Marketplace 2023-01-13

Staff Photo by Tyson Off

Veteran Terriers reflect of 50 goal efforts

The Yorkton Junior Terriers are celebrating 50 years in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League this season.

To mark the milestone Yorkton This Week is digging into its archives and pulling out a random Terrier-related article from the past five decades of reporting on the team, and will be running one each week, just as it originally appeared.

This feature will appear weekly over the entire season in the pages of The Marketplace.

Week #17 comes from Jan. 8, 2020.

When Chantz Petruic scored his 50th goal of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season Saturday, he became only the sixth Yorkton Terrier to reach the plateau.

The first five are led by Darrell Spelay, who scored 50, or more goals in each of his four seasons with the Terriers, starting with 56 goals his rookie season of 1979-80.

Spelay said at the time he probably did not savor his accomplishment as much as he should have.

While suggesting “hockey has changed so much,” an evolution that has in many ways thwarted the high octane offences, Spelay said he realizes now scoring 50-plus goals in four straight seasons was pretty special.

But Spelay, ever modest of his accomplishment, reiterated that the offence in his day was one that simply scored a lot of goals.

As a rookie it helped that Spelay faced the Regina Silver Foxes on many nights in their last year in the league.

“Some games they only had nine, or 10 players,” he said, adding it was not unheard of in his era for the Terriers to put up double digit goals in a game.

But, it was still big to pop 56 goals as a rookie.

“That was really

good,” he says with a knowing smile. “I wish at the moment I had recognized how big a deal it was.”

It helped of course having the right linemates.

For Spelay that included Barry Roach, and Greg Thomson for most of his career. All Thomson did was amass 252 regular season assists, still a career best in the league.

When Roach graduated Spelay kept scoring at a good pace with 64 goals in his final season as a Terrier, to finish with a still SJHL best 243 career goals.

So what was Spelay’s secret to success?

Well he said he used to say ‘you never saw me in the corners’, leaving the digging for the puck to Thomson and Roach, who were eager passers, willing to feed a perennial 50-goal scorer.

“I had a really good shot,” he said, again flashing his ready smile. “That was one of my assets, and a quick release.”

Meanwhile Bryan Kuspira came into his own in the 1982-83 season, becoming the second player in Terrier history to score 50, or more, scoring a crisp 61 goals in 62 games.

“That year we just had four great lines,” remembered Kuspira. He was on a line with Clayton Zulyniak and Blaine Whitesides. He added it was a year the team eclipsed 400 goals. “... That’s the year we won everything (earning the first league title for the Terriers).”

Kuspira said at the time, and even today, he doesn’t see his accomplishment as overly significant, adding he was happier when his linemates both scored more than 30.

“I already had 60, so I said we need to get you guys 30,” he recalled, adding that was his focus

as the season wore down, setting up his linemates to achieve their goals. “... I was just as happy passing the puck.”

Kuspira did admit he thought more players would have reached the plateau.

“I thought there’d be more (than six), but hockey’s different from when we played ‘til now,” he said.

Next up was Pat Ford who netted 71-goals in 59 games in the 1983-’84 season.

Looking back Ford sees Spelay in a brighter light than the four-time 50-goal saw himself.

“Darrell Spelay was the greatest goal scorer I ever played with – hands down,” Ford told Yorkton This Week in a telephone interview from Arizona where he was waiting to watch son Keegan play a collage game.

Ford said Spelay was always understated of his skills.

“He was humble when he played. He didn’t realize he was a superstar,” said Ford.

But, Spelay was willing to share his knowledge, and Ford said that was a key in his own success.

Traded to the Terriers from North Battleford mid-season in Spelay’s last year with the Terriers, Ford said he spent a lot of time just soaking up advice from the stars the Terriers had; including Greg Thomson, Bryan Kuspira and of course Spelay.

“They really took me under their wings,” he said, adding they gave him confidence in his own ability to score.

“If you’re going to score 50-goals you can’t be shy to shoot the puck.”

For his first half season Ford watched as Spelay and Kuspira filled the net, soaking in everything he could from his teammates.

There was a short lull before another Terrier would score 50, an 18-year old from Langenburg. Ed Zawatsky, who recalls watching Spelay, Kuspira and Ford, would pot 69 in 64-games the 1986-87 season.

Like those before him, Zawatsky said he really wasn’t aware of what he had accomplished at the

time.

“It’s always a little bit fuzzy,” he said, adding what he does remember most sharply is his desire to score that year.

“I was really focused that year. I’d made a decision to try to go NCAA.”

Zawatsky said he saw the path to an American college scholarship paved with SJHL goals.

“I knew it was important to put up huge numbers to move on, so I was extremely focused at the start of that year,” he reiterated.

So, when he scored his 50th and beyond it was very much just a step on the path.

“I don’t thank at the time I realized. It was just a matter of trying to get more and more, to get some exposure,” said Zawatsky who was on a line with Grant Ottenbreit and Mark Marianchuk for his big year, before heading south to play at a Colorado College.

You have to jump all the way to the 199192 season for the last of the group to hit 50 goals before Petruic joined the group Saturday. It was in the spring of 1992 Dean Seymour scored his 50th, ending the season with 52 goals in 64 games.

“It was the year after being in the Centennial Cup (in Sudbury, ON.). We weren’t as strong a team,” recalled Seymour, adding several key players from the national-run team graduated.

But having a somewhat weaker team meant more ice time for Seymour coming off a 42-goal run in the Centennial Cup season.

“I remember I got to play a lot,” he said, adding he felt ready for the added ice time. “I was filled with all kinds of confidence from the year before.”

Beyond good teammates Ford said coach Gerry James was a huge influence.

“I owe a lot to Gerry James. I was a good player in Junior before I got to Yorkton, but James taught me how to prepare, to be mentally tough,” said Ford.

Seymour credited his coach Dennis Polonich with making him pause to appreciate his accom-

plishment of scoring 50.

“I remember I got a plaque. It was Dennis who advocated they do a presentation, to do it up right,” recalled Seymour.

That was important at the time because Seymour said he really didn’t recognize what he had done.

Leading up to the moment “it was on my mind at all,” he said, adding even when he scored his 50th “I didn’t think much of it.”

