CPTC race weekend March 7&8

The 64th edition of the Canadian Power Toboggan Championships (CPTC) is set to deliver another unforgettable weekend of speed, spectacle, and winter celebration on the half-mile ice oval at the Co-op Community Complex in Beausejour March 7-8.
Recognized as the longest running ice oval snowmobile races in the world, the Canadian Power Toboggan Championships have been a cornerstone winter event in Manitoba, combining elite motorsport competition with strong community spirit.
Each year, thousands of spectators gather in Beausejour to celebrate speed, skill, and the enduring thrill of ice oval racing at an event that attracts top competitors from across Canada and the U.S. 

Racers will battle for championship titles in multiple classes, with high-performance sleds reaching breathtaking speeds on one of the fastest ice tracks in the country.
Night racing has quickly become one of the most anticipated features of championship weekend. As daylight fades on Saturday evening, the ice oval transforms into a brilliantly illuminated nighttime racing arena. The upgraded lighting system enhances visibility and safety for competitors while delivering a dramatic and electrifying atmosphere for fans. 

All eyes will be on the Pro Champ 440 division heading into Sunday’s final. After back-to-back wins in Valcourt, QC and Woodstock, NB, can Danick Lambert become the first Canadian to capture the Canadian Championship in 36 years? Will Gunnar Sterne secure a record-tying seventh Canadian title? Or will one of the more than 20-plus elite Pro Champ 440 drivers rise to the occasion and claim victory in Sunday’s highly anticipated final?

In 2025, Blaine Stephenson claimed his fourth CPTC Pro Champ 440 title in thrilling fashion. The Polaris driver from Hutchinson, MN stalked Sterne over the course of the 15-lap race and passed the six-time champ from West Chicago, IL on the inside on the 11th lap. From there he held the line to victory.

On-track action runs throughout Saturday and Sunday, culminating in championship finals and trophy presentations. In addition to world-class racing, attendees can enjoy a full concession, merchandise vendors and family-friendly activities designed to make the weekend welcoming for fans of all ages.

Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and secure their spot trackside for what promises to be one of the most exciting editions yet.

For more information, race schedules and event updates, visit cptcracing.com

LdB Ice Fishing Derby

The 2026 version of the Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby was a hot event despite the cold temperatures Saturday.

Held at the Lac du Bonnet town dock, organizers said a total of 1,241 anglers fished 1,637 holes on the day.

The derby is a ‘catch and release’ event, so once measured, the fish were quickly returned to the water. A total of 64 fish were caught.

With more than $70,000 in cash and prizes to be won, the hidden length and time jackpot grand prize of $15,000 was claimed by Sean Schiefelbein and his 24 cm perch caught at 11:35 a.m. 
Second prize and $5,000 went to David Wilson for a 37 cm pike landed at 11:47 a.m.

Dayton Mercier’s 46 cm pike caught at 12:37 p.m. earned him third place and $3,000 while Ian Crossley picked up a cool $2,000 for fourth place for a 61 cm pike pulled out at 1:19 p.m. Crossley’s fish was also the biggest of the day, earning him a two day/two night package at Eagle Nest Lodge.

Will Sagel rounded out the Top 5 prizes and $1,000 for a 56 cm pike caught at 1:17 p.m.

The last fish of the day was a sauger caught by Scott Barr at 2:09 p.m., earning him a cool $1,000.

Jack McLaughlin was another big winner, scooping up the $3,000 cash raffle prize.
Those who didn’t catch a fish still won prizes. Jesse Bercier won the $500 gift certificate from Watertown despite being skunked on the day.

Proceeds from the Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby are distributed via community grants. Student bursaries are awarded to two post-secondary students each year. Information regarding the grants, bursaries, event sponsors and all prize winners can be found at ldbice.ca

Sunrise School Division proposes record budget

By Tony Zerucha

The Sunrise School Division proposes a record $91.9 million budget for the 2026-2027 school year. 

