracle to sneak in.
Buckle up, hockey fans—the Turnbull Cup chase is about to hit full throttle!
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The equation was simple: win one of their final two games, and the Parkland U-18 Rangers would punch their ticket to the Manitoba U-18 AAA Hockey League playoffs.
But hockey is never that simple.
The Eastman Selects came out flying, seizing the last playoff spot and setting up a first-round showdown with the league-leading Brandon Wheat Kings.
The Rangers battled. They had their chances. They left it all on the ice. But in the end, it wasn’t meant to be for Tom White’s squad, who wrapped up their season with a hard-fought 23-23-1-1 record.
"We went through quite a bit of adversity, just like every team. We battled and came out with some points that were needed and left points on the table as well," said White. "That's something we talked about throughout the season and that meant something in the end."
The Rangers came out of the gates firing with four straight wins and seven in their first nine. One of their most impressive victories came on November 6 when Alex Campbell scored the game-winner in a 4-3 victory against the fifth-place Southwest Cougars. Parkland beat the Cougars on January 5 and the sixth-place Pembina Valley Hawks in three of four meetings. They also kept it close against the league's top teams in a 2-1 loss against the second-place Winnipeg Wild on February 19 and a 4-3 loss against Brandon three days later.
All the Rangers can do now is reflect on what could have been. Their season took an early hit with a crushing first loss to the 12th-place Central Plains Capitals on October 13. Another tough blow came on January 7, when they fell 7-5 to the Yellowhead Chiefs, who also finished tied for 12th.
Despite the setbacks, Parkland still found ways to compete, netting 153 goals—ranking ninth in the league—but finishing with a minus-46 goal differential. It was a season of highs and lows, but one player consistently rose to the occasion: Quinten Fisk.
Fisk didn't just step up—he broke out. After recording 17 points in 44 games last season, he exploded for 28 goals and 61 points this year, leading the Rangers in scoring. His 28 goals placed him among the league’s top 10, cementing his status as one of Manitoba's brightest stars.
Fisk debuted in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) with the Dauphin Kings on February 12 against Swan Valley. He was named the CCM Player of the Week twice and the league's Forward of the Month in October and December. Fisk broke out in October with 20 points in nine games. He had two goals, two assists in the first game of the month, and a five-point performance against Norman on October 19. He also produced his first hat-trick on October 25 while collecting four points against the Thrashers.
He failed to collect any points in the first three games of December before the Dauphin star caught fire with four goals and 10 points in a four-game span. He had four assists against Central Plains in the team's final game before the Christmas break.
"He's a remarkable player. Anyone that he plays with, he drives, and takes their games to the next level," said White. "He is strong, has a great shot, and can skate very well. He makes things happen every time he's on the ice and has a very bright future ahead."
(Pederson Photographic)
Among others, White also had high praise for the team's captain, Sam Swanton. Swanton was limited to 30 games this season because of an injury sustained early. Sam missed almost all of November (played November 1) before missing all of December before returning to the lineup on January 3 against Brandon.
Swanton made his MJHL debut last season in game one of the Turnbull Cup playoffs for the Kings and looked great as Dauphin won that game.
"He's an excellent leader, very mature for his age, and leads by example," continued Swanton. "He battled that injury and when he came back, he didn't miss a beat."
Sunday's defeat against Eastman also marked the end of the AAA journey for four players. Cade Legaarden, Piet Mierau, Sam Swanton, and Colton Knox have all graduated from the U-18 ranks.
Thank You Graduates:
Cade Legaarden: Cade played 134 games with the U-18 team, producing 40 goals and 41 assists. His 42 points were second-most on the team this year and was also second in game-winners with three. Cade has already debuted with the Swan Valley Stampeders and his older brother is an MJHL champion and one of the best Rangers in franchise history. The Legaarden's have made an incredible mark on the program.
