Sports

Hockey

Easton Odut of Dauphin, shown during a Brandon Wheat Kings practice, retired from hockey last month after suffering his sixth concussion in eight years. Life is now taking him in another direction. (Perry Bergson/The Brandon Sun)

Concussions force Odut to move on

Perry Bergson 16 minute read Yesterday at 8:02 PM CDT

The beginning of the end of Easton Odut’s Western Hockey League career may have started seven years before he first stepped on the ice with the Brandon Wheat Kings.

He was playing flag football in his hometown, Dauphin, with his friends during intramurals when he was 11 and in Grade 6.

“We had soccer poles at my elementary school and they were out of bounds but we kind of forgot,” Odut said. “I ran out and cut back in right in front of the pole and then I just bumped it with my head.”

It was quickly apparent there was something wrong. He had unrelenting headaches and was taken to the doctor for a diagnosis. It happened during the summer, so it didn’t impact his hockey, but Odut had his first concussion.

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Hockey

Former Brandon Wheat Kings forward Ben Thornton races to the finish during the fastest skater competition at the team’s skills competition at J&G Homes Arena in 2023. His career ended prematurely as his concussion problems became more and more serious. (Perry Bergson/The Brandon Sun) Nov. 7, 2023

Treatment for brain injuries continues to evolve

Perry Bergson 6 minute read Preview

Treatment for brain injuries continues to evolve

Perry Bergson 6 minute read Yesterday at 8:02 PM CDT

Decades ago, a hockey player might be knocked unconscious on the ice, wake up in the dressing room and return to play in the third period.

Happily, those days are long gone as concussions are better understood and taken far more seriously.

Former Brandon Wheat Kings athletic therapist Zach Hartwick, who resigned from the club after the Western Hockey League season to move his family closer to home, was asked what happens when a player suffers a suspected head injury.

His full explanation of the Canadian Hockey League’s concussion treatment pathway follows.

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Yesterday at 8:02 PM CDT

Hockey

Dauphin Kings forward Sheldon Shyiak winds up for a big hug with teammate Ash Mitchelmore after a Manitoba Junior Hockey League win this season. (Submitted)

Shyiak eager to get started at Marian

Massimo De Luca-Taronno 6 minute read Preview

Shyiak eager to get started at Marian

Massimo De Luca-Taronno 6 minute read Yesterday at 8:01 PM CDT

If it was up to Sheldon Shyiak, the upcoming hockey season would be starting yesterday.

The 21-year-old Dauphin Kings forward is up at it and ready to go after committing to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin’s Marian University to play NCAA Division III with the Sabres for the 2026-27 season.

He made his decision official last week after visiting Marian’s campus in early May. And while the news is still fresh, the St. Cloud, Minn., product has been itching to make his college debut since he first laced up the skates at age five.

“I’m so fired up,” said Shyiak, who will be studying business. “It’s always been a dream of mine to play college, so I honestly don’t even have words to explain it. I just wish I could get going right now, like I wish I could play now and just try and bring a championship to Marian. I just want to get after it.”

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Yesterday at 8:01 PM CDT

Golf

Darcy Howarth, right, accepts the Grey Owl golf tournament trophy from president Tyler Thompson last June. The MacGregor native is back to defend his title starting on Friday. (Supplied)

TEEING OFF: Defending champ Howarth back at Grey Owl

Thomas Friesen 3 minute read Preview

TEEING OFF: Defending champ Howarth back at Grey Owl

Thomas Friesen 3 minute read Yesterday at 8:00 PM CDT

Darcy Howarth has never arrived at the Grey Owl expecting to win, or even considering the possibility.

His mindset is no different this time as the defending champion at the 64th annual golf tournament beginning Friday at Clear Lake Golf Course.

“Expectations are a little bit higher, I guess, but still coming up here just to rekindle with a few buddies and have a good time. For me, how I play doesn’t determine my weekend,” the MacGregor product said.

“I come up here and have a good time, and whatever happens, happens. If I golf well, great. If not, it’s still an amazing weekend.”

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Yesterday at 8:00 PM CDT

Local Sports

Sports Looking Back: June 4, 2026

2 minute read Yesterday at 7:58 PM CDT

IN LOCAL HISTORY

• 40 YEARS AGO — Garry Loewen booted two goals, and as the Sails edged Minnedosa 4-3 in a Brandon Senior Men’s Soccer League game. Kerry Myers and Clyde Braun also scored for the Sails.

• 30 YEARS AGO — Colin Cloutier, who was traded to the Lethbridge Hurricanes at the WHL’s trade deadline, inked a deal with the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa selected the former Brandon Wheat King 34th overall in the ’94 entry draft.

• 20 YEARS AGO — Delaney Nicol-Samuel scored the winning goal in a penalty shootout as the Crocus Plainsmen beat the Sisler Spartans 2-1 to win the Manitoba urban high school boys soccer provincial consolation title at Optimist Park. The Plainsmen got a goal from Ben Van Walleghem during regulation time and keeper Darcy Geseron kept the Spartans at bay in the shootout.

Sports Breaking News

A Team Canada rugby ball sits on the turf before a men's match between Scotland and Canada in Ottawa on Saturday, July 6, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Rugby Canada extends Stephen Meehan’s coaching contract through men’s World Cup

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Rugby Canada extends Stephen Meehan’s coaching contract through men’s World Cup

The Canadian Press 2 minute read 9:59 AM CDT

LANGFORD - Rugby Canada has signed men's coach Stephen Meehan to a contract extension that keeps him at the helm through next year's Men's Rugby World Cup in Australia to 2028.