Revealled at the draft budget presentation of Feb. 19, that is a 3.6 per cent increase over the current $88.7 million budget. Wages and benefits account for 92 per cent of the increase.

The mill rate inches up from 11.916 to 12.779, while the total portion assessment grew by 1.3 per cent. This means the owner of a home assessed at $500,000 will pay $94 more, while those owning $1 million homes will pay an extra $288.

“Sunrise is faced with fixed cost increases and the budget objective for 2026-2027 was to keep expenditure cost increases to a minimum where possible,” the division said in a recent presentation. “There were savings found within the budget to accommodate needed increases in staffing and other operational requirements.”

It goes on to say contract obligations and inflationary increase needs cannot be met through the recent provincial government increase funding of $516,344, announced on Feb. 9. The division is considering balancing the budget by collecting from the rate payers via the special education levy. 

“By doing so allows the division to meet both operational and educational needs. It is important to the board that services to students are maintained at a high level of quality.”

Sunrise said contract obligations and inflation contributed to its squeeze. Both teacher and unionized non-teacher contracts rose, as did expenses for utilities, snow removal, grass cutting,  and insurance. This fall’s election also brings a cost. Telephone, internet and interest costs fell.

“There were many asks, none are unreasonable, but the board has prioritized based on what funding was made available without compromising education,” the division said. “The budget was prepared with as little increases where possible; any inflation will result in schools doing less with what funds they do have.

There have been no increases in services. If there was an addition to the budget, other areas of the budget were reduced to accommodate the addition. Senior administration had to find savings and make changes from within.
Regular instruction, which is just more than half of the budget, increased from $46.2 million to $48.2 million. Transportation costs rise roughly $280,000, while operations and maintenance see another $390,000.

The division is devoting a $950,000 accumulated surplus to asphalt and foundation work, cabinets and millwork, exterior wall cleaning and renovations to the foods lab and gym ceiling at Springfield Middle School.

Approximately three-quarters of the increase would be covered by a special levy, with provincial funding growing by $661,290. Federal funding rose by $33,000.

Springfield open house provides updates

By Tony Zerucha

Roughly 110 people came to the Oakbank Baptist Church on Feb. 19 to hear updates from the RM of Springfield’s council and staff on several key issues and projects. 
A moderator helped keep the evening mostly on track. Municipal representatives provided an update and then answered questions and received comments. That process continued for three hours.

Winnipeg Metropolitan Region
The RM of Springfield left the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region for several reasons, beginning with the fear of losing local autonomy over decisions affecting the municipality. Other factors including a lack of consultation, financial costs, and community expectations. 

CAO Colleen Draper said there were concerns that the concept could be influenced by “one dominant voice” re: the City of Winnipeg.
Coun. Glen Fuhl said that municipalities were initially required to be in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region until Bill 37 provided an avenue to leave. Springfield’s intention to leave currently sits with the Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations.
Mayor Pat Therrien said that he didn’t speak after the public hearing in Niverville was cancelled because the hearing was still technically underway and he was prevented from speaking until it was adjourned.

“I was going to vote no, but we never got to that point,” Therrien said of the plan.
Therrien said he’ll wait and see what the public says about a new Winnipeg Metropolitan Region plan when one is presented. He added it’s common for plans to be developed and adjusted along the way.

“It’s gonna be our problem if we don’t know what’s in it and how it’ll affect our community,” Coun. Andy Kuczynski said.

Dugald Oakbank 
Water System
The RM of Springfield cannot proceed on the Dugald Oakbank Water System until it receives a provincial license, which was applied for last August. The main reason the process has lingered is due to the high number of comments the Province of Manitoba has received.
A municipal official said electrical control panels are rotting from the inside out and some equipment is obsolete. The system can be expanded to meet future growth. At its post-construction size, and with proper maintenance, the system can function for 80 to 100 years.

