December 11, 2025   Volume 34 No.49

Holiday Train, Lions support food banks

Members of the Whitemouth Lions Club have made sizeable food bank donations of nonperishable food items and funds collected during the annual Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train event.

On Dec. 3, the CPKC Holiday Train made a triumphant return to Whitemouth, albeit 90 minutes late allegedly due to track issues in Ontario. It was a bitterly cold, windy, but many persevered and waited for the train to arrive. They were not disappointed with the beautifully decorated cars and great entertainment while the Lions collected nonperishable food items and cash donation..
The next day, the Lions donated a combined 599 pounds of nonperishable food and a total of $8,989 to the Lac du Bonnet, Beausejour and Reynolds food banks. 

Raising money and awareness about hunger issues in Canada and the U.S. since 1999, each Holiday Train has brightly decorated rail cars, including a modified box car that has been turned into a travelling stage for performers. When the stage door opened, Jade Eagleson and Teigen Gayse performed at the Whitemouth stop on Railway Avenue, across from the Whitemouth Hotel.
Of the total collected, CPKC donated $4,000, $1,400 came from the Lions, $1,339 was in the collection box plus another $250 from the RM of Whitemouth. The Spicy Radish Restaurant donated $150 and Inverness Falls Resort also donated $100.

Over the past 20-plus years, the  Whitemouth Holiday Train stops have resulted in the collection of over 27,600 pounds of nonperishable food items locally and monetary donations of almost $94,000 that stay in the region.
Lion Shannon Malkoske thanked volunteers, firefighters, RCMP, CPKC and those that attend and generously donate to this annual event for those less fortunate.”

“Even though the crowd was much smaller, they were very generous,” stated Lion Shannon Malkoske. “The Whitemouth Lions Club appreciates the opportunity to host this very special annual event.

Alexander shooting latest act of vandalism

By Andrea Geary

The Municipality of Alexander is taking a stand against vandalism and intimidation after a bullet recently struck a municipal grader being driven by staff near Bird River.

Council issued a news release listing four “disturbing incidents”, including the rifle shot that hit the grader’s engine compartment on Nov. 5. Other items included two vandalized municipal signs at Lakeshore Bay and at the Bird River Fire Department, theft and vandalism at the Great Falls bulk water station and, most shocking, a bullseye spraypainted on the back of a municipal employee’s personal vehicle.

The release stated, “These incidents are extremely concerning, pose a direct threat to public and employee safety, and result in unnecessary costs to taxpayers.”

Council will support full legal consequences for those responsible.
Alexander Mayor Jack Brisco said council sent out the release to show the public that they are serious about taking action.

“We want to inform the public that these things are happening. We want to be open and honest,” he said. “We want to put a stop to these kinds of things.”
Brisco has served as a municipal politician for 12 years and said he’s seen the public discourse on the municipality’s social media turn ugly at times.
“People use it (social media) more. I’ve noticed in the last couple of years that it’s different.”

Brisco said almost everyone who attends council meetings in-person are respectful, but sometimes being online allows people to type first and think later. 

“It’s too easy to blurt things out.”

The acts of vandalism that have occurred over the past 18 months carry a cost to taxpayers including repairs and increased surveillance and security, Brisco said.

“Security has been hired for our public works buildings and dumps.”
The aggressive acts of vandalism in Alexander and the municipality of Tache, where effigies of municipal officials were hung in a yard at Halloween, were discussed at the Association of Manitoba Municipalities’ fall convention held from Nov. 25 to 27. There, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew spoke about municipal officials needing respect.

Alexander Deputy Mayor Mac Kinghorn said the premier is concerned about unlawful acts aimed at intimidating municipal officials and employees.
“Basically, the message was that this is not acceptable,” Kinghorn said.
Brisco said it’s possible that whoever fired the bullet that struck the grader might have done so in error, but that person should come forward and take responsibility.

Council is asking for anyone who witnessed or has any information about the acts of vandalism to contact Lac du Bonnet RCMP at 204-345-8685 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

International student program seeks hosts

By Simon Ducatel

For the first time since being revamped, the School District of Whiteshell may have to pump the brakes on their International Student Program as no families have offered to host exchange students in the New Year.

