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The Dauphin Kings are one win away from playing for a league championship.
2:50 into double overtime while on the power play, the NCAA Division 3 defender, Matthew Haun slapped a shot past Mitchell Kathler as he won the game for the Kings, to give Dauphin a three games to one series lead over the Terriers. The final score was 4-3.
The Kings found themselves up 2-0 after 20 minutes as Matthew Thomas and Rylan Gage scored. However, the Terriers bounced back as they tied the game after 40 minutes. Matthew Thomas scored early in the third to give Dauphin a 3-2 lead and they were up by that same score with less than three minutes.
That's when Jonah Lemoine jumped on a puck in the crease and batted it past Cole Sheffield to force overtime. The Terriers outplayed the Kings in the first overtime, however, they couldn't find the back of the net. That led the Kings into the second overtime and Haun did the rest.
The Kings can advance to the league final with a win on Saturday when the two teams play at Stride Place. Parkland Source for Sports pregame show with Darnell Duff and Jeff Henson at 7:15.
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It was a different year for Aiden Ziprick and the Moose Jaw Warriors.
Last year, Ziprick helped the Warriors win 44 of their 68 games and finish in third place in the Eastern Conference. They swept the Brandon Wheat Kings in round one, dispatched the Swift Current Broncos in five games, and downed the Saskatoon Blades in a thrilling seven-game series in the Eastern Conference final.
In the final, Ziprick faced off against his close friend, Ryder Thompson, and the Warriors were unstoppable. They scored 16 goals in just four games, sweeping the Winterhawks to clinch the Western Hockey League (WHL) title. At the Memorial Cup, Aiden led Moose Jaw to the playoffs with a clutch performance.
With less than two minutes remaining in their final round-robin game against the Drummondville Voltigeurs, Ziprick scored the game-winning goal, propelling his team to the semi-finals. Though they fell short against the host Saginaw Spirit—who went on to beat the London Knights to claim the national title—Aiden’s unforgettable moment marked the pinnacle of an incredible run.
Back with Moose Jaw this year, it was a much different roster. The Warriors won 15 games and finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. This isn't something out of the normal. After going on a championship run and winning it all, a team often graduates their top talent and goes through struggles the following season. That happened in Moose Jaw, but Aiden showed up at the rink every day and gave it his all.
"We lost a lot of our key players. I would say guys got a better opportunity this year with more ice time," said Ziprick. "Guys stepped up and took on a bigger role this year. It was tough not winning a lot of games, but we went into every game trying to win, help the coaches, and get the community going as best we could."
Ziprick served as an assistant captain, a testament to his hard work and dedication.
"Yeah, that was a huge honour to have that patch on my jersey," offered Ziprick. "It was a special feeling to be a leader and role model for the young kids and the community. It was a huge thing for me."
While the team struggled to put together winning streaks, Ziprick had a breakout season. Fresh off his game-winning goal at the national tournament, Ziprick scored 12 goals this season, collecting 48 points, an increase of 41 from last season. Ziprick finished second in team scoring and among the rear guard scorers on the team; he had 25 more points than Connor Schmidt. The star from Russell also did a masterful job of staying on the ice as he played all 68 games and had just 16 penalty minutes.
It was a career year for Ziprick and a sign of things to come.
"I was very happy with how things went. Coming off the year we had and watching some top-end guys, I learned a lot from their games and how a professional player takes care of their body," said Ziprick. "Coming in with the confidence wanting to be a player like that and be a top two-pairing defencemen in the league was my goal all summer. I was happy with how the year went for me."
Aiden also landed on the National Hockey League's (NHL) draft prospect rankings. He was 221st among North American skaters.
"It was a pretty cool feeling to see that list," continued Ziprick. "To see my name on a list full of players who will be NHL stars is a special feeling."
While Aiden's season is over, he is still keeping his eyes on the WHL playoffs as the Portland Winterhawks prepare to play the Everett Silvertips in the second round. Portland's roster features another Russell star as Ryder Thompson will look to help the Winterhawks advance to round three.
Aiden and Ryder grew up together and are great friends, and Ziprick hopes the Hawks can go on a run.
"I'm definitely rooting for him from the bottom of my heart," commented Ziprick. "I've been close with him for as long as I can remember. I'm watching every game of his and hope they can pull off something special."