Sewage Lagoon
The lagoon work includes converting sections into aerated, semi-mechanical systems and raising diking to the north. Two new cells, which will include rock and piping, will treat waste before it is pumped into the Cooks Creek Diversion, where it works its way to the Red River Floodway and eventually to Lake Winnipeg.
In 2016, a fully mechanized new plant was estimated to cost $150 million. This reduced project is viewed as much more affordable.

Municipal Policing
Springfield has hired an interim community safety officer to conduct patrols, enforce bylaws and select provincial bylaws, and engage with the community. Council is reviewing its options, which are one of community safety officers, bylaw enforcement officers or bringing back the Springfield Police Service. No time line for a decision was provided.

Armtec Community 
Recreation Centre
Springfield’s council awarded the contract to Bird Construction for $21.7 million on Feb. 17. The awarded amount is roughly $1.1 million higher than the RM had budgeted for. That will be covered by accumulated surplus reserves.
Draper said she expects the project will receive federal grants in the next few years, which would reduce the amount of required borrowing.

Capital Projects
Cypress Avenue is slated to receive a full-depth reconstruction from Silver Avenue to Balsam Crescent and onto Main Street. A raised curb on one side is included. The project, estimated to cost $2 million, received a $1 million provincial grant.
The second mile of Deacon Road off of Garven Road is scheduled to receive a full asphalt reconstruction.

Sio Silica
Springfield has had no recent communication with provincial officials or company representatives. No municipal approvals or building permits have been requested or issued.

Lac du Bonnet’s new EDO brings experience

By Simon Ducatel

The RM of Lac du Bonnet’s new economic development officer says the community is brimming with opportunity. 

“There is every reason to believe that Lac du Bonnet can achieve significant and lasting growth,” said Anna Mondor, who stepped into the position this past fall. “The community holds significant untapped potential, strong business opportunities, and a location that is second to none.”

Mondor has over two decades of experience in strategy, governance and results-driven economic development. She earned a Master of Science Degree in Engineering and a Major in Industrial Management and Economics from Gdansk University of Technology in Poland plus a Master’s in Business Administration from Asper School of Business and a master certificate in project management from the University of Winnipeg and Schulich Business School of Toronto. 

She moved to Canada 25 years ago and pursued a path in economic development in 2012 when she was hired by the Beausejour Brokenhead Development Corporation, where she spent more than eight years leading implementation efforts and brought in more than $1 million in grant funding.

“That’s what started my passion,” she said. “I developed two comprehensive five-year strategy plans focused on investment attraction, population growth, tourism, downtown revitalization, immigration initiatives and business expansion.” 

Mondor eventually moved on from Beausejour to become the first director of economic development for the City of Steinbach where she built a strategic framework and operational structure from the ground up that positioned the city for long-term investment attraction and sustainable business expansion.

Mondor said returning to North Eastman after her time in Beausejour carries special meaning, and added the networks she had established combined with her regional insight and understanding of local economic drivers will be a big benefit. 

“It’s one of the few professions where strategy turns into visible change,” Mondor said when asked what she most enjoys about her work. “Watching a plan you helped design produce results over time is deeply fulfilling. There’s long-term satisfaction in building something sustainable.”

She also enjoys helping communities recognize their strengths. 

“Often, the rural communities underestimate their assets, like location, workforce, lifestyle, natural beauty or entrepreneurial spirit.” 
Of course her line of work is not without challenges. 

“One of the greatest challenges is balancing long-term vision with short-term expectations,” she said, adding people understandably tend to want immediate results. “(But) growth doesn’t happen overnight... economic development is not about quick wins. It’s about creating frameworks (and) partnerships that continue to generate growth years down the road.”

There are variables that influence local outcomes including workforce shortages, housing availability or lack thereof, infrastructure, internet access, regulatory changes and shifting global trends.

She rejects the notion that communities like Lac du Bonnet don’t deliver returns on investment. The completion of a comprehensive housing report followed by the launch of the 2026-2031 housing development strategy were among the first major milestones. The data identified a shortage of roughly 80 housing units, which represents an estimated $25 million capital gap, she said.

