Brandon's local adult hockey league wrapped up Wednesday night at J & G Homes Arena and Westoba Place. The Wendy's Winter Hockey League has existed in Brandon for 31 years now and this past season featured teams from Neepawa - Sioux Valley - Boissevain and Brandon. Division 1 Finals - East 40 Icemen win 9 - 1 over Concept Homes Legends and sweep the series 2 - 0.  Jesse Toth had 3 goals - Riley Zimmer with 2 goals and Landon Desjardin with 2 goals for the Icemen.  Of note BDNMB.CA photographer Jeremy Champagne was left off the score sheet with no points. East 40 Icemen - Farran Munn Photo Credit Division 2 Finals - Eagle's Nest Bullies win 9 - 5 over Sioux Valley and sweep series 2 - 0. Game 2 was a much less intense affair with Jaxon Elmes scoring 3 for the Bullies and Tie Braun also scoring 3 for Sioux Valley.  The Bullies have earned a promotion to Division 1 next season as Team Manager Travis Young said in a social media posting on Thursday morning. Eagle's Nest Bullies - Farran Munn Photo Credit Division 3 Finals - Wendy's win 9 - 7 over King's Kitchen and sweep series 2 - 0. The most physical game of the night with 35 minutes in penalties.  Tyler Porter put up 4 goals for Wendys and Daylon Scinocca had 4 assists for the champs. Wendy's - Photo Farran Munn Division 4 Finals - Fowler Nissan win 9 - 3 over Sioux Valley and sweep series 2 - 0. How about the night for WWHL vet Mark Tremaine with 4 goals and 3 assists for Fowlers in the victory. Fowler Nissan - Vanessa ( photo credit )

The U15 AAA Brandon Wheat Kings captured the Manitoba Female Hockey League title Saturday in Carman, defeating the Pembina Valley Hawks 4-3 to sweep the best of 3 series. Danica Averill had a strong showing between the pipes for Brandon Saturday registering 59 saves. Katie Bell, Emily Beckwith, Avery Frattinger, and Lila Oldcorn scored for Brandon while league playoff scoring leader Sydney Sass chipped in with 2 assists. With her 2 points Saturday, Sass finished with a remarkable 17 points in only 6 playoff games. Prior to defeating Pembina Valley in the league final, the Wheat Kings also swept playoff series against Parkland and Norman. In their 6 playoff games, they outscored their opponents 29-7. The team roster can be viewed here.

The City of Brandon notified the public on March 3, 2023 that the ice arena in Brandon’s Community Sportsplex had to be temporarily closed due to deficiencies within the ice plant that pose a safety risk to the public and facility staff. Since then, an assessment of the arena has taken place. Analysis of the concerns and a plan to reopen the ice arena is underway. Once issues are resolved, a reopening date will be communicated with the public. In the meantime, Parks & Recreation Services will be opening the space up to alternate programming such as roller skating and ball hockey. More information on these temporary programs can be found on brandon.ca or on the City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Facebook and Instagram accounts. For a full schedule of spring programming available through Parks & Recreation Services, please visit brandon.ca/programs/recreation-programs. The City of Brandon thanks all patrons of the Sportsplex ice arena for their patience and understanding during this temporary closure.

For over 30 years the Wendy's Summer Hockey League has been a source for off season training for NHL - AHL - Euro - WHL - and NCAA players plus as well fun for recreational players that still want to keep in shape. WSHL or known to some as just WS will start up at J and G Homes Arena on June 15th. The league is open to top end pro players to average joes that still love the game.   Four separate divisions of talent and calibre and the youngest players accepted are 15 years old. No weekend or long weekend games as well makes this attraction for players during summer months. To Register or more info https://www.aaahockey.com/wshlregistration Darryl Wolski - 204 573 8080 or dwolski@2112hockeyagency.com

(Province of MB News Release) The Manitoba government is proud to have supported the Winnipeg Football Club’s winning bid to host the 2025 Grey Cup Festival, Premier Heather Stefanson and Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Obby Khan announced today. “Home of the Canadian Football League’s loudest and most passionate fans, our government is thrilled to welcome the CFL and football fans from across the country in 2025 when Winnipeg will play host to the 112th Grey Cup,” said Stefanson. “Winnipeg has previously hosted four Grey Cups and continues to build on its reputation as an accomplished host supported by remarkable volunteers, homegrown hospitality, and thriving community spirit.” Last October, the Manitoba government announced support up to $5.5 million to help strengthen the Winnipeg Football Club’s efforts to secure hosting rights for the classic annual event. “I know firsthand that Winnipeg has the best fans in the CFL, and with three consecutive Grey Cup appearances, it is a no-brainer for the Blue Bombers to host the 2025 game and related festivities,” said Khan. “I’ve had the good fortune to experience three Grey Cups as a player, and know the week leading up to the game is filled with exciting events bringing fans of all ages from all over Canada to celebrate their love for the game and experience all that Winnipeg and Manitoba has to offer.” Hosting of the Grey Cup game and related festivities is estimated to result in a more than $90-million boost in economic activities including $8.2 million in provincial tax revenues, the premier added. To learn more about the 2025 Grey Cup, visit: https://www.cfl.ca/2023/03/14/112th-grey-cup-in-2025-awarded-to-winnipeg/.