Onion Lake powwow draws large crowds, celebrates milestone year
A spectacular grand entry at 7 p.m. on July 17 officially kicked off the 2026 Onion Lake powwow, drawing thousands of people to Heritage Park for a historic milestone celebration. Despite forecasts calling for rain, the sun was shining and Heritage Park was hot with excitement. The event took place from July 17 to 19, with grand entries on each day, along with competitions, vendors and more.
This year also marks 150 years of Treaty 6.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI
Christian ChristianApostolovskiphotos Apostolovskiphotos
8,000+
90,000+
Lloyd Men’s Shelter CEO settles into role
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI
The new Lloydminster Men’s Shelter CEO, Allan Bartolcic, is looking toward a collaborative future as he reflects on his time so far with the shelter.
Bartolcic’s roots are in Saskatchewan; he explained that he was born in the province’s capital of Regina.
“Was there during my formative years of my life,” he said. “I ended up growing up in the local East Side of Vancouver, so I grew up not far from Hastings and Main, but closer to Commercial Drive and First.”
“(I) spent the majority of my life and my career in Alberta,” Bartolcic said. “I have absolutely always loved Alberta.”
Prior to arriving in the Border City, he was working for a non-profit in British Columbia when the opportunity to head the Lloyd men’s shelter came up.
Bartolcic said working with the board of directors has been good, noting he received a mandate for the direction of the shelter for the next four years.
“Make it your own and create your operational plan moving forward,” he said.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
Allan Bartolcic poses in the lobby of the men’s shelter. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
4
Bartolcic’s initial work at the shelter has been community-focused. He noted the importance of listening and understanding the position of the shelter.
“Right now, it’s a lot of information gathering,” he said, explainin communication is a priority and his goal is to be more communicative with the community and partners.
“I think what we’re not doing enough is providing those anecdotes and letting people know within the community, we’re here for this reason, look at some of these success stories,” he said.
According to Bartolcic, transitional housing is crucial to the shelter’s mission.
“The transitional side of things, transitional housing is so important,” he said. Reflecting on his time so far with the shelter, he said it’s been good. Something he’ll be focusing on is how to use the current shelter location more effectively.
Next up for the shelter is the Sept. 27 Running for Shelter fundraiser.
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2026 FALL GUIDE
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Explore all of what Lloydminster has to offer with the Fall Guide featuring events and programs taking place from September through December.
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REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION NIGHT
SEP 2 • 4-8 PM • COSTS VARY
Vendor registration is open for groups, clubs, organizations, support resources, etc.
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WEAVER HERITAGE PARK
HERITAGE DAY
AUG 3 • 8:30 AM-3 PM • FREE
Celebrate Heritage Day, presented by Cenovus Energy, with heritage demonstrations, wagon rides, live entertainment, and more!
8:30-10 AM | FREE Pancake
Breakfast
10 AM-3PM | Activities and Entertainment
2:30PM | Tractor Parade
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Red Pheasant acquires majority stake in L&L
Oilfield Construction
Red Pheasant Cree Nation has acquired a 70 per cent majority ownership stake in L&L Oilfield Construction, marking a major milestone in Indigenous-led industry partnerships in the region.
The deal, which was officially announced July 16 at the L&L Oilfield headquarters in Lloydminster, comes after two and a half years of complex negotiations.
While financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed, the agreement positions the nation as the controlling owner of the longstanding energy services company.
Red Pheasant Cree Nation Chief Cody Benson described the purchase as a crucial step toward achieving economic independence and creating long-term, meaningful careers for community members.
“This is very huge for us, our community,” Benson said.
“We want to see economic growth within our community and we want to see our people working at jobs that could be long-term and meaningful. My vision for the future is to be able to run our community ourselves internally so that those own-source revenues can come back into our community, instead of giving them elsewhere.”
TAYLOR WEAVER
Representatives from Red Pheasant Cree Nation and L&L Oilfield Construction gather at the company’s headquarters in Lloydminster on July 16 to celebrate Red Pheasant’s acquisition of a 70 per cent majority stake in the energy services firm. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
Benson added that the nation plans to utilize revenue generated from the partnership to fund internal training programs, preparing First Nations workers for specialized roles such as gas-fitting, welding, pipefitting and safety management.
Under the terms of the agreement, day-to-day management of the company will remain unchanged.
Tyson Mohrbutter will continue in his role as president and general manager, overseeing operations for the company’s more than 200 employees.
The Mohrbutter family, which holds a 30 per cent stake, will support the nation as it transitions into owneroperators.
Mohrbutter emphasized that the acquisition will bring job security, expanded growth into new industrial sectors — such as potash mining — and no job losses.
CONTINUED
Red Pheasant Cree Nation Chief Cody Benson. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
Benson seeks active economic participation
“As a company, nothing’s going to change,” Mohrbutter said. “I’m still here day-to-day running it as the president. We have a vision together that we will grow and
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bring in new work sectors and new work areas. Employment opportunities for people that have worked for many years, securement — the changes are really going to be for the better.”
