March 15, 2024

15th Annual Northern Pike Classic Rivers and Area Game and Fish

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

Lake Wahtopanah was the place to be on Saturday, March 9 from 10am – 2pm for the 15th Annual Northern Pike Classic. There was $2500 in cash prizes to be won in the adult competition. The winners were chosen by the total length of four measured pike. To win a competitor had to have a numbered registered ticket at the time of measuring.

There were nine Rivers and Area Game and Fish members that volunteered on the ice with registration, taking measurements and various other duties.

It was an amazing turn out with 101 adult anglers and 12 youth anglers registered. A total of 33 Northern Pike were caught on Saturday.

The youth winner was Parker Robinson of Brandon. He caught one fish measuring 45cm. Parker received a $50 gift card from Jo

Brook Outdoors as well as a bump board from MWF. Random draws were made for two additional Jo Brooks gift cards and some assorted fishing accessories.

There were five adults. #1 Dallas Barber from Brandon with a total 212cm won $1500. #2 Charlene Ryan from Brandon with a total 184cm won $500. #3 Justin Frank from Virden with a total 176cm won $250. #4 Jaryn Orr from Brandon with a total 144cm won $150. #5 Craig Lelond from Rivers with a total 130cm won $100.

As an added bonus, there were five lucky anglers who brought in a fish closest to the hidden times for $20 Chamber bucks donated by Rivers Chamber of Commerce. Those winners were Jaryn Orr of Brandon, Rick Reid of Oak River, Brayden Deedman of Brandon, Randy Jay of Rivers, and Charlene Ryan of Brandon.

The Lions Club brought their travel trailer on the ice and served cheeseburgers, hot dogs, fries, coffee, and hot chocolate to all those who were hungry.

Dallas Barber receiving his prize of $1500 for first place in the derby.

Hidden time winner Randy Jay receiving his prize of $20 Chamber bucks.

Lions Club serving lunch at the fishing derby. SUBMITTED

Parker Robinson holding his prize winning 45cm Northern Pike. Only thing bigger than his fish was his smile.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA COULTER

Westman Winners Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

Team Manitoba comprised of 58 talented athletes, 20 Coaches, and 8 mission staff. They represented Manitoba at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024 from February 27 - March 2, 2024. This premier national event welcomed over 1200 athletes, coaches, and mission staff from across the country to compete against one another in eight sports. Each athlete was competing for a coveted spot on Team Canada and the chance to compete at the 2025 World Winter Games in Italy.

Chris Jones received the bronze medal for floor hockey. He is from Rapid City and currently resides in Brandon. Scott Madder and his team, Devin Leadbeater, Glen Skayman, Sandra Revet, Tyler Yurchuk, received the bronze medal for curling. Scott is originally from Riverdale area. He and his team currently resided in Brandon. The curling coaches are Jodee Webster and Gina Rank. Charles Tweed was mission staff for Curling and 5-Pin.

Another athlete from the Westman team, Shannon Ivey won silver in 200M snowshoeing and bronze in 4X100M relay snowshoeing. She currently resides in Minnedosa.

“We are incredibly proud of our Westman region athletes who

Huskies played hard in two overtime games

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

Due to weather conditions, last weeks semi-final games were delayed. The Huskies had their first game against Vincent Massey Vikings on Saturday, March 9. It was the first of three games. The Vikings won 3-2 against the Huskies. It was a tight game and had to go into overtime for the Vikings to score their third goal.

On Tuesday, March 12, the Vikings came to Hamiota to play the Huskies in game two of the series. The Vikings won again with a score of 3 – 2 over the Huskies. The Huskies played hard and held the lead of 2–0 until the third period when the Vikings scored twice. The game went into overtime and then second overtime before the Vikings were able to score their third goal of the night.

Gina, Jodee, Sandy, and Glen take home the bronze medals. showcased their talent, determination, and sportsmanship at the Special Olympics Canada National Winter Games - Calgary 2024. Our provincial team bringing home a combined total of 60 medals is a remarkable achievement and a testament to their hard work and dedication. For each Westman region athlete to return with a medal is even more extraordinary. These athletes - Shannon, Chris, Devin, Tyler, Sandy, Glen, and Scott - they exemplify the spirit of Special Olympics, inspiring us all with their passion and talent in their sport. Congratulations to each of them on their well-deserved success,” Melissa Suggitt, Marketing Manager for Manitoba Special Olympics. Westman Region is always looking to expand programming to rural communities. Before they can offer any programs, they need volunteers. Those interested in volunteering can find more information on the website; https://www.specialolympics.mb.ca/ or can send an email to westman@specialolympics.mb.ca.