Ziprick will move to Winnipeg for the summer and train at the Rink Training Centre and skate with other top-end players at the Highlander Arena. His sole goal is getting dialled in for the 2025-26 season when he'll return to Moose Jaw looking to help them get back to the dance.
"I'm looking forward to it; we're only losing one guy for next year," continued Ziprick. "A lot of guys are going to get an opportunity to step up, and we have to turn the boat around from where we left off this year. I think we'll have a good chance of making some noise."
For many, the WHL is as far as they get. Not for Ziprick, however. The star from Russell has committed to Bemidji State University for the 2026-27 season. The Beavers are an NCAA Division 1 team that plays out of the Sanford Centre and have been around since the 1947-48 season. They became a Division 1 program in the 1999-2000 season. They play in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.
Committing to an NCAA Division 1 program has always been Aiden's dream. He decided to put that dream on the back burner when he signed in the WHL, but when the rule changed, allowing players to go from the CHL to NCAA Division 1, his dream was back on the front burner.
Now, it's a reality as Ziprick is heading to Bemidji, Minnesota.
"It's a surreal feeling; not many players get this opportunity," ended Ziprick. "I'm so pumped about it; can't wait to head down there after my final year in Moose Jaw."
Aiden’s story is one of determination and dreams. Growing up in a small town, he fell in love with hockey at a young age and dedicated countless hours to chasing that dream. Now, he’s living proof that hard work and passion can turn dreams into reality.
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The Winnipeg Football Club made a profit of $7 million in 2024, a record high.
It was bolstered by an 8.2 percent jump in total revenue to $54.7 million. Since losing $7 million in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bombers have posted profits each year.
2021: $2.1 million
2022: $4.9 million
2023: $5.7 million
2024: $7.0 million
“Our entire team and organization have been focused on creating an amazing game-day experience, and the numbers prove that,” said Blue Bombers President and CEO Wade Miller. “It’s thanks to the strong support of our fans, our corporate partners, and everyone involved."
Work is underway for a new players' lounge, HVAC and mechanical improvements in football operations, and security enhancements throughout Princess Auto Stadium. The Blue & Gold led the league in attendance last season, averaging 31,166 and selling out five games. This was the third straight year that Winnipeg led the league in attendance.
Winnipeg has compiled a record of 62-24 over the past five seasons, including a 37-6 mark at home.
Winnipeg will host the Grey Cup next season.
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The Parkland Vipers 14U volleyball team is taking down some of the top teams in the province while building towards a couple of huge weekends.
The Vipers have played in seven tournaments this season, finishing in the top five four times and competing very well against some of the top 15U teams in the province. Chris Wolfenden is the team's head coach.
"We're just a good team, and our social feelings across the team are very good," said Wolfenden. "We have good team dynamics. When we get to the gym, everyone is in it together and supporting each other, it's a great group to be a part of."
The Vipers finished with a silver medal in the 16-team Westman tournament and fifth at the Brandon Volleyball Club tournament. They lost only two sets in that event. They finished first at the Club West tournament and earned a bronze medal at the Interlake 14U event.
They also earned a seventh-place finish at the Phoenix 15U tournament over the weekend.
"I'm proud of these girls every practice and game. To finish second in our pool at a 15U tournament and make the quarterfinals is an incredible accomplishment," added Wolfenden. "It's a fun group to coach because they're as passionate about the game as I am, which is great. We're not trying to motivate each other to keep it going, we're all in it for the same goal."
As the Vipers prepare for the Bison tournament this weekend, they're being recognized as one of the top teams in the province. In the most recent rankings released by Volleyball Manitoba, the Vipers are ranked sixth in the province. This team consistently delivers standout results, driven by a fierce commitment to be the best and fully ready to crush whatever comes next.
"Usually, the top eight are a bit more consistent, so it's nice to be recognized by other coaches," continued Wolfenden. "Six is great, we're proud of that. With that said, we have to sort of park that. It doesn't mean a lot when you get down to the provincials."
The pressure will only intensify as the team climbs the ranks and keeps dominating the province's elite. They're feared for their relentless defense and their ability to close out points with great serves.
Pressure? Bring it on. Chris is confident this team thrives under it and won’t break a sweat when the heat’s on.
"The idea of going into 15U tournaments and putting the girls under pressure at two tournaments this year was part of that strategy," commented Wolfenden. "It's not new for us to feel pressure and push back. We now know how to push back. We have a long-term goal as a group."
