December 4, 2025 Volume 34 No.48
Regional food bank use surges
Unprecedented holiday demand across North Eastman requires record response
By Morgan Maguet
With the holidays approaching, food banks in North Eastman are seeing unprecedented demand as residents face growing food insecurity.
According to Food Banks Canada’s 2025 Hunger Count report, food bank visits across the country have nearly doubled since 2019. As a result, local food banks are encouraging residents to donate as they are able. Even small contributions, they say, can help ensure families across the region have access to the essentials during a time of rising need.
After more than 30 years, the Beausejour Food Bank is facing record demand. Average monthly hamper distributions have grown steadily, from 70 in 2022 to 104 per month in 2025.
“We are seeing a steady demand for our services and are currently providing food for 82 families in our community,” said Karen Kozyra of the food bank volunteer. “In order to fulfill requests for over 1,200 food hampers each year, we rely on the generosity of our community. In 2025, our donated food hit a new total of over 15,000 pounds and we are so grateful.”
Run entirely by 23 volunteers, donations to the Beausejour Food Bank can be delivered to Unit 2-730 Park Ave., or donors can call 204-406-0949 to arrange a drop-off or volunteer shift.
In Powerview-Pine Falls, the community’s regional food bank – launched this year under the umbrella of the Lac du Bonnet and Area Food Bank – has seen a steady growth in demand. This first Christmas season has brought new challenges, with those involved saying the need has remained consistently high since operations began.
“As expected, our numbers have grown since opening a food bank closer to where the need is in our community. In the first 10 months of 2025, the Pine Falls Food Bank supported 3,856 people, 2,190 adults and 1,666 children, nearly two and a half times more than the 1,575 people from our area that were served out of Lac du Bonnet last year,” said Michelle Berthelette, wellness facilitator at the Pine Falls Health Complex.
She said the food bank is also seeing many first-time users, which has led to low inventory and shortages of staples such as canned goods, flour and sugar.
“We’ve had a great response since opening, with 35 volunteers registered so far. They are a dedicated group, but we are still looking to add to our team,” Berthelette said.
Residents interested in helping can email pinefallsfoodbank@gmail.com to volunteer. Food donations can be dropped off at several local businesses and churches, and cash donations can be made through the Lac du Bonnet Food Bank.
The Lac du Bonnet location also experienced new challenges this year. Staff say demand dipped after the Pine Falls site opened but rose and fluctuated throughout the year.
From Oct. 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2025, Lac du Bonnet’s food bank supported 3,225 people, including 1,062 children. Combined with Pine Falls, both locations served 6,586 people over the same 12-month period – nearly 53 per cent more than the previous year.
Both Lac du Bonnet and Pine Falls have separate Christmas Hamper groups running this season that operate independently but coordinate to ensure fair distribution. Food bank demand usually dips slightly during hamper season, but some families still fall short.
Kim Laurans, treasurer of the Lac du Bonnet and Area Food Bank, said the organization is also seeing shifts in who is seeking help.
“Over half of our clients are single people, mostly young people and seniors. The second largest group are single parent families,” he said.
Needing roughly 60 to 70 people between both locations, volunteers can contact Linda Rowbottom at 204-345-8406.
The Reynolds Food Bank in Hadashville expects to serve 17 households this Christmas, a number unchanged from last year. Coordinator Penny Samec said they are in a better position this season thanks to strong community support.
“We received large donations from the former East Braintree church as it closed its doors, and two successful events, the Prawda Country Dance and the Prawda Trunk or Treat,” Samec said.
While inventory remains moderate and usage steady, the food bank has reduced operations from twice a month to once a month due to a shortage of volunteers.
“We currently have five volunteers, and we are in desperate need of more help,” she added.
Samec says monetary, food and pet food donations are always welcomed. E-transfers can be sent to foodbankreynolds@gmail.com, and food donations can be dropped off at the RM office, Reynolds Community Hall on Bingo night, or during the Christmas Pageant on Dec. 20.
Demand has also continued to rise in the RM of Springfield. Co-coordinator Lori Beer said the Springfield Food Bank has been in operation for over 17 years and has provided support to an ever-increasing number of households in the municipality. They are open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at Anola United Church. Beer says the last 18 months have seen the most notable increase in need, with a 25 per cent increase in families and first-time users, and close to a 50 per cent increase in how often they visit.
In previous years, most households accessed the food bank periodically due to unexpected expenses or illness.
“Today’s reality is that these families are now dealing with an escalating cost of living that has far exceeded wage or pension increases, resulting in the need for support on a very regular basis,” Beer said.
