Huskies defeat Blackie Tigers in Casey Cup action

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek's Midget Huskies have returned to their winning ways.  On Thursday, January 19 they beat Claresholm 11-1 in a first-round Provincials home game.

Then on Friday, January 20 they travelled to Great Falls,  Montana to participate in the Casey Cup Memorial, defeating the Blackie Tigers  5-2 at the Great Falls Ice-Plex.  Huskies' Steven Mitchell was named player of the game.  Blair Goodreau, Ryan Sciarra, Ryan Marshall all scored, and Brett Tarcon scored twice. According to Mitchell it was a clean game, in a tournament where the rules are strictly enforced.  10 teams, including AA and A, are scheduled to compete in the tournament.

The Huskies are scheduled to play two games in the Casey Cup Memorial Tournament on Saturday, January 21.  The first is at 9:15 am against the Helena Bighorns, and the second is at 6:15 pm against the Lethbridge Hockey Hounds.  Placing games will be played on Sunday, January 22, with teams seeded based on the points accrued from their Friday and Saturday games.

Casey Memorial Cup website click here

Rocky Mountain Swine Club hosts Bingo event at Crestview Lodge

Brent Barbero calling the cards

Chris Davis

The 4-H Rocky Mountain Swine Club returned to Crestview Lodge for an afternoon of Card Bingo, something they have done every January since the club was formed in 2006. 

 The event is an expression of their dedication to community service.  The six club members present first introduced themselves to the assembled Crestview residents and recited their pledge, and then the games began in earnest, with Brent Barbero doing the calling honours.

Members of the Rocky Mountain Swine Club introduce themselves to residents of Crestview Lodge

C. Davis photos 

 Seven games were played, with the first six being worth $1.00 and the seventh worth $3.00.  After that, the Crestview staff had snacks and refreshments prepared for a little socializing time.

Crestview Activity Co-ordinator Rhonda Dyck says farewell

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Crestview Activity Co-ordinator
Rhonda Dyck
C. Davis photo

For the last four and a half years or so, Rhonda Dyck has been the Activity Co-ordinator at Crestview Lodge in Pincher Creek.  This past Friday, January 20  she presided over the last of her official events at the seniors centre, as she is moving to Manitoba with her husband.  "I can't begin to say how much fun I've had," she told me.  "It's been a blast.  I've got lots of good memories.  I'm thankful for everyone I've met here and wish them well in their future."

"Hopefully I can take what I've learned here into my future," Dyck said.  "I owe a huge thanks to the Pincher Creek Foundation for sending me to school, for giving me an education in this field and all this experience."

Rhonda, you will be missed.  Best wishes for your next experiences.

Travel Alberta showcases author Dan Heath

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Travel Alberta brought one of their Speaker Series to Community Futures Alberta Southwest in Pincher Creek, and all across Alberta.  A live web-cast from Dan Heath, titled "How to Lead a Switch" was broadcast to 21 stations across the province.

Author and speaker Dan Heath likened the rational mind to a human rider.  Heath likened the emotional mind as an elephant that the rational mind sits upon.  Using a picture of a man riding an elephant "the rider really believes that he is the one in charge.  He is the one holding the reins, after all.  He ostensibly sets the course, after all."  Heath pointed to the picture and said,  "if these two disagree, who is your money on?"

Local horses renamed after joining the Calgary Police Service

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Two local horses that were purchased from Windy Coulee Canadian Horses, which is located northeast of Pincher Creek, were recently renamed Rio and Ranger after a month-long public poll. "I am impressed with the Calgary City Police Mounted Unit's initiative," said Heidi Eijgel of Windy Coulee Canadian Horses.  "By including the community in naming of the horses, I think folks will gain 'ownership' of the horse program in their city.  The horses still have the original formal registered names, and now they will have practical and very well selected everyday names!  Way to go Rio and Ranger!

For more information, visit the Calgary Police Service "Name the horses" page (click here)

To read the original Voice story about the CPMU purchase of these horses, click here.

Jr. A Hawks basketball team defeated by Cobras

Kirby Dietze

Matthew Halton High School's Jr. A Boys Hawks saw some away game action late Thursday evening, January 19 in Claresholm, meeting the WCCHS Jr Cobras on their home court. Both teams played well the first half with the Hawks only down by 7 when the buzzer went. Jack Dietze was the only scorer with the Hawks in the first half draining 5 for 7 at the free point line, and playing some strong defence in the paint. The second half saw the Cobras capitalize on some well run offence, but Hawks forward Marcel Levecque, #25, made some excellent drives to score 9 points for the Halton team. In the end, the Hawks couldn’t hold on, and lost 35 to 60. Congratulations to Jack Dietze with 15 points of 35 for his team.