Vanessa Thompson, School District of Whiteshell executive assistant and the international coordinator said the program currently has five students at Pinawa Secondary School for the first semester – three from Germany, one from Australia and another from Belgium.

There are currently no host families scheduled for second semester.

Thompson is encouraging interested parties to step forward as the program cannot continue without them.

“We’re not lacking in kids, we’re lacking in hosts,” Thompson said.

Due to the school’s smaller size, the program is delivered in coordination with YES Canada out of Ontario, which finds and vets students then works with school districts to find host families. The program in Pinawa, which also provides the school a modest enrolment boost, was revamped in 2016, but the momentum built back up after COVID-19 seems to have waned.

Hosts come in a wide variety, from young families with kids still in school to empty nesters and even seniors, Thompson said.  

“We’ve had some host families that will host two students at once,” she said.

“These students bring a lot to our community and this school population here.” 

“They want to have fun here, but they also want to impress and be respectful to the families here and their families at home.” 

Thompson praised the program’s potential benefits for both the students and the hosts. 

“I am passionate about this program... it’s a different ball game every year,” she said. “I connect with these kids every year, all of them, and have different experiences with them all. Especially when they’re here a long time, you really get to know them quite well.” 

Exchanges can last anywhere from two to 10 months. While that might sound like quite a while, participants tend to find the weeks fly by and there are often heartfelt tears when the time finally comes for them to go home, she said. 
“By the time they’re (heading back), you’re like, ‘Oh, I can’t believe they’re going already!’” 

As well, she said the shorter two- to three-month durations can also offer new host families a taste of the program to determine whether it’s suitable for their situations and whether they might want to try hosting for a longer period. 
“Lots of people, that’s sort of where they started,” she said. “They tried it for three months, and they enjoyed it so they tried it again.” 

The program previously had a larger base of regular hosts, but that number has dwindled due to changes in life circumstances. Thompson said an information session she hosted last spring was unattended. 

“That was a little disappointing.” 

Thompson speaks from personal experience as a past host to a student from Germany when saying the program is rewarding in more ways than one.
“It was one of the best things we ever did,” she said, adding her daughter became close friends with the student as well as another from France that another family had hosted.

In some instances, past exchange students have also returned to visit after going home.

“There’s so many connections and so many bonds that happen.”

Thompson said potential hosts must run a criminal record and child abuse registry check.  

“The expectation is that you’re going to give them a safe, clean, happy home... and have them enjoy school and sports and give them opportunities to just enjoy Canadian life,” she said, citing examples such as going to hockey games or going fishing.  

Hosts are also offered a monthly stipend, she said.

“It’s just a little incentive,” she said. “It’s not a money maker or anything, but it helps.”

Although there technically is no deadline, Thompson said it’s best to apply sooner than later as prospective students will otherwise end up placed in other school divisions, usually around February.

“(But) they sometimes have late bloomers that all of a sudden apply, or they’ll have some that are coming in April until the end of June,” she said.  “(And) the earlier you do it, then obviously, the better chance you can find maybe the match you’re looking for.”

“I truly love this program,” Thompson said. “I would be very sad for it to not continue here.” 

Anyone interested in learning more or potentially applying is encouraged to email thompsonv@sdwhiteshell.mb.ca or call 204-753-8366.

Hosco waits on MPI court decision

By Morgan Maguet

Garson resident Sharon Hosco will have to keep waiting for answers in her legal fight with Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), after a Court of King’s Bench judge reserved his decision following an Oct. 9 hearing.

Hosco, who is challenging the suspension of her driver’s licence after she was unable to complete a roadside breathalyzer due to respiratory conditions almost a year ago, said she had hoped the court date would finally bring some clarity.

“I just want this to be over, but I guess I’m in it for the long haul now,” she said.
Without a licence, Hosco has struggled with day-to-day needs, including going to medical appointments and getting her groceries. She says the restrictions have taken both a financial and emotional toll.

Her lawyer, Ryan Poirier, said Justice Sheldon Lanchbery did not give a decision date and suggested the ruling could take up to six months or longer. Lanchbery indicated he would contact both parties once his decision is ready, which could mean late this year or early next year.

