Memorial Banners fly in Beausejour
Legion Branch 132-led effort results in 28 pennants raised on James Avenue
By Mark T. Buss
A Royal Canadian Legion Branch 132 Beausejour effort to recognize those who served King, Queen and country came to fruition last week with over two dozen banners raised in their honour along James Avenue.
“This is our first year and we had 28 families approach us. I was pleasantly surprised as I thought maybe we would get 10,” said Beausejour Legion 1st VP Cindy Buss, who spearheaded the project. “I know several heroes who don’t or didn’t talk about their service so it’s tough to judge what families would do.”
The Memorial Banner Program is a national project to recognize Veterans and remember their sacrifice through the display of street banners featuring the person’s name, a photo and their branch of service. The hope of the movement is to engage the community in remembering local Veterans and ensure continued recognition and respect throughout future generations.
Beginning 10 years ago, 100-plus projects and tens of thousands of banners have flown across Canada.
The Beausejour Legion held an information night on the program this past March with Buss advising the public that anyone who served in the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP or as a peace officer is eligible to be recognized.
Buss noted that as Beausejour supports and honours its heroes through community and school activities, this program puts a face on the names of service men and women and keeps their legacies alive.
“Those who attended thought it was a really great idea,” she said. “It was very positive.”
The banners are heavy duty, full colour and double sided. A one-time fee covered the banner and the hanger to display it.
Local families and individuals wanting to participate and honour a Veteran submitted the completed application form with a photograph.
The memorial banner committee hoped to have the project completed prior to Nov. 11. On Oct. 15, Town of Beausejour Public Works employees erected the banners on 14 hydro poles stretching from PR 302 to First Street South – a route that runs past the Legion, École Beausejour Early Years School and East Gate Lodge.
“To have them up before Remembrance Day means a lot and I became emotional,” Buss said. “One of the service men on these banners once told me, “never forget how that uniform makes you feel”... and I don’t.”
The Beausejour Legion hosted a gathering of 60 people connected to the banner Veterans on Oct. 19 where they were presented with a moving video presentation.
Buss said since the banners went up, two new families have come forward looking for banners next year. For more information, email 1stvicerclbeausejour@gmail.com or leave a message at the Legion at 204-268-1549.
Alexander sued over council ban
Taxpayer takes legal action alleging unlawful removal from public meeting
By Simon Ducatel
An Alexander resident is taking legal action against the municipality seeking to reverse council’s decision to ban him from public meetings or being at the administration building.
Aaron Wiebe is also taking a stance for transparency and accountability, alleging in court documents officially filed late last month that he was removed from council chambers after using a cellphone to take photos of a TV screen displaying an item that had been added to the agenda.
In a sworn affidavit, Wiebe states having previously taken pictures of a display screen for the public’s view without any issues being raised by the municipality and that he’d never been told members of the public are not allowed to take snapshots of information presented during open sessions.
So when he attended the Feb. 13, 2024 meeting and noticed an item pertaining to a report concerning financial issues with Great Falls Utility had been added after the agenda had already been publicly circulated, Wiebe said he took the photo for his own personal desire to be informed on the issue.
An interaction with a municipal employee unfolded off-screen from a video recording of the council meeting that Wiebe saved following a council decision to no longer make recordings available to the public.
Wiebe alleges he was told taking photos was not allowed and subsequently directed to leave for not following rules and that he was being rude. A voice on the recording can be heard advising Wiebe they did not “have to put up with this sh*t.”
Refusing to leave, he was allegedly grabbed aggressively.
“Don’t touch me; please don’t touch me,” Wiebe can be heard saying.
Coun. Diane Dube sought council’s support in asking him to leave, which council unanimously agreed on even though no motion was moved, seconded or voted on. Mayor Jack Brisco and Deputy Mayor Mac Kinghorn both participated in the meeting remotely.
“I’ve done nothing wrong,” Wiebe is then heard saying. “This is a public meeting.”
A warning was declared to Wiebe that the RCMP would be called if he did not leave.
