Garson woman sues MPI over test
Hosco says she has been treated like a criminal due to chronic respiratory issue
By Morgan Maguet
Garson resident Sharon Hosco is taking Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) to court, alleging that her driver’s licence was improperly suspended after chronic respiratory issues prevented her from completing a roadside breathalyzer test.
Hosco says she’s pursuing the case not just for herself, but for others in similar situations.
“No one should have to go through this,” Hosco said. “You shouldn’t be treated like a criminal just because you have a medical issue.”
Pulled over near Lockport on Hwy 44 in November 2024 for speeding, she was asked to complete a routine breathalyzer test.
As a person who struggles with asthma, cough hypersensitivity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosed by a pulmonologist, Hosco told the officer she may have difficulty with the test. At the time, she said she was also struggling with a bad cough and later tested positive for COVID-19, for which she was prescribed a new inhaler by her doctor.
When the RCMP officer asked her to blow into a screening device, she says she tried repeatedly but could not produce enough air.
“I continued to try 12 times... and was told my efforts were going to be documented as a refusal,” said Hosco.
Under Manitoba’s Highway Traffic Act, a recorded refusal is treated the same as a confirmed impaired reading. Hosco’s car was immediately seized, and her licence was suspended for 90 days.
“I was speeding, but I haven’t had a drink since my 50th birthday, and I am 77 now,” said Hosco.
In addition to her licence suspension, there was a $700 administrative fee, as well as $1,600 in impound fees to pay before the appeal process could begin.
Hosco followed instructions from MPI, which included paying for a driver’s safety course, attending a meeting at Addictions Foundation Manitoba, and trips to the doctor for updated medical documents – all at her own expense, with no promise of her licence being returned. She contacted both the RCMP and MPI for guidance, but was bounced between departments before filing a formal appeal.
MPI upheld the suspension and instructed her to install an ignition interlock on her vehicle – a device that also requires a breath sample allowing her to start the vehicle – so that she may regain her licence. Hosco said she attempted to blow into a sample interlock device in April but couldn’t activate it.
“I couldn’t blow into the roadside breathalyzer, so they took my licence... and now, to get it back, they’re telling me I must install another breathalyzer in my car. I just don’t feel that makes sense,” she said.
Hosco is represented by lawyer Ryan Poirier of Middleton and Middleton Law Office in Beausejour, who has been assisting with appeals and discussions with MPI. After nearly a year of paperwork and unsuccessful attempts to resolve the matter through the administrative process, Poirier filed an application for judicial review on her behalf.
Hosco is represented by lawyer Ryan Poirier of Middleton and Middleton Law Office in Beausejour, who has been assisting with appeals and discussions with MPI. After nearly a year of paperwork and unsuccessful attempts to resolve the matter through the administrative process, Poirier filed an application for judicial review on her behalf.
“We would like the Court of King’s Bench to say that whenever MPI makes these types of decisions, which can have a huge impact on people’s lives, MPI should be required to provide reasons to the person explaining their decision,” said Poirier.
Her application for judicial review will be heard Oct. 9 at the Selkirk Court Office. She is asking not only for her licence to be reinstated, but also for her expenses from the case to be covered. Hosco would also like see the province adopt a medical accommodation process, where drivers who cannot blow can instead be tested by other means such as blood or saliva.
“Although we think the provincial Highway Traffic Act could be made better, we are not asking the Court to strike down or modify the current legislation in court,” Poirier said. “But we would certainly invite the Government of Manitoba to consider doing so based on this case, as there is a lot to improve upon,” he said.
Manitoba Public Insurance spokesperson Tara Seel said all information provided is carefully considered during the review process, including medical documentation, which was the case in Hosco’s situation. She added that all decisions are made under the parameters established in the Highway Traffic Act, and an Appeal Decision Notice is provided to each appellant.
“MPI’s Driver Fitness department is multi-faceted and is comprised of medical fitness professionals, including registered nurses, whose expertise is used to assess the medical information provided. MPI reviewing officers also receive training from MPI’s legal department and are governed by the parameters in the Highway Traffic Act,” said Seel. “Driver legislation requires an ignition interlock device to be installed following certain roadside suspensions. This is not at the discretion of MPI.”
For Hosco, the technical and legislative requirements have translated into real-world challenges.
“I just want to get back to my regular life. It’s depressing not being able to leave your home,” she said.