Poirier and Hosco provided hours of arguments and medical evidence, entering a substantial amount of documentation from healthcare professionals addressing her longstanding respiratory conditions. Poirier argued that these records establish that her inability to provide a breath sample was the result of genuine physical limitations rather than refusal or non-compliance.
He also argued that the automatic suspension imposed under Manitoba’s Highway Traffic Act and MPI’s administrative process does not adequately account for individuals who are medically incapable of complying with breath-demand procedures.

Despite the delay, Poirier believes the case remains strong.

Poirier said Hosco’s case highlights broader concerns about how administrative penalties are applied in Manitoba, making it a significant case for the court. Unlike criminal charges, administrative suspensions do not require the same level of evidence, and drivers have fewer rights to challenge the decision before it takes effect.

“Had Sharon been charged criminally, she would have been better off, because there are stricter legal requirements when charging someone with a crime. It also would have been far more difficult for the RCMP and MPI to prove her guilt,” he said.

Hosco said after almost a year of uncertainty, the process has been confusing and discouraging.

“It has been such an awful year of waiting for answers, and even after all the administrative steps we’ve gone through, we’re right back to waiting again,” she said.

Poirier said the decision being reserved is not unusual. 

“In my experience, judges will reserve their decisions for many reasons. It usually just means they want to think carefully about their decision and how they will reach it,” he said. “Given that Sharon’s case may have some precedential value to Manitoba, I suspect the judge wants time to carefully think about all the legal issues involved.

“Justice Lanchbery did appear sympathetic to Ms. Hosco’s case. He even made some comments that suggested he would rule in Ms. Hosco’s favour, but I am always hesitant to speculate about what a judge will do in any case.”

Festival de Crèches in St-Georges

By Rick McGregor

An amazing display of nativity scenes is now on during the Festival des Crèches at the Winnipeg River Heritage Museum in Ste. Georges.

Artists from around the world have contributed these Baby Jesus in the Manger pieces of art using an astounding array of mediums to create their work. These include wood, metal, ceramics, paper mache, stained glass, vinyl records and even pop cans.

On display are nativity scenes from Poland, South Africa, Nepal, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Egypt, Vietnam, Peru and many other exotic destinations. Canada and the U.S. are also represented.

Curator Diane Vincent-Dube explained that this is the 16th year of this festival which was inspired in 2009 by a visit to the Musee des Crèches at Saint Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal. The first exhibit began with 40 borrowed sets from friends and community members. They now have over 400 scenes in their collection.

Not all of the works of art are on display, but those that are have been loaned, gifted, or donated by the artists or purchased by the museum. In some cases, local artists have made backdrops or bases for pieces that were shipped or brought from overseas and the originals were too large to ship as is.

The French word Crèche translates into English as “crib” or “manger” or even a nursery and is widely used to describe Christmas manger scenes.

Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by a life-size wooden carving of Joseph, Mary and the Baby Jesus, called, “Peace on Earth.” London, Ont. chainsaw carver, Mike Winia was commissioned to carve the large piece by the Amis de la Crèche while visiting the Festival du Voyageur in 2017. The carved sculpture was then sanded, stained and sealed by Tim Chartier.

Another really unique piece with an interesting story was made from an old bear trap. The original museum was destroyed by fire in 2014. After the fire, two barrels of salvaged metal were collected and saved. The bear trap, originally donated by Manitoba Conservation, was in that collection of metals. Local St-Georges artist Jason Kemball “created a unique nativity scene out of a burned object of death and converted it into a masterful scene of life and hope” as described in a slide montage that informs festival visitors about some of the pieces in the exhibit. The piece is entitled, “Phoenix – Rising from the Ashes.”

This show is an amazing collection of art from around the world that showcases the incredibly diverse artistic and creative minds of numerous artists, each with a different interpretation of the famous Baby Jesus manger scene. 

The festival runs now through to Jan. 12.

Changing of the guard at Dugald Daycare

By Sierra Smith

Dugald Daycare is saying farewell to a familiar face this fall as longtime director Leola Paul retires after 37 years in childcare. 

