Sports

MJHL all-stars announced

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Monday, Mar. 20, 2023

Travis Hensrud and Warren Clark continue to rack up the accolades this season in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL).

The two Steinbach Pistons earned all-star honours, with Hensrud named to the second-team, and Clark making the rookie team. Carson Reed of the Niverville Nighthawks joined Clark on the all-rookie team. The teams were voted on by MJHL coaches and general managers.

Hensrud, a 2002-born forward from Thunder Bay, Ont., leads the Pistons in scoring, and is tied for second in total league scoring heading into the weekend’s action. The Northern Michigan University commitment has 33 goals and 35 assists in 50 games played this season.

“(Hensrud) has been so consistent all year and definitely deserves the recognition,” Steinbach head coach and general manager Paul Dyck said.

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Eastman Selects grads spark Winkler Flyers

Wes Keating 3 minute read Preview

Eastman Selects grads spark Winkler Flyers

Wes Keating 3 minute read Sunday, Mar. 19, 2023

Former members of the Eastman ‘AAA’ Selects played an instrumental role in leading the Winkler Flyers to a convincing four-games-to-one series win over the Melfort Mustangs, on the way to capturing the Anavet Cup, and a berth in the Canadian Junior Hockey Championships in Winnipeg early in May.

The Flyers won the first two games of the best of seven series, on the road, at the home of Melfort Mustangs, the champions of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

The Flyers edged the SJHL champions 2-1 in that game, and a decisive win in the second game gave the Flyers the opportunity to win the series at home, with the next three games of the series slated for Winkler.

Dave Martin, a native of Niverville, scored three goals in Winkler’s decisive 9-1 win in Game Two. Yvan St Vincent of Ste Anne was in the Winkler net, stopping all but one of the 42 shots he faced.

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Sunday, Mar. 19, 2023

Former members of the Eastman ‘AAA’ Selects played an instrumental role in leading the Winkler Flyers to a convincing four-games-to-one series win over the Melfort Mustangs, on the way to capturing the Anavet Cup, and a berth in the Canadian Junior Hockey Championships in Winnipeg early in May.

The Flyers won the first two games of the best of seven series, on the road, at the home of Melfort Mustangs, the champions of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

The Flyers edged the SJHL champions 2-1 in that game, and a decisive win in the second game gave the Flyers the opportunity to win the series at home, with the next three games of the series slated for Winkler.

Dave Martin, a native of Niverville, scored three goals in Winkler’s decisive 9-1 win in Game Two. Yvan St Vincent of Ste Anne was in the Winkler net, stopping all but one of the 42 shots he faced.

AS I SEE IT COLUMN: Soccer announcer riles up all of Britain

James Loewen 4 minute read Preview

AS I SEE IT COLUMN: Soccer announcer riles up all of Britain

James Loewen 4 minute read Saturday, Mar. 18, 2023

In the latest example of a sports story becoming a front-page hard news story, we travel across the ocean to Britain.

As the inventors of soccer, Brits are extremely passionate about the game, just as Canadians are intensely passionate about hockey. They take their “football” very, very seriously.

So when the top soccer broadcaster was taken off the air on BBC (the country’s public broadcaster) for criticizing the British government’s harsh stance on immigration and asylum-seekers, it was above-the-fold news and sparked a fury all across England.

While not as vile and cruel as former President Trump’s immigration policy where he ripped babies from their parent’s arms, put young children in cages and made sure the documentation process was purposefully and intentionally lax to make family reunifications as hard as possible – basically the personification of pure evil and reason number one why no moral person can justify supporting such a disgusting person – Britain is proposing tough new laws where asylum-seekers would be detained, deported back to their country of origin and banned from ever re-entering Britain.

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Saturday, Mar. 18, 2023

In the latest example of a sports story becoming a front-page hard news story, we travel across the ocean to Britain.

As the inventors of soccer, Brits are extremely passionate about the game, just as Canadians are intensely passionate about hockey. They take their “football” very, very seriously.

So when the top soccer broadcaster was taken off the air on BBC (the country’s public broadcaster) for criticizing the British government’s harsh stance on immigration and asylum-seekers, it was above-the-fold news and sparked a fury all across England.

