MJHL Draft Switching Formats (Again)

After the Manitoba Junior Hockey League held its league meetings and draft over the weekend, it appears the league's draft format will change once again for next year.

Up until two years ago, teams could 'auto-protect' 5 players in their local zone, prior to a 5 round draft.

For the last two years, it became a 10 round draft, and if teams drafted outside their local zone in the first 5 rounds, their zone would be free game to any of the other 10 teams.

Swan Valley Stampeders GM Guy Vestby was one of a handful of GM's who felt that format favoured the Winnipeg teams, and is happy to see it go.

"We didn't like it. There were so many trades made for all the wrong reasons this year. It was set up so the Winnipeg guys could protect their players, and that got changed or abused or however you want to look at it. Anyway, that's behind us, we had a good draft, and as we move forward in the upcoming year, it's going to be 2 auto-protects in your local community if you so choose, and then a 6-round wide-open draft. So rural teams, or any team will be able to pick the top players in Manitoba, regardless where they're from."

So again, the new draft format will be:

(Optional) 2 local auto-protects, followed by a 6-round open draft.

I like this a lot more than the 10 round system, AND the previous 5 auto-protect/5 round draft. There aren't always enough kids in the smaller centres to justify 5 list spots, and I always agreed that the latest format was very CITY-slanted... and yesterday's draft proved it wasn't really working, with none of the rural teams taking local first rounders.

Protect your two local guys (if you want)... then it's wide open. I like it. Your thoughts?

Paulsen Joins Stamps in Draft Day Deal

The Swan Valley Stampeders sent a draft pick and futures to the Steinbach Pistons on Sunday, in exhange for 1991 (19) defenseman Rob Paulsen.

Paulsen went from Portage, to the Saints, to Steinbach last year, and will only strengthen an already solid returning core on the Stampeders' backend, joining the likes of Brent Wilson (20), Dylan Trowell (20), Paul Bonar (19), Evan Morden (17) and Brendan Mitchell (18).

Morden has a good shot at cracking the WHL's Everett Silvertips, but even if that happens, the Stamps have no less than 5 experienced defensemen coming into camp.

GM's Butler/Vestby Comment on Draft

Wayway Coach/GM Barry Butler



Swan Valley GM Guy Vestby

Recapping the MJHL Draft; Wolverines Take Bodie 2nd Overall

Here's a look at the Swan Valley Stampeders and Wayway Wolverines' picks from the MJHL draft Sunday morning. The Round # is first, with the overall pick in brackets.

Swan Valley Stampeders
1 (8) F Brayden McDonald, Interlake 'AA' Bantam
2 (15) D Gavin Froese, Southwest Jets
2 (19) F Rio Stoesz, Southeast Blizzard
3 (30) F Carter Suski, Souris Bantam
6 (63) D Garrett Johnston, Winnipeg Hawks 'AAA'
7 (67) D Brian McDonald, Winnipeg Monarchs
8 (81) F Michael Fissette, Winnipeg Warriors 'AAA'
8 (85) F Eric Miller, Winnipeg Warriors 'AAA'
9 (96) D Haden Hiebert, Southeast Blizzard
10 (107) F Cory Messner, Pembina Tigers

10 picks: 6 forwards, 4 defensemen

Wayway Wolverines
1 (2) F Drake Bodie, Thompson 'AA' Kings
2 (13) F Matthew Hadley, St. Adolphe Jets
3 (24) D Montana Tanner, Russell Rams
4 (35) F Evan Akkerman, Flin Flon Bantam
5 (46) F Robert Briem, Thompson 'AA' Kings
7 (68) D Matthew Morency, Winnipeg Sharks 'AAA'
7 (77) F Tanner Magalas, Winnipeg Hawks
8 (79) D Dane Mistelbacher, Seine River Snipers
9 (90) D Dylan Bonchuk, Shoal Lake Bantam
10 (101) F Bret Nahirniak, Russell Rams

10 picks: 6 forwards, 4 defensemen

*I couldn't find any season stats on Drake Bodie, except that at the Tournament of Champions, he had points in all 6 of his team's games, racking up 7g-5a-12p. He was also picked in the 7th round of the WHL Draft this year by the Saskatoon Blades.

I'll chat with GM's Guy Vestby and Barry Butler either tonight or tomorrow morning and post their comments here.

Cardinals' Coach Bill Sobkow

Shortly after this interview, Bill called back and said Sunday's home opener against the Regina Red Sox is definitely POSTPONED, and is tentatively re-scheduled for Tuesday, June 1st.