With Dugald Daycare since 2008, Paul reflects fondly on her decades-long career and looks forward to seeing the next generation of childcare leaders take the reins.

“I still plan on being part of the centre whenever they want me,” Paul shared. “I’m going to miss all the kids and families, but I’m ready to hand off the reins to the next generation.”

Paul began her journey in childcare at just 17, and over the years, she has seen firsthand the challenges of meeting the community’s growing needs. Dugald Daycare currently has 143 spaces, but with over 300 children on the wait list, staff shortages remain a pressing concern. 

“The province keeps building more daycares, but there aren’t enough staff to meet the demand,” Paul noted.

Stepping into the role of director is Laurie Giesbrecht, who joined Dugald Daycare in 2016 and is currently director-in-training. Starting her career as a Child Care Assistant (CCA), she emphasized the difference between classroom theory and practical experience. 

“In school you learn the theory, but here you learn the practical,” Giesbrecht said. 

She is excited to continue bridging the gap between outgoing and incoming leadership while helping the daycare meet the needs of the community.
Executive director Lindsey Geib, who has been in the field since 2007 and joined Dugald Daycare in 2012, praised both Paul and Giesbrecht for their dedication. 

“Leola is amazing at ensuring you get the support you need from coworkers and the community to be successful,” Geib said. 

Geib also highlighted her vision for Dugald Daycare: building “one big happy community family” across the daycare’s three centres.

Both Paul and Giesbrecht agree that childcare is more than a career, it’s a calling. 

“Childcare finds us,” Paul said. “It’s either your calling or it’s not.” 

Her advice for those entering the field is to embrace both the challenges and the rewards, from creating a sense of community to supporting families and staff alike.

As Paul steps down, the centre looks forward to a smooth transition, with Giesbrecht ready to continue nurturing the children, families and staff who have been at the heart of Dugald Daycare for decades.

Sabres JV boys win AAA banner

By Sierra Smith and Mark T. Buss

Springfield Collegiate capped off an extraordinary season by winning the JV Boys Provincial AAA Championship Nov. 20-22 in Neepawa – SCI’s first provincial banner in 32 years.

The Sabres entered provincials after steadily climbing all season, going from ninth place in their first tournament to third, then second, before finally breaking through for the top spot when it mattered most. 

After a challenging Pool 1, the Sabres regrouped and hit their stride in the elimination bracket. They opened the playoffs with a strong quarterfinal win over Linden Christian, taking the match 25-11, 25-16. In the semifinal, the Sabres kept their momentum rolling, defeating the École Edward Schreyer School Barons 25-19, 25-19 to punch their ticket to the provincial final against Steinbach Christian.

Taking the opening set 25-17 against Steinbach, the Sabres dropped the second 15-25 but regrouped to close out the deciding set 15-12 and secure the provincial banner.

“What stood out the most was the complete team effort,” said Grubert.

“Everyone knew their role and supported each other. We spent the year building toward this, and the boys really came together at the right time.”
Grubert highlighted the team’s focus on serving and passing and praised the leadership of captain Coltyn Senkow, who was also named tournament MVP, and Brent Grundmann, a tournament all-star. 

“Coltyn was first in the gym, always positive, and led with intensity,” Grubert said. “But every player brought something different. Some had power, some were calm under pressure, and together they fired on all cylinders.”

Senkow said the key to the run was how tightly the group bonded. He added that a turning point came after the second day. 

“We were really jelling after the Linden Christian match. Going into the final day, we knew we had a chance.”

Senkow credited his teammates for helping him earn MVP. 
“Everyone had their own part in our success. They kept me up when I made mistakes. It meant a lot to win something big with this team.”

Barons Third
The No. 6 Barons capped off their provincial journey by finishing third with a hard-fought win over the St. Maurice Patriots. 

After falling in their semis to Springfield, the Barons regrouped quickly for the third-place match, taking the opening set 25-20. St. Maurice pushed back to win the second 25-17, but the Beausejour team showed resilience in the tiebreaker, finishing the tournament on a high note with a 15-3 victory. 
Coach Shayne Fredborg said his club started slow by losing their first two games in the round robin on Thursday. They came back to win three straight games on Friday including a quarterfinal win over Westgate, who was ranked No. 1 heading into the tournament. 

