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Dauphin's Tabi Love has been smashing balls professionally for years, and now she's going to do her best to hand off her skills to young ladies who want to make it big... just like she did.

The former Team Canada player and professional athlete will be joining the Queen's University Women's volleyball team as their Assistant Coach.

"I'm very excited for this opportunity," said Love. "It was definitely a really sad moment for me when I decided to stop going overseas to play, but it was time for me to start a family."

"I really wanted to get into coaching, and it just felt like it was the perfect time to make the transition," added Love. "I know their Head Coach because he coached me when I was with Team Canada, and he offered me the position... and I just couldn't turn it down."

Head Coach Ryan Ratushniak is also very pleased that Tabi is set to join the team.

"I think Tabi just brings a very deep volleyball background to Queen's," said Ratushniak. "She has a wealth of experience playing. She's going to be great for our program in terms of bringing that experience and knowledge that she has to help our team succeed."

Just one year removed from what was an excellent professional career, Love feels extra good that she got a job coaching so quickly.

"It was really reassuring, and it kind of reinforced the idea that making the transition now was a good idea," said Love. "I also reached out to some coaches in the US and had a couple potential offers. But, I do think in order to grow Canadian volleyball, I have to stay here."

Last year Queen's went 13-6 in their conference play, and with a good chunk of their core returning, along with some very good recruits and prospects... Love and Ratushniak are confident in the team going forward.

"Winning the OUA conference is a goal for us," said Love. "It's really exciting to be going to a program that has so much to offer not only in athletics but academics as well. I think the strong academic front will be enticing for strong athletes to join the program. Being from Manitoba, I'm also hoping I can use that connection to bring in some strong recruits."

"I think this coming season we're going to be improved for sure," said Ratushniak. "Our style of play will be a bit ahead of last year, and we have some strong recruits coming in. I think this year will be a very good one, and also heading into the future. We're excited about where the program is going."

A Look Back At Tabi's Professional Career:

To say it was a successful professional career for Love would be an understatement. Since grade eight, the Dauphinite has been a part of the Team Canada program.

Love got her real first taste at success playing collegiately in the states. She was a part of the UCLA Bruins team in 2011 that won the NCAA Division 1 National Championship. Professionally she's played in Puerto Rico, Poland, Azerbaijan, and in Germany. 

Then in 2017, Love smashed balls at an all-time high... literally. She played in Korea and was the top scorer with the Heungkunk Life Pink Spiders who were the regular season Champions. 

During that season, she set a team-record with a crazy 46 points in one match.

Although all of those things are great and things she'll never forget, her favourite volleyball moment came right here in the City of Sunshine.

"My favourite volleyball moment was when Team Canada came to play Peru right here in Dauphin," said Love. "It was such an honour getting the chance to wear a Team Canada jersey and play with the team in the DRCSS... where I spent so many hours growing up. I'm so grateful for everything Dauphin was able to provide me with."

"I hope one day I'll be back, so I can share more and build volleyball in Dauphin, even more, then it already is," she added. "But, I feel to do that... I have to leave and get some more coaching experience and then hopefully I can come back."

Extra Duties:

On top of being the team's Assistant Coach, Love will also aid in supporting and providing resources to Queen's Varsity and Recreational Clubs.

"I'm really excited for it," said Love. "It'll be my first quote-on-quote real person job since retiring from volleyball. I hear I'll get my own office, so that's really exciting."

"To get a job in an athletics department at a top university... is a dream come true," she added.

Tabi will begin at Queen's on August 20.

AUDIO: Tabi Love:

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 8, 2018 - 10:18 am

Here is the local scoreboard for August 7.

Dauphin Competitive Slopitch League:

Catalyst Credit Union Brewmeisters beat Cartridge Outlet Dane’s Dingers, 25-12.

Guns and Hoses beat Blackbeard, 22-11.                                        

Outlaws beat Denray Tire, 20-6. 

Giants beat Showtime, 15-3.

Parkland Source for Sports 4 On 4 League:

Next Level St Wranglers - 14

Kelleher Ford Mustangs - 7

Wyatt Tweet with 6 goals and 1 assist for the Wranglers.

Highlights:

Kiniw Management Eagles - 7

Kal Tire Hakkapelittas - 4

Highlights:

Kyan Grouette & Brayden Kohlman each with 3 goals for Kiniw.