In his first year coaching Canada in 2025, Meehan led the men's team to World Cup qualification after it missed out on France in 2023.

It was the first time since 1987 that Canada didn't participate in the tournament.

Canada will host Spain on July 4 and Portugal on July 11 at Edmonton's Clarke Stadium before heading to Winnipeg to meet Zimbabwe on July 18 at Princess Auto Stadium.

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9:59 AM CDT

Sports Breaking News

Russia's Mirra Andreeva reacts after winning the semifinal tennis match against Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

No handshake and no photo as Andreeva of Russia beats Kostyuk of Ukraine to reach French Open final

Jerome Pugmire, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

No handshake and no photo as Andreeva of Russia beats Kostyuk of Ukraine to reach French Open final

Jerome Pugmire, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: 10:15 AM CDT

PARIS (AP) — Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva reached her first Grand Slam final by beating Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine 6-1, 6-3 at the French Open on Thursday.

The 19-year-old Andreeva converted her first match point when serving for the match. There was no post-match handshake between them and Kostyuk walked off quickly, turning only to wave and blow kisses to the crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier, which saw some fans draped in Ukrainian flags.

“I am happy that I am in my first ever Grand Slam final. All of these feelings combined, it is amazing," Andreeva said. "I just told myself no matter what happens, I am going to fight and give my best. With this kind of mindset, I ended up winning.”

The atmosphere beforehand was somewhat tense as the players had separate photos taken as they each stood next to two children on their respective side of the net. Usually the players pose for the same photo, standing right next to each other by the net.

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Updated: 10:15 AM CDT

Sports Breaking News

Victoria Mboko of Canada returns to Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic during their second round women's singles tennis match at the French Open tennis tournament in Paris, Thursday, May 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Serena Williams’ tennis comeback to begin with 19-year-old doubles partner Victoria Mboko

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Serena Williams’ tennis comeback to begin with 19-year-old doubles partner Victoria Mboko

The Associated Press 1 minute read 9:26 AM CDT

LONDON (AP) — Serena Williams will make her eagerly anticipated return to professional tennis playing doubles alongside a partner who is 25 years younger.

Victoria Mboko, the 19-year-old Canadian ranked No. 9, revealed Thursday she would have the “honor” of playing with the 44-year-old Williams as wild-card entries at the Queen’s Club next week.

They practiced on the grass courts in west London on Thursday, with Williams seen hitting balls in a purple top and white pants.

“The Queen is back,” Mboko wrote in a post on Instagram alongside a picture of her standing next to Williams. 

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9:26 AM CDT

More Sports

Sports Breaking News

Carlos Ulberg, centre left, of New Zealand, celebrates after defeating Jiri Prochazka of Czechia by TKO to win their light heavyweight title bout at a UFC 327 mixed martial arts event on April 11, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

UFC ending pay-per-view model in Canada with Paramount Plus streaming deal

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

UFC ending pay-per-view model in Canada with Paramount Plus streaming deal

The Canadian Press 2 minute read 7:00 AM CDT

TORONTO - The UFC and Paramount plan to expand their partnership into Canada next year, the mixed martial arts organization said Thursday.

Under the six-year deal, all UFC numbered-event main cards -- traditionally known as pay-per-view events -- will be available exclusively to Paramount Plus streaming subscribers in Canada.

"I think this is a testament to the evolution of our brand and partnering with an organization like Paramount Plus," said David Shaw, the UFC's executive vice-president, head of international and content. "Ultimately, what this comes down to is a really fan-friendly opportunity and deal for our fans, but also new fans alike to experience UFC content starting in January 2027."

Last year, Paramount and the UFC announced a seven-year, multi-territory media rights partnership in the United States, Latin America and Australia.

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7:00 AM CDT

Sports Breaking News

People take photos of an AI robot at the All In artificial intelligence conference Wednesday, September 27, 2023 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

In the news today: AI strategy, B.C. killer discharged, Blue Jays sign Twins pitcher

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

In the news today: AI strategy, B.C. killer discharged, Blue Jays sign Twins pitcher

The Canadian Press 3 minute read 3:16 AM CDT

Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed …

PM Carney to announce federal artificial intelligence strategy in Toronto today

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to announce the federal government's strategy on artificial intelligence today in Toronto.

The strategy comes as governments, businesses and civil society navigate the rapid development of machine learning and tools that can process information almost instantly — with varying degrees of accuracy.

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3:16 AM CDT

Sports Breaking News

Boi-1da, Nelly Furtado and Alessia Cara pose with members of Canada's men's national soccer team in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Canada Soccer(Mandatory Credit)

Nelly Furtado, Tragically Hip join Boi-1da for Canada’s ‘competitive’ World Cup album

Alex Nino Gheciu, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Nelly Furtado, Tragically Hip join Boi-1da for Canada’s ‘competitive’ World Cup album

Alex Nino Gheciu, The Canadian Press 5 minute read 3:00 AM CDT

When Boi-1da was first approached about a World Cup soundtrack by Canada Soccer, the brief was simple: a few songs to accompany the 2026 FIFA tournament.

He quickly pushed for something much bigger.

“There’s just too much talent out here to just showcase one, two, three artists,” says the Grammy-winning Toronto producer behind some of Drake’s biggest hits.

Beyond scale, there was another idea driving him: competition.

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3:00 AM CDT

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