Lloyd invites community to Hub opening
The City of Lloydminster has extended a community-wide invitation to the grand opening of the Cenovus Energy Hub.
Doors officially open at 5 p.m. on Oct. 1 and attendees can lace up their skates from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to test out the new ice.
The evening will also include a barbecue, public tours of the facility and kids’ activities.
“This is a significant milestone for our community,” said Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers in a statement.
“(The) Cenovus Energy Hub will be a vibrant space for recreation, sport and entertainment,
becoming a central gathering place for both residents and visitors. By attracting events and visitors, the facility will not only support the local economy but also contribute to the community’s long-term growth and development.”
The new arena will feature a seating capacity of 2,500 in the primary arena, which is expandable up to 4,500 for concerts and events with floor seating. The second NHL-sized indoor ice surface seats up to 500 people.
There will also be a third outdoor ice surface adjacent to the building with indoor access for putting on skates, which will serve as a basketball court in the summer.
Recent RCMP blitz generates significant statistics
A recent law-enforcement operation by the Lloydminster RCMP and partnering agencies produced significant results.
The operation, which took place between July 16 and 19, involved the Lloydminster RCMP, Lloydminster Community Police Officers, Alberta Sheriffs, RCMP K Division Air Services, Lloydminster RCMP Police Dog Services, F Division Crime Reduction Team, Eastern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit, Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team and the Wilton Police Service.
Results included:
- More than 350 vehicles stopped.
- 98 provincial violation tickets issued.
- Four vehicle seizures.
- Eight impaired operation charges laid.
- 11 additional Criminal Code charges laid.
- 32 warrants for arrest executed.
- Other various offences such as bylaw contraventions, suspended drivers and stolen property.
“Operations such as this deter crime in addition to making drivers more aware of obeying traffic laws, thus making our city safer,” said Lloydminster RCMP Const. Jason Decoste.
“By bringing in partner agencies and other RCMP units, we are able to effectively enforce laws with the ultimate goals of crime reduction and enhanced safety for all residents.”
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
More at meridiansource.ca
Meridian Source file photo
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
File photo
Contractor sought for 75 Ave. work
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Lloydminster city council is looking for a contractor for planned road upgrades for 75 Ave. from 12 St. to 19 St.
At the July 21 council meeting, administration presented a request for decision to find a contractor for the planned upgrades. Due to timing issues between the council meeting schedule and when the contract comes in, council had to set parameters to find a tender.
“What council might notice is this is a little different. We don’t actually have a contractor to be named today due to the contract coming in next week,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “Next scheduled council meeting, I believe, is Aug. 18, which would lead to construction not starting until basically Sept. 1.”
The council motion would allow for the procurement of the contractor if the conditions were met. The two conditions listed are: the total award value, inclusive of the contingency allowance, is within the approved capital budget amount; and, the contractor recommended for award has the lowest financial summary.
Don Stang, executive manager of operations, gave some insight into how the tender process will work.
“We won’t be approving this contract unless it’s low price and falls within our budget,” he said. “The
way the tender works is, we know X cubic metres or tonne of asphalt, they would give us a price of a dollar per tonne. That dollar-per-tonne gets multi-
plied out by how many tonnes they place down on the road. They’re bidding it based on a unit rate per item, not necessarily the whole scope of work.”
Stang says the city has a good idea of what the cost of the project would look like.
“We have pretty good estimations of what those quantities are and that’s what we use for the tender process,” he said. “When it’s tendered, we’re usually pretty close on actual cost.”
Aalbers says the city is looking to be proactive in this construction.
“The flow of traffic and the development work that’s being done along 75th prompted us to move forward and try to be proactive rather than reactive,” he said. “It’ll be a turning lane, which would be the standing lane, and then you move to the right around the flow of traffic.”
The project is expected to start in August.
“This project is anticipated to start in August of 2025 and is expected to be completed by November 2025,” said James Rogers, senior manager, capital infrastructure.
“We are looking to push the roadway widening and rehabilitation work as soon as this approval potentially goes through.”
The hope is to have it completed before the frost sets in.
Administration says the item could come back for information to a future council meeting to update council on who was awarded the contract. It will also return to council in a procurement update.
City identifies source of water odour and taste
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
According to the City of Lloydminster, water quality changes in the North Saskatchewan River
are leading to an earthy taste or odour in tap water. In a post, the city says the water remains safe to drink. They’ve adjusted the treatment process to reduce those issues and are regularly testing the water.
They say it might take time for treated water to fully circulate through the distribution system.
Any residents with concerns or further inquiries can do so at Lloydminster.ca/reportaconcern.
More at meridiansource.ca
Submitted graphic
RCMP display horse, bite power
The RCMP Musical Ride stopped in the Border City for two shows at the Lloyd Ex over the weekend.
Based in Ottawa, the group of 32 riders performs in up to 50 communities across Canada each year between May and October. It travels to each province every four years to ensure as many Canadians as possible are able to experience the show.
The ride is currently travelling throughout Alberta, after touring Quebec before making its way through the Northwest Territories.
Performances raise thousands of dollars for local charities and non-profit groups while building positive community relationships with RCMP members.
The ride also supports recruiting efforts and promotes the RCMP’s image in communities in Canada and abroad.
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
The RCMP’s Musical Ride and K9 bite demonstrations packed the grandstands at the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association on July 26 and 27 in tandem with Extreme Indian Relay races. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source photos
Extreme Indian Relay performances kept the crowds at the Lloyd Ex on their feet over the weekend with heart-pounding equine action. The two-day event included teams from across Turtle Island and put Indigenous traditions on full display. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source photos
City OK’s more work on 40 Ave.
The City of Lloydminster is committing additional funds for work on 40 Ave. through a change order.
A change order is an agreement that makes changes to the overall scope of work.
Additional work will include ditch grading, the installation of localized storm sewer infrastructure and the development of a three-metre-wide asphalt concrete pavement walking trail linking 44 St. to 41 St.
“Included within this scope of work was the rehabilitation of 40 Ave. between 41 St. and 44 St. As such, to take advantage of favourable unit prices, contractor availability, as well as to assist with the completion of adjacent property development agreement conditions, administration secured unit pricing through Knelsen Sand & Gravely Ltd.,” said James Rogers, senior manager, capital infrastructure.
Coun. Justin Vance asked how this work will affect the timeline of the ongoing work.
“Our direction to them will be to have 40 Ave. between 41 and 44 St. rehabilitated and put back into service for traffic. Then, we will transition to completing whatever ditch grading and walking trail work we have remaining,” said Rogers, noting the expected completion date will be pushed back.