Hockey updates January 19, 2012

The Pincher Creek Pee Wee Chinooks tied Fort Macleod 4-4 earlier today in their first Provincials game of the season.

The Pincher Creek Midget Huskies won their first Provincial game of the season against Claresholm 11-1 and are on to round two. They will be playing at a tournament in Great Falls this weekend, vying for the Casey Cup.

Upcoming local games:

Saturday, January 21, 2012

• Novice 1 vs Coaldale,  MCC Arena, 10:45 am - 12:30 pm
• Pee Wee vs Vauxhall, MCC Arena, 12:45 pm - 2:45
• Novice 2 vs Irvine, MCC Arena, 3:00 pm - 5:00
• Cowboys vs Lomond, MCC Arena, 8:30 pm - 11:00

Sunday, January 22, 2012

• Novice 2 vs Cardston, MCC Arena, 9:15 am - 11:00
• Novice 2 vs Cardston, MCC Arena, 1:30 pm - 3:00

SRD serves notice to logging Protesters, public rally planned for Sunday

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

At approximately 1:30 pm today, January 19, Alberta's Sustainable Resource Development Department (SRD) issued and posted a Notice of Development.  In part, it reads "Notice is hereby given that no person is authorized to access or occupy the following public lands without authority pursuant to the Public Lands Act."  New regulations were passed last September as part of the Land Use Framework for regional planning in Alberta.

Calving in the Cold

Kirstie Robertson, Pincher Creek Voice

A small herd of mothers-to-be
K. Robertson photo

In Alberta, the most common type of cow/calf breeding system consists of the animals giving birth in the early January to March months, also called ‘Winter Calving’. The weather and time frame can provide opportunistic advantages, but also come with their own set of hardships very unlike that of the warmer spring/summer months. Why exactly would farmers want to breed their cattle to give birth in these frigid arctic months?

Farmers often breed cattle for ‘Winter Calving’ to give the cattle a longer period in which to grow and gain weight before fall sales, at which most of the young livestock is sold off. These calves garner a higher gross revenue at the sales, with consideration to the fact that cattle are often sold at a varying price per pound, which depends on the quality of the livestock and the sales market in that particular year.

Nothing to complain about

Adrianna Smith

Adrianna Smith

Being a radio host, I chat with people in the community and spend a lot of time on the internet, specifically social networks. With Western Canada being tossed into a deep freeze, everyone and their dog has something to tweet, post or say about it. It's only been a day, and I'm already sick and tired of hearing and reading people complaining about the weather. Yes, it's cold out. We all know it. It's mid January. Old Man Winter was on a 2 month winter vacation so we all saw it coming.

Most importantly, we really have nothing to complain about. So your car didn't start and you were late for work. At least you have a car and a job. It's unfortunate that workers are stuck at the mines due to the road conditions but they have food and shelter, as do you. Odds are, as you post your winter weather complaint from your smartphone, work computer or school laptop, you've got a roof over your head, some food in your stomach and warm clothes.

Having a late start to the day and a car that doesn't want to move are minor inconveniences compared to fighting off frostbite everyday and trying to find a somewhat warm place to rest your head at night. Others are out braving the cold because they have to, they have no other choice. With that said, instead of complaining all winter, be thankful for what you have and give back to those who aren't as fortunate.

Over and out,
Adrianna Smith

Another successful event for the Willow Valley Trophy Club

Willow Valley Trophy Club event
T. Lucas photo

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

The Willow Valley Trophy Club, which started in 1949, held its annual show in the Pincher Creek Community Hall on Saturday, January 14, 2012.
Trophy plaques were proudly displayed at the front of the hall, bearing the names of the previous winners. Today decided the winners that would join the ranks of sportsmen that are added to the list of the elite every year.  The Boone and Crockett Club had official scorers to judge the trophies.

Curling Club Men's League starts tonight

Tuesday, January 17 will be the Pincher Creek Curling Club's first league play, with the Men's League taking to the ice at the Pincher Creek Curling Rink at 7:30 pm.

