By Derek Holtom
The Waywayseecappo Wolverines are one of the hottest teams in the MJHL in 2026, even with some recent setbacks against the top team in the MJHL.
As the Wolverines peak for the playoffs, the veteran-filled team is enjoying what they’ve accomplished so far, but realize there is still so much to do.
“It’s a really good feeling right now,” says Ben Roulette, the team’s second-leading scorer. “Going on that stretch after Christmas, proving to ourselves that we can compete with the top teams in the league, it was really big for us.
“It’s knowing we can compete with those guys,” he added. “You look at our game on Feb. 28 against Niverville – we doubled them in shots. Things just didn’t go our way, so we’re still figuring that part out. It’s about closing things out, and there’s still a learning curve there.”
Wayway recently had a 10-game win streak with no losses in regulation snapped by the sixth-place Northern Manitoba Blizzard. They got back in the win column the very next night in a fight-filled, hard-nosed game that saw Roulette get hit hard into the boards, leading to the two goaltenders fighting at centre ice.
“That game was awesome – I think from the start of the game we were dialled in,” says Roulette. “The loss the night before kind of hurt as we had our chances but ended up losing, so going into Swan we needed two points to clinch and we came out and played physical and fast, and had each other’s backs.
“When I went down (when he was hit hard into the boards) even my goalie had my back,” he added. “We’re like a family now, and it’s all gelling together right now.”
As Wayway enters the final week of the regular season, their first-round opponent is still not known. And frankly to the Wolverines, they don’t care – they just want to get at it.
“I think for us it doesn’t really matter,” he said. “We’re going to give it our all no matter who we play.
“I think the big thing for us would be to get home-ice advantage,” he added. “Our home record is a lot better than our away record. That could set us up really well for the playoffs.”
Roulette also says this veteran team wants to win not only for themselves, but for the fans who have stuck with them all season long.
“I think the community deserves a good showing from us,” says Roulette. “I think we have the team to do that. The community’s rallying around us. It should be an interesting next couple of weeks – we’ve had more fans show up the last couple of games. It’s really great to see and I hope it continues.”
Last week
Kings 4, Wolverines 3 (OT)
The Kings rallied from a 3-1 deficit with three unanswered goals Friday night to earn a 4-3 overtime victory. The extra point allowed the Kings to move three points up on the Wolverines as they battle for home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Wayway led by period scores of 1-0 and 3-1 thanks to goals by Sebastien Hicks (32nd), Dylan Duzan (14th), and Cole Hunter (14th). But the visiting Kings scored 16 seconds into the third period, tied the game midway through the frame, and got the winner from Ethan Stewart (19th) while on the power play.
Mariko Bercier made 34 saves while taking the loss for the Wolverines.
Nighthawks 4, Wolverines 2 (EN)
The host Wolverines almost got their revenge on the league-leading Niverville Nighthawks last Tuesday but ended up on the wrong end of a 4-2 (EN) decision.
The Wolverines took a slim 2-1 lead into the third period thanks to goals by Mikey Thomas (12th) and Max Collyer (12th). But the Nighthawks are not first overall for nothing. They took the lead in the span of 40 seconds with two goals midway through the third. They added an empty-netter with 31 seconds left to hand the Wolverines their second straight loss – both competitive, close games against the league leaders.
Mariko Bercier stopped 28 shots while taking the loss for the home team.
Up next
The Wolverines have one final week of tune up before the playoffs get under way – three games in three nights on the weekend.
First up is a trip to Neepawa on Friday to clash with the Titans. Playoff positioning is still up in the air heading into this one.
The next night the Wolverines return home to host the division-leading Virden Oil Capitals. Wayway has three wins in five starts against the Oil Capitals so far this year.
The season ends Sunday night on home ice as the Northern Manitoba Blizzard come to town. This game could be meaningful for the final placements, depending on how the rest of the week goes for the Dauphin Kings, Neepawa Titans and, of course, the Wolverines.
CLAW MARKS – The Wolverines enter the final week with a record of 27-23-3-2 … They are 6-3-0-1 in their past 10 outings … The Wolverines are five points back of the Dauphin Kings with one game in hand. Wayway would need to win out and Dauphin lose out to overtake second place … They also lead the Neepawa Titans by three points. Both teams have three games remaining this week, including a potentially massive one against one another. If Wayway wins this game they clinch third. If not the final two games become very interesting for both teams.

