Josh Tripp named full-time head coach and general Manager of Swan Valley Stampeders

The Swan Valley Stampeders have officially removed the interim tag from Josh Tripp’s title, announcing on Tuesday that he will take on the role of full-time Head Coach and General Manager of the team moving forward.

Tripp, a former standout player for the Stampeders, has quickly made his mark behind the bench. After stepping in mid-season as interim head coach, Tripp guided the team with energy, leadership, and a deep understanding of the Stampeders' culture. His efforts revitalized the locker room, bringing a renewed sense of purpose and identity to the team.

"We're excited to officially welcome Josh as the full-time Head Coach and GM," said Stampeders President Evan Morden, "His passion for the game, dedication to player development, and connection to this community make him the ideal person to lead this organization."

A native of Swan River, Tripp played several seasons with the Stampeders in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) and later returned to the organization in a coaching capacity. 

“I’m excited to return for another season behind the bench,” said Tripp. “I am super excited for the direction the team is heading. I expect to return an unbelievable group of players from last season, we have signed some very talented young guys and we saw a very high level of players in the spring camp. We are going to be competitive from day one and I think all the fans have a lot to look forward to."

The Stampeders also announced that Darren Webster will remain with the team as Assistant General Manager, while the club says they are actively searching for a new Assistant Coach. 

Interested applicants are to submit a cover letter, resume, and references to Head Coach Josh Tripp at coach@stampedershockey.com.

Yorkton Terriers graduating forward Carter Briltz commits to SAIT Trojans

The Yorkton Terriers are proud to announce that graduating forward Carter Briltz has committed to the SAIT Trojans men's hockey program for the 2025–26 season.

The 20-year-old Regina native enjoyed a career-best season with the Terriers in 2024–25, tallying 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points over 55 regular-season games.

His performance earned him the team’s "Unsung Hero" award, recognizing his consistent two-way play and contributions beyond the scoresheet. 

Before joining the Terriers, Briltz suited up in 93 career games with the Western Hockey League’s Victoria Royals.

The Trojans are coming off a strong 2024–25 campaign, finishing second in the regular season and reaching the semifinals.

Team Manitoba sweeps Male & Female division Golds at 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships

Team Manitoba achieved a remarkable feat at the 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC), securing gold medals in both the men's and women's U18 divisions. The tournament was held from May 5 to 10 in Kamloops, British Columbia

Men’s U18 Championship

 

In the men's final, Swan River’s Trace Langan opened the scoring while Waywayseecappo Wolverine forward Mikey Thomas, Carter Haney also scored to lead Team Manitoba to a 4-2 win over Team Alberta.

Swan River product and Swan Valley Stampeder Head Coach Josh Trip was the Head Coach of Team Manitoba, while Wolverines’ defenceman Gage Sutherland was also a member of the Manitoba squad.

In the Male Bronze medal game, Yorkton’s Cameron Allard had one goal, three assists while Whitewood’s Hudson Brehaut also scored to lead Saskatchewan to a 6-4 win over Ontario.

bennywalchuk2 · Josh Tripp - NAHC GOLD (May 12, 2025)

Women’s U18 Championship

The Manitoba Female laso delivered an impressive performance, defeating Team British Columbia 2–0 in the gold medal match.

Elkhorn’s Kirby Gray was a member of the championship team.

Team Saskatchewan also captured the Bronze medal on the Female side with a 4-2 victory over Team Ontario. 

The NAHC serves as a premier platform for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) U18 hockey players across Canada, offering high-level competition and opportunities for cultural exchange.

Three local players selected in 2025 WHL Prospects Draft

 

The 2025 edition of the Western Hockey League Prospects Draft has come & gone and three local players were selected. 

First off on Wednesday, 15 year old forward and Waywayseecappo First Nation product Athens Shingoose was selected in the first round, 16th overall by the Prince Albert Raiders.

The 5-foot-6, 128-pound forward had 31 goals and 60 points in 32 games playing U15 in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, and then added another four goals and five points in three games with the U17 AAA Rink Academy team. Then on Thursday, Yorkton product Mahlon Wiley was picked up in the fourth round, 89th overall by the Regina Pats. Wiley compiled 22 goals, 19 assists for 41 points in 24 games with the Sask East Oilers Under-15 AA, while also adding 15 points in 7 playoff games. Then finally, Wiley's Oiler teammate and Yorkton product Dylan Veroba was scooped up by the Kelowna Rockets in round number eight, 159th overall. The defenceman had 18 goals and 35 points in 26 games this past season. For a full look at all picks of the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft CLICK HERE

Melville Millioniares and Head Coach & General Manager Doug Johnson agree to a new three-year extension

                                             

The Melville Millionaires of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) have announced that Doug Johnson has signed a three-year contract extension to remain the team’s Head Coach and General Manager.

His leadership has helped lay a strong foundation for a Millionaires squad focused on development, discipline, and culture.

“We are extremely pleased to have Doug continue leading this organization,” said Millionaires President Daniel Hope. “His commitment to building a winning program the right way—developing young talent, emphasizing character, and creating a strong team identity—aligns perfectly with the values of the Melville Millionaires and our vision for the future.”

Johnson, who took the reins of the storied franchise ahead of the 2023/24 season, has led the Mils to a regular season record of 63-45-2-2,  back-to-back playoff appearances, and a Viterra division title in 2024. 

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue working with this organization,” Johnson said following the announcement. “Melville is a passionate hockey town, and I’m proud to be part of a community that cares deeply about its team. We’ve made significant strides, and I’m excited about the direction we are headed. There’s still work to do, and I look forward to building something special here and try to bring the city their first Championship.”

Johnson’s new deal runs through the end of the 2028–29 season.


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Audio with Doug Johnson:

bennywalchuk2 · Doug Johnson - May 3, 2025

Audio with Mils President Daniel Hope: 

bennywalchuk2 · Daniel Hope - May 3 2025

Prairie Junior Hockey League expanding to Moosomin

The Prairie Junior Hockey League is expanding to 12 teams in time for the 2025-2026 season.

Moosomin has been granted an expansion franchise. The Moosomin Steelhawks will begin play in the fall.

The Town of Moosomin confirmed that expansion into the PJHL has been several years in the making.

The PJHL has been looking to add a sixth franchise in the south division for several years, and over that time, Moosomin has often been expressed as the desired destination.

Moosomin was a Junior B powerhouse in the 1970s, so this is not new to the community, and the Steelhawks' arrival will mark a progression from minor hockey to the Senior Rangers.

The Steelhawks will be a privately owned and operated franchise. To be accepted into the league, they were required to give the PJHL a detailed budget and a sizable bond.