Jones & Winkler Flyers capture 2024 MJHL Turnbull Cup title, first since 1998

PISTONS 4, FLYERS 5 (OT) 

For the first time since 1998 the Winkler Flyers are champions of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. 

Zach Nicolas scored his 6th of the playoffs on the powerplay with 4:59 gone in overtime to lead the Winkler Flyers to a 5-4 Game 4 win over the Steinbach Pistons to complete the four-game sweep of the MJHL Turnbull Cup Final on Saturday night.  

"It's pretty surreal honestly to win it all, and I think it was a really close series, but in the end I think it was our desire that helped us pull it out in the end," former Swan Valley Stampeders & Flyers forward Jakob Jones said. 

Jones acquired in a trade from Swan Valley in a December trade after scoring 46 goals, 58 assists in 96 career games as a Stampeders.

"I'm very appreciative of my time with Swan, I have a lot of great memories from the there and great people I met," Jones added. 

Fellow Stampeder alumni Justin Falk is the Head Coach & GM, and Grandview product Jayce Leegaarden are also members of the Flyers who've advanced to the 2024 Centennial Cup National Junior A Hockey Championships 



Full Audio with Jakob Jones: 

 

bennywalchuk2 · JAKOB JONES- WINKLER (April 29th)

MJHL's Swan Valley Stampeders announce Barry Wolff as signed new 2-year deal as Head Coach & GM

                                


Barry Wolff will be returning behind the bench for the MJHL's Swan Valley Stampeders as their Head Coach & General Manager. 

The hockey club announced today (Fri) that they've signed the veteran coach to a new 2 year contract. 

Wolff, who first joined the organization during the 2018-2019 season, has taken the team to playoffs in four of the six seasons he has led the team and including an appearance in the 2019 MJHL Turnbull Cup Final. 

“He brings stability and experience that a board with so many new faces will appreciate. Having his knowledge of the organization and team operations will be a valuable asset", Stampeders President Cramer Coulthart said.

“As a team, we have a great group returning and a lot to prove, in our opinion! Our goal is to be a hard-working team that the community can, and wants, to feel part of and proud of on and off the ice, Wolff said in the team release.

Hear from Barry Wolff below:

bennywalchuk2 · Barry Swan Signing (APRIL 26TH)

Spring Camp Recap with Yorkton Maulers Head Coach Jason Gordon

 

bennywalchuk2 · Jason Gordon - MAULERS (April 26th)

Whitewood's Hamilton named to Canadian Men's hockey roster for 2024 U18 Worlds

 

Hockey Canada has announced the 19 players that will represent Team Canada at the upcoming 2024 World Men's Under-18 Hockey Championships in Finland. 

Whitewood product & Calgary Hitmen defenceman Reese Hamilton was named as one of the players that'll suit up in the event that runs April 25th to Sun. May 5th. 

Hamilton in his first full season in the WHL had 8 goals, 23 assists for 31 points in 42 games for the Hitmen. 

The 17 year old has represented Canada with Canada Red  at this past years World U17 Men's Hockey championships. 

Full Roster CLICK HERE 

Audio with Hamilton below:

bennywalchuk2 · REESE HAMILTON - CANADA (Apr 16)

Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame to celebrate 30 years with induction dinner set for Sept. 7th

                                      


The Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame (YSHF) will hold its 2024 induction evening on Saturday, September 7 at the Gallagher Centre, and it will be a very special occasion marking the 30th anniversary of the organization.

The evening’s program will include guest speaker and former Detroit Red Wing Dennis Polonich, who after his NHL career was the Terrier coach and general manager for six years starting with the 1986-87 season while the Master of ceremonies will be Curt Keilback, the radio and television broadcast play-by-play voice of the first edition of the Winnipeg Jets, and then of the Phoenix Coyotes.

Curt started his radio career with CJGX in Yorkton in 1970 and then after went on to broadcas  more than 2,400 NHL games over his career.