Sam Swanton: The Dauphin star played 113 games with the Blue & White, scoring three times while collecting 37 points. As White said, he was a leader on and off the ice and highly respected among his peers. He's a tireless worker and should be very proud of himself. It takes a special person to be able to come back from a longer-term injury and not only did Sam do just that, he thrived upon his return.
Piet Mierau: The race was close but Mierau finished as the minutes played leader. His 2165 minutes were two more than Dylan McFadyen of the Interlake Lightning and the Dauphin Kings prospect gave the Rangers a chance to win night in and night out. Mierau is the ultimate gamer and the Rangers welcomed him with open arms. Although his time with the program was short (one season), he had great things to say about being a Ranger.
"I will always remember my time being a Ranger. We had incredible sponsorships from so many places in town and it seems like everyone who likes hockey knows who the Rangers are," said Mierau. "I only played one year but it was a blast. I'm very pleased that I came here."
Colton Knox: His teammates loved him and wished he would have joined the program earlier. Colton played with the Central Plains Capitals U-17 team last year before moving to Dauphin this season. He had one goal and four assists in 46 games and was one of the team's most reliable defenders.
730CKDM Sports would like to congratulate Cade, Sam, Piet, and Colton for their incredible contributions on and off the ice to the Ranger program.
"They were all key players for us—seniors who gave their all and competed every night," White continued. "Sunday's game was an emotional one for them, but that's part of the journey that many experience. I encouraged them to take lessons from this season and be prepared for whatever comes next. I wish them nothing but success—they represented the Ranger crest with tremendous pride."
(Pederson Photographic)
History Making 2024-25:
Missing the playoffs stings, but the Parkland U-18 Rangers have plenty to be proud of. With 23 wins, they posted their best season since 2014-15, when they hit 24. While Credit Union Place won’t see Rangers playoff hockey this year, this team still etched its name in the program’s history.
They never backed down. Through adversity, they stood tall. Through success, they stayed hungry.
The 2024-25 Rangers gave their fans a reason to cheer, even on the coldest winter nights. They made their community proud—proud to be a Ranger, and proud to support this team.
"The coaching staff was pretty happy with how things went. Sure we missed the playoffs, but 23 wins is huge for us," commented White. "It sets a benchmark for next year. I'm extremely proud of this group."
Not only is Tom proud of the team, but he is extremely grateful for the opportunity. Starting as an assistant, he quickly stepped up as head coach when Josh Tripp took over in Swan River.
With a sharp hockey mind and a big heart, White thanks his players for their dedication, families for their support, and fans for making this season special.
"I was excited about the opportunity and I learned a ton throughout the year," ended White. "We will see what the future holds."
This story officially wraps up the 2024-25 U-18 Rangers season and when the program returns to the ice in September for training camp, 730CKDM will be there to cover the team every step of the way.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It will be the same great tournament on a new date.
The Dauphin Kings Par 3 Extravaganza returns in 2025 as it'll take place at the Dauphin Lake Golf Club on Saturday, September 13. The scramble is always a hit and sells out quickly and much of the same is expected this year.
Christian Laughland, Director of Business Operations for the Kings explains why the date changed.
"Firstly, it gives our players a chance to be more involved at the event since our Fall Camp will have just taken place and we will be well into the exhibition season. It allows the players to mingle with fans and sponsors as well. Secondly, we have had several people tell us the schedule was difficult in June when it comes to golf," said Laughland. There are several other tournaments surrounding the Kings Par 3 and for the betterment of the tournament's success, it makes sense for us to move to a different date. We want people to enjoy and support as many golf tournaments as possible."
The event will be a 10:00 a.m. shotgun and registration information as well as sponsorship packages will be announced in the coming months.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Most high school athletes follow the usual path—two years of junior varsity, then two of varsity.
Not Nick Hudyma.
Years of hard work had him ready for the big stage from day one. He cracked Dauphin's varsity squad as a freshman, and now, four years later, he's leading a historic season as his team climbs the rankings with championship dreams.
