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It was a shot that required great precision and touch. 

Shaela Hayward had a runback with a provincial title on the line. She nailed it as Cassidy Dundas, Tessa Terrick, Lauren Evason, and Eryn Czirfusz came up short on Sunday evening inside the Brandon Curling Club.

Team Hayward won this year's junior women's provincial title, 8-7. The game was excepted to be back and forth and it certainly lived up to the hype. Team Dundas scored two in the eighth before stealing two in the ninth as they held a 7-6 lead heading into the 10th. Team Hayward scored two to take the title.

A great weekend it was for Cassidy of Onanole, Terrick of McCreary, along with Evason and Czirfusz and there is certainly lots to be proud of. 

In the 1vs2 page playoff game, Cassidy, Tessa, and their foursome came up short.

They lost to Team Hayward, 9-6, however, the team responded in their semi-final as they hammered Van Ryssel, 8-2. That win earns the team a spot in the championship match, where they will go up against Team Hayward.

It's the third meeting of the event between the two teams, both sides have won once. 

It was a dramatic finish and that's okay for Cassidy Dundas, Tessa Terrick, and their foursome.

Playing at the provincials in Brandon, Team Dundas downed Team Hayward, 7-6. The Parkland stars joined by Lauren Evason and Eryn Czirfusz scored two in the 10th to force an extra end.

They then stole in the 11th to lock up their third straight win to open the event.

They're the only undefeated team in the tournament and have already qualified for the playoff round.In 

They led from start to finish and cruised to their second straight win. 

Terrick, Dundas, and their foursome downed Team Eagles, 8-2. They scored two in the first and never looked back. 

They also stole three in the eighth and it was handshakes. 

Two Parkland stars are chasing a buffalo this weekend in Brandon.

Cassidy Dundas of Onanole and Tessa Terrick of McCreary are competing in the 2025 Co-ops of Manitoba Junior Women's Provincial Championships at the Brandon Curling Club.

The foursome includes Lauren Evason and Eryn Czirfusz. Dundas is skipping the team and as one of the tournament's favourites, the group got off to an excellent start on Thursday night when they scored two in the eighth and stole another two in the ninth to lock up a 7-4 win against Team Van Ryssel. 

Cassidy, Tessa, and the squad are gearing up for a showdown against the Team Eagles on Friday afternoon. Don’t miss a moment—stay locked into 730CKDM Sports all weekend for the latest updates on Team Dundas’ quest for victory.

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Mar 2, 2025 - 4:15 pm

It was a first period to forget.

But you can certainly remember the final score. The Dauphin Kings rebounded from a terrible first period and downed the Niverville Nighthawks, 4-2, on Saturday night at Credit Union Place. Dauphin was outshot 24-5 in the first period and trailed 1-0. 

After a scoreless second period, Dauphin caught fire in the third as they scored four times to lock up their 34th win of the season and what a win it was. With the victory, Dauphin remains six points ahead of the Northern Manitoba Blizzard for first place in the West Division.

Rylan Gage, Ty Pratte, Josh Schmidt, and Gavin Nemis scored for Dauphin in the game while Cole Sheffield was incredible. He made 38 saves in the victory. 

Dauphin welcomes Northern Manitoba to town on Tuesday night for a massive tilt. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Mar 2, 2025 - 1:02 am

Cole Sheffield was brilliant, the captain came up clutch, and the Dauphin Kings picked up a huge two points.

Cole Sheffield made 27 saves as Dauphin downed the Neepawa Titans on Friday night, 2-1. The one keeps Dauphin six points ahead of the Northern Manitoba Blizzard for first place in the West Division, after the Blizzard beat the Blues on Friday night.

Gavin Nemis also scored for Dauphin in the win as they improved to 33-15-2-1. They have points in three straight games. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Mar 1, 2025 - 12:01 am

Three members of the Parkland U-18 Rangers have joined the Dauphin Kings for the rest of the season.