2010 ECDAA Track & Field Results - May 26/27

SENIOR BOYS

100m
1) Cale Brown, YRHS
2) Kyle Rusnak, SHHS
3) Terence Shewchuk, ELW

200m
1) Cale Brown, YRHS
2) Kyle Rusnak, SHHS
3) Terence Shewchuk, ELW

400m
1) Brendon Schultz, MVL
2) Cale Brown, YRHS
3) Karson Erbach, MVL

800m
1) Matt Johnson, POT
2) Blayze Tkachuk, YRHS
3) Karson Erbach, MVL

1500m
1) Matt Johnson, POT
2) Blayze Tkachuk, YRHS
3) Brandon Gress, ELW

3000m
1) Matt Johnson, POT
2) Blayze Tkachuk, YRHS
3) Brandon Gress, ELW

Hurdles
1) Kelby Cottnie, ELE
2) Bryce Wilson, YC
3) Sherwin Nelson, ELW

High Jump
1) John Niebrandt, YRHS
2) Jeremy Lockhart, YRHS
3) Eric Pennell, ELE

Long Jump
1) John Niebrandt, YRHS
2) Brendon Schultz, MVL
3) Cael Sullivan, MVL

Triple Jump
1) John Niebrandt, YRHS
2) Brendon Schultz, MVL
3) Cael Sullivan, MVL

Shot Put
1) Brendon Bomberak, POT
2) Cole Ungar, YRHS
3) Jordan Nowakowski, ELE

Discus
1) Brendon Bomberak, POT
2) Cole Ungar, YRHS
3) Jordan Nowakowski, ELE

Javelin
1) Brendon Bomberak, POT
2) Ben Walchuk, MVL
3) Brett Scebinski, ELW

Pole Vault
1) Jeremy Johnson, SHHS
2) Bryce Wilson, SHHS

SENIOR GIRLS

100m
1) Kylie Chupa, SHHS
2) Haley Erbach, MVL
3) Kendal Chutskoff, ELE

200m
1) Kylie Chupa, SHHS
2) Olivia Blenner-Hassett
3) Haley Erbach, MVL

400m
1) Avery Westberg, YRHS
2) Olivia Blenner-Hassett, SHHS
3) Haley Erbach, MVL

800m
1) Avery Westberg, YRHS
2) Olivia Blenner-Hassett, SHHS
3) Kienna Sharp, YRHS

1500m
1) Avery Westberg, YRHS
2) Annie Nielsen, MVL
3) Kaylah Krieger, MVL

3000m
1) Avery Westberg, YRHS
2) Kaylah Krieger, MVL
3) Annie Nielsen, MVL

Hurdles
1) Kylie Chupa, SHHS
2) Jane Baetz, ELE
3) Janelle Fogg, ELW

High Jump
1) Kendall Chutskoff, ELE
2) Kienna Sharp, YRHS
3) Nicole Krieger, MVL

Long Jump
1) Ashley Schramm, MVL
2) Kienna Sharp, YRHS
3) Ashley Hermanson, ELW

Triple Jump
1) Ashley Hermanson, ELW
2) Ashley Schramm, MVL
3) Kienna Sharp, YRHS

Shot Put
1) Tierney Howe, SHHS
2) Bailey Inglis, SHHS
3) Jane Landine, POT

Discus
1) Allison Brass, ELE
2) Tierney Howe, SHHS
3) Danielle Thurston, YRHS

Javelin
1) Allison Brass, ELE
2) Bailey Inglis, SHHS
3) Shea Yuzicapi, MVL

Pole Vault
1) Kylie Chupa, SHHS
2) Sara Kruger, SHHS

JUNIOR BOYS

100m
1) Preston Liebrecht, SHHS
2) Zac Moore, POT
3) Ben Irvine, POT

200m
1) Preston Liebrecht, SHHS
2) Zac Moore, POT
3) Ben Irvine, POT

400m
1) Ben Irvine, POT
2) Aaron Krieger, MVL
3) Tanner Kardynal, YRHS

800m
1) Aaron Krieger, MVL
2) Brandon Campbell, YRHS
3) Colin Shewchuk, SHHS

1500m
1) Aaron Krieger, MVL
2) Brandon Campbell, YRHS
3) Bernard McDonald, ELE

3000m
1) Aaron Krieger, MVL
2) Brandon Campbell, YRHS
3) Bernard McDonald, ELE

Hurdles
1) Josh Minhinnick, ELW
2) Stephen Hutton, YRHS
3) Riley Markewich, SHHS

High Jump
1) Preston Liebrecht, SHHS
2) Zac Moore, POT
3) Eric Helmeczi, POT

Long Jump
1) Preston Liebrecht, SHHS
2) Morgan Giroux, SHHS
3) Eric Helmeczi, POT

