What’s inside
2,3,5 Recovery Week wraps in Lloyd Lloydminster showed support for those in recovery last week.
7
23, 24 Rustlers back on the pitch
Cenovus Energy Hub opens for user groups
long-anticipated space,” said Tracy Simpson, the city’s executive manager of community development services.
The City of Lloydminster has opened the doors to the new Cenovus Energy Hub to select user groups.
The Cenovus Energy Hub, which is slated for a grand opening on Oct. 1, is nearing the end of construction and will soon be in full operation.
Teams from Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association, Lloydminster Athletics, Lakeland College, the Lloydminster Skating Club and the Lloydminster Bobcats were welcomed into the new arena on Sept. 6.
“While the official celebration is yet to come, we are thrilled to open the doors of Cenovus Energy Hub and begin welcoming teams into this
“This soft launch gives user groups early access to familiarize themselves with the building while we prepare to welcome the entire community to see and explore the building during the grand opening in October.”
Light finishing work will continue throughout September. Work will include final installations such as portions of hand railings, signage and select seat sections. Concession amenities are set to open at a later date.
During the transition to the new arena, bookings at the Centennial Civic Centre will continue for the junior A Bobcats, junior B Bandits and other users as needed.
Mind Grain Media hits the ice
A local media company is excited to work with the Lloydminster Bobcats.
Lakeland College soccer clubs hosted the NAIT Ooks to open the season.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
Run for shelter raises more than $25K
The final day of Lloydminster’s Recovery Week 2025 wrapped up on Sept. 6 with a run at Bud Miller All Seasons Park in support of the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter.
Sunshine lit up the trails as runners and walkers prepared for the Running for Shelter event. Residents noticed the nearly 2,000 purple flags planted on a hillside near the start of the race. The display represented the number of lives lost to overdoses in Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2024.
Stephanie Munro, CEO of the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation, served as the run’s emcee, and said her role was about more than just standing behind a microphone.
“It’s so important to me to be involved in the community and support so many of these organizations, as an individual and as part of my work,” said Munro, noting the foundation’s ongoing support for the Thorpe Recovery Centre, the men’s shelter and Residence in Recovery.
Munro thanked participants for their presence, calling every step on the course a symbolic one.
“Everyone that lines up at that start line today is taking a step forward, giving those individuals that are unhoused a step forward for hope,” she said.
Wade Lansdell is taking his first steps in that journey for hope. He attended the event with a large group of volunteers from the Thorpe Recovery Centre while marking 90 days of sobriety.
“This is my first recovery centre ever,” explained Lansdell. “I’m learning so much and loving every minute of it. The people and everything are so supportive. We couldn’t ask for better.”
For him, the run was a chance to witness the support available in the community, something he said he never knew existed during nearly 20 years of active addiction.
“There is help out there. There are people to talk to, there’s groups to go to. If we can get that voice out there a little farther, a little bit deeper, it might be able to help more people and not end up like that,” he said,
gesturing toward the field of purple flags.
Kagan Kneen, executive director of the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter, said he appreciated the community support.
“A huge thank you to all of the incredible sponsors, participants, volunteers, organizations and spectators who attended our Running for Shelter on Saturday,” said Kneen.
“With 139 participants and the collaboration of so many incredible organizations in our community, we are getting closer to continue to drive more awareness, provide services to those in need and continue to build a stronger and more resilient community.”
The event, which raised over $25,000, closed this year’s edition of Recovery Week with a clear message: awareness, support and community action remain key in the fight against addiction and homelessness.
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE photos
Panel focuses on resilience, recovery and hope
Residents in Recovery hosted an event called Criminals to Contributors at the Legacy Centre in Lloydminster, as part of Recovery Week activities.
More than 100 people attended the Sept. 4 event, which focused on people who’ve turned lives of addiction, homelessness and crime into stories of strength, work and recovery.
Joshua Leckie, one of the panellists, said he once felt trapped in a cycle of jail, addiction and homelessness.
“I just hit my rock bottom. I realized my life was unmanageable because of my addictions and decided to surrender and try a new way of life,” he said.
Kevin Snyder said he knew that same despair and is now a youth mentor, among other titles, in the community.
“My path in life led me to turn to substances from the despair and the hopelessness I was feeling,” he said. “It snowballed into a cycle of addiction, of crime and consequence.”
Both men admitted they had to want to get better before they could start their journey of recovery. Snyder explained his situation in detail. He started by paraphrasing American psychologist Carl Rogers.
“It’s hard for a therapeutic relationship to exist without an individual’s openness to change,” he said.
“No amount of external circumstances, not my brother dying, being home invaded, stabbed violently, none of those external circumstances kept me from the throes of addiction.
“It defied logic.”
Snyder and Leckie said choosing to surrender and ask for help was the turning point they needed.
“For me, it was just the point of having enough,” said Leckie. “Believing in a change, also meeting new people in peer support groups helped me see change is possible.”
Snyder agreed.
“It wasn’t until I completely surrendered and said, ‘You know, this is it, my life is heading towards death,’” he said. “It wasn’t a matter of if but a matter of when.”
Const. Melanie Flynn shared her experience in her role as an RCMP officer.
She said she’s seen those struggling in the community firsthand and joined the Residents in Recovery board earlier this year in hopes of helping even more.
“I’m excited to be here and add the police perspective to some of the challenging questions the panel is going to hear today,” she said.
The stories on stage pushed back against stigma. “It can affect anyone,” said Snyder, explaining addiction doesn’t discriminate. “Rewiring my brain so that it makes sense takes time and consistency. But it is possible.”
Leckie, who now works as an apprentice welder, said he once believed he could never change.
“I had wanted to be a welder since high school and I enjoy it. I’m passionate about it,” he said. “I like working with my hands and seeing finished projects that I’ve helped build.”
Snyder battled with grief after losing his brother to an opioids overdose. The same opioids he was dealing with daily.
“The hardest part in my journey over time has been grief,” he said. “My go-to is to instantly not feel those feelings. Having a support network to manage those feelings and be honest with how I’m feeling and not turn to drugs … it’s definitely a long-term process.”
Flynn’s advice for those still struggling was simple.
“Setting small, attainable goals and taking them one day at a time,” she said. “There will be good days, there will be bad days, but having the perseverance to push through the bad days is what’s really important.”
For all three voices on stage, the message was the same.
Recovery is not easy, but it is possible.
More than 100 people attended the Criminals to Contributors event at the Legacy Centre. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Co-op pumped for Fuel Good Day
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
Fuel Good Day is a feel-good day at the Lloydminster and District Co-op, feeding students, one litre at a time.
The annual fundraiser for Lloydminster public and Catholic School Division breakfast programs will be on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Five cents from each litre of fuel sold will support the programs.
“Fuel Good Day shows the incredible impact a community can have when we come together. Good food fuels not only learning but also belonging, and with the support of Co-op and YOU, our students are given the nourishment they need to thrive.
“Fuel Good Day is such a special event and we are proud to partner with our local schools to make it happen,” said Tess Wack, Co-op’s director of marketing and community relations. “Our mission is Members Together Growing Community, and this program truly brings that to life — coming together to support and strengthen our community.”
“Fuel Good Day is such a powerful way for our community to support students,” said Jason Neville, Lloydminster Public School Division director of education. “Every litre of fuel purchased on Tuesday, Sept. 16 helps us provide breakfast programs that ensure children start their day nourished and ready to learn. We’re grateful to the Co-op for their partnership and encourage everyone to head to the pumps and be part of this positive impact.”
The day will also feature charity barbecues at all gas bar locations from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to support rural school breakfast programs.
“Fuel Good Day shows the incredible impact a community can have when we come together. Good food fuels not only learning but also belonging, and with the support of Co-op and YOU, our students are given the nourishment they need to thrive,” said Lloydminster Catholic School Division director of education Glenda Kary.
“This is more than breakfast, it’s the power of community care at work. So, don’t forget to fuel up your tank on Fuel Good Day — because when you fill your tank, you’re also filling minds.”
In need of a car wash? The Co-op’s Southview (south on Highway 17) and Ironwells (east on Highway 16) locations will be donated $2 from each carwash sold on the day.
“We are especially excited to have enhanced Fuel Good Day to include car washes to further support our rural schools,” said Wack.
Fuel Good Day is this Tuesday. Source file photo
Recovery Week highlights workplace addiction
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Recovery Week in Lloydminster was in full swing and a Sept. 3 workshop spoke to the importance of addressing addiction in the workplace.
The event was hosted at the Thorpe Recovery Centre and featured presentations from local experts Vera Koster, clinical director at Thorpe and Jon Rokochy, founder and CEO of Assure Occupational Testing.
Rokochy, who has a master’s degree in counselling, got his start at Thorpe.
“One of the first places I got started working professionally was here at Thorpe Recovery Centre,” he said. “I worked here for a few years doing inpatient addiction treatment, and then outpatient at the downtown office as well.”
