– The Brandon Wheat Kings’ comeback attempt fell just short in a 5-4 loss to the Calgary Hitmen. The Wheat Kings trailed 3-1 after 40 minutes, but pulled to within a single goal three times before dropping their eighth straight game. Jayce Hawryluk had a goal and an assist in his return to the Wheat Kings’ lineup while Jordan Papirny stopped 39 shots in the Brandon net. The Wheat Kings continue their home stand by hosting the Moose Jaw Warriors on Saturday night. For more, visit Bruce Luebke’s blog at http://luberslounge.blogspot.ca/.
– There will be no trip to CIS nationals for the Brandon University men’s volleyball team. Sebastien Steigmeier scored 20 kills and 15 digs for the Bobcats, who fell in four sets against the Trinity Western Spartans in the semifinals at the Canada West Final Four. CKLQ’s Tyler Crayston has the full story here.
– The Canada West conference has recognized Brandon Bobcats’ co-captain Dan Boutwell as a second-team all-star in his senior season. The fifth-year middle was fifth in the conference in hitting percentage and finished eighth overall in blocks per set. He led the BU men’s team with 94 total blocks, which was good for fourth overall in the CIS.
– Canada West MVP Lisa Barclay and her UBC Thunderbirds are off to the CIS women’s volleyball championship. The Brandon product scored a match-high 27 kills as the top-ranked T-Birds beat the UBC Okanagan Heat in four sets in the conference semifinals on Friday night. Barclay and crew head to Regina for nationals next week where they’ll look to win their seventh straight title.
– The Waywayseecappo Wolverines increased their lead to six points over the Neepawa Natives in the race for the final playoff spot in the MJHL’s Sher-Wood Division. Robert Briem scored in regulation and notched the shootout winner as the Wolverines edged the Swan Valley Stampeders 2-1 while the Natives got goals from Brady Bouchard and Riley Hillis in a 4-2 loss against the OCN Blizzard.
– The Selkirk Steelers are making room in their trophy case after winning four of six year-end awards in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. Parker Thomas was recognized as the most valuable player while leading the MJHL with 93 points through 53 games. Fellow steelers Braeden Ostepchuk was named the top goaltender, Joel Messner was chosen as the best defenceman while the coach of the year is Ryan Smith. Troy Leslie of the Virden Oil Capitals was named runner-up for coach of the year while netminder Adam Iwan was a finalist for goaltender of the year honours.
– Sky Brown made 27 saves for the shutout as the Westman Wildcats blanked the Norman Wild 4-0 in the opening game of their best-of-five quarter-final in the Manitoba Female Midget Hockey League. KJ Wallace, Jaycee Magwood, Jenna Patterson and Ashton Bell did the goal scoring for the Wildcats.
– The Deloraine Royals knocked off the Boissevain Border Kings 6-1 in Tiger Hills Hockey League playoff action. Jake Dietrich had two goals and an assist for the Royals, who lead the best-of-five West Division semifinal one game to none.
– Brandon’s Kelly McMechan and Neepawa’s Kelly Robertson continue to roll at the Provincial Senior Men’s Curling Championship at the Brandon Curling Club. The two local teams are tied atop the Red Group at 4-0, while Mike Mahon leads the Black Group at 4-0. Meanwhile, a trio of Westman rinks are perfect in the senior women’s. Brandon’s Lois Fowler and Killarney’s Deb Collyer are 4-0 in the Black Group while Hamiota’s Sandra Cowling is 4-0 in the Red Group, with all three having secured playoff spots.
