Community services advisory committee sees three reappointments
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
The City of Lloydminster has reappointed three committee members to the community services advisory committee.
“They’ve previously served two years or one term,” said Patrick Lancaster, manager of social programs and services.
The terms of reference for the committee were approved on July 22, 2024.
It exists to review applications and provide recommendations on funding allocations.
“We’ve got a committee of people, volunteers and one city council member that has the input to decide how the money’s allocated,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “A group of community residents that have a very good handle in the community act
as an advisory committee, which in turn makes a recommendation to council.”
They provide recommendations from the Family and Community Support Services grant, Saskatchewan Lotteries Community grant and Safe and Healthy Community grant. The next meeting to discuss allocations is scheduled for October.
“If council were to reappoint them today,
then they will be back in place and ready for the next allocation meeting scheduled for October, where they will review the FCSS grants which are currently open,” said Lancaster.
Council voted in favour at the Aug. 18 council meeting of reappointing Linda Kappel, Alison Weaver and Kristine Knourek to a two-year term.
Downtown committee sees new and returning members
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
The Downtown Area Redevelopment Committee (DARC) in Lloydminster will see a new face on it.
DARC is established to advise on the implementation of the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (DARP).
“The committee meets on a regular basis to help be a part, and help direct some of the activities downtown,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers.
The plan’s purpose is to serve as a framework for the redevelopment of Lloydminster’s downtown.
The committee is made up of community interest groups, business stakeholders and individuals to work with the City of Lloydminster
to co-ordinate the implementation and execution of DARP.
“I think that communication is key about future development downtown,” said Aalbers. “What are we seeing from an engineering perspective and that continuous improvement downtown.”
The selection process for these appointments was held between May 24 and July 18 with a total of one new application and six existing committee members letting their names stand.
Council passed the motion at the Aug. 18 regular council meeting to appoint Kirsten Kenyon to a four-year term, beginning Sept. 2. In addition, council has reappointed Tyler Lorenz, Amy Roper, Dill Randhawa, Kerry Million and Eric Valois for two-year terms.
Lloydminster city hall. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
School returns with excitement in Lloyd
to slow down, watch for students and help us keep safety at the forefront. Together, we can make the start of this year not only successful, but safe and memorable for every learner in LPSD.”
The first day of school filled Lloydminster’s educational institutions with chatter, laughter and the squeak of sneakers in crowded hallways on Tuesday morning (Sept. 2).
At Lloydminster Comprehensive High School, yellow buses lined u p while students spilled onto the sidewalks in the area.
The Lloydminster junior A Bobcats were out assisting with students’ safety throughout the city.
Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD) director of education Jason Neville said the return always sets a special tone.
“We are excited to welcome students, families and staff back for another school year. The first day always brings such energy and optimism,” said Neville. “We are grateful to our dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure classrooms and schools are ready.
“As buses roll and families return to their routines, we remind motorists
For the Lloydminster Catholic School Division, the day marked the first opening under new Director of Education Glenda Kary. She said the focus in every classroom is on connection.
“The very first day, I knew what the message was going to be. Welcome. Welcome,” said Kary. “I want to see you, I want to know your name and I want to know what interests you.”
Students crowded into Holy Rosary High School’s front foyer to catch up with friends, while others lined the office doors to discuss various issues.
Kary also noted the Catholic division added relocatable classrooms, upgraded sports facilities and expanded mental health supports across the board for this year.
“One thing I want everyone to know is, you belong in Lloydminster Catholic schools,” she said. “We are going to get to know you by name.”
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Lloydminster Bobcats’ prospect Sam Madgett helps students cross safely on the first day of school. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
Holy Rosary principal Jeremy Blais greets students ahead of the first bell on Sept. 2. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
LCSD holds welcome-back events
The Lloydminster Catholic School Division (LCSD) was getting ready for the new school year with welcome events ahead of the first day.
Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) opened its doors on Aug. 26 to welcome new students with an orientation day designed to ease nerves.
Principal Jeremy Blais said the event gave students a chance to get comfortable before classes started.
“Today is our welcome-back event that our parent council helped organize,” said Blais. “It’s a way for our students to be able to get into the school early, meet their teachers, find their lockers and just find their way around Holy Rosary so they have a comfort on the first day.”
Blais said the day also helps families.
“It’s a good way for our parents and students to be able to come in and meet their teachers,” he said. “New students can map their first day. They can also set up their locker and be ready to start on Day 1.”
Helping out were members of the Student Leadership Council. Liaison teacher Becky Grassl said the group wanted to make the transition easier.
“We wanted to make sure our students were here as the newer students came in to know that we’re happy they’re here,” she said. “We want them to feel like they belong. We want some smiling faces that are their age-ish who
can kind of show them the ropes and know you can come here and you can be younger, but the older kids aren’t gonna be scary.”
Blais added the biggest concern is always Grade 8 students finding their way.
He shared a simple message with all families.
“Our message to all of our families is welcome, we’re excited to see you,” he said.
LCSD TEACHERS STARTING ON THE RIGHT FOOT
On Aug. 27, LCSD teachers assembled at the Vic Juba for their inspirational kickoff to the school year.
Cooper Ray, a Catholic motivational speaker from outside Dallas, Texas, wanted to remind teachers “you’ve got this” in his own unique way.
He hopes teachers can focus on what truly matters amidst all the hustle and bustle of classroom preparations ahead of this week.
“If we’re going to be in a Catholic institution, it’s so important we centre our year on Jesus,” said Ray. “That we look to him as our source so we can do all that is asked of us each day.”
Carmen Nahirney is the vice-principal at École St. Thomas and serves as one of the faith leaders for LCSD. She said understanding teachers are all in this together is essential. Having Ray attend and share his message is one way to do that.
“We like to start the year off together; it’s a priority for our school division to get our staff together and start the year off on the right foot,” said Nahirney. “We’re here to fill our buckets listening to Cooper talk. We can then pour out all the things we receive today on our students throughout the year.”
