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Hayden Delaloye of Neepawa is a busy man. 

Between playing baseball and participating in track and field, juggling four jobs, jamming with his jazz band twice weekly, and keeping up with his studies, he's constantly on the move. Despite his packed schedule, Hayden always manages to find time for his true passion: golf.

Working on his swing over the winter months inside, Delaloye has been able to take his talents to the driving range over the past few days at the Neepawa Golf and Country Club, and then come this weekend, he will use a scorecard for the first time this year.

Neepawa will open its 18 holes this weekend and for Delaloye, his schedule is about to become that much busier thanks to the three-plus hour rounds that he will play several times a week.

"I'm excited to get the season going," said Delaloye. "It's been a long winter and I have been thinking about this day for a while, so I'm thrilled and we'll see how the summer goes."

The summer ahead promises to be another whirlwind of golfing excitement for Neepawa's standout player. Hayden is set to continue his journey on the Maple Leaf Junior Tour, recognized as Canada's premier junior golf circuit. Additionally, he plans to participate in a selection of Golf Manitoba events. However, the pinnacle of his summer aspirations rests south of the border.

Delaloye finds himself contemplating whether his game is up to par for the prestigious United States Junior Qualifier. This tournament boasts a storied history, having been conquered by golf luminaries such as Tiger Woods (three-time champion), Jordan Spieth (two-time champion), and recent titans like Scottie Scheffer (2013), Will Zalatoris (2014), and Min Woo Lee (2016), among others. For Hayden, this potential challenge represents a thrilling opportunity to test his skills against some of the world's top young golfers.

Recognizing the formidable competition awaiting him in the qualifying tournament, Delaloye acknowledges the necessity of being in peak form. He plans to assess his performance in the early stages of the season before making a final decision on whether to pursue entry.

"I'm working on my short game, that's what cost me a lot in tournaments last year," said Delaloye. "My long irons have been very good in the past couple of years. As long as I can hit fairways and dial in my short game, I believe I can compete with anyone I go up against."

Later this year, Hayden is poised to graduate from Neepawa Collegiate and embark on his post-secondary journey come fall. Last July, he received a call from Calvin Freeman, head coach of the men's golf team at Southeast Community College. Freeman extended an invitation for Hayden to visit the campus.

In November, Hayden and his family journeyed to the community college situated approximately 40 minutes from Lincoln, Nebraska. Despite the prospect of relocating nearly 12 hours away from home, Hayden believed the move would align seamlessly with his future aspirations.

"I liked the campus because it almost feels as if I'm back at home in Neepawa, they have small classes with like 17 kids which is nice," said Delaloye. "Everything is a pretty short walk at campus as well. The golf course is amazing, 7200 yards from the tips and it was very challenging."

Hayden and family then returned to Neepawa after the three-day trip and then it was decision time. Ultimately, the opportunity to play college golf was far too tempting to pass up, so Delaloye will move in August and begin classes at Southeast Community College on August 19. 

When it comes to playing golf at the next level, Delaloye knows it will be a challenge, but the young man has never shied away from competition. 

"I just have to stick to my game, I know it will be a rollercoaster full of nerves," offered Delaloye. "Golf is challenging, you have to deal with ups and downs, it happens. It's all about having a positive mindset for 18 holes. I believe in myself and I'm looking forward to this next chapter of my life."

Hayden was also a recipient of a $2000 scholarship from MJT. He is the only Manitoban to receive the scholarship and is one of five in the country. 

"That's very special to me," ended Delaloye. "I'm very appreciative of the opportunities that MJT has provided me over the years and I am thrilled that they chose me for a scholarship, it will help a lot when it comes to moving down south."

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Apr 26, 2024 - 7:23 am

The Flin Flon Bombers travelled home overnight knowing there would be another game at the famed 'Zoo'.

Facing elimination in game four of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) final against the Melfort Mustangs, the Bombers came up clutch in overtime in a thrilling 4-3 win in front of more than 2500 fans at the Northern Lights Palace in Melfort.