“Go ahead,” he said.
Following a vote to adjourn the meeting, the RCMP later arrived and Wiebe was briefly arrested and escorted from the building. He was subsequently released after explaining the situation to the responding officers.
Once council reconvened, they discussed a potential ban for Wiebe, with Brisco commenting it should be “from a year from October,” to which he and Kinghorn shared a laugh. A motion was passed banning Wiebe from the municipal administration and public works building until such a time as a resolution of council was passed allowing him entry back onto the property or up to a maximum of three years.
In an opinion sent to the Association of Manitoba Municipalities for distribution to its members, the Manitoba Municipal and Northern Relations department said in part that “municipal councils, as elected governments, have the authority and responsibility to control the proceedings of their own meetings so that public business may be conducted efficiently and effectively” and further added “this includes the authority to expel members of the public from council meetings if their conduct is not appropriate.”
As far as specific procedural matters such as recording council meetings, those are not generally legislated by the Municipal Act.
“Instead, the recording of council meetings, like other such matters, is governed by the local bylaws of each municipality.”
Wiebe, who unsuccessfully ran for council in the last election, closely follows council proceedings and also noted updates to the municipality’s procedural bylaw do not seem to ban people from taking pictures of information displayed on the screen for the public’s viewing during open session.
“To the best of my knowledge, none of the versions prohibit or otherwise restricts members of the public in attendance from taking photographs of the display screens,” states his affidavit.
He also noted being in contact with provincial and federal representatives as well as the Ombudsman, the Minister of Municipal Relations and the Association of Manitoba Municipalities. Wiebe says he had received regular updates from the Ombudsman until the end of 2024 and was informed shortly after following up on Sept. 10, 2025 that their process remained ongoing.
Last month, Wiebe requested council’s permission to attend meetings again, but the issue was not on the agenda for the Sept. 23 or Oct. 15 meetings.
The matter remains before the courts.
IERHA fall flu clinic schedule released
By Mark T. Buss
The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority (IERHA) is hosting 35 flu clinics in 21 different communities across North Eastman this year. This annual seasonal influenza campaign started on Oct. 15 and will continue through to Nov. 22.
Seasonal influenza, pneumococcal 20 vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine will be available for those eligible as per Manitoba Health guidelines.
Appointments can be booked through the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-844-626-8222 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. You can also book online by visiting www.ierha.ca and clicking on “Annual Immunization Clinics.”
Please note:
• Some walk-ins appointments are available.
• Practise good hand-washing and social distancing.
• Do not come to your appointment if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
• Please come right at your appointment time to avoid congestion.
• Bring your Manitoba Health Card and wear a short-sleeved shirt.
For more information on this year’s flu clinics, visit the IERHA’s flu clinics page.
IERHA’s Flu Clinics
- Anola (Anola Community Club) Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Beausejour (Brokenhead River Community Hall) Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 18 from 1 to 7 p.m. and Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Bissett (Bissett Hall) Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon.
- Cooks Creek (Cooks Creek Community Centre) Oct. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Dugald (Dugald Community Club) Oct. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Nov. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Grand Marais (Rec Centre) Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Hadashville (Hadashville Recreation Centre) Nov. 12 from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Lac du Bonnet (Lac du Bonnet Legion) Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 28 from 1 to 6:30 p.m. and Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Also at the Lac du Bonnet Health Centre on Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Oakbank Nov. 8 (Kin Place EPH MPR) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Nov. 20 (Oak Bank United Church) from noon to 7 p.m.
- Pinawa (Pinawa Alliance Church) Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Nov. 13 from 1-7 p.m.
- Powerview-Pine Falls (Pine Falls Health Complex) Nov. 3 from 1 to 7 p.m. and Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Rennie (Rennie Community Club) Nov. 4 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
- Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Community Centre) Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- St-Georges (St-Georges Parish) Oct. 29 from 2 to 5 p.m.
- Stead (Stead Community Club) Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon.