While not as vile and cruel as former President Trump’s immigration policy where he ripped babies from their parent’s arms, put young children in cages and made sure the documentation process was purposefully and intentionally lax to make family reunifications as hard as possible – basically the personification of pure evil and reason number one why no moral person can justify supporting such a disgusting person – Britain is proposing tough new laws where asylum-seekers would be detained, deported back to their country of origin and banned from ever re-entering Britain.

Ste Anne finalist for Kraft Hockeyville

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Preview

Ste Anne finalist for Kraft Hockeyville

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Saturday, Mar. 18, 2023

The future of the Maurice Chaput arena in Ste Anne could be in the hands of hockey fans from across Canada.

The town was named one of four finalists for Kraft Hockeyville. If Ste Anne wins, the arena will receive $250,000 in upgrades and will host an NHL pre-season game.

Ste Anne recreation services manager Sarah Normandeau said the ice plant inside the arena is on its last legs, with the community needing to shorten hockey seasons last year and this year due to mechanical issues.

“To see all of our community minor hockey kids travel to a neighbouring community arena to do their tryouts and their pre-skates, and form their teams and hope that we can open our doors was painful for me,” Normandeau said, adding she grew up skating in the arena.

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Saturday, Mar. 18, 2023

Players from the Ste Anne Aces senior team are mobbed by fans as they walk out onto the ice for a SEMHL finals matchup against Morden. The Ste Anne Arena could be in line to host an NHL game along with $250,000 of upgrades if they can win Kraft Hockeyville. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

Gabrielle-Roy student nabs prestigious volleyball scholarship

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Preview

Gabrielle-Roy student nabs prestigious volleyball scholarship

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Friday, Mar. 17, 2023

Noah Ouimet isn’t walking away from the volleyball season empty handed. While Gabrielle-Roy’s varsity team came up one game short of a provincial AA championship, the Grade 12 student was recognized for his strong play as left side and role as team captain this season.

In addition to being named a A-AAA volleyball Manitoba graduating all-star, Oumet was one of four players to receive the Dr. Dale Iwanoczko Memorial Volleyball Scholarship.

The scholarship is named after Iwanockzo, a outstanding volleyball player from Selkirk, who went onto lead the Manitoba Bisons to a national championship in 1991 while earning a medical degree. He would die at only 30-years-old after battling Hodgkin’s disease.

To be eligible for the award, a student must have a academic average of over 75 per cent, as well as proficiency in volleyball, which was no problem for Ouimet, as he held a 92 per cent average over his grade 10 and 11 years.

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Friday, Mar. 17, 2023

Noah Ouimet accepts the Dr. Dale Iwanoczko Memorial Volleyball Scholarship for 2023. (MHSAA/Volleyball Manitoba)

Sabres capture shocking AAAA provincial hockey championship

Cassidy Dankochik 5 minute read Preview

Sabres capture shocking AAAA provincial hockey championship

Cassidy Dankochik 5 minute read Thursday, Mar. 16, 2023

For the first time in school history, the Steinbach Regional Secondary School Sabres have captured a provincial hockey championship, defeating Garden City 2-1 in a tight-checking final game to claim the AAAA Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association hockey banner.

Just making the six-team provincial tournament was a struggle this season for Steinbach. The Sabres finished in fourth place in the top tier of the Winnipeg High Schoool Hockey League (WHSHL), but failed to defeat the top three teams a single time all season.

With no wins against Westwood, St Paul’s or Garden City, Steinbach looked to be drawing dead with all of the “big three,” teams making the tournament semi-finals alongside the Sabres. Garden City even defeated the Sabres 2-1 in pool play.

Instead, Steinbach picked the best time of year to finally find success at the highest level, defeating St Paul’s 4-3 in the semis, before battling Garden City for a hard-fought 2-1 victory, setting off jubilant celebrations inside the Hockey for Life Centre in Winnipeg March 13.

