ment got help from Legacy
tive Services and the Britannia
Monday morning.
Department. Paramedics, RCMP officers and peace officers were also on the scene.
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
The Kiwanis Club of Lloydminster welcomed district governor McKenna Coran to the Border City over the weekend.
Coran oversees Western Canada, and at 25, she’s the youngest governor in Kiwanis International’s history.
Coran enjoyed a backyard gathering with members and inducted two new members into the fold. Her conversation was full of energy, just like her vision for the future of Kiwanis in Western Canada.
A native of Fort Frances, Ont., Coran has been involved with Kiwanis for many years and first joined because of her mom, who is also a member.
I love Kiwanis and all the chances it has given me. I want to share that with other people.
“I was always helping at events,” she said. “I figured I might as well become a member, too.”
Her rise to leadership started when a local lieutenant-governor had to step down early. Coran was asked to fill the role for six months. After that, she stayed on the district board and soon set her sights on becoming governor.
Coran’s main goal is to grow Kiwanis clubs across the district.
“Some districts are big and open many clubs at once,” she said. “I started with a goal of opening just one.”
She’s proud to have helped launch a new club in Neepawa, Man. That club’s charter night is coming up in June.
Coran believes the key to success is teamwork and spoke highly of international trustee Jo Schwartz, who came from Kansas to help with the new club. Schwartz spent a week meeting people and knocking on doors to get members to sign up.
“She was amazing,” said Coran. “She believed in us and helped us reach our goal.”
Coran’s passion for Kiwanis shines through in everything she does on her current tour. She has visited at least a dozen clubs during her time as governor.
“Meeting members in person has been so important to me,” she said. “Not all governors have had that chance, especially because of COVID.”
Coran wants to keep growing Kiwanis, but not just for the numbers.
“I love Kiwanis and all the chances it has given me,” she said. “I want to share that with other people.”
Her vision is to welcome more young members and bring in fresh ideas. She identified one significant issue when getting their attention, which was a want to feel valued. Coran’s own club encourages members to share ideas and try new things.
“They don’t want to hear, ‘This is how we’ve always done it,’ ” she said. “They want to bring new ideas and see them happen.”
Her home community of Fort Frances, a small town where everyone knows each other, shaped her leadership style. When she first joined her club at age 20, most other members were much older.
“There was a bit of a gap,” she said. “It taught me to be brave and ask people to join.”
One of her proudest moments so far was learning about and seeing the playground project in Brandon, Man. The club there raised almost $600,000 to build a fully accessible playground.
“The members even helped build it themselves,” noted Coran.
She also enjoyed seeing a “bike rodeo” in Swift
Current, Sask., where kids learned bike safety on a track shaped like a bike.
With the induction of Mayme Boyer and Jhona Ramirez, the club has grown to over a dozen members. Coran encourages small clubs to keep asking people to join.
“Sometimes asking is the hardest part,” she said. “But that’s what it takes to grow.”
She also has advice for young people, especially women who want to get involved in community service.
“If you’re passionate, follow that,” she said. “If you see a need, don’t just complain, try to help solve it.”
She’s had a lot of great mentors along the way, but one piece of advice lives with her to this day. Leadership is about listening and teamwork.
“It’s not all about you and your ideas,” she said. “A good leader helps others share their ideas too.”
For Coran, Kiwanis stands out because of its focus on children and youth.
“In today’s world, kids need us more than ever,” she said. “That’s why Kiwanis is so important.”
In the brief time she visited with the club, she shared lessons, challenges and successes of her time so far.
Holiday Inn & Suites, 5612 44th St., Lloydminster Tuesday, May 20th 2025 from 10:00am to 3:00pm
SCRAP GOLD
We buy gold in any form, condition or quantity.
• Wedding rings • Gold pins & earrings • Gold chains (any condition) • Any item made of gold
• Gold teeth regardless of condition • Gold Watches
• Cash for broken old gold • Estates • Collections • Old Inventory
SCRAP STERLING SILVER
We buy all sterling silver, silverware, jewellery, industrial silver, Franklin and other private mint silver, jewellers’ findings, etc. regardless of condition or quantity. We buy anything made of solid silver that can be recycled.
No plate silver prices based on current bullion market bid prices.
