Meridian Source - October 2, 2025

Thursday, October 2, 2025

What’s inside

VOLUME 8 I ISSUE 15

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

Rustlers hockey to kick off season

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Lakeland College Rustlers face Red Deer on Friday.

20 Questions: Glenda Kay

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Lloydminster Catholic School Division director of education gives us the deets.

Junior B Bandits open in style

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Lloydminster Bandits defeat rival Wainwright Bisons twice.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event, hosted by the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre, drew a large crowd behind city hall for the Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source ceremonial walk. See pages 2 and 3 for more Truth and Reconciliation Day coverage.

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An orange sea of remembrance

Drummers played at the start of the ceremony before the opening prayer and the walk commenced. Christian Apostolovski MERIDIAN SOURCE CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

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A sea of orange shirts gathered behind Lloydminster City Hall on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday to recognize the impacts of residential school.

The event was hosted by the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre and was a chance to remember the children who didn’t make it home.

“Traditionally, it’s called Orange Shirt Day or Truth and Reconciliation Day,” said Deborah Munroe, Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre executive director. “It’s a day of awareness to let people know what Indigenous communities faced and the tragedy we went through in regards to the

residential school system.

“Today, we are honouring the children that we have lost to residential schools and the children who have survived and their families.”

A community walk took place before refreshments and speeches.

“We’re doing an honour walk today and then we have some speeches. We have two people that will share their personal story of their experience with residential schools,” said Munroe.

The event started with an opening prayer before the walk took place.

Support was available for those that might have felt overwhelmed.

“We have elders on hand. If you reach out to us and you’re feeling triggered, we can offer support,” said Munroe.

The day was well-attended, with more than 150 people taking in the event.

Onion Lake Cree Nation man receives leadership award CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

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An Onion Lake man is being honoured with a leadership award.

Vernon Lewis, a senior water treatment operator and resident of Onion Lake Cree Nation, is a recipient of the National First Nations Water Leadership Award.

The award highlights the critical role of water leadership in supporting the health and well-being of First Nations Communities.

“Things are moving fast these days, and the future of water treatment is getting more and more advanced, so it’s important for young people to step up and take the lead,” he said.

Lewis is a member of Onion Lake Cree Nation’s infrastructure team and has exceeded criteria for the award, according to Indigenous Services Canada.

Lewis is described as a dedicated mentor and knowledge keeper who works with students.

“I really enjoy helping train young people in my community and keeping them aware of what’s going on — they’re the future, and we need to support them,” he said.

Vernon Lewis with his award.

Photo courtesy Kristen Paige

Lewis was honoured at the Saskatchewan First Nations Water Association’s annual conference in Saskatoon on Sept. 23.

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LCSD plants seeds of culture, knowledge

Cynthia Young (bottom left, top right) answers questions about Indeginous history from students at St. Joseph’s elementary school on Sept. 22. See Page 17 for more photos. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

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Students at St. Joseph Elementary School consumed more than bannock and conversation last week; they also learned lessons in culture, reconciliation and community.

On Sept. 22, Lloydminster Catholic District School Board (LCSD) Indigenous Programming Co-ordinator Cynthia Young spent the afternoon sharing teachings with students as part of a fall celebration. The event mixed stories, questions and fresh bannock baked that morning.

“They ask about everything,” said Young.

“Treaties, hunting, even what goes into bannock.

I want little seeds planted in their minds so they want to learn more about Indigenous culture.”

Young said the goal is to build understanding early.

“If kids of all colours learn about one another at this age, they won’t see division later. It removes fear and replaces it with knowledge.”

The division continued its outreach at Weaver Heritage Park on Sept. 29 during the City’s Culture Days. Young reminded

students and families to wear orange shirts on Sept.

30 in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Day. “They need to know what it means, what it’s about and what we’re hoping for in the future, that we’re all friends and good neighbours who take care of one another,” she said.

Young also noted Catholic schools integrate reconciliation and faith into their teachings.

“We teach the golden rule: treat people the way you want to be treated. It’s about building community and showing love for one another.”

For Young, reconciliation is about answering

questions with honesty, planting knowledge and making sure students learn lessons for the future.

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Bonnyville Agricultural Society looks to future growth

A farmers market took place during the Bonnyville Fall Fair in September. Photo courtesy Bonnyville AG Society CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

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The Bonnyville Agricultural Society is celebrating a successful year and looking to continue the momentum into 2026.

The society has submitted a request for $20,000 in funding to council to be considered during the upcoming budget deliberations. It would support rodeo and chuckwagon weekend, along with the fall fair, in the form of an event grant. Various events are hosted by the AG Society at 4201 55 St.,

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where the rodeo grounds are located.

Corey Dows, president of the Bonnyville Agricultural Society, said this has been a very successful year.

“This year, we were very successful, first with our big event with rodeo and chuckwagons, went very well and we have just finished off our fall fair along with Indian relay,” he said, noting the fall fair being increased to two days worked out well.

A new initiative is in the works this year to start up a junior AG board. The board will feature participants from the ages of 14-21. With the goal being to build up board members and when they’re ready they can become a part of the AG society board. Dows says it’s a way for the board not to get stagnant.

There’re some big plans in the works in the near future for the society and its facilities.

“We’re also going to be talking about planning a three-to-five-year plan of building a new indoor arena,” said Dows. “That’s a big undergo that we’re going to take. To do that, we’re probably going to be coming to the town looking for permanent water and sewer. That’s one of the things that’s holding that’s us back right now from doing events are toilet rentals.

Septic emptying is over $30,000 a year right now. Just during the rodeo and chuckwagons, you’re looking at almost $20,000 just to have portable toilets.”

They might be welcoming a big event into Bonnyville next year.

“We’ve been asked to possibly host the Indian Relay finals next year,” said Dows. “We’ve been asked from a few different people from Kehewin (Cree Nation). They’re just checking to see if we’re going to ruffle feathers with other groups that would possibly want to do it.”

In November, they’re going to be hosting Empowering Minds, which is a provincewide mental health initiative.

Coming up in the new year, the AG society is looking to take part in the Alberta AG Society conference in February. Typically, a few of the board members go every year.

“We’re trying to convince more board members to go every year to attend.

There’s lots of learnings for all AG societies,” he said.

Coun. Brian McEvoy said he wasn’t surprised to hear about the need for utilities by the AG Society.

“You’re not surprising us saying, there’s going to come a time when we need to put water and sewer out there,” he said. “That’s something that’s been discussed many times over quite awhile.

“I do compliment you on what you’re doing out there.”

Dows was asked if the utilities are a necessity.

“If we want to have a riding arena out there, we’re going to need water and sewer,” he said. “It’s going to be very hard to do that without having that.

“We’d like to build a barn for the 4-H, so we can host the annual sale.”

Coun. Phil Kushnir says campgrounds are something the city is missing.

“That’s one thing that’s missing in our town, for sure. We have organizations but we have no places to put them, a lot of people camp,” he said, explaining there are grants through Travel Alberta they could apply for.

The item is expected to be considered as part of the coming budget deliberations.

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Petition aims to keep Canada united

Forever Canada canvasser Richard Starke gathers signatures at the Border City Farmers Market at the Servus Sports Centre. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

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Lloydminster residents who reside in Alberta can add their names to the Forever Canadian petition aimed at keeping Canada united.

Border City-based campaigner Richard Starke said the Forever Canadian petition has seen strong local interest. Signing sessions are held on Thursday afternoons from noon to 5 p.m. at the Border City Farmers Market and Saturday sessions will start in October, pending volunteer availability.

“So far, signature collection is going well and the response has been very positive,” said Starke.

“People are reaching out, asking where and how they can sign.”

The campaign strives to collect a minimum of 300,000 signatures to trigger a provincewide referendum to keep Alberta in Canada.

Thomas Lukaszuk is the leader of the petition initiative and said more than 5,000 canvassers have registered across the province, with about 70 more joining each day.

“If each canvasser collects 70 or 75 signatures, we’ll surpass 300,000,” said Lukaszuk, who is also a former deputy premier for Alberta.

The petition asks a single, straightforward question: “Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?”