Kylynn Olafson scored 15:05 into the first overtime as Flin Flon kept their season alive after three straight losses to open the series. It was the second straight overtime game in the series after the Mustangs won in double overtime one night prior.

Flin Flon appeared to be on cruise control in the game after opening up a 3-0 lead early in the second period. However, the Mustangs battled back by cutting the deficit to two after 40 minutes. Following a goal by Aidyn Hutchinson with less than 12 minutes left in the third, Ryan Duguay scored his second of the game, and 13th of the playoffs with just 1:01 left in regulation to force overtime. 

Olafson's overtime goal was his second marker of the playoffs. Still trailing three games to one, Flin Flon will look to keep their season alive and force a sixth game when they return to the Whitney Forum for game five on Saturday night. The winner of the series represents the SJHL at the Centennial Cup next month. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Apr 26, 2024 - 6:13 am

Jayce 'The ACE' Legaarden is just one win away from a provincial championship.

Legaarden and the Winkler Flyers have a three games to none lead over the Steinbach Pistons in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) final heading into game four which will be played in Winkler on Friday night. The former Parkland Ranger all-star and Grandview native has been outstanding for Winkler in the playoffs as he's tied for playoff goal scoring with seven goals and has 10 points. 

Winkler can solidify their Centennial Cup berth on Friday evening while the Pistons will look to force game five which would be played in Niverville. If they are to win Friday, Winkler would join the Calgary Canucks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL),  Sioux Lookout Bombers of the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL), and the host Oakville Blades of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) as teams that have already clinched spots in the May 9 to 19 event. 

Winker's last championship was in 1998 when they beat the St. James Canadians. The Pistons; meanwhile, who find themselves on the brink of elimination, were crowned champions last year.

Look Ahead:

As the push to game four continues, the MJHL has announced their Prospects Draft will take place on Sunday, June 2 at 10:00 a.m. This year's Draft will feature Manitoba prospects born in 2008.

Before the MJHL Draft, teams may submit up to two Auto-Protect selections from their designated home zone. During the Auto-Protect process, teams can decline an Auto-Protect selection and defer that pick to Round 7 or 8 of the draft.

In last year's draft, the Dauphin Kings selected Ethan Stewart of the Brandon Wheat Kings with the seventh overall selection. Ethan is competing at the Telus Cup with the Brandon Wheat Kings this week. Brady Turko of McCreary was taken 12th overall by Steinbach; however, he is not expected to suit up for the Pistons as he will be with the Wheat Kings next year. Dauphin also auto-protected Luke Myhre and Sam Swanton.

Swan Valley auto-protected Tavyn Boychuk and Tyrell Leaske. With the 11th overall selection, the Stampeders selected Carson Legault. 

Other Notable Parkland players drafted in the 2023 MJHL Draft:

• Ryan Gower (McCreary) 21st overall - Dauphin
• Easton Odut (Dauphin) 35th overall - Dauphin
• Cade Legaarden (Grandview) 67th overall - Swan Valley 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Apr 25, 2024 - 3:38 pm

Brady Turko has found the back of the net again; however, it came in defeat.

Playing their fourth game at the Telus Cup, the Brandon Wheat Kings lost to the Calgary Buffaloes, 3-1. Calgary represents the Pacific region while Brandon is the West region representative. 

Turko scored his third tournament goal in the defeat and Jaxon Jacobson added an assist. Brandon held a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes, but they recorded just 15 shots in the remaining two periods while not scoring a goal. The Wheat Kings also went scoreless on the power play across three chances, yielding a perfect penalty kill as they went 4-for-4. 

Sitting at 2-2, Brandon sits in third place, but they could drop to fourth if Markham beats the host Sydney Rush on Thursday evening. They are 2-1 while the Rush have been dominated in each of their three contests so far.

Brandon will wrap up their round-robin on Friday against Markham. The Wheat Kings have already qualified for Saturday's semi-final, their opponent is to be determined. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Apr 25, 2024 - 2:41 pm

Carla Wolfenden returned home to Dauphin with very little voice and she was still on a high from what had just happened.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs returned to Manitoba's capital as the Winnipeg Jets earned home-ice advantage for their first round series against Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche.

