Stamps' F Lanthier commits to Wisconsin-River Falls for 2020/21

The Swan Valley Stampeders are proud to announce that Ryley Lanthier has committed to play with the University of Wisconsin River Falls Flacons for the upcoming season.

The 6`2” 180 lbs forward from Surrey, B.C. was acquired December 1, 2019 from the Melfort Mustangs of the SJHL. 

“He was an immediate impact in the Stampeders lineup,” said Stampeder Head Coach/General Manager Barry Wolff . “Despite some injuries that kept Lanthier out of the lineup, he managed to add 6 goals, 13 assists and 14 penalty minutes in 16 regular season games. In 3 playoff games, he added 2 goals and 3 assists, 6 penalty minutes before the playoffs came to a halt due to the coronavirus.”

Lanthiers junior career started in 2018 with the Lanlgey Rivermen of the BCHL. He would then make stops with the Ridge Meadows Flames (PIJHL), Melfort Mustangs (SJHL), and the Swan Valley Stampeders (MJHL).

“I am proud to announce my commitment to University of Wisconsin River Falls for next season,” said Lanthier. “I would like to thank my family, coach’s, advisor, billet families, and everyone who has supported me to help further my education and hockey career. River Falls stood out to me because of the great tradition of their hockey program, amazing coaching staff, their top end facilities, and the high level of education I will receive. Thank you to the Swan Valley Stampeders Organization, the great fans, and community of Swan River for supporting me and the team.”

The Swan Valley Stampeders continue to provide a great platform that allows the players to stay focused and committed to their long term goals of making it to the next level.

“We are proud to welcome Ryley and his family to our program,” said Falcon’s Associate Head Coach Sean Roadhouse. “Ryley possesses a high end offensive skill set that makes him a threat anytime he is on the ice, but more importantly he is a great teammate and competitor that is committed to playing well on both sides of the puck. It was a pleasure getting to know Ryley and his family throughout the recruiting process, and our staff is excited to work with him.”

The University of Wisconsin is located in River Falls, Wisconsin, USA and is a division 3 school that competes in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). The Falcon’s have won the WIAC Championship 19 times, and have captured the NCAA National Championship three times.

“We are very happy for Ryley, and proud of him,” said Wolff. “This opportunity is well earned and deserved, the Falcon’s Hockey team and University of Wisconsin River Falls just got a whole lot better.”

The entire Stampeder Organization would like to congratulate Ryley Lanthier on his recent commitment to play with the University of Wisconsin River Falls Falcons.

(Stamps Press Release) 

Stampeders' Schroder commits to Saint Mary's University (Div III)

The Swan Valley Stampeders of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League are proud to announce that Trevor Schroder has committed to play for the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Cardinals, located in Winona, MN, USA. They are a division 3 school that competes in the MIAC Conference.

Trevor Schroder, a native of Des Moines, IA, USA, played one season for the Stampeders, collecting 20 goals, 30 assists, and 69 penalty minutes in 58 regular season games.

“I am pleased to join Saint Mary’s Cardinals,” said Schroder. “They are a great school, and have a fantastic program. I couldn’t have done it without the Stampeder coaching staff. I will be forever grateful. I would like to thank the Stampeder organization and everyone who has helped me further my career.”

“Our staff could not be more excited to have Trevor join our program here at Saint Mary’s University,” said Cardinal’s Head Coach Ryan Eagan. “He brings size, skill and a scoring touch that will have an immediate impact in our program. When we started the recruiting process we knew exactly what we were looking for and the players we wanted to target. Trevor is a player that we had our eyes on throughout the entire season and we knew he was a player we had to have. It was a pleasure to watch him develop in Swan Valley and in the MJHL. We look forward to more recruiting success within the MJHL in the future.”

“We are very happy for, and proud of Trevor,” said Head Coach and General Manger Barry Wolff. “This is well deserved, the Cardinal’s Hockey team and Saint Mary’s University just got a whole lot better.”

The Stampeders wish Trevor, and the Cardinal’s the very best in the future.

Melville Millionaires (SJHL) restructure Scouting Personnel

The SJHL's Melville Millionaires announced on Thursday a restructuring of their scouting department under the guidance of newly named Head Coach & General Manager Mike Rooney. 

The 7 members of the Scouting staff now included:

Director of Scouting:

Mark Penny

Asst. Director of Scouting:

Ron Bechard
Mark Campbell

North Provincial Scout: 

Daven Smith

South Provincial Scout: 

Jason Johnstone

Advanced Scout/Analytics Coordinator: 

Jarrod Williams

Special Assignment Scout: 

Jason L'Heureux

Player Development Coordinator: 

George Pyne


"Having people with the ability to identify and recruit players, who will fit the new Mils criteria is a very important step for the organization" stated Rooney. "We will continue to expand our scouting staff outside of Saskatchewan, but as an SJHL team we require strong representation in our province. We want Saskatchewan players and we want our team and the City of Melville to be a destination for high character dedicated players."

The staffs first duties will be to prepare for the 2020 SJHL Bantam Draft which will take place on Friday June 5th starting at 1PM.

The Mils heading into the draft currently have 5 picks including the number 1 overall selection. 

