South Mountain P re s s
HONKER HABITAT
Weeks before the strong north winds forced large flocks of snow geese to touch down in the area leading up to the Victoria Day long weekend, this pair of Canada geese, also known as “honkers”, paid close attention to protecting a nest along the shoreline of Sandy Lake. Lakes are among the nesting habitats, casting a great view of a brood of goslings once hatched.
Parks Canada flips on boat decision
Last minute extension on the motorized watercraft ban on Clear Lake leads to frustration for visitor s and businesses
RACHEAL FLINTOFT
South Mountain Press
It’s mixed emotions as Parks Canada has announced the extension of a motorized watercraft ban on Clear Lake for 2025, intensifying efforts to curb the spread of zebra mussels following their detection in late 2023. Parks Canada’s recent announcement, while attempting to safeguard the aquatic health of Riding Mountain National Park’s Clear Lake, has sparked debate amongst local communities and businesses.
While motorized boats are offlimits, kayaks and canoes are still allowed, however, they must have a correct permit following an ex-
tensive inspection.
“Parks Canada’s decision to announce a continued ban on motorized boats in Clear Lake on the Friday of the May Long Weekend is completely unacceptable,” said MP for Riding Mountain Dan Mazier.
“Earlier this year, Parks Canada indicated the ban would be lifted, yet now, with no warning or clear
explanation, they’ve reversed course during one of the busiest weekends of the year.”
Mazier continued, stating that there is a lack of transparency and respect for the public by Parks Canada, adding that locals, businesses, and visitors have been left in the dark.
“The constant flip-flopping has
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created chaos and deep uncertainty in a community that deserves clear, timely answers,” Mazier said. Despite Parks Canada’s ecological intent, many business owners like Kelsey Connor of Clear Lake Marina and Wasagaming’s Martese tour boat, feel devastated.
DARRELL NESBITT/SOUTH MOUNTAIN PRESS
Balancing environmental protection and tourism
“At the moment… I think that our business is ruined,” Connor said in a recent interview. “I don’t know why this is happening. It’s hard to believe that it’s not permanent because we just can’t operate a business like this.”
In contrast, James Plewak – former chief of the Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation, sees the ban as a hopeful pivot in a “disappointing journey” against the invasive species, advocating for cautious measures as the mussels threaten further ecological damage and downstream spread.
The decision comes after previous attempts to control the outbreak – like last summer’s underwater curtain at Boat Cove – didn’t work. Past failures have fuelled skepticism from many residents who criticize the strategy as “too late” and potentially use-
from page 1
less, suggesting Parks Canada “dropped the ball from day one.”
Parks Canada’s decision to ban motorized watercraft on Clear Lake brings to the surface the complexity of balancing environmental protection with community reliance on tourism and recreation. Parks Canada stated that they are striving to navigate these challenges while maintaining popular activities amidst the wider conservation effort, however, the ban has become a heated debate of ecology and economy. As stakeholders wrestle with these decisions, the community remains divided, with conservation restorations and economic livelihoods hanging in the balance.
Municipal Minutes
Munic.of ClanwilliamErickson
Council of the Municipality of Clanwilliam-Erickson (MCEA) met on April 24, 29, and 30 for special meetings regarding the Financial Plan with all members in attendance.
The Financial Plan public hearing was held on the 24th, and on the 29th, council in accordance with subsection 162
(1) of The Municipal Act, the 2025 Financial Plan inclusive of the operating and capital budget, an estimate of operating revenue and expenditure, and a five-year capital plan was approved and adopted.
Council also gave first reading to By-Law No. 100-25, a by-law of the MCE to impose and levy real property taxes for 2025.
Upon being given final two readings at the April 30 special meeting, By-Law No. 10025 (Tax by-law) was passed with Councillors Burgess, Cameron, Johnson, Shellborn, and Reeve Baraniuk in favour.
Monday Friday • 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday • 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. 16 miles west of Onanole on Lake Audy Rd (354)
COUNTRY ROADS
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver truly uplifts the spirit of how West Virginia and the Blue Ridge Mountains are almost heaven. The same can be said of Parkland Manitoba and Riding Mountain National Park, with the area being home to a number of majestic views by travelling down a country or rural road kept in good condition by municipalities and area contractors. Here, a Ken Beatty Construction driver, initiated a run to off-load gravel on Ditch Lake Road, a surface that leads folks through natural beauty and subsequently back home south of Onanole.