Although Red Pheasant’s leadership will remain largely hands-off on daily field decisions, its economic development team will work directly alongside L&L management to learn the mechanics of the energy sector.
Long-term goals discussed during the announcement include potentially opening
an L&L facility on Red Pheasant’s 240 acres of urban reserve land in North Battleford.
For Chief Benson, the majority stake represents a shift from passive agreements to active economic participation in Western Canada’s resource economy.
“This agreement shows that we’re serious and we want to be a part of the oil and gas industry,” Benson said.
“We actually want to be a part of the workforce and a part of the growth — actual partners in all of that — instead of just getting a little piece thrown at you.”
RED PHEASANT FROM PAGE 7
Red Pheasant Cree Nation Chief Cody Benson (left) and L&L Oilfield Construction’s Tyson Mohrbutter during the July 16 partnership announcement. TaylorWeaver Meridian Source
Red Pheasant Cree Nation Chief Cody Benson presents gifts to members of the Mohrbutter family on July 16.
TaylorWeaver Meridian Source
No plans to reroute train service from Wainwright: VIA Rail
along its existing route.
Local Wainwright leaders are celebrating news that VIA Rail’s Canadian passenger train service will remain on the CN main line.
In a letter dated July 13, VIA Rail advised local leaders within the Municipal District of Wainwright that it has no plans to reroute train service out of the area.
“On behalf of the councils within the M.D. of Wainwright, we are very pleased that VIA Rail will continue serving our communities,” Wainwright Mayor Bruce Pugh said.
Currently, VIA Rail’s Canadian passenger train travels along the CN main line through communities, including Melville, Watrous, Saskatoon and Unity, on its way to Wainwright and Edmonton.
According to the town, beginning in late 2023, the mayors of Lloydminster, North Battleford, Warman and Yorkton launched a campaign to have the train rerouted from its current alignment to the CN Prairie North Line.
In response to the proposed rerouting, the mayors and reeve representing municipalities within the M.D. of Wainwright sent a letter to VIA Rail in 2024 expressing opposition to the change.
Another letter was recently submitted urging VIA Rail to maintain service
Pugh said the service is important to the town and the region for those travelling to medical appointments, business meetings and personal engagements in other communities.
“We appreciate VIA Rail’s commitment to the region and look forward to its continued presence for years to come.”
MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
10
Thursday, June 23, 2026
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Videos don’t do air show justice
I said it in a social media post last weekend, but photos and videos don’t do the Cold Lake Air Show justice.
If you’ve never been to an air show at one of Canada’s air force bases, you have to go. I know not everyone is as interested in military aircraft as some of us, but the experience of being up close to jets travelling at high speed is hard to describe. I grew up attending the air show at CFB Trenton, and it turns out the allure never wears off.
The aerial demonstrations are something to marvel at, and the static (ground) displays give civilians a chance to tour and touch aircraft they wouldn’t normally get close to. Last weekend, Cold Lake hosted an array of jets and cargo planes active in Canada, the United States and Britain.
While attending the show on Saturday, it was hard not to drool over the aircraft brought in by the U.S. Air Force. The C-5M Super Galaxy, for example, can fly with 281,000 pounds of cargo. It is 247 feet long and has a wingspan of 222 feet. It’s the jacked-up big brother to Canada’s C-17 Globemaster, which can carry 170,900 pounds of cargo, stretches 174 feet long and spans 169 feet wide.
Other crowd favourites included the B-52 bomber static display and the F-22 Raptor aerial demonstration. Not only do the Raptor’s flying capabilities defy logic and physics, but the sound of its engines also raises the hair on the back of your neck and gives you goosebumps.
With upwards of 30,000 people in attendance over the weekend, I have to give kudos to CFB Cold Lake for its organization and planning. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
Chris’ A-Z: Rain, rain, go away
One thing I’m always curious about is what the weather looked like in the past. I’ve talked previously about massive snowstorms that dumped multiple feet of snow on Lloydminster.
Looking through historical data, I have realized that finding information is difficult, as the airport was the tracking point for Environment Canada from 1982 onward. Luckily, other sites like extreme weather watch exist to bring hopefully accurate data. That’s also where I’m sourcing my data from for today’s column, if you were looking to find it yourself. We had a pretty snowy winter this year, however, the record for the most snow accumulation in a single day was April 27, 1991. In just one day, 57.6 cm fell. Keeping it wintry, the lowest daily high happened on Jan. 19, 1943. The daytime high was -36.7 C, a very frigid
day. To keep that cold streak going, the next day on Jan. 20, 1943, the lowest temperature was recorded at -46.1 C.
The earliest snow the Border City has ever seen was on Sept. 9, 2004, and the latest we got it was not this year, but on June 7, 2019.
