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There has never been a challenge that Alexis Campbell hasn't been ready to conquer.
During her days playing with the Grand Plains Ice Dogs program and teams in Winnipeg, the challenge was going up against some of the top female hockey players in the province and last year, going up against top talent at the high school level when she played with the Springfield Sabres.
From Kinosota, Alexis still had that fire burning in her belly and believed she had more when she graduated from high school. She still wanted to play hockey but she wasn't sure where. She was already set to continue her post-secondary studies at Assiniboine College in Brandon. That school just happens to have a women's hockey program that plays in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) and it's a powerhouse program that has won national championships in the past years.
Last spring, Alexis was invited to an identification camp that the team put on and her great speed and tenacious attitude impressed the coaching staff. She, however, was not offered a spot on the team, but she was invited to try out for the team this past September.
The Cougars are a veteran group with players who have been through the grind of college hockey, something Alexis had not yet been. Campbell wasn't sure what to expect when she went to open tryouts but what happened has her travelling all over the United States and playing on one of the top teams in the nation.
Alexis made the team and is one of four rookies on this year's roster.
"It was amazing, I was the only walk-on to make this team which means a lot," said Campbell. "Being one of the four rookies is awesome, it's a special feeling to be a part of this group."
Accepting her greatest challenge yet, Alexis has played all 11 of the team's conference games and is averaging nearly half a point per game with five assists across those 11 contests. She's tied for 10th in team scoring and her next big accomplishment will be scoring her first goal at the college level.
"I think things are going quite well, it's more of a challenge than I have ever experienced," continued Campbell. "I'm adapting quite well and with each practice and game, I believe I am improving and my coaches are happy with what I can add."
Playing Division 2 in the Independent Conference, the Cougars have won 10 of their 11 games. They're just a single point behind the University of Wisconsin for first place. The team's five goals against are the fewest in the nation while their offensive output has been solid with 49 goals. The team has won five in a row.
"It's awesome, we're a very tight-knit family and everyone gets along together," commented Campbell. "It shows on the ice with our chemistry, it's great being a part of a team that is so strong."
With the team's first-half schedule in the books, they will prepare to head to North Dakota for a pair of games on January 10-11 against the University of Jamestown. Their next home game at the J&G Homes Arena in Brandon is February 9 against Dakota College at Bottineau. That team will feature another local star as Caitlin Fillion of Gilbert Plains is on the Lady Jacks so it'll be a battle between two Parkland stars.
Cameron Campbell will also be in the stands for that game in the Wheat City and Alexis is very appreciative for all of the support she receives.
"All of the support I get from my friends and family means the world to me," ended Campbell. "They have played a big part in where I am today."
Moving forward to the end of the season before the national tournament, Alexis will play three games in Brandon against the Lady Jacks on February 20 and two games against North Dakota State University on February 22 and 23.
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Her older sister was already a part of the team, so it was no surprise when the younger dynamic duo from Dauphin wanted to be a part of the action.
Frankie Fjeldsted joined the Parkland Gators Swim Club three years ago and has been practicing three weekly since.
She loves the rush of being in the water while looking to improve her times and the Dauphin star is starting to open eyes across the province.
Fjeldsted originally joined the Gators because Polly was always walking around the house saying how much she loved being a member of the team.
"I love being a Gator, my favourite part is spending time with my friends," said Fjeldsted. "Swimming in the winter is another favourite part, I enjoy being a part of the team."
Frankie competes in about four events per season and while she has had many long days with all of the travel and competing, Fjeldsted wouldn't change it for anything.
"I love going to swim meets, competing against other swimmers from other clubs is always fun for me," continued Fjeldsted. "It also means a lot to me when my whole family comes to watch me swim, they always support me and they mean so much to me."
A highlight of Frankie's time in the pool was last year when she qualified for the provincial championships, an incredible feat in itself.
Then at the big dance, Frankie put her game face on and shined as she finished ninth in all of Manitoba in the 50m backstroke in her age group.
It was a career finish on the provincial stage for the now 10-year-old, showing how much work she has put in over the years.