Registration is Now Open Rivers Youth Soccer

Spring Soccer Update

Getting ready for another season as a member of the Westman Regional Soccer Association. Registration must be completed online at www. westmansoccer.ca no later than March 31, as the season is to start May 6! Returning families will recall that this is a three-part registration which involves an initial registration and payment through the Manitoba Soccer Association (MSA), followed by the second portion and payment with WRSA, then the third payment to Rivers. This is what player fees look like for 2024: U4 to U6 - $60 ($16+$30+$14); U7/U8 - $75 ($16+$40+$19), U9-U17 - $160 ($35+$100+25).

U8 and younger continues to be a co-ed program run on Wednesday evenings, while the older kids will play twice a week: Boys (Mon/Wed), Girls (Tues/Thurs). This is always subject to change pending registration numbers both locally and throughout the league. Also, please note that U3 & U4 children registered will be required to have a parent participate with them at all practices.

If there are any soccer enthusiasts out there that are at all interested in being involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out, you certainly don’t need to have a child involved to volunteer! We would welcome anyone keen to coach or be involved on our board. We do require that our coaches take the time to complete the Respect in Sport online modules, as well as have both a criminal record and child abuse registry check. RYSA will reimburse you for any costs associated with these requirements.

Finally, our AGM is scheduled for April 14, 6:30pm in the Behlen Lounge at the Community Center. Please plan to attend for a quick update on registration and the season. Every person in attendance will have a chance to win back their child’s registration fee for the season. Make sure to follow our Facebook page: Rivers Youth Soccer Association for any and all soccer info!

Shannon Ivey takes home two medals from the games.

Chris Jones takes home bronze for floor hockey.

Team Manitoba - Curling -Devin, Tyler, Scott,

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Rivers Jets Raise the Glass Fundraiser

Coulter Rivers Banner

At the recent Hockey Provincials, the Rivers Jets Senior Hockey team was excited to officially launch their fundraising goal to install glass in Redfern Hall. The goal of the project is to create additional seating for events in the arena, hockey games, figure skating and tournaments, while maintaining the functionality of the Redfern Hall as a community hall when needed.

“At our fall meeting, as we began planning for the 2023-24 season the discussion turned to how we can give back to the facility and reinvest some funds back into the Riverdale Community Centre,” says Aaron Tycoles, Team President.

To get the project started the Rivers Senior Jets are prepared to invest some of their profits from the first two seasons in the Tiger Hills Hockey League while leading the fundraising efforts to raise the $75,000 to $80,000 needed to complete the project.

The budget includes installing 94 feet of windows that will be five feet high and eighteen inches off the floor for proper site lines to watch various ice rink activities. In addition to the windows, there will be soundproofing insulation installed. New high-top tables and chairs will be purchased for comfort while watching the events. This will add additional assets to the hall as well.

“The support of the fans of Rivers and surrounding area has been amazing over our first two years, it is

great to see the building full of fans to support our team,” says Aaron Tycoles, Team President , “We look forward to working closely with Christine at the Community Centre, as well as Marci(Riverdale CAO) and Mayor(Heather Lamb) and Council to complete this project and help upgrade our great facility, as well as continuing to support the community of Rivers and Riverdale Municipality where we can.”

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Word Bank

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The team will be hosting the First Annual Rivers Jets Hockey School in September 2024. Keep an eye on the Rivers Jets Sr Team Facebook page and in the Rivers Banner for announcements about the fundraising and support given, as well as future events that will be hosted by the team to raise funds for the Raise the Glass Fundraiser.

2nd level Redfern Hall Proposed Installation: 5 New aluminum windows.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Perspectives

Tundra

By Chad Carpenter

Thankfully, the tide is turning

As political leaders take stands on issues, it opens up an opportunity for columnists to respond. When there is active and civil discussion on issues, we all move forward towards conclusions.

Recently, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre have stood up for women and girls with regard to what could be categorized as transgender issue. Most media types have been dismissive.

