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It's an exciting moment for Josh Tripp.

The former Parkland Ranger and Swan Valley Stampeder led the U-18 Rangers to a 9-5 record to start this season and now, he's heading back to his old team. 

The Stampeders announced that Tripp will take over as head coach for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. Josh spent last season as an assistant coach for the Stampeders and was in his first year as an AAA head coach until this promotion came along.

Shawn Sarkonak wanted to thank Josh for his time with the program.

"We're going to miss Josh. What he, Tom, and Matt have been able to do with the team so far is nothing short of amazing," said Sarkonak. "We can't say enough about Josh, he did an incredible job with this team and we thank him for everything he did."

The Stampeders approached Josh to gauge his interest in filling the role of head coach and while it's a unique situation, Sarkonak is thrilled to know that Josh is getting a chance at the next level.

"The Parkland Ranger program is not only looked at as a high-performance development opportunity for athletes, we also look at us as a program to develop coaches," continued Sarkonak. "We are not a board that will step in the way of a coach advancing to the next level. We wish him the best of luck and we know he will go on to do great things with the Stampeders."

Tom White will step in as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Matt Kustra will remain on board and the team is looking for another assistant coach.

"We have had talks with both Tom and Matt and they both feel that the system in place will stay the same, they don't feel the need to change anything," ended Sarkonak. "They're looking forward to the season moving ahead and staying competitive."

The Rangers are in fifth place, just three points back of first.

We have reached out to Tom White and Josh Tripp and will have more on this story. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Nov 6, 2024 - 12:31 pm

Daniel Chartrand was always one of the top players on the teams he played on growing up in Dauphin playing in the minor hockey association.

He had a knack for finding the back of the net while helping his teammates improve their games. As the Dauphin star moved up the rankings, he joined the Parkland U-18 Rangers for the 2013-14 season, scoring 14 times and adding 24 assists. It was an incredible rookie year for Chartrand with the region's lone AAA team, averaging nearly a point per game.

He was back with the team the following year and took his game to the next level, scoring 23 times and totalling 58 points in 44 games. Chartrand helped the Rangers qualify for the playoffs that year and had two goals in four playoff games. He played 92 total games with the Rangers, nabbing 98 points and still thinks of how great a run it was with the team.

"Playing with the Rangers helped me develop in various ways, for starters it was huge to play with and against the best players in the province," said Chartrand. "I grew a ton on the ice and off the ice as well. I cherish those times, playing for the Rangers were some of the best times I have ever had."

During the 2014-15 season, Daniel's last with the Rangers, he was called up to play with the big boys. Daniel grew up watching the Dauphin Kings play and always dreamt of one day playing in the White & Blue in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL).

That dream came true when he was called up for the team's game on Saturday, February 21, 2015. His first game as a King was a win as the team downed the Neepawa Titans, 3-2. Three days later, Chartrand was back playing with the Kings, this time at Credit Union Place. Dauphin welcomed the then OCN Blizzard to town for a game and Chartrand helped the team post a 3-2 victory.

With two junior games and two wins under his belt, Chartrand was grateful for the opportunity.

"My first game didn't go as planned, almost left the game injured. It was a great experience, a rough and tough game in Neepawa," continued Chartrand. "My second game at home hit differently. I started with Matthew Greening and Tyler Derkach who are two of my best friends. That game meant a lot to me. A ton of chills in that second game, even more than the first. Just two special games to be a part of, meant everything to me."

Chartrand then started the 2015-16 season with the Kings, posting 13 points in 51 games before a 36-point season the following year in 60 games. The Dauphinite was dealt to the OCN Blizzard to begin the 2017-18 season where he had 21 points in 20 games before playing with the La Ronge Ice Wolves of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) and ultimately ending his junior career back in Manitoba that year with the Swan Valley Stampeders. 

Daniel played 168 games in his junior career, 113 of which came with the Kings and he is forever grateful for the organization giving him a start.

