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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.

CEBL champ Tilmon signs with Sea Bears

Taylor Allen 2 minute read Preview

CEBL champ Tilmon signs with Sea Bears

Taylor Allen 2 minute read Yesterday at 3:59 PM CDT

The Winnipeg Sea Bears have added a CEBL champion to the roster.

Forward Jeremiah Tilmon Jr., a 6-10 import from East St. Louis, Ill., has agreed to a contract for the upcoming 2026 campaign.

The 27-year-old spent 2022 and 2023 with the Hamilton Honey Badgers and helped the team win the league title in his debut season up north. In 27 career CEBL games, Tilmon has averaged 11.7 points, 6 rebounds and 1.25 blocks per contest while shooting 62.5 per cent from the field.

Tilmon spent the 2025-26 NBA G League season with the Wisconsin Herd where he avareged 6.1 points and 4.2 rebounds in 18.8 minutes per game. He has also played professionally in China, the Dominican Republic, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait and Romania throughout his six-year career.

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Yesterday at 3:59 PM CDT

ADRIAN WYLD / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Jeremiah Tilmon Jr. (right) will join the Winnipeg Sea Bears for the 2026 campaign. The forward helped the Hamilton Honey Badgers win the 2022 league title.
ADRIAN WYLD / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Jeremiah Tilmon Jr. (right) will join the Winnipeg Sea Bears for the 2026 campaign. The forward helped the Hamilton Honey Badgers win the 2022 league title.

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 4:03 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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4:03 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.

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is seeking counseling and will miss Day 3 of the NFL draft

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is seeking counseling and will miss Day 3 of the NFL draft

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: 8:15 AM CDT

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is seeking counseling and will not be with the team for Day 3 of the NFL Draft on Saturday, following the publication of photos of the coach and longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort.

“As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend,” Vrabel told ESPN on Wednesday night. “This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them.

“I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be. This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result.”

The Patriots confirmed Vrabel will miss the third day of the draft.

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Updated: 8:15 AM CDT

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during an NFL football press conference, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during an NFL football press conference, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)

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.

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Royals will build a $1.9B downtown KC ballpark as part of a $3B project with Hallmark Cards

Dave Skretta, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Royals will build a $1.9B downtown KC ballpark as part of a $3B project with Hallmark Cards

Dave Skretta, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 3:28 PM CDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals are moving from their longtime home at Kauffman Stadium to the downtown Crown Center area, partnering with Hallmark Cards on a $3 billion project that includes a mixed-used development with a new ballpark as its centerpiece.

Royals owner John Sherman was joined by Hallmark chairman Don Hall Jr., Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, along with other local and state dignitaries, in making the announcement Wednesday near Hallmark headquarters.

While the finalized master plan has yet to be complete, Sherman said the $1.9 billion stadium would break ground next year in the middle of Crown Center as part of the first phase of an 85-acre project. Two-thirds of the funding will come from private sources and the remaining one-third from public partners, including money earmarked by the state for stadium projects.

“This is a partnership between two treasured Kansas City institutions,” Sherman said. “We are committed to creating a vision which honors our history, the rich past of both organizations, while reinvigorating and reimagining what our future can be together.”

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Updated: Yesterday at 3:28 PM CDT

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. throws to first for the double play hit into by Baltimore Orioles' Colton Cowser during the ninth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. throws to first for the double play hit into by Baltimore Orioles' Colton Cowser during the ninth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

New cricket stadium in Southern California heralds the sport’s Olympic return after 128 years

Deepa Bharath, The Associated Press 7 minute read Preview

New cricket stadium in Southern California heralds the sport’s Olympic return after 128 years

Deepa Bharath, The Associated Press 7 minute read Updated: 8:12 AM CDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — It’s been 126 years since cricket — the second most watched sport in the world — made an appearance in the Olympics. That’s about to change in 2028.

On Wednesday, shovels hit the ground in Pomona, a city in the eastern edge of Los Angeles County, where construction has begun for a 10,000-plus capacity premier cricket stadium. It will serve as the venue for men’s and women’s games, played by six teams in each competition.

The stadium is being erected in the Fairplex fairgrounds as the home of the Los Angeles Knight Riders, a professional Major League Cricket team owned by the Mumbai-based Knight Riders Sports. The company is co-led by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

The groundbreaking kicked off with a “bhumi pujan,” a ritual rooted in Hindu tradition, which often marks the start of a construction project as a way of seeking divine blessings and forgiveness for disturbing the earth.

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Updated: 8:12 AM CDT

New fresh grass is grown for a world-class cricket pitch at the Pomona Fairplex on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, seen during the groundbreaking of the new Knight Riders Cricket Field, which will serve as the Los Angeles Knight Riders' official home field for 2026 and later host cricket at the LA 2028 Olympics. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
New fresh grass is grown for a world-class cricket pitch at the Pomona Fairplex on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, seen during the groundbreaking of the new Knight Riders Cricket Field, which will serve as the Los Angeles Knight Riders' official home field for 2026 and later host cricket at the LA 2028 Olympics. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Raptors try to slow Mitchell, find offence in Game 3 vs. Cavaliers

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Raptors try to slow Mitchell, find offence in Game 3 vs. Cavaliers

The Canadian Press 2 minute read 3:02 AM CDT

TORONTO - The Toronto Raptors will try to claw back into their first-round NBA playoff series tonight when they host Game 3 at Scotiabank Arena, trailing 2-0 to Cleveland in the best-of-seven matchup.

Toronto dropped the first two games on the road, including a 115-105 loss Monday after a 126-113 defeat in Game 1.

Turnovers have been an issue, with the Raptors committing 22 in Game 2.

Containing Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, who had 30 points Monday, will be key for Toronto.

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3:02 AM CDT

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell looks toward the referee after a basket during the second half in Game 1 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series against the Toronto Raptors, Saturday, April 18, 2026, In Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell looks toward the referee after a basket during the second half in Game 1 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series against the Toronto Raptors, Saturday, April 18, 2026, In Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

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