That said Seymour did suggest he saw scoring as a means to playing college, his eyes firmly set on attending the University of Saskatchewan.

Then the connection within hockey took over. Pat Ford called and suggested he take an offer from Northern Michigan University, but he still leaned toward the U of S.

Then a call came from Brett Hull recommending he not miss the opportunity to play at NMU.

“I got off the phone, called my Dad and said I have to go to Northern Michigan,” he said.

When Spelay and Kuspira aged-out of Junior, Ford found himself ready for a place in the Terriers top line with Thomson and Rick Viens.

In Thomson Ford said he had the consummate set-up man.

“He was the greatest passer in history,” he offered. “I could shoot the puck and he put me in situations to succeed.”

Having an eager passer as a linemate helps and that was certainly the case for Seymour the year he scored 50, with the help of Stacey Prevost.

“He was my Niklas Backstrom (of the Washington Capitals). He just wanted to pass pucks,” said Seymour.

As for his 71 goals, Ford admitted at the time he under-appreciated what he had accomplished.

“Gerry (James) had us so focused on winning hockey games,” recalled Ford, noting that individual success seemed secondary at the time.

From that, Ford had a message for Petruic for when he hit 50.

“Savor it in the short term, but stay focused on the big picture too,” he said, adding any player hitting the mark needs to realize how big a deal it is. “It’s hard to score 50 in any league. Take some time to enjoy it. It’s a great accomplishment.”

Seymour said 50 goals is something a player might never repeat, noting in college season are 30 games long – he scored 40 goals in three years of college, and in pro

hockey everything gets harder.

“It’s a really, really hard thing to do,” he said, adding if he met Petruic he would have two pieces of advice, enjoy the moment and “keep shooting.”

Kuspira said he appreciates the idea of telling Petruic to pause to enjoy the moment “but he’s not going to listen.

“If you think about hitting 60 ... You can’t think about it. You’ve just got to go out there and have fun and play hockey.

Zawatsky said taking some time would be good for Petruic, but added over the years he will likely come to appreciate it more.

“It makes me feel good talking to you (now), to realize so few players have done it,” he said.

Now the achievement means more.

“I’m so honoured to have done it. It probably feels better now than it did at the time,” said Zawatsky.

Spelay said he has taken a definite interest in Petruic and his pursuit of 50-goals this season, admitting he sees quite a bit of himself in the current Terrier sniper.

“It was a long time ago for me, but we’re somewhat similar ... He has a knack for being in the right place at the right time,” Spelay said of Petruic, “and he has a great shot.”

Seymour said being eager to shoot is a key if you want to score goals.

“I was a shoot first kind of guy ... I just always loved to shoot the puck,” he said.

“My perfect practice was to drop a bucket of pucks in the high slot and start shooting.”

Spelay said as goal scorers you face close checking every night and while he admitted he had teammates that took care of opposition getting too physical with him –former National Hockey League tough guys Ken Daneyko in his rookie year, Dave Brown in 198081, and Joey Kocur 198082 coming to mind – in today’s game Petruic still gets lots of close attention.

“And he still performs game after game,” said Spelay.

Spelay said in general goal scorers will have a lot of similarities, although there are usually individual traits “that make them a little different from everyone else.” As example, he noted Kuspira was taller, with more reach, “and more of a playmaker” than Spelay himself was.

Zawatsky said what he sees in Petruic is a player who rises to the occasion when he is most needed.

“It’s unbelievable the way he gets things done just when it’s needed. He (Petruic) has a knack for getting a big goal just when the team needs it,” he said.

Kos among lawn bowling best in Canada

What makes one sport hugely popular and another far less so?

That is a question that I find fascinating even if I have no idea of what a reasonable explanation would be.

So why bring it up in this week’s column?

Well, recently I came across an online mention of Regina’s Jordan Kos, who I imagine most readers will not recognize.

While relatively unknown, Kos has a rather impressive resume having competed at events from Wales to China to Australia.

Kos has also represented Canada through the years, most recently, and significantly at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.

By now you are likely wondering what sport Kos excels in?

The answer is lawn bowling which is played around the world, but in relative anonymity here in Canada?

But, why is that the case.

Even Kos herself admits to wondering that, especially given lawn bowling looks very much like a summer version of curling, and curling being rather popular in this

country with events regularly broadcast on TV.

“We do compare lawn bowling to curling a lot,” Kos told Yorkton This Week, adding the sport also is similar in ways to bocce. “. . . It’s a more refine version of bocce.”

While curling is played on ice, lawn bowling is on grass.

“It’s almost like a golf green, but shorter than that,” explained Kos.

And, instead of rings, players roll their balls toward a jack, scoring for the ones closes to it at the end of an end.

The balls used in lawn bowling are biased which means they are unsymmetrical in nature. It is a very challenging game as one side of the ball is not proportioned and the ball travels in a curved path – much like a curling rocks moves down the ice sheet. The main objective of the game is to place the ball as close as possible to the target which is called as jack.

Kos said the biased balls “adds an element of skill” to the sport as players must learn how to throw that the ball curves to its target.

“It’s what I find so interesting about the sport.”

So why is lawn bowling not on a level with its cold weather cousin?

Kos said it is something she has thought about, especially since lawn bowling is far more popular in some countries. For example, in Australia the sport is seen like curling is here.

CALVIN DANIELS Sports

It’s similar is some European countries “where it’s more wellknown, more recognized,” said Kos.

In Canada though lawn bowling is seen as something largely a recreation for seniors, admitted Kos.

“We’re trying to

change the narrative,” she added. “It’s a sport for youth. It just happens a lot of older people play it too.”

While lawn bowling is often thought of as an activity for seniors here, Kos herself came to the sport at a very young age.

“When I was seven years old,” she said, adding her introduction to the sport was the result of her mother seeing an ad in a school bulletin encouraging young students to try lawn bowling.

Kos said her mother initially thought the ad was out of place thinking as many do lawn bowling is a sport for seniors.

However, “they were actually advertising for a youth program,” said Kos.

So Kos and two cousins went.

“After the first bowls, we were hooked,” she said.

Slowly, the sport is evolving to attract more youth, said Kos.

“I used to run a youth program at the club (Regina Lawn Bowling Club),” said Kos, adding watching youth start just holding the ball and soon “rolling it with such proficiency was a remarkable thing to witness.”