- Tyndall (Tyndall Village Community Centre) Nov. 13 from 1 to 4 p.m.
- Victoria Beach (East Beaches Social Scene) Oct. 22 from noon to 7 p.m. and Nov. 17 (walk ins only) from noon to 4 p.m.
- West Hawk Lake (West Hawk Lake Fire Hall) Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon.
- Whitemouth (Whitemouth Hall) Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon and Nov. 19 from 3 to 6 p.m.
BRCF Vital Signs report complete
Brokenhead River Community Foundation releases civic survey data
By Mark T. Buss
Approximately 60 people came out to the release of the Brokenhead River Community Foundation (BRCF) Vital Signs report Oct. 9 at the Garson Community Centre.
BRCF president Reg Black said 987 people participated in the six-month civic survey. He says the data will give Beausejour and Brokenhead councils direction on community needs, provide valuable information to the BRCF and also support community groups and organizations with education, health and business efforts.
“We want you to take this, we want you to use this and we welcome your feedback,” Black told the gathering as printed versions of the document were handed out. “Other communities that have done this... Winkler just launched their third one, and Selkirk just launched their second... and they are great value to a community.”
Developed by the Community Foundations of Canada, Vital Signs uses local knowledge to measure a community’s vitality and supports actions to improve the collective quality of life. Data is gathered relating to eight community domains – health and safety, the economy and employment, standard of living, housing, community safety, education, arts, culture and recreation.
BRCF is one of six community foundations within Manitoba taking part in Endow Manitoba’s pilot project based on a Made in Manitoba model.
The Brokenhead River Community Foundation project kicked off last November with 40 people attending the launch event. A pair of follow up round table discussions were designed to do a deeper dive into the eight core areas of a community’s well-being – health and wellness, education and learning, the environment, arts and recreation, the standard of living, community resilience, culture and belonging and civic and democratic engagement.
Following the discussions, community members were invited to fill out the community survey starting in January 2025. The information was tabulated and organized over the next several months. The 32-page four-colour document was designed by Jennifer Kuhn and printed by The Clipper.
The report states that overall, Beausejour Brokenhead scored a C+ for their performance across all eight domains, reflecting a generally positive but varied experience across the community’s key areas of well-being.
The highest grade was a B for standard of living. This domain reflects economic stability, affordability and the balance between work and leisure. The key indicator score of 3.1 reflects relatively low poverty levels, good housing affordability and is tempered by longer commute times.
The lowest grade was a C- for health and wellness, which measures physical and mental health, as well as access to health care. The key indicator score of 2.2 reflects ongoing challenges with health care access and family physician availability.
Beausejour Mayor Ray Schirle said the Vital Signs report is a good document and an eye opener regarding the needs and wants of the community. He said the town will be reviewing its strategic plan in 2026 and this survey will provide vital information regarding public safety, active transportation and recreation among other issues.
“People need to think 10 to 15 years out in regards to where the community is going,” Schirle said. “I can tell you council is reviewing this document now and as we move forward.”
Individuals looking for a printed version of the report can email brcf@brcfounda tion.ca or call 431-343-2723 to arrange for pick-up. Copies will also be available at the Brokenhead River Regional Library in the near future. Individuals can also view and download the report online at brcfoundation.ca/vital-signs
Bear reports highest in 4 years
North Eastman residents advised to take precautions as bear-human encounters up
By Mark T. Buss
North Eastman rural residents, townsfolk and late-season campers are encouraged to be ‘bear aware’ in an effort to lower their chance of coming into contact with wildlife as human-bear encounters are at a four-year high.
According to the Manitoba Conservation Officer Service, they have received 522 reports of black bears in the Eastern region to date, which is more than the overall number of interactions annually in the region and the highest tally since 2021.
As a result, a provincial spokesperson said there is a need to educate people and have them understand they should be removing attractants or food sources from their yards to reduce encounters.
Black bears are turning their attention to eating large amounts of food in preparation for hibernation, often increasing their intake from 8,000 calories per day to as much as 20,000.