Frankie carried that momentum into this year and dominated her competition at a recent meet. At the BBSC Rural Roundup in Brandon earlier this month, Frankie competed in seven races and finished with a gold medal in three.
She also had one second-place finish to go along with a bronze medal. She finished fourth in the 100m freestyle and 5th in the mixed 100m medley relay.
She was one of 13 Gators that swam in the event, she finished in a tie with Lauren Lesiuk with five medals, Lauren earned five bronze medals while Frankie earned the most gold. In the day's story, her sister Polly also nabbed two silver medals.
"That felt amazing, especially because that was my first time doing many of the swims," said Fjeldsted. "Like the butterfly and the 100m. It was nice to see that all of the hard work I have been putting in is paying off."
One of Frankie's personal highlights was her first-place finish in the 25m fly stroke, a race that has given her troubles in the past.
"Yeah, it has been quite tough on me in the past," continued Fjeldsted. "So I was so happy that I was able to perform well this time."
On top of swimming three times a week with her swim club, Frankie also skates twice a week as she is a member of Skate Dauphin. She has also been with that team for three years and loves every moment.
"It's such an incredible feeling when I accomplish a new spin or jump," ended Fjeldsted.
Frankie will look to continue achieving personal bests moving forward and based on her work ethic and determination, there is no doubt that she will accomplish any goals that she sets for herself.
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He was the hero as his goal in overtime sent the Brandon U-18 Wheat Kings to the Telus Cup.
Before that, he dominated regular season play with 90 points and posted 20 playoff points in nine games as the Wheat Kings put together one of the greatest seasons in Canadian AAA history. He sparkled on the national stage with 11 points in 7 games at the national tournament. It was a season to remember for Brady Turko of McCreary.
While helping propel Brandon to a provincial title, the Parkland star was called up to play with the big boys as Brady played seven games with the Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League. He did not look out of place at all scoring his first goal and posting two assists.
Brady knew he was ready to play at the next level and that's exactly what he is doing as Turko is 29 games into his first full season with the Wheat Kings. Playing out of Westoba Place in Brandon, Brady grew up watching the Wheat Kings play and he's now played 18 games on home ice in front of his family and friends.
"It's absolutely a dream come true. I grew up idolizing players that played on this team and being able to be in the same rink they played in is very special," said Turko. "To do it this close to home makes it that much more special. So many guys are playing on teams very far away from their families and I'm very close. To have family at every game is special and something I don't take for granted."
Brady's first game of the season was the team's home opener where he had one assist and Roger McQueen lit the lamp four times in a 5-2 win over Russell's Aiden Ziprick and the Moose Jaw Warriors. Turko has played in every game since as he's been slotted into the lineup for all 29 of the team's contests.
The biggest crowd that Brady has played in front of this year was on December 1 when 7,226 fans packed Rogers Place in Edmonton, only to watch the home team lose, as Brady had his biggest night as a Wheat King with two goals and an assist as Brandon downed the Oil Kings decisively, 5-1.
"I think this year has been great. It took a little bit of an adjustment at the start, getting used to the pace of play and travel schedule," continued Turko. "Once I settled in, I started finding my way. We have a great group of guys and I'm looking forward to the second half of the season.
It was a slow start offensively to the season for Brady as he had four points in the first 19 games of the season. Since then, the McCreary star has caught fire. He has 10 points in his last 10 games, four of which have been goals.
Brady is 10th in team scoring with 14 points and his plus-7 rating is tied for fifth-best on the team.
"It was a slow start but once I got used to the pace of play and everything, things started to pick up for me," commented Turko. "On a personal level, I like how I'm playing right now. I've been able to find my offensive stride and feel quite confident in my abilities at this level."
The WHL's Eastern Conference is red-hot as Christmas approaches, with only six points separating first from ninth. Brandon, tied for fifth with Swift Current at 35 points and sporting a 15-9-3-2 record, is just four points behind Medicine Hat. The Wheat Kings won five of their last 10 games before the break.
