Ciurtesy:  Brandon University Bobcats BRANDON - The Brandon Bobcats have landed a talented recruit from the prairies with a powerful story to tell. Travis Walls is from Wakaw, Sask., which can be found roughly halfway between Saskatoon and Prince Albert. Volleyball roots run deep in the community and Walls was introduced to the sport at a young age. "Our girls team is always winning or at least medalling at provincials. When I was growing up my mom would always get a member of the team to come and babysit," said Walls. Once Walls got his chance to hit the floor he flourished. The six-foot-three outside hitter helped his team to a second-place finish at the 3A Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association championship in 2015. He also earned the opportunity represent his province at the National Team Challenge Cup where Walls caught the eye of Volleyball Canada. Following the tournament, he was invited to compete in the Youth National Development Program. "That experience was important and it helped me realize that I was on the same page as the other top players in my age group," added Walls. "I never would have expected that." An unexpected health scare that winter blindsided Walls. It started as a case of strep throat and turned into rheumatic fever that damaged the valves of his heart. "It was super shocking to go from playing to not at all," recalled Walls. "Do not take any day for granted because things can change that quick." Walls was forced to the sidelines until his condition improved and that included missing the Canadian Club Championship in Saskatoon in May 2016. "Watching my team from the bench was just devastating," said Walls. "I really wanted to be out there with them." In July, he received the go-ahead to resume training in preparation for his final year of high school. Walls would still need to undergo surgery to clear up the lingering effects that the rheumatic fever had on his heart, but that was put off until the end of the volleyball season. "It definitely crossed my mind that my volleyball career might be over," said Walls. "There were some sad moments for sure, but getting back on the court changed all that." Photo:  BU Bobcats Walls did not miss a beat once he got back into action. He was named an all-star at a high profile tournament in Saskatoon where he guided his Wakaw/Bellevue/Vonda Tropics to a bronze medal. At provincials, Walls and his team reached the championship final for the second straight year and secured another silver medal. Brandon coach Grant Wilson was impressed with Walls' quick turnaround despite all the adversity he has faced. "If you look at what he has done over the last year and a bit and he has not been at 100 percent health. We like to think that since his surgery he is going to get healthier and continue to develop his game and only get better," said Wilson. "His physical demeanor on the court is really positive and he plays the game with a smile on his face and enjoys every minute of it. He just seems to have the confidence that you need to succeed regardless of the situation." With the addition of Walls, the Bobcats recruiting class currently stands at two prospects with both being Saskatchewan standouts. He joins Carter Brodner of Regina as newcomers to the program for 2017-18 and Walls cannot wait to get started. "I cannot even describe how happy I am going to be to wear the Bobcat jersey," said Walls. "It was super exciting to sign because after going through all this I did not even know if I was going to get the chance to play again. Being with the Bobcats is just unbelievable."

The curtain will come down on the BIRT Cup celebrity pro-am golf tournament this summer and organizers are preparing for a solid sendoff. “After nine years of supporting our community we are proud to announce that our tenth anniversary will be a celebration and thank you to our supporters,” said tournament president Scott Hlady. Investors Group, for the fourth straight year, will be the title sponsor for the highly successful tournament that runs July 14 at the Shilo Golf and Country Club. “It is emotional to see how far this event has come in the last four years and Investors Group has been there every step of the way,” added Hlady. “The BIRT Cup has become a staple event at Shilo and that is a credit to the tremendous people who work there.” After players complete their round of golf, a windup social will be held at the Royal Oak Inn & Suites where Canadian Celtic rockers Mudmen will perform. Their 20th anniversary will be celebrated in 2018 and they have a long list of accomplishments. The major career highlights for the band include meeting and performing for Queen Elizabeth II on Canada Day at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, performing at the 1984 Edmonton Oilers reunion and playing on the new CBC Hockey Night in Canada theme song. Back in 2010, they made the trip to Brandon to play at the prestigious Memorial Cup that the Wheat Kings hosted. In the past, they have opened for legendary bands like ZZ Top and The Guess Who. “Mudmen’s resume speaks for itself and to have them hit the stage for us is a major feather in our cap,” added Hlady. “It is a fitting sendoff for the legacy the BIRT Cup has left in Brandon.” The BIRT Cup picked up major momentum four years ago, raising around $40,000 for local charity, including $15,000 last year. “We are lending a helping hand, while making sure those who have supported us along the way feel a great appreciation,” continued Hlady. “Without the community’s support, we would not be where we are now.” For more information, please contact: Scott Hlady, BIRT Cup president Phone: (204) 573-4242 E-Mail: birtcup@gmail.com Twitter: @BIRTCUP  

Ryan Pilon, who left the Brandon Wheat Kings for personal reasons in September of 2015, is back in Brandon playing hockey. The defensemen is lacing them up this weekend with the Southern Saskatchewan Rez Kings, in the senior hockey division of the Dakota Nation Winterfest hockey tournament. Pilon, drafted by the New York Islanders in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL draft, scored a goal in his teams victory on Friday night over the Norway House Bruins. Joining Pilon on the Rez Kings roster is a number of former WHL players including: Jon 'Nasty' Mirasty, Derek Parker, and Dustin Perillat.     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});    

Ever wonder where some Wheat Kings have ended up?. Here is a listing of players over the past 15 seasons and where they are currently playing in Europe, Asia or Russia. Rob Klinkhammer – 30 pts in the KHL this season http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=74647 Richard Mueller - DEL 2 in Germany http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=15254 Andrew Clark – 52 pts in top league in Austria http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=91366 Darryl Boyle – 9 pts in DEL in Germany http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=80282 Mark Derlago – 52 pts in Asia Hockey League http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11711 Erik Christensen–19 pts playing in top league in Sweden http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=50627 Juraj Simek–11 pts playing in Top Swiss League NLA http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=10616 Mark Louis – 11 pts in England http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=73426 Peter Quenneville – 37 pts in Denmark http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=57050 Jens Meilleur – 24 pts in DEL 2 Germany http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=56601 Richard Nejezchleb – 7 pts in Czech Elite League http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=100577 Alessio Bertaggia – 14 pts in Lugano Top Swiss League http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=129783 Darian Dziurzynski – 30 pts in England http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=110235 Shayne Weibe–39 pts in Italy http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=98872 Matt McKay – 5 pts in DEL top German League http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=101599 Ty Rimmer–Italy http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=44497   (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});  

Twenty year old Russian import Dima Osipov was excited today to find out that his WHL career will end in Brandon, with the Wheat Kings. The 6'4” defenseman, from Moscow, will for sure help the Wheat Kings on the blue line. Osipov attended Chicago Blackhawks camp this past summer and is currently undrafted. “I will miss Vancouver, it was a great place and I have lots of great memories...but I want to thanks Glen Hanlon (Giants GM) for everything.” "Brandon fans can expect a regular stay at home dman....and I like to protect the goalie and block shots…..defense first" Osipov said. This season he had 11 points and 39 pim's, in 42 games, with the Vancouver Giants prior to being acquired by the Wheat Kings. One interesting fact that many people do not know is that Osipov was the number 1 pick in the KHL draft in 2013. His rights are now with Sochi in the KHL. Osipov Stats (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});