When it comes to addiction in the workplace, Rokochy says it has a major impact on the Canadian economy.
“Statistically, the cost to the Canadian economy from substance use, from substance addiction, is
over $22 billion annually,” he said. He explained the impact comes from an impact to productivity.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
Local Business Directory
Jon Rokochy, founder and CEO of Assure Occupational Testing, presenting as part of a Recovery Week workshop at Thorpe Recovery Centre on Sept. 3. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
Organizers ready for Fox run in new locale
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
Organizers of the Lloydminster Terry Fox Run are ready to lace them up for Terry on Sunday, Sept. 14 at a new location.
We still have a paved trail for strollers, wheelchairs, bikes and Rollerblades, just more laps in the park.
This year’s fundraiser marks 38 years of running for Terry in Lloydminster and is being held at the Kinsmen Participark at 56 Ave. and 30 St. According to organizers, the location change was due to availability at Bud Miller All Seasons Park.
“We still have a paved trail for strollers, wheelchairs, bikes and Rollerblades, just more laps in the park,” said organizers in a news release.
This year marks the country’s 45th annual Terry Fox Run. To date, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised more than $950 million for cancer research.
Locally, the Lloydminster run has raised $226,353 in its 37-year history and Border City residents continue to outdo previous totals.
Last year, local realtor Louis de Kock was No. 1 in fundraising in Lloydminster and No. 11 in Saskatchewan and Manitoba with $4,311. His goal this year is $5,000.
The Lloydminster Firefighters Association, a consistent supporter of the run, was No. 12 in
fundraising in Saskatchewan last year.
“Studies have found a direct correlation between the chemical exposures firefighters experienced on the job and the increased risk of cancer,” said association president Brad Martin at the 2023 run.
“Cancer is something that affects absolutely everybody, but with firefighters having that increased risk of exposure, it’s something we’re proud to support.”
Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian and cancer research activist.
In 1980, with one leg having been amputated due to cancer, he embarked on an east-to-west cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research.
His journey started on April 12, 1980, but was unfortunately cut short due to cancer returning to his leg. Fox was forced to stop his run on Sept. 1. Fox passed away on June 28, 1981, at the age of 22.
Students participate in last year’s Terry Fox Run at Mother Teresa Early Childhood Learning Centre.
Meridian Source file photo
Media entrepreneurs take to the ice
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
A pair of Lloydminster entrepreneurs are getting a chance to showcase their media talents with the local junior A hockey team.
Mind Grain Media Co-founders Lucas Feeley and Hannah Campbell-Barnes have been building their business for nearly a year. For the pair, it started out in high school when they were inspired to start the business seeing their teacher, Skye Ferguson, juggle teaching and owning and operating a business.
“We were watching our teacher work her full-time teaching job and work a full-time photography gig as well,” said Feeley.
He and Campbell-Barnes met in high school through a media class.
“I would see her short film project, she would see our short film project,” he said, explaining the two first started chatting in math class.
They began exercising their video production skills making short films.
“My friends and I did a Romeo and Juliet adaptation,” said CampbellBarnes.
“Me and my friends did one as well the next semester,” Feeley said. “It was premiered at the theatre and it was a really cool event.”
The two decided to take the leap into media.
“We were thinking about what our next year was going to look like,” said Feeley. “I was working at a gym in town here doing the video production side of things. I started to realize like, man, this could be pretty successful. Going on my own as my own business.”
“Media has always been a love in my life, photography, videography,” Campbell-Barnes said. “We were just kind of brainstorming how can we combine our love for media and create something awesome.”
That’s when Mind Grain Media hit the ground running. The two quickly learned how to run their business and get their name out there.
“Package it into an offer, start doing cold outreaching, start making content, advertisements, the whole nine yards,” said Feeley. “Get our name out there and raise awareness.”
It started with free videos for businesses to help build their brand.
“We were doing a lot of free videos for businesses here in town,” said Campbell-Barnes.
The videos, while free, helped the business build good relationships and show off their skills to the community. When it comes to the workflow, Mind Grain Media prides itself on having a high level of attention to detail.
“We like to sit down with the client, really get to know them, build our foundation of knowledge,” said Feeley, noting they want to help the businesses stand out. “Showcase their business, everything from their logos to colours, to different things that make them unique and stand out from competitors.
“Then, with all that information, we go back and brainstorm all of the video ideas and how we’re going to position them.”
The videos they make are specific to their clients, tailoring the ideas to fit their brand and personality.
“If we can involve their personalities and showcase who they are throughout the video, most of their audience can connect with it,” said Campbell-Barnes.
The pair shares the workload, delving into every aspect of the business and bringing their own personal flair to the product.
“I do a lot of the social media side of things and the management, making sure client’s videos are still on brand,” she said. “Lucas definitely takes the lead on the videography.”
Mind Grain Media was so busy over the summer they hired a third person to help get some of the work done.
Now, the next big chapter of the business is set to open with a local hockey team coming on board.
“We were surprised to find out the (Lloydminster junior A) Bobcats had actually heard about us through their kids on social media,” said Feeley.
“So, from there, the lead came in,” he said. “Through Instagram DM’s,” added Campbell-Barnes.
They didn’t waste any time once discussions began.
“We just officially launched them at the end of August,” said Feeley. “We are currently doing their second month of content showcasing their players and their season.”
He says the first few posts from Mind Grain for the Bobcats have seen some big success.
“Those three launch posts, they blew up in terms of the scale of their followers,” said Campbell-Barnes. “With that one post we got like 15,000 views in 24 hours. It was received so well.
“There’s so much excitement right now with the hockey season coming up, people are excited.”
Feeley clarified those views were only on one platform. He says it’s been fun to work with the Bobcats, getting a chance to showcase the players and events.
“The Bobcats have been awesome,” he said. “It’s been really cool to see at surface levels, players in games, behind the scenes. We got to see more of the community behind them and the people willing to be billet families.
“There’s lots of volunteer work within the Bobcats. That’s been really cool to see.”
Feeley says they’re excited to showcase what they can do for the Lloydminster community.
“We are a new business but, (it’s an opportunity to) really showcase our work and create really good content for the Bobcats,” he said.
The pair has been busy and you can keep up with their posts across the Mind Grain Media social medias and their website.
Courtesy of Mind Grain Media
“How do you come up to $22 billion is thinking about people in the workplace who are coming to work intoxicated, not focused, mind is not on the task,” said Rokochy. “People not showing up for work as often, they’re taking more sick days, they’re late.”
Incidents also have a major impact on the economic blow.
“As well as the cost of incidents, people coming to work under the influence are more likely to get into incidents and damage company property and vehicles,” he said.
When it comes to dealing with addiction in the workplace, Rokochy says it’s important to start with a solid foundation.
“I always recommend companies start with a solid drug and alcohol policy, well-written, well thought out, that protects employees as well as the company,” he said.
The policy is important to protect both the employer and employee.
“It protects the employer, upholds the rights of the individual and the rights of the company,” he said.
While policy is important, training your leadership team to recognize impairment is also a vital step.
“Training your supervisors and managers about how to recognize it and what do to,” said Rokochy. “How to intervene or remove someone from duty when they show up to work and they’re not fit for duty.
“Doing it in a way that upholds human rights and upholds your drug and alcohol policy. Upholds dignity of the employee as well.”
If someone is identified to be impaired on the job, it’s important to remove them from duty as quickly as possible and assessed to determine next steps.
“When people are found to be not compliant with a policy or with the drug and alcohol test, getting that person a professional substance abuse assessment to determine what level of intervention and treatment does this employee need,” said Rokochy.
The company should also create a return to duty plan for that employee.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are ways to get help.
“Go to HR, talk to safety managers, talk to your supervisor. Most companies are going to have an EAP program you can get support through,” said Rokochy. “You can reach out to Thorpe Recovery Centre here locally; there’s many different treatment centres across the country.”
Rokochy says it’s important to help each other when we’re down or struggling.
“You’re helping. As an employer, as a manager, you’re helping staff you care about,” he said. “A wonderful gift we can give somebody who’s struggling (is) to offer them some support.”
‘Pay attention’ with school back in session
With school back in session, buses will be back to using the streets of Lloydminster and the RCMP is reminding the public to be cautious in school zones.
“We can’t do that alone; we need other drivers to pay attention,” said Larry Bucknell, a school bus driver for the Lloydminster Public School Division. “We need you to slow down, get off your phones and watch for the flashing lights.”
Bucknell took the Meridian Source on a quick trip around the city to show some of the inherent dangers of operating a bus, including blind spots for drivers.
The theme is playing out across the province as students return to the classroom. Lloydminster RCMP Const. Melanie Flynn, a school resource officer, echoed the warnings.
Flynn explained drivers must stop when they encounter a school bus on the road. The exception is on divided highways where the rule does not apply.
