Cranberry Portage is preparing for their 35th annual Trout Challenge once again happening on July 31st to August the 2nd.

Besides the fishing,  there are lots of other events to enjoy for the whole family.

The weekend will kick off with the Boat Parade on Friday night starting at 7pm followed by the Penny Parade happening at the Curling Rink.

Saturday and Sunday, August the 1st and 2nd there will be lots of other events including kids games, a casting contest, horseshoe and cribbage tournament all hosted by the MMF.

There will also be the Artisan Market at the Cranberry Museum on Saturday, Beach Volleyball Tournament, Beer Garden and Creighton's Pizza will supply the Food Vendor.

Follow all the details on the Cranberry Trout Challenge facebook page.

U-15 Norman Northstar try-outs are going to be taking place on August the 22nd and 23rd at the C.A Nesbit Arena in Thompson.

Try-outs are for any players in Northern Manitoba born in 2012 and 2013.

The deadline to register is August the 16th. You can find the registration link on the U-15 Norman Northstars Facebook page.

The Northstars play in the Winnipeg AAA League.

The Norman Northstars’ annual two-week conditioning camp is back and open to the U15 age group.

This year’s camp is perfectly timed, taking place the week before and the week after the U15 AAA tryouts—making it an excellent opportunity for U15 players preparing for tryouts to get on the ice, sharpen their skills, and stay game-ready.

Former U18 Head Coach Justin Valentino will be leading the on-ice sessions, while Tyler Davis will be running dedicated goalie sessions.

Whether you’re looking to get some extra reps in before tryouts, stay sharp afterward, or attend both weeks, this camp is a great opportunity for any player planning to try out for the U15 AAA team.

Once again you can sign up on the U-15 Norman Northstars Facebook page.

Congratulations to two UM alum, Desiree Scott  and Christina Litz  for inspiring the next generation of women's soccer players in Canada. The two are bringing a Northern Super League franchise team to Winnipeg which will start playing next fall.

Desiree Scott is an Olympic gold medalist who played on the UM Bisons soccer team between 2005 and 2009. Christina Litz is the President of Canada's first women's pro soccer league, the Northern Super League.

This will be the league's 7th franchise and the Winnipeg team  have not officially come up with a team name, crest or home facility as of yet.

Soccer is really on the rise in Canada and is the most played youth sport in the country.

This is  exciting news for both Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba to add another Professional Sports team to Western Canada.

The Rink Hockey Academy will be holding a 4 day clinic in Flin Flon at the Whitney Forum on August the 10th to the 13th.

This event is sponsored by Flin Flon Minor Hockey and includes the age groups U-7, U-9,U-11,U-13 and U-15-18.

The camp is tailored to focus on individual skills which are common in today's game and then the opportunity to showcase these skills in game like situations.

Each age group will include 16 players and 3 goalies and is open to all FFMH players first. Every player that registers will receive a Rink hockey jersey.

Registration will open today and the registration link is  on the Flin Flon Minor Hockey website at flinflonminorhockey.com, or the Flin Flon Minor Hockey facebook page.

If you are interested in coaching in Manitoba this year you need to complete your coaching clinics.

Registration is now open for Coaching 1 and 2, Checking and Safety Person/ Manager.

The deadline to complete all mandatory coach certification for the 2026-2027 season is December 1st. If you are not sure  of what clinics you need to complete, you can  visit the link on the Hockey Manitoba website at hockeymanitoba.ca.

Hockey Manitoba has also announced the dates for Provincials coming up in 2027.

Co-Ed Under 11/Girls Under 13- February 26th to the 28th.

Co-Ed Under 13 and Under 18/ Girls Under 15- March the 5th to the 7th.

Co-Ed Under 15/ Girls Under 11 and Under 18.- March the 12th to the 14th.

Hosting applications will open in August.

We are less than 2 months away from the start of another SJHL hockey season and the defending league Champion Flin Flon Bombers have announced their Pre- Season schedule.

The Bombers will play 5 pre-season games including three at the Whitney Forum and two on the road.

Here is the schedule:

Sunday September 6th- Northern Manitoba Blizzard at Flin Flon Bombers-4pm

Monday September 7th - Flin Flon at Laronge Ice Wolves- 8:30pm

Tuesday September 8th- Laronge at Flin Flon -7:30pm

Thursday September 10th- Flin Flon at Northern Manitoba Blizzard- 7pm

Friday September 11th- Northern Manitoba Blizzard at Flin Flon Bombers-7:30pm.