"I can't even put it into words, it was a surreal experience being a King, that's all I wanted to be growing up, a Dauphin King," said Chartrand. "Seeing them in the community always lit my day up. I remember always playing street hockey and pretending to be a King. Special time of my life and then when I became a King, I wanted to give back to the community just like the players past did when I was younger."

Chartrand Journey Continues:

When his junior career ended, Daniel committed to play NCAA Division 3 hockey with Northland College. Located at the top of Wisconsin, on the south shore of Lake Superior, the Lumberjacks play in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and Daniel played three full seasons with the team, playing in 70 games with 16 points.

During the 2021-22 season, Chartrand was joined by another Dauphin star as Andrew Liwiski committed to the program. Andrew went on to play 20 games that season and four years total at Northland College while Chartrand played in 26 games that season.

The two grew up together in Dauphin, Andrew's dad taught Daniel at Ecole MacNeill and they played together on the Parkland Rangers. 

"He approached me and asked me how my time was at Northland and I had nothing but great things to say, I consider Northland my second home, it was an incredible place to play and study," said Chartrand. "It was great to have Andrew on board, it's always nice when you have someone you grew up with playing with you."

When the team lost 1-0 on February 19, 2022, they were eliminated from the playoffs and Chartrand's career as a Lumberjack came to an end. He still; however, had a fire burning within and wasn't ready to hang up the skates.

That's when he came across a Facebook message from an agent that said the Port Huron Prowlers were interested in bringing Chartrand into the fold. Daniel packed his bags, went to Michigan and made the team.

"I didn't know anyone there or anything about the league but I just decided to take a chance," said Chartrand. 

Playing in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL), Daniel is now in his third full season with the Prowlers and busted onto the scene posting 25 points in 48 games during his rookie year (2022-23).

"I don't think I sat still from morning skate until puck drop for my first game, I was just taking it all in, it was crazy," continued Chartrand. "I noticed the speed difference right away and how big the men were. You had to keep your head on a swivel. I focused on executing what we were practicing and sticking to our system. We won the game, you can't go wrong with that."

In 46 regular season games last year, Daniel had another 19 points and two points in three playoff games. As Daniel returned to Port Huron this year, he was in the best shape of his life. He had an incredible summer of training and wanted to ramp things up, which is exactly what he has done.

In six games this year, Daniel is fifth in team scoring with four goals and one assist. This past Saturday as the team played and beat the Motor City Rockers, Daniel played his 100th career regular-season game with the Prowlers. He celebrated the special milestone by scoring a goal and adding one assist. 

"It feels great. I couldn't have done it without the support from my parents and just the City of Dauphin," ended Chartrand. "Dauphin minor hockey, the Rangers and the Kings all played a big part. Without all that, I wouldn't be here. I'm fortunate enough to play my 100th game, I'm grateful to play the game I love and stay healthy."

If Daniel's start is any indication of how this season will go, he's well on his way to a career year as he looks to help the Prowlers win a league title. They have three wins in six games to start the campaign and have won two straight.

You can watch Daniel's games on the Port Huron Prowlers YouTube page. Their next game is Friday against the Venom. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Nov 6, 2024 - 10:00 am

He grew up watching Jeff Hardy and Raven. He was also a big fan of Chris Jericho and always dreamt of becoming a professional wrestler.

After growing up in Dauphin, Steven Stashko moved to Winnipeg and started training to become a wrestler in 2019. One year later in August of 2020, under the name Bryce Bentley, he was in the ring for his first match.

While it didn't go the way he would have hoped as he lost the match and was slammed through a table, Steven was thrilled to achieve his lifelong dream of being in the ring.

"Having all my friends and family there was sweet, the energy was insane, I remember being so nervous," said Stashko. "It was such a surreal experience to have. To see it finally come true after all of the hard work and what I was working towards, was special."