“We know the contract completion date will be pushed back from Aug. 29 to some time in mid-September,” said Rogers.
Council approved two motions, one of which was for administration to
commit an additional $280,000 from third-party sources to the project.
“Third-party sources would be through the development agreement with the developer of the lands adjacent,” said Don Stang, executive manager of operations. “That would be collected in the future. We would be funding up front and collecting in the future.”
The second motion will see an increase to the contract amount to Knelsen Sand and Gravel Ltd., in the amount of $240,130 with a 15 per cent contingency of $36,019.50.
LFD puts out trailer fire
At about 10 a.m. Tuesday morning (July 29), the Lloydminster Fire Department was dispatched to reports of a fire in the 5000 block of 41 St.
On arrival, they located a fully involved blaze in a utility trailer. They were able to save the truck.
Two stations responded to the call, according to Lloydminster Fire Chief Bill Heesing, who had no cause and no damage estimate at the time.
There was no word on injuries.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Meridian Source file photo
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
LVE fundraising supports community
Grilling up a good time, the Lloydminster and Vermilion for Equity (LVE) fundraiser drew a crowd in support of a good cause.
On July 26, residents bought burgers, hotdogs and baked goods and got their face painted in front of the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre with proceeds supporting LVE’s efforts.
“We like to do at least one big fundraiser a year. It helps towards our operational costs,” said Tigra-Lee Campbell, LVE co-founder and director.
The money raised directly supports the work LVE does.
“It’ll go towards purchasing food for meals that we do on Sundays and Thursdays,” she said. “Hygiene products, socks, underwear, those are typically the big-ticket items.”
“All the profits from this are going to get used for food and that’s going to go back into feeding the unhoused,” said Allison Holzer, garden and greenhouse co-ordinator, LVE.
While the event does raise money, it also helps bring the community together.
“Most of it is to bring community together and we get to work with different agencies,” said Campbell.
The July 26 fundraiser brought in $520, not including merchandise orders. People interested can support LVE any time.
“We’re always taking donations of hygiene products, socks and underwear,” she said. “Any non-perishable food, we’ll also take that as well. Then you can donate to us monetarily. We have a
link on our website for our
The fundraiser was also an opportunity to promote the community garden.
“We also have our community garden going now, all the produce is going to go directly to the unhoused and to disadvantaged families,” said Holzer.
LVE has upcoming events as part of its local
food infrastructure funding. Since July 28, they’re offering a 12-week training program to build skills, grow food, build a greenhouse and support community. They take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-8 p.m. and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. at 4805 54 St. Lloydminster.
Residents can visit LVEfoundation.com for more information on anything LVE, or to support.
donate page.”
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Lloydminster and Vermilion for Equity hosted a fundraiser July 26. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
Sprinter trials spur fur flying in Lloyd
Dogs were flying down the field at the Lloydminster Kennel and Obedience Club’s (LKOC) sprinter trials. Some even clocked speeds fast enough to rival Usain Bolt.
The LKOC hosted the second of three sanctioned sprinter events for dogs of all ages, breeds and abilities on July 5, which saw 31 competitors. Four-legged flying missiles came from as far away as Calgary for a paws-itively good time.
The premise is simple. The dog starts about 15 metres behind the line and chases a lure, usually a plastic bag on a rope, down a 100-metre chute. Organizers calculate an average speed for points toward Canadian Kennel Club titles. The dog’s size and breed are considered when scoring.
Lynk Zoretich brought two of her dogs, Hypatia, a Miniature Poodle, and Xiaoxiao, a Chinese Crested from Saskatoon, to participate in the event.
“Hypatia, my poodle, is a crackhead and really loves to run fast,” Zoretich laughed, explaining why she participates. “This is somewhere she can run fast and have fun and scream without me yelling at her to shush.”
The LKOC hosts the event to encourage wider participation in canine sports. Unlike conformation shows, which require purebred registration, sprinter trials welcome all dogs that love to run.
“We want everyone to understand their dogs can do this. If your dog likes to run, this is the sport to let it do so,” said Darcy Weber, LKOC member and owner of three competitors, including Scarlett, a Smooth Fox Terrier.
“Everyone is out here to have fun and let their dogs have fun. That’s the important part.”
If Scarlett could talk, Weber joked she’d say she’s “in it to win it,” especially after her pre-race snack of choice, chicken.
Some dogs completed the 100-metre dash in under 10 seconds, with a few even breaking the nine-second mark, which works out to top speeds of about 35 to 40 km/h.
The lure used throughout the day was a simple white plastic bag, propelled by an elaborate pulley system. It’s all Hypatia needs to go full throttle.
“It’s just running really fast and getting to the end. She goes for the bag, but at the end, she doesn’t care about the bag because she knows she’s going to get a ball,” said Zoretich.
“She never actually gets the ball because she’ll crack out. I’ve seen her collapse from exhaustion playing with one.”
The camaraderie between participants was also on full display. Many owners attend solo, so club members or fellow competitors often volunteer to ‘launch’ or ‘catch’ the canine cannonballs.
After one such run, Hypatia was asked how it felt to go full-zoomies on an official track. Although she was understandably quiet, her mom translated.
“Finally, I can run and no one’s yelling at me,” said Zoretich on Hypatia’s behalf.
Meanwhile, Xiaoxiao posed the question we all have in life; “Why are we running?”
“Last week, she got halfway down the track, did two complete spins and then kept running,” said Zoretich.
By the end of the day, Hypatia had a time just over 10 seconds and earned 66 points, while Xiaoxiao earned 52 points with a time of 13.9 seconds. Both dogs will continue their journey at upcoming trials across Western Canada to collect more points.
The LKOC thanked Hey Buddy 810 and Enhanced Engineering for their support, as well as Synergy Credit Union, which sponsored the ribbons. The event wrapped up on July 6 and the final sprinter trial of the season will be in September.
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE photos
Each month, the Source highlights one member of the Lloydminster community as a fun way to bring us all closer together!
This month, we feature Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association marketing manager Lindsay Pataki !
If you didn’t do what you do for a living, what would you be doing?
I would love to have a sourdough bakery!
It’s Sunday morning, what are you having for breakfast?
Eggs Benedict with ham, onions, tomatoes and a coffee!
If you could see one concert, what would it be?
I’ve been to her twice, but I’d still have to go with Shania Twain.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
I’m an overthinker, so definitely to read people’s minds!
What was your childhood celebrity crush? Josh Hartnett.
What is your favourite TV show?