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Thursday, Mar. 16, 2023

Seth Bergman leaps into the arms of fellow grade 12 player William MacDonald in celebration after the final whistle. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

‘Refuse to lose’ Mudbugs heading to HTJHL finals

Cassidy Dankochik 4 minute read Preview

‘Refuse to lose’ Mudbugs heading to HTJHL finals

Cassidy Dankochik 4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

No one would have blamed the Red River Mudbugs for giving up on their season. After falling down 3-1 in their Hanover-Tache Junior Hockey League (HTJHL) semi-final matchup against the Springfield Xtreme, the Mudbugs battled back to force a game seven March 12, only to fall behind again 3-1 just one minute into the third period.

Despite the deficit, Red River stormed back to tie the game, then trailed again 4-3 before forcing overtime, where captain Braden Hildebrand scored a spectacular goal to send the Mudbugs to the HTJHL finals against Steinbach.

“We got a new motto, it’s ‘refuse to lose,’” Mudbugs coach Bill Dowswell said after the game.

“Everybody’s bought in to the (motto). Everybody plays hard, nobody gives up on this team.”

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Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

Braden Hildebrand's game seven overtime goal was an incredible individual effort, circling behind the net, back up to the blue line and cutting back down to the slot before deking and scoring, winning the game and the series. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

Pistons named as finalists for MJHL awards

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Preview

Pistons named as finalists for MJHL awards

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023

Despite earning nominations in four of the six categories in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s (MJHL) awards for the season, no Steinbach Piston walked away with hardware after the league announced the winners March 5.

The finalists for the awards were announced March 2, with Travis Hensrud, Dominik Wasik and Warren Clark all earning recognition.

Hensrud was named one of the four finalists for the Frank McKinnon Memorial Award for hockey ability and the Steve “Boomer” Hawrysh Award for the league’s most valuable player.

Hensrud is second in the league in points, only behind MVP winner Lucas Brennan from the Selkirk Steelers.

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Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023

Travis Hensrud grabs at a puck during a game earlier this season for the Steinbach Pistons. While the Pistons leading scorer was named a finalist for two of the MJHL's year-end awards, he couldn't nab either award. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

Force fall in MMSL playoffs on penalties

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Preview

Force fall in MMSL playoffs on penalties

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Monday, Mar. 13, 2023

The Niverville Force’s indoor season came to an end in controversial fashion March 4.

Playing in a Manitoba Major Soccer League (MMSL) second division semi-final against Mudded FC, the Force tied the game late and pushed the game to penalties.

While a Mudded player would be the first to miss their shot, knocking their fourth shot off the post, the referees pulled the players back for a re-kick, ruling that the Niverville goalkeeper had stepped off the goal-line before the shot was taken.

Due to the shot just missing his hands, the referees had to additionally decide the goalie had clearly affected the shot, and ordered a re-take, which the player promptly made. That proved to be the difference in a narrow defeat, as Mudded converted all five of their penalties, while Niverville had one of their’s saved.

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Monday, Mar. 13, 2023

Niverville's goalkeeper's celebration after a Mudded player missed a penalty was short-lived, as the assistant referee ruled the goalkeeper had come across the goalline prior to the kick being taken. The Mudded player would score on his second attempt, and no other Mudded player would miss. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

SPORTS FLASHBACK 1984: Records fall at seventh Bill Russell Memorial Meet

Wes Keating 3 minute read Preview

SPORTS FLASHBACK 1984: Records fall at seventh Bill Russell Memorial Meet

Wes Keating 3 minute read Sunday, Mar. 12, 2023

No fewer than a dozen meet records and at least one provincial record fell as more than 1,000 athletes competed at the seventh annual Steinbach Knights of Columbus Bill Russell Memorial Meet.

Hugh Hamilton of the Flying M Track Club set the pace as he captured five gold medals, set two meet records and one new provincial mark on his way to being named the male athlete of the meet.

Hamilton won the 17 and under 80 metres in a time of 9.87 seconds and followed with a new meet record and provincial mark of 1.94 metres in the high jump. A meet record of 6.25 in the long jump added another gold medal to his collection. He finished off the meet by running the anchor for his team in gold medal performances in the 4×100 and medley relays.