Steven has now been wrestling for five years and is a part of the main roster for Winnipeg Pro Wrestling. He also competes in Canadian Wrestling Elite (CWE) and has travelled all across the country to show off his talents to wrestling fans.

During his early days in the ring, Steven was part of a tag team with Sammy Peppers who he called his best friend at the time. Bentley felt stuck and felt he wasn't being recognized enough and all of a sudden, a great friendship and long-time partnership turned into two guys who hated each other.

Bentley drop-kicked Sammy Peppers to send a message.

"I wanted everyone to know who was the star of that tag team, it was me," said Stashko. 

That led to the biggest match for Stashko to date. He went up against Sammy on October 24 at the Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg as a part of the Rumble in the Burt. 

Steven came out on top in front of more than 1,300 fans, the most that he has ever wrestled in front of.

"This is exactly how I thought it was going to go, I knew it was going to go that way," continued Stashko. "I'm the Star, I knew that I was going to win and proved it to everyone."

Not tied down to a partner anymore, Steven is riding solo and he wants everyone to know that he is on a mission to the top.

"I am proving to everyone in all of Winnipeg that I am the best Winnipeg wrestler that there is," ended Stashko. "Not even just Winnipeg, in all of Canada."

Steven also says he is the guy that you like to boo ring-side.

"You wish you could be me, you wish you could look like me and have the aura like me," ended Stashko. "You wish you could have the great smile I have, the hair I have, and the arms that I have."

Wrestling under Bryce Bentley 'The Star' you can see the Dauphinite in action on November 16 during CWE's Rumble to Remember and on December 6 for the WPW's Stooged event at the West End Cultural Centre. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Nov 5, 2024 - 10:00 am

The Gilbert Plains Trojans varsity girls' volleyball team should be extremely proud of themselves after an incredible weekend in Brandon.

Playing in the DIG tournament, the Trojans won the consolation A-side championship to finish ninth of 48 teams. They were also the highest-finishing 'A' school at the event. In the consolation final, the Trojans put together a hard-fought three-set win against the W.C. Miller Aces, 25-18, 23-25 and 15-9.

In prior playoff action, Gilbert Plains pummelled Deloraine in straight sets and outlasted Reston in straight sets.

In a thrilling Round of 16 matchup on the A side, the Trojans battled the top-ranked Vincent Massey Brandon, the best 'AAAA' team in the province. Despite ultimately falling in a tough three-set battle, the Trojans showcased their tenacity and skill by clinching a set.

This impressive achievement highlighted their resilience against the best team in the province. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Nov 4, 2024 - 11:35 am

The Dauphin Kings are firing on all cylinders and the Canadian Junior Hockey (CJHL) League has noticed.

In the CJHL Top 20 rankings this week, the Kings are ranked 12th. Dauphin extended their winning streak to five games on Saturday after posting a 6-4 win against the Selkirk Steelers. During their hot streak, the Kings downed the defending league champion Winkler Flyers twice to go along with wins against the Blues and Freeze. 

16 games into their season, the Kings have racked up 12 wins which is tied for the most in the league with Steinbach, Selkirk and Portage. Dauphin sits fourth in the league with 61 goals and their 37 goals against are the second-fewest, only behind Steinbach.

Dauphin's 181 penalty minutes are also the second-fewest in the league. Their penalty kill is tied with Niverville for the best in the league at 86.2%. Dauphin's power play is sitting third at 27%. The Kings have a massive weekend coming up with two games at Credit Union Place.

They welcome the Steinbach Pistons to town on Friday. Steinbach is tied for the league lead with Selkirk as both teams have 25 points. Sitting with 24, the Kings could jump into first place overall in the league with a win in regulation. Then on Sunday, the Kings welcome the Steelers to town. Dauphin has a slight one-point advantage over the Northern Manitoba Blizzard for first place in the MGEU West Division, with a game in hand.

