Melville Millionaires hold 2020 Annual General Meeting; Stevenson named new President

                                                     


The Melville Millionaires held their 2020 Annual General Meeting on Wednesday night at the Horizon Credit Union Center in Melville.

 During the meeting, Tammy Stevenson who served as role of 1st Vice President last season, was appointed as the club’s new President.

 Stevenson said in a interview with GX94 that she is excited for her new role and get to work right away. 

"And I'm looking forward to leading the path and getting the Mils back on track both on and off the ice, we have a strong passion on our board and just looking at continuing that growth and moving forward."

Meanwhile from last night’s AGM, the financial report for the Mils was released and Stevenson says it's a grim reminder that lots more work still needs to be done. 

"It's been a tough last few years there's no secret about that, and we didn't close the 2019/20 season off financially where we had hoped and where we would have started, but we lost approximately about $40000 last year." 

Stevenson adds the board has start thinking out of the box in ways to generate more revenue including a new Calcutta, and a Sportsman dinner & golf tournament for next year and also the establishment of Rail City Hockey Development. 

But she adds COVID-19 make it little tricky with it, but they simply need more spectators. 

“At the end of the day Millionaires need fan support since we really rely on that quite heavily to to get us through the season we appreciate the fan engagement our last home game against Yorkton was amazing and the boys loved at the rink packed and when there's lots of noise it was a really really really nice environment great read and here's hoping that we can continue that exciting atmosphere this season" , Stevenson adds. 

Lastly, with the start of the 2020/21 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season still up in the air, Stevenson says they are still preparing and getting having ready for the upcoming campaign.

"We will be releasing our advance ticket sales later today which will be replacing our season tickets we have to do things a bit different now and in keeping with our theme of having to think outside the box we feel it having these advanced ticket pricing packages will accomplish that what are fans of like the were all eager to get back into the rink watch hockey but we need to do it safely and just make sure that our fans are safe and our players are safe and that the restrictions in place are followed." 

The Millionaires will be holding their Main training camp from September 11th to 13th at the Horizon Credit Union Center.

2020/21 Executive Board of Directors 

President - Tammy Stevenson 

Governor - Dawn Melnychuk 

1st Vice-President - Renee Waldbauer

2nd Vice-President - Steve Sutton 

Treasurer - Charlotte Poier 

Secretary - Tara Badduke 

Board Members: 

Len Wassill

Bruce Graff

Kevin Kirkwood


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 Mils President Tammy Stevenson Question and Answer below:


1) What's it like to be named President

bennywalchuk2 · Tammy 1

2) Why did you move up to new role?

bennywalchuk2 · Tammy 2

3) What did the financial report present from the AGM?

bennywalchuk2 · Tammy 3

4) What are you doing as a board to try and improve those financials?

bennywalchuk2 · Tammy 4

5) How happy are you with the board to have together?

bennywalchuk2 · Tammy 5

6) With the season in limbo, what are you guys doing as a board to prepare?

bennywalchuk2 · Tammy 6

7) What's it like to have Head Coach/GM Mike Rooney and staff on-board with the organization? 

bennywalchuk2 · Tammy 7

Rural Manitoba Football League suspends 2020 Fall season; eyes Spring 2021 season

The RMFL has been discussing the 2020 season for several days now. It seems that our best path forward is to suspend the fall season with an eye toward playing our competitive season in the spring of 2021.  This way current Gr.12’s still have a chance to play in their final year of eligibility provided we reach a more normal situation by that time.

While formal league play is suspended, there remains the potential in exhibition games for those that want to continue forward with some sort of football (tackle or flag) if/when the restrictions are further relaxed. 

We will start up a conversation in the spring, once the Public Health situation makes it worthwhile to talk about.

Justin Petelski
RMFL Commissioner

(RMFL Release)

Waywayseecappo Wolverines (MJHL) acquire D Little from Weyburn

 

The Waywayseecappo Wolverines have acquired 2001-born defenceman Riley Little from the Weyburn Red Wings in exchange for future considerations.

Little, a product of Saskatoon registered one assist in 35 games with the SJHL's Red Wings this past season. 

He was caught off guard by the trade but is looking forward to the opportunity in Waywayseecappo.

 “I’ve heard Wayway is a good organization to be apart of, with a solid coaching staff and a nice facility to play in.”

Manitoba Junior Hockey League announces Return to Plans; pegs Oct.9th as Opening Night

 

The Manitoba Junior Hockey League took their next step forward in returning to the ice on Wednesday night as the league announced they'll open up the 2020/21 regular season on Friday, October 9th. 

Kevin Saurette, who took over as league commissioner in early July says those guidelines had to be approved by all those organizations. 

"We put our guidelines together, then submitted them to the Hockey Manitoba board of directors for their approval and support to move forward and once we received that we presented to Manitoba Public health officials and they came back to us this past Friday and then Hockey Manitoba put the final approval of our plans for us to go forward."

