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BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Manitoba Moose centre Brayden Yager (left) and Milwaukee Admirals forward Joey Willis battle in the faceoff circle during their best-of-three AHL play-in series on Wednesday.

Moose forced into must-win mode

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Yesterday at 10:58 PM CDT

In the blink of an eye, the Manitoba Moose find themselves on the verge of playoff elimination.

It wasn’t for a shortage of scoring chances, but rather a lack of finish as the Moose managed 43 shots on goal against Matt Murray but lost 4-1 to the Milwaukee Admirals before a crowd of 3,169 on Wednesday at Canada Life Centre.

“It kind of speaks for itself, but I think the message is belief,” said Moose defenceman Isaak Phillips, who was a physical presence in the contest. “We’re right there in that game. We ran into a little bit of a hot goalie there at the end. We could have had two or three go in the back of the net, but that happens sometimes.”

Falling behind 2-0 and seeing the deficit grow to three in the second period created a hole that was too difficult to dig out of, even if the Moose carried a good chunk of the play.

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Spring temperatures welcome as most golf courses set to fully open by Saturday

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Preview

Spring temperatures welcome as most golf courses set to fully open by Saturday

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 5:49 PM CDT

Despite a few remaining snow mounds and some standing water in areas, golf courses in and around Winnipeg have started teeing it up for the season, with many more expected to follow in the coming days.

One of the first to open was Shooters Family Golf Centre, which has become notorious for its quick jump into the outdoor season.

Owner Guido Cerasani opened the back nine for the first time on April 15, but was forced to close it again owing to Mother Nature taking another swing at low temperatures and snowfall. All 18 holes have been available for walking players since Monday, and Cerasani said enthusiasts have taken full advantage.

“Big time. (Tuesday) and (Monday), it was like full-bore summertime,” said Cerasani, who opened his driving range on March 27, then again on April 2.

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Updated: Yesterday at 5:49 PM CDT

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS

The city announced Wednesday morning that Windsor Park Golf Course, along with the three other city-owned links (Kildonan Park, Crescent Drive and Canoe Club) will open to the public on Saturday, April 24, for the season.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS The city announced Wednesday morning that Windsor Park Golf Course, along with the three other city-owned links (Kildonan Park, Crescent Drive and Canoe Club) will open to the public on Saturday, April 24, for the season.

Salomonsson hopes to be in Manitoba Moose lineup for Game 2 against Milwaukee

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Preview

Salomonsson hopes to be in Manitoba Moose lineup for Game 2 against Milwaukee

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Yesterday at 1:35 PM CDT

Elias Salomonsson isn’t holding a grudge, he’s viewing his time in concussion protocol — and the reason behind it — as a valuable learning opportunity.

As the Winnipeg Jets top defence prospect spoke to the media for the first time since being on the receiving end of a reverse hit that knocked him out of the final seven games of the NHL season, Salomonsson made it clear he had no issue whatsoever with the check Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson delivered in the second period of a game on April 2.

“It was a good hit. I have nothing bad to say about the hit,” said Salomonsson, who was loaned to the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League on Wednesday but wasn’t in the lineup for Game 1 of the Calder Cup playoffs against the Milwaukee Admirals. “I just wasn’t ready for it, so it’s a learning lesson for me, for sure.”

This was the first concussion Salomonsson has dealt with during his hockey career and working his way through the symptoms brought some challenges, though he passed his baseline test on Tuesday and was removed from concussion protocol.

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Yesterday at 1:35 PM CDT

KYUSUNG GONG / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Jets defenceman Elias Salomonsson has cleared concussion protocol and plans to be a full participant at Thursday’s Moose practice, paving the way for a Game 2 Calder Cup playoffs debut on Friday.
KYUSUNG GONG / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets defenceman Elias Salomonsson has cleared concussion protocol and plans to be a full participant at Thursday’s Moose practice, paving the way for a Game 2 Calder Cup playoffs debut on Friday.

Bisons’ Dyck, Lenz to attend Vancouver’s invite-only combine

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Bisons’ Dyck, Lenz to attend Vancouver’s invite-only combine

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read 5:02 PM CDT

There are no guaranteed job interviews in professional basketball after university. So the fact that Winkler’s Dante Dyck has already landed two before turning 20 could be telling of just how high his ceiling is.

The talented Manitoba Bisons guard is one of nearly 40 student-athletes from post-secondary programs across North America who will head west this weekend to take part in the Vancouver Bandits’ inaugural university combine at the Langley Events Centre.

Dyck will take the court with Bisons teammate Brandt Lenz for the invite-only combine, which is the first of its kind in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. Select players will be invited to run in the Bandits training camp, beginning May 5, where they will have a chance to make the team’s active roster.

Although Dyck, coming off a redshirt freshman season, could be one of the youngest in the crop, he might also be one of the most comfortable in a professional setting.