The 'Whiteout' was in full effect outside of Canada Life Centre as thousands of Jets fans hit the streets outside the rink to support the home team as they went up against one of the most talented teams in the league.

Fortunately for Carla and a few of her family members, they were able to enter the facility as they had tickets to game one. Inside was a scene like no other. Every single seat was covered with a white towel and well ahead of gametime, not a seat was available. Not only was it a whiteout outside, but it was one inside as well.

While she had been to a whiteout party in the past, she says this year's version was next level.

"Epic is the right word for it, we had gone in 2018 as well," said Wolfenden. "We were so upset in 2018 when we didn't have tickets to the game. When they went on sale this go around, we knew we had to get them. Arriving to the whiteout, you can just feel the energy, everyone was so happy to be back in that atmosphere."

Carla has been to a number of high profile events in the past, but the Jets game on Sunday, April 21 takes the cake.

"It's just a different type of environment," said Wolfenden. "That building was just insane. You get chills from the feeling of being in the arena, everyone is having a blast. I wish everyone could experience that just once, it's certainly worth it."

The game was also somewhat of an emotional rollercoaster for fans in attendance inside the rink and out. Six goals were scored in the first 20 minutes as the two clubs went into the dressing room tied at three. Winnipeg took a 4-3 lead after 40 minutes and then a wild third period was in store.

Kyle Connor's power play goal 5:51 into the third gave Winnipeg a comfortable 6-3 lead. That comfort feeling quickly slipped away for the Jets as Artturi Lehkonen cut the deficit to two just more than 30 seconds later; however, Connor's second goal in a matter of minutes restored Winnipeg's three-goal lead.

Cale Makar then scored on the power play to trim the deficit to two and Casey Mittelstadt scored with 30 seconds left to cut the deficit to one. Ultimately, that is as close as the Avalanche would get as Winnipeg held on for a thrilling 7-6 win and it will go down as a night that Carla and company will never forget.

"It was insane, it was such a rollercoaster," ended Wolfenden. "Things were getting pretty scary down the stretch, but it made for a really exciting game. We would sit down for two minutes and then get back up to cheer. It was a blast, something I will never forget."

Looking to take a two games to none lead in the best-of-seven on Tuesday night, the Jets were unable to build off an opening goal by David Gustafsson and the 1-0 lead they held after 20 minutes. Colorado scored four times in the second period, including two in the final 2:40 of the frame and they coasted in the third period en route to a 5-2 victory to tie the series at a game apiece.

The series now shifts to Denver as Colorado gets set to host game three on Friday evening with game four being played on Sunday afternoon. Winnipeg will host game five next Tuesday while if need be, game six returns to Colorado next Thursday and should a seventh game be required, Winnipeg would host that game on Saturday, May 4. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Apr 25, 2024 - 10:00 am

Easton Odut has hit the scoresheet at the Telus Cup, Canada's U18 National Hockey Championship.

Playing their third game of the event in Nova Scotia, Odut scored with 22 seconds left in the first in a 2-1 win against the Kensington Wild. It was Odut's first of the tournament while Brady Turko of McCreary had an assist on the goal as did Jaxon Jacobson.

Declan Hoad scored the game-winner for Brandon as the Wheat Kings have now won back-to-back games after losing their first game to Cantonniers de Magog of Quebec. Brady Turko also has two goals in the tournament so far.

Brandon will now play the Calgary Buffaloes on Thursday morning. Calgary has two wins to their name and an overtime loss. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Apr 24, 2024 - 4:29 pm

It's a beautiful thing.

The Dauphin Lake Golf Club is set to open for the season on Thursday, April 25.

The course is in great shape and Shawn Woods is back as general manager and Class 'A' professional. You can now book your tee times by calling 638-9400.

You can get a full list of rates at Golf Dauphin Lake and memberships are still available. Tee times on Thursday will begin at noon.

The first big event at the course will be the Gary Brandon Memorial which runs from May 31 to June 2.

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Apr 24, 2024 - 3:29 pm

Aiden Ziprick found himself at a crossroads, facing a weighty decision.