"It's great, we have a strong community, so many people around us wanting to get better and succeed with our goals," said Hudyma.
The grade 12 star from Dauphin is averaging more than 26.5 points per game this season paired with an average of 7.5 rebounds per game and 6.1 assists per game.
"It's been a good year for me. With that said, it's about the team, I'm happy that I have been able to contribute to our team so we can win and compete with the best teams in the province, that's really the blessing of my season."
Nick is a star, but he’s just one piece of a juggernaut Clippers squad electrifying crowds across the province. This team isn’t just winning—they’re making a statement.
Dauphin has bagged two tournament titles, a runner-up finish, two bronze medals, and a consolation championship. Losses have been rare, and when they win, it’s a blowout. At BSSI, they rolled through opponents by an average of 21.25 points. In Sanford, it was 20. Ste. Rose? 46. Pembina Trails? 40. At home, they steamrolled teams by 47.6. And in Neepawa? A jaw-dropping 73.5-point margin.
This isn’t just a good team—it’s a squad on a mission, and they’re built for something special.
"We have all the pieces, I don't think we're missing any pieces," continued Hudyma. "Everyone knows how to fulfill their roles on our team this year, we have a great group."
Hudyma and his teammates were the last team standing in the past two Clipper Classic's. It's one thing to win a tournament and it's another to do so on your home court.
"It's great, it's nice to put a show on for our fans," commented Hudyma. "Always a great feeling to win on home court."
Nick has been on a tear this season, delivering all-star performances night after night.
He dropped 33 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals to lead Dauphin to bronze in Brandon. In Ste. Rose, erupted for 40 points, 12 boards, and 10 assists in a championship-clinching win over the Frontier Mosakahiken Grizzlies, the province's top-ranked team 'A' team. At Pembina Trails Collegiate, he posted another triple-double—21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in the bronze medal match—securing a third-place finish.
Big games are nothing new for Hudyma. He’s proving time and time again that he’s built for the spotlight.
How did the Dauphin star top those performances? By scoring 57 points against Portage at the team's home tournament. He also grabbed 18 rebounds while picking up 10 assists and eight steals.
"The game was flowing. We got off to a tough start but overcame that," said Hudyma. "We made a ton of defensive stops and transitioned to get some easy buckets on the other end."
Nick's season resume also includes several Player of the Game awards to go with finishing multiple tournaments as the most valuable player. The 18-year-old carries himself with quiet humility, but even he can’t deny that a little recognition feels good. Nick was also named the Dairy Farmers of Manitoba Athlete of the Week on February 12.
"It's always nice to be recognized for all the hard work I have put in over the years," added Hudyma. "Again, however, I'm doing it for the team and our success as a group."
In their most recent action, Dauphin completed a two-game sweep of the Swan Valley Tigers to win their zone championship. They won game one by 73 points and capped off the series with a 51-point victory on Monday evening. Dauphin will host a provincial qualifier on March 7 and 8 at the DRCSS.
Nick says the team is ready to put on a show for the fans, as they have been all season.
"We sure are, ready to shock the province," he continued.
It's also a family affair as Steve Hudyma is the team's head coach and Nick wouldn't have it any other way.
"It's great to have him on the bench and right by my side," said Hudyma. "He has been coaching me for the past two years and they've been great, he's an incredible father and an awesome coach. Everyone has a ton of respect for him."
As Nick’s high school basketball career winds down, he’s reflecting on the incredible journey that’s spanned the last four years. From teammates to coaches and everything in between, Nick takes immense pride in being a Clipper. But he’s not done yet—he’s determined to cap it all off with a run at a provincial championship.
"It's nice that we're ending with this team and such a dominating season," ended Hudyma. "We want to stretch out the season as far as we can and make a run at that provincial championship."