Locally, in Regina one of five clubs in

Saskatchewan – two in Saskatoon, North Battleford and Moose Jaw -- Kos said they are seeing recreational play numbers growing too.

It likely helped to have Kos’ success to look at for encouragement.

“I represented Team Canada the first time when I was 14,” she said, adding she has been involved since. She is now still only 22.

Since then Kos has done well in spite of the sport not being widely followed in Canada, highlights including a silver medal in 2015 at the 18th Annual Tiger Bowls and China Open in women’s four, and Bowler of the Tournament at the 2019 US Open.

Upcoming Kos will represent Canada at the World Singles Champion of Champions in November 2023, scheduled to be hosted at the Naenae Bowls Club, Lower Hutt in, Wellington, New Zealand.

As for the recent Commonwealth Games, Kos said it was an amazing experience.

“It was insane competition. I did my best to prepare for the tournament,” she said. “I was very fortunate to have had the experience.”

USask-led project shows path to food security in at-risk communities

SASKATOON

– A University of Saskatchewan (USask)led research project is literally putting food on the table for families in one of the most malnourished countries in the world.

A recently completed project by the Vatanparast Nutritional Epidemiology Lab in USask’s College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, in partnership with the University of Idaho (U of I), aimed to improve food security for families in Guatemala.

Climate change has drastically impacted the ability of the largely Indigenous local population in Momostenango, Guatemala, to sustain traditional methods of agriculture. The disruption to the local economy was having disastrous effects on the health of families.

The project led by Dr. Hassan Vatanparast (MD, PhD), supplied funds to households to buy

hens, with the central highlands municipality of Momostenango supplying building materials for chicken coops to raise the birds as a continued food source for malnourished families.

Participants Gabriel and Rosalina are raising their two young daughters in a small, well-kept adobe house. With their share of the project funds, they built a coop, purchased 10 laying hens, and carefully nurtured their new enterprise.

“They keep the hens healthy by feeding them corn concentrate mixed with garlic and onion as per their grandmother’s advice,” said Dr. Ginny Lane (PhD), one of the principal researchers along with Vatanparast.

“They now have 75 hens that produce 40 to 50 eggs per day,” said Lane, assistant professor of nutrition at U of I and a registered dietitian.

The family consumes about 10 eggs per day and sells the rest to their

neighbours. Demand is so great that usually all the eggs are sold by midday, with neighbours who arrive late leaving empty-handed.

“Prior to the project, their children would get sick often and did not consume many eggs,” said Lane. “Now their daughters are healthy and do not get sick as often. When the hens become old and stop producing, they sell them and save the money to buy new hens that are a cross between barn egg layers and the diseaseresistant hens native to the area.”

The family is very dedicated to the care of its hens and told Lane, “We now dream of a better future for our daughters, as they will be able to finish school and have different life options.”

The project involved a total of 10 families, with varying success. Some families used their flock to produce both eggs and chicks to be sold at mar-

ket, providing food and income.

Other families struggled because they did not have the resources to regularly buy feed for their hens. An illness derailed one family’s operation completely after they were forced to sell their hens to buy medicine.

The project received funding from both the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship program, which covered a portion of Lane’s time, and a One Health fund grant through USask, which funded the needed supplies. One Health is a global initiative that encourages collaboration among all health disciplines, with the goal of attaining optimal health for people, animals and the environment.

Vatanparast said the overarching goal of the project was to identify alternative approaches to tackle malnutrition in

Indigenous communities that have been affected by climate change.

“Before starting this trial, we collected baseline information on malnutrition, the existing resources present in the communities, and the potential adoptability to alternative interventions to improve malnutrition while empowering the community members, especially Indigenous women,” he said.

A short-term impact of the project could include immediately addressing acute malnutrition in Momostenango, a community with one of the highest rates of malnutrition in both North and South America, Vatanparast said.

“In the era of climate change, Gabriel and Rosalina’s success can set an example for long-term impacts of such initiatives, providing a roadmap toward empowering at-risk communities and creating circular economies

through the implementation of sustainable approaches.”

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Jordan Kos

Photo courtesy of Bo Kos

IN BRIEF

Start of new projects 2022 highlight for Hudson Bay mayor

By Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (Humbolldt Journal)

Hudson Bay mayor Betty Lou Palko said she is very proud of her community and the projects that were completed in 2022 and the projects that continue into 2023.

She is new to the position since October as the previous mayor recently stepped down for personal reasons. Palko had been on council for 20 years so her recent change in chair has not come with too many obstacles.

Palko highlighted the purchase of a new “Bay Bus”. This van travels back and forth from Hudson Bay to Saskatoon three days a week taking people to appointments. It is primarily used for medical appointments but can be used for other purposes. She said they welcome pick-ups from

Tisdale and Melfort.

She also said they began construction of a new outdoor swimming pool. The community jumped on board to fundraise and are hopeful that it will be completed the summer of 2023. The ICIP (Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program) grant money was received for this project. The federal government will contribute $639,120 (40 per cent of the project), the provincial government $532,547 (33.33 per cent), while the town will contribute $426,130 (26.67 per cent).

The Town of Hudson Bay is also replacing the change/shower house, which is not included in the above project costs.

Chief administrative officer Teresa Parkman said the approximate cost for the new pool, with an upgrade to the waterslide, will be $1.9 million.

The Town of Hudson Bay also is rebuilding a

new lift station and force main. The ICIP (Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program) grant money was received for the new lift station and force main. The total for this project is estimated at $3.59 million, with 40 per cent from the federal government ($1.4 million), 33.33 per cent from the provincial ($1.2 million). The town will be responsible for the remaining 26.67 per cent ($957,453).

The Town of Hudson Bay continues to build onto their walking trails east of town to connect with the walking trail already in place. There is now a trail that completely circles the community.

Palko also spoke about Sept. 17 and the “Celebrate Hudson Bay” event. It did make us Hudson Bay Proud, she said. Many community organizations participated as cultural events, children’s activities, fire-

works and food prevailed all throughout town.

Palko said she is proud of her community and its many hard-work-

ing volunteers. We are fortunate to live in the beautiful forest and in a clean, progressive community, she said.

