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Junior Hockey

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Files David Gustafsson (41) and Ville Heinola (34) fight for the puck during training camp in September.

Jets prospects: first look into future after start of new season

Mike McIntyre 9 minute read Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025

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The Winnipeg Jets are off to another hot start this season, proving that life in the present is pretty good. But as a “draft and develop” organization, there’s always an eye on the future.

Right now, 23 prospects are skating in various leagues at various levels — players who could one day work their way into the NHL or, in a few cases, make their way back to the big club.

To help you keep tabs, we’ll be checking in on the kids each month throughout the season.

Let’s start with 11 players who are, at least in theory, closest to “The Show.” The Manitoba Moose are off to a 3-4-2 start, although they do have points in four straight games (2-0-2) after a 2-1 overtime loss on Sunday to the Texas Stars at Canada Life Centre.

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Stonewall native adds NHL to her long list of officiating milestones

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Preview

Stonewall native adds NHL to her long list of officiating milestones

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Saturday, Sep. 20, 2025

Talk about a “Welcome to the Big Leagues” moment.

Amy Martin, a 30-year-old referee from Manitoba, got one last weekend in Montreal. Invited to help officiate the NHL prospect challenge tournament featuring young stars from four teams, her very first assignment came under the bright lights of the Bell Centre in a clash between the hometown Canadiens versus the Winnipeg Jets.

It didn’t take long before roughly 20,000 fans were chanting “ref you suck” in her direction after what they perceived as a missed infraction.

Offended? Not at all. For Martin, it was a badge of honour.

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Saturday, Sep. 20, 2025

ICE WAVE MEDIA PHOTO

Stonewall’s Amy Martin suited up for her first NHL assignment last weekend in Montreal, reffing two Winnipeg Jets games at the prospects tournament.
ICE WAVE MEDIA PHOTO Stonewall’s Amy Martin suited up for her first NHL assignment last weekend in Montreal, reffing two Winnipeg Jets games at the prospects tournament.

Puck set to drop on race for the Turnbull Cup

Cassidy Dankochik 14 minute read Preview

Puck set to drop on race for the Turnbull Cup

Cassidy Dankochik 14 minute read Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025

As the puck drops on the 2025-26 Manitoba Junior Hockey League season on Friday, it will be hard to outdo last season’s ending when the Northern Manitoba Blizzard defeated the Dauphin Kings on the road in a three-overtime thriller.

While the defending Turnbull Cup champions don’t hit the ice until next Saturday, here’s a breakdown of all 13 teams season storylines to follow.

Dauphin KingsThe Dauphin Kings were one goal away from a league championship last season and are coming back on a mission to score that final goal of the season. The Kings lost game seven of the final in triple-overtime to the Norman Blizzard.

The team will have a new look this season, not only on the ice thanks to player movement, but behind the bench, as long-time St. Malo Warriors assistant Patrick Trudeau joined Dauphin to help give the team a boost. Trudeau, who is from Ile des Chenes, had been working as a scout for the team before joining as an assistant.

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Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025

Todd Peterson Photo / MJHL

Northern Manitoba Blizzard defenceman Esteban Cinq-Mars (left) fends off Dauphin Kings centre Joshua Schmidt during last year’s MJHL final series. The Blizzard went on to win the Turnbull Cup in a three-overtime thriller.
Todd Peterson Photo / MJHL Northern Manitoba Blizzard defenceman Esteban Cinq-Mars (left) fends off Dauphin Kings centre Joshua Schmidt during last year’s MJHL final series. The Blizzard went on to win the Turnbull Cup in a three-overtime thriller.

Hockey’s caveman culture must come out of the dark ages

Dan Lett 6 minute read Preview

Hockey’s caveman culture must come out of the dark ages

Dan Lett 6 minute read Friday, Jul. 25, 2025

Beyond the verdict, the case continues to highlight concern about the culture of elite sports in general and hockey in particular. A culture that made it OK for five young, privileged men to share a single woman for sexual gratification.

