The U18 Westman Wildcats recently completed their training camp for the 2023/24 season and head coach Guy Williams told bdnmb.ca that he is "looking forward to a great season with a great group of athletes." "Our expectations for the season never change. We expect to compete for a Provincial Championship each and every year.  We expect to outwork the opponent across the ice from us, to never back down from a challenge and to Never Be Satisfied". As with every hockey organization, the roster takes on a different look to start each campaign. The team graduated a number of forwards, who were leaders both on and off the ice last season, including 4-year player Hayley Kolosky and team captain Sophia Anderson.  Goaltender Grace Glover, who was an All Star, Top Goaltender and Playoff MVP, also graduated. The team will enter the season with two young goaltenders (Danica Averill, Kylie Hack) who Williams believes will be up to the challenge of a full season at u18. "We have a trio of forwards coming in with a history of putting up points at all levels, Ivy Perkin, Shayla Scinocca and Sydney Sass" said Williams.  "And we have brought in some young defensemen who will play a mixture of positions for us this year in Kadence Mann, Charlie Shearer and Devyn Moncur". To prepare the coming season, the coaching staff will begin by getting players up to speed in practice on their expectations relating to effort and intensity. This will be followed by the introduction of their core systems and guiding team tactical principles. The team has held a number of practices and last evening they played they first exhibition game, a 4-0 victory over the Yellowhead Chiefs. They have two additional practices scheduled this coming week, prior to embarking on a road trip to Calgary for a tournament. The following weekend the team will be back in Manitoba for a tournament in Central Plains and then the league begins. "Throughout, we will be breaking down game video and fine tuning aspects of our game with the players" finished Williams.

Brandon’s Community Sportsplex Pool will be closed for scheduled maintenance from September 3 – September 22, 2023. This regularly scheduled shut down takes place once every two years to ensure proper maintenance occurs. The Pool will return to regularly scheduled programming on September 23. For information on public programming schedules and swimming lesson registration, please see the Parks & Recreation Services fall 2023 program guide.

American professional wrestler Silas Young will headline an upcoming wrestling show in Brandon. Young is a two-time ROH World Television Champion and has previously competed in both the WWE and AEW. He has been wrestling professionally since 2007. Young will square off against another grizzled veteran in MENTALLO at Cloud 9 Wrestling's "Lightning Strikes Twice" event at the Roadhouse on September 9th. Other stars scheduled to appear include Bobby Sharp, "Real Deal" James Roth, "Canadian Hercules" Tyler Colton, and Levi Knight. Cloud 9 Wrestling held an action packed six match card back on February 25 and this will mark their return to the Wheat City. Cloud 9 based out of Minot, ND features the top stars from the American Midwest as well as the top stars from across Canada. Event info Doors open: 5:00PM Bell time: 6:05 PM Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door Kids 12 & Under $5 Advance tickets: c9wrestling.eventbrite.ca

Josh McPhail has won the 2023 Tamarack men's golf tournament. The Tamarack is an annual match play golf tournament held at Riding Mountain National Park each summer. McPhail defeated Brandon's Brad Pardy 2 and 1 in the final at the Clear Lake golf course. McPhail started the championship shooting a 70 and a 71 in his opening qualifying round,  good enough for 3rd overall. He then disposed of Jason Curtis, Evan Nachtigall, and Mitch Foster prior to meeting Pardy in Saturdays championship match. Pardy fired impressive qualifying rounds of 69 & 72 to finish as the 5th seed. On his way to the final, he eliminated Jason Thorpe, Dan O'Greysik, & defending champion Jarod Crane. Leslie Olson and Tracy Rutlege won the women's scramble defeating Alexa Hutsal and Tia Coulter. Meanwhile, George Panagiotou won the senior's championship, Bruce North took home honors in the master's championship, and Grady Chuback the junior championship. Results for the entire tournament can be viewed here.

Looking to buy-trade-sell some sports cards or memorabilia? CK Sports Cards will be holding a 1-day show at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre (3550 Victoria Avenue) on Saturday September 9, 2023 from 10am-4pm. Come check out vendors that will be showcasing cards and memorabilia from all you favorite sports.  Raw grading submissions will also be available. Admission tickets are available at the door for $2 or online on their website for $1. Vendors interested in setting up a table can contact the host.