Like hockey? Then you already know that the Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL are having a once-in-a-lifetime season. They are poised to break the all time NHL wins streak. And if you're a hockey fan, you already know that former Brandon Wheat King captain and hometown hero, Matt Calvert plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Wouldn't it be amazing to see Matt play and cheer on the Blue Jackets? Did you know that you can pick up a flight from Winnipeg, or Minot and six hours later be in Columbus? And prices are currently around $400 per round trip, depending on dates. The Columbus Blue Jackets play at the Nationwide Arena. The arena is 8 miles from the airport, so a taxi or Uber is pretty inexpensive ($20).The international airport code is CMH for the John Glen International Airport.   Lots of hotels right by the arena including a Marriott, Hyatt and a Hilton. Tickets? I'm a fan of Stubhub.com. Using the January 19th game as an example, (It's against Mark Stone and the Ottawa Senators) you can pick up tickets for as low as $20 each, upper deck, or $44 each for lower bowl. That's a pretty amazing price for any NHL game.     As a second example, you could take your valentine to Columbus and see two home games. Flights and hotel, tax included (expedia.ca) for $700 per person, plus tickets. The Blue Jackets play the Rangers on the 13th of February, and the Leafs (Auston Matthews) on the 15th.   So, to recap, once-in-a-lifetime season, Matt Calvert, Columbus, about $800 per person. You should go. ps. If you'd like to reduce the cost even further, and have some Air Miles to burn, click over to SheTalksTravel.com to learn more

The cold took care of the crowds, so all the kids had to worry about was staying warm and having fun. Bottineau Winter Park is just 150 kms south of Brandon, and only about 7 miles over the US/Canadian Border. My kids jumped at the chance to try a new destination even though they are regular customers and big fans of both Minnedosa and Assessippi ski areas. We were lured to Bottineau by their school break deal for Canadians. They are offering ski and snowboard passes and rentals, from January 2nd to 6th, for Canadian cash (no debit cards/credit cards.) In total, we paid $100 Canadian for 1 adult, 1 youth and 1 child's pass, plus one set of rentals. (Food and drinks are not available for Canadian at par) for the full day. The facilities themselves are fantastic. Lots of parking, a modern lodge, great equipment and well groomed runs. In addition to skiing and snowboarding they also offer tubing. Tube rentals are hourly. There is a magic carpet type lift that will pull you back up to the lodge area and it also serves the bunny hill. There are typical chair lifts and tow bars in the other areas. Plus, there is a designated terrain area for snowboarders. It has two rails, beginner to advanced jumps and was lots of fun. The ski hill itself is suitable for beginners, children and nervous skiers. In other words, perfect for prairie people. Kids raised in the Alberta mountains would not be challenged or satisfied with the short runs and limited elevation. My teen son, Riley, particularly liked the tree lined run that was in between the two main runs by the chair lift. The grader doesn't go down that stretch which left him with great powder and loose snow to blow through on a snowboard. He reports that the runs to the right of the chairlift are more advanced and offer a steeper decline and more of a challenge. The staff were really good and were especially helpful to our youngest son. Staff were interested and engaged, offering tips and asking about him and the equipment throughout the day. Riley was disappointed that his GoPro failed in the frigid temperatures. Otherwise we'd have video to share. Overall, he gives Bottineau Winter Park 4.5 out of 5 stars and would definitely recommend it and go back at that price. You can visit their website for more photos and details. http://skibwp.com          

List of some of the Top Local Stories that we at bdnmb.ca would like to cover in 2017. In no particular order. WestJet Re-Introduces Flights East to Toronto Casino Announced for Downtown Brandon: The Town Centre Micro Brewery Tapped to Occupy Vacant McKenzie Seeds Building Nolan Patrick Selected 1st Overall in NHL Entry Draft You Gotta Eat Here Coming to Joe Beeverz Low Income Residents Find Safe Affordable Housing Food Trucks Re-Energize Local Food Scene ACC/BU Students Graduate in Record Numbers Brandon Drivers Look-up “Merge” in the Dictionary Construction Begins on the Swiss Chalet, Harvey's, East Side Mario's & Fionn MaCool's Restaurants

You'll find another hidden gem, just west of Precision Toyota. An adorable Christmas village display sits just in front of Westbran Training Centre and guides the way to Brandon's outdoor skating oval. So which is the hidden gem? Truly, all three. The village is crafted and set up on-site at Westbran Training Centre. It's located at 2005 McGregor Avenue. (Turn at Precision Toyota and drive to the end of the road.) The village consists of a model train, a general store, a church and a log cabin. It's really well done and definitely photo worthy. Secondly, Westbran Training Centre is a government funded site that offers employment counseling, training and one-on-one skill development services. There are drop in hours Tuesday to Thursday evenings. All services are free of charge. It's a division of WEM (Workplace Education Manitoba). http://www.wem.mb.ca/west_centre_brandon.aspx Thirdly, the skating oval. It's a city-operated, free site where families can ice skate outdoors. There is a warming hut where you can put your skates on and even a port-a-potty on site. The skating oval is lined with Christmas lights and displays are sponsored by Manitoba Hydro. All three are worth your time and contribute added value in our community.  

The Westman Wedding Expo is taking place at the Keystone Centre, inside the Manitoba Room, on February 5th,. Brandon's biggest wedding show will be home for one day to many different wedding specialists, a custom fashion show, and the opportunity for one lucky bride to win a Grand Prize Ultimate Wedding Give-Away estimated to be over $18,000 in value. The Westman Wedding Expo, hosted by Party Professionals & Wedding Expressions, has everything you will need to plan an extravagant wedding or a quiet destination wedding. Brides and their guests will have the opportunity to visit a wide variety of exhibitors for help in planning their special day. The event runs from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and admission price is only $10 in advance, or $15 at the door.