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Baseball fans likely won't have the opportunity to buy some Cracker Jack, peanuts, or a cold beverage at Shaw Park this season. The home of the Winnipeg Goldeyes, the "Fish" will be playing this summer; however, it's unlikely that they'll be playing any games in Winnipeg.
The American Association of Independent Professional Baseball has announced that six of the league's times will compete in a 60-game season in three hub cities this summer. Winnipeg will be heading to Fargo, the home of the RedHawks to play their season.
The announcement has Winnipeg playing 42-of-60 games at Newman Outdoor Field.
"It's honestly bitter-sweet. We were hoping things would get better and we would be able to play games at Shaw Park," said Andrew Collier, General Manager. "With that being said, just to be able to play baseball is great. And with the number of releases that Major League Baseball has done, the talent pool is going to be great. I think the quality of baseball is going to be some of the best that we've seen."
You may be wondering why only 42 of Winnipeg's games will be played in Fargo. That's because the league has said that teams can return to their home fields for the remaining games if local health authorities allow them to do so. That means that there is a very slim chance that Winnipeg could play some games at Shaw Park this season.
"A lot of things would have to go extremely right for us to play in Winnipeg this summer," continued Collier.
Winnipeg won the league in back-to-back years dating back to 2016 and 2017. Prior to that, their last league championship was in 2012. The Kansas City T-Bones and St. Paul Saints have won the past two seasons, respectively.
As mentioned above, Collier says the talent pool will be very deep this season. After a tough 2018 campaign, Winnipeg went 57-43 last year; however, they weren't able to get it done in the end. Collier is expecting this year's team to make another run for it.
"It should be good. I know Rick Forney has been hard at making sure we have a top-notch roster to field every game," continued Collier. "I know some guys that had committed to play in Winnipeg won't play now, so he has some holes to fill, but we're very confident that he will do just that."
A short spring training will begin on June 25 while Opening Day will take place on July 3. The Goldeyes begin their season with a three-game set against Fargo.
This year's league will only consist of six teams with the Cleburne Railroaders, Gary SouthShore RailCats, Kansas City T-Bones, Lincoln Saltdogs, Sioux City Explorers, and Texas AirHogs announcing that they are going to suspend operations in 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis. All plan on returning in 2021.
This means, Winnipeg will be joined also by Chicago, Sioux Falls, St. Paul, and the Milwaukee Milkmen. In other news, fans will be allowed in the stands.
"It's very exciting that the season will get going soon. It's like we've gone from 0-100 in 10 days," concluded Collier. "I sort of accepted that we wouldn't be playing this summer. Now, we have less than 10 days to get everything set."
You can see Winnipeg's complete 2020 schedule at Goldeyes.
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The Westman Junior Tour continued yesterday at the Killarney Golf Course and once again, Jackson Delaurier finished on top. After winning last week's season-opening event, he outlasted Micky Giordani-Gross by one stroke to win this week's event with an 84.
Luke Myhre was just behind as he carded an 86 in the 14 & under age group as he finished in 3rd. In the 12 & under age group, another Dauphinite finished on top to join Delaurier in the winner's circle.
Boston Karlson, who plays most of his golf at the Gilbert Plains Country Club, fired an 88 to capture the top spot as he got by Carson Craig by two strokes.
It was Boston's first tournament of the season and it was quite the rollercoaster between the Dauphinite and Craig of Sandy Lake. After nine holes, Karlson was one behind after shooting a 45.
Entering the 16th hole, Craig had what most would think would be a commanding lead of four strokes.
However, that wasn't the case as Karlson stormed back. He made three straight pars to end the match while Craig struggled. In the end, Karlson held off Carson by one stroke to claim the back-and-forth victory in his tournament debut this season. Karlson's final score was an 88 while Craig fired a 90.
"It felt good, especially because it was my first tournament of the year," said Karlson. "I felt pretty confident and it was a great feeling hearing my name called at the end to get a prize. I'm happy with how things went, that's for sure."
Boston joined the Westman Tour because his friends played in it last year and he wanted to try it out. The tour travels across the province for tournaments every Tuesday throughout the summer.