Heather Mallick is a Torontobased columnist covering current affairs for the Toronto Star. Both Mallick and the Toronto Star would be considered as liberal leaning. I find it both interesting and refreshing that Mallick doesn’t view issues in the way some might expect from a liberal mind. She stands firm on some issues and some examples follow in her own words. “For instance, I don’t favour drag queen story hours for small children. I don’t think women’s breasts and bums, dresses, hair and makeup should be exaggerated publicly. It sets a bad example for boys and distorts girls’ view of themselves (it did mine). I don’t like transgender athletes blocking biological female athletes’ chances in sport by using the bigger, stronger male bodies they were born with. Transgender athletes should have their own category. In 2024, women’s rights are vanishing.”

Mallick sure has that right. Women’s rights are being pushed aside, not so much by white businessmen, as one might have thought, but an insidious agenda that Mallick clearly defines.

Universities, colleges and all political parties are being bullied and are offering little resistance. Those

Ken Waddell Right in the Centre

three groups should step up and be the leaders they are expected to be.

In years gone by, in spite of some missteps and flaws, universities, colleges and all political parties have usually spoke out about standards that made sense. Now lewdness, immorality and sheer nonsense are flooding their decision making processes. But thanks to people like Mallick, the tide may be turning for the better.

As to the statements on dress codes, I fully agree with Mallick. Ironically, that she should say that, as while I only saw part of the Oscars on Sunday night, it seemed the ladies dresses were more modest this year.

It certainly is time that happened. For many years, Hollywood, and all the people who blindly follow the entertainment industry, have been competing fiercely for top prizes in hideous lewdness.

As to the transgender male athletes, they have no place in female sports. No place on the female podium and no place in the female locker rooms. I am pleased that Mallick has stated the issue so clearly.

At a time when women’s sports are finally getting some long deserved level of recognition, it’s good to hear someone stand up against the transgender threats. The new Women’s Professional League is a great step forward in my view. Hopefully

Hockey Canada will stop screwing up so badly on so many fronts. The downfalls of Hockey Canada have been, and continue to be, well documented. They have lost the moral high ground and the moral support of thousands of Canadian families and players.

Why have Universities, colleges and all political parties gone so far astray? That’s a good question but I suspect the answer lies in the fact that open respectful debate on any topic has been suppressed. The art of respectful debate and disagreeing without being disagreeable is largely lost. Now if you disagree on a topic, it is assumed that you not only have to be disagreeable, you have to be downright nasty to the holder of a different opinion than yours. We need to return to the saying, “I may disagree with you, but I will defend your right to your opinion.” Also, opinions are opinions and they may or not necessarily be factual. Opinions should be open to change as new facts and truthful information become available.

I am grateful to Heather Mallick for her boldness.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are the writer’s personal views and are not to be taken as being the view of the Banner & Press staff.

Rita Friesen Homebodies

Farewell…

That’s not a really common expression any more. It’s not quite as final as good-bye, implies more of a ‘see you later’, or as a noun, it is a tribute to a time spent together. No surprise, like many of you, I think about good-byes and farewell. They can be beautiful, painful, ugly, traumatic, peaceful or gentle- just to name a few responses.

I am currently reading Hope, by Nicholas Sparks and this paragraph stopped me in my tracks. “One of the great things about a leaf,” he said to her, “is that it reminds you to live as well as you can for as long as you can, until its time to let go and allow yourself to drift away.” Sitting vigil at the bedside of a loved one the statement was made, as the breath continued and the old heart beat steady, ‘he never was one to give up, he never was a quitter.’ Another family member took the frail hand and spoke gently and firmly, ‘ letting go is not giving up.’ No wonder I put the book down for a few minutes!

With introspection and reflection I expanded that sentiment. Went way, way back, to when I was in an abusive relationship. There came a time, a day, a moment, when I knew that I had not been created to be anyone’s punching bag, and walked away; a single parent with one small child, carrying another. I wasn’t giving up on life or living, I was letting go of what could not be, should not be; never giving up. There have been other times, in other relationships, when I have had to let go, and again that never implies giving up. It takes an inordinate amount of courage to let go; of life itself, of a dream, of an unhealthy relationship- workplace or personal.

