News briefs for Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Jets beat Red Wings 5-2, jump into 1st place

9:12 PM

The Winnipeg Jets downed the Detroit Red Wings 5-2 on Wednesday night, surging into first place in the Central Division.

Gabriel Vilardi led the way with a goal and two assists, while Nikolaj Ehlers and Axel Jonsson-Fjallby had a goal and a helper. Mark Scheifele and Neal Pionk had the other tallies. Goaltender Laurent Brossoit made 26 saves.

Olli Maatta and Patrick Kane scored for the visitors.

Winnipeg improves to 19-9-3, including 7-1-1 in the last nine games. Detroit falls to 15-13-4.

The Jets close out a four-game homestand on Friday night against the Boston Bruins.

Police searching for missing Thompson woman

3:33 PM

RCMP are searching for a missing 32-year-old woman in Thompson.

Renita Brigette Richard was last seen on Dec. 13. Richard was reported missing to RCMP on Tuesday evening.

She’s described as 5-7 in height, with long black hair (possibly in a ponytail) and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a puffy winter jacket and black leggings.

Thompson RCMP are asking anyone with information on her whereabouts to call them at 204-677-6909/6911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Winnipeg police to release details on attempted murder, forcible confinement probe

11:47 AM

Winnipeg police are holding a press conference this afternoon to release details on an investigation into an attempted murder and forcible confinement of a victim.

Winnipeg Police Service Supt. Bonnie Emerson, Sgt. Gary Mathez of the sex crimes unit and Sgt. Andrea Scott of the specialized investigations unit will speak to the media at 1 p.m.

No other details of the investigation have been confirmed.

It is rare for sex crimes investigators to speak publicly with the media.

Serious assault under investigation

10:36 AM

One person was taken to hospital after a serious assault in Elmwood at about 8 a.m. Wednesday, the Winnipeg Police Service has confirmed.

The incident happened at Watt Street and Talbot Avenue. A spokesperson for WPS stated the police service has “no further information to provide at this time.”

Jets prospect McGroarty named Team USA captain

10:26 AM

Winnipeg Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty has been named captain of the American team that will compete at the World Juniors over the holidays.

The 19-year-old, who was drafted 14th overall in 2022, is in his second season with the University of Michigan. He suffered a fractured rib and punctured lung in a game last month and had to be stretchered off the ice, spending more than a week in hospital recovering.

But McGroarty is now good to go and will play a prominent role in the U.S. bid for a gold medal. The tournament begins on Boxing Day.

Bombers ink Cadwallader through 2025

9:01 AM

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have inked linebacker Tanner Cadwallader to a two-year extension, the CFL club announced Wednesday morning.

The 26-year-old Ontario native was set to become a free agent in February. Cadwallader, who was selected by Winnipeg in the seventh round — 64th overall — in the 2020 CFL Draft, will enter his fourth season with the Blue and Gold in 2024.

Cadwallader has played in every game since being drafted, including 50 regular season games and six playoff tilts, registering 38 special-teams tackles, four defensive tackles and one forced fumble.