When I was younger, Little House on the Prairie – I still love that show. I also love How I Met your Mother.
What’s your dream car?
I don’t have a specific dream car. A vehicle with a sunroof, leather interior, heated seats and looks nice.
What’s your fast-food guilty pleasure?
Burger King – Whopper Jr. meal with a coke.
Last book you couldn’t put down?
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins.
Which person, alive or dead, would you like to have dinner with?
My grandmother.
What’s the one thing you haven’t done that you’d love to do?
Visit my brother and his family in Arizona!
What’s the best thing about Lloydminster?
All of the exciting events at the Lloyd Ex!
If we’re buying, you’re having .... Steak, medium rare with a tall ultra spicy Caesar.
What’s your favourite vacation destination?
It’s hard to pick one place. I’d love to travel Europe.
What’s your weirdest habit?
Planting the seeds of any fruit I eat.
What’s currently playing in your car or on your smartphone right now?
Country music.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
I have a few that really bother me. One of them is weeds in my garden.
What are your words to live by?
It is what it is.
Who’s your hero?
Definitely my dad.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
One of them is for sure the first day of Grade 9 when I fell down an entire flight of stairs.
Lindsay Pataki is the marketing manager at the Lloyd Ex. Submitted photo
Josh Hartnett. Google image
Thursday, July 31, 2025
MERIDIAN SOURCE
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The MERIDIAN SOURCE is published once a week, on Thursday.
All material printed in the Meridian Source is copyright and may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. The Meridian Source reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial material at its discretion. Columns and letters are the expressed view of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Meridian Source.
Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca
Sports Editor John MacNeil
john@meridiansource.ca
Staff Writer Christian Apostolovski christian@meridiansource.ca
Staff Writer Dan Gray dan.gray@meridiansource.ca
Leave it to Weaver: Bridging the gap at meridiansource.ca
EDITOR TAYLOR WEAVER
Question of the day: Have you been to our website recently?
I ask because I’ve heard some readers aren’t aware we did a complete online overhaul just over a year ago.
We may only hit the streets once a week with our print edition, but Meridian Source staffers have been bringing daily news to the Border City at meridiansource.ca since last July.
With the weekly print edition page count dependent on advertising, there’s only so much room in the paper for stories. However, if you’re looking for more to read or additional in-depth photo galleries, I recommend saving our site to your phone’s web browser!
There’s even a simple way to save the website right to your phone’s home screen. It’s a click away and appears like an app.
For iPhones, get to meridiansource.ca and hit the Share icon (the box with the arrow pointing up), which is centered at the bottom of the web browser. Scroll down a bit and hit Add to Home Screen.
spelling, grammar, punctuation and libel. Unsigned letters will not be published. Use of pseudonyms will only be allowed in special circumstances, at the discretion of the editor and the publisher, and only if the author’s identity is known to the editor. Publication of a letter does not imply endorsement by the Meridian Source. Send to taylor@meridiansource.ca
For Android, simply go to the website and tap the three dots (More) and select Add to Home Screen. Easy, right?
We’ve also been getting our feet wet in the world of video, which can be found on the website and our YouTube channel. As of late, our website’s homepage has a video element built into it, and our most recent YouTube videos automatically populate on the page.
There’s also a video tab built into the website, so they’re not hard to find. Whether it’s a quick clip of a cowboy doing rope tricks or a longer interview-style video, we’re doing our best to cover all bases.
Changes at the paper started with the hiring of additional editorial staff to help grow our online presence. Enter Christian Apostolovski and Dan Gray. Since starting with the Meridian Source 13 months ago, the boys have built an impressive catalogue online and in print.
Sports Editor John MacNeil joined the team in April and hit the ground running.
The Meridian Source has been the Border City’s weekly newspaper since July 5, 2018, after the Lloydminster Source and the Meridian Booster amalgamated.
The Sourc e first hit the streets in 2005, and the owners, Reid Keebaugh and Clark Wright, purchased the Booster from Postmedia Network at the end of 2016.
The two publications operated under the same roof for two years before the amalgamation, and the Meridian Source has been running strong ever since.
See you on the interweb!
Church Directory
GRACE UNITED CHURCH
Thursday, July 31, 2025
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Chris’ A-Z: Juba exhibits true dedication to giving back
Inside the large and lit Vic Juba Community Theatre sat the man himself, Vic Juba.
It was a moment for the ages, facing the theatre seats as Juba recalled countless stories of his time in Lloydminster during an interview with Source staffers.
When it comes to volunteering and the spirit of Lloydminster, there’s no one closer to that sentiment than Juba.
Juba was born in Lavoy, Alta., and eventually made his way here to Lloydminster answering an anonymous box ad that turned out to be Husky. He met his wife locally in Lloydminster and has called the Border City home since 1953.
Volunteering has been something close to Juba’s heart as he’s been a member of the Lloydminster Lion’s Club for 75 years not missing a meeting.
Juba’s been involved in more initiatives than anyone I’ve ever seen, from the theatre itself to the Alberta Winter Games in 1982, to the Alberta sports council he’s done it all.
Of course, his personal claim to fame wouldn’t be any of these monumental achievements but rather a phone book.
An item of a bygone era, Lloydminster used to have a directory in the back of the Edmonton phone book. Juba and the Lions’ Club took it upon themselves to go door to door and create a local book.
He would receive a cease and desist from the Alberta Attorney General as the phone numbers were copyright of Alberta and couldn’t be used. Lloydminster residents were in an uproar before it was finally settled. There would be regional directories to cover the area.
I learned a lot getting to sit down and chat with Juba for over an hour, but I learned more about the moment he found out the theatre would be named after him.
As I wrote about in my previous column, Juba was a driving force for the new theatre. Helping raise money for it to be a reality, he even planned the agenda for the official sod-turning of the new theatre.
During our interview he mentioned that usually to name something after someone, permission is needed. Well for Juba, it seems like they simply changed the rules to surprise him in the moment.
The moment he found out the theatre would be named after him was profoundly emotional and even reminiscing over 20 years later it still made Juba emotional.
When I thought about writing this column and researching for it, I wasn’t
This weekend in events
Looking for some fun in Lloydminster this upcoming holiday weekend?
The Meridian Source has a few ideas to keep you and the family busy and entertained.
