Travis
Blizzard to host Northern Manitoba Impact Tour
By Derek Holtom
No one can say the Manitoba Junior Hockey League is averse to trying new things to help grow the league.
Case in point – a pair of upcoming games for the Northern Manitoba Blizzard will not take place in The Pas, or even Opaskwayak Cree Nation, the birthplace of the franchise. In fact, they’ll take place in Cross Lake and Norway House, two communities who not only love hockey but have produced many MJHL stars over the years. The Blizzard are dubbing it the Northern Manitoba Impact Tour.
“As an organization we believe our responsibility goes beyond winning hockey games,” said Blizzard President of Hockey Operations and Head Coach, Josh Gratton in a press release. “We have an opportunity to use the Blizzard to bring people together, inspire youth and create opportunities across Northern Manitoba. This tour is a big step toward making this a team that the entire North can call its own.”
As noted, these two communities have produced some very talented MJHL players through the years – players such as Brady Keeper, Justin Nachbaur, and Tony Apetagon (who played for both the Blizzard and the Blues ironically). But now fans there can see the league these players starred in, rather than having to drive hours to see them elsewhere.
“For some of these kids, seeing a Junior A Hockey game may be something they’ve never experienced in their own community,” Gratton explained in the press release. “The Northern Manitoba Impact Tour is about more than hockey. It’s about bringing our team to the communities of the North, building relationships, inspiring young people and show them they have a place in the game.”
• The MJHL Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries three stars are headlined this week by forward Brody Green from the Dauphin Kings. He earned his honour in three games, scoring twice and adding four helpers for six points.
Next up is two-time MJHL champion Marlen Edwards from the Niverville Nighthawks. The high-scoring forward had three goals and three assists for six points in two games last week. In just five games this year Edwards has been averaging three points a game. At that pace he’ll easily win the scoring race.
The final winner is forward Treycen Wuttnee from the Waywayseecappo Wolverines. In three games he scored twice and added four helpers to earn his nod.
• After a bit of a dry spell, the MJHL trades started flowing again recently.
Starting us off is the Selkirk Steelers sending a player development fee (PDF) to the Weyburn Red Wings of the SJHL for forward Jacob Morrison. The Surrey, B.C. native had a goal and an assist in six games this year.
The Winnipeg Monarchs sent forward Shea Chronley to the Soo of the NOJHL for a PDF.
The Virden Oil Capitals traded netminder Adam Courchesne to the Dauphin Kings for a PDF. He only appeared in one game this season.
The Northern Manitoba Blizzard sent defenseman Ashton Dzeba to the Winnipeg Blues for a PDF. He was held pointless in 30 games last season with the Blizzard.
The Winnipeg Blues sent defenseman Mason Millerto Red Lake of the SIJHL for a PDF. He only appeared in one game with the Blues this year.
The Swan Valley Stampeders shipped defenseman Cade Bolding to Calgary of the AJHL for a PDF. Bolding had 13 points last season with the Stamps, but did not suit up with them this year, after requesting a trade to play closer to his Alberta home.
And finally, the Northern Manitoba Blizzard shipped forward Gavin Winterstein to Smith Falls of the CCHL for a PDF.
Larson named Canadian Rodeo Bareback Champion
For more than 50 years, the Canadian Finals Rodeo
(CFR) has stood as the pinnacle of professional rodeo
in Canada. Established in 1974, the CFR was created
as the championship event of the Canadian
Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA), bringing
together top rodeo athletes to compete for national
titles, championship buckles, and their place in
Canadian rodeo history.
Today, the CFR is recognized as Canada’s national
rodeo championship and one of the premier western
sporting events in North America. Each fall, the country’s
best competitors battle for championship glory
across rodeo’s most iconic disciplines, including bull
riding, saddle bronc, bareback riding, barrel racing,
steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, and
breakaway roping.
The road to the CFR is earned, not given.
Throughout the season, competitors travel thousands
of kilometres competing at rodeos across Canada in
pursuit of a coveted qualification. Only the sport’s elite
advance to the championship stage, where careers are
made and legends are born.
Since 2008, competitors have carried their season
earnings into the finals, with money won during the
CFR contributing to the overall championship race.
This format ensures every ride and every run can
impact the final standings, creating unmatched drama
and excitement inside the arena.
Beef and Barley 2026 King and Queen
Major Pratt School’s largest and only high school fundraiser is the King and Queen Competition. It runs from the first day of school in September until the Friday before
Thanksgiving, culminating in the Beef and Barley Pageant. Throughout this time, the entire high school population is divided into 6 areas: Russell South, Russell North,
Inglis, Binscarth, Waywayseecappo and Russell Rural. Students from each group choose a king and queen candidate to represent their area and begin fundraising by
selling tickets for cash prizes provided by student council as well as other unique fundraisers that have included movie nights, beauty days, car washes and detailing,
silent auctions, bingo nights, paint and craft nights, fall suppers, volleyball clinics and tournaments, and so much more! The winning group is the area that brings in
the most money. Their king and queen are crowned at the high school Beef and Barley Pageant and fulfill various duties for the town during the Thanksgiving weekend.