After spending a fair amount of time on that musing, I returned to thoughts of final farewells. As the patriarch of our family was saying his farewells, the oldest son said- you’ve left me some big shoes to fill, and the reply will stay with us all of our tomorrows-never mind my shoes, you have your own shoes to fill. Final answer! What a blessing and what a relief; acknowledgement of individuality and individual abilities. All we really have to do is our best.

My heart goes out to everyone who is faced with letting go. It doesn’t get easier, it is something that needs to be done. One of the prayers that I voice regularly includes a petition for all those who are struggling to say ‘it is enough!’, not as having sufficient material, physical of emotional resources, but crying out for the strength to let go. The too often silent cry, unheard, unnoticed and forgotten.

I applaud those of you who have followed my musings. It’s not been light or laughter filled. I have, with courage, showed you my thoughts and feelings, allowing you to look at your own, and more importantly, to know that we are never alone. There is no new thought or emotion, there is a commonality. We are not alone.

Editor’s note: A comment just to assure our readership who may misinterpret this column as Rita’s farewell. She has no intentions of saying farewell anytime soon to the Banner & Press, or to you, our loyal readers.

The 44th annual Arts West Travelling Gallery

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

The Prairie Crocus Library is currently hosting the Arts West Travelling Gallery. The Gallery travels all across Western Manitoba visiting different libraries along the way. There are approximately 15-20 libraries that participate each year. Prairie Crocus Library has hosted the gallery since 2007, although have not participated every year.

The art will continue to be on display in the Prairie Crocus Library until March 27, 2024, and then will travel to its last stop on this year’s tour to Centennial Auditorium in Brandon.

The 2024 - 2025 schedule has PC Library to host again end of September 2024. This will be a new lot of art for display chosen from the 45th Annual Juried Art Show & Travelling Gallery held in Kenton April 28, 2024. If you wish to enter this year’s art show competition you can find an entry form at the library.

The Rivers Police Service (RPS) responded to several incidents recently. Here is a summary of the responses:

Vehicle Sale Dispute: A local resident sought advice from RPS regarding a vehicle sale that had not been completed as agreed. After assessment, it was determined to be a civil matter. The individual was advised to seek legal counsel.

Mental Health Concern: RPS responded to a residence in Rivers regarding concerns about an individual’s mental health and potential self-harm. The individual had already reached out to their counsellor, formulated a support plan, and the situation was de-escalated.

Noise Complaint: An early morning complaint of loud music was reported at an apartment complex. Upon arrival, no music was playing, and it was discovered that the issue had been resolved between neighbours.

Domestic Dispute: RPS responded to a complaint of domestic disturbance. Upon investigation, it was found to be an alcohol-fuelled argument. No offences were disclosed, and no charges were laid.

Vehicle Assistance: A taxicab driver called for assistance after getting stuck in a ditch on Highway 259. RPS assisted by contacting a tow truck for the cab.

Youth Disturbance: RPS attended a residence in response to a disturbance caused by a youth. The matter was resolved, and the youth was given a ride into Brandon by a parent. No charges were laid.

Family Dispute: RPS addressed an altercation between extended family members. The client was guided through obtaining a protection order, and future interactions were suggested to occur in the designated (audio/video recorded) safe space in front of the RPS building.

Scam Report: A Rivers resident reported being scammed via phone by individuals claiming to represent Amazon’s Justice Department. Bitcoin payment was requested by the fraudsters. An investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Criminal Harassment Warning: RPS responded to reports of a man repeatedly driving past a residence against prior warnings. The individual was warned charges for criminal harassment if the behaviour continued.

Social Media Dispute: A Rivers man reported negative comments about his snow removal services on Facebook. RPS clarified that this was a civil matter, not within police jurisdiction.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA COULTER

Lon Schwartz (Chief of Police) Rivers Police Service

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Artist Lexi Anderson

Artists left to right Justin Smith, Glenda Cairns Poirier, Lesley Moffitt and Maria Todosichuk.

Artists left to right Joyce Friesen, Joel Desjardins, Georgia Abel, Mike Davids, and Linda Fisher.

Artists left to right Val Ford, Deborah Valcourt, Phyllis Knight, Karyn Kowal, Mary Lowe, Elaine Scott, and Shannon Desjardins.

Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy

Tasty hamburger “steaks” smothered in gravy and onions. Serve with hot rice or potatoes for an easy-to-make dinner classic. It’s a great way to dress up a pound of ground beef.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 egg

1/2 tsp seasoned salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp vegetable oil

2 tbsps all-purpose flour

1 tbsp cooking sherry

Directions:

1) Gather all ingredients.

1/4 cup bread crumbs

1 t sp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/8 tsp ground black pepper

1 cup thinly sliced onion

1 cup beef broth

2) Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper together in a large bowl until combined. Form into 8 balls and flatten into patties.

3) Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add patties and onion; fry until patties are nicely browned, about 4mins per side. Transfer beef patties to a plate and keep warm.

4) Sprinkle flour over onions and drippings in the skillet. Stir in flour with a fork, scraping bits of beef off of the bottom of the skillet as you stir. Gradually mix in beef broth and sherry. Season with seasoned salt. Simmer and stir over medium-low heat until gravy thickens, about 5mins.

5) Reduce heat to low, return patties to the gravy, cover, and simmer until cooked through, about 15mins. Serve and enjoy!

RE: Manitoba Pork Article, March 8, 2024 Letter to the Editor

I feel I must take issue (once again) with Manitoba Pork. In a 700-plus word article appearing in several rural papers recently, Cam Dahl, the industry group’s GM, makes the preposterous claim that “It’s hard to be green while in the red.” If you are in the red, you must have been working at it, Cam! Because, by my probably incomplete reckoning, your industry has been on the receiving end of more than $100m in Government (corporate welfare) assistance since 2,000!

Because of this fact, your next claim that “Governments most frequent policy tool is regulation,” is not only incredibly inaccurate, but downright ungrateful. After all, without those tax dollars, how would you be able to brag about the number of jobs you’re creating, or the numbers of new schools and hospitals you take credit for?

And whining about the (refundable) carbon tax is pretty rich too. Despite your attempts to muddy the waters over the emissions your sector produces, common sense tells us, they must still be going up. And that’s because your sector stubbornly refuses to implement “best management practices” such as manure composting or even ones that might alleviate the suffering of the hogs, like the elimination of cruel, confining steel gestation crates.

I know you will not answer this (since your sector has long since retreated to a comfortable nest where - hiding behind the motherly skirts of your Government enablers, you remain unaccountable, operating with virtual impunity).

But here goes anyway.

Apart from the (refundable) carbon tax, what regulations are you finding that are especially onerous, especially in a province that’s been basking in the heady aura of “red tape reductions” and “right to (factory) farm” legislation brought in by Governments on both the right and the left in this province for the past half-century?

Be specific, Cam? I’m holding my breath for your answer! (Not really.)

I’d say more, but I don’t believe I’m allowed 700 words!

Larry Powell, Shoal Lake

Letter to the Editor

RE: Dahl’s message is: hog producers are losing money/and he complains about carbon tax.

Statistics reveal the crop and animal production industry accounted for the largest share of total GHG emissions in Manitoba, at 36.7%

Hog slurry lagoons have been recognized as high contributors to green house gas emissions.

Studies have shown that lagoons emit hundreds of different volatile gases into the atmosphere, including ammonia, methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). A single lagoon releases many millions of bacteria into the air per day; some resistant to human antibiotics. Hog farms in North Carolina are known to emit some 300 tons of nitrogen into the air every day as ammonia gas, much of which falls back to earth and deprives lakes and streams of oxygen, stimulating algal blooms and killing fish.

There are literally hundreds of hog slurry lagoons situated throughout Manitoba, and these are also known to be huge contributors to greenhouse gases.

There are more than 650 manure lagoons producing gas emissions with-in Manitoba’s hog factory installations; with a pricing system designed to pay ‘absolutely nothing for carbon contributions’?

Is this a Sustainable Industry?... Only as long as our government(s) continue with our tax dollar contributions to support and sustain this meat exporting enterprise.

But we would also be on track to question the sanity of government which willingly shells out tax dollars, that supports an industry that contributes air and environment pollution and the social disruption of rural residents.

John Fefchak, Virden

application information, please visit our website at www.rrsd.mb.ca select Employment then Teaching Positions.