With the top eight teams advancing to the playoffs, Turko and the Wheat Kings are gearing up for a strong push, aiming to secure a top spot. They’re also just three points behind Saskatoon for the East Division lead.
"It's fun to be a part of a race. It's tight and we're looking to pull away from some teams when we begin the second half," ended Turko. "To be only four points behind first place overall in the East puts us in a good spot. We have a lot of belief in our dressing room and it's an exciting opportunity for us to jump up the standings."
With the first half of their season in the books, Brady is looking forward to some time at home. He went to McCreary last Thursday and will head back to Brandon on Boxing Day.
"It's been a while since I've been home, looking forward to being around my family and friends at home," ended Turko. "I love going hunting and spending time outside. It's a great feeling to be home, a chance to recharge the mind and spend time with my loved ones."
Brandon returns from the break on December 27, hosting the Regina Pats at Westoba Place. They’ll then travel to Moose Jaw on December 28 to face Ziprick and the Warriors before wrapping up 2024 in Swift Current on December 30. Their first game of 2025 is on January 1 in Brandon against the Broncos, followed by a pair of road games in Saskatchewan on January 3-4.
On January 4, they’ll visit Prince Albert’s Art Hauser Centre to take on Roblin’s Brayden Dube and the Raiders.
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If you're in the Rossburn area and looking to get in a skate over the holidays, you're in luck.
The Rossburn Rink is ready to go and you can enter the south doors from 9:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m. between now and January 1 to get in a skate. Come 2025, there will set time for public skating and that'll be announced in the coming days.
If you have any additional questions, you can call 204-859-0388.
The Rossburn Rink wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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They had 30 shots in the final 40 minutes of their final game before the Christmas break.
Many of those shots were great chances; it just happened that the Dauphin Kings ran into a hot goaltender as they fell 3-1 in their final game of 2024.
Matthew Thomas scored his ninth goal of the season in the defeat.
“I was very happy with the way our guys pushed back, if you take away about six minutes of that game, we were the better team,” said Doug Hedley, the team’s head coach and general manager. “I thought we generated many chances and played with speed; it was a good road game. You have to give credit to their goalie who played very well.”
Despite the loss, it was a fantastic first half of the season for Dauphin. The Kings beat the Blizzard twice in the final three weeks of 2024 and at the very least, will enter the break in a tie for first place in the MGEU West Division. The Blizzard could sweep Neepawa this weekend and tie Dauphin with 43 points, however, the Kings will enter 2025 in the driver’s seat with five games in hand on the Blizzard.
From October 20 to November 2, the Kings won five straight and went 14-4-1 in their final 19 games of 2024.
“Anytime you win 20 or more games before the break, you know you’re having a good season,” said Hedley. “It’s a good chance for the guys to get away from the game, a mental break and enjoy this time. I believe we have a special group here that can make things happen. We have a group that can play with anyone in the league."
Dauphin returns to game action on Saturday, January 4 when the Winnipeg Blues come to town. They then welcome the Northern Manitoba Blizzard to town on January 5.
By The Numbers:
Goaltending:
Cole Sheffield
18-7-1 / .920 save percentage / 2.45 goals-against average / 2 shutouts
Cole Sheffield continues to be one of the top goalies in the league. After a sensational first-round performance against the Blizzard last year, the 20-year-old continues to give Dauphin a chance to win every night.
While he has struggled at times this year, his great play has far outweighed any struggles. He won five of his last seven starts and seven of eight between October 13 and November 2.
No goalie has played more than Cole this year and in fact, it’s not even close. His 1520 minutes played are 204 more than Jase Wareham who has played the second-most.
“With Cole, you’re in every game and with him, you have a chance to win a championship and that’s why we’re here,” said Hedley. “You look no further than last year in the playoffs and what he has done this year. Cole is a special goalie and we have full trust in him.”
Bryson Yaschyshyn
3-0 / .885 save percentage / 2.55 goals-against average
Since being acquired from Winkler, Bryson has become one of the most likeable players in the dressing room and it appears that fans love him as well.
