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USSA parts ways with CPTC
Beausejour venue and three others still preparing to go racing
By Mark T. BussThere will be changes on the North American snowmobile racing circuit this season following a split between the United States Snowmobile Association (USSA) and the majority of its U.S. and Canadian venues – including the Canadian Power Toboggan Championships (CPTC).
A July 23 joint press release from the CPTC, Bonnechere Cup in Eganville, ON, Wausau 525 in Wisconsin and Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt in Quebec announced the USSA has withdrawn their ProStar Cup Tour series contracts from the four venues after parties were unable to reach new agreements for the upcoming season.
Despite the circumstances, the collective group of impacted ice ovals and promoters of the sport want the race community to know they are going ahead with plans to go racing this winter.
“The four venues are committed to working together with transparency, mutual respect and a renewed focus on what matters most: the teams, the fans, and the long-term health of ice oval racing,” the release stated. “All of the regular dates are in place for this upcoming season at our facilities as we look forward to an exciting and competitive season.”
The USSA has been the premier ice oval sprint racing association for many years, working with multiple racing organizations and promoters across the U.S. and Canada to bring high speed snowmobile racing to fans. It’s ProStar Cup Tour is a season long series that features key classes like Pro Champ 440, where race results are combined to crown a champion.
In 2024-25, nine races were held, with Beausejour’s December and March races starting and finishing the season.
According to CPTC president Jared Black, there were only five tracks remaining in the tour for this 2025-26 season – Beausejour, Eagle River, Eganville, Valcourt and Wausau. Representatives of the four venues now dropped by the USSA met with them in recent weeks, but collectively felt they had not received appropriate solutions to their questions regarding the schedule, running of the tour and driver payout.
“There was a difference of opinions on how to use the tour to build the sport back up, and how to properly work together for the betterment of the fans, venues and race teams,” Black stated in an email.
Black said the CPTC sees the ProStar Tour as the pinnacle of the sport and feels that an international circuit is the best way to grow the sport by opening it up to new fans, racers and sponsors. Over the last six years however, they have been hoping for more collaboration with USSA, other race venues and racers themselves. Unfortunately the ProStar Tour hasn’t changed much and started to go in a direction that a lot of us did not agree with, nor see clarity in, he said.
“We had discussions with USSA, but after submitting a written request for clarification on a few key points, they decided to withdraw their contract offer,” stated Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt GM Guillaume Richard. “That’s why we’re now moving in a different direction – one that we believe is best for the future of the sport.”
The future of the ProStar Cup Tour (formerly known as the TLR Cup) is now in question as the USSA is actively working on securing new venues for the upcoming season, even reaching out to facilities that haven’t had a snowmobile racing event in years.
The CPTC wishes the USSA all the best on their upcoming season and have publicly stated they are open to working together again in the future should the opportunity present itself.
For Beausejour, Eganville, Valcourt and Wausau, they want to build a better future together with an exciting and competitive season, starting Dec. 13 and 14 at the Co-op Community Complex in Beausejour.
Black said CPTC will still be running the same classes as in previous years. Pro Champ 440 will remain as the premier class with drivers battling for the prestigious Canadian Power Toboggan Championship Trophy.
“We want to assure teams and fans that this is not the end – it’s a new beginning,” the foursome stated in their July 23 press release. “We are exploring new formats for 2025-26 and already laying the groundwork for an even stronger 2026-27 season.”
Pinawa response initiative rolls out
Firefighters to arrive on scene and provide assistance until ambulance arrives
By Simon Ducatel
Medical emergency response times are expected to be reduced with the introduction of a new initiative being rolled out by the LGD of Pinawa Fire and Rescue Service.
The intent is to increase the chances of more positive outcomes in the event of serious medical complications ranging from cardiac arrest to traumas and serious bleeding.
Pinawa Fire Chief Mike Purtill identified the need and drew from his extensive past experience to develop the program.
“I’m a retired firefighter-paramedic out of Winnipeg, and I saw how valuable it was to have firefighters responding to medical calls, because generally there’s lots of us and we respond quickly, and we’re doing some really good work,” Purtill said. “I saw a real need for a fire-based first responder program, because EMS services here are really challenged with staff and so our response times are long.”
The provincial benchmark for rural paramedicine in responding to an emergency call is 30 minutes, he said.
“If we make it within 30 minutes on scene from the time of dispatch, we’ve met the benchmark,” he said. “But a person in cardiac arrest doesn’t have 30 minutes.”