On the wet side, the most daily precipitation
Lloydminster has seen was July 3, 1913, with 10.4 cm. The highest recorded temperature in Lloyd happened on July 12, 2002, at 38.1 C.
I was in Calgary during the last major rain here in Lloyd, so I missed out on some of the fun. Although, it did get me thinking about what records we have yet to
break. Turns out, at least according to data that goes up to 2024, there’s still a few records we can surpass. With how wild this year has been with all the ice storms, snow, rain and tornadoes, I’ll be happy if we could delay breaking some weather records for a few years.
Covering
Lloydminster Museum andArchivesphoto LloydminsterMuseumandArchivesphoto
Passport to YLL
Bingo at Moose Lodge
Bingo is back at Moose Lodge every Monday and Wednesday evening. Doors open at 5 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. Must be 18 to play.
Southridge Playschool
Registration is Open
The Southridge Playschool and Kindergym Society has opened registration for the fall 2026-27 term for kids ages 3-5. One day a week is covered by a government affordability grant, and two days a week is $325 for the whole term. Contact Mrs. Shandy at southridgeplayschool@gmail.com or message them on Facebook.
Chair Yoga
The Alcurve Community Hall is hosting chair yoga every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $15 for drop-in or $50 per month. Call or text Deb at 780-808-0015 for more details.
Legacy Centre Pub Night
The Legacy Centre is hosting a pub night on July 29. Doors and dancin’ at 5 p.m., supper is at 6 p.m., then more dancin’ after supper. Cost is $25/person at the door. All members and guests welcome.
Von Bieker at the Vic Juba Theatre
The Government of Alberta, City of Lloydminster and Vic Juba Community Theatre present Von Bieker on Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free, reserved seating only. Reserve tickets, here.
The
Hip
Experience at the Vic Juba
The Hip Experience: Canada’s Premier
Tribute to The Tragically Hip, returns to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Sept. 23 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $40.
Menopause the Musical
The Vic Juba Community Theatre presents the Dr. H.A. McDonald Season production of Menopause the Musical on Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $70.
PWR/UP - AC/DC at the Vic Juba
PWR/UP, Canada’s premier AC/AD tribute act, is coming to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 3, for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are available here.
Elton John Tribute at the Vic Juba Electric Elton, the music and legacy of Elton John, is at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $69.
Elvis and Dolly at the Vic Elvis and Dolly: Blue Suede and Rhinestones hits the stage at the Vic Juba Theatre on Oct. 8. Tickets are $60.25.
LEAVE IT TO WEAVER FROM PAGE 10
The Canadian Snowbirds were another highlight, and I feel lucky to have seen them fly one last time before the 1960s planes are retired. Replacement planes are allegedly expected by the early 2030s, but I’m not holding my breathe.
I was sunburnt and smiling after a day on the tarmac.
See pages 16, 17 and 18 for more.
Lloyd Auto Club marks 48 years
Lions Park in Lloydminster was filled with antique vehicles for the 2026 Lloydminster Auto Club Specialty Vehicle Show.
Warm, sunny conditions prevailed for the July 18 event, with plenty to see.
“We have a good variety of vehicles here,” said Abe Wieler, founding member of the Lloydminster Auto Club. He explained it all began with a simple desire, with the show and club entering their 48th year.
“It’s the interest of restoring the old original car and keeping it afloat, preserve the restoration,” he said.
There were car-related vendors set up, along with food and other things to take in.
“We have food, we have the museum, they’ve got the homemade ice cream, it is amazing,” said Len
Wegner, who’s also with the Lloydminster Auto Club. “It’s a nice relaxing show.”
Crowd favourite vehicles would receive one of 10 $100 prizes.
“There’s some nice cars here,” Wegner said. “North Battleford Bent Rods came, Just Kruzin’ from Lloyd brought a bunch of cars.”
The Lloydminster
Lions Club also received a $1,500 donation thanks to the event.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI ..................................
Lions Park was busy with solid participation for the 2026 Lloydminster Auto Club Specialty Vehicle Show on July 18. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
PAGE 14
Thursday, July 23, 2026
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Lloyd Auto Club show dazzles with vintage vehicles
COLD LAKE LAKE
The Cold Lake Air Show at CFB Cold Lake drew thousands of aviation enthusiasts to the tarmac on July 18 and 19 for two days of flight and fun. A
flying offered
The Cold Lake Air Show drew upwards of 30,000 attendees over two days and featured military and civilian aircraft from around the world last weekend. Fan favourites included the USAF B-52 bomber static display, the CAF CF-18 and USAF F-22 Raptor aerial displays, the CAF Snowbirds and SkyHawks parachute team, and more.
TaylorWeaver Meridian Sourcephotos
Lions Youth Exchange brings teens from around the world to Saskatchewan
as Taiwan.
