Strafers start private hockey in Westman
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/02/2025 (269 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The Western Canadian Hockey Academy is adding another private team, but it’s not the first in western Manitoba to join the Premier Hockey League.
The Manitoba Strafers U15’s joined the PHL as the first Manitoba team and furthest team east to join the private league as of this past fall.
“The league got going because they felt there was a need for players in smaller towns that don’t have the same opportunity in a bigger centre like Brandon,” said program director Blake Martynuik.
“It’s like you either make a AAA team or you have to go back and play house and you’re scoring six goals a game, and it’s not really good for anybody. It’s a means to bring players together that don’t have other opportunity.”
The Strafers’ season started with four games over the weekend of Oct. 18 and 19, and the team has played the showcase format of four games per weekend, once per month since.
The team practices in MacGregor and Carberry and features players from as far as Saskatoon, Swift Current, Sask., and Brochet, with a large Brandon and Westman contingent.
Head coached by Ryan Shields and assisted by Jason Pascal, the team competes at different locations in Alberta monthly.
Pascal said he could have anticipated the growth of private hockey in our region, as the demand for high-level competition hasn’t declined.
“All these kids are in the same boat. They’re underdogs,” said Pascal. “To see them go out and fight for wins is the best part. In this league, everyone gets an equal opportunity. It’s a fresh start for all of them.”
The Strafers close out the PHL season next weekend with four games in Cold Lake, Alta.
» The Brandon Sun