As a result, the late-July to September period is when more than 50 per cent of the province’s bear complaints are made as hungry animals are roaming outside their usual feeding territory and into developed areas and communities.
Spilling into October, reports are still being made in Lac du Bonnet, Pinawa, Beausejour, Springfield and surrounding regions.
Manitoba Conservation officials say the only reason a bear would come on to a person’s yard or campsite is if something edible has been left out and the smell has drawn them in. Residents should eliminate or secure all sources of human food, garbage and bird feeders – which combined account for 70 per cent of calls.
All ripened fruit should be picked from trees in yards and fruit that has fallen to the ground should be picked up. All pet food dishes should be removed. Barbecue grills can be thoroughly cleaned and stored between uses. Washing garbage cans with ammonia based cleaners will mask bear-attracting odours.
As bears become accustomed to feeding and living around humans, they can become problem animals as this behaviour is nearly impossible to break. Once a bear becomes used to humans they can wander into places that can be problematic.
In what is believed the highest number of bear-related reports in North Eastman in over 30 years, numerous calls have come in from Lac du Bonnet, Pinawa, Pine Falls, Anola, Cooks Creek, Tyndall, Garson and Beausejour. Increased incidents of bear-vehicle collisions have also been reported on regional roadways by the RCMP.
Incidents can also occur when people and animals are in competition for the same food. In August 2005, a 68-year-old East Selkirk resident was mauled and killed by a 250-pound black bear while the senior was out picking plums behind his property.
The incident could have been even more disastrous had family members not waited for RCMP officers to arrive on the scene. As they stood near the body, the bear came charging out of the bush forcing a Selkirk Mountie to shoot and kill the bear with his 9mm pistol.
Fatal black bear encounters are rare with only three Manitobans killed since 1929.
For hikers, Conservation recommends making as much noise as possible while moving through the woods. If a person does come into contact with a bear, it is recommended the person should not run as this may encourage the bear to chase after them. They should slowly find another route that will take them away from the bear and back out of the situation. If the bear becomes aggressive, the person should stand their ground and wave their hands and arms above their heads making noise to scare it off.
While everyone is entitled to defend their lives and their property – which often means taking matters into their own hands – bear shootings must be reported to Conservation.
Manitoba Conservation’s TIPS line is 1-800-782-0076. Call toll-free to 1-800-214-6497 to obtain the phone number for the closest Natural Resources office.
More information is available at manitoba.ca/blackbear or at the Government of Manitoba website at gov.mb.ca
Springfield council denies Armtec tickets for award dinner
By Tony Zerucha
An anonymous local business stepped up to save the day after the RM of Springfield council voted against sending its own rec centre fundraising committee to a dinner where they are nominated for an award.
On Oct. 14, Springfield’s council briefly discussed sending six members of the Armtec Springfield Community Recreational Centre Volunteer Committee to the Springfield Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet on Oct. 23. The committee is nominated for a community builder award.
Springfield usually sends a combination of council members and staff to the event, where tickets cost $100 each. The evening includes dinner, networking, multiple award presentations and a keynote speech by entrepreneur Michael Birch.
Mayor Pat Therrien and Coun. Glen Fuhl voted to send the group, but Couns. Mark Miller and Andy Kuczynski voted against. Coun. Melinda Warren was absent. Tied votes are considered defeated.
“Our volunteers deserve this; they’ve done an exceptional job,” Therrien said before the vote.
After the vote he said “... I don’t understand?”
Once word got out, several businesses and individuals contacted the Springfield Chamber with offers to buy six tickets for the committee.
“The offers kept coming in,” executive director Shandy Walls said.
The Armtec Springfield Community Recreational Centre Volunteer Committee, chaired by Mike Witkowicz, is raising funds through a combination of corporate donations, sponsorships, and a series of events like barbecues, burger nights and 50/50 draws. A trivia night is planned for Nov. 14, and a cookbook is in the works. It ultimately hopes to raise $4 million.
