Local sports journalists, scouts honoured

The Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association is adding five new members with years of experience into its media roll of honour.

Kelly Moore is the sports director for radio station CJOB; Russ Hobson, a longtime TV broadcaster for Global, and Curt Keilback is remembered as the play-by-play voice of the Winnipeg Jets before the team moved to Phoenix. Rita (Ringo) Mingo was a sportswriter for the Winnipeg Tribune before it folded in 1980. Most of her career has been in Calgary where she worked for the Sun and the Herald. Jon Thordarson becomes the second photographer to be honoured, joining Hugh Allan. He was the photo editor of the Free Press before his death in 2010. He began his career at the Tribune and later worked for the Sun, as well.

Jon was the unofficial photographer for the media hockey group that played at River Heights Community Club for many years. He also was one of the most competitive players in a casual scrimmage that on occasion got out of hand. In my photo archives, I found a photo he took once long ago Monday using an extension cord so he could be in the front row. Among the culprits are journalists Gord and Dave Sinclair and Bill Burdeney, broadcasters Bob Irving and Barry Moroz, and my longtime writing partner Ted Holland.

Former Manitoba sportswriter Gregg Drinnan has provided updates from Kamloops on the Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation. Most importantly, the word ‘western’ has been dropped in a name change that reflects the Foundation’s vision to grow beyond Western Canada and expand its impact across Canada and beyond.

Growing the game

On June 17, over 60 children and their caregivers came out to learn tennis or to improve their skills at the Garden City Collegiate community tennis courts, located at 711 Jefferson Ave.

Hosted by the Garden City Tennis Group, this first annual free tennis fest event was sponsored by Tennis Manitoba. Executive director Steve Dreger supplied all the tennis rackets and other equipment for event day, and invited eight of Manitoba‘s elite youth tennis players to be part of the training sessions. Head coach Dennis Flores was assisted by Jowen Sangalang, Edj Villamar, Boni Riteul, Noy Manalasesa, and Derek Dabee. Refreshments were sponsored by area councillor Devi Sharma.

Young Falcons player passionate about football

Jaxson Gemon is a 10-year-old Grade 5 student who attends Dawson Trail School.

“School is going really well,” Jaxson said. “My favourite class is gym. I like gym because I can play a lot of games and stay active at the same time.”

Jaxson really likes sports. He is mostly focused on football, though.

“I enjoy football because my team is like a second family to me,” he said. “I enjoy being a part of the team. I also like to tackle because I am really good at it. I play defensive middle linebacker and D-line. I like my position because I am big and strong and good at pushing and tackling.”

Simple strokes in Steep Rock

For those who have been very busy at the end of June, the sudden mid-week statutory holiday to celebrate the best country on this planet may have caught you off guard. How can one get out of Winnipeg on a mini road trip that’s not too short, but not too long? Unfold the highways map — ask a grey hair — and trace a route up through the Interlake to Steep Rock, Man.

The limestone shoreline here on Lake Manitoba has some wondrous cliffs, caves and beaches to explore. Folks can hike along the shore and trails to seek their adventure. Paddling a locally rented kayak, or the canoe you thatched onto the roof of your Civic, is also a great option. Most family members would be delighted rumbling about with all that accounts for Steep Rock’s name. For others, there’s always a need for activity that absorbs time and that is less physically demanding. I hear this rally cry, and in response, I present the Hard Rock Golf Course.

I had the great pleasure of meeting the head greenskeeper who goes by the name of Mac. He talked about the team of volunteers that help him maintain the links. He also spoke of how the community has brought exciting additional attractions to the area, including new hiking trails that lead to an elaborate camp ground complex. This new, sprawling seasonal community includes a marina and bouncy castle pavilion. COVID gave Steep Rock’s popularity a boost, and folks are now coming and staying for the season.

The original town site is relatively small, but if you are a landmark person, seek the old church. At the northwest corner of said church is a picnic table, and the first tee. Cost is $10/round, or free for those under the age of 16. Membership fees for the entire golf season will run you a staggering couple of greenbacks ($40 CDN). There’s no pro-shop. You just plunk your money in the strong box bolted to the picnic table, and get your score sheet from the fishing tackle box, also bolted to the table. Bring your own snacks and hydration, but please use the refuse cans provided. If you forgot, the local shops, a small stroll away, have yummy supplies on hand.

