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.

The Dauphin Hawks basketball program began its season with some tryouts prior to spring break and some after the annual school hiatus.

There are four teams in the program this year, 14U and 17U girls teams and 14U and 17U boys teams.

Program co-ordinator John Marshall said most of the teams have competed in two or three tournaments so far and are developing well.

“The development has been excellent. We are been playing against really, really great competition. So it’s really helping us to further our skills, dribbling, passing shooting. The basics. Those skills are getting more developed,” he said.

“And we can see easily, the difference it’s made.”

The program started with one 15U team and has now grown to four teams comprised of 60 players. This year is the third in which there have been four teams, competing in a number of tournaments.

The season ends for all teams in mid-June at a tournament in Yorkton, Sask.

Marshall has been pleased with the results, but notes they are not the most important aspect of the program.

“We’re not concerned about winning and losing. Yes, it’s great to win. But we told the kids that it’s development. I keep saying that word to them,” he said.

“But we told them that the skills that you’re refining, that you’re working on in club, when you go to high school, when you’re playing JV or varsity, you’re going to be able to be a much stronger player on the court. When you’re facing so called ‘hard teams’ in high school, they won’t seem so hard because you’ve seen the best of the best in Manitoba.”

Marshall appreciates the time and effort put in by the coaches for each team.

They include head coach Scott Carr and assistant coach Rommel Soltis with the U17 girls team; head coach Josh Marshall and assistant coaches Matthew Marshall and Matthew Angus with the 17U boys team; head coach Nathan Fleck and assistant coaches Kara Vanderheyden and Madeline Hope with the 14U girls team; and Marshall and assistant coach Logan Marshall with the 14U boys team.

Fresh off helping the Brandon University Bobcats win the U Sports national volleyball title, Dauphin’s JJ Love will be taking his talent to Greece where he will play professionally.

Before signing with G.S. Iraklis Thessalonikis men’s volleyball team, Love made not one, but two Canadian national teams - the NextGen team and the 30-man VNL roster.

Love attended a six-day tryout camp in Gatineau, Que., where he continues to train with the teams.

“It’s been good. I’m learning lots. There’s a lot of good coaches out here and they’re teaching me a lot. And it’s lots of volleyball. We’ve been doing double days, so practice in the morning, practice in the evening and a lunch in between,” he said.

It was a huge honour, Love said, to make these teams, adding it is an example of hard work eventually paying off.

“But there’s always more hard work to do. Making this team is just the start. Once I got out here and started playing with the guys, it just shows there’s a whole other level out there and you can always improve and you’ve always got to keep working hard,” he said.

The NextGen team will take part in the NORCECA Cup in Mexico at the end of August, while the VNL will compete on three weekends in Quebec, Chicago and Slovenia.

Love said a travel roster will be selected from among the 30 on the VNL roster to compete in Slovenia.

Love had the option of returning to the Bobcats for his fifth season or turning professional overseas.

“It just came to the situation where I thought this would take me and my game to the next level and I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity,” he said.

Love hopes to continue to develop his game through these programs.

“I think volleyball is one of those cool sports where there’s always areas you can improve and I don’t think you ever reach max capacity. I think there’s always areas to develop and things you can work on,” he said.

Love’s ultimate goal is to make the men’s national senior team.

“I think that’s every volleyball players goal. Until I get that, I’ll keep trying to work my hardest and hopefully make it there one day,” he said.

The Parkland Rangers U18 and U15 hockey teams will have new coaches at the helm when the season starts in the fall.

Rick Freese was hired as the new head coach of the U18 Rangers, following a two-year stint as an assistant coach with the Dauphin Kings.

In taking over from outgoing head coach Tom White, Freese said the focus will be on developing players.

“And doing a little more here that has been done in the past as far as off-ice stuff and on-ice. We’re going to get on the ice a little more,” he said.

“We’re going to try to maybe shift the culture a little bit here to make sure that we’re competitive. I think that a little bit of change is a good thing and we’re definitely going to give it all we’ve got, for sure.”

Freese has already reached out to all players eligible to return next season and has been emailing prospective players, as well.