On July 15, Council passed a borrowing bylaw authorizing the municipality to borrow up to 11.9 million for the centre. The vote was 3-0, with Therrien, Fuhl and Warren in favour. Kuczynski and Miller abstained.
When contacted following the Oct. 14 meeting, Miller described the committee as “an integral part of the efforts to realize a new rec centre for our community,” but added he was being consistent with his desire for municipal fiscal responsibility.
“I am against using ratepayers precious and finite dollars for many discretionary activities including sending reps (public or private) to social occasions that are primarily for perk oriented (meals) events,” Miller said. “Alternatively, the Chamber of Commerce should have invited and included these distinguished individuals as complimentary guests as part of their awards program.”
Witkowicz said the committee has raised $2 million in corporate donations and roughly $100,000 from community events. He said the committee takes every step to save money, including paying out of pocket for various items and not seeking reimbursement.
“We are all volunteers,” Witkowicz said. “Beyond our time and energy which has been hundreds of hours individually we also have spent money that we chose to not get reimbursed on for smaller ticket items like candy for the parades, printing, coffees and lunches with prospective donors.”
“(Miller’s and Kuczynski’s) actions do not match their words. They say they support but they never do. In fact out of all the community events, Andy has ever attended one. Mark zero. They feed the rhetoric that it will never be built with their actions and yet the say they support.”
Witkowicz said this mixed message has impacted his group’s efforts.
“Until shovels are in the ground, it is a lot of effort to convince people it is a go and not the ‘yeah heard about this’ for 25-plus years. Mark and Andy are not helping.”
Lucci’s Holiday Pop-Up Shoppe at 67 Park
LMrs. Lucci’s Resource Centre has opened a Holiday Pop-Up Shoppe in Lac du Bonnet in an effort to bring some good old fashion Christmas joy to the community.
The store opened at 67 Park Ave. on Oct. 1 will run until Dec. 20. It features Christmas items and decor, toys and festive holiday activities and outings for the whole family to enjoy.
With Halloween looming, there will be a small selection of Halloween costumes until Oct. 31.
Incorporated in 1998, Mrs. Lucci’s is a community profit sharing program where funds generated at the resource centre and Lucci’s Too locations are reinvested in to the community in the form of programs and services.
Mrs. Lucci’s would like to thank the community for their continued support through all of the wonderful donations.
The Holiday Pop-Up Shoppe is open Wednesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All profits will be donated to the outdoor skating rink in Memorial Park.
Pinawa Players present Blithe Spirit
By Rick McGregor
Late November will bring another new performance by the Pinawa Players.
The theatre troupe began in 1964 and have presented over 70 performances over the years, many by famous playwrights. This year’s production of Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward is no exception.
Considered one of his three best plays, along with Hay Fever and Private Lives, Blithe Spirit was first performed in London’s West End in 1941 with a run of 1,997 performances. It has twice been made into film, in 1945 and again in 2020.
The play is a comedy, described by Coward himself as, “an improbable farce in three acts”. It centres around a British novelist and socialite named Charles Condomine who summons a clairvoyant to host a séance in an attempt to gather material for his next book. From there, the hilarity begins to build when the ghost of his first wife Elvira appears and haunts Condomine, causing grief of all kinds with his current wife, Ruth who can neither hear nor see the ghost.
Several veteran actors of Pinawa Players are once again featured with Daryl Woodbeck playing the role of Charles, Linda Tait performing the role of Ruth and Karen Bernauer portraying Elvira. Others appearing are John Tait, Connie Hamon, Jessica Ginter and Lisa Proveau.
Wanda Woodbeck once again directs the performance while Josephine Hall serves as assistant director and prompt.
The play runs from Nov. 20-22. The Thursday show is the play only while Friday and Saturday performances are dinner theatre with catering from The Spicy Radish in Whitemouth. Tickets for Thursday can be purchased online at www.pinawaplayers.com or at the door. The Friday and Saturday shows are sold out, reflecting the ongoing popularity of this theatre company.