FINDING BALANCE
May
celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, creating conversations and opening the dialogue on men tal well-being
RACHEAL FLINTOFT
South Mountain Press
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, bringing conversations about mental well-being into the forefront.
In my pursuit of understanding and breaking down barriers to mental health care, I had the privilege of speaking with Amy Dreilich, an intuitive healer based just outside of Binscarth. Through her practice, L.I.T (Light In Transformation), Dreilich empowers individuals to embark on a transformative journey of healing that honours the mind-body-spirit connection.
Understanding Dreilich’s approach to healing, her practice as an intuitive healer is centered on a personalized approach to mental health.
“As an intuitive healer, I have a unique skill set that allows me to get on my client’s ‘map’, tuning into their personal strengths, values, skills, and abilities,” said Dreilich. “I believe the underlying causes of mental and emotional struggles are deeply personal and unique to each individual.”
Her initial complimentary discovery session lays the groundwork for longer-term
guidance, integrating intuitive and evidence-based methods.
“I can also collaborate with other professionals, such as doctors, dieticians, or therapists, to support the client’s long-term success,” Dreilich added. “Together, we work toward sustainable lifestyle changes that improve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.”
Often referred to as a “Two-Eyed Seeing” approach, integrating both intuitive and evidence-based wisdom, Dreilich believes that this approach allows clients to pursue realistic, achievable steps toward holistic well-being.
Diverse techniques for diverse needs, what makes Dreilich’s method distinct is its adaptability.
“What works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another,” she explained, highlighting her blend of modern psychological principles with traditional frameworks like the Medicine Wheel, as well as modern psychological principles, positive psychology, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), and subconscious reprogramming.
“All this is filtered through in depth assessments
and quality questions helping me get on their ‘map’ physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually,” she explained.
FEELING STUCK
Personal journeys informing professional paths… Dreilich’s own experiences have deeply influenced her practice.
“I know what it’s like to feel stuck… to not believe that I deserved to feel better,” she said. “To live in a heavy fog. To get a diagnosis, go to doctors, counsellors, and other professionals, and still feel like nothing is really helping. I know what it’s like to believe healing is possible for other people, but not for me.”
Dreilich shared that she often didn’t care enough in the past to do the work because deep down she didn’t believe she deserved to feel better.
“I did all the things we’re told to do… I focused on movement, nutrition, hydration, sleep, mindfulness, and breath work. I tried CBT, DBT, and spent time outdoors,” she recalled. “Those things helped to a point, but I still found myself triggered by things I couldn’t explain.”
According to Dreilich, a
trigger isn’t just something that makes you uncomfortable. It can cause a sudden surge of symptoms, like flashbacks in PTSD/cPTSD, phobias, or compulsions like OCD.
“And when that happens, it’s hard to feel in control,” she said. “I didn’t find real relief until I started working with the subconscious mind. That’s when things started to change.”
Dreilich outlined that subconscious healing works by rewiring neuro pathways, emotional imprints, beliefs, and memories that live under the surface. It creates new neural pathways, often without needing much conscious effort.
“I use specific, science backed audio tracks that support this kind of transformation in as little as 13-18 minutes,” she explained. “That’s when it finally started to make sense for me. It has you responding to emotional situations in new ways without resorting to old ways of being. And that’s the approach I now use with my clients and teach them how to use it at home.”
Dreilich’s transformative journey began with subconscious healing, a process she
now incorporates into her healing methodologies. By rewiring neural pathways through scientific and intuitive methods, Dreilich encourages self-exploration and sustainable change.
It’s essential to address widespread mental health challenges, and in contemporary discussions about mental health, Dreilich identifies a recurring theme… people often feel isolated in their struggles.
“Everyone experiences negative thinking and feelings, they are part of the human experience,” she said.
Her work emphasizes using subconscious tools to address these emotions, integrating them with physical practices like breath work to build resilience.
Dreilich argues against the misconception that healing is about eradicating negative emotions… “thinking ‘healing’ is never experiencing negative emotions, or experiences, or that they have to rush/by-pass negative vibes,” she explained. “And the truth is, no matter how much ‘work’ we do on ourselves, we will experience tough, even heart wrenching challenges at times.”