Despite cautious spending, Beer said their monthly costs now exceed donations for the first time, raising concerns about their ability to maintain current levels of support long-term. The food bank is asking individuals and groups to consider donating for Christmas.
“Each donation makes a crucial difference,” she said.
Food items can be dropped off at collection boxes throughout the RM.
Financial donations are accepted at the RM of Springfield municipal office in Oakbank.
Powerview-Pine Falls in mourning
Unexpected passing of longtime Fire Chief Willy Kemball an immeasurable loss
By Simon Ducatel
The community is in mourning following the unexpected death of a steadfast pillar that touched the lives of countless people in Powerview-Pine Falls as well as the RM of Alexander and whose absence leaves behind a large void.
Longtime Fire Chief and Town of Powerview-Pine Falls Ward 2 Coun. Willy Kemball, 76, passed away last week. Arriving at the fire hall for practice, he was feeling unwell and was encouraged by members to go to the hospital. That was the last time the firefighters would see their chief.
“He was fire chief right to the very end,” said Mayor Les Barclay, who is among the many people left reeling by the loss. “We’ve lost a dedicated fire chief, committed volunteer, and trusted friend. His steady guidance, compassion and service shaped our community and he will be deeply missed.”
Barclay, who over the past five years became friends with Kemball through their professional relationship, fondly remembers a dedicated and “steadfast” individual who worked tirelessly and selflessly on behalf of a grateful community.
“Everybody called him, ‘our Willy.’ I would say he was one of the biggest volunteers in the area,” said Barclay. “He was a very happy and a very forward-thinking and very community-minded person that always had a smile on his face.”
The mayor described Kemball as a measured man who would always offer an attentive ear and provide sage advice.
“He was quieter in the way that he would listen to the situations,” he said. “When he answered, there would be a certain calmness and wisdom.”
Above and beyond an admirable 40-plus years of service as a firefighter, many of them as chief, Kemball coached hockey for more than 30 years and refereed thousands of games. He also proudly played hockey for the Pine Falls Paper Kings and fastball with nthe Pine Falls Canadians.
Elected to municipal council during a by-election in the spring of 2024, Kemball had previously sat on the transitional council when the Town of Powerview annexed Pine Falls approximately 20 years ago.
That was just the tip of the iceberg, as he also sat for more than a decade on the Pineview Lodge Senior Home’s board and served on numerous committees including the fire services committee, Eastman Municipal Forum, recreation committee, water services advisory, the public works committee, the Winnipeg River Planning District and the Emergency Readiness committee to name a few.
“He put a lot of work into them,” said Barclay.
Previously, Kemball had been employed at the Pine Falls paper mill for the better part of nearly 40 years, many of them as foreman, before it shut down.
“This man has dedicated so much to the town,” the mayor said. “He always stood fast. He was all community with his heart.”
Kemball leaves behind a big pair of shoes to fill, but had a succession plan in mind. Three members of the fire department have stepped up in the interim to handle day-to-day operations until Powerview-Pine Falls and Municipality of Alexander councils get a chance to meet and make the difficult decision to appoint a new chief.
As to the matter of the vacant seat on the five-member council in Powerview-Pine Falls and whether to hold a by-election with the upcoming general municipal elections coming up next fall, that also remains to be determined.
“That will have to be decided by the rest of the council,” he said, anticipating a discussion during this week’s meeting on Dec. 3.
Barclay attended the Association of Manitoba Municipalities’ fall convention in Winnipeg last week and noted how Kemball’s life inspired and influenced the lives of people far beyond the community’s boundaries.
“So many people asked about him all over the different communities right through Manitoba,” he said. “He’s definitely one person that was well liked and everybody will remember him.”
Kemball leaves to mourn his wife of 53 years, Linda, his three children, siblings, nieces, nephews and endless friends.
A service is planned for Monday, Dec. 8 at 11 A.M. at the Great Falls Community Hall.
Sio Silica open house in Winnipeg
Sand mining company displays scaled down proposal, provides information
By Tony Zerucha
Around 200 people attended Sio Silica’s open house in Transcona on Nov. 24; the company’s first significant public engagement in its second attempt to get provincial approval for a sand extraction facility near Vivian.
The room was staffed with Sio representatives, engineers and geologists who met with attendees around a series of storyboards and videos describing the project and the changes Sio Silica has made. Private security guards were on duty.
The company proposes a dramatic reduction in the amount of sand it will extract. While the original annual target was 1.36 million tonnes, that number was sliced to 100,000 in the first year and a yearly maximum of 500,000 tonnes thereafter.