Bryson had a tough game against Waywayseecappo on December 10 when he gave up four goals in 16 shots. In his previous two games with Dauphin, Yaschyshyn was brilliant as he turned away 40 of the 43 shots he faced.
Playing as a back-up to one of the finest goalies around, Bryson will continue to improve and the future looks bright for the former member of the Pembina Valley Hawks.
“We didn’t get a large sample size of him but we love his work ethic and compete,” continued Hedley. “We’re looking to get him some real good starts here in the second half to get that consistency and give Cole a little bit of a rest down the stretch.”
Defence:
Naaman Hofer – four goals, 32 assists
Matthew Thomas – nine goals, 13 assists
Ty Pratte – one goal, 15 assists
Matthew Haun – one goal, 11 assists
Aiden Murray – one goal, six assists
Daniel Helary – three goals, three assists
Brett Magarrell – three assists
Dylan Miko – 14 games played
Dauphin ranks third in the league with 77 goals against. Only Winkler (55) and Steinbach (61) have allowed fewer. The Kings possess skill, great size and they’re deep on the back end.
The team will also welcome back Aiden Murray to the lineup in the New Year. He’s been out with an upper-body injury for a good portion of the season. Murray’s last game was a one-assist performance on November 10.
“Getting Aiden back early in 2025 is almost like making a trade at the deadline,” said Hedley. “We have been good without him. With that said, he’s a guy who gives us more ability and is great at moving pucks up the ice. He provides us with that much more depth.”
Hedley also commented on the team’s ability to play in a multitude of ways.
“With Miko and Helary on the back end with their size and strength, we can play any game that the opposition wants to in any size arena,” commented Hedley.
Forwards:
Cayden Glover – 23 goals, 14 assists (his 23 goals are the most in the league, three more than Miguel Bouvier)
Gavin Nemis – seven goals, 18 assists
Rylan Gage – nine goals, eight assists
Madden Murray - (from Dauphin) nine goals, six assists
Gabriel Bugeaud - seven goals, eight assists
Ethan Stewart – three goals, 11 assists
Ethan Williment – nine goals, one assist
Josh Schmidt – four goals, six assists
Havyril Simchuk – 4 goals, five assists
Declan Hoad – five goals, two assists
Joey Kubas – two goals, three assists
Rylan Ringor – one goal, two assists
Sheldon Shyiak – one goal, two assists
Luke Myhre – 10 games played
With their 113 goals, Dauphin has scored the fourth-most in the league heading into 2025. Only Selkirk (116), Winkler (120), and Steinbach (136) have scored more.
When it comes to West Division opponents, Dauphin has 12 more than the Blizzard and Titans.
The Kings scored four goals or more 16 times this season and scored 30 in their final seven contests.
“Gavin Nemis is a guy that we’re relying on. He had some outstanding opportunities in the first half, if he capitalized on half of those, he would be right near Glover,” said Glover. “I believe Bugeaud is going to have an outstanding second half. Getting him back in the New Year will be a big boost for our club.”
Just a few weeks away from the trade deadline, Hedley said the perfect world would see the team add a top-six forward.
“If we could add a top three or top-six forward, that’s certainly something we are looking to achieve,” said Hedley.
As noted above, the Kings return to the friendly confines of Credit Union Place on January 4 and 5. Including a postponed game that will need to be rescheduled on home ice against Swan Valley, Dauphin will play 14 games on home ice in the second half including the team’s season finale on March 15 when Waywayseecappo is in town.
In closing, Hedley is very thankful for Dauphin’s incredible fans.
“The support in town is fantastic. Fans come to the rink wanting to watch a team that works hard and leaves everything on the ice and I believe that’s what our team is about,” offered Hedley. “Our identity is hard work, being an entertaining team and I think fans appreciate that.”
“I want to give a big shoutout to all of our fans, Merry Christmas, safe travels and enjoy the holidays,” he ended.
From 730CKDM’s Voice of the Dauphin Kings Darnell Duff and everyone at the Dauphin Kings Junior A Hockey Club, Merry Christmas and we will see you at the rink on January 4.
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The Parkland U-18 Rangers are heading into 2025 on fire.