Next week's tournament is right here in the Parkland as the Poplar Ridge Golf Course will play host to the third event. Karlson will be back as will Carson Craig.
"My goal is to continue getting points every week and I want to win the entire tour," concluded Karlson. "I'm looking forward to seeing what I can do the rest of the way. I also know my family really supports me, so that helps me."
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Logan Chapman opened up his golf season by making a statement and increasing his confidence while doing so. Playing at the Dauphin Lake Golf Club late last month, the Dauphinite aced the 9th hole as he joined the "Parkland Hole-in-One club".
Shortly after, Daryl Lacquette joined the club as he aced the 8th hole at the Neepawa Golf and Country Club. Now, the Parkland and Dauphin specifically have another member of the club.
This time it's Owen Connolly. Connolly chucked a dart into the 6th hole with an 8-iron to record the ace, the second at the Dauphin Lake Golf Club this season.
It was also Owen's second of his career, the first of which came at the Quarry Oaks Golf Course.
"I just hit my shot and I was fortunate that it bounced a couple of times and went into the hole," said Connolly.
Owen admitted that he doesn't get that excited on the golf course, but golf's perfect shot changed that within seconds of the ball hitting the club and launching into the air. If you haven't played the 6th hole in Dauphin, you have to hit it over a creek into a tough green.
"It's a thrill for sure, it doesn't happen very often," added Connolly. "I think everyone in my group was pretty pumped up, perhaps even more excited than I."
Connolly played alongside Bart Michaleski, Darren Ripmeester, and Ray Karlson.
"It was a beautiful evening, there was no wind or mosquitos," concluded Connolly.
Parkland Hole-in-One Club:
- Owen Connolly
- Daryl Lacquette
- Logan Chapman
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Registration is heating up for the Parkland girls volleyball camp.
Originally set to take place in early September, the camp will now take place on August 27 and 28 at the DRCSS. The camp is open to girls in grade 6 to 10 and it's $100 for the two days which includes a t-shirt.
If you're in grade 6 to 8, you'll be at the school from 9-12 on Thursday and Friday. Grade 9 and 10 girls will take part in the camp from 1-4 both days.
"It's a really good opportunity to get warmed up for the regular season and school tryouts," said Ted Rea. "Most girls are from the Vipers club and also some from out of town. It's just a great way to hone your skills and get some practice in."
Rea says the camp is open to everyone; however, he recommends that if you're going to sign up, you should have some sort of volleyball experience as the camp welcomes many experienced players.
Each camp will have a maximum of 20 players as of right now and Rea will have a waiting list. He does say; however, if restrictions continue to ease and bigger gatherings are allowed inside, the camp could increase in the number of players allowed to take part in each camp.
You can get your registration form at Parkland Source for Sports or you can text Ted at 648-4433.
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It was an event that started with 74 hopeful golfers, all of which had a goal of making the top 32 that would take part in the Manitoba amateur match play championships at the St. Charles Country Club.
The top 32 hit the course this past weekend and it included Dauphin's Eric Prokopowich who lost his first-round match against Derek East. So the 32 were trimmed down to 16, which was trimmed down to eight and now, only four golfers remain.
One of the four golfers that remain won the tournament last year and he's a man from Brandon by the name of Austin Dobrescu.
The Brandonite entered the match play portion of the event as the #2 seed and he beat Jordon McDonald, 3-1, in the round of 32. In his Sweet 16 matchup, Dobrescu took down Ryan Terdik, 3&2.
A spot in the Final 4 was on the line as Austin hit the course against Braxton Kuntz, also from Brandon. Dobrescu sealed the win after 15 holes with a 4&3 victory.
"I've been playing pretty good and I've been playing better each day," said Dobrescu. "I wasn't familiar with the course going into Friday, so I was playing pretty conservatively. My matches haven't gotten any easier, but I'm playing pretty well and getting the job done."
The Sweet 16 of this year's event provided golf fans in the province with an upset. Marco Trstenjak went in as the #1 seed; however, Jack Werhun won the 18th hole to eliminate the top-seed, 1UP. Werhun is now in the Final 4 as he'll play Justin McDonald.
