Brandon’s Clarke Caswell was selected 6th overall by the Swift Current Broncos in today's 2021 WHL Prospects Draft for players born in 2006. Caswell, a forward, is currently playing with the Brandon Wheat Kings in the Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League where he has amassed an impressive 51 points in 20 games to date. "I am glad I went to the team that wanted me the most and am thrilled that it was Swift Current. I’m Pumped to be a Bronco!" Caswell told bdnmb.ca. "It was a long process with the draft being pushed back so yeah I’m real happy it’s over and I can now plan my path going forward." "Several of the Swift players, current and former have contacted me today already which is amazing. It’s been very welcoming!" Caswell recently competed at the 2021 Western Hockey League (WHL) Cup in Red Deer, Alberta with Team Manitoba. As for his future Caswell stated "My next goal is to play in Swift Current as a 16 year old and be a contributor right away. Lots of work ahead of me but can’t wait to be playing as a Bronco." It should be noted that with the 7th overall pick, the Broncos drafted Boissevain's Josh Fluker. The talented rearguard has suited up in 19 games with the Southwest Cougars of the Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League this season. He has registered 16 points in those 19 games. Brandon's Ethan McCallum, a goaltender, was selected in the 2nd round, 39th overall by the Medicine Hat Tigers. This season McCallum is playing for the Notre Dame Hounds U16 Prep in the CSSHL. Owen Wallace, a teammate of Caswell's on the Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA squad, was drafted in the 7th round, 138th overall by the Prince Albert Raiders.

Golfers looking to swing and putt year-round will be pleased to hear that Golf Brandon Inc recently launched an amazing state of the art indoor golf simulator at 3500 McDonald Ave (Wheat city Golf Course). The activity is ideal for everyone from families looking for fun to serious golfers looking for a chance to swing while escaping the elements. The Trackman 4 wall-sized golf simulator allows patrons to putt, chip and drive on famous courses (150) across the world or to test your skills at the various practice and game modes. Using real clubs, golfers strike a ball into the screen where their course is projected. Sensors analyze their swing and speed to determine where the shot goes. Playing costs are $50 an hour (8am-8pm, 7 days a week) and can be split amongst the number of people playing. Besides golf, customers can also take advantage of some amazing food from the recently opened Eagles Nest Bar & Grill. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Eagles Nest Bar & Grill's menu features something for everyone, including a number of appetizers, entrees, beverages and even a kid's menu.

The City of Brandon is providing an update regarding the re-opening of Brandon’s Community Sportsplex Pool. On November 9th, we announced that we were anticipating reopening the pool in the coming month. Since then, further mechanical issues and deficiencies relating to the main drain were discovered, resulting in additional delays. These delays have impacted the re-opening date. The plumbing work related to the main drain repairs has now been completed, and we are hopeful that the construction and commissioning of the Sportsplex Pool is nearing completion. Before we can officially re-open the pool, the following milestones must be completed: Mechanical commissioning of the pool operating system, which verifies that the mechanical systems are working properly Flow rate testing on the corrected main drains to ensure proper circulation in the pool Chemical balancing and heating of the pool Public Health inspection. Upon completion of these milestones, a firm reopening date will be communicated with the public. The City of Brandon thanks all patrons of the Sportsplex pool for their continued patience. More information on Parks & Recreation Services programming can be found at mycommunity.brandon.ca or by calling 204-729-2471. (City of Brandon PSA)

Brandon, MB – The Brandon Wheat Kings, along with Equipment Manager Scott Hlady are proud to launch a new charity initiative, “Wheat Kings Fight.” The program, which will launch on December 1st will help raise money for different charities and organizations around Westman. Hlady, who started the BIRT Cup Charity Golf Tournament back in 2007 says sometimes a small idea can turn into a big boost for the community. “Little things that we can do go a long way towards giving back to our community,” said Hlady. “The BIRT Cup started with 17 golfers and is now one of the biggest summer golf fundraisers in the city.” With the support of Wheat Kings Owner Jared Jacobson and Progressive Westman, the Wheat Kings will launch a different t-shirt each month, that fans can order online. Proceeds from the sales will benefit a different charity or group. In December, all money raised will be donated to the Kidney Foundation of Canada in honour of long time Wheat Kings volunteer Al Gibb who is currently awaiting a Kidney Donation. Fans may have also noticed a special decal on the visitor’s penalty box door, a gold heart with GIBBY in the middle. This was strategically placed on Gibb’s penalty box so he could see the team’s support while watching the WHL Live stream while resting from home. “Since I can remember, the community has always supported the Wheat Kings and other sports teams and groups. As community leaders, it’s a privilege for us to give back.” January is tabbed as the Wheat Kings ‘Hockey Fights Cancer’ month and will culminate on Saturday the 22nd vs Regina when the team wears special lavender jerseys, designed by Brooks Freeman. Those sweaters will be auctioned off in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. In addition to the jersey auction, all month long the Wheat Kings will sell special lavender t-shirts for $40.00, that will include a ticket to the Hockey Fights Cancer game with proceeds to the Canadian Cancer Society as well. Fans are encouraged to order their Wheat Kings Fight t-shirt online HERE the BWK Team Store will have limited quantities and sizing in stock. Additional monthly charities will be announced at a later date.

Brandon's Braden Keeble will join the Brooks Bandits, of the AJHL, for the 2022-23 season. Keeble is currently a member of the Brandon U18 Wheat Kings and he leads the Manitoba AAA League in scoring with 47 points (14G, 33A) in 19 games. According to today's announcement on the Bandits webpage, Keeble "couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity next season" and is excited to get started with the team. The Bandits currently sit in first place in the AJHL's South Division with an impressive 24-1-1 record.