May 7, 2026

Ewasko expelled for comment to Premier

By Mark T. Buss

Lac du Bonnet MLA Wayne Ewasko was expelled from the legislative chamber Monday after failing to apologize for comments made last month to Premier Wab Kinew that were deemed inappropriate.

In the Manitoba Legislature May 4, Speaker Tom Lindsey provided a ruling on Ewasko’s statement in the house on April 15, allegedly telling the First Minister that he should quit drinking. The alleged statement was made while the Premier was responding to a question from Opposition Leader Obby Khan.

In recent months, Lindsey has been trying to curb the level of personal insults and vitriol in chambers but has had little impact. Earlier in the day, he banned certain race and gender-based words as being un-parliamentary language and warned he would eject members for the day if they disregarded his orders.

Following a complaint raised by government house leader Nahanni Fontaine alleging Ewasko accused the Premier of being drunk and that comments made were racist, Lindsey listened to the recording from that session. He confirmed he could hear Ewasko on the isolated audio feed say “hey quit drinking,” followed by the Premier’s name. He noted off the record comments like this could be called a disorder in the house and call the member to order. As there was no point of order raised, Lindsey said there was nothing for the speaker to comment on and attempted to move forward.
Kinew rose to speak and noted the Speaker had ruled comments made off the mic can be subject to a point of order. He wanted to send a message to Indigenous youth that when they encounter racism, he encouraged them to “forgive, move past, don’t worry about it.”

“When it comes to people being racist, I’ve always looked at it this way; you had to do that to compete with me, because if you had to compete on a level playing field, you would never have a chance,” the Premier said.
At that point, Lindsey stood up and said, “I think the decent thing to do would be for the member from Lac du Bonnet to apologize.”
Admitting later that he was surprised by the request as there was no point of order, Ewasko announced he accepted the speaker’s ruling and hoped members of the house would do better in the future.
Lindsey advised the education critic that his comments were not an apology and asked him again to do so.
“If what I said, and what you repeated today, offended the Premier in any way... I apologize to the Premier, but in no way, shape or form was this meant as a racist comment whatsoever,” Ewasko said.

Feeling Ewasko had not apologized for the comment in question, Lindsey advised him to “immediately withdraw the words complained of, unequivocally apologize” or have his name called and face expulsion.

Ewasko again apologized if Kinew was offended by the statement, but did not apologize for saying it. Lindsey ordered him to leave for disregarding the direction of the chair.

“I guess we are at a new place, a new low in this chamber where people are basically refusing to follow the direction of the speaker,” Lindsey said. “It’s shameful that we are where we are now.”

Talking to The Clipper, Ewasko said he felt he apologized to the Premier in the chamber but was cut off several times while doing so. 

“I apologized for the words that I used that were on the record, not what the government house leader was insinuating,” Ewasko said. “There was never an intention of anything racial.”

He said he apologized again in the media scrum that followed outside, which the Premier publicly accepted. 

“(The Speaker) asked me to apologize and I attempted to do that,” Ewasko said. “I apologize. I commit to do better in the future.”

Decision reserved in Springfield recording ban

By Tony Zerucha

Court of King’s Bench Justice Amiran Kotler has reserved a decision in a case involving four Springfield residents challenging a municipal bylaw that prevents them recording council meetings.

On April 30, Daniel Page, Karen Lalonde, Janet Nylen and Gloria Romaniuk argued that a municipal recording ban violates their Canadian Charter rights. They are supported by the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF), a registered charity that “defends the constitutional freedoms of Canadians through litigation and education” including mandatory vaccine mandates and the Freedom Convoy on Ottawa.

At the Feb. 4, 2025 RM of Springfield council meeting, Mayor Pat Therrien ordered Karen Insley to stop recording. Therrien said only media are allowed to record meetings, provided they obtain permission from the CAO at least 48 hours prior.
That was stipulated in Springfield’s Procedural Bylaw at the time, but that document did not specifically address the recording of council meetings by the public. It does state that meetings will be recorded and made available within two working days. Municipal meetings are also already broadcast on Zoom, which are recordable.