The best female athlete of the meet picked up four gold medals. Stephanie Oland of AOTC ran the 80 metres in 11 flat and posted a time of 44.7 in the 300. She won the 16 and under high jump with a height of 1.50 and struck gold in the long jump with a distance of 4.79.

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Sunday, Mar. 12, 2023

Bill Russell Memorial official Don Browne marks the take-off spot as Steinbach’s Allison Kreutzer sets a new record in the 19-and-under long jump competition during the 1984 Games at the Steinbach Centennial Arena.

AS I SEE IT COLUMN: What’s wrong with the Jets?

James Loewen 4 minute read Preview

AS I SEE IT COLUMN: What’s wrong with the Jets?

James Loewen 4 minute read Saturday, Mar. 11, 2023

After half a season of playing really good hockey and looking like a team that could compete – and even beat – pretty much any team in the league, the Jets now look like a team where something is very wrong.

With the playoffs just around the corner and their post-season lives hanging in the balance, it is a decidedly bad time of the season to be playing bad, uninspired hockey.

I have gone full circle in thinking about what it is, exactly, that ails the Jets.

Initially I thought something was seriously wrong with the players. Why else would then coach Paul Maurice quit coaching midway through a season? I’ve covered a lot of sports over the years and cannot recall a coach – in any of North America’s four major league sports leagues – abruptly quitting in the middle of a season.

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Saturday, Mar. 11, 2023

After half a season of playing really good hockey and looking like a team that could compete – and even beat – pretty much any team in the league, the Jets now look like a team where something is very wrong.

With the playoffs just around the corner and their post-season lives hanging in the balance, it is a decidedly bad time of the season to be playing bad, uninspired hockey.

I have gone full circle in thinking about what it is, exactly, that ails the Jets.

Initially I thought something was seriously wrong with the players. Why else would then coach Paul Maurice quit coaching midway through a season? I’ve covered a lot of sports over the years and cannot recall a coach – in any of North America’s four major league sports leagues – abruptly quitting in the middle of a season.

Home ice crucial early in CRJHL semi-finals

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Preview

Home ice crucial early in CRJHL semi-finals

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Friday, Mar. 10, 2023

There’s no place like home so far for the Arborg Ice Dawgs and St Malo Warriors as the two teams battle in the Capital Region Junior Hockey League semi-finals.

Through three games of a seven-game series, only the home team has won. Arborg fought their way into the semi-finals by defeating North Winnipeg in the quarterfinals, while St Malo earned a first-round bye after finishing second in the league standings

St Malo ended the season on a hot streak, only losing two times in regulation since early December, and that streak continued as they kicked off the post-season. The Warriors made it look easy in game one at home, winning 6-1. Arborg bounced back in game two to score six goals of their own to tie the series at home March 4.

Game three was back in St Malo, and the Warriors took full advantage of home ice to jump out to a 3-0 first period lead. The teams would exchange goals over the course of the rest of the game, but those first-period goals were the difference in St Malo’s 5-2 win.

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Friday, Mar. 10, 2023

Mikka Lambert slots a shot past Arborg goaltender Tre Strachen during St Malo’s 5-2 game three win over Arborg. Lambert was able to score after a point shot went wide of the net, and rebounded right to his stick with a wide open net, despite Strachen’s best efforts to make it over to the post.

Huskies leap into HTJHL finals with dominant performance

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Preview

Huskies leap into HTJHL finals with dominant performance

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Thursday, Mar. 9, 2023

The Steinbach Huskies are hoping to make their final season inside the Centennial Arena at the T.G. Smith Centre a memorable one, and appear right on track to do that.

After a dominant regular season earned a first-round bye in the Hanover-Tache Junior Hockey League (HTJHL) playoffs, the Huskies defeated the Niverville Clippers in five games in the semi-finals. Steinbach now awaits the winner between the Red River Mudbugs and Springfield Xtreme, with game six of their series set to take place Thursday night.

It’s already been an outstanding year for the Steinbach franchise, which put together a sparkling regular season, only losing twice across 23 games, with a goal difference of over plus-100.