Centring and preparing teachers is his main goal, which hits close to home for Ray.
“My wife is a teacher as well, so just to be on the giving side of an experience like this to help get them off to a great start,” he said. “I see through her how important it is to start on the right foot and get back to that mentality after being on a break.”
The LCSD began its “for greatness” themed school year on Sept. 2. They look forward to making the school experience fulfilling for students throughout the year.
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Students take part in a welcome event at Holy Rosary on Aug. 26 ahead of the school year. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
Bonnyville gets full picture of sports
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
The Town of Bonnyville received a look into sports tourism in the area following a presentation to council.
The Bonnyville Sports Tourism Strategy was presented by Stephen Slawuta, partner with RC Strategies. It’s an opportunity to look at the state of sports tourism in the community while presenting findings and goals moving forward.
“Really an opportunity for us to learn about the current state of sports tourism in the community, what the strengths are, what the opportunities are, what some of the challenges are,” said Slawuta. “We then took that information and used that to set strategic direction which occurred over a handful of presentations with council and staff.
“Then we developed the draft strategy and reviewed that with the community and that led to where we are now, which is the final version of the strategy.”
According to findings from the report, residents in the community place a high value on sport tourism opportunities and support and believe they are a worthwhile endeavour.
“That was a real clear theme of the engagement, just validating the residents they want to be engaged in community events they want to volunteer in community events; they see them as being really important to quality of life,” said Slawuta.
The majority of respondents had attended a sporting event in the last two years. Of those surveyed, 93 per cent said they’ve been to a household
sports and recreation event over the last two years. While 87 per cent of people surveyed strongly agreed that the town should continue to support local organizations with hosting sports and recreation events.
“Again, validating the importance of sport tourism to the community,” said Slawuta.
The report says that data suggests tournaments bring in 200 to 900 additional adult visitors per day to the C2 Centre.
“We also employed a data tool called Propulso,” Slawuta explained. “Which is using movement data or mobility data to get a sense of what is the incremental impact in terms of pure numbers and visitation for different types of events to the community.”
A typical Bonnyville Pontiacs hockey game is estimated to generate about $23,400 in GDP. The Winterland Invitational is estimated to generate $152,900 within the town and $305,200 regionally.
The report finds there are some gaps limiting sports tourism.
“One of the limiting factors here for sport tourism if we look at a SWOT analysis and we look at weaknesses, it would be indoor facility capacity,” he said. “There’s not a lot of available ice time at the arenas.”
The report also gave a breakdown of capacity within the various facilities. The Bonnyville & District Centennial Centre (C2) has almost 90 per cent of its prime ice time booked. While the fieldhouse has 70 per cent of its prime-time capacity filled. The pool has no to minimal competition hosting capability according to the report.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Local Business Directory
RCW rumbles Cheers Live
Drumheller and Strathmore once a month. We’re all over,” said RCW owner Steven Ewashuk, whose father started the company.
Real Canadian Wrestling (RCW) brought Friday Night Fights Vol. 3 to Cheers Live in Lloydminster on Aug. 29.
The Edmonton-based promotional organization has been in business since 2003 and has been making frequent stops in the Border City as of late.
“We’ve been running shows from everywhere between B.C. and Manitoba for 23 years. We’re in Edmonton and Calgary every two weeks and Lloydminster,
“Crowd interaction is one of our big things because without the fans we can’t do what we do,” he said. “They pay the tickets, put their hard-earned money out there each month to see us.”
RCW returns to Cheers Live on Sept. 26 for the second annual Charmaine Eggen Memorial Tournament, which supports the Bea Fisher Foundation.
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
Taylor Weaver MERIDIAN SOURCE photos
“Charmaine Eggen was a young girl who loved coming to our events,” said Ewashuk.
“She passed away, and in honour of her, a portion of ticket sales will be going to the Bea Fisher. We also donate group tickets to them every month.”
RCW used to hold events at Rolling Green Fairways but has found a new home at Cheers Live.
“We’ve got dates booked into next year and love the crowds we get out here,” said Ewashuk, noting some of the organization’s athletes have been signed and appeared on TV. “The more tickets we sell, the bigger names we can bring in. “You’re going to see the future, now. Most of these guys will be on TV within the next two years.”
Tickets for RCW’s Sept. 26 show in support of the Bea Fisher are available at Cheers Live and Battery World.
Taylor Weaver MERIDIAN SOURCE photos
Alberta Next panel lands in Lloydminster
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and cabinet ministers took questions from curious and passionate residents during their Alberta Next community hall on Aug. 27 in Lloydminster.
They addressed federal-provincial relations, taxation, health care and immigration during a nearly three-hour town hall at the Servus Sports Centre that saw hundreds of attendees.
Those in attendance pressed the government about Alberta’s fiscal relationship with Ottawa.
“It is $5,000 per Albertan that, every single year, gets transferred out of this province,” said Smith.
Residents described the economic pressures they face in everyday life. One attendee spoke about living on a single income while paying taxes.
Smith said provincial control over revenue is essential.
“We cannot achieve everything everybody in this room wants to achieve unless we have more control over our destiny, and more control over how we manage those dollars,” she said.
HEALTH CARE AND STAFFING ACCESS
Health-care questions focused on nursing shortages. A newly graduated nurse reported her surgery unit lost 15 staff members and had no transitional positions available for graduates.
Smith explained hospital resources are strained due to the presence of
patients who require alternative levels of care.
“Some of the pressure is because we have more people here and we don’t have as many doctors willing to take on more patients,” she said.
IMMIGRATION AND POPULATION GROWTH
Immigration remained a concern, with one resident questioning the pace of newcomers as Smith pointed the finger at federal pandemic-era adjustments.
“Maybe it’s a combination of having a traditional model that relies so much on immigration, disrupted,” said Smith. “So, they tried to correct that, but they overcorrected. I think that’s what’s causing some of the pressures we have now.”
