Girls are trying lacrosse and loving it: fun, fast and easy to play

It was just the second time Laylah Laquette-Koch had stepped foot on a lacrosse field.

The first came earlier this month when Edmund Partridge Community School hosted a “lacrosse week” for its students to learn one of Canada’s national sports.

“It was just fun to play and it was pretty easy to start. Everyone was having fun,” Laquette-Koch said.

That led the 13-year-old to the inaugural girls’ lacrosse day at Shaughnessy Park on Sunday, where more than 200 players gathered to compete over six games on a hot spring day.

Manitoba Métis Federation facility to welcome families of patients undergoing medical treatments

The suffocating feeling that overcomes a family member while their loved one lies in a hospital bed is one Will Goodon knows all too well.

The Manitoba Métis Federation’s minister of housing experienced it in spurts over the better part of a decade while his son, Hunter, received medical treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a life-threatening type of cancer in the bone marrow.

The cost of staying in a hotel room each night certainly became an unwelcome financial burden, as well.

While his son has since been cured of the disease, it’s hardly a surprise why the MMF’s latest housing project is so important to Goodon.

Stodgy, staid old golf is changing

Cool and cloudy spring weather made for a less than ideal golf day, yet there were Tyler Chutskoff and his buddies teeing it up recently at Shooters Family Golf Course for their first round of the year — their favourite tunes blaring from the golf cart.

As Chutskoff put it, the brisk conditions were nothing a few beverages couldn’t fix. That, along with a few laughs and music — which has become as essential to the group’s outings as the clubs in their bags — certainly helped warm the group’s spirits.

“Someone’s always bringing a speaker to play music, just so it gives us something else to listen to,” said Chutskoff, a 25-year-old university student. “And honestly, it just helps you focus and stay calm and not overthink shots — doesn’t give you a chance to get in your head.

“We were just playing to have fun, catch up and chat. I don’t really care about the score, my scorecard is full of snowmen and sevens,” he added, with a laugh.

New-home construction in Manitoba slowed in April

New-home construction in Manitoba slowed significantly overall in April, compared to March and the same time last year.

The province saw 343 shovels hit the dirt last month, down 37 per cent from the 543 that broke ground in April 2022, according to a recent report by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) reveals a more frightening number for Manitoba, showing a 47 per cent drop from March.

It’s nothing that was unexpected, though, according to industry experts.

300 Main to welcome tenants to its 40-storey apartment tower on July 1

A large, collective sigh of relief can be heard by those in and around the building at 300 Main St.

More than six years after the project was conceived, the construction of Winnipeg’s tallest building, a $140 million 40-storey apartment tower near the iconic Portage and Main intersection, is move-in ready.

Originally announced to be completed in the spring of 2020, the 400-unit block will begin filling with tenants on July 1.

“One of the most exciting aspects of this development is the prospect of building up the success and the popularity of Winnipeg’s downtown area,” said Jeff Lukin, director of marketing for the Winnipeg-based developer, Artis Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), in an email statement.

East Exchange District development project set to welcome residents this summer

What started as a pipe dream more than eight years ago — and felt as such by its developers at many points since — is set to become one of the biggest recent additions to the Exchange District, by the end of summer.

The four-year makeover of the old Great West Metal building between Pacific Avenue and Alexander Avenue, and the erection of a new residential development that will wrap around the heritage building, is 85 per cent complete and will be ready for occupancy beginning in July.

The interlocking properties that face Waterfront Drive, just north of the Mere Hotel, will house 206 apartment suites — 27 in the heritage building — ranging from studio to two-bedroom units, and 6,000 square feet of commercial space in the refurbished site.

Calgary developers Alkarim Devani and his brother Afshin (their company is called RNDSQR) have named their first project in the Manitoba capital The Bend, in homage to its location along the curve of the Red River and the fact that the building itself bends.

Residential redevelopment set for Portage Avenue East

A successful past had given way to strings of calamity that left scars inside the historic building at 138 Portage Ave. East.

Inside the seven-storey Keewayden block, also known as the Crowley building, which housed the Jacob-Crowley Manufacturing Co. beginning in 1928, may only be suited for the grandest visionaries these days.

Rubble still crowds the top floor from a fire that scorched the roof and caved in the elevator shaft in 2019. The flames came during a stretch the building was mostly vacant — aside from squatters who would frequent the property — following a failed attempt to transform it into a boutique hotel in 2017.

Now the 114-year-old building (designated historic in 2017), which has stood lifeless for several years, has a pulse once again, with visions to restore its remarkable past with a multi-family residence.