The news of Wednesday provided some positive and excited news across the MJHL as teams are set to officially begin their training camps on Sept. 18th. 

You know we're definitely excited to get back to what we all love and we can't wait to get that first game going,  just the the all the uncertainty was definitely waiting on a lot of people like the players and coaches and fans so now everyone is all talking about it today and it's great to see," said Swan Valley Stampeders Head Coach/GM Barry Wolff. 

Waywayseecappo Wolverines Head Coach/GM Taylor Harnett also expressed his excitement and kudos to all involved for putting it all together but admits they still lots of work for all involved to do. 

"We're all making a lot of preparations with our facilities and and trying to create the the safest environment that we can for our fans and our players in a short amount of time but for us we've been proactive we've been working on a lot of things in the past few months with the anticipation that we were going to be playing hockey again."

There are number of guidelines from practice to pregame to in-game action to postgame among other things listed in the 14 page document sent out by the MJHL that can be found here, including fans being in the stands in MJHL arenas at 35% percent capacity for preseason and 50% for regular season games, something Saurette is appreciative of.

"Obviously its important for our teams to have fans in the stands, but the guidelines set out are no different than what the public health orders are currently in place for recreation facilities so really at the end of the day it's going to be a decision for the organization and facility and the local authorities on what their comfort level is."

Saurette also adds that if fans do come out to watch MJHL hockey this season you are expected to follow physical distancing protocol, be restricted of access around the arena and it's also highly recommended to wear a mask when in the facilities, as you enjoy some exciting Junior hockey again.

Audio with MJHL Commissioner Kevin Saurette below: 

Saurette on the process of putting together the Return to Play Plan guidelines

bennywalchuk2 · Kevin 1

Saurette on the cooperation of the 11 MJHL Clubs

bennywalchuk2 · Kevin 2

Saurette on if changes to game play on ice

bennywalchuk2 · Kevin 3

 Saurette on importance having some fans in the building

bennywalchuk2 · Kevin 4

Saurette on what fans can expect when they go to a game this fall/winter

 

bennywalchuk2 · Kevin 5

Swan Valley Stampeders (MJHL) acquire veteran F Delorme from the BCHL

            

The MJHL's Swan Valley Stampeders' have added some experience to the forward unit on Wednesday after completing a trade with the Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL). 

The Stampeders' acquired 20 year old F Haydn Delorme from the Spruce Kings in exchange for future considerations. 

Stamps' Head Coach/GM Barry Wolff says they are excited to get the Port Moody, BC product to Swan River. 

"He's got a pro shot which I'm really excited about him especially for the power play we needed to add some offense and he's a kid I'm familiar with I coached him back in Coquitlam and he's got a ton of experience you know with a variety of different teams & coaches and he's gonna bring all that experience in our locker room."  

Delorme, who has spent some time as well with the Western Hockey League's Portland Winterhawks, suited up in 14 games for the Spruce Kings during the 2019/20 campaign, notching four goals and adding two assists for 6 points. 

As we itch closer to what is hoping to be the start of the 2020/21 Manitoba Junior Hockey League, Wolff admits COVID-19 has put a little hamper on their off-season but there might be a little light at the end of the tunnel.

"We're finally getting closer to getting some answers on when we can get started with you know training camp and and our regular season season so you know the sooner we get that solidified it's gonna make life a lot easier."

The Stampeders are preparing for the upcoming Stamps' Camp Hockey School and Conditioning Camp that'll run August 24th to 28th at the Centennial Arena as well as their Texas Scramble Golf tournament that'll take place on September 12th in Swan River. 

More details on both can be found on the Stampeders website by clicking HERE

Chat with Stamp's Head Coach/GM Barry Wolff: 


Wolff on what Delorme brings to Stamps

bennywalchuk2 · Barry 1

 Wolff on the offseason thus far

bennywalchuk2 · Barry 2

 Wolff on the recruiting process

bennywalchuk2 · Barry 3

 Wolff on upcoming golf tournament and Stamps Camp Hockey School

bennywalchuk2 · Barry 4

Grenfell Gems capture 2020 Southeast Men's Fastball League title

 

It was a shortened type season like no other for the Grenfell Gems, but in the end they came out as champions.

After falling in last years final to the Whitewood Falcons, the Gems turned their fortune around in 2020 capturing the winner-take-all championship game last night (Thurs) 2-1 over the Round Lake Braves to capture the 2020 Southeast Men's Fastball League title.

The final was cut down to a one game series from a Best of 5, due to COVID-19 and a limited time-frame to complete the series.

Mils' acquire veteran forwards Stevenson and Walkington on Thursday

The SJHL's Melville Millionaires added some veteran presence to their forward group on Thursday.

