The Northern Manitoba Blizzard have a new bench boss for the 2026–2027 season. It has been announced that Josh Gratton has signed a multi-year contract with the Blizz and will serve as the team’s head coach and president of hockey operations.

 

In total, Coach Gratton brings more than 35 years of hockey experience to Northern Manitoba, including 29 years as a player and seven years as a coach. Coach Gratton’s most recent stop was with the Winnipeg Blues, where he served as the team’s head coach and general manager.

 

For a more detailed breakdown of the hire, visit normanblizzard.com.

Congrats are in order for the 2025–2026 MJHL Champion Niverville Nighthawks, who not only captured their first league title but also went undefeated in Centennial Cup action to win the national championship.

The championship game saw the Hawks topple the Summerside Western Capitals 4-1. When it was all said and done, Niverville wrapped up its season with a 51-6-1-0 regular season record, a 12-1 playoff record, and a perfect 6-0 mark in the best-on-best tournament.

A big shoutout also goes to former Blizzard players Marlen Edwards, Thomas Phillips, Tyler Bernier, and Aaron Krestanowich for being part of one remarkable season.

On May 20th, the Pas Road Runners will host their 3rd annual Swim-A-Palooza. The main purpose of this aquatic event is not only to challenge local swimmers, but also to raise funds for the club’s fundraising efforts.
 

Here’s how it works: swimmers are asked to set a lap goal, supporters then make pledges per lap or offer a flat donation, and finally, swimmers will go all out for one hour to see how far they can push their limits. Swim-A-Palooza will kick off at around 5:30 at the Winton Pool.

The Pas Tri Community Triathlon returns this summer on Saturday, June 20th. If you are looking to test your mind, body, and spirit in the best way possible, train and sign up by May 27th to take advantage of the early bird pricing.

The event will begin at the Winton Pool and will be open to adults and children ages 6 and up. To register as an individual or as a team, visit Triathlon Manitoba. For more information, email allyfinnerty1@gmail.com.

A couple of very important AGMs are coming up related to hockey in The Pas, OCN, and the R.M.

First, The Pas Huskies AGM is scheduled for May 13th in the A&W meeting room. The main agenda will be voting in volunteers for various positions. For a full breakdown of the positions they are looking to fill, visit thepasminorhockey.ca.

The next important AGM will be for the OCN Storm, happening on May 27th at the Kikiwak Inn in the Bignell Room. The goal of the meeting is similar to the Huskies’ AGM: positions need to be filled prior to the start of the next season. For more information, email officialstormhockey@gmail.com.

The Pas Slo-Pitch League is calling on all teams to get organized and ready! This Saturday, May 9th, league organizers will be setting up either at the Arena 1 Baseball Diamond parking lot or at A&W. If the weather cooperates, the event will be held outdoors; if not, A&W will host.

The registration fee to sign up a team is $1,000, and having a complete roster is mandatory. Additionally, all players planning to participate in the upcoming season must register with Slo-Pitch National. For more information, join The Pas Slo-Pitch League’s official Facebook group.

A reminder: the league held a general meeting on April 27th.