Track and field provincials held

The Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association’s provincial track and field meet was held the weekend of June 12 to 14 at the University of Manitoba Stadium.

Division banners were won by St. Paul’s High School (varsity, junior varsity boys), St. Mary’s Academy (varsity girls), and Sisler High School (junior varsity girls). The AAAA aggregate banner was taken home by Sisler High School.

Garden City Collegiate sprinters took home both the silver and gold medals in the unified 4x100-metre relay, setting a new record with the gold of 53.56 seconds. Dakota Collegiate won gold for the 4x100M varsity boys relay with a time of 43.82 seconds, while St. Mary’s Academy won the varsity girls relay with a 51.41 second time. Garden City won the junior boys varsity relay with a time of 45.69 seconds, while Sisler High School won the girls junior varsity relay, finishing in 52.04 seconds.

Garden City’s Alex Logan set a new record for boys para discus, throwing 19.63 metres. Meanwhile, Kaylee Robbins of Collège Jeanne-Sauvé set a new junior varsity girls record in the qualifying round, throwing 36.11M. For the final, Robbins threw 35.34 to earn the gold medal. Robbins also set a JV girls record for shotput, throwing 13.67M to earn the gold medal. Timi Inumoh of Pembina Trails set a new record for varsity boys 100M hurdles, with a time of 13.19 seconds.

Local legends inducted into baseball hall of fame

The induction speeches at the recent Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony were poignant reflections on family and community.

Elmwood baseball legend Al Kinley received his honorary life membership in recognition of decades of contributions as a player, coach, historian and administrator.

“Al believes that community involvement is as important as success on the ballfield,” chairman Dan Giesbrecht said. “His knowledge of baseball history is vast and unmatched.”

Kinley introduced fellow Giant Ed Kulyk as a coach and builder, calling him “one of my boys.”

Volleyball, slo-pitch inducts members to halls of fame

At its annual awards and hall of fame banquet on June 7, Volleyball Manitoba announced its newest group of hall of fame inductees. Alicia Ogoms was inducted in the athlete category and Grant Wilson and Wilma Fehr were honoured as builders.

Ogoms, who represented Canada internationally for nearly a decade, played for the University of Southern California, Canada’s National Senior Women, and in professional leagues in four countries. Wilson coached the Brandon University Bobcats men to multiple Canada West titles and the U Sports national championship in 2025. Fehr is described as an athletic therapist, coach, mentor and volunteer, who has served the sport for more than 30 years in our province and country.

Slo-Pitch National (SPN) Manitoba will induct one player, one umpire and three builders into its Field of Dreams Hall of Fame later this year. Gary Ellis played slo-pitch softball for more than 30 years, including in countless provincial and several national championships. He later became a SPN umpire. Gerry Hiebert became an umpire for SPN in 2004. He is considered to be one of the top umpires by his peers and has worked in six national championships.

Builder Natasha Sanburn of Thompson, Man., was described as “the eyes and ears of the Northern part of Manitoba” for her 20-plus years of service. Kent Kamenz, who has served 25 years as the regional director of SPN National, finally has accepted his long overdue induction. Leadership, dedication, and passion are words that best describe Kent.

Lions leaving lacrosse legacy

The girls’ lacrosse team at Glenlawn Collegiate recently finished its season in style – and will leave a lasting legacy.

Now in its fourth year in the program, the St. Vital-based team won its first Manitoba High School Field Lacrosse League division 1 championship, beating Sturgeon Heights Collegiate 8-7 on June 14 at Shaughnessy Park Field.

Grade 12 student Vayda Rigaux, a midfielder, said as the season — which started in April — progressed, she started to believe the Lions could go all the way and win the title, adding that in the championship game the team went two goals up with a couple of minutes to go, so it was a case keeping hold of possession until the final whistle.

“It feels great,” said Rigaux, 18, who was preparing to graduate at press time. “It definitely means a lot to us to be champions at the end of the season. This honestly makes it harder to leave high school now … because of all the people I’ve met and all the fun and success I’ve had.”

Breaking barriers in hockey

Winnipeg sports-lovers are working to start a queer hockey league in the city that’s accessible and not defined by traditional hockey norms.