“If you’re coming up to a bus which has its lights activated, you must stop,” she said. “If its arm is extended, you need to stop. When you do stop, leave room and give the bus
some distance.”
Lloydminster RCMP has also been increasing its presence in school zones in the days leading up to the return to classrooms.
“School zones come into effect at 7:30 a.m. and some regions can last until 9 p.m. if you’re in a playground zone area,” said Flynn. “We just want to remind motorists to decrease their speed to 30 km/h in those areas and be more vigilant of the increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic.”
Flynn also had a message for students who walk and parents who drop their students off.
“Use those marked crosswalks and have a safe location for pickup and drop off so you’re not encouraging your student to run across the roadway where they shouldn’t,” she said.
“We don’t want any kids jumping out from behind vehicles, but we still expect motorists to drive defensively around schools.”
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DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
Stock photo
Thursday, September 11, 2025
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Viewpoint
Leave it to Weaver:
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‘Everyone
will love the Taylor Holes!’
placed directly behind the nets on the main rink. No bueno!
EDITOR TAYLOR WEAVER
The title of today’s column is brought to you by a recent text conversation with a member of the city’s communications team.
It’s not what you think, so get your mind out of the gutter, Lloydminster!
Today’s brief column is about ensuring your voice is heard and acting on things you believe in.
The Cenovus Energy Hub (CEH) has been a longtime coming for Lloydminster, and thanks to this recent conversation with the city communications, it will be state-of-the-art and photography-friendly, as originally promised.
Having covered hockey in the Centennial Civic Centre for years, the one thing it was missing, from a photography standpoint, was portholes.
Early designs of the new rink included portholes in the glass. I was over the moon!
Recently, however, I was told the CEH ports were
Lloydminster Bobcats GM Nigel Dube confirmed my suspicions on Tuesday afternoon while we waited for our salads at Chopped Leaf.
I immediately contacted city communications, and within a few hours, the problem was solved.
“They are now called Taylor Holes. Everyone will love the Taylor Holes,” they texted sarcastically.
All joking aside, this new state-of-the-art facility is bringing the Border City into the future, and we media types will get to cover games as if it were the NHL. Gone are the days of shooting photos through marked-up Plexiglas, hoping your auto focus caught the moment.
We may have a top-notch sports editor on staff, but I’ll definitely be utilizing those portholes on occasion this hockey season.
Photographers will appreciate the efforts made to correct the porthole placement, as will the teams playing at the CEH.
No matte r the issue, if you don’t like something, say something. The worst they can do is say no. Welcome to the future of sports photography!
Letter to the editor ...
Irecently read an article in the Meridian Source , and it spoke the same words that have been in my mind. The article is about the semi-trailer trucks parking around the Tim Hortons on the east end of town.
Moving to Lloydminster in 2022, I saw so many things that needed attention in my neighbourhood. Oil tankers were parking for two blocks on both sides. Sometimes these trucks would be there for a week. Dangerous goods were sitting in our neighbourhood. A peace officer short work of that problem.
Now, there are still so many trucks turning onto 41 Ave., dangerous goods, oversized loads. They park on both sides of the street. They have an access road that they are supposed to use, often times it is completely packed with semis.
This is not acceptable. The truckers have a truck stop, also many access roads up on the west end of Highway 16 where they can get food and drink.
These semis think nothing of driving around our little roundabout, sometimes at speeds that throw things off their trucks. We have school buses that stop and pick up children right at that same roundabout. One day, there will be an accident. The city doesn’t not seem to care or want to do anything that this issue. Peace officers can only do so much as they are so short-staffed it’s a joke. They trucks should only be allowed this turn if they are pulled over, if their rigs are in trouble or if they are delivering to the business. Also, there is an access road off the highway by the museum. That takes them to the west/east access road.
I think it’s high time that whoever is in charge of the roads needs to look into this and get it stopped before we are looking at another Humboldt incident.
For my part, I have tried to speak to people that are supposed to be in charge of road safety. These truckers are abusing privilege. The rules state they are to get back to the highway by the shortest route. They are not.
I’m fed up with the lack of concern over safety.
I’ve written to the Minister of Highways hoping something can be done by the province if the city won’t look into the problem.
Here’s hoping enough people will get involved for the safety of all citizens, especially children.
- Sheila Robillard.
PAGE 11
Thursday, September 11, 2025
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Chris’ A-Z: A herculean effort for Lloyd
Leadership in Lloydminster has always been a hot topic. Ask any long time local what they thought of a specific mayor and you may be in for a long chat.
The Border City has had many councillors, mayors and other local leaders lend their hand in moving the city forward. One that comes to mind for me that I previously briefly wrote about was Kathleen (Kay) Matheson.
Matheson was someone who gave back to Lloydminster quite frequently.
She was born in Rosenheim, Alta., in 1918, which is a rural community in the Municipal District of Provost. She remained in the area for her early life before marrying George Matheson in 1940 and moving to Lloydminster in 1941. She had two children, Judy and Gary, in 1942 and 1945. Matheson had a strong devotion to the Catholic church and enjoyed singing in the church choir in her younger years.
She held office in the Catholic Women’s League, serving both on council and as its president. She also served as chairperson and trustee on the Catholic School Board for 11 years.
Before delving more into her municipal life, another portion of her history that’s important is her unwavering dedication to giving back. She received the Saskatchewan Volunteer Recognition award in the 1980s. She volunteered for the Saskatchewan Allied Arts Council, Saskatchewan Arthritis Association and the Bea Fischer Foundation, just to name a few. She also chaired the steering committee for the Lloydminster Theatre/concert hall.
and Britannia about taking another look at a sewage disposal plant.
The issue was big enough the department of environment was even involved. The situation, luckily, was remedied within two months.
One of Matheson’s most amazing feats was appearing at the opening of the Vic Juba Community Theatre. It was described as a herculean effort for her to attend, but I know she wouldn’t have wanted to miss it.
She was always looking to give back and her time as alderman, and eventually mayor, was no different. Although her time on council was somewhat difficult.
“I was sort of treated like a little girl,” said Matheson. She quickly found her footing on council, responding to others on council who would ask her if she understood the material.
“I do understand it, would you like me to explain it to you,” she said, quickly shutting down the comments.
She served on council for nearly a decade before taking the reins as mayor in 1979. She ran on a platform of giving the city a younger look in the future. Running against then-Mayor Russ Robertson, she won in a landslide victory, capturing 2286 votes to Robertson’s roughly 900 votes.
She saw to it that a dispute between farmers on the Saskatchewan side of Lloydminster was resolved. She contacted the Reeves for the RMs of Wilton
Gray Matters: Local walk leads to lessons
Normally I use this space to call out government decisions or shine a light on community issues. This week, I
want to take a step back and share a few things I’ve noticed on recent walks around Lloydminster.
It started with a new hobby my wife picked up and one I’ve been drafted into helping with, picking up cans.
She sold it to me as a good way to get exercise.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
Matheson was dedicated to the community she served and highly motivated to make things happen. Without her, I’m sure countless issues wouldn’t have been solved, and although she spoke humbly about her work, she
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
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.
Green River Revival - CCR tribute at the Vic Juba
The Vic Juba Community Theatre is ramping up for Green River Revival, the ultimate CCR tribute concert, for an 8 p.m. show on Sept. 5. The two-hour event promises to bring you back to the golden age of rock and roll. Tickets are $55 and available at the Vic Juba box office or online at vicjubatheatre.ca/tickets
Walk of Remembrance
The 2025 Walk of Remembrance (in honour of World Suicide Prevention Day) is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Bud Miller All Seasons Park Picnic Shelter. The event starts at 3 p.m. and will include guest speaker Charlene Rowein, COO SPARK Foundation Lloydminster.
Fall Fest at Bud Miller All Seasons Park
The City of Lloydminster is hosting Fall Fest on Saturday, Sept. 13 from noon to 5 p.m. at Bud Miller All Seasons Park. The family-friendly event will feature bounce castles, face painting, kids’ games, fall scene photo opportunities, a craft tent and games, horse and wagon rides and live music. Attendees can also test their skllls on the obstacle attraction from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cribbage doubles tournament
The Lloydminster Moose Lodge is hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. Registration is from 9-9:45 a.m., 12 games guaranteed. Cost is $25/player, which includes lunch.
Enter as a team or an individual (they’ll pair you up). Entires close on Thursday, Sept. 11. Call Bruce at 780522-6972 to register.
Ladies Recreational Volleyball Registration
Registration for ladies recreational volleyball will be on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. at E.S. Laird Middle School. Limited teams, single players welcome. Call or text Barb Ericson at 306-821-0302 for more information.
The Comic Strippers at the Vic Juba Tarps off, comedy on! The Comic Strippers return to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Sept. 20 for a night of fun. The male stripper parody and awardwinning improv comedy show is a 19-plus event for all genders. Tickets are $54 each and are available at the box office on the theatre’s website. All sales are final.
