Honkings from the Wild Goose
By Phil Heilman
Auto Value Kindersley
711 - 11 Ave. E Unit A, Kindersley 306-463-2886 • www.mypartstore.ca KLEEN-FLO 313R BRAKE KLEEN
First, the Sask West Hockey League Standings. The Wilkie Outlaws (5-0) and Kindersley Klippers (5-1) occupy the top spots. In third is the Macklin Mohawks at 3-2, followed by the Edam 3 Stars at 2-2. The Biggar Nationals (1-7) and the Asquith Admirals (0-3-1) bring up the rear. Moving over to the Cross Roads Hockey League, the Rosetown Red wings lead the league at 5-0. In second is the Dodsland Stars at 4-1, followed by the Unity Miners at 3-2. Coming in fourth is the Kindersley Kodiaks with a 2-5 record. The Kerrobert Tigers (1-3) and the Luseland Mallards (0-4) round things out.
Sask West
On Saturday night, the Edam 3 Stars headed south for a big matchup against the Wilkie Outlaws. Wilkie came away with a tough 6-4 win.
Carter Wakelin opened the scoring at the 13:24 mark of the first, followed by Mike Sittler and Barrett Nielsen for a 3-0 lead. In the final 5 minutes though, Brayden Buziak would score twice (once on the man advantage) to cut the lead to 3-2 after 20 minutes. It was all Outlaws in the middle frame as Rick Cey scored twice, both shorthanded goals, for a 5-2 Wilkie lead. In the third, Rory Gregoire would extend the lead to 6-2. Cody Danberg and Joel Blaquiere would cut the lead again to 6-4, but it wasn’t enough.
Taryn Kotchorek stopped 30 of 36 shots in the loss, while Jared Herle stopped 27 of 31 shots in the win.
Also on Saturday, the Biggar Nationals played host to the Macklin Mohawks. However, Macklin came away with a 3-1 win.
Tyler Robertsons pair of power play goals, along with Leighton Partington’s third of the year gave the Mohawks the 3-0 lead after one. No scoring was reported in the 2nd period. Brett Novak would break up the shutout bid at the 8:32 mark of the third, which rounded out scoring.
Trevor Martin stopped 30 of 31 shots in the win, while Mason Briske stopped 40 of 43 shots in the loss.
Cross Roads
On Saturday night, the Rosetown Red Wings welcomed the Kerrobert Tigers in, but were rude hosts in a 10-2 drubbing.
Lucas Richmond opened the scoring for the Tigers, with Avery Cholin adding to the lead for a 2-0 advantage after one period. That was as good as it would get for Kerrobert as Rosetown erupted with 5 goals in the second. Jordan Johnston scored his 9th of the year, followed by 4 goals from Jared Jagow for a 5-2 Red Wings lead. The barrage continued in the third as Kane Dube made it 6-2. Johnston, Cameron MacDonald, Avery Ironside and Cole Lewis finished up the scoring.
Preston Plamondon stopped 30 of 40 shots for the loss, while Noah Martens stopped 36 of 38 shots in the win.
Also on Saturday, the Dodsland Stars took the backroads to Kindersley for a matchup against the Kodiaks, with Dodsland winning convincingly 8-3.
Carson Dobson opened the scoring with his 7th of the year. Calvin Feader tied things up at one, but Boston Dipple and Brad Buckingham each scored to make it a 3-1 score after 20 minutes. Dobson (PPG) and Feader would trade goals again in the 2nd, with Buckingham extending the lead to 5-2. Brandon Kelly and Dobson would further add to the list for a 7-2 Stars lead after 40 minutes. Tyler McIntosh and Tyler Benjaminson traded goals in the third to conclude the game.
Conner Kidd stopped 35 of 38 shots in the win, while Kaden Elliot stopped 25 of 33 shots in the loss.
History Lesson
We’re going to look at the 1984-1985 Wild Goose season but mainly focusing on Randy Carson and the Battleford Beaver Blues. Friend of the column Stephen Chandler remembered him beating Kindersley 6-4, as well as scoring 60 plus goals that year. In my research, I could not find that exact game, but Randy did score an absurd 64 goals and 100 points. The Beaver Blues finished third in the league that year, losing to the eventual WGHL champion Lloydminster Border Kings in the semifinals. The Border Kings defeated the Wilkie Outlaws three straight in the final.