The litigants argue that Therrien acted beyond the scope of his duties in banning recordings, and state they have the right to record meetings provided they are not disruptive. They seek no costs and ask no costs be sought of them.
Their lawyer Darren Leung says “recording public proceedings is a form of expression that enables accountability and democratic participation,” adding that “preventing citizens from doing so raises serious concerns under the Charter’s protection of freedom of expression.”

The RM of Springfield responded in court documents by stating the municipality asserts that the mayor, as the chair of council meetings, has full authority to regulate proceedings, including the authority to prohibit recordings.

“The municipality further maintains that the Procedures Bylaw is valid, was enacted within its lawful authority, and is not discriminatory,” the document states.

Springfield said it has several reasons why it wants recording limitations to remain, beginning with disruptions caused by multiple recordings and related lighting. They argue it discourages some residents from attending meetings due to not wanting to be recorded and having their, or their children’s, images posted online. It also protects the privacy of staff at those meetings. CAO Colleen Draper said that at least on one occasion, a recording was deliberately altered before being posted online.
A decision is expected over the coming months.

Whiteshell lab reclamation long-term

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories says Pinawa project should be completed by the mid-2030s

By Simon Ducatel

Reclaiming a decommissioned nuclear research site built long before modern regulatory frameworks were in place is a meticulously time-consuming and costly process.

But it’s a process Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) says it is committed to at the site of the former Whiteshell Laboratories near Pinawa

A couple of public engagement sessions were recently held in Lac du Bonnet and Pinawa, with a combined turnout of approximately 50 people attending. Those who attended had an opportunity to meet with staff from CNL – which manages the country’s national nuclear laboratories on behalf of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) – to learn more about the ongoing effort to decommission and remediate the site through the Whiteshell Laboratories Restoration Project. 

A spokesperson for CNL said the sessions generated constructive dialogue and helped us better understand local interests and concerns, which helps inform their planning.

“Through our engagement, we’ve heard the community highlight the importance of environmental protection and long-term monitoring, as well as interest in future uses for the site and potential impacts on the regional economy, including employment,” the spokesperson said. “Community input is at the core of our mission, which means engagement like these sessions is essential.”

The lengthy duration of the work, which is expected to continue for the better part of another decade, conjured several questions from the crowd. 

“Some participants also asked why the project is taking so long, prompting discussion about the complex, highly-regulated nature of decommissioning and site remediation, particularly for legacy sites developed before today’s detailed decommissioning requirements were in place.”

CNL says their key points focus on safety, environmental protection and long-term stewardship as they operate under strict regulatory oversight by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

“Many of us live here, work here, and raise our families here. More than 500 people work at the site. This isn’t just where we work, it’s home. That’s why we’re committed to protecting people, wildlife and the environment as we plan for the future together.”
The project is being undertaken to fulfill the Canadian government’s radioactive waste and decommissioning responsibilities. The project is among the largest environmental remediation efforts focused on restoring the land for future use. And it comes with a hefty price tag, forecast at an approximate value of $190 million annually for the next several years, but declining considerably on the way to project completion in the mid-2030s, the spokesperson said.

The work represents a substantial long-term investment in environmental protection while at the same time providing benefits to the local and regional economy by creating employment and contracting opportunities as well as subsequent economic spin-offs over the life of the project.

“Timelines are influenced by regulatory requirements, the complexity of the work, and the need to proceed carefully and safely, with long-term monitoring continuing as required.”

The work will once completed end a chapter of nuclear history that spanned half a century. 

In 1963, the federal government opened a new nuclear research site near Pinawa. For a period, the site was home to the WR-1 nuclear reactor and played a major role in developing the CANDU reactor design that has been used to produce energy around the world.   

