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THOMAS FRIESEN / BRANDON SUN FILES St. Charles Country Club’s Addison Kartusch recently completed her sophomore season at Bowling Green State University by winning the National Golf Invitational on Sunday.

Kartusch set to make pro debut on the links

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Thursday, May. 21, 2026

Addison Kartusch is still in the early stages of her golf career, though she’s been around long enough to know that another trip to the winner’s circle can provide a meaningful springboard for what figures to be an enlightening summer ahead.

Kartusch, who plays out of St. Charles Country Club and recently completed her sophomore season at Bowling Green State University, captured top spot at the National Golf Invitational at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, Ariz., over the weekend.

Her three-round total of seven-under 209 (71-68-70) gave her a four-stroke cushion over Kiley Reisner of Wyoming and Kartusch said her putting was a critical element during the 54-hole event.

“I definitely improved a bit over the last couple of weeks, especially with my lag putting,” Kartusch said in a telephone interview. “But I also saw some more putts drop, including some longer putts from outside of 20 feet and (made) more putts from the scoring zone, from 15 feet and in, which was nice. My ball striking was solid, but I was happy with my short game.”

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Amateur

JACOB MALLARI / UBC ATHLETICS Winnipeg’s Jill Matsubara is having a breakout season in her sophomore year with the UBC Thunderbirds that will be capped off by playing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Softball World Series this week.

Infielder Matsubara playing big role in UBC’s historic run

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Preview

Infielder Matsubara playing big role in UBC’s historic run

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Wednesday, May. 20, 2026

Jill Matsubara has been on the road for the last two weeks, but she’s not itching to return home.

If things go her way, she’ll happily continue to live out of her suitcase.

You see, the Winnipeg-born sophomore infielder is in the midst of a historic run with the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, who are preparing for their first appearance in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Softball World Series in Columbus, Ga., this week.

It took a few timely hits and some good fortune for the Thunderbirds to reach the national championship tournament, but for Matsubara, this was the inevitable next step for the program after reaching the NAIA Championship Opening Round tournament — which precedes the World Series — for the first time last year.

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Wednesday, May. 20, 2026

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SUPPLIED The Brandon Wheat Kings took defenceman Marko Malbasa of St. Andrews in the second round of the Western Hockey League Prospects Draft. Malbasa was one of 15 Manitobans drafted to the league.

Rink Hockey Academy scores big in Prospects Draft

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Preview

Rink Hockey Academy scores big in Prospects Draft

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Monday, May. 11, 2026

The way Marty Murray sees it, the Brandon Wheat Kings essentially came away with the equivalent of two first-round picks from the Western Hockey League Prospect Draft last week.

The head coach and general manager of the Wheat Kings conceded that he and his scouting staff gave some consideration to choosing defenceman Marko Malbasa of St. Andrews 18th overall before ultimately going with forward Rylan Edwards in that spot.

Fortunately for the Wheat Kings, by the time they made their next selection in the second round at 42nd overall, Malbasa — who played for the Rink Hockey Academy U15 Prep program last season — was still available.

“We felt really lucky to get him where we did,” Murray said in a telephone interview on Monday afternoon. “Big body. Good character, being a captain. He does everything pretty well. He can play heavy and play defensive and he can provide some offence.”

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Monday, May. 11, 2026

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SASHA SEFTER / FREE PRESS FILES June can be one of the best months for action and species, as fish typically start to feed aggressively in shallow water.

Angling for cost-effective fishing trip straightforward

Patrick Nolan 6 minute read Preview

Angling for cost-effective fishing trip straightforward

Patrick Nolan 6 minute read Friday, May. 8, 2026

Where a fishing trip may have previously been considered a predictable and consistent event that occurred year after year, unforeseen economic stressors are forcing many anglers to re-examine where our dollars go.

As well, there will always be people looking to book their first ever trip, either because there is an interest, a special event or people are staying closer to home in this new economic landscape.

The good news is that all is not lost because the opportunity to successfully plan a rewarding trip to northwest Ontario doesn’t have to be expensive, difficult or tricky.

For the context of this column, short term rentals really can be the angler’s best pathway and represent the lowest barrier to entry. Airbnb is our friend, and there are dozens of places to stay that we can navigate to, view photos, message owners and read reviews. The website is safe and does a good job protecting the consumer where deposits are refundable — subject to date limitations — and both guest and host are insured.