Money raised throughout these five weeks is equally divided between extracurricular and academic initiatives. These include: class field trips, offsetting the cost of the
yearbook, grad, grad bursaries, school sports and student council activities – including gym blasts, multimedia presentations, dances, guest speakers, artists in the
school, spirit weeks, etc.
This year’s area groups went above and beyond in their efforts, raising a total amount of $38,136.05!
Congratulations to the 2026 Beef and Barley Queen and King, Ava Melnyk and Aiden Chuchmuch, who represented Russell Rural. Their group raised $11,525.45! Second
place went to Waywayseecappo with a total of $6396.00 and third place went to Inglis, raising $5562.00.
The winners of this year’s cash prizes are: 1st prize - $500 – Linda Genaille, Russell, MB, 2nd prize -$300 - Irving Galang, Russell, MB, 3rd prize - $200 – Levi Derkach,
Silverton, MB
Big shout-out to the king and queen candidates and the managers from each area for all their hard work in organizing events. Major Pratt School would like to give a
special shout out to Adam Bunn and Erika Schappert, the 2026 Beef and Barley student council reps as well as Arianna Ruiz-Valadez and Ty Laycock, this year's student
council secretaries that were responsible for counting the money during their free time. Major Pratt School would also like to acknowledge the communities of Russell,
Binscarth, Waywayseecappo, Inglis, Russell Rural and other surrounding areas for their tremendous support once again.
October 20, 2026
October 20, 2026
Adult volleyball starts this weekend
Badminton is back Sunday evenings from 7-9pm at the George P. Buleziuk Hall in Russell (106 Shell River Ave. S).
Pickleball: Monday: Binscarth School 7-9pm Tuesday: 1-3pm GPB Thursday: 9-1am and 7-9pm at GPB. All sessions are well attended.
New story on the Storybook Trail, “Too Much Stuff” by Robert Munsch! Please help us choose the next Robert Munsch book for the trail! Send your vote to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Adult volleyball with start at Major Pratt in the Junior Gym, on Sunday evenings starting October 19 from 7-9pm. Contact the recreation office for details. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Adults and Tots program will start October 15/16 on Wednesdays 1-3pm and Thursdays 9:30-11:30am. We switched from strictly mornings to one afternoon and one morning this year. We will see how it goes. This is an open gym type atmosphere for parents and littles. FREE.
First Aid course is set for Nov 8. This course is for individuals & employees. This course meets the minimum regulations for workplace health and safety for basic first aid. Valid for 3 years. $190 For more information or to register, please contact the recreation office: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
FREE Public Skating at the Russell Memorial Multiplex on Tuesdays from 9:30-10:30am starts Tuesday, Oct. 28! Keep an eye out on the Municipality of Russell Binscarth Facebook page for upcoming Public Skating & Sticks and Pucks dates!
(Decisions made on Friday afternoons, pending no other bookings).
Indoor Walking will resume at the George P. Buleziuk Hall in November! Days and times TBD. This is FREE for the public to come walk in a safe & warm environment!
Skate with Santa date is set for Sunday, December 14 from 6:00-7:30pm at the Russell Memorial Multiplex! Come skate with Santa and create an ornament to take home! FREE
Beef and Barley kids events coming sign up now
Badminton is back Sunday evenings from 7-9 pm at the George P. Buleziuk Hall in Russell (106 Shell River Ave. S).
Pickleball: Monday: Binscarth School 7-9 pm, Tuesday: 1-3 pm GPB Thursday: 9-1 am and 7-9 pm at GPB. All sessions are well attended.
New story on the Storybook Trail, “Too Much Stuff” by Robert Munsch.
Adult volleyball with start at Major Pratt in the Junior Gym, on Sunday evenings starting October 19 from 7-9 pm. Contact the recreation office for details. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gym Kids Starts back up in October on Wed/Thurs evenings. To register or for more information, contact the recreation office: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Adults and Tots program will start October 15/16 on Wednesdays 1-3 pm and Thursdays 9:30-11:30 am. We switched from strictly mornings to one afternoon and one morning this year. We will see how it goes. This is an open gym type atmosphere for parents and littles.