After becoming the fire chief three years ago, Purtill was tasked with finding ways to improve and enhance the service and embarked on a recruitment campaign, successfully bringing the crew’s roster up to 20 members.
“I have 20 dedicated firefighters here who want to really help the community,” he said, adding about half of them without hesitation expressed interest in supporting the fire-based responder program as response times for EMS units in the community can take as long as an hour, especially during the summer.
“And it’s not a knock on the EMS service. It’s just the way things are. But if you suffer from a sudden cardiac arrest here, or if you’re choking, or if you’re bleeding to death, or you’re having an allergic reaction from a bee sting or whatever like anaphylaxis, you have zero chance of survival,” he said.
Due to the fire department’s relatively small response area, Purtill said he started wondering whether a local program could be developed and pitched the idea to council.
“They jumped right on,” he said, claiming the support was a refreshing change from past experience serving as the fire chief in Springfield where that municipality’s council was tougher to convince and argued it was a provincial responsibility.
He said he ultimately managed to persuade that council, which eventually gave him the green light to trial and prove the program over a period of six months.
“And it hasn’t stopped since,” he said.
Pinawa’s council directed him to prepare a preliminary budget and he got buy-in from his firefighters, several of whom are also practising paramedics and others willing to take on additional advanced first aider training.
Purtill was optimistic about launching the pilot program this summer. A number of factors facilitate the effort, primarily the provincial government’s decision to change legislation making it easier for small services like Pinawa’s department to help, he said.
“That just opened up everything, allowed us to move forward,” he said, adding firefighters who volunteer to get involved will receive upgraded training through St. John’s Ambulance.
Also crucial was the contributions of local community organizations that helped cover the cost. With required radios carrying a price tag of $6,000 each plus other expensive items including defibrillators and trauma equipment, the Pinawa Foundation didn’t hesitate to pitch in, approving a grant worth almost $23,000.
Due to Pinawa’s proximity to recreation and waterways, the population roughly triples over the weekends throughout the summer, he said. Purtill claimed EMS service declines drastically on the weekends because paramedics need their time off, making it normal to wait an hour for an ambulance.
The fire department, on the other hand, is able to respond much quicker.
“Our typical response time to something like a structure fire, is generally about six minutes,” he said, adding he anticipates firefighters to arrive on the scene of medical emergencies within minutes.
“It’s going to be pretty spectacular,” he said. “I think we’re going to do a lot of good work here.”
Purtill wanted the public to be aware that the initiative remains in its infancy and could yet take some time to reach peak operational efficiency. He expressed confidence that the department will eventually be able to provide a full-time medical response service to assist EMS and help stabilize patients until an ambulance arrives.
“What our residents need to be cautious of is that we’re not going to be able to provide 24/7 right off the hop,” he said. “Right now, it’s going to be sporadic.”
RCMP search for Vickie’s break-in suspectsPolice are looking for information into an early morning break-in at Vickie’s Snack Bar in Beausejour over the weekend where it is believed a suspect involved in stealing food and drinks came back with an accomplice to steal the cash register.
On July 25 at 5 a.m., a man in a green hoodie with white print on the sleeves, entered the historic Park Avenue restaurant at around 5 a.m. and took a significant amount of food and drinks. He has a darker beard and hair with a medium build. He was possibly wearing Under Amour-branded shorts and had a large tattoo on the inside of his left leg.
The owners of Vickie’s say the man seemed to know how to navigate through the property, going straight to the storage area and knew how to stay away from the cameras.
The man in the green hoodie returned at 5:25 a.m. with a second man with a dark grey hoodie. The accomplice was tall with a white or greying beard, was wearing dark rimmed glasses and Jordan shoes. The first man took more food while the second stole the till before they left.
There is a significant amount of video footage and photos of the two men, and the voices were also recorded. The owners of Vickie’s say the thieves look familiar and believe they are local.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Beausejour RCMP detachment at 204-268-2612, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tips online at
www.manito bacrimestoppers.com
New Lac du Bonnet PCH taking shape
By Rick McGregor More than 30 years in the making, the new Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home (PCH) project is visibly underway.
After a number of starts and stops in the planning process by both the Manitoba PC’s and the NDP, the construction of the two-storey 95-bed facility is progressing to the point where it can now be seen from neighbouring roads.