Kaiser Tournament at the Moose Lodge
The Lloydminster Moose Lodge is hosting a kaiser tournament at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21. Registration is from noon to 12:45 p.m. All players must register by Sept. 18. Bring a partner and enjoy an afternoon of kaiser and fun. Cost is $20/player, which includes
MATTERS FROM PAGE 11
snacks and coffee and/or tea. Prizes awarded to the top three players. Contact Arne at 306-821-7459 or Bruce at 780-522-6972 for more information.
The Alan Jackson Experience at the Vic Juba
The Alan Jackson Experience performed by Aaron Halliday is at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Sept. 25. Tickets are $56.50 each or $54.50 for seniors and students. Ticket are available at the box office on the theatre’s website.
United Church of Canada Centennial Tea
The United Church Women Invite you to join us for tea to celebrate! Wear your Tea Hat from the Past Century! Saturday, Sept. 27, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Grace United Church, 4708 50 Ave., Lloydminster. Silver Collection.
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).
What I didn’t expect was the window it would open into parts of our community I hadn’t thought much about.
Alcohol cans scattered along our roadsides is first to stand out. On any given walk, about half of what we pick up are alcohol containers of some sort. Let’s be honest, they didn’t just blow out of the vehicle on the way to the bottle depot. It makes me wonder just how bad drinking and driving still is here.
But not all the signs are negative. Weekend mornings, I notice parking lots around local bars always have a few vehicles left behind. That tells me some people are making the right choice, either planning ahead or deciding not to risk getting behind the wheel after a night out. For that, the community thanks you.
Another thing I’ve noticed is how little 10 cents means to some and how much it means to others. Early in the week, around 8 a.m., groups of people on bikes or on foot move along 50 Ave. with blue bags or boxes full of cans. For some of our more industrious of the city’s most vulnerable, that isn’t pocket change, it’s grocery money, and it’s easy to see why Alberta leads Canada in recycling and ranks among the best in North America.
One last observation from these walks: does this city even have a speed limit? School zones, reduced speed areas and construction sites often look more like suggestions than rules. Conversations I’ve had with tow truck drivers, bus drivers and emergency crews back that up.
Maybe it’s time we look at what parts of eastern Canada have done, rolling out 30 km/h limits during the day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., everywhere except highways. The difference between 30, 50, and 80 km/h in good conditions can be the difference between life and death in a collision.
Do you have positive and negative observations of Lloydminster? Feel free to share it with us at news@meridiansource.ca.
GRAY
Battle for MEG intensifies
66 2/3 per cent of shareholders needing to vote in favour for the agreement to go through.
MEG Energy has responded to the revised Strathcona Resources offer, saying it will review the new offer.
MEG responded on Sept. 8, the same day Strathcona made the offer to purchase the company at $30.86 per share. Strathcona says it’s an 11 per cent premium over the agreement between MEG and Cenovus Energy. Cenovus and MEG entered into an agreement on Aug. 22, which values MEG at $27.76 per share. That agreement was set for an Oct. 9 vote, with at least
LSAS youth centre gains provincial funding
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
The Alberta government is supporting the Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services (LSAS) youth centre through a portion of provincial funding.
The Little Bear Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in Lloydminster will receive $47,000 of the total $330,000 distributed by the province. They work to improve the individual and community’s response to violence through education, awareness and strong partnerships.
“Organizations like the Little Bear Child and Youth Advocacy Centre provide crucial services to the children and youth of our communities who have suffered potentially life-altering hardships,” said Garth Rowswell, MLA for Vermillion-Lloydminster-Wainwright. “I am pleased that our government is prioritizing their health with these investments.”
A total of eight centres received support including, Fort McMurray, Grand Prairie, Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. These child and youth advocacy centres bring together law enforcement agencies and community partners in a child-friendly environment. They provide services such as mental health, medical and legal supports to children and youth who experience physical, emotional or sexual abuse and/or neglect. This round of funding brings the total amount of money invested in these centres to $3.7 million in 2025.
Strathcona has been purchasing additional shares with the intention of voting against the agreement.
On Sept. 4, Strathcona made the move to purchase an additional 6,035,600 shares for an average of $28.63 per share, totalling $172.7 million.
This purchase brought Strathcona’s current ownership of MEG shares to 14.2 per cent, bringing them closer to being able to solely vote down the agreement.
MEG is set to review the offer and respond on or before Sept. 15.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Stock photo
Taylor Weaver MERIDIAN SOURCE
Kitscoty revs up for Just Kruzin’
The bright blue skies and warm temperatures were perfect for a cruise from Lloydminster to Kitscoty on Aug 27.
The Just Kruzin’ Car Club took to the Yellowhead and jammed the main drag of Kitscoty to show off its classic and not-so-classic cars to hundreds of community members.
Club member Kerry Million was in charge of organizing the event, held
20 minutes west of Lloydminster.
“It’s a short drive here for us, but a nice drive out here,” said Million. “The Farmstead Market supported us the last time we came out a few weeks ago.
“We wanted to do it again because there was a lot of interest.”
The event allowed people to join on cruises and possibly, in time, become members. The club meets most Wednesday nights at the LloydMall to show off classic vehicles.
Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE photos
Lloydminster RCMP seize drugs, weapons from passed-out driver
MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
Lloydminster RCMP arrested Joey Hillier early Sept. 3, after drugs and weapons were found in his vehicle.
Mounties received a call at about 6:30 a.m. about a possible impaired driver passed out behind the wheel. Upon arrival, officers observed controlled substances and arrested the driver.
A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded .45 calibre handgun, a .22 calibre handgun, brass knuckles, bear spray, ammunition, about 15 grams of suspected fentanyl and about 30 grams of suspected methamphetamine.
Hillier, a 32-year-old resident of the RM of
Wilton, was charged with 16 offences, including:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking;
- Possession of property obtained by crime;
- Possession of restricted firearms; and
- Multiple firearm and weapon-related offences.
Hillier was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in Saskatchewan Provincial Court in Lloydminster on Sept. 8.
“Traffic stops and calls for service like this demonstrate the dangers our frontline members face daily,” said Sgt. Christopher Byford of the Lloydminster RCMP.
“This seizure prevented a large quantity of dangerous drugs and firearms from reaching our community.”
Alberta RCMP issue 1,661 tickets over long weekend
MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
After issuing 1,661 tickets, Alberta RCMP reminded drivers of the severity of speeding and impaired driving over the Labour Day weekend.
RCMP conducted enhanced traffic safety enforcement from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1.
A total of 99 impaired drivers were removed from the roads, 70 received immediate roadside sanction (IRS) fails and 19 received IRS warnings.
The blitz also saw 789 speeding tickets and 34 distracted driving fines. An additional 19 drivers received tickets for not wearing a seatbelt.
RCMP reported 54 injury-causing collisions over the long weekend, four
of which resulted in deaths.
“Fatal motor vehicle collisions are often avoidable,” said Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic.
“We are reminded of this every long weekend when lives are lost due to factors such as drugs, alcohol and speeding.
“There is no reason to get behind the wheel if you are impaired.”
Alberta RCMP also advise motorists to delay travel if road conditions aren’t favourable to ensure they reach their destination safely.
“Traffic safety is a shared responsibility. Call 911 if you observe dangerous driving,” said the Alberta RCMP.
Local RCMP arrest, charge erratic driver
A 25-year-old Brampton, Ont., man is facing a slew of charges after taking Saskatchewan RCMP on a wild two-day ride between Aug. 26 and 27.
Manjinder Singh was charged with the following:
- three counts, resists/obstruct peace officer, Section 129(a), Criminal Code;
- two counts, flight from peace officer, Section 320.17, Criminal Code; one count, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, Section 320.13(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code;
- one count, failure to stop after collision with another conveyance, Section 320.16(1), Criminal Code;
- two counts, theft of vehicle, Section 333.1(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, breaking, entering, committing – residence, Section 348(1)(b), Criminal Code;
- two counts, mischief under $5,000 – damage to motor vehicle, Section 430(4), Criminal Code;
- one count, mischief over $5,000 – damage to motor vehicle, Section 430(3), Criminal Code; and
- one count, fail to comply with release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code.
On Aug. 26 at about 2:10 p.m., Maidstone RCMP received a report of an erratic driver on Highway 16 west of Maidstone.
RCMP located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle, however, did not stop and proceeded to flee police, entering and exiting the ditch at highway speeds.
Officers located the disabled car shortly after on a grid road and discovered the driver had fled on foot into a wooded area. Singh was soon located and resisted arrest before being taken into custody.
An investigation quickly determined the car was previously reported stolen in Ontario. Singh was charged, appeared in court early Aug. 27 and released pending his next appearance.