Quinten Fisk made his Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) debut earlier this season and after an incredible season with the U-18 Rangers, Fisk is sticking around with the big boys. Fisk led the Rangers with 28 goals and 61 points in 48 games. He was named to the league's second all-star team. He was the league's Player of the Month in October and December and the league's Player of the Week twice.

Sam Swanton made his MJHL debut in game one of last year's Turnbull Cup playoffs against the Northern Manitoba Blizzard. Limited to 30 games with the Rangers this year, Sam has been practicing with the Kings all year and has taken great strides. He has a bright future and is looking forward to joining his hometown junior team. 

Piet Mierau has also been practicing with the Kings all year and is ready to join the big club. Mierau, who joined the Rangers after a few solid years with the Pilot Mound Buffaloes, led the Manitoba U-18 AAA Hockey League in minutes played between the pipes and gave the Rangers a chance to win night in and night out. Mierau is one of the team's top prospects. 

Dauphin heads to Neepawa to play the Titans on Sunday night. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Feb 28, 2025 - 11:20 am

The community woke up to heartbreak. 

In August, the community staple was extensively damaged, and now it sits unused and has snow inside. The Foxwarren Arena's roof was torn apart by strong winds that reached upwards of 120 kilometres per hour in August. 

Danny Johnston remembers driving to the arena on August 25 and was heartbroken to learn what the winds had done to the arena, a facility that he had spent more than half of his life in as did his mother and sister.

"That was gut wrenching, a day that I will never forget, for all the wrong reasons," said Johnston. "That arena is everything to me as well as any other kid that grew up in this community."

For Amber Moulson and her three kids, the Foxwarren Arena is more than just a rink—it’s where memories are made. It’s where they lace up their skates, glide across the ice, and share laughter with friends. It’s where parents come together, cheering from the stands and building lifelong connections. But last August, that sense of community was ripped away when the arena was forced to close. The heartbreak still lingers, but hope is on the horizon—if you step up.

Foxwarren Arena has been nominated for the $250,000 Kraft Hockeyville grand prize, a lifeline that could repair the roof and bring this beloved gathering place back to life. But it won’t happen without your support. The power is in your hands.

Nominations close Sunday at 11:59:59 PM. Don’t wait—every story counts. Let’s bring Foxwarren’s heartbeat back to the ice.

"We are a hockey town with hockey people and lots of hockey history," said Moulson. "We have just been sitting here in limbo since the storm. This winter has been quite hard for our community."

What you need to do now is head to Kraft Hockeyville. That's where you'll share your special story of the Foxwarren Arena with any photos you have and a special note. Each story gives the Foxwarren Arena 10 rally points, each rally photo is three rally points, and each rally note is one rally point. 

For Amber, the Foxwarren arena means everything.

"I would say it's the glue that keeps everyone in this community intertwined," ended Moulson. "It's a place where we all band together, everyone of all ages. The kids play and run wild through the rink, and for the parents, we get together and socialize. It's the home base for so many organizations and events."

Kraft Hockeyville and Foxwarren Arena are a perfect match—both built on passion, community, and a love for the game.

Now, you have the power to help bring the magic back to life. Share your stories, rally your neighbours, and show why Foxwarren deserves this win

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Feb 28, 2025 - 10:07 am

Noah Hanneson scored two more goals as the Dauphin Clippers ended their regular season the way they started it, with a win.

Wrapping up regular season play on the road, the Clippers downed the Sandy Bay Badgers, 6-2. Sully Fox, Josh Yakielashek, Ethan Zalischuk, and Layne Wolfenden also scored with Dauphin in the win. The Clippers finished the regular season with 26 wins and Ethan Myhre earned the victory in net.

The Clippers open the playoffs on Thursday against Roblin. Stay tuned for a series preview next week and words from Jason Alf. 

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Feb 27, 2025 - 9:55 pm

It wasn’t until late summer that he learned several of last year’s top players were making their return.