Triple Jump
1) Kris Rathgeber, POT
2) Alex Hornung, MVL
3) Josh Minhinnick, ELW

Shot Put
1) Kenton Hull, ELE
2) Taiten Criddle, MVL
3) John Odgers, POT

Discus
1) John Odgers, POT
2) Dustin Newberg, ELW
3) Kenton Hull, ELE

Javelin
1) Braeden Kittler, POT
2) Colby Nieckar, ELW
3) James Seymour, ELE

Pole Vault
1) Anthony Fetsch, SHHS
2) Colin Shewchuk, SHHS

JUNIOR GIRLS

100m
1) Stephanie Sawchuk, MVL
2) Rebecca Neal, YRHS
3) Raquel Hackman, SHHS

200m
1) Stephanie Sawchuk, MVL
2) Rebecca Neal, YRHS
3) Raquel Hackman, SHHS

400m
1) Emily Kruger, SHHS
2) Braunty Pelchat, YRHS
3) Raquel Hackman, SHHS

800m
1) Brooke Mentanko, SHHS
2) Emily Kruger, SHHS
3) Braunty Pelchat, YRHS

1500m
1) Brooke Mentanko, SHHS
2) Emily Kruger, SHHS
3) Meagan Barabash, ELE

3000m
1) Brooke Mentanko, SHHS
2) Meagan Barabash, ELE
3) Braunty Pelchat, YRHS

Hurdles
1) Jenna Sahulka, SHHS
2) Raquel Hackman, SHHS
3) Karissa McBride, YRHS

High Jump
1) Alex Appel, SHHS
2) Alia Berglund, POT
3) Carla Kuehne, YRHS

Long Jump
1) Stephanie Sawchuk, MVL
2) Jenna Sahulka, YC
3) Alex Appel, SHHS

Triple Jump
1) Stephanie Sawchuk, MVL
2) Alex Appel, SHHS
3) Tiegan Kuntz, MVL

Shot Put
1) Kalyn Giroux, POT
2) Shannon Rehaluk, SHHS
3) Deandra Stachura, YRHS

Discus
1) Kelsi Rieger, MVL
2) Kyla Bassinthwaite, YRHS
3) Deandra Stachura, YRHS