Upcoming games
Sask West
Friday December 12th: Edam at Asquith (8:30pm)
Saturday December 13th: Kindersley at Wilkie (8pm), Macklin at Edam (8pm) Cross Roads
Friday December 12th: Unity at Kerrobert (8pm), Kindersley at Rosetown (8pm)
Saturday December 13th: Rosetown at Dodsland (in Kerrobert, 8pm)
Pope’s Blessing
-- Pope Francis’ popemobile has been repurposed as a mobile health clinic for children in war-torn Gaza, NBC News reported on Nov. 25. Francis used the vehicle during a visit to Bethlehem in 2014 and blessed the project before his death in April. The open platform where he stood has been enclosed and converted to a treatment area. Caritas, the Catholic organization tasked with the conversion, said the vehicle will be able to treat about 200 children per day.
Who’s Wrong Here?
-- On Nov. 14, a mom popped into W.A. Wright Elementary School in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, to deliver some paperwork, leaving her 10-year-old son in the car outside. She returned to the parking lot to find the car gone, WSMV-TV reported, and assumed it had been stolen with her son inside. A witness said they’d seen the car driving recklessly out of the parking lot. But when police checked the family home about a mile away, they found the car in the garage and the child in the house with his dad. He explained that he’d had an argument with his mom and decided to drive himself home. Officers declined to charge the boy because he’s too young to be held criminally responsible.
Artificial...Intelligence?
-- Kohl Bertels, 33, had an unusual explanation for breaking into a Circle K store on Nov. 23, eating a bag of beef jerky and drinking a sweet tea, The Smoking Gun reported: “I know you’re going to think I’m crazy,” he said, “but there is an AI intelligence speaker in my neck.” Bertels kicked through the glass door of the store in St. Charles, Missouri,
WEIRD NEWS
around 2:15 a.m. He explained that the voices in his head told him to break the door, since it was locked. He faces charges of burglary and property damage, but it’s not his first rodeo: His rap sheet is full of felony burglary convictions.
Surprise!
-- A Buddhist temple near Bangkok, Thailand, was the site of an unsettling situation on Nov. 23 after a woman was brought in for cremation, the Associated Press reported. The “deceased” was in a white coffin that her brother delivered to the temple, but as workers went to unload the cargo from the bed of a pickup truck, her brother heard a faint knocking. “I asked them to open the coffin, and everyone was startled,” said the 65-year-old brother. “I saw her opening her eyes slightly and knocking on the side of the coffin. She must have been knocking for quite some time.” The woman’s brother said she stopped breathing two days before; after her startling recovery, she was sent to a local hospital.
Bright Idea
-- CNN reported on Nov. 25 that an unnamed 57-year-old man in Borgo Virgilio, Italy, dressed up as his mother, Graziella Dall’Oglio, and tried to renew her government ID card so that he could continue to collect her pension. He wore a wig, makeup and her clothing, but authorities were tipped off by the hair on his neck and chin. Inconveniently, the signora passed away in 2022 at age 82. Her son, an unemployed nurse, did not report her death to authorities. When they visited his home, they found his mother’s mummified body in the laundry room closet, wrapped in sleeping bags. An autopsy was ordered, and the son was held in a local jail.
ALSASK
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17
• Ukrainian New Year Celebration. Kaiser tournament at 1:00 PM. $5/person entry. Cash prize. Supper served 5-9 PM featuring homemade perogies, sausage and veggies for $25/ plate or $10 (under 10). Help support the Alsask Drop-Inn Centre (206 Main St). Contact Dave at 306-463-0169 for more info.
EATONIA
- Every Thursday from 11:30 AM -1:30 PM come to the Eatonia Library for puzzles, visiting and grab your books for the week!
- Check out our TOPS Chapter … it’s free to try! Every Wednesday. Weigh in: 5:45 PM. Meeting: 6:00 PM at Corcoran Place. Contact Cora Knuttila 306-460-9047.
- The Lions Club meets on the last Tuesday of each month.
- The Rec Board meets the second Monday of each month 7:00 PM at the Town Office.
- Town Council meet the second Tuesday of each month 7:00 PM at the Town Office.
ESTON
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16
• Eston Carol Festival 7:00 PM Eston Full Gospel Church.
- Wheatland Centre Potluck Supper fourth Friday of each month 6:00 PM. $5.00. Bring your own utensils. Coffee & tea provided.
- Wheatland Centre Bingo - 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month 7:00 PM. Regular Bingo plus Bonanza, 50/50 Draw. Must be 14 years of age. Call 306-962-7117 (ask for Linda) for more info.