Plan A called for a maximum of 467 extraction wells per year, but Plan B sees 25 in the first year and a cap of 167 moving forward. Original clusters called for seven wells; the new ones have five. The annual extraction area has nearly been cut in half from 1.2 square kilometres to .65. The project site area drops from 649 hectares to 358.
The original plan called for ultraviolet treatment before returning the water to the aquifer. Sio Silica said it is adding filtering and testing of the groundwater treatment process to confirm compliance with government mandates.
Sio Silica geologist Jeff Read said the company has changed its core sample drilling method from a vertical to a diagonal process. That increases the chances of identifying fractures that could cause collapses.
“You’ll understand the heterogeneity of the rock better,” Read said. “Essentially, what it’s doing is adding additional data to further validate the mining model.”
Read said Sio Silica wants that information gathering to be a condition of its licensing.
“If we get that data and it doesn’t validate our model and it shows the carbonate is not structurally strong, because it’s a condition of the license application, we wouldn’t be able to do it,” he said. “If we drill these cores and it comes back showing huge inconsistencies... and they don’t fit into the existing structural model we have, we literally wouldn’t be able to go forward.”
“At that point, we wouldn’t be able to produce sand and create the voids without collapse happening. If we ever produced anything knowing there is a chance of collapse, we’d be asking for bankruptcy.”
Springfield Coun. Mark Miller said he was disappointed the session was held in Winnipeg.
“It doesn’t even affect the City of Winnipeg,” Miller said. “The oil and gas industry used to do this – suppress information.”
Sio Silica president Carla Devlin disagreed, saying the project affects all Manitobans.
“We felt that yes, this project is situated in Springfield; however, this is a Manitoba project,” Devlin said. “We need to give opportunities for Manitobans to come. If we did go to an open house and an open mic session, we would go into the community.
“We do have to appreciate that people from Winnipeg and other surrounding areas do have questions too.”
Devlin said future information sessions and public forums would be held in Springfield. They would describe the process, the changes Sio has made based on public and government feedback, and efforts to correct misinformation, like the perceived safety of Sio’s planned extraction process.
“The extraction process is used every day in Manitoba when you’re dusting off wells,” Devlin said. “What we’ve done is played with air pressure, so you’re bringing up more volume.
“Bore well extraction is not new. It might be new to the area, as most happens in the north. Most areas are not used to miners coming in and trying to extract. However, Springfield is very used to extraction because we have gravel pits all over Springfield.”
Miller alleged that Sio’s proposal to penetrate two aquifers violates provincial law. He said introducing oxygen into aquifers is unpredictable.
“There’s a whole bunch of variables they’re not even answering,” Miller said.
Miller doubts that any liability insurance and security bond would cover the damage should the aquifer be substantially harmed.
“Do we know what the cost is to provide water to the residents of southeast Manitoba, up to 100,000 people?” He asked. “I don’t think they have $2 or $3 billion for the people of our community.”
Miller added Minister Tracy Schmidt denied the first application. He believes that when she sees the new information, even though it’s scaled back, she will want to protect the aquifer for all residents of southeast Manitoba.
“Mining operations go south for all sorts of reasons. If this company goes bankrupt, who takes responsibility then?” he said. “There are no safeguards; it’s too risky.”
When signing in for the evening, attendees were asked if they supported the project. Those who did were offered stickers that said they supported Sio Silica. Of those wearing stickers, few indicated they were from Springfield.
Dugald resident Harvey Penner has been opposed to the project. Nothing he saw on Nov. 24 changed his mind.
“When they finish this one, if it doesn’t pull through, they’re coming back a third, fourth time until they’re in the door,” Penner said. “This is just bad.
“You can’t believe anything they say. They’ve got their people in the RM of Springfield... to be their lobbyists. Our premier, we don’t know where he stands. He has delayed it but not kiboshed it.”
Penner believes once they are let in, there’s nothing good coming of it.
“Once they’re drilling, are you going to tell me they’re gonna stop drilling? Absolutely not. They say jobs. There are a lot of ways we can get jobs better than this.”
Some youths at the open house carried signs saying they needed jobs and supported the project. None of them, or the adults organizing their efforts, would speak on the record.
Province renames PR 313 bridge for Nowells
The Manitoba government will rename the bridge over the Winnipeg River on PR 313 in Lac du Bonnet as the Susan and Richard Nowell Memorial Bridge.
Premier Wab Kinew and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor made the announcement Nov. 25 at the Association of Manitoba Municipalities fall conference in Winnipeg.
“Susan and Richard Nowell were the kind of neighbours who make Manitoba the place we’re proud to call home,” said Kinew. “By naming this bridge in their honour, we’re recognizing the generosity and spirit they shared with everyone around them. Their loss is felt deeply, but their legacy will endure in Lac du Bonnet and across our province.”