Boundary Auto Wars
With the Lloyd Ex and Vermilion Fair in the rearview, we recommend checking out the Boundary Auto Wars Demolition Derby on Saturday, Aug. 2. The carnage kicks off at 9 a.m. with a heavy truck show before the demolition derby at noon. Tickets are $20 and kids under 12 get in for free. The Ultimate Motorhead Swap Meet will coincide with the carnage from 9 a.m. to noon. Anyone seeking a hard-to-find part or a vintage treasure has the perfect opportunity at the various tables. Don’t miss your chance to buy, sell or trade all things automotive.
sure what I was going to do. I didn’t know if I wanted to retell his life story or maybe discover a tidbit of information that wasn’t out there.
Instead, what I found was a man deeply passionate about his community who wanted to leave things a little better than how he found it. Someone who may have a hard time saying no to things and was always up for a challenge.
Without Juba I know Lloydminster wouldn’t be what it is today. He said there’s a poem, The Bridge Builder by Will Allen Dromgoole, that describes his life. There’s a line at the end that talks about why the subject of the poem is building the bridge.
“A youth whose feet must pass this way,” the poem reads, and it was for them the bridge was being built.
I don’t think there’s something that describes Juba better; he’s always building something for the next generation to more easily walk the path he already had.
MEET THE MIGHTY MACHINES
AUG 13, 4-7 PM BUD MILLER ALL SEASONS PARK
Get up-close and hands-on with the machines that keep Lloydminster running—fire trucks, snow plows, sweepers, and more!
This FREE family event lets you meet the operators and learn how your taxes support local services.
Also featuring info booths on street improvements, the 2026 budget, and the Trails and Sidewalk Master Plan!
Vic Juba receives a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal from Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers in January 2023 at the Legacy Centre. Meridian Source file photo
Adobe Stock photo
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free
provided for non-profit organizations located within our coverage area. All events are in chronological order, as space permits and at the editor’s discretion.
Passport to YLL
Cards, games, food, meetings, live music
Bingo at the Moose Lodge Bingo at Moose Lodge is closed for the summer. Thank you to all the players, volunteers and members who helped make this a successful year. Bingo will resume on Sept. 3.
Paradise Hill Summer Bash featuring Jade Eagleson
The Paradise Hill Summer Bash returns to the Paradise Hill Arena on Aug. 9 from 5-11 p.m. Supper is from 5-7 p.m. at the Paradise Hill Community Centre before the arena opens at 7 p.m. Drew Gregory plays at 8:15 p.m. and Jade Eagleson plays at 9:10 p.m. Tickets are $75.88 or $27.96 for supper only. Tickets at Eventbrite.ca
Frenchman Butte Museum Festival
The 35th annual Frenchman Butte Museum Festival is schedueled for
Sunday, Aug. 10, and kicks off with an outdoor gospel service at 11 a.m. The day honours the heritage that shaped the area and will also include live entertainment, a parade at 1:30 p.m. and a roast beef supper at 5 p.m. Looking to make a weekend out of the event? The Frenchman Butte RV Park is on the museum grounds.
Alberta Day Complimentary Concert at the Vic Juba
The Government of Alberta and City of Lloydminster are bringing a complimentary concert to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Aug. 31 featuring Spencer Jo and Dylan Hansen & The Rough Cuts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Vic Juba box office or online at vicjubatheatre.ca/tickets
Green River Revival - CCR tribute at the Vic Juba
The Vic Juba Community Theatre is ramping up for Green River Revival, the ultimate CCR tribute concert, for an 8 p.m. show on Sept. 5. The two-hour event promises to bring you back to the golden age of rock and roll. Tickets are $55 and available at the Vic Juba box office or online at vicjubatheatre.ca/tickets
WEEKEND EVENTS FROM PAGE 11
The event also features a raffle with three great prizes, including a 2025 Ford Bronco Big Bend, a 2025 Polaris Ranger FS 570 and a 3,200-watt generator. Raffle tickets are $100 and only 3,000 are being printed.
Sandy Beach Summer Market
Sandy Beach Regional Park is host-
ing its second summer market of 2025 from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3. The market has seen serious growth since its inception in 2019 and featured 62 vendors at this year’s first market on June 29.
Come check out the local vendors and enjoy the outdoors while listening to local entertainment. There’s also lots of activities to keep the kids entertained and smiling.
gOlD COINS, SIlvER COINS, bARS, INgOTS, jEWElRy, NUggETS, STERlINg SIlvER & ENTIRE COIN COllECTIONS!
Heritage Day 2025 Heritage Day, presented by Cenovus Energy, returns to Weaver Heritage Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 4. The event is hosted by the Bar Colony Heritage Society, Friends of Weaver Park and the Lloydminster Museum and Archives.
WANTED ROyAl MINT, US MINT NUMISMATICS, gOlD COINS, SIlvER STERlINg SIlvER
The day includes a free pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., heritage demonstrations, crafts, a classic car and tractor display, entertainment and more. The annual antique tractor parade, a crowd favourite, fires up at 2:30 p.m.
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Xtreme withstand Posse
Lloyd posts sweep at home to advance to provincials
Even with a few bumps last weekend, the Lloydminster Xtreme’s road to the junior B lacrosse provincials remains as smooth as the fresh pavement on Highway 798 en route to Hillmond, the team’s home base.
In front of an appreciative crowd Sunday at Hillmond Redden Arena, the Xtreme punched their Tier 2 provincial ticket as they defeated the Parkland Posse 10-5 to sweep the best-of-three North Division semifinal 2-0 in the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League.
Befitting playoff action, the Spruce Grove-based Posse didn’t go down without a fight. They came as close as any team has this season to defeating Lloydminster, which rallied to win 7-6 in the series-opener Saturday.
The Xtreme, which had earned a first-round playoff bye, stretched its season-long winning streak to 18-0. That’s even longer than the corn stalks alongside Arena Road leading to the rink named after Hillmond hero Wade Redden, the former NHL defenceman.
Redden’s face is on the walls of the arena, serving as an inspiration for hockey and lacrosse players like Xtreme scoring star Jayden Plamondon, who plays junior B in both sports.
“Yeah, my dad used to play with him, too,” Plamondon said of Redden. “That’s very cool.
“I love this rink. I’m definitely going to miss playing here, for sure.”
The Xtreme are Calgary-bound this weekend (Aug. 1-4) for the Alberta junior B Tier 2 championship tournament, which brings together the top two teams from each of the RMLL’s North and South divisions.
Lloyd faces the Sylvan Lake Yetti on Friday night in their provincial opener, which doubles as the North final.
‘TIME TO FINISH THE DEAL’
The South Division provincial participants are the Southern Alberta Chaos of Taber, along with the host Calgary Wranglers.
“We’ve been there the past three years,” Xtreme captain Owen Hill said about provincials. “We’ve come up short every year, so it’s time to finish the deal.”
