The Dauphin Kings are getting set to embark on another crusade to win the Turnbull Cup as the team opens training camp, Thursday.

This year’s format is a bit different than in past years.

Registration takes place Thursday morning, with on-ice sessions taking place over that afternoon and Friday, with the annual JoFo Cup intrasquad game going, Friday at 7 p.m.

The Kings will waste little time getting into their preseason schedule as they host the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Yorkton Terriers, Saturday at 7 p.m.

The two teams hook up again on Sunday in Yorkton at 4 p.m., Manitoba time.

Kings head coach and general manager Doug Hedley said there are a number of players who will be attending Western Hockey League camps.

“The reason we opened up a little bit later is to let all those guys go. There’s no reason for them not to go to Western League camps now because of the (NCAA) eligibility rule,” he said, adding there are eight to 10 players in the WHL camps.

That said, there are currently 57 skaters and 10 goalies registered for the Kings camp.

The team’s veterans, Hedley said, will have to set the pace for camp, showing newcomers how things are done here.

Hedley will be looking to replace some top end talent as Gabriel Bugeaud is trying out with St. Cloud of the North American Hockey League, while Gavin Nemis, Havryil Simchuk and Matthew Thomas are all trying out for teams in the British Columbia Hockey League.

“It’s good for the program, because they’re getting an opportunity at another level. We’ll see what happens. If they happen to return, it’s good for us. If they don’t it’s a matter of replacing them with some younger guys or some older guys we’re bringing in,” he said.

“We’ve got three or four guys coming in from out east and a couple from out west.”

The landscape in hockey is changing, Hedley said. Teams will probably be younger, he said, and they will likely have more opportunity to move on.

“If they move on, you try to replace them with as good a player. We think we have some real good talent coming up. Our 2008 draft was really good and we have letters of intent for quite a few of them,” he said.

“It’s just a matter of filling those gaps. I don’t think it’s a rebuild. I think it’s just a reload and finding guys that we like, that have certain characteristics, to play the way we want. That work hard, that compete and have speed and are very good ambassadors in town. That’s what we do. We’re humble and we’re here to represent the crest and try to compete for a championship.”

Hedley is expecting a competitive camp, noting there are a few 2009-born players he wants to sign to letters of intent for next season.

“The good thing about our returning vets is there’s some quality leadership there with. There’s some work ethic there with (Rylan) Gage, (Sheldon) Shyiak, (Joshua) Schmidt, (Madden) Murray, (Ty) Pratte, (Brett) Magarrel, Aiden Murray,” he said.

“There’s real good character. Real good compete. The compete level, the hard work and attitude. So we’ve got a real good start and real good nucleus of leadership, for sure.”

After picking up some key wins for the Kings last season, Bryce Yaschyshyn likely has the inside track to the starters job in the crease.

Returning to the Kings is Austin Seibel, who played for the team two years ago and spent last season with the Powassan VooDoos of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.

Also in the mix will be prospect Piet Mireau and some American prospects.

“So there’s five or six quality goaltenders and we’ve got a couple of good younger kids that are going to be part of our organization sooner or later. So we’re looking forward to the compete level. It’s going to be very competitive,” Hedley said, adding he expects a couple of competitive games against Yorkton.

And, while this year’s camp is a little different from past years, Hedley is looking forward to see how things work out.

The Dauphin Clippers football team has been practicing throughout the month of August in preparation for the 2025 season.

Numbers have been steadily increasing to the point where they now have 30 to 33 players out for practices.

“We could always use more. But there’s a lot of veterans that are still out working, doing their summer jobs. So it will increase,” said Clippers coach Gerald Lopez.

Noting the Clippers lost some key players last from last season, Lopez said Nathan Thacker has returned to the team as offensive co-ordinator along with former Clipper Mitchell Prawdzik.

“Both who are offensive gurus. They’re using back-to-the-basics terminology and building from there. Watching those two grow is quite neat,” he said.

Robbie Tomkins is the defensive co-ordinator and Lopez said he, too, is starting with the basics.

The Rural Manitoba Football League will be comprised of two divisions.

The Clippers are in the Doug Steeves Division, along with the Interlake Thunder, Moosomin Generals, SouthWest Sabres, St. Vital Mustangs, Swan Valley Tigers, Virden Golden Bears and Winnipeg Falcons, while ​the ParkWest Outlaws, Neepawa Tigers, Neelin Spartans and Transcona Nationals will make up the Murray Black Division.

The eight-team Doug Steeves Division will be the Tier 1 group, while  four-team Murray Black Division is the Tier 2 group.