The Club is offering a Little Rock and Junior curling league from ages 8 to 18. If anyone is interested, please contact Angela at 403-627-1467.

Museum's curling event a big hit despite cold weather

Co-op GM Bruce Buckingham
at the Pioneer Turkey Shoot
Kim Buckingham  photo

Toni Lucas

Curlers braved the outdoor cold with good cheer on January 15, 2012 at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village.  The crowds gathered ready to shoot off for the grand prize, to shoot with the heritage rock (circa 1890s), and the bragging rights of being outdoors while curling.

With a -18 C  chill with a gentle snowfall, few dallied while lining up their shots.  Each contestant stepped up to the hack and gave it their all.  Once again, curling sportsmanship was highlighted with laughter, gentle ribbing, laughter, and tips being given out by those that had more experience or had thrown earlier.

Sr. Boys Dragons basketball team victorious over Nobleford Blades

Nathan Bruder hanging in there
Tannis Bruder photo 

Chris Davis

St. Michael's Sr. Boys Dragons hosted the Nobleford Blades at the Dale Wentz Memorial Gymnasium on the evening of Monday, January 17.

The Dragons came out strong from the first whistle, striking early and striking often.  It was obvious that this team had gelled from the tight teamwork.  Nobleford is blessed with some strong players, but they were up against the Dragons passing play and strong net skills. By the end of the first quarter, the Dragons were up 26-15.

Sabres Sr. Girls number one in Foremost and Province

John Lowry, Contributor

Livingstone Sabres Sr. Girls, #1 at Foremost Tournament and
#1 in the Province for all 1A Schools
Contributed photo

The Livingstone Sabres Sr. Girls basketball team took their team (12-0) to Foremost this past weekend (Jan 13 & 14). The Sabres are ranked #1 in the province for all 1A schools. The Sabres started the tournament Friday night against Rundle Academy from Calgary. There were no surprises in the first round match-up as the Sabres racked up 17 - 6, 47 - 10, and 71 – 16 quarter scores finishing the game 79 – 24.

Logging protest update: Protesters optimistic that SRD may deny logging in Castle Special Management Area

Castle Crown Wilderness Coalition/Sierra Club Canada press release

Beaver Mines: Situated on the way to Castle Mountain Resort, inside the Castle Special Management Area west of Pincher Creek, it’s now the sixth day and counting that a legal camp set up by a second-generation outfitter and a picket line by local residents, outdoor enthusiasts and conservation groups are holding off logging equipment from starting in the protected area. It was an upbeat and determined atmosphere through the weekend at the site as long-time ranching families stop by with hot chocolate and more new volunteers stopped in to help.

Learning to Rope – Pincher Creek Style

Janet Barkwith, Contributor, Pincher Creek Voice

Janet Barkwith
C. Davis photo

When I was five years old, I was already riding the range, throwing loops, and generally cowboyin' around. Trouble was, my horse was the arm of my mother's couch, and my rope was an old washing line. There wasn't too much call for cowboys in southern England, with her little green patchwork fields, where beef farmers called the cows when they were required! Then real life intervened: school, job, marriage, kids – you know the kind of thing. But I did manage to get myself a horse (or a few) and took up fox hunting, riding with the Duke of Beaufort's Hounds in Gloucestershire for almost twenty years.

Hunting was a huge part of our lives in Gloucestershire, but all good things come to an end, and here in SW Alberta we feel we have gained every bit as much as we have lost, so no regrets!

Pincher Creek Midget Huskies blanked by Sundre in Tournament Final

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Update: An earlier version of this article had some inaccuracies, resulting in retraction and apology you can read by clicking here. I apologize again for the errors. - Chris Davis

Fans of the Pincher Creek Midget Huskies are wondering how it went so very wrong.  The team was up against the Sundre Huskies for the number 1 spot in their own Midget Tournament, held at the MCC Arena this weekend.   The Pincher Creek team was on a roll, winning twice, and decisively so,  in tournament play on Friday and Saturday.