On one hand, several NCAA Division 1 teams were interested in recruiting him. On the other, the Lethbridge Hurricanes, a storied franchise in the Western Hockey League (WHL), had their sights set on him. The Hurricanes had drafted him in the seventh round, 148th overall, during the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft.

Despite the challenge, Aiden chose the WHL path as his best course. Starting his junior career with 57 games played for the Waywayseecappo Wolverines, Ziprick then embarked on a journey to join the Hurricanes, spanning nearly nine hours.

There, he concluded the 2022-23 season with 30 games played for the WHL team. However, his time in Lethbridge was short-lived. Just two games into this season, the 2005-born defenseman found himself traded to the Moose Jaw Warriors in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft.

Throughout his stint with the Hurricanes, Aiden contributed three points to the team and remains deeply appreciative of the opportunity given to him.

"I can't thank that organization enough, they brought me in last year and gave me a chance," said Ziprick. "I enjoyed my time there, the guys were great and I had great billets."

New Beginning:

As a Warrior, Aiden took to the ice for his first game with the team on September 29 of this season, greeted by 2729 enthusiastic fans at the Moose Jaw Events Centre. Throughout the season, he played 52 regular-season games, marking a significant milestone with his first WHL goal while also tallying six assists.

A notable aspect of Aiden's journey was the consistent presence of his family in the stands. Despite the distance, his parents and brother frequently made the journey from Russell, a little over three hours away from Moose Jaw, to watch him play firsthand.

This commitment to support isn't new; his family was a fixture in the stands during Keaton's tenure with the Parkland Rangers program. As Aiden continues to live his dream in the WHL, his family's unwavering support remains a cornerstone of his journey.

Aiden's family holds an immensely significant place in his life, serving as both his greatest supporters and a constant source of inspiration.

"It's always awesome having them in the stands, it's very special to me," offered Ziprick. "I don't think my dad has missed many games and whenever my mom can get the day off, she's always here. My brother also comes whenever he can. My family means a lot to me, so I love that they come out to support me."

It just so happens that Moose Jaw is one of the most skilled teams in the league. With guys like Denton Mateychuk to go along with Jagger Firkus, Brayden Yager, and Matthew Savoie, to name a few, the Warriors are stacked with elite players and guys who are expected to be excellent pros. 

Mateychuk leads Moose Jaw in playoff scoring with 19 points, Firkus has 18 points, Yager has 14, and Savoie has 13 points. 

"It's really special getting the chance to watch these guys every day," offered Ziprick. "They make everything look pretty easy. To watch them on and off the ice, see their habits and see what they do to recover. It helps a guy like me as I push to get to that level. They're also great guys to be around."

Journey to WHL Glory:

Sixteen teams clinched playoff berths, and among them, Moose Jaw stood out with an impressive 44 regular-season victories, placing them in the elite group of just six teams to achieve 40 or more wins.

With a strong finish, winning seven of their final 10 regular-season games, the Warriors entered the playoffs as serious contenders, boasting a formidable roster. The ultimate prize at stake is the opportunity to represent the WHL at the Memorial Cup in Saginaw come June.

Their playoff journey commenced with a dominant display against the Brandon Wheat Kings, scoring 24 goals in a commanding four-game sweep. Although the start of round two saw a setback with a loss in game one against Swift Current, Moose Jaw quickly rebounded, securing seven goals in game two and ultimately clinching the series in five games with four consecutive victories.

Now, the stage is set for the Eastern Conference Final showdown against the Saskatoon Blades, a team renowned for its elite talent, including prospect Fraser Minten of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The series kicks off in Saskatoon, with game one slated for Friday night, followed by game two the next night. The action then shifts to Moose Jaw for games three and four early next week.

In their six regular-season matchups, both teams claimed victory three times, with all games decided within regulation time. Saskatoon, like Moose Jaw, has demonstrated dominance in the playoffs, taking just five games to beat Prince Albert in round one and needing just four to beat Red Deer in round two, extending their playoff win streak to eight games after an initial loss to the Raiders.

The victor of this intense best-of-seven series will advance to face either Prince George or Portland in the WHL Final. The Western Conference Final between the Winterhawks and Cougars kicks off this weekend in Prince George.