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Friday, May. 8, 2026

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RICH LAM / UBC ATHLETICS PHOTO Former Vincent Massey Trojan Olivia Weekes paints every corner of the UBC Thunderbirds’ basketball history books: fourth all-time in UBC’s Canada West scoring (1,239 points), second in total rebounds (751), top 10 in steals (151 — eighth), blocks (50 — ninth) and minutes played (2,489 — ninth), and holds the women’s program record for free throws made (331).

Weekes crushing it in Land Down Under

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Preview

Weekes crushing it in Land Down Under

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Friday, May. 1, 2026

Dave Taylor has a funny way of describing what makes Olivia Weekes a rare breed on the basketball court.

“I say this in the nicest possible way, and really in kind of a positive coaching way: she’s a bit of a cheater,” said Taylor, who coached the 5-11 guard this past season, her last with the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.

It’s a nod to Weekes’ elite competitive nature, which shone on the courts of Winnipeg and led to a stellar run in high school with the Vincent Massey Trojans before she was recruited west, where she starred for five years with the Thunderbirds.

“If we’re doing a drill in practice, we’re keeping score, and as soon as we’re keeping score, she wants to win,” added Taylor. “And if it means she’s got to push her teammate out of the way or foul to win, she’s going to do it.”

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Friday, May. 1, 2026

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THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Team Canada’s Audrey Vandervelden, left, and teammate Betty Baxter during 1976 Olympic games in Montreal against Peru.

Recognition five decades later for Manitobans who helped usher Canada onto Olympic stage

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Recognition five decades later for Manitobans who helped usher Canada onto Olympic stage

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026

It’s been five decades, but the memories remain vivid for a trio of Manitobans that helped the country make volleyball history at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.

“I remember the incredible feeling of walking into Olympic Stadium and just the roar (of the crowd),” said Connie Lebrun, now 71 and living in Edmonton, recalling the opening ceremonies.

“That was just like the most incredible feeling, and I still always get chills on my spine when I hear the Canadian anthem.”

Lebrun, Mary Dempster and Claire Lloyd all wore the Maple Leaf at those Games when Canada made its debut in the sport.

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Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026

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Cassidy Dankochik / The Carillon Nighthawks forward Dawson Zeller (right) dumps a Virden player into the boards during game 4 of the MJHL final in Virden on Thursday.

Nighthawks complete sweep

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Preview

Nighthawks complete sweep

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Thursday, Apr. 23, 2026

VIRDEN — They grow up so fast, don’t they?

The Niverville Nighthawks may be the newest kids on the Manitoba Junior Hockey League block. But they didn’t need much time to show they’re a force to be reckoned with.

A magical regular season — the second-best in league history, in fact — has been capped off with the prestigious Turnbull Cup.

Niverville finished off a four-game sweep of the Virden Oil Capitals Thursday night with an impressive 6-2 victory inside Tundra Oil and Gas Place.

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Thursday, Apr. 23, 2026

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SAM KEEN PHOTO If Manitoba Bisons freshman Dante Dyck (2) impresses the Vancouver Bandits at the invite-only combine this weekend, the guard could be invited to the team’s training camp that begins May 5 with a chance to make the club’s active roster.

Bisons’ Dyck, Lenz to attend Vancouver’s invite-only combine

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Preview

Bisons’ Dyck, Lenz to attend Vancouver’s invite-only combine

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Thursday, Apr. 23, 2026

There are no guaranteed job interviews in professional basketball after university. So the fact that Winkler’s Dante Dyck has already landed two before turning 20 could be telling of just how high his ceiling is.

The talented Manitoba Bisons guard is one of nearly 40 student-athletes from post-secondary programs across North America who will head west this weekend to take part in the Vancouver Bandits’ inaugural university combine at the Langley Events Centre.

Dyck will take the court with Bisons teammate Brandt Lenz for the invite-only combine, which is the first of its kind in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. Select players will be invited to run in the Bandits training camp, beginning May 5, where they will have a chance to make the team’s active roster.

Although Dyck, coming off a redshirt freshman season, could be one of the youngest in the crop, he might also be one of the most comfortable in a professional setting.