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Friday, Jul. 25, 2025

Pat McLaughlin is stepping down as Hockey Canada’s chief operating officer and executive vice-president of strategy, the governing body announced Monday. A Hockey Canada logo is shown in Kamloops, B.C. on Thursday, November 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Johnston
Pat McLaughlin is stepping down as Hockey Canada’s chief operating officer and executive vice-president of strategy, the governing body announced Monday. A Hockey Canada logo is shown in Kamloops, B.C. on Thursday, November 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jesse Johnston

Manitoba First Nation jubilant after Carter Bear chosen 13th overall in NHL Draft

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Preview

Manitoba First Nation jubilant after Carter Bear chosen 13th overall in NHL Draft

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Friday, Jun. 27, 2025

Carter Bear couldn’t hear or see the eruption of cheers and happy tears from family and friends back in Manitoba on Friday night — including a large gathering in his home community of Peguis First Nation.

However, the 18-year-old could feel the love and support after he was selected 13th-overall by the Detroit Red Wings at the NHL draft in Los Angeles.

“That shows how proud they are. I’m proud of where I’m from — my community and my Indigenous background,” he told the Free Press via Zoom shortly after having his name called.

It takes a village, as the saying goes, and Bear was feeling especially thankful to everyone in his world who helped him get to this stage. He’s the first Manitoban hockey player to be drafted in the opening round since Strathclair’s Conor Geekie went 11th-overall to the Arizona Coyotes in 2022.

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Friday, Jun. 27, 2025

Damian Dovarganes / The Associated Press

Carter Bear (left) stands with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman Friday at the NHL Draft in Los Angeles. ‘I’m proud of where I’m from — my community and my Indigenous background,’ Bear said after being drafted.
Damian Dovarganes / The Associated Press Carter Bear (left) stands with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman Friday at the NHL Draft in Los Angeles. ‘I’m proud of where I’m from — my community and my Indigenous background,’ Bear said after being drafted.

Fourteen Manitobans named NHL draft hopefuls

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Preview

Fourteen Manitobans named NHL draft hopefuls

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Thursday, Jun. 26, 2025

Manitoba’s reputation as a pro hockey factory took a bit of a hit during last year’s NHL draft when only one local prospect ultimately heard his name called. And even that didn’t happen until the fifth round, when Brandon’s Clarke Caswell was selected by the Seattle Kraken.

Was there something in the water? Had we lost our touch? Was it time to commission a summit?

No, no and absolutely not. Turns out that was likely the exception, rather than the rule, and we should be back to our regularly scheduled player development programming later this week.

When it comes to the potential Class of 2025, it would seem the local kids are all right. And a league that already includes the likes of homegrown talents such as Jonathan Toews, Seth Jarvis and Mark Stone — just to name a few — could eventually have some new faces from the Keystone province.

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Thursday, Jun. 26, 2025

Andy Glass photo Carter Bear - Everett Silvertips
Andy Glass photo Carter Bear - Everett Silvertips

Bryn Chyzyk: From small-town Manitoba to college hockey history

Ken Wiebe 9 minute read Preview

Bryn Chyzyk: From small-town Manitoba to college hockey history

Ken Wiebe 9 minute read Friday, Jun. 13, 2025

Like many kids growing up on the prairies in the rural town of Virden, Bryn Chyzyk had dreams of making it to the NHL.

He also had a passion for scouting and player development from a young age, which is part of the reason he abandoned — or at least altered — his plan after one season of professional hockey with the Indianapolis Fuel of the ECHL and a two-game cameo with the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.

“That was probably my most accurate scouting report that I ever had — evaluating myself and realizing that I wasn’t going to make a lot of money playing the game of hockey,” Chyzyk said in a telephone interview from Iowa earlier this week while he was on a recruiting visit.

“I do like the academic side of things, so the decision to go to law school was a difficult one, but I’m really glad I made it because I didn’t think I was good enough to make a long career out of it.

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Friday, Jun. 13, 2025

DAN HICKLING PHOTO

Virden’s Bryn Chyzyk was hired by the University of North Dakota as the first general manager in the history of the men’s hockey program.
DAN HICKLING PHOTO Virden’s Bryn Chyzyk was hired by the University of North Dakota as the first general manager in the history of the men’s hockey program.