An international youth exchange program hosted across Saskatchewan and the U.S. is working to make the world feel a little smaller by bringing dozens of teenagers together for a three-week cultural camp.
The Lions Youth Exchange Camp, organized through Multiple District 5 (MD5) Lions — which encompasses Saskatchewan, North Dakota and South Dakota — welcomed 39 youths aged 14 to 18 on July 5. The cohort includes 17 local participants from Saskatchewan and Alberta, alongside 22 international youths representing 12 countries, primarily from Europe, as well
Most of the students joined the exchange because their parents or older siblings are Lions members in their respective countries, or because a family member had previously taken part in the program.
Darryl Oster, president of the Lloydminster Lions Club, said the camp offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, community interaction and cross-cultural friendship. During a recent stop in Lloydminster, the group visited Bud Miller All Seasons Park and attended the Onion Lake Cree Nation powwow to experience Canadian culture firsthand.
TAYLOR WEAVER
Lions youth camp and exchange students soak up the sun and Canadian culture at Diamond Hills Resort during their visit to Saskatchewan. The group of local and international students took in the sights and sounds of the province, which included a trip to Onion Lake Cree Nation for the annual powwow.
Submitted photo
Meet some of the students
Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers met with international exchange students on Friday, July 17, at Bud Miller All Seasons Park to being greetings on behalf of the City of Lloydminster. MP Rosemarie Falk also attended.
LIONS’ EXCHANGE FROM PAGE 19
“You try to give them a nice balance between just having fun and obviously meeting new people,” Oster said. “You watch kids at the start of the week where they’re not confident and don’t know anybody, to the end of the week where they’re best friends.”
Every student spoken with shared that they were having an amazing time soaking up Canadian culture, enjoying the food and making lasting memories alongside lifelong friends. They also noted that they would recommend the exchange program to anyone thinking about participating in the future.
Local host families in several Saskatchewan communities provided billets for the visiting teens. Oster noted that building those personal
Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
connections across borders helps broaden perspectives for both the visitors and the host communities.
“That’s kind of how I’ve been describing it — it makes the world a smaller place when all of a sudden you know somebody from Germany or the Czech Republic,” he said.
The exchange program took a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, but MD5 Lions has spent the past two years reviving its international component.
Looking ahead to next year, the Lloydminster club hopes to send a local youth abroad to participate in a matching international camp, backed by a $1,500 scholarship offered through the organization.
The three-week youth camp runs through July 26.
Strathcona targets ambitious goal for Lloyd thermal
Strathcona Resources is celebrating first steam at its Meota Central project.
Meota Central hit first steam ahead of schedule and three per cent under budget at $345M. Strathcona expects first oil in the third quarter of this year.
Meota Central is targeting approximately 13,000 barrels per day (bbls/d) by mid-2027.
According to Strathcona, the project represents an important milestone in growing the company’s corporate production from 125,000 bbls/d this
year to 300,000 bbls/d by 2035.
The company provided details regarding Strathcona’s thermal business as a whole, including an ambitious goal to quintuple Lloydminster thermal production to 150,000 bbls/d by 2035.
Management noted the company is wellpositioned with a large land holding in Saskatchewan.
As part of its larger goal, the development plan comprises two multi-phase brownfield expansions and one greenfield project.
Strathcona also praised the team leading the Lloydminster thermal operations.
“The team continues to explore new and innovative ways to improve all aspects of the business,” Strathcona said in its report.
According to Strathcona, operating in Saskatchewan means lower costs, lower royalties and quicker approvals.
Four small-scale, steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) assets make up Strathcona’s Lloydminster thermal business.
Future developments will also expand into areas such as Plover Lake.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI
Strathcona StrathconaResourcesphoto Resourcesphoto
Word on the beat: guidelines, consequences
There are guidelines, rules and laws involved in nearly every aspect of our lives.
A person’s willingness to comply with them is mostly what we see as we go about our daily routines. Generally, someone not adhering to these rules is what makes the news — or populates a local Facebook page about bad parking.
In law enforcement, everything is fairly straightforward and clearly defined.
On the other hand, simple situations — like not knowing where to line up at a coffee shop or being confused about which entrance to use — can cause people to stray from the norm. People make honest mistakes; some carry no consequences, while others do.
People’s compliance with laws and regulations is typically driven by consequences, though those consequences still fail to deter everyone.
Take driving, for example, a common daily activity governed by numerous laws. On a two-lane highway, the only thing separating opposing traffic is painted lines on the pavement. These lines cannot physically prevent a driver from crossing over.
A driver might choose to pass on a double solid line despite knowing it is prohibited. It is banned because crossing into the oncoming lane in that area is unsafe, yet some drivers do it
anyway. They may receive a ticket or, worse, cause a collision.
If a concrete median barrier divided the highway, drivers would unlikely attempt to cross it because of the immediate physical consequence. However, a car thief fleeing police might still try.
The point is, in law enforcement, compliance ultimately relies on individuals choosing to follow the law willingly.