Well-rested Moose shelled by Admirals

Perhaps it was some unshakable rust acquired after a couple of weeks off, or a pair of netminders being thrust into a tough spot, but the Manitoba Moose didn’t have enough to begin the most critical time of the year.

The Moose were stunned 6-2 by the Milwaukee Admirals in Game 1 of the American Hockey League’s Central Division semifinal at Canada Life Centre on Friday.

While players of the Winnipeg Jets’ AHL affiliate club made their intentions clear of avenging a 3-2 series defeat to the Admirals in last season’s Central Division semifinal, the same results haunted the team on this night.

Moose goaltender Evan Cormier made his first playoff start as a professional on somewhat short notice, as regulars Oskari Salminen and Arvid Holm flew to Las Vegas on an emergency basis to practise with the Winnipeg Jets ahead of their Game 5 tilt in the NHL playoffs on Thursday.

U of W hoops coach joins Sea Bears

The Winnipeg Sea Bears didn’t have to look far to find a key addition the team’s coaching staff.

Mike Raimbault has been added as assistant coach to the staff of Mike Taylor, head coach and general manager, for the Sea Bears’ inaugural season in the Canadian Elite Basketball League.

Raimbault, a Brandon product, has led the University of Winnipeg Wesmen men’s team since 2010.

“It’s a really great opportunity for me to learn and to be around some other really great coaches and get a chance to see the league up close and personal and follow how the team progresses,” Raimbault said Wednesday. “And, hopefully, I can do my best to help out in whatever way I’m asked to.”

Valour FC shows signs they could be CPL contenders

In many ways, it was a sobering shot of cruelty delivered to Valour FC after 90 minutes of high-flying play.

And while moral victories are tough to settle for, Winnipeg’s Canadian Premier League side showed every sign of a club seeking to end a franchise-defining playoff drought.

Valour opened its 2023 Canadian Premier League home campaign with a 1-1 draw against the 2022 regular season champions Atlético Ottawa at IG Field on Saturday. The club moved to 1–0-1 on the season and kept a solid home record intact that dates back to last season.

Valour was 7-3-4 at home a season ago and is now 2-1-1 in home openers.

Eighteen athletes heading to B.C. for youth bouldering competition

Climbers have long existed outside the mainstream of sports in Manitoba but the sport’s brightest young members are hoping to reach unprecedented heights this week.

Central Park housing development to serve women, children facing gender-based violence

The University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation (UWCRC) found a gap in Winnipeg’s transitional housing chain — one that exists among women and children who face gender-based violence.

Its new project, Benard House, hopes to help fill that need by the summer of 2024.

Bisons track star Manitoba athlete of the year

Madisson Lawrence ended 2021 defeated. On April 20, she’ll be crowned a champion.

Expectations high for revamped Valour FC

Valour FC is set to begin its quest to end a franchise-defining playoff drought.

Randy Frykas made Outdoor Hockey Club to celebrate the sport in its most elemental form

Randy Frykas wanted to showcase hockey in its rawest form.

Price drop expected for Canadian cottages: report

The average cost of a cottage in Manitoba is expected to decrease three per cent in 2023, according to a recent Royal LePage recreational property report.

Winnipeg teen holds four national wrestling titles

Connor Church is enjoying a two-year run that’s seen him become one of Canada’s premier young grapplers.

Metis federation housing initiative to help youth get a better start when leaving care

It’s a chance to help curb a dreadful trend — an opportunity to bring renewed prosperity to the lives of some of Winnipeg’s most vulnerable youth.

Hiebert climbing to great heights in MLS

If 2016 was Kyle Hiebert’s rock bottom, 2023 may just be his trip to the summit.

Passion powers Huskies in victory over Trojans

It was a game in which the lead was never more than four points entering the fourth quarter and lived up to the expectations of a final-four matchup. In the end, the Sturgeon Heights Huskies kept their undefeated streak alive.

Renards reach pinnacle of women’s high school hockey

Equipment littered the ice as a sea of black and orange embraced at Dakota Community Centre. The wait was over, the Centre scolaire Leo-Remillard (CSLR) Renards were champions at last.

Churchill rebounds to stave off elimination

A few minor tweaks produced season-saving results for the Churchill Bulldogs on Tuesday night.

Huskies look to top undefeated season with provincial title

Win together today, walk together forever: it’s a quote Stephen Tackie has reinforced to his varsity boys as they prepare for the biggest moment of their basketball careers.

Underdog Sabres shock Gophers

It was a brutally physical storybook ending to Steinbach Regional Secondary School’s Cinderella run. The team wouldn’t have it any other way.