CFL eyes possible September return; Changes to Grey Cup format for 2020

The Canadian Football League will be looking at a September start in an attempt to salvage the 2020 season.

Commissioner Randy Ambroise commented that several factors are in play, including continuing restrictions on assemblies, travel, and border crossings.

Plus many provinces have prohibited all sporting events with large gatherings until September 1st.

The league will also move towards a non-traditional way of hosting the Grey Cup, and announced Regina will not be the host this season.

Instead, between the two teams who qualify for the championship, the one with the best regular season record will host the big game.

This gives every team a chance to host the event, while Regina was awarded hosting the 2022 edition of the Grey Cup, as compensation.

Catching up with Yorkton Terriers (SJHL) Head Coach/GM Mat Hehr

I caught up with Terrier Head Coach/GM Mat Hehr to chat about the SJHL SIM, the offseason, SJHL Draft (June. 5th) and more..

Football Saskatchewan provides COVID-19 update (May 15th)

Football Canada continues to monitor the public health situation regarding COVID-19. The Football Canada Board of Directors have voted unanimously to recommend cancelling all spring and summer programs due to the issues surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic. This reiterates the bulletin and policy position distributed on March 12 to all members and the public. Based on Football Canada’s Code of Conduct and responsibility to create a safe environment for all participants, Football Canada is suspending activity until further notice. This applies to all members. 

With that being said, Football Saskatchewan as elected to cancel all spring and summer programs offered including Player Development Camps and Top 100. Also, all provincial teams have been cancelled as well, U16 Team Sask, U18 Selects, U18 Team Sask, U16 & U18 Male & Female Flag. The Sr. Women’s Team Sask program has been postponed until a later date in the fall or winter.

We will continue to pause all scheduled events for the fall until further notice and still recommend suspension of face-to-face meetings or gatherings, training, practice for all members until further notice due to the issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon any changes we will immediately communicate to all our members and participants that information as it becomes available.

The health and well-being of our football community is our absolute top priority. We ask that you have faith in our decision on this matter and that Football Saskatchewan and Football Canada have your best interests in play.

Mike Humenny
President, Football Saskatchewan

(Football Sask Press Release) 

Melville Millionaires (SJHL) update with Head Coach/GM Mike Rooney

GX94's Ryan Young catches up with Mils HC/GM Mike Rooney to chat Berk Berkeliev & goaltending position, his past week in new role and tackling obstacles behind of the scenes surrounding COVID-19

Manitoba Junior Hockey League provides update amid COVID-19 pandemic

Since the middle of March we have been focused on three key areas. The first area is accessing any and all Federal and Provincial financial assistance programs that have been made available to small businesses. Each member team, as well as the league office have applied for the various programs we qualify for and some have accessed these funds already which is re-assuring. At the league office we have been busy creating scenario plans for the start of the 2020 – 2021 season. These scenario plans have been extensive and range from the development of a normal 60 game schedule starting in September down to a 30 game schedule starting in December and several options in between.

Let me emphasize that I am highly optimistic and confident that we will start the upcoming season this fall. To accomplish that and begin the new season in the fall will mean that the hockey environment will have to change. Our third major area of focus has been the development of Return to Play Protocols. These protocols will describe the league’s plan for its teams that will allow them to offer Junior A hockey games in their team arenas. The protocols will be extensive and will range from how fans enter and exit the building and all interactions once they are within the facility to how the two competing teams will prepare for and compete on the ice and everything in between. Needless to say, the MJHL has never made plans or protocols as thorough as this before, but it is something we are beginning to work on at this time. The MJHL has been informed by the Provincial Public Health Office that the Return to Play Protocols we design must be approved by the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer before league play can resume. The COVID 19 pandemic and our desire for the health and safety of all persons means we must do our part so that we can enjoy hockey once again.

As I mentioned, this is a brief update to let you know the MJHL is doing well and working diligently to get the league and its teams back into a new normal operating environment.

I want to conclude my comments with a personal note. A you may know, I will be leaving the MJHL as its Commissioner at the end of June after 18 fantastic seasons. I want to say how grateful I am for the opportunity the Board of Governors of the league has provided me during my long tenure. My work as Commissioner has been challenging, fun and rewarding. It has also been difficult and frustrating. My lasting reflection on my time as MJHL Commissioner is how fortunate I am to have had the chance to work in the hockey business and with such passionate and caring people. I’m very lucky.

Have a great day and thank you for your support,

Kim Davis

Commissioner

Manitoba Junior Hockey League

(MJHL Press Release) 

Melville Millionaires (SJHL) hire Rooney as new Head Coach/GM

After an extensive search the SJHL's Melville Millionaires and their board of directors have found their new bench boss.

The hockey club announced on Thursday that they have hired Mike Rooney as their new Head Coach and General Manager.

"I'm really excited for the opportunity and challenge, I know its a great location there in Melville with
good people and players & I'm hoping to a great and successful product on the ice", Rooney said in a phone interview this morning (Fri).

Rooney spent this past year as the Skills Coach with the AAA and Elite programs at the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, Saskatchewan and he will go right to work in his role.