Hill believes it’s critical for Lloyd to manage what’s shaping up to be a busy August long weekend.
“We’ve just got to get good rest,” he said. “We play four games in a weekend, so we’ve got to get rested up and stay healthy. We should be good.
“We’re a lot healthier than we have been the last couple of years. We’re coming in strong.”
No team in the North was as strong as the unbeaten Xtreme in the regular season. Although its playoff pace remains on track, Lloyd faced a worthy challenge from a pesky Parkland side in the July 26-27 weekend series.
The Posse led the opening game 6-5 with less than six minutes left. Ben Stachniak evened the score with 5:19 remaining and Jace Gunderson netted the winning goal on a power play with 1:31 left.
“We had a couple of weekends off, so we came out a little flat-footed (Saturday),” Plamondon, an Xtreme assistant captain, said after Sunday’s series-clinching win.
“But, today, I thought we did a lot better job getting it on net and stopping them. Quick transition really helped us win this game today.”
The Xtreme weathered another Posse surge early in the second period Sunday as the visitors tallied three straight goals — two of them on power plays — to even the score 4-4.
“Yeah, we got into penalty trouble again,” Plamondon said. “We’ve just got to do our best to stay out of the box, when provincials come, because we know every team there is going to take advantage.”
The Xtreme settled down and scored four consecutive goals in the second period to open an 8-4 lead and maintain control the rest of the way.
GOING OUT IN STYLE
Plamondon, an 85-point man in the regular season, has continued his offensive leadership in the playoffs, with 12 points after two games. He scored three goals and seven points in Game 2, along with two goals and five points in the series-opener.
It’s been that kind of a summer for Plamondon, who’s going into his overage year with the Lloydminster Bandits junior B hockey team.
“It helps when we have a really good offence,” he said of his Xtreme production. “We’ve got a lot of guys that help me get open. I can get my looks, and then obviously I can get it over to them, and then they put the ball in the net.
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Brady Gamble and the Lloydminster Xtreme swept the Parkland Posse of Spruce Grove 2-0 in their North Division semifinal last weekend in Hillmond to qualify for the junior B Tier 2 provincials Aug. 1-4 in Calgary. John MacNeil Meridian Source
Xtreme ‘not afraid of the rough stuff,’ says coach Murray
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Lloydminster coach Graham Murray saw first-hand the depth of his junior B Xtreme roster in playoff action last weekend at home in Hillmond.
Although still unbeaten in the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League, the Xtreme faced a formidable challenge from the Parkland Posse in their best-of-three North Division Tier 2 semifinal.
Lloyd might have bent, but didn’t break, coming from behind to win 7-6 on Saturday night, before taking control of a 4-4 game Sunday morning to win 10-5. The Xtreme negated a would-be Game 3 and punched their ticket to provincials on the Aug. 1-4 weekend in Calgary.
“I thought yesterday we came in maybe with a little bit too much confidence, thinking (the Posse) were just going to lay over for us,” Murray said Sunday, after the series. “But they put up a hell of a fight in both games.
“We were lucky to come away with the win. It was due to hard work and great teamwork, really.”
The Lloyd coach believes Edmonton-area junior B teams like the Spruce Grove-based Posse shouldn’t be underestimated.
“Teams like that, they kind of get cherrypicked by the Tier 1 teams in town (and) they lose a lot of talent,” Murray said. “But, as I told you before the series, they’re a scrappy team with a good goaltender, and they proved that again.
“(At the same time), we put up 66 shots today and we scored 10 goals.”
While it’s convenient to rely on offensive standouts like Jayden Plamondon, Jace Gunderson and Dalyn Hepburn, the Xtreme are pushing for a balanced and less-predictable attack.
“It’s nice when you get a good team effort and everyone is contributing,” Murray said. “Today, I felt we shared the ball well and things went well for us.”
The Xtreme lost Gunderson early in the third period after he and the Posse’s Tristan Savill were ejected for fighting.
The physicality didn’t surprise Murray.
“It’s good to see guys standing up for one another, not backing down,” he said. “We’ve got a team that’s not afraid of the rough stuff, and when it comes down to it, we’re bound to do it.”
With a chuckle, Murray added that he doesn’t necessarily like to see a skilled player like Gunderson fighting.
“It’s nice to have him on the floor. As soon as he left, we were a little bit
lost on the power play, because he kind of runs everything. He’s a quarterback back there.”
The Xtreme, 18-0 on the season, begin their provincial quest with Friday night’s North Division final against the Sylvan Lake Yetti.
Lloydminster plans to bus to Calgary early Friday to allow time for rest and a team meal before playing in the evening.
“We’re looking forward to next weekend,” Murray said. “It’s the same things (we’ve emphasized). It’s cutting through the middle. It’s working the ball around on offence. Defensively, it’s just cutting off that top, making sure we’re not letting guys shoot wide open. If that happens, Ryker (Gamble) has got the majority of those saves, all day, every day.
“Yeah, if those two things happen, we have a good chance to be successful.”
The Xtreme took home silver medals from last year’s provincials.
Lloydminster coach Graham Murray holds his daughter Moxley, age two and a half, Sunday in Hillmond after the Xtreme punched their ticket to the Alberta junior B Tier 2 lacrosse championship. John MacNeil Meridian Source
The Hill brothers, Alex (left) and Owen, are teammates with the unbeaten Lloydminster Xtreme, bound for the junior B Tier 2 lacrosse provincials this weekend. John MacNeil Meridian Source
‘A special weekend’ at the plate as Lloyd hosts 13U AA provincials
Just a month away from starting junior high school, Brecken Pedde is in the stretch drive of a memorable summer on the baseball diamond with the Lloydminster 13U AA Prairie Pirates.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” said Pedde, 12. “I get to hang out with more of my friends that I’ve known from past baseball experiences and stuff. I get to meet new people I play baseball with. It’s been an awesome year.”
The summer season reaches its climax this weekend (Aug. 1-3) when Pedde and his Pirates buddies host the Baseball Alberta 13U AA Tier 2 provincials at the Driven Energy Legion ballpark in Lloyd.
“It’s a pretty big thing that we get to play on our home diamond — a diamond that we know the best,” said Pedde, usually a pitcher or first baseman. “And we get to play for Lloydminster. It’s pretty exciting.”
Playing at home is switch-hitting of sorts for the Pirates, who are most used to life on the road during the provincial league regular season. Their lone weekend homestand came just a few weeks ago.
