Following yesterday’s announcement that Brandon and the Keystone Centre will host the 2027 TELUS Cup, Canada’s National U18 Men’s Club Championship, the Keystone Centre is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Trotter as Chair of the Local Host Organizing Committee, along with the executive team that will help lead planning for the national championship. Trotter brings decades of leadership experience in business, governance, and community engagement to the role. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Red Leaf Pulp and previously spent many years with MNP, including serving as Managing Partner overseeing offices in Brandon, Winnipeg, Montreal, and Vancouver. A longtime supporter of amateur hockey, Trotter is also a former coach with the Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA program and has remained actively involved in community organizations throughout his career. “We are thrilled to have Dan leading our Host Organizing Committee as we prepare to welcome Canada’s top U18 hockey teams to Brandon,” said Connie Lawrence, CEO and General Manager of the Keystone Centre. “Dan’s leadership experience, community connections and passion for hockey make him exceptionally well-suited to guide this event. His involvement will be invaluable as we work together to deliver a first-class championship for athletes, fans and visitors.” Lawrence noted that securing the 2027 TELUS Cup is the result of strong collaboration between the Keystone Centre, Hockey Canada, Hockey Manitoba, the Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA program, sponsors, volunteers and community partners. “This event represents a tremendous opportunity not only for the Keystone Centre, but for Brandon and the entire Westman region,” said Lawrence. “We look forward to showcasing our community on a national stage while creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.” Trotter said he is honoured to have been selected to lead the committee. “I am extremely excited and honoured to serve as Chair of the 2027 TELUS Cup Host Organizing Committee,” said Trotter. “I would like to thank Connie Lawrence and the entire Keystone Centre team for their confidence and support.” “The TELUS Cup presents an outstanding opportunity for Brandon to showcase its ability to host national-calibre events,” he added. “Hockey fans from across Western Manitoba will have the opportunity to watch the best U18 teams in Canada compete for a national championship, including our own Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA team as host representatives. We look forward to delivering an exceptional tournament and creating lasting memories for participants and fans alike.” The 2027 TELUS Cup will bring six of Canada’s top U18 club teams to Assiniboine Credit Union Place from April 19–25, 2027, competing for one of the country’s most prestigious amateur hockey championships. The event will mark Brandon’s most significant national hockey championship since hosting the 2010 Memorial Cup. The city also served as a co-host of the 1999 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship and previously welcomed the 1994 Air Canada Cup, now known as the TELUS Cup. “On behalf of Hockey Manitoba, we are thrilled that Brandon and the Keystone Centre have been selected to host the 2027 TELUS Cup,” said Trevor Buhnai, Chief Executive Officer of Hockey Manitoba. “This is an excellent opportunity to showcase Manitoba’s passion for hockey, our dedicated volunteers and our ability to deliver a premier national championship event.” “The TELUS Cup represents the highest level of U18 AAA hockey in Canada,” Buhnai added. “Hosting this championship in Manitoba will inspire the next generation of players while showcasing the strength of our hockey community. We look forward to working alongside Hockey Canada, the Keystone Centre, the Host Organizing Committee and local partners to create an unforgettable experience for athletes, officials and fans.” In order to deliver a successful championship, a strong leadership team has been assembled to guide preparations for the event. Local Host Organizing Committee Executive Dan Trotter – Chair Carson McConnell Mike Brolund Kris Klemick Craig Anderson Derrick Stewart With the executive team now in place, recruitment of volunteers and committee members will begin in the coming months as preparations accelerate for the 2027 championship. Additional information regarding ticket packages, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer recruitment and tournament events will be announced in the weeks and months ahead. For more information about the 2027 TELUS Cup, visit www.keystonecentre.com or follow the Keystone Centre on social media.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) ) kept the momentum going  on its Connecting Westman Tour on July 23, raising $5,147.10 for Winnipegosis Fire and Rescue.  The total includes a matched donation from WCG, supporting the volunteer-based organization  as it continues to provide firefighting and rescue services to the Mossey River Municipality,   including the communities of Fork River and Winnipegosis.  The Connecting Westman Tour is a community-focused initiative designed to amplify local  giving; it features a series of community barbecue lunches hosted by WCG throughout the  summer season. For a donation, guests can enjoy a lunch of hot dogs, smokies, chips, and   drinks, knowing that 100 percent of the funds go straight to a nominated neighbourhood charity. WCG matches the day's total, effectively doubling the community's investment in its  own grassroots projects.  "The community turnout in Winnipegosis was fantastic, and having the firefighters out with  their trucks made the event even more special," said Brandi Crowe, Marketing Manager at  WCG. "Winnipegosis Fire and Rescue plays such a vital role in keeping Mossey River  Municipality safe. Matching the community's generosity to hit over $5,000 is exactly why we  run the Connecting Westman Tour - it’s about directly supporting the local groups who give so  much to their communities."  The Connecting Westman Tour is just one of the many ways WCG actively engages with the  communities it serves, demonstrating its commitment not just as a service provider but as a  dedicated community partner. The final stop on the 2026 Connecting Westman is in Pilot Mound on August 27.

