Bits n Bites were pounding the pavement and came up with some interesting local news. Brandon’s Josh McPhail is now the President and Owner of Rona in Portage congrats to Josh. Jimmy Johns Sandwiches are coming to Canada with an expected 200 locations and Brandon has been confirmed. Location has not been confirmed. https://retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2024/11/jimmy-johns-opens-in-canada-with-plans-for-200-locations/ Sweet Tooth on 18th was sold last week to new owners. Rotary Villas has some new changes coming soon we will wait for photos and changes next week. Brandon Source for Sports their team and embroidery division are moving next door to where Daughter on Call was located on Brandon Ave.

Western Canada Hockey Academy Announces Launch of U15 Wolves Team Competing in the Premier Hockey League February 6, 2025 – The Western Canada Hockey Academy (WCHA) is proud to announce the launch of its U15 Wolves Team, the newest addition to the academy’s growing lineup. The Wolves will compete in the highly competitive Premier Hockey League (PHL), providing players across Brandon, Rural Manitoba, and Southeast Saskatchewan with an incredible opportunity to play at an elite level. This new team will offer young athletes the chance to develop their skills in a high-performance environment, surrounded by top-tier coaching, competition, and resources. The PHL is known for its focus on player development and commitment to excellence, making it the perfect platform for the Wolves to grow and showcase their talent. “We are excited to offer this opportunity to young hockey players across the region,” said Jason Roblin, VP of Operations at the WCHA. “This new U15 Wolves team will give players a chance to compete at one of the highest levels, advance their hockey careers, and represent the WCHA Wolves with pride.” Identification (ID) Skates for the U15 Wolves will take place in the last week of August, providing aspiring players the chance to showcase their skills and make the team. These skates will allow the coaching staff to evaluate talent and select players who are ready to take their game to the next level. For more information about the Premier Hockey League (PHL), visit https://phl.academy/. The U15 Wolves Team is set to make an impact in the league, and the WCHA is eager to watch the next generation of hockey talent shine. Get ready, Wolves fans – it’s going to be an exciting season ahead! About Western Canada Hockey Academy (WCHA): The WCHA is dedicated to providing young athletes with the highest level of hockey development through programs focused on skill-building, teamwork, and character. The WCHA serves players from diverse communities, offering them the resources they need to succeed both in hockey and beyond. In addition to the hockey Academy, the WCHA offers Development Programs and AAA Spring Wolves teams. The new U15 Wolves team will be an exciting addition to the academy’s growing lineup of offerings. Media Contact Jason Roblin VP of Operations jason@vhproperties.ca 204-726-1681

Former Brandon Wheat King, from Roblin and now calls Brandon home ,Jayce Hawryluk has made a mid season change in Europe. Jayce started the year in Slovakia in Nove Zamky and recently his contract was bought out by EHC Kloten in the top league in Switzerland. Kloten is roughly 15 minutes away from Zurich. Of note Hawryluk informed BDNMB.CA while we were in Europe his favorite meal is seaweed. The staff and mgmt of BDNMB.CA DO NOT agree with his meal preference.

In response to United States President Donald Trump’s tariffs, the Manitoba government is issuing a directive to Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) to stop the sale of American products in the province, Premier Wab Kinew announced today. “Trump’s tariff tax is an attack on Canadians,” said Kinew. “We support the federal response to these tariffs and here in Manitoba, we’re stopping the sale of American products at Manitoba liquor marts. How you choose to spend your money is one of the most important decisions you as a consumer can make. There are plenty of great Manitoba breweries and distilleries to support instead.” Effective Tuesday, Feb. 4, MBLL will be directed to pull American products off the shelves of liquor marts and will stop ordering American alcohol, the premier noted. The premier added the province will roll out more supports for Manitoba businesses and workers throughout the week in response to the U.S. tariffs. Manitoba’s U.S. Trade Council will meet on Monday to discuss the impacts of the tariffs and the province’s response. For more information, Manitoba businesses or workers impacted by tariffs can contact the Manitoba government tariff hotline at 1-877-827-4330 (toll-free) or 204-945-8011, Manitoba Government Inquiry at 204-945-3744 or visit https://manitoba.ca/tariffresponse/.

Some interesting things from the last 7 - 10 days Pizza Express has had a major change to their menu. Includes the following Italian Hero Pizza; house dressing base, ham, salami, mozzarella, onions, banana peppers, tomato, pepperoni and the Carnivore Pizza: meat sauce, ground beef, pepperoni, mozzarella, Italian sausage, bacon Keystone Centre has announced PBR is back on May 23rd and 24th. In the past this has been sold out. For many people sad news as Peavey Mart will close. Following the recently announced closures of 22 stores in Ontario and Nova Scotia, Peavey Mart released a statement on Facebook on January 28 that they will now begin store closing sales at all remaining locations across Canada. Former WWE Superstar Tatanka will be holding a meet and greet at this year's Dakota Nation Winterfest on Saturday, February 1 from 11am-4pm. darryl@bdnmb.ca