Home sales, prices down from pandemic-fuelled heights in ‘year of adjustment’

Professionals in Winnipeg’s residential real estate industry say the market is right where it’s expected to be after February drew a spike in listings while offers remained ice-cold.

Passionate about education, driven to advocate

Inside the office of Courtney Foster’s south Winnipeg bungalow are two elegantly woven tapestries nailed to the wall. Hanging from them are more than 50 award ribbons, medals and ID cards from conferences, displayed in recognition of his mother’s unwavering devotion to the success of immigrants in Canada.

Renards’ stars steal the show

It was a game in which the Centre scolaire Leo-Remillard (CSLR) Renards needed their stars to shine the brightest. And their players never reached for the dimmer switch.

It’s business more than usual in Winnipeg’s industrial space

Business is booming in Winnipeg’s industrial market, and it’s not expected to fizzle any time soon.

After adding more than 750,000 square feet of inventory in 2022, the Manitoba capital is forecasted for a strong 2023 that will bring on another million square feet in inventory while demand remains sky high, according to a recent national report from CBRE, a global real estate agency.

“Optimistic certainly,” said Paul Kornelsen, VP and managing director of CBRE Winnipeg.

Athletes of all ages return to Boeing Indoor Classic after two-year COVID hiatus

The crack of a starting pistol echoed as hundreds of cleats swiftly clicked across the rubber track at James Daley Fieldhouse. A chorus of cheers from parents and supporters in stands ensued, helping propel the sprinters’ every stride.

Garden City knots series with St. Paul’s

Garden City had everything, and nothing, to lose.

Hard-rocking Einarson squad arrives home as record-tying fourth-straight Canadian women’s curling champs

Unlike a lot of regular folks, the sound of bagpipes never gets old for the best women curlers in the land.

Classic new high for Onyshko

The World Baseball Classic is the tallest mountain some players climb. It won’t be long before Ben Onyshko helps Team Canada try to reach its peak.

Métis federation getting ready to move in tenants March 1

In its rawest form, 670 Main St. will be a safe haven for an overlooked segment of an already marginalized population.

Manitoba twins face off on squash court

Anne and Emily Hargraves have been inseparable since birth — figuratively and almost literally.

All in the family at Canada Winter Games

Joey Johnson has accomplished a lot on the hardwood.

Manitoba speedskater earns silver in 1,500

A seriously jet-lagged Sofia Bieber was still soaring to begin her 2023 Canada Winter Games experience in Prince Edward Island.

Boxing won’t stop jabbing him

Eli Serada dubs it “the call of the ring.”

Student rental housing development’s second phase should be ready for 2024

Phase 2 of a student rental housing development project in southwest Winnipeg is expected to be completed next summer.

Align, an 18-storey, 397-unit (554-bed) residential mixed-use building located at 2537 Pembina Hwy., broke ground in May 2022 and will be move-in ready in time for the 2024 school year.

The building will neighbour Phase 1, The Arc (opened in 2021), across from the gate of the University of Manitoba’s main campus, at the corner of Bison Drive.

Real estate firm’s charity bake sale shifts focus in honour of grieving colleague

Century 21 Bachman &Associates’ annual bake sale had become a staple in the local real estate agency’s office around the Christmas season.

Manitobans have medals on their minds

It’s been four years since Manitoba’s most talented junior winter athletes united to compete on the national stage. That streak will come to a welcome end later this month.

Moose legend inducted into American Hockey League HOF today

Nolan Baumgartner’s hockey career didn’t arch the way he and many others may had once envisioned. It’s fair to say it worked out better that way.

Development promises vibrancy, renewal

It’s been a long time since the lot at 198 Sherbrook St. has seen any sort of sustained development.

The last project that brought some hope to the property was a community garden, which fell flat after a short time. It has remained virtually barren since that failed attempt.

Granola Heights is aimed at bucking that trend.

Winnipeg core’s empty-office problem not likely to change for a while

The state of Winnipeg’s downtown office vacancies will continue to remain in limbo for the time being, despite the city drawing another string of encouraging numbers in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Dancing Gabe celebrates milestone birthday at Manitoba Moose game

The crowd taking in the Manitoba Moose game at Canada Life Centre Sunday afternoon appeared as lively as ever.

Moose have mettle tested by Marlies

THE Manitoba Moose will take the wins any way they can get them. Even if that means escaping some tight situations along the way.

Manitoba women squash competition

Manitoba has long been an afterthought among the country’s top squash provinces.

Chisholm ready to make leap to NHL

It’s said good things come to those who wait. Declan Chisholm could be in for some dream-making fortunes one day soon.

McLaren Hotel to be retrofitted into housing-first model

The scene inside the once-acclaimed McLaren Hotel is one few would deem a suitable living situation.