Lukaszuk said clarity is essential to avoid the

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confusion seen in previous referendums. He noted that, as it stands, only one question can be posed on the issue at a time. However, courts are currently reviewing that principle.

Lukaszuk also warned of the potential issues organizers of other questions have yet to address if Alberta were to separate.

He highlighted the impacts on international trade, federal funding, policing, education, border patrol and the military. He also pointed specifically to border communities like Lloydminster, that already straddle the AlbertaSaskatchewan border, saying any change would make daily life more complex.

“Residents here live under a unique arrangement and any change would complicate everything from schooling to infrastructure,” he said.

The campaign is operating under the previous rules, which require 10 per cent of eligible voters to participate within 90 days, despite changes made by the current provincial government to make triggering a referendum easier.

Starke and Lukaszuk said they are confident local support will help them meet their target ahead of the Oct. 28 deadline.

Starke encouraged residents to visit the Farmers Market signing tables, and noted the petition is an opportunity for Albertans to have their voices heard in a debate that could shape the province’s future.

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Health-care leaders from across both provinces attended a community health night on Sept. 18 at the Legacy Centre. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE

Community forum highlights frustration, progress DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

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A community health forum in Lloydminster on Sept. 18 highlighted both progress and frustration as residents pressed officials on long-standing gaps.

Health leaders highlighted significant advancements in staffing and service delivery. Julia Pemberton, vice-president at the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), told the crowd of about 200 that investments are paying off.

“In mental health and addiction, we’ve made additional investments,” said Pemberton. “We’ve made an additional $4 million in the mental health and addiction space in this community, and services have really expanded with that investment.”

Other officials described gains in chemotherapy relocation, patient flow management and cross-border collaboration. Pemberton said feedback from the advisory councils is helping guide change.

“Your input helps inform our decisions,” said Pemberton. “It ensures that services reflect what the community actually needs.”

But alongside praise came tough questions. Coun. Michele Charles Gustafson pressed officials on a health-needs assessment intended to identify gaps and inform budget allocation.

“Will you come back to listen to the community once it’s complete?” asked Gustafson.

Derek Miller, SHA vice-president of Integrated Rural Health, says they will return with the assessment, calling it a foundation for future planning, but offered no timeline for change.

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We’ve made an additional $4 million in the mental health and addiction space in this community, and services have really expanded with that investment.

The response drew some unease as residents questioned how many years before they’d see concrete results.

Questions about mental health investment drew an even sharper focus, with attendees inquiring why acute stabilization beds are not available in local hospitals.

Pemberton admitted while staffing has grown, acute inpatient care remains unavailable.

Joanne Lambert, interim chief zone officer with Alberta Health Services, addressed concerns about long-term care. She explained Alberta is shifting new construction to private operators, while Saskatchewan projects hinge on the upcoming assessment and provincial budgets.

Officials also faced challenges with technology, with residents noting the lack of integrated patient records making it difficult to move across provincial lines.

Paul Richer, chair of the Lloydminster and District Health Advisory Council, stated the gap adds stress to both families and health-care providers. Miller agreed integration remains a long-term goal.

“There are multiple legacy systems,” he said. “Full compatibility is not something that can happen overnight.”

The meeting also touched on transparency. Miller noted that residents will need to contribute financially if they want major facility expansions, such as a new Jubilee Home.

“There’s an 80 per cent government, 20 per cent local municipal share for any major public projects,” said Miller. “The hard part is, there haven’t been any decisions around the replacement of Jubilee (Home) or expansion. So, we don’t have any decision or direction.”

Despite the hard questions, the night was not without optimism.

Residents applauded the staff’s dedication and the commitment of the panelists, who had travelled long distances to attend.

Still, Gustafson’s comments on the needs assessment lingered. It’s considered essential for building new facilities and expanding services. As the evening drew to a close, residents left with mixed feelings.

Miller acknowledged there’s still work to do.

“We also know there is more to do,” he said.

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Bonnyville mayor acclaimed

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Municipal elections heat up in Vermilion, Bonnyville CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

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Almost a month out from the municipal elections in Alberta, the Town of Bonnyville has its first winner, with sitting Mayor Elisa Brosseau returning to her post.

Brosseau was acclaimed as no one else put their name forward for the top spot.

Of the council hopefuls, there are currently eight running for just six seats.

All six sitting councillors, Kayla Blanchette, Byron Johnson, Philip Kushnir, Neil Langridge, Brian McEvoy and David Sharun, have put their names forward hoping to win their seats back.

Two new challengers have put their names forward hoping to get one of the eight seats. Christine (Tina) Michaud and Caitlyn Bush are also on the ballot for the Oct. 20 election.

Advanced voting will be located at council chambers in town hall on Oct. 9, 11, 15 and 18 with hours expected to be released soon.

Election day voting will take place at the Bonnyville Seniors Drop-In Centre from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

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The Town of Vermilion election is heating up as there’s a three-way race for mayor and 10 candidates for the council position.

The currently vacant mayor’s seat in the town has two current councillors, Robert Snow and Robert Pulyk, and one newcomer, Richard Yaceyko looking to fill it.

On the councillor side, putting their name forward to retain their seat

Bonnyville Mayor Elisa Brosseau. File photo

are Paul Conlon, Kevin Martin and Kirby Whitlock. New candidates include Justin Clark, Richard Lavoie, Sherry Martin, Bruce MacDuff, Kellen Snelgrove, Erwin Warkentin and Darla Yonkman.

Prospective councillors will be vying for one of six seats, with at least three new faces heading to the council chambers.

Advanced voting is scheduled for Oct. 14 from 2-4 p.m. at the Town of Vermilion administration office.

Election day is Oct. 20 and residents can only vote at their designated voting location.

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Rustlers women’s hockey back on ice this weekend

Photo courtesy of the Lloydminster Fire Department

Fire department rebrands, announces open house DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

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The Lloydminster Fire Department has adopted a new name that it says better reflects daily activities.

The refreshed identity of Lloydminster Fire Rescue will be on display during the department’s open house Oct. 8 at Fire Station 2, located on 59 Ave., as part of Fire Prevention Week. New branding, including badges on vehicles, uniforms and educational materials, will be rolled out over the coming weeks.

Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers said the change highlights how the department’s work extends beyond fire suppression.

“These services often go unnoticed until they are needed most, and any thriving community depends on a strong and versatile department,” said Aalbers, noting the department offers vital rescue services to the city.

Fire Chief Bill Heesing said the updated name reflects an all-hazards approach to emergency response. He noted that crews regularly respond to alarm calls, motor vehicle collisions, hazardous materials incidents and ice and water rescues, in addition to fires.

“Our role extends well beyond fire prevention and suppression,” said Heesing.

Heesing added the department recently formalized an agreement with Alberta Health Services to provide medical co-response with ambulances in the city.

Next Wednesday’s open house at Fire Station 2 runs from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Activities will include fire hose target shooting, a fire extinguisher simulator, a colouring contest, a bouncy house and vehicle tours.

The topic of this year’s Fire Prevention week is, charge into fire safety: lithium batteries in your home. Lloyd Fire Rescue will provide resources on the safe use, storage and disposal of batteries.

Meridian Source file photo MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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The Lakeland College Rustlers women’s hockey team is back on the ice this weekend for its home-opener against the Red Deer College Queens.

Coming off a championship near-perfect 23-2 season at the Russ Robertson Arena, the Rustlers are excited about their new home in the Co-op community arena at the new Cenovus Energy Hub. Despite the absence of top-scorer Hailey Carothers on this year’s roster, the Rustlers seem to already be firing on all cylinders. The girls recently completed a 9-1 preseason, with the only loss coming at the hands of the Team Saskatchewan U18 squad. The Rustlers scored 51 goals and allowed 15 in 10 games.

The puck drops at the Co-op community rink at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, before the Rustlers head to Edmonton to face the NAIT Ooks on Oct. 4.

Friday’s home-opener will also feature a by-donation barbecue from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. by the Lloydminster and District Co-op, with proceeds supporting the team.

The girls are back in action for a three-peat home weekend from Oct. 17 to Oct. 19 to host the Old College Broncos. The puck drops at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets for home games are available at the door and are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and kids.