As well, plans are being made to invite all former inductees to attend as guests of the YSHF, in the hope that the evening will also serve as a reunion of Hall of Fame members.Details about that will be announced next month

.Nominations are still being accepted for inductees, as are nominations for the Yorkton Lions Support for Sports Award. Information about the nomination process for both are available at www.yorktonsportshalloffame.ca.

The YSHF was founded in 1994, spearheaded by Vern Pachal and a dedicated board, many of whom still live in Yorkton. The organization was largely inactive for about six years until it was revived in 2020 by a new board under the leadership of Don Pfeifer. This will be the third induction evening since then, the first one planned for 2021 having been cancelled because of covid-19. 

Melville's Kostyshyn; Terriers' Butz commits to SAIT Trojans for 2024/25

    

Graduating Melville Millionaires captain Payton Kostyshyn will be heading a little west to continue his hockey career. 

The Melville product will be suiting up starting this fall with the SAIT Trojans of the ACAC in Calgary, Alberta. 

He spent 3 seasons with the Millionaires, suiting up in 133 games compiling 6 goals, 17 assists for 23 points. 

Kostyshyn joins former Millionaires Zach Cain, Connor Nolan and Kayden Skulmoski on the Trojans' roster. 

Meawhile Yorkton Terrier forward Brett Butz will join Kostyshyn on the Trojans starting this Fall after committing to the team on Wednesday. 

The Edmonton, Alberta product scored 18 times, added 30 assists for 48 points in 105 career games in a Terriers' uniform during his 2 year Junior career. 

This past season, Butz had 10 goals, 11 assists for 21 points in 49 games.

Mils Asst. Coach Wudrick headed to Creston Valley (KIJHL)

 

The Melville Millionaires have announced that Assistant Geordie Wudrick will be leaving the SJHL club to becoming the Head Coach & GM of the Creston Valley Thunder Cats of the KIJHL starting in the 2024/25 season. 

The 33 year old spent one season behind the bench as Asst. Coach with the Moneymen helping them to their first playoff berth in 6 season and a Viterra division title alongside Head Coach & GM Doug Johnson.

 As a player, Wudrick was a third round NHL draft pick of the LA Kings and enjoyed a lengthy career in the Western Hockey League, USPORTS with the University of New Brunswick and UBC, and professionally in the ECHL, SPHL and in Europe.

2024/25 Melville Millionaires, Yorkton Terriers & Swan Valley Stampeders Signings

 

D Thomas Ries (2006) - Humboldt, Saskatchewan 

(Last team: Estevan Bears (SK U18 AAA) - 44GP 13G 25A = 38 points)

D James Durfee (2006) - Napa Valley, California

(Last team:  Rogue Valley Royals (USPHL) - 9GP 2G 2A = 4 points)

F Quinn Schutte (2006) - Brandon, Manitoba 
(Last Team: Yellowhead Chiefs (MB U18 AAA) - 39GP 13G 19A = 32 points) 

D Tyler Palin (2006) - Estero, Florida 
(Last team: Stanstead College (CSSHL) - 54GP 6G 20A = 26 points) 

F Quinn Tavender (2006) - Calgarty, Alberta 
(Last Team: Calgary Northstars (AB U18 AAA) - 38GP 15G 19A = 34 points) 

F Trinity Anderson (2006) - Billings, Montana 
(Last team: Mandan High (USHS-ND) 8GP 3G 1A= 4 points)

F Evan Leden (2006)- Geneva, Illinois 
(Last team: Chicago Mission U18 AAA) 

D Nate Silvester (2006) - Regina, Saskatchewan 

(Last team: Regina Pat Canadians (SK U18 AAA) - 45GP 1G 24A = 25 points) 

F Jackson Lee (2006) - Whitelaw, Alberta 
(Last team: Grande Prairie Storm (AB U18 AAA) - 34GP 11G 8A = 19 points) 