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Thursday, Apr. 23, 2026

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Tyler Schank / NCAA Photos via University of Denver Athletics Brandon’s Clarke Caswell (25) made his mark in the Frozen Four with the University of Denver Pioneers, including a game-tying goal late in regulation of the national semifinals against Michigan.

Brandon’s Caswell helps Denver to 11th national NCAA title

Joshua Frey-Sam 7 minute read Preview

Brandon’s Caswell helps Denver to 11th national NCAA title

Joshua Frey-Sam 7 minute read Monday, Apr. 20, 2026

It’s been a week that Clarke Caswell won’t soon forget.

The Brandon product is still riding high after helping the University of Denver men’s hockey program to its record 11th national championship and third in the last five years with a 2-1 triumph over Wisconsin.

Caswell and his teammates have received the VIP treatment around Colorado in the days following, being honoured at the Avalanche’s regular-season finale, watching Shohei Ohtani and the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers pay a visit to the Rockies and, on Monday, wrapping up the local pro sports trifecta as the Nuggets begin the NBA Playoffs.

It doesn’t get much better for a college kid.

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Monday, Apr. 20, 2026

CFL

Purdue Athletics Photo If offensive lineman Gio Vaccaro is picked first overall at the 2026 CFL Draft, it would be the first time a former Manitoba Bison has ever been selected with the top pick.

Vaccaro ‘fits the bill’

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Preview

Vaccaro ‘fits the bill’

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026

When the Canadian Football League Draft begins later this month, the first selection could very well be one of Winnipeg’s own.

With team draft boards coming into focus, there is a growing belief that Gio Vaccaro, the former Manitoba Bisons standout who transferred to Purdue for his final season of college eligibility, will be the first name called on April 28.

“To me, I think that he is certainly one of the first offensive linemen off the board, and it’s not unreasonable that he would be a guy that would get some consideration as the top pick. In terms of what he is physically and athletically, he fits the bill,” TSN draft analyst Duane Forde told the Free Press.

The 6-2, 307-pound guard was a two-time first-team All-Canadian selection and 2024 winner of the J.P. Metras Trophy (awarded to the nation’s top offensive lineman) with the Bisons. Although Vaccaro’s move to the NCAA Power 4 ranks didn’t yield a starting job, he saw time on the Boilermakers’ special teams units and played valuable snaps in the team’s regular-season finale against Indiana — the eventual national champions.

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Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026

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MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Cool Sweepings creator and producer Chris Sharpe at the Fort Rouge Curling Club, where the series was filmed. Cool Sweepings is a fictional series about a Jamaican-Canadian curling team based out of Winnipeg.

Cool Runnings-inspired curling series set in Winnipeg years in the making

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Cool Runnings-inspired curling series set in Winnipeg years in the making

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Friday, Apr. 10, 2026

When you think of the island country of Jamaica, curling isn’t what comes to mind.

But when Chris Sharpe’s high school gym class at Vincent Massey Collegiate crossed the street to try the sport at the Pembina Curling Club, it gave the Jamaican Canadian an idea.

You’ve heard of Cool Runnings — the hit movie inspired by the Jamaican bobsled team at the 1988 Winter Olympics. And while the country has yet to make its “ice chess” debut on the world’s biggest stage, that hasn’t stopped Sharpe from coming up with Cool Sweepings.

Sharpe, founder and creative producer of Black Film Space Manitoba, and his team filmed four episodes of the fictional series inside the Fort Rouge Curling Club in November. The show is scheduled to air this spring or summer on Bell Fibe TV’s streaming service.

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Friday, Apr. 10, 2026

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Darryl Gershman photo The Winnipeg Ice defeated Saskatchewan’s Battlefords Sharks 4-3 in game 3 to win the Hockey Canada Western Women’s U18 Championship, Sunday.

Ice win west to reach U18 nationals

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Ice win west to reach U18 nationals

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Thursday, Apr. 9, 2026

History wasn’t on their side, and yet, the Winnipeg Ice AAA U18 female hockey team sensed they were hours away from punching their ticket to nationals.

“I’ve definitely had feelings throughout my career where I’ve been in (a series deciding game) and you can just feel that the season is coming to an end,” said Ice defenceman Aliyah Teixeira.

“But there was no feeling like that in our dressing room. Even the next day, I texted (forward) Chloe Nicolas and said ‘I couldn’t imagine our season ending last night’ and she said it was so weird because she felt the same way.”