Javelin
1) Kyla Bassinthwaite, YRHS
2) Alia Berglund, POT
3) Kelsi Rieger, MVL

Pole Vault
1) Alex Appel, SHHS
2) Emily Kruger, SHHS
3) Tara Lazurko, YRHS

MIDGET BOYS

100m
1) Devin Nerbas, POT
2) Tristan Stradeski, MVL
3) Brock Liebrecht, SHHS

200m
1) Daniel Mandziuk, YRHS
2) Devin Nerbas, POT
3) Tristan Stradeski, MVL

400m
1) Daniel Mandziuk, YRHS
2) Tristan Stradeski, MVL
3) Devin Nerbas, POT

800m
1) Matthias Wenning, YRHS
2) Jonathon Lucas, POT
3) Kyler Ulmer, MVL

1500m
1) Matthias Wenning, YRHS
2) Johnathon Lucas, POT
3) Kyler Ulmer, MVL

3000m
1) Matthias Wenning, YRHS
2) Johnathon Lucas, POT
3) Kyler Ulmer, MVL

Hurdles
1) Buddy Prouse, ELW
2) Sam Folk, ELW
3) Kyle Andreas, ELW

High Jump
1) Ryan Swayda-Off, POT
2) Jagr Langan, ELE
3) Mattias Wenning, YRHS

Long Jump
1) Brock Liebrecht, SHHS
2) Daniel Mandziuk, YRHS
3) Jagr Langen, ELE

Triple Jump
1) Spencer Bomboir, YRHS
2) Evan Paradis, MVL
3) Braden Reid, MVL

Shot Put
1) Cole Wenet, MVL
2) Thomas Putland, POT
3) Jon Urzada, POT

Discus
1) Evan Paradis, MVL
2) Patrick Tivas, POT
3) Cole Wenet, MVL

Javelin
1) Patrick Tivas, POT
2) Jon Urzada, POT
3) Cole Wenet, MVL

MIDGET GIRLS

100m
1) Erin Werle, POT
2) Skylar German, SHHS
3) Macey Kozakevich, MVL

200m
1) Erin Werle, POT
2) Becca Nielsen, MVL
3) Karissa Kuntz, MVL

400m
1) Brandey Blahut, YRHS
2) Serena Lazaroff, ELW
3) Rebecca McLaren, YRHS

800m
1) Brandey Blahut, YRHS
2) Britney Schofer, MVL
3) Amber Orr, MVL

1500m
1) Brandey Blahut, YRHS
2) Jaedyn Matsalla, ELW
3) Breanna Popoff, ELW

3000m
1) Brandey Blahut, YRHS
2) Breanna Popoff, ELW
3) Jaedyn Matsalla, ELW

Hurdles
1) Ariel Lacosta, ELE

High Jump
1) Skylar German, SHHS
2) Serena Lazaroff, ELW
3) Shelby Kaczur, POT

Long Jump
1) Jodi Onda-Inglis, YRHS
2) Erin Werle, POT
3) Eliah Bedwell, POT

Triple Jump
1) Erin Werle, POT
2) Kennedy Ottenbreit, MVL
3) Jodi Onda-Inglis, YRHS

Shot Put
1) Beth Prouse, MVL
2) Mattison Bomberak, POT
3) Jodi Onda-Inglis, YRHS

Discus
1) Kennedy Ottenbreit, MVL
2) Janelle Rieger, MVL
3) Eliah Bedwell, POT

Javelin
1) Mattison Bomberak, POT
2) Mikaela Mayer, MVL
3) Theresa Lenkart, MVL

BANTAM BOYS

100m
1) Jaden Kreklewich, MVL
2) Logan Wiley, YU
3) Brett Kitchen, YC

200m
1) Jaden Kreklewich, MVL
2) Brett Kitchen, YC
3) Logan Wiley, YU

400m
1) Logan Wiley, YU
2) Montana Balysky, YC
3) Brett Kitchen, YC

800m
1) Dakota Odgers, POT
2) John Wawryk, YC
3) Dylan Smorodin, ELW

1500m
1) Dakota Odgers, POT
2) John Wawryk, YC
3) Dylan Smorodin, ELW

3000m
1) Dakota Odgers, POT
2) Wyatt Johanson, POT
3) Destin Vranai, MVL

High Jump
1) Jaden Kreklewich, MVL
2) Ben Nussbaumer, YU
3) Brenden Pawliw, YR

Long Jump
1) Jaden Kreklewich, MVL
2) Ben Nussbaumer, YU
3) Brenden Pawliw, YR

Triple Jump
1) Dakota Odgers, POT
2) Shayan Eftekhari, YU
3) Brayden Oystrick, YU

Shot Put
1) Jordan Molnar, YR
2) Lane Parsons, ELW
3) Harley Hahn, MVL

Discus
1) Zack Metz, POT
2) Colton Reese, YR
3) Lane Parsons, ELW

BANTAM GIRLS

100m
1) Brooke Rogalski, MVL
2) Amy Daniel, POT
3) Allison Kruger, YC

200m
1) Mackenzie Bucholzer, YR
2) Brenna Melnechenko, YR
3) Brooke Rogalski, MVL

400m
1) Breanna Melnechenko, YR
2) Sarah Svenson, MVL
3) Janelle Parnetta, YR

800m
1) Rita Fetsch, YC
2) Sarah Svenson, MVL
3) Breanna Melnechenko, YR

1500m
1) Sarah Svenson, MVL
2) Rita Fetsch, YC
3) Carmer Malinoski, MVL

3000m
1) Sarah Svenson, MVL
2) Rita Fetsch, YC
3) Carmer Malinoski, MVL

High Jump
1) Brooke Rogalski, MVL
2) Amy Daniel, POT
3) Allison Kruger, YC
3) Haley Rathgeber, MVL

Long Jump
1) Courtney Severson, MVL
2) Mackenzie Bucholzer, MVL
3) Bobbi-Jo Schappert, POT

Triple Jump
1) Jalissa Fendelet, MVL
2) Bobbi-Jo Schappert, POT
3) Tamara Hershmiller, YU

Shot Put
1) Courtney Barteski, ELW
2) Jolene Lutz, YC
3) Jessika Abrahamson, ELE

Discus
1) Morgan Wallington, ELE
2) Shania Wallin, ELW
3) Courtney Barteski, ELW

PEE WEE BOYS

100m
1) Nick Sylvester, MVL
2) Brendon Weber, YC
3) Matt Kustra, YC

200m
1) Nick Sylvester, MVL
2) Brendon Weber, YC
3) Steven St. Marie, YR

400m
1) Matt Kustra, YC
2) David Boroto, YC
3) Adam Wyonzek, ELW

800m
1) Jaedon Porte, YC
2) Tyler Kreklewich, MVL
3) Koal Roberts, POT

1500m
1) Jaedon Porte, YC
2) Haylen Langelier, YU
3) Tayon Metzler, YC

3000m
1) Jaedon Porte, YC
2) Haylen Langelier, YU
3) Alex Popoff, YR

High Jump
1) Jaeden Pallet, YC
2) Brendon Weber, YC
3) Mitchell Adams, POT

Long Jump
1) Nick Sylvester, MVL
2) David Boroto, YC
3) Jonathon Muir, POT

Triple Jump
1) Jarvis Gelowitz, POT
2) Robbie Robertson, MVL
3) Steven St. Marie, YR

