The 99th edition of the Manitoba Junior Championships wrapped up today out at the Shilo Golf Club.  Ten year old Hunter Oakden became only the 2nd Brandonite to take home the 12u Provincial Championship.  The last local golfer to win was the late Dan Hallderson in 1964.  Hunter won by four strokes with rounds of 77/93.  Payton Oakden finished 7th overall in the 18 and under Junior Girls division with a three round total of 279.  It was the first time for both playing in the Provincial Jr Championship. Full results can be found on the Golf Manitoba website.

Brandon, MB – For the first time thirteen years, the Brandon Wheat Kings have headed to Belarus for their first round CHL Import Draft selection, taking 17-year-old forward Zakhar Polshakov from the Belarussian U18 program. The 5’10”, 170-pound centreman scored nine times and added 17 assists in 38 games with his club team last season and was the Captain of the Belarus U18 team in Texas in May where he notched one assist in three games. “Zakhar has worn a letter everywhere he has played,” said Wheat Kings General Manager Doug Gasper. “He plays a solid game in all three zones. He can play both on the penalty kill and the powerplay.” Polshakov comes from a long hockey bloodline, as his father Alexander played twelve seasons of pro hockey in Belarus, while his grandfather Valeri served as both Head and Assistant Coach with HK Minsk, Yunost Minsk as well as Lithuania’s U18 program. “Zakhar saw limited action at the U18’s due to a prior bout with Covid-19, but had a good showing when he was in the lineup,” added Gasper. “I feel he will really fit into our current group.” The Wheat Kings have drafted just one other player from Belarus. In 2008, Kirill Gotovets was chosen in the first round. Gotovets never did wear the black and gold but has played in over 130 games in the American Hockey League and is currently a member of Avangard Omsk in the KHL. The Wheat Kings elected to pass with the 98th overall selection as the club retains the rights to Russian defenseman Yaroslav Busygin (2019-1st Rd Pick) and overage forward Marcus Kallionkieli (2018 -1st Rd Pick) who have both signed professional contracts. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/532627/zakhar-polshakov

The cancelled 2021 U SPORTS men's volleyball national championship now has a new date on the horizon. The Brandon University Healthy Living Centre will be the site of the national championship in March of 2025. While the Bobcats were supposed to host the event in March of this year, the Covid-cancelled season brought with it the postponement of the national tournament. Now with a new date and timeline determined, plans are firmly in place for both the BU Athletic department and the men's volleyball team. "We are thrilled and excited to have the good news of hosting nationals in 2025," says head coach Grant Wilson. "There was a lot of anticipation and excitement to host in 2021 and then came the cancellation due to the pandemic, which was extremely disappointing, especially for our seniors. This opportunity doesn't change that, but it definitely gives our young guys and our entire program something to look forward to and build towards.  We can't wait for the day when we can pack the HLC and host the nation." Although it's a far cry from when the team was supposed to host the event, it provides clarity and direction for the Bobcats, as well as positive news in a year that's brought mostly news of cancellations. "After having the national championships cancelled two years in a row it's great to have some good news to look forward to," says Russ Paddock, BU Director of Athletics and Community Engagement. "We've had outstanding support from our community for past national and conference championship events, so we really look forward to the opportunity to showcase the talents of our student-athletes while representing Brandon on the national stage once again." Brandon University hosted the 2016 women's volleyball national championship, the first in the school's history, and saw then record crowds over the four-day event. The Bobcats won their first Canada West conference championship on home court in 2019, which was reason for optimism in hosting in 2021. BU Athletics will now look to build momentum for the upcoming competitive season and beyond. Not only does hosting a national event put Brandon University on the national stage, but it also provides benefits to the entire community. "Now more than ever we are thrilled to host a fantastic community event that everyone can look forward to — a time to welcome the country, to come together and to cheer on our Bobcats as we pursue the national championship," said BU President Dr. David Docherty. "Normally I would boast about the pride and inspiration we can all take from our student-athletes, as well as the significant economic impact this tournament will bring. Most of all, though, I'm just eager to get back in the bleachers, stand shoulder to shoulder with spirited fans, and celebrate some great volleyball." The tournament is tentatively scheduled for March 14-16, 2025 with all matches taking place at main court of the BU Healthy Living Centre. (BU Bobcats Release)

Golf Manitoba's Junior Bantam Championship wrapped up this weekend at the Transcona Golf Club and 10-year old Hunter Oakden of Brandon was crowned the 12u Provincial Bantam Champion. He carded rounds of 84/88 to win by 10 strokes over the nearest competitor. For his efforts he took home a medal and a $50 gift card. Hunter, who lists Tiger Woods as his favourite golfer, told bdnmb.ca that being "able to stay focused and bouncing back from a bad shot" was key to his success in claiming the championship. To date Hunter has hit approximately 45 rounds of golf this summer and is gearing up to play in the Mini Tour Masters at King Links by The Sea in Vancouver in August. His next event is the MJT Selkirk which goes tomorrow and Tuesday.

The Brandon Wheat Kings have added four familiar faces to the organization. Voice of the Wheat Kings Branden Crowe joins the front office as the Director of Social Sales and Strategic Marketing. Crowe has been the voice of the Wheat Kings since 2017 and will remain in that role moving forward. The Boissevain, MB native brings 10+ years of business experience in the hockey world with stints in the SJHL with the Melfort Mustangs and the MJHL’s Virden Oil Capitals. Former Moose Jaw Warrior and Brandon Bobcat, Grady Manson joins the Wheat Kings in the role of Director of Corporate Sales. Manson, who was named the WHL Humanitarian of the Year in 1995 played five seasons in the WHL for the Warriors and Tri-City Americans before embarking on a five-year professional hockey career. Upon his retirement from the game, Manson quickly re-kindled his love for golf and has spent the last 25 years working in the golf and hospitality industry with the Clear Lake Golf Course, Bel Acres Golf Course, Elkhorn Resort and most recently the Wheat City Golf Course. Meanwhile, Jordan Kaspick and Wyatt Garden have joined the Wheat Kings as Account Executives. Kaspick, the older brother of former Captain Tanner Kaspick, was born and raised in Brandon, playing hockey and baseball throughout his youth. After completing his Bachelor of Commerce Degree with a Major in Marketing from the Edwards School of Business in Saskatoon, Kaspick returned to the Wheat City to take over the Sales and Marketing at the Wheat City Golf Course. Garden, the son of former Wheat King Graham Garden graduated from the Asper School of Business with an honors degree in marketing and small business entrepreneurship. He is currently involved in real estate with Remax Valley View Realty. He also owns The Media Garden, specializing in videography, video marketing and other creative avenues. The new Corporate Sales team can be reached via phone or email: Branden Crowe – 204-726-3537 – branden.crowe@wheatkings.com Grady Manson – 204-291-0220 – grady.manson@wheatkings.com Jordan Kaspick – 204-573-5528 – Jordan.kaspick@wheatkings.com Wyatt Garden – 204-761-7049 – wyatt.garden@wheatkings.com Westman residents are encouraged to take advantage of the Wheat Kings Vaccinne Initiative. Bring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to the BWK Team Store (Monday-Friday / 10am-5pm) and get your name entered to win one of four grand prizes. (Brandon Wheat Kings Release)