You can catch Nick and his teammates in action on Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 when Yorkton comes to town for an exhibition game.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
For the first time in a very long time, the Dauphin Kings aren't in the Top 20 or honourable mentions.
The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced its Top 20 rankings on Monday and the Kings aren't on the list. Dauphin earned three of a possible six points over the weekend but after spending last week as an honourable mention, the three points weren't enough to stay on the list.
Jayce Legaarden of Grandview and the league-leading Winkler Flyers are ranked seventh this week, the same spot as last week. The Flyers have a three-point cushion over Steinbach for first place overall, with a game in hand. They allowed just one shot in a dominating 4-1 win over Niverville on Sunday night. The defending champions have allowed just 96 goals this season, the fewest by 27. They'll be in Selkirk on Tuesday looking to win their 40th game.
The Steinbach Pistons inched up one spot to ninth. With 38 wins, the Pistons are the league's most efficient offence with 228 goals and have won eight games in a row. Their last loss was on February 2. The Pistons, who are expected to play their first game at their new arena, the Southeast Event Centre on March 14, have scored at least four goals in seven of the last eight. Led by Connor Paronuzzi, who leads the league with 84 points, Steinbach is primed for a deep playoff run.
Kyan Grouette and the Portage Terriers stayed pat at 15. This is somewhat of a shock after they lost to the Swan Valley Stampeders on Sunday night, 5-1, and the Stampeders have just 15 wins this season. Despite that loss, the Terriers have 37 wins and are just four points behind Steinbach for second in the East. Led by 18-year-old rookie Mitchell Kathler between the pipes, who has 25 wins, the Terriers are deep and will be a lot to handle come the playoffs. If the season were to end today, Portage would play Steinbach in the first round. Talk about a series that could go the distance.
Will Munro and Bo Eisner of Swan River and the Melfort Mustangs are ranked fifth, up one spot from last week. Leading the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) with 81 points, nine more than the Flin Flon Bombers, the Mustangs will look to defend their championship won last season. With 40 wins on the season, the Mustangs have allowed a league-low 105 goals and have won eight of their last nine games. Melfort has two scorers in the top 10 league-wide and eight players with at least 25 points.
The Flin Flon Bombers are ranked 13th this week, down two spots, despite winning seven of their last 10. With a nine-point cushion over the third-place Yorkton Terriers, the Bombers are primed to finish the regular season in second, which if the season were to end today, would put them up against the Humboldt Broncos in the first round of the playoffs. Flin Flon lost their star earlier this season with Carter Anderson departing the team to join the Chilliwack Chiefs of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) but they haven't missed a beat. Their 26-game point streak was broken not long ago and since earned points in seven of 10. Flin Flon's 186 goals are second in the league while their 111 against are the second-fewest.
The push to the playoffs is here so junior hockey fans, buckle in for an exciting ride.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The club volleyball season is well underway in the province and the 15-U Predators Volleyball Club, based out of the Grandview School, has put together some excellent performances.
In their first tournament in Regina, the Predators went up and stuck with some of the best teams in Saskatchewan and while the team finished in fourth, it was certainly a good start to the season. The team proved they could stick with the best of the best.
The team was back in action at a Bandits tournament shortly after and finished on the podium with a bronze medal. The club also played an exhibition game against the Parkland Vipers and beat them.
Dave Sigvaldason is the team's head coach.
"We've been alright this year. We have some pretty good results," said Sigvaldason. "Finishing fourth out of 16 teams was a good weekend for us. At the Bandits tournament, we lost a tough semi-final but bounced back to win the bronze, so it was great to see the girls show resilience."
The Predators then went to Brandon for the highly competitive Westman Tournament, featuring some of the best teams in the province—and they didn’t just show up; they dominated. Outlasting a deep 24-team field, the Predators captured their first championship of the season emphatically.
In round-robin action, they stormed past WinMan Rage, Russell, and BVC Darcy, securing the top spot in their pool. With momentum on their side, they powered through the playoffs, taking down the Yorkton Venom in the quarterfinals before outlasting the Wild in a hard-fought semifinal battle.