Lac du Bonnet’s current PCH on McIntosh Street East in Lac du Bonnet has 30 beds. These residents will be transferred to the new $66.4 million facility on Leslie Street, south of the Lac du Bonnet Fire Department, when completed in the fall of 2027. The existing facility will become an assisted living unit and will help transition seniors into the new care home when required.
“The addition of 65 net new beds... is a welcomed option for residents requiring long term care in the region as well as their family members,” said Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority CEO Marion Ellis. “We extend our thanks to the Province of Manitoba and community leaders in Lac du Bonnet and area for their perseverance and commitment in bringing this project to construction. We are also grateful for the community-based insights and combined locally-based expertise that have been and continue to be invested in this project.”
Wrapz Diner opens at Seddons Corner
By Morgan Maguet
Winnipeg couple Samantha and Adam Amundsen have recently re-opened the diner at Seddons Corner offering a homestyle-inspired restaurant serving up homemade comfort food and desserts.
The couple has opened Wrapz Diner, focussing on offering a wide variety of comfort foods made with locally sourced ingredients.
“We are passionate about bringing back the comforting feel of home-cooked meals. We focus on hearty, homemade favourites like burgers, hand-cut fries, chicken Alfredo pasta and our signature wraps. Our goal is to bring in wholesome soups and chili, and we are aiming to stand out with unique items like our sweet and savoury corn ribs,” they said.
Samantha and Adam are new to the restaurant business and were inspired to purchase the once-popular restaurant in hopes of providing a delicious new option for people in the area.
“It was a spur-of-the-moment decision to run the restaurant,” said Samantha. “After about a week of talking and figuring out if it was even doable, we took the leap and decided to go all in.”
“Adam has always been the best cook, and his love of food stems from his late great-grandma. He misses going to her place for supper, so we thought we would try to bring that feeling here.”
The diner was previously operated as Lazy Tuesday’s but had been closed for some time.
The building was purchased in April of this year and has since been renovated and refurbished.
“We completely cleared out the space, had everything deep-cleaned and serviced, and invested in brand-new equipment and essential upgrades to create a fresh, reliable and welcoming environment for both our customers and team,” said Samantha. “We added a wheelchair ramp to make sure everyone has an equal opportunity to come enjoy a good home-cooked meal. We also built a patio for those who enjoy the outdoors or who want to bring their furry friends.”
The couple looks forward to continuing the quality service that customers appreciated from the previous restaurant.
“I’ve only heard good things about the previous owners, so our only hope is to strive for that and continue to grow and find our own path in this journey.”
As they explained, the renovation-to-opening process was incredibly fast-paced. With both previously working in construction, they went from not knowing anything about the industry to opening within a couple of months, which was quite an eye-opener.
“From all the hurdles, stress and sleepless nights we have endured to all the good moments with family and friends around us and supporting us. It’s all been worth it, and we are here to stay.”
Wrapz has been open for only a few weeks, and the couple is already feeling a warm welcome from the community. The couple is looking forward to moving to the area from Winnipeg as soon as they can.
“We are so grateful to the community and to all our family who helped us make this dream come to life.”
Wrapz Diner is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Samantha and Adam are eager to welcome first-time guests.
“We are excited to start our future here and to be a part of this incredibly welcoming community. We look forward to meeting so many new people.”
Beauhead Arts Fest showcasing local talent
By Andrea GearyWhether you are amazed by viewing lovely paintings and photographs, looking for a unique handmade art piece, enjoy watching live theatre or relaxing while listening to music, the fifth annual Beauhead Arts Fest will satisfy your craving.
This year’s fest is scheduled on Aug. 22 from 2 to 8 p.m. and Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Beausejour’s Pioneer Village Museum.
Festival committee member Autumn Robbie-Draward said the organizing committee agreed to move the fest dates to a Friday afternoon and evening and Saturday instead of holding it on a Saturday and Sunday as in previous years.
“We’re switching it up to try something different,” she said, adding that they hope to attract people going to the nearby Green Oak Gardens farmers market on Friday or those heading east to cottage country.
Guests can walk through the museum buildings and see 23 artists’ work including watercolour and acrylic paintings, photographs, glass and fabric art and other mediums.
Pinawa painter and photographer Anita Drabyk is returning to the fest for a fourth year.
“I grew up in the area,” she said. “I enjoy meeting people I know as well as other artists. There are lots of connections.”
Her main subjects are flowers, animals and landscapes.