The final two weeks of round robin play in the Duck Mountain Super League have been competed, setting the stage for the playoffs coming up in Canora, according to a release from Glen Becenko of Kamsack.

Week seven games were held in Norquay.

“The club got the ice in just in time, so it was a little green as we curlers say, which made for some interesting games,” said Becenko.

Since there are only three sheets of ice in Norquay there were two draws held, at 6:45 and 9 p.m. In the early draw, Swan Valley Chiropractic lost its first game at the hands of the defending champs, also from Swan River, Swan Hills Properties, by 7 to 5. Also in the first draw it was W.F. Schneider and Son improving their record by beating Hub International 5 to 2. In the late draw it saw local team Challoner Farms with home ice advantage take an early lead and go on to victory over NCC Farms by 7 to 3.

On the other sheet it was Pioneer Hybrid narrowly hanging on with a steal of one in

the eighth end over Pattison Ag by 6 to 5. Both Hub International and Pattison Ag remained winless.

The following day one makeup game from an earlier draw was held in Swan River on a very cool evening. The team of Swan Valley Properties handed Pattison Ag yet another defeat of 7 to 0.

The final round robin games took place in Benito, Man, on Jan. 3

The only game that had any real meaning in the standings saw Pioneer Hybrid of Canora hold on to beat

NCC, Farms 5 to 3, ensuring them a spot in the Championship event. In other action it was Challoner Farms over Pattison Ag 7 to 3, leaving them winless in this year’s competition. Also going through this year’s play coming close but not getting in the win column was Hub International, losing to Swan Valley Properties 5 to 3.

“In the last game we saw Swan Valley Chiropractic improve their record, handing W.F. Schneider and Sons only their second loss by 8 to 5,” said Becenko.

The Championship had top team Swan Valley Chiropractic(6-1) take on fourth place team W.F. Schneider and Sons(5-2). The other draw would see last year’s champion Swan Hills Properties e (5-2), finishing in second, play local team Pioneer Hybrid from Canora, also with a (5-2) record.

On the B side it was NCC Farms (3-4) taking on Hub International (06). The other game was to feature Challoner Farms (3-4) against Pattison Ag (0-6).

“Had Pattison Ag and

Hub International been able to play the game they missed against each other during round robin play, one of them would have had a Big W,” observed

Becenko. “Better luck next year boys!”

The finals were set for Jan. 10, starting at 6:45 p.m. in Canora, with finals in both events at 9.

The mayor praised the staff on all their hard work on receiving grants to make projects of this magnitude happen.

Betty Lou Palko, Hudson Bay’s mayor, said she’s proud of what her community achieved in 2022. On town council for 2022 are, from left and starting in the back, are Kelly Stonehouse, Alexis Armit, Sherry Pilon and Meagan Dickson. In front are Brent Dyck, Betty Lou Palko and Mel Cadrain.

Photo courtesy of Town of Hudson Bay

Bruce Sinclair named

USask Storyteller-in-Residence

SASKATOON

– University of Saskatchewan (USask) Métis drama professor Bruce Sinclair has been named the University Library’s Indigenous Storytellerin-Residence at USask for 2023.

Sinclair, a Métis theatre artist, teacher, student of the nehiyawewin (Cree) and Michif languages, begins his 12-week residency this

month.

“As important as stories in our lives, making time for others, to share and hear and learn, for acceptance of many cultures and stories, to teach our children … to actualize and realize the essence of story in our places of education,” Sinclair said about his role as Storyteller-inResidence.

Sinclair teaches drama to USask students in the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP), Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP) and Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways (ISAP), and acts, directs, writes plays/stories, and strives to merge artistic practice with life. Sinclair will hold regular office hours at the Murray Library on

the USask campus and spend a portion of his residency delivering programming to the community, made possible through a partnership with the Saskatoon Public Library.

“We’re excited to have Professor Sinclair take up this important role in the library,” said Dr. Melissa Just (EdD), dean of the University Library. “The Indigenous Storytellerin-Residence is a unique opportunity for Indigenous artists to develop their practise in an environment that supports and encourages creative expression. It’s also a significant opportunity for the library and the wider university to hear and learn from Indigenous perspectives through storytelling.”

Sinclair follows poet

and author Zoey Roy, who held the position last year, and hip-hop artist Lindsay (Eekwol) Knight, who was the inaugural Storytellerin-Residence in 2021. Sinclair’s selection as the 2023 Storyteller-inResidence supports the residency’s aim of creating and delivering opportunities designed to promote intercultural understanding and story-sharing between and among Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

“The fact that this is the third consecutive year of this residency speaks to the success of the program, and how important we believe it is to create spaces on campus to engage with Indigenous perspectives,” said Just.

The residency culminates in a presentation

of a project during the university’s Indigenous Achievement Week in March.

The Indigenous Storyteller-inResidence is made pos-

sible through the generous support of University Library donors, and the programming efforts of the Saskatoon Public Library.

Potash, steel keep port busy

By Sandi Krasowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (The Chronicle-Journal)

THUNDER BAY, ONT. — The Prairie provinces experienced their thirdlargest grain crop in history last year, yet despite this volume, there wasn’t expected to be enough shipments to catch up at the Thunder Bay port from shipments lost at the beginning of 2022.

“Grain is the biggest commodity that we ship,” said Chris Heikkinen, in his new position as director of business development and terminal operation at the Port of Thunder Bay.

“Grain was down compared to average because of the poor crop on the Prairies in 2021. The first seven or eight months of the season, we saw lower grain values and that was expected . . . but the grain is certainly moving now. This (2022) crop started moving in September and the numbers are certainly coming on strong in October, November and December. But we still won’t match (2021’s) level because there’s not enough time to make up the ground that was lost earlier in the season.”

The Russian and Ukrainian war has made a substantial impact on the port but not necessarily in a negative way.

Sanctions placed on Belarus and Russian potash by many countries around the world resulted in them having to source their product from alternative markets.

“As a result, we’re moving a lot more Saskatchewan potash east into the seaway system to Europe and South America . . . which would have previously sourced their potash from Russia or Belarus,” Heikkinen said. “(In 2021), we shipped just over 600,000 tonnes of potash — and that was a high value — but (in 2022) we shipped 1.2 million tonnes.”

