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Winkler hosted Killarney on Thursday night looking to hoist the Hockey Manitoba Senior A Championship at home, and they didn't disappoint the hometown fans!

Killarney opened the scoring seven minutes in on the powerplay and extended their lead to 2-0 with another with 30 seconds remaining. Lewadniuk's goal with a second remaining in the period made it a one goal game.

With no scoring in the second period, the game remained close after 40 minutes, largely due to the SEMHL's goaltender of the year and playoff MVP Matthew Thiessen who faced 32 shots at that point.

Augert tied it up at two goals apiece with just over eight minutes remaining. The game could have gone either way as there were 31 shots taken by the teams in the third but it was Fowlie's goal with 2:19 remaining that would give the Royals the championship.

The Winkler Royals will look to add another title to their resume as they start the Provincial Senior A championship best of three series in Killarney on Thursday, April 2nd at 8 pm.

The teams will have a week off before game two hits the ice back in Winkler on April 9th with a 7:30 start time.

Game three, if necessary, will see the teams head back to Killarney for an all or nothing game on Sunday, April 12th.

Friday night in Ile des Chenes, the Northstars gave Winkler all they could handle. They took the game to extra time with a goal in the final seconds of the third but it was Winkler's Braden Hildebrand with the overtime winner 4:26 in that gave the Royals the championship.

The Northstars were up a goal after the first with Paisley scoring midway through the period. Paisley extended the lead to 2-0 early in the second and the teams headed to the final period, Ile des Chenes looking to force a gave seven in Winkler.

The Royals' Fowlie made it a one goal game 5:48 in and Augert followed that up two minutes later on the powerplay to tie it at two. The tie didn't last long as Henry gave Winkler their 1st lead of the game a minute later.

Pressing for the equalizer as time wound down, Beauchemin tied it at three with 6.2 seconds remaining and the teams headed to overtime where Hildebrand would give Winkler their 4th SEMHL championship.

The playoff MVP, as selected by the Royals staff, was goaltender Matthew Thiessen who finished the post-season with a spectacular 10-3 record, 1.98 GAA, 94.5% save percentage, and four shutouts.

Winkler will now face the Killarney Shamrocks in the Provincial Senior "A" best of three final. Watch for the schedule! 

Back at home Wednesday night, Winkler had the opportunity to pull within one victory of their fourth SEMHL championship, and first since the 1988/89 season.

But it was Ile des Chenes who silenced the crowd with the opening goal, six minutes in by Keating. The Northstars lead was short-lived as Augert tied it up a minute twenty later. A very defensive first period as the goaltenders only faced a total of 11 shots.

The middle period saw Winkler take a lead they would never give up as Fowlie's powerplay goal and Bergman's even strength goal made it 3-1. Osadick brought Ile des Chenes back to within one but that was as close as the visitors would get. Fowlie's second powerplay marker of the night made it 4-2 before Lewadniuk's goal in the final minute of the period gave the Royal's a 5-2 lead heading to the third.

The Northstars pressed in the third, throwing 14 shots at the Winkler goaltender Thiessen. However, the only goal of the period was on the powerplay by Matuszewski with 12:34 remaining to make it a 6-2 final.

Winkler will look to close out the Finals on Friday night in Ile des Chenes but the Northstars will have something to say about that! Gametime Friday is 8 pm.

Saturday night in Ile des Chenes, the Northstars were looking to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the SEMHL finals. Winkler had other ideas.

The Royals opened the scoring 9:03 into the first on Augert's 8th goal of the playoffs. The lead was doubled under a minute later when Matuszewski notched his 10th and it was 2-0 for Winkler after 20 minutes.

Lewadniuk made it a three goal spread late in the second. With their goalie pulled in the final minutes of the third, Ile des Chenes looked to catch Winkler but Ens' empty net goal with 1:38 left made it a 4-0 Royal's victory, evening the series at two games a piece.

Thiessen made 26 saves for his 4th shutout of the playoffs while Lewadniuk and Augert each contributed a goal and assist.

The teams now have a few days off to regroup as game five heads back to Winkler for an 8 pm start on Wednesday night.

For our final lesson, we find out who the top 10 players are who have spent the most time in the penalty box during their SEMHL careers.

