Brandon's Caitlan Nickel is about to embark on a journey to represent Manitoba at the upcoming 2023 16U Girls Invitational Championships baseball tournament being held in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. The tournament sees teams from across the country competing for the title from August 24-27. Needless to say the talented IN/OF is looking forward to the experience. "I am really looking forward to seeing how well we do, and if we could do better than last year. I think with enough hard work put in, we could definitely get a medal too this year" Caitlan told bdnmb.ca. "I also always enjoy the team bonding that happens when we all get to hang out for a week and share hotel rooms which makes us all become better friends." Unlike most girls her age, Caitlan has never played softball. There were no softball teams near her where she used to live in Ashern MB and the closest team she could play on was a boys baseball team in Lundar.  "I have never actually played softball...I like the pitching better in baseball because no matter how many times I watch softball pitchers, I could never figure out how to do it. Another thing I love about playing baseball is peoples’ reactions when they see a girl playing on a boys team. When I go into a store and ask for baseball gear they will correct me and say, “You mean softball, right?” There is always a mix of positive and negative but I still enjoy hearing each and every one". The family just moved to Brandon last summer and this was her first year playing with Brandon Minor Baseball. This past season she took to the field with a number of teams including the U15 Brandon Padres (house league team) and the U15 AA Brandon Grizzlies (the AA provincial and prospects teams). "I was a little bit scared to come to evaluations and tryouts in Brandon for the first time this year because I barely knew anyone and I did not know what would be said, but I ended up making some really great friends that took me in without complaining that they had a girl on their team." said Nickel. "All of my teammates’ little sisters and cousins were always cheering for me as loud as they could and they were always telling me how they are my biggest fans." In July she was announced to the roster for 16U Girls Provincial Team that will be competing in Summerside. In preparation for the tournament Caitlan and her team MB teammates have been having practices and exhibition games to get ready. They played the 15U Carillon Sultans in a double header a couple weeks ago, and that was their first time playing together as a team this season.  On August 10 they will play the same Carillon team again as an exhibition game, followed by another 2 practices before they make their way out to Summerside! "I could never be where I am now without the support and encouragement from all of my great coaches throughout my last 3 years of playing, and the support I always get from my teammates really helps keep me going! I also could not have done any of this if it wasn’t for my Mom and Dad always being my biggest cheerleaders in the stands and driving me to my games and practices".

Travis Mealy has been announced as the new head coach for the upcoming 2023-2024 hockey season for the Brandon U18 AAA What Kings. Mealy has spent parts of the last five seasons as an assistant coach with the program and is a former player in the QMJHL and at the University of Manitoba. He replaces Curtis Brolund who accepted an assistant coaching role with the MJHL’s Virden Oil Caps.

The Manitoba government is investing $4.4 million in the Westman region through the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund to 43 projects to increase access to high-quality arts, culture and sport programming to build stronger communities, Deputy Premier Cliff Cullen announced here today. “The Westman community is bursting with culture, art and sports, and these investments continue to build more vibrant spaces that are accessible and have a lasting impact,” said Cullen. “Today’s investment provides significant economic impact, while bringing together Westman communities.” The Arts, Culture and Sport in Community (ACSC) Fund supports the development and renewal of spaces and facilities needed for arts, culture and amateur sport programming and activity. “Brandon and the entire Westman region serve as an important cultural and sports hub for Manitoba and investing in these communities supports the health and well-being of Manitobans,” said Cullen. “These investments advance key initiatives that encourage continued growth of our economy and support.” The City of Brandon received $2.5 million to upgrade the outdoor sports field complex including soccer fields, lighting, parking lot, clubhouse, site furniture and public announcement system though the Large Capital Grants Program. “On behalf of the City of Brandon, we thank the Manitoba government for their contributions in arts, culture, sports and heritage and making Brandon a stronger and more livable city than ever,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett, City of Brandon. The Large Capital Grants Program aims improve the quality, accessibility and availability of local facilities that support arts, culture and amateur sport activities and programs. This program funded two projects worth $3.0 million in the Westman region including Brandon Riverbank Inc. in upgrading the sculpture gardens, the Municipality of Deloraine-Winchester in building a new aquatic centre, and Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum in upgrading the museum. The Small Capital Grants and Special Initiatives Program funded 33 projects worth $1.3 million in the Westman region, including Hockey Brandon to start subsidize children’s entry into hockey, Western Manitoba Regional Library to acquire more accessible furniture, and Rivers Train Station to install and repair two murals. These programs support initiatives such as organizational development opportunities, training, technology, volunteer and equipment development, and those opportunities that will increase participation and engagement in arts, culture or sport programming. For more information on the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund and to see the full list of projects receiving support, visit www.manitoba.ca/acsc.

The Western Open golf tournament returned to Brandon for the first time in 13-years and a pair of veteran golfers were victorious in claiming the two-man, flighted stroke play scramble. The tournament, held at the Wheat City Golf Course, got underway with a qualifying round Friday, followed by Saturday's flighted competition round. Ross Sheard + Kolby Day were crowned the tournament champions after posting rounds of 60 & 61 (121 total). Jarod Crane + Jordan Ludwig came in second place with a 126 total, followed by Jordan Trotter + Jared Jacobson at 128. Thirty-six teams took part in the tournament and the complete tournament results can be found here.

Following a very successful debut show in Brandon, Cloud 9 Wrestling will be making a return appearance to the Wheat City on Saturday, September 9th at the Great Western Roadhouse. The organization held an action packed six match card back on February 25, highlighted by a spirited main event pitting “Jacked Jesus” Tommy Lee Curtis against Canadian Hercules Tyler Colton. 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