“The boys played great all weekend,” Fredborg said.

Beausejour’s Cullen Senebald was also named a tournament all-star, consistently leading the team in kills each match as well as the “Big Bounce” challenge during the skills competition.

SCI’s JV girls participated in the AAA provincials in Swan Valley that same weekend. Finishing round robin play second in their pool with a 2-1 record, the defeated the John Taylor Pipers before losing out to the Linden Christian Wings in the quarterfinals to end their season.

In A/AA JV girls play in Birtle, the Lac du Bonnet Chargers held their own but were unable to proceed past the round robin portion of the tournament.

CPTC season opener Dec. 13-14

The Canadian Power Toboggan Championships (CPTC) will be getting the 2025-26 snowmobile race season started this weekend at the Co-op Community Complex in Beausejour.

The CPTC hosts the first race event of the year Dec. 13 and 14. Racers of all ages and skill levels from across North America compete in Stock, Modified, Vintage and Motorcycle classes right through to the newest and fastest Pro Champ 440 class – the featured Canadian Championship race reaching speeds of 170 km/h. 

CPTC president Jared Black said many of the big name drivers including Gunnar Sterne, Blaine Stephenson, Danick Lambert, Tom Olson, Reed Klinger, Jordan Sobetski, Sabrina Blanchet and more are expected to be in Beausejour.

“We are anticipating over 100 racers and we believe we will have 20 or more Champ sleds,” Black said.

He added any fears about the track not being ready due to warm temperatures were dispelled with the recent cold snap.

“Flooding has been going well with the cold weather we’ve received.”
The Greatest Show on Snow since 1963, the Canadian Power Toboggan Championships is the longest-running snowmobile race in the world. CPTC is a community-based non-profit organization which has over 200 volunteers who worked tirelessly.

Racing begins at 1 p.m. Saturday and continue under the lights. A beer garden will immediately follow the daily race events and continue until midnight in the Moose Den.

On Sunday, racing is at 11 a.m. and continuing on throughout the day.
Last December, Gunnar Sterne was untouchable. In the Champ 440 final Sunday, he duelled with No. 6 Gavin Peterson heading into the first series of turns before breaking free to show incredible speed and consistency in holding his line for 15 laps and the win. 

 The Co-op Community Complex features grandstand seating, free general parking, heated concessions and washrooms, FM radio monitoring of the track announcer, warm-up buildings, beer garden with a live TV feed of the races and the very best ice oval snowmobile racing around.

Admission to the season opener is $25 per adult, children 12 and under is free. Pit passes are $5. Track side parking is $25 per vehicle. This allows spectators to watch the races from the comfort of their vehicle while tuned in to the track announcer on their FM radio.

For more information on all the events, go to the CPTC website at www.cptcracing.com

Selects AAA U17 on the right track

By Tony Zerucha

Good players, dedication and a consistent message have the Eastman Selects AAA U17 team in a battle for first place. 

Beausejour’s newest team sports a 13-1 record as of the end of November, good for third place. They are one point back of the Winnipeg Bruins, but have two games in hand. They have played three fewer games than the first-place Brandon Wheat Kings, but are only two points behind.

Head coach Mark Woloshyn and assistants Kayle Tosh and Cole Bates have the Selects playing a 200-foot game. They average 7.5 goals per contest, tied for the best. Ten players are averaging at least a point per game.

The Selects’ defence is the league’s stingiest by far. The team surrenders only 1.79 goals per game. Goalie Kipton Slaney leads goalies with a 1.28 goals against average and is tied with teammate Rylan Peters for first with two shutouts apiece. Peters is fourth with a 2.11 mark and first in wins with eight. Slaney is second in save percentage at .939.

On special teams, the power play is connecting at a 16.9 per cent clip. The penalty killing is at 90.3. The Selects have scored 105 goals and allowed only 25 against.

“Everything’s working,” Woloshyn said. “When you have all these factors going in, you’re off to a good start.”

Woloshyn admitted he was a bit shocked to start 13-1, adding that the way the season has unfolded so far has been a coach’s dream. He credits the players, some of whom travel long distances several times a week, with working hard and wanting to learn.