Dauphin opens the season, Sept. 7, against the Falcons in Winnipeg.

Lopez said the Clippers will focus on their passing game under quarterback Cody Zurba.

“I think we’ve picked up some great wide receivers. And running the ball, that will come with the cold weather,” he said.

“Defensively, Regan Clyde is having such a great camp, along with Blake Thacker and Julien Lopez and Morgan Fleck. We’ll build up on those four key cogs there. It will be good.”

Lopez is looking forward to getting the season going.

“We’re all starting to get antsy. There’s only so many reps we can do. All the kids are all looking forward to the next weekend coming up,” he said, noting the Clippers only have three home games this year.

The Dauphin Mavericks rugby team traveled south to Brandon for a tilt with the Barbarians, Saturday.

After a strong start in which the Mavericks built a 26-17 lead at halftime, Brandon took advantage of the Mavericks’ inexperience in the second half to walk away with a 53-26 win.

Ronin Mouck had two tries for Dauphin, with Riley Keith and Sam Plante adding singles. Daniel Evans added three converts.

Mavericks player-coach Shawn Sarkonak said the Mavericks came out flat in the first two minutes.

“But we basically started trading tries back and forth. We pulled ahead. We were playing really well,” he said, adding they ran into penalty trouble in the second half.

Dauphin’s lack of experience, Sarkonak said, also played a factor.

“We had a good, young squad there, just a little inexperienced. And compared to the size of their pack, as we made changes, we got lighter and lighter, so they were able to push us around pretty good later on in the second half,” he said.

Despite the second half collapse, the experience gained by the young Mavericks will benefit them in the future.

“They see what it takes to play at that level and the more you play the better you get. But I was very pleased with how the squad really played,” Sarkonak said.

The Mavericks have two games remaining, a home-and-home with the Winnipeg Wasps.

The next game in Dauphin is tentatively set for Aug. 30, with the game in Winnipeg slated for Sept. 6. Both games have yet to be confirmed.

It wasn’t the results they were looking for, but the Dauphin Mavericks and Lady Mavericks have something to build on for the future.

The Lady Mavericks hosted the Winnipeg Brumbies, Saturday at Kin Field, losing 48-26, while the Mavericks dropped a 39-31 decision to the Winnipeg Wombats.

Chloe Fletcher led the way with two tries for the Lady Mavericks, while Natasha Gadde and Brooke Miner had one each. Megan Thompson converted three of the tries.

Codi Harrigan was coaching the team in the absence of coach Kent Miner and  pleased with the team’s play, noting they only played 10s due to a lack of players for the Lady Mavericks.

“We lost a couple and we ended up playing with eight at the end. Putting eight girls on the field versus such an experienced team like the Brumbies. They’ve got lots of really good players out there that have played nationally. Overseas internationally even,” he said.

“I’m super happy with how the girls played. They had to learn new positions today and fill in the gaps where they’re not used to.”

The team’s offence put tries on the board, a testament to the resilience of those on the pitch.

“We put up quite a bit of points. And it wasn’t that, that (the Brumbies) was the better team. They had more subs, so we just got gassed towards the end,” Harrigan said.

The game was close at halftime, but the Brumbies pulled away early in the second half.

“But we gave it back to them towards the end of the second half. Towards the end of the game we scored a couple on them,” Harrigan added.

There is still plenty for the team to work on as they prepare for their next match, Saturday in Winnipeg at the Challenger Cup.

The Lady Mavericks will play three games in succession, beginning at noon against the Brandon Barbarians, followed by a game against the Winnipeg Wasps at 12:45 p.m. and a final contest at 1:30 p.m. against the Sturgeon Creek Rowdies.

Daniel Evans topped the scoring charts for the Mavericks with two tries and two converts. Ronin Mouck had one try and a convert, while Jeff Zeiler and Owen Tyschinski had one try each.

Mavericks player-coach Shawn Sarkonak felt it was the closest to a full 80-minute game as the team has played this season.

“At times, you could tell that some experience, maybe lack of depth coming off the bench and then a little bit of cardio here and there, just some simple let downs, some missed tackles and they were able to capitalize,” he said.

“It was a great game back and forth. I’m really happy with the way we played.”

The Mavericks led 19-7 at halftime, but the Wombats scored a couple of tries early in the second half to take control of the game.

“I think everyone was giving it their all in the first half and I think we were a little flat footed coming out in the second half. That’s where, the cardio, it took a few guys to reset and get back into it,” Sarkonak said.

“Once we did, we started marching back. It was just back and forth.”

Playing such a close game, scoring 31 points will give the team confidence going forward as Sarkonak noted they Maverick moved the ball well.