1. Darrin Husak-Warren - 1225 (active player)
2. Mark Heinrichs-Altona - 848
3. Ryan Dyck-Altona/Carman/Morden - 677
4. Brent Toews-Altona - 669
5. Jeremy Matuszewski-Morden/Altona/Winkler - 635
6. Craig Johnston-Carman/Morden - 631
7. Phil Letkeman-Altona/Winkler - 621 (active player)
8. Marcel Pruden-Oakville/Portage/Swan Lake - 609
9. Greg Clayton-Morden - 581
10. Mitch Wicklund-Warren - 580

Ile des Chenes traveled south to Winkler for game three of the SEMHL finals and headed home with a two to one series lead.

The Royals led 1-0 after one on an early goal by Fowlie. The second saw three goals scored in the final five minutes as Paisley evened it up at one on a penalty shot, Beauchemin gave the Northstars a lead until McDonald tied it at two as the teams headed to the final period.

Less than three minutes into the third, Ile des Chenes would take a lead they wouldn't lose as Svenson scored back-to-back goals before Fowlie got the Royals back within one at 4-3. Svenson completed his hat trick midway through the period, increasing the Northstars lead to 5-3. Not about to quit, Winkler kept it close on Lewadniuk's 4th of the playoffs but Bruce's empty net goal with 24 seconds remaining secured the Northstars victory.

The teams don't have any time off as game four goes Saturday night at 8 pm in Ile des Chenes.

Ile des Chenes evened up the SEMHL finals at one a piece with a 7-4 home ice victory Wednesday night.

Tremblay opened the scoring with his first of the post-season for the Northstars but a powerplay goal nine minutes later by Augert, his seventh, kept the game tied after 20 minutes.

The middle frame saw Winkler get into some penalty trouble and Ile des Chenes took advantage, outscoring Winkler 3-1. Matuszewski, on the powerplay, gave Winkler their only lead of the game 6:20 in but that was answered with three straight by the Northstars with Paisley two and a half minutes later and Purtill and Bitchok later on the powerplay. 4-2 Northstars after two.

The final period saw Winkler tie it up on goals by Matuszewski, his second of the game, and Lewadniuk's 45th career SEMHL playoff goal. Rondeau regained the lead for Ile des Chenes with just under five minutes remaining and follow up empty net goals by Svenson and Osadick made it a 7-4 Northstars victory.

Game three goes Friday night in Winkler at 7:30.

Today we learn who the top 10 regular season SEMHL career assist leaders are.

1. Marlin Vanrobaeys-Morden/Winkler - 466
2. Rob Hamm-Morden/Carman - 388
3. Ryan Dyck-Altona/Carman/Morden - 357
4. Troy Ehnes-Morden/Winkler - 338
5. Mike Kehler-Altona - 333
6. Shane Moffatt-Portage/Notre Dame - 325
7. Paul Harland-Portage/Notre Dame - 309
8. Greg Waldvogel-Portage - 306
9. Dale Rempel-Carman/Morden/Morris - 295
10. Jeremy Matuszewski-Morden/Altona/Winkler - 291

Today we learn who the top career regular season goal scorers are in the SEMHL.

1. Rob Hamm-Morden/Carman - 376
2. Shane Moffatt-Portage/Notre Dame - 349
3. Greg Waldvogel-Portage - 311
4. Mike Mutcheson-Morden - 291
5. Dale Rempel-Carman/Morden/Morris - 286
6. Mike Kehler-Altona - 279
7. Marlin Vanrobaeys-Morden/Winkler - 274
8. Brian Miller-Carman/Elm Creek/Starbuck - 259
9. Pat Owen-Carman - 241
10. Darren Seymour-Morden/Swan Lake - 223

Many player's contributions are judged by their point totals. Todays list contains the top 10 career SEMHL regular season point producers.

1. Rob Hamm-Carman/Morden - 764 points
2. Marlin Vanrobaeys-Morden/Winkler - 740
3. Shane Moffatt-Portage/Notre Dame - 674
4. Greg Waldvogel-Portage - 617
5. Mike Kehler-Altona - 612
6. Dale Rempel-Morris/Morden/Carman - 581
7. Ryan Dyck-Morden/Carman/Altona - 534
8. Mike Mutcheson-Morden - 494
9. Troy Ehnes-Morden/Winkler - 456
10. Paul Harland-Portage/Notre Dame - 452

Game one of the SEMHL finals saw the Winkler Royals with a 3-0 win over the Ile des Chenes Northstars and a series lead.