One of downtown Brandon's most popular summer gathering spots is getting a fresh new look as The Dock on Princess puts the finishing touches on an expanded outdoor patio designed to offer guests a more comfortable and modern dining experience. The renovation is the first major overhaul of the restaurant's patio in nearly two decades and is aimed at creating a more inviting atmosphere while making the most of Manitoba's often unpredictable patio season. "Our patio was due for a refresh, and we wanted to create a more modern, comfortable, and inviting space for our customers to enjoy," the restaurant shared. Preparations for the project actually began last fall, when groundwork was completed to get the site ready for construction. Building officially got underway in early July 2026, although progress was briefly slowed by heavy rainfall in June and stretches of extreme heat throughout July. Despite those weather-related delays, The Dock expects the project to be completed by mid-August, with details on a grand opening celebration to be announced through its social media channels. The redesigned patio will feature significantly more space, allowing for additional seating and a variety of areas for guests to enjoy. A traditional dining section with tables and chairs will be complemented by a lounge area furnished with comfortable sofas and chairs, along with bar seating overlooking Princess Avenue. To help guests stay comfortable throughout the season, a pergola will provide shade during hot summer afternoons, while patio heaters will allow the space to remain welcoming on cooler spring and fall days, as well as chilly summer evenings. When the patio officially opens, customers can expect more than just a fresh appearance. The Dock says the relaxed new setting will continue to showcase its commitment to preparing menu items from scratch using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Guests will also have access to 18 draft beers on tap, along with an extensive cocktail menu and an expanding selection of non-alcoholic beverages. One of the highlights will be an exclusive collaboration with Brandon's Section 6 Brewing. The Dock will offer a summer Lime Cerveza available exclusively on the restaurant's new patio. For those choosing to skip alcohol, the restaurant has also expanded its selection of non-alcoholic spirits, allowing bartenders to craft flavourful cocktails that offer the same experience without the alcohol. While patio season in Manitoba can be unpredictable, The Dock believes the upgraded design will help maximize opportunities for outdoor dining. "The pergola will provide welcome shade on hot, sunny afternoons, while patio heaters will make the space more comfortable during the early spring, cooler fall days, and chilly summer evenings," the restaurant explained. "These additions will help us extend the patio season and give our customers more opportunities to enjoy dining outdoors." Perhaps what excites the team most, however, is seeing customers experience the new space for the first time. "We are most excited to see and hear guests' reactions to the new outdoor design and layout," the restaurant said. "The renderings have already received many positive comments, and we hope that excitement continues when the patio opens." The previous patio served customers for 18 years and became a favourite destination for many Brandon residents. The restaurant hopes the redesigned space will build on that legacy while offering an elevated experience for years to come. The project has also remained true to The Dock's longstanding commitment to supporting local businesses. Construction is being completed by Cutting Edge, while Mill Co. Steel custom fabricated the patio's metal fence posts. Even the aluminum siding used in the project was manufactured in Manitoba. "Supporting local has always been part of our philosophy," the restaurant said. "Just as we use locally sourced ingredients in our menu items whenever possible, we wanted to carry that same commitment into the construction of our new patio." If all goes according to plan, Brandon residents won't have to wait much longer to experience the restaurant's newest outdoor space, with the grand opening expected sometime in mid-August.

The Brandon Wheat Kings Foundation (BWKF) is excited to announce a new partnership with Trans Canada Brewing Co., who will serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the Foundation's 50/50 for the 2026-2027 Season. The partnership marks a significant step forward in supporting youth, education, and community initiatives across Westman while creating an even bigger and more exciting fundraising campaign for fans. Beginning August 1, the Fall Progressive 50/50 launches with a Guaranteed $10,000 Starting Jackpot and two exciting Early Bird prize opportunities before the Grand Prize Draw during the Brandon Wheat Kings Home Opener on September 18. The first Early Bird Draw offers $1,000 cash, with ticket sales closing August 9 at 11:59 p.m. and the winner drawn on August 10 at 9:00 a.m. The second Early Bird Draw features a Brandon Wheat Kings Flex Pack, valued at $899 and including two tickets to the Prospect Game. Ticket sales close August 23 at 11:59 p.m., with the draw taking place on August 24.We're thrilled to be building our new taproom in Brandon and to properly immerse ourselves in the Westman community," said Emma Houldsworth, Brand & Marketing Leader of Trans Canada Brewing Co. "Brandon has always been a place where we've had strong roots, and becoming part of the community in a bigger way allows us to strengthen those connections. Partnering with the Brandon Wheat Kings Foundation is a natural fit because it gives us the opportunity to support local youth and community initiatives while investing in a region we're proud to call home. Funds raised through the 50/50 program directly support the Brandon Wheat Kings Foundation's mission to empower young athletes through education, training, scholarships, and player development opportunities while investing in programs that strengthen communities throughout Westman. "This partnership is about much more than a jackpot," said Robbie Zetariuk, Executive Director of the Brandon Wheat Kings Foundation. "We're so happy to welcome Trans Canada Brewing Co. as our Presenting Sponsor because they share our commitment to giving back. Together, we're creating more opportunities for youth, supporting education, and making a meaningful impact throughout our community." The Brandon Wheat Kings Foundation has become a driving force in supporting educational opportunities and player development while leaving a lasting impact beyond the rink. Every 50/50 ticket purchased helps continue that mission by investing in the future of young athletes and strengthening the communities they call home. The Foundation is proud to partner with organizations that believe in building stronger communities, and Trans Canada Brewing Co.'s support reflects a shared commitment to making a difference both on and off the ice. Tickets for the 2026 Fall Progressive 50/50 go on sale August 1. Fans are encouraged to purchase early for multiple chances to win throughout the campaign, culminating with the Grand Prize Draw during the Brandon Wheat Kings' Home Opener on September 18.  

Thirty-six local high school students across eleven communities  are one step closer to achieving their educational goals thanks to Fusion Credit Union’s annual  scholarship program. This year, Fusion is awarding a total of $18,000 in scholarships, with each  recipient receiving $500 for post-secondary education.  The scholarship program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional achievement in  academics, athletics, and/or the arts, while also exhibiting strong leadership qualities and  meaningful involvement in their communities. Recipients are selected based on their  commitment to excellence, their dedication to making a positive impact, and their potential to  contribute to the future success of their communities.  Since its inception, the scholarship program has invested $136,000 in local youth, helping  students pursue their educational goals and build bright futures for themselves and their  communities. “Youth are the future of our communities, and we are proud to support students  who have already demonstrated remarkable leadership, determination, and community spirit,”  says Mike Csversko, Brand and Business Development Manager at Fusion Credit Union. “These  scholarship recipients are making a difference today, and we are excited to help them pursue  their educational aspirations as they continue to grow into tomorrow’s leaders.”  Fusion Credit Union believes that investing in youth is one of the most meaningful ways to  strengthen communities and foster long-term success. By supporting students in their  educational journeys, the scholarship program helps remove barriers to opportunity while  encouraging young people to pursue their goals and give back to the communities that have  supported them.  “Our scholarship recipients have shown that success extends beyond the classroom, field, stage,  or court,” adds Csversko. “Their commitment to leadership, service, and excellence has a positive  impact on those around them. We are honoured to invest in their futures and celebrate the  important contributions they make in our communities.”  Fusion Credit Union congratulates all 36 scholarship recipients and wishes them continued  success as they begin the next chapter of their educational journey.