“Housing is directly connected to workforce attraction, business expansion and long-term economic resilience,” she said. “With a structured strategy now in place, the path forward is clearer.”

Another project underway is a revamp of the economic development website to strengthen the community’s visibility and accessibility. 

Looking ahead, the intent is “to establish Lac du Bonnet as a competitive community that is prepared, data-driven, and responsive to investor needs, she said. 
But having a vision is one thing, assessing a strategic plan’s success is another.
“Economic development is most effective when progress is tracked with clear, data-driven indicators rather than assumptions,” she said. “Metrics will include the number of new housing starts, building permits issued, occupancy rates, and progress.”

Other metrics will include keeping track of the number of serious investor inquiries, development agreements signed, and total capital investment secured, as well as measuring assessment growth and expansion of the non-residential tax base.

Springfield resident an inspiration

Mohr encourages women to take steps, follow dreams when reaching midlife

By Tony Zerucha

Erin Mohr has successfully overcome a series of life challenges. Now she hopes her journey will inspire others to not only survive, but thrive.

Mohr, a Springfield resident, is a contestant in Regional Canada Pageant’s Senior Pageant in Toronto, scheduled for Aug. 20-22. The 50-year-old will be competing in the Ms. Elite category for single women aged 40 or older.

It’s a life turn Mohr wouldn’t have expected if you told her six years ago. Mohr said she was living a great life. Married with two children, she had a dream home, great job and looked forward to the future.

Then everything quickly changed. Within three years, Mohr’s marriage suddenly ended, she left her job after 20 years and her father died. Many of her life’s constants, the titles she defined herself by, were ripped away. Depression hit hard.

“There were days I didn’t want to get out of bed,” Mohr said. “I didn’t want to face the days. I’d go to bed at night and not want to wake up in the morning.”
In the midst of her pain, Mohr made a crucial decision, one that set the stage for her rebirth.

“My choice was always let myself feel the pain, but I’m not stuck there,” she said. “I decided to use it to push me into who I want to become and what I want to do. Nobody was going to rescue me out of this.”

The path forward began with little steps. Some days, her best was being there to see her kids off to school. Other times, it was learning a skill she didn’t need before, like changing the oil on the riding mower.
Key in her growth was the practice of gratitude. No matter how bleak the day looked,

Mohr found things to be grateful for. Every day. She rediscovered running, which helped mind, body and spirit.

Mohr embraced a new career. Previously a pastor for 20 years, Mohr joined

Pineridge Hollow as an events manager for the market. An important part of her role is helping people plan positive experiences like weddings and anniversaries.
When she was looking for new experiences, Mohr ventured outside her comfort zone and researched pageants. She opted for Regional Canada because, while it embraces many of the glamorous aspects of pageantry, it also focuses on personal development and empowerment. Contestants range from five to 85 years old.
In the lead-up to the August event, Mohr is planning some fundraisers and community events. She encourages everyone to follow her on Instagram to learn more. She also wants to partner with businesses to spread her message of renewal.
“I’m encouraging women to take the steps I’m taking,” she said. “Find those new dreams when you’re hitting midlife.

“I feel like I’m in a place where I can contribute and give back.”

Qualico development agreement approved

By Tony Zerucha

A long-envisioned housing development near the municipal offices in Oakbank took its next step on Feb. 26 after Springfield’s council unanimously approved an agreement with Qualico Developments. 

The agreement covers the first stage of Qualico’s plans for the parcel, located on the southeast corner of Springfield Road and Springfield Centre Drive.

The first stage consists of 13 single-family lots, 11 blocks for future development, and 7.5 acres of public reserve lands. It is situated immediately east of the Co-op gas station. A main road will be built through the development that connects to Springfield Centre Drive.

That leaves Qualico with 45 acres to develop at a later date. Future phases require new subdivision applications and council approval.
This development has seen little to no public opposition, a rarity for recent proposed developments in the Oakbank area.