“We haven’t had to travel too, too far this year, but it’s nice to play at home so we don’t have to get up for those early games,” said Pedde, who’s going into Grade 7 at Bishop Lloyd Middle School.
“On the field, it’s just awesome to be a part of the game and have lots of fun with the boys — play the game that we love. It’s been really good.”
Like most of his teammates, Pedde is eligible to return to 13U next summer. Just two Pirates, Khessler Foster and Sam Purser, graduate to 15U after this season.
“I hope we do well in the provincials, because we’ve got a good group of guys here,” Khessler, 13, said during a practice last Thursday night (July 24).
“Hopefully, we win some games, have some good emotions and come out with the victory maybe.”
Foster, planning to camp nearby, is looking forward to making the most of playing at the Pirates’ home park.
“My family is going to camp right over there, so I can sleep in more and get more ready for the games. It’ll definitely be a special weekend.”
Foster ranks baseball as “pretty important” to him.
“It’s a good sport to play in the summer and it’s pretty fun,” he said. “It helps when I play hockey in the winter, too, so I have one sport in both summer and winter. They’re both pretty good for me.”
Foster, a defenceman on the ice, plays first or third base and occasionally pitches in baseball. He’s going into Grade 8 at Holy Rosary High School.
Pedde, who also plays defence in hockey, can’t get enough baseball.
“I like to play hockey during the winter, but I’m kind of drifting away from that and going more toward playing baseball,” Pedde said. “I’m feeling good about that. Yeah, a big baseball guy.”
ENJOYABLE SUMMER
Regardless of wins and losses, it’s been a productive season for the Pirates, whose coach is senior Lloydminster Twins player-coach Trent Kusch.
“I learned a lot more about baseball,” Foster said. “Just how to hit better and throw harder and be more in position and ready for the ball.”
The Pirates also learned to enjoy going to the ballpark. That was the principal message all season from Kusch and his coaching staff.
“Give it everything you’ve got, but enjoy yourselves,” Kusch told his players in a post-practice huddle. “Think about just playing in a backyard game. That’s all it is.”
Some of that spirit was evident as the Pirates’ practice closed with a playful scrimmage in the outfield. Kusch, a teacher by trade, was in the middle of it.
“Always at the ballpark, but I would say that’s what summer is for — be outside and enjoy it,” said the Holy Rosary High School teacher.
“You see us playing this little game tonight at the end of practice. The sport of baseball is not meant to be another job or activity. You show up to the diamond with your boys, excited to see each other, happy to see each other, high-fives, hugging each other, giving each other knucks, because you enjoy this sport and it’s such a unique, niche sport where it’s always dictated by the defence. You have to come here thinking, ‘I’m here to have a good time with my guys.’
“Whether it’s coaching or playing with the senior team, that’s all it is. With these guys, I’m trying to help them learn a game I love. Or being out with my senior team and being around people I’ve played with all my life, re-creating those moments I had as a youth now as an adult, as best I can.”
Along the way, the 13U AA Pirates posted a .500 record (8-8-1) in Baseball Alberta provincial league play this summer. They battled heady competition in recent weeks as they climbed into Tier 2 provincials.
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Khessler Foster (left) and Brecken Pedde are part of the Lloydminster 13U AA Prairie Pirates, who host Baseball Alberta’s Tier 2 provincials Aug. 1-3 at the Driven Energy Legion ballpark. John MacNeil Meridian Source
“We’ve played stronger teams as we moved up in the rankings,” Kusch said. “At the beginning, we were Tier 3, then we worked up to Tier 1 and Tier 2 teams.
“Statistically speaking, offensively we’ve gotten better, but then we faced good pitching. We’ve got to remember that when we face good pitching, our goal is not going to be the same. We’re not going to be scoring 10 to 15 runs a game. We’re going to be, ‘Let’s work for our four runs in seven innings and play good defence and pitching.’ The boys have got around to (understanding) that.”
‘ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN’
At the same time, they’re realizing that baseball — even with all the fun — can also be a grind and a process that’s sometimes dependent on circumstance.
“The goal isn’t to win each weekend,” Kusch said of the Pirates’ big picture. “The goal is to, and I say, make Sunday at provincials. I never say win provincials, because when you get to Sunday, it’s one-game elimination.
“With a sport like baseball, anything can happen in one game, so you can’t set that (championship) as your goal. Just try to instill in them — and we struggle with this — when things don’t go your way, that is expected. You can’t let it beat you up and eat you up, because in baseball, one day you’ll go 4-for-4 with two doubles, two singles, a stolen base and a few RBIs. And the next day, you go 0-for-4 and you feel awful about yourself, but realistically now you’re a .500 hitter.
“It’s just a thought process of it’s a grind. We started back in April and we’re now going to August long weekend. It’s a lot of baseball, a lot of pitches, and it can grind on you, this sport. You’ve got to keep at it and work at it.”
Two more practices were scheduled for this week, before the Pirates go to bat Friday (Aug. 1) in the opening game of provincials. They face the Hanna Wildcats at 3 p.m.
Lloyd’s other preliminary game is set for 9 a.m. Saturday against Parkland Twins Blue.
LLOYDMINSTER 13U AA PRAIRIE PIRATES
Roster
Jace Bannerman
Cohen Bergerud
Jaxson Ducherer
Khessler Foster
Kylin Klarenbach
Pierce Nixon
Brecken Pedde
Sam Purser
Hunter Ramstad
Kobe Sankey
Tegan Tichkowsky
Adam Tindall
Coaches
Trent Kusch
Eric Bergerud
Kyle Pedde
Nevin Purser
Manager
Ashlee Foster
FROM PAGE 15
Tegan Tichkowsky. John MacNeil MERIDIAN SOURCE
Kobe Sankey. John MacNeil MERIDIAN SOURCE
Host Pirates playing for ‘the whole community’
On the road for most of the summer, the Lloydminster 13U AA Prairie Pirates turn to home-cooking this weekend as they host Baseball Alberta’s Tier 2 provincials Aug. 1-3 at the Driven Energy Legion ballpark.
“I think it’s an opportunity to give it our best shot and not have any excuses with it,” said Pirates coach Trent Kusch. “No worry about not being in our own beds, our own homes.
“Even when we hosted (a weekend block of games) a couple of weeks ago, we probably had 100 fans out cheering us on, watching our 6 p.m. game, so it just gives the boys a little more energy and a little more effort and go at ’em. Because they know it’s not just immediate family, but it’s the whole community around them for this. Playing at your home diamond, it gives you more a sense of comfortability in knowing what to expect at all times.”