The Manitoba government first shared this commitment during this legislative session’s throne speech to honour the couple who tragically lost their lives during devastating Manitoba wildfires this past spring.
Naylor said renaming this bridge is a permanent tribute to the Nowell family and a reminder of the strength shown by the community during one of the most challenging wildfire seasons in recent memory.
“Susan and Richard were known for their kindness, their community spirit and their deep love for their family,” said Naylor. “After speaking with their loved ones, we felt it was important to commemorate their lives in a meaningful way.
This year’s wildfires burned thousands of hectares, forced large-scale evacuations and destroyed properties in several Manitoba communities.
The Manitoba government is grateful to brave firefighters, volunteers and local leaders who played a critical role in responding to wildfires and supporting affected families, the minister said, adding that work will continue with the Nowell family and local leadership on next steps for the bridge dedication and community recognition.
Green Bay Bridge closed until March
Province provides $1.45 million to rebuild 80-year old Brokenhead River crossing
The Green Bay Bridge is expected to be closed until March 31 as the RM of Brokenhead will be completely replacing the structure on Road 45E.
The closure notice date is approximate, and dependent on weather conditions and construction progress, the closure timeframe may be reduced. During the time identified, the bridge will completely closed for all motorized and non-motorized traffic.
The current bridge structure has reached its lifespan and requires replacement. There will be a secondary closure in June 2026 to complete the final road surface.
On July 23, the Province of Manitoba announced it is providing up to $1.45 million to replace the aging bridge, which will cost roughly $2 million to rebuild. The funds come from the Municipal Economic Development Infrastructure Program, which Brokenhead applied to in September 2023.
The new Green Bay Bridge will be built to handle more traffic, including more heavy-vehicle traffic, as the rural municipality grows.
Built in 1945, the Green Bay Bridge is a four-span timber bridge that crosses the Brokenhead River. The structure consists of an asphalt surface, timber stringers, abutment caps and piles along with concrete shaft piers. Over time, multiple shims have been placed between the pier shafts and timber caps to level the bridge due to continued settlement.
The 30-metre bridge was inspected on July 4, 2022 using visual and sounding techniques on the accessible components. Deficiencies discovered included cracking of asphalt along with rotten guardrail posts, girders, piles, abutments and pier caps. As much as three foot separations are visible at pier shafts and cracks extending from delamination. Geotechnical investigation is being done to determine replacement foundations for piers.
Brokenhead CAO Sheila Mowat said the municipality takes a methodical approach to infrastructure maintenance. That includes having all bridges inspected and ranked. A three-year plan for maintenance work was approved by council, and every year, they budget dollars towards maintenance work.
The Green Bay Bridge was identified as needing to be replaced. Brokenhead’s share of the cost will come from reserves. The municipality will do most work in the winter to minimize disruptions.
The new bridge will sport improved hydraulic capacity, allowing it to handle more traffic and heavier loads.
Should there be any questions regarding the project or the road closure, please contact Andrew at the RM of Brokenhead, 204-268-6700.
– with files from Tony Zerucha
Christmas with Cara Luft Dec. 12
By Mark T. Buss
The Lac du Bonnet and District Historical Society and Fire and Water Music Festival are hosting A Community Christmas with Cara Luft Dec. 12 at the St. John’s Heritage Church and Arts Centre.
An award winning singer-songwriter, Luft comes from a musical family and was exposed to numerous instruments at a young age. She has built a reputation as one of Canada’s finest live performers, armed with amazing tenacity, vision, energy and contagious hilarity.
Luft is a founding member of the Juno-award winning folk trio The Wailin’ Jennys and also performed in the duo The Small Glories. Her solo albums include The Light Fantastic and Darlingford. Her music blends folk, rock and Americana, showcasing her strong guitar skills and unique banjo playing.
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.
On a mission to preserve the community’s heritage, the Lac du Bonnet and District Historical Society has recently acquired the former St. Anthony Petchersky Ukrainian Catholic Church and successfully moved it to join the Lac du Bonnet District Museum at Halliday Park.
With the move complete, the historical society is now tapped out and must continue fundraising. They urgently need community support to complete the restoration of St. Anthony’s with a new roof (estimates top out at $60,000), interior and exterior restoration as well as electrical hookup.
As a registered charity, tax receipts are available for all cash donations, e-Transfers are accepted at ldbhistorical@gmail.com and cheques can be forwarded to Lac du Bonnet and District Historical Society, Box 658, Lac du Bonnet, Man., R0E 1A0.