Parker healthy and having fun on court

Emma Parker has suffered through some of the lowest valleys with the University of Winnipeg Wesmen women’s volleyball team. So it’s fitting she’s leading the program to its highest peak in more than a decade, in her final year donning the red and white.

Former city sportscaster writes books to get kids moving

A lightbulb went on as Lisa Bowes was preparing to call women’s hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Last year’s housing market ran red hot, then cold, with little in between

Winnipeg’s 2022 housing market was a tale of two halves.

Poised blue-liner making most of opportunity with Team Canada

Avery Pickering has a checklist that crosses her mind daily: play hockey on the world stage, excel at a Division 1 school, then make the Canadian women’s Olympic team.

Amy won’t let anything stand in her way

Tatum Amy wants to go out with a bang.

Scouting for a younger Jets fan

There was a time when a seat at a Winnipeg Jets game may have rivalled any night out at a pub or bar for some of the city’s younger fans.

With the NHL’s return to Manitoba’s capital after 15 years away, even those too young to appreciate the 1.0 version of the club were eager to make the most of a night in downtown Winnipeg. That often meant cutting out of work as early as possible and racing to a restaurant for food, a few adult beverages and other pregame festivities.

It’s been 11 years since that time, however, and it’s becoming easier to see the novelty has worn off among that demographic.

Such is evident on a Thursday evening, mere hours before the Jets are set to host the Nashville Predators at Canada Life Centre — an inner-division clash between a pair of rivals that have been at the centre of some dramatic bouts in the last decade.

All-star ringette celebration packs house following pandemic hiatus

The lights dim and the music starts as fog creeps over the ice.

Fewer on field could boost football

More players, more participation, more opportunity — all prevented by a narrative that it’s not real football.

Misericordia Terraces project fills need for assisted-living housing in Wolseley

Todd Sykes sits forward in his chair, attention undivided from his mother Lydia, who rests in her wheelchair motionless and blank in expression.

‘Biggest year ever’: cheer board meets demand

Getting back to normal never felt so good.

Kirby in deep Down Under

Jerome Kirby dreamed of success in the rink — the curling rink, that is.

Bob Dyce never considered coaching as a career; now he’s a CFL boss

There was a time Bob Dyce might have scoffed at the idea of coaching a football team, yet the Winnipegger is now responsible for running a CFL squad.

Cheer board volunteers roll up sleeves, get ‘er done

Al Altomare knows when the temperature dips and the Christmas spirit begins to appear, it’s his chance to make a difference.

Winnipeg diver captures silver at international meet

Winnipeg’s Anna Wylie managed her swirling emotions long enough to reach the podium this weekend.

Housing-first initiative aims to offer city’s homeless dignity, understanding

Ken St. George has dedicated the last 20 years to taking care of people in the community-health sector. Now he will enact the Housing First model in Winnipeg for the first time.

Admirals sink Moose in shootout

Talk about a pile of action for an extra point.

Duncalfe leads Huskies to title game

The Sturgeon Heights varsity girl’s volleyball team was David, but leaned on a Goliath of its own to advance to its first AAAA provincial championship game since Sturgeon Creek and Silver Heights amalgamated to form Sturgeon Heights.

Developer to build 500 rental units in south Winnipeg

A multi-use giant is on its way to the heart of Bridgwater.

A goal bigger than hockey

It’s an opportunity to raise money for their war-torn country, showcase their talents and, maybe most importantly, for the Ukrainian men’s under-25 national hockey team to find peace on the ice for two weeks.

Modrcin has medals on her mind

Dora Modcrin has been here before — four times to be exact. This week’s meet, however, could prove to be the most significant outing for the veteran swimmer.

New multi-use residential block aims to bring new life to the Osborne neighbourhood

The corner lot at Osborne Village’s southern gateway has a pulse after resting lifeless for more than two years.

NHL drive for diversity, inclusion takes strides: executive

A work in progress. A journey, not an event.

Trio of Manitoba high-divers representing Canada at international competition

Fear. Focus. Finish. It’s the three steps Alex Tiaglei, Anna Wylie and Adam Cohen process internally before they take the plunge into the deep end.

Crusaders march to title

It’s fair to say the celebration was worth the wait.

Kildonan East caps perfect campaign

The Kildonan East Collegiate varsity football team displayed excellence on a night they sought perfection.

Huskies, Vikings to meet in WHSFL Division II final

Eric Vincent’s recipe for a championship-calibre team has come together like many do, after a number of seasons and across a painful series of trial and error.

Bridging the financial gap for south-Winnipeg renters

A breath of budget-friendly air will soon sweep through south Winnipeg.