Through the now-decommissioned underground research lab, the site also played a leading role on the international stage toward improving underground storage and containment of spent nuclear fuel.
By the late 1990s, the closure was announced and research shut down, with the focus shifted toward remediation.   

The potential uses for the land once reclaimed include everything from parks and trails to small businesses, recreational use for activities like hiking, foraging or camping and industrial use such as manufacturing, warehousing and commercial operations. 
However, some portions will have limited use and access, including monitored areas for storage or long-term care such as waste disposal sites and secure areas around the Whiteshell Reactor Disposal Facility. These restricted use areas will be clearly signed and fenced off with regulations outlining how the land can be used.

Big Beausejour Book Sale a record setter

By Jann Perry

The Big Beausejour Book Sale’s 11th annual charity fundraising event held May 1-3 was a record breaker on many levels.

Book sale director Mel Pelletier said the event received a record 30,000 donated items from the community with 150 tables displaying books, puzzles, games and DVDs, which were categorized, priced and sold at the Beausejour Sportsplex. As a result, the profits this year climbed to over $44,000, up from 2025’s record amount of $34,000.
Pelletier stated she was very pleased with the turnout this year. Local schools got an early peak Thursday as they hosted an estimated 800 students on field trips.
On Friday, a lineup of 380 potential customers waited to get in. The Author’s Alley had 20 writers came to sell their books and network with other authors. 
Saturday morning was Sensory Saturday Shopping, with dim lighting, no music and limited crowds, to help accommodate shoppers who may be overwhelmed by sensory overload. The general public was invited in after for a full day of shopping.

On Sunday, the remaining items were re-organized and sold at half price.
Overall, volunteers estimated an attendance record of 3,518 with people coming from across North Eastman and other parts of the province.

There were 60 volunteers working various shifts during the event, plus the crew from Predator Athletics Club, who helped set up the tables and bring in the boxes of books leading up to the big day.

First held in 2015, the Big Beausejour Book Sale began as a way to help raise money for Happy Times Nursery School, to build a community event, promote literacy and recycle reading materials.

This year, proceeds will continue to sponsor the Dolly Parton Imagination Library – an early literacy book gifting program for children from birth to their fifth birthday – for children living in Beausejour, Brokenhead, Garson and Tyndall. The Big Beausejour Book Sale also donates funds to support the Brokenhead River Regional Library, Gillis School and libraries at both the elementary and high school in Beausejour.

Pinawa marina wall project still active

By Louise Daymond and Mark T. Buss

Pinawa residents and visitors are encouraged to be cautious when travelling near the construction zone at the Pinawa marina as the $4.3 million wall replacement project is expected to continue until the end of May.
Pinawa’s marina and public docks are crucial parts of the local infrastructure. The initiative of the project is part of a broader strategy to improve the harbour, increase amenities for boaters and recreational users, and improve the physical appearance of the downtown waterfront.
The Pinawa Marina was built in 1962 and was the access point from Seven Sisters by water, prior to the establishment of the Winnipeg River Bridge and PR 211. It featured concrete cantilevered walls that were poured in place.
By 2018, the aging infrastructure was deemed in very poor condition and several large cracks could be seen along the top and face. 
Investigations following the flooding in 2022 categorized the north and east walls to be unstable. A successful application under the Manitoba Disaster Financial Assistance program provided funding for the replacement project.
With efforts beginning in September 2025, the project involves the design, supply construction and installation of new docking facilities. The scope of the work included removing the existing walls and replacing them with a system that could withstand hydrostatic pressure.  A temporary cofferdam was constructed along the east and north sections of the marina wall, with the area dewatered to facilitate construction.
Excavation of the upland area facilitated removal of the existing concrete wall. Installation of piling supported the new retaining wall, followed by construction of the new wall.
According to the LGD of Pinawa, it was discovered in the spring of 2026 that the storm sewer system close to the marina wall was also in need of repair. A contract to repair and replace the system was approved at a cost of just over $30,000.

Tarantism dancers headed to Paris

By Andrea Geary

This will be a summer to remember for four young dancers and Tarantism Dance Company owner Mikayla Buss.

