The past few weeks have been very busy for the Wheat City Whiskey Jacks organization. On October 12, the team announced a new head coach (Robby Laughlin from Dawson College in Montana) for the 2021 season. Following the announcement of a new head coach, the organization has signed several players for the coming season including two Manitobans. Winnipeg's Jordan Peck was the team's 1st signing for 2021. The outfielder plays colligate baseball at Northwest Missouri State. Will Hlady (Dauphin, MB) was the 2nd Manitoban signed to the roster for 2021. Hlady, a pitcher, attends Valley City State University. For the latest Whiskey Jacks  information and player signings, please follow their official Twitter account. https://twitter.com/WCWhiskeyJacks/status/1321838132493316097 https://twitter.com/WCWhiskeyJacks/status/1317216499338113024

Brandon, MB -- Due to a number of recently-identified mechanical system deficiencies and associated safety issues, the pool at Brandon’s Community Sportsplex is expected to remain closed until the spring of 2021. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Manitoba closed the Sportsplex’s pool facility on March 13th, 2020. After delivering a successful outdoor water program in the summer months, plans were in place for a fall re-opening of the Sportsplex pool; however, a third-party review conducted during the pool’s ongoing closure identified several deficiencies relating to the pool’s water, air circulation, and pool drainage systems.  This review was required as a result of mechanical issues stemming from the 2016 renovations. Administration has been working with a third-party engineering firm, as well as Manitoba Health, to determine the best course of action for a safe and timely reopening of the Sportsplex pool.  The repairs required to obtain an operating permit are currently in the planning process, with work expected to begin early in the new year. Further repairs that do not impact the permitting of the facility are expected to take place at a date yet to be determined.  Repairs will align with Manitoba Health regulations for operating an indoor pool facility. Management and staff of Brandon’s Community Sportsplex would like to thank all swimmers for their patience and look forward to seeing pool enthusiasts return in 2021. (City of Brandon PSA)

The THHL kicks off this Friday with a trio of games slated to take to the ice. The league has expanded by one team (14 total) as the Virden Oil Kings joins the league, moving over from the NCHL. A 12-game regular season is on tap for the 2020/21 season, as each team will play a home-and-home with teams inside their own division. The Grandview Comets, Miniota-Elkhorn C-Hawks, Russell Rams and Swan Valley Axemen will be the 4 teams competing in the NCHL this season. Four teams from last year will not participate this season. As noted above, the Virden Oil Kings joined the Tiger Hills Hockey League. The Waywayseecappo Warriors elected not to return while the Langenburg Warriors and Moosomin Rangers are not being allowed by Hockey Saskatchewan to play outside of the province due to COVID-19 rules. Teams will play 12-game regular season, stating hopefully on November 13.

The Western Hockey League Board of Governors announced today (October 14) the WHL Regular Season is scheduled to open on Friday, January 8, 2021. Players will be reporting to their respective teams following the Christmas break, in anticipation of the start of the season. Regular Season games during the 2020-21 season will be played exclusively within the boundaries of each of the four Divisions: East Division consisting of the seven Saskatchewan and Manitoba-based teams Central Division consisting of the five Alberta-based teams B.C. Division consisting of the five B.C.-based teams U.S. Division consisting of the five teams located in Washington and Oregon The schedule of games in each of the four WHL Divisions will be announced at a later date. The league says a final determination has not yet been made as to whether spectators will be permitted to attend WHL games as this will be subject to the approval of the Health Authorities in each jurisdiction. The full release can be read here.

The Brandon AAA U18 Wheat Kings season kicks off on the road in Souris on Friday, October 16 against the Southwest Cougars. The team returns 11-players from last year's squad, including two 3rd year players in Deniz Ntelioglou (F) and Nolan Wallace (D). "Our D and goaltending should be strengths for us, we’re returning 4 D and both goalies from last season that should compete for best in the league" said head coach Curtis Brolund. "We have a great group of 2005’s entering the league in Carter Dittmer, Nolan Chastko and Calder Crossin as well as some 2004’s that had huge development years with U17’s last year in Callum Halls and Jackson Gudz" continued Brolund. "Everyone’s more than excited to get started, we are so privileged our league, province and communities found a way to safely return us to this great sport". With the league operating in 3 divisions, Brolund believes they will have to fight it out with 3 difficult teams (Southwest, Yellowhead and Parkland) in the West Division. "We expect the Winnipeg teams to as always be a tough challenge but need to put a focus on our rivals close to home" said Brolund. The roster can be found here.