A Community Christmas with Cara Luft is the historical society’s 2025 holiday season fundraiser. The festivities for the Dec. 12 show begin at 7 p.m. with several local opening acts including Paul McIntosh, Bernadette, Mary Louise Chown and Lefty Augers. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, door prizes and a mystery auction.
Tickets are $25 and available at Daley’s Pharmacy in Lac du Bonnet or by calling 204-345-6329.
Feedback request for capital region planning
By Tony Zerucha
The Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR) invites residents to provide public feedback as it tries to develop a regional plan for Manitoba’s capital region.
The survey remains open until Dec. 12. Respondents are asked their perspectives on economic development, growth, housing, infrastructure and the region’s long-term future.
In asking for public input earlier in the process, the WMR hopes for a smoother experience than it experienced during the ill-fated Plan 20-50 experience of 2024 when the WMR Board resolved to cease the public hearing process and halt its progression. The move follows the introduction of Bill 4 – The Planning Amendment Act, which the board said made Plan 20-50 no longer viable.
That doesn’t mean the focus on developing a regional plan has stopped. The WMR has requested a Jan. 1, 2027, deadline to submit a regional planning bylaw.
Bill 4 may produce changes in the Capital Planning Region’s membership, with municipalities given a choice to participate. The WMR said future efforts must “address shared priorities such as infrastructure, water protection, and affordable communities – issues no single municipality can tackle alone.”
In December 2024, Springfield Mayor Pat Therrien said he voted to stop the current process.
“It wasn’t going to work in the environment that was created,” Therrien said. “It wasn’t feasible to try and move the stone up the hill.”
Therrien said no municipal leader he spoke with was against a regional plan; they see the benefits of collaboration. However, local views must be given more credence.
He called the concept of a regional plan “imperative to be competitive in today’s local, provincial, national and international marketplace.”
Therrien said he hopes the WMR states the plan in simpler language and make it more flexible to local needs and holds more consultations.
Springfield’s concerns around land usage near Birds Hill Park and the Floodway weren’t addressed, and they must be in any plan.
“I would’ve voted no to the current plan as there were too many questions for our RM,” Therrien said.
The WMR must also combat an image problem fuelled by online conspiracy theorists and national right-wing organizations. Therrien said the most common complaint he received about Plan 20-50 was about 15-minute cities amid claims people would not be allowed to drive on certain streets and others being forced to move. In addition, local fears include capped wells and expropriation.
“Most was absolute misinformation,” Therrien said. “They’re getting their research from (social media).”
Amero Little Christmas a seasonal delight
Longtime player, coach receives Hall of Fame award for contribution to the game
By Brian Adolph
From the opening moments of the Eastern Manitoba Concert Association (EMCA) Amero Little Christmas show on Nov. 28, Don Amero created magic.
Strolling through the crowd toward a stage festively decorated and warmly lit by a collection of retro lamps, a sparkly-suited Amero performed a soaring version of Cody Fry’s In From the Cold, instantly bringing the audience into the spirit of the evening.
From its humble beginnings at a café in Osborne Village in 2009, Amero has toured his Christmas show every year to increasingly larger venues. The show occupies a space somewhere between a Michael Bublé Christmas special and Tom Jackson’s Huron Carol. Often poignant, yet always positive and hopeful,
Amero’s music and message are a perfect fit for the season.
Sprinkled with fresh takes on seasonal standards like Merry Christmas Baby, Winter Wonderland and Silent Night, as well as Amero’s own Christmas compositions, the show also featured plenty of good cheer, humour, and a few rockers that had the crowd clapping along.
Joining Amero were Mathew Desoussa on keyboards, Com Cordoviz on percussion, Ben Wieb on bass and Lachlan McLean on guitar and backing vocals. A special shout-out goes to McLean, who thrilled the audience with spectacular guitar work on Wouldn’t Be Home and Break the Glass.
The spirit of the show could be summed up by something that happened earlier in the day, when Amero – having just arrived from Brandon – grabbed his guitar and walked onto a still under construction stage to perform a mini solo concert for a group of Pinawa high school students. It was a moment that carried all the positive energy of the evening performance and was a great gift to the youths.
Hopefully Amero’s Little Christmas will continue bringing good cheer to the season for many years to come.
Barker brings ring dream home
Rennie wrestler part of CWE card coming to Beausejour Dec. 13
By Tony Zerucha
Rennie’s Scott Barker got his first taste of pro wrestling when he attended matches in Beausejour as a child.
On Dec. 13, he won’t be in the audience – he will be in the squared circle itself.
Appearing as Scott Ripley, he headlines Canadian Wrestling Elite’s Rumble to Remember Tour, which hits Beausejour on Dec. 13 at the Brokenhead River Community Hall. Bell time is 7 p.m.