Lions forge friendships amid ashes
Community service group provides funds, items to those impacted by spring fires
By Simon Ducatel
Following the devastating wildfires from this past spring, members of the Lac du Bonnet Lions Club sought to help those impacted begin the long road to recovery.
“We were able to sort of pick up after the initial (emergency crews) and we were able to step in as those services withdrew,” said Denise Joss, Lac du Bonnet Lions club vice-president.
“A lot of people were still in shock when we met them,” she said, adding the impact of the experience will undoubtedly continue to reverberate.
Along the way, they connected with people who had endured a traumatic ordeal and forged new friendships.
“I got more hugs than I did at the last family reunion,” she fondly recalled. “It was life changing for all of us.”
In the immediate fallout of the fires, the Lions “jumped right into action” and voted to disburse $500 cheques to those who lost their dwellings. That initiative resulted in total contributions of approximately $15,000 through the club’s Chace the Ace community support account, she said.
But the Lions were far from finished and began brainstorming what to do next, ultimately opting to submit an application for $15,000 US – or a little more than $20,000 in Canadian funds – in disaster relief funding to the Lions Club International Foundation through their district governor. The approval came within 48 hours and the funds were received shortly afterward early in June, she said.
Between the two initiatives, she said the Lions disbursed a little more than $30,000.
The largest hurdle to overcome was contacting the affected families, as some of them were in hotels or other towns renting an apartment or even staying with relatives throughout the province. The Lions developed a list of items those affected by the fires could use.
“Some families are planning to rebuild and need tarps, rakes, shovels and garbage bins now, to clean up their property before winter sets in,” Joss cited as one example.
Other items included a seven-piece bedding set along with four sets of towels and a couple of pillows as well as mini-kitchen supplies to cook food, such as a toaster, kettle and coffee maker.
With a list of items in hand, the Lions went about shopping locally.
“That money that we got for the grant... went into our community’s businesses,” she said, adding most of them also played a part by generously offering deals.
“Most of these totes that they took were about $300 to $500 worth of items.”
One recipient requested a single package of bedding supplies as they were residing in a trailer with limited space, while another couple who lost a cabin still had a primary residence and implored the Lions to give their kits to someone more in need, she said, adding that by the end, everything had been spoken for.
Approximately 50 packages were prepared to provide assistance to the residents of the 29 properties that were destroyed, and the recipients each got to choose their preferred kit.
“(But) the most helpful items were not the material. It was the generous community support... the outpouring of concern and kindness had the most impact on these fire victims as they start to rebuild their life,” Joss said.
“There’s one lady, she hugged every one of us five times by time she finally set foot out the door.”
The Lions members who formed the committee each put in at least 100 hours, but every second was worth the effort, she said, noting they also drew inspiration from their faith.
“We built community and friendships,” Joss said. “I know that those people that we touched, we’re always going to be close.”
BBFD high school cadet program thriving
By Morgan Maguet
The Beausejour Brokenhead Fire Department cadet program is in full swing this season with students from École Edward Schreyer School joining the station’s operations.
The program gives high school students the chance to gain hands-on experience at the fire hall while keeping up with their studies. In return for their commitment, participants earn high school credits, offering a blend of education and real-world training.
The program is aimed at helping students interested in emergency services get training and work experience, while also assisting the operations of the department.
Guidance counsellor Pamela Penner explains, the program is growing in popularity and has helped students find a career.
“It’s a small program with a lot of impact,” Penner said. “Usually there are three or four spots each year, and it’s just for Grade 12 students.”
Penner helps connect interested students with the fire department.
“My role is to get the word out, answer questions and forward the students’ information if they’d like to apply,” she said.
She said the response has been strong.
“Students are genuinely excited about the opportunity. They come to me asking when it’s happening, and they really want to be part of it.”
She added the partnership between the school and fire department carries broader value.
“Both play such important roles in the community, and when we work together, it supports the well-being of everyone,” Penner said.
The program was recently re-launched in 2021, but is not a completely new idea.
“The fire department ran a cadet program for a short period in the early 1990s,” said Fire Chief Dean Mineault.
Today, the cadet program is led by Deputy Chief Ryan Keefe and radio operator Danielle Gerylo, who have spearheaded this program to fill a void within the rural fire service. They have met with Penner to work on a credited program while introducing the selected students into the career of emergency services, Mineault said.