“Nothing is guaranteed for those guys. And that’s the message. They’ve got to make sure that they’re prepared and have a good summer and they never miss a workout. That they’re making sure that they’re ready to go in the fall,” he added.

Nothing, Freese said, is guaranteed, so the returning players will have to make their mark.

“And they’re well aware of that, too. They’re young men and they understand the pressures of being an elite player. They’ll make sure that they’re ready to go, no doubt about it,” he said.

The Rangers will hold try-out conditioning ice sessions in August.

“We’re going to have our returning players there. We’re going to have some new prospects there. We’re looking to fill that up,” Freese said.

The main try-out camp will run, Sept. 12 to 14.

Freese will be on the road this month to begin the recruiting process by making contact with prospective players.

Freese is in the process of talking to prospective assistant coaches and expects an announcement to be made in the near future.

“I’m looking forward to making sure that we’re doing the best we can. We’ve got to put the right foot forward, of course, We want to come out of the gate real well. But we want to sustain that. We want to get better throughout the course of the year. And I think that’s the message,” he said.

“Getting these guys to the next level is the most important thing and that’s what we’re really going to be focusing on here.”

The U15 Rangers will be under the tutelage of Chad Facey, who spent the last five seasons as an assistant coach with the Kings, competing at the Centennial Cup after winning the league championship in 2022.

Facey’s tactical knowledge and leadership helped drive one of the most successful seasons in Kings franchise history.

Facey is one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in Manitoba AAA hockey. With over a decade of experience behind the bench, he has earned a reputation for building high-performing teams and developing players who succeed at the next level.

Prior to his time in the MJHL, Facey served as head coach of the Yellowhead Chiefs U18 AAA program in the Manitoba AAA U18 Hockey League.

Under his guidance, the Chiefs finished in the league’s top three during the regular season three times, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier coaches at the U18 level in the province.

Facey’s development resume is equally impressive at younger age levels. In 2016, he helped guide a U15 team to a provincial final, showing his ability to connect with athletes early in their development and elevate their game.

Bringing Facey into the Parkland Rangers program is a major milestone for the organization. His experience across U15, U18, and Junior A levels gives him a unique ability to develop, motivate and prepare players for what lies ahead.

The Dauphin Clippers rugby teams are into the semifinals in the Westman High School Rugby after ending the regular season, last week.

The Clippers girls beat the Souris Sabres, 55-0, to finish in first place with a perfect 4-0 record, outscoring their opponents, 276-0.

Isabella Williams and Felicity Sahulka had two tries each and Ryann Richard-Soltis, Ruth Dandeneau, Kiersten Vandekerckhove, Desiree Lariviere and Sigrid Katerud had one each. Ruth Evans added five converts.

Clippers coach Shawn Sarkonak was pleased with the team’s play, noting the first 15 minutes were back-and-forth with neither team gaining any field advantage.

“It was played between the 22 (yard lines). It was pretty much a defensive battle,” he said.

It was around the 15-minute mark that Dauphin scored its first try. And the score at halftime was 17-0 in favour of Dauphin.

“It was back-and-forth. They made it tough. And they almost got one on us. They drove it all the way to our five-metre line, got us hemmed in our own zone. But we managed to get it turned over and get out of the half and the rest of the game without being scored on,” Sarkonak said.

After doing some research, Sarkonak found the Clippers are 20-0 since the start of the 2023 season in 15s rugby, outscoring their opponents in that time, 1,206-30.

Sarkonak said the team takes pride in its current streak, but they are aware that streaks are meant to come to an end.

“(Assistant coach) Kent (Miner) and I just say that if we get scored on, we get scored on. It’s not going to be the end of the world. Just keep playing Clipper girls rugby and play hard, play tough and play team-like,” he said.

“They know that the streak is on the line, but I do believe it keeps them motivated to keep going as long as they can.”

Sarkonak was pleased to see the balanced scoring continue.

“That what you love to see. You have 14 teammates out there with you, so there’s no need for being individuals. And that’s honestly the biggest part of the success that we’re having, is just playing a full all-around team game,” he said.

The Clippers will now face the fourth-place Crocus Plains Plainsmen in the semifinals, tonight at 5:30 p.m. in Dauphin.