PAGE 10 Thursday, October 2, 2025 MERIDIAN SOURCE

5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2A4 Phone: 306-825-5111 | Fax: 306-825-5147 meridiansource.ca Mail: Box 2454, Lloydminster, SK S9V 1W5 Hours: 8AM to 5PM Monday to Friday The MERIDIAN SOURCE is published once a week, on Thursday.

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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 sports@meridiansource.ca Staff Writer Christian Apostolovski christian@meridiansource.ca Staff Writer Dan Gray dan.gray@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Bailey Keebaugh bailey@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Steph Hablado steph@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Maxine Lebo maxine@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Ruzaan du Plooy ruzaan@meridiansource.ca Publisher: Reid Keebaugh Distribution: distribution@meridiansource.ca CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING admin@meridiansource.ca NEWSPAPER DELIVERY If you’ve missed a paper, to start or stop delivery, or for carrier applications, please call 306-825-5111 for information.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We welcome letters to the editor. Letters should be 500 words or less. A name and daytime phone number is required for verification.

Priority will be given to letters exclusively written for the Meridian Source. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, 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

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Viewpoint Letter to the editor ...

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am writing to raise serious concerns about the increasing use of the traffic circle in our residential neighborhood of 40 St. and 41 Ave. by heavy-duty trucks.

These vehicles frequently use the circle as a turnaround point to rejoin the highway.

This has created a highly-unsafe situation for local families.

Our community is home to many children who play and walk near the circle, as well as school buses that pass through daily.

The size and speed of these trucks make the area

dangerous, and the risks are more than theoretical — I have personally had to pick up pieces of steel that flew off a passing truck and landed on the road.

The potential for tragedy is clear.

I strongly urge the city to take a closer look at this issue, monitor the area and consider measures to redirect truck traffic away from our residential streets. The safety of our children, families and school buses must come first.

Sincerely, A concerned mother and resident

Local athlete wins Special Olympics Truth and Reconciliation T-shirt design contest MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Special Olympics Lloydminster Affiliate athlete Dylan Tracey was all smiles on Monday, Sept. 29, after learning he won the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation T-shirt design contest.

Sydney Lacoste (pictured left) presented Tracey wit h a shirt wit h his design on it, as well as a special blanket to commemorate the occasion.

According to Tracey’s grandmother, Wendy, he was also supposed to receive a $100 Tim Hortons gift card, but since he waited so long to receive the shirt, Special Olympics decided a cheque for $200 was more fitting.

The contest called for participants to design 100 per cent original T-shirts for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

Tracey’s design will be used as the official Special Olympics Truth and Reconciliation next year.

Good job, Dylan!

Special Olympics Lloydminster Affiliate programming is back in action with weekly bowling nights at Lloyd Lanes, as well as walks at the Servus Sports Centre’s indoor track.

Photo courtesy of Chelsey Mader

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Opinion

Chris’ A-Z: A community pillar has fallen I write quite often about community pillars and local leaders of the past.

It’s important sometimes to take a step back and also look at where we are today. Whether we like to admit it or not, every single day history is being made. People are putting themselves at the forefront and trying to make change.

Graham Brown was one of those Lloydminster staples that was leading the charge forward looking to better the living situation of seniors in the area, hoping he could create a future where none had to be moved outside of Lloyd for long-term care.

Brown came to Canada from England when he was just three years old.

He grew up in Cut Knife, Sask. Graham met his wife Joan Shortell when he was 19 years old and eventually the pair moved to Lloydminster in 1976.

They moved to Lloyd to be a part of the family business, Broadcast Centre, working alongside Mary Shortell and brother-in-law Ken Ruptash.

They worked to build up CKSA/CITL TV and the radio station.

He was heavily involved in the community. He took on the role in the mid-80s as the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce president. He was a member of the Lakeland College Advisory Group, Lloydminster Economic

Development Authority and Lions Club.

He received the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Medal in 2023 from Alberta.

Most recently, he was involved in the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Senior Care Society.

When he was moving into his role as president with the chamber of commerce, he looked at the chance of having Lakeland College in the community as “every bit as important as the upgrader.”

“More students means more buildings,” said Brown.

Of course, the college would open in 1990, bringing with it the more buildings Brown prophesized.

I still remember when Graham came to present about a new Jubilee Home in front of council May 12. He came to talk about his letterwriting campaign hoping to elevate his message and get it in front of the Saskatchewan legislature to draw attention to the need.

He was sharp, he was clear and his message was powerful. He packed the house with other seniors there to support his cause. I’ve heard from others in the community that losing Brown is a sudden and profoundly sad loss.

He passed away Sept. 9 at the age of 74 and will be remembered for his work in the community. Most importantly, he’ll be remembered as someone who cared for his family and friends. He was a community pillar pushing to make things better, a difficult task in a city dominated by provincial squabbling and rules that hurt us more than help us.

Until next time, thanks for everything, Graham.

Gray Matters: Dangerous delays cause concern

away because two provinces cannot get their act together on emergency medical services.

Tick, tock, tick, tock. If Aug. 14 was not the wake-up call, what will be?

On Aug. 14, a collision in Lloydminster left an RCMP member and a civilian waiting 30 minutes for an ambulance. Yes, you read that right, 30 minutes!

Thankfully, the injuries weren’t serious. But in a life-and-death situation, that might as well be a lifetime. The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) insists it is focused on “timely response.”

Their explanation for the wait? They did have two staffed ambulances on the Sask. side of Lloydminster. However, one was tied up on another call, and the other was on a mandatory rest period (is that really staffed then?). Prairie EMS was unable to send help, so a unit had to be called from Alberta.

Another collision, a four-vehicle pileup just last week, left victims waiting more than 20 minutes. This is not just Lloydminster’s problem, either.

In Edmonton last weekend, paramedics screenshotted their available ambulances at 9 a.m. on a Saturday: only 67 per cent staffed. None available to respond during a critical alert. It is one of many troubling examples.

That is not “timely.” That is dangerous.

Behind closed doors, SHA and WPD Lloydminster are locked in arbitration over who delivers ambulance service. The hearing wrapped on Aug. 8. Until an arbitrator rules, the contract limps along. In the meantime, Medavie and Prairie EMS are supposed to provide “support.” On paper, fine. On the ground, people wait.

Look at the numbers. Alberta’s Reporting and Learning System, where paramedics document harm caused by delays, shows reports tied to response times projected to hit their highest level since 2018. Paramedics say the system is underused because delays have become routine. That is how normalized the danger is. AHS, meanwhile, just signed a co-response deal with Lloydminster Fire Rescue. If staffing levels are strong, why lean on firefighters to plug the gap? I asked AHS for Lloydminster staffing numbers. Silence.

This week in Onion Lake, a patient who could have potentially needed STARS air ambulance ended up with an ambulance dispatched from Lloydminster. More delay. More risk.

Living on the border means we have two health systems, AHS and SHA, trying to piece together patchwork solutions. When you dial 911, you might even be bounced between two dispatch centres.

Imagine wasting minutes while dispatchers figure out which province you are standing in and which ambulance, if any, to send.

Let me be clear: I know many and respect all the front-line paramedics in this community. This is not their fault. It is above them.

SHA can issue polished statements. AHS can stonewall questions. Politicians can duck responsibility. But here is the bottom line: lives are being gambled

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 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.

Passport to YLL To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147

Cards, games, food, meetings, live music Bingo at the Moose Lodge Bingo is back at the Moose Lodge! Bingo is every Monday and Wednesday evening. Doors open at 5 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. Must be 18 to play.

Hillmond Turkey Supper Hillmond’s turkey supper is being held on Oct. 5 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hillmond Hall. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for students aged six to 12 and preschoolers are free.

Jess Moskaluke at the Vic Juba Theatre Jess Moskaluke’s Life for Me Tour takes the stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 each and available at the theatre box office or online at vicjubatheatre.ca Jubilee Fall Tea The Jubilee Home, located at 3902 45 Ave., is hosting a fall tea and bake sale on Oct. 9 from 2-4 p.m. Bring your own bag and be entered into a draw!