Dreilich added that it is
not about avoiding or shutting down tough experiences, but to allow those experiences to strengthen the physical nervous system, the mind, and emotions.
“At L.I.T, we don’t call it ‘stress free’, we call it ‘stress resilience’,” she smiled.
Supporting the idea that our mental outlook significantly influences our overall health, Dreilich practices a blended method utilizing what she describes as our “three brains” – head, gut, and heart – connected by the vagus nerve.
“Science is finally catching up to what so many of us have known intuitively for generations, that we essentially have three brains,” Dreilich said. “Add in the subconscious (where our beliefs, emotions, and memories live), and the mind-body connection becomes even more powerful. In my work, we weave together this scientific understanding with indigenous wisdom, specifically the Medicine Wheel which honours the whole person – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Each session and action step are rooted in this approach.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
Friday, May 23, 2025
Letters to the editor: smpnews@mymts.net
Stop using seniors as scapegoats
My wife Cindy reminded me the other day that both she and I are going to join the ‘senior’ pool in 2025, and will join the group that continually is criticized for every conceivable deficiency in the modern world, real or imaginary. While seniors know and take responsibility for what they have done, they also would like to point out that it was not the seniors who took…
The melody out of music; the pride out of appearance; the romance out of love; the commitment out of marriage; the responsibility out of parenthood; the together out of family; the learning out of education; the dedication out of employment; the service out of patriotism; the Golden Rule from rulers; the civility out of behavior; the refinement out of language; the prudence out of spending; the
Darrell Nesbitt AROUND TOWN
ambition out of achievement. Seniors certainly aren’t the ones who eliminated patience and tolerance from personal relationships, and interactions with others. Nor did they invent credit cards. Remember, inside every older person is a young person wondering what happened.
The Dolphin Trainer
An elderly man rear ends a young man driving an expensive sports car. Enraged, the guy hops out of his car and confronts the old man. “Look what you did to my car,” he yells, “You’re gonna give me $10,000 right now or I’m gonna beat you to a pulp!” “Oh my,” says the old man, “I don’t have that kind of money. Let me call my son, he trains dolphins and he’ll know what to do.”
“Dolphin… ,” the other driver huffs, while rolling his eyes. The old man pulls out his phone, dials his son and just as the son answers, the irate man snatches the phone from the old man. “So, you’re a dolphin trainer, huh? Well, your old man here just rear ended my car and I need 10 grand right now or I’m gonna beat you and your old man to
a pulp. So you better train those dolphins to bring you some cash!”
“I’ll be there in 10 minutes,” says the voice calmly on the other end. Exactly 10 minutes later a pickup truck pulls up. Huge guy pops out and proceeds to walk calmly towards the bully. Before the enraged young man can speak, the man smoothly rams his head against the other man’s forehead. The bully crumples like paper and the other man catches him, leaving him in a heap on the side of the road. When he’s finished, he walks over to the old man and says, “For the last time dad… I train seals… Navy Seals, not dolphins.”
Genie Grants Wish A woman was walking along the beach when she stumbled upon a Genie’s lamp. She picked it up and
rubbed it, and lo-and-behold a Genie appeared. The amazed woman asked if she got three wishes. The Genie said, “Nope … due to inflation, constant downsizing, low wages in third world countries and fierce global competition, I can only grant you one wish. So … what will it be? “
The woman didn’t hesitate. She said, “I want peace in the Middle East. See this map? I want these countries to stop fighting with each other.” The Genie looked at the map and exclaimed, “Gadzooks, lady! These countries have been at war for thousands of years. I’m good but not that good! I don’t think it can be done. Make another wish.”
The woman thought for a minute and said, “Well, I’ve never been able to find the right man. One that’s consid-
erate and fun, likes to cook and helps with the housecleaning, gets along with my family, doesn’t watch sports all the time, and is faithful. “That’s what I wish for… a good man.”
The Genie let out a long sigh and said, “Let me see that map again.”
Two Old Guys
Two old guys from a senior centre were sipping lemonade on the porch. One asks the other, “Ralph, I’m 92, and even my aches have pains. You must be close to my age. How are you feeling? Ralph says, “Like a brand new baby.” No kidding! Like a brand new baby?” “Yep. No teeth, no hair, and wet diapers.”