Playing their final game before the Christmas break on Sunday, the Rangers filled up the net in a 7-4 win against Central Plains.
Alex Campbell completed a hat-trick in the third to lead the Rangers while Quinten Fisk had four assists.
Landyn Garton, Cade Legaarden and Dayson Martin also scored for Parkland while Kyle Pelletier earned the win in net.
The Rangers are tied for fifth and just six points back of fourth after winning 16 games in the first half.
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The Dauphin Clippers hit double digit wins on Friday.
Hosting the Christmas Classic against Neepawa in front of an incredible crowd, Dauphin doubled up the Tigers, 4-2.
Julien Lopez scored twice while Boston Karlson and Jorden Braun also scored in the win.
The Clippers now have 10 wins in 14 games.
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Naaman Hofer played in his hometown three years ago with the Winnipeg Freeze.
After two full seasons with them, Doug Hedley made a trade with the Freeze to acquire the now 20-year-old ahead of the 2023-24 season, and what a decision it was to bring in the smooth-skating defenceman.
Hofer is well into his second season with the Kings; his first was great. Hofer's 45 points last year were the fourth-most among defenders and he will never forget about one of the longest series in Canadian Junior A history. Dauphin and the Northern Manitoba Blizzard locked horns in an epic seven-game playoff series which ended when Riley See scored the triple overtime winner. Hofer chuckled about game six, a five-overtime affair that was sealed when Cayden Glover scored the winner.
"I don't remember a few of the periods, I had never been a part of anything close to that in the past," said Hofer.
Naaman has played all 30 of Dauphin's games this season and is an early candidate for Defenseman of the Year as he leads all defenders with 36 points. He's eighth in league scoring and second on the Kings, only behind Glover who has 37.
Hofer has a knack for getting out of jams and is a brilliant skater who is heavily relied upon on the back end.
"It's been great so far, the team is rolling, excited to get the second half going in a couple of weeks," commented Hofer. "I'm pretty confident. I don't try to do anything too crazy, just trying to help the team win."
Hofer had some high praise for Hedley.
"He's a great coach and an incredible leader for us," said Hofer. "He's someone everyone looks up to in the room and the community, very happy to be playing for him."
Naaman, who is in his last year of eligibility, is also an assistant captain this year.
"That means a lot to me, Doug has put a lot of hope into me and I take being an assistant captain very seriously," continued Hofer.
Hofer is back in Winnipeg enjoying some time with his family as the Christmas break rolls on for Dauphin. The Kings will enter 2025 at 21-8-1 which currently has them atop the MGEU West Division, with games in hand on the Blizzard and Neepawa.
For the next few months, his only focus is helping Dauphin win a championship, which he believes is possible with the special group that has been assembled.
"No doubt, we have a ton of skill, compete and we have a room full of great guys," said Hofer. "We all gel together and everyone is playing for one another, it's a special group to be a part of."
When it comes to Hofer's future, he's heading to Alaska. After a three-week process of speaking to the University of Alaska Anchorage, Hofer announced his commitment to the NCAA Division 1 school.
Hofer has taken incredible strides over the past few years and is well deserving of this opportunity.
"I was kind of shellshocked when I found it, it's a dream come true, something I have been pushing so hard towards," ended Hofer. "I was shaking a bit when I found out, it's so exciting. Looking forward to that but focusing on Dauphin for now."
From everyone at 730CKDM and the Dauphin Kings, congratulations to Naaman Hofer for committing to the NCAA Division 1 University of Alaska Anchorage.
Get To Know Hofer:
Q: What is one of your greatest hockey memories?
A: I would say that the first-round series last year against the Blizzard, was just wild to be a part of.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: I like hanging out with my friends and playing video games, also love spending time outside and going for walks.
Q: What's your go-to video game?
A: I would say Call of Duty, big COD guy.
Q: If someone asked you what restaurant you wanted to go to in Winnipeg, where would it be?
A: I like going to Rae's Bistro, one of my favourites.