Shot Put
1) Kholton Shewchuk, ELW
2) Clark Bazin, YC
3) Caleb Sutter, YR

Discus
1) Kholton Shewchuk, ELW
2) Cameron Brown, YR
3) Quinn Bomboir, POT

PEE WEE GIRLS

100m
1) Jessica Lutz, YR
2) Michaela Reid, MVL
3) Shelby Richards, YC

200m
1) Jessica Lutz, YR
2) Danielle Tunta, ELE
3) Kayla Lesanko, YU

400m
1) Bryce Sherring, YC
2) Michaela Reid, MVL
3) Meagan Dietrich, YR

800m
1) Bryce Sherring, YC
2) Cassidy Stachowich, MVL
3) Meagan Dietrich, YR

1500m
1) Jessica Lutz, YR
2) Danielle Tunta, ELE
3) Kayla Lesanko, YU

3000m
1) Kellie Onda-Inglis, YR
2) Danielle Tunta, ELE
3) Kayla Lesanko, YU

High Jump
1) Brianna Antonichuk, ELE
2) Michaela Reid, MVL
3) Christina Mentenko, YC

Long Jump
1) Jayden Buchberger, POT
2) Caleigh Grunert, YU
3) Morgan Sapara, YU

Triple Jump
1) Sara Hunt, YR
2) Michaela Reid, MVL
3) Tori Geddes, POT

Shot Put
1) Quinitna Wapash, YU
2) Joanie Starblanket, YU
3) Linda Toth, YR

Discus
1) Desiree Trost, YR
2) Quintina Wapash, YU
3) McKenzie Tuba, MVL

STOP TAKING MY PICTURE!

Luke Boechler Update

Courtesy Luke's mom Jeannine:

Hi Craig,

Congratulations on the your new baby daughter!

I just wanted to update you on Luke's progress. We were advised yesterday that his transplant will take place in Calgary sometime after this 4th round of chemo, probably towards the end of June. They have found a 10 out 10 match for him but are continually searching the database for the "perfect" match. His last chemo treatment will be tonight and he will be at the Pasqua for a minimum of 2 weeks after that. This round of chemo has been more intense than the previous ones. We continue to stay positive and hope and pray for a successful transplant. Hope all is well with you and your family.

Regards,

Jeannine Boechler

Wayway Hold #2 Pick at MJHL Draft

The MJHL holds its league meetings this weekend in Winnipeg, finishing up Sunday morning with the draft.

Wayway Wolverines' Coach/GM Barry Butler talks about the weekend, their draft strategy, and updates us on some Wolverines' College Commitments.

Radio Birthdays

Better get this breaking news on before midnight.

Thanks to Facebook I see 50% of the Bauer Conference Radio Guys are celebrating birthdays today. Voice of the Battlefords North Stars Dan O'Connor hits the Big 2-5 today (May 25), and Dallas Hicks, Voice of the SJHL Champion La Ronge Ice Wolves also blows out the candles today.

Happy B-Day guys!

And yes, they are 50% of the Bauer Conference radio guys... because Darryl Skender covers 3 teams, and Rob Hart has the FF Bombers covered.

Back At It

Long Weekend/Week Off is done and it's back to work for this new dad.

That first night in the hospital was probably the most frustration I've ever experienced, but she's a great kid and her sleeping is getting better already.

Baby and Mama are both doing great, and that's the main thing.

Grandparents are all excited, and a huge help. Carly's parents were here the whole first week, and stayed up with Bailey the whole first night after we came home. My whole family came up yesterday and my mom's staying for this week.

Also gotta say thanks to all the staff on the maternity ward at the Yorkton Hospital. Say what you want, but health professionals earn every penny they make, and probably deserve more than they get. Doctors and nurses were excellent.

------------------

As far as sports goes... look out your window. Not much going on this week with the rain.

Looking forward to the WMBL season starting this weekend... and the MJHL Draft on Sunday.

Still trying to catch up on things, and get home ASAP today! (So we'll keep it short)

Being a parent is awesome work... don't let anyone tell you different!

