Brandon's Clarke Caswell made the move a year ago to commit to the NCAA with the Denver Pioneers. The former Swift Current Bronco's captain felt going to Denver was a team that could go all the way. Two nights ago with 5 minutes left in front of 18,000 fans Caswell scores a clutch goal to tie the game with the number one ranked Michigan Wolverines. In OT Denver was able to capture the win and a date to be in the Frozen 4 game vs Wisconsin. Another come from behind win that saw Denver come from being down 1 - 0 with the Badgers and win the Pioneers third NCAA Championship in the last 5 years. Final score 2 - 1 Denver over Wisconsin. Clarke's parents Brent and Kami-Rae were on hand to witness their sons biggest win of his career. Caswell may return to Denver or would sign in the off season with Seattle whom drafted him two years ago. Brandon's Brock Trotter and Brett Skinner were also former DU players.

Dauphin’s Countryfest is proud to officially unveil the full lineup for our 2026 festival, set to take place June 25-28th at the iconic Selo Ukraina on the edge of Riding Mountain National Park. With a mix of international headliners, celebrated Canadian talent, and rising local artists, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience for music fans across the country. Headlining the 2026 festival are multi-platinum country stars Jelly Roll, Tyler Hubbard, and Nate Smith, each bringing their high-energy performances to the Play Now Main Stage. The festival will kick off on Thursday, June 25th with a Rockin’ Thursday Kickoff Party, featuring Canadian standout female rocker JJ Wilde. Wilde, a Kitchener, Ontario born artist, has seen significant national success and will set the tone for an electrifying weekend ahead alongside Manitoba locals Leddwyn and The Haileys. Additional highlights on the hilltop stages include acclaimed Canadian artists Charlie Major and Aaron Pritchett, along with a drink-raising, head-banging performance from Eddy and the Dirty Boys; a rising Canadian rock band compiled of members from both The Glorious Sons and Boston Levi. Toque will be returning to the hilltop stage to bring their high-energy classic rock performance we all know and love. The remainder of the weekend features home-grown talent, and out of province rising stars. country music scene we have right here in Manitoba. “Each year our goal is to build a lineup that truly captures the spirit of Countryfest, bringing together world-class talent, Canadian artists, and the rising stars in our own backyard,” said Colette Hykawy, Programming Committee Lead, “We’re excited to welcome fans back to the hill for four days of great music and fun activities.” Ticket Information Dauphin’s Countryfest has now entered Tier 3 pricing with weekend passes available at $369 plus fees and taxes. Tickets and Camping can be purchased online at Countryfest.ca or by calling 1-800-361-7300. About Dauphin’s Countryfest Founded in 1990, Dauphin’s Countryfest is Canada’s Longest Running Country Music Festival, bringing thousands of fans together every July Long Weekend for a celebration of music, community, and good times. Set against the backdrop of Manitoba’s Parkland region, Countryfest continues to be a cornerstone of Canadian country music culture. For more information visit Countryfest.ca or follow @dauphinscountryfest on social media.  

For the 2026 season, Parks Canada will allow the return of motorized watercraft on Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park under a mandatory tagging program, along with additional management measures. These measures will include an expanded no-wake zone to help protect shorelines, two weekly non-motorized days, and designated dawn and dusk “quiet” periods for non-motorized use only. Complete program details are currently being finalized and will be shared with visitors and stakeholders before the operating season in May. Parks Canada also intends to introduce a launch fee structure to support the implementation of lake management activities in the future. A proposed fee structure to recover costs associated with lake management will be developed for public consultation during the 2026 summer season, for potential implementation in 2027. The decision to allow motorized watercraft and to implement additional management measures follows several months of public engagement, consultation with Indigenous partners, ongoing environmental monitoring, and a comprehensive third party literature review. The aquatic invasive species (AIS) program continues to require all watercraft, fishing equipment, wetsuits, and inflatables to be inspected by Parks Canada Staff and to comply with Clean, Drain, Dry protocol. Motorized watercraft must be secured to their trailers with a Parks Canada-installed tag when not on Clear Lake. Users of non-motorized watercraft, including kayaks and canoes, must choose either an annual permit to launch only on Clear Lake or an annual permit to launch only on outlying waterbodies in Riding Mountain National Park, such as Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Lake Katherine. Collaborations with other levels of government, Indigenous partners, and non government organizations on aquatic invasive species management will also continue. Accompanying this decision, Parks Canada will also accelerate the advancement of a joint stewardship or management agreement for Clear Lake with Chief Blackbird and Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation (KOFN), a commitment that further formalizes and deepens this shared stewardship. Parks Canada will also support KOFN’s continued participation in a robust monitoring program for Clear Lake to support ecological integrity. Parks Canada is committed to protecting the ecological and cultural health of Clear Lake. The updated watercraft management approach supports the long-term protection of all waterbodies in Riding Mountain National Park, while allowing visitors to resume motorized boating activities. Parks Canada remains dedicated to providing visitors and community members with high-quality, meaningful experiences and supporting the continued vitality of tourism in communities around Riding Mountain National Park. For more information visit Managing watercraft and preventing aquatic invasive species

Brandon is once again set to welcome elite youth hockey talent from across the region as the Source for Sports AAA Summer Hockey Challenge returns for another exciting year of competition. The annual showcase will bring together top-tier teams and players for a multi-weekend tournament that continues to grow in both size and reputation. Hosted in Brandon, the event will feature age divisions ranging from 2012-2019 over three weekends (April 9-12, April 23-26, and April 30-May 3) Games will be held at key local venues such as the Brandon Community Sportsplex, J&G Arena, and the Keystone Centre, all of which are central hubs for hockey in the city.   The Source for Sports AAA Hockey Challenge has become a staple on the provincial hockey calendar, building on the province’s strong tradition of elite minor hockey. Manitoba’s AAA system represents the highest level of minor hockey in the province and serves as a key development pathway for players aspiring to advance to junior, collegiate, and professional levels. Alumni of the tournament include Matt Calvert, Jordan Eberle, Morgan Geekie, Seth Jarvis, Jason Robertson, Mark Stone and many other current and past NHL players. Beyond the on-ice action, the tournament is also expected to bring a boost to the local economy, with visiting teams, families, and spectators filling hotels, restaurants, and local businesses throughout the city. As anticipation builds, the Source for Sports AAA Summer Hockey Challenge promises to deliver fast-paced action, high-level competition, and a showcase of some of the best young hockey talent in the region—right in the heart of western Manitoba. All games are free to attend.

Boxing fans in Brandon are gearing up for an adrenaline-filled evening as the “Spring Showdown” takes over the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre on Saturday, May 9. Hosted by the Brandon Fitness Combat Academy, the highly anticipated event promises a showcase of local talent, fierce competition, and an electric atmosphere. Set inside the Vic Inn’s Imperial Ballroom, the card will feature a lineup of rising prospects and hometown fighters, all eager to make their mark in front of a passionate crowd. Organizers say fans can expect explosive matchups and high-level amateur boxing throughout the night, highlighting the strength and depth of the region’s combat sports scene. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 6 p.m. Early Bird tickets are available for $30 until April 24, with general admission priced at $35 at the door. For those looking for a more premium experience, private tables are also available. The Spring Showdown not only offers a thrilling night of action but also serves as an opportunity for the community to rally behind local athletes as they step into the ring. Tickets can be purchased in person at Peak Performance or by calling 204-727-7016. With anticipation building, May 9 is shaping up to be a must-see night for boxing fans across Brandon and beyond