Starting the series at home, Winkler took an early lead almost two and a half minutes in when Braden Hildebrand netted his fourth of the playoffs. The Royals peppered the Northstars goaltender with 20 shots in the first period but the score remained 1-0 after 20 minutes.

The second period saw the Royals double their lead to 2-0 on TJ Matuszewski's seventh postseason goal and his fourth powerplay goal. Heading into the third, it remained a Winkler two goal lead.

The Northstars tried their best to turn the game around in the third, firing 21 shots at Winkler's Matthew Thiessen. He held his ground turning them all away for his third shutout of the postseason, one in each round.

Game two of the finals goes Wednesday night in Ile des Chenes at 8 pm.

Today, we find out the top 10 players who have played the most regular season games in the SEMHL.

1. Darryl McElroy-Morden/Winkler - 380
2. Scott Corbett-Warren - 355 (active player)
3. Rob Hamm-Carman/Morden - 343
4. Darrin Husak-Warren - 335 (active player)
5. Jeremy Matuszewski-Morden/Altona/Winkler - 326
6. Wes Friesen-Altona - 323
7. Bill Sisson-Elm Creek/Carman/Starbuck - 322
8. Craig Johnston-Carman/Morden - 315
9. Greg Heinrichs-Altona -  305
10. Dale Rempel-Morris/Carman/Morden - 300

With the 75th SEMHL finals upon us, what better time to look back at those players that have made the SEMHL such an outstanding league.

Today we look at top 10 Career Leaders in Years Played:

1. Wade Duncan-Warren - 22 years
2. Darrin Husak-Warren - 20 years (active player)
3. Scott Corbett-Warren - 19 years (active player)
    Darryl McElroy-Morden/Winkler
5. Pat Demke-Morden/Winkler/Carman - 17 years
    Brian Dyck-Winkler/Carman
    Craig Johnston-Carman/Morden
    Bill Sisson-Carman/Elm Creek/Starbuck
9. Rob Hamm-Carman/Morden - 16 years
    Jeremy Matuszewski-Altona/Morden/Winkler
    Mark Thiessen-Morden/Winkler
    Greg Heinrichs-Altona
    John Mintenko-Altona
    Jean Prejet-Notre Dame

The battle for supremacy in the SEMHL will see the Winkler Royals taking on the Ile des Chenes Northstars in the best of seven league final series.

The schedule for the finals is now set with the series starting Sunday, March 15th in Winkler. View the full schedule in the Playoffs tab.

The SEMHL semi finals are set with the top four regular season teams moving on.

The first place Winkler Royals will take on the fourth place Red River Wild while the second place Springfield Winterhawks will faceoff against the Ile des Chenes Northstars.

Watch the SEMHL website for the full schedule!

Congratulations to the SEMHL's leading scorer from the regular season, Aaron Lewadniuk of the Winkler Royals. This isn't the first of these awards for Aaron as he has now led the league in scoring six times in his 11 year SEMHL career. The first five were while a member of the Carman Beavers.

Presenting Aaron with the award is former Beavers President and General Manager Dennis Young.

This Saturday night brings a busy SEMHL playoff schedule as all four series continue.

Ile des Chenes, Red River and Springfield will all be looking to close out their series on the road. The Northstars will head to Warren for a 7:30 puck drop, the Wild travel west to Morden for a 7:45 start time, and the Winterhawks travel to Portage for an 8:30 matchup.

The regular season champion Winkler Royals will host Notre Dame in game three of their series at 7:30 with the series tied at one apiece.

After Thursday night's three one goal games, Saturday night looks to be epic! 

Congratulations to the SEMHL's 2025/26 Defenceman of the Year, Justin Baudry of the Red River Wild. Presenting the award to Justin is the Wild's Brendan Heppner.

Congratulations to the SEMHL's 2025/26 Most Valuable Player, Jonah Wasylak of the Red River Wild. Presenting the award to Jonah is the Wild's Brendan Heppner.