“We ran it really well. I challenged the forwards right at the beginning of the game that let’s be dynamic. Let’s move the ball. Let’s not be static and one dimensional where it’s just one hit-ups,” he said.

“Let’s draw the guys in and make that pass and let’s make space for guys so we can get it out to our backs. And when we did, we did some pretty good things.”

The Mavericks are in Winnipeg, Saturday, to face the Wasps. Sarkonak said the team will have to focus on its cardio in preparation for that game.

“And I think it’s just reinforcing a team game, work off the positives with what we did good here today,” he said.

“And just back to basics with some tackling, just sticking it. And being a little more disciplined. I think we were a little offside. Just reiterating that.”

Dauphin Recreation Services general manager Ryan Vanderheyden met with the Rural Municipality of Dauphin council at its regular meeting, June 10, to answer concerns regarding recreation.

Reeve Ernie Sirski asked Vanderheyden about the insured value of the buildings on the DRS property.

In 2023, Vanderheyden said, the property and equipment insurance premium was $293,000, which has since gone up twice. Although he did not have an exact number for 2025, he said it would be in excess of $300,000.

Sirski then asked how much revenue is generated from the DRS facilities, which Vanderheyden said is projected to be just over $1 million for 2025, adding 2024 revenue was just over $1.1 million.

Councilor Ken Shewchuk asked if the pool rates are different for someone living in Ste. Rose, for example, compared to someone living in Dauphin.

Vanderheyden noted years ago there were discussions to levy an extra cost to residents of Ochre River.

“At that time, Ochre was the target for that, because they’re obvious. You can make a connection. You can see the people, you know they’re using it,” he said.

“If you ask them where their rec. tax dollars would go, they would 100 per cent want it to go to Dauphin. You can make that connection.”

Gilbert Plains and Grandview, Vanderheyden added, have their own recreation facilities they are still spending money on, but that, he added, may change.

“Running a rink is very expensive and smaller municipalities won’t have that over time,” he said, noting the price of compressors have more than doubled since 2015.

“Those smaller municipalities that are doing the fund-raisers and those dinners for $100, that won’t catch up to what’s going to happen. And eventually, you’ll see that type of rec, especially hockey, is going to go to a hub like Dauphin,” Vanderheyden said, adding local usage is already going up.

Shewchuk also asked about the windows at the curling rink being replaced.

Vanderheyden said over the years, the Dauphin Community Curling Club had been fund-raising for improvements to the facility, such as new windows. The club, he added, will pay half the cost, with DRS paying the other half.

“If we had the money, we’d love to fix it. We just don’t have the money to fix it right now,” he said, adding DRS and the curling club may be able to apply for various grants to help finance the new windows.

Councillor Ron Ryz felt the RM was unfairly blamed for the state of the windows.

“There’s talk in the area that the windows need to be replaced. Dauphin Rec Services hasn’t got the money. They don’t have the money because the RM is not paying enough. That’s why the curling club is buying their own windows,” he said.

“As a rural resident, I find that upsetting. We get blamed for shortfalls.”

Vanderheyden said he understands the messaging on the windows specifically, because there are questions asking why DRS doesn’t pay for the new windows, as well.

“Sometimes you don’t have the whole audience. And in any municipality, they don’t have the full story, so you get that complaint,” he said.

Vanderheyden noted labour is the most expensive item in the recreation department budget, however, they have been able to control labour over the last 10 years.

Read the full story in this weeks Dauphin Herald.

The Rural Municipality of Dauphin will soon have a new Chief Administrative Officer.

Grady Stephenson will take over the position effective, July 28. He is currently the CAO for the Town of Carberry.

“It was a different challenge,” he said of accepting the position with the RM of Dauphin.

“I come from a small town and a rural municipality is going to be a different challenge for me. That would be a good opportunity for some growth and to help out the RM and the community out there,” he said.

Stephenson has been CAO in Carberry for about 5-1/2 years and worked in the public works and parks and recreation departments before that, giving him   11 years of experience in municipal work.

Among the challenges Stephenson expects is going from an urban setting to rural.

“It’s a little bit different for me and coming from basically the desert to somewhere with challenges with water in the springtime and flooding will be new to me,” he said.

“But I know there is some great staff there that are going to be able to guide me through that and help me out to get my feet wet, no pun intended. I think there’s going to be other challenges, too, but we’ll cross those bridges when we get there. I think it’s going to be good.”

Stephenson is looking forward to the opportunity and getting to know the area.

“I’m an outdoors guy, so I look forward  to some of the fishing and hunting opportunities up there, as well,” he said.