The Vipers are in Winnipeg for the Bisons tournament this weekend. The national championships are the biggest tournament of the year, the provincial championships come in second, and the Junior Bisons tournament is next. It features the top teams in the province, including the top-ranked Bison Volleyball Club 14U Gold Girls.
The team's roster includes Brynn Fortin, Ava Thompson, Edie Fleck, Tori Yaciuk, Brynlee Brasch, Scotia Smith, Adi Ledoux, Jetta Larocque, Kennedy Beer, Chayse Paradis, Grace Houle, and Logan Wolfenden. Matt Thompson joins Chris on the coaching staff.
The competition will be stiff. The Vipers are used to it being that way and are ready to make some noise against the province's best.
"We've been talking about these tournaments all year," ended Wolfenden. "It's always nice to measure yourself against the best. We haven't seen some of the top teams because we've sort of been migrating around different paths. Finally, we're all in the same tournament and it's game on. I'm confident in our group, we'll take care of business."
Following the provincial championships, the Vipers will compete in the national tournament, which is being held at the Convention Centre in Winnipeg this year.
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The Portage Terriers held on.
They got some luck from the goaltender's best friend, however, you can't take anything away from Ryan Velan on Tuesday night. The 19-year-old netminder took over for Mitchell Kathler and is the only reason Portage cut their deficit in half.
He made 39 saves including a canditate for save of the year in the third period, Dauphin hit three posts, and the Terriers won their first game of the series, 2-1.
Portage scored two goals in the second period before Dauphin got back in the game with a goal from Gavin Nemis early in the third. The Kings gave it their all and pushed as hard as a team could in the late stages, but their two-goal deficit held them back.
Cole Sheffield turned away 27 saves in the defeat. Dauphin holds a two-games to one series lead heading into game four on Friday night at Credit Union Place. Game time is 7:30 and Dauphin Kings fans, it's time to pack the rink and cheer on the team.
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The Predators 15U volleyball team put on a great showcase over the weekend at the 16U Spring Spikedown in Minot, North Dakota.
The team's talent was on full display in the round-robin as they coasted their way through with a perfect record. They beat Minot Power 16U Black, Powers Lake 16U, and the Flyers 16U. Their performance earned them the top seed heading into the championship playoff bracket.
In the quarterfinals, the Predators continued to cruise as they hammered Crosby Storm 16U in straight sets and beat Lake Region Volleyball Club 16U in a thrilling semifinal. The third set saw the Predators down their opponents, 18-16, to book a trip to the final.
In the finals, the Predators battled and played very well, however, it wasn't to be. They lost to the host Empire 16U black. The Parkland-based team finished second out of 20 teams.
The team will host the Yorkton Venom for an exhibition game next Sunday in Grandview.
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They beat a team that advanced to the provincial final and finished the event with back-to-back victories.
Lisa Hale and her curling team were in Winnipeg over the weekend for the curling club provincial championships, and they won three of five games. Lisa was joined by Heather Bartmanovich, Melissa MacQuarrie, and Avery Scott. Kayla Gillis was an alternate.
The team lost their first game against Team Clark-Rouire, 11-4. They bounced back with an impressive 8-1 win in their next match before an 8-1 defeat. That's when the team caught fire. They downed Team Balshaw, who advanced to the provincial final, 6-3. Lisa and her crew scored two in the first end and never looked back.
Lisa, Heather, Melissa, and Avery then downed Team Horning, 5-2, to finish with three wins and two losses. They narrowly missed out on the playoffs.
On the men's side, Butch Mouck of Gilbert Plains and his team won two of their five matches. Mouch was with Dean Bates, Greg Clark, AJ Zachedniak, and alternate Todd Brinkman.
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The Parkland 15U Vipers claimed bronze while it was a seventh-place finish for the 14U Vipers.
At the Phoenix 15U tournament in Winnipeg over the weekend, both teams finished in second place in their respective pools after the round-robin. The 14U Vipers won their final match of the tournament against the Offspeed 15U. It was a straight set victory, 25-14, 25-21.
With a bronze medal on the line against the Impact Rage, the 15U Vipers came to play. After winning the first set, 25-18, the Rage bounced back with a second-set, 25-21 win. The Vipers responded with a 15-12 third-set win to end on the podium.