WRISTWATCHES & POCKET WATCHES
We buy old wrist watches and pocket watches regardless of condition. Watches that do not work are purchased for parts value only. • Empty Pocket Watch Cases • Watch Fobs • Old Watch Collections, Watch Makers Inventory
SCRAP JEWELLERY
We are interested in purchasing scrap jewellery. Gold, silver and platinum rings, bracelets, lockets, brooches, cameos, necklaces, earrings etc... We buy anything made of solid gold, Sterling silver or platinum that can be recycled. Collections, Estates, Old Inventory.
COSTUME JEWELLERY
We buy old costume jewellery. Old Collections, Inventory, Designer Pieces.
SILVER COINS
CANADA All Silver Coins 1967 & prior, Silver Dollars 50¢, 25¢, 10¢ UNITED STATES Silver Dollars 1935 & prior 50¢ 1970 & prior, 25¢ 1964 & prior, 10¢ 1964 & Prior
COINS & PAPER MONEY
We buy all coins, paper money and Bank notes of Canada, the Provinces, USA and the world.
WE ALSO BUY
• Fountain pens • Lighter, Military Items • Asian Decorative Arts and much more… not sure just ask or bring it in!
to and tackle wildfire threats, as proven throughout the day,” said Kirk Hughes, director of protective services.
The County of Vermilion River (CVR), Legacy, Britannia and Frog Lake all fought blazes throughout the day.
At about 1:30 p.m., Blackfoot Fire and Rescue battled a fire along the CN Rail tracks in the hamlet. Kitscoty Fire Department helped after a second alarm was called and the Canadian National Railway closed the tracks and stopped trains to keep firefighters safe.
At the same time, the County of Vermilion River reported a large fire in Frog Lake.
According to Fire Chief Winston Moosepayo of Kehewin Emergency Services, they joined numerous other departments, including Onion Lake, to help out.
Just after 9 p.m., Blackfoot Fire and Rescue rushed to a fast-moving stubble fire. Marwayne Fire and Rescue joined to provide tanker support. Crews quickly put out the fire and went back to quarters.
“We are fortunate the county is well-equipped and trained to respond
“Hats off to our volunteers for the quick and efficient work they do.”
At 1:49 p.m. they were called to a tractor fire south of Marshall. Shortly after, they also responded to a yard fire east of Lashburn.
Before they could finish up there, a fire was reported on Highway 16, east of Marshall, at 4:14 p.m.
“The fire started south of the highway and burned an estimated 20 acres,” said Peters. “Then it jumped the highway and burned about 40 acres on the north side.”
A full fire ban is in place in Frog Lake and the RM of Wilton. The County of Vermilion River remains under a partial fire ban. The MD of Bonnyville No. 87, Summer Village of Bonnyville Beach, Summer Village of Pelican Narrows and Village of Glendon also face fire restrictions.
For more information on what is and isn’t allowed in your community, refer to their various websites.
CVR reminds residents that if you see smoke, call 911.
9 Thursday, May 8, 2024
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Last week, I covered what I thought was the obvious. The number of tradespeople in our country, especially younger tradespeople, is diminishing. It starkly contrasts our government needing those same people to build housing, etc., for our country. So, how can it be fixed? A few suggestions I picked up from my time at a trades event in Ontario.
One of the most significant issues identified in some trades is the ability for apprentices to find journeymen. Until a few years ago, companies that took on apprentices received a federal tax break. It takes time to teach people. Think about yourself at your job. When you first started, you messed up, and people had to help you. As you continued, you got better and didn’t “waste” the teacher’s time. The businesspeople I spoke with noted that having a tax write-off for journeymen and businesses
that take on apprentices would go a long way toward clearing a perceived backlog.
Secondly, we need to change the inherent bias in the school system and bring trades back.
In much of our country, welding, shop, mechanics and wood shop have been removed from the curriculum. This allows for a gap in understanding what students might want to do as they age.
If they are only presented with university degree jobs as a way to make good money, they think it’s all that’s out there. Many trades have a great chance of earning you good money, in many cases, with little student debt.
One last fact about the bias in high schools when it comes to higher learning. In 2023, scholarships across Canada for university students represented 53 per cent of those handed out. For college ( many of which are trades-based), only 27 per cent of scholarships were designed for that.
Locally, Metal Supermarkets recently announced four $2,500 scholarships for skilled trades. This needs to be done more and more across our country.
Lastly, we need to tell the stories of tradespeople and share their accomplishments in the class -
As mentioned in our last submission, there are three broad United Church of Canada (UCC) defining characteristics, deep spirituality, bold discipleship and daring justice.