Training Camp will open up on Friday September the 4th and the regular season will begin on Friday September the 18th.

If you are looking to help develop Officials in our province, there is a great opportunity being presented by Hockey Manitoba.

The Hockey Manitoba Officials Facilitator Application is officially open.

They are looking for  passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated individuals with an officiating background who are interested in helping educate and develop officials throughout Manitoba during the upcoming season.

Whether you have previous instructional experience or are looking to become more involved in the development program, Hockey Manitoba would like you to apply.

Officials and facilitators play a vital role in the growth of the  officiating program by: Delivering clinics, mentoring new and returning officials, and Helping create a positive learning environment for officials at all levels.

The deadline to apply is August 7th.  

If you are interested in becoming an Officials Facilitator, visit the link on the Hockey Manitoba website at hockeymanitoba.ca.

Jordan TooToo is returning to where it all began, as he will be making a special appearance in The Pas/OCN this Saturday.

Jordan will be at Twin Motors in The Pas for a special autograph session and  book signing between 9:30 and 11:30am.

You can bring your copy of one of Jordan's books including Mind over Matter to get it signed plus your favorite jersey, puck or anything else you want autographed.

Limited copies of Jordan's book will also be on sale  Saturday.

It will be a great opportunity to meet one of Canada's most inspiring players with a lot of great stories including his time with the OCN Blizzard in the late 90's.

Flin Flon Minor Hockey want to congratulate the following coach's who have been selected to coach Rep Teams for the  up coming season.

Ryan Fox the U-9 Vipers, Tyler McKinnon U-11 Peds Threads Bombers and Kylie McKinnon U-15 Female Bombers.

FFMH is still in search of Coach's for the U-13 Kinsmen Bombers, U-15 Werbicki Trucking Bombers , U-11 Female Bombers and U-13 Female Bombers.

If you are interested in any of these coaching opportunities you can contact repteamcoordinator@gmail.com.

Northern Manitoba's longest running hockey school will be returning to the Whitney Forum in August.

The Extreme Hockey School will be running from August the 24th to the 27th and the Specialty Clinics will be happening August the 30th to September the 1st.

Once again there are programs for all different age groups including Skill Development 12 to 15, Conditioning Camps for 14 and over, Junior and Intermediate as well as Goaltending, Power Skating and Stick Handling and Shooting.

Mike Reagan the Head Coach and GM of the Flin Flon Bombers returns as the Head Instructor and he will be joined by Assistant Coach Tyler Szturm as well as many players from past and present.

Registration will be done online by clicking on the link on the Extreme Hockey School Facebook page.

If you need any other additional information you can reach out to Mike Reagan at 204-271-1407 or mikereagan39@hotmail.com.

Cranberry Portage is preparing for their 35th annual Trout Challenge Fishing Derby.

It will once again take place on beautiful Lake Athapap on August the 1st and 2nd and there will be a chance to land a lot of big prizes.

First Place will be $65,00.00, Second Place is $3,250.00 and Third Place $25,00.00.

There is also Female and Youth Angler Awards.

This is a catch and release derby and there is a $200.00 entry fee with two people per boat.

You can register on the fish donkey app and any additional information can be found on their Facebook page.

The Flin Flon Bombers held their AGM this past Sunday night at the Prospector Inn in Creighton.

Among the highlights was the Bombers paying tribute to three long time serving Board Members.

The Bombers want to tank Alison Cooper, Janice Slipp and Jordy Dumenko for all of their hard work and dedication in lots of capacities the last several years.

All three of these individuals went above and beyond their duties of Vice President, Treasurer and Director and will be missed at meetings.

The good news is all three of these former Board Members will be involved with the Bomber Organization in other capacities.

New participation data shows that nearly 50% of Canadian children now play organized soccer, making it the country’s most popular youth sport. Hockey remains Canada’s national winter sport and one of its most-watched professional leagues, but soccer now leads in youth participation.

Some of the biggest reasons include the cost as it is more affordable for families. You can play any where as all you need is a ball and some open space.

We live in a changing Canada with growing communities who have strong soccer traditions and are helping grow the sport nation wide.

There are lots of programs available including lots of youth leagues and grass roots development everywhere including Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The World Cup was also very successful especially with the success of the Men's National team and is inspiring more kids to start taking up the game.

No question that soccer has never been more popular in Canada then it is right now.

July is packed with all kinds of events at the Phantom Lake Golf Club.

From tournaments and weekly Ladies and  Men’s Night,to  Senior's Mingles, there’s something for everyone this month.
 