First Aid course is set for Nov 8. This course is for individuals & employees. This course meets the minimum regulations for workplace health and safety for basic first aid. Valid for 3 years. $190 For more information or to register, please contact the recreation office: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Beef & Barley Kids Activities
Wednesday, October 8: Kids Amazing Race! Pre Registration Required 4:30 and 5:15 pm start times. Contact Tammy Garnett at MPS or the rec office. FREE event
Thursday, Oct 9: NEW! Kids Barley Bash Kids age 7 and under from 4-6 pm at the George P. Buleziuk (FREE event). Games, crafts, mini golf, music, cookie decorating, bouncy house!
Friday, October 10th: Kids K-6 Dance at Major Pratt School, junior gym 6:30-8:30 pm. FREE event, snacks available for purchase.
Be a friend today: Bench in Inglis school yard honors Marilyn Liske
By Terrie Welwood
Russell Banner
In this area, the staff and students of the Inglis school were the first to set up a Terry Fox Run. According to the Terry Fox Foundation, the first registered Terry Fox Run in Inglis was held in 1998. It was run in memory of Lorene Kopetsky who for about a decade prior, had walked and biked with her good friend Mary Jackson for the Terry Fox Run. Their dedication to Terry’s cause was noticed as Terry’s mom, Betty Fox came for lunch in 1993, on the Jackson farm. Lorene lost her battle with Cancer in March of 1998.
At the Terry Fox Run at the Inglis school, principal Amber Nerbas told the crowd who were gathered for the unveiling of a granite bench donated by Braendle Bruce Funeral Service in memory of Marilyn Liske - noted that the Terry Fox Foundation shared that over the last 27 years the Inglis school has raised $85,635.25. This year’s run in Inglis officially brought that total up over the $90,000 mark.
The students and teachers of Inglis school made this years Terry Fox Run a little extra special with the dedication of the bench in Marilyn Liske’s honor
“Prior to marrying Larry in 1972, Marilyn worked as the secretary of the Inglis school,” Mrs. Nerbas told the crowd. “Once married and her family established, she and Larry became the school custodians and held that title for 30 years.”
Marilyn then took her EA certification from ACC and worked many years in the classroom and as a noon hour supervisor. Once retired from the classroom, Marilyn finished off her career at Inglis School by becoming the hot lunch chef, upgrading the student made pizza pops and hot dogs to hearty homemade meals ranging from soups to casseroles to special holiday treats.
Mrs. Nerbas stressed that Marilyn’s contributions went far beyond the school doors.
“Marilyn was everyone's friend, she was the definition of Citizenship as she was always looking out for others and ways to contribute in every aspect of her life. As an EA and noon hour supervisor she was always helping our students by getting bandaids, sewing wheat bags for the freezer, and walking with students who needed a buddy at recess,” Principal Nerbas said. “Marilyn always knew what to say or how to help, no matter your age or predicament. - one of Marilyn’s favorite saying was “This too shall pass.”
Her love for the students and the Inglis school showed everywhere, Mrs. Nerbas said. - whether it be sewing costumes for the school Christmas concert, many of which are still used today. At the same time, Marilyn taught many of the Inglis students how to sew and quilt, many of which were raffled or auctioned off in support of school or community initiatives.
“Marilyn in all of her roles, always had a watchful eye and liked to be with the kids,” Nerbas said. “This makes a buddy bench for all, in the center of the playground, the perfect spot. Marilyn embodied and inspired our bench's message of “Be a friend today!”
Marilyn had brief battle with lung cancer and passed April 27, 2020. at a time when schools were closed, due to Covid.
“For everyone here today who holds memories of Marilyn dear, I encourage you to share a story with one of our students. Demonstrating the power of oral history and continuing on Marilyn’s legacy of kindness and contribution to her community. The Red Hat ladies were dear friends of Marilyn, as she too was a proud Red Hatter. Thank you ladies for coming today. We also welcome Inglis School Staff Alumni who can share Marilyn’s love of caring for others, organizing skits and ordering the perfect birthday t-shirts or lawn ornaments to ensure everyone in town knew it was your BIG day.
Indoor walking is back in November
NEW CLASS! Fitness Centre First Steps: Equipment 101 Come join us on Wednesday, October 21st from 7:15-8:15 pm at the Fusion Fitness Centre, located on the east side of the Russell Memorial Multiplex. Instructor Marianne Aumais, will teach you how to properly use the fitness equipment and you will leave with a sample workout. Build confidence, learn proper form, and start your fitness journey! The cost is $15 and you can register by emailing the recreation office: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
NEW CLASS! Mat Pilates! Wednesday, October 28th from 7:15-8:00 pm upstairs in the Bunge Room at the Russell Memorial Multiplex (Main St. entrance). All levels welcome, mats & equipment provided, no registration necessary! $10 drop-in fee.