Some highlights showing how the church lives these concepts will follow in this article series.
Bold discipleship is defined:
Seeing how our lives are a sacred calling out and, out of our faith, connecting our gifts with the world’s needs. How our lives become avenues of God’s love and presence in the world and what shapes our lives.
Below is information from the United Church News
“The United Church acknowl -
edged racism as a sin in 1960 after the destruction of the Africville neighbourhood in Halifax and has addressed it in a variety of ways, such as the 2006 requirement for ministry personnel to undertake racial justice training … in 2018 the continued pervasiveness of racism was made evident, as racialized clergy and lay people spoke to the racism they had experienced in the church. In 2020, the UCC made a commitment to Becoming an Anti-Racist Denomination.”
room as much as possible.
Just like we champion doctors, lawyers and multiple other “higher education jobs.”
Next week, I’ll touch on what is being done locally to promote trades inside our community.
Church residential schools begin to close in 1948. UCC General Council apologizes to the Indigenous congregations of the United Church for past denial of Indigenous spirituality 198688. In 1998, the UCC apologizes to former students of United Church Residential Schools.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 27
The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free service 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.
To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147
Intro to Square Dancing
Modern square dancing lessons are being offered every Wednesday from 6:308:30 p.m. at 5115 - 49 Ave. Walk to the beat of music by following simple instructions from the caller. Come alone or bring a friend. Wear whatever is comfortable. First evening is FREE. For more info, contact 780-872-2493 or visit SquareDanceLloydArea.com
Bingo at the Moose Lodge
Bingo will be held every Monday and Wednesday, except holidays, at Moose Lodge 5213 57 St., Lloydminster. Doors open at 5 p.m. with games starting at 7 p.m. Must be at least 18 to play.
Maternal Mental Health Day
Join Midwest Family Connections at the Prairie North Health Plaza from 9 a.m. to noon on May 8 for Maternal Mental Health Day. Come and
go throughout the morning, check out the information booths and listen to guest speakers. Child-minding is available, refreshments and snacks will be available, and there are amazing local giveaways.
Jon Dore at the Vic Juba
Comedian Jon Dore will take the stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on May 11 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Named one of “10 comics to watch” by Variety Magazine, this Ottawa-born comedian, host and actor is renowned for his offbeat humour and unique bait-and-switch style. Tickets are $35 and are available at vicjubatheatre.ca or at the theatre box office.
A Patsy Cline and Hank Lives Tribute
A Patsy Cline Tribute and Hank Lives, starring Lisa Brokop and Paul Jefferson, is coming to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on May 12. Tickets are $40 and are available at vicjubatheatre.ca or at the theatre box office.
Spades Tournament
The Legacy Centre is hosting a spades tournament on May 15 starting at 10 a.m. Cost is $10 to play and $12 for lunch. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for details.
Cribbage Doubles Tournament
The Legacy Centre is hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on May 22 starting at 10 a.m. Cost is $10 to play and $12 for lunch. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for details.
City of Lloydminster Spring Cleanup Garage Sale
The City of Lloydminster is hosting a community garage sale on May 24 at the Servus Sports Centre. Vendors will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and you never know what you’ll find.
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
Born and raised in the Border City, Stacy Cadzow is at the centre of the action as the finance manager at the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association.
Cadzow graduated from Reeves College after high school then moved to Marshall, Sask., for a few years. While in Marshall, she got married to her husband, Bill, and had a few kids before moving back to Lloydminster for the long haul.
Cadzow started at the Lloyd Ex five years ago and quickly got involved in many aspects of day-to-day operations and countless events and fundraisers the Ex puts on.
“At the Ex, I do all of the invoicing and payables. I make sure payroll runs smoothly, the bills are paid, and we’re functioning and continue doing what we do,” she said. “I do the Chase the Ace, something I’ve done for four years now, as well as work alongside our GM, Jackie Tomayer. We both work for the board here.”
Cadzow has been a Lloydminster and District Co-op board member for a year, is the president of the Waterboard Association at Brightsand Lake, and recently joined the board for the Saskatchewan Association of Agricultural Societies and Exhibitions.
“If I wasn’t in the role I’m in now, I don’t know what I’d be doing. I’ve always worked, every day,” she said.
Before the Lloyd Ex, Cadzow worked for local companies doing anything from invoicing and payables to loading trucks and dispatching.