The Huskies showed some rust to start the playoffs. The team played their final regular season game Feb. 3, and due to the first-round bye, didn’t play again until nearly three weeks later.

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Thursday, Mar. 9, 2023

Ian Friesen falls over while chasing a loose puck during Steinbach's 6-1 game four victory in Niverville March 5. The Huskies would defeat the Clippers 5-1 the next day in Steinbach, locking up a berth in the HTJHL finals. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

Pilots earn year-end medals

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Preview

Pilots earn year-end medals

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 7, 2023

As the collegiate sports season winds down in Manitoba, members of the Providence Pilots walked away with some year-end hardware.

While the men’s and women’s basketball teams came up just short at the Northern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NIAC) championships, their strong performance in provincial play had the team taking home several honours.

Pierre Dubreuil was named MCAC coach of the year after the men’s team went a perfect 8-0 in conference play this season. Riley Paul took home player of the year, with Josh Armstrong named to the all-conference team.

At those NIAC championships, Emmanuel Oleko joined Armstrong and Paul in receiving all-conference honours.

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Tuesday, Mar. 7, 2023

Tyra Peters was named to the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Association's all-conference team. Despite her efforts, the Pilots came just short against the University of St Boniface in the provincial championship. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

SPORTS FLASHBACK 1978: First East-Man Open termed a huge success

Wes Keating 2 minute read Preview

SPORTS FLASHBACK 1978: First East-Man Open termed a huge success

Wes Keating 2 minute read Monday, Mar. 6, 2023

The first East-Man Open Judo competition at the Steinbach Regional Secondary School was a success beyond the expectations of the organizers, with more than 225 fighters in more than 40 age and weight categories, vying for a total of 130 medals.

The Steinbach-Ste Anne Judo Club, which sponsored the event, came away with two dozen medals. Debbie Nilsson lead the way for the hometown club with two golds.

Nilsson captured gold medals in the open competition for blue belts, as well as the advanced blue belt competition. She also received a trophy for being the outstanding fighter in the advanced girls’ division.

Another Ste Anne judo competitor, Carol Saindon, won a gold medal in the novice competition and was named the most improved fighter at the meet.

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Monday, Mar. 6, 2023

Joining Provencher MP Jake Epp (at right) and Manitoba Judo Association President Moe Oye (at left) is Japanese Consulate General Y Komamura (standing), who brought greetings and offered a few words of encouragement to the 225 competitors at the first East-Man Open judo competition at the Steinbach Regional Secondary School.

AS I SEE IT COLUMN: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine should disqualify it from the Olympics

James Loewen 4 minute read Preview

AS I SEE IT COLUMN: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine should disqualify it from the Olympics

James Loewen 4 minute read Sunday, Mar. 5, 2023

FULL DISCLOSURE: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and chatbots have been in the news a lot recently, so I thought I’d see what the fuss was all about. This entire article was written by AI. I typed “write a 500 article on why Russia’s invasion of Ukraine should disqualify it from the Olympics” and hit the send button. In less than 30 seconds it produced the 627-word column you see above. It was terrifying and amazing all at the same time.

The Olympic Games are one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world, bringing together athletes from all over the globe to compete in the spirit of friendly competition and goodwill. However, when a nation engages in illegal and aggressive actions against another sovereign state, it raises serious questions about their commitment to the principles of peace, respect, and fair play that are the foundation of the Olympics. This is precisely the case with Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, which has not only violated international law but also undermined the very values that the Olympic Games seek to promote.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in 2014 when Russian forces annexed Crimea, a Ukrainian territory. Since then, Russia has continued to support separatist groups in eastern Ukraine, leading to ongoing fighting and instability in the region. The international community, including the United Nations, has condemned Russia’s actions as illegal and a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Given the severity of the situation, it is reasonable to question whether Russia should be allowed to compete in the Olympics. After all, the Olympics are not just about athletic performance, but also about upholding a set of values that promote peace, friendship, and mutual respect. By invading Ukraine and supporting separatist groups in the region, Russia has shown a disregard for these values, and therefore should not be allowed to participate in the Olympics.