It's a Girl!

Well, she won't play for the Terriers or Mils, but she's still pretty darn cute! Bailey Anne Stein was born at 3:50 PM on May 18th, her Great Grandpa Stein's 84th Birthday.

She's 1'8" (ok, 20 inches)... and tips the scales at 8 lb, 5.5 oz.

Dad needs a nap!

Checking In

Thought I better come up with something to say today... because I haven't for a while, and probably won't again for awhile. My wife is 9 days overdue, and baby WILL BE born tomorrow! I'll be off for a week, so aside from posting the announcement, and maybe a picture, I won't have the computer on much if at all.

====================

- Hello summer. +12 at 6:30 on my way to work this morning. Last day of work for me until next Tuesday, so treated myself to a Jumbo Robin's coffee. A $2 hit that always feels like a treat, especially on a Monday!

- Sorta hit me last night while watching MON/PHI... that was the last NHL game I'll ever watch, WITHOUT having kids! Both Conference Finals resume tomorrow night.

- I will, however, be watching hockey tonight. What could be a battle for first place, and MAYBE a final preview has the Windsor Spitfires up against the Calgary Hitmen. That one should be a beauty. Former Melville Millionaire Tyler Howe and the Moncton Wildcats are 0-and-2 so far, after a gut-wrenching 5-4 loss to Calgary, where they let 3-0 and 4-2 leads slip away... and a 4-0 loss to Brandon. They'll have to beat Windsor tomorrow (TUE) to avoid an early exit. Even that would likely just get them into a tie-breaker. Former Yorkton Harvest D Zac Stebner plays for Calgary. His grandparents reside at nearby Crystal Lake.

- The Football Saskatchewan Senior Bowl goes Monday, May 24th in Saskatoon. Three local players will suit up for Team South: OL Logan Wilk (Yorkton Regional), LB Keith Sciog (Kelliher), and RB Devon Lamb (Wynyard). Jaret Ross (Kelliher) is Team South's Head Coach.

- What Else?.... MJHL Draft is coming up May 30... SJHL league meetings go the following weekend. I would say expect a lot more of those 'future considerations' deals to be announced once those meetings are done.

- WMBL season starts May 28. Yorkton Cardinals host the Regina Red Sox on May 30. Melville's home to the Weyburn Beavers on June 4.

- Richie Hall's bringing QB Darian Durant, WR Chris Getzlaf and DL Marcus Adams (and maybe more) to his 19th Annual Red Cross Golf Classic this Friday. Tee off at 2:00 at Deer Park.

Tyler Howe, Moncton Wildcats

Former Melville Millionaire Tyler Howe talks about Moncton's trip to the Memorial Cup.

Tyler Howe's Dad

I spoke with Tyler Howe's father Woody from Massachusetts about Tyler and the Moncton Wildcats' trip to the Memorial Cup. Howe started this season with the Melville Millionaires. Still hoping to catch up with Tyler today or tomorrow.

Baseball Mils Change Coaching Direction

(Michael Crabtree (left) and Scott Mansfield come from the Hill College Rebels in Texas, and will head up the WMBL's Melville Millionaires this season. Crabtree will be Head Coach while Mansfield will be his Assistant, and work with the pitchers.)

Melville Millionaires Head Coach Michael Crabtree







No... not THAT Michael Crabtree!

Tyler Howe, Moncton Wildcats Memorial Cup Bound

Tyler Howe started the 2009-2010 season with the Melville Millionaires, and wound up with the Moncton Wildcats in the QMJHL.

The Wildcats beat the Saint John Sea Dogs 7-4 on Monday night, taking the 'Q' Championship in 6 games.

Howe and the Wildcats will head to Brandon for the Memorial Cup, beginning this Friday, joining the Host Wheat Kings, the WHL Champion Calgary Hitmen, and the defending Memorial Cup and OHL Champion Windsor Spitfires.

The 6'6", 235 lb Howe played defense for the Mils, but converted to forward in Major Junior, and in 29 regular season games in Moncton, put up 2-goals and 1-assist, along with 51 penalty minutes. He dressed in 3 of the Wildcats playoff games, was held off the scoresheet, and stayed out of the penalty box.

I plan on trying to track down the Massachusetts product sometime this week!

SJHL News: Evjen Makes Jump

Former Notre Dame Hounds' Coach/GM Darren Evjen resigned from his post during this off-season, and has now been named Assistant Coach of the WHL's Swift Current Broncos.

SJHL News: Haygarth to Melfort

1990 F Brody Haygarth named as Futures in Deven Stillar trade.

Info from Darryl Skender's Blog.