- Every Monday - Adult Exercise Program 10:0011:00 AM at the AGT Community Centre
- Make sure to check the AGT Community Centre recreation calendar on eston.ca for ice schedule.
- Drop in Bowling Sundays 1:00-4:00 PM. $5 bowling. No need to book, just drop in.
FLAXCOMBE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
• Flaxcombe Recreation Association is hosting Bingo Night 7:00-10:00 PM. 1 card is $2 and 3 cards ar $5. Cash Prizes! Flaxcombe Community Hall. Call Katie for more info 306-330-9969.
HOOSIER
- Sunday Service Hoosier Community Church 10:30 am at the Community Hall. Contact Joel Hamm 306-460-7056 or Curtis Kornelson 306460-7327.
KERROBERT
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
• Kerrobert Composite School Christmas Concert 6:30 PM. A Christmas Carol Remix.
- MS Support Group at Kerrobert Health Centre Meeting Room every 3rd Saturday 2:004:00 PM. Contact Gail Wiebe for more information 306-834-7068.
- Walk This Way Group Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30-11:30 AM
- Walk This Way with Lao Thursdays at the PCC from 9:30-10:30 AM. Everyone is welcome and it’s FREE.
- Shuffle Club Mondays at the PCC 1:30-3:00 PM
- Winter Wear Drive ongoing until March. Drop off at the Seniors Hall Monday, Wednesay and Friday from 9:30-11:00 AM. Contact Yvonne at 306-834-8292 if you need an item.
- Make sure to check the Kerrobert Memorial Arena schedule for upcoming games.
KINDERSLEY
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
• Kindersley Community Choir Christmas Cantata “More Than A Manger” St. Paul’s United Church (502 Main Street) at 2:30 PM. Free will offering. Everyone welcome.
- Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month 1:30 PM at
401 - 4th Ave West (New Life Church). Everyone welcome! For more info call Nancy at 306-4634514.
- Monday Night Jam Sessions at the Norman Ritchie Community Centre. Doors open at 6:30 to set-up, then the fun begins at 7-11 PM. Call Keith 306-460-8633.
- Interested in a support group for weight management? TOPS meetings; every Monday at 6:00 PM in the Kindersley Senior Centre OR contact Jill at 306-463-4210.
- Pickleball meets Sunday & Wednesday evenings 7:00 PM at Elizabeth School for the indoor season. Cost is $50 for the season or $5 drop in. Our club is a part of Pathway To Wellness. More info call Teresa Knight 306460-7304.
- Fit Fighter Group Class. Helping individuals with Parkinson Disease, Fibromyalgia, MS, Arthritis and mobility issues. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 AM at Anytime Fitness. Call Karen 463-3607 for more info.
- 365 Kindersley Air Cadets meet Thursday evenings at the Kindersley Museum. No charge to be a member, youth ages 12-18, must be a Canadian resident. Contact Ian Kehrer via text at 306-460-0057 or Sheila Kehrer via text 306604-9044. Come Fly With Us!
• Every Tuesday: Community Badminton 6:30
- 9:00 PM at Westberry School. Everybody welcome.
LEADER
- Leader & Surrounding Communities Food Bank Christmas Hampers. To register for a hamper call / text (639) 932-7446. Registration deadline is December 5. Hampers can be picked up or will be delivered on December 18th from 4:005:00 PM. Delivery drivers are always welcome.
- Leader and District Healthcare Foundation online charity auction on now until November 30th. If you would like to donate to this event, contact Pam at 306-628-7542.
- Make sure to check out the G3 Iceplex Arena Schedule online at leader.ca
A Redneck Christmas
- Redman Chewing Tobacco sends you a Christmas card.
- The neighbours started a petition over your Christmas lights.
- Your father executes the “pull my finger” trick during Christmas dinner.
- Your favourite Christmas present was a painting on black velvet.
- You’re splurging on the HUNGRY MAN turkey TV dinners.
- You do all of your Christmas shopping at a truck stop!
- Your mother has “ammo” on her Christmas list.
- You save old appliances for Christmas presents.
- You’re serving your turkey on an old hubcap.
- You shoot a turkey the day before Christmas.
- You shop for gifts at garage sales.
- All your silverware is plastic.
TAX TIPS
If you are supporting an infirm dependant who is 18 or over and infirm, you may be able to claim the Canada Caregiver amount. For 2024, the maximum claim was $7,999. It is reduced by your dependant’s net icome in excess of $18,783.