At about 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 27, shortly after being released from custody, Saskatchewan RCMP observed Singh breaking into a vehicle
Officers approached Singh, who fled on foot before being spotted driving an SUV. Investigation determined Singh entered a residence in Maidstone, stole keys to the occupant’s SUV and left in the stolen vehicle. Officers again pursued Singh, who was heading west on Highway 16.
A spike belt was deployed, partially deflating Singh’s tires. The SUV, however, continued to drive into the Town of Marshall where the tires became disabled.
Singh exited the stolen SUV while it was still in motion and proceeded to flee on foot.
Officers located Singh in a separate stolen vehicle, a truck, in a parking lot in Marshall. Officers blocked the parking lot exit with a parked police vehicle and approached the stolen truck on foot.
The truck reversed, striking the parked police vehicle repeatedly. Singh struck a second police vehicle, fled from the parking lot and exited town. The officers were not physically injured. One of the police vehicles, however, was disabled; the second was damaged.
The stolen truck drove down a dead-end road and into a field where it became stuck. Singh exited the truck and fled on foot. Officers followed and told him he was under arrest. He resisted before being tased and placed under arrest.
Singh was remanded and appeared in Lloydminster Provincial Court on Thursday, Sept. 4. His case was adjourned and he appeared in court a second time on Sept. 10.
in Maidstone.
MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
Lloydminster RCMP detachment. Source file photo
CVR praised by Sturgeon County
The Alberta municipality of Sturgeon County is praising the County of Vermilion River (CVR) for its help in fighting the fire in the Redwater Recreation Area earlier this year.
The collaboration and solidarity demonstrated by your team exemplify the very best of what it means to be neighbours.
– Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw
Mayor Alanna Hnatiw sent a letter of thanks to Vermilion River’s council and staff.
“Your swift response and generous contribution of resources, personnel and expertise were critical,” wrote Hnatiw.
She said Vermilion River crews worked alongside Sturgeon County teams under dangerous conditions.
“The collaboration and solidarity demonstrated by your team exemplify the very best of what it means to be neighbours,” she said.
The Redwater Recreation Area Fire threatened homes, land and wooded areas in May. Firefighters from both municipalities contained the blaze with the help of other provincial resources.
Hnatiw said the dedication of Vermilion River staff and volunteers, “Was instrumental in safeguarding lives, property and our cherished natural environment.”
She also thanked the County of Vermilion River for passing thanks to everyone who joined the fight.
“We are deeply appreciative of your commitment and friendship,” Hnatiw wrote. “We look forward to continuing to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all our communities.”
City looks to close Civic Centre
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
The City of Lloydminster is looking to close the Centennial Civic Centre but has yet to set a date.
Council discussed issues with available ice surfaces in Lloyd, as construction is still ongoing on the Russ Robertson Arena.
The motion was made to close the Civic Centre without a date and the decommissioning and demolition of the building is set for 2026.
Full story to come in a later edition of the Meridian Source
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Courtesy of the CVR
Source file photo
Word on the beat: Lesser-known offences
Staff Sgt. JERRY NUTBROWN SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE
Most people know that stealing, assaulting someone and driving after drinking too much are criminal offences. Like other areas of law, most people know all the common offences, but there are some that are lesser known.
Section 44 of the Criminal Code protects a person from performing a surgical operation on a person if it is done to benefit the patient and done with reasonable care and skill. As I have no skill or training in this area, I would receive no protection from it.
Section 53 makes it an offence for anyone to attempt to seduce a member of the Canadian Forces for a traitorous or mutinous purpose away from their duty and allegiance to the King.
Sections 82.2, 82.3, 82.4 and 82.5 relate to nuclear material and nuclear sites and the offences associated with them. You are not allowed to possess, transport, export or import nuclear and/or radioactive material, or you could face severe sentencing as the offences are all strictly indictable.
Section 263 specifies a duty to safeguard an opening in ice. If a person creates an opening in ice where the public has access, they are required to safeguard it to prevent anyone from falling into it. This section is also specific to an excavation on land. Basically, if you create a hole in the earth, you have to take measures to ensure no one falls into it.
Section 445.01 makes it illegal to kill or injure an animal that is aiding law enforcement or aiding the Canadian Forces, or is a service animal. This section also stipulates that if a person is sentenced to jail time for this offence, the term shall be served consecutively to any other term and not concurrently.
Assisting a deserter or someone absent without leave from the Canadian Forces is a crime as per section 54. You are not allowed to assist, harbour or conceal a person on unauthorized leave from the Canadian Forces. Section 56 speaks specifically to this in this regard to members of the RCMP.
It is also an offence to have gold or silver filings or clippings that were obtained by shaving them off gold or silver coins. Section 451 deems it illegal to strip off pieces of these coins to accumulate an amount of the metal with the likely intent to then sell them.
As per section 19, no one can use ignorance of a law as a defence. This means that a person can’t say that they didn’t know it was illegal to do what they did and use that as an accepted defence of their actions.
Authority to execute, issue, give or enter into a variety of documents such as warrants, undertakings and appearance notices on a holiday is provided in Section 20. This section is specific to allowing this on designated holidays in Canada.
All acts of Parliament are available online and lay out authorities and offences related to each specific act.
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.
Source file photo
Aboriginal Head Start launches in Lloyd
A new Aboriginal program opened in Lloydminster to help Indigenous children and their families connect with culture while preparing for school.
The Border City Aboriginal Head Start held an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 3 with city officials and community partners.
Sandra Youngchief, director for the organization, said it will give children a strong start.
“I think it’s an excellent opportunity for kids to come and learn about culture,” she said. “Also, social and academic skills. We’ll be doing a lot of hands-on. We’ll be doing things like ice fishing and teaching them about culture. And it will shape them. They’ll be kindergarten-ready.”
Culture and language will be part of daily life at the centre.
“We have activities every day,” said Youngchief. “It’s rounded into their play … not just ‘OK, here we’re going to make this, this day.’ It’s rounded every day.”
Parents will also play a big role.
“Parents are welcome to come and look at what the kids are doing any day,” she said. “We will have a parent and family night once a month. Parents can come in and make hand drums, make ribbon skirts and make ribbon shirts. They can bring all their family, not just the child who goes to Head Start.”
Health Canada funds the program and Métis Local 76 helps support them. Youngchief said donations from the community will help
the centre grow.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers called the centre an important step for Lloydminster.
“This is a tremendous organization that helps those who need help from the perspective that we have a large Aboriginal population that surrounds our community and is in our community,” said Aalbers. “Every opportunity we can assist to ensure young people have the best tools to make the best start that they can, it’s critical.”
He also noted the value of early childhood development is clear.
“It doesn’t matter which school they go to, where they go to, early childhood development has shown the value is there to put investment (into).”
Midwest Family Connections program co-ordinator Maxine Desjarlais also welcomed the launch.
“It’s so good to be able to come and support one another, to have a partnership with other programs that are serving children up to six years of age,” she said.
Youngchief said the centre will start with 22 students and one bus, funded by Health Canada. She hopes it will expand to serve more children in the years ahead.
Call the organization at 306-825-5255 or drop by their space at 5009 48 Ave., just south of the railway tracks by the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter for more information on programming.
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers cuts the ribbon for the new Border City Aboriginal Head Start program on Sept. 3 with staff members. Dan Gray Meridian Source
Thursday, September 11, 2025
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Bobcats skate into Civic Centre history
Lloydminster moves to new state-of-the-art arena
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR ..................................
With a full moon hanging overhead on a beautiful Saturday night, the sun set on the storied Lloydminster Centennial Civic Centre on Sept. 6.
In what was likely the final game played at the soon-to-be-dismantled rink, the host Lloydminster Bobcats lost 4-1 to the rival Bonnyville Pontiacs in Alberta Junior Hockey League exhibition action.
The Bobcats expect to play their final preseason home game — Friday, Sept. 12, against the Battlefords North Stars — at Lloydminster’s new showcase arena, the Cenovus Energy Hub.
The Hub is the new home of the Bobcats, who are slated to open their regular season there Sept. 19 against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons.
While much fanfare has accompanied the end of an era for the Civic, the probable final game won’t go down in history as a classic. The crowd of a few hundred fans was smaller than the previous exhibition game and the hometown Bobcats couldn’t replicate the form they showed the night before in defeating the Pontiacs 5-2 at Bonnyville on Friday, Sept. 5.
“Unfortunately, we probably didn’t give the fans what they wanted to see for the last game at the Civic,” Bobcats coach Eric Labrosse said after Saturday’s matchup. “Our energy wasn’t there. We weren’t doing the plays we were supposed to do. We were overcomplicating everything and not getting pucks in deep. Way too many turnovers, and our power play didn’t click tonight. All in all, it was a hard game for a lot of guys.”
EL-TAHHAN NETS HISTORIC GOAL
The lone Lloydminster goal Saturday came from veteran forward Gus El-Tahhan, the Bobcats’ top scorer last winter with 23 goals and 50 points in 54 games.