The duties and tasks performed by the students as well as their learning experiences allow them to understand the work of a real firefighter.
“Students are allowed to practice and observe during real emergency situations. They are assigned PPE and get to ride in the back while we respond to an emergency. We have assigned two trained members who mentor these students throughout the program, providing supervision and hands on learning,” said Mineault.
Students also gain insight into the variety of tasks and responsibilities that come with emergency response, from equipment handling to communication and teamwork.
Former cadet Carter Ramsden says the program helped him find permanent employment. He now works with Criti Care EMS, a private paramedic company operating in northern Manitoba and Winnipeg.
“I feel that my experiences drastically helped me obtain my training and helped me start my career in the emergency services,” said Ramsden. “My favourite part of the program was learning by getting hands on experience at practice and on calls. I felt that getting so much support helped me learn and remember certain skills needed to be successful in this career.”
“Some of the tasks I performed during calls were traffic control, assisting nozzle control, grabbing basic tools as well as using tools under supervision,” he added.
The program has also helped promote firefighter retention and interest in the Brokenhead area.
“Recruitment and retention have always been a difficult task for the rural service across Canada. Records indicate a downward trend in people stepping up to fill roles, and it’s been my goal as fire chief to get more people involved with these types of programs that will benefit the community long after I retire,” said Mineault.
Penner and Mineault hope the program will continue to grow, building a new generation of firefighters and emergency responders who will keep Beausejour and Brokenhead safe for years to come.
Emberley honoured for historic efforts
By Mark T. Buss
Gord Emberley has been recognized by both the Town and RM Lac du Bonnet for his efforts in preserving community history.
On Sept. 24, Emberley was honoured for his dedication and presented with a plaque installed at Lac du Bonnet town dock. The plaque – presented jointly on behalf of both municipal councils – highlights many of his preservation efforts and a lifetime of achievements.
“I’m humbled by the recognition listed on the plaque, and would like to thank everyone that encouraged, supported and assisted me for each endeavour,” Emberley said. “I could not have dedicated my time to all these projects without the support of my wife and my family and those around me, and look forward to continuing to work on behalf of councils and draw the public’s attention to the rich history of the area.”
With a background as a forest ranger and a bush pilot, Emberley has always been interested in history and aviation history in particular. With Lac du Bonnet’s own rich history as the first official Canada Post airmail service site in 1927, it was a match made in heaven.
Emberley formed the Lac du Bonnet and District Historical Society in 1987 and later was appointed to form the Lac du Bonnet Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) to advise councils on the preservation of Lac du Bonnet’s heritage resources and to provide opportunities for public awareness, education and participation in heritage conservation. The committee also helped establish the Lac du Bonnet District Museum under the operation of the Lac du Bonnet and District Historical Society.
“I truly appreciate the recognition for the work that the committee and I have done over the years,” Emberley said at the presentation. “I’d like to acknowledge all current and previous committee members for their support, some unfortunate no longer with us.”
A driving force behind the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada in Winnipeg, he also served on the Manitoba Heritage Council from 2000-2013, helping to bring the Vickers Vedette monument to the Lac du Bonnet dock.
In recognition of his community service, he was named to the Order of Canada in 1995, received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
Lac du Bonnet Mayor Ken Lodge – who was joined by town Coun. Greg Short and RM Couns. Vi Enns-Preston and Jeff Easton – thanked Emberley for his commitment and provided a personal message.
“You are a friend and a mentor to me... and because of you I work in aviation,” Lodge said. “Most importantly you’ve shown true dedication to our community through your career and life, and I don’t have enough words to thank you for that.”
Reeve Loren Schinkel was not able to attend but wanted to congratulate Emberley on this wonderful recognition.
“His dedication to preserving the history of Lac du Bonnet and serving our community is truly inspiring,” Schinkel said. “My heartfelt thanks and appreciation go out to him for all he has done.”
Springfield firefighters ready for industrial park action
By Tony Zerucha
A recent fire on Gunn Road shows how prepared the Springfield Fire and Rescue Service is to meet safety needs not only in Springfield, but also surrounding communities, Chief Brian Seaton explained.
Seaton made the comments after City of Winnipeg Coun. Russ Wyatt suggested Springfield’s volunteer fire service may not be prepared enough to handle complex incidents.