Until next week… Life’s too short to be serious all the time.
Policy matters far more than partisan politics
By CAM DAHL
A former Prime Minister once quipped from the campaign trail that “an election is no time to talk about serious issues”. When it comes to providing opportunities for Canadians, however, policy matters far more than partisan politics. We have had a federal election, and a Cabinet has been appointed. We now need the government to have a laser-like focus on the fundamentals of good policy.
I have heard farmers express the view that agriculture is an afterthought around the cabinet table. The sector makes up about seven percent of the Canadian gross domestic product, or $150 billion per year, and employs 2.3 million Canadians, representing one in nine jobs across the country. An acknowledgement, by the whole cabinet, of the critical contribution that agriculture makes to the Canadian economy would be a good way for the new federal government to offset farmers’ frustration about the placement of agriculture in national policy priorities.
Trade must be the priority issue for the new Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. In 2024, Canadian agriculture and food exports exceeded $100 billion, yet the policies that will support and expand Canadian agriculture and food exports are not always considered when Canada’s trade positions are set. A positive key first step signaling a shift in focus for agriculture policy would be the explicit inclusion of agricul-
Opinion
ture in the “Team Canada” missions that are part of our outreach with U.S. customers and policy makers.
While agriculture, like most Canadian industries, has rightfully focused on the threat of U.S. tariffs in the past few months, protectionism is growing around the world. Canadian pork and seafood exports to China face a 25 percent tariff. Canola products have been hit with a 100 percent tariff by the Chinese government. Canadian agriculture and food exports have been sidelined by European non-tariff barriers, despite the Canada – European Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Growing protectionism is compounded by rising political uncertainty, with the war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East just two examples. Canada needs a strategic plan to deal with these threats.
The new federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Hon. Heath MacDonald, could hit the ground running if he were to set up, together with representatives from export agriculture, a task group with the mandate to develop a strategic plan for agriculture and agri-food trade. This joint government and industry task group should set out to answer three basic questions. First, in the short term, how does Canada mitigate the impact of tariffs and potential tariffs on agricul-
ture and food exports? Second, what is the strategic plan to eliminate non-tariff and tariff trade barriers currently blocking Canadian agriculture and food exports? And third, what is the strategic plan to diversify markets for Canadian agriculture and food exports?
The overarching goal of the task group should be to set out a clear plan that will preserve the integrated North American market for agriculture and food products, and to eliminate tariff and non-tariff trade barriers around the world.
The effort to develop a strategic plan for agriculture and food trade cannot only be carried out by governments. There is also work to be done by farm groups and industry stakeholders. There are over 400 farm groups across Canada. This means that governments do not always receive a coherent consensus position from the sector. It is incumbent upon farmers, those who represent farmers, along with food processors and manufacturers, to develop
clear policy proposals aimed at the expansion of agriculture and food exports. If the Minister receives 400 different opinions, they face a risky policy position where any action would be subject to opposition by somebody. Lack of consensus within agriculture opens the door for governments to do nothing. Agriculture and food trade is not just a matter of economic policy, it is also a national security issue, given the increasingly less stable geopolitical environment. This is especially true for the three countries who are signatories to the Canada – U.S.
– Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Canadian farmers can help deliver a reliable and safe food supply for consumers. This value from Canadian agriculture must be demonstrated in the strategic plan for agriculture and food trade and emphasized in upcoming trade discussions, including the impending review of CUSMA.
The recent election campaign saw the major parties promising a new approach to trade policy to respond to growing protectionism in both North America and around the world. The new federal government, includ-
ing the new Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, has an opportunity to put these promises into action for farmers, processors, and the millions of Canadians who work in the sector. Current disruptions to world trade can be turned into opportunities for Canadian agriculture, but only if we see bold and decisive policy. The alternatives will be bad for farmers, bad for Canadian value-added processing, and undermine the potential for growth in the Canadian economy. Cam Dahl is the general manager of the Manitoba Pork Council.
TO THE
Self-care should happen daily and non-negotiably
For individuals struggling in silence, Dreilich advises trying to stay calm and ask for help.