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Sunday, Mar. 5, 2023

FULL DISCLOSURE: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and chatbots have been in the news a lot recently, so I thought I’d see what the fuss was all about. This entire article was written by AI. I typed “write a 500 article on why Russia’s invasion of Ukraine should disqualify it from the Olympics” and hit the send button. In less than 30 seconds it produced the 627-word column you see above. It was terrifying and amazing all at the same time.

The Olympic Games are one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world, bringing together athletes from all over the globe to compete in the spirit of friendly competition and goodwill. However, when a nation engages in illegal and aggressive actions against another sovereign state, it raises serious questions about their commitment to the principles of peace, respect, and fair play that are the foundation of the Olympics. This is precisely the case with Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, which has not only violated international law but also undermined the very values that the Olympic Games seek to promote.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in 2014 when Russian forces annexed Crimea, a Ukrainian territory. Since then, Russia has continued to support separatist groups in eastern Ukraine, leading to ongoing fighting and instability in the region. The international community, including the United Nations, has condemned Russia’s actions as illegal and a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Given the severity of the situation, it is reasonable to question whether Russia should be allowed to compete in the Olympics. After all, the Olympics are not just about athletic performance, but also about upholding a set of values that promote peace, friendship, and mutual respect. By invading Ukraine and supporting separatist groups in the region, Russia has shown a disregard for these values, and therefore should not be allowed to participate in the Olympics.

Aces punch ticket to SEMHL finals

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Preview

Aces punch ticket to SEMHL finals

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Saturday, Mar. 4, 2023

If one moment sums up the Ste Anne Aces in the South East Manitoba Hockey League playoffs, it came in the final five minutes of game two of their semi-final series against the Portage Islanders Feb. 25.

Leading 4-3 against the top-ranked Islanders, a broken door on the visitor’s bench forced a half-hour delay as referees and arena personnel worked to fix the issue. When the door was finally repaired, the Islanders, who had only lost two regular season games this season, promptly tied the game.

Undeterred, the Aces simply went about their business, with Owen Blocker scoring on a cross-crease pass to regain the lead. Ste Anne, which finished fourth in the regular season, added two overtime victories in Portage to their home win in game two, sweeping the top-seeded Islanders out of the playoffs.

“We could have been on our heels, or really felt bad for ourselves, but we just re-focused,” Aces coach Kevin Lansard said on the game two victory.

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Saturday, Mar. 4, 2023

Guy St Vincent is mobbed by fans as he exits the ice after backstopping the Ste Anne Aces to a game two victory over the Portage Islanders in the SEMHL semi-finals. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

CFL star Harris returns to region to speak at gala event

Cassidy Dankochik 4 minute read Preview

CFL star Harris returns to region to speak at gala event

Cassidy Dankochik 4 minute read Friday, Mar. 3, 2023

The Niverville Nighthawks couldn’t have found a better guest for their first-ever red carpet gala. The Nighthawks tapped former Eastman Raider and four-time Grey Cup champion Andrew Harris to speak at their event.

Harris not only brought the perspective of an elite athlete to guests, but was able to relate to the players. The running back took an uncommon path to professional football, playing in the junior ranks for the Vancouver Island Raiders before making the leap to the B.C. Lions.

“That’s where you find that hunger, that’s where you blossom,” Harris said on junior football.

“Sports in general creates confidence, it creates bonds and it sets you up in networks and situation where you’ll thrive to become the person you’re going to be.”

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Friday, Mar. 3, 2023

Andrew Harris urges bidders to spend money on a prize featuring an autographed jersey of his at the Niverville Nighthawks gala. Harris would sweeten the prize with sideline passes to a CFL game, and Grey Cup tickets for 2024. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

Pilots earn first CCAA nationals berth in program history

Cassidy Dankochik 4 minute read Preview

Pilots earn first CCAA nationals berth in program history

Cassidy Dankochik 4 minute read Thursday, Mar. 2, 2023

The Providence Pilots men’s volleyball team made program history Feb. 26, locking up their first appearance at the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) national championships in Toronto.