Everyone welcome!

October Supper/Dance The Legacy Centre is hosting a supper and dance on Oct. 10. Doors open and dancin’ at 5 p.m. and supper is at 6 p.m. Dance the evening away to the music of Gord Cormier (from Newfoundland/Labrador). Advance tickets only, cost is $35/person. Please purchase tickets at the Legacy Centre office at 5101-45 St. or reserve tickets by calling 780-875-4584. All members and guests welcome.

Luke Combs UK Tribute at the Vic Juba Luke Combs UK Tribute is coming to the Vic Juba Community Threatre on Saturday, Oct. 11, for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $54 and available at the Vic

Juba box office or online at vicjubatheatre.ca.

Doubles Cribbage Tournament The Lloydminster Moose Lodge, located at 5213 57 St., is hosting a doubles cribbage tournament on Oct. 11. Registration is from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. and play begins at 10 a.m. Twelve games guaranteed and the cost to play is $25 per person, which includes lunch. Enter as a team or an individual (we will team you up). Entries close on Thursday, Oct. 9. Call Bruce at 780-522-6972 to register.

Pioneer Lodge Auxilliary Fall Tea The Pioneer Lodge Auxilliary is hosting a fall tea on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Pioneer Lodge. Bake sale starts at 1p.m. and the tea is from 1:30-3 p.m.

Admission is $5.

Spades Tournament The Legacy Centre is hosting a spades tournament on Oct. 16. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost is $10/person to play and $12/person for lunch. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more details.

Blackfoot Beef Supper The Blackfoot beef supper, sponsored by the Blackfoot Community Hall Association, is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 19, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Blackfoot Hall. Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for kids six to 12 or $60 for a family (max two adults and four kids from the same family).

Islay Jamboree The Islay Jamboree is scheduled for Oct. 19 at the Islay Community Hall.

Admission is $15 and free for participants. Everyone welcome and lunch will be served. For more information, call Dixie at 780-744-2204.

The Hip Experience at the Vic Juba The Hip Experience - A Tribute to the Tragically Hip, hits the stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $43 and available online or at the Vic Juba box office.

Legacy Centre Cribbage Doubles Tournament The Legacy Centre is hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on Oct. 23. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost is $10/person to play and $12/person for lunch.

Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more details.

Elenee featuring Kaégan at the Vic Juba Community Theatre Lloydminster-based multi-award-winning and JUNO-nominated Christian/ gospel artist, songwriter, and producer Elenee Young, who goes by Elenee professionally, takes the stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre with special guest Kaégan on Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available online or at the Vic Juba box office.

Women’s Sask Curling Tour in Lloydminster The Women’s Sask Curling Tour is coming to Lloydminster from Oct. 24 to 26. Lloyd will host 16 of the top women’s curling teams in Alberta and Saskatchewan. All games will be held at the Lloyd Curling Club. Free admission.

Amateur Basic Radio Course The SaskAlta Amateur Radio Club is putting on a basic radio training course from Oct. 25, 2025, to April 25, 2026, in Vermilion. Training will be held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and there will be a Christmas/new year break. The location of the classroom is to be determined. Visit them on Facebook or at www.saskaltarc.ca for full details.

Marwayne Fall Supper The Marwayne fall supper is scheduled for Oct. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Marwayne Community Hall. The supper includes turkey, ham and the trimmings. Cost is $20 for adults, $5 for kids six to 12 and kids under five are free.

Cash or debit accepted.

One-Day Shopping Trip The Legacy Centre is hosting a one-day shopping trip to Edmonton on Dec. 1. Cost is $60/person for a day at Kingsway Mall or West Edmonton Mall, take your pick! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for details.

Thursday, October 2, 2025

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Celebrating 100 years with a spot of tea Dozens joined the United Church Women for tea on Sept. 27 to celebrate 100 years of the United Church of Canada.

Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE photos

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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The United Church Women celebrated the 100year anniversary of the United Church of Canada with a centennial tea last Saturday.

The tea was held at Grace United Church and attendees were encouraged to dress their best and wear hats from the past century.

Many were seen sporting hats passed down through generations or their very own from

weddings of the past. Thanks to the contributions of a couple women bringing their collections, most attendees wore a hat.

“It was so great to see everyone dressed up, visiting and enjoying the tea and dainties provided,” said Grace United Church’s Cheryl Day. The women of the local congregation have been active since 1903 when the Barr Colonists arrived in Lloydminster.

More at meridiansource.ca

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Thursday, October 2, 2025

Homestead’s Pumpkin Fest brings

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

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Families flocked to Six Acre Homestead north of Kitscoty on Sept. 27 to celebrate fall at the annual Pumpkin Fest.

The event drew hundreds of people for a day centred around community and family and featured more than 3,000 pumpkins in addition to games, activities and vendors offering food and crafts.

Co-owner Ryley Gilbertson said the festival has grown from a small idea into a yearly tradition.

“We can grow the pumpkins, but everybody shows up. That’s what it’s all about,” he said.

Gilbertson and his wife, Amanda, started planting pumpkins a few years ago and quickly realized there was more demand than originally expected.

Familes from all over took part in the festivities.

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family together for fun and games

That led to Pumpkin Fest, which now attracts families from across the region.

This year, visitors could try bowling with squash, a tick-tack-toe game using pumpkins and peruse the flower-picking area in addition to choosing their own pumpkins and gourds.

Gilbertson credited community support for making the event possible, noting the work of volunteers, service groups and local businesses. He said the festival has become more than just a farm event, describing it as a way to give back while creating a place for families to connect.

“It’s about fun, gratitude and community spirit,” he said, noting they plan to continue building the festival as long as people continue to show up.

“We started with a few pumpkins and a small idea,” he said. “Now, it’s a day that brings everybody together. That’s something we’re thankful for.”

U-pick flowers and a maze were just a few of the activities featured at the event. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE

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Thursday, October 2, 2025

City continues stormwater upgrades CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

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The City of Lloydminster continues efforts to improve Lloydminster’s stormwater system.

Council heard the presentation at the Sept. 22 regular council meeting. It includes stormwater upgrades in the Parkview Estates area off 75 Ave. A tender will be put out to find a contractor to complete the work, which aims to upgrade drainage infrastructure through storm-sewer installation. The total budget for the project is $951,455, with a portion of the budget coming from the decommitting of funding from another project.

“It’s money that was committed to a project that came in under budget.

Now, money that was originally budgeted can go to Project B,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers.

Council approved a pair of motions, the first was to decommit funding from the 75 Ave. east ditch drainage project.

“So, we’ve taken the first motion. We’re going to take it and bring it back into the reserve,” said Aalbers. “The second motion asked for the money to come out of that reserve.”

The first motion will see $550,000 decommitted from the 75 Ave. project, which came in under budget. The second motion commits that money to the Parkview project.

The other portion of funding comes from the sale of city land and building reserve in the amount of $401,455.

Image of construction area. City of Lloydminster photo

Future scopes of work will include the asphalt concrete pavement walking trails, landscaping and plantings.

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Lloydminster Exhibition goes to the dogs

Almost 200 dogs packed the far end of the Lloyd Ex for the 36th annual LKOC dog show.

Samantha Dobler presented her rare Japanese Spitz dogs at the show. She is one of two Dan Gray Meridian Source photos breeders in Canada for the breed.

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Thursday, October 2, 2025

Word on the beat: policing decisions Staff Sgt. JERRY NUTBROWN SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE

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Recently, the F Division (Saskatchewan) RCMP motorcycle enforcement team was in the city conducting traffic enforcement. Drivers in the city were making it easy for them, as officers had no trouble finding traffic offences being committed.

An event such as this spins up social media with people warning others about extra police presence in the city or to voice their support or displeasure with the officer’s actions. Some of the displeasure was directed at our elected officials, which is off the mark. Fact: when these officers come to town, driving improves in the city, reducing risk!

So, here is the information/education piece these columns are intended to provide.

Voice your objections to those who matter if you want to be heard. I would suggest, for the most part, complaints on social media don’t really go anywhere but some posters will get an electronic rub on the back in support of their complains. A ticket being issued means the officer had reasonable and probable grounds to believe an offence was committed and there is a dispute process for that.