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 7, 2018 - 10:44 pm

The Senior Men’s and Ladies Open took over the Gilbert Plains Country Club earlier today. 

Here are the results:

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT

1^ST PLACE – Dale Murray - 70

2^ND PLACE – Scott Lynxleg - 77

3^RD PLACE – Mike Pernarowski - 78

FIRST FLIGHT

1^ST PLACE – Bruce Parker - 78

2^ND PLACE – Doug McLeod – 79 c/b

3^RD PLACE – Dean Murray – 79 c/b

SECOND FLIGHT

1^ST PLACE – Ian Dalmage – 84 c/b

2^ND PLACE – Jim Wright – 84 c/b

3^RD PLACE – Glen Sterzer – 85 c/b

THIRD FLIGHT

1^ST PLACE – Ron Watson – 86 c/b

2^ND PLACE – John Zeke – 86 c/b

3^RD PLACE – Ralph Nispor – 86 c/b

FOURTH FLIGHT

1^ST PLACE – Harry Harrell – 89 c/b

2^ND PLACE – George Lobert – 89 c/b

3^RD PLACE – Lloyd Campbell – 89 c/b

FIFTH FLIGHT

1^ST PLACE – Orest Nimetz – 90 

2^ND PLACE – Brian Boyechko – 90 c/b

3^RD PLACE – Wayne Howe – 90 c/b

SIXTH FLIGHT

1^ST PLACE – Keith Pottle – 93 c/b

2^ND PLACE – Owen Connolly -93 c/b

3^RD PLACE – Derek Vendramin – 94 c/b

SEVENTH FLIGHT

1^ST PLACE – Syd Tycholes – 97 c/b

2^ND PLACE – Reid Birss – 97 c/b

3^RD PLACE – Brian Cotton – 98 c/b

EIGHTH FLIGHT

1^ST PLACE – Rick Robinson – 100 c/b

2^ND PLACE – Merv Beasley – 100 c/b

3^RD PLACE –  George Richardson – 100 c/b

NINTH FLIGHT

1^ST PLACE – Jim Ives – 102 c/b

2^ND PLACE – Fred Letain - 103

3^RD PLACE –  Glen Riess – 104 c/b

TENTH FLIGHT

1^ST PLACE – Ron Bazylo – 109 c/b

2^ND PLACE – Leo Hrvshowy - 110

3^RD PLACE – Bill Griffin – 111 – c/b

LADIES

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT

1^ST PLACE – Pearl Maksymetz - 86

2^ND PLACE – Gail Tycholiz - 93

3^RD PLACE – Lavona Monroe - 94

FIRST FLIGHT

1^ST PLACE – Bev Lewicki- 110

2^ND PLACE – Wanda Connolly - 111

3^RD PLACE – Gladys Rea - 113

CLOSEST TO THE HOLE

LADIES

Hole #9 –Linda Hamilton 7’5”

Hole #17 – Marilyn Schwitzer 3’5”

MENS

Hole #4 – Dennis Lukey 24 ½”

Hole #14 – Ron Ramsey 142”

CLOSEST TO THE LINE #5

MEN’S –  Myles Haverluck

LADIES’ – Marg Heroux

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 7, 2018 - 10:33 pm

Main Camp is under a month away for the Dauphin Kings, and as the day approaches... the organization has committed two more players.

The first player is 17-year-old defencemen, Matthew Boonstra, while the second is 19-year-old Riley Buller.

Boonstra:

The defender was one of the main pieces in last winter's trade that saw Riese Gaber dealt to Steinbach.

Before a season-ending injury last year, Boonstra was on fire with the Eastman Selects of the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League. In 16 games, he had 16 points (4 G). The season before with the Selects City Midget club, he had 35 points.

Buller:

The 19-year-old Buller is coming off a season where he was a scoring machine.

With the Yellowstone Quake in the NA3HL, the native of Colorado Springs had 94 points (40 G) in just 46 games. That total put him in third overall in the 37-team league.

In seven playoff games, Buller added six more goals and two assists.

More:

The Kings kick off their 2018-2019 campaign with "Rookie Camp" on August 30, while Main Camp begins on August 31.

Photo Credit - Dauphin Kings.

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 7, 2018 - 12:24 pm

Branden McCrady is the fourth and final Parklander that'll suit up for Team Manitoba as the U18 Western Canadian Rugby Championships kick off on Thursday in Winnipeg.