Working at the Ex, however, opened Cadzow’s eyes to the importance of community involvement.
“The oilfield is all I knew before this, but working at the Lloyd Ex, you learn a whole different side of things. I learned what brings the community together, what it takes to put on a fair and how to get the community involved,” she said, noting the Lloyd Ex is celebrating 120 years of the fair this July.
“Keeping this tradition alive is very cool, and it all hit home for me the first time we took my grandson to the fair. He was five at the time and was amazed by the lights and the noise ... I thought, ‘This is pretty cool.’
“Seeing that made all the work we put in to make these events happen worthwhile.”
The best part of Cadzow’s day is working with the team at the Ex. She described them as a close team and said it was refreshing to work with men and women after years in the oilfield.
Stacy and Bill have been married for 34 years and jokingly said the key to a long-term union is “Stay together but do your own thing.”
“Bill is a wonderful husband,” she said. “He does a lot of the work around the house since I spend so much time here and doesn’t complain when I get involved with all the organizations I’m a part of.”
Cadzow said persistence is key for young women looking to pursue a career in finance.
“If you really want to do it, nothing’s going to stop you,” she said, noting her finance role is a dream job. “Keep plugging away and keep your mind set on what you want to do.”
The proud mother of three is also a grandmother of five between the ages of two and 11, which keeps her busy when she’s not at the Ex or working with various boards.
“I like the idea of making a difference. I want my grandchildren to know I make a difference. My oldest grandchild tells everyone I have a million jobs,” she said with a laugh.
For Evangelina Dillon, community work is more than a calling, it’s personal.
Originally from Onion Lake Cree Nation, Dillon grew up in Lloydminster and has called it home for the past eight years, after spending a decade away for school.
“I left for about 10 years but came back because this is where my roots are,” she said.
Once a cook at the Gold Horse Casino, Dillon is now a full-time grandmother and active member of the Hope Street Team, a local group providing outreach services to the unhoused and people facing food insecurity.
Her motivation to get involved stemmed from heartbreak after her niece, Autumn Gray Raven Dillon, went missing in Lloydminster almost three years ago. She has not been found.
“I met Catherine (Hill) years ago when I was taking addictions counselling, and later, when my niece went missing,” she said. “I joined the Hope Street team and Catherine created a space where I felt I could make a difference. That’s what drew me in.”
Her niece’s disappearance became the driving force behind her commitment.
“It was the only real reason I joined at first, but the more I helped, the more my compassion grew. You think you’re going to help for just one reason, and suddenly, you realize there’s so much more to do.
“It was the only real reason I joined at first, but the more I helped, the more my compassion grew,” she said. “You think you’re going to help for just one reason, and suddenly, you realize there’s so much more to do.”
Dillon’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Hill, founder of Hope Street, explained she couldn’t have a better person than Dillon on the team.
“I love Evangelina. She’s got such heart and soul for this work,” said Hill. “She’s wise, full of wisdom and such a hard worker. Very, very humble … she just does the work. She’s strong, she doesn’t argue, she just makes her point and that’s it.”
Dillon’s path to where she is today wasn’t easy. At 19, she became a certified mechanic, something uncommon for women, especially Indigenous women.
“You got picked on a lot for being a girl in a traditionally male field,” she recalled. “But I did it to prove I could.”
Later, she married, raised five children, and when they were grown, returned to school herself.
Now, as part of the Hope Street team, Dillon finds fulfilment in direct community outreach.
“We go out there, on foot, and meet people where they are,” she said. “You get to know who’s out there, their stories, their struggles. That’s why I chose this group, no one else was doing it that way.”
She recalled her favourite moments.
“It’s when people say ‘Thank you.’ Sometimes they’re crying because they’ve been hungry all day, or their legs are too sore to walk to town for help. That gratitude hits you.”
Dillon believes Lloydminster could benefit from more shelters, safe places where the unhoused can find security and rest.
“A safe place to sleep is something so simple, but so crucial,” she said.
Reflecting on her work and its impact, she says it’s been an honour.
“I didn’t expect any recognition, and being part of this community, doing something meaningful, it’s the greatest reward,” she said, noting she hopes her niece knows she hasn’t stopped looking for her.
Dillon’s story is one of quiet strength, relentless love and unwavering service. It’s a true testament to the power of community and compassion.
Catherine Hill has dedicated her life to helping others and has a special place in her heart for the most vulnerable people in the community.