Buss, who operates the Beausejour dance studio, said dancers Kayla Swayze, Charlie Poirier, Alicia Litke and Peyton Hallett. are travelling to France in July where they will join dancers from around the world for two performances. The international troupe will participate in a special parade in Disneyland Paris and also dance in a flash mob in Trocadéro Square with the iconic Eiffel Tower in the background.

Buss said she heard about the opportunity from other dance studio owners. She and the students are very excited about taking part in the event. 

“It’s a brand-new event. Not many dancers get to perform internationally.”
Buss has previously taken students to perform in other countries and said it’s a unique experience for all. A highlight for her is seeing the dancers’ reactions when they join forces with others their age to perform together.

“This experience will allow our dancers to grow not only as performers, but as confident young individuals while creating memories they will carry for the rest of their lives. We are incredibly proud to offer opportunities like this that expand our dancers’ horizons beyond the studio walls,” she said.

The Beausejour contingent will include family and friends who are planning to stay on after the international dance event to do more sightseeing.
A portion of the travel cost is being covered by monies raised at a charity fundraiser, Buss said.

Painting Is an Investment In Your Home

By Jann Perry

If you’re one of the many homeowners questioning whether the value of a new interior or exterior paint project is worth the cost, we have the answer for you: it is!
The benefits of a paint job go much deeper than just a fresh, new look - although that is another great reason.

Painting a home may sound a bit difficult and it is, but the overall result is worth the effort.

Increased Value
One of the most important reason why you should paint your house is that painting your house can increase the real estate value of it. Many homeowners, before selling their homes, paint it to give it a new look, increasing its market price.
Ken Cade of Snap! Painting in Cooks Creek says homeowners have already invested quite a bit into their homes and they want to be sure that its value doesn’t diminish.
“A great way to secure or increase your home’s value is to keep its outside sharp and fresh,” Cade said. “It is definitely worth your while to have your home painted by a professional.”

Enhanced Curb Appeal
Similar to the previous point, painting interior or exterior walls of your house, or painting the trim will not only increase the value of your house but it will also increase its curb appeal. Not every home owner that is painting their home wants to sell it. Many homeowners just want a certain change in their home making it more attractive to the eye.
“A quality exterior paint job is the most important step to creating an overall curb appeal,” Cade said. “Make sure you go with a colour that best fits your home’s overall aesthetic, and fits nicely with the landscaping of the property.”

Healthier Air Flow In
By painting the exterior and interior of your house with high quality paints which have very low or zero VOC in it, you reduce the amount of odours and fumes in your house, allowing healthy fresh air to flow in your house. Hence, promoting healthy indoor air quality.

Minimized Dust and Dirt
Another reason you should paint the interior, exterior walls and trim of your house is that it keeps dirt and dust at bay and does not let it stick and stack to the walls. Furthermore, it keeps the plaster of the walls in check and keeps dust in your house to a minimum. It is advisable to use high quality paints when working with old homes.

Protect Exterior Surfaces
Painting your house especially the exterior walls adds an extra layer to the surface, making it more durable than ever.
“Quality exterior paint works as an added layer of protection from the elements, helping to keep your home safe from weather damage, insects and dust,” Cade said. “The paint can even prevent exterior wood from rotting.”

Improve Homeowner Outlook
Last but not the least, painting can not only help you achieve all the points mentioned above but it can also improve the outlook of your home as well as the living environment. Light paints can make small rooms bigger, and bright colours can make the family room vibrant.

When should you replace your toilet?