For Gavin Nemis, preparation was second nature. As he geared up for his second season in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) with the Dauphin Kings, there was no doubt he was ready to make an impact.

Nemis arrived in Dauphin after three seasons with the Rink Hockey Academy program in Winnipeg, where he honed his skills against elite competition. In his lone year with the U-18 Prep team, he racked up seven goals and 19 assists in the regular season, then elevated his game in the playoffs with three goals in as many contests.

The leap from U-18 to junior hockey was no small adjustment, but Nemis embraced the challenge, quickly recognizing the intensity and speed of the MJHL. Now, the Winnipeg product is back for year two—wiser, stronger, and more determined than ever. A rising star in the Kings' lineup, Nemis isn’t just returning—he’s ready to lead.

"It's great to be back, we have a great group of guys this year," said Nemis. "We're hoping to make a big run this year."

Gavin was already fired up about returning to Dauphin for his second season, but that excitement hit another level when he found out he wouldn’t be doing it alone. With key players like Cole Sheffield, Cayden Glover, Gabriel Bugeaud, and Naaman Hofer also back in the mix, the stage was set for something special.

"I was pumped when I found out those guys were back," continued Nemis. "Everyone saw what they did last year. They work extremely hard and are unreal on the ice and off the ice as well."

Nemis played only 37 regular season games last year, scoring three goals and totalling 14 points. He dressed in four of the team's playoff games against the Northern Manitoba Blizzard, notching one assist. Nemis knew that he had way more in the tank. So he went home and had an incredible off-season. He was in the gym and on the ice and now, Nemis has become one of the top two-way players in the league. 

"I wasn't happy about being in and out of the lineup last year, not what I wanted," commented Nemis. "So I worked out every day in the summer and skated three times a week. I was always shooting the puck and working on my skills at home as well, I wanted to be in the lineup every night helping the guys win."

Gavin has incredible speed and his work ethic can't be beat. Need him to go in the corner and come out with the puck? Nemis will do that. Need him to score a clutch goal? Nemis is turning into a player that will do just that. In 49 games this season, Gavin is averaging nearly a point per game with 12 goals and 48 points, sitting second in team scoring.

"There are games where I'm really happy about what I brought to the table," said Nemis. "Then there's games where I'm not really pleased. When it comes down to it, it's all about the team winning games, I'll do whatever I can to help them do just that."

Nemis has also had to adapt to playing with a few different players this year. He was starting to hit his stride alongside Cayden Glover and Madden Murray. The trio was taking over games and were fun to watch. Glover, who still leads the league with 33 goals, suffered an upper-body injury on January 31 and isn't expected to be back until the playoffs. Murray, meanwhile, has 28 points and last played on February 8. He's not slated to return until the middle of March, at the earliest.

Great players thrive under pressure, and Nemis is no exception. Just like the rest of the team, he hasn’t just adapted to adversity—he’s embraced it, elevating his game when it matters most.

"Yeah, it was pretty tough losing Cayden and Madden, we were playing very well together," continued Nemis. "With that being said, we have guys that have taken a step up and are playing unreal. So it's all good."

(Pederson Photographic)

Nemis is firing on all cylinders at the right time with seven points in his last six games and he scored a clutch goal against Niverville last Saturday which forced overtime as Dauphin earned a key point. He paired that with an assist and had a goal in the team's 4-2 win against the Blues the following day.

Saturday's overtime loss against Niverville was the second time in a matter of weeks that Dauphin has rallied from a multi-goal deficit to steal a point. On February 7 in Steinbach, Dauphin trailed 3-0 and 4-1 before forcing overtime before ultimately losing in the shootout. Nemis had two primary assists in that game. Against Niverville, Dauphin was down 2-0 before storming back and 24 hours prior against the Pistons, Dauphin nearly stormed back from a three-goal deficit before falling 5-4 in regulation.

The Kings may be battered and bruised, but their relentless work ethic never wavers. They battle until the final whistle, embracing the ‘Comeback Kids’ mentality and proving time and time again that they’re never out of the fight.