ENERGY AND FEDERAL POLICY
Whitney Schultz, minister of environment and protected areas, defended Alberta’s energy industry against federal rules. She cited costs and risks associated with energy regulations.
“Starting with the clean electricity regulations, this would cost billions of dollars,” she said. “One independent report said this would cost up to $1.7 trillion. That would also put our energy grid at risk.”
Schultz criticized federal energy legislation and caps.
“The courts found Bill C-69 unconstitutional,” stated Shultz. “Stephen Guilbeault told me that was just an opinion. That’s the highest court in Canada.”
She says the emissions cap has a major impact on Lloydminster.
“That would cost billions of dollars, $282 billion in lost GDP. Up to 90,000 jobs lost in Alberta alone and more than 100,000 jobs lost across Canada in other related industries,” said Schultz.
LOCAL CONCERNS AND CLOSING REMARKS
Residents also raised issues like fly-in, fly-out workforces and autism support. Smith encouraged engagement with local MLAs but stressed broader policy changes.
The premier concluded by linking fiscal control, immigration and economic policy to the “Alberta Next” consultation.
Moderator Bruce McAllister praised attendees before closing the night.
“We can disagree without being disagreeable. I appreciate the conversation tonight,” he said.
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
Dunsmore heads to Kentucky
Horses have always been more than a hobby for Kimberley Dunsmore. They’ve been partners, teachers and friends. One special horse will carry her to Kentucky this fall for the chance of a lifetime.
Dunsmore, who lives and works in Lloydminster, will compete at the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover. The event takes place from Oct. 8 to 11 in Lexington, Ky.
She will ride Goodbye New York, a four-year-old black mare she calls Jade. They will compete in Ranch Work and Freestyle against trainers from across North America.
The bond began years before Jade was born.
“I rode a few of her siblings at Northlands and got to know their breeders and owners (Matt Monaco and Lori Brickman) quite well,” said Dunsmore. “I really enjoyed the minds that their mom (Crystal Kris) passed on to her babies and got along great with them.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
“There is quite a bit of outdoor space that is available, there’s some under-capitalized on market segments for sport tourism,” said Slawuta.
The strategy contains eight actions that are organized under three goals. The goals are, improving the sports tourism system, better leveraging existing assets and optimizing infrastructure.
One of the recommended actions speaks to creating a sport and recreation staff function in the town.
“Right now, as councils well aware, there isn’t really this dedicated position within your current staffing model,” he said. “You really do need to have somebody that has the skill set and time and resources to go out and push forward some of these recommendations.”
Improve data collection management. Investigate fee or levy options to generate additional resources to support sports tourism. Increase the focus on smaller and emerging types of events. Work regionally to grow outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism options.
Another goal is to grow existing events.
“Something we heard quite a bit about through our engagement with a lot of the user groups was that they are interested in growing their events and adding on secondary events,” said Slawuta.
The strategy recommends working with sport field and ball user groups to develop a five-year plan to establish priorities for amenity additions and upgrades.
Mayor Elisa Brosseau says the information will help guide council.
“Without having this information it’s like, where do we go, do we capitalize on what we have, do we need somewhere new,” she said. “The GDP that the Pontiacs bring in, the winter invitational, we know it’s a big event that brings to the town but actually getting the metrics down and giving us the numbers really gives us some good goal posts and I think that’s what we need going forward so that it can help us inform our decisions as we’re trying to decide what direction do we actually go in.”
The full report is available to read on the town’s website.
BONNYVILLE SPORT TOURISM FROM PAGE 5
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Kimberley Dunsmore and her horse Jade. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
Thursday, September 4, 2025
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Leave it to Weaver: Celebrating sobriety and recovery
EDITOR TAYLOR WEAVER
In light of Recovery Week and International Overdose Awareness Day, marked on Aug. 31, I felt inclined to write about celebrating sobriety and recovery.
Take a moment to reflect on the people in your life. I bet you can think of at least one who’s suffered from substance addiction. Whether it’s drugs, alcohol or food, addiction isn’t picky and it takes no prisoners.
After 35 trips around the sun, many people in my life have been affected by addiction. Many have even lost their lives.
From friends and acquaintances to siblings and children of friends, the disease of addiction is powerful and can be heartbreaking.
According to Dr. Gabor Maté, who spent years helping residents of Vancouver’s East Hastings St., people can be addicted to anything, even the good doctor himself.
In his book, “In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts,” Maté discusses his own vice: spending thousands of dollars a month on music. From old vinyl box sets to CDs, he can’t help himself. (It’s been a while since I read his book, and he worded that explanation far more whimsically).
Addiction can be a scary thing. From the addict pinching pennies to pay for the next fix to the family member spending sleepless nights worried about a loved one, addiction affects everyone.
In Canada, a total of 52,544 apparent opioid toxicity deaths were reported between January 2016 and December 2024. In 2024, 80 per cent of those deaths were in B.C., Alberta and Ontario.
Men accounted for 71 per cent of all deaths, and 28 per cent were between 30 and 39 years of age.
Of all apparent opioid toxicity deaths in 2024, 74 per cent involved fentanyl, a 42 per cent increase from 2016.
Eighty-four per cent of all deaths involved nonpharmaceutical drugs.
No matter how you look at it, those are scary numbers. People often look down on addicts, which is unfortunate. You don’t know what they’ve been through to get to where they’re at, and judging eyes do far less good than a smile.
I’ve mentioned my current sober state in recent columns because it’s something I’m proud of. Chels and I haven’t had a drink since August 2023, and both gave up the electric lettuce this year.
When it comes to alcohol, I know I’m better off without it. I have no problem openly saying I don’t have an off switch. One’s too many and 100 isn’t enough.
Chels and I often joke about what it would take for us to want to have a drink and still haven’t reached a conclusion.
In today’s society, sobriety seems to be more celebrated than ever before, which it should be.
Similar to losing weight to better one’s health, kicking an addiction can feel impossible to many. However, love and support from family, friends and peers help make the impossible feel possible.