He says the port also saw strong imports of steel from Europe in 2022, all of which is heading to the Prairies by rail.

“It’s mostly steel pipe, steel rail and structural steel,” he said. “We’ve

been shipping steel west for about six shipping seasons now and every year the volume increases.”

The steady regime of steel, wind turbine products, and other project cargo such as heavy-lift items for the mining sector became familiar arrivals at Keefer Terminal lastyear.

Heikkinen explained the importance of matching incoming cargo imports with export shipments of grain and products.

“We have ships that not only come in and load with grain, but ideally they come in with something to deliver,” he said.

“That’s our main objective really in the whole game of things to try to get more inbound cargo to match with the outbound cargo.” He added that there are many efficiencies in the system connecting offloading ships to reload and leave with a different commodity.

Overall, Heikkinen says the level of the products coming through the port was beyond what they could have anticipated.

Heikkinen says there are a couple of “big” projects planned for the port in 2023 which involve infrastructure-renewal projects that are necessary to expand the port’s capacity to handle cargo.

“We’re also looking at stronger grain shipments (this year) that will bring us back to more of a normal level and possibly a bit above average with those stronger grain crops this year. Potash is most likely going to remain above average,” he said, adding it’ll take a while for it to level off even if there is a resolution to the conflict.

He said they are expecting pipe and other steel imports at Keefer to look good again this year and are looking at a number of shipments of inbound fertilizer.

“We just had 20,000 tonnes of fertilizer from Morocco come through (last) year, and we’re probably going to be looking at more like 60,000 tonnes (this) year,” Heikkinen said.

Hive champion talks about the game

When it comes to board games there simply are not many that achieve the greatness of Hive, although that admittedly is from the perspective of a ‘guilder’ who is an abstract strategy fan.

Is Hive the best of the genre?

Some days I’d say yes, others I’d edge toward one of several other games that all vie for top spot in my mind on any given day, but Hive is always in the thought process and is always near ‘best-of- status.

Hive is hard not to like. It is an amazing game, one I almost missed myself as noted in a recent review here. The initial releases, both the early wooden piece edition and the first ‘bakelite-like’ one came with multi-coloured pieces which had me thinking ‘kids’ game’ and it took me some time to actually buy the game.

When the beautiful black and white ‘carbon’ edition was released it was a must have -- just gorgeous – so I have two sets.

And the pieces are very much heirloom quality – they should last forever.

As noted in a recent column on game gift ideas, if you have someone who likes a mindto-mind game challenge Hive is ideal. I can imagine a grandparent gifting a set to a 10-yearold, and that youngster growing up and playing the same set for 60-7080 years, and handing it off to a grandchild they taught.

Given how good Hive is, it’s always fun to catch up with the annual online world champion to talk about the game.

The 2022 champ is Joe Schultz who returns to top spot for a third time, previously winning in 2017, and 2020.

So is a third win sweeter?

“It is,” said Schultz via email. “The game has more talent playing it than ever before, and I never expected to be able to reach the top once again.

“I tried my hardest and it worked out for me -- with a little luck.”

Schultz suggested playing online is not all that different from sit-

ting across a table from an opponent in some respects, but diverges in other aspects.

“Online play and faceto-face are very similar but very different at the same time,” he said.

“The face-to facegames are more fun, from my experience, because you have someone to talk to and joke with, and also the hive is a little more messy — harder to see things.

“The digital online play is a little easier to see all the options — more tidy, and it is easier to zone yourself into the game without exterior distractions.”

But the biggest issue with face-to-face is connecting with other top players.

“Another hurdle for face-to-face games is that it is much more difficult to play the world’s best,” said Schultz.

“If we had a way to all come together and play face-to-face, that would be my preference, although it is non-realistic logistically.”

Schultz noted the competition is becoming keener, so we were curious for him to explain that a little more.

“Yes, the competition gets tougher and tougher each and every year,” he reiterated.

“Sometimes new people come to the game and make gains right away. Maybe they have chess backgrounds or other games, and they are able to fit right in.

“On the other hand, my progress, after years of play, has diminishing returns --meaning that I am not getting better at a fast rate.

“But I am glad that I am at least slightly better than I was even last year.

“So, the competition is tougher for sure. I was also playing at my best performance-wise and I have the added benefit of experience/wisdom.

But, what does Schultz see as the biggest development in terms of gameplay from win one in 2017, to this title?

“Good question. Back in 2017, the gameplay seemed to represent ‘control’ quite a bit more — players would make sure to try to win the ‘ant game’ (a power piece in Hive), and control the other player into strings,

like a bowl of spaghetti,” he offered.

“Now, in 2022, the gameplay of the best of the best seems to have morphed/evolved into more ‘anti-control,’ meaning that when the opponent tries to control you into strings, they cannot successfully hold you down.

“Players have found better ways to win the ‘inner-hive game’ and make things messy and uncontrollable.

“In fact, that is how I won my most important games in the tournament: win the inner hive game, and beetle game, with a strong beetle presence through the middle of the hive. I was able to devise what appeared to be some unstoppable attacks that way, that even the strongest controlling players couldn’t defend.”

So does Schultz have a particular approach to game play?

“Aside from dominance in the inner-hive/ Beetle game like mentioned before, I also have an approach to studying my opponents that helps me a lot,” he offered.

“I devise a plan for each and every opponent, where I can predict their opening with enough confidence to find an answer that allows me to open the game in a way that will give me an advantage.

“This is always different, but an example is that ‘RAID’, a dangerous opponent, would always play Black with a buffer opening -- another bug distancing his queen from my army. So I devised a way to get Beetles involved very early and make that distance nothing exceptional.

“Or, against Stepanzo in the finals; he always plays an ‘anti-spawn defense’ (queen sandwiched in between two friendly bugs), so I devised ways to punish

that play from the start -- coincidentally with Beetles going through the inner hive early).

“Couple that innerhive / beetle game dominance, with my knowledge of control strategies, etc. and I always have something to fall back on if things are not working out quite right.”

Like chess, Hive has a variety of pieces, all with their own movement and mechanics. Schultz likes the mosquito quite a lot among the varied options.

“The Mosquito is always a dangerous character, for white and for black,” he said.

