Cody Manchester
U13 Mustangs advance
The U13 Swan Valley Mustangs hosted Game 1 of their best-of-three series against the visiting Indian Head Chiefs, this past Saturday (Feb. 28) at the Swan River Centennial Arena. The Mustangs kicked off the series with a battle tested, 6-4 victory, earning the 1-0 series lead. Pictured above is Grady Dixon slicing through the Chiefs defenders, and gaining a high quality scoring chance in the process. Dixon would lead his team to the win by scoring three times, while adding an assist. Bentley Genaille added a pair of goals, while Jaxon Genaille added a single to go along with a pair of assists. Additional assists were picked up by Javan Bass (three), Sadie Cocks (two) and one each to Harper Cocks, Memphis Langevin and Nixon Hofford. In Game 2, played Sunday afternoon in Indian Head, SK, the young Mustangs came home with a 5-5 tie, but still advance to the next round based on goals for and against. This time it was Jaxon Genaille leading the way with a pair of goals, with singles added by Dixon, Bass and Jaxson Branconnier. Bass added a pair of assists in the win, with other helpers added by Branconnier, Langevin and Dixon. The Mustangs will now advance to play Melville in round two, starting some time later this week.
Sledding to Break Addictions
The Sled for Eternity Northern Manitoba run took place this past Saturday (Feb. 28), with registration taking place at the Swan Valley Historical Museum. A total of 32 riders pre-registered for the event with more showing up that morning. The Adult and Teen Challenge program helps people with life controlling addictions find freedom, get their lives back, as well as helping them reconcile with family and friends. They also offer supports for others. If you have someone you’re concerned about, or yourself, reach out. All money raised from the event will go directly back into the programs offered. Please visit www.teenchallenge.tc for further information. Pictured here, Danny Suchoplas (left) and Don Buhler (right) get ready to leave on the 232 kilometre trail ride.
Varsity Girls host Basketball tournament
The Swan Valley Regional Secondary School gymnasium was busy this weekend, as the Swan Valley Co-op Classic Varsity Girls’ Basketball tournament took place.
The tournament showcased five teams playing in a four-game round robin. Teams participating included the Virden Golden Bears, Minegoziibe Anishinabe Talons, Kamsack Spartans, Margaret Barbour Spartans and the host SVRSS Tigers.
The first game of the tournament had the Tigers matched up against the Talons. The Tigers came out ready to play their first game of the year in their home gym and led 28-15 at the half. The Tigers kept things rolling in the second half and were able to come away with a 55-32 win.
Leading the scoring for the Tigers was Patience Chartrand with 20 points, Jordyn Eggie with 17 points and Kemi Bulycz with six points. Savannah Orosz had 11 rebounds and six points, Daria Brandson added two points, Tyler Petelski had 15 rebounds and two points. Maya Watson pulled down 14 rebounds and added two points while Billie Brandson and Taliah Davy each colleted a pair of rebounds. Chartrand earned player of the game honours.
“We played well against the Talons and everyone was able to get some game time and contribute in the game,” said Head Coach Shayne Yaschyshyn.
Game two saw MBCI defeat Kamsack 68-34, while game three saw Virden sneak out a 60-57 win over the Talons in a close game that went right to the final buzzer.
The Tigers second game was against the Kamsack Spartans. The Tigers were primed and ready for this game and came out firing on all cylinders. The Tigers went up 31-9 at the half and never looked back, closing out the game with a 68-35 win.
Eggie lead the scoring with 28 points, with Chartrand added 11 points. Orosz had 15 rebounds and nine points, Petelski added six points and 12 rebounds, Watson had 10 rebounds and six points, Bulycz had eight steals adding two points, Billie Brandson and Taliah Davy each added two points. while Amber Gott had two rebounds and two points. Eggie earned player of the game honours.
“We were able to work on our game systems and everyone was able to get a lot of floor time which is valuable this time of year” added Yaschyshyn.
The last game of the evening saw the MBCI Spartans defeat the Golden Bears 70-32.
Saturday morning had another nail bitter to kick start the day. Kamsack couldn’t find the ground to catch up and ended up falling 42-35 to Virden.
Next up had MBCI taking on the Talons who came to play with a short bench. MBCI ended up taking the game by a score of 56-38.
The Tigers were next up on the schedule and started their first match of the day on fire against the Golden Bears. The Tigers built a 31-8 lead by half time and dominated both sides of the ball. The Tigers cruised to a 65-31 win.
Leading the scoring was Eggie with 16 points and Bulycz with 12 points. Orosz finished with a double-double (11 rebounds and 11 points), while Watson added nine points with five rebounds, Chartrand added seven points with eight rebounds, Petelski pulled down 20 rebounds adding six points, Daria Brandson and Gott rounded out the scoring with two points each. Orosz earned player of the game honours.
