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How’s your summer going?
It’s been a busy one over here, which at least partially explains why this newsletter has been a bit inconsistent as of late. My apologies for that — we’ll soon get back into a regular routine, I promise.
Some highlights, in no particular order:
We are in love with our new rescue pup, Ruby, who has fit in perfectly with our family.
Our puppy Ruby. (Mike McIntyre)
The curious six-month-old keeps us on our toes — she had some fun the other day with not one, but two bottles of barbecue sauce she managed to open, turning our living room floor into what initially looked like a crime scene — but we can’t imagine life without her. She’s an awesome little sister to five-year-old Piper and 12-year-old Bodie.
I’ve hit double-digits in golf games, with plans for several more between now and the start of Winnipeg Jets training camp in mid-September.
And, shockingly, I’m playing the best I have in many years. Perhaps all that time I’ve spent watching YouTube and TikTok videos filled with techniques and tips have started to pay off?
Courses I’ve hit so far this year include Granite Hills, Pine Ridge, Larters, Warren, Teulon, Selkirk, Oakwood, Wildwood and Bel Acres.
I’ve also made a concerted effort to get more steps in this summer, and not just on the golf course or when strolling the dogs. I’ve added 5K walks to the routine — at least three per week — and it’s reminded me how movement is good for the body, mind and soul.
Turning to work, I’m excited to attend the Manitoba Open later this month, which is shifting to Elmwood. I’ve been attending the tournament since I was a teen, when I first began volunteering to caddy, and this will be my 10th time covering it for the Free Press.
I wrote a tee-up story earlier this week, speaking with one of the two Canadians who have won so far this year on the PGA Tour Americas, and there will be another loaded field with high stakes for this year’s event.
FYI, organizers are still looking for volunteers in several categories, including scoring, marshaling, spotting, hospitality, event setup and caddying. In addition to getting an up-close looking at rising stars in the golf world, there are also food and clothing perks.
Go here for more information on volunteering.
I recently spent three days up in Cross Lake — that’s about an eight-hour drive — for a feature on former NHLer Brady Keeper, who has returned to the First Nation now that his career is done to help mentor young children in the community through various sports camps and programs.
Brady Keeper poses for a selfie with a fan at a homecoming party at the Cross Lake arena in this file photo. (Melissa Martin / Free Press files)
I was thrilled with how the piece turned out, thanks mainly to the terrific people I met and interviewed.
It’s a beautiful part of Manitoba up there — one with plenty of challenges, for sure — and I was happy to be able to shine what I think is a positive light on some good things that are happening. Those are very rewarding stories to be able to tell.
Quite a Monday night at Assiniboia Downs, where the 78th running of the Manitoba Derby was the “mane” attraction.
Manitoba Derby winner Western Warrior holds the lead on the inside Monday night at Assiniboia Downs. Forty Twenty is the first horse to be euthanized at the racetrack this year after sustaining an injury to his front leg during the Derby race. (Jason Halstead photo)
There was a massive crowd on hand for the signature event of the season and plenty of excited races along with a record wagering haul. Sadly, the event was marred for a second straight year by the death of a horse, which I wrote about on Tuesday.
I love the Sport of Kings and have been going to the track since I was a kid, but this is a part of the industry I hate. I know it’s a rare occurrence, but every single one hits hard.
HELP! I’m plugging away at an upcoming piece on sports gambling, and I’d love to hear from anyone out there who has a story to tell. Specifically, have you (or someone you know) been negatively affected as a result? Feel free to contact me by replying to this email.
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How about those Winnipeg Goldeyes? I’m headed to Blue Cross Park tonight to cover what could be a historic event.
The ballclub will set a franchise record should they beat the Chicago Dogs and turn an 11-game winning streak into a 12-gamer. It’s been quite a turnaround for the team, which is really firing on all cylinders.
Call me foolish, call me naïve, but I still think there’s a scenario that sees the disappointing Toronto Blue Jays sneak into the playoffs.
Thanks largely to a very weak American League this season, the club entered play Thursday just three games out of the final spot.
Yes, they sold off some pieces at the trade deadline and yes, they have several teams to pass. But their schedule gets a lot easier for the final five weeks of the campaign, which tells me there’s at least a chance.
Although the Jets beat has (predictably) gone quiet since the NHL draft and free agency, business is about to pick up soon. And, once again, colleague Ken Wiebe and I are looking forward to bringing you the most comprehensive coverage of the hockey club — home and away.
We’re putting the finishing touches on our road trip plans for the coming campaign and also brainstorming various story and feature ideas. As always, we’d LOVE to hear from you — what would YOU like to read/learn about? Fire away!
That’s it for this week, folks. We’ll talk to you again next Thursday.
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