“It’s a special group, and they’re buying in on all facets,” Woloshyn added.
Also, credit a consistent message from Day 1 of training camp. Woloshyn, Tosh and Bates warned the players they would be hard and demanding. That includes how they act away from the rink, their preparation and their attitude in the dressing room and on the ice. With all three having experience at higher levels, they know what it takes. With the players wanting to reach those higher levels, too, they’re paying attention.

That one loss came in Brandon on Nov. 21, ending the season-opening winning streak at 11. Woloshyn said the Selects needed the loss.
“We were getting too comfortable,” he admitted. “The loss brought us down and reminded us it won’t be easy. We simply took our feet off the gas.”

The defeat came on the first night of a three-games-in-three-nights stretch. After the final whistle, the coaches urged the team not to dwell on it.
“We told them when they got back to the hotel room that they had to move on,” Woloshyn said.

A similar experience happened in the Winnipeg Jets Elite U17 Classic, when the Selects lost their opening match; Woloshyn said they had no jump. Once they got back to the hotel room, it was over. The Selects rebounded to win the tourney, capping it with a 3-2 overtime win against Bishop’s College School from Sherbrooke, PQ.

Several local players have made their mark this season. Oakbank’s Carson Flock is tied for the team lead with 14 goals and sits second with 24 points.

Woloshyn said Flock is a hard-working player who always asks questions and is willing to learn. He produces in big moments.

Beausejour’s Teagan Fuerst has nine goals and nine assists. Woloshyn said Fuerst is another hard worker who loves hockey.

“I always know the effort we’ll get from him,” Woloshyn said.

Defenceman Deegan Paseshnik hails from Cooks Creek. He’s a smooth-skating rearguard with 14 helpers in 14 games, along with two goals.

Woloshyn said Paseshnik is always in the right spot and is prepared to jump into the play.

Fellow blueliner Noah Wilton earned his roster spot with a strong training camp. Heads stay up when “Nailgun” is on the ice because he finishes every check. Wilton has two goals and five assists in 14 starts.

Woloshyn invites fans to pack the Beausejour Sportsplex on Dec. 13 and 14 to support the Selects’ Hockey Fights Cancer Weekend. All funds raised go to CancerCare Manitoba. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors.

Donations from pass holders will also be accepted. Bring some extra cash for the 50/50 and Silent Auctions.

The Selects Dec. 13 game is a 7 p.m. start, while Dec. 14 sees a 1 p.m. puck drop.

Woloshyn, Tosh and Bates will have their charges playing hard right up to the Christmas break and have them grinding as soon as they return. Their final game before the break is at the Wheaties on Dec. 20, while their first game back on Jan. 3 is against the Bruins.

“I like it that way,” Woloshyn said.

Comets get past Falcons

By Tony Zerucha

The Beausejour Comets strengthened their first-place CRJHL grip with a 2-1 squeaker over the Lundar Falcons on Dec. 6. 

Clint Thomas’ third of the season, midway through the opening frame, gave the Comets a 1-0 lead. Former high school stars Miles Armit and Laughlin Cuthbert earned assists.

That 1-0 score held until the game’s final minute. Easton Gaffray scored into an empty net with 37 ticks left. Evan Groening and Job Peters got the helpers. 
The Falcons ruined Alex Cavanagh’s shutout bid 11 seconds later. Cavanagh was otherwise flawless, making 14 saves. Falcon netminder Dylan Leclair kept the game close by making 45 saves.

Results of the Dec. 9 game at North Winnipeg were unavailable at press time. 
At 12-3 and 36 points, the Comets are five points ahead of the Selkirk Fishermen, owners of a 10-5 mark. The St. Malo Warriors, while nine points behind, have three games in hand.

The Comets end 2025 with 8 p.m. home games against the Fishermen on Dec. 12 and the Arborg Ice Dawgs on Dec. 19.

Peters is in a tight battle for the CRJHL’s scoring lead. He’s tied for second with 20 points, one off the league lead. His 12 assists are tied for fourth-best. 
Former Eastman Select Mario Gagnon leads the CRJHL with 21 points.