“The Mosquito on the attack can act as an Ant to get into place. It can act as a Beetle to climb if necessary. It can join forces with the enemy Pillbug and harass the opponent with his own power.

“On the flip side, stopping the opponent’s Mosquito can prove to be a very beneficial accom-

plishment. Without the enemy Mosquito able to provide defense, it is easier to finish an attack.”

Out of curiosity we had to ask a champ’s thoughts on the much maligned spider, a piece many, (myself included) see as the least useable in Hive.

“A friend of mine claims the Spider as his favorite bug in Hive,” said Schultz.

“The reason is that it is the weakest or at least among the weakest of characters, so if you are able to use a Spider successfully, it is very powerful in that it provides you with an accomplishment of some sort (attack, defense, control, etc.) but leaves the rest of your higher rated bugs to do extraordinary deeds later on.

“I agree with that assessment, however, I wouldn’t consider the Spider to be my favourite.”

So is Hive best in its basic game, or with the three expansion pieces in play?

“I prefer Hive with the three expansions -- ladybug, mosquito, pillbug,” said Schultz.

“In fact, I and most people call Hive with all the expansions ‘Hive,’ whereas, base Hive is the version that needs the differentiator ‘base’” built into its name to dis-

tinguish it as being different from normal.

“The expansions balance the game in a very nice way, especially with the Pillbug.

“And ‘base-Hive’ heavily favours white/attack, where the expansions offer a lot of defensive options; and more attack options too.”

So, could the game use a boost from a new piece?

“As a novelty, sure,” suggested Schultz. “But, that doesn’t mean that it should happen.

“The players who would play more because of a new piece would slowly dissipate and we would be left with a Frankenstein game, is my fear.

“I feel the balance of the game (with P, L, M) is perfect and very delicate.

“Adding or removing a bug from the ecosphere really could break the game as we know it.

“I have serious doubts that a new bug would make the actual game better.

“To me it is an odd consideration when people suggest new bugs. It is fun to think that you have a good idea for a new bug, and I have even come up with some, but I tend to compare it to chess a bit; could you imagine people advocating for a new chess piece?”

Hockey action over holiday season has U18 team on top of its game

The Preeceville Pats U18 hockey team has gained strength and remains undefeated as they head into some of the tougher games against the top teams in the league.

On Dec. 16, Preeceville shut out the Melville Millionaires with a 12-0 win in front of a home crowd. Scoring for Preeceville were:

Tomas Hauber of Canora (four) Kaiden Masley, Bryker Smith (two),), Spencer Leech (two), Brody Shankowsky and Porter Wolkowski of Canora (two).

Assists were contributed by: Mason Babiuk, Kaiden Masley, Spencer Leech, Dixon Paul, Hunter Lamb of Canora, Tomas Hauber, Bronson Heshka of Canora and

International

Hudsyn Nelson.

Preeceville continued its domination over the Millionaires when they travelled to Melville for a return game on Dec. 18. The results ended in another shutout, this time by 9-0. Scoring for Preeceville were: Hudsyn Nelson (two), Bryker Smith, Tomas Hauber, Mason Babiuk, Spencer Leech (two),

Porter Wolkowski and Kaiden Masley.

Assists were by: Kaiden Masley, Mason Babiuk, Bronson Heshka and Hunter Lamb.

Preeceville travelled to Yorkton on Dec. 30, where they out-shot and out-scored Yorkton with a 12-1 win. Scoring for Preeceville were, Bryker Smith (four), Wyatt Wolkowski of

Canora, Tomas Hauber (three), Briel Beblow of Canora, Bronson Heshka, Kaiden Masley, and Trae Peterson. Assists were by: Kaiden Masley, Trae Peterson, Porter Wolkowski, Keyland Thomas, Rhett Ludba of Canora, Tomas Hauber and Hudsyn Nelson.

The Pats are now in third place in the league behind Indian Head and

Moosomin. There is only one point separating the top three teams. Several members of the Pats are among the league leaders in individual statistics. Kaiden Masley is the top scorer in the league with 26 points and Tomas Hauber is in third place with 22 points.

Preeceville’s Skylar Ryczak is top-ranked goalie in the league.

Snowmobile Safety Week Snowmobile Safety Week

Snowmobiling is a fun winter activity that can be enjoyed by folks of all ages. In fact, the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) estimates that more than four million North Americans enjoy snowmobiling every year.

In 2023, International Snowmobile Safety Week takes place from January 14 to 22. Its purpose is to increase safe snowmobiling practices and help people avoid accidents and injuries on the trails.

Do you practice safe snowmobiling? How many of these statements are true for you?

1. I keep to designated trails or areas where I know

snowmobiling is permitted 2. I avoid unfamiliar bodies of water

3. I travel only on terrain I know or with someone who does 4. I use extra caution when operating at night

5. I always check the forecast before heading out and respect weather advisories 6. I wear a helmet and clothing appropriate for the weather conditions 7. I always let someone know where I’m going and when I plan to return 8. I’m educated on winter survival skills

9. I always keep emergency

supplies with my machine

10. I keep my machine well maintained

11. I drive at speeds that are reasonable for the terrain and time of day

What’s your safe snowmobiling score? SMART RIDERS ARE SAFE RIDERS

12. I never operate my snowmobile under the influence of alcohol or drugs

A little effort and mindfulness are all it takes to keep yourself and your loved ones safe as you enjoy the winter trails. Connect with a local snowmobiling club to stay informed of safety advisories in your area, and have your machine regularly inspected by a professional.

Ever remembered, forever loved, Elsie and family 1100 Cards of Thanks The family of the late Dennis Kuzek would like to thank everyone who supported us through Dennis’s illness and after his passing. The gifts of food, cards, phone calls and donations will never be forgotten. Thank you to Father Mel Slashinsky, cantor, choir, pall bearers and the Orthodox Ladies for serving the lunch after prayers, Ron Sebulsky and Cheryl Bilokreli for preparing the lunch in Theodore after the funeral and a thank you to Garry Gawryliuk for the eulogy.

Also a special thanks to the staff at Bailey’s Funeral Home for their caring and professional matter for getting us through a difficult time.