You can hear Naaman's full chat with Darnell Duff during the Kings Power Play Show on 730CKDM at 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
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For the second time this season, Quinten Fisk of the Parkland U-18 Rangers was named the CCM Player of the Week in the Manitoba AAA U-18 Hockey League.
Fisk put together another great week with four goals and two assists, two of his goals were shorthanded. The Rangers went 3-0 last week with a win against Yellowhead and two key victories over the Pembina Valley Hawks.
Fisk has been outstanding this season with 22 goals and 14 assists, ranking him 10th in league scoring and leading the Rangers.
Parkland is fifth in the league standings ahead of their 2024 finale on Sunday afternoon when Len Dupasquier and the Central Plains Capitals come to town. That game is at 1:30.
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Rylan Gibbs grew up watching the Dauphin Kings, and from a young age, he dreamed of one day donning the Kings jersey himself.
During the 2021-22 season, Rylan spent the season as captain for the Parkland U-18 Rangers and had a great year with 63 regular-season points in 44 games and six more playoff points in seven games. Rylan was full of confidence and made his hometown junior team the following season where he scored seven times and had 13 points in 52 games.
Rylan returned to Dauphin's lineup last season and increased his point total to 18 points in 44 games. He also notched an assist in four of the team's playoff games against the Blizzard. Returning as a 20-year-old this season, Gibbs played three games before he was dealt to the Blind River Beavers of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL).
Although the season didn’t start as Rylan had hoped, he remains incredibly grateful for the opportunity he had in Dauphin and will always treasure his time as a King.
"I grew up watching the team for as long as I can remember, I enjoyed my time immensely in Dauphin," said Gibbs. "I made some of my best friends today playing with that organization. I spent two good years with the team and wish them the best moving forward."
Upon arriving in Blind River, Rylan quickly assumed a leadership position. With 107 games of Junior A experience, all earned with Dauphin, he was appointed assistant captain for the remainder of the season with Blind River.
"I was extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity. I believe my presence was felt when I got here based on my experience," continued Gibbs. "The coaching staff believed I was a good fit to help lead the team."
Since joining his new team, Rylan has been a steady presence on the scoresheet. In 15 games, he has recorded two goals and 12 points, averaging 0.80 points per game, which ranks fifth on the team.
His first goal with Blind River came in his first game in the Red & White as he let go of a beautiful wrister in a game against Greater Sudbury on October 24. It was a part of a two-point night as the Dauphin star got off to a great start with the Beavers.
"Everything that was in my game in Dauphin has translated here with a bit more," offered Gibbs. "I have been able to use my speed and playmaking ability to my benefit. I'm trying to do anything I can to help this team, things have been going very well."
Gibbs' performance has been instrumental in propelling the team to the upper ranks of the standings. With three consecutive victories and a strong record of seven wins in their last 10 games, the Beavers have climbed to a tie for third place with the Soo Eagles.
They are now only five points behind Hearst, who hold second place, positioning the team within striking distance of even higher success.
"We went through a couple of rough patches when I first got here but that's what can pull a team together," ended Gibbs. "We're starting to come together as a group and finding ways to win. When you're winning, you're having a good time and getting closer to the guys. Everyone is feeling great right now and we're looking to keep the good times going."
The team will conclude the first half of their season on Friday, facing the Soo Thunderbirds at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
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The Dauphin Kings peppered Taye Timmerman with 43 shots, several of which were high-calibre opportunities.
Timmerman, who is only 17, shut the door as he made 42 saves in pushing the Blizzard to a 3-1 win over the Kings on Tuesday night. It was Northern Manitoba's first win against Dauphin this season after the Kings won the first two meetings in The Pas.
Matthew Thomas (9) opened the scoring 2:51 into the game as Dauphin dominated most of the game but it was the Blizzard that scored three straight and Timmerman did the rest.
Despite the loss, Dauphin (21-8-1) remains on top of the West Division by four points over the Blizzard and five over the Titans. After the Blizzard play against Neepawa this weekend, the Kings will have five games in hand on them and four on the Titans.
The Kings will return to the ice on January 4 when the Winnipeg Blues come to town.
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