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5:02 PM CDT

SAM KEEN PHOTO

If Manitoba Bisons freshman Dante Dyck (2) impresses the Vancouver Bandits at the invite-only combine this weekend, the guard could be invited to the team’s training camp that begins May 5 with a chance to make the club’s active roster.
SAM KEEN PHOTO If Manitoba Bisons freshman Dante Dyck (2) impresses the Vancouver Bandits at the invite-only combine this weekend, the guard could be invited to the team’s training camp that begins May 5 with a chance to make the club’s active roster.

Edmonton Oilers’ captain Connor McDavid labouring to start NHL playoffs

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Edmonton Oilers’ captain Connor McDavid labouring to start NHL playoffs

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Updated: 11:46 AM CDT

EDMONTON - Oilers captain Connor McDavid continued to fight the puck, and Edmonton's vaunted power play had yet to strike to start the NHL playoffs.

McDavid, the league's regular-season points leader, was held off the scoresheet a second straight game Wednesday at Rogers Place. He had four shots and went minus-2 in a 6-4 loss to the Anaheim Ducks.

He weathered an injury scare early in the second period to continue playing, but his giveaway later that period led to Anaheim's short-handed goal and a 4-2 lead.

Edmonton takes a 1-1 split to Anaheim after a 4-3 win in Game 1 in the best-of-seven series. 

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Updated: 11:46 AM CDT

Anaheim Ducks' Mason McTavish (23) defends against Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid (97) during second period NHL playoff action in Edmonton on Monday, April 20, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Codie McLachlan
Anaheim Ducks' Mason McTavish (23) defends against Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid (97) during second period NHL playoff action in Edmonton on Monday, April 20, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Codie McLachlan

Moose forward goes into first AHL post-season campaign with hot hands

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Moose forward goes into first AHL post-season campaign with hot hands

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2026

Colby Barlow had his patience tested, so naturally, his confidence was occasionally wavering.

But on the eve of his first taste of the Calder Cup playoffs, the Manitoba Moose forward prospect is riding high after regaining his scoring touch.

Barlow, who was chosen 18th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2023 draft, battled his way through some lengthy dry spells and has been firing on all cylinders as the Moose welcome the Milwaukee Admirals to Canada Life Centre on Wednesday to open a best-of-three series.

“Yeah, it can get frustrating, for sure,” said Barlow, who finished his first full professional season with eight goals and 16 points in 65 games.

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Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2026

Mike Sudoma / FREE PRESS FILES

Manitoba Moose forward Colby Barlow is riding high on the eve of his first Calder Cup playoffs after regaining his scoring touch.

Mike Sudoma / FREE PRESS FILES Manitoba Moose forward Colby Barlow is riding high on the eve of his first Calder Cup playoffs after regaining his scoring touch.

Swanson’s hit in 10th gives Cubs 8-7 victory that extends both win streak and Phillies’ skid to 9

Matt Carlson, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Swanson’s hit in 10th gives Cubs 8-7 victory that extends both win streak and Phillies’ skid to 9

Matt Carlson, The Associated Press 2 minute read 4:53 PM CDT

CHICAGO (AP) — Dansby Swanson had his first game-ending hit in five years, and the Chicago Cubs rebounded from a pair of blown leads to beat Philadelphia 8-7 in 10 innings Thursday for their ninth straight win and the Phillies’ ninth loss in a row.

Chicago led 6-2 before Philadelphia closed with three runs in the seventh. Pinch-hitter Edmundo Sosa had a tying single off Jacob Webb in the eighth, Seiya Suzuki put Chicago back ahead 7-6 when he homered against Brad Keller in the bottom half and pinch-hitter Adolis García retied the score when he went deep off Caleb Theilbar in the ninth.

Swanson’s opposite-field, one-out single to right-center off Tanner Banks (0-2) drove in automatic runner Ian Happ from third for Swanson’s first walk-off hit with the Cubs, giving the win to Javier Assad (2-1).

Chicago had a season-high 18 hits and is on its longest winning streak since taking 11 in a row from July 31 through Aug. 12 in 2016 – the year the Cubs won their first World Series since 1908.

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4:53 PM CDT

Chicago Cubs' Dansby Swanson, center, celebrates with Carson Kelly, right, and Matt Shaw after driving in the game-winning run in the 10th inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Chicago Cubs' Dansby Swanson, center, celebrates with Carson Kelly, right, and Matt Shaw after driving in the game-winning run in the 10th inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Sports Editor's Picks

Joshua Frey-Sam:

Kornberger, Asagwara, Posthumus get call to the Basketball Hall

BROOK JONES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The Winnipeg Sea Bears take to the hard court against the visiting Vancouver Bandits in Canadian Elite Basketball League action at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Man., Saturday, May 27, 2023. Winnipeg defeated Vancouver 90-85. Pictured: Forward Chad Posthumus makes his debut as a Winnipeg Sea Bears player.