“You Matter. Do not trust your thoughts when your mind is scattered... use this acronym – STOPP – Stop, Take a breath, Observe what you are thinking, Pull back and ask… is this fact or opinion, and Practice what works best for you, for others and then the situation,” Dreilich
outlined. “And give yourself permission to ask for help when you need, going as fast as the slowest part of you feels safe to go. You are not alone.”
Drop In Centre. It’s a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about mental health. The inspiration behind Dreilich’s upcoming mental health workshop is her desire to bridge gaps in current mental health care.
more accessible, blending community engagement with practical wellness strategies.
Prioritizing self-care as a healer, for Dreilich, self-care isn’t an afterthought but a cornerstone of her practice.
“I love creating spaces like this… attendees can expect a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space,” she said.
Mental Health Awareness Month, Dreilich hopes to see a shift from reactive to proactive mindsets in managing mental health. She envisions communities where it’s okay to feel emotions deeply and where business models allow space for wellness prioritization.
tuary for those beginning or continuing their mental health journey.
Dreilich is helping to create space for healing and growth, offering a mental health workshop scheduled for May 31 at the Binscarth
Manitobans who ride motorcycles are among the most vulnerable road users in the province. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) wants more drivers to be aware of how quickly things can go tragically wrong on two wheels. Between 2022-2024, MPI recorded nine fatalities and 434 injuries to motorcycle drivers and passengers in collisions on Manitoba roadways.
Careless driving is the number one factor in motorcycle collisions. The most common forms of careless driving that lead to multivehicle collisions involving a motorcycle are turning improperly, followed by failing
“Remember,” Dreilich said, “you do not have to do this alone.” from page 3
Open to everyone, Dreilich’s aim is to make wellness
“Self-care for me is being ‘on the clock’,” she stated. “It’s daily, it’s intentionality, it’s non-negotiable. If I don’t take care of me, nothing else in my wheel works.”
With the ongoing focus of
With free resources available through L.I.T’s platforms and as commitment to inclusivity, Dreilich offers a sanc-
This May and beyond, Mental Health Awareness Month helps to recognize the significance of mental health in our lives… a critical reminder that taking care of our mind is just as vital as caring for our body.
Careless driving the leading factor in motorcycle collisions
to yield right of way and following too closely. In the past three years, careless driving has been the number one factor for both collisions caused by vehicle drivers and those caused by motorcycle drivers.
“We need drivers to stop the careless behaviours we are seeing that are causing collisions,” said Maria Campos, Vice President & Customer and Product Officer at MPI. “Motorcyclists can be more difficult to see on the road as they can be obscured by other vehicles and can easily disappear into a driver’s blind spot. Both drivers and riders need to give plenty of notice before turning, changing lanes, or slowing down to give everyone
more time to react.
“To increase driver awareness of motorcycles on Manitoba’s roadways, we have launched a ‘Look twice for motorcycles’ campaign. Motorists should always look twice for motorcycles because of the fact that they are not as visible, particularly when making lane changes or left turns at intersections.”
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, a sentiment echoed by the Coalition of Manitoba Motorcycle Groups (CMMG).
“Drivers need to check mirrors and check before changing lanes – your window frame can hide an oncoming motorcyclist,” said Doug Houghton, Director of
the CMMG. “Motorcyclists, you need to ride according to your ability and road conditions. Ride like you are invisible and anticipate the potential movement of other vehicles at intersections and crowded highways. Ride smart. Ride safe. The best safety equipment is under your helmet – use it!”
While careless driving was the most common factor in motorcycle collisions in 2022 and 2023, collisions with wildlife was the second highest factor.
On average, over the past five years, motorcyclists under 30 years of age were involved in twice as many collisions as motorcyclists between 30 and 59, and males made up approximately 91%
of motorcyclists involved in collisions.
There were 30,980 motorcycles registered in Manitoba in 2024. There are a number of ways we can all work together to keep motorcyclists safe on the road.