Powerview-Sagkeeng Wild alums Ashton Schroeder and Theo Courchene sit eighth and ninth in scoring with 18 and 17 points, respectively. 

Cavanagh leads the league with seven wins and sits second with nine starts and a 2.55 goals-against average. Sawyer Abraham is tied for third with five wins and is fifth with a 2.81 goals-against mark.

Xtreme maintain grip on second

By Tony Zerucha

Evan Suchar’s fourth-round shootout goal was the difference as the Springfield Xtreme trimmed the Grunthal Red Wings 2-1 on Dec. 4. 

Following a scoreless first period, Chase Janas gave Springfield a 1-0 lead at 9:02 of the second. Mattix Carpenter and David Hazlitt earned assists. The Red Wings tied the game at 6:29 of the third period, setting the stage for Suchar’s heroics.

Josh Rach made 44 saves for Springfield, which was outshot 45-24.
Springfield rode a hot start to a 9-4 win over the East St. Paul Gators on Dec. 6. Connor Eggerman paced the attack with a hat-trick and assist.

Fans were barely in their seats when the Gators opened the scoring 29 seconds into the game. Kai Tymchak replied at the one-minute mark, the first of five first-period goals by five different Xtreme players. Connor Toth, Janas, Eggerman and Suchar were the marksmen.

The Gators bit into the lead early in the second, but Parker Fazio responded at 9:40 to make it 6-2. Following a Gator goal at 13:24, Eggerman scored his second of the game at 18:57. Springfield outscored the Gators 2-1 in the final period to complete the 9-4 win. The Xtreme outshot the Gators 39-28, with Tyson Murdock between the pipes.

At 12-2, the second-place Xtreme have a seven-point edge on the Ste. Anne Aces and one game in hand. The Macdonald Swarm have a perfect 17-0 mark.

Springfield hosts Mitchell on Dec. 12 at 8:15 p.m. and the Aces on Dec. 13 at 8 p.m.

Winterhawks split

By Tony Zerucha

The Springfield Winterhawks split a pair of weekend games. With a 4-5 record and 10 points, they are tied for second in the SEMHL with the Morden Bombers.

Three-point efforts from Mathieu Moreira and Conner Grunsten led the Winterhawks to a 6-3 doubling of those Bombers on Dec. 4.

Moreira started early, assisting on Carter Barley’s first-period goal at 6:59. That 1-0 lead held through the first period.

Morden scored two early in the second to take a 2-1 lead, but Andrew Blocker tied it on the power play at 8:26. Adam Hughesman and Grunsten earned assists. Grunsten gave the Winterhawks a lead they wouldn’t relinquish when he scored at 17:09. Barley and Dexter Kuczek chipped in helpers.

Braden Binda and Jakob Hofer assisted on Matt Lamoureux’s goal 8:29 into the third period to make it a 4-2 contest. Grunsten made it 5-2 at 14:07 from Blocker and Moreira, but the Bombers responded within seconds. Moreira sealed the win with an empty-netter in the final minute.

Springfield outshot Morden 41-39. Steve Christie was between the pipes.
On Dec. 6, the Winterhawks badly outshot the Warren Mercs but found themselves on the wrong end of a 6-4 decision. Moreira, Hughesman and Joel Schreyer paced the Winterhawks with two points each.

Those three combined to open the scoring 4:01 into the contest, with the goal going to Hughesman. The Mercs scored the next two to take a 2-1 lead late in the first, but Hughesman tallied again to tie the game 2-2 heading into the second period.

The teams traded single scores in the middle stanza to send a 3-3 game into the final 20 minutes. Keith Grondin scored unassisted at 11:36 for the Winterhawks.

Warren scored twice in the third to take a 5-3 lead, but Connor Grunsten made it 5-4 at 14:06. The Mercs added a sixth score in the final seconds to cap a 6-4 win. Springfield outshot Warren 40-28. Steve Christie was in goal.

The Winterhawks have a break before their next game on Dec. 19, when they visit Carman. They close out 2025 with a home game on Dec. 20. Portage comes to town for an 8 p.m. start.

Only four points separate second from seventh place. Springfield and Morden have played the most games. Several teams close behind have games in hand on them.

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