Thank you to all applicants for their interest in Rolling River School Division. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS Join

SPORTS

The 2nd Annual Rivers Junior Bonspiel

U15 Jets finish second in the league

Submitted By Crystal Bourdin

On Friday night, March 8, the Jet started their third and final round of the playoffs in the league against Roblin. Roblin was quick to get on the board in the first while Rivers battled penalties. This continued into the second with Roblin leading 4-0. The Jets worked on battling back and got their first goal with 4:25 left in the second and then their second at 3:29. The third held penalties for both teams while Roblin managed to bump up the score to 7-2. The Jets did manage to get one more goal in to finish the game in a loss of 7-3. Saturday, March 9, they went on to play game two in Roblin. Game two showed the Jets were making a comeback with them leading the first 2-0. The second the Jets dealt with a penalty earning Roblin their first goal making it short lived 2–1

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

All skill levels were welcome with brooms and sliders provided if needed for the 2nd Annual Junior Bonspiel hosted by Rivers Curling Club on Saturday, March 9. It started at 10am.

Thirty-two eager kids signed up for the event. One was unable to attend on the day due to injury. There were four teams for both the senior and junior divisions for a total of eight rinks competing. All teams played two games.

Curlers came from near and far to join in. They had curlers from Souris, Killarney, Brandon, Rivers, and Winnipeg.

Everyone won either cash or candy. Winning teams won cash, then the opposing team who did not win received candy donated and made by CJ’s On Ice.

Senior Division Rivers Girls team won both games and received their entry fee back for winning. The mixed boys from different rinks won both their games in the Junior Division and also received their entry fee back.

“This was such a great day! We will be hosting our 3rd Annual in 2025, stay tuned,” exclaimed Cheryl Champion, organizer of the event.

If you want to be kept up to date on more junior curling events, Curl Manitoba shares rinks bonspiel posters by sending all rinks the information. Next year Cheryl plans to email all past team entries to let them know of the date for the 3rd Annual Junior Bonspiel.

as Roblin quickly scored their second goal. Working through injured players, we scored again and back and forth through the third ending in a 4-4 score sending them into overtime. It was a quick OT ending with a Roblin defence player hitting his mark on net ending in a 5-4 loss for the Jets. Overall, the Jets had a great U15 season remaining at the top of the league rankings right until this series. Everyone should be proud of their ac -

complishments of being second in the A Provincials and second in the League. We wish all the best to our major players who are moving on from Rivers Minor Hockey to High school Hockey or wherever they may land in the hockey world, Kirk Bayes, Jesse Bourdin, Colby Burt, Kayden Elliot, Nathan Hillis, Duncan McLean, Clay Munz, Samuel Rivas, Aaron Roels, Stella Roulette, Cameron Schoonbaert, and Rynan Taylor.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA COULTER

Team Smart Electric from Brandon four girls in Junior Division

First games of the day.

Pep talk time during the final round of the playoffs.

Murdoch Buchanan from Elmwood Curling Club in Winnipeg playing with an all boys team, including William Taylor who threw the rock and Edison Braun sweeping with Murdoch.

The Wild Western Ice Show Kenton’s CanSkate and StarSkate

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

Eight years ago, the town of Kenton restarted their CanSkate program for the community. The program continues to grow ever year. This year there were 48 children signed up to skate in Kenton’s Skate Club.

The 8th annual ice show started off with the Pre CanSkate, ages 2-4, skating to El Paso by Mary Robbins. CanSkate kids are ages 4 and up until they graduate to StarSkate programs. CanSkate Group #1 skated to Ghost Riders in the Sky by Johnny Cash. CanSkate Group #2 skated to Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash. CanSkate Group #3 skated to Luckenbach Texas by Waylon Jennings. CanSkate Group #4 skated to White Lightning by George Jones.

The StarSkaters in Kenton are Gloria Wilson, Macy Nernberg and Zoey Knight. These three girls skated to Texas Hold ‘Em by Beyonce. Zoey also did a Dutch Waltz with her instructor Naomi. Gloria and Macy finished off

the show with a duet to Wild Wild West by Will Smith.

All skaters return to the ice to the theme song of Guitar Town by Steve Earl for group photo time.

“Thank-you to Naomi, Emily, Ricki, Harmony, and Anna (instructors and assistant instructors) for all the help and time spent on ice. We would also like to thank Frances Wilson for all the evenings in the kitchen, we always appreciate a supper at the rink. We hope all enjoyed a fun season, and we hope to see you next year,” Nicole Wilson, Kenton Program Organizer.