Robbie-Draward said Brokenhead artist Owen Bird’s unique work will be displayed outdoors.
“He’ll be doing an installation on the grounds using found objects.”
For those who are inspired to foster their own creative spirit, drop-in art activities such as rock painting and card and button making are available.
“There’s also a community art board where people can stop and doodle on it,” Robbie-Draward said. The board will be displayed in public at a later date.
A stage under a large tent is the site for the fest’s performers. Friday’s line-up includes the Brokenhead Writers Circle members, George the Magician, musicians Thomas Gut and Sarah Graves, and a show by Haystack Productions. Indigenous drum circle, Spirit of the Drum, Liliana Lavalee and Kieran Maytwayashing, Coral Gibson, and Brokenhead Songwriters Circle members are among the Saturday performers.
Beausejour duo Kydney, comprised of Kélia Haskins and Sydney Kraubner, is also in the Saturday line-up. Haskins plays guitar and Kraubner plays ukelele. The duo sing folk and pop songs in English and French including two original songs.
The 18-year-olds recently participated in the Winnipeg Folk Festival’s Young Performers program in which novice musicians are mentored by experienced musicians. Haskins said they’re eager to return to the Beau Head Arts Fest stage for a second year.
Robbie-Draward said Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre staff will be running the museum canteen.
Boreal Shores Art Tour Back on the RoadThe Boreal Shores Art Tour is getting back on the road in 2025.
Scheduled for Aug. 16-17, the Boreal Shores Art Tour (BSAT) is a free, road-trip worthy, self-guided art tour featuring artists at their studios or group locations scattered throughout the beautiful and diverse Boreal forest and shore regions of North Eastman. From the eastern shores of Lake Winnipeg through the Winnipeg River system to the Whiteshell Provincial Park, the tour showcases artists from diverse communities who love to explore all aspects of visual art.
First held in 2017, visitors met 34 talented artists at 16 locations during the two-day tour.
Two years later, over 700 people travelled the BSAT route, making an average of six stops each. Many people made it to every stop – an accomplishment that can only be done by devoting the entire weekend to driving the route.
Artists sold just under $40,000 worth of art in those two days with reports purchased items were sent across Canada as well as the UK, Germany, France and the U.S. Less than half of the visitors were from the region while the rest came from all parts of Manitoba as well as from B.C. to the Maritimes.
Tour brochures and maps are available online on the BSAT website (borealshoresarttour.ca) and at locations throughout the tour area. Peruse the brochure ahead of time to see who, what and where you want to go and see on the tour weekend. Pick up a passport at any of the locations and get it stamped at each stop. It’s a perfect day or weekend road trip to take with your friends or family.
The Boreal Shores Art Tour is also good for businesses across North Eastman. Tour goers spend thousands of dollars buying gas, eating meals and paying for overnight accommodations.
Displaying Work
For those displaying their work in the BSAT, artwork must be original in concept, design and execution. Items must have artistic merit and be of acceptable quality. Accompanied by digital photos of the artwork, applications will be reviewed by an independent and anonymous board of whose decision to admit or not, using these guidelines, will be accepted by the board of BSAT.
A total of 35 artists will display their wares at 20 tour stops in 2025, all the way from Victoria Beach to Falcon Lake. Those already pencilled in include Pinawa’s Stu Iverson, Rick Cline and Ingrid Butenschon in Seven Sisters, Mary Louise Chown in River Hills, glassblower Gordon Boyd in Victoria Beach and painter George Tanner in Falcon Lake.
Boyd’s blown glass work focuses on functional objects, primarily drinkware. He says a well-crafted glass, made with care and intention, can transform simple moments into something special.
“I believe the objects we use every day should be more than just practical – they should be meaningful, bringing joy and a sense of connection to our daily lives,” Boyd stated.
Using traditional glassblowing techniques, he create unique, handmade pieces that celebrate the beauty of craftsmanship. Each piece is individually formed, embracing the fluidity and unpredictability of molten glass.
“I’m drawn to the way glass captures light, movement, and energy, making each object feel alive in its own way. While my work is functional, I approach it with the mindset that objects can hold personal significance beyond their use.”
Iverson is one of the region’s most prominent photographers and has viewed several international locales through a lens. Iverson compliments his images by utilizing unique lighting produced by environmental conditions such as hoar frost and fog. His vast portfolio is not limited to any particular topic, but Iverson has an interest in capturing images of wildlife and nature.