"First thing I did was get familiar with the list and players, and now its now time to get in contact with them and introduce myself to them and get prepared for everything moving forward."

The Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan product returns to the SJHL after last being in the league as GM/Director of Player Personnel with the Notre Dame Hounds from 1997 to 2000 and before that was the Head Coach/GM of the Kindersley Klippers from 1995-97.

Rooney also has an extensive scouting background having scouted for over 15 years with a number of NHL (Nashville Predators & Buffalo Sabres) and WHL teams (Saskatoon, Swift Current and Regina) and also is the camp director of Western Prospects Hockey and is the founder of Exceptional Hockey.

Associate Coach and Assistant GM Jarett Waldbauer will remain with the hockey club in both roles.

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Q & A with Mils Head Coach/GM Mike Rooney 



1. What's you're feeling and excitement to be named the Mils new Head Coach/GM? 





2.  What made you get back into coaching after scouting at the NHL level for so many years?





3. What intrigued you about the position in Melville?





4. What do you know about the community and the hockey club? 





5. What qualities do you bring to the hockey club as Head Coach and GM?





6. What's the next step now for you in your new role?

Stamps' G Rey commits to Ohio University (ACHA)

The Swan Valley Stampeders of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League are proud to announce that Goaltender Parker Rey has committed to play for the Ohio University Bobcats. 

The Bobcats play in the Division One ranks of the American Collegiate Hockey Association in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League. Ohio University is located in Athens Ohio.

Rey, who now calls Great Barrington, MA, USA home, was acquired by the Stampeders at the January 10, 2020 trade deadline to solidify their Goaltending tandem. 

Rey posted a record of 2-2, earning one shutout, and held a 3.63 GAA, and .894 SVS%. 

“I am pleased to join the Ohio University Bobcats,” said Parker Rey. “They are a great school, and have a fantastic program. It is exciting to get a chance to get into the lineup and have a chance to make an impact right away. I would like to thank the Stampeder organization and everyone who has helped me further my career.”

“Parker was a kid we identified early on as someone we would be interested in bringing in to fill the hole we had in net,” said Bobcats Head Coach Cole Bell. “Parker will be joining some former teammates of his that have already found their home at Ohio University. We are looking forward to his seamless transition to the next level and into our team. He is a driven and competitive goalie that is eager to make an impact. He will be a great fit around our community, on our campus, in our locker room, and in net.”

“We are very proud and happy for Parker,” said Head Coach and General Manager Barry Wolff. “This opportunity is well deserved. The Ohio University Bobcat’s hockey team and the Ohio University School just got a whole lot better.”

The Stampeders Organization would like to take this opportunity to wish Parker, and the Bobcats, the very best in the future.

(Stamps Press Release) 

Yorkton's Budz & Kamsack's Foster commit to University hockey for 2020/21

Foster commits to UBC Thunderbirds (USports) 

Kamsack product Logan Foster will head to the west coast to begin his university hockey career.

Foster will join the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds beginning in the 2020/21 season.

The 20 year old compiled 28 goals, 47 assists for 75 points in 57 games in his final year of Junior hockey.

Foster began his Junior A career with the Melville Millionaires where scored 10 goals and 29 points in 35 games.

He also played in 30 career WHL games with the Spokane Chiefs and the Swift Current Broncos.


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Budz with join Aurora University this fall

Yorkton's Derrick Budz will take his hockey talents south of the border this fall as he will join the Aurora University Spartans in Aurora, Illinois.

The Yorkton Mauler alumni spent his 3 year Junior career with the AJHL's Drumheller Dragons where he compiled 90 points in 160 games.

This past season while serving as the teams captain, had 14 goals and 35 points in 50 regular season games.

Yorkton's Greschuk & the Kamsack Cyclones among 2020 inductees for Sask. Baseball Hall of Fame

The Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame announced their 2020 induction class with 12 individuals, two teams and one community making up the group of inductees.

The procedure was done differently this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall-of-Fame has put together a class of 2020 list of inductees.

Among those inducted, it includes Yorkton's Al Greschuk in the Individual category and the Kamsack Cyclones in the team category.


The induction ceremony is still planned for this summer on Saturday Aug. 15th at the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall-of-Fame and Museum in the Battlefords. 

Full list of inductees below:

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY

Kevin Kusch -(Lloydminster, SK)

Rocky Nickel – (Caronport, SK)

 Roy Taylor – (Visalia, California) [Saskatoon, SK.] **

Neil Urlacher- (Okotoks, AB) [Macklin, SK.]

“Goldie” Wiggins- (Fillmore, SK) **

Father Leonard Albers- (Bengough, SK) **

Fred Curts- (Holdfast, SK)

Allan Fitzsimmons – (Saskatoon, SK)

Al GRESCHUK- Yorkton, SK.

George Guillaume- (Moose Jaw, SK)

Elemer Jerkovits  – (Regina, SK)

Rick Johnston – (Maidstone, SK)

TEAM CATEGORY

AQUADELL Flyers Baseball Team-1947-1972.

KAMSACK Cyclones – (Kamsack, SK)

Community Category

Village of GRAY, SK.


**Posthumously