Parked at the open right side of the Bonnyville net, El-Tahhan had ample room to beat Pontiacs goaltender Nathan Salisbury and even the score midway through the first period. The assists on what stands as the historic Bobcats’ final goal at the Civic (including exhibition play) went to prospects Connor Ewasuk and Dylan Karran.
El-Tahhan, who joined the Bobcats last season after a year in the BCHL, reflected on the Civic’s 40-plus years of hockey highlights.
“There’s obviously a lot of memories that were built here, but we’re really excited to get in the new building and win some games there,” said the Fredericton, N.B., native. “But there’s definitely some memories that are going to be left behind in this barn.”
El-Tahhan agreed that, as nostalgic as it was, the final curtain call at the Civic was an underwhelming night for the Bobcats.
“I thought we were really sloppy throughout all periods,” he said. “Our older guys definitely could have been better today. I think our younger guys worked real hard. I thought we just weren’t connected tonight.
“It’s still pretty early and I think guys are still getting used to each other. But I think, over time, we’ll figure it out.”
THREE-POINT NIGHTS FOR TRIO
Bonnyville newcomer Gavin Harrison, a forward from Cold Lake, won’t forget his Lloyd visit. He scored two goals — one on the power play — and assisted on Max Pendy’s game-opening tally. Pendy and Christophe Lussier each picked up a goal and two assists.
Pontiacs’ prospect Salisbury went the distance and blocked 25 shots. The Bobcats’ young duo of Malakai Zwiers and Sam Madgett split the game and faced a combined 42 shots as each gave up two goals.
Bonnyville took a 3-1 lead into the final period, during which the Pontiacs outshot the Bobcats 14-4. Late in the second period, Lloyd veteran Kade Fendelet was handed a misconduct.
“What I see is that we’ve got to work on our details without the puck,” said Labrosse, the Bobcats’ new coach. “Our work ethic has to be much better than it is. So does our discipline. I wasn’t pleased with how undisciplined we were on certain penalties. And that’s it, we’ve got to move forward from here.
“I mean, it’s still training camp, it’s still exhibition games. There were a lot of different (line) combinations being thrown out there, so no one is used to playing with who they’re playing with, for the most part. We’ve got a lot of work to do this week.”
‘THEY OUTWORKED US’
After watching the Bobcats’ pre-season opener from the sidelines, Labrosse was behind the bench for the two games against Bonnyville. He didn’t believe the imminent move to the state-of-the-art Hub distracted his players in Saturday’s finale at the Civic.
“No, I don’t think the guys were distracted by that, at all,” he said. “I just think (the Pontiacs) outworked us. They outplayed us in all three zones.
That’s all it was, they outworked us.”
At the same time, he cautioned that his team must not become overly caught up in all the hubbub about the Hub opening.
“Moving into that building is obviously exciting,” Labrosse said. “It’s a beautiful building. But, at the end of the day, we’re here to play hockey, so we can’t let the building distract us for the whole week.
“We have so much work to do as a group. We have to make sure that, next weekend, we’re executing more, that we’ve got more energy. Everything that’s got to be put together is where the focus should be, besides all the outside distractions of the rink and what not. That’s what I’m going to focus on with the boys.”
One of the boys, El-Tahhan, also stressed the importance of the Bobcats not getting too far ahead of themselves.
“Hockey is hockey,” he said. “At the end of the day, no matter where you play it, you’ve got to play it the right way. Obviously, playing in a facility like we’re going to have (in the Hub) is going to motivate the guys to play, but it comes down to the details and the systems, so that’s what we’ve got to focus on right now.”
Before moving to the Hub in time for practice Monday, the Bobcats had a long look at the Civic after Saturday’s game. After the crowd dispersed, the players ran and stretched in an extended post-game workout that preceded player/staff meetings.
“I think that’s just us taking care of our bodies,” said El-Tahhan, 20.
“It’s still pretty early on. We don’t want to get injured. That’s going to be a normal thing after games. We’re getting at that age where you’ve got to take care of your body, and that’s just what we thought was needed tonight.”
Lloydminster Bobcats’ goaltender Sam Madgett makes a save Sept. 6 in pre-season play against the Bonnyville Pontiacs. John MacNeil Meridian Source
FUN, BUSY SUMMER
In preparation for his final year of junior hockey, El-Tahhan spent the summer at home in Fredericton, working and catching up with family and friends.
“My summer was good,” he said. “It’s good to get home and spend some time with family. It was pretty simple. I just played some hockey, worked out a bit (and) saw some buddies.
“I didn’t skate all of June, but towards the end of summer, I started to pick things up. It was fun.”
He also continued to gain entrepreneurial business experience while working with his family.
“Yeah, we own a couple of restaurants and a gas station,” El-Tahhan said. “I’m kind of learning how to run those.”
He returned to Lloydminster a couple of weeks ago and moved back in with his same billet family.
“They’ve been really good over the past year and I’m really excited to get to be back with them this year,” he said.
FIRST PRE-SEASON VICTORY
On the road last Friday, the Bobcats were victorious in Bonnyville on the strength of three power-play goals from veterans Fendelet, Matthew Hikida and Jack Ferguson. Rhett Lloyd and Luke Dooley also scored for Lloydminster. Ferguson and Quinn Smith each picked up two points.
Madgett, with 11 saves, and Kannen Kirkwood, with 14 stops, combined for the Lloyd victory as each allowed just one goal.
The Bobcats fired 29 shots at the Bonnyville duo of Kasen Mainberger and Andrew Gaulton.
Aidan Wilson, with two points, and Nathan Taylor scored for the Pontiacs.
A pair of current U18 AAA Lloydminster Lancers, defenceman Aiden Harman and forward Connor Knickle, dressed for the Bobcats on Saturday.
BOBCATS’ EXHIBITION FINALE
After meeting each other in Lloydminster this Friday at 7 p.m., the Bobcats and the SJHL’s North Stars face off again Sunday (Sept. 14) in a 2 p.m. start at the Thunderchild Wellness Centre on Thunderchild First Nation, near Turtleford, Sask.
Sunday’s date on an NHL-sized ice surface is the final pre-season game for both Lloyd and Battlefords.
After a summer home in the Maritimes, Bobcats’ forward Gus El-Tahhan has returned to Lloydminster for his final year of junior hockey. John MacNeil Meridian Source
Rustlers bring ‘a lot of energy’ in narrow men’s loss to NAIT
The Lakeland Rustlers men’s soccer crew gave it the old college try Sunday as they pushed until the end of their 3-2 loss to the NAIT Ooks, a top team in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference.
Played at VLA Fields in Lloydminster, the Sept. 7 matchup was the season-opener for the Rustlers. It was the second game in as many days for the Ooks, who kicked off their schedule Saturday with a scoreless tie against the Concordia Thunder, also of Edmonton.
Josh Malin’s goal on a penalty kick in extra time brought Lakeland to within a goal of NAIT in the regular-season Rustlers’ coaching debut of Hani Tekheste, a former Lakeland standout as a player.
“I’m pretty proud of our group,” said Malin, a Saskatoon native who joined the Rustlers a year ago from the University of Saskatchewan Huskies program.
“It’s not easy to go down 2-0 and come back like that. Obviously, we didn’t get the result, we didn’t get the tie. There’s a lot to work on. But, for the start of the season, I thought we brought a lot of energy, and that’s something to be proud of.”
The small but solidly built Malin typified much of that energy, making rushes in the offensive zone and charging his way back to defend in the Rustlers’ end.
On one of those trips into NAIT territory, he became entangled with the Ooks’ goalkeeper, prompting Malin’s fruitful penalty kick in the late going.
On another rush, he suffered a leg injury momentarily, regrouped and stayed in the game.
On yet another drive, he ripped a shot off the crossbar.
“Yeah, sometimes you’ve just got to put on that pressure and hope for the best,” he said about his goal in the 91st minute.
‘BEAUTIFUL GOAL’
After a scoreless first half, NAIT opened a 2-0 lead before Camrose’s Mitchell Joyce showed his skill and got Lakeland on the scoreboard in the 74th minute.
“That’s the great thing about our striker Mitch,” Malin said. “He banged in a goal and it changed everything for our team. We started believing again. It was a beautiful goal.
“It happens. I had a lot of chances myself today that I didn’t bury. But you’ve got to move past it quick and you’ve got to look forward, because you can’t dwell on the past.”
The Rustlers hung around and made noise down the stretch, even after the Ooks had gone up 3-1.
‘A
LOT OF ROOKIES’
“Our defence, they stepped up amazingly today,” said Malin, a general business student. “I thought they played great. It’s not easy when you have so much pressure on you. But they were battling, they were blocking shots, they were sprinting back on defence, communicating all game. I was proud of them.