Be advised, city administration and elected officials do not direct policing actions, so please do not blame them for getting a traffic ticket. The city got safer for a few days, so how can anyone not support that?

Who can someone blame for laws that they don’t agree with? The answer, the public at large, via our elected officials responsible for the specific law.

Keeping this in mind, whichever level of government created the law, is

the one to communicate with about it. If it’s a City of Lloydminster bylaw in question, then a person would go through the proper channels with the city to address it. Generally, the person would either contact an elected official or go through city administration.

If it’s a provincial law, then your provincial process would be the way to go and this would be through your area’s elected MLA. If it’s a federal law, then your elected MP would be the way to address it.

Police utilize laws and authorities created by every level of government.

As elected officials represent the public at large, they are responsible for creating, modifying or repealing laws within their authorities.

Policing agreements and contracts are in place that formalize a police service to act in a specific area to conduct policing activities. Within these agreements, the types of duties to be performed, including traffic safety, are included. These agreements do not direct police as the Lloydminster city council doesn’t direct day-to-day or other enforcement operations. That is up to the police of jurisdiction.

The city is involved in identifying policing priorities and then the local police of jurisdiction set goals and initiatives on those priorities. Traffic is a priority.

Please come out to the next town hall meeting on policing being scheduled for this fall. You can get details on the current priorities and have input on next year’s priorities. It’s much more effective than a social media post.

Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbown is the NCO in charge of the Lloydminster RCMP detachment’s General Investigation Section. Stay tuned for future columns from the Lloydminster RCMP.

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Culture Days focuses on Truth and Reconciliation

The City of Lloydminster hosted Cultural Connections at Weaver Heritage Park on Sept. 29 and 30 as part of Culture Days events.

The annual event was a chance for people to learn about Indigenous culture.

Students from throughout the Border City attended to interact with Elders, enjoy Bannock and take part in hair and tipi teachings.

Dan Gray Meridian Source photos

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Thursday, October 2, 2025

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 Catholic School Division director of education Glenda Key! If you didn’t do what you do for a living, what would you be doing?

I would be a travel agent and help people seek exciting adventures.

It’s Sunday morning, what are you having for breakfast?

A poached egg, toast and a coffee.

If you could see one concert, what would it be?

Taylor Swift, she knows how to put on a show!

If you could have one super power, what would it be?

I would grant one wish to every person!

What was your childhood celebrity crush?

Rob Lowe.

What is your favourite TV show?

Melrose Place (without the drama) ... wouldn’t that be a great place to live?

What’s your dream car?

I enjoy the 2023 LT1 Camaro convertible, but I still dream of a Lexus SC 430.

What’s your fast-food guilty pleasure?

A hot dog or movie-theatre popcorn.

Last book you couldn’t put down?

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine (Lynne and Valerie) How do two sisters write one book?

Glenda Kay. Photo courtesy of the LCSD

Which person, alive or dead, would you like to have dinner with?

Carlo Acutis.

Setting an alarm to go to bed … or I stay up too late.

What’s the one thing you haven’t done that you’d love to do?

What’s currently playing in your car or on your smartphone right now?

I would like to drive through New Brunswick in the fall.

What’s the best thing about Lloydminster?

The people and our sense of community.

If we’re buying, you’re having ....

Steak, steamed veggies and a martini.

What’s your favourite vacation destination?

Anywhere with a palm tree…

Hawaii, Palm Springs, Mexico.

Who hasn’t had a crush on Rob Lowe?

What’s your weirdest habit?

Who’s your hero?

My parents.

Classic Rock or a Keith Morrison Dateline podcast.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Someone sharpening a pencil while I am talking.

What are your words to live by?

Be a lifelong learner.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

The 2013 Lloydminster Muck Run and the fire hose (IYKYK).

More at meridiansource.ca

PAGE 21 Thursday, October 2, 2025 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sports

Here they go again

Bandits work overtime to corral Bisons — twice JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

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The Lloydminster Bandits made an emphatic early statement as they opened their Northeastern Alberta Junior B Hockey League regular season in style.

In a rematch of last season’s finalists, the Bandits defeated the perennial-champion Wainwright Bisons twice last weekend — 3-2 in overtime Saturday at Lloydminster and 4-3 in a shootout the night before at Wainwright.

When long-serving captain Joel Webb scored with two minutes remaining in overtime Saturday, the Bandits capped a perfect script for their first official game at their fancy new home, the Cenovus Energy Hub. “It’s definitely not gone unnoticed that it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to play here and to have our own (dressing) room,” said Lloyd coach Josh Dudding. “The boys can’t be more excited, with a good crowd in our first game.”

In front of 600-plus fans, the Bandits delivered the goods in their Hub debut, rising to the occasion after the pesky Bisons forced OT on a Tanner Werenka goal with just five minutes left in regulation time.

Wainwright has set the league’s standard in the past decade, so even September victories over the Bisons are cause for celebration.

“We’ve matched up against these guys for the last few years and it’s always been a battle,” said Dudding, whose Bandits lost to their rivals in a six-game final last March.

“They’ve been the best team for the last eight years in a row, so whenever you can get one past them, it’s a big accomplishment. I like it.

“It’s a little bit of a personal thing for me, as well.

I played my junior years in Wainwright, so it’s a little bit of a second home for me. But it’s always good to get the win.”

A week earlier, Wainwright opened its season with a 2-1 loss to the visiting Vermilion Tigers.

SETTING THE TONE The intensity and physicality exhibited this past weekend would indicate the Lloyd-Wainwright rivalry is alive and well.

Webb, a fourth-year forward now in his third season as the Bandits’ captain, can appreciate the heated hockey between the relatively close neighbours, at least geographically.

“It’s nice to set an environment in this building,” said Webb, 21. “There’s no culture here (in the Hub) yet, and it’s nice to set the tone coming out of the gates. That’s two wins against — it sucks to talk about it — the team that beat us in the finals last year. But a little animosity between us, and that helps to bring out the energy when it comes to big moments like overtime tonight and the shootout like it was (Friday).

“You can tell that we played each other in the finals last year, because that intensity is still there.

Even though we’re still getting started, maybe a little bit out of shape, but that intensity

The Bisons’ Ryker Singer and the Bandits’ Cayden Wildeman face off in the first official junior B game at the Hub. John MacNeil Meridian Source is still there. Guys want it as badly as ever.”

Webb wanted the puck on his stick in OT and rookie Cohen Aultman obliged with a deft pass to set up the winning goal. Maddux Woodbury also assisted on the game-ending play.

“You just start seeing red in a moment like that,” Webb said. “You see the play forming and I just took off and was screaming for it. Cohen made a great pass. From there, it was all eyes to the net.”

Webb sprung loose and broke in alone to beat Bisons goaltender Ryder Zubiak high on the blocker side.

“I’ve missed more than my fair share of breakaways in this league, so I’m happy to say I’ve learned a thing or two,” said a smiling Webb, nearing the 200-point mark in his junior B career.

Webb even played a couple of games with the Bisons a few years ago as he graduated from U18 AAA hockey. He also had stints with Saskatchewan junior A teams before settling in with the Bandits at home in Lloydminster.

He leads a captaincy group that includes fellow overagers Jayden Plamondon and Kade Dennett, along with 19-year-old forward Corvan Stewart.

Veteran goaltender Shea Stewart — Corvan’s older brother — rounds out Lloyd’s four overagers, or 2004-born players.

“For me, I came up with the 04 group, as I call them, so this is the first year where that group is now overagers, and we can only carry four,” said Dudding, who spent two years as an assistant coach before becoming head coach last season.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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Sponsored by:

(780) 874-0554 Reinhart Business Park, Highway 16, RR14 PO Box 10603 Lloydminster AB, T9V 3A7

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SPORTS — JUNIOR B HOCKEY

Thursday, October 2, 2025

‘You can’t ask for a better first weekend’ BANDITS OPEN SEASON FROM PAGE 21

“We have 15 new guys in that room, so we’ve had quite the changeover, and it was nice to have some time (in the pre-season) for the guys to gel and kind of get the season going.