The championship match saw the Predators face off against the Spurs, but there was no stopping them now. They delivered a commanding straight-set victory, 25-17, 25-17, to hoist the championship trophy and cement their place among the province’s elite.
"That was really good for our group. I don't want to say that we were doubting the ability to win that big game but at this age, you have to be careful to not get into a rut with mind games," continued Sigvaldason. "Winning the tournament was a big thing for the girls' confidence. They know they can get the job done."
With a long season still ahead and a big weekend tournament at Dakota Collegiate on the horizon, Dave is fired up for what’s to come. The team’s momentum is building, and he knows the best is yet to come.
"We've added a few pieces and we have quite a bit of size this year," said Sigvaldason. "I believe that we work harder than other teams. We're tenacious, really gritty, and that's something that goes a long way in our game. That's what separates us from some other teams, we're a gritty, grind-it-out type of group."
This weekend, the team's tournament will feature many of the top teams in the province at the 15-U level. With a bronze medal and gold medal already under their belt, Dave's looking forward to leading this special group onto the court for their fourth event of the season.
"We have a group of gamers that want to get better, they want to be pushed to the limit," ended Sigvaldason.
The team's coaching staff also includes Sandy Hafenbrak and Tori Dykun. The team's roster features Meadow Vigini, Tiana Sanko, Callie Sobering, Dani Laliberte, Paige Hanke, Camryn Fletcher, Connelly McDonald, Avery Fyk, Taedyn Solski, and Reese Loring.
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The Dauphin Kings salvaged their weekend and earned two important points on Sunday night.
Wrapping up a stretch that saw the team play 13 games in 24 days, the Kings downed the Winnipeg Blues, 4-2, to earn their 32nd win of the season. They moved eight points ahead of the Northern Manitoba Blizzard for first place in the MGEU West Division, the Blizzard do have a game in hand.
The Kings racked up 44 shots in the game while Bryson Yaschyshyn made 22 saves to get back in the win column, one night after he played very well in an overtime loss against the Niverville Nighthawks.
Rylan Gage (15), Matthew Haun (7), Josh Schmidt (6), and Gavin Nemis (12) did the scoring for Dauphin as they earned three of a possible six points this weekend.
The team will return to Dauphin to prepare for a big matchup with the Neepawa Titans on Friday night. You can hear that game on Friday beginning with the Parkland Source for Sports pregame show with Darnell Duff and Jeff Henson starting at 7:20.
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They won five straight games and it was the biggest win of their season.
The Dauphin Kings U-15A Kings are provincial champions. In front of an incredible crowd at the Rotary Arena, the Kings won the Battle of the Parkland, 3-1.
Kellan Shtykalo had two goals for Dauphin while Drayson Demeria capped off a great weekend with another goal.
A banner was up for grabs and it's staying home as the Dauphin Kings are on Cloud 9 after winning it all.
Despite the loss, the Stampeders have plenty to be proud of. They won their first four games and pushed the Kings right to the final buzzer. They certainly wore the Stampeder logo with great pride.
Two powerhouse teams from the Parkland are set to meet in the biggest game of the season.
The winner will become provincial champions. The loser will come up short but will still have plenty to be proud about.
The Swan Valley Stampeders. The Dauphin Kings. A gold medal at the U-15A provincial championships is on the line at the Rotary Arena.
After a perfect round-robin, the Stampeders put together a great effort in their semi-final and took care of business against Carman in a 6-3 win. Carman drops to the bronze medal match against Brandon at 3:00 p.m.
Make sure you get to the rink early as the final between Swan Valley and Dauphin will be an epic showdown in front of what is expected to be a capacity crowd, the puck drops at 5:00 p.m.
The next time the Dauphin U-15A Kings hit the ice, they’ll be playing for a provincial title.