Qualico’s subdivision application was approved by the previous council in July 2021. That application mandated a signed development agreement before construction could begin.

Springfield Centre Drive will be busy this year with construction traffic from both the rec centre and this development. Qualico’s plans for 2026 are to work on the road, drainage and water connections.

Comets sweep Satelites in first round

By Tony Zerucha

The Beausejour Comets have advanced to the Capital Region Junior Hockey League semi-finals after a dominant sweep of the North Winnipeg Satelites.

The Comets opened their best-of-five series against the Satelites with a 9-3 win on Feb. 23. Beausejour outshot North Winnipeg 60-18. Vaughn Senebald scored twice, with single goals coming from Logan Ashe, Lavery Melsted, Jaedys Dancyt, Liam Johnston, Tanner Amos, Nikolas Bear and Merrick Hucul. Senebald, Melsted, Amos, Bear and Job Peters had three-point evenings.

Game Two on Feb. 24 was a closer affair, with the Comets escaping Winnipeg with a 6-4 win. 

North Winnipeg opened the scoring at 10:53 of the first period, but the lead was short lived, as Greyson Wood responded 37 seconds later. Hucul scored three times in the game with his first giving Beausejour a 2-1 advantage after 20 minutes.
The Comets added three straight to grab a 5-1 lead in the second, with Laughlin Cuthbert, Bear and Hucul bulging the twine. 

North Winnipeg didn’t give up, as they scored three of their own to make it a 5-4 game three minutes into the third period. Hucul completed his hat trick when he scored an insurance goal at 7:04.

Beausejour outshot North Winnipeg 40-26. Alex Cavanagh earned the win.

The Comets completed the sweep with a 9-0 win on Feb. 28. Bear scored twice, while Senebald, Wood, Melsted, Peters, Tyler Nault, Miles Armit and Easton Gaffray contributed markers. Seth Hlady and Dancyt had three assists each.

Sawyer Abraham made 22 saves for the Comets, who took 45 shots of their own.
Beausejour joins the St. Malo Warriors in the second round. Both teams should learn who their opponents are by the end of this week. The Selkirk Fishermen hold a 2-1 advantage over the Lundar Falcons, with the La Broquerie Habs hold a 2-1 lead over the Arborg Ice Dawgs. Should Selkirk win their series, they will face Beausejour. If Lundar wins, Beausejour faces the Habs/Ice Dawgs winner.

Eastman Flames U14 headed to Westerns

By Tony Zerucha

The U14 AA Eastman Flames are provincial champions and headed to Saskatoon for the Western Canadian Championships in March. 

Coach Debbie Peters said their success is a testament to their commitment to work as a team and to constantly improve. While the roster features players from across eastern Manitoba, Oakbank is represented by Crew Peters, Mayra Luft, Hannah Johnson and Kaylee Lambkin. Coach Peters and assistant Kajla Farmer are also from Oakbank.

The Flames have come a long way since the team was set in May. Over the summer, they held teambuilding and fitness sessions, along with a weekend cabin getaway featuring chalk talks, hikes, swimming and games. This was a pivotal period, as most players were coming from club teams and had not played with each other before.

“Getting to know each other, thats what makes a team,” Debbie Peters said. “If they can get along, that’s a big stepping stone.”

The Flames entered the season as a young team, with only six veterans and 10 rookies. Three of the veterans were cut in their first year. Their underdog status was set.

There was plenty of travel from Toronto to Edmonton. In October, the Flames won their first-ever gold in Regina. Weeks later, they fared well despite being in a hard group in Edmonton. In January, the Flames finished third in Toronto after losing on goal differential.

Come championship weekend, the Flames were well-prepared, but the tests continued after they lost the opening game of their best-of-three championship series against the BVRA Angels 7-6 in overtime. The Flames evened the series 3-2 before capturing the clincher 2-0.

“It was not a guarantee; our girls fought very hard,” Peters said. “BVRA spanked us 8-3 early in the season, but after that, the games were all close.”
Peters said the team found success in the second half of the season as the new players learned the system. She also credited them for adapting as she adjusted plans during the season and even during games.