This past spring, Winnipeg and Springfield crews were dispatched to a fire on the 600-block of Gunn Road, which is a dividing line between Springfield and Winnipeg. The fire, which spread throughout an auto storage yard, was on Winnipeg’s side of the street. The damage included melting hydro transformers, exploding propane tanks and destroyed vehicles.
In an interview with the CBC, Wyatt called the area a “ticking time bomb” due to the area’s industrial concentration. Some of those companies handle highly flammable materials.
Wyatt then questioned how prepared Springfield was to address any significant incidents that arise in the industrial park.
“[In] the RM of Springfield... they do not have fire hydrants, they do not have a full-time paid fire services, it’s volunteer,” Wyatt said.
Seaton said Springfield has long prepared for moments like that fire. For years, fire chiefs have worked with area businesses to secure additional water supplies so they don’t have to waste precious time refilling at stations further away. Seaton said many nearby businesses have confirmed their willingness to help with water and even equipment.
He stressed that planning is crucial. On the day in question, the fire’s direction rendered several water stations inaccessible. Luckily, Seaton has sites throughout the area, so others were safe to use.
Seaton explained the fire was in a troublesome location, far away from any Winnipeg hydrant. The city employs two tankers, but they were stationed on Winnipeg’s south end; Seaton estimated they would take up to 40 minutes to arrive.
Enter Springfield crews, who spent hours at the scene working with their Winnipeg counterparts. Springfield’s equipment was used to suction water and to ensure it would last as long as possible.
“There was no issue with us having enough water on site,” Seaton said. “We always work well with the City of Winnipeg. At the end of the day, I’m very happy that fire didn’t go as far as it could have.”
Springfield has invested heavily in fire preparedness in the industrial park. A new station was strategically located away from railroad tracks so crews would be less likely to be blocked from an incident by trains. That station, Station 3, has two tankers that can hold a combined 4,800 gallons of water.
“That’s a good start,” Seaton said.
Station 3 has an on-site well. Additional nearby wells are on Redonda Street and Springfield Road. Then there are the many businesses that provide water sources.
“I wasn’t worried about fighting the fire,” Seaton said.
When the fire occurred, years of education efforts by Seaton and former chiefs like Jeff Hudson paid off. That work continues. Seaton will soon have a new fire inspector in the fold. Their duties will include meeting with businesses to pre-plan for incidents.
Firefighting is more complex than it was decades ago. Seaton said there are more dangerous products today. Electric vehicles pose unique challenges for crews. The chief organizes training so his charges are up to date.
Those crews will soon have new equipment. New engines and a water tanker are among the items on order. Some day, Seaton hopes to add a ladder truck.
“The RM is growing; we’re not stopping,” Seaton said. “We’re growing upwards, not just outwards.”
The Springfield Fire and Rescue Service is constantly recruiting. Seaton expects several new members to join in the coming weeks. He credited the entire force for sacrificing time away from family and friends to serve their community. He noted that some of the volunteer firefighters are City of Winnipeg firefighters contributing on their days off.
Vezina song honours family history
By Andrea Geary
Singer-songwriter Brandi Vezina’s new EP Grit & Glamour reflects her family’s connection to Powerview-Pine Falls and the community’s history.
For the first six years of her life, Vezina and her mother lived with her uncle Norm in Stony Point near Pine Falls. Norm worked at the Pine Falls pulp and paper mill until it closed in 2009. Vezina remembers how greatly the mill’s closure impacted her uncle.
“It broke my uncle’s heart when the mill closed,” she said.
In tribute to her uncle and the many other community members whose lives were affected, she and Winnipeg singer-songwriter Scott Nolan wrote Paper Town, one of six songs on Grit & Glamour.
“It shows the fragility of the town and its industry. Everything was based around the mill. It was like the heart of the town.”
The Manitoba Arts Council and Manitoba Film and Music have recognized the cultural significance of this song through their support of Vezina’s current Grit & Glamour tour that began in September and will end on Nov. 14 when she performs at Grey Cup Fest’s Coors Light Concert Series.
She said she co-wrote the other songs on her new EP between 2022 and 2024 with musicians she admires.
Vezina hails from a seventh generation Métis family with strong musical roots. She has earned national recognition through Amazon Music’s Indigenous Song Camp in Toronto, the SOCAN Foundation, Kilometre Music Group and sākihiwē festival. She was selected to participate in the OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator Program and is honing her songwriting skills.