By Jann Perry

How do you know when it is time to replace your toilet?
Based on several encounters where there doesn’t appear to be any obstruction in the drain pipe attached below the toilet trap-way itself, nor does there appear to be an obstruction in the trap way itself, the slow, weak flushing action of a toilet might be a sign your toilet is past its prime. 
A seemingly endless swirling action but no actual, or very weak flushing action taking place, could be a sign that a toilet’s life cycle has reached completion.
It is a mystery to some how a fixed piece of porcelain design can, overtime, “loose” its flush action. Never the less, it seems that replacing the toilet in question with a new toilet – 21st Century trap way design and all – is the only effective efficient solution to a toilet with an unresponsive lack-lustre flush.
Today’s water closets have impressive flushing action, compared to a toilet designed and produced 20 years ago. 
Not all toilets are created equal. The market is flooded with choices, some good, some less so. A toilet that boasts a large sized trap way can reduce, if not eliminate the potential for those ”you’ve over-stayed your welcome here” blockages in the trap-way . A 2.5-inch trap way is a minimum. Anything larger is a bonus. 
The best way to know if a toilet will give good flush action, is to see it in action, installed elsewhere. All good name brand toilets will have their name in ink at the back of the bowl near the base of the tank. 
Begin your research now. Be forewarned: expect a raised eyebrow or two when inquiring of friends and family, “How does your toilet flush?” 
A good flush action is a quick flush action. And vise versa.
If your plumbing vents are connected correctly, your drains are working properly and your trap-way is free and clear, yet your toilet is not delivering the flush action you need, it just might be time to get a new toilet.

Zachary Lucky in the Listening Room

By Jann Perry

The Fire and Water Music Festival is hosting Zachary Lucky at the St. John’s Heritage Church and Arts Centre next week.
Lucky is a Canadian songwriter celebrated for his timeless blend of folk, country and roots music. Hailing from Saskatchewan, he crafts songs steeped in place, memory, and the quiet resilience of everyday life. 
Lucky’s warm baritone voice and evocative storytelling have drawn comparisons to Gordon Lightfoot and Kris Kristofferson, while his authenticity and dedication have earned him a loyal following across Canada and the world over.
St. John’s Heritage Church and Arts Centre is a concert venue in the 115-year-old former church, located at 86 McArthur Ave. Refurbished to bolster the fundraising efforts of the Lac du Bonnet and District Historical Society, Fire and Water uses the venue to promote independent music in Lac du Bonnet as well as the preservation of this historic structure.
Zachary Lucky’s Prairie Tour is stopping in Lac du Bonnet May 15 with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available online at firenwater.ca/events

Brokenhead Game & Fish banquet hits the mark

By Jann Perry

The Brokenhead River Game and Fish Association’s 26th annual awards banquet and auction honoured the region’s top hunters, fishers and conservationists at the Brokenhead River Community Hall April 11.

The Brokenhead River Game and Fish Association is affiliated with the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, which ensures members have a strong voice on issues involving wildlife in our region.  

The organization is also keen to recognize the future of local hunting and fishing by getting youths to implement proper hunting practices which keeps the heritage of conservation going.

In big game trophy awards, Brett Steffes (125 3/8) was club champion for whitetail deer with Pat Gmiterek second (123 5/8) and Drew Draward third (116). Linton Mounk was named club champion for elk (167 4/8). 

Joe Hnatishin was club champion for moose (155 1/8) with Ryan Buss second (122 6/8). Hnatishin was also named club grand champion.
In youth hunting awards, Ryder Robinson (111 6/8) and Hunter Robinson (88 7/8) were first and second in whitetail deer with Brooklyn Schirle third (84 1/8). Ryder was also named youth hunter of the year.

Young buck awards – recognition for first big game animal harvested – went to both Cole Keefe and Lincoln Scarfe.

In the year long fishing derby, the youth club champion was Raelynn Schirle (28.5) and Riley Schirle (25.5) second. Catfish club champion was Cole Keefe (34) with Ashley Keefe second (32). Raelynn was named fisher kid of the year.
Ryan Keefe (30) was the adult club champion for walleye with Robert Schirle second (28) and Paul Millan third (26.5). Darren Sweitlisoff was the club champion for small mouth bass (18.5).