The Pincher Creek Midget Huskies 2011/2012

4 Mackenzie Jordan "A"

5 Steven Mitchell

9 Blair Goodreau "A"

10 Joshua Foster

11 Calahan Bruder

15 Tristan Doell

16 Brett Tarcon "C"

17 Sheldon Filipuzzi

18 Chase Tymchyna

19 Ryan Sciarra "A"

21 Michael Roy "A"

22 Charles Mitchell

23 Ryan Marshall

27 Lane Crawford

33 Lane Kalbhen

35 Braeden Claringbull

Head Coach: Greg Shackel

Assistant Coaches: Hayden Shackel, Jeremy Ames, Mason Bond

Team Manager: Ken Doell

Sundre Midget Huskies defeat Cranbrook in shootout cliffhanger

Midget Hockey Tournament
Sundre vs Cranbrook
C. Davis photo

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

The Sundre Huskies faced the Cranbrook Ice at Pincher Creek's MCC Arena Saturday evening, January 14.  At stake was the final spot in the first-place Final game in the Pincher Creek Midget Tournament, to be held Sunday afternoon, January 15 at 1 pm.  Pincher Creek's own Huskies earned their own spot in that game earlier in the day.

Castle area logging protest continues

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Protesters (including Nikki the dog) continue to picket at the
site of proposed Castle Special Management Area logging
C. Davis photo

A rotating group of concerned citizens continues to man the pickets, protesting planned logging of the Castle Special Management Area south and west of Beaver Mines, alongside Highway 774.

Remembering Eldon Erickson

When I first moved to these parts 6 or 7 years ago, I lived in Cowley and was lucky enough to have as neighbours Mr. Eldon Erickson and his wonderful wife Josie.  Eldon built a home there, raised a family, served as Cowley Mayor for a time, and constructed some of the best built homes all over this area, homes created with skill, pride, and originality, traits inherited by his sons, who run Erickson and Sons to this day.  Eldon had a love of life that was infectious, a knack for gardening, and a particular fondness for concrete.  If concrete was being poured somewhere, he was there overseeing it, making sure it was just right.

I didn't of course know the man anywhere nearly as well as many of you did, but I came to highly value the occasional chat over the fence while he worked in his garden, or in the yard of the Cowley Co-op, or at the site of a new construction.

It was therefore with great sadness that I learned Mr. Erickson passed away on January 5 of this year, and was remembered in a Memorial Service on January 12.  I missed those events, having just learned about his passing yesterday.

The master carpenter has surely found a place with the Master Carpenter.   This was a man who helped build this country, and he will be sorely missed.

- Chris Davis

Pincher Creek's Huskies earn a spot in the Midget Tournament first-place game

Pincher Creek's Midget Huskies
(in red) vs Creston Bruins
C. Davis photo

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

A confident Pincher Creek Midget Huskies team took to the ice on Saturday afternoon, January 14 to face the Creston Bruins, the second game for them in the Midget tournament being held at Pincher Creek's MCC Arena this weekend.

The Huskies established their dominance immediately with a classic unassisted Brett Tarcon goal 32 seconds into the game.  A potential Bruins goal with 7:22 on the clock was denied when the whistle blew for a slashing penalty against Huskies #9 Blair Goodreau prior to the puck sliding into the Huskies net.  The Huskies harried the Bruins throughout the first period, but it took #16 Tarcon until 4:46 on the clock to score another, this time assisted by #11 Calahan Bruder.

"Billionaire Socialist hordes threaten Nation!"

Billionare columnist Phil Burpee

Phil Burpee, Columnist, Pincher Creek Voice

Yes, you read it first here in the Voice. Apparently the very fabric of our nation is under dire threat from the roiling armies of foreign agitators, fifth columnists, comsymp bleeding-heart tree-huggers, and various other ne'er-do-well luddites and heretic schemers. It would seem that food is about to be snatched from the mouths of our babes by conniving 'radicals and environmentalists' who toil in distant proletarian mansions with the avowed purpose of visiting upon our fair land the vile and toxic witch's brew of 'sober reflection', 'scientific discourse' and, that most pernicious of them all, 'long-term socio-economic cost-benefit analysis'.

Midget Huskies kickstart tourney with big win over Elk Valley

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Huskies vs Elk Valley

Pincher Creek's Midget Huskies faced Elk Valley at the MCC Arena in the first game of a three day Midget tournament on Friday evening.

The Huskies were on fire right from the first faceoff.  #21 Michael Roy scored early in the first period, just over a minute and a half into the game.  It was the first of four first period goals for the Huskies, with two scored by the breakaway kid #16 Brett Tarcon, and a beauty by #23 Ryan Marshall with only 4.4 seconds left on the clock.  The Elk Valley team played well, particularly considering this was only their 8th game of the season, but they were cleary outplayed by the faster, slicker Pincher Creek team.