“You can’t ask for a better first weekend. The Bandits this year are going to be a hard-working, hard-nosed team, for sure.”

The Bandits showed that tenacity when it counted most in Saturday’s clash at the Hub. Jace Gunderson was one of those warriors, blocking a shot that stung in overtime. Gunderson also was roughed up early in the third period — when Bisons catalyst Ryker Singer was penalized for charging — but the Lloyd veteran bounced back and threw a big hit in the late going.

The Bandits were shorthanded for the first minute of overtime as Bronson Parker’s hooking penalty carried over from the third.

Parker, on the power play, and Adryan Bugiera also scored for Lloydminster. Bugiera and Dennett each had two-point nights for the Bandits, while rookie goaltender Haden Heide made 28 saves to post his second win in as many days.

The Bisons’ Zubiak blocked 29 shots in Saturday’s game.

Wainwright forward Braden Aker scored the game-opening goal on a first-period power play, writing history as the first junior B scorer at the Hub. Later in the period, Parker netted Lloyd’s initial goal in the new arena.

Haden Heide brings junior A experience to his new team, the junior B Lloydminster Bandits.

John MacNeil Meridian Source

LOCAL BOY HEIDE A NET GAIN In making a favourable first impression as a Bandit, hometown netminder Heide showed he was fresh from a junior A tryout with the Waywayseecappo Wolvernies in Manitoba. Not to mention his experience from last season in British Columbia with the KIJHL’s Chase Heat and Castlegar Rebels, and previously with the AJHL’s Lloydminster Bobcats.

“He’s a heckuva goalie,” Dudding said of the 19-year-old Heide. “He’s had some junior A experience in the last season and decided he wanted to come home and play. We were more than happy to see him come home. He grew up playing with a lot of guys in that room, so he’s a familiar face. He’s definitely a great goalie.

“So, now we pair him with Shae (Stewart), an overager. This is Shae’s fourth season. We feel we’ve got one heck of a one-two punch in net.”

Heide’s on-ice readiness contributed to the Bandits’ decision to start him in both games last weekend.

“He’s been on the ice a ton over the summer,” Dudding said. “That’s why we went with Heide for the weekend.

“Shae and Corvan are big farmers (near Spiritwood, Sask.). Shae hasn’t had the opportunity to be on the ice as much as he probably would like, being in a combine and things like that. It’s a big operation for a 21-year-old kid. All the props to him.”

Parker, a defenceman from the same area of Saskatchewan as the Stewarts, played in the KIJHL last season.

The Bandits’ lineup includes another Parker, Colton, a former U18 AAA Lloydminster Lancers’ forward from Maidstone, Sask.

Colton Parker played U18 AAA baseball this summer with the Zone 7 Sun Devils in the Saskatchewan premier league.

With a 25-man season-opening roster last weekend, Lloydminster was carrying two goaltenders, eight defencemen and 15 forwards.

The Bandits visit the St. Paul Canadiens (1-1) at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday (Oct. 4) and the Vermilion Tigers next Thursday (Oct. 9).

Coach Josh Dudding and captain Joel Webb lead the Bandits in their title shot.

John MacNeil Meridian Source photos

SPORTS — JUNIOR B NOTEBOOK

Thursday, October 2, 2025

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Bandits’ Dennett ‘skates like the wind’ Singer, Lucas McClennon and Jesse Tkach in regulation time.

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

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Another up-and-coming forward is getting ready to play his first junior hockey season with the Lloydminster Bandits.

Cash Parkin, a graduate of the Lloydminster Athletics hockey program and Holy Rosary High School, is among the rookies skating with the junior B Bandits.

Parkin’s debut was delayed this past weekend because he suffered an ankle injury in practice last week.

For precautionary reasons, he sat out both games against the Wainwright Bisons as the Bandits posted shootout and overtime victories to open their Northeastern Alberta Junior B Hockey League regular season.

After scoring 14 goals and 38 points in 28 games last season with the U18 AAA Athletics in the Junior Prospects Hockey League, Parkin earned a tryout this summer with the Alberta junior A league’s Drayton Valley Thunder.

The Bandits have welcomed the 18-year-old Paradise Valley native for their maiden season at the Cenovus Energy Hub. “He’ll be playing at centre,” coach Josh Dudding said of Parkin. “For a lot of training camp and pre-season games, we had him playing with (captain and top scorer) Joel Webb.

Cash has a lot of speed, a lot of size, a lot of skill and one heck of a shot.

“At practice last week, there was a collision and Cash rolled his ankle.

He just landed on it a little bit funny.

It tweaked, a little bit swollen, so he decided out of precaution to step aside for the weekend and to play it safe.”

Parkin said after last Saturday’s OT win in Lloydminster that he hopes to be ready to go this weekend when the Bandits visit the St. Paul Canadiens (1-1) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 3).

The Bandits are also on the road next Thursday (Oct. 9) when they visit the Vermilion Tigers in an 8 p.m. start at the Vermilion Stadium.

The Tigers, who got off to a 3-0 start this season, lost to the Bandits last March in a semifinal that went the maximum seven games.

Early this season, Vermilion sandwiched a 2-1 win over reigning-champion Wainwright with 7-0 routs of the Vegreville Rangers and Cold Lake Ice. DENNETT SKATING MILES In multiple instances during Saturday’s game at the Hub, Bandits overage defenceman Kade Dennett showed the speed that’s made him known across the league.

“All the credit to Kade,” Dunning said of Dennett, who picked up two assists in Lloyd’s 3-2 overtime victory. “He’s been the (league’s) top defenceman the last two years. He was MVP last year. The kid can skate like the wind.

“And then, obviously with a nice,

WORKING ON, OFF THE ICE Junior B hockey players are multitask masters as they often juggle full-time jobs and school obligations with weekly practices and games.

“All the guys on our team are trying to start a career, in a sense, whether they’re working already or going to school,” said Webb, an overage forward now in his fourth season with the Bandits and third as the captain.

“We’ve got lots of guys that are busy doing stuff. So, it’s hard to keep active during the summer and train when that’s your money-making season.”

Cash Parkin is a rookie with the Bandits.

John MacNeil Meridian Source

big, brand-new ice surface, we built (the Bandits) to be a fast team and hopefully use that to our advantage.”

Along with his fluid skating, the relatively small Dennett wasn’t afraid to mix it up against rival Wainwright.

In the first period, he received a roughing penalty after clashing with 2005-born forward Ryker Singer, an ex-WHL major junior whom the Prince George Cougars selected in the first round of the 2020 prospects draft, 22nd overall.

With a quick shot from the point, the ever-dangerous Dennett also rang the puck off a post or the crossbar with less than nine minutes left in regulation time and the Bandits leading 2-1.

Webb, about five-foot-nine and 175 pounds himself, said Dennett is an example that speed can trump perceived size deficiencies.

“When you can skate, you can generate a lot of momentum,” said the Bandits’ captain. “That helps you when you’re a little underweight.”

SHOOTOUT CAPS COMEBACK In their 4-3 shootout victory at Wainwright Peace Memorial Multiplex, the Bandits came back from a 3-0 second-period deficit.

They roared back with three power-play goals, two from Aidan Martens and the other from Jayden Plamondon, a 56-point man last winter.

Plamondon and Martens, with the tying goal, scored within 37 seconds of each other with under seven minutes remaining in the third period.

After a scoreless overtime, the teams went to a five-round shootout, during which Adryan Bugiera and Bronson Parker scored for Lloydminster and Mason Ganser replied for Wainwright.

It was a memorable junior B debut for Bandits newcomer Haden Heide, who made 33 saves to register the first of his back-to-back wins against the Bisons.

Lochlan Jenner stopped 38 shots for Wainwright, which got goals from

Webb, no doubt, had one of the more interesting summer jobs.

“I run a small little business,” he said. “I spray for insects around lakes, like Jackfish and Turtle or Sandy, anywhere within a good radius of Lloyd. Any business I can get, I sure appreciate it.”

While that’s a big summer project for Webb, he’s recently sunk his teeth into another job. For the past month, he’s been working with Skyline Refrigeration, handling heating and air-conditioning needs for industrial clients.