— Val & Family

up of hall, lunch and clean up. Thank you to everyone who shared with us and our families, Kirk’s Celebration of Life on August 15, 2012. Your support was overwhelming. “You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he lived; Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.” — With healing hearts, tears in our eyes, Wendy, Brandi and Dana Neibrandt.

The family of the late Pauline Spelay wish to extend their heartfelt thanks for cards of sympathy, mass cards, flowers, gifts of food, donations, visits, phone calls from relatives and friends following the loss of our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Thanks to the doctors and nursing staff at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, Pasqua Hospital - Regina, St. Peter’s Hospital - Melville

their

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The family of the late Kirk Neibrandt wish to extend our heartfelt thanks for the numerous cards of sympathy, flowers, gifts of food, the generous donation Education Trust Fund, visits, phone calls and support from relatives and friends following the loss of my husband and our father. Thank you to the Doctors, Nursing Staff of ICU and 1st West, Home Care Treatment Nurses and Palliative Care of the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. The Doctors and Nurses of the Allan Blair Cancer Centre, Regina, Regina General Hospital and the Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, for their care of Kirk. A special thank you to Dr. van Heerden and staff and Louck’s Pharmacy also. We also wish to express our thanks to Vern and staff at Christie’s Funeral Home for their professional service, Pastor Dan Moeller for officiating the service, Jackie Guy - soloist, for her special songs, the Rhein Lion’s Club for the use of the hall and the many people who helped with set

for

care. Also a special thank you to St. Paul Lutheran Care Home, Melville for your excellent care during this past year. We also wish to express our thanks to Larry and staff at Bailey’s Funeral Home for their professional services, Father Ray Lukie, Father Peter Pidskalny, Father Joakim Rac for officiating the services, the cantors, choir and the Knights of Columbus for leading the holy rosary, the grandchildren and great grandchildren for being pallbearers, crossbearer, epistle reader, and giving the eulogy, the luncheons as served by the St. Mary’s Cultural Centre after the prayers, and the Royal Canadian Legion after the funeral service. — Dennis, Michael, Trudy, Dave and

Blob paintings exhibition at the GDAG

By Tyson Off Staff Writer

YORKTON – The Godfrey Dean Art Gallery is currently showcasing the works of Saskatoon artist Gabrielle Fourstar.

Fourstar’s exhibition, The Blob 100 Series, consists of 100 paintings by the artist that they completed throughout the pandemic.

“I started before the pandemic...but very briefly before and the rest of the paintings have been painted throughout,” said Fourstar of the exhibit in an interview with Yorkton This Week.

“They’re meant to be messes on the canvass — just a colour drop to have fun — I was trying to have fun and find my inner child and connect with play,” said Fourstar of the works, noting the meanings of the painting would become more than anticipated.

“Out of that they kind of became a bit of commentary on the obsessive-compulsive consumerism that takes place every day – with

how much people are buying and then how much is going to waste in land fills,” said Fourstar.

The influence for the works came from what many would find in their home at some point in their life.

“My inspiration was a neglected child’s toybox – a bunch of different colours of toys all jumbled together,” said Fourstar.

“It’s kind of ironic. I’m making comments — or at least reflecting on — how much we are throwing away and not using, but then at the same time I’m producing all these canvasses with plastic paint out of plastic tubes and there’s glue on the canvases – there’s a lot of waste that’s going to eventually come out of them,” explained Fourstar, making note of plans to work with biodegradable materials in the future.

“Sometimes I just get really despressed about it – but it’s funny that I’m just creating more [waste] to deal with it,” said Fourstar.

Fourstar pointed out that the paintings —

styled with acrylics, glitter, pumice, flakes and foil — were not only a reflection of consumerism, but of advertising as well, noting that the order in which they appear in the gallery is akin to the order you might see commercials aired on television.

“It’s ordered — but at the same time if you put it all together you might see a cell phone ad and then the next one a fishing commercial — those don’t really go together.”

“The darker [paintings] can come from the garbage aspect – when something’s in the landfill it’s not going to stay shiny and new it’s going to be distorted,” said Fourstar.

Fourstar recalled the draw to the ‘blob’ paintings was an experience from elementary school.

“The beginning of the idea started from two different seeds — one was at the Mendel Art Gallery in Saskatoon — I was at a school field trip there and was taught there was organic shapes. Before that I thought that a shape had to be geometrical — if it wasn’t geometrical than it wasn’t a shape — then this instructor drew a lopsided mass on this board and said ‘this is a shape’.”

“That stuck with me my whole life; just

because it’s not a triangle with perfect edges doesn’t mean it’s not valid.”

“I painted my first blob and had no intentions of making more — had no style that I was going for — I just wanted to bleed out onto the canvas,” said Fourstar, adding, “my good friend — who is also an artist — was doing a 100 portrait series and I thought that was really interesting.”

“Obviously there’s still a story between two paintings, but from one to 100 there’s just so much that can take place — time alone — but also the interactions that you’re having.”

“I just liked the idea of a set amount of time with a definite end.”

This is Fourstar’s first foray in a Professional Public Art Gallery, but the works first appeared in the Saskatoon Community Youth Art Projects Space in 2021, where GDAG Director Jeff Morton discovered them.

“I saw some of the pieces and it just really jumped out at me so I wanted to reach out to Gabrielle to give her an opportunity here,” said Morton, adding, “the other thing that started jumping out to me as we’re doing this install is how the pieces are play-

ing off one another.”

Morton went on to add that this is the first time that all 100 individual paintings have appeared together.

“Created over the course of two years, the exhibition represents an ambitious goal the artist set for themselves: to create 100 new paintings exploring colour, gesture, and abstract representation. Like a story told without words, the pieces are displayed around the gallery in the order they were made,” read an exerpt from the GDAG’s website.

The Blob 100 Series will be on display at the GDAG until March 25.

a wide range of needs. Past experience in a direct customer service role working with a diverse range of clients is required. Related duties will be assigned. These may include support to the sales and editorial departments, accounting tasks, and data entry projects. The ideal candidate will also possess good computer skills and good keyboarding skills. A proven ability to work independently with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality on multiple duties is an important skill for this position.

Business looks to expand its wrecking

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

A business on York Road is hoping to expand the business it does, but will require a discretionary use permit to expand.