Lloydminster’s two oldest players, Khessler Foster and Sam Purser, have had a good read on what to expect in their second and final year of 13U ball.
“Khessler and Sam are our only two second years, and that kind of says a lot about our group, that they can be a top 10 team in the province at 13U, with having so many first years,” Kusch said.
In trying to encourage those rookies, he has told them it’s difficult to replicate the success they had at the 11U level last year, especially at bat.
“Whereas with Khessler and Sam, you notice — yeah, they had their downs a little bit at the beginning of the year — but now they’re crushing the
baseball, and the other boys don’t quite understand that,” Kusch said. “But that’s what second years are supposed to do, lead by example and lead by purpose. You see that with Sam and Khessler, with their effort and their swings and approaches at the plate.”
Last summer, Foster was part of the Lloydminster Twins Reds’ team that won the 13U AA Tier 2 provincial championship. Multiple members of this year’s Pirates played with the Lloyd clubs that captured the 2024 provincial gold and silver medals at the 11U AA Tier 3 level.
This weekend in the Border City, joining the host Pirates in the six-team 13U AA provincials are the Consort Cubs, Hanna Wildcats, Lacombe Dodgers Blue, Parkland Twins Blue and St. Albert Cardinals Red.
Lloydminster’s first game is at 3 p.m. Friday against Hanna.
Opening ceremonies are set for 6 p.m., after which Consort meets St. Albert.
Lloyd’s other preliminary game is on Saturday at 9 a.m. against Parkland.
Playoff-round action is scheduled for Sunday, through the 6 p.m. final.
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Lloyd coach Trent Kusch (middle) addresses the troops after practice. John MacNeil MERIDIAN SOURCE
Fischer takes next step in Team Alberta tryouts
Lloydminster prospect Tripp Fischer received word from no less an authority than his mother that he has been short-listed for Team Alberta for the WHL Cup under-16 championship.
“At the time, I was actually napping,” Fischer replayed Friday (July 18). “Mom sent me a screenshot of the short list, so that’s kind of how I found out. And then, I think they emailed yesterday about it.”
Hockey Alberta announced the 34 finalists for roster berths with the province’s entry in the fourteam October tournament named after the Western Hockey League.
Fischer, a third-round draft choice of the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders this year, is among 18 forwards still in contention for Team Alberta. Joining those prospects on the short list are 12 defencemen and four goaltenders.
In paring the next-to-final roster down to 34, Hockey Alberta cut 46 players who also participated in the 80-man summer camp in early July at Red Deer.
“It felt pretty good hearing (I had been shortlisted), but I was a little nervous about it,” said Fischer, 15. “I was more relieved, though. I was worried about it for the last week.”
Fischer showed his stuff through the first three stages of Team Alberta’s selection process, and with his Delta (B.C.) Hockey Academy U15 prep team last winter. He captained that club to the Division 1 Western championship in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League.
He continued to apply his blend of grit, skill and leadership at the provincial team’s top 80 summer camp, and those qualities enabled him to advance.
“Probably my two-way game, and then just my smarts,” Fischer said. “I’m just a smart hockey player.
“I thought I was pretty consistent over the week, which obviously helps, but there wasn’t a lot that stuck out (as a turning point), if I’m going to be honest.
“It was a pretty long camp. I think we played four games and had five practices in a five-day span.”
It amounted to an endurance test, just as the Hockey Alberta staff had designed and described it.
“Yeah, they said that quite a bit, actually,” Fischer said. “They said it was going to be a tough week mentally and physically.”
It only gets tougher, but Fischer believes he has what it takes to contend for a spot on the final roster.
“Just doing what I’ve been doing and playing my game. I think it’s a little more special than other guys that don’t do (the intangibles). I think that’s helpful to a team.”
ALBERTA IDENTITY
Along with the on-ice workouts and evaluations, Team Alberta prospects attended seminars focusing on elements like yoga and mental preparation.
“We had two mental-performance things, one just about the team and, like, the identity of Alberta,” Fischer said.
“They said they want us to be tough and hard to play against. They think they’re at the top between the four (Western) provinces and they just want to keep winning.”
After a golden finish in Red Deer last fall, Alberta is the reigning champion in the WHL Cup, which is held in alternating years when the Canada Winter Games are not being staged.
Alberta’s will-to-win mantra is right up the wheelhouse of the competitive Fischer, who also appreciated the yoga sessions during the summer camp.
“I’ve done a little bit of yoga already, but it definitely felt good,” he said. “It was later in the week, so it just felt good to kind of relax and stretch a little bit.”
While he advanced to the final stage of tryouts, Fischer’s buddies from the Lloydminster area weren’t as fortunate. Three other local forwards — Lloyd’s Josh Frazer and Kael Scott and Kitscoty’s Brody Sunderland — aren’t on the short list. But all three are also WHL draft picks, with many more hockey highlights probable down the road.
“I saw Kael Scott on the ice the next day and I kind of said something similar to that,” Fischer said. “I think it’ll be good for all of them. They’ll want it a little bit more and push even harder.”
LANCERS TAKING SHAPE
Returning home for his 15-year-old season,
Fischer was the initial signing for the 2025-26 edition of the Lloydminster U18 AAA Lancers. Frazer is also among the first seven signed players, while Scott and Sunderland are expected to be part of the Lancers as well.
“I like the way it’s looking right now,” Fischer said of Lloyd’s prospective lineup. “I think we’re going to be a pretty deep team. I don’t think we’ll have a lot of standout No. 1 guys, but we’ll all be pretty balanced and pretty solid. I think we can do pretty well during the year.”
Along with Fischer and Frazer, the Lancers’ early signings include forwards Alec Robinson and Kelton Doolaege and defencemen Rhett Romanchuk, Graydon Kvill and Aiden Harman.
Lloyd’s main training camp runs Aug. 24-28. Fischer plans to participate in those Lancer tryouts before he heads to Prince Albert on Labour Day weekend for his inaugural training camp with the WHL’s Raiders.
Although he’s not eligible to play in the WHL on a full-time basis until his 16-year-old season, Fischer hopes to come out of this September’s camp with a major-junior contract in his equipment bag.
“Going up to the lake for the first time this weekend, but I’ve been on the ice and in the gym quite a bit, so it’s been a pretty good summer,” he said.
“(Raiders management) has reached out to me a couple of times, just asking how my summer is going and giving me details on training camp.”
CONSORT’S KELTS ON BOARD
The finalists for Team Alberta will continue to be monitored with their respective club teams in the early part of the season.