“Some of them are 12 years old,” Peters said. “It was hard, but they did amazing.”

The Flames have faced some of the teams they’ll compete against in Saskatoon. Peters knows those opponents bring more advanced systems and skill.
While the Western Canadian Championships don’t begin until March 18, the Flames are heading out a few days before to settle in and have a team supper. They squeeze in a practice on March 18 before enjoying a skills competition and the opening ceremonies.

Winterhawks lose SEMHL playoff opener

By Tony Zerucha

The Springfield Winterhawks must come from behind if they are to advance to the South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League finals. 

Coach Grant Sellen’s squad opened their semi-final series against the Ile des Chenes Northstars on Feb. 28 with a 4-3 overtime loss.

Ile des Chenes took a 2-0 lead deep into the second period before Owen Blocker scored a power-play goal at 17:12. Keith Grondin and Adam Hughesman assisted. 
Mathieu Moreira drew the Winterhawks even with another man-advantage tally at 5:18 of the third period. MacKenzie Dwyer and Connor Barley set him up.

At 10:09, Matt Lamoureux and Riley Thomsen assisted on Grondin’s goal to give the Winterhawks a 3-2 advantage. That lasted just over five minutes before Ile des Chenes tied the game to force overtime, where they won at 4:52.

Credit Ile des Chenes goalie Mason Swerdyliak with keeping the game close. He faced 49 shots. Winterhawk Steve Christie saw 28.

Springfield visited Ile des Chenes on March 4 but at press time results were not available. The Winterhawks host the Northstars in Oakbank March 5 at 8 p.m. If necessary, a fourth game is in Ile des Chenes on March 7 with Game Five back in Oakbank on March 10 at 8 p.m. 

Xtreme dispatch Red Wings in three games

By Tony Zerucha

The Springfield Xtreme moved on to the HTJHL semi-finals after dispatching the Grunthal Red Wings in three straight games. They completed the sweep with a 5-3 win on Feb. 21.

Ethan Da Silva’s goal with 24 seconds remaining in regulation gave the Xtreme a 3-2 win in the opener on Feb. 18. The Xtreme penalty killers were key in the victory as they killed seven of eight chances against.

Michael Jette opened the scoring at 6:35 of the first period. His power play marker was assisted by David Hazlitt. Grunthal’s Colter Martens scored a man advantage goal of his own in the second to make it a 1-1 contest after 40 minutes.

Jette and Aidan Osborne set up Connor Eggerman 28 seconds to give the Xtreme a short-lived 2-1 lead, but Grunthal scored the equalizer three minutes later. With time winding down, Jette and Osborne set up Da Silva for the game winner.
Josh Rach made 21 stops for the Xtreme, who tested Grunthal’s Hayden Janzen 34

On Feb. 20, four different Xtreme players bulged the twin in a 4-1 road win. Cam Osborne opened the scoring at 8:46, thanks to Mason Lesuk and Connor Toth. Jette potted the game-winner at 16:52. Aidan Osborne earned the assist.

Grunthal got on the board seconds in the middle frame, but John Pelltier restored the two-goal cushion at 2:36. Aidan Osborne scored on the power play at 6:41 to close  the scoring. Springfield held the edge in shots 35-28. Rach earned the win.

On Feb. 21, the Red Wings held a 1-0 lead after one period when Evan Jasper scored on the power play at 4:31. Mason Lesuk added another power-play goal at 16:44 to give Springfield a brief lead, but Grunthal tied the contest again 35 seconds later.

Chase Janas put the Xtreme ahead to stay 31 seconds into the third period, with Eastan Crane adding to the lead at 6:35. Grunthal cut into the lead on the power play at 9:26, but Lesuk scored into an empty net with nine seconds left to make the final 5-3.