D Riley Craigen (2006) - Regina, Saskatchewan 
(Last team: Estevan Bears (SK U18 AAA) - 44GP 0G 17A = 17 points) 

G Thomas Paquet (2006) - St. Jerome, Quebec) 
(Last Team: The Hill Academy (U18 AAA Prep) -  10-5 record  2.19GAA 0.935 SV%  4SO) 

D Brodie Hicks (2006) - Regina, Saskatchewan 
(Last Team: Regina Pat Canadians (SK U18 AAA)  -  40GP 1G 10A = 11 points) 

G Nick Genette (2006) - Royal Oak, Michigan 
(Last team: Detroit Victory Honda U18 AAA - 35GP 27-7-0 record  1.67GAA  0.921 SV%  6 shutouts)

D Chance Loke (2006) - Brooks, Alberta 
(Last Team: Prairie Hockey Academy (CSSHL) - 30GP 7G 22A = 29 points) 

F Ty Noseworthy (2006) - High Level, Alberta

(Last Team: Grande Prairie Storm  (AB U18 AAA) - 3GP 12G 12A = 24 points & 121 PIMs)

F Jake Briltz (2006) - Regina, Saskatchewan 
(Last Team: Moose Jaw Warriors (SK U18 AAA) - 44GP 15G 16A = 31 points) 

2023/24 Melville Millionaires Team Award Winners

 Fred McLean Memorial Trophy to the Most Gentlemanly Player

· This year’s recipient of this award goes to #18 JADON IYOGUN

2) Bob Parker Memorial Trophy to “Mr. Hustle”

· This year’s recipient of this award goes to #22 GABORIK CARLSON

3) Tom Dooley Memorial Trophy to the Most Improved Player

· This year’s recipient of this award goes to #11 COHEN SWAN

4) Edward Wozniak Memorial Award for Unsung Hero

· This year’s recipient of this award goes to #8 BOSTON HARKNESS

5) DEDICATION & DESIRE AWARD (formerly - Cheerful Spirit & Cooperative Attitude)

· This year’s recipient of this award goes to #21 MATT KJEMHUS

6) Swannie & Shirley Cox & Phyllis Sanftleben Memorial Trophy to the Rookie of the Year

· This year’s recipient of this award goes to #2 LUC BYDAL

7) Vaughn Motter Memorial Trophy to the Best Forward, being presented by

· This year’s recipient of this award goes to #77 CADEN DRURY

8) Gerald Wassil Memorial Trophy to the Best Defenseman, being presented by

· Gerald was a Millionaires Defenseman for two seasons from 1975-1977, prior to his passing. This memorial award was donated by Gerald’s family and friends.

· This year’s recipient of this award goes to #14 COLBY BALL

9) Mel Sullivan Memorial Trophy to the Most Valuable Player, being presented by

· This year’s recipient of this award goes to #77 CADEN DRURY

10) Bell, Kreklewich & Co. Law Office for Fan Favorite

· This year’s recipient of this award goes to #20 PAYTON KOSTYSHYN

11) 3 Star Award

· This year’s recipient of this award goes to #2 LUC BYDAL & #35 WILLIAM DYKE

12) Leading Scorer

· This year’s recipient of this award goes to #77 CADEN DRURY

13) Scholastic Award

· This year’s recipient of this award goes to #11 COHEN SWAN

14) Most Valuable Playoff Performer

· This year’s recipient of this award goes to #35 WILLIAM DYKE

=--=======

MILLIONAIRES ANNOUNCE COMMITMENT OF LEDEN FOR 2024/25 SEASON 

The Melville Millionaires' announce the commitment of forward Evan Leden for the 2024/25 SJHL season. 

The 2006-born forward out of Genvea, Illinois suited up this past season with the Chicago Mission U18 AAA. 

During the 2022/23 season, he compiled 49 points in 55 games with the Northstar Christian Academy U16 AAA.