Jets prospect Jacob Julien set to join Moose after memorable Memorial Cup win

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Preview

Jets prospect Jacob Julien set to join Moose after memorable Memorial Cup win

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 11, 2025

Jacob Julien couldn’t have scripted a better ending to his junior hockey career.

The 20-year-old Winnipeg Jets prospect played a prominent role in bringing the Memorial Cup back to his hometown, capping off a terrific playoff run by scoring in the winner-take-all game as his London Knights beat the Medicine Hat Tigers earlier this month.

“It’s what you dream of,” Julien told the Free Press on Wednesday in a telephone chat. “You grow up watching London win the Memorial Cup a couple times and then to actually be a part of it and win it yourself with your team, I couldn’t be happier.”

Julien finished the four-team tournament with four points (2G, 2A) in five games after racking up 19 points (6G, 13A) in 17 earlier playoff games as London ultimately claimed the Ontario Hockey League championship. Being a point-per-game player at the most important time of the year would suggest Julien was able to find another gear.

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Wednesday, Jun. 11, 2025

CHRISTOPHER KATSAROV / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Jacob Julien (right) had the go-ahead goal for the London Knights in the Memorial Cup final against the Medicine Hat Tigers.
CHRISTOPHER KATSAROV / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Jacob Julien (right) had the go-ahead goal for the London Knights in the Memorial Cup final against the Medicine Hat Tigers.

Northern Manitoba Blizzard takes Turnbull Cup in three-overtime thriller against Dauphin Kings

Ben Little 3 minute read Preview

Northern Manitoba Blizzard takes Turnbull Cup in three-overtime thriller against Dauphin Kings

Ben Little 3 minute read Friday, May. 2, 2025

As the clock struck midnight in Dauphin Friday, the Northern Manitoba Blizzard booked their ticket to the Centennial Cup, defeating the Kings in triple-overtime.

Quincy Supprien was the Game 7 hero, sliding the puck underneath the blocker of Dauphin goaltender Cole Sheffield with 5:57 to play in the sixth frame for the 2-1 victory.

Supprien, an assistant captain for the Blizzard, was recruited from Quebec by second-year head coach Eric Labrosse. He’s one of four Blizzard players who followed Labrosse from Quebec.

Supprien’s game-winning goal came on the 94th shot of the game. 56 of those shots came from Dauphin, but rookie goaltender Taye Timmerman’s 55-save performance helped clinch the Blizzard’s first Turnbull Cup since 2003.

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Friday, May. 2, 2025

TODD PEDERSON PHOTO

The Northern Manitoba Blizzard won the Turnbull Cup on the road Thursday, beating the Dauphin Kings 2-1 in triple overtime.
TODD PEDERSON PHOTO The Northern Manitoba Blizzard won the Turnbull Cup on the road Thursday, beating the Dauphin Kings 2-1 in triple overtime.

Two-way Bruins forward first-round material in WHL Bantam Draft

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Preview

Two-way Bruins forward first-round material in WHL Bantam Draft

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 22, 2025

Crewe Schimnowski knows which parts of his game will impress talent evaluators.

He has a shot that most 14-year-olds can only dream about and the smooth puck-handling skills to go with it. Intangibles like elite vision and a high hockey IQ are evident, and at 5-9, 170 pounds, he isn’t afraid to throw his body around.

What’s more rare about the Winnipeg teen is a self-understanding of his weaknesses, and his determination to improve in those areas.

He doesn’t shy away from talking about what he needs to work on.

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Tuesday, Apr. 22, 2025

ALLYSON MISHELL PHOTO

Bruins U15 AAA forward Crewe Schimnowski had an outstanding 2024-25 season, amassing 57 goals and 111 points.
ALLYSON MISHELL PHOTO Bruins U15 AAA forward Crewe Schimnowski had an outstanding 2024-25 season, amassing 57 goals and 111 points.

Kings, Blizzard set to go the distance

Ben Little 4 minute read Preview

Kings, Blizzard set to go the distance

Ben Little 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 16, 2025

It’s not a stretch to say the Dauphin Kings and Northern Manitoba Blizzard are evenly matched.

Last year, both teams met in the first round of the MJHL playoffs. The series went seven games, featuring 11 overtime periods — including a five-overtime period battle in game six.

Northern Manitoba eventually won the series with an overall goal differential of plus-two.