Congratulations to the Winkler Royals Matt Thiessen on repeating as the SEMHL's Goaltender of the Year. Presenting the award to Matt is Royals Manager Brian Giesbrecht.

Congratulations to the 2025/26 SEMHL's Most Sportsmanlike Player, Notre Dame's Sean Christensen. Presenting the award to Sean is Notre Dame General Manager and Head Coach Brody Chabbert.

The 2025/26 SEMHL playoff matchups are set.

1. Winkler Royals vs winner of Carman Beavers/Notre Dame Hawks Survivor Series

2. Springfield Winterhawks vs 7. Portage Islanders

3. Ile des Chenes Northstars vs 6. Warren Mercs

4. Red River Wild vs 5. Morden Bombers

Congratulations to the Morden Bombers Cade Kowalski on being named the SEMHL's Rookie of the Year. Presenting Cade with the award is last year's recipient Collin Shirley.

Congratulations to Ile des Chene's Gaetan Beauchemin on being named the SEMHL's Dale Rempel Person of the Year.

Gaetan has dedicated over three decades of service to the North Stars organization, having been involved in various capacities since 1992. Throughout this time, he has selflessly volunteered as a timekeeper, equipment manager, executive member, and ultimately as General Manager. His unwavering commitment to the organization and the community has been both consistent and impactful.

Over the past five years, Gaetan has worked tirelessly to re-establish Senior A hockey in Ile des Chenes. His motivation has never been personal recognition, but rather a deep desire to provide local athletes with the opportunity to continue playing competitive hockey beyond the junior level, close to home and in front of their community. His perseverance in securing league membership and leading extensive fundraising initiatives has been instrumental in making this vision a reality.

Gaetan continues to serve the organization in numerous roles, including General Manager, fundraiser, ice convenor, volunteer coordinator, and mentor. He consistently goes above and beyond, often behind the scenes, ensuring the success and sustainability of the North Stars while fostering a positive and supportive environment for players, volunteers, and supporters alike.

Due to very poor highway conditions, all of tonight's SEMHL games have been postponed to a later date.

Please stay safe!

Happy Holidays from the SEMHL!

Enjoy the time off, playoffs are around the corner!

This evenings SEMHL game between the Portage Islanders and Springfield Winterhawks has been postponed due to inclement weather. Watch the SEMHL website for the rescheduled dates.

Stay safe, stay home!

This evenings SEMHL games have been postponed due to todays inclement weather. Watch the SEMHL website for the rescheduled dates.

Stay safe, stay home!

The December 12th Winkler at Warren game was suspended after one period due to poor ice conditions. The game will be completed at a later date.

The 2025/26 SEMHL season opens in three weeks with last year's league finalist Springfield Winterhawks hosting the Morden Bombers on Friday the 24th. The following night, the Carman Beavers and Notre Dame Hawks open their home schedules against the Red River Wild and Portage Terriers respectively. Sunday see's the Winterhawks on the road against the Winkler Royals. The Ile des Chenes Northstars and Warren Mercs, getting a break during the opening weekend, will travel to Portage and Notre Dame on the following Wednesday to open their season on the road.

At the league's semi-annual meeting, the teams agreed to continue with an 18 game schedule. This meant that in addition to the usual home and away matchups, there were two more games to play for each team. Based on proximity, the following matchups were added to the schedule:

  - Carman at Morden
  - Ile des Chenes at Springfield
  - Morden at Winkler
  - Notre Dame at Carman
  - Portage at Notre Dame
  - Red River at Ile des Chenes
  - Springfield at Warren
  - Warren at Portage
  - Winkler at Red River

The SEMHL held their 2025/26 Semi-Annual Meeting this evening.

Highlights included:

• Regular season starts October 24th,

• Each of the nine teams will play 18 regular season games (nine home and nine away),

• Regular season ends February 7th,

• All teams will make the playoffs. A Survivor Series will see the teams that finish the regular season in 8th and 9th place face off to see who moves on to play the team that finishes first. The 8th place team will have the option to open the Survivor Series at home or on the road. If the teams split the series, game two will continue into overtime to determine a Survivor Series winner, and

• Following the Survivor Series, the playoffs will follow with best-of-five series in both the first and second rounds with a best-of-seven for the league finals.