For motorcyclists:
•Wear the right gear – an approved safety helmet, eye protection, jacket, pants, and boots
•Try to be highly visible by wearing bright colours
•Ride so that others can see you – headlight on and not weaving in and out of traffic so that you stay out of motorists’ blind spots
•Adjust riding behaviour to the road surface – if you are riding on a slippery surface, for example, slow your
speed accordingly and adjust when making turns
For drivers:
•Always look twice for motorcycles when changing lanes and at intersections to be sure there isn’t a motorcycle in your blind spot
•Watch for signals – it may be hard to see a motorcycle’s turning signal so watch for other signs, like shoulder checking, which can indicate the rider is planning to change lanes or make a turn
•Follow at a safe distance – motorcycles may stop faster than other vehicles so four seconds is the recommended following distance. That should be increased at night or if it is raining.
Manitoba government introduces new math curriculum
The Manitoba government is introducing a new compulsory math curriculum for Grade 9 students that will include financial literacy to help improve math scores and better prepare students for advanced courses and adulthood, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt announced.
“The renewed course will better prepare high school students for the demands of pre-calculus, chemistry and physics, while giving students more time to master practical, hands-on mathematics,” said Schmidt. “The financial literacy component will help students learn the tools to make smart financial decisions in their adult lives, like how to budget and how to save for the future.”
The renewed Grade 9 math compulsory course will replace the current one that included an optional transitional math course. Financial literacy elements will be incorporated throughout the curriculum. The program will be piloted in select schools starting in September 2026, with full implementation throughout the province expected in September 2027, noted the minister.
“Grade 9 math is taught during a pivotal year for stu-
dents,” said Jehu Peters, teacher, mathematics department, Maples Collegiate. “Extending it to a full-year course gives all Manitoba learners increased contact time with their teacher, which is an excellent way to strengthen numeracy skills. Embedding financial literacy in the curriculum will boost engagement with relevant content and prepare every student to make informed financial decisions.”
To further support financial literacy outcomes, the Manitoba government is also providing $65,000 to the Canadian Foundation for Economic Education to renew resources for teachers who deliver the new curriculum and offer educators updated tools and resources to integrate financial literacy into English language arts, social studies and mathematics curriculums in Grades 4 through 10. Giving kids in Manitoba the best education by improv-
ing curriculums and literacy outcomes, including financial literacy by creating a dedicated unit on financial literacy in Grade 9, was a commitment made in the 2024 speech from the throne, noted the minister. The inclusion of financial literacy in a re-
newed Grade 9 math curriculum is another way the Manitoba government is working to achieve this priority, in addition to several other important initiatives, including the Universal School Nutrition Program, the early reading screening initiative,
Friday, May 23, 2025
Flagg touted as can’t-miss NBA star
Even if you’re only a casual fan of U.S. college basketball, you’ve probably heard of Cooper Flagg, who will be the No. 1 selection in the June 25 National Basketball Association draft.
Just as golf fans had heard of a young Tiger Woods prior to his big splash on the PGA Tour in 1996; justas Canadian hockey fans were well aware of the junior hockey exploits of Wayne Gretzky in the mid-1970s; just as basketball fans knew all about Michael Jordan before he hit the hardwood in the NBA in the 1980s, the name Cooper Flagg is as famous as any North American amateur athlete these days.
Still only 18 years of age, Flagg graduated high school a year early, enrolled at Duke University as a 17-year-old and dominated the U.S. college hoop scene like no other in his rookie season.
He won every major national player of the year award, and led the Blue Devils to a 35-4 record and a berth in March Madness’s Final Four. (They lost 70–67 to Houston.)
“His highlights, his statis-
Bruce Penton
SPORTS TALK
tics, the ways he impacted the game on both ends of the floor, really in every category, was off the charts – as good of a freshman season that a guy has had here,” Duke coach Jon Scheyer told the Associated Press. Dallas Mavericks, who made major headlines during the season by trading their superstar guard, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers, had the bingo balls bounce in their favour in the NBA draft lottery and give them the No. 1 pick. Naturally, it will be Flagg, team officials said. Flagg, who grew up in
Mavericks rained out
The Minnedosa Mavericks saw their start to the 2025 Santa Clara Baseball League delayed due to rain, as their May 14 home opener against the Plumas Pirates was postponed. Their next home action will be Wednesday, May 28 against the Portage Padres.
Maine in a basketball-crazy family (both his parents played college hoops), averaged 19.2 points per game with Duke this year, grabbed 7.5 rebounds per game and had 4.2 assists.