Rach made 24 saves for the win. Springfield took 26 shots.
In other quarterfinal series action, the first-place Macdonald Swarm and ninth-place East. St. Paul Gators are tied at one game apiece, as are the Mitchell Mustangs and Ste. Anne Aces. The Niverville Clippers ousted the Steinbach Huskies in three games.

Winterhawks sweep Islanders to move on

By Tony Zerucha

The Springfield Winterhawks have advanced to the SEMHL semi-finals following a three-game sweep of the Portage Islanders.

The Winterhawks survived a late surge to top the Islanders 7-5 in the series opener on Feb. 16. They amassed a 2-0 lead after the first period on goals from Brody Welsh and Mathieu Moreira. 

Before widening the advantage to 5-1 after 40 minutes as Carter Barley, Adam Hughesman and Dexter Kuczek bulged the twine.

Moreira’s second of the game made it 6-1 33 seconds into the final frame, but Portage mounted a furious comeback with four goals in 14 minutes to make it 6-5 at 15:32. Keith Grondin scored an empty-netter at 18:36 to ice the win.

Springfield scored on its only power play while allowing two goals on seven chances against. The Winterhawks were outshot 35-34. Steve Christie earned the win.
Islander Joey Sutherland was suspended three games after he was assessed a match penalty as the game ended.

The Winterhawks power play was pivotal in a Game 2 victory on Feb. 19. Springfield was down 1-0 in the second period when Islander Kian Calder was assessed a double minor for slewfooting at 2:50. They scored twice on the ensuing man advantage, with Owen Blocker and Carter Barley hitting the net.

Matt Lamoureux made it 3-1 at 1:46 of the third period. Portage scored at 8:25 to make it a one-goal game, but they couldn’t find the equalizer. Springfield outshot Portage 45-27. Christie was between the pipes.

Four Winterhawks scored on Feb. 21 in a 4-0 Winterhawks win. Owen Blocker,

Grondin, Grant Perdonic and Dobie Unrau were the marksmen. Goalie stats were not reported.

Springfield could learn its next opponent on Feb. 25. The first-place Winkler Royals lead the Notre Dame Hawks 2-1, with games scheduled for Feb. 23 and 26. Results of the Feb. 23 contest were unavailable at press time.

The Red River Wild and Morden Bombers are tied 2-2, with the deciding game on Feb. 24. Results were unavailable at press time. 

Walls stepping back from Sabres football

By Tony Zerucha

Springfield’s football community is preparing to say goodbye to its founder Tom Walls, who is stepping down this summer. 

Walls is technically taking a one-year leave of absence from a teaching position with the Winnipeg School Division, who he jokingly thanked for allowing him to spend so many workday hours on football. He and wife Shandy are moving to Colombia after she accepted employment there.

Walls said he’ll stay involved through the spring gym season, and will assist incoming head coach Shane Lucier with planning and play development remotely during the season. In meetings with coaches, players and parents, everyone wished to maintain a similar structure.

Those meetings, while hard, were important for everyone. This includes some seniors who need consistency as they pursue university or junior careers.

“There were two things I needed to do in those meetings,” Walls said. “I needed to let them know I wasn’t leaving them for another team; it was an opportunity for my family, and it was going to be okay.”

Walls had lived in Springfield for three years when Shandy looked in their yard and told him they could erect some goalposts and hold kicking camps.

“I said we can do more than that,” Walls said.

The Sunrise Coyotes program was founded in 2014. The early years brought predictable struggles on the field; some gave up. But others persisted, including a girls’ team that won three championships in four years.

“That showed us it could work here,” Walls said.

That was followed by a powerhouse bantam team that solidified a winning environment. Players and families stuck around. Younger siblings signed up; a program was born.

Equally important was what was happening on the sidelines. Walls and coaches like Ken Clegg, Val Medved, Marcell Pelland and Ian Hickey began coaching peewee together. That was 12 years ago – they’re still together today.

“The coaches really like being around each other. That brings stability,” Walls said.
The high school football come to Springfield in 2019. To date, six seasons have brought five banners to the school, along with a year-round program that keeps the players engaged.