“We were able to play to our strengths against Virden with everyone getting some play time,” said Yaschyshyn.
The loss put Virden into a 3rd place tournament finish. Next up was the consolation game between Kamsack and Minegoziibe Anishinabe.
The Talons went on to take the consolation game, 72-40 over a tired Kamsack team.
The final game of the weekend saw the Tigers up against the MBCI Spartans and that would determine the tournament champions. This was a rematch of last weekend’s Kamsack tournament final.
The Spartans came out strong and built up a six point lead, holding an 18 -12 lead after the first quarter. Foul trouble kept the Tigers behind the 8-ball to start the game.
At half time the Tigers still found themselves trailing by six points. The two teams played even until late in the fourth quarter where the foul trouble once again plagued the Tigers, allowing the Spartans to take the game 52-38.
Eggie once again lead the scoring with 13 points, while Bulycz added eight points. Petelski hauled down 20 rebounds and scored six points, Chartrand added six points to go along with 12 rebounds, Orosz added three points while Watson had seven rebounds and two points.
“MBCI came out strong and we didn’t react well to their press at the beginning of the game,” stated Yaschyshyn.
Once we adjusted we played even from the mid point of the first until the last couple of minutes in the game. Both teams played well defensively and both teams struggled to get any buckets.”
Player of the game honours went to Tyler Petelski.
The Swan Valley Co-op Tournament All Stars for the Tigers, who were awarded collector sweat towels were Tyler Petelski, Patience Chartrand, Kemi Bulycz and Jordyn Eggie.
“The tournament wouldn’t have been possible without our tournament sponsors, The Swan Valley Co-op, and Northern Lites Eatery, as well as our coach/referee room sponsor Tim Hortons and all of the adopt a tiger sponsors.
“The players’ families and everyone who came out to support us this weekend was great” finished Yaschyshyn.
Next up for the Tigers is the RD Parker invitational tournament in Thompson on February 13th and 14th.
The zone play offs against the Dauphin Clippers is set for the following week with the first game at the DRCSS on February 17. Game two will be held at the SVRSS on February 19th at 4:30pm.
A third game, if necessary is scheduled for Dauphin on February 23.
Feeding the Masses
Swan River’s Kal Tire once again hosted their annual fundraising barbecue on Friday (June 13), with hundreds of meals being served to loyal patrons and community supporters looking to support a local cause while having a great meal. This year’s fundraising support went to the Heyes School Parent Advisory Committee, which is raising money for some outdoor playground upgrades...
‘Tis the Season for Seeding
Area farmers have been hitting the fields lately with their seeders as weather and moisture levels allow, kicking-off the official start of the growing season. Pictured here, Sean Baskier puts down a field of beans on one of his quarters in the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman.
Raising Funds for the Stampeders
Sam Afanasjew of NAS Custom Floating spent some time this past Saturday spraying the Swan Valley Stampeders wheat field just south of Swan River. Afanasjew is one of many volunteers who help the local junior hockey team raise valuable funds each year. With the spring weather being hit and miss thus far, many producers have had a hard time getting the crops in, and sprayed in hopes of bountiful crops.
Takin' it Down
Halverson Hauling has commenced the demolition of the former Conrad Apartments at 124 Fifth Avenue South in Swan River. The multi-family residence was evacuated in 2020 after multiple fires destroyed the building and approximately two dozen residents were displaced. The building has since been in legal limbo as invested parties are deciding whether the property owner or insurance company is responsible to pay for damages and demolition. The Town of Swan River has hired Halverson Hauling for a quoted price of $70,000 with the expectation that they will eventually recover the cost from the property owner. The demolition is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
Grand Opening
It was an exciting day on Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation last Friday (Sept. 23) as residents and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the grand opening of two important buildings - the newly built school and youth centre.
Chalk the Walk
From Sept. 9-11 people from all walks of life were invited to Chalk the Walk for World Suicide Prevention Day, which took place on Sept. 10. With chalk available through the local Hero Club and Prairie Mountain Health representatives, community members were invited to beautify our community with images and messages of hope, resilience, suicide awareness and prevention. Every year, 160 million people world wide contemplated suicide and, tragically, 800,000 of them die by suicide. This means that more than 159 million people who survive a suicide related crisis every year. There is no reason that anyone has to die by suicide and, if we all do our part, we can prevent those deaths that do happen and the devastating impact that they have.
Supporting families
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) MMIWG Liaison Unit was in the Valley on July 7 to support the family of Lorene Bone, who has been missing since 2016. The group made numerous stops around Sapotaweyak Cree Nation and Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation, raising awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.