“A Development Permit application for a Salvage Yard use at 85 York Road West. While the Zoning Bylaw does not include Salvage Yard as a defined land use, the definition of Auto Wrecking/Junk Yard most closely resembles the proposed use,” explained Carleen Koroluk Land Use Planner with the city at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.

“The property is zoned MI-1 Light Industrial and is located on York Road West, along one of the main entrances to the City. Auto Wrecking/Junk Yard uses

are listed as Discretionary Uses in this zone. Under The Planning and Development Act, 2007, discretionary use applications require Council authorization to proceed.”

The applicant purchased the property in November 2021, and was issued a temporary Development Permit for a Light Industrial use in January 2022, specifically for the purchasing and processing of metals such as copper wire.

At the time it was indicated that ferrous metal, like vehicles, would not be stored on site, explained Koroluk.

“Much has changed from the applicant’s initial proposed use and the business has subsequently grown from five employees to 17 employees working both on and off the site,” she said.

The applicant did not initially apply to the City to undertake the revised development, and therefore was no longer in compliance with the issued Development Permit. Planning Services was forced to initiate enforcement, resulting in the subject application, detailed Koroluk.

Koroluk added, it can be reasonably assumed that the proposed development can be carried out in accordance with Zoning Bylaw requirements.

As a result, it was recommended Administration be authorized to proceed with Public Notification for Discretionary Use application which proposes an Auto Wrecking/ Junk Yard use as defined in City of Yorkton Zoning Bylaw at 85 York Road West, which was passed by Council.

The ‘blob’ paintings were styled with acrylics, glitter, pumice, flakes and foil.

The paintings, that were completed over the pandemic, are placed in chronological order on display at the GDAG.

An incredible night to remember in Rama

By Mary Kowalyshyn

Sunday, Dec. 18 marked the 100th Finale of St. Anthony’s Church in Rama as it culminated its 100th anniversary year with a Christmas dinner and musical. Although the temperature was frigid, many attended from near and far for this very important milestone.

Emcee, Mary Kowalyshyn, welcomed everyone on behalf of St. Anthony’s Parish and gave a brief history of St. Anthony’s Church. Mayor Phillip Shewchuk brought greetings on behalf of the Village of Rama. Elaine Olson, a long-time parishioner of St. Anthony’s, com-

mented on the perseverance and deep faith of our forefathers, mentioning how proud we are of their accomplishment!

Prior to the festive 15-course meal, Father Andrew Sowa OMI read the gospel of St. Luke 2.116 which describes the true account of what took

place at the Nativity of Our Lord. He then led in grace. Participants at each table were to sing a designated Christmas carol before proceed-

ing to the buffet table. The delicious meal was catered by St. Anthony’s Parish Ladies and volunteers.

Many door prize draws were made after the meal.

After a short break, all were invited to gather in the main hall section for the program and musical portion of the evening. The audience was treated to an amazing musical performance by Father Andrew Sowa and Len Gadica (Melville) who are known to many as the “Dynamic Duo.” During the performance, before singing each carol, Father Andrew spoke of the meaningful correla-

tion of each carol with Advent and Christmas. Besides describing the background of Silent Night, he also sang some verses in Polish. Len Gadica had the audience laughing when he sang a few humorous carols including one that he composed simply called Christmas Lights.

A reminder was made that there are still history books available that would make an ideal lasting Christmas gift. The evening closed with many acknowledgements and thank yous. Presentations to Father Andrew Sowa and Len Gadica were made by Mary and Joe Kowalyshyn.

Jack headed to world auctioneering event

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writere

Brennin Jack has qualified as one of the top-30 livestock auctioneers in the world at the Mid-Western Qualifier held recently in Missouri.

With his strong finish at the Windsor Livestock Auction in Windsor, MO., Jack qualifies to compete in Arcadia, Florida in June at the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship.

Jack has been honing his craft for years, having started auctioneering at age nine in Kelvington, Sask.

Over the years Jack has progressed in his career, including a stint at Heartland Livestock in Yorkton. Today he manages the stockyards at Heartland in Virden, Man., and own his own company Jack Auction Group, “which is the largest bison marketer by

auction in the world and western Canada’s largest marketer of performance horses,” he told Yorkton This Week.

But, why compete?

“The fellowship of the contestants and the friendships I’ve made truly can’t be replaced,” offered Jack.

Jack noted this was the biggest World Qualifier ever with 45 contestants, and “without a doubt the toughest one I’ve competed in, and I’ve been in a lot of contests, this being my 60th.”

That said Jack admitted it had been some time since going before judges.

“It’s been a few years since I competed, and it was so much fun to get to see old faces, and meet a ton of new guys,” he wrote on Facebook.

While camaraderie drives Jack to compete, ultimately he is being judged, so what makes a

good auctioneer?

“Having command of the sale, and rhythmic chant that keeps the buyer’s attention and moves the sale along quickly,” replied Jack, adding judges watch and listen for certain things, such as “how you conduct the sale, is he knowledgeable, sound, bid catching, and would you hire this auctioneer.”

When Jack heads to Florida in June he will have experience to draw upon.

“This is my seventh time to the world championships. I’ve been Runner Up World Champion in 2014,” he explained.

But, again Jack said it’s not just winning that makes it a big event.

“The experience is amazing, to be selected as one of the top 30 in the world is exciting and surreal at the same time,” he said, although

he also usually does well too. “I’ve had the good fortune to always be selected in the top-10 in the world every time I’ve competed at the World level. I’m hoping to make it seven times.”

The world event will

be a two-part affair, said Jack.

It begins with an interview round where contestants are asked three industry-related questions, which is worth 25 per cent of their score, which is then combined

with 75 per cent from the selling portion.

“It will take a good solid run and with any luck I’ll make the Top 10 in the world, and who knows, I may ride off as the World Champion,” said Jack.

Len Gadica, talented recording artist, played his accordion on stage with Rev. Andrew Sowa at the 100th Finale on Dec. 18 at Rama. The song was composed by Gadica.

Elaine Olson commended the forefathers of St. Anthony’s Parish at the 100th Finale at Rama. Olson also created a banner for the special occasion.

Mayor Phillip Shewchuk brought greetings on behalf of the Village of Rama.

Submitted Photo

Brennin Jack (centre)

Kamsack and surrounding area.