Dobrescu, meanwhile, will play Wesley Hoydalo who is the 11th seed. The winner of both matches will play a 36-hole championship final.
"I know we're at the point where basically anyone can beat anyone, it's whoever shows up," continued Dobrescu. "I'll show up on Saturday and I know if I play how I can, I should have a pretty solid chance of advancing to the final."
On his way to the Final 4, Austin has drained 14 birdies and one eagle. A few more on Saturday could book his berth to the 36-hole final, which will be played on Sunday afternoon.
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Many people are wondering when the Gary Brandon Memorial Tournament will take place at the Dauphin Lake Golf Club and now, the date has been set along with some changes.
First of all, the event will now be called the Home Hardware Best-Ball Challenge in support of the Gary Brandon Sports Bursary. The event will now tee it up from September 25-27.
The decision was finalized yesterday in hope that everything will return back to normal by then.
"We're going to make sure that it happens and it's going to be the same tournament that we run every year," said Ray Karlson.
The entry fee will be $110 per player which includes four rounds guaranteed, three meals, and a chance at prizes. That means it'll be $220 per team.
Ray is hoping that this year's tournament will feature at least 100 players. Registration will open up later this summer.
And if you haven't played before, Ray says it's a tournament that you don't want to miss and it's for a great cause.
"I think that's the biggest thing, all of the money raised is going to a sports bursary locally," said Karlson. "Also with the meals, it's such a tremendous value."
Clayton Carefoot and Derek Stykalo won the event last season.
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The Manitoba Junior Hockey League announced that it would be hosting its first ever Roundtable Webinar series later this month.
When they do, the Parkland will be very well represented.
On June 23, Ryan Pulock will begin Session 3. He’ll provide insight on his path to becoming a professional hockey player.
At the same time which is 6:30 p.m., Barry Trotz will be joining Ryan. He’ll share the dynamics between a coach and player.
On Monday June 22 at 6:30 p.m., Mallard’s Brigette Lacquette will join the program.
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You wanted tournament golf at the Gilbert Plains Country Club and you're about to get it.
The Men's Open is slated for next Saturday, June 20, with a shotgun start at 10:00 a.m.
It'll be $80. You must pay your entry fee prior to next Saturday. If you try to pay at the course on June 20, you won't be allowed to tee it up and you can sign up with a complete foursome.
"We're really excited abouttournament golf. We're going to be very careful and cautious," said McCallum. "We're also going to be very careful when it comes to carts when players arrive on that day."
Your entry fee includes a meal and prizes and McCallum confirms social distancing will be respected during dinner time.
"I think it's safe to say that all clubs rely on tournaments throughout the season," continued McCallum. "We believe we have the space to make this event very successful while also making sure everyone stays safe."
The good thing about this tournament is that it's open to everyone. Whether you're a scratch golfer or you play three times a season, you can play and you'll have a good chance at winning a prize.
The event is flighted and each cash prize is the same whether you finish in first overall or first in the fifth flight.
"That's what we pride ourselves on here at the Gilbert Plains Country Club," concluded McCallum. "There's a place for everyone. Don't let the calibre of your golf game deter you from playing. It's about getting out with some friends, socializing, and enjoying the great day that it will be."
Just a reminder, you can't signup to play on June 20, you must signup and pay prior to that day or else you won't be permitted to play. 548-3030 is the number to register today or stop by the proshop.
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It's been a busy week for the Dauphin Kings as another player has committed to the program ahead of the 2020-2021 season.
This time, it's Charles Massey. He stands in at 6'1 and he's 190 pounds. Massey, from Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac, Quebec, played last season in the United States Premier Hockey League. Most of his action was spent with the Richmond Generals and he amassed eight goals and 11 assists in 30 games.
He also spent some time in the Eastern Hockey League where he had two goals and four helpers in 11 games. The upcoming season will be Massey's final as a junior-hockey player.
"Working with a guy out west, he had good things to say about him," said Doug Hedley. "He's supposed to be a really good kid who works really hard. We're looking forward to him helping the program."
"I heard about Dauphin through a few people and I looked into the club's structure and I really like it. It looks like a great place to play as well," said Massey.