The following are the CJHL Top 20 rankings – Fuelled by Gatorade, as of Nov. 4:
RANK TEAM (LEAGUE) (LAST WEEK)
1. Rockland Nationals (CCHL) (1)
2. Edmundston Blizzard (MHL) (2)
3. Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL) (4)
4. Leamington Flyers (OJHL) (3)
5. Greater Sudbury Cubs (NOJHL) (6)
6. Summerside Western Capitals (MHL) (5)
7. Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) (9)
8. Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL) (13)
9. Melfort Mustangs (SJHL) (12)
10. Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL) (18)
11. Dryden GM Ice Dogs (SIJHL) (16)
12. Dauphin Kings (MJHL) (NR)
13. Canmore Eagles (AJHL) (8)
14. Condors du Cégep Beauce-Appalaches (LHJAAAQ) (19)
15. Braves de Valleyfield (LHJAAAQ) (11)
16. Haliburton County Huskies (OJHL) (10)
17. Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL) (20)
18. Hawkesbury Hawks (CCHL) (14)
19. Hearst Lumberjacks (NOJHL) (NR)
20. Thunder Bay North Stars (SIJHL) (17)

HONOURABLE MENTION: Battlefords North Stars (SJHL); Selkirk Steelers (MJHL); Toronto Patriots (OJHL); Collingwood Blues (OJHL); Navan Grads (CCHL)

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Nov 4, 2024 - 11:25 am

He remembers spending time at the rink watching his dad officiate games.

As Derian Penziwol transitioned from player to spectator, he felt a tug to remain in the game he loved while navigating university life. His father, seeing his passion, suggested becoming an official—a role that would keep him connected to the sport. Little did Derian know, this simple piece of advice would set him on an unforgettable journey, intertwining his academic pursuits with the exhilarating world of officiating. The rest, as they say, is history.

Derian took the necessary steps toward becoming an official and had the chance to share the ice with his dad as a part of the officiating crew on multiple occasions. 

"I always remember going to watch him as a kid and it's something that stuck with me," said Penziwol. "It was special to share the ice with him."

Derian, who lived in Dauphin from 2021 to halfway through 2022, was committed to making a name for himself with the stripes on. As is the case with anything, things weren't always easy for Derian and there were growing pains along the way but he knew that hard work and dedication could result in achieving his goals. 

Derian's days as an official took the next step when he worked his first Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) game on December 19, 2014, when Waywayseecappo hosted the then OCN Blizzard at the Arena Complex. 

He served as a linesman for the game and remembers it as if it were yesterday. 

"I kind of lucked out because they had a last-minute back out and I got a call asking if I could work the game," said Penziwol. "I worked that game with Wyatt Rapsky, it was a pretty special moment and it felt great to be on the ice at the next level."

Less than three years after his debut in the MJHL as a linesperson, he made his debut as a referee on September 8, 2017. Continuing to make a name for himself, Derian's list of accomplishments includes participating in the Officials Program of Excellence (OPOE) in October 2019 in Abbotsford, BC, and a Western Hockey League (WHL) exposure camp in June 2022. 

One of Derian's favourite moments is working alongside fellow officials with whom he has become very close.

"The time you get to spend with the guys on the road, it's a brotherhood," continued Penziwol. "They become some of your closest friends. We spend a lot of time driving around the province to officiate games so we all get to know one another very well."

He worked his final game alongside Karlin Kreiger, Nick Bourgeois and Rikki Alston.

"We as a group spent a fair amount of time officiating at different stages of our lives, so it was great to be on the ice with them once more," said Penziwol. "My newborn son was at the game as well which was incredibly special, we took some family photos. My last game is my favourite because my son was there."

Though his days on the officiating field are behind him, Derian is eager to explore new avenues that will keep him connected to the game he loves. For now, however, his focus is on soaking up quality time with his family in Brandon, cherishing every moment before diving back into the sport.

He’ll also be keeping a close eye on Jake Penrose, the rising star from Dauphin who recently made his MJHL officiating debut as a referee. Derian is particularly proud of Jake, having taken him under his wing a few years back. He knows that Penrose has a bright future ahead, and he can’t help but feel a sense of pride in the young referee’s accomplishments. Watching Jake flourish is sure to bring a smile to his face.