RM of Dauphin reeve Ernie Sirski said Stephenson conducted himself well in his interview with council.

“He brings a lot of municipal experience to the table, which is something that we rated very highly. He handled himself very well and we liked what he offered for us,” he said.

There will be an adjustment period for both parties as they get to know each other.

“The first thing is to get to know us. He’s got to get to know the council. He’s got to get to know the staff,” he said.

“When you come into this kind of position from outside, it’s going to take a little bit of time. So I think that’s the first thing we’re going to try and do, is get hm to know us, so that he can start doing his job in the best possible way.”

Council, Sirski added, is looking forward to Stephenson’s contribution to the RM in helping lead the municipality in a direction that is positive for the RM.

“We’ve done a new strategic plan and we’re looking at rolling that out, but we want to make sure that we roll it out properly and that he knows what the strategic plan is and what it contains, as well as the council has a good understanding of it,” he said.

“And, of course, a whole bunch of other files that we’re dealing with at the same time. So we’re looking forward to his help in those regards.”

When the Canada Summer Games get underway in St. John’s Nfld., in August, the Parkland will be well represented in rugby.

Four players from Dauphin will suit up for the men’s U20 7s squad.

Joseph Lopez, William Miner, Oliver Dandeneau and Matthew Zurba all made Team Manitoba’s 7s rugby team, as did McCreary’s Scott Gower.

Gerald Lopez of Dauphin is the team’s manager and assistant coach.

Tryouts began last August with practices in Winnipeg and Brandon, with about 30 players trying to make the team.

Lopez hopes to gain more experience in his time at the games.

“Learn a lot of good rugby. I haven’t been this high in 7s before, so I’m very excited to see the competition. Just play at that high level in 7s, to see all around good rugby,” he said.

Playing with three teammates from Dauphin will help the provincial team at the games, since they are familiar with each other. And that was evident in the tournaments the team has played.

“We’ve been to a couple of tournaments already and when I’m on the field with them, the chemistry just showed. You could see we’ve played so many years together,” he said.

“I’m just excited to play with the boys again. It feels like high school.”

Dandeneau said the team dynamics would change with every tournament they played in.

“The team was rebuilt every time there was a tournament. There would be practices and then they’d pick who would be in the tournament. And then from there it was a reset and they’d just pick the next guys for the next tournament,” he said.

“And eventually they picked us out, told us we were going to the games.”

Dandeneau was excited to make the team.

“It’s always nice to get an opportunity to play a sport at the higher level. I’m just glad I get to be a part of that,” he said.

Dandeneau hopes to get more experience.

“I just think it’s going to be fun. It’s going to be a good time. I’m excited to see the other teams I’ll play against,” he said.

“I think it will make me a better player. Just playing against tougher competition is always going to help.”

Playing with his high school teammates will bring a level of comfort.

Read the full story in this weeks Dauphin Herald.

The Dauphin Clippers girls rugby team are three-time provincial champions.

The Clippers won their third straight provincial title with a 31-15 win over the Souris Sabres, June 2, in Souris.

Ryann Richard-Soltis had two tries to lead the Clippers, while Victoria Carter, Paityn Bourgouin and Kiersten Vandekerckhove had one try each. Bourgouin added three converts.

While stating it feels amazing to be three-time provincial champions, Clippers coach Shawn Sarkonak was quick to point out the girls earned it.

“It truly is a real cap off for a three-peat with three league and three provincials titles. But hats off to Souris. They played really well. It was a hard-fought game. They scored three times against us. They made us get into penalty trouble and then made us pay for it,” he said.

“But the girls were able to rise above it and play through it.”

Sarkonak and assistant coach Kent Miner felt the team may have played a bit down.

“Their heads may not have been in it right off the hop, but they were able to push through,” he said.

“We moved some players around. Some minor injuries here and there, but we were able to get everybody on the field, which we’re always happy to do. It’s not always quality field time for certain players, but when you’re in a provincial final like that, some sacrifices have to be made.”

Sarkonak said you cannot really compare winning a third title to the first one, which is always a bit more special.

“The first one is always really special. As a coach, you’ve worked to get there. The players, they’ve worked to get there. And to repeat the first time was really special,” he said.

“And with the group of girls that we’ve had over the last three years, we really had a good contingent that we’re going to be graduating next year. So the next two years are going to be hard core rebuild, recruiting mode.”

The core of next year’s team, Sarkonak said, is going to be the most experienced team the Clippers have had since 2023.

“As they were rookies that year. So that will be their fourth year and they’ve gained a lot of valuable experience that I think they’re going to use on the field and push for a fourth one,” he said.

