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Winnipeg Free Press •

Growing the game: Interest in Manitoba high school hockey league reflects national trend in women’s sport

It’s a recent Friday afternoon and the Century Arena is humming — the newest entry to the Winnipeg Women’s High School Hockey League is taking on the old guard.
The stands are nearly packed as the Warren Wildcats face off against the Vincent Massey Trojans, one of the league’s four original teams when it was created in 1996.
The Wildcats, in their inaugural season, comprises of students from three other rural high schools: Teulon Collegiate, St École Communautaire Aurèle-Lemoine and St. Laurent...
Winnipeg Free Press •

Local athletes compete in Muay Thai to represent Canada

It’s a Saturday morning and the city’s original kickboxing gym — although not packed — is buzzing with excitement.
Two teenagers and one boy stand in the middle of the fluorescent-lit gym, awaiting their next training drill after warming up with 15 minutes of jump rope.
“Jab! Jab, cross! Jab, cross, kick!” the coach orders as invigorating music roared through the speakers.
The athletes follow suit and shadow box, mirroring every movement their instructor demands. Sweat drizzles down their faces,...
Winnipeg Free Press •

Bright future for new generation of Manitoba speedskaters

OAK BLUFF — A bitter chill at the Rink Training Centre arena drifts through the air on Saturday morning as fans from the bleachers hum with anticipation for their athletes.
Four skaters crouch low at the start line with their 17-inch blades digging into the ice as the beats of Calvin Harris’ Feel So Close pulses through the speakers.
It’s the start of the Prairie Challenge, a short-track Speed Skating Manitoba competition held in Oak Bluff.
The event is one of many meets the SSM organization hol...
Substack •

Bikejoring helps solidify bond between Manitoba woman and her canine friend

When Muriel Smith adopted her dog Jake more than a year ago, it took 37 days before she could touch him. Her new companion didn’t trust her yet.
Now, Smith and her mixed-breed Eurohound put their trust in each other while competing in bikejoring, a dog-powered cycling sport raced over forested terrain.
“It’s a really cool relationship to have,” Smith said. “He trusts I am going to take care of him, and I trust he is going to go where I want him to go.”
Originally from Thunder Bay, Ont., Smith mo...
Winnipeg Free Press •

Police and Fire Games legacy program to benefit local youth

Local venues, athletes, and organizations are getting a boost to help more Manitoban youth develop through sport and recreation.
The Winnipeg World Police and Fire Games announced Friday it would be launching a legacy program aimed at supporting the well-being and physical, mental, and cultural growth of athletes in Manitoba for years to come.
With a total investment of more than $300,000, the program will send nine $10,000 donations to sport venues throughout the city: Bison Butte Recreational...
Winnipeg Free Press •

Retired and active military members hit the ice with Jets alumni

One by one, military veterans, serving members and Winnipeg Jets alumni glided onto the ice as the skirl of bagpipes echoed throughout the rink at the Hockey For All Centre on Friday.
As the players lined up on their blue lines for the national anthem, everybody in the arena looked toward the Canadian flags, which swayed gently behind the net. A ceremonial puck drop followed with two local representatives from the Canadian military and the game began.
It was known as the ‘Soldier On Winnipeg Jet...
Winnipeg Free Press •

River East’s alternate captain dominating high school hockey in Winnipeg

It’s one thing to enjoy a productive season on the ice, however, River East Kodiaks forward Nolan Fielding is dominating at a completely different level.
The 17-year-old, playing in his second year of Winnipeg high school hockey, has been nearly unstoppable for the Kodiaks so far this season.
In 11 games, the River East Collegiate senior has racked up 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points in the league’s top division.
The Kodiaks’ alternate captain is currently scoring at the remarkable pace of...
Winnipeg Free Press •

Wheelchair rugby a game changer for athletes with disabilities

In 1977, a team of quadriplegic wheelchair basketball athletes in Winnipeg created an alternative sport to accommodate people with reduced function in their arms and hands. They called it murderball.
Almost 50 years later, the game, now officially known as wheelchair rugby, has become one of the most popular gateways for those with a disability who want to remain in sport.
An example is Reese Ketler, a 24-year-old member of Team Canada’s wheelchair rugby team.
“It (wheelchair rugby) gives me som...
Winnipeg Free Press •

Nomadic netminder Kahkonen back between pipes for Manitoba Moose

The American Hockey League season hasn’t reached its quarter point, but it’s already been quite the journey for Manitoba Moose goaltender Kaapo Kähkönen.
“It’s such a crazy world,” said Kähkönen after Thursday morning practice at Canada Life Centre. “It’s a business; I understand it’s part of it… but ideally you’d like to stay somewhere for a little longer.”
The 28-year-old product of Helsinki, Finland, signed a one-year, US$1-million deal with the Jets this summer, expecting to get a kick at th...
Winnipeg Free Press •

Pumpkin Promise: gourd-hearted initiative for CancerCare Manitoba honours late mother

Eleven years ago, Chris Okell made a promise — and it is one he plans to keep.
Each October, the Pumpkin Promise showcases massive gourds outside Okell’s River Park South home and raises funds for CancerCare Manitoba, an organization dear to his heart.
He lost his mother, Marietta Okell, to pancreatic cancer in 2010.
“This is all because of her,” said Okell. “Mom loved pumpkins, and she loved Halloween even more, so this is what I’m doing in her honour.”
The initiative has raised more than $69,0...