"We're always pushing each other and our practices are super intense," continued Nemis. "The guy next to you is always pushing you to keep going. So we take that mentality into games, it's not over until the final buzzer. I'm pretty proud of how our group has been able to fight and battle, regardless of if we're down or up."

Nemis' contributions earned him a spot on Team MJHL U-18 for the MJHL-SJHL Showcase which happened in January at the Seven Oaks Sportsplex in Winnipeg. 

"That was really cool. I had played with a couple of my teammates before so it was nice to be with them," commented Nemis. "It was also nice to meet other guys and play for different coaches."

Nemis helped Team MJHL 18-U win both games over Team SJHL 18-U. Nemis is now preparing for a return to game action as Dauphin heads to Neepawa on Friday to play the Titans before returning home for a clash against the Nighthawks on Saturday.

Dauphin wrapped up a stretch that saw them play 13 games in 24 days last Sunday. Dauphin went 6-5-1-1 in that period and sits six points ahead of the Northern Manitoba Blizzard for first place in the West Division, with a game against the Blizzard coming up next Tuesday at Credit Union Place.

"The body was so sore, guys were beat up and sore after that stretch," said Nemis. "It's nice that we got a few days off to rest and recover."

The Kings’ march toward the Turnbull Cup playoffs is in full swing. Having secured their spot two weeks ago against Neepawa, Dauphin is now focused on using the lessons learned from last year’s unforgettable postseason battle.

In one of the longest series in Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) history, the Kings went the distance against the Northern Manitoba Blizzard. Game six was a marathon, stretching into five overtimes, only to be followed by an epic game seven that needed three more to decide a winner. When the dust settled, Dauphin had fallen just short—a heartbreaking end to a gruelling war on the ice.

But setbacks fuel comebacks, and Nemis believes that experience will be a weapon in their arsenal this time around. With the scars of last year still fresh, the Kings are hungrier than ever to write a different ending.

"We know that it's not always highly skilled goals that get the job done," said Nemis. "It's about getting greasy and going hard to the net. We have a pretty similar roster compared to last year, so all the guys have experienced what happened. Everyone wants to push to go on a longer run this year."

You can hear Gavin's full chat with Darnell Duff during the Dauphin Kings Power Play Show on Friday afternoon at 4:00. 

Get to know Nemis:

What are some of your hobbies?  I love fishing and anything outdoors. Golf, pickleball, I just love being outside.

What's your biggest catch on the water?  I would say a 32-inch Walleye, I caught it up in Northern Manitoba a few years ago.

What is one of your favourite hockey memories?  When I played with Rink Hockey Academy, we would travel to Penticton for the playoffs. It was super cool to have all the teams under one roof and the facility was awesome. It was sweet to play in a facility that calibre.

Any family trips that you've been on?  One that sticks out is going to Hawaii. We went cliff jumping together which was great. We also jumped off a super cool pier. 

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Feb 27, 2025 - 10:00 am

Just a few days ago, Kenai Mouck won a provincial championship with the Dauphin Kings U-15A team at the Rotary Arena in front of his family and friends. 

On Wednesday night, he fuelled the Dauphin Clippers as they earned a huge win over their Parkland rival Swan Valley Tigers. Mouck scored twice in regulation and once in the shootout as Dauphin downed the Tigers, 4-3, in a thrilling matinee at the Centennial Arena.

Noah Hanneson also scored in the shootout, which added to his goal in regulation. Chase Glover was incredible as he turned away 43 shots through overtime. With the win, Dauphin won their 25th game of the season and will wrap up the regular season in Sandy Bay against the Badgers on Thursday night. 

Following that, the team will prepare for the playoffs which open next Thursday against the Roblin Raiders in another all-Parkland Battle. 

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Feb 26, 2025 - 10:23 pm

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

Published: Feb 26, 2025 - 3:26 pm

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

Published: Feb 26, 2025 - 10:00 am