For the most part, police see criminal activity escalate as suspects disregard additional laws.
Returning to the car thief: this individual is likely driving around committing other crimes, meaning the vehicle theft is rarely an isolated incident.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
Loon Lake kidnapping suspect arrested in Lloyd
MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
Police arrested a 31-year-old man wanted in connection with a kidnapping in the Loon Lake area.
Lloydminster RCMP apprehended Kevin Ross Watt on Tuesday, July 14, in Lloydminster.
Watt made his first appearance in Lloydminster Provincial Court on Wednesday, July 15.
The arrest follows an extensive search by Saskatchewan RCMP that began earlier this week after police sought public assistance in locating 31-year-old Nikita Sim. Sim was located safe on Monday, July 13.
This aligns with the reality that a small percentage of offenders commit the vast majority of crimes.
In my experience, habitual offenders are not concerned enough about consequences to stop.
To them, another offence is simply that — another offence.
While some set personal boundaries — many property offenders avoid offences against persons, such as assault or weapons charges — others do not.
The challenge for law enforcement and the justice system is to intervene so that consequences serve as an effective deterrent, ultimately disrupting the cycle of criminality.
The intent of this article is to offer
a perspective readers may not have considered. While law enforcement strives to prevent and discourage crime, personal accountability remains paramount: the person who willingly breaks the law is ultimately responsible and should accept the consequences.
Lately, we have seen a growing trend of individuals refusing to take responsibility, opting instead to lie or blame others for their actions — a shift whose underlying cause remains unclear.
Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbown is the NCO in charge of the Lloydminster RCMP detachment’s General Investigation Section. Stay tuned for future online columns from the Lloydminster RCMP. WORD ON THE BEAT FROM PAGE 23
Kevin Ross Watt. Submittedphoto KevinRossWatt.Submittedphoto
PAYNE STEPS UP TO THE PLATE
Lloyd outfielder represents Sask in international softball tourney
JOHN MacNEIL
Haley Payne, a university softball player from Lloydminster, stepped onto the world stage last week as part of the Saskatchewan 222’s in the Canada Cup international tournament at Surrey, B.C.
The 222’s were one of three Canadian teams in the world women’s event. The Sask side posted a respectable 5-4 record.
In their final playoff game, the Saskatoonbased 222’s lost a 7-6 heartbreaker to the Chinese Taipei national team, which is ranked fourth in the world.
That performance in their second championship-round game felt like a victory for Payne and the 222’s, especially considering their club was just assembled shortly before the tournament, which also involved Team Canada and Canada Elite.
Payne was a standout for the 222’s, with a .556 on-base percentage, four RBIs and a stolen base in the tournament.
Her team was made up of 14 young women who play softball at the postsecondary level in the U.S. and Canada. Payne, 20, and 222’s teammate Lauren Lugtigheid spent the past school year at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, B.C. Payne began her collegiate career at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, Mo.
Haley Payne of Lloydminster posted a .556 on-base percentage with the Saskatchewan 222’s in the international Canada Cup. Submitted
Proud father watches Payne in action
Three Rivers is the same Missouri school that Lloydminster catcher Lucas Chappell is headed to this summer to begin his junior college baseball stint.
Payne is the daughter of former Lloydminster Twins player/coach Kevin Payne, who last summer was inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame.
Kevin attended Haley’s tournament in Surrey this month and appreciated the atmosphere and high-level softball on display during the Canada Cup.
The international championship featured 15 teams.
The 222’s were in a division with Canada Elite, Peru, Singapore, TC Colorado, Chinese Taipei, Israel and Team American Samoa.
The other pool consisted of Team Canada, Brazil, China, Czechia, Venezuela, the New Zealand White Sox and Chinese Taipei’s development team.
Lloydminster’s Haley Payne (back row, second from right) poses with her 222’s teammates at the Canada Cup in Surrey, B.C. Submitted
CANADA CUP SOFTBALL FROM PAGE 25
Haley Payne and her father, Kevin, enjoy time together during a break from the action at the Canada Cup in Surrey, B.C. Submitted
Langley scores fast-rising D-man Pickford
JOHN MacNEIL
The river leads to Langley, B.C., for Chauvin, Alta., defenceman Reily Pickford, an all-star rookie last season in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
After his strong showing with the AJHL’s Grande Prairie Storm, Pickford has signed with the BCHL’s Langley Rivermen for the 2026-27 season.
“I kind of always wanted to go to the BCHL,” said Pickford, who turns 19 in September. “That was my plan.
“But I loved GP (Grande Prairie). I loved the town, I loved the group of guys, the coaching staff, the arena, the fans. I loved everything there, so it kind of sucks to leave. But this is a better opportunity in a more respected league.”
Pickford gained respect for his smooth and tenacious play during the second half of the AJHL season, especially, after the Storm acquired him in a January trade with the Camrose Kodiaks.