In photography, Bob Austman won the adult wildlife competition with Graham Leochko first in scenery. Ashley Keefe won for youth scenery while Brooklyn Schirle was first in youth wildlife.

Springfield Spring Run to put best foot forward

By Morgan Maguet

The Springfield Spring Run is set to hit the ground running with its inaugural event May 24 at the Dugald Community Club.

The family-friendly run begins at 8 a.m. and will feature 1K, 2.5K and 5K distances, followed by a pancake breakfast and silent auction fundraiser starting at 9 a.m.
Organizers say the event is designed to bring residents together while raising funds for a new playground at École Dugald School.

Holly Masters, race director and co-organizer, said the idea for the event came from a personal place. 

“I came up with the idea to do a fundraising run for the École Dugald playground with my kids after they ran in a run last summer,” Masters said. “We have been to many fundraising races, so we quickly came up with some ideas of our own.”

She is organizing the event alongside fellow school parent Cheryl Wilson.
“Our main goal this year is to have the community come together to raise funds for the school playground at École Dugald,” Masters said, adding the overall fundraising target for the project is $250,000.

The event marks a new chapter for community-wide runs in the area, following the end of the long-running Andrew Dunn Walk/Run, which concluded after nearly two decades.
The Andrew Dunn Walk/Run, first held in 2007, focused on raising awareness and funds for mental health and suicide prevention initiatives. The event grew to more than 1,500 participants over the years.

In a statement on its website, Dunn Run organizers said the decision to end the event came after “much deliberation and thoughtful consideration,” noting that progress has been made in reducing stigma around mental health. Its success helped establish a strong tradition of community participation in local runs, something organizers of the Springfield Spring Run hope to build on.
Masters said she hopes the new run can carry forward a similar sense of community connection.

“I love to see events, big or small, in the community where residents can come together to support different causes,” she said. “I participated in the Andrew Dunn Walk with my family and enjoyed coming together, spending time with friends and neighbours supporting a great cause.”
Masters added the Springfield Spring Run is currently the only event of its kind in the area.

“We welcome monetary donations from businesses, which will go towards building the play structure,” she said. “We are also looking for volunteers for race day to help with setup, clean-up and the finish line crew, and are looking for a local photographer to capture this event.”

The run is already gathering community support. 

“The response has been good from the community. We have had so much support from local businesses with donations for our silent auction, and many more coming in,” Masters said. “With warmer weather coming, we are hoping to reach our participant goal by early May.”

Registration for the events is open until May 15. Register online through Race Roster for the 2026 Springfield Spring Run. Organizers can be reached by email at springfieldsprin grun@gmail.com

Meisner’s boxing career starts with a flurry

By Tony Zerucha

As she embarks on a professional boxing career, Beausejour’s Sidney “The Piranha” Meisner has all the tools to become a Canadian champion, her long-time coach believes.

Meisner, 22, fought to a draw in her professional debut against Sydnee Leeth of Ohio on April 25 in Detroit Lakes, MN. While some feel she fought well enough to earn a victory, Meisner’s sole focus is on a late-summer rematch.
The debut bout was 15 years in the making. Meisner first walked into Eastman Boxing as a seven-year-old. Instantly attracted to the sweet science, Meisner started working and hasn’t stopped since.

“I don’t think I can remember not working with her,” coach Kirk Fleming said. “As a little kid, she was a worker and just loved boxing. She was always smiling ear-to-ear and never complained about hard work. She absolutely absorbed information.”
Female boxing was different all those years ago. With fewer competitors, bouts could be hard to find. Meisner early bouts were against boys. At some tournaments, she only faced one opponent.

But her passion for the sport never wavered. Meisner kept training, took the matches when they presented themselves, eventually amassing a 16-4 amateur record. In 2018, she earned a Canadian National title.

Then came adversity. Meisner lost the 2019 championship and a following match to the Canadian champion.

“As a young kid, I thought two losses was the end of the world,” Meisner recalled. “Then COVID-19 came and I was out of the gym.”