For most of her life, Hill has called Lloydminster home. While she kept quiet about exactly how many years that’s been, she laughed when asked how long she’s been in the Border City.
“I can’t reveal how long because then I’d be telling my age,” she joked, noting her deep roots in the community are undeniable.
A background in counselling and psychology, combined with more than 21 years helping others, has shaped Hill’s mission to support those grappling with addiction, homelessness and mental-health challenges.
“I’m just a real caring person about issues like addiction and homelessness and mental health,” she said. “I take special interest in things like missing and murdered Indigenous women and children. Those are the topics that really mean a lot to me.”
Hill works as an instructor, but her heart is set on something even bigger.
“If I could do anything, I would have a home for women who are on the street to get off the street,” stated Hill, after some consideration. “And I would develop programs.”
Hill is making meaningful inroads through her work with the Hope Street Team.
“The community connection is very important to me,” she said. “Building connections and relationships with people in the community … that’s such an important part of advocacy.”
The street team’s efforts include hygiene donation drives and collaborations with local organizations like the Native Friendship Centre, which Hill describes as “the hub for all hygiene items.”
The team is also looking ahead to future partnerships.
“We’re going to try to work together with outreaches,” she said, noting ongoing efforts to coordinate with Lloydminster and Vermilion for Equity’s (LVE) greenhouse project to help diversify food options for Lloydminster citizens.
Her path to leadership Hill’s path to becoming a community leader hasn’t been easy.
“The road has been challenging, lots of pain and growth. Lots of self-
improvement,” she reflected.
But she feels she’s landed exactly where she’s meant to be.
“I thought I would be a counsellor of some kind … psychology is my nature. So, I’m on track,” she said.
For Hill, giving back is about more than charity, it’s about rekindling values she feels have been lost.
“We need to model kindness, respect, connection, and helping each other. Trying to bring back some old-fashioned ideas, like helping your neighbour in need,” she said.
When asked about the best part of her day, Hill’s answer was simple and somewhat unexpected.
“Before I go to sleep,” she reflects, “ ‘ I did the best I could’ … It’s just that good feeling I did good today.”
Her favourite part of Lloydminster? Unsurprisingly, it’s her work with the street team and the unhoused members of the community.
However, being a woman who makes a difference comes with its own set of unique challenges.
“It comes with a lot of responsibility,” she said. “Sometimes we can be hard on ourselves for not being perfect, but I also know I don’t have to be perfect … just as long as I try to be the best I can be each day.”
She sees a need for broader community support, particularly for local helping agencies, and took time to praise Kagan Kneen and his team at the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter.
“They’ve really cleaned up that area and done a great job. I hope people can move on from what it was, see the potential and recognize the need a little bit,” she said.
Her commitment is personal, shaped by firsthand experience.
“It’s so important to me because I’ve experienced what it’s like to have a loved one out there,” she said. “Lost, affected by mental health and addiction. And there’s no support. There’s not enough support.”
Hill’s mission is clear: build a stronger, more compassionate community, one step at a time.
Whether it’s animals, or giving her time to the community, Taryn Schachtel is always ready to help.
She grew and still resides just outside of Lloydminster on a small farm with her family.
Growing up, she knew in some way she’d be working with animals.
“I decided that pretty young,” said Schachtel. “I love being on the farm, so it’s either farming or in something agriculture, and vet always came to the top.”
She left the area briefly to attend the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, deciding to return to the area post-grad.
“Family brought me back and we’re still close to the lakes and things to do,”
said Schachtel.
Shortly after graduating, she joined the team at the Lloydminster Animal Hospital.
“It’s a great work environment and the people are awesome around here,” said Schachtel.
As the practice began to grow, Schachtel was treating a mix of different animals.
“I started out doing a mix of everything,” she said. “I quite liked horses and cows, and it just evolved. Our practice has grown so much in that area. That’s pretty much all I do now, is horses.”
Eventually, she took on a much bigger role of vetting horses for the local chuckwagon events.
“The organizer was short on a vet. I started for a day, then it was two days, then it was a weekend, then it was the whole season,” said Schachtel.
Schachtel and Kimberley Dunsmore, one of her co-workers at the animal hospital, accepted the Roy Bremner Memorial award. The award is given to those who perform outstanding work in promoting and expanding the CPCA race season.
For Schachtel, it isn’t just her love for animals that drives her. It’s also her love of giving back.