From Lloydminster to bigger cities throughout the world, addiction is everywhere. It should be talked about, and those in need deserve the help being offered. We’re all human, after all.
More at meridiansource.ca
Thursday, September 4, 2025
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Chris’ A-Z: Movin’ to the groovin’
For those that know me, and it may be apparent by my appearance, but I can’t dance. I don’t have a rhythmic bone in my body and the building usually empties when I start singing.
While that may be true, I love dance, and I’ve always been a fan of dance competition shows and various movies that depict the life and times of dancers. In Lloydminster, there’s a famous tale of a dance school, the Alison Lamont School of Dance.
Lamont was hired by the Lloydminster Dance Academy under the umbrella of the Lloydminster Allied Arts Council in 1979 after graduating from the Canadian College of Dance in Toronto.
The dance academy started in the basement of the old post office and eventually moved to the lower level of the Lloydminster Communiplex.
Lamont hit the ground running, teaching roughly 60 students.
Her first recital was themed “homecoming” as the Border City was celebrating 75 years of both Alberta and Saskatchewan. In just a year, her student enrolment doubled to 120 students, a testament to her skill. The business didn’t slow down, doubling in size again the following year.
She was starting to outgrow her home in the Communiplex and looked to expand into her own studio.
She built her first studio in 1987 on 42 St. and remained at that location before moving to 44 St. This location allowed for three studios with sprung hardwood floors, barres and mirrors, three dressing rooms, a large waiting area, an eating area and quality sound systems.
Her students saw success, moving to not only national dance productions but international as well.
Looking back, Lamont was pivotal in building the dance scene in Lloydminster and educated thousands. While I may be a lost cause, I’m sure there’s many in Lloyd who continue to dance to their hearts content, far more skillfully than I ever could.
Gray Matters: Let’s go to the Ex ...
“Oh baby, let’s go to the Ex!” If that tune isn’t running through your head already, you’re clearly not from Ontario or you need a refresher in summer fun.
The iconic jingle is more than a song, it’s a call to summer fun and a decadesold Toronto tradition in Toronto. The Canadian National Exhibition, or CNE, runs for 18 days each summer at Exhibition Place. It has thrilling rides, unique food, live music and lots of exhibits from art to agriculture. My favourite thing about it, though, is the air show. For over a hundred years, it has drawn millions of people, becoming a symbol of summer fun.
We have our own Ex in town. The Lloydminster Exhibition Association. I’ve been here just over a year and I would argue, it’s more important to our community than the CNE is to the GTA.
Maybe it’s because it’s a facility run by locals, designed for locals. Maybe it’s because they treat you like family and want you to leave feeling that way. But on a strictly financial level, it’s not even close.
The Ex makes a strong case for why its value goes beyond its century-long traditions in our community. While the 146-year-old CNE entertains a huge city, the 121-year-old Lloyd Ex touches nearly every part of local life. It hosts livestock shows like the Stockade Round-Up and the CPCA Finals for chuckwagon racing. It’s versatility also endears us with trade shows, agricultural fairs and many community events. Its total economic impact is roughly $25M for a city of roughly 32,000 people. That works out to nearly $781,000 for every 1,000 residents. It’s far bigger than the CNE’s roughly $16,000 per 1,000 people.
However, the Lloyd Ex is more than money. It builds local pride and culture. Farmers show off their animals, young people compete in agricultural events and
families come together for traditions that have lasted generations. Chuckwagon racing called the Lloyd Ex home for over 30 years, while cattle competitions bring visitors from across Alberta and Saskatchewan, helping local hotels, restaurants and shops. The CNE draws millions, but the effect is spread across a huge city, so the impact on each person is smaller.
Both fairs celebrate summer, community and tradition. But in Lloydminster, the effect is direct and powerful. Fairs like these don’t just entertain; they keep traditions alive, teach skills and help the local economy.
They are part of the heart of the community. In Lloydminster, the Ex makes a real difference every year.
September 4, 2025
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.
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 twohour 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
Lloydminster & District Fish and Game Association Honours Past Members
The Lloydminster & District Fish and Game Association (LDFGA) is honouring four past Life Members at a special ceremony on Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. at the LDFGA property, located east of Lloydminster on Highway 303 and north in the gully. The LDFGA invite all family, friends and members to recognize the dedication of Bill Luchynski, Gordon King, Walt Backer and Brian Shepard.
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 780-522-6972 to register.
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 award-winning 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.
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.
Have something you’d like to see in our community calendar? Email the details to taylor@meridiansource.ca
Bea Fisher preps for pickleball tourney
The Bea Fisher Centre is gearing up for its second annual pickleball tournament.
The tournament, in partnership with TD Bank, will take place at the Servus Sports Centre (SSC) on Oct. 4 and 5 and registration is $40 per player.
Funds from the tournament will help the non-profit organization purchase a specially equipped van designed to transport individuals with mobility issues.
Transportation is a critical aspect for the inclusive service delivery offered by the organization. The van will allow adults with disabilities to maintain routine activities of life.
The unsanctioned tournament will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day and is open to teams (two players per team) of all abilities, and the tournament will be scheduled into beginner, intermediate and competitive divisions.
Saturday will feature mixed competitive, mixed intermediate and beginner divisions and Sunday will see men’s and women’s competitive and intermediate divisions.
The two-day tournament will also feature food and beverages, including beer gardens and other fundraising activities will be held in the SSC’s OTS room.
“We’ve added a few more divisions this year, but the primary goal is to help bring people out to develop the sport of pickleball and raise some funds for the van we’re hoping to buy,” said the organization’s marketing and business development co-ordinator Kim Crockett
Registration deadline is Thursday, Sept. 25 at noon.
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
Courtesy of Bea Fisher’s Facebook page.
Badgers cap off inaugural season in mud
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Some badgers were spotted wrestling in mud at Bud Miller All Seasons Park in support of a good cause.