Mike McIntyre:

Jets GM appears unconcerned about job security despite club’s nosedive of a season

RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff had little explanation Monday over the club’s season that can fairly be described as somewhere between disappointing and disastrous.

Ken Wiebe:

Jets’ Lowry, Perfetti determined for team to come back stronger next season

ETHAN CAIRNS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets captain Adam Lowry (right) says it’s possible he came back from off-season hip surgery a bit too soon.

Mike McIntyre:

Hellebuyck fires shots at club following Jets season exit

Tony Gutierrez / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made it clear Friday his patience is starting to run thin with the club building a Stanley Cup winning team.

Ken Wiebe:

Hard personnel decisions aplenty for Winnipeg Jets after missing playoffs

David Zalubowski / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti had a tale of two seasons, some of which was due to the high ankle sprain he suffered late in training camp.

Taylor Allen:

Team Kurz caps off undefeated week by capturing provincial mixed curling crown

Curl Manitoba Photo Team Kurz got the band back together last week and won the 2026 Manitoba Mixed Curling Provincial Championship on Sunday. From left: skip Colin Kurz, third Meghan Walter, second Brendan Bilawka and lead Sara Krym.

More Sports

Paris offers to host 2030 Winter Games ice hockey after Nice mayor opposes Olympic plan

Samuel Petrequin, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Paris offers to host 2030 Winter Games ice hockey after Nice mayor opposes Olympic plan

Samuel Petrequin, The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: 11:16 AM CDT

PARIS (AP) — Olympic Games events could return to Paris as soon as 2030.

The Paris Entertainment Company, which operates the Adidas Arena and Accor Arena in the French capital, told The Associated Press on Thursday it has submitted a bid to host ice hockey during the 2030 Winter Games to be held in France.

Both venues were used during the 2024 Paris Summer Games and could serve as alternative solutions because the new Nice mayor, Eric Ciotti, opposes ice hockey events at Nice soccer stadium, the Allianz Arena, which would be converted into a temporary hockey rink.

Like the Milan Cortina Olympics, the French Alps has split snow sports in storied mountain resorts and skating in a snow-free city, the French Riviera resort Nice. The final venues will be confirmed in June when the IOC decides the list of sports and events.

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Updated: 11:16 AM CDT

FILE - A cyclist rides past the Adidas Arena, April 18, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File)
FILE - A cyclist rides past the Adidas Arena, April 18, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File)

‘Did we look intimidated?” Canadiens brush off Bolts’ bully approach

Jared Book, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

‘Did we look intimidated?” Canadiens brush off Bolts’ bully approach

Jared Book, The Canadian Press 4 minute read 1:30 PM CDT

BROSSARD - Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said that his team is OK playing the role of the villain.

The Montreal Canadiens are not taking the bait.

Led by scrappy forward Brandon Hagel, the Lightning earned a physical 3-2 overtime win in Game 2 on Wednesday to even the first-round series between the Atlantic Division teams at 1-1.

But the Canadiens have no intention of backing down.

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1:30 PM CDT

Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Brandon Hagel (38) and Montreal Canadiens left wing Juraj Slafkovsky (20) fight during the second period in Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Brandon Hagel (38) and Montreal Canadiens left wing Juraj Slafkovsky (20) fight during the second period in Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Mets’ Francisco Lindor goes on injured list with more extreme calf injury than Juan Soto’s

Jerry Beach, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Mets’ Francisco Lindor goes on injured list with more extreme calf injury than Juan Soto’s

Jerry Beach, The Associated Press 3 minute read 5:13 PM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor was put on a the 10-day injured list by the New York Mets on Thursday, a day after straining his left calf, and manager Carlos Mendoza said “he’s going to be down for quite a bit here."

Lindor was hurt Wednesday when the Mets beat Minnesota 3-2 and stopped a 12-game losing streak, their longest since 2002. Left fielder Juan Soto returned from a strained right calf that had sidelined him since April 3 and went 1 for 3 with a walk. Soto had missed 15 games.

Lindor labored around the bases while scoring from first on Francisco Alvarez’s one-out double. An MRI Thursday determined the stain was more severe than Soto's.

“We knew right away with Juan that it was kind of the best-case scenario. He was going to be on the short side of things,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “I don’t think we’re dealing with the same thing here.”

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5:13 PM CDT

New York Mets' Francisco Lindor, left, slides past Minnesota Twins catcher Victor Caratini to score on a double by Francisco Alvarez during the fourth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Mets' Francisco Lindor, left, slides past Minnesota Twins catcher Victor Caratini to score on a double by Francisco Alvarez during the fourth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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