BDNMB.CA recently had an opportunity to speak with former Wheat King Chris Low about the transition to becoming a successful real estate agent in Brandon.Low's teammates with the Wheat Kings included Temple, Elder, Murray, Robson, Smart, Ritchie, Dingman, Redden and Cloutier during the 93 - 94 and 94 - 95 seasons.  After junior hockey Chris grinded it around for 7 years in semi pro hockey before retiring.So Chris we have noticed, not only on a local level but a national level as well, that you are starting to see a lot of former athletes entering the real estate business, why do you think that is?Low - I can’t speak for all but, for myself it was an opportunity I was considering for a long time. A good friend Graham Garden told me he thought I could do well and to be honest I liked the way he carried himself and admired his work ethic. He transitioned into Real Estate from pro hockey and I wanted to prove him right.How often do you stay in touch with old team mates?Low - The hockey world is small and the connections you make along the way not only with teammates but, with people in the community are everlasting. We will reach out to one another for guidance or help with certain situations or assistance if needed for sure.Some local heavyweights in real estate have a large market share, how tough is it to compete and what makes you different?Low - To be honest we all have to work together and essentially need each other to complete deals. As much competition there is between the brokerages I’ve found that everyone seems to get along well. I hear the phrase “carve your own niche” often. The fun part of the job is being the go-to for people entering their next phase of life. I’m not happy until my clients are happy. So to answer the question, it is my hope that they can go to their friends/relatives and say “Chris did all he could and more so if you need an agent, you should call him.”You were still playing competitive hockey with the Boissevain Border Kings, how was that as being one of the “older” guys? Plus team GM Eddy Dyck is one of the most unique people I have met in hockey.Low - Haha Eddy was a treat to play for and definitely made it fun to come to the rink. I enjoyed being a part of the group they made me feel young again and forgot how old I was until the next morning getting out of bed.

PetSmart is opening its Brandon store in the coming weeks. In an email received earlier today it was learned that March 9th, 2020 is the store’s soft open. The official Grand Opening is set for March 14th The first 50 customers in store on March 14 will receive a $25 PetSmart gift card, plus they will have great 1 day only offers & giveaways. You can also enter in store to win a $250 gift card. In addition to a comprehensive line of pet products they also offer a variety of pet services like grooming, training, pet boarding, and more. The nearly 14,000 sq ft store is located at 1350-18th Street , Unit E.

The 3rd annual Micheal Ferland Hockey School will take place in Virden, MB at Tundra Oil and Gas Place. The camp (July 9-12, 2020) will be open to the following age groups: Novice, Atom, Peewee and Bantam. Last year's event proved to be very successful with each age group selling out. "What makes the Micheal Ferland hockey school unique is that Micheal Ferland is heavily involved in the camp. He is on the ice daily with the kids, interacting and really bringing that personalized experience to the camp." To register online for the Micheal Ferland hockey school please visit the website.  Some of last year's guest instructors included Ryan Pulock and Travis Sanheim. The former Brandon Wheat Kings player player started a hockey school two years ago as he wanted to give back to the kids in Brandon and surrounding areas.  After playing several seasons with the NHL's Calgary Flames, and a season with the Carolina Hurricanes, he is now a member of the Vancouver Canucks.

The Manitoba government has invested $10 million to purchase 65 replacement ambulances that modernize the province’s fleet, ensure paramedic safety and improve patient comfort, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen announced today, as the first ambulance was entered into service. “We know the right equipment is needed to help paramedics respond quickly and provide quality care for Manitobans who experience a medical emergency,” said Friesen.  “These new ambulances will provide enhanced lighting and additional working space for paramedics so that we can continue to offer consistent, reliable care for patients right across the province.” The 65 new ambulances, which represent about one-third of the province’s overall fleet, were designed with enhanced patient care in mind.  New ambulances feature enhanced lighting, additional working space for paramedics to have better movement and access to patients and increased secure storage compartments for medical equipment. “Paramedics provide professional, quality care to Manitobans in pre-hospital, community, and inter-hospital settings.  For our staff, that means when caring for patients, their workplace is often on-board an ambulance, making the safety and comfort of that vehicle an important priority,” said Helen Clark, chief operating officer, emergency response services, Shared Health. Through a partnership with Heart & Stroke, all new ambulances will help raise awareness of the signs of stroke and the importance of acting quickly by displaying FAST decals on their back windows. “Stroke is a medical emergency,” says Christine Houde, director, government relations and health promotion with Heart & Stroke in Manitoba.  “Recognizing the FAST signs of stroke and acting quickly can mean the difference between life and death, or the difference between a full recovery and lasting disability.” The minister noted this investment builds upon the work underway to implement recommendations of the 2013 EMS System Review.  To build capacity throughout the system, the province has been investing in additional paramedic positions to enhance staffing levels and reduce reliance on on-call staffing to increase paramedic availability across the province. Other investments include capital projects that support the delivery of consistent, quality emergency medical services, such as new crew quarters for the Kinosota Trails station in Sandy Bay.  The new quarters were completed earlier this fall. “The 2013 EMS System Review undertook significant consultation with front-line care providers and the recommendations from this report are guiding our investments,” said Friesen.  “As part of Manitoba’s broader health system transformation, we are creating a consistent, integrated EMS and patient transport model to build capacity, equip staff and invest in skilled professionals across the province.” The minister reiterated that restructuring station locations as recommended in the review will not occur until new EMS and patient transport models are in place. For additional information on emergency response services in Manitoba, visit: https://sharedhealthmb.ca/services/emergency-response. (Province of Manitoba News Release)

Capture your holiday memories and receive a festive photo taken with Santa at Crow's General Store. Get your photo taken with Santa with you or your whole family. The event will take place on Monday, December 2, 2019 (6-8pm) and appointments are required. Sessions will be booked in 10 minute blocks and spots will be limited. The cost per session is $30 and includes a 10 min appointment, 2 digital photos, and hot chocolate for the whole family. For additional information on Crows General Store, click here. For more information, or to book a photo session with Santa, click here.