Ripley faces off against wily veteran Kevin “The Mastermind” Cannon. In other bouts, Red Hot Sammy Peppers and Robby Royce team up to battle Hotshot Danny Duggan and Dugald’s Ronnie Attitude, Sweet Bobby Schenk meets Kevin O’Doyle, and Bamm Bamm Burton battles BRAX. The evening concludes with an Over the Top Rumble.
Some 20 years ago, Barker and his dad made the drive into Beausejour to watch AWE matches. He immediately took to it, seldom missing a card and watching every show on TV.
When he was 18, Barker pooled his savings and spent three months at former WWE star Lance Storm’s Calgary wrestling school, where he met future CWE stars Schenk and Chiselled Chad Daniels. Then it was time to convince promoters to give him a chance. That first opportunity came in 2018 when he faced Duggan and Tyler Colton in a tag team battle in St. Laurent.
“It was nerve-wracking,” Barker recalled. “It was Metis Days in the middle of August and hot as heck.”
Barker said his Scott Ripley persona is similar to his actual self – an engaging, high-energy type. In CWE, Ripley is a babyface, adorned in bright colours and throwing fake money with his picture on it into the crowd.
“In the ring, making those connections with the audience is what it’s all about,” Barker said.
Switching to his Ripley character, he said Kevin Cannon will be a tough test. He’s been feuding with Cannon of late and can’t wait to get his hands on him.
“He’s been wrestling for 25-plus years, he has his Cannon Corporation, and he’s a dastardly man,” Ripley said. “His knowledge is so deep; he’ll test me with his grappling.”
“You can’t trust him.”
Barker and other local talent are benefiting from wrestling’s popularity surge. Several local promotions offer regular cards, augmented by big names like Austin Aries, Mercedes Mone and Emmy Award winner Paul Walter Hauser. Barker said wrestling has become more accessible on television, especially since WWE began airing on Netflix. That creates more fans who want to watch it live.
“That interest comes to us,” Barker noted. “When I first started, we’d go to towns and have 10 or 15 people in the stands. Now we come to Beausejour and sell the place out.”
And there’s nothing like watching live wrestling. Barker guarantees that Saturday night in Beausejour will be electric.
“It’s two hours of entertainment and non-stop fun,” Barker said. “It’s unlike any other show. You can’t go to a movie and yell at the characters. Here, you’re a part of the show.”
Those buying VIP tickets can come early and meet their favourite stars, and get an autograph. Fans can stay after and meet them too.
Barker had to leave, but Ripley stayed behind to make a prediction and issue one last warning to Cannon.
“I’ve done a few of these rumbles, and I wanna win one,” Ripley said. “There are 15 guys or however many in there, but I want to get my hands on Kevin Cannon. He’s a little rat.”
Tickets are available at Breezy Oaks Inn and Tavern or online at cwetickets.com. VIP First Access Tickets are $21 in advance or $26 at the door. General admission seats are $16 in advance or $21 at the door.
High School Hockey Round-Up
By Sierra Smith
MWHSHL
Sabres Wallop Saints
On. Nov. 25, the Springfield Sabres girls’ hockey team avenged two earlier losses to the PCI Saints by walloping them 8-0. Summer Wray led the way with two goals and two assists, while Brooklyn Brodeur had a goal and three helpers.
Bella Magura opened the scoring at 8:29 of the first period. Her power-play goal was assisted by Wray and Katie Mackereth. That was the only goal in the first period.
Magura added her second only 58 seconds into the middle frame. Gracie Anderson and Elyssa Lentowich set her up. Brodeur scored at 2:33, with assists going to Mackereth and Skylar Di Vito. Just 11 seconds later, Wray made it 4-0. Two minutes after that, Alex Sholdra made it 5-0. Sholdra, Wray, and Kennedy Cockerill added third-period scores. Lily Wassing turned aside all shots for the shutout.
This Sabres host St. John’s Ravenscourt at 4 p.m. on Dec. 9.
Barons Drop Pair
The École Edward Schreyer Barons girls’ hockey team lost 10-1 to Murdoch MacKay on Nov. 26. Krya Pituley scored the Barons’ lone goal with 3:19 remaining in the second period. They fell 6-0 to Beliveau on Nov. 28.
The Barons have a three-game homestand with 3:30 p.m. starts on Dec. 4, 8, and 11.
WHSHL
Panthers Shutout
The Pinawa Panthers lost 9-0 to Niverville on Nov. 25. Goalie Kyle Cromie made 49 saves in 50 minutes for Pinawa. Cromie made another 48 stops in a 3-0 loss to the Warren Wildcats on Nov. 26.