“We have, I think, six returning players. A lot of rookies. It’s just trying to influence them into how we play and what Lakeland is really about.
“We have our values as a group. We’re just trying to incorporate them with the new guys,
balance off of each other, and really just get to know each other, because chemistry is a big role on this team.”
In the heat of the action, an open Malin shouted across the field to his teammates, imploring them to be more selective and pass rather than shoot through a crowd.
“Sometimes you get frustrated during the game, but it’s never personal,” Malin said in a postgame interview. “We’re all fighting for the same goal. We’re fighting for each other. If there’s any differences, we talk about it after the game and we figure it out into the next week and moving forward to the next game.
“Sometimes, any communication is better than no communication.”
Malin, Joyce and Rustlers’ player-of-the-game Jack Money, among others, provided much of that leadership Sunday.
“I think this team can strive for a lot,” Malin projected. “Our goal is to make playoffs. We want to push as far as we can. We want to be in a gold-medal game come this October. We take it one game at a time. We try not to look (too far) forward.”
The Rustlers are back home this Saturday for a 2:15 p.m. game against the King’s Eagles of Edmonton, before visiting Concordia on Sunday afternoon in the capital city.
KEEPER ON MARK
With returning players accounting for about a third of their 18-man roster, the Rustlers are making strides just the same, performing well against a formidable NAIT side that includes 14 players back from a championship club.
Returning in a more prominent role this season is Lakeland second-year keeper Orrin Edighoffer of Saskatoon. He made a point-blank save early in the second half to keep the game scoreless.
“Orrin proved today that he can continue to push for that starting spot,” said Rustlers goalkeeping coach Zach Wagner.
“He was in and out of the team last year, but he went home and he trained hard over the summer and it really showed today what he worked for all summer to earn his spot today.”
Bruno Coelho, a Brazilian, is also in the goalkeeping mix for the Rustlers.
Matthew Herbut, with two, and Dilan Santiago Vargas scored NAIT’s goals Sunday.
Lakeland had been training for a month, and playing exhibition games, before its regularseason kickoff.
“The guys put up a really good fight today,” Wagner said. “Even when they were tired and down, they didn’t stop fighting.
“Overall, the guys showed heart and grit that we want for the men’s soccer team, especially when you play for the Rustlers. They fought the whole time. They didn’t give up, which was the important thing.”
Wagner, a former Rustler, is a son of the team’s founding coach, Kevin Wagner, who was promoted this summer to the job of Lakeland’s manager of athletics.
The senior Wagner was at the field Sunday, offering his support to new coach Tekheste and the rest of the Rustlers.
“Hani has brought a new energy,” Malin said about the young Lloydminster teacher.
“He was one of the best players to come out of the (Lakeland) program. He learned all the values from Kevin and what the program is all about. He’s continuing that tradition. He’s keeping it going, and I like that.
“Especially with the transition, and the (limited number of) returning players this year, we’re just trying to help him as much as we can. It’s new for everybody, but sometimes new things are good.”
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Mitchell Joyce and the Lakeland Rustlers are pushing for playoff contention in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference. John MacNeil Meridian Source
Lakeland women shake off initial loss
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Befitting a new school year and season, it’s a learning game for the youthful Lakeland Rustlers women’s soccer team in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference.
In their season-opener Sunday (Sept. 7) at VLA Fields in Lloydminster, the Rustlers lost 3-0 to the NAIT Ooks of Edmonton.
“I think we did pretty good,” said Rustlers third-year striker Katelyn Dyck, the team’s player of the game.
“We held our ground a lot and I don’t think the score defines who we are as a team. We are growing because we are mostly rookies on the team. There are a few things we could work on, yes, but I think we played perfect for today.”
Lakeland coach Doyle Church concurred with that assessment, praising his Rustlers for showing poise against an experienced NAIT side.
“I think how we defended was good,” said Church, whose 17-woman roster includes 11 fresh faces, with 10 of them new to college soccer.
“I was impressed with how we played. Obviously, there are things that we’d like to improve on. The second half, we tweaked some things in the attack and it went a bit better.
“With the players we have, they’re dynamic and they’re aggressive. I think we’ll be fine. It’s just with a new team, building the chemistry is important, so the longer we play together and the more we learn about each other, it’s only going to get better.”
Dyck, a 19-year-old Saskatoon native, is one of the veterans guiding the young Rustlers, who were just a week into their school year when they opened their season in front of a solid crowd on a warm afternoon.
“It was a really good performance from Katelyn,” Church said. “She was physical. She was smart on the ball. Her percentages, for completed passes and going in for headers and things like that, were really good. That’s why she was the player of the game today.”
NAIT’s player of the game was Sierra Klack, who scored the first two goals.
Kristy Hernandez netted the other goal. Carly Speelman posted the shutout as the Ooks improved their record to 2-0.
LEADING THE WAY
Dyck, studying to become a teacher, is already a mentor of sorts for the many Lakeland rookies.
She encouraged them to stay on track even when trailing, as they were Sunday when NAIT scored the lone first-half goal.
“Yeah, confidence is the main thing and keeping your head up when we concede and make a bad pass,” said Dyck, a graduate of Bishop James Mahoney High School.
Before she moves on to further her studies at the University of Saskatchewan or the University of Calgary, Dyck wants to create more special memories with the Rustlers.
Church believes they’re building a promising program, as the women find their way at the collegiate level.
“The learning curve is steep,” he said. “You have to learn a lot, as much as you can, but the experience they’ll get from this season, if we can grow with this core and continue for two or three years down the line, that’s how you can build a successful program.”
Church is in his third season as coach of the Rustlers women’s soccer team. He played five years with the men’s team and spent one season as an assistant with both the male and female clubs.
“This year is a bit of a reset for us,” Church said of his latest women’s team. “We had a lot of players graduate from Lakeland or transfer to other programs and other schools. Coming in with 11 new players … it’s a big learning gap. But overall, for a first game against a really, really good team, I’m happy with that performance. It’s good building blocks for us to continue on. What we’ve been doing has worked, so we just have to keep going.”
KEEPER
OPTIONS
One of the most intriguing positions for the Rustlers is goalkeeper, with a couple of experienced student-athletes in the mix.
“The goalkeeping spot is very competitive, in terms of they’re both really skilled players,” Church said. “It’s always a battle between them. Yes, they’re teammates, but it’s competitive because only one goalkeeper can play in the game.”
Third-year keeper Lizzy McLeod went the distance in Sunday’s game. Her goaltending partner is Peyton Arnott, a second-year Rustler.
Lakeland returns to action at home this Saturday (Sept. 13) as the King’s Eagles of Edmonton visit VLA Fields. The women play at noon and the men at 2:15 p.m.
Both Rustlers’ teams head to Edmonton on Sunday (Sept. 14) to play the Concordia Thunder.
“Again, all three Edmonton teams are really strong programs,” Church said. “But if we play similar-ish and we fix a few things from today, we’ll be fine.”
Katelyn Dyck (left) of the Lakeland Rustlers battles Alise Rahime of the NAIT Ooks during the Rustlers’ season-opening 3-0 loss Sunday at VLA Fields in Lloydminster. John MacNeil Meridian Source
Barons’ Ducherer aces Wainwright tournament
Elite baseball player Tylan Ducherer can also swing with the best of them on the golf course.
The Grade 10 student from the Lloydminster Comprehensive Barons won the boys’ division in the seasonopening Wainwright high school golf tournament on Friday, Sept. 5. Ducherer’s 77 was the lowest score overall. He also sank the longest putt in the tournament.
Second place in the boys’ division went to another Grade 10 upstart from Lloyd — Logan Nelson of the Holy Rosary Raiders. Nelson carded an 80 on the day. (For more on the Raiders’ banner showing, see Page 28 of this week’s Meridian Source).
Before he began his Lloyd Comp studies this month, Ducherer spent the summer playing Alberta provincial league baseball with the 15U AA Lloydminster Prairie Pirates. He leads the Lloyd Comp contingent bound for Saskatchewan high school district golf championships next Wednesday (Sept. 17) at Meadow Lake.
The Barons sent nine representatives — eight boys and one girl — to the Wainwright tournament. That group included Lloydminster junior golfers like Drew Mazzei and Matthew Bailey. Mazzei played in the Saskatchewan
junior provincials this summer on Lloyd’s city course.
At the high school level, Lloyd Comp’s golf coaches are Debbie Hamilton and Danielle Crossley.
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Tylan Ducherer, a Grade 10 student at Lloydminster Comprehensive, is all smiles after winning the Wainwright high school golf tournament Sept. 5. Submitted photo
The Lloyd Comp golf contingent includes (from left) Matthew Bailey, Drew Mazzei, Carson Bergerud, Matthew Christiansen and Emma Clark. Submitted photo
Senior Barons show promise in pre-season
Perhaps now more than ever, education is the operative word for Lloydminster Comprehensive as the senior high school Barons begin their football season with a predominantly young and inexperienced lineup.