It’s a measure of the diverse commitments for junior-aged players,

especially at the junior B level.

“Exactly, it’s not just hockey,” Webb said. “It’s something that we can all come home from work and look forward to and enjoy together.”

It’s a big year for the Bandits. Next spring, April 1-5, they’ll host the Alberta junior B provincials in their new Hub home.

Even with the realities of adult life taking precedence, Lloydminster and Wainwright players illustrated in their intense battles last weekend just how much they still care about hockey. Especially when they’re up against many familiar faces from common experiences throughout minor hockey.

One of the more engaged Bisons physically last Saturday was Singer, a big-name player that Webb has known well since long before they faced each other in the 2024-25 league final, which Wainwright won in six games.

“Honestly, he used to be one of my best buddies growing up,” said Webb, 21. “But our junior B rivalry has accelerated and … it’s hard to stay friends when you’re playing against each other at that high of an intensity level.

“If you’re going to play your best, you’ve got to play like you mean it, really, and you can’t be soft on anyone.”

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SPORTS — JUNIOR A NOTEBOOK

AJHL suspends Dragon for hurtful hit on Bobcat JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

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The Alberta Junior Hockey League has handed Drumheller Dragons forward Nick McLennan a three-game suspension for an infraction against the Lloydminster Bobcats in a game last Friday (Sept. 26) at Drumheller.

McLennan was penalized for his check from behind that injured fellow 19-year-old Calgarian Quinn Keeler with five minutes left in regulation time.

Keeler was forced to leave the game, which Lloyd went on to win 2-1 in a shootout. He also sat out the remaining two games of the Bobcats’ weekend road trip and is expected to miss at least two more weeks, coach Eric Labrosse said Monday.

As for the McLennan suspension, Labrosse sounded satisfied that the AJHL ruled as it did.

“The league imposed the sanctions that were needed,” he said. “They did their part of the work.”

At the same time, the coach added, it’s tough to lose a defenceman of Keeler’s calibre. The newcomer has been solid since joining the Bobcats on the eve of their season-opener Sept. 19.

“It was an unfortunate hit,” Labrosse said. “It was a check-from-behind hit.

“It’s unfortunate for the team, because we did lose a defenceman that takes up a lot of minutes, on the first night of the road trip.

“He’s rehabbing. I don’t know how long we’re not going to have him for, yet, but he will probably most likely miss the next 10 to 14 days at least.”

INJURY ROUNDUP An 18-year-old defenceman, Noah Smith, hasn’t played this season as he recuperates from surgery.

The second-year Bobcat is likely a minimum of three weeks away from seeing action, Labrosse projected.

Elsewhere on the injury front, sophomore defenceman Dylan Deets was able to make his season debut Friday at Drumheller and also dress for games Saturday in Calgary and Sunday in Canmore.

Bobcats captain Kade Fendelet missed Sunday’s 6-4 loss with an injury, Labrosse said. “It’s too early to say yet” how long he might be sidelined.

VETERAN ARRIVES IN TRADE New forward Jadon Iyogun, acquired in a trade last week, was a healthy scratch Sunday after playing in the other two weekend games.

Labrosse said the 20-year-old forward from Calgary was still settling in with the Bobcats after joining them just as the road trip began.

“It was probably a bit of a move for him, on a personal level, to basically get notified by his team in the BCHL that they were releasing him, and then the next day being on the road to come to us,” Labrosse said. “And within not even 24 hours of being with us, we’re already in the first game of a three-game road trip.

“There wasn’t much room for him to get to know the players, or the environment, so we kind of threw him into the thick of things to start off. But, that being said, he’s a fourth-year junior A veteran, having played one season with Olds (in the AJHL) and two in the SJHL with Melville.

“It’s just now about him getting comfortable in our locker-room and now getting to know the guys and, moving forward, hopefully helping us out offensively.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

The Lloydminster Bobcats lost the services of defenceman Quinn Keeler late in Friday’s game at Drumheller.

John MacNeil Meridian Source

SPORTS — JUNIOR A HOCKEY

Thursday, October 2, 2025

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Lloyd goes 1-2 on first AJHL road trip Bobcats underwhelm their coach with pattern of inconsistency The Canucks’ Harper LoLacher scored two goals, including an empty-netter. Grant Reid and Connor Radke, on the power play, had given Calgary an early 2-0 lead before Elefante responded eight minutes into the game. Radke had just joined the Canucks from the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers.

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

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It’s still early in the Alberta Junior Hockey League season, but Lloydminster Bobcats coach Eric Labrosse has already seen a disturbing trend with his new team.

It wasn’t so much that the Bobcats lost two of their three road games in central and southern Alberta on the Sept. 26-28 weekend, but more the fact that a splintered showing Saturday followed a tidy Friday victory.

While he had little concern about Sunday afternoon’s 6-4 loss to the Canmore Eagles, Labrosse was most disappointed in Saturday’s 4-1 setback against the Calgary Canucks, especially coming after the Bobcats defeated the Drumheller Dragons 2-1 in a shootout Friday night.

“It was kind of like a copy-paste of what we’ve seen the other weekends, where our first game of the weekend is really good and our second game is just not that great,” Labrosse said. “It’s the opposite of what we see 24 hours previously.

“That’s something that we absolutely need to rectify. We (must) be able to be consistent every game. It all starts with our returning players. They have to lead the way. Some of them have been struggling since the start of the year, to show up and have an impact in games, so obviously that’s not helping us out right now. They’ve just got to be better, plain and simple.”

One week earlier, on season-opening weekend in Lloydminster, the Bobcats settled for a Cenovus Energy Hub split with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, winning 4-2 before losing 4-0 the next night.

A few new faces — goaltender Matthew Kondro and forwards Tucker Robertson and Jadon Iyogun — were in the mix for Lloyd’s first road trip, which amounted to three games in two-and-a-half days.

But the destinations were relatively close, and the Bobcats minimized their game-day travel Saturday when they made the trek to Calgary from Drumheller right after Friday’s game.

In the words of the Bobcats’ coach, however, “we didn’t show up” for the 5 p.m. Saturday contest in Ken Bracko Arena at Max Bell Centre.

“We were flat,” Labrosse said. “It looked like we had no energy. That game was a game to forget for everyone.”

MISSING PERSONNEL It was a different story the next day as Lloyd performed respectably in Canmore, even with captain Kade Fendelet out of the lineup because of an injury and the newcomer Iyogun in the stands for undisclosed reasons.

The Bobcats had already lost the services of defenceman Quinn Keeler late in Friday’s game when he was hit from behind. He missed the rest of the weekend action and was projected to be out for at least a couple of weeks.

“Sunday, I thought we had the edge on Canmore,” Labrosse said. “We led them in shots quite a bit. They made a bit of a comeback in the second, but we still managed to keep the score in our favour.

“We were skating hard, applying pressure, finishing hits. We were kind of playing the same game we played against Drumheller, with the same energy and urgency in our game.

“Then, a 4-on-5 and a 3-on-5 (Bobcats’ disadvantage) midway through the third period, that just killed us, because we stayed in our own zone

NEWCOMER FACES OLD TEAM Friday’s game in Drumheller pitted Kondro against his former team. The Dragons traded his junior A rights to Lloydminster on Aug. 20 in the deal that brought forward Wyatt Yule to Drumheller. Yule was in the Dragons’ lineup Friday and was one of the nine players who didn’t score in the six-round shootout.

Robertson, a recent recruit from Okanagan Hockey Academy, scored the shootout winner in his Lloyd debut. The Bobcats’ Alessio Nardelli and and the Dragons’ Bradley Gallo each found the back of the net early in the shootout.

Fendelet and Gallo exchanged first-period goals for the only offence in regulation and overtime.

Lloydminster outshot Drumheller 26-23, including a 14-3 margin in the third period. The Dragons had a 4-0 edge in overtime shots.

Manning their respective nets were Kondro for Lloyd and Sean Cootes for Drumheller.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Lloydminster defenceman Brady Gamble picked up his second assist of the young season.