Those badgers, more human-like than most, were from the Border City Badgers Wrestling Club.
They were out in full force on Aug. 30 looking to raise some money for their club activities.
“It’s for the club, we’re looking to attend more club tournaments this year, we’re trying to go to nationals, more wrestling camps,” said Kaidin McGinnis, head coach and founder of the team.
McGinnis started the team out of a deep passion for the sport.
“I was training at The Fight Farm, I’m a wrestler in the past, I’ve got lots of experience and he (Garrett Tepper, Fight Farm owner) was nice enough to open up his space and let us train there to start an actual club wrestling team,” said McGinnis, explaining the team trains at the Fight Farm twice a week, currently on Fridays and Saturdays.
He explained the club is growing and attending plenty of tournaments.
“We’re affiliated with Sask Wrestling and we go to club tournaments,” said McGinnis. “We have a lot sticking around and now I think we have 10 guys.
“Anywhere from five years old to 18 years old.”
When it comes to learning wrestling, it’s all about the basics.
“Start slow, start with the basics, the fundamentals,” he said.
The inaugural Badger Bash Mud Edition was a barbecue fundraiser to help the team with expenses.
“Trying to raise some money to do that and send some boys and girls off to camps,” said McGinnis.
Residents and members of The Gym 110 MMA packed Bud Miller Park to see wrestlers compete in a for-fun mud wrestling event.
Something McGinnis says was integral to his time in wrestling.
“I got the idea of mud wrestling from Last Mountain Wrestling camp. It was outside of Regina,” he said. “They benefitted me dearly, it was the most fun thing at the camp. You’re working hard all week, and you get to mud wrestle at the end of the week, it was fun.”
He says the community support has helped the team grow.
“Lots of parents have been helping out, they’ve been our biggest sponsors,” said McGinnis. “They donated to help out with this event and they help out a lot at the tournaments.”
The Badgers have been increasing their social media and community presence, hoping to get the word out.
“We’ve been big on social media lately, I find that’s kind of the thing to do it,” said McGinnis. “I also do it kind of old school, the good old poster flyers and hang them up around town.
“We have an Instagram page. That’s where the majority of our posting is done. Border City Badgers Wrestling, just reach out through there.”
The team is in its first year of operation. McGinnis hopes to see another big event cap off the second year.
The Border City Badgers Wrestling Club hosted its inaugural mud wrestling event at Bud Miller All Seasons Park on Aug. 30. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
“Near the end of the 2018 season, Matt and Lori gave me the opportunity to purchase All About Laughs. I co-owned her with my dad, and she got us our first win as racehorse owners.”
All About Laughs, Jade’s sister, became Dunsmore’s closest partner.
“I always told Matt and Lori I would like to own another Crystal Kris baby,” she said.
On Jan. 21, 2021, Jade was born in New York.
“From the first picture they sent me, it was love at first sight,” said Dunsmore.
Jade raced in New York and Toronto, then came to Alberta.
“We went to the track to watch one of her morning workouts on June 21 and met her for the first time,” said Dunsmore. “We went back to Edmonton to watch her race on June 28, where she finished fifth.
“She ran once more on July 6 and finished third. Matt and Lori made the decision that maybe she would be happier with a change of scenery and I got to pick her up on July 7.”
When Jade arrived, her personality was clear.
“She is a very sweet and confident mare. It’s not very often you find a young horse that is this confident and independent,” said Dunsmore.
She knows retraining a racehorse takes time.
“Probably our biggest challenge has been getting her to relax between maneuvers and not anticipate things,” she said. “She is a bit of an overachiever and is often trying to guess what I’m going to ask of her next.”
Dunsmore and Jade have already shared proud moments together.
“Being the Canadian flag bearer at the CPCA Finals. I think thoroughbreds don’t get enough credit for how versatile they can be, and doing that for the wagons just shows how great the minds of these horses truly are,” she said.
That versatility will be on display in Kentucky.
“I look forward to representing Alberta and showing people how incredible this mare can be,” said Dunsmore.
She hopes this will help people to see beyond the stereotypes.
“When people think of thoroughbreds, I think they often think of them as being crazy and hyper horses,” she said. “I like to compare them to a border collie or working type breed of dog. They need to be stimulated as they are incredibly intelligent animals.”
For now, she focuses on Jade’s steady growth.
“I’m hoping she’ll turn into a great all-around horse like her sister,” said Dunsmore. “For now, we are just taking everything one day at a time and I look forward to seeing her mature and grow.”
For anyone considering a racehorse of their own, she has one tip.
“The biggest advice I can give is to do your research and ask questions, and have someone you can go to for help if you run into trouble. A good coach is invaluable.”
You can follow Dunsmore and Jade’s journey on Facebook at TB Makeover 2025- Goodbye New York and Kimberley Dunsmore.
DUNSMORE FROM PAGE 9
Kimberley and Jade at the Lloyd Ex. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
15
Thursday, September 4, 2025
MERIDIAN SOURCE
‘It’s like Christmas’ as Lancers regroup
In the heat of summer, a five-day training camp signalled a new hockey season for Lloydminster’s boys of winter.
Under the direction of new coach Chris King, the U18 AAA Lancers staged their main camp Aug. 24-28, with 44 prospects participating in tryouts at Servus Sports Centre.
“Everyone got a bunch of ice time, which was great,” King said during the fifth day of camp.
The numbers thinned out throughout the week, not because of cuts, but due to the departure of players who were also attending major junior camps with their respective WHL teams.
“We have 10 at Western league camps, which is awesome,” King said as his remaining Lancers skated through drills on a humid evening.
“We started losing guys on Monday — our guys who had to go down to the States, Spokane and different areas — and that continued throughout the week.”
With some of those bigger-name players out of town, the greater complement of prospects tried to take advantage of even more opportunities to showcase their skills in front of the Lancers’ coaching staff.