Unfortunately all the Junior Golf Lessons are now full,  but the golf club is accepting names for a wait list and if a spot becomes available they will be in touch.

You can check out their schedule on the Phantom Lake Golf Club Facebook page and call the Golf Club at 306-688-5555 to register for any of their events and be added to the youth lesson wait list.

Big news out of the BCHL, former Alberni Bulldogs broadcaster and former Flin Flonner Evan " the Hammer" Hammond has unanimously been named the BCHL Broadcaster of the year for 2026.

Evan had been the voice of the Bulldogs since the 2003-04 season and was one of the most recognizable and popular broadcasters in Western Canada, sadly  passing  away in January.

This is the fourth time that Evan has been recognized for his broadcast talents as the BCHL'S Broadcaster Of The Year, The Jim Hughson Award.

He also won the award in 2009,2013 and 2022.

Prior to moving out West, Hammond started his broadcast career at 102.9 CFAR in Flin Flon in the late 90's working part time while still in high school.

Hammond had a great passion for sports,  in particular hockey and got a chance to get his first play by play job for the OCN Blizzard of the MJHL, moving to The Pas in 1999.

This was the glory days of the Blizzard who won 5 straight MJHL Championships with Hammond on the mic for 4 of their league titles and a trip to Halifax in 2002 for the National Championship.

The Blizzard lost to the host team in the final, but were definitely  one of the top teams in the country and Hammond was starting to establish himself as an elite broadcaster in the country as well.

After broadcasting the Blizzard's fifth straight League Championship in 2003, Evan made his way to the island to broadcast in the BCHL with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs where he remained for over 20 years.

Evan is survived by his mother Heather, his sister Erin, his daughter Cally and his sons Griffin and Foster and is predeceased by his father Cal.

Evan's mother Heather who still resides in Flin Flon,  had this to say on the BCHL Hockey website about her son  being recognized for this award. “It is heartwarming that he has not been forgotten and we appreciate it very much. We know ‘Hammer’ would be so pleased and very grateful and hope his legacy lives on.”

Besides being the play by play broadcaster of the the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, Evan was the morning announcer of the Pattison radio station The Peak 93.3 FM, an active member of the community and a great father and family man.

He was a larger than life character that made everyone smile that knew him and he will certainly  be missed. RIP

The U-13 AA  Norman Northstars  have announced their tryout schedule for the fall.

The U13AA Norman Northstars will represent Northern Manitoba in the U13 AA provincial league.  This team is new to our region and will be joining the U13 regional league that has been established by Hockey Manitoba.  

Deadline to register is Monday  August the 31st.

The try-outs will take place on September the 12th and 13th at the Whitney Forum and is open to all players born in 2014-15.

All players that register will be broken up into four practise groups with a game Saturday night at 7pm and a game on Sunday at 11am.

For more information you can contact Tanner Brough at 431-346-1404 or tannerbrough22@gmail.com.

You can register by clicking on their link on their facebook page. 

The Emma Lake Golf Course is holding a Hole In One Tournament to support the PA Wildlife Federation.

This takes place on Friday July the 24th with a shotgun start at 1pm.

Entry fee is $185.00 per person  which includes  a 4 person scramble, steak supper and prizes.

For more information and to sign up you can call 1-306-982-2054. Payment must be made at the time of booking.

The Hudbay Aquatic Centre is planning on having their grand opening in early October, but there is already a lot happening.

The new Aquafit program is underway and there are also lots of public swims and lap swims scheduled for the summer. The Aqua Fit takes place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings as well as Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

The summer price list is also  posted for prices for both drop in and monthly passes.

You can also rent the pool for Birthday Parties and other get togethers on weekends and evenings.

They are still looking for more Life Guards and if you are interested you can reach out to cityofflinflon.perfectmind.com.

You can also view the Aqua Centre full schedule on the Flin Flon Recreation page on Facebook.

The Flin Flon Bombers Early Bird Season Ticket Campaign is underway and tickets are available for the commemorative 100th season.

Early Bird prices include $200.00 for Youth, $350.00 for Seniors and $400.00 for Adults.

These prices will remain in effect til August the 31st. An extra incentive this year for anyone who purchases a season ticket they will receive a special commemorative coin celebrating the Bombers Championship Season.

You can purchase tickets online at bombers.ca or by stopping by the Bomber Office on Flin Flon's Main Street. The hours are 1 to 5pm on Thursday and Friday and 12 to 4pm on Saturday.