“Year-round programs like we have at SCI, you don’t find them at other schools except for that big ones like Oak Park and Dakota,” Walls said. “They’re huge schools. We have between 560-580 kids.”

Walls said his three proudest life accomplishments are his marriage, kids and Springfield’s football program. The latter has allowed him two blend in the other two. Football wouldn’t have happened without Shandy, who raised funds when few were to be had. Tommy Jr. was an award-winning Sabres pivot who played American college football. Daughter Aiden was active in merchandising.

The winning was nice, and Walls communicated that to his players. More importantly, Walls was reminded of the joy in the process; every team building event, every practice, brought people together. Children were growing into responsible adults.
“The real joy has been in the relationships with the players, coaches and parents,” Walls said. “What these programs teach young people is rarer and rarer in society: not giving up when things get hard, selflessness, and eventual reward over immediate gratification.”

That message has endured, as Walls saw in a recent alumni game. Two original 2019 players brought their own children, one only three months old.
“He thought so much of the program and that game that he wanted his wife and kid to be there,” Walls said.

Walls also joked that when alumni bring their kids, perhaps it’s time for fresh blood to patrol the sidelines. He then got serious when recalling players share stories of substance abuse and suicidal thoughts; they trusted him enough to share their innermost fears.

“One father told me we changed his son’s life for the better; that’s the kind of thing that sticks with you,” Walls said.

Walls has several irons in the fire, including a book that could soon be published. He’s also promoting professional development services to teachers and coaches in South America.

And Walls wouldn’t be Walls without some football. He’ll be coaching the Medellin Raptors.

Is South American football different than what Walls is used to? Canadian football isn’t what a grinning Walls was used to when he initially came north.

“Everywhere else has four downs, and they don’t give you a point for kicking it through the end zone,” Walls laughed. “I’m going back to my roots.”

Smith headed to Manitoba Games

By Tony Zerucha

Oakbank curler Sierra Smith is packing her bags for Thompson, where she will join Team Eastman at the Manitoba Winter Games from March 4-7. 

Smith and Interlake partner Jake Kowalchuk earned their spots by winning a mixed doubles curling regional qualifier at the Springfield Curling Club in Dugald on Jan. 3.
Smith and Kowalchuk took early control in the opening game by scoring two in each of the first two ends on the way to an 11-2 victory. In the clinching second draw, Smith and Kowalchuk broke open a 1-1 deadlock with three in the third end and five in the fifth to win another 11-2 decision. This one was called after six ends.
The partners gelled quickly, after only meeting in September. After a couple of practices, they entered the January regional qualifier.

“Those games were the first games we have ever played together,” Smith said. “We formed a team (after) he reached out to me. We have known each other for around three of four years, as we faced each other in inter-club curling.”
Smith said mixed doubles is different from traditional curling formats in several ways. For starters, there are only two players on each team. Teams throw just five rocks per end, compared to the usual eight.

“One player throws the first and the fifth rock which was me. The other player throws the middle three which was Jake,” Smith explained. “For the game, there’s always two rocks that are in play. The team that has hammer has the rock placed back four foot and the team that doesn’t have hammer has their rock placed as a centre guard, usually mid.”

Athletes between the ages of 10-17 will compete in 12 sports over seven days: ringette, archery, speed skating, futsal, alpine skiing, curling, gymnastics, figure skating, cross country skiing, wrestling, badminton and hockey. 

Sport Manitoba will release the complete Eastman team roster at the end of January. Eastman includes much of the Interlake and communities north of the Trans Canada Highway.

Serving the communities of
Springfield (Oakbank, Dugald, Anola), Beausejour, Brokenhead, Whitemouth, Reynolds and surrounding areas.

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 The Lac du Bonnet Clipper

Serving the communities of
Lac du Bonnet, Pinawa, Seven Sisters, Powerview-Pine Falls, RM of Alexander, the East Beaches and surrounding areas.

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