Staying in shape, both physically and mentally, has become a major challenge for almost everyone these days. Gyms are closed, team practices are cancelled, and social gatherings are limited leaving everyone looking for alternative ways to stay in shape and get their workouts in. We recently dipped into our contact list to check-in with a few athletes to discover how they are currently staying active during this difficult time. Micheal Ferland (Vancouver Canucks): I've just been training out of my house and doing home workouts. I have an air-bike and a treadmill I've been working on. Hayley Shanks (golf, Valley City University Vikings): I think one of the biggest things now is focusing on a healthy mindset and hoping for a brighter future. Home workouts and using the tools and resources I have from Valley City are helping me stay in shape during this time. Brock Trotter (pro-hockey player): I have been practicing yoga to keep up with my mobility, running daily for my cardiovascular health, and eating as clean as possible to boost my immune system. But, I would also recommend a spicy chicken combo from Wendys drive-thru at least twice a week. Hans Befus (BU Bobcats): One way that I am staying fit through this situation is by running on a treadmill my parents own and also performing mini circuits in my basement. You don't always need all the equipment and gadgets, as long as you are pushing yourself and getting a sweat, you can maintain the same fitness level as before. Jalyn Elmes (hockey, University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs): During this difficult time it’s definitely been hard to keep up with a normal routine because everything is closed including the gyms. When it comes to staying in shape during this pandemic I’ve resorted to using my basement area as a small gym and running outside with my dog. It’s nothing crazy but i was able to find some old weights my dad had stored in our garage and I’ve put heavy objects (my text books) in a backpack to wear during a workout to amp things up just a little. Anything is better nothing and my oldest brother (Josh) and I have been making do with what we have. Plus my dog is loving this because he gets several outings a day. It’s definitely a challenge but staying home is the safest option and we’re completely in favor of that. Robin Roberts (football, U of M Bisons): I have been going out for a jog daily around the block with my dog. I am also doing some calisthenics, core circuit training, and body weight exercises from the house. I would also like to get back into yoga. Angie Ball (cross-fit): Lol hmmm Personally for me I’ve put a lot of work in to my training and having to stop isn’t an option. I’ve been training a long time and have accumulated enough equipment to set up a gym in my garage. My coach Nathan Corrigal has also changed all of my programming to fit the equipment I have and I’ve been lent some equipment from my gym Embark Fitness. What I’ve noticed since the start of the gym shut downs is most gyms are lending equipment out to their members and offering online programming, remote programming, nutrition advise and coaching. If anyone wanted to start working out or yoga now is really a great time because everyone is offering programming for free on the internet. Exercise is also a great way to forget about the things happening in the world for the hour or two you training and it’s a great stress reliever.

The Brandon Wheat Kings selected two forwards (Zach Nehring, Ty Henricks) in today's first ever WHL U.S. Prospects Draft for players born in 2005. The two were teammates this season with Shattuck-St. Mary’s, a prep school in Faribault, Minnesota. Nehring was selected 17th overall in the 1st round, while Henricks was selected 28th overall in the 2nd round. The 2020 WHL Bantam Draft will be conducted online on Wednesday, April 22. The Wheat Kings have the 13th overall selection at the draft.

Former Brandon Wheat King, Colton Waltz was named the 2019-20 ACAC Men's Hockey Top Scholastic Achiever. Waltz currently is a member of the NAIT Ooks where he is also team captain. He spent several seasons patrolling the blueline for the Wheat Kings before finishing his junior career in Saskatoon with the Blades. Zach Whitecloud agreed to a two-year, $1.45 million contract extension with the Las Vegas Golden Knights. Whitecloud recently took a turn answering our 20 questions. The ACC Cougars women's hockey team continue to add to their roster for the 2020-21 season. Cora Fijala and Madison Barteaux recently committed to the program.

Zach signed with the Vegas Golden Knights after finishing his collegiate career in March of 2018. He made his NHL debut later that year (April 5, 2018) against the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers. This season the 6-1, 209 lb defensemen suited in 16 games for the Knights, picking up one assist. The former Brandon AAA Midget Wheat King and Virden Oil Capital recently took time out of his schedule to answer our 20 questions. Your fast food guilty pleasure: Cold stone if that counts, if not, don’t really eat fast food Any game day rituals/superstitions: have to put fresh laces in at morning skate for the game What animal would be most terrifying if it could speak: either a bear or a snake Your dream golfing foursome includes yourself and these three individuals: Joe Rogan, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson What as your first car: 2001 Dodge Dakota crew cab Soft- or hard-shell tacos: soft You win the Stanley Cup, what three locations in Brandon would you like to visit with the cup: hospital, the schools I went to, generic spot for friends + family to see it What was your best subject in school: business How did you get your sweater # with the Knights: Assigned number Finish this sentence: “I can’t live a day without my….”: hypervolt, take my massage gun everywhere with me Who or where would you haunt if you were a ghost: the boys A former teammate with the Virden Oil Capitals who one day will make a great coach: Ben Williams, former Southwest Cougar Favorite all-time sports movie: Bad News Bears or Dodgeball You have friends visiting Vegas for the first time, where are you taking them: Jjanga or Oyshi (all you can eat sushi) Would you rather go hang gliding or whitewater rafting: Whitewater rafting How do you relax after a hard day at the rink: hot tub for a bit and some TV Who’s your go-to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to: Morgan Wallen First job you ever had: Tamarack flag boy, and a Co-Op produce worker Do you hit the snooze button or wake up immediately: always wake up immediately, can’t start the day being lazy

The Wheat City Whiskey Jacks received some tremendous news over the weekend. The team is excited to announce that another All Star, fan favorite, and the team’s M.V.P. will return to his spot in the Infield at Andrews Field. CODY KEHL, a sophomore 2nd Baseman from Quincy, Washington has committed to return to the Wheat City Whiskey Jacks for the 2020 Expedition League campaign. Cody, named the Whiskey Jacks M.V.P. at the end of the 2019 season, has picked up where he left off, having an incredible start to the 2020 College Baseball season (which has been put on hold until mid-April). “Cody was the man last season, when we needed timely hitting, fielding, and yes even pitching, we could always depend on Number 2” said General Manager Ray Walker. He added, “Cody loved playing in front of our fans, I spoke with him last night and he said it’ll be like coming home.” Cody Kehl, 5’10, 165 pounds attends Columbia Basin College (playing for the CBC Hawks) in Pasco, Washington. Named an Expedition League All Star at the middle of last season, Kehl is number one in most team statistical categories; Games Played 58 (1), At Bat 223 (1), Hits 69 (1), Batting Average .309 (2). The second season of Wheat City Whiskey Jacks baseball gets underway on May 26, 2020 vs the league’s 2019 Champion Badlands Big Sticks. (Wheat City Whiskey Jacks Press Release)