Most of the players will also be taking part in the fall 7s season, while three players are still in the running for Team Manitoba, which will compete at the Canada Summer Games.

“So if they make that lineup, then they’ll be coming right out of that tournament and pretty much going right into the 7s season in the fall,” Sarkonak said.

The Clippers will lose three players to graduation, as well as one exchange student.

“So we have a real solid core coming back who are athletic and we’re really looking forward to it,” Sarkonak said.

The Rural Municipality of Dauphin is continuing its search for a new Chief Administrative Officer after a potential agreement with a candidate fell through.

The RM had an agreement in principle for a new CAO to start in the near future, however, that person instead withdrew their name to pursue other opportunities.

“The formal contract had not been signed yet. But we had an agreement in principle that we thought was going to solve all our issues, both his and ours. And, unfortunately, whatever circumstances happened, the individual decided to withdraw,” said RM of Dauphin reeve Ernie Sirski.

While disappointed, Sirski said the search for the right person will continue until the position is filled.

“Personally, I was hoping that we had reached a conclusion to this process. But the reality is, as I said before, getting the right person in place is more important than getting it done expeditiously,” he said, adding they continue to receive applications.

Close to 50 students graduated from Assiniboine College at its convocation ceremony, Friday afternoon.

Following a blessing by Elder Reg Nepinak, Parkland Campus director Carol Stewart gave some opening remarks, followed by greetings from AC president Mark Frison, as well as greetings from Kayla Gillis of the Assiniboine Alumni, welcoming the graduates to the association.

Abigail Worrall, one of 12 students from the Practical Nursing program, then gave her valedictorian speech, stating it was an honour for her to deliver the address.

Worrall began by stating she had applied on a whim for the Practical Nursing program two years ago and just three days before the program began.

On her first day, she said, she sat down in her seat and was immediately overwhelmed with imposter syndrome.

“I questioned myself. Do I belong here? Am I smart enough to fill this seat?” she said, adding she was sure every graduate in attendance entered their program of choice with the same questions and not knowing if they would succeed  and doubting their own capability.

Worrall noted she soon realized a valuable lesson that carried her through her journey.

“We are capable of so much more than we let ourselves believe. It is only when we let go of those toxic doubts, start to believe in ourselves and begin to see our full potential that we can truly thrive,” she said.

“Now look at us today, celebrating the remarkable achievement that is graduating.”

Suddenly, she added, those distant doubts feel so silly and meaningless. Graduation day, Worrall said, testifies to the hard work, dedication and sacrifices they all made.

“But today is also a testimony to how capable, intelligent and deserving we are of this success. We have worked irelessly to reach this milestone and now, here we are, at the threshold of a new chapter, ready to turn the page into the unknown of the real world,” she said.

Worrall noted during the first year of school, Minegoziibe Anishinabe (formerly known as Pine Creek First Nation), gifted the campus a sacred bison skull, a symbol of strength and resilience.

Elder Reg, she said, met with students to share its profound spiritual meaning.

“I can vividly recall his words as he spoke about the bison, how it charges straight into the storm, meeting it head on without hesitation,” she said, adding Elder Reg told students to be like a bison, to face every storm, every challenge and every hardship with courage, not to run from it, but to push through it.

His teachings, Worrall said, resonated with her, leaving a lasting impression, guiding her through every test, every sleepless night and every setback she encountered during her time at the college.

“As we now begin to transition into our careers, we undoubtedly will endure plenty more obstacles. Let us all carry this powerful lesson along with us, remembering the strength of the bison to confront whatever adversity we may face,” she said.

Worrall then directed her comments to those who taught them, stating none of the graduates would be where they are today without the guidance of the dedicated, inspirational and passionate instructors.

“They have been with us every step of the way, offering encouragement and support, uplifting us to be the best possible versions of ourselves. With unwavering patience, often answering the same question 10 times or more, their hard work and commitment do not go unnoticed,” she said, adding a heartfelt thank you to her instructors on behalf of the Practical Nursing program students.

“You have not only taught us the clinical skills required for the nursing profession, but also the compassion, empathy and resilience needed to thrive in this demanding field. Your devotion to our success has made a lasting impact and profoundly shaped our lives and nursing careers,” she said.

“We will deeply miss the classes, skills labs and practicums with you immensely. Your exceptional guidance in the Practical Nursing program has been invaluable and we owe our success to you.”

Worrall then turned her thoughts to the students’ families and friends, who, she said, were beaming with pride and probably a little relief that they were finally done with their education.

For the full story and list of grads, read this week’s edition of the Dauphin Herald.