Their confidence paid off. This past Sunday, the Ice outlasted Saskatchewan’s Battlefords Sharks 4-3 in a winner-take-all Game 3 inside the Varsity View Sportsplex to claim the Esso Cup West Regionals crown.

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Thursday, Apr. 9, 2026

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Binscarth’s Peake rises to the occasion

Binscarth’s Peake claims NCAA golf title for Northwest Missouri State

Joshua Frey-Sam 4 minute read Preview

Binscarth’s Peake claims NCAA golf title for Northwest Missouri State

Joshua Frey-Sam 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 8, 2026

Clara Peake picked a great time to have the best round of her life.

The Binscarth golfer added to her college trophy case on Tuesday after rallying from three shots down to capture the Spring Region Preview (NCAA Division II) at Shangri-La Country Club in Monkey Island, Okla.

Peake, who attends Northwest Missouri State, found her A-game and produced a three-under 69 in the final round.

“Honestly, that was the best tournament I’ve ever played, score-wise,” said Peake, who won the 2021 Manitoba junior women’s championship. “I’ve never shot in the 60s in a tournament before. I think I’ve been under par once in another tournament. But it was kind of crazy, honestly.”

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Wednesday, Apr. 8, 2026

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RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS A historic five Manitobans were named to Team Canada’s tenpin bowling team including Chase McVicar (left), Kristen Jolly (centre) and Israel Potter (right).

Manitoba makes tenpin history

Ben Little 8 minute read Preview

Manitoba makes tenpin history

Ben Little 8 minute read Friday, Mar. 27, 2026

In the final frame of her semifinal match, bowler Marissa Naylor-McCall needed to strike and mark to advance and defend her title as Winnipeg’s tenpin champion.

No stranger to pressure, Naylor-McCall executed, winning by two points to earn a spot in the final.

Naylor-McCall made history last year as the first woman to win the Marinelli City Singles Championship in its 65-year history. Fast forward to March 9, she repeated as Winnipeg’s tenpin champion — one day after International Women’s Day.

“It was a really proud feeling in a sense, but also nerve-racking,” she said. “I felt like I was carrying the weight of all the women in the bowling community on my shoulders because it was International Women’s Day.”

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Friday, Mar. 27, 2026

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Midland Athletics Brandon’s Taylor Bell had the title winning goal in third overtime for the Midland Warriors on Sunday — the team’s first American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 1 national championship.

Brandon’s Bell boasts title-winning goal

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Preview

Brandon’s Bell boasts title-winning goal

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Friday, Mar. 27, 2026

Allow Taylor Bell to set the scene.

“I’m looking around the bench, everybody’s gassed, like we’re trying to figure out who we’re taking off next,” began the co-captain of Midland University’s women’s hockey team. “I take off Ashlyn (Kuffler), and I hop the boards, (Liberty University) almost had a scoring chance in our end, so I’m coming back, Callie (Maguire) sees me, gives me a little chip off the wall. I see Darbi (Poole) coming with me; she falls down, so I’m like, ‘Well, I gotta shoot it now.’ So I just put the puck on net and got my own rebound, and it went in.

“So, nothing special there.”

To the contrary. While the goal might not have been the flashiest Bell — a fourth-year forward from Brandon — scored all season, it was undoubtedly the most important, as it delivered Midland its first American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 1 national championship on Sunday.

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Friday, Mar. 27, 2026

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JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS Dakota Lancers’ Emilie McLean goes for a basket against Vincent Massey, Monday.

Dakota, Maples come out on top at provincials

Joshua Frey-Sam 7 minute read Preview

Dakota, Maples come out on top at provincials

Joshua Frey-Sam 7 minute read Monday, Mar. 23, 2026

This time, the Dakota Lancers got the last laugh.

One year after being denied a historic four-peat at the hands of the Vincent Massey Trojans, a revamped Lancers squad returned with another chance to win it all, against the same opponent at Investors Group Athletic Centre on Monday, and made good on their opportunity, earning a 78-73 triumph over the Trojans to capture the AAAA girls’ provincial basketball championship.

Later in the evening, the Maples Marauders defeated the Dakota Lancers 115-106 in overtime to win the boys’ provincial title.

The Dakota girls finished with a 30-2 record overall to capture their fourth title in the last five seasons.

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Monday, Mar. 23, 2026

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