The Panthers hit the road for games on Dec. 5 and 9.
Barons Win Twice
Brayden Hummerston’s four-goal after was the difference as the École Edward Schreyer Barons topped the Pinawa Panthers 5-1 on Nov. 24. The outburst raised his totals to 10 goals in nine games.
Panther Miles Miller opened the scoring 59 seconds into the game after converting passes from Greg Miller and Gavin Sandul. Hummerston then took over, scoring the next four goals, the first coming only 19 seconds after Miller’s tally. That 1-1 score held into intermission.
Hummerston’s second came 1:05 into the second frame. He added two more in the third, with one coming on the power play. Teammate Jordan Clark added a late power-play goal to make the final 5-1.
Carson Specaluk, Chase Bortuluzzi and Brodie McDonald had two assists each. Rorie McDonald made 19 saves for the win. Despite the loss, Panthers netminder Kyle Cromie starred, making 42 saves.
On Nov. 27, the Barons surrendered two late goals to drop a 4-3 decision to the Lorette Scorpions. Specaluk scored twice, with Hummerston chipping in a goal and assist. Caughner Busch made 40 saves.
The Barons returned to the win column with a 5-4 shootout win over the Windsor Park Royals on Nov. 28. Hummerston opened the scoring 5:06 into the game before the Royals tied it up in the last minute of the first to make it 1-1 heading into the second.
Specaluk and Hummerston scored seconds apart early in the period to make it 3-1. The Royals made it 3-2 at 5:47, but Specaluk’s second of the afternoon restored the two-goal lead. Windsor Park scored the next two to force overtime.
That solved nothing, so penalty shots were needed. Baron Parker Jaculak was the hero, sending his team home with the 5-4 triumph.
This is Hummerston’s first season with the Barons. He comes over from the Eastman Selects U15 AAA team, where he scored eight goals and 25 assists in 30 games last season.
The Barons are off until Dec. 16. Their next home game is scheduled for Dec. 18 at 1:30 p.m. against Pinawa.
Sabres Double Canadiens
The Springfield Sabres boys doubled the CPET Canadiens 6-3 on Nov. 24. Grady McDonald’s hat-trick led the way.
The Habs struck 17 seconds into the game and nursed that 1-0 lead until late in the frame when the Sabres scored three goals in 89 seconds to take a 3-1 advantage into the second period. Grady McDonald, Colby McDonald and Taigan Newton hit the twine.
Grady McDonald scored his second at 2:20 of the second. The Canadiens quickly replied, but Kaiden Bazinet restored the three-goal lead at 6:02. CPET added a late score to make it 5-3 heading into the third, where Grady McDonald completed his hattie and the scoring at 7:31.
Springfield overpowered CPET on the shot clock by a 42-16 count. Carter Huzel earned the win. Toby Hobday joined Grady McDonald, Bazinet and Newton with three-point games.
Grady McDonald was the overtime hero on Nov. 28 as the Sabres came from behind to earn a 4-3 win over the Kelvin Clippers. His final dart was his third of the afternoon.
A pair of power-play goals had the Sabres behind 2-0 late in the second period when Colby McDonald broke through at 9:39. Kurtis Watson and Jacob Enns earned assists. Grady McDonald scored the next two to give the Sabres a 3-2 lead. That lasted until the waning second of the third period, when the Clippers tied the game with only 35 ticks left.
Grady McDonald sealed the win 68 ticks into OT. Trey Tobertson faced 19 shots for the win, while the Sabres took 26 of their own.
The Sabres have three players in the division’s top 10 in scoring. Toby Hobday is sixth with 25 points; his 18 assists are tied for first place. Grady McDonald is in eighth place, but his 13 goals tie him for fourth. Taigan Newton is tenth with 18 points.
Streaking Comets shoot into first
By Tony Zerucha
A six-game winning streak has the Beausejour Comets in first place in the CRJHL. With an 11-3 record and 33 points, the Comets are three points ahead of the Selkirk Fishermen.
Those Fishermen provided the opposition on Nov. 28. Following a scoreless first period, the Comets scored three in the middle frame; Jaedys Dancyt, Easton Gaffray and Job Peters were the marksmen. That 3-0 lead held nine minutes into the third period, when former Powerview-Sagkeeng Wild star Ashton Schroeder scored on the power play at 9:09. Schroeder added a second at 16:11, but the comeback stalled, giving the Comets a 3-2 win.
An altercation at 5:10 of the third period saw 106 penalty minutes issued, with Comet Evan Groening earning 34, consisting of a double-minor for grabbing a face mask, double misconduct and a game misconduct.