“We’re really happy with what we saw,” King said. “As you can see, the intensity for this camp has been great. The guys are working hard and getting along well, which is a big plus sign for us. Especially when you’re trying out for spots, sometimes that’s not the case.
“Obviously, we’ve got to wait and see what happens with our guys at junior camps — to see if anyone stays — but we’re looking to take 25 to 27 guys into our pre-season roster. Then, we’ll figure it out as guys come back, or don’t come back, from their junior clubs.”
PRE-SEASON PLANS
The Lancers have scheduled five pre-season games, beginning with Sept. 12 and 13 action in Edmonton. Their first exhibition game in Lloydminster is set for Sept. 14.
With an infusion of talent, the new-look Lancers are trying to regroup after a last-place finish in the Alberta Elite Hockey League last season. Albeit it an early evaluation, the training camp showed promising signs.
“I would say the vibe has been good,” King said. “It’s exciting. This time of year is always exciting. It’s like Christmas. You see all your pieces and you hope they come together.
“Every coach thinks their team is awesome at this time of year. And then, you start playing and you figure out what you need to work on.”
Along with the Lancers attending major junior camps, other prospects participated in junior A training camps on the Labour Day weekend.
King reported that “four or five” Lancers were bound for the Lloydminster Bobcats’ AJHL camp, which began Aug. 29 at the Centennial Civic Centre.
“They’ll hopefully be playing some exhibition games with them, so it would be nice to see our guys on that stage locally,” he said. “Which is the goal for all these guys — they want to play junior hockey. So, that’s what we want to get them to, and if they can play locally, it’s a double win for us.”
As they search for more wins this season, the Lancers bank on cashing in on that experience their players gained at major junior and junior A camps.
“When they come back, we need them to bring the intensity that they had at those junior camps, whether it’s major junior or junior A,” King said. “They should learn a lot of lessons (at those camps) and figure out what they need to do to play at that level, and hopefully our intensity picks up.”
MAJOR JUNIOR CAMPERS
The Lancers’ contingent at major junior camps included 2025 WHL draft choices Tripp Fischer (Prince Albert Raiders), Kael Scott (Calgary Hitmen) and Josh Frazer and Brody Sunderland (Spokane Chiefs).
Along with 2024 pick Connor Knickle, Spokane’s camp included three players in the Lancers’ mix. The Red Deer Rebels’ camp also featured a Lancers’ trio in Denton Setzer and recent 15U AAA graduates Cobin Garnett and Jax Munro.
Scott’s company at his first Calgary camp included Lancers’ 17-year-old defenceman Rhett Romanchuk, who was originally drafted by the Saskatoon Blades in 2023.
The new-look U18 AAA Lloydminster Lancers brought 44 prospects to their main training camp. John MacNeil Meridian Source CONTINUED
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Family roots attract Domshy to Lancers
U18 eligibility.
Ty Domshy had the time of his life this past spring as he watched the NHL playoffs in Edmonton.
Domshy, whose hometown is St. Albert, didn’t need to go far to follow the Edmonton Oilers as they advanced all the way to the Stanley Cup final, before losing to the Florida Panthers in six games.
“Yeah, I went to the watch party a couple of times,” he said. “Oh, it was amazing. It was electric, especially when (the Oilers) won.”
Domshy, one of the newcomers this season with the U18 AAA Lloydminster Lancers, hopes to contribute to an anticipated turnaround for the Alberta Elite Hockey League team.
After two years with the U17 AAA St. Albert Raiders Flyers, he has relocated to his father Darren’s native Lloydminster for his final season of
“It’s my last year of minor hockey and I just wanted to go to the place that gave me the best opportunity,” Domshy said Aug. 28 during the Lancers’ training camp at Servus Sports Centre.
“I already had some family here, so moving over here wouldn’t be too hard. I kind of wanted a new start.”
Domshy, a forward who turns 17 in December, has his paternal grandparents, two aunts, two uncles and a cousin living in the Border City. He’s billeting with some of those family members while residing in Lloyd. He plans to do Grade 12 courses online during the hockey season, after which he intends to return home to graduate with his St. Albert Catholic High School class.
PROMOTED TO U18
As captain of the U17 AAA Flyers last season, Domshy scored 11 goals and 26 points in 29 regular-season games, while accumulating 46 penalty minutes. He added three goals and eight points in four playoff games, along with three assists in four games at provincials.
After his U17 season, Domshy was called up to the U18 AAA Raiders and collected three assists in five games with them.
As far back as April and May, he was thinking about a possible move to Lloydminster this season to play at the U18 level.
“It took a while to get my release out of St. Albert,” Domshy said. “I had to go to Hockey Alberta for that.
“Once they got that all settled, it was late July, almost August. It’s fine. I got it done. I’m here to stay.”
Revamping under new coach Chris King, the Lancers were most receptive to Domshy’s expression of interest.
“He’s a guy that’s been very, very good for us at camp,” King said. “He’s going to be on our roster (this) year. He’s transferring here to us. We’re excited about, one, his leadership and, two, just his consistency.”
As the Lancers try to rebuild their organization into a competitive team, they’ll do so as one of the initial tenants of the state-of-the-art Cenovus Energy Hub, with its customized dressing rooms.
“He wasn’t sure what (St. Albert’s) association was going to look like, and we became an option,” King said of Domshy. “Honestly, I think maybe a new coach, new program, new rink definitely helped (with his decision).”
LIKEABLE TEAMMATE
While he’s still sizing up his new surroundings, the five-foot-10, 160-pound Domshy is confident he can provide skill and hopeful he can be a likeable teammate.
“I feel like I’m a good playmaker, I’ve got a good IQ and a pretty good shot,” he said, just minutes before a second effort enabled him to bank the puck off a defender’s skate and into the net during a practice drill.
“I seem like I’m a pretty good guy. I hope the guys like me here.”
Domshy didn’t know any of the Lloyd prospects beforehand, but almost a week into camp, he had become more acclimatized.
“I know a couple of names now,” he said with a smile.