Haygarth had 24g and 41p in 47 games last season, and is entering his 4th and final season on Junior 'A' Hockey. He started as a 17 year old in Estevan, and was traded to Flin Flon on December 1st of last season for Devin Mitzner.

MJHL News: Winkler Names New Coach

FLYERS ANNOUNCE JOHN MARKS AS NEW HEAD COACH AND DIRECTOR OF HOCKEY OPERATIONS

2011 Rider Training Camp in Yorkton??? / Football Night Audio

Gene Krepakevitch & Dave Baron want Rider Training Camp HERE!



The Banjo Bowler himself... Troy Westwood!



Hometown Hero... #51 for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Jordan Matechuk

So, Hockey's Over Now?

(Photo courtesy: http://www.hockeycanada.ca/)

Of course the CHL Memorial Cup's coming up this weekend, the NHL Playoffs aren't even half done, but locally, the Junior 'A' ranks are done for another year.

I was on 'Prego-Watch' all week and never made it to Dauphin (no baby yet by the way!), but I watched the entire final on TSN2, talked to a few people who had gone to some round robin games, and listened on 730 CKDM enough to know the Host Committee did a spendid job putting a National Championship on.

And, speaking of CKDM, if you didn't listen, you missed a BIG LEAGUE type broadcast... with as many as FIVE different guys routinely on the air from the station before/during/after games. Kevin Jeffrey did Play-by-Play for all 13 games, Adam Sargeant did colour for all of them, Adam Bernardin and Christian Laughland had a wireless mic at ice level for intermission and post game interviews, and Mitchell Clinton handled all the Pre Game and Post Game shows.

One of my best buddies Cody Glydon, who hosts the Morning Show in Dauphin was also heard on a few Pre Games with interivews, etc. I went to college and worked with Cody... and he was one of my groomsmen... funny guy.

CKDM is GX competition, but I used to work there and know most of the guys involved in selling/doing the broadcasts... so I don't mind giving props when they're due! They went above and beyond and I hope we would do the same if Yorkton gets another chance to host sometime (or Melville with the new barn).

By my count, the Kings were 71-14-1 all season (excluding pre-season), and 44-3 at home. Swan Valley (reg season), Winnipeg South (reg season) and the Vernon Vipers (RBC Final) were the three teams to beat Dauphin at Credit Union Place in 47 tries.

Congrats to the Vipers, and all the teams involved at the RBC... looked like an outstanding event... and I'm hoping to call one someday!

3 Peat Complete For Team Sask at NAHC / RBC Final

Danny McKay and the rest of Team Saskatchewan won at third consecutive Gold Medal at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Ottawa.

Saskatchewan beat Manitoba 8-1 in Saturday's Final to capture the gold.

McKay's coached each of the three championship teams these last three years, and other local products on the team include Lenny Keshane, Dalton Peigan, and Jared Martin.

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RBC Cup Final in Dauphin

Dauphin Kings vs Vernon Vipers 1:00 SK Time / 2:00 MB

Credit Union Place

http://www.730ckdm.com/

On your TV on TSN2
Dennis Beyak & Craig Button have the call

Decorby Looks Ahead to RBC Semi

Melville product Aaron Decorby recaps the La Ronge Ice Wolves' round robin, and looks ahead to their 7th meeting against Dauphin this post season.

Dauphin's won the last 5 meetings between the two teams, and are 4-and-0 against Laronge at Credit Union Place, including the Anavet Cup and RBC. The Kings beat the Ice Wolves 3-2 in the round robin.

Semis Set at RBC

The La Ronge Ice Wolves have lost 5 of the 6 games they've played against the Dauphin Kings, and have lost 5 straight to the MJHL champs, but they'll forget about that in a hurry if they can break that trend on Saturday night.

The Ice Wolves lost 6-3 to the Brockville Braves on Thursday night (was 3-3 after 2 periods), finishing 4th, with a 1-and-3 record in the round robin, which gives them a Semi-Final date with the 4-and-0 Dauphin Kings.

Brockville's victory gives them a 2-and-2 round robin record. They'll meet the 3-and-1 Vernon Vipers in the other Semi on Saturday afternoon.

Semi-Final Saturday
2) Vernon vs 3) Brockville 2:00 (MB)
1) Dauphin vs 4) La Ronge 7:00 (MB)

Winners meet in the final on Sunday afternoon at 2:00. Final will be live on TSN2.

SK Semi-Final Bound at NAHC

Team Saskatchewan beat Nunavut 12-3 in today's Quarter-Final round at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship.