Meisner may have left boxing, but it never left her. Not feeling herself, Meisner returned to the gym in 2023 and has been coaching for the last two years. She started building to an in-ring return, and had six bouts in 2025.
Turning professional was always in Meisner’s plans. Once she made the decision, she added more weight training and intense workouts. Sparring partners were recruited as far away as Fargo. Miesner had four months to get ready.

However, fate threw her a jab. Three weeks before her professional debut, Meisner’s opponent got hurt, A replacement stepped up, but she was a left-hander. Punches come from different angles, new sparring partners were quickly recruited to help her prepare.

On April 25, Meisner was slotted in one of the main events. The crowd included two dozen fans who made the trip from home. They were loud.

“It was an amazing experience,” Meisner said. “We performed very well; I was aggressive with attacks. We thought we had the decision.”
“I had Sidney winning 40-36,” Fleming added. “I felt she was stronger and faster. I’ve watched that match three times since and I’m having a hard time seeing what the judges saw to award a draw.”

Fleming said Meisner’s talent was obvious and has since opened doors. First comes a July rematch. A Hinckley, MN promoter wants Meisner on a card at a facility that will host televised bouts on ESPN and FOX later this year.
There must be a strong bond for a coach-athlete relationship to last for 15 years. That is true with Meisner and Fleming. 

“He’s amazing,” Meisner said. “We’re like a family.”

Fleming added Meisner is very good technically, good defensively, with impeccable speed and strength. She has a little bit of everything and is a student of the game.
“She watches boxing on the televisions in the gym. If I have one on a football game, she turns it back to boxing,” Fleming said. “When they give that much of themselves, it’s easy for me to give back.”

Fleming expects Meisner to be very busy for the foreseeable future, with three or four fights each year. The payoff is there to be had in an era where there are women’s fights on every card and their paydays can exceed the men’s.

“We’re looking at a Canadian title for sure, that’s the plan,” Fleming said. “But it has to be one fight at a time.”

High school hockey hardware handed out

By Tony Zerucha

Several local high school hockey stars were recognized when the MWHSHL and WHSHL handed out their season awards recently.

Springfield Sabre Summer Wray won her division’s Rookie of the Year trophy. Wray, who was also a finalist for MVP, placed second on the Sabres with 15 goals, 16 assists and 31 points in 18 games. Wray, who missed six games, finished fifth in league scoring. Her 16 helpers were third-best in the division.

École Edward Schreyer School Baron Brodie McDonald was a double winner. McDonald, a blueliner who scored two goals and eight assists this season, was his team’s winner of the Travis Price Award. The winners, one from each team, are recognized for hard work, joy and love for life. They are of good character, honest and encourage teammates. Each winner receives $500.

McDonald also earned the Platinum Promotions Division $500. It is awarded to one skater and one goalie from each division who are pursuing post-secondary education.
Baron Jordan Clark won the $500 Don Barton Memorial Award. She was cited for good conduct on and off the ice, playing ability and good grades.

The parade of Baron award winners continued when Brayden Hummerston captured the Price Division Rookie of the Year. Hummerston had a whale of a season, leading the division with 33 goals, nine more than the next-best scorer. He added 20 assists for 53 points, three behind the division leader. Hummerston’s 33 scores were third-most across the WHSHL’s three divisions.

SCI’s Taigan Newton also grabbed two awards. Newton, who scored 23 goals and 24 assists in 23 games, was named the Winnipeg Free Press Division’s Glenn Diduck Family Top Defenseman. It comes with a $250 scholarship. Newton was also the Sabres’ Travis Price Award winner. Sabre Toby Hobday was recognized for leading the WHSHL’s three divisions in scoring.

Joe Jounot was the Pinawa Panthers’ Travis Price Award winner. He scored seven goals and four assists. Goalie Kyle Cromie, who joined the Panthers on loan from Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Senior School, won Goalie of the Year for Price Division. In 23 games, Cromie faced an incredible 999 shots.

The Clipper Weekly

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