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The Winnipeg Blue Bombers used a rock solid first quarter to thump Toronto this afternoon, 38-20.

The Bombers led by Matt Nichols and Andrew Harris led 15-1 after 15 minutes, and they never looked back. 

Overall, Nichols completed 70.4 percent of his passes. Harris rushed for 161 yards on 27 carries. 

The Blue & Gold will hook up with Toronto again next Friday, at Investors Group Field. 

In the winter, Russell's Dru Mushumanski is outplaying opponents on the ice, but, in the summer he's on the golf links smashing balls... literally.

The 12-year-old is currently en route to Des Moines, Iowa to take part in an Amateur Long Drive Qualifier. The event will feature other competitors from around the United States, as well as Canada.

"I really am so excited to get the chance to compete in this event," said Mushumanski. "I've been practicing since the day the golf season began, so it's been a lot of hard work to prepare for it."

Dru has spent hundreds of hours at the driving range working on his swing, as he looks to master not only a long drive but a straight one as well. 

How did Dru even find out about the qualifying event over 13 hours away? Well, he was invited. 

"Getting invited definitely gives me a lot of confidence," he added. "I'm just hoping I can do really good."

In the end, all those hours at Happy's Driving Range has paid off for Dru, as he will enter the event as one of the favourites.

The record for the 12 & Under age group is 255 yards, and Dru has shown on a consistent basis that he can hit the ball more than 260 yards.

"I'm definitely feeling some extra pressure on myself heading in," said Mushumanski. "It's not even just about how far you hit it, it has to be straight. I can hit it 265, but if it's not straight enough, it won't count."

Dru and his dad rolled through Nebraska earlier this afternoon for some lunch before he will get to Des Moines this evening. Although he's mentally prepared for tomorrow, he's enjoying everything that comes with travelling a long distance.

"It's been a lot of fun seeing so many new things," he added. "And, of course, meeting lots of new people has been enjoyable."

"It's just been fun seeing things I haven't seen before," said Mushumanski.

When asked if he thought he would be in this position, Dru said "Not really" as he chuckled.

If Dru is successful, he will advance to the Amateur Long Drive Finals in Myrtle Beach in mid-August.

The Parkland Source for Sports Midgets baseball team is the Parkland Champions, and now they're hoping to play their best weekend of ball this weekend so they can call themselves Provincial Champions.

The team is in Altona for the 18U AA Provincial Championships as they get set to compete in a 12-team tournament which features three pools.

"We're going to battle for sure," said Todd Boguski, one of the coaches. "The boys are coming in on a high and they're playing really well. They're hitting the ball, and that's going to be the most important thing out here. There's some pretty good competition down here, but as long as we stay error-free and play good ball, we should be competitive."

Dauphin finds themselves in a pool with Winkler, Brandon, and Fort Garry. Being from the Parkland, the team hasn't gotten much of a chance to play against city teams which could pose a challenge, but Todd feels that the team can get through it.

"Most of these teams are lucky enough that they can pick players from other teams in the area that aren't in the tournament," said Boguski. "We don't really have that option being from Dauphin. It's a little bit of an unknown because we don't know much about the teams, but as long as we play how we know we can, I think we'll be pretty okay for sure."

The Provincial Championships are always the best time of the year for young baseballers, and for the Parkland Source for Sports Midgets, it's the same thing.

"The guys are all really excited for this," said Boguski. "We got the chance to walk around the Altona facility here, and what a class one it is. The diamonds are absolutely gorgeous, and everyone just can't wait to get it going."

This is the team's round-robin schedule for the weekend:

Friday - 11:00 a.m. vs Brandon.

Friday - 4:00 p.m. vs Fort Garry.

Saturday - 8:30 a.m. vs Winkler.

More:

Two other Parkland teams are in action this weekend as well.

The 13U AAA Parkland team are in a Provincial Championships Qualifier.

Here's their schedule:

Friday - 2:00 p.m. vs South Central.

Saturday - 9:00 a.m. vs Oildome.

Saturday - 3:00 p.m. vs Pembina Hills.

The final team in action is the 15U AAA squad who are in a Provincial Championships Qualifier.

Here's their schedule:

Friday - 11:00 a.m. vs South Central.

Friday - 4:00 p.m. vs Carillon.

Saturday - 8:30 a.m. vs Oildome.

Saturday - 4:00 p.m. vs Midwest.