Limoges the OT hero for Moose

The Manitoba Moose got out of their own way and got the job done.

Brown leads Dakota to victory

Dakota Collegiate inched one game closer to its first triple-A varsity provincial football crown on Friday evening.

Lancers are in it to win it

Dakota Collegiate has never won a triple-A provincial championship in varsity football. It’s two games away from putting that slide to rest.

Shindico adds six properties to its retail portfolio

Shindico Realty has maintained its top-dog status in Winnipeg’s retail sector.

Sabres winning together

Boston Thiessen won’t deny it — he did not expect the Steinbach Regional Secondary School (SRSS) Sabres varsity boys’ volleyball team to be this dominant.

Rifles fall after high-calibre effort

It was Ryland Leichert’s world on Sunday and the Winnipeg Rifles were just living in it

Downtown office space stabilizing

Winnipeg’s downtown office market has stabilized for the time being, but continues to struggle in the post-pandemic world, a recent report says.

Buckeyes sink Clippers

An emphasis on responding was drilled into the Miles MacDonnell Collegiate football team all week with a pivotal matchup against the Kelvin Clippers on the horizon and the playoffs approaching.

Para archers on target

Doctors questioned whether Rob Cox would make it out of the operating room a year ago.

Inspiring athlete to meet Pope

Winnipegger Vivek Bhagria has worked to inspire others in the dwarf community for much of his athletics career. Now it’s time for the Pope to inspire him.

The Exodus of Etz Chayim

It’s a move that’s been decades in the making and, in the eyes of many, is long overdue.

Rifles win game, lose QB McNeil for season

It was supposed to be nothing more than a tune-up game for the Winnipeg Rifles. One that would build some much-needed momentum heading into the Prairie Conference playoffs next week after pouncing on the lowly Edmonton Wildcats on Sunday at IG Field.

Cold can’t slow down top cross-country runners

Manitoba’s premier young long-distance runners bundled up to trek the rugged terrain in Killarney for the provincial high school cross-country championships on Wednesday.

Local athletes honoured with Tom Longboat Award

Connor Church’s world brims with a palpable intensity as he approaches his next opponent, but is hushed once he steps on the mat.

Futbol Dreams Academy lives the dream in P.E.I.

The 1v1 Futbol Dreams Academy’s U-15 women’s team had one more thing to give thanks for on Monday.

Hockey Manitoba joins call for change

Hockey Manitoba has broken its silence on the ongoing saga involving Hockey Canada, supporting a growing demand for new faces atop the embattled organization.

Oak Park gridiron star making daily commute and turning heads

Jerome Fouillard makes the same drive to Winnipeg every morning with one goal: to prevent his parents from ever having to spend another dime on his aspirations.

Late slump costs Valour playoff spot

Another October, another CPL post-season that won’t feature Valour FC.

Report predicts eight per cent drop in home sale prices over last year

Residential sale prices in Winnipeg will decrease eight per cent this fall in comparison to last year, according to a recent Re/Max Canadian housing market report.

Visually impaired swimmer to enter Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

Tim McIsaac paid a king’s ransom emotionally, but he wouldn’t change a thing.

Manitoba water-skier captures first pro title at Florida tournament

Taryn Grant set out to reach two career milestones: win a professional water-skiing event and podium at the world championships. She’s halfway there.

‘Armageddon era’ thankfully waning, say realtors

August market updates have given realtors a reason to believe Winnipeg’s housing market is normalizing, not crashing.

St. Mary’s, St. Paul’s successfully defend provincial golf titles

St. Mary’s Academy and St. Paul’s High School extended their reign over golf in Manitoba on Friday.

Bisons’ star, face of women’s soccer in India having impact on and off the field

Dalima Chhibber wants to finish her University of Manitoba Bisons career on the pitch before she makes her mark on the world.

Springfield makes quick work of opposition

The Winnipeg High School Football League enters its third week of the 2022 regular season with some familiar squads atop the standings and noteworthy streaks on the line.

Missed opportunity for Valour FC

Elation and heartbreak penned another muddy chapter in Valour FC’s late-season playoff push.

T-birds matchup comes at critical time for winless Bisons

It’s only Week 3, yet the U of M Bisons already have their back against the wall.

Manitoba driver sets sights on 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race

David Richert is still shooting for his shot at the highest level.

Valour coming on strong in hunt for playoff spot

It’s crunch time for Valour FC.

Rifles knock off another top team

In a game that had the makings of a rout early on but wound up being a nail-biter, the Winnipeg Rifles prevailed over the Calgary Colts 31-28 at East Side Eagles Field on Sunday.