The Manitoba government is launching provincewide public consultations to confront the growing risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI), strengthen protections for personal data and ensure children and families are shielded from emerging digital threats, Innovation and New Technology Minister Mike Moroz announced last weel.
“AI is advancing faster than most people realize and with that speed comes real risks, especially for children,” said Moroz.
“Manitobans deserve strong safeguards, clear rules and a government that will not hesitate to act when technology threatens privacy, safety or basic rights. Our priority is protecting kids and ensuring every Manitoban’s personal data is treated with the highest level of care.”
The consultations will focus on two urgent and interconnected priorities:
• modernizing Manitoba’s data privacy laws so every person has enforceable rights, strong protections and confidence their information cannot be misused, exploited or accessed without authorization; and
• establishing clear, practical rules for the responsible AI use, particularly when AI systems are used to make, recommend or influence decisions that affect a person’s rights, opportunities, benefits or access to essential services.
The measures will address risks such as identity theft, deepfakes, child-targeted manipulation, biased algorithms and misuse of personal data in public and private systems.
Based on the results of the consultations, the Manitoba government will consider setting age limits for access and a requirement for the private sector to establish consent as part of an opt in process for Manitoban’s data.
“The rise in AI generated child sexual abuse material and deepfakes represents a rapidly escalating threat to the safety of our children, families and communities,” said Lianna McDonald, executive director, Canadian Centre for Child Protection. “These harms are real and carry long term consequences for survivors.”
“Manitobans, more than ever, need their government to act decisively to protect them from online exploitation. The Canadian Centre for Child Protection commends the Manitoba government for launching these consultations and looks forward to contributing to this process.”
“The work ahead is not just about compliance, it is about safety, dignity and trust,” said Moroz. “Parents are worried. Young people are being exposed to technologies that can track them, influence them or impersonate them. Manitobans need to know their government is stepping in to set boundaries and protect
them.”
The consultations will engage everyday Manitobans, Indigenous governments, youth, educators, researchers, municipalities, private and non-profit organizations, front-line civil servants and the business community.

Pickleball, Badminton and Indoor Walking are still on hold at the GPB Hall as we finish installing the new floor. There is pickleball in Binscarth at the school on Mondays from 7-9 pm! You are welcome to walk indoors at the Russell Memorial Multiplex. We thank you for your patience!
Adults & Tots resumes on Wednesdays March 11, 18, 25 from 1-3 pm and Thursdays March 12 & 18 from 9:30-11:30 am. This is a FREE open gym time.
FREE Public Skating every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30-10:30am at the Russell Memorial Multiplex
Zumba is Thursday nights from 6:30-7:30 pm upstairs in the Bunge Room at the Russell Memorial Multiplex, Main St entrance, $5 drop-in!
Winterfest was a blast! The weather was beautiful and a good time was had by all! Thanks to everyone for coming out!
Gym Kids Session #3 starts this week, March 11 and 12!
Healthy Baby meets again on Thursday, March 26 from 11 am-1 pm in the Bunge Room at the Russell Memorial Multiplex. FREE program for expectant parents and those with babies under 1 year.

Manitoba RCMP are warning the public about an elaborate online phishing scam involving con artists impersonating police officers.
Here’s how the scam works:
• A random text or email is sent to an unsuspecting individual.
• The text or email includes a link that connects to a video conference call with someone claiming to be a police officer.
• If the link is clicked, the fraudster then works to convince the individual they could be arrested unless they help officers by forwarding gift cards or bitcoin. At times, the fraudster may also try to convince the individual they have a warrant for their arrest but can have it removed by sending gift cards or bitcoin.
• In the past two weeks, dozens of individuals have been given the Manitoba RCMP’s general line phone number by fraudsters to convince them they are legitimate.
THIS IS A SCAM.
RCMP will never send people unsolicited texts or links to click on. If you receive such a message, do not click on the link and delete the text immediately. If you did click on the link and/or provided personal details via the fraudulent online meeting, contact your financial institution immediately, report the incident to your local police service and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
There are a number of ways to guard against online approaches from scam artists:
• Don’t click on links or download attachments in unsolicited text messages or emails; • Never send your personal, credit card or banking details in response to unsolicited messages and do not enter those details on any website if you are not certain the site is genuine; and • Always take a moment to verify the source of messages received.
As a reminder, the RCMP will never ask you to:
• Transfer money or make a payment, whether it be cash, credit card, gift cards or bitcoin; • Provide remote access to your computer; or • Provide personal information, including your name, date of birth, phone number, email, address or banking details via text message.
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of fraud or cybercrime should report it to their local police service and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, at 1-888-495-8501 or online at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca.

Feb 24th 9: 15 am
Police were called by a Roblin man saying that he had lost an envelope containing $1,700. He told police that he was severely intoxicated and has no memory of his actions the night before. Police told him there was nothing they could do.
Feb. 25th 12:15 pm
Police were advised of an impaired driver on Russell’s Main Street. The white Ford SUV could not be located.

Read what the RCMP have been up to on page 3 in this week's Russell Banner.

Drew Hickman, daughter of Troy Hickman and Mattie Braden, who lives in Brandon made Team West to go to Manitoba Winter Games held in Thompson. These games have only been hosted in Thompson three times, 1994, 2018 and now in 2026. Drew’s dad Troy had the opportunity to be on the Russell team playing in the 1994 games. His mom Marilyn attended those games with him in 1994 and now has the pleasure to return to cheer on her granddaughter Drew.
“It is such a wonderful experience with lots of new friendships and memories made.” Drew plays for the U13 Female AA Wheat Kings in the Wpg AA League.