Sally Leask, a former Westman Magic standout, has made her dreams a reality by accepting a Division 1 softball scholarship to Rider University. Set to begin her academic journey in the fall of 2025, Sally will be majoring in Biology at the New Jersey-based university, just an hour from New York City and 15 minutes from Princeton Reflecting on her decision to commit to Rider University, Sally expressed immense happiness. “I was so happy to commit to Rider as we have shown interest in one another for quite some time,” she said. “The more I learned and saw, the more I fell in love with the school, team, and coaches.” This mutual interest and connection solidified her decision to join the Broncs, making Rider University her top choice. Sally was initially drawn to Rider University due to its prime location in the New York area, a place she has dreamed of living in since she was young. “Rider is in a suburban area about an hour from New York City and 15 minutes from Princeton. After speaking with the coach who recruited me and learning more about the program, it became my top pick,” Sally explained. “After meeting the head coach, some of the team, and seeing the campus, I just knew that’s where I want to be. I instantly felt welcomed and at home.” While she had other options ranging from Division 3 to Division 1 schools, Sally knew that Rider was the best fit for her. As Sally prepares to move from Manitoba to New Jersey, she feels a mix of excitement and nerves. “I mainly feel excited but also nervous,” she admitted. “I am very close with my parents, so it will be a bit of a transition moving away, but I know they’ll help with the transition best they can, plus I’ll be in the best hands at Rider.” Sally’s softball journey began at the age of 10, and she played with the Westman Magic for five seasons. During this time, the program played a pivotal role in her development and passion for the game. “Magic and Westman played a huge role in keeping my love for the game alive and my development to get me to the next level,” she shared. In recent years, Sally has been playing for the Winnipeg Lightning and attending the Churchill Softball Academy, where she continues to hone her skills. “I moved to Winnipeg mainly to attend the Churchill Softball Academy, where I train every morning, working on pitching, hitting, fielding, and my mental game,” she said. Sally is quick to acknowledge the many people who have supported her along her journey. “I definitely wouldn’t have made it as far as I did without my parents. They show me so much support, love, and encouragement in everything I do,” she said. “My dad spent countless hours practicing with me, teaching me what he learned from his fastball days. If he was busy, my mom and brother would step in to help me get my reps in.” Sally also expressed her gratitude for her coaches, mentors, and community, including Bev Neufeld, Joel Charles, Kayla Price, Cara Miller, and her mentor and coach, Terrance Lacquette. “Cara Miller will always have a special place in my life,” Sally said. “Anything I learned both physically and mentally as a pitcher, I learned from her.” Additionally, she acknowledged her strength and conditioning coach, Jeff Wood from Sport Manitoba, her friends and teammates, and the support from her community, Waywayseecappo First Nation and Sapotaweyak Cree Nation. While Sally primarily excels as a pitcher, she has also played other positions, including first base, shortstop, and outfield. Her versatility on the field adds to her value as a player, and she is ready to contribute wherever needed. As Sally gears up for her freshman year at Rider University, she is focused on both academic and athletic preparation. “I plan on getting my overall average from a 91% to at least 95% before graduation,” she said. “I already have a plan in place with Jeff and Hailey on what we’re going to be working on this year to prepare me for my freshman year.” In addition to working with her strength and conditioning coach and her softball coach, Sally will be playing with Team Toba and continuing to train with her family and mentor, Terrance Lacquette. “Any gaps will be filled in with hitting at Home Run, reps in my backyard diamond with my family, and mentoring from Terrance,” she added. Sally is particularly focused on improving her pitching velocity and spin, as well as working on her hitting. “I can always improve on pitching, so I will be working on my velocity and spin, but I would also like to work on hitting,” she said. With her eyes set on the future, Sally Leask is ready to take the next step in her softball journey at Rider University. As she embarks on this new chapter, she carries with her the support and love of her family, coaches, and community, and the drive to excel both on and off the field.

Earlier today, the Brandon Wheat Kings released their training camp schedule and rosters for the 204/2025 season.

Many local people will remember great times and memories from their time when going to Foxwarren to play hockey and other events that would include the local arena. 120 - 130 kilometer an hour winds Sunday morning have destroyed their rink that was built in 1948.  Various NHL players such a # 2 overall draft pick in 1991 Pat Falloon,  Ron Low plus Mark Wotton to name but a few got their careers started in that building.  As of late Manitoba Moose dman Dawson Barteaux started at a young age in that rink to being drafted in the NHL. At this time no news is available if the plans are to rebuild or fix the rink.

Moose Jaw's Chris Knoop has won the 2024 Tamarack men’s golf tournament. The Tamarack is an annual match play golf tournament held at Riding Mountain National Park each summer. Knoop defeated Carberry's Joel Baron in the final at the Clear Lake golf course. Knoop started the championship shooting a 70 and 72 in his opening qualifying rounds, leaving him tied for 3rd overall with Baron. He then disposed of Marcus Friess, Cal Vanderschuit, and Kolby Day prior to meeting Baron in Saturdays championship match. The men's scramble was a new event this year and Scott McCallum and Riese Gaber took home top honors defeating Chad Daciuk and Lyle Meek in the final Leslie Olson and Tracy Rutlege won the women’s scramble defeating Joan Johns and Kelly Sheard. Meanwhile, Eugene Hodgson won the senior’s championship, Ron Cornell took home honors in the master’s championship, and Grady Chuback the junior championship. Results for the entire tournament can be viewed here.

Brock Trotter the 37 year old from Brandon has officially hung up the skates to be the new Assistant Coach in Portage for the Terriers of the MJHL. His career started in the MJHL and then moved to USHL - NCAA - AHL - NHL - KHL and various European leagues. Blake Spiller the long serving Head Coach and GM of the Terriers will welcome Brock to his staff for the upcoming season.  Spiller has been involved in coaching and front office GM tasks for over 23 seasons with Portage. Of note, Trotter was a skills coach last year in Virden plus played senior hockey in Saskatchewan. No Brandon players played for Portage last season but perhaps this is going to change with Brock being involved with the club.