“Whether you’re helping develop something in the community or helping somebody’s program, lots of kids’ events are fun for me, too. (I) just get a good feeling from it.”
Over time, the things she commits her time to have changed, as she is involved in organizations for her two children.
“Now it’s what my kids are doing, so coaching ball, helping with curling programs, 4-H, helped plan some of the NACC chuckwagon last year,” said Schachtel.
Her long list of volunteer efforts and extracurricular activities is accented by a love of curling.
“I started when I was in Grade 6. I just like the sport. It’s fun,” said Schachtel.
Competing at the Saskatchewan phase of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Schachtel won the Marj Mitchell Award for sportsmanship.
Schachtel continues her work with animals, in the community and on the ice.
It’s all about being confident, and for Donna Schmid, she’s found success by listening and learning.
Schmid grew up in Marwayne, eventually moving to Lloydminster for college. She attended Reeves College, where she received her accounting certificate.
Schmid took some time away from work after getting married and having her daughter, Kayleigh.
“I went back and started working for Dr. Bryson Rogers,” she said. “I worked for him for 19 years.”
Schmid ran the treatment centre for Dr. Rogers, who would come from Edmonton to do his work.
Eventually through her time working at Prairie Northern Health, she met Dr. Obafemi Ogunlewe.
“I was at that time employed by Prairie North and worked for specialists when they came into town,” said Schmid.
After some time, Dr. Ogunlewe left and decided to open his own office.
“I loved working for him, so I went with him, and the rest is history,” she said.
Now with Dr. Ogunlewe for 12 and a half years, Schmid runs the office.
The change in specialist field was a shock to her at the beginning.
“When I first got into it, I wasn’t sure if it was my choice of the medical field,” she said.
Eventually, she warmed up to the idea of working for an obstetrician and gynecologist.
“Wednesday is definitely my day,” she said.
“We have prenatal in and out all day. Some of them are onto their third baby. We’ve seen them for their other two. It becomes almost like family.”
Another passion of hers emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she found herself stuck at home.
“I knew by staying home I was going to go stir crazy. My husband went and found me end tables to paint,” said Schmid.
Her work was incredibly popular, taking up much of her free time. Eventually, she eased back her work.
Schmid still gave her back to the community as part of the Bordertown H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) chapter.
She was involved in the local toy run as a road captain.
“That’s pretty cool when you’re leading 140 bikes behind you,” she said.
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The greenhouse is full of beautiful locally grown hanging baskets and planters, flowers and vegetables, Proven Winner pot stuffers.
The group was an opportunity for her to help get women into riding.
“I was a new lady rider; I didn’t know anybody that rode. When I started in 2012 or 2013, there wasn’t a lot of women riders,” said Schmid. “I loved encouraging other women, ‘You can do this.’ ”
She enjoys riding with other women who share the same interest.
Schmid has some words of wisdom for those looking to do any pursuits.
“You don’t need to be the best at anything,” said Schmid. “I always think if you have confidence, and you’ve got two ears that are open and willing to listen and to learn, you will go up.”
Thursday, May 8, 2025
MERIDIAN SOURCE
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Go big or stay home.
That was the prevailing philosophy last weekend as the U18 AAA Lloydminster Lancers staged their spring identification camp at Servus Sports Centre. More than 100 elite hockey prospects participated in three days of practices and games, trying to
impress new coach Chris King and his assistants.
“We’ve got about 110 kids here this weekend, and then we’ve got probably 10 or 12 that aren’t here, so it’s a very large camp,” King said Sunday as players lined up for exit meetings with him.
“I’m starting fresh with this program. It’s like a retooling, so we want to look at as many guys as possible.”
After the weekend skates, King and his associates reduced the Lancers’ tryout roster to the 40-man range for spring and summer workouts, leading up to the main training camp Aug. 24-28.
The U18 AAA Lancers have nowhere to go but up in the Alberta Elite Hockey League. They finished last in the 16-team provincial league, posting just six wins and 15 points in 38 games.
“A lot,” a smiling King replied when asked what it would take to turn Lloyd into a competitive program. “I think they lacked a lot in goal-scoring, and they lacked a lot on team guys (who) are going to hold the culture and carry the water with the team.
“We’ve got to get better in all areas of the game. They took a lot of penalties (and) they didn’t score a lot of goals.”