“I’m writing new material and I’m recording,” she said, adding that her fans can expect to hear more new music in 2026.
Vezina is pleased to be nominated for the first time in the Manitoba Country Music Awards’ songwriting category for Paper Town. She is also nominated for Female Artist of the Year and Grit & Glamour is nominated for Album of the Year. The awards presentation is set for Nov. 8 at Club Regent.
“Things are really moving. I’m starting to get more recognition,” she said.
Springfield tackles indemnity, expense bylaws
By Tony Zerucha
On Sept. 16, the RM of Springfield took the first step in harmonizing its indemnity and council expense bylaws just weeks after Manitoba’s Auditor General ruled council members amassed $3,000 in ineligible expenses on 2022.
On Aug. 28, Auditor General Tyson Shtykalo released a 34-page report to Manitoba’s Legislative Assembly that analyzed seven municipalities. The investigation into Springfield revealed from January through October 2022, a period concluding with the municipal election, councillors were overpaid approximately $3,000, mostly for travel.
On Aug. 29, Springfield released a statement confirming that, according to Indemnity Bylaw 19-02, only time spent in business, and not travel, was claimable. However, councils for several years have been operating under a Council Expense Policy that states council members are entitled to be compensated for travel time to and from the authorized event at the per diem rate as set within the council rates and allowance bylaw.
“We recognize the importance of consistency between policy and legislation, and we are actively working toward harmonizing the indemnity bylaw with the current expense policy,” the statement read.
The proposed new indemnity bylaw sees the basic annual council indemnity rise from $36,720 to $37,454.40; it rises by two per cent in 2026 (The mayor is paid $10,000 more). An addition sees council members compensated for travel time to and from authorized municipal business functions.
The draft council expense policy also includes language allowing compensation for travel to and from authorized functions. Daily maximums for meals rise from $70 to $100. Council members pay $10 per month towards meals provided for on-site meetings.
First reading for the indemnity bylaw passed 4-1, with Coun. Mark Miller opposed.
The council expense policy unanimously passed first reading. Second and third readings will be scheduled for an upcoming meeting.
EMCA welcomes The Misery Mountain Boys
Fans of the Eastern Manitoba Concert Association (EMCA) should get ready to be transported to the golden age of swing and jump blues as The Misery Mountain Boys take the stage at the Pinawa Community Centre on Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Known for breathing new life into the lively sounds of the 1930s and 40s, this dynamic group blends clever original compositions with reimagined classics that captivate audiences of all ages.
Featuring guitar, upright bass, clarinet, saxophone and drums, their infectious rhythms and tight musicianship are matched only by their witty charm. Whether you’re dancing in your seat or soaking in the nostalgic soundscape, their show is a joyful celebration of timeless music with a modern twist.
This is a must-see for fans of vintage style, toe-tapping grooves, and unforgettable live energy, The Misery Mountain Boys promise an evening of entertainment that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
Doors will open at 6:45 p.m., with the performance starting at 7:30 p.m. There will be a concession pre-show and at intermission including snacks, drinks and alcoholic beverages. Attendees with mobility issues are encouraged to use the backdoor closest to the gym between 6:45 and 7:15 p.m.
Advance tickets are priced at $35 for adults and $20 for those under 30 years of age. They can be purchased online at emcaconcerts.com or at Solo Market in Pinawa. Tickets may also be available at the door, subject to availability.
Open Doorways Orphanage concert Oct. 16
Open Doorways Orphanage (ODO) is presenting Winnipeg comedian and singer Neil Keep at St. Paul’s United Church in Beausejour at 7 p.m. on Oct. 16.
With around 1,500 shows over a 50-plus year career, Keep loves entertaining and it shows. His light comedic shtick, short stories and gentle humour engage and energize audiences while his four-octave range is featured in a musical repertoire moving from crooner, big band swing, broadway and classical to country and western, rock, pop, folk and gospel.
Audiences often dance, sing, clap and tap along to the incredible music he brings. A few sing-alongs are usually on tap for those who like to participate
The Neil Keep show is Open Doorways Orphanage’s major fundraiser for 2025 – a year when the board of directors made some tough decision due to rising costs, the low Canadian dollar and the difficulty of raising funds.