On the recruiting trail this spring, the Rivermen and another BCHL team, the Cranbrook Bucks, were vying for Pickford’s services.
“It was a hard decision because both places were really good,” he said. “The reason I went with Langley is that I would have a greater chance of starting in a better spot.
“I just thought Langley was the better team, the better fit. I would say the thing I like most about them would be, I really like the coach.”
Langley’s coach and general manager is Brad Rihela, who coached the AJHL’s Lloydminster Bobcats a few years ago when Pickford played at the U18 AAA level in the Border City.
Pickford’s brothers include Montreal Canadiens’ prospect Bryce, who captained the Medicine Hat Tigers last season and was named CHL defenceman of the year.
Now bound for the BCHL, Reily Pickford of Chauvin, Alta., was an AJHL all-star rookie last season. John MacNeil Meridian Source
“I’d say the way I think the game,” Reily Pickford said about his own attributes. “I would say I’m more of a passer than a shooter, even though I want to start shooting more. The way I think the game and my skating ability (stand out most).”
BIG BROTHER BRYCE WATCHING
Bryce Pickford, just one year older and likely bound for minor-pro hockey this coming season, believes Reily already has pro credentials, too.
“I watched him a little bit when I was injured (in January),” Bryce said. “Honestly, he could probably play in the (AHL) right now. It’s weird to watch because he would be, in my books, one of the top four or five defencemen in my league (WHL).
“It’s fun to watch my brother do well, of course. The teams he was with this year, he enjoyed them. He had a pretty good year. I’m super happy for him.”
Langley has also signed one of Pickford’s Grande Prairie teammates, six-foot-six, 220-pound forward Roghan Walker.
Pirates at home for 15U AA provincials
JOHN MacNEIL
On the July 31 to Aug. 2 weekend, the 15U AA Lloydminster Prairie Pirates will host Baseball Alberta’s Tier 3 championship at Hospital West Field.
The Pirates go into the six-team tournament as the sixth seed. They’ve posted a 14-12 record in provincial league play this season, notably winning four of their past five games through last week’s action on the road.
Lloydminster clubbed the St. Albert Cardinals (Red) 18-3 on Friday, after splitting with the Sherwood Park Athletics (Green) on Thursday, winning 7-3 and losing 12-3.
In their convincing victory over St. Albert, the Pirates’ Maddox Turcotte homered twice and drove in five runs. Turcotte, Dayton Pedersen and Mason Flasch each collected three hits as part of Lloyd’s 18-hit attack. Bauer Becker, with three RBIs, and Alex Kuntz each added two hits. Pedersen and Tye Schneider handled the Pirates’ pitching in the abbreviated five-inning game, allowing just five hits combined.
Sherwood Park, 17-7 this season, has been seeded fifth for the provincial championship tournament in Lloydminster.
ABOVE: Mason Flasch (left), Tye Schneider and the rest of the Lloydminster 15U AA Prairie Pirates are gearing up to host Baseball Alberta’s Tier 3 provincials from July 31 to Aug. 2 at Hospital West Field. BELOW: The Pirates’ Logan Schmidt hammers a home run. John MacNeil Meridian Source photos
Along with Sherwood Park and Lloydminster, the other four teams participating in the Tier 3 provincials weren’t declared as of this Tuesday.
The host Pirates are scheduled to play twice on Saturday (Aug. 1). The opponents for those games, at noon and 6 p.m., were still to be determined this week.
The provincial championship begins Friday, July 31, with games at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., and the opening ceremonies preceding the evening tilt.
Four games are on Saturday’s schedule, and again Sunday (Aug. 2) for the playoff round. The final is set for 6 p.m., after the semifinal matchups at noon and 3 p.m., and the consolation final at 9 a.m.
One member of the Pirates, first baseman Khessler Foster, was part of the Zone 7 entry in the Alberta Summer Games last weekend at Sherwood Park. The Zone 7 boys registered a 1-3 record.
Veterans like Maddox Turcotte (left) and Dayton Pedersen contribute at bat, on the mound and elsewhere for the 15U AA Prairie Pirates. John MacNeil Meridian Source photos
Bauer Becker is a constant behind the plate with the Lloydminster 15U AA Prairie Pirates, the hosts of this year’s Tier 3 provincials. John MacNeil Meridian Source
15U AA PRAIRIE PIRATES FROM PAGE 28
Xtreme soak up sweep of Renegades
The junior B Lloydminster Xtreme took care of business in the minimum two games in their first playoff series and advanced to a Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League divisional final this weekend at home.
The Xtreme go up against the St. Albert Crude in the best-of-three North Division Tier 2 championship series, set for Saturday and Sunday at the Cenovus Energy Hub’s Co-op Community Arena in Lloydminster.