Southwood’s Orr top Manitoban after Day 1

The first round of the Canadian women’s mid-amateur and senior championships teed off Tuesday.

Stouffer rebounds from tragedy

Shelly Stouffer remembers Jan. 5, 2017, like it was yesterday.

Tiny Neepawa produces only Manitobans competing in World Archery 3D championship

April Willis mulled the idea of quitting archery altogether nine years ago. This week, she’ll take aim at the podium on the world stage.

Hey McIlroy, feast your eyes on this awesome scorecard

A hole-in-one, an albatross or an eagle are feats most golfers only dream of making at some point in their career. Karlos Jeong found a way to make them all happen in one round.

Valour FC comes up big

In what was as close to a do-or-die situation as they’ve been in all year, Valour FC refused to blink.

Hall of fame case has Winnipeg origins

David Hamilton has always had an affinity for old treasures.

Bisons aspire to post-season glory

Nicole Davis has one purpose: to ensure anyone, no matter if they have a disability, can have the same experience as everyone else in sports.

Bisons QBs battle for starter’s job

Long after practice ended, there were Des Catellier and Jackson Tachinski throwing on-the-run long bombs under the overcast sky at IG Field on Tuesday evening.

Disappointing draw for Valour FC

What looked like a light of hope wound up being a train that has left Valour FC’s playoff hopes in question.

Caswell family competing, officiating at national skeet championship

Dale pulls, Jason shoots, Brant watches.

Players gear up for beautiful Breezy

Charmaine Mackid wants to put an exclamation point on her already stellar summer later this month.

Abgrall fires 67 to qualify for Manitoba Open

The Manitoba Open will have another home representative in the field this week.

Canada rules box lacrosse

CANADA proved why it rules box lacrosse with the crown of world supremacy at stake in their own backyard.

Rifles look to build on last season’s success

Bryson McNeil is making one thing abundantly clear: he’s ready for some football.

Kuntz fifth at Canadian Junior Golf Championship

Braxton Kuntz may have come up short, but he has no reason to hang his head.

Local lacrosse talent shining on international stage

The chance to represent your country is a privilege few can claim. To Kale Grehan and Jackson Klewchuck, this week goes beyond the crest on their jersey.

Forbes happy to have chance to prove himself with Valour FC

Some might say he was thrown away. For Billy Forbes, Valour FC was a second life and a place to feel valued.

Valour FC heating up just in time

An order of stout defence with a side of awe-inspiring playmaking was on the menu for Valour FC Sunday afternoon.

Optimizing her potential

Alexa Scott is still shaken by the feeling.

Blue Jays academy eyes Manitoba talent

Mason De Ruyck was in the middle of a workout Tuesday morning when he felt his phone vibrate. It was a call from his mom, who never calls, just texts. Fearful for the worst, the teenager promptly answered and waited in suspense for some news.

Manitoba teams strike gold

It’s been four years since Jack Oleksiuk won a ball hockey world championship in Zlìn, Czech Republic, with Team Canada as a 16-year-old.

Red Knobs runs to Derby glory

Jorge Carreno said he could feel the power of his three-year-old thoroughbred as he white-knuckled its reins in the post.

Smith a Giant on the mound

An extra day of rest seemed like it could benefit both teams. But it was all Tyler Smith needed when taking the mound for what would be one of his best outings of the season for the Elmwood Giants.

Female Finnish Flash having a ball

Ella Honkonen has endured an adolesence that even she struggles to take a stance on.

Ball hockey breakthrough

Jeff Desjarlais had a revelation earlier this year.

Kuntz hangs on to win amateur

Braxton Kuntz peered through the pine trees on the left side of the 14th hole, reeling from a stray tee shot and white-knuckling a three-stroke lead that had dwindled from seven at the start of the day.

The 18-year-old, fighting himself on a golf course in a competitive round for the first time in what seems like weeks, couldn’t make a full swing and hit his wedge shot thin from the pine needles, sending the ball screaming into the lip of a fairway bunker.

The crowd’s collective heart rate quickly increased at Elmhurst Golf and Country Club, as his nearest competitor, Marco Trstenjak, idled in the middle of the fairway with an opportunity to set himself up for an eagle and draw himself even closer to the grinding teenager.

Kuntz superbly hoisted his next shot to the green-side rough, from where he would navigate to eventually save bogey. Though Trstenjak parred, clawing his way within two strokes of the lead with four holes to play, the leader had mitigated the damage.

Lutz has lots of work to do

Jordy Lutz knows he’s going to have to crank up the aggressiveness today.