Providence made it look easy, not dropping a set over the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) championships, defeating third ranked Assiniboine Community College (25-18, 25-19, 26-24) and taking down the top-ranked Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) Blazers (25-23, 25-22, 25-20) on the campus of the University of St Boniface.

Pilots head coach Cody Quiring was ecstatic after the final, crediting every player on the team for getting the victory. The coach has announced this will be his final year coaching Providence.

“Credit where credit is due, those guys on our roster, they battled all year,” Quiring said.

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Thursday, Mar. 2, 2023

Nick Friesen holds the MCAC trophy above his head in celebration after the Providence Pilots won the men's volleyball championship for the conference. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

Female U18 Selects bounced, male team faces uphill battle

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Preview

Female U18 Selects bounced, male team faces uphill battle

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

It was a quick exit for the U18 Eastman Selects in the Manitoba Female Hockey League playoffs.

Facing off against the fourth-seeded Yellowhead Chiefs, Eastman was swept in the first round, losing two close contests before dropping game three 4-0 in Shoal Lake Feb. 20.

In the opening game of the series Feb. 20, the Selects headed into the final five minutes of the game locked in a 2-2 tie, before giving up a late go-ahead goal and subsequent empty netter.

If that result wasn’t devastating enough, Eastman would lose a heartbreaker 3-2 game in Niverville Feb. 29, which required two overtime periods to sort out a winner.

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Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

Jenna Sellen lets a shot go during the second overtime of the U18 Eastman Selects MFHL playoff game against Yellowhead Feb. 19. As the game stretched into the second overtime, many kids waiting for their scheduled games to begin on Sunday took in the action from the hallways of the Niverville Resource and Recreation Centre locker room area. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

Gold medalist Pickering honoured before Winnipeg Ice game

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Preview

Gold medalist Pickering honoured before Winnipeg Ice game

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Monday, Feb. 27, 2023

It’s not a surprise to see autograph lineups at junior hockey games stretch over a hundred kids long.

But it was a complete surprise to Avery Pickering she was the one drawing all that attention. The St Adolphe hockey player was honoured before the start of the Winnipeg Ice game Feb. 22, with the team recognizing her and Team Canada’s U18 gold medal victory earlier this year.

“That’s not something I’ve ever had the opportunity to experience,” Pickering said after getting through the lineup.

“It was really cool to get the opportunity to see that I can inspire kids now.”

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Monday, Feb. 27, 2023

St Adolphe's Avery Pickering (Team Canada Jersey) was honoured before the start of the Winnipeg Ice game against Swift Current Feb. 15. It was the perfect opponent to honour Pickering, as she got to drop the ceremonial puck for her brother and captain of Swift Current, Owen Pickering. The siblings even shared a quick hug on the ice before the start of the game. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

SPORTS FLASHBACK 1974: Zone champs reach schoolboys’ semis

Wes Keating 2 minute read Preview

SPORTS FLASHBACK 1974: Zone champs reach schoolboys’ semis

Wes Keating 2 minute read Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023

Curling has often been called a game of inches, and a shot that was just that far short eliminated the SRSS foursome from the schoolboys’ championships at Virden last weekend, after the rink had battled their way to the ‘B’ side final of the draw.

Trailing by one coming home, the team could have forced at the very least an extra end and possibly a shot at A-B finals, but their last rock fell inches short.

Earlier in the championships, the SRSS foursome of Lorne Pauls, Doug and Allan Penner, and Kelly Barkman had come up with victories in their first two games, 8-4 over Okumura of Grant Park and 7-4 over Robertson of Neepawa.

The victories advanced them to the semi-finals of the ‘A’ side of the draw, where they lost to Light of Transcona in an extra end.

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Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023

Curling has often been called a game of inches, and a shot that was just that far short eliminated the SRSS foursome from the schoolboys’ championships at Virden last weekend, after the rink had battled their way to the ‘B’ side final of the draw.

Trailing by one coming home, the team could have forced at the very least an extra end and possibly a shot at A-B finals, but their last rock fell inches short.