Just six players are eligible to return to the Lancers, who are counting on young talent and a professional coach to kickstart their rebuild.
King, the former Lakeland College women’s basketball coach, is transitioning back to his minor hockey roots as the Kitscoty native takes over the Lancers. His assistant coaches are Riley Fletcher and Joe Gidari.
“We’re excited,” said King. “The demands that are going to be put on (the players) will be high, but I think they’re up for the challenge.”
The substantial roster turnover opens the door for U17 AAA graduates and a bumper crop of 2010-born prospects who played at the U15 AAA or
prep levels this past season.
The Lancers’ wish list includes hometown forward Tripp Fischer, the skilled Delta Hockey Academy captain projected to be an early selection in this week’s WHL draft. Fischer wasn’t at Lloyd’s ID camp because he was in Philadelphia for a top-prospects showcase.
As part of their rebuild, the Lancers hope to bring such bright prospects back home to Lloydminster for the coming season.
“That’s what we’re looking for, is these high-end, young kids coming back and being that staple of the Lancers hockey program,” said King, who anticipated “a handful of players” would sign commitments this week.
Another one of those local draft-eligible players warming up to the Lancers is Josh Frazer, an energetic forward who scored more than a point per game with the OHA Edmonton U15 prep team.
“Frazer is one of the ones that we want to be a part of the program,” said King. “An absolute buzzsaw. He’s all over the place. He’s undersized, he works hard, he’s a 200-foot player and has good hands.
“He was just around the puck all weekend. For someone his age to be super noticeable at this camp is impressive.”
Among other prospects from the 2010-born class, King was impressed with the likes of OHA Edmonton forward Kael Scott, along with U15 AAA Lancers defencemen Cobin Garnett and Peter Osman.
Carson Mazzei is a competitive junior golfer, but on the warmest weekend this spring, he found himself camped out at the rink.
He wouldn’t have it any other way.
Mazzei is an up-and-coming hockey player in Lloydminster, where he’s trying out for the U18 AAA Lancers.
With more than 100 players at their identification camp last weekend, the Lancers staged the first round of their tryout process. Afterward, they whittled the numbers down to the 40-man range.
Mazzei, a 17-year-old forward graduating from the U17 AAA Lancers, was generally satisfied with his performance against prospects from across the city and communities like Wainwright, Cold Lake and Bonnyville.
“I thought I did pretty good,” said Mazzei, a Grade 11 student at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School. “Maybe I wasn’t happy with one skate. But, overall, decent.”
New coach Chris King noted Mazzei made his presence felt during camp and showed the kind of leadership qualities the U18 Lancers want to espouse in the coming campaign.
Mazzei believes it comes with the pride of wearing a Lloyd jersey, just as he has done from his childhood as a Bobcat and through his teenage years as a Lancer.
“After the change to Lancers from Bobcats, it means a lot to have a Lancers logo and just to represent Lloydminster,” said Mazzei, whose favourite NHL team is the Pittsburgh Penguins.
As he lined up Sunday for a camp exit meeting with King, Mazzei sported a golf shirt and dress shorts, befitting a multi-sport athlete who has also stood out on the Maple Leaf Junior Golf tour and other circuits.
As the U18 Lancers try to become competitive in the Alberta Elite Hockey League, Mazzei wants to be a part of a culture change that emphasizes a commitment both on and off the ice.
“Absolutely,” he said. “Just making sure that everyone gets along. And not just on the ice, but every day in the community, just making sure you’re not doing wrong stuff.”
In their efforts to rebuild the program, the Lancers are banking on “good chemistry and working hard,” he said. “Maybe compared to Edmonton teams, we don’t have as many guys (to pick from), but I feel like if we work harder and play more physically, it runs them down and gets them tired.”
Mazzei and his buddies were a tired lot after three days of camp workouts at Servus Sports Centre. They won’t slow down in the off-season.
“I have to work hard this summer to get better,” said Mazzei, who scored 13 points, including 10 assists,
in 34 games during the past season.
“I golf a lot — I do tournaments — but I also make sure I’m working out and skating every week. Getting stronger, so I don’t get knocked off the puck.”
He makes the most of his five-footsix, 135-pound frame.
“I’m maybe not the biggest guy, but I try to use my speed,” said Mazzei, who gave a scouting report on his playing style.
“A pass-first mentality, a 200-foot player, with a decent D-zone (presence) to protect the front of the net and make plays in the O-zone.”
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