Art Is a Stimulus
He said the Boreal Shores Art Tour, along with other art sales and tours, is an important incentive for artists and helps reinvigorate the artistic community.
“For all of us, the fact that there is an art show coming up acts like a stimulus to get ready, be prepared (and) finish some of those things we have been thinking about doing,” Iverson said. “Having the tour, meeting the public (and) selling their art is great for most artists.”
Iverson said the tour itself is as equally stimulating for viewers, many of whom look on it as a way to take a drive with family or friends and see the countryside or communities they have not visited in a while.
“For people going on tour we believe that taking a drive... talking with artists and others on the tour and seeing new art will be a great mental break from day-to-day concerns,” he said. “Most people are just having fun and enjoying a low stress activity.”
From a personal note, Iverson said art has to be shown, discussed, liked, disliked, sold or not sold to allow for the creation of more art.
“And of course the ultimate compliment is when somebody wants to buy it and hang it on their wall,” he said.
Fire and Water Music Festival to hit high notes
Organizers of Lac du Bonnet’s award winning Fire and Water Music Festival have put together an exciting line up of entertainment for the August long weekend event.
Fire and Water Music Festival is a three-day event (Aug. 1-3 ) featuring music and art with a focus on local and provincial talent.
Held at the former Lakers Water Ski Club site, the festival provides important opportunities for upcoming acts to introduce their talents to a broader audience and showcase their original material.
The festival is organized and run by volunteers, many of them being artists and musicians as well. The laid back environment of the festival encourages up front and personal contact with artists who often leave the stage following their performance and join the audience to catch the next act.
The 2025 lineup will be a good one with several well known Manitoba acts like Quinton Blair. When not moving a dance floor with his up-tempo boot-stomping brand of country music, find this nine-time Manitoba Country Music Association award winner in the roping pen or guiding people through the wilderness of Manitoba on horseback. His mainstream crossover appeal, and his ability to execute an engaging live performance to an intimate gathering or for thousands of people, have presented Blair with many opportunities to share the stage.
Madeleine Roger is a singer-songwriter from Winnipeg, skilfully accompanying herself on acoustic guitar. Her artistry as a songwriter can silence a room, uniting her lyrical prowess with breathtaking melodies that linger long after they are sung. Her newest collection of songs is a deeply personal body of work examining every nook and cranny of love and loss.
Curubandé, formerly ‘Indestructible Latin Orchestra’, is back on stage under a new name. Featuring heavyweights of Winnipeg Latin music like Rodrigo Muñoz aka “Papa Mambo”, Amber Epp and Jaime Chinchilla, this band is a guarantee of authentic Afrolatin genres such as Cumbia, Salsa and Merengue.
The Spectacles are a veteran trio who feature a mix of bluegrass, ragtime, western swing and older country/jazz. Despite the fact that there are only three musicians, instruments are traded frequently throughout the show featuring guitar, ragtime piano, Scruggs-style banjo, Dobro, and even musical saw duets in harmony. Whether they are playing high energy numbers or slower songs, they always swing with an unmistakable groove.
Fronted by Grammy and Juno Award-winning singer, songwriter and kazooist Jessee Havey of folk fusion band the Duhks, Jessee Havey and the Banana are a Winnipeg-based children’s music duo featuring Nathaniel Good (Nation of Two) on guitar. Drawing on years of collective experience performing for both children and adults, their songs focus on diversity and inclusion with live performances that are silly, engaging and fun for the whole family.
Wolf Willow is a 12-piece band that sounds like what would happen if Dick Dale had joined Loretta Lynn’s band and made a wall of sound album inside the Grand Ole Opry. Soul of Slippery Butte, their new full length album, is the much-anticipated follow up to 2021’s critically praised Old Guitars and Shooting Stars, which dove deep into the band’s sensitive side – layered with lush strings and horns, the sweet orchestra sound defined this album and era of the band.
A smaller festival with an annual attendance around the 200-person mark, Fire and Water’s board of directors would like to keep improving the event and tailor it for people to attend and enjoy live music.
As an added bonus Saturday, the Winnipeg Blue Bomber Community Tour Trailer will be on site on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. The Lac du Bonnet Lions will also be putting on their famous fireworks display at dusk from the Lac du Bonnet dock after having to postpone their annual Canada Day light show due to dry and dangerous conditions.