Earlier in the championships, the SRSS foursome of Lorne Pauls, Doug and Allan Penner, and Kelly Barkman had come up with victories in their first two games, 8-4 over Okumura of Grant Park and 7-4 over Robertson of Neepawa.

The victories advanced them to the semi-finals of the ‘A’ side of the draw, where they lost to Light of Transcona in an extra end.

AS I SEE IT COLUMN: One-word change to national anthem at NBA all-star game stirs big reactions

James Loewen 4 minute read Preview

AS I SEE IT COLUMN: One-word change to national anthem at NBA all-star game stirs big reactions

James Loewen 4 minute read Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023

I love when a sports story becomes more than just a sports story and leaps from the sports section into the news section.

At last weekend’s NBA All-Star Game a singer brilliantly changed one single word to the Canadian national anthem and the reactions – those in favour of the change and those not in favour – were as you would expect.

The vast majority of the responses to the one-word change were extremely positive. So much so that on social media, the hashtag #ourhomeONnativeland was trending shortly after the NBA All-Star Game.

Here was the change: Instead of “O Canada, our home and native land,” Canadian R&B singer Jully Black replaced the word “and” with “on” so the line was “O Canada, our home on native land.”

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Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023

I love when a sports story becomes more than just a sports story and leaps from the sports section into the news section.

At last weekend’s NBA All-Star Game a singer brilliantly changed one single word to the Canadian national anthem and the reactions – those in favour of the change and those not in favour – were as you would expect.

The vast majority of the responses to the one-word change were extremely positive. So much so that on social media, the hashtag #ourhomeONnativeland was trending shortly after the NBA All-Star Game.

Here was the change: Instead of “O Canada, our home and native land,” Canadian R&B singer Jully Black replaced the word “and” with “on” so the line was “O Canada, our home on native land.”

Macdonald player recovering after scary HTJHL injury

Cassidy Dankochik 4 minute read Preview

Macdonald player recovering after scary HTJHL injury

Cassidy Dankochik 4 minute read Friday, Feb. 24, 2023

A hockey jersey sponsorship may have been the difference between life and death earlier this season in Sanford.

It was a terrifying scene as the Macdonald Swarm and Niverville Clippers faced off for one of the final regular season games of the Hanover-Tache Junior Hockey League (HTJHL) Feb. 3.

Those who watched the hit described how Macdonald forward Zack Borsboom dumped the puck into the offensive zone as he crossed the blue line in the Sanford arena and was caught with a shoulder-to-shoulder hit 5-10 feet away from the boards.

Borsboom was thrown violently head-first into the boards with the game suddenly becoming a second thought, as first responders rushed to the aid of the injured player, cutting him out of his equipment, loading him onto a stretcher and taking him to hospital.

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Friday, Feb. 24, 2023

Carson Fischer stands in the Macdonald net wearing a jersey with the Macdonald Fire Fighters Association sponsorship. Members of the fire department were key in responding to a terrifying injury Feb. 3 inside the Sanford arena as a player needed to be rushed to hospital. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)Carson Fischer stands in the Macdonald net wearing a jersey with the Macdonald Fire Fighters Association sponsorship. Members of the fire department were key in responding to a terrifying injury Feb. 3 inside the Sanford arena as a player needed to be rushed to hospital. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

Special Olympics athletes head to provincials

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Preview

Special Olympics athletes head to provincials

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023

Special Olympics athletes from the Eastman region are aiming high as they head to provincials this week.

Seven bowlers and seven snowshoers will be making the trip to St John’s Ravenscourt and the Billy Mosienko Lanes respectively, to compete in the 2023 Special Olympics Manitoba Winter games Feb. 24-26. Another athlete will be participating in speed skating.

The Eastman contingent gathered at the Steinbach Regional Secondary School for a pep rally Feb. 14, although bad weather prevented the snowshoeing team from showing off their skills.

As part of the 2023 provincial games, Team Manitoba’s contingent for the 2024 National Winter Games in Calgary will be selected.

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Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023

Special Olympics athletes and coaches from the Eastman region gathered in Streinbach Feb. 14 for a pep rally and send off. Fourteen athletes will be heading to Winnipeg to compete at Provincials later this week. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

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