The Comets outshot the Fishermen 30-26 to make a winner of Alex Cavanagh.
One day later, the Comets used another fast start to top the Lundar Falcons 5-2. Jaedys Dancyt and Evan Groening paced the attack with three points each.
Peters opened the scoring at 6:40 of the first period. Groening earned the sole assist. That was the only goal in the opening 20 minutes. Seth Hlady made it 2-0 at 1:47 of the second; Dancyt and Greyson Wood contributed helpers. Dancyt added a power-play marker at 17:45. Groening and Gaffray assisted.
Hlady made it 4-0 three minutes into the third, but Lundar broke the shutout at 11:38. Dancyt restored the four-goal lead at 14:40. Lundar scored a later power-play goal to make the final 5-2. Beausejour outshot Lundar 47-18. Sawyer Abraham earned the win.
It was another testy third period, with the teams combining for 179 penalty minutes. The majority were assessed at 3:36, when Comet Nikolas Bear picked up 25 for goalie interference and a game misconduct. Two players from each side were dinged for grabbing face masks and given game misconducts. Two from each side were kicked out for fighting at 12:53.
The Comets and Falcons have a rematch in Lundar on Dec. 6, and the Comets visit North Winnipeg on Dec. 9. The next home game is on Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. when the Fishermen come to town.
Xtreme keep winning
By Tony Zerucha
The Springfield Xtreme keep winning games, but still find themselves looking up in the HTJHL standings to the 14-0 Macdonald Swarm. At 10-2, the Xtreme have 21 points, seven fewer than the Swarm, but they have two games in hand.
On Nov. 21, the Xtreme built a 2-0 lead on the Steinbach Huskies and held on for a 3-2 win.
Following a scoreless first period, Aidan Osborne and John Pelletier scored 58 seconds apart midway through the frame to give the Xtreme a two-goal advantage.
In the third, the Huskies scored just before the 15-minute mark to make it a 2-1 contest, but Brady Heilman restored the two-goal cushion at 16:12. Steinbach scored a late goal but could not pull even.
Springfield outshot Steinbach 33-18 to make a winner of Josh Rach.
The Xtreme found themselves in another tight one against the Grunthal Red Wings on Nov. 22. Chase Janas gave Springfield the lead when he opened the scoring at 14:50 of the first period. The Wings replied with the second period’s only goal to make it 1-1 heading into the third.
With Springfield on a two-man advantage, Janas scored his second of the night midway through the third to make it 2-1 Xtreme. Five minutes later, Osborne made it 3-1. Springfield again surrendered a late goal but held on for another 3-2 win.
Springfield outshot Grunthal 33-20 with Rach netting his second win of the weekend.
The Xtreme are off until a pair of road games on Dec. 4 (Grunthal) and Dec. 6 (East St. Paul. Their next home game is on Dec. 12 when they host Mitchell at 8:15 p.m.
Winterhawks grounded by Northstars
By Tony Zerucha
Two losses to the Ile des Chenes Northstars have the Springfield Winterhawks in third place in a tight SEMHL.
On Nov. 21, the Winterhawks allowed five consecutive goals to doom themselves to a 5-2 loss against the Northstars.
Andrew Blocker opened the scoring midway through the first period. His power-play goal was assisted by Quin Howden and Conrad Solypa.
The Northstars then took over with five straight scores to take a commanding, 5-1 lead. Dexter Kuczek scored with 32 seconds left to make it a 5-2 final. The Winterhawks were outshot 43-26.
Nov. 29 saw the Winterhawks spot the Northstars a three-goal lead before mounting a furious comeback, only to fall 5-4 in overtime. The flock scored first when Conner
Grunsten hit the twine at 15:30 of the first period. Connor and Carter Barley earned assists.
Much like Nov. 21, the Northstars went on a run, scoring three times in the second period and once early in the third to grab a 4-1 lead. Springfield’s comeback began when Adam Hughesman scored shorthanded at 6:59 to make the score 4-2.
Grunsten completed his hat-trick with a pair 31 seconds apart to tie the game at 15:58.
Ile des Chenes won the game at 3:30 of overtime. Springfield was outshot 40-39. Ashton Howarth was between the pipes.
With a 3-4 record, the Winterhawks have eight points. They’re two points behind the
Morden Bombers and five behind the 6-1 Winkler Royals. The bottom six teams are within four points of Springfield.
Goalie Steve Christie is second in goals-against average with a 2.76 mark. Howarth sits fifth at 3.89.
This week, the Winterhawks fly to Morden on Dec. 4 and Warren on Dec. 6.
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