The 18-year-old has been on the team for a couple years now, and he can't wait for this year's tournament.

"It's a pretty great opportunity for sure," said McCrady. "It's a very elite tournament, so it allows me to improve my game all the time. It's a great experience, and I can't wait for it to start."

When the team plays their first game on Thursday, Branden is pretty confident in the squad.

"We have a pretty good team this year, and probably the best I've ever played on," said McCrady. "We have a solid coaching staff and lineup... so, I'm hoping we can do pretty well."

This tournament will be Branden's third major one in the past three years ago. Two years ago he was on the team that went to the Canadian Rugby Championships in Toronto, and last year they went to Regina.

Can those experiences help not only Branden but the team this year? He sure thinks so.

"We all got the chance to learn things we didn't really know before because all of the competition was so good," said McCrady. "The past couple years, we were just trying to learn more and more every time... and we did that. Now, I think we're in a place that we can use all that experience to help us win games, and go far in this tournament."

Despite being somewhat of a veteran on the team, Branden knows his position on the field isn't guaranteed, and if he doesn't train hard... he'll be on the bench, and that's not what he wants.

"Just being a good athlete these days, doesn't really matter as much," said McCrady. "Because someone on the team is maybe not as good as an athlete, but they're working extra hard... and they're going to get better and play more. It's all about preparation, and showing why you deserve to play."

"I know I've been working hard, and preparing as much as I can," he added. "I've been tending to some injuries... nothing major, but injuries none the less. I'm hoping I can show off how hard I've been working, in a way that'll benefit the team."

Injuries are something that always comes with being an athlete, especially at the elite level. Unfortunately for most, the games must go on regardless, but Branden isn't letting his minor injuries stop him from getting at it.

"It's definitely difficult, but you have to learn to work with it and deal with it," said McCrady. "I've been healing, but I'm not as healthy as I was before the injury... but that's just a part of it. I can't make excuses. I know what I can do on the field, and I just have to get it done."

Being 18-years-old, post-secondary school isn't far for Branden, and if he wants to play rugby at the next level... he knows this is a great opportunity to show off to coaches around Western Canada, and the scouts that'll be in attendance.

"In games like this, it's kind of make or break," said McCrady. "You can either shine or hurt the team. I'm hoping I can get some ball handles, and maybe even make some game-saving tackles."

"It's pretty nerve-racking," said McCrady on trying to impress people. "I just have to be confident out there. If I worry about things, that's when things could go bad. It's just about going out there, setting a goal... and achieving that goal."

As noted before, Branden will join Brayden Tomchuk, Zane Brindle, and Logan Conrad to make up the Parkland connection on the team. 

"It's a great thing to be playing with them again," he added. "I've been playing with them for years, and we're all pretty good friends. It's great to have them on the team."

Branden hopes to get the chance to play rugby at the next level in the future, whether that be in Canada or the US.

AUDIO: Branden McCrady:

Part One: 

Part Two: 

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 7, 2018 - 11:03 am

Thanks to Janelle Howatt for this wonderful picture of Dauphin’s Rueben Houle. 

A couple weeks back, he won a gold medal in the shot put event at the Western Canadian Tri-Prov Track & Field Championships. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 5, 2018 - 5:19 pm

As Main Camp approaches for the Dauphin Kings organization, they've made a trade that will help the team's offence immensely.

They've picked up forward George King from the OCN Blizzard, in exchange for forward Matt Pitchenese and Future Considerations.

Originally from Alberta, King has proven himself to be a very efficient scorer. His most productive campaign came in 2016-17 season when he had 36 goals and 18 assists in 54 games while with the OCN Blizzard.

After spending some time in the WHL to start last season, King returned to OCN where he had 16 more points in 21 regular season games... and added six points in six regular-season games. 

"George is a very focused player, and he wants to get better all the time," said Doug Hedley, HC/GM for the Kings. "He's got an outstanding skill set and speed. We're getting a focused player who's going to be ready to go."

"He's a game-breaking kind of player," said Hedley. "He's going to make the players around him better. If he gets off to a good start, he builds momentum for the whole team."

You can see King and the rest of the Kings as they kick off their Main Camp on the September Long Weekend.