Sunday - 1:30 p.m. vs Pembina Hills.

730CKDM is the place to see how these three teams do all weekend long.

Grandview's Ryan Pulock is staying put on Long Island to play for the New York Islanders as he signed a two-year contract extension, and he's really excited to get his second full NHL season started.

"Yeah, it's exciting for sure," said Pulock. "It's nice to just get it done, and now I can prepare for the season. I'm looking forward to playing two more years in New York."

Since becoming a full-time professional hockey player in the 2014-15 season, Ryan played just 16 NHL games. But, that all changed last year when he played 68 and definitely made the most of them. His 32 points were the second most that a defender produced on the Islanders.

When the season ended, Ryan didn`t have a contract, but he had a good feeling he wouldn`t have to wait long to get one.

"I think we knew that it was going to happen," said Pulock. "It was just a matter of term and things like that. It's nice to get it off the mind, so I can just focus on next season now and getting ready for it."

Although Ryan just became a full-time player on the Islanders this past season, he's been in the Isles system since day one. He suited up for the Isles AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers 163 times in the regular season. 

"Playing for the Islanders has been fantastic," said Pulock. "It's a great place to play, and the fans are very faithful. It's an exciting time to be a part of the organization with a new rink coming in the coming years and we have lots of young talent."

One of the things that are guaranteed to change from last season is Ryan will no longer play with John Tavares, as he was traded to the Maple Leafs.

"It's definitely a tough loss losing Johnny," said Pulock. "But, I think down the road we're going to be really good with the skill we have."

The big, hard-shooting defender will now spend the rest of the summer in Brandon, where he'll get the opportunity to get on the ice and hone his skills heading into training camp, and he knows what has to be done.

"I have to clean up my d-zone play for sure," said Pulock. "On the flip side, I think I improved my defensive play last season, but of course there is always room for improvement. I've always sort of had the gift offensively with the shot, so once I clean up my d-zone play, I'll be more of a two-way guy."

Now there's set to be a nice Parkland connection on Long Island. Ryan will join Dauphin's Stanley Cup Champion Barry Trotz, who signed on as the new Head Coach for the Isles back on June 21.

"Barry is definitely a well-respected coach and he's been very successful everywhere he's gone," said Pulock. "Coming off a Stanley Cup is huge, and I think he's going to really help our team. I'm truly really looking forward to playing for him."

Ryan says he expects to raise his expectations in the upcoming season, by producing more offensively... something he believes he can do.

And as we take one look back at his first full NHL season, Ryan's five-point performance against the Chicago Blackhawks was a moment he won't forget, and it certainly helped his confidence the rest of the season and will continue helping it going forward.

"That was kind of a turning point in my season," he added. "I wasn't putting up a whole lot of points before then, and then that night everything just went in for me. It turned things around for me, and I'm hoping I can build off that heading into next season, and throughout my career."

AUDIO: Ryan Pulock.

You've been warming up your bats all season long, and now it's time to show your stuff as the Richard Bogoslowski Memorial Slopitch Tournament is coming up.

The 8th Annual event will once again be played at Vermillion Sportsplex on August 18.

There will be a "Fun Division" and a "Competitive Division" and both guarantee three games for $75, and both are Co-ed.

"It's always a really fun tournament," said Gaylene Bertrand, Tournament Coordinator. "There are some really good ball players out there so there's always some really good competition. Overall, you'll really enjoy yourself if you signup."

Even if you don't decide to play in the tournament, there will be something at the Sportsplex for you.

"It would just be nice if everyone could just come out, even if you don't play," said Bertrand. "There will be a concession that is run by the Dauphin Girl Guides. There's also going to be 50/50 and lots of other prizes."

You can signup your team right now by calling the Parkland Rec Complex at 622-3150, or Tamara at 622-3157.

Here is your July 18 local scoreboard. 

Santa Clara Baseball League:

Carberry beat Minnedosa, 6-4.

Portage beat Neepawa in extras. 

Manitoba Amateur Golf Championships:

Dalen Schulz fired a 10 over, 82 in today’s third round. He’s currently in a tie for 33rd.

Plenty of money will be on the line on Friday as the Toot's Rezz Dawg 4-Person Scramble takes over the Gilbert Plains Country Club.

The tournament which is currently accepting registrations is $600/team, $150/player which includes closest to the pin and a post-round meal.

The event is being hosted by the Valley River First Nation. 