As the Warriors gear up for the challenge ahead, including Ziprick, they are prepared for what promises to be an exhilarating and fiercely competitive series against the Blades.

"We're a confident group right now, especially after winning four straight games against a good Swift Current team," said Ziprick. "Our goal is to win a championship. We know it's going to be a great battle, Saskatoon is a very good team."

Russell Strong:

Despite its small size of about 1500 residents, the community has a remarkable history of nurturing exceptional talent. Recently, Tyson Zimmer concluded his 19-year-old season with the Vancouver Giants, showcasing his skills with 23 goals and 22 assists. Dru Mushumanski; meanwhile, is coming off his first season with the Regina Pats. He scored two goals and 10 points this year after playing three years within the Rangers program. 

Meanwhile; Aiden, having enjoyed a relaxing round of golf on Tuesday, is back on the ice Wednesday, gearing up for the team's journey to Saskatoon ahead of Friday's game against the Blades.

Just over a half day's drive from Saskatoon, the Western Conference Final will kick off on Friday with the Cougars hosting Portland, featuring another hometown talent, Ryder Thompson. Hailing from Russell like Aiden, Ryder had a standout season, recording one goal and 22 points, and has already made an impact in the playoffs with one goal and two assists.

Portland, boasting the second-highest number of regular-season victories with 48, enters the series against Prince George on an impressive streak of eight consecutive playoff wins. 

For Ziprick, representing his cherished hometown of Russell holds profound significance and pride.

"It's an honour, not many small-town kids get the chance to play in the WHL," ended Ziprick. "I'm just taking in the moment and enjoying my time while being proud to say that I am from Russell."

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Apr 24, 2024 - 1:30 pm

Conor Geekie's time in the Western Hockey League may be over, but his season is not.

The star forward from Strathclair will join the Tucson Roadrunners of the American Hockey League. Geekie was playing with the Swift Current Broncos; however, they lost their series against the Moose Jaw Warriors in five games. The Broncos won game one, to lose the next four. 

Across nine playoff games with the Broncos, Geekie had six goals and three assists. He also played at the World Junior Hockey Championship this past winter, earning three points in five games.

As the 11th overall pick by the Arizona Coyotes, Geekie's potential departure from the WHL marks the end of an era defined by his dominance over the past few seasons. In a remarkable display, the 19-year-old recorded 111 goals and 158 assists in 215 regular-season games, complemented by 15 goals and 22 assists in 43 playoff matchups.

Although Geekie retains one more year of junior eligibility, expectations loom large for his imminent transition to full-time professionalism next season.

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Apr 23, 2024 - 12:02 pm

The Parkland Junior Rangers of 2015 have returned home following an outstanding weekend in Winnipeg, where they secured bronze medals.

Participating in the Early Bird North American Hockey Classic, the Rangers clinched a thrilling victory over the Silver Predators, prevailing 4-3 in a dramatic shootout. Gabriel Pawlachuk emerged as a standout for Parkland, netting two goals, supported by Beckett Braun's contribution to the scoreboard.

Grayson Henderson and William Powe provided valuable assists, while Brett Hrappstead showcased exceptional skill as the goalkeeper.

Other Action:

Rangers beat the Junior Blues, 12-5.

• Gabriel Pawlachuk had seven goals;
• Brody Nepinak scored twice while adding two assists;
• Zander Ledoux had one goal and two assists;
• Greyson Chartrand also found the back of the net, as did Tucker Rezansoff;
• Easton Billett had two assists.

Rangers beat Wheatland Wild, 4-1.

• Gabriel Pawlachuk had three goals;
• Grady Sigurdson had one goal and one assist;
• Beckett Braun and Brody Nepinak both had an assist.

Rangers tie Silver Predators, 7-7.

• Brody Nepinak led the way with a pair of goals;
• Eli Pangman, Zander Ledoux, Beckett Braun, Maddux Mordon, and Tucker Rezanoff all scored one goal each
• Brett Hrappstead was in the net. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Apr 23, 2024 - 10:28 am