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CAOEC releases 2025 State of the Industry Report and 2026 Forecast
BY BRIAN ZINCHUK
The Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CAOEC) released its 2025 State of the Industry Report and 2026 Forecast on Dec. 1, offering a look at the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping Canada’s drilling and service rig sector. The report underscores the industry’s growing role in national energy security, job creation, and emerging resource opportunities, the CAEOC said in its release.
The forecast projects 2026 wells drilled at 5,709 — an increase of 161 (2.9 per cent) from 2025 (5,548). In 2024 the total wells were 5,758, and in 2023 they came in at 5,389.
Projected 2026 drilling rig operating days come in at 59,943 — an increase of 1,687 (2.9 per cent) from 2025 (58,256)
Service rig operating hours for 2026 are projected at 1,037,301 — an increase of 32,260 (3.2 per cent) from 2025 (1,005,041).
The CAOEC does not break out numbers for individual provinces like Saskatchewan.
On the service rig side, the forecast is for a stable “workable fleet” of 600 service rigs for the whole year, with utilization at 76 per cent for Q1, 54 per cent for Q2, 68 per cent for Q3 and 67 per cent for Q4. The year-long average utilization is forecast at 66 per cent.
The average number of working rigs for the year is forecast to be 458 with a total of 1,037,301 operating hours.
For drilling rigs, the fleet is forecast to drop from 350 rigs across the fleet in Q1 to 339 in
Q2, a drop of 11 rigs. But that number is anticipated to rise by one to 340 for the second half of the year.
For Q1, the forecast is for 261 active rigs, 153 in Q2, 211 in Q3 and 225 in Q4. The year-long average is forecast at 213 active rigs. That’s a increase of 6 per cent year over year from 2025. Operating days are forecast to go up 2.9 per cent year over year, rising to a total of 59,943. These numbers are based on spud to release data.
Jobs impact
This year, CAOEC partnered with Garrison Strategy to conduct a comprehensive employment impact assessment of drilling and service rig activity. The findings better illustrate the industry’s national impact and why the sector is so vital to the Canadian economy, the organization said.
Although industry activity will hold steady in 2026, the research demonstrates the sector’s value to the lives of working Canadians. “Our industry represents paycheques for roofs over heads, hockey sticks in young hands, and dreams realized in communities across Western Canada, including rural, remote, and Indigenous areas. These aren’t abstract figures; they’re the heartbeat of Canada, the proof that our work isn’t just about extracting resources — it’s about giving Canadians a hopeful future,” said Mark Scholz, president & CEO of CAOEC.
“Based on the updated numbers, each active drilling rig supports 21 direct and 226 indirect jobs, which means that nearly 53,000 jobs will be created because of drilling activity in 2026. Additionally, each working service rig supports six direct and 64 indirect jobs, creating an extra 32,000 jobs, totalling a combined workforce of about 85,000 well-paid, highly skilled positions,” the CAOEC said.
As Scholz states: “These are not just statistics. These roles don’t merely employ; they empower — anchoring families in rural heartlands, Indigenous communities, and beyond, injecting vitality into Canada’s economy, and reinforce why the work of our members matters.”
Just how did the CAOEC come up with its dramatic increase of jobs per active rig? The report includes an explanation by Ben Brunnen, a partner with Garrison Strategy, which worked with the CAEOC on these calculations.
Brunnen wrote:
For years, it was widely believed that each active drilling rig in Canada supported about 145 jobs. That estimate made sense at the time — after all, drilling a well involves far more than the crew on the rig floor. There are truck drivers, cementers, engineers, welders, and countless others who make the work possible.
But the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CAOEC) recognized that this figure only told part of the story. The initial estimate focused narrowly on the drilling phase, without accounting for all the work that happens before and after — from site preparation and completion to tie-in and abandonment.
To get a clearer picture of the sector’s true employment impact, CAOEC partnered with Garrison Strategy to dig deeper. The findings reveal just how vital drilling and service rig operations are to Canada’s economy.
A Bigger Picture Emerges
The analysis showed that each drilling rig supports 21 direct rig crew positions and 226
indirect jobs through related activities like site prep, trucking, hauling, and engineering. With 201 rigs expected to operate in 2025, that translates to approximately 50,000 jobs — significantly higher than the longstanding estimate of 145 jobs per rig.