Earlier this week, Dauphin announced that Jean-Michael Gilbert has committed to the program.
Also from Quebec, Gilbert had five goals and 12 assists in 17 games playing with Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh.
"He moves the puck very well and he loves to jump up in the offence," said Hedley on Gilbert. "Any time you can get a guy like that who has played at a high level and has interest from other leagues, we had to jump on it. He should definitely fit somewhere in the top six of our lineup next season."
This off-season has been anything but ordinary for Hedley. Usually, by now, he would have spent a ton of time on the road chatting with prospective players and attending different camps in different cities. Due to COVID-19, he hasn't had that chance. Instead, he's spent extra time getting to know players over the phone and watching game tape from past seasons. He does; however, hope that changes soon.
"I have about seven or eight players that I want to sit down with and have some lunch and talk about our program," said Hedley. "We want to get out to the different provinces and convince these guys to join us. So I'm looking forward to when that can happen, it's just a waiting game at this time."
When it comes to scheduling for the upcoming season, the MJHL is taking care of that. Dauphin has pre-booked about 10 home games, one of which will be the highly popular 'Teddy Bear Toss'.
The MJHL will hold its annual general meeting on June 24.
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The Parkland U18 Rangers wrapped up a busy week of information sessions last evening in Swan River. After hosting one earlier this week in Dauphin, Rick Freese and Tyler Carefoot hit the road to get an understanding of what the interest is like in the valley.
Eight players showed up alongside parents. The goal of the sessions was to educate players and parents on what they can expect when they come to training camp. Freese and Carefoot wanted to chat with as many Parkland players as possible.
"I think the parents were very happy that we made the trip and chatted with them," said Freese. "They got a glimpse into what the program looks like. I think it was received very well and they were very happy to see us."
30 players and dozens of parents in all came out between the two sessions in Dauphin and Swan River. For a team that has struggled at times to ice a full roster in the past, numbers like this are certainly a positive for the coaching staff, both of which are from Dauphin.
"We've made a ton of phone calls to a ton of players. We're expecting big numbers at our training camp in August," continued Freese. "I wouldn't be surprised to see 45 to 50 players. I think that's a great thing, healthy competition always helps out a team, especially early in the season."
In case you missed how Tyler and Rick became coaches of the U18 Rangers, well that was announced back in mid-May that they would be joining forces. Tyler ended last season as interim head coach of the program.
"I think we're going to complement each other very well," concluded Freese. "I'm really looking forward to getting the season going and so far, so good."
The U18 Rangers tour will head to Roblin and Russell in the very near future.
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After playing minor hockey in Dauphin for many years, Noah Wiens made a change when he entered high school at the DRCSS.
A member of the Westman High School Hockey League, Wiens joined the Clippers as an "affiliated player" in grade 9. That means he played whenever the team needed an extra forward.
Wiens would end up playing in more than a dozen games that season for a Clippers team that went 13-10-0-1 in the regular season.
Noah didn't record a point in his grade 9 year; however, he added two goals and one assist in 22 games the next season.
In the 2018-2019 season, Wiens really found his way with nine goals and 10 assists as he helped the team advance to the league championship series. In his final year of high school hockey this past season, Noah scored another six goals and he added 10 assists.
When it was all said and done, Noah played in well more than 80 games with Dauphin.
"I had a great four years with the team, it was a blast," said Wiens. "I made so many great memories and great friends along the way."
Wiens says one of his favorite memories during his time with Dauphin was travelling to Los Angeles this past season for a tournament.
Wiens has now graduated from high school and he's set to attend university next winter and he's received some help for when he does.
Every spring, the Manitoba High School Athletics Association, with support from the McDonald's of Manitoba presents 16 student-athletes with a $1000 scholarship.
The criteria to win the scholarship are maintaining a 75% academic average while demonstrating exceptional leadership in high school sport, school, and community involvement. You also have to be nominated for the award and Wiens was able to check off every box.
"It feels really good to know that I won this scholarship," concluded Wiens. "It's awesome to see that my hard work paid off over the course of my days at the DRCSS."
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