"It's really cool to see the time and effort that he has put into becoming an elite official," ended Penziwol. "He is always looking to grow and gain knowledge. He puts in the work and he wants to be good. He is everything that the officiating community could use right now."

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Nov 4, 2024 - 10:59 am

The Dauphin Clippers varsity boys volleyball team continues to string together outstanding performances.

Playing in the 48-team DIG tournament in Brandon, the Clippers beat the Niverville Panthers in a three-set thriller, 12-25, 25-18, and 15-10, to claim the B-side championship. The Clippers also beat Wawanesa, Vincent Massey, and John Taylor leading up to their victory against Niverville.

To get things going in round-robin play, Dauphin split with Steinbach Christian and Louis-Riel and they won a split against Calvin Christian. 

Previously this season, the team won a tournament at Calvin Christian Collegiate and were finalists at the Bobcat men's invitational. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Nov 4, 2024 - 9:11 am

The Parkland U-18 Rangers have suffered their first two-game losing skid of the season.

Following a 7-0 loss on Saturday night, the Rangers couldn't rebound in a rematch with the Winnipeg Wild on Sunday. They were outshot 40-18 and lost the game 7-2. Noah Smigelsky (6) had one goal and one assist while Landyn Garton (1) scored his first goal of the campaign.

Piet Mierau made 33 saves in the defeat. Parkland was only trailing 3-2 after 40 minutes but a tough third period did them in. In two games against the Wild, the Rangers were outscored 9-0 in the third period.

The Rangers head to Souris to play Southwest on Wednesday before heading to Kenora for a pair of games against the Thistles next weekend. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Nov 3, 2024 - 6:05 pm

It's a game that the Parkland U-18 Rangers will want to forget and move forward.

Hosting the Winnipeg Wild for their second game of the weekend, the Wild ran away with five goals in the third period as they hammered the Rangers, 7-0. The loss followed Parkland's impressive victory on Friday night.

Piet Mierau made 43 saves in the game as the Wild were all over the Rangers for the majority of the contest peppering Mierau with 50 shots. Despite the loss, the Rangers have still won nine of their 13 games and are just two points behind the Bruins for first place overall.

The Wild moved into a tie with Parkland with a record of 8-2-1-1. Both teams will return to Credit Union Place for a rematch on Sunday afternoon at 1:30. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Nov 2, 2024 - 9:54 pm

You can make it five in a row and a perfect weekend for the Dauphin Kings.

Wrapping up a quick road trip, the Kings lit up the scoreboard on Saturday night and held on late for a 6-4 win against the Selkirk Steelers at the Recreational Complex. The Kings couldn't have started the game any better as just 47 seconds into the contest, Cayden Glover scored his 15th of the season.

Ashton Paul (5) and Madden Murray (4) would score in the next 12 minutes as Dauphin took a 3-0 lead before Dawson Dear (2) struck back for the Steelers to trim the deficit to 3-1 after 20 minutes.

After killing off an early penalty in the second, Dauphin put together an incredible frame as Madden Murray (5) scored his second of the night while Gavin Nemis (4) also scored to give Dauphin a 5-1 lead after 40 minutes.

Remy Hlady (5) would trim the deficit again for Selkirk before Rylan Gage (3) scored on the power play to give Dauphin a 6-2 lead. Luke McCarthy (9) and Owen Warnick (10) would make it close for Selkirk late; however, it wasn't enough.

With the win, the Kings remain atop the MGEU West Division.

Dauphin (12-4) will play a massive game on Friday when the Steinbach Pistons come to town. That game will be for first place overall after the Pistons beat the Freeze on Saturday to pull into a tie for Selkirk for first overall with 25 points, the Kings have 24. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Nov 2, 2024 - 10:03 pm