Springfield passes derelict vehicle bylaw
By Tony Zerucha
The RM of Springfield has strengthened its derelict vehicle bylaw after council unanimously passed second and third readings.
CAO Colleen Draper said the problem, which is most acute in the industrial park, could be addressed by giving law enforcement the ability to ticket and tow vehicles. The bylaw only covers vehicles on public property and unwanted ones on private property. Derelict vehicles on private property with the owner’s consent are not covered.
In May, council discussed a report by then-Springfield Police Service Cst. Jesse Zillman, who researched how adjacent municipalities address the problem. As she introduced the report, Draper said people use the roads to dispose of unwanted vehicles.
“We’re constantly having to go and (address it),” Draper said. “We tell them to move it, they do, and the next day they’re back. We don’t have anything that gives us the power to ticket or tow. This bylaw would.”
Without a bylaw, Draper said towing companies will not take vehicles. With it, they can be contracted to do the work, with the vehicles becoming their responsibility.
In his report, Zillman noted that law enforcement receives more than 100 calls every year about abandoned and derelict vehicles, often near scrapyards. The City of Winnipeg lets vehicles sit for 10 days before removal, unless they are deemed inoperable. Then it drops to three days.
“Derelict vehicles would be subject to removal immediately,” Zillman wrote.
“Persons or corporations witnessed depositing derelict vehicles on roadways would be subject to an immediate fine. Whether a vehicle would be considered derelict is at the discretion of a designated officer.
Those abandoning vehicles on private property will be fined $50. Those abandoning a vehicle on a public roadway or depositing a derelict vehicle on private property pay $100. Depositing a derelict vehicle on a public roadway comes with a $250 penalty.
Zillman explained why the proposed bylaw doesn’t address derelict vehicles on private property with the owner’s permission.
“A short drive down most rural roads will reveal many, many derelict vehicles on many private properties and about which we rarely receive complaints,” he explained. “Some properties have hundreds of derelict vehicles on just as many acres. It may be a significant expense and undertaking to legislate and enforce minimum standards for derelict vehicles on private property, particularly in the more rural spots in the municipality.”
New admin for LdB Chamber of Commerce
By Rick McGregor
The Lac du Bonnet and District Chamber of Commerce has seen a renaissance of sorts over the past several months, and now has a new administrator.
Tracey MacDonald, a former board member, is taking over from Cathy Gregg, who has announced her retirement.
Going back to last winter, the chamber was struggling to get enough members to form a quorum at meetings and was in real danger of shutting down. MacDonald worked with Gregg to poll the members in an attempt to get a better understanding of what they were looking for and what they might like to see in an effort to better provide an organization that worked for more local businesses.
At the chamber’s AGM in February, 22 members attended with 15 of those members offering to take on board roles. This overwhelming response has led to a new beginning for the business organization.
MacDonald has a Bachelor of Human Ecology from the University of Manitoba and is a certified mental health first aid facilitator through Opening Minds, a social enterprise of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Career-wise, MacDonald has a varied background. She worked as a financial counsellor at a non-profit in Winnipeg and also spent several years with the provincial government as a career development consultant working with adults on skills training and schooling. Moving to the Lac du Bonnet area, she worked with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories as the employee transition coordinator.
After retiring from there, she now runs her own small business called Prairie Willow Wellness Training, facilitating mental health first aid training and the Working Minds Training program. The focus is on bringing mental well-being training and events to rural communities in Manitoba.
MacDonald and her partner have a cottage in Nopiming Provincial Park and are big outdoor enthusiasts, enjoying fishing, hunting, canoeing and snowmobiling.
MacDonald sees the role of the chamber as “connecting businesses to community, promotion of businesses, and bringing people together.” She also hopes to promote cross-communication with other neighbouring chambers.
She sees the most important focus areas in the near future as the development of a new strategic plan and a detailed look at the existing constitution to see where changes may be required.
MacDonald would also like to look at bringing a junior entrepreneurship component to the chamber, to give younger community members a chance to get started early in local business.