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 3, 2018 - 4:08 pm

When the 2018 Western Canadian U18 Rugby Championships kick off next week in Winnipeg, Ste. Rose's Zane Brindle will be there.

He'll suit up for Team Manitoba.

"It's a really exciting feeling," said Brindle. "I'm really looking forward too it. We have a lot of good guys on the team, and some good friends. It's just really exciting to play rugby at this level."

To make the team, Zane had to be on top of his game at a regional tryout from July 11-12 in Regina, and that's exactly what he was.

"I think I did really well for sure," said Brindle. "I've been working extremely hard, and I think it showed."

Zane picked up rugby in high school, and since then, he's loved every minute of it.

"I just played it for fun, and I really fell in love with the sport," said Brindle. "I feel if you play it once, you'll kinda get hooked."

Now Zane and the rest of the Manitoba men will challenge the best U18 teams in all of Western Canada at the Championships, and he's feeling good heading in.

"I think we have a really strong team, and I think we can do well," he added. "Obviously every team is going to be really good, so we'll always have to be at our best. And, at the end of the day, even if we don't win... this tournament will definitely help all of us improve and gain valuable experience."

The Western Canadians for now, but Zane doesn't expect this to be the last big tournament he takes part in.

"Next year it would be great if I could make the U19 Blizzard team," said Brindle. "Then in the future, hopefully, I can play in some national competitions. I just want to play rugby for as long as I can, it's such a great game."

The Championships are August 9-12.

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 3, 2018 - 1:52 pm

She only began playing rugby five years ago, but not many would know that based on how she's doing on the pitch... and that's Dauphin's, Monique Coffey.

Playing university rugby at Acadia University, the 20-year-old has now been named to the U20 Team Canada reserve roster.

"I'm really proud of where I've come, and how far I've come," said Coffey. "A few years ago I was just learning to play the game, and now I'm getting the chance to play with the top players in Canada, and potentially the world. It's pretty amazing, and it's a great feeling."

For most athletes, making your national team takes years, and years, and years of hard work, dedication and commitment... and when we talk about years, it's usually more than five, but that's exactly what Monique did.

As we go back to the beginning of high school, why did Monique end up choosing rugby?

"A lot of the older rugby players came to me in grade eight and they all told me to come play because they thought I'd be great," said Coffey. "I honestly had no idea what it was or any of the rules. But, I loved sports so I thought why not give it a try. I played football, so it was possible I could be good at rugby... and it turned out I was pretty decent."

Backtracking five years, Monique never really thought making the national reserve roster as a 20-year-old was a possibility.

"It definitely wasn't something that crossed my mind," said Coffey. "It was just a new sport that I wanted to pick up and see if I enjoyed it. It wasn't even until high school when I decided I wanted to pursue rugby at the post-secondary level."

"You can't expect things like this to happen," said Coffey. "But, It's awesome to know it did."

Just like every other athlete playing at an elite-level, Monique has done everything she possibly can to succeed on a daily basis, and don't expect that grind to stop anytime soon for the Dauphinite.

"I've put in a lot of work in the gym, and whenever I have some free time, I'm usually doing something related to rugby because I want to be the best player I can," said Coffey. 

Although she doesn't play rugby in Dauphin anymore, Monique knows the Clippers program was instrumental in the success she's having now as she jumps up the ranks.

"The coaches there was absolutely amazing," said Coffey. "They always pushed me to do my best. Especially, Jason Alf, he was my first coach there. I get the feeling that he knew I was going to be great, so he put everything he had into helping me improve. I'll never forget playing for the Clippers and getting the chance to represent the school on the pitch."

Right after high school, Monique committed to play at Acadia University with the Axewomen, and she talks about how her experience has been there so far, and how the hard work continues.

"Everyone here is so skilled, and you have to work so hard to get playing time," said Coffey. "You can't take a break, because the coaches are always watching, and if they know you're not giving it your all, you won't play. It's that simple."

"Our team, in general, has put in a lot of work the two years I've been here," said Coffey. "We've made the nationals both years I've been here, but we, unfortunately, didn't win. But, we're hosting nationals this year, and we're going to have a really good team. I believe we're in a place to medal and do really good. Everyone pushes each other. I love it so much here."

As she prepares for her third season of rugby at Acadia, Monique is playing on two different rugby club teams... and making the reserve roster for the national team is giving her a little extra confidence.

