News briefs for Tuesday, February 13, 2024

CFL and Bombers legend Kenny Ploen dead at 88

5:52 PM

Legendary quarterback Ken Ploen, who led the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to six Grey Cup appearances including victories in 1958, ’59, ’61 and ’62, died today after a lengthy illness. He was 88.

Ploen, born in Lost Nation, Iowa, was a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, Iowa Sports Hall of Fame and Rose Bowl Hall of Fame.

In 2005, he was named one of the Winnipeg Football Club’s 20 all-game greats.

“Ken Ploen was the face of the Blue Bombers for years and then became a part of the fabric of this community following his playing days,” said Winnipeg Football Club president and CEO Wade Miller. “He was a four-time Grey Cup champion as a player and a great ambassador for our franchise and our city.

“The WFC would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Ploen family and to his many friends and family in Winnipeg as well as across Canada and the United States.”

Ploen, came to Winnipeg in 1957 after a tremendous U.S. college career and a Rose Bowl vitory with University of Iowa, was named an all-star three times — twice as a quarterback and once as a defensive back — after leading the team in 1959 with what was then a club record 10 interceptions.

He retired in 1967 as the Blue Bombers all-time leading passer and sixth in the CFL.

Bombers Hardrick, Houston, among others, find new CFL homes

12:06 PM

We’re just an hour into CFL free agency opening and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have already seen former players find new CFL homes.

Right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick has signed a two-year deal with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, paying him around $235,000 per season and making him the highest-paid American O-lineman in the CFL.

Cornerback Demerio Houston, who led the league in interceptions last year, inked a two-year deal with the Calgary Stampeders, which also included a hefty pay boost, earning Houston close to $130,000 per year. Both signings were expected, as each player reached a tentative deal with their respective new clubs during last week’s negotiation window.

Quarterback Dakota Prukop signed a one-year deal with the B.C. Lions. With Chris Streveler returning to the Bombers, Prukop’s role as the short-yardage pivot was expected to be used somewhere else in 2024.

The Bombers aren’t expected to be busy today, as much of their work was done in recent weeks and months, with Winnipeg inking 17 players to extensions, including the likes of running back Brady Oliveira, receiver Dalton Schoen, left tackle Stanley Bryant and defensive end Willie Jefferson.

Missing man last heard from in January

11:11 AM

The family of a missing man is asking for the public’s help in finding him.

Garrett Chesney Trout, 26, was last heard from via social media on Jan. 13. His aunt Tina Trout was the last person to hear from him. His last known whereabouts were in the North End.

Trout, who is from Pimicikamak Cree Nation, is described as 5-7 in height, with a medium build, brown hair and brown eyes.

The MKO said Trout came to Winnipeg for medical treatment this summer and that it’s unlike him to be out of contact with his family for so long.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak held a news conference Tuesday, with Trout’s mother, brother and aunts and uncles. Pimicikamak Chief David Monias and a band councillor were also there.

Anyone with information about where Trout is is asked to call the Winnipeg Police Service’s missing persons unit at 204-986-6520 or the Bear Clan at 204-794-3568.

The Forks river trail reopens

10:12 AM

The river skating trail at The Forks has reopened.

The trail closed Jan. 30 amid mild temperatures in Winnipeg, just five days after it opened.

Officials at the downtown attraction say staff are testing the ice daily and warn skaters to follow signs indicating where the river is safe.

Man fatally shot in Pinaymootang First Nation

9:57 AM

RCMP are investigating after a man was fatally shot on Pinaymootang First Nation late Monday night.

Mounties were sent to the scene at about 11:50 p.m. and found an injured 23-year-old man outside a home. Officers provided first-aid, including performing CPR, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

RCMP are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call the Gypsumville detachment at 204-659-2682 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).