On a personal level, Fischer is familiar with multiple provincial team candidates, including Consort defenceman Will Kelts, a first-round draft selection of the Kelowna Rockets.
“I like the way he plays,” Fischer said of Kelts. “He’s just simple and does everything the right way. But he can play with a little meanness, too, if he wants to.”
Kelts is expected to remain part of the Northern Alberta Xtreme prep program this coming season. Fischer is well-acquainted with short-listed Albertans like Charlie Leonard, a defenceman who also played with Delta last winter, as well as Red Deer blue-liner Cruz Nicolay.
“Both those guys, I’m pretty close with them,” Fischer said about the pair of Regina Pats’ secondround draft choices.
“At the original Alberta Cup (tryouts in April), Cruz was on my tryout team, and he stayed next door to me in the dorms, so we got to know each other pretty well.”
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Tripp Fischer. Submitted photo
15U AA Twins plate provincial silver
The host Lloydminster Twins made a strong run en route to a silver-medal finish in Baseball Alberta’s 15U AA Tier 7 provincial championship last weekend at Hospital Diamonds.
The Twins battled from behind in two of their three victories, before finally falling 25-7 to the Grande Prairie Reds in Sunday’s final.
Lloydminster had defeated Grande Prairie on Friday night in the first game for both clubs in the six-team tournament. The Twins mounted a colossal comeback, erasing a 10-run deficit and scoring 16 runs in the fourth inning to win 19-15.
On Saturday night, Lloyd posted a 17-4, five-inning win over Parkland Twins
MACKLIN’S RESCHNY IN SASK MIX
One of Fischer’s former Lloydminster Athletics’ JPHL teammates, defenceman Anderson Reschny of Macklin, is among the final 12 candidates for Team Saskatchewan’s blue line.
The Sask First top 34 summer camp took place in the last week of July at Regina.
Reschny is a second-round selection of the Prince George Cougars, who signed him shortly after this year’s WHL draft. Reschny plans to play with the 18U AAA Saskatoon Blazers in the 2025-26 season. That’s the same program his older brother Cole skated with en route to a WHL career with the Victoria Royals.
Cole Reschny, an 18-year-old forward, became a first-round NHL draft choice in June when the Calgary Flames selected him 18th overall. His immediate plans are to play NCAA Division 1 hockey at the University of North Dakota.
This week, he’s among the Canadian junior team’s prospects playing in the world junior summer showcase at Minnesota.
White, enabling the hosts to win their division and play in the early semifinal Sunday.
Once again, Lloyd rallied from arrears to defeat Consort Cubs B 17-14 and advance to the championship game. Trailing 10-7 after four and a half innings, the Twins outscored the Cubs 10-4 the rest of the way.
In the other semifinal, Grande Prairie beat the Lacombe Dodgers White 16-5. In the final, the Reds went up 6-0 in the top of the first inning and they led Lloyd 12-4 after three innings. Grande Prairie capped the 18-run victory with 10 runs in the sixth.
It marked the second straight Sunday that a Grande Prairie team captured provincial gold on Lloyd’s Hospital Diamonds. Another edition of the Reds became champions at the 15U A Tier 3 level on July 20.
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Trayson Miskiw. John MacNeil MERIDIAN SOURCE
Cash Anwender. John MacNeil MERIDIAN SOURCE
Logan Schmidt. John MacNeil MERIDIAN SOURCE
Plamondon part of familial lacrosse tradition
“It was a really good year,” Plamondon said. “I had a lot of really good years with a lot of good players. It’s just a good year to end it on.”
One of those productive players is fellow assistant captain Gunderson, who exhibited skill and toughness in helping the Xtreme advance.
Gunderson got into a third-period fight Sunday, after contributing three goals and four points in that victory, along with two goals and two assists in Game 1.
Gunderson — also a member of the hockey Bandits — showed spunk in the spirited scrap with a bigger opponent, Tristan Savill, boosting the Lloyd bench in the process.
“That’s always good to see,” Hill, the Xtreme captain, said with a smile. “It shows the boys are tough and we can throw if we want to.”
FAMILY CONNECTIONS
Hill, in his fourth year with the Xtreme, is a teammate of his brother Alex, a second-year player also known as Cheese.
“It’s always pretty sweet, playing with your brother,” said the elder Hill. “It’s pretty cool. We’ve also played hockey together.”
The Xtreme’s other brother combination is Brady and Ryker Gamble. Brady, an Xtreme assistant captain, is property of hockey’s junior A Lloydminster Bobcats. Ryker is the lacrosse league’s top goaltender.
Lacrosse is certainly a family affair for Plamondon, whose mother Tanya and sister Jenna — both with health-care backgrounds — are Xtreme trainers. His brother Ryder plays with the U17 Lloydminster Border Brutes, and
Xtreme senior Jayden Plamondon, the runner-up in Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League regular-season scoring, added 12 more points in two playoff wins last weekend as Lloydminster qualified for the junior B Tier 2 provincials.
John MacNeil Meridian Source
their father Jeremy is one of the Brutes’ coaches. Along with junior B hockey this coming win -
ter, Jayden Plamondon is going into his fourth and final year of his electrician studies at Lakeland College’s Vermilion campus. He also plans to obtain his instrumentation ticket.
For this long weekend, he and the Xtreme are gunning for gold in Calgary.
“I would say turnovers are the biggest thing for our team,” Plamondon said of focus areas for provincials. “We need to be hard on the ball and we’ve got to hit the net, because if you’re not hitting the net, other teams can do a quick transition and then get it in on us.”
Xtreme force was evident Sunday as the hosts outshot the Posse 66-31. In defeat, Jackson
Bennett recorded 50-plus stops.
Lloyd’s other scorers Sunday were Rogan Macnab, with a three-point game, Eric Wallis, Dalyn Hepburn and Dagan Thiessen.
Along with his solid goaltending, the Xtreme’s Ryker Gamble collected two assists Sunday and one Saturday.
Brayden Hackett (2-1-3) and Ryley Lewis (1-2-3) each contributed three points for Parkland in Game 2. The Posse’s first goal Sunday came from Josh Hogman, who played U18 AAA hockey with the Lloydminster Bobcats three seasons ago.
In the Game 1 victory, the Xtreme’s other goals came from Nate Fischer and Blake Sheppard. Fernando Runco and Kael Owen each tallied twice for Parkland.
In the other North Division semifinal, Sylvan Lake swept the Lakeland Heat 2-0 with 16-9 and 16-8 victories last weekend.
With a 13-3 record in the regular season, the Yetti finished second only to Lloydminster.
PAGE 21 Thursday, July 31, 2025
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