The 31-year-old trails Braxton Kuntz by 10 strokes entering the final round of the Manitoba men’s amateur championship after shooting 2-over 73 on Friday, leaving him plus-2 for the tournament.

A tumultuous front-nine — played on Elmhurst Golf and Country Club’s usual back-nine — that included three birdies and four bogeys, left Lutz feeling uninspired by his putter at the turn. While his ball-striking stayed true-to-form throughout Friday’s round, the flat stick never warmed up, leading to an uneventful back-nine and him with an ambitious climb heading into today.

“I’m going to have to change my game plan a little bit,” he said after his round.

Showdown at Elmhurst

The last thing Braxton Kuntz wants to do is overthink this week.

The 19-year-old phenom is playing golf about as well as he could hope to right now, fresh off a landslide victory last week in the Manitoba junior men’s championship at St. Charles Country Club, where he flirted with a course record in his final round.

The win was his second consecutive in the junior championship, and this week he’s once again the man to beat in the field of 147, as he prepares to defend another title in the 111th Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur at Elmhurst Golf and Country Club.

“I obviously really work hard leading up to the (Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur) and it’s on my mind going into the golf season,” he said.

Facetious remark becomes new tennis centre

WHAT started as a silly quip six years ago is now a multi-million-dollar project, just two weeks from breaking ground in West St. Paul.

Tennis Manitoba executive director Mark Arndt was at a backyard barbeque in May 2016, speaking with a committee member of the Sunova Centre, a recreation site in West St. Paul. The individual mentioned the committee was considering additional uses for its 17,000-square-foot facility.

Facetiously, Arndt asked if there was room for tennis.

“Honestly, (it was) a joke… I didn’t think much of it. And then here we are. It’s just so satisfying to be at this point,” Arndt told the Free Press earlier this week.

Kuntz, Kartusch grab junior golf hardware

BRAXTON Kuntz woke up Friday morning, searching for the answer to his quest for another provincial title. But it soon became a question of whether he would etch his name in two record books that afternoon.

Entering the final round of the Manitoba junior men’s championship tied for the lead, Kuntz didn’t waste any time setting the tone at St. Charles Country Club, scorching the front-nine in four-under-par and making the turn with an emphatic nine-stroke lead.

After back-to-back birdies on the par-5 13th and 14th holes put Kuntz at six-under on the day and with the championship all but secured, buzz began to swirl around the possibility of the 19-year-old setting a course record.

The Winnipeg teen birdied the 16th and 17th holes before sending a strike into the heart of the 18th green, where he was left with an eight-foot putt for a third-straight birdie.

Kartusch lights up St. Charles

It took a few holes for Addison Kartusch’s wheels to start spinning, but when they did, she was hard to slow down.

The 15-year-old sits alone at the top of the Manitoba junior women’s championship through 36 holes after firing a one-over 73 on Thursday, leaving her +5 for the tournament and with a five-stroke lead.

After bogeying two of the first three holes to start her round at St. Charles Country Club, Kartusch flushed an iron shot into the par-3 fourth hole, where she flirted with a hole-in-one before the ball settled a couple of inches away from the cup.

“I kinda felt good about that one. That kinda got me going,” she said after her round.

Home-course advantage could loom large for juniors

JACK Taylor stood over his second shot on the par-4 sixth hole at St. Charles Country Club Tuesday morning, visualizing the shot he wanted hit before taking his club away to start his swing.

With the tight pin position on the front-left of a firm green, anda menacing bunker behind, Taylor took the conservative approach, hitting his ball to the middle of the putting surface, from which he would two-putt for par.

The decision to play it safe was a veteran move by the 16-year-old. It’s a situation a lot of people who aren’t familiar with the course will try to be aggressive in, he explained.

“The green is just so firm, it’s just really hard to get it close to the pin. So you have to play it safe, hit it to the middle and hope it doesn’t roll off the back,” he said.

Sholdice, Lafleche capture amateur crowns

A tumultuous back-nine stamped by a hiccup at the 16th hole looked like a tale Ryan Sholdice was never going to live down.

But brighter times, like the ones provided by the summery weather in southeastern Manitoba on Friday afternoon, prospered for the 29-year-old. Sholdice weathered the storm — and his nerves — through the final two holes at Granite Hills Golf Club to secure his first Diamond Athletic Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship.

The champion continued to wear a big smile long after his round had ended.

“It feels good. The last couple of years I’ve been right there. So it finally feels good to get one under the belt.”

Teen shares three-way lead at women’s amateur

Jeri Lafleche has been here before — pacing the field, entering the final round of a renowned provincial tournament.

The 15-year-old was in the same spot during last year’s Bantam Championship at Transcona Golf Club, where she emphatically clinched the title on Sunday to win by 12 strokes.