HIIT Power Lunch! Tuesdays & Thursdays from 12:15-12:45 pm. A 30-minute, high intensity interval training for busy people that need to get their movement in during the day. Options for all fitness levels. No registration necessary, $10 drop-in fee. Located upstairs in the Bunge Room at the Russell Memorial Multiplex (Main St entrance).
Pick Your Pace Boot Camp! Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30-10:15 am. A high energy mix of cardio & strength training that is appropriate for everyone! No registration necessary, $10 drop-in fee, located upstairs in the Bunge Room.
Adults & Tots Open Gym Time is back! For grown-ups and their littles age 7 and under to come play and socialize. The gym will be open for play on: Wednesdays from 1-3 pm on Oct 14, 21, 28 and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 am on Oct 15, 22, 29 FREE!
There is still time to register for Gym Kids! Come swing, balance, jump, climb, roll and bounce with us! Classes run for 8 weeks, cost is $75. Email the recreation office for more details or to register! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
There is FREE Public Skating on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-10:30 am at the Russell Memorial Multiplex.
FREE Indoor Walking will start again at the George P. Buleziuk Hall (106 Shell River Ave. S. in Russell) November 9th on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 am-12 noon. Clean, indoor shoes required.
FREE Pickleball in Binscarth at the school on Mondays from 7-9pm starting on October 19! We provide all equipment needed, clean, indoor shoes required.
Farthing excited for how season might unfold
By Derek Holtom
When the crunch time comes and you need a goal, some players have that innate ability to step up. One of those players is Waywayseecappo Wolverines forward Blake Farthing, now in his second season with the team.
Farthing helped kick off a comeback for the ages for the Wolverines in early October in Swan Valley. Some say the only thing better than a win is a come-from-behind win, and this one was pretty special for the Wolverines.
“I think we have a special group here,” says Farthing, the 19-year-old product of Stonewall. “In the third period we were talking, and we felt we could still win it.
“There was tons of belief on that bench, and we were getting a ton of quality chances – their goalie (Easton Falls) was standing on his head,” he added. “Then the momentum turned. It was a super fun win, and a great team win.”
Farthing says there is a noticeable change in the dressing room for the Wolverines this year. There is a confidence and a belief that they can not only equal last year’s final four appearance, but drive further into the postseason.
“The group we have here is great, and to see what we accomplished last year, now with that extra experience, a lot of us who came back are thinking we can take the next step and make the finals, and maybe win a championship,” said Farthing, a right-shot forward.
Farthing scored eight goals and added 11 assists for 19 points in just 38 games last year for the Wolverines. He describes himself as a player with a bit of everything, ready to step in as the team’s needs require.
“I’d say I’m a pretty hard-working player,” he said. “That was always the thing for me growing up, to work hard, and everything else will fall into place,
“I try to use that to create some chances,” added Farthing. “I do have some skill that I think I can use. And I think I can use that to produce a little more, while also doing important things like playing good defense and blocking shots.”
And, when Farthing isn’t at the rink, he enjoys the outdoors as much as he can, playing other sports in the off season to give him a more rounded athletic background. He also enjoys spending time with his friends and family.
Last week
Monarchs vs. Wolverines.
The Winnipeg Monarchs paid a visit to Waywaysecappo for two games on the weekend. Results were not available at press time.
Wolverines 3, Stampeders 0
Wayway picked up their second straight victory against the Swan Valley Stampeders, shutting them out 3-0 in Swan River last Tuesday night.
It was a bit of a reversal for the two teams, as it was the Stamps who held a 3-0 lead over the Wolverines the week prior. Of course, in that game Wayway rallied late for a 5-3 victory.
On Tuesday, the Wolverines scored a goal a period and kept their hosts off the board all game. Treycen Wuttunee (third) scored the eventual game winner just 54 seconds into the game. The other two goals came from Cale Livingston (second), and Max Collyer (fourth).
Blake Farthing didn’t make it through the first period as he dropped the gloves with Nate Hayes from the Stamps. Hayes was assessed a minor penalty for kneeing, which led to the scrap.
Mariko Bercier earned the shutout with 24 saves. Easton Falls made 30 saves for the Stamps while taking the loss.
Up next
The Wolverines kick off this week on the road tonight (Tuesday) as they face the Neepawa Titans for the first time this season.
The only other game for the Wolverines this week comes Friday night when the Selkirk Steelers pay a visit. Puck drop for this one is 7:30 p.m.
CLAW MARKS – With their win on Tuesday the Wolverines moved into temporary sole possession of first place in the West Division with a record of 5-1-0-1. Mariko Bercier lowered his goals against average to 2.02 with his shutout win Tuesday. He also sports a save percentage of .920. Carter Haney leads the Wolverines with 11 points (four goals, seven assists). Treycen Wuttunee (three goals, seven assists, 10 points), and defenseman Cale Livingston (two goals, six assists, eight points) sit second and third.