They had to cut ODO staff back to half time and the young adults at the orphanage – ranging in ages from 16-21 – have stepped up to help by doing basic household chores, helping with cooking, cleaning and laundry. Three of the children are expected to graduate this year and may be hired by the school as teaching assistants.
The ODO board started a GoFundMe page to help raise funds and they would appreciate the continued support of North Eastman residents. Donations can be made by visiting the Open Doorways Orphanage website or by contacting Sharon Dugard at 204-268-1530.
Tickets for the ODO Neil Keep Show are $20 and available at Pennyweight Market in Beausejour or by calling Della Harkham at 204-266-1353.
Comets pick up pair of solid wins
By Tony Zerucha and Sierra Smith
The Beausejour Comets are back in the win column with a pair of victories over the weekend.
Following a season-opening loss to the St. Malo Warriors, the Comets earned their first win with a commanding, 5-0 triumph over the Lundar Falcons Oct. 3.
Second-year forward Cash Clarkson opened the scoring at 8:30 of the first period. New Comet Maddex Long and rookie Miles Armit earned assists. Rookie Greyson Wood followed it up 36 seconds later. His first of the season came off passes from Jaedys Dancyt and Crosby Liske. That 2-0 mark lasted into intermission.
Midway through the second, Dancyt connected for a power-play marker with veterans Tanner Amos and Seth Hlady chipping in helpers.
Beausejour added a couple of late insurance goals in the third period. Long scored his second of the campaign, and Liam Johnston his first. Eleven different Comets earned at least one point, with Long, Wood, Dancyt and Carkson getting two each.
Sawyer Abraham made 19 saves for his first Capital Region Junior Hockey League shutout. The Comets blasted 41 pucks at the Falcons’ net.
An incident with 7:51 remaining in the game saw 65 penalty minutes issued to the two teams. After Falcon Kennedy Kerr was penalized for goalie interference, teammate Slater Farthing earned 17 minutes, including a game misconduct, for checking to the head. Falcon Liam Russell and Amos were given fighting majors and game misconducts.
On Oct. 5, the Comets controlled the game from start to finish, securing an 8-3 victory over the Arborg Ice Dawgs.
Easton Gaffray opened the scoring in the first period at 2:13, followed by a power-play goal from Clarkson just 10 minutes later, set up by Gaffray. Rookie Colby Armstrong added another goal with assists from Long and Wood. The Ice Dawgs managed to get on the board before the period ended, making it 3-1 in favour of the Comets.
Early in the second period, Lochlan Cuthbert scored with passes from Liam Johnston and Nikolas Bear. Despite being a rookie, Cuthbert brings experience from three strong seasons with the Pinawa Panthers, where he totalled 121 points in 60 games. Clarkson struck again, with Long recording his second assist of the game to make it 5-1. The Ice Dawgs responded with a goal at 5:43, cutting the lead to 5-2.
In the third period, Bear scored a powerplay goal off a setup from Job Peters and Hlady. Wood added another goal, assisted by fellow rookie Gunnar Veilleux. The Ice Dawgs scored on a power play, but Peters sealed the game with a short-handed goal assisted by Clint Thomas and Hlady with just one minute remaining, giving the Comets an 8-3 victory.
Beausejour received five penalties compared to four for Arborg. Starter Alex Cavanagh made 18 saves on 21 shots. The Comets fired 41 shots on net, scoring on eight of them.
The Comets’ next game is on Oct 11, when they face the La Broquerie Habs at Hylife Centre with a 7:30 p.m. start. Their next home game will be on Oct. 17 against the North Winnipeg Satellites at the Beausejour Sportsplex at 8 p.m.
Winterhawks keep bulk of roster
By Tony Zerucha
Springfield Winterhawks GM Steve Gault is mostly keeping the band together that took the club to the seventh game of the South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League (SEMHL) finals last season.
Of the 25 players from last year, 21 are expected to return. Jason Frykas retired, and Erik Pushka, Paul Ciarelli and Riley Darragh are taking a year off.
“We want to keep our nucleus together,” Gault said. “We don’t have to release any guys.”
That leaves four roster spots up for grabs. Gault said he’s heard from many players, some with SEMHL experience, who are eager to claim those spots. Some have been practicing with the team, but none have signed as of yet.
“Through word of mouth, they know we have a great organization,” Gault said. “We’re giving these guys a place to play.”