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
“I’m getting a little bit better. It’s a little tough. I feel once I’m here a little more, and the team is actually finalized, I’ll get to know a couple of the guys better, or most of the guys. Hopefully, that’ll be easier.”
Domshy didn’t go easy this summer as he prepared for his jump to U18 AAA hockey, mixing training and recreation time with employment.
“Lots of hockey and lots of gym,” he said. “I like to golf, too, and hang out with the buddies.” He also had a landscaping job that kept
him busy during the game.
“I did a lot of work,” Domshy said. “It’s like a supply company, so I give out all the supplies, do orders and deliveries, that kind of stuff.”
Hockey-wise, he delivers a winning pedigree to Lloydminster. As part of elite St. Albert teams, Domshy reached provincial championship tournaments once in U15 AAA and twice at the U17 AAA level, including a gold-medal finish in 2024. It amounted to a good run with quality teams.
“Oh yeah,” he said. “Playoffs every year, at least.”
Lancers forward Trey Bohlken attended the Moose Jaw Warriors’ WHL camp. Last season, he was a 15-year-old rookie with the U18 AAA Lancers.
Bohlken, Romanchuk, Logan Flewell and Gavin Pratt were among the local faces auditioning for the Bobcats in their exhibition opener Sept. 1 against the Kindersley Klippers of the SJHL.
Pratt led the U17 AAA Lancers in scoring last winter, with 19 goals and 35 points in 34 games.
‘DEVELOPMENTAL TOOL’
Because of their age, most of the Lancers who attended this year’s WHL camps aren’t eligible to play major junior on a full-time basis this season.
As they trimmed their U18 AAA roster to 28 players this week, the Lancers planned to keep some of their prospects in the system.
“Some of these guys will be playing for our U17 (AAA) team, which is a developmental tool for us,” King said. “Some of those guys will affiliate with us and some will play U18 AA, or other places as well.”
The Lancers’ tryout process began last May with an identification camp that involved 100plus players.
King advised on Labour Day that all his major junior campers were back in town or headed back to Lloyd early this week.
The exception was the 15-year-old Fischer, who earned a longer look in Prince Albert. He scored the tying goal Sept. 1 as his Team White rallied from a 4-0 deficit and won 5-4 over Team Green in the Raiders’ showcase game.
In May, the Raiders chose Fischer in the third round of the WHL prospects draft. This summer, he was shortlisted for the U16 Team Alberta.
For his final U18 AAA year, Ty Domshy transferred to his father’s native Lloydminster. John MacNeil Meridian Source
DOMSHY FROM PAGE 16
LANCERS’ CAMP FROM PAGE 15
‘Lancers the way to go’ for mobile D-man Kvill
Graydon Kvill and the Lloydminster Lancers showed trust in each other as he signed with his hometown U18 AAA hockey team this summer.
That mutual faith was reflected in the defenceman’s performance during the Lancers’ main training camp Aug. 24-28 at Servus Sports Centre.
“Kvill has been very good,” coach Chris King said during a late-night practice Aug. 28.
“He really moves the puck well. He’s a good passer. I think that’s going to be a big part of our team, is being able to move the puck.
“He’s such a smooth skater, sees the ice well. Between him and (Aiden) Harman, two puck-moving guys coming in, I think it’s going to add a lot to our team defensively, helping the offence start.”
Kvill, who turned 16 in March, has transferred to the Lancers after playing the previous three years with the Lloydminster Athletics academy program at the U14, U15 and U17 levels, respectively. He sported maroon Athletics’ gear last week.
Kvill was among the initial seven players that the Lancers signed in advance of the 2025-26 season.
“It shows they can rely on me, and I need to set that standard for the rest of the team,” he said. “Just not let down the pressure.
“I felt the Lancers were the way to go. It gives me good chances and opportunities for after minor hockey.”
HOCKEY BUDDIES
While extreme heat struck the Lloydminster area, the Lancers sweated it out on the ice for five straight days of camp. The Aug. 28 skate marked Kvill’s ninth on-ice session during that stretch.
“Camp has been really good and pretty intense,” he said. “It’s fun to get to know a bunch of people. It’s nice to be around a great group of people who can just support you and can’t get mad at you.
“I have a billet who is from Wainwright (forward Alec Robinson). I’ve known him for a bit. I played spring hockey with him for a few years before we started playing (on teams) together. I also know (forward prospect) Shaun Going well from growing up. He’s a great kid, a really good guy.”
Robinson, also one of the Lancers’ early signings, led the U17 Athletics in
scoring last winter, with 27 points in 28 games.
Kvill was the team’s top-scoring defenceman, with 20 points in 27 games in the Junior Prospects Hockey League.
“I think (I’m) a smooth-skating, playmaking defenceman who can also create a bunch of offence,” said Kvill, five-foot-11 and 160 pounds.
“I’ve been doing power-skating sessions for four or five years, with Making Stridz, and also just the Athletics when I’ve been there, lots of skating.”
Kvill lives on an acreage near Marshall, where he and younger brother Lincoln trained during the off-season. Lincoln hopes to step up to the U17 AAA Lancers this season.
“We have a home gym that we can use anytime together,” Graydon said. “And we can do stuff around the acreage, too.”
Not surprisingly, the brothers are multi-sport athletes. Each represented their respective schools at provincial high school track and field championships last June — Graydon with Holy Rosary at the Alberta meet and Lincoln with Lloydminster Comprehensive at the Saskatchewan provincials.
JUNIOR CAMP AUDITIONS
This week, Graydon is going into Grade 11 at Holy Rosary, while Lincoln is entering Grade 10 at Lloyd Comp.
Although he’s still just 16, Graydon has attended spring camps with three junior A teams — the Brooks Bandits of the BCHL and the Bonnyville Pontiacs and Olds Grizzlys of the AJHL.
“It was good competition, intense,” he said about those auditions. “Just wanting to show the coaches what you can do.”