Danny McKay's bunch will face Ontario North in tomorrow's (FRI) Semi-Final.

Richie Hall Golf Classic

Richie Hall Talks Golf Tourney / Eskies



The 19th Annual Richie Hall Red Cross Golf Classic runs Friday, May 21st at Deer Park Golf Course in Yorkton, with supper to follow at the Gallagher Centre.

The entry fee is $90, and the Early Bird Deadline is May 14th. Those who enter by that date have a chance to win their entry fee back.

Several prizes will be on hand, including the major prize of two tickets anywhere WestJet flies.

The 18-hole Texas Scramble has a 2:00 shotgun start time, May 21st at Deer Park.

Griffiths Talks About Scholarship

Former Terrier & Stampeder Ryan Griffiths is going to St. Marys in Minnesota of the NCAA.

Football Week in the Parkland, etc

- Welcome to Day 2 of Football Week in the Parkland! I enjoyed myself (and the pancakes) at Cornerstone Credit Union yesterday morning as we kicked it off with a pancake breakfast. A few changes the rest of the way because of the weather. The scheduled BBQ at Sobey's today (TUE) at noon has been moved to Thursday. While tomorrow's (WED) Pancake Breakfast at the Yorkton Regional High School has been bumped to Friday.

Here's Barry Sharpe with some details about the Rider Museum at Army & Navy.



- Coach Danny McKay and the rest of Team Saskatchewan had another convincing win at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship in Ottawa. Team Sask beat New Brunswick 10-2 this morning, improving to 3-and-0. They finish the round robin tomorrow (WED) against Alberta.

- Big thanks to former Terrier Josh Garbutt (now manager of Flaman Fitness) and his staff. My wife wanted an elliptical trainer for her "baby present" and they hooked me up with a great one and were extremely helpful. It's got an iPod dock and a fan built-in... pretty sweet! Probably wouldn't hurt for me to go for a spin on it either! And again, she ASKED for one... it's not me saying "you could use some exercise!" Still no baby by the way... thanks to all who've asked this past week or so. Due date is Saturday, and they won't let her go past May 18th... so NO MORE than 2 weeks from now, and we're both hoping it's a lot less than that. Exciting times!

- Dauphin's in the driver's seat at the RBC Cup. They're 2-and-0 after a 3-2 win over Brockville (1-1) last night. They've picked up two one-goal wins over a couple highly-touted teams (Vernon/Brockville). They play La Ronge (1-1) tonight (TUE) and Oakville (0-2) tomorrow to finish up. A win over La Ronge would clinch 1st place for the Kings, which would see them play the 4th place finisher in the semis. Adam Bartko's expected to play goal for La Ronge, after Yorkton product Joel Danyluk left their game on Tuesday vs Vernon with an injury. It was sure looking like Joel had taken over that #1 job, but now the Ice Wolves will learn what a luxury it is having two capable guys. I'm finding it hard to cheer for anyone but La Ronge... with so many local connections... Danyluk (former Terrier, from Yorkton), Aaron Decorby (former Millionaire, from Melville), Colton MacPherson (Whitewood), Skylar Hladun (Canora) and Trainer Ron Holloway (former Terrier Trainer, from Broadview).

- WHL final resumes tonight in Kennewick, Washington. Calgary Hitmen lead the Tri-City Amercans 2-0 in that Best-of-Seven. Taylor Hall, Ryan Ellis and the Windsor Spitfires have a chance to advance to their 2nd straight Memorial Cup tonight, taking a 3-0 series lead into Game 4 against the Barrie Colts. Former Melville Millionaire Tyler Howe and the Moncton Wildcats lead the Saint John Sea Dogs 2-0 heading into tonight's Game 3. The Memorial Cup starts next Friday (May 14) in Brandon.

SK Still Undefeated at NAHC

Team Saskatchewan improved to 2-and-0 at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Ottawa this afternoon.

The club coached by Yorkton Terriers Ass't Danny McKay had a convincing 11-1 victory over Nova Scotia.

Their final two round robin games are against New Brunswick (TUE) and Alberta (WED).

Team SK 1-0 at NAHC

Saskatchewan beat Manitoba 7-4 Sunday afternoon at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Ottawa.

Yorkton Terrier Assistant Danny McKay is the Head Coach for Team Saskatchewan, and will keep us up to date throughout the week.

Danyluk Stops 43; Ice Wolves Win RBC Opener in OT

Yorkton product and former Terrier Joel Danyluk made 43/45 saves as the La Ronge Ice Wolves beat the Oakville Blades 3-2 in overtime.

Dan Conacher was the OT hero.

Game Summary