Kellan Shtykalo led Dauphin with a hat-trick as the Kings doubled up Brandon, 8-4, in Sunday morning’s semi-final in front of an incredible crowd that was cheering on the crew from start to finish.
Weston Rank, Rossi Puchailo, Kenai Mouck, and Samson Bourgouin all scored a goal apiece for Dauphin.
They are now two wins away from winning a provincial championship.
Rossi Puchailo scored twice to lead Dauphin in a 6-3 win against Carman on Saturday afternoon. The win saw the U-15A Kings go a perfect 3-0 in the round-robin, advancing the team to Sunday's semi-final.
Carter Smigelsky, Drayson Demeria, Brayden Abrams, and Kellan Shtykalo all scored one apiece as Dauphin is playing some brilliant hockey.
The team's opponent on Sunday is to be determined.
After a solid opening game, the Kings hit their stride on Friday night.
Brayden Abrams and Drayson Demeria each scored twice as Dauphin pounded Morden, 7-2.
Samson Bourgouin, Rossi Puchailo, and Kenai Mouck scored for Dauphin in the victory.
A perfect start for the Dauphin Kings U-15A team at the Rotary Arena.
Hosting the provincial championships, Dauphin got three goals from Drayson Demeria in a 6-4 win against Virden.
Kellan Shtykalo had two while Carter Smigelsky also found the back of the net.
Next up for them is Morden on Friday night at 7 at Credit Union Place.
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It was a must win game and the Parkland U-18 Rangers came up short.
They needed a win against Eastman to clinch a playoff spot but the Selects had other ideas. Parkland couldn't get much going offensively and struggled in their own end as they were downed by Eastman, 8-2. With the win, the Selects clinched a big dance ticket and they'll go up against the Brandon Wheat Kings in round one.
Eastman went 4-for-7 on the power play in the win as they swept Parkland this weekend. Brayden Budolowski and Alex Campbell did the scoring for the Rangers, who finished the season with a record of 23-23-1-1.
In other first round playoff series, the Winnipeg Wild will play Interlake, the Bruins challenge the Pembina Valley Hawks, and the Thrashers play the Southwest Cougars. All series will be best-of-five with three wins needed.
Stay tuned in the coming day as CKDM Sports will be joined by Tom White.
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The Parkland U-18 Rangers sure aren’t making it easy on themselves.
With a chance to clinch a playoff spot on Saturday night against Eastman, a poor second period held the club back from doing that.
Eastman scored five goals in the second while the Rangers had just one and the Selects held on for a 6-3 win over Parkland.
The loss sees Parkland on the outside looking in. With 48 points, Parkland is one point back of Eastman. A win on Sunday would still clinch a playoff spot for Parkland so come Sunday afternoon, it’s win or their season is done.
A win would clinch eighth and a first-round playoff matchup against either Brandon (81 points with one game left) or the Winnipeg Wild (80 points with one game left).
Come back to 730CKDM on Sunday afternoon to find out what happened.
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Bryson Yaschyshyn was outstanding as the Dauphin Kings came from behind to earn a point on Saturday night.
In their third meeting of the season against Niverville, Dauphin came back from down two goals to force overtime. Matteo Speranza scored his 16th of the season and second of the night 1:35 into the overtime session as the Nighthawks earned the point in a 3-2 win against the Kings.
Yaschyshyn made 36 saves, several of which were highlight reels as he helped Dauphin find their footing offensively to get back in the game. Gavin Nemis and Matthew Thomas did the scoring for Dauphin.
With the point, Dauphin remains six points ahead of the Northern Manitoba Blizzard for first place in the West Division, after the Blizzard beat the Blues on Saturday, 2-1.
Dauphin will conclude their weekend trip on Sunday evening at the Hockey for All Centre as they play the Blues. Darnell Duff and Jeff Henson have the call starting with the Parkland Source for Sports pregame show at 5:50.
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