Group photo below - Pre CanSkate: Georgia Hunter, Blake Strachan, Theo Knight, James Rogasky, Cavley Abey, Henry Routledge, Sadie Haggarty, Abel Lorinczy, Teddy Thompson, Autumn Wright, Carter Somerville, Kyler Thomson. CanSkate: Mesa Gerrard, Riley Wright, Aubrey Routledge, Scarlet Corney, Sawyer Stevenson, Elijah Ginter, Tatum Routledge, Stella Hunter, Zac Fordyce, Ethan Papa, Freya Thornitt, Carson Somerville, Marissa Lorinczy, Tucker Knight, Ada Blanchard, Lenix Garton, Ellie Gregory, Owen Tolton, Braxton Routledge, Grayson Mercer, Pacey Brown, Rowan Stevenson, Amelia Thompson, Sadie Baker, Carl Bora, Lawson Brooks, Addi Neill. StarSkate: Gloria Wilson, Macy Nernberg, Zoey Knight.

Rivers love of skating keeps them warm on the cold ice rink

Submitted By Megan Vandal

The Rivers Skating Club offered CanSkate, StarSkate and Synchro programs this year. These are all Skate Canada programs with Certified coaches. The CanSkate coach this year was

Some of the StarSkate and Synchro skaters participated in competitions throughout the season in Virden, Morden and Altona and placed very well.

All of the skaters have also been working hard towards their level specific Skate Canada tests which our coaches assess and pass when ready. They have also been working on performances for our Candyland themed ice show on March 14 at 6:30pm.

PHOTOS

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Madison Vandal and the StarSkate and Synchro coach was Michelle Janz.

Madison Alvarenga and Bekah Smith at the Virden Fun Skate in Star one FreeSkate.

Brogan Birmingham at Virden Fun Skate in CanSkate level six.

Gloria Wilson, Macy Nernberg, Zoey Knight performing to Texas Hold ‘Em by Beyonce.

Regional synchro team “Blades United” made up of skaters from Rivers, Roblin, Neepawa and Carberry at Prairie Regionals in Morden.

Maci Vandal at Virden Fun Skate in CanSkate level five.

Jets Got Grit

U13 Rural A Provincials

Submitted

By Gerald Lepp

Rivers Jets U13 Team Lepp has had a great second half of their season winning all but one game since the New Year. Playoff series were won against the Shoal/Birtle Eagles and the Virden Oil Caps. We now face McCreary for the banner.

The team travelled by bus to The Pas this past weekend for the U13 Rural A Provincials. We brought a few members from U13 Team Basaraba with us, to give us a hand. A lot of memories, friendships and bonds were made on this trip.

Our first game was against the home team, The Pas Huskies following the opening ceremonies.

We came out with the win 3-2. Game 2 we faced the Boissevain BorderKings and we were not so successful this game with a loss of 3-1. We were in 6th place over all going into the quarter finals facing once again the Boissevain BorderKings. Our boys played with such grit and came out with the win. Score 2-1.

We advanced to the semi finals against the top team Dauphin Kings. We fought through not feeling well, nerves, and came back from a 4-1 deficit half-way through the second period to lead 5-4 until the final 2 minutes and lost 7-5 with an empty net goal at 12.3 seconds left in the game. This loss, set us to the bronze medal game against the Stoney Mountain Flames.

We had a very large fan base for this game and what a battle it was. We lead the game until the end of the second period and held them off during the third period to win the game 2-1 taking home the bronze medals.

This week the Rivers Jets play McCreary Sunday, March 17, in the afternoon in Rivers at 5:15pm so come out and cheer the Jets on in their last home game of the season. Final game of the series will be in McCreary on Monday if needed.

Top Photo: Team is heading to the Pas. Back row left Taron Hofer, Madden Blandford, Koey Stevenson, Jayce Peters, Sawyer Lepp, Nash Ironman, Jace Woloski, Lyndan Spurway, Asher Rothnie. Front row left Carver Campbell, Tylor Perrin, Oliver Marvin, Liam Vandenham, Brody Basaraba.

Bottom Photo: Coaches join the team for uniform photo.