This year they meet again, with the Turnbull Cup championship on the line.

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Wednesday, Apr. 16, 2025

Cassidy Dankochik Photo

Gabriel Bugeaud (right) has three goals and six assists for the Dauphin Kings during this season’s MJHL playoffs.
Cassidy Dankochik Photo Gabriel Bugeaud (right) has three goals and six assists for the Dauphin Kings during this season’s MJHL playoffs.

Jets top prospect Yager turning heads in WHL

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Preview

Jets top prospect Yager turning heads in WHL

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025

VIRDEN — Brayden Yager was given some homework this season by the Winnipeg Jets.

Following each Western Hockey League game he played, the organization’s top forward prospect was asked to send a short report to player development officials about how it went.

“I’ll write a couple things I did well, a couple things I can do a bit better. It’s a nice little way to be able to have some self-reflection and to be able to look back on,” Yager told the Free Press this week in a wide-ranging one-on-one interview.

With the caveat that there’s always room for improvement, it’s hard to imagine anything but straight A’s when it comes to his hockey report card.

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Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025

Perry Bergson / The Brandon Sun

Lethbridge Hurricanes’ Brayden Yager is the Winnipeg Jets top forward prospect and has been turning heads in the Western Hockey League.
Perry Bergson / The Brandon Sun Lethbridge Hurricanes’ Brayden Yager is the Winnipeg Jets top forward prospect and has been turning heads in the Western Hockey League.

QMJHL Roundup: Rimouski Oceanic, Moncton Wildcats sweep first-round playoff series

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

Mael St-Denis's power-play goal early in the second period stood as the winner as the Rimouski Oceanic beat the Charlottetown Islanders 4-1 to complete their four-game sweep in the first round of the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League playoffs.

Mael Lavigne and Mathieu Cataford added some insurance with goals in the third period for Rimouski. Jacob Mathieu opened the scoring early in the first.

Mathis Langevin made 26 saves for the win in net.

Maxwell Jardine replied for Charlottetown, and Nicolas Ruccia stopped 34 shots.

OHL Playoffs: Morneau, Protas help Spitfires top Greyhounds; Windsor leads series 3-1

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. - Noah Morneau and Ilya Protas each had two goals and an assist as the Windsor Spitfires downed the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 4-1 on Wednesday in Ontario Hockey League playoff action.

Windsor now leads the best-of-seven first-round series 3-1.

Protas had the eventual winner in the second period as the Spitfires rattled off four unanswered goals. Protas also scored into an empty net with 21 seconds left to play.

Joey Costanzo made 23 saves for the win.

Shiann Darkangelo’s hat trick leads the Charge past the Fleet in last PWHL game before 3-week break

The Associated Press 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

LOWELL, Mass. (AP) — Shiann Darkangelo secured her first PWHL hat trick against her former team and the Ottawa Charge beat the Boston Fleet 4-0 on Wednesday night in the league's last game before a three-week break for the IIHF Women’s World Championship.

Ottawa (11-1-4-11) moved past Minnesota for fourth in the standings after securing three points for the second straight game against Boston.

Darkangelo scored a power-play goal 45 seconds into the game when she was left alone in front of the goal to redirect Anna Meixner’s pass between the pads of Aerin Frankel.

Darkangelo added another midway through the second for a 2-0 lead. Ronja Savolainen set up the goal by dropping the puck off to Darkangelo and driving forward to create a gap for the shot.

OHL playoffs: Vanacker leads Bulldogs to 4-3 overtime win over Battalion

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

NORTH BAY, Ont. - Marek Vanacker's second goal of the game, scored at 5:29 of overtime, lifted the visiting Brantford Bulldogs to a 4-3 victory over the North Bay Battalion in Ontario Hockey League playoff action on Tuesday at Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens.

Luca Testa and Noah Nelson also scored for the Bulldogs, who grabbed a commanding 3-0 lead in the first-round, best-of-seven series. Patrick Thomas chipped in with two assists.

Ethan Procyszyn, Lirim Amidovski and Jacob Therrien scored for the Battalion, who were outshot 38-34.

The Battalion went 1-for-5 on the power play, while the Bulldogs were 0-for-3.

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