Lloyd moved to the Hub last Sunday to complete its two-game sweep of the Red Deer Renegades in their best-ofthree division semifinal. The opening game of that series was suspended after two periods Saturday night at Hillmond Redden Arena, because blistering heat
had caused slippery floor conditions at the Xtreme’s usual home.
Leading 10-8 when play was suspended Saturday, the Xtreme finished that job Sunday morning and won 12-9, before posting an 8-5 victory shortly afterward to clinch the series.
A third game, if necessary, would have been played Sunday afternoon at the Hub.
The same format is in place this weekend as Lloydminster hosts St. Albert on Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. and, if needed, 4 p.m.
The Crude played three games last weekend in their North Division semifinal against the Peace Country Honey Badgers. After losing 20-12 on Saturday, St. Albert bounced back to win two consecutive contests on Sunday, 17-12 and 14-8.
In junior B playoff action Sunday against the Red Deer Renegades, Lloydminster Xtreme teammates Tobin Dougan (No. 10) and Teige Brown (No. 17) bring Tier 1 experience to their hometown Tier 2 team in the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League John MacNeil Meridian Source photos
JOHN MacNEIL
GAME 2: XTREME 8
RENEGADES 5: Rogan Macnab scored three goals and Tobin Dougan had two as Lloyd eliminated Red Deer. Jace Gunderson, with two points, Matthew Christensen and Alex Hill also tallied for the Xtreme. Ben Stachniak assisted on three Lloyd goals, while Owen Hill, Ryder Plamondon and Blake Sheppard added two assists each.
Dayne McAleese netted two goals for Red Deer against Jackson Bennett, who backstopped Lloydminster to both wins.
GAME 1: XTREME 12
RENEGADES 9: In a game played over two days in two arenas, Gunderson powered the Lloyd offence with three goals and seven points. Sheppard collected two goals and five points, while Macnab’s four-point performance included a hat trick.
Plamondon, called up from the Wheatland U17 champion Lloydminster Border Brutes, scored two goals and set up another. Teige Brown netted a goal and two assists, and Brady Gamble had one of each. Alex Hill contributed three assists.
Dallon McAllister led all goal-scorers, firing six of the Renegades’ nine talies.
Xtreme cookin’ at Hub
Border City in line to host provincial final
Even more than the North title is on the line this weekend as the Lloydminster Xtreme host the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League junior B Tier 2 division final.
This year is the North Division’s turn to host the provincial championship, so the winner of Lloyd’s best-of-three series against the St. Albert Crude hosts provincials on the following weekend. For the Xtreme, that would mean three straight weekends of lacrosse in
their new playoff home, the Co-op Community Arena at the Hub in Lloydminster. They moved to the Hub partway through their two-game sweep of the Red Deer Renegades, after officials ruled the Hillmond Redden Arena floor was too slippery to continue play during a weekend of excessive humidity. With a solid crowd at the Co-op rink Sunday, the pennant-winning Xtreme won twice in their new surroundings.
Up against Red Deer last Sunday, Lloyd teammates Rogan Macnab (No. 88) and Jace Gunderson (No. 20) are top scorers with the Xtreme. John MacNeil Meridian Source photos
JOHN MacNEIL
Last year, the North-champion Xtreme travelled to Calgary and won the provincial championship.
“We’ve been applying for the (provincial) tournament for the last five years and we’ve never been allowed to host it,” said Graham Murray, in his 12th year as Lloyd’s head coach.
“I finally rallied the group of managers to change the playoff format to how it is now. I think it’s a lot more competitive. It’s how it should be, and I think it’s going to produce a true champion.”
Under the previous format, the North semifinal victory last weekend would have given the Xtreme a direct ticket to provincials.
“But now, we have a North final that’s a true three-game series,” Murray said. “Instead of a one-game (showdown) on the Friday during the round-robin tournament.
“So, we’re going to have a true North champion (this coming) weekend, and then that champion is going on to play the champion of the South.
“I think it’s a better way than a one-off, because you play these first-round series
and you get three shots at it, and then you get to the final and you only get one (under the old format).”
One thing that hasn’t changed is the Xtreme’s competitiveness. They graduated key veterans from last year’s championship team but remained at the top of the North with a 15-3 record.
“We lost the best goaltender in the league, and we lost two of our top scorers, but guys have just stepped up for us,” Murray said. “Rogan Macnab has been our go-to offensive weapon all year long. (Jace) Gunderson has put in a lot of work there, too.
“(Xtreme graduate) Jayden Plamondon’s little brother, Ryder, is fitting right in with us as an AP (afÏliated player). He had two goals in that third period (of Sunday’s initial playoff win over Red Deer).
“We made a big trade to get a goalie out of Parkland. His name is Jackson Bennett. We haven’t lost since we picked him up at the trade deadline (in early June). It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was something that we needed to do as a team. We had everything else going. We just needed one final piece to shore things up.”
