For many young and upcoming athletes the process to playing any NCAA D1 sport is well a confusing and interesting process. Major NCAA schools look for 1 - Good students 2 - Excellent athletic skills 3 - Quality family background that will cause no issues Boissevain's Danika Nell has done what many seek and that is going to school at Boston University plus as an added bonus playing Softball for the Terriers. BDNMB had a chance today to fire some questions at her. BDNMB - How does the process work to play softball at the NCAA level Danika - So, my college recruitment process started a few years ago which is later than most American players. I was in ninth grade when I began playing for Nebraska Gold, a travel softball team that competes at a high level. With the team, I have travelled all over the states and had the opportunity to play against elite athletes that I will most likely face again at the collegiate level! One of my Team Manitoba teammates played for the travel team and mentioned my name to her coaches which resulted in a phone call and ultimately playing with them. Other than playing in front of coaches at tournaments in the states, I’ve had to be active on Twitter by posting videos of my skills and updates on my journey and performances. I would send emails to coaches on a regular basis to keep in touch with them up until September 1 of my Grade 11 year, which marked the day D1 coaches could finally actively recruit my graduating class. BDNMB - Did you get many offers? Danika - I was very fortunate to have various universities express their interest in me from that day on and kept an open mind throughout the process. Being from Canada disconnected me from the process to an extent as I wasn’t able to go to as many tournaments or attend as many college camps as my American teammates and opponents. When I received the amount of interest I did, I was thrilled, and took several months to get to know coaches and programs and figure out what was the best fit for me academically and athletically. In the end, I mainly narrowed it down to Boston University and University of California Santa Barbara. BDNMB - Why Boston? Danika - I was extremely surprised to receive the offer from Boston University as Coach Waters hadn’t seen me play in person and still hasn’t seen me play in person. She came across a video of me pitching on Twitter and continued onto my Sportrecruits page to watch more clips and game footage. We instantly connected during our first phone call and I’m very grateful to have the opportunity she has given me! BDNMB - Major in school? Danika - I plan on majoring in Health Sciences on Pre-Med track to eventually follow in my dad’s footsteps of pursuing a career in Medicine. It’s a long road ahead but I couldn’t be more excited! Good luck Danika and thank you for your time today.

Brandon softball player Zara Pople is about to head to Blue Springs, Kansas to participate in a 12A softball tournament at the end of the month. The 12 year old will be a member of the RSDA Manitoba Softball team, a squad consisting of twelve players including 5 from the Interlake, 4 from Winnipeg, one each from Eastman and McDonald Lasalle. Zara tried out in September for the Academy and was selected for the intermediate program and had 2 sessions a week (Friday and Saturday) since mid January in Winnipeg. In addition to the Academy, there were tryouts for the travel team and she was selected out of the 20 girls who wanted to travel for the travel team. This will be Zara's 4th year playing softball and she while she plays most positions her preference is first base and left field. She is looking forward to playing in the States and competing at a different level against players she doesn't know. The tournament will take place in Blue Springs, Kansas at the Hidden Valley softball complex from April 28th- 30th. A link to the tournament page can be found here.

Week 1 of the 2023 AAA Hockey Challenge concluded over the weekend with champions being crowned in 4 different age groups. Forty one teams participated including teams/players from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Alberta & North Dakota. Week 2 of the tournament goes April 27th - 30th and the schedule of games & teams participating can be found here. 2013 The Pembina Valley Heat received goals from Jory Harms and James Pritchard en route to upending the Brandon Ice Kings 2-0 in the 2013 final. Jude Friesen made 13 saves in net to pickup the win for the Heat who went undefeated (6-0) over the weekend. 2015 Jory Warrener registered a hat trick, in the 2015 final, as the Brandon Ice Kings toppled the River City Rebels 3-2. Brody Woodmass chipped in with 2 assists for the Ice Kings. Evan Okapiec replied with 2 goals for the Rebels, in a game played at the J&G Homes Arena. 2014 The WCHA Wolves receives goals from 6 different players in their 9-1 victory over the Dakota Warriors in the 2014 title game. Lucas Moncrief, Trey Warburton (2), Bentley Crowe, Yi Chen Liu (2), Carson Chartrand, and Easton Adams (2) all managed to find the back of the net Sunday afternoon. Isaac Emard was the lone goal scored for the Warriors. 2012 The MB Force picked up their 6th win of the weekend Sunday defeating the WCHA Wolves 6-1 to claim the 2012 title. Scoring for the Force were Holden Andrews (2), Carter Livingstone, Zach Mangin, Nathan Simon, & Jett Edwards. Oliver Marvin scored for the Wolves. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY (Photos by: Scramble Studio)

City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services is excited to announce that Fresh Air Fitness is back by popular demand starting Tuesday, April 18, 2023! This initiative was launched in 2021 and encourages all residents of Brandon to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, while reaching some of their fitness goals!   During the months of April, May, and June, Fresh Air Fitness sessions will be provided at various City of Brandon green spaces. Sessions are offered Tuesday evenings from 6 – 7 p.m. Additional sessions will be offered in the fall starting in September. The schedule of activities can be found at brandon.ca/fresh-air-fitness.   Participants are encouraged to wear athletic clothing, proper footwear, and bring their own water bottle. All equipment and instruction will be provided. Washrooms are not available at most sites.   This year we are partnering with local athletes, coaches, and facilitators, as well as organizations including Brandon Racquetball Association, Brandon Pétanque Club, Brandon Pickleball Club, and ParticipACTION to bring many fresh air fitness activities for everyone to enjoy!   Fresh Air Fitness activities include:  Aquafit    Basketball  Beach Volleyball   Dodgeball  Disc Golf   Pétanque   Pickleball  Racquetball  Yoga  Zumba  Each session has limited spots available. No registration required. First come, first served.    All ages are invited. Participants under 12 must have adult supervision. For live updates, visit Parks & Recreation Services Facebook or Instagram page.

Brandon's Tristen Robins, after having an outstanding AHL season with the San Jose Barracudas, will have the chance to suit up Monday night for the San Jose Sharks as they will play the Winnipeg Jets. A crucial game for the Jets as they attempt to make playoffs and Robins will want to play spoiler. Tristen, the son of Trevor and Shane Robins, will have the same opportunity his father Trevor did.  Trevor was also a draft pick of the Sharks and his NHL debut was also against Winnipeg. The second round draft pick had 38 points in 63 games played this season in the AHL. Shane Robins told BDNMB.CA to expect to see over 20 Robins jerseys at Canada Place on Monday night. Good luck Tristen