After the graduation of more than 20 senior players last spring, this year’s Barons are light on Grade 12 personnel and heavy on 11th and 10th
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graders soaking up football lessons.
“I’d say it’s the youngest team we’ve had in my 17 years with the program,” said coach Kieran Link. “We’re excited to see what the young guys bring and, when the game is going, who steps up and who makes plays. We’re young, we’re energetic. There’s going to be a lot of Grade 11s and 10s getting a lot of starting reps. Some of those guys have played Junior Barons with us before. We’re looking forward to seeing their transition from the junior game to the senior speed.”
The early signs of that development have been encouraging.
After two weeks of training camp, the Barons headed to Martensville, Sask., on Sept. 4 and lost 31-24 in an exhibition game decided on a Royals’ touchdown with less than a minute left.
“A solid effort from the young bucks,” Link reported. “Lots of learning happening.”
Gold
Lloydminster led 24-21 with 10:24 remaining in the fourth quarter. Martensville evened the score with 5:16 left.
game this year, downhill.”
DIVERSE TALENT
Krchov, the Barons’ offensive player of the year last season, provides veteran leadership on and off the field.
“Carson is such a good, raw natural athlete, obviously if you’re a starter on the volleyball team and the football team,” Link said. “He’s kicking for us, punting for us, playing offence for us. He’s fast, shifty, explosive. He’ll be a guy we want to get the ball to a lot.
“We’ve got a small Grade 12 group. Carson is our leader on the Grade 12 side, and then we’re looking to our Grade 11s and 10s for a lot of leadership as well.”
Some of the Barons’ leaders are multi-sport athletes, balancing high school studies and varied athletic commitments. Krchov rotates between football and volleyball, while Kelly and Trachuk are among those also playing hockey.
“As kids get to high school, there’s definitely some multi-sport guys, but because football is so specific, you see specialization start to happen at the high school level as well,” Link said.
Barons’ football rookies like Spence and Brody Payne spent the summer playing baseball.
“Brody is playing defensive line with us,” Link said. “He’s a big, strong kid. He’s starting Day One. That’s a Grade 10 kid playing his first high school game against the big fellas.”
Youth is prevalent with the latest edition of the Barons, who graduated an inordinate number of players from the 2024 team. That bucked the traditional average of a third of the roster from each of the three senior high school classes.
“We had such a huge grad class last year,” Link said. “I think we had 22 players graduate. In high school sports, it’s generally a third, a third and a third.
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The Barons played their starters in the first half and went with the backups for the second half, making full use of the pre-season to evaluate their 36-man roster and accent an educational year ahead for the program.
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“But this year is a bit unique — the Grade 12 class is smaller. But we’ve got a solid core of Grade 10s and 11s, so we’re young, and with the Junior Barons coming up the following year, we’d like to get a third, a third, a third numbers back and rocking.
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Carson Krchov, one of Lloyd Comp’s few Grade 12 players, scored a touchdown and added a field goal. The Barons’ other TDs came from Rowan Trachuk and Joe Kelly, a Grade 10 student who has won the starting quarterback’s job.
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“The senior roster right now is at 36 guys. We’ve got one of the smaller rosters we’ve had. We’ve got a lot of youth in the building.”
COMPACT SEASON
Please
“He’s a dual-threat quarterback,” Link said of Kelly, fresh from the Junior Barons. “It’s rare that you have a Grade 10 starting quarterback, but we’re excited Joe has taken the reins. He’s an excellent leader with the program. I’m excited to see his development over the next three years. He has a great attitude, wants to learn and wants to do things the right way, demonstrates respect to everybody and has a great work ethic. We’re happy he’s our quarterback.
“Running the ball, we’ve got some heavy bruisers. We’ve got (the likes of) Jake Spence (and) Colby Hynes — those are some big fellas — so we’re more of a smash-mouth running
The Barons have been on the field since Aug. 21, practising for a few hours each weekday. It’s an all-consuming commitment in the relatively compact season, whether it’s at the high school or collegiate level.
“The football season in Canada is fairly short,” Link agreed. “You go through September and October, and then if you win, you keep going, and if you lose, you’re done. It’s highly competitive. It’s really intense during the week. You’re going five days a week, and film study on the weekends. It’s a big commitment for everybody, but it’s enjoyable. We enjoy doing it.”
The Barons continue their pre-season schedule this Friday (Sept. 12) in Saskatoon against the Marion Graham Falcons.
“That’ll be an exhibition game for us, a regularseason game for them,” Link said.
Lloyd Comp plays four regular-season games in the North Saskatchewan Football League, beginning at home Sept. 19 against Martensville in a 6:30 p.m. start.
The Barons visit St. Mary on Sept. 26 in Prince Albert and host North Battleford on Oct. 3 and Carlton (Prince Albert) on Oct. 9.
This is the Barons’ third year in the North Sask atchewan league.
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Quarterback Joe Kelly. John MacNeil MERIDIAN SOURCE
Junior Barons drop home-opener
The Lloydminster Comprehensive High School Junior Barons home-opener did not go as hoped at Armstrong Field.
The Babineau Warriors came to town on Sept. 6 with a distinctive size advantage over the home squad. Barons head coach Cole Bloxam
knew they were up for a challenge.
“The teams that come out of Saskatoon will always be a challenge for us,” said Bloxam, noting they’re usually bigger, stronger, faster and have more players on the roster than his squad.
Although the Warriors jumped to a 41-0 lead early in the third quarter, the Barons successfully shut down their opponents for the last 25 minutes of the game.
“We have lots to work on,” said Bloxam. “It’s a learning curve. We have two weeks to practise and get better.”
The Junior Barons take on the Clavet Cougars on the road on Sept. 14 before hosting the Ledingham Steelers on Sept. 27.
More at meridiansource.ca
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Tyrell Elford carries the ball. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
Alex Wood gets taken down by a Babineau Warrior. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
Raiders sweep team titles at Wainwright golf tourney
The Holy Rosary Raiders raided the podium last Friday, Sept. 5, with a dominant performance in the season-opening senior high school golf tournament at Wainwright.
Holy Rosary teammates Kasey Haughian and Haley Roach finished first and second, respectively, in the girls’ division. They were also part of the goldmedal-winning Raiders’ girls’ team, along with Rhian Haughian and Marielle Howe.
Holy Rosary also captured the boys’ title. That winning foursome was made up of Grade 11 students Austin Duguay, Ryker McGrath and Jax Robson and 10th grader Logan Nelson.
It was an extra-special day for Nelson, as his score of 80 left him second only to boys’ champion Tylan Ducherer, the Lloydminster Comprehensive Barons’
At
golfer who shot a 77 to capture the overall crown.
Among other Holy Rosary highlights, Kasey Haughian won the girls’ longest-drive competition, while Howe registered the longest putt.
Kasey Haughian and fellow Grade 12 student Roach have been part of the Raiders’ golf program since Grade 9. Complementing them are fellow senior Howe and young gun Rhian Haughian, a Grade 10 student who won the Northwest district junior high school girls’ championship last spring.
“We have a lot of good parts in our Raider golf program,” coach Jason Almond said before the Wainwright tournament. “They just have to put it all together on the day it counts.
“The girls are consistently posting personal-best scores every few rounds, and the boys are capable of breaking 80, as they have put some different combinations of nine-hole scores in the high 30s or low 40s.”
Last year, Holy Rosary finished just one stroke behind St. Paul in the girls’ team competition at the zone level.
“So, this year, (those Raiders) are very hungry to overtake their rivals from St. Paul,” Almond said.
“The boys had a poor showing at the wrong time last year, but they are poised to bounce back this year. They continue to challenge each other to better (their performances) each time on the range and each round they play.”
Eight boys and four girls from Holy Rosary competed in the Wainwright tournament.
The Raiders expect to be well-represented again in School Sport Alberta’s Northwest zone championships this coming Monday (Sept. 15) at St. Paul.
The provincial championship is set for Lethbridge the following week.
FOOTBALL RAIDERS IN FINE FORM
It’s business as usual for the Holy Rosary football team, which is off to a 2-0 record early in its season.
The Raiders remain atop Football Alberta’s high school power rankings after defeating the Carlton Crusaders of Prince Albert, Sask., 22-8 last week.
Up next for the Raiders is a date with the Foothills Falcons in Okotoks.
In Week 1 action, Holy Rosary posted a 33-7 victory over the Paul Kane Blues of St. Albert.
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JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
The Holy Rosary golf representatives at the Wainwright tournament were (from left) Haley Roach, Marielle Howe, Kasey Haughian, Rhian Haughian, Logan Nelson, Kai Doetzel, Ethan Gerling, Austin Duguay, Mitchell Malone, Jax Robson, Ryker McGrath, Caleb Weatherall and coach Jason Almond. Submitted photo
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