She’ll look to rekindle some of that magic on Friday afternoon at Granite Hills Golf Club, this time against some of the best women’s golfers the province has to offer, in the 105th Diamond Athletic Women’s Amateur.

Lafleche made a statement with her Thursday round, firing a tournament-low 75 to rest at 12-over par on the championship.

Courting players a struggle for tennis in province

Aurora Ling had different interests than her friends growing up.

The Winnipeg teen has travelled down what’s been a relatively unbeaten path in Manitoba, playing tennis most of her life.

Ling’s dad introduced her to the game when she was five. As her interest grew in the sport, so did her desire to compete. By the time she was eight, she was enrolled in summer camps, public lessons and private sessions designed for high-performance players, while being trained by her dad at home.

Next thing she knew, she was competing with the provincial team through Tennis Manitoba.

Academy looks to put Manitoba on the tennis map

The sound of tennis balls popping off rackets reverberated through the balmy River Heights air Tuesday afternoon.

It was day filled with intense training. Now, 16 of Winnipeg’s top junior tennis players were capping their first session in the Taylor Tennis Summer Academy with some friendly matches.

The academy, hosted by Taylor Tennis Club, celebrated its inaugural training period on Tuesday.

The academy will welcome high-performance players, ages 10-17, from across the city three times a week for the next six weeks, with the vision of offering something that has been missing in the athletes’ lives.

Valour FC’s understated Dyer consistently among CPL’s top scorers

In an era of sport where the leading scorer of a team is often one of the most vocal in the bunch, Moses Dyer is an anomaly.

The 25 year old doesn’t say much in the Valour FC locker room, and he likes it that way. He prefers to let his actions do the talking.

“I don’t try to lead with my mouth. I just work hard on the field. That’s infectious,” he said.

In the way of production, Dyer has been boisterous to begin the 2022 CPL season.

Multi-sport athlete from Sanford takes top female honours

It was a 48-hour whirlwind for Gwen Bestland.

The 17-year-old graduated from Sanford Collegiate on Monday and thought she was going for lunch with her parents to celebrate on Wednesday.

That was until they made a pit stop at downtown’s Sport Manitoba, where a host of other secondary-school athletes and their families from across the province were gathered for the 2022 Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association (MHSAA) Athlete of the Year ceremony.

Bestland, surprised at the banquet by her hockey coach and two teammates, was a nominee for the award from the “AAA” girls category but had been kept in the dark about her nomination by her family and friends.

Bar raised for safety of children in sports

A new standard has been set to make sports safer for children in Manitoba.

All coaches and teachers who work with students in the K-12 school system will now have to complete an online-training program designed to prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination, the province announced Tuesday morning.

The Respect in Sport program, run by Respect Group, has been mandated by Sport Manitoba since 2007 for those coaching sports at the community level. Manitoba is the first province to make it a requirement for school staff.

“I think by mandating this type of training and making it a priority in our organizations, it becomes important, and that’s critical,” said Sheldon Kennedy, co-founder of Respect Group, who was present during the announcement.

Teen wins Women’s City and District Championship

Cala Korman had nearly forgotten what it felt like to taste victory.

It was almost two years to the day since the Killarney teen last raised a trophy, and it wasn’t until she tallied her final score on Sunday afternoon that she realized the monkey was finally off her back.

Korman, 16, took home the Women’s City and District Championship this weekend, held at La Broquerie Golf Course, scoring 153 to prevail over a pair of past champions in the final group.

She shared the tee with three-time winner Charmaine Mackid, 45, and Jill Hardy, 41, a two-time champ.

Teen gets another crack at district championship

You wouldn’t know it speaking to her, but Crystal Zamzow is just 16 years old. She carries the type of quiet confidence that gracefully exudes from many champions at the highest levels in sport.

This weekend, Zamzow hopes past heartbreak and another year of experience can carry her to a win in a distinguished provincial tournament.

The teenager tees off at the Women’s City and District Championship at La Broquerie Golf Course today, a title that slipped from her grasp a year ago.

Zamzow led the 36-hole event after the first round at Transcona Golf Club, firing a rock-solid 78 that included one birdie and just seven bogeys.

Manitoba golfers on course for first all-abilities championship

Kristian Hammerback gets emotional just thinking about it.

This weekend, he’ll tee off in the inaugural Golf Manitoba All Abilities Championship at La Broquerie Golf Course.

The tournament is a 36-hole event for golfers who identify with neurological, intellectual, sensory and physical impairments.

“It is monumental,” Hammerback said on a phone call Wednesday afternoon.