With no 15s girls teams in Winnipeg, the finalists in the Westman league will meet in Brandon for the provincial title.

Read this weeks Dauphin Herald for more.

The Watson Arts Centre is bringing back the Concert Series for 2025-26.

Dauphin and District Allied Arts Council Inc. board chair Cam Bennet said they have been talking about bringing the concert series back for quite a while at the entertainment committee level.

“And we felt that we really wanted to have at least one year where we had what people would recognize as a series before going back to buying as a ticket,” he said.

“And we do hear from out in the community. We do hear people saying, ‘we’d like you to bring it back.’ And so, we’ve got our lineup for next year.”

The series begins, Oct. 4, with the Highwaymen Tribute concert. The next show won’t be until Jan. 24, when The Abrams take to the stage. The third show will feature ABBA Revisited, Mar. 5, with the final show taking place, Apr. 18, featuring The Derina Harvey Band.

All four shows will be in the Johnston and Co. Auditorium.

Tickets for each show are $45 or you can purchase a total series package for $150. Tickets can be purchased at the Watson Arts Centre during regular business hours from Monday to Friday from noon to 5 p.m.

Tickets will also be available to purchase online soon.

Bennet said 25 tickets were sold at the recent Business Expo.

When the decision was made to bring the concert series back, there were no specific acts the board wanted to target. Bennet said the Highwaymen Tribute show actually reached out to him at the MCMA Awards.

“We had a little chat and he emailed me a week or so after and we said, yeah, let’s go for it,” he said.

Bennet had been wanting to bring in an ABBA related act for a long time and they were able to book ABBA Revisited through connections with the Manitoba Arts Network.

“I know there’s a lot of excitement for that one. But I can guarantee you all four concerts are just going to be outstanding,” he said.

“I haven’t seen The Abrams live. It was a video submission that I saw, but they’re just a fantastic country-rock band. And The Derina Harvey Band is going to be just something that people are going to be talking about for a long time. A Newfie kitchen-party kind of band and it’s just going be a great time.”

Bennet is looking forward to a successful series and is excited that people have already purchased tickets, which he says shows the commitment level of city residents.

“At some point, we’re probably going to go to businesses to see if they want to purchase a series pack as a support level kind-of-thing,” he said.

“But certainly businesses, individuals are welcome and encouraged to buy. It’s going to be a great show.”

The Dauphin Clippers fastball team continued to prepare for zones with an exhibition game, as well as a one-day tournament in Ste. Rose, Saturday.

The exhibition game saw the Clippers fall 12-7 to the Ste. Rose Celtics, Thursday in Dauphin.

The Clippers opened the tournament with a 4-2 loss to the Neepawa Tigers, before rebounding to beat the Swan Valley Tigers, 13-4.

This put the Clippers into the third place game, where they lost to the host Celtics, 19-17.

Clippers coach Kyle Forsyth was pleased with the team’s play over the weekend.

“That wind was a challenge in the first game or two. The girls actually played really good this weekend. There’s a few little things that we’re going to work on. But other than that, they’re improving every game,” he said.

Forsyth is pleased to see the offence starting to produce.

“Our bats are starting to come around. We’re going to work a little bit more on that, because the bats went quiet a little bit  in the one game for a couple of innings, but then they came alive after that. Overall, the bats are coming along,” he said.

Forsyth noted there are a couple of new pitchers this year who haven’t pitch much in the past.

“They’ve done a great job for us, so far. We’ve had a couple of our regulars that came in and they shut the door when we needed them to. Pitching is coming along. We’re going to work a little bit more on a few things there,” he said.

The Clippers and Celtics will play another exhibition game, Thursday in Ste. Rose prior to hosting zones, May 20.

Forsyth feels the Clippers will be ready for the zone playoffs.

“I think the next few practices that we have between now and zones, we’ll work on a few things that we noticed over the last little while here,” he said.

“We’ve got to keep realizing that they’ve got to go back to the basics on a few things. The girls overall, they know what they need to do. It’s just when they get into that game situation, they forget and panic a little bit. We’ve just got to remember to settle down and play our game.”