Gault’s recruiting job became harder when the SEMHL reduced his recruiting radius by 20 km. It may cost him a player, but he said he is undeterred in filling out his roster. Plenty of eligible talent remains within that smaller circle, and each team is allowed a limited number of imports from outside of it.
The SEMHL will have a different look this season. The Ste. Anne Aces, who won the last three league titles, were kicked out of the league in an on-again, off-again saga that took most of the summer. The Aces appealed to Hockey Manitoba, which initially ruled in their favour before reversing course.
The SEMHL’s decision to oust the Aces leaves several talented players looking for homes this winter. Some are rumoured to be headed to nearby Ile des Chenes.
While the Aces have appealed to Hockey Canada, the SEMHL has released a schedule without the Aces. The season runs from Oct. 24 to Feb. 7, with teams playing nine home and nine away games each. Springfield opens the season at home on Oct. 24 with an 8:15 p.m. start against Morden.
All teams make the playoffs. The eighth- and ninth-place teams will meet in a home-and-home, two-game series to decide which team advances. Should the series be tied, Gault said they will play until a goal is scored.
The playoffs then continue in a traditional 1 versus 8 format. The quarterfinals and semi-finals are best-of-five affairs, with the final a best-of-seven.
The Winterhawks bring back plenty of firepower for their sophomore season. Gault believes forward Carter Barley will be the best player in the league. Barley led the loop with 22 goals last year, adding 19 assists to finish fourth in scoring with 41 points.
Connor Grunsten finished with 14 goals and 16 helpers in 14 games, Owen Blocker had 10 goals and 24 points in 16 games and Yvan Pattyn had 15 points in 14 games. Connor Barley and Dane Hirst were also in the point-a-game club. Goalie Steve Christie’s 2.55 goals-against average was the lowest. Backup Ashton Howarth posted a 1.82 average in six starts.
Xtreme taking it one shift at a time
By Tony Zerucha
Paul Binda has seen plenty of success in his decade-plus with the Springfield Xtreme, enough to know success is earned one shift at a time.
On the eve of the 2025-26 Hanover-Tache Junior Hockey League season, that’s the message Binda is sending to his squad, one that will look a bit different from those of the recent past. Gone are some key players, like star goalie Dylan Kizlik, forwards Brady Chambers and Sam Sass, and several key defencemen.
A spirited camp has Binda confident he’ll fill those holes with equally talented players. Forward Owen Chmelnytzki suited up for four regular-season Xtreme games last season, scoring a goal and adding two assists. Binda said he’s not scared of the tough play and showed it in the playoffs.
Chmelnytzki is part of a pipeline from the Winnipeg High School Hockey League’s College Pierre-Elliott (CPET) Canadiens. Fellow Hab Brady Heilman is a blueliner with a net front presence, while forward Easton Crane has turned heads in camp.
“He does whatever we ask of him,” Binda said. “He’s open to learning and is good at getting pucks in the corner.”
Goaltender Tyson Murdock is another CPET alum with a competitive streak. While Josh Rach returns and is the No. 1 goalie, Binda said Murdock is willing to fight for his minutes and has beaten expectations thanks to strong hand-eye coordination.
Look for several ex-Springfield Sabres to make their marks. Cam Osborne is a good power forward who’s not afraid to get physical. Evan Suchar has a great pair of hands. Parker Fazio is a hard worker.
Binda and his staff spent most of the three-game preseason watching the younger players perform, but with a soft touch. There was minimal coaching so they could view how players reacted in various situations. Who showed leadership qualities? How did they respond to tough situations without a coach’s input?
The early returns are positive.
“We wanted to play the younger guys to see what they have,” Binda said. “They didn’t give up; these young guys kept going and going.”
Binda estimates he’s been involved in every Xtreme season but one since 2013. Over that decade-plus, there have been seven or eight finals appearances.
“We have a new model every season,” Binda said. “Last year, it was day by day, and game by game. I tell the players that every destination has a bridge, and every game you have to work to cross it. We’re going to really battle.”
The Xtreme always keep a big roster, partially to accommodate players’ work and academic schedules. In 2024-25, those schedules often conflicted with games, leaving the Xtreme to work the phones to their AP list. Binda also likes to keep some variety so they can match up against different styles of play.
Binda will soon see what those different styles are on Oct. 11 with an 8 p.m. tilt against the Macdonald Swarm. Three of the next four games are against the expansion Warren ‘67s.
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