John MacNeil Meridian Source

the whole time. We started losing energy at that point and (the Eagles) scored. For some reason, we kind of gassed out in the last nine to 10 minutes of the game. We played a really good 50 minutes, but we ended up losing the game in the last 10 minutes, which is unfortunate for how well the players played for the first 50.”

Jack Ferguson’s power-play tally early in the final period put the Bobcats ahead 4-2, but the Eagles responded with four straight goals, including Cohen Daoust’s empty-netter with 1:40 left.

Former Quebec major junior forward Raphael Messier assisted on all four Lloydminster goals, including a power-play marker from hometown defenceman Jaxan Hopko. Gus El-Tahhan and Matthew Hikida also scored for the Bobcats, as Ferguson and Esteban Cinq-Mars each recorded two-point games.

Lloydminster-born blueliner Brady Gamble, the former captain of the U18 AAA Lancers, picked up his second assist of the young season.

Kondro, who was on loan to the Bobcats from the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels for the weekend, made 25 saves in his second start in three days.

Lloyd fired 40 shots at Hudson Sedo, who posted his second win in as many games.

Aidan Tkachuk powered Canmore with two goals and two assists. Will Lutic, on a third-period power play, John Szabo and Bryson Insinger also scored for the Eagles in front of 400 fans at Canmore Recreation Centre. Along with his empty-net goal, Daoust added two assists.

In Saturday’s three-goal loss, the lone Lloyd marker came from Ethan Elefante, a 17-year-old rookie forward who scored his first AJHL goal in his home city, Calgary.

Another first-year junior, Sam Madgett, made 23 saves for the Bobcats, who registered 35 shots against overager Noah Nelson.

25101SS1

26

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, October 2, 2025

SPORTS — JUNIOR A HOCKEY

AJHL NOTEBOOK FROM PAGE 24

The six-foot-one, 190-pound Iyogun came to Lloydminster in a three-team, multi-league trade that saw the Bonnyville Pontiacs acquire 20-yearold Ben Costantino from the Bobcats. As part of the same deal, Bonnyville sent Brayden Gourley — an 18-year-old forward from Calgary — to the Saskatchewan league’s Melville Millionaires.

Costantino, who hadn’t been in Lloydminster this season, scored 10 goals and 25 points in just 25 games with the Bobcats last winter.

After joining the Pontiacs last week, he scored three goals and four points in his first two games with his new team.

GOALIE LOANED FROM WHL Matthew Kondro played net in two of the Bobcats’ three weekend games, after the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels loaned him to Lloydminster.

He got the win Friday as the Bobcats scored the shootout victory over his former team, Drumheller.

Kondro also played in Sunday’s loss at Canmore, before rejoining Red Deer as scheduled this week.

“He played really well for us, to give us a chance to win both games,” Labrosse said of Kondro.

“That’s all you can ask for from a goalie, right. To make the timely saves when you’re under pressure and maybe steal a game here or there.”

Both the AJHL’s Bobcats and the WHL’s Rebels were still carrying three goaltenders each, so more roster shuffling was expected.

“We still haven’t made our full decisions on our goalie situation,” Labrosse said. “We’re still waiting to see what can come down to us maybe in the next days or maybe weeks.

“We’re still status quo with the three goalies that we have here.”

Those rookie netminders are Sam Madgett, Kannen Kirkwood and Malakai Zwiers. All three were born in 2007.

Jaxan Hopko and the Lloydminster Bobcats return home to face Olds on Saturday and Devon next Wednesday.

John MacNeil Meridian Source

BOBCATS FROM PAGE 25

“I thought we played really hard in Drum,” Labrosse reported. “We really came out of the gate, and we stuck with them. They’re a really good-skating team. They play heavy, so I thought we were able to match that.

“In the second period, they maybe edged us out a bit, and our goalie that night, Matthew Kondro, had to keep us in on a few plays, which he did.

He was able to keep us in the game when much needed.

“We came back hard in the third period, and we probably had a few more chances than they did. We kind of traded chances second and third periods, and then ultimately it could have gone either way in OT or a shootout, and we ended up on top of it, which was great for us.”

Overall, Labrosse described it as a solid effort in Lloyd’s first road game.

“All the players were engaged in the game, they

were all physical (and) they each had their part in it,” he said. “That was positive.”

The letdown on the night after a win is something Labrosse and company have witnessed as far back as the exhibition schedule. It also explains the Bobcats’ ordinary 2-3 start in the regular season.

“That’s who we are,” the coach said frankly.

“We’ve done it the past three weekends, where we’re good one night and we’re very average or sub-par the next night. I think we deserve where we are in the standings right now, because we haven’t shown any consistency from game to game.

“Could we be better? Yes. We do have the pieces to be better.”

The Bobcats are back on home ice this Saturday (Oct. 4) against the Olds Grizzlys and next Wednesday (Oct. 8) versus the Devon Xtreme. Both games are 7 p.m. starts.

SPORTS — HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Thursday, October 2, 2025

MERIDIAN SOURCE

27

Barons back home in search of first win JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

..................................

Despite losing their first four high school football games this season, the Lloydminster Comprehensive Barons are staying on track in a development year for the young guns wearing the senior colours.

After a 27-0 setback against the St. Mary Marauders last Friday (Sept. 26) in Prince Albert, the Barons now are focusing on their next North Saskatchewan Football League opponent, the North Battleford Comprehensive Titans, who visit Lloydminster at 6:30 p.m. Friday (Oct. 3).

“The compete level is there, but the lack of experience showed,” Lloyd Comp coach Kieran Link said Monday. “It’s up to the coaching staff to ensure that the players execute better and come out firing against North Battleford.

“Both teams are 0-2 in regular-season play, so I expect a hungry North Battleford team. We need to have an excellent week at practice to make sure we are firing on all cylinders under the lights on Friday night.

“North Battleford will bring their typical brand of smash-mouth football. We have to match their physicality while executing our jobs to the best of our ability. We are learning how to trust each other. When we have that (commitment and execution) on offence, defence and special teams, then we are putting ourselves in the best possible position.”

The Barons faced a formidable foe in St. Mary in what was described as a physical affair.

“They ran the ball successfully and our offence stalled out in the red zone,” said Link, whose Barons trailed 14-0 at halftime.

“It was all Grade 11 and 10 players starting on offence, defence and special teams. Our inexperience showed a few times and St. Mary capitalized. Kudos to them — they are well-coached and were physical.”

Lloyd Comp teammates Daymius Dustyhorn and Bennett Fairley each made big-time tackles in the game at Prince Albert.

“Colby Hynes and Joe Kelly had some success running the ball, but we weren’t able to punch the ball in,” Link said.

“We had a minus-3 turnover differential, which makes it tough to climb back from.”

MULTI-SPORT KRCHOV SIDELINED For precautionary reasons, Barons rookie Brody Payne didn’t play Friday after spraining an ankle the previous week against Martensville.

Lloyd Comp has been trying to make do lately

Above: In the huddle with his senior high school Barons, Lloydminster Comprehensive coach Kieran Link says, “We are learning how to trust each other.” Right: Barons’ defensive back Kayne Strome lines up in September action.

Dan Gray Meridian Source photos without versatile senior Carson Krchov, who suffered a season-ending injury in mid-September when the Barons visited the Marion Graham Collegiate Falcons in Saskatoon.

“It’s a huge loss for us,” Link said. “Carson was kicking, punting and our No. 1 receiver. He will be sorely missed on the football and volleyball teams.

He’s out for at least another month. We are hoping he can make a speedy recovery so he can return for the end of his club volleyball season.”

The Barons’ senior boys’ volleyball team hosts its tournament this weekend.

On the football calendar, the senior Barons play back-to-back home games in the next week. After the North Battleford visit this Friday, Lloyd Comp welcomes the Carlton Crusaders of Prince Albert on Thursday, Oct. 9, leading into Thanksgiving weekend.

Meanwhile, the junior Barons lost 55-7 to the Ledingham Steelers last Saturday in Lloydminster.

Up next for those Barons is a Sunday (Oct. 5) road game against the Martensville Maddogs.

PAGE 28 Thursday, October 2, 2025 MERIDIAN SOURCE

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