The Lac du Bonnet and District Chamber of Commerce, a not-for-profit organization, was established in 1979 with 23 members and reached a peak membership of 115 businesses in 2013. Currently there are about 60 members, but MacDonald sees that growing with the renewed enthusiasm of the new board and added that she has a number of new ideas to present at upcoming meetings.
MacDonald invites any businesses not currently a chamber members to reach out to her to at 204-340-0497 or ldbchamberofcommerce@gmail.com to learn how membership can help their business.
Comets outshine Satelites
By Tony Zerucha
The Beausejour Comets regained a share of first place in the CRJHL courtesy of a 5-1 win over the North Winnipeg Satelites on Oct. 18. They share top spot with the St. Malo Warriors, who fell 4-3 to the Selkirk Fishermen.
Nikolas Bear opened the scoring at 1:47 of the first period. His third of the campaign was assisted by Vaughn Senebald and Jaedys Dancyt. Clint Thomas doubled the lead at 8:04 with his first of the season, connecting off Lavery Melsted’s feed.
Thomas was at it again early in the second period when he set up Job Peters’ second of the season at the 46-second mark.
The Satelites got on the board at 6:04, but Comet Tyler Nault restored the three-goal cushion at 16:46. Liam Johnston earned an assist.
Thomas closed out the scoring at 11:28 of the third frame. Greyson Wood helped out.
Beausejour’s 44 shots were double North Winnipeg’s 22. Alex Cavanagh earned the win in the Comet net
The two clubs met again on Oct. 21, but results were unavailable at press time. The Comets visit the Selkirk Fishermen on Oct. 26 at 3 p.m.
Panthers welcome mix of vets, rookies
By Sierra Smith
The École Edward Schreyer Barons boys’ hockey team is looking forward to an exciting 2025-26 season with a strong mix of returning veterans and new talent.
Tryouts drew plenty of attention this fall, with 29 players attending. The Barons have already been busy, playing seven exhibition games to experiment with line combinations and evaluate the players in game situations. The final roster was set on Oct 1, with preparations continuing through two pre-season tournaments.
The Barons will get an early test in tournament play, starting with the Springfield Sabres Homecoming Tournament in Oakbank on Oct 10 and 11, followed by hosting their third annual Barons Fall Classic on Oct 17 and 18. The team plans to play a disciplined, aggressive and connected style of hockey throughout the season.
A total of 10 players return from last year’s roster, led by captain Theoren Skiba, who aims to build on his 35-point season. Alternate captains Brodie McDonald and Carson Specaluk return on defence, providing leadership on and off the ice. The team also welcomes back Jordan Clark, who spent last season with the Barons girls’ team and U18 AAA. Her speed and determination will be key assets for the Barons this season.
Before the holiday break, the Barons will travel east to Halifax for a tournament that will include visits to museums, historic sites, and team dinners featuring fresh seafood, a memorable experience both on and off the ice.
SCI Sabres boys young, full of potential
By Sierra Smith
After graduating 11 players from last year’s powerhouse roster, the Springfield Collegiate Sabres boys hockey team is entering a new era defined by grit, growth and a defensive focus.
Last year’s Sabres team was loaded with senior talent and featured one of the most potent offences in high school hockey. This season’s young roster aims to build its own identity by focusing on strong close-checking hockey.
Returning veterans include seniors Kaiden Bazinet, Teagan Newton and Ayden Turcotte as well as Grade 11 students Grady MacDonald, Ethan Kerr, Everett Hordijk, Trey Robertson, Ethan Letkeman and Hayden Hart. They welcome rookies Carter Huzel, Kashten Harz, Dylan Zubert, Jacob Enns, Kurtis Watson, Toby Hobday, Colby McDonald, Lucas Filipchuk and Brad Boychuk.
Head coach Owen Blocker and coaches Jaret Harms, Brent Hobday, Brendan Harz, Trevor Weimer and Quinn Walterson return behind the bench, with Severyn Wojcik managing the team. Blocker said that while this year’s lineup is younger, it’s full of potential.