Graydon Kvill, along with Harman and Rhett Romanchuk, were the first three defencemen signed to this year’s edition of the U18 AAA Lancers. Meadow Lake’s Harman also played in the Athletics program last season, scoring 22 points in 23 games with the U18 team.
The six-foot-four Romanchuk is a returning Lancer from Lloydminster. After participating in the early part of U18 AAA tryouts, he headed to camps with the major junior Calgary Hitmen and the junior A Lloydminster Bobcats. Robinson was among the four forwards who were spring or summer signings of the Lancers. The others were Kelton Doolaege — a Castor native from the U17 AAA Lancers — and hometown WHL draft choices Tripp Fischer and Josh Frazer. Overall, the U18 AAA Lancers took a pro-active approach in securing seven early commitments.
“I think those were guys that were key that we had to get in (the program), that probably had other options,” King said. “So, that was key to the recruitment. It helps us with (acquiring) other guys. When guys play together, when one guy goes, then two guys go. It’s good.”
King reported that 10 of the prospective Lancers also participated in WHL camps, and some were engaged in junior A tryouts.
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Graydon Kvill.
John MacNeil MERIDIAN SOURCE
Bobcats begin to write next chapter
On the cusp of moving into their spiffy new home, the Lloydminster Bobcats staged the junior A team’s final training camp at the soon-to-be-closed Centennial Civic Centre on the Labour Day weekend.
“It’s unique for our players and for our new recruits to be able to see the Civic Centre one more time and maybe appreciate what we had here and the history that goes back over 40 years of junior hockey,” said Bobcats general manager Nigel Dube.
The AJHL’s Bobcats also scheduled at least two exhibition games for the Civic Centre, beginning with a 3-1 loss to the SJHL’s Kindersley Klippers on Sept. 1.
Exhibition action continues this weekend as Lloydminster visits the Bonnyville Pontiacs on Friday (Sept. 5) and the same teams face off in Lloyd at 7 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 6) for possibly the final game in the Civic Centre’s storied history.
On the final weekend of the pre-season, the Bobcats host the SJHL’s Battlefords North Stars on Friday (Sept. 12), either at the Civic or the spanking-new Cenovus Energy Hub.
“What arena we play (that game) at is to be determined,” Dube said on Labour Day. “We’ll be in the Hub for the home-opener (Sept. 19 against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons). It’s just a matter of whether we get one (exhibition) game in there before, or not, just to get the feel for things.”
The Bobcats planned to transition into their new home this week, alternating practices between the Hub and the Civic.
Training camp featured almost 40 players, enough for two teams during the initial tryouts.
“We kept it at just shy of 40 players,” Dube said. “We thought that was important to keep it to a small camp, just to get really good looks at players.
“With players going off to Western Hockey League major junior camps, we knew we’d see the return of players throughout the weekend, so it was better to start with a lower number.”
The Bobcats iced an entirely rookie lineup in their pre-season opener against Kindersley, which was playing its second exhibition game.
Dube and new coach Eric Labrosse watched the Civic Centre action from upstairs.
“I think it’s just exciting,” Dube said about early evaluations. “You look at our lineup with no returning players, no veteran players in it, an all-rookie lineup against a team that had four or five 20-year-olds in it, more experience and a 20-year-old goalie in net.
“We had a couple of 15-year-olds in our lineup. And for them to step in and do that (was admirable). I thought, throughout the game, we showed a lot of good flashes, a good possession game. At times, our youth kind of showed through at the end and we looked like we were running out of a little bit of gas.”
Sherwood Park prospect Jacob Harkness scored Lloydminster’s lone goal. The Bobcats’ goaltending was split between Kannen Kirkwood — younger brother of Bobcats graduate Kaiden — and former U18 AAA Lancer Malakai Zwiers.
The other goaltender in camp is Sam Madgett, who joined the Bobcats after trying out with his hometown Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL. Madgett and Bobcats forward recruit Luke Dooley were 18U major teammates for three seasons — one year with the Cole Harbour Wolfpack and the past two with the Halifax McDonald’s.
With a wide-open slate in Lloydminster’s net, this is an opportune time for the three young goalie prospects to show their stuff.
“They’ll continue to get minutes throughout the pre-season,” Dube said. “With their performance, they’ll be able to sort themselves out in that matter, too. I think that’s a big part (of the equation) — a lot of minutes throughout the weekend with main camp, and two of them in for today’s game, and we’ll be able to change that up for Friday’s pre-season game as well and continue to
evaluate that position.”
Another key variable in the Bobcats’ goaltending picture is Matthew Kondro, whose rights were acquired in an Aug. 21 trade that saw forward Wyatt Yule, 19, go to the Drumheller Dragons.
Kondro, who turns 18 in December, is from St. Albert. He spent last season with Drumheller in the AJHL and was called up to the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL.
For the past week, Kondro has participated in Red Deer’s training camp. The length of his latest stay with the Rebels might well be dependent on how long Red Deer starting goalie Chase Wutzke, 19, sticks with the Minnesota Wild during the NHL pre-season.
Kondro has family connections in Lloydminster.
“That’s a unique part,” Dube said. “If we’re able to get him back from Red Deer, he’ll also add some local (flavour) to our lineup. Talking to his coaches in St. Albert, too, they spoke very highly of the hockey player and of the person, which is very important.”
As for Yule, the trade to Drumheller aligned with his desire to play close to home, Dube said. “He had tried out there the last couple of years and his brother (Tate) played there, was their captain last year.”
The Bobcats have regained the services of sophomore defenceman Dylan Deets, who returned Sunday from the Moose Jaw Warriors’ WHL camp.
Cooper Moore, a 50-point man last winter in his standout rookie season with Lloydminster, remained at the Kamloops Blazers’ camp early this week. At the same time, Bobcats’ promising forward recruit Ty Hynes was auditioning with the Calgary Hitmen.
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
John MacNeil MERIDIAN SOURCE
Lloyd welcomed prospects to training camp during the Labour Day weekend.
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