"Oh definitely it gives me some more confidence for sure," said Coffey. "Our team also has a couple other players on Team Canada, so they all have confidence as well."

"Making the reserve team just shows that I can help, and push harder," she added. "I want to show that I can be a leader, and I'm pretty excited about that."

When the Axewomen kick off their season with an exhibition game on August 28, there's going to be a nice Parkland connection on the team. Coffey will be joined by Dauphin's Kalee Dyck who is set to join the team after a very strong rugby career in the Parkland, and in Manitoba respectively. 

"I'm so excited to get to play with Kalee again," said Coffey. "We played with each other when we were both developing, so we both have a pretty good sense of how we play. I know Kalee has a lot to offer this team, so it's a really exciting thing, and I can't wait to play on the same field as her again."

Looking into the future, besides winning a National Championship with Acadia, Coffey also has another goal she'd like to achieve.

"I would love to represent Canada and play in the Olympic 7's rugby event," said Coffey. "That'd be amazing, and it's my goal... so I'm working towards it. I feel if I keep working as hard as I do, I have the potential to make it happen."

Coffey, Dyck and the rest of the Axewomen kick off their regular season on September 8 against UPEI. 

So yes, for now, it's Acadia full-time, but don't be surprised when you see Dauphin's Coffey suiting up for the national team on a full-time basis.

AUDIO: Monique Coffey - Part One.

AUDIO: Monique Coffey - Part Two.

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 3, 2018 - 10:26 am

McCreary's Logan Conrad is heading to Winnipeg next weekend, to take part in the Western Canadian U18 Rugby Championships.

The 17-year-old made the Team Manitoba squad, after a rigorous two-days of tryouts back on July 11-12.

"It's just such a good feeling," said Conrad. "When we were in Regina for regionals, the coach came up to me and said, "You have a good chance at making this team". It just felt super surreal at that moment."

"There was a lot of stress that went into the tryouts," he added. "There was a lot of good rugby players, and specifically that played my position. You have to give it your all, but it's hard to know what to do so you can impress the coaches."

What does Logan feel put him ahead of some of the other players that tried out?

"I think it was my physicality level," said Conrad. "I'm not afraid to find the biggest, strongest guy on the field and take a run at him. You have to put your body on the line for this game at all times."

Even though he was successful at the tryouts, Conrad knows it wasn't an easy road and it required a lot of grinding, and commitment.

"Well, I play numerous sports, and I feel that helped me stay in shape so that I was ready for the start of the rugby season," said Conrad. "Our coaches at the high school level also did an amazing job of preparing us even before the season started. It's been a tough grind for sure, but it's been absolutely worth it."

Just like any player, to get to the next level, you have to work extra hard and coaching plays a big part in your success... and it sure has with Conrad.

"Our Head Coach Rodney Carberry is absolutely great," said Conrad. "He goes above and beyond what he has to do for a high school rugby team, so we can flourish. He's played a huge role in my progression, and so many other people have as well."

As the Westerns are only seven days away, Logan will continue training hard as he prepares for what will be a tough challenge for the Manitoban's

"I'm planning on seeing personally a lot of improvement," said Conrad. "We've had a few practices as a team, and we've been gelling together unbelievably. Honestly, I think we're going to have a pretty good showing."

As far as Logan's thought process heading into the tournament... "We have to prepare for the worst," said Conrad. "Our coach has been in it for a long time, and he knows all the different playing styles of the different provinces, and we just have to trust him," said Conrad. "You just have to adapt, and play your heart out."

Logan will join Brayden Tomchuk who will also take part in the tournament on Team Manitoba. Two other Parklanders are also on the team as well, and Logan can't wait to play with all of them.

"It's a great thing," said Conrad. "It's amazing to see four Parkland kids that will play. The team is made up of the best players in Manitoba, and we're a part of it. It's an awesome feeling."

Winning the Championship is the most important thing on Conrad's mind, but playing in the tournament also provides him a chance to impress fellow coaches and the scouts that'll be in attendance.

"We have four or five different guys that play my position," said Conrad. "Our coaches made it very clear that even though you're on the team, you're still fighting. And, that brings the best out of the player and pushes me to work that much harder. It's a great chance to show off what I can do on the field."

AUDIO: Logan Conrad:

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 2, 2018 - 2:11 pm