"The tournaments always get supported really well," Scott McCallum, General Manager at the GPCC. "It's a very popular tournament always. And, it's a really fun tournament that lets you get out with some friends, and just have some fun playing some golf."

Two of the closest to the pins will be $500, and two will be worth $700.

Wondering what the course condition will be like on Friday? Pretty spectacular.

"It's as good as it's ever been," said McCallum. "The grounds crew has done just a fabulous job on the golf course this year. I don't think there's a bad spot to hit the ball on the fairway. The greens are also rolling really well. It's just a great opportunity to get out and play one of the best courses Manitoba has to offer."

To register today you can call the Gilbert Plains Country Club at 548-3030.

Toots Bottom

Here is your local scoreboard for July 17.

Southeast Senior League:

Yorkton Yankees beat Grandview Lakers, 14-7, and won series 2-0 to advance to the league semi-final. 

Dauphin Competitive Slopitch League:

Cartridge Outlet Danes Dingers beat Strilkiwski Contracting Limited Crushers, 21-19.

Showtime beat Catalyst Credit Union Brewmeisters, 27-12.

Blackbeard and Denray Tire played two games. BB won 17-10, and 21-20 respectively.

Paradis Eavestroughing Outlaws and Balloholics played two games. Outlaws won 11-7 and lost 9-6.

Manitoba Amateur Golf Championships:

Dalen Schulz fired a 4 over, 76 and is in a tie for 24th heading into round three. 

Grandview's Ryan Pulock has proven he can play with the big boys in the NHL, and because of it he's not going anywhere. 

The big, hard-shooting defensemen has signed a two-year extension to stay on Long Island with the Islanders. 

Ryan is coming off a breakout year with the Isles which included a dominant five point game. 

All in all, he recorded a career-high 32 points in 68 games, which was second among Islanders defenders in scoring.

With the re-signing, the Grandview native is set to join fellow Parklander and Dauphin's Barry Trotz.

If you like high-flying family entertainment, Brandon is the place to be on November 3 as the Harlem Globetrotters will be making a stop in the "Wheat City".

The event will be a part of their "Amazing Feats of Basketball World Tour" and will be at Westoba Place.

For 91 years, the Globetrotters have provided fans with thrills and excitement to it's fullest and that's set to continue on the 250 city tour.

"This is the ultra family show," said Krista Kowaluk, Marketing and Sponsorship Manager at Keystone Place. "I remember going to this as a kid, and it's stuck in my brain the entire time. It's the ultimate family event."

"They believe in just having a good time, and providing fans with the best night possible," she added. "And, they're incredible athletes and they will definitely WOW you. It's such a good show, and it's a definite must see."

The last time the Globetrotters took over the Keystone Centre was over 20 years ago.

Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 23. They'll start at $20 and will increase, but don't worry about finding some in your price range.

"No matter what your budget is, there will be a ticket that works for you," said Kowaluk. 

For all your ticket information, and to purchase them starting July 23, head to Keystone Centre.

For more on the Globetrotters to get you all set up for the event, head to Harlem Globetrotters.

*Photo Credit - John Salangsang*

When becoming an umpire, the goal is to advance to the highest level possible, but, for some people it takes a very long time to move up even one level.

However, Dauphin's Carter Williamson seems to be progressing at a rapid pace and he's been rewarded for his contributions behind the dish and on the bases.

Fresh off umpiring his first ever AAA tournament over the July Long Weekend, the 15-year-old has been named Baseball Manitoba's Winnipeg Goldeyes Umpire of the Month for the month of June.

"It's so important to me," said Williamson. "It feels so good to be recognized. I'm just going to keep working as hard as I can, and better myself as an umpire so I can do this more."

Carter will now change his uniform this weekend and play for the Parkland Source for Sports Midgets as they head to the Provincial Championships, but going forward as an umpire, he feels this award will help him as he looks to make it as high as he can.

"It gives me a ton of confidence," said Williamson. "I really think it's going to help so much. Anytime I can get my name out there as an umpire, it's going to help."

Getting the chance to umpire a AAA tournament provided Carter with lots of knowledge, and obviously, he made quite the first impression. He's already been invited back again for next seasons tournament.

"There was a ton of experience from the umpires that were there," he added. "They took me under their wing, and they coached me up every single step. It was a great experience for sure."

This award is Carter's second major one that is handed out by Baseball Manitoba. Last year he was won BM's Youth Umpire of the Year award.