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Chayse Paradis grew up watching her dad play softball in Dauphin.
So he wasn't surprised when the Rorketon star said she wanted to play. Chayse joined the Ste. Rose Stingers when she was seven, and six years later, Paradis became one of the top players at her age level in Parkland.
There have been challenges along the way; not everything has been easy. But Paradis has remained confident in her abilities and is proud to be a Stinger.
"It was amazing to join the Stingers; it was something that I had always wanted to do," said Paradis. "I was glad to join the team, and I've had a blast over the years."
The Stingers are an A club, and Paradis is also a member of the AA Parkland Power based in Dauphin. The Rorketon star has remained committed and has taken great pride in giving it everything she has, and her skills have not gone unnoticed.
In September, Chayse applied for and was accepted into the Manitoba Elite Softball Academy. From November to March, the academy trained every second Friday for four hours in Winnipeg.
The Academy is geared towards AAA players looking to keep their skills sharp during the winter months. It's the highest level that Chayse has ever played.
"It was amazing, being able to practice and meet new girls was incredible," offered Paradis. "It was a great opportunity, and I'm glad I was given the chance."
Chayse joined the team as they played in a Season Opener tournament in Kansas City, Missouri, that began on March 21.
"That was a ton of fun; it was good to show people in the United States what I could do as a pitcher and hitter," continued Paradis. "Playing against players who have way more experience at this level helped me. It was a great learning experience."
Paradis wasn't satisfied with just playing; she wanted to help her team succeed, and that's what the young star did. While the team lost its first game against the eventual tournament champion Ottawa Raptors, Chayse pitched two flawless innings, tallying three strikeouts, while going 1-for-3 at the plate. Leading her team into the playoffs, Paradis got the start against the DC Pride, and the Rorketon star was at it again. She pitched two innings, giving up three hits while racking up three strikeouts. Paradis led her team to a 12-9 win as they advanced to the semifinals.
Chayse also pitched for her team in the semifinals, however, they lost against Team Evolve.
"I think I performed quite well; there were quite a bit of nerves during the first and second game," added Paradis. "I worked through it, I knew I wasn't the only girl playing at this level for the first time."
Paradis made a name for herself and will forever be grateful for the experience.
"It's something that I will always remember; it was so exciting," continued Paradis. "To represent the province and wear that Manitoba jersey was very special for me. I'm very proud of myself, knowing I could compete against AAA players and do well."
As another season with the Stingers and Power is right around the corner, Chayse is looking to continue her brilliance on the volleyball court. She's playing with the 14-U Parkland Vipers, a program that has become one of the top in the province.
A humble athlete, Chayse loves ending rallies with kills, but she's good at sharing the love.
"Getting a good pass to the setter so someone else can get a kill is such a good feeling," ended Paradis.
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The Dauphin Kings had a second period to remember.
Cole Sheffield made some excellent saves down the wire. The Dauphin Kings are heading back to Portage with a two games to nothing lead. The Kings scored four times in the second period and downed the Terriers, 4-2, in game two on Sunday night.
Once again it was the Terriers that scored first and took a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes. In the second, the Kings came out inspired and lit it up with four goals and they never looked back.
Matthew Thomas, Rylan Gage, Cayden Glover, and Ethan Williment did the scoring for Dauphin while Sheffield turned away 24 shots.
Dauphin heads to Portage on Tuesday for game three. You can hear it on 730CKDM with Darnell Duff and Jeff Henson at 7:00 p.m.
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Cole Sheffield was absolutely outstanding.
The Dauphin Kings got it done offensively. They're coming home for game two with a one game to nothing lead over the Portage Terriers as the two teams opened up their semifinal series on Friday night at Stride Place.
Ty Pratte scored the game winner as Dauphin downed the Terriers in game one, 3-1. Cole Sheffield turned away 46 shots in the victory and made several incredible saves to keep his team in the game in the first. Portage opened the scoring at the buzzer in the first and took a 1-0 lead into the second.
Dauphin found themselves in the second and scored two goals in the first six minutes and never looked back. Madden Murray and Gabriel Bugeaud also scored for Dauphin as they opened the series with a win.
The Kings will host game two on Sunday at Credit Union Place, 7:00 p.m. puck drop. You can get your tickets at the Speedy Glass South Ticket Office starting at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.
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