The Mils acquired 2000-born forward Cole Stevenson and conditional draft pick from the Notre Dame Hounds in exchange for 2001-born forward Connor Nolan and 2003-born prospect F Rocsyn Bird. 

Stevenson

Stevenson compiled 8 goals, 17 assists for 25 points in 57 games with the Hounds during the 2019/20 season.

The Vibank product also helped the Notre Dame U18 AAA Hounds capture the 2018 Telus Cup National Championship. 

"Cole brings his size and big frame & ability but also brings some great character having been a part a National Midget Championship winning team",  Mils Head Coach/GM Mike Rooney said in a phone interview. 

Meanwhile Nolan, who was acquired by the Mils mid-way through last season had 6 points in 25 games in Melville. 

Bird was a listed player of the Mils and suited up last year with the Battlefords U18 AA Barons of the Saskatchewan U18 AA Hockey League. 

Mils Head Coach/GM Mike Rooney chats Stevenson acquisition below: 

bennywalchuk2 · Rooney 1

Walkington

In the 2nd trade of the day, the Moneymen acquired forward F Mackenzie Walkington (00) from the NOJHL's Soo Thunderbirds in exchange for future considerations

Walkington, who hails from Saskatoon chipped in with 15 goals, 15 assists for 30 points in 46 games with the Thunderbirds during the 2019/20 campaign. 

Rooney talks about the acquisition of Walkington below:

R

bennywalchuk2 · Rooney 2

Melville Millionaires (SJHL) ink Yorkton's Ziola for 2020/21 season

 

The SJHL's Melville Millionaires are excited to announce the signing of 2002 born forward Massen Ziola for the 2020-2021 season.

Ziola, who hails Yorkton SK, was the captain of the Yorkton U18 AAA SeCon Maulers where compiled 15 goals and 7 assists for 22 points in 40 games played.

Ziola played in 89 career games with his home squad AAA squad scoring 33 goals while adding 23 assists for 56 points.  

Stampeders' F Cardinal signs try-out contract with ECHL's Tulsa Oilers

The Swan Valley Stampeders are very proud to announce Graduating Forward Tommy Cardinal has signed an East Coast Hockey League try out contract with the Tulsa Oilers.

The team based in Tulsa Oklahoma, and play their home games at the BOK centre. The Oilers are the ECHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL and the San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League.

Cardinal who’s home town is St Etienne de Lauzon, Quebec, scored 22 goals and adding 30 assists in 60 regular season games, and 2 goals and 2 assists in 3 playoff games before the coronavirus put a stop to the MJHL playoffs,  in the 2019-20 Manitoba Junior Hockey League Season,

Head Coach/General Manager Barry Wolff on Cardinals success,  "we are extremely proud of Tommy and his continued commitment to the game and getting to the next level."

"It is also a feather in the cap of the Manitoba Junior League, the Stampeder Program, and the Swan Valley community that provides these young men a great platform to enhance their game and get to the next level whether that is college or pro hockey!"

(Stamps Press Release) 

Rejuvenation process of the Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame continues

The re-organizational process for the storied Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame continues and it took its first step forward with the appointment of a temporary Board of Directors recently.
 

Don Pfeifer who was appointed as the temporary Board Chair says they've made some progress since the idea first came to tuition earlier this year.


"We now have an interim board of about 8 members and we have an advisory board of 8 members and we're presently working on plans to move forward with the other mandates of the Yorkton Sport hall of Fame organization."

The Interim Board members include Don Pfeifer (Temporary Chair), Dave Spelay (Vice Chair), Ryan Kitchen (Sec./Treas.), Ron Balacko, Randy Goulden, Dick DeRyk, Jennifer Ingham, Becky Dutchak, Taylor Morrison (ex-officio member) while the ddvisory sub-committee consists of eight volunteer members who include Gene Krepakevich, Barry Sharpe, Dave Baron, Don Szabo, Vern Pachal, Ed Magis, and  Lynda Ziglo.

Although there is a display area available for artifacts at the Gallagher Center most of the inventory of the YSHF is presently stored in a room that must soon be vacated

The organization also believes it may no longer be feasible to continue with a permanent physical environment involving a museum and it may be time to go digital, but they need a work space to make that happen.

"Could be temporary or permanent, we're looking for a safe space to not only hold organizational meetings but also to lay everything out take inventory of memorabilia, artifacts, history and sport albums etc. in order to work toward going digital and that would require space of course to start developing a website." Pfeifer said in a phone interview


Pfeifer adds the Hall of Fame is big part of sports history in the city and an important part of the community.


If you're interesting in sponsoring, helping out or want more information contact any board member or contact Don directly at 1-306-783-7849 or by email at donpfeifer@sasktel.net 

Chat with Temporary Board Chair Don Pfeifer below: 

bennywalchuk2 · Don Pfeifer - Yorkton Sports Hall Of Fame (Au