While being selected No. 1 is no guarantee of success, most analysts who study the NBA are expecting Flagg to be a star. “His ball-handling, playmaking and ability to function as a finisher are far superior to Risacher’s skill,” wrote Morten Stig Jensen of yahoo.com, referring to last year’s No. 1 overall choice, forward Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks. He’s slightly inferior to the 2023 No. 1 pick, Frenchman Victor Wenbenyama, of San Antonio Spurs, but power forward Paolo Banchero, another former Duke player who went No. 1 to Orlando in 2022, isn’t as good a prospect as Flagg, wrote Stig Jensen.
The draft is often a crapshoot. In 1984, Jordan didn’t get picked until selection No. 3, waiting while Akeem Olajuwon went to the Houston Rockets at No. 1 and 7-foot-1 Sam Bowie was picked by Portland Trail Blazers at No.
Junior hockey playoff recap
The Calgary Canucks are the Centennial Cup champions – emblematic of winning the National Junior A hockey title.
The Canucks blasted the Melfort Mustangs 7-2 in the final of the week-long event on home ice in Calgary on Sunday, May 18.
Calgary reached the final with a 3-2 overtime semi-final win over the Rockford Nationals a day earlier. That same day Melfort edged the Trenton Golden Hawks 4-3. Manitoba’s representative, the Northern Manitoba Blizzard, finished round robin play with a record of 2-1-1 but fell 4-0 to Rockford in quarter final play.
Four teams will begin play on Friday, May 23 in Rimouski, QC for the 2025 Memorial Cup.
The host Oceanic will be joined by the Medicine Hat Tigers, London Knights and Moncton Wildcats.
The Tigers, who represent the Western Hockey League,
will face Rimouski in the opening game, take on Moncton on Monday, May 26 and London on Tuesday, May 27.
The semi-final is set for Friday, May 30, with the championship final on Sunday, June 1.
2. Olajuwon went on to have a starry career in the NBA while Bowie, plagued by injuries, averaged only 10.9 points per game in 10 seasons.
History tells us Cooper Flagg being picked No. 1 by Dallas is by no means a slam dunk, but the Mavs are expecting their top pick to be more like Jordan, less like Bowie.
•RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “I just was watching Terminator 2, where the T-1000 becomes so brittle that with each movement, part of his body breaks. Anyone else just think ofJoel Embiidof the 76ers?”
•Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg: “United Football League’s Samson Nacua slaps a fan at a UFL game. That is shocking. There is a United Football League?”
•Comedy guy Torben Rolfsen of Vancouver, after coach
Rick Tocchet and the Canucks went their separate ways. “Some people are calling for the return of John Tortorella. Well, at least one guy who runs a gas station in Point Roberts.”
•Ontario columnist Keith Schell, on the Utah NHL team’s new name, Mammoth: “I think they missed a glorious marketing opportunity by not naming their team the ‘Stormin’ Mormons’.”
•Another one from Schell: “Since the new Pope grew up a Chicago White Sox fan, I wonder how long it will take him to send the team a box of St. Jude medals, the patron saint of lost and hopeless causes.”
•Super 70s Sports, on Pete Rose: “He’s already enshrined in the Gambling, Nacho Helmet, and Bad Haircut Halls of Fame.”
•Headline at TheBeaverton.com: “Leafs jersey thrown onto ice gets by Toronto’s defense and into
•Friday,May 23
the back of their net.”
•TheBeaverton.com continues to pick on the Leafs:
“‘One day I’ll be dead and I won’t have to watch this team,’ thinks Leafs fan to cheer himself up.”
•Gary Van Sickle of golf website The First Call, on whether the PGA could create as much drama as this year’s Masters: “A White Sox fan is now the Pope so, yes, anything is possible.”
•Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “Memo to Anthony Santander: It’s almost June. Time to start hitting, isn’t it?”
• Headline at fark.com: “The NFL schedules TV games accordingly after learning the people love to tune in to watch the Cowboys lose.”
Bruce Penton is a former sports editor of the Brandon Sun. Care to comment? Email: brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
South West Baseball League, Brandon Young Guns at Oak River Dodgers, 7:00 p.m.
•Wednesday,May 28
Santa Clara Baseball League, Portage Padres at Minnedosa Mavericks, 7:00 p.m. SPORTS