This year’s festival will also feature a Winnipeg River Classic Car Show on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Festival merchandise including T-shirts, travel mugs, hoodies and more will feature this year’s fun, vibrant and whimsical look! Tickets and camping spots are still available. Admission for children under 17 is free.
For more information visit on the Fire and Water Music Festival, go to their website at firenwater.ca
Pioneer Village Museum Heritage Day Aug. 17
The Pioneer Village Museum’s 27th annual Heritage Day event in Beausejour will be one for the history books on Aug. 17.
In 1967, the foundation of the museum was set with the moving of the Sebright School and Julian Ilchena’s collection of antique agricultural artefacts to Beausejour’s Centennial Park.
The Broken-Beau Historical Society was officially formed in 1972 with a committee of seven appointed by the joint councils of the Town of Beausejour and RM of Brokenhead.
Over the next five decades, the Pioneer Village Museum continued to accumulate new items, which has steadily turned the site into a faithful recreation of a small pioneer village. The museum now contains a school, community hall, train station, blacksmith shop, barbershop and even the boyhood farmhouse and barn of former Governor General Edward Schreyer.
The Heritage Day event was started as a way to draw in those from as far as possible to visit the Pioneer Village Museum and get a chance to appreciate the rich history of the Brokenhead area that the Broken-Beau Historical Society has managed to reclaim.
This year’s festivities run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning with a pancake breakfast and the opening of the museum buildings and concession stand. There will be live entertainment, dance performances, a Red River settler skills demonstration, a candy scramble for the kids and pony rides. Opening ceremonies will be at noon where local dignitaries and members of the Broken-Beau Historical Society will speak to the importance of the event. A tractor parade and a threshing demonstration will rake place at 1 p.m. Food will be available for sale.
SEMHL asked to review folding Aces
By Tony Zerucha
The South East Manitoba Hockey League (SEMHL) is facing pressure from Hockey Manitoba over its decision to expel the Ste. Anne Aces this past spring.
In a July 20 email to SEMHL commissioner Tom Vatrt and several Hockey Manitoba officials, Hockey Manitoba executive director Peter Woods said the organization is concerned the senior league has removed the Aces, a decision it has been asked to revisit.
“After a review of all the documents we are in receipt of, Hockey Manitoba has difficulty in understanding the underlying rationale that has instigated this decision,” Woods said. “It does appear the action taken against the Aces appears to be overly egregious, and that expulsion seems to be the only resolution that the SEMHL has considered.”
Woods said the action counters the goal of allowing anyone to play hockey. Overall registration numbers are above pre-pandemic levels, except for senior hockey.
Woods acknowledged the Aces’ discipline issues in their first season, but noted they appear to have been largely corrected over the past two campaigns. He added the Aces felt the process was unfair and inconsistent with principles of fairness, inclusion and accountability.
“Hockey Manitoba is urging the SEMHL members to reconsider their previous decision and allow the Aces to remain a member,” Woods concluded.
The SEMHL decision was rendered at a league meeting on May 4. Representatives from the Aces, Springfield Winterhawks and Ile des Chenes Northstars were asked to leave the room, as they are newer teams on probation. After 40 minutes, the Aces were told they had been voted out. Springfield had its recruiting radius reduced.
“They brought us back in and told us the Aces were kicked out,” Winterhawks general manager Steve Gault told The Clipper at that time. “It’s disappointing. They’re a good team, and we want them in the league. Kevin (Aces coach and general manager Lansard) was ready to stand up for himself, but he wasn’t given a chance.”
The Aces won the last three SEMHL championships, amassing a 41-13 regular-season record along the way. In 2022-23, they overcame a 3-1 deficit to beat the Morden Bombers in seven games. The following season, they ousted the Mercs in four straight. This year, they beat the Winterhawks in overtime in the seventh game.
The Aces are reportedly seeking legal advice about the SEMHL’s decision. In a social media statement dated May 4, Lansard said he was disappointed by the decision.
“This is a sad day for our players, our community and our fans,” Lansard said in a social media post after their expulsion. “Since Day 1, we’ve worked hard to build a competitive and respectful team, on and off the ice.”
“We will take some time to regroup and reflect – and we’ll share more about our next steps when the time is right,” he added.
Woods was asked if Hockey Manitoba has the authority to force the SEMHL to readmit the Aces, and what the ramifications are if they don’t change it. He did not respond.
Contacted by The Clipper, Vatrt said the SEMHL had no comment.
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