The trio of founders — Key Caguioa, Brie Villeneuve, and Victor Selby — officially launched Prairie Pride Hockey League on June 5.

The group was inspired by the PWHL city takeover event where the Montreal Victoire and Ottawa Charge played in Winnipeg on March 22.

“We’re still coming down off the high from the launch,” laughed Caguioa. “It’s unreal. I can’t believe we did it in that short amount of time.”

“Try your best and you can win”

Grant Hrehirchuk is a 15-year-old Grade 9 student at River East Collegiate.

“School is good,” Grant said. “My favourite class is science.”

Grant loves sports. He plays hockey, soccer, baseball, and basketball.

“I am most focused on hockey and it is my favourite sport, too,” he said. “I like to do my goal cellies. I play forward because I like to score. Coach Halle in hockey is the best. Coach Faith at soccer is great, too. I like when she does the warm up. I hope to keep playing all the sports I love to play.”

Feeling the soccer love

Two high school soccer teams — one in southeast Winnipeg and the other in the West End — have been kicking up a storm recently.

That’s because the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association’s AAAA provincial soccer championships were held on the first weekend of June.

In the girls’ championship game, Centre scolaire Léo-Rémillard beat Kelvin High School 5-2, while Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute defeated West Kildonan Collegiate 2-1 in the boys’ championship game.

It’s the second year in a row the Renards have brought home the championship banner in the girls’ category. And the fact it was also a finalist two seasons ago is a testament to the legacy everyone involved with the team is creating.

Harbour View in review

I was picking up some auto parts for my kid’s car the other day in sunny Transcona, and while driving home along Springfield Road, I saw the gate for Harbour View Golf Course. I have fond memories of attending many weddings and a few retirement parties in the Icelandic themed social facilities. However, I had never golfed the course that surrounds the facilities and the adjacent man-made lake. Since I had time on my hands this day, I decided it was as good a day as any.

While parking, I noticed an ATCO trailer in the lot. A foreboding sign of what I would experience later. There was no one in the trailer, and no signage, so I continued down the path. Passing the lawn bowling green on the right, I noticed the fenced off remains of the aforementioned social buildings. Time has not been kind to these buildings, and basement design flaws have allowed the fake lake to do what water often does to buildings. Flooding and mould concerns have condemned the lot and they are now slated for demolition. As I walked along the fence line, I noticed another small building on top of a small hill with a sign for #1 tee. I thought this was the club house. It was not. I was told by the starter to go back to the condemned fence line, and go to a little building on the edge that was not within the fence’s perimeter. This turned out to be the clubhouse. I asked if the washroom was close, and the attendant said no. He then directed be to some portable facilities back down the path by the parking lot. Joy. If you have trouble walking a full game, this course may not be for you, as there are no motorized carts available, and the course does have some small elevation changes.

Returning to the starter for the second time, I noticed some of this course’s additional, if few, amenities. There is a mini-put course, a driving range, and a practice green. All of these surround the first tee. After the starter cleared me, I was off. This course is a par 3 course, and the first hole is 100 metres of simple, straightaway golf. It is too bad, from a teaching point of view; if you are out there with someone learning the game, this would be a great second or third hole to practice on and let other players play through. The second hole is simple in design as well, but it is almost double the length. Some challenge comes on hole three, as the fairway and green elevate from the tee. Hole four, the day I played it, had an interesting hill with a sand trap on top partially obscuring the base of the green. Right of the green is an abnormally large grassed embankment that if you sliced into, your ball would likely roll right back onto the green.

The fifth hole is the shortest, and it is a downhill roll. Watch your club selection, as you can easily overdrive the green, and water finally shows up as a behind-the-dance-floor hazard. I found most of the greens had some damage here and there, but the damage of this hole was very noticeable. The walk to hole six is very picturesque, and there’s lots of local geese in residence enhancing your views of the waters.

Olympiens bring home softball bronze

The Collège Jeanne-Sauvé Olympiens won the bronze medal at the Manitoba High School Athletics Association’s provincial softball championship on June 6, defeating Vincent Massey (Brandon) 3-2.

The Olympiens beat Hamiota 8-3 to advance to the semifinals, where the team lost 10-0 to the eventual champion Stonewall team. Olympiens Linnae Johnson and Brooklyn Millroy were also named to the provincial all-star team.