BRANDON – The Brandon University women's volleyball team is eager to see what Michelle Egger can bring to the Bobcats. The 5-foot-10 outside hitter from Switzerland has arrived in the Wheat City to begin training camp with BU ahead of the 2017-18 Canada West campaign. The 18-year-old had never stepped foot on Canadian soil until making the trip to the Wheat City, but a solid first impression was made. "It is a huge life opportunity to come to Brandon to succeed in the classroom and play volleyball," said Egger. "Brandon is a lot different from Switzerland. It is sure flat here compared to my country where there is a lot of mountains, but I like the city a lot so far." Egger's game evolved indoors with VBC Aadorf where she became a solid contributor over six seasons in the club system. She also earned a silver medal at the U19 Swiss national beach volleyball championship. Interim Bobcat coach Kevin Neufeld believes their newest international recruit has the right mix of potential and experience to succeed. "Michelle is a creative and dynamic player and we hope she can make a big contribution on the court," said Neufeld. "She has played a lot of beach and indoor volleyball and has a good skill set." In volleyball circles in her home country, the Egger's are synonymous with the sport with her dad coaching the Swiss men's team to a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics in beach volleyball. "My parents and my brother are all tied to the sport. I do not think I had any other choice, but to be a volleyball player," added Egger with a laugh. A strong family connection and a passion to play contributed to Egger's decision to explore the option of playing at the U SPORTS level. Becoming a Bobcat was solidified after former all-Canadian and Swiss star Sebastien Steigmeier spoke highly about his experience at BU to Egger. Steigmeier played two seasons with the Bobcats, which included being named BU's Male Athlete of the Year in 2014-15. "In my opinion, Sebastien is the best player in Switzerland and everybody knows him. When he said it was cool to play at Brandon University I was sold on the opportunity right away," said Egger. Egger and the Bobcats begin their regular season by visiting the Manitoba Bisons on October 21-22. BU's first home dates are October 27-28 against the Saskatchewan Huskies.

Brandon's Ryan White has signed a PTO to attend camp with the Vancouver Canucks. Last season, the former Calgary Hitmen, split time between the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and Minnesota Wild. Layne Toder, a 170 lb defenseman, has signed with the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL. Last season the native of Elkhorn, MB was a member of the Portage Terriers where he scored 28 points in 44 games. Toder was selected by the Hitmen in the 4th round, 85th overall, in the 2015 draft. One-time What King prospect, Brad Goethals is in camp with the WHL's Saskatoon Blades. Rugged forward Darian Dziurzynski, who spent time with the Wheat Kings back in 2011/12, signed a 1-year contract with Zvolen (Slovakia, Extraliga). Last season Darian was a member of the Manchester Storm, of the EIHL, where he had a productive year scoring 29 goals in 50 regular season games. Corbin Boes has been invited to camp with the NHL's Detroit Red Wings. Boes spent 3 seasons between the pipes with the Wheat Kings picking up 46 regular season wins in the process. The North Central Hockey League may be expanding by one team for the 17/18 season. The Shoal Lake Eagles were tentatively accepted into the league at the league's annual meeting held back in April. Shoal Lake's acceptance would leave the league with 9 teams, as all the other 8 teams indicated they were returning for 17/18.

Sep 8th As part of our Grand Opening program for the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex, and to say THANKS to all of you we are offering free softball clinic with the Dickinson State University Blue Hawks. To register and other details please click this link. Sep 9th We are ready! After a few years of hard work and frustration, good people and generous people, and help, a lot of help, we are ready to open the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex. Please join us in our celebration of community and sport on September 9th. It's all free as a thank you to all of our supporters and believers. There will be coffee, cookies, balloons, laughter, and of course, softball. https://goo.gl/nYPZx

It was a special day for two local hockey products as they have signed standard player agreements with WHL clubs. Daemon Hunt, a 190 lb defenseman, signed with the Moose Jaw Warriors earlier today.  He was selected in the 1st round, 15th overall at the 2017 draft.  Last year Daemon skated with the Bantam AAA Wheat Kings where he put up 60 points, in just 36 games.  This summer he patrolled the blue line for Smitty's, in the Wendy's Summer Hockey League, where he helped his team capture the division 1 championship. Over in Regina, Tristen Robins has signed on with the Regina Pats.  Robins was selected by the Pats in 2016 after amassing an impressive 91 points in 35 games that season, with the AAA Bantam Wheat Kings.  This past season Tristen joined the Rink Hockey Academy, out of Winnipeg, where he tallied 13 points in 25 regular season games.  He is the son of former Wheat King goalie, Trevor Robins.  Tonight, he is wearing #26 (blue) in the Pats annual Blue-White inter-squad game.

The final 4 in the Tamaracks Men's Championship Flight has been determined following match play action on Thursday. Kody Fawcett will battle Geoff Gregoire in semi final action, as Jay Thiesen tackles Steve Young in the tournaments other semi-final. In action earlier today, Fawcett toppled four time Champion Jared Jaccobson while Gregoire upended Dale Murray. Thiessen advanced to the semi's taking down Bad Pardy and Young moves on after defeating Chas Wood. Full tournament results for all flights/championships can be found here.