And that’s just part of the story. For the first time, CAOEC and Garrison also examined service rigs, which play a critical role in completing, maintaining, and eventually decommissioning wells. Each service rig supports six direct jobs and 64 indirect jobs, or about 70 jobs per rig. With 447 working service rigs anticipated in 2025, that’s another 30,000 jobs across the country.
Together, Canada’s drilling and service rig sectors will support roughly 80,000 well-paying jobs in 2025 — a powerful reminder of the industry’s broad and lasting contribution.
Beyond the Numbers: The Value Chain Effect
The benefits extend well beyond rig crews. Every active well drives opportunities across the entire value chain — geologists, surveyors, engineers, frac crews, heavy equipment operators, welders, truck drivers, safety specialists, camp personnel, environmental consultants, and more.
Then there’s the massive supply chain behind the scenes: rig maintenance, drill pipe and casing manufacturing, frac sand extraction, parts and equipment production, cement, lubricants, and rentals. Each link in this chain supports additional jobs and business activity across Canada.
What This Means for Policy and Growth
The takeaway is clear: supporting the oil and gas service sector means supporting 80,000 Canadian jobs — jobs that sustain families, promote innovation, and strengthen communities throughout the country. CAOEC can proudly bring this message to policymakers across provincial and federal levels as it continues to advocate for a strong, sustainable future for Canada’s energy services sector.
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The Office Christmas Party
DATE: December 1st
TO: ALL EMPLOYEES
I’m happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd at Luigi’s Open Pit barbecue. There will be lots of spiked eggnog and a small band playing traditional carols ..feel free to sing along. And don’t be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus to light the Christmas tree! Exchange of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over $20. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
DATE: December 2nd
TO: ALL EMPLOYEES
In no way was yesterday’s memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Hanukkah is an important holiday that often coincides with Christmas. From now on we’re calling it our “Holiday Party.” The same policy applies to employees who are celebrating Kwanza at this time. There will be no Christmas tree and no Christmas carols sung.
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
DATE: December 3rd
TO: ALL EMPLOYEES
Regarding the anonymous note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table, I’m happy to accommodate this request, but, don’t forget, if I put a sign on the table that reads, “AA Only,” you won’t be anonymous anymore. In addition, forget about the gifts exchange -- no gifts will be allowed since the union members feel that $20 is too much money.
Pat Lewis, Human Researchers Director
DATE: December 7th
TO: ALL EMPLOYEES
I’ve arranged for members of Overeaters Anonymous to sit farthest from the dessert buffet and pregnant women closest to the restrooms.
Happy now?
Pat Lewis, Human Racehorses Director
DATE: December 9th
TO: ALL EMPLOYEES
People, people -- nothing sinister was intended by wanting our CEO to play Santa Claus! Even if the anagram of “Santa” does happen to be “Satan,” there is no evil connotation to our own “little man in a red suit.”
Patricia Lewis, Human Rat Races
DATE: December 10th
TO: ALL EMPLOYEES
Vegetarians -- I’ve had it with you people!! We’re going to hold this party at Luigi’s Open Pit whether you like it or not, you can just sit at the table farthest from the “grill of death,” as you put it, and you’ll get salad bar only, including hydroponic tomatoes. But, you know, tomatoes have feelings, too. They scream when you slice them. I’ve heard them scream.
I’m hearing them right now.....
Ha! I hope you all have a rotten holiday! The Witch
DATE: December 14th
TO: ALL EMPLOYEES
I’m sure I speak for all of us in wishing Patty Lewis a speedy recovery from her stress-related illness.
I’ll continue to forward your cards to her at the sanitarium. In the meantime, management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd off with full pay.
We hope that this change does not offend anyone.
Terri Bishop Acting Human Resources Director
Sunday, December 14 - 2:30
Kindersley & District CO-OP
KID’S CLUB BIRTHDAYS
DEC. 7 - 13
Jesse Waldner
Lincoln Dales
Grady Story
Owen Cavanagh
Tracie Mandel
Michael Kleinsasser
Dax Bloomfield
Walker Hummel
Emilia Ann Schmalzbauer
Thu Le Dang Anh
Xander Gallup
Timothy Kleinsasser
Lucas B. Kleinsasser
Zachery Asher Banlaoi
Williiam Polvi Marshall Greenan
BIRTHDAY CAKE VOUCHERS can be picked up at the Kindersley Co-op Food Store Bakery Department.
Kid’s Korner
Posting Date December 8, 2025
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIDS!