Hockey fans will have a chance to celebrate past and present talent when an alumni game is held between the U18 AAA Brandon Wheat Kings and the U18 AA Southwest Cougars at the J&G Homes Arena this weekend. ( Saturday evening, Alumni Game: 5:45 PM Puck Drop). Former Wheat Kings scheduled to take to the ice include Matt Calvert, Ryan White, Scott Hlady and Riley Day while Ryan Adams, Joel Whiteside, Corey Billaney, and Ryan Albrecht are to suit up for the Cougars. The special matchup is scheduled to bring former players back to the ice, offering spectators a unique opportunity to watch alumni from both programs lace up their skates once again. The game will highlight the rich hockey history shared by the two organizations and the role they continue to play in developing young athletes across the region. The Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA program and the Southwest Cougars U18 AA program have both been instrumental in preparing players for higher levels of hockey, and the alumni game is intended to recognize that legacy. It also provides current players with a chance to see where the game can take them and to connect with those who previously wore their respective jerseys.  

Brandon's Colten Worthington (Virden Oil Caps) and Ethan Stewart (Dauphin Kings) helped Team Canada West capture silver at the World Junior A Challenge in Trois-Rivières, Quebec! The pair are former teammates for 2 seasons (2022-23 and 2023-2024) with the Brandon U18 AAA Wheat Kings. Additional news coming from U18 AAA Wheat King alumni. Calen Addison, a defensemen, was recently called up to the New Jersey Devils from their farm team in Utica (AHL). Luke Lepper (Salmon Arm Silverbacks) has been named to the roster for the Canada vs. World Game by the BCHL as part of their 2026 All-Star Weekend being held in Spruce Grove, Alta. Earlier in the season, Lepper had also committed to Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts. Carter Sawchuk sits in second place in the Big 6 Hockey League (Saskatchewan Senior hockey) scoring race with an eye-popping 36 points in only 8 games for the Moosomin Rangers. Goalie Ethan McCallum was traded to Penticton by the Saskatoon Blades. McCallum spent the 2019-20 season with the Brandon U15 AAA Wheat Kings. WWE & All Japan Star "The British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith Jr will be headlining the CWE's 17th Anniversary Tour with a stop scheduled in Brandon at Houston's on Sunday, February 15. The son of the late, great "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith takes a break from his full time schedule in All Japan Pro Wrestling to return to Canada to compete with the elite! Brandon has been awarded the honour of hosting the Softball Canada U17 Women’s National Championship in 2027 at the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex. This exciting announcement from Softball Canada marks another major national event coming to our city. The U17 championship will bring teams from across the country to compete in August 2027, showcasing elite young talent and providing an economic and community boost for the Westman region. Deloraine, MB native Ashton Bell was named captain of the Vancouver Goldeneyes of the Professional Women’s Hockey League, marking a major milestone in her professional career. Her appointment as captain highlights both her impact on the ice and her role as a leader within the growing women’s professional hockey landscape.

The Manitoba government is contributing $100,000 through its From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program to help rebuild the roof at the Foxwarren District Recreation Centre (FDRC), Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced today. “These critical repairs will help ensure the FDRC remains the heart of the community, providing residents and visitors of all ages with a safe facility for recreational and social events,” said Simard. “From the Ground Up supports our government’s commitment to build safe, healthy communities where individuals, youth and families can thrive. Our investment in rebuilding the roof will benefit the region and help keep kids on the path to a bright future.” The FDRC is a not-for-profit facility that includes an ice rink and community centre, used by various groups for minor hockey, figure skating, 4-H, agricultural society events, community meetings and celebrations, auction sales and family functions like weddings. Built in 1949 by local volunteers, it is one of the region’s largest facilities and serves the communities of Foxwarren, Binscarth, Birtle, Rossburn, St. Lazare, as well as the Gambler and Waywayseecappo First Nations. “This provincial grant is a boost to our efforts to complete exterior and interior repairs to meet fire code regulations before opening in summer 2026,” said Mark Wotton, board member, FDRC. “Extensive support from local organizations, as well as personal and business donations, has allowed FDRC to get closer to our goal of raising an additional $200,000, and we have raised $118,000 to date. The board is extremely grateful for everyone’s generosity.” The From the Ground Up program supports community renewal efforts, community capital projects and youth initiatives. Non-profit organizations, Northern Affairs community councils and municipalities can apply for funding. The program received a $1-million increase in Budget 2025. In 2025-26, the Manitoba government committed more than $12.29 million to support 208 community development projects across Manitoba. The 2026-27 program intake is now open with an application deadline of Jan. 26, 2026. Program information, including guidelines and applications, is available at www.gov.mb.ca/grants/index.html.

-Fusion Credit Union is proud to announce a new multi-year partnership with the Brandon Wheat Kings uniting two organizations deeply committed to community, youth development, and local pride throughout Manitoba. The partnership focuses on expanding grassroots programs, enhancing financial literacy opportunities, and supporting initiatives that create meaningful impact for families across the province. “At Fusion, our mission has always been to invest in the people and communities we serve,” said Darwin Johns, CEO at Fusion. “Partnering with the Wheat Kings—an organization that embodies teamwork, resilience, and community spirit—allows us to reach even more Manitobans with programs that build confidence, connection, and financial well-being. Together, we are creating opportunities that go far beyond the rink.” The collaboration will include support for youth hockey programs, community events, fundraisers, and educational initiatives that promote financial empowerment, accessible recreation, and inclusive participation in sport. Fans will also see the Fusion Credit Union’s presence throughout the team’s season, including special game-night activities and community recognition nights. “We’re thrilled to welcome Fusion Credit Union as a partner,” says Jared Jacobson, Owner and Governor of the Brandon Wheat Kings. “They share our belief that strong communities are built through meaningful connections and investing in people. Their dedication to financial education and community development makes them an ideal partner as we continue expanding our impact both on and off the ice.” Both organizations emphasized that the partnership is not just about brand visibility—it is about shared values and shared impact, supporting Manitobans of all ages through accessible programs and positive community experiences. “This partnership reflects who we are,” added Johns. “We’re excited to stand alongside the Wheat Kings as we work together to strengthen our community, empower the next generations of youth and celebrate what makes Manitoba unique.” The partnership will be prominently featured at the Brandon Wheat Kings' home game on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Keystone Centre. For more information about Fusion Credit Union, visit fusioncu.com or about the Brandon Wheat Kings, visit wheatkings.com.

A major new sports facility is taking shape in the heart of Brandon as construction began in December 2024 on the Wheat City Tennis and Pickleball Hub, a project expected to transform recreation and activity in the downtown core. The state-of-the-art multi-sport facility, a $3 million project, is set to become a year-round destination for tennis and pickleball players across Westman. Once completed, the building will house 14 indoor pickleball courts — with the ability to convert several into full-sized tennis courts — along with player lounges, locker rooms, showers, a pro shop,  a full fitness centre, hot tub, sauna, cold plunge and more. For now, foundations are being laid — both literally and figuratively — for a new chapter in downtown recreation. The Wheat City Tennis and Pickleball Hub is poised to become a central gathering place for athletes, families, and residents looking for a modern, accessible space to play and connect. The first section of trusses are completed and ready for the next set next week.