Congratulations to former Laronge Ice Wolves Coach, Kevin Kaminski on being selected the new Head Coach and Player Development Consultant for the Sask Super Selects.

Kaminski is no stranger to hockey circles in Saskatchewan as he was born in Churchbridge and played his U-18AAA hockey with the Saskatoon Blazers before going on to a lengthy career with the WHL'S Saskatoon Blades.

Kaminski then went on to play in the NHL for a number of seasons after being drafted by the Minnesota North Stars 48th overall in the 1987 Draft. He also suited up for the Quebec Nordiques and Washington Capitals.

After his playing career was done, Kevin went on to a successful coaching career and has 26 years of experience behind the bench in lots of different leagues.

Kevin most recently coached the Laronge Ice Wolves of the SJHL for the last 7 seasons and was awarded SJHL Coach Of The Year in the 2019-20 season.

Kaminski loves to work with young hockey players and the Sask Super Selects are excited to have his experience and knowledge in helping develop these players both on and off the ice.

The Province of Saskatchewan has announced a Free Fishing Weekend for you and your family this weekend July the 11th and 12th.

That means any residents or visitors can cast a line without having to purchase a fishing licence.

There are a few things to keep in kind including all regulations still apply, including all angling limits, size restrictions and sport fishing laws remain in full affect.

The Free Fishing Weekend does not apply to National Parks. If you are planning on transporting fish outside the Province, you will still need to purchase a license.

For exact catch limits and any other details you can visit the website saskatchewan.ca and view the 2026-27 Anglers Guide.

Something new will be happening at the brand new Hudbay Aquatic Centre starting tomorrow.

Aqua Fit which is a low impact workout that adapts all all fitness levels and is open to people of all ages will be holding classes 5 times a week.

The classes will happen Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9and 10am and Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 8pm.

You can purchase a drop in  pass for $10.50 or a monthly pass for $94.50.

Don't forget to follow the Flin Flon Rec page on Facebook to stay up to date with all the programs and changes at the new Hudbay Aquatic Centre. 

The 2026 Flin Flon Trout Festival Month Long  Fishing Derby has wrapped up with over 100 entries submitted in the Trout, Northern Pike and Walleye categories.

Cash prizes were awarded to the top two entries in each category with $1,000.00 being awarded for first place and $500.00 for second place.

Here are the 2026 winners.

Northern Pike.

First- Dale Brightnose-46.25"( Kiciwapa Cree Nation)

Second- Jayden Oulette- 45" ( Town of Creighton)

Trout

First- Leon Wiebe-43.25"(Flin Flon Credit Union)

Second- Troy Dease- 41"( Town of Creighton)

Walleye

First- Brett Muench-31.625" ( Kozar Construction, Frontline, FF Insurance, The Hooter)

Second- Al Roschuk-31.25 ( Town of Creighton)

Biggest Fish in the Youth category for $150.00 from the Flin Flon Rotary Club went to :

Forest Ritchie- 43" in the Pike category, Beau Fidierchuk 31.25-Trout category and Shaun Ranks 28 " in the Walleye category.

The SJHL has released their schedule for the up coming 2026-27 season.

Once again each team will play 56 regular season games and play their division opponents 8 times.

The Flin Flon Bombers play in the UPL Division, so they will face the Melfort Mustangs, Nipawin Hawks and Laronge Ice Wolves  8 times.

The season will begin on Friday September the 18th with the Bombers making their way to the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre to face the Laronge Ice Wolves. The Bombers will host the Ice Wolves in their home opener the following Friday September the 25th at the Whitney Forum.

Other notable dates include the Bombers first 4 game in 5 night road trip which will start in Melville Tuesday  September the 29th  before making stops in  Weyburn, Estevan and Yorkton.

The October 3rd matchup in Yorkton will be the Bombers first stop at the Westland Arena,  since winning their first SJHL Championship in 33 years last April.

The Bombers will play their final two games before Christmas against Laronge on December the 18th and 19th before opening up the new year against Melfort at the Whitney Forum on New Year Day  at 7:30pm.

The regular season will come to a close on the weekend of March the 12th and 13th with the Bombers once again facing the Laronge Ice Wolves.

Playoffs will start the following weekend March the 19th.

Complete regular season schedule for all the teams can be seen at sjhl.ca. 

Before you know it we will be back at the rink and preparing for another hockey season.

Flin Flon Minor Hockey will be opening their online registration in August and are also planning for their 3 on 3 Jamboree.

The different divisions involved include U-9,U-11 and U-13 and will take place on August the 29th at the Whitney Forum.

Details will be coming very soon.