“We’re a younger team and will really need to focus on defensive responsibilities and playing a tight-checking game,” said Blocker. “We won’t win many games 10-9, so we’ll have to win the 4-3 ones.”
Despite the shift in lineup and style, the Sabres have already shown they’re capable of battling with the best. The team opened its season with a strong statement, capturing the recent Springfield Homecoming Tournament. After falling behind 2-0 early in the gold medal game, the Sabres rallied with determination, defeating Division 1 opponent Beliveau 4-2 to claim the championship.
“The boys played terrific after being down early,” Blocker said. “It felt great to beat a Division 1 team.”
The Sabres will compete in Division 2 this year, where they’ll continue to build chemistry.
Xtreme pick up pair of HTJHL wins
By Tony Zerucha
The Springfield Xtreme have returned to their winning ways after a pair of losses to open their Hanover Tache Junior Hockey League season.
Talon Weselak’s goal 33 seconds into overtime on Oct. 11 kept the Macdonald Swarm’s perfect season alive with a 6-5 win and denied the Xtreme its first win of the season.
Chase Janas opened the scoring for the Xtreme on the power play 2:30 into the game. Ethan Da Silva and Mattix Carpenter earned assists. Weselak scored his first of three at 11:08 to send the teams into the break tied 1-1.
Janas assisted on goals by Connor Eggerman and Michael Jette to give the Xtreme a 3-1 lead 8:16 into the middle frame, but the Swarm buzzed the Xtreme net with a pair 39 seconds apart to tie the game midway through. Macdonald took a 4-3 lead at 14:01, but the Xtreme’s Owen Chmelnytzki tied it again at 18:48.
Springfield’s Evan Jasper gave the Xtreme a 5-4 advantage 61 seconds into fresh ice. The Xtreme nursed that lead until the waning seconds, when Weselak set up Slade Sotheran with 16 ticks left in regulation. Weselak completed his hat-trick and four-point night early in overtime.
The 5-0 Swarm outshot the Xtreme 39-32. Springfield scored twice on nine power-play chances and killed off nine of 10 Swarm power plays.
On Oct. 17, the Xtreme made short work of the expansion Warren ‘67s, taking a 7-2 victory. Goals from Eggerman, Da Silva and Seth Klepatz, less than three minutes apart, gave the Xtreme a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes. At 4:58 of the second, Janas made it 4-0. Three minutes later, Da Silva netted his second power-play goal of the night to make it 5-0.
The ‘67s scored two late goals in the second period to make it a 5-2 contest heading into the final intermission. The Xtreme got those back early in the Red River broke the goose egg 1:59 into the middle stanza, but third on goals by Jeremy Kullman at 4:22 and Michael Jette at 7:17.
Springfield peppered the ‘67s with 46 shots. Xtreme netminder Tyson Murdock made 22 stops for the win.
One night later, the Xtreme used another hot start to propel them to a 6-3 win over the Red River Mudbugs. Eggerman, Jette and John Pelletier scored first-period goals to give Springfield a 3-0 lead heading into the first break.
Red River broke the goose egg 1:59 into the middle stanza, but David Hazlitt connected on the power play 54 seconds later to make the score 4-1. Aidan Osborne added another at 9:27 to make it a 5-1 contest after 40 minutes.
Red River scored twice early in the third to narrow the score to 5-3, but Janas iced the win with 18 ticks left, scoring into an empty net. Springfield won the shot derby 41-33 to make a winner of Josh Rach.
Springfield sits in fourth place with five points in four games, one point behind the Ste. Anne Junior Aces and the surprising East St. Paul Gators. Springfield has two games in hand on the Aces, and the Gators have one on the Xtreme. The Swarm remain the class of the HTJHL with a perfect 14 points in seven starts.
Springfield’s next two games are Saturday night specials against the ‘67s on Oct. 25 and Nov. 1. Both are 8 p.m. starts.
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