Jace Gunderson and the Lloydminster Xtreme are gunning for another provincial lacrosse championship. John MacNeil Meridian Source XTREME EXPECTATIONS FROM PAGE 31
Senior baseball semi goes the distance
JOHN MacNEIL
Rescheduled for Wednesday night at Unity, a third and deciding game was needed in the North Saskatchewan River Baseball League semifinal between the Unity Cardinals and Lloydminster Twins.
Game 3, originally scheduled for Tuesday night, became necessary after the Twins stayed alive with a gritty 3-2 victory last Thursday (July 16) at Wallace Park Field in Lloydminster. The Cardinals had won the series-opener 8-1 the previous night in Unity.
Last week in Lloydminster, Brenden Pollard went the distance in pitching the Twins to victory.
Ben Lefebvre drove in two runs in the fourth inning to put Lloyd ahead to stay.
The other semifinal between the pennant-winning North Battleford Beavers and the Standard Hill Lakers ended Tuesday night at the Silver Lake field near Maidstone, with the Beavers winning 17-8 to sweep that series. North Battleford prevailed 4-2 in Game 1.
Kelton Hanley mans shortstop for the Lloydminster Twins in their 3-2 victory over the Unity Cardinals. John MacNeil Meridian Source
Brenden Pollard earned full marks for his complete-game performance in pitching the Lloydminster Twins to their 3-2 playoff win over the Unity Cardinals. John MacNeil Meridian Source
Pirates motor into 18U AA provincials
JOHN MacNEIL ..................................
The Lloydminster Prairie Pirates head to Strathmore this weekend as the top seed in Baseball Alberta’s 18U AA Tier 5 provincial championship.
The six-team tournament runs Friday through Sunday (July 24 to 26) at Kinsmen Diamond in Strathmore.
Lloydminster meets the host Strathmore Reds, the fourth seed, at 6 p.m. Friday and the sixth-ranked Drayton Valley Giants at the same time Saturday.
The other pool is comprised of the No. 2 Parkland Twins, the third-seeded Coronation Royals and the fifth-ranked Bonnyville Braves.
Playoff action is scheduled for Sunday, with the semifinals at noon and 3 p.m. and the final set for 6 p.m.
Lloyd, with a 17-6 record, has had a strong season under head coach Masen Anderson.
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Two key cogs with the 18U AA Lloydminster Prairie Pirates are Vermilion brothers Callum (standing) and Thad Molsberry. John MacNeil Meridian Source
Kobe Heck is a veteran presence with the 18U AA Lloydminster Prairie Pirates and a local official in baseball and hockey. John MacNeil Meridian
Championship season on baseball diamonds
JOHN MacNEIL
In the Border City and elsewhere across Alberta, provincial baseball championships are in full swing for the next two weekends.
The 13U AA Lloydminster Twins Blue host their Tier 8 provincials this Friday through Sunday (July 24-26) at the Driven Energy Legion Ball Park.
The Twins are ranked third going into the six-team tournament.
The top-seeded Camrose Cougars Red, the No. 4 South Jasper Place Jays Blue and the sixth-ranked Lacombe Dodgers White compete in Pool A.
Lloydminster is in Pool B with the second-seeded Fort McMurray Oil Giants Blue and the No. 5 Irma Tigers.
In the tournament opener Friday, Lloyd faces Fort Mac at 3 p.m., and the opening ceremonies precede the 6 p.m. game between South Jasper Place and Camrose.
Saturday’s action kicks off with a 9 a.m. game between Lloydminster and Irma. The semifinals are slated for noon and 3 p.m. Sunday, with the final at 6 p.m.
Meanwhile, the 15U AA Lloydminster Twins are in Morinville for their Tier 8 provincials.
Lloyd goes into that six-team tournament as the top seed. The Twins’ round-robin games are scheduled for Friday evening against the No. 4 Drayton Valley Giants and Saturday night versus the sixth-seeded Lacombe Dodgers White.
At Great Chief Park in Red Deer, the top-ranked 13U AA Lloydminster Twins Red battle in their Tier 5 provincials.
Lloyd’s first game is at 5 p.m. Friday against Sherwood Park.
At the 11U AA level, the fourthranked Lloydminster Twins Blue visit St. Albert for that Tier 2 championship. In its opener, Lloyd meets the host St. Albert Cardinals Red, the top seed, at 6 p.m. Friday.
Meanwhile, the Lloydminster Twins Red are at home for their 11U AA Tier 6 provincials at Ken Baker Park.
Rounding out that field are Lloyd’s division mates, the Bonnyville Braves and Edmonton Angels, along with the three teams in the other pool — the Oyen Orioles, Sherwood Park Athletics Green and St. Albert Cardinals White.
In preliminary play Saturday, the host Twins face Edmonton at 9 a.m. and Bonnyville at 3 p.m.
SUDOKU
The Twins are slotted in a pool with the No. 4 Sherwood Park Athletics Green and the sixth-seeded Red Deer Rangers.
