Category Archives: Davidson

Davidson, featured, Sports

Raiders are tops at senior home tournament

Davidson's Ben Nykiforuk goes for a basket during a Jan. 15 game against the Langham Vikings, part of a senior boys basketball tournament hosted by the Davidson Raiders.
Davidson’s Ben Nykiforuk goes for a basket during a Jan. 15 game against the Langham Vikings, part of a senior boys basketball tournament hosted by the Davidson Raiders.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — There was plenty of skill on display as eight teams converged in Davidson last weekend for a senior boys basketball tournament.

The Raiders hosted teams from the towns of Southey, Langham, Coronach, Porcupine Plain, Herbert and Biggar over the weekend of Jan. 15 and 16.

Also competing in the tournament was the senior boys team from Frontier Collegiate Institute (FCI) in Cranberry Portage, Man., whose players travelled eight hours on a school bus from northern Manitoba to Davidson.

The Raiders faced some tough competition from familiar challengers, but ultimately prevailed, defeating the Biggar Blazers 72-66 on Saturday night.

“The whole group of them played really well,” said Davidson coach Kim Rettger. “It’s always nice to win your home tournament, especially for the Grade 12s.”

Davidson played its first game on Friday evening, easily defeating the Langham Vikings with a score of 77-36.

Rettger said all of his players had plenty of time on the court, giving them a chance to prepare for a stronger challenge on Saturday.

The next morning the Raiders took on the Herbert Laurels in the A-side final, struggling at first but later pulling ahead with a 72-62 win.

Meanwhile, the Coronach Colts — who won gold at the 1A provincials last year — were defeated by the Biggar Blazers, who combined an aggressive offence with strong defence.

Rettger said he was surprised at Biggar’s performance, noting that the team has several skilled shooters on its roster and a high level of accuracy.

Davidson met Biggar in the championship game. The Blazers took a commanding lead in the first quarter, but the Raiders narrowed the gap to 10 points by the game’s midway point.

A switch from a zone defence to a man-to-man defence brought Davidson within two points of taking the lead by the end of the third quarter.

Huck Rettger scored a total of 38 points in the final, 29 of which were scored during the second half. For his efforts he was recognized as Davidson’s player of the game.

The Raiders had secured a small lead in the closing minutes when the coach sent out Kieran Boehm, who picked up a couple of rebounds and turned them into successful layups. This gave the team a comfortable 72-66 lead at the final buzzer.

For the full story, please see the Jan. 25 edition of The Davidson Leader.

Davidson, Obituary

Obituary: Brooke, September

September Brooke
September Brooke

Brooke, September
December 10, 1962 — January 10, 2016

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of September Brooke on Jan. 10, 2016. September was born in Maple Creek, Sask., to Gerald Burt and Gloria Williams. She graduated from Davidson High School in 1980 and lived in Davidson for the remainder of her life.

September’s love of books and reading led her to pursue a career as a librarian. She worked as the branch librarian in Davidson from 1998, receiving a certificate with honours in Library Training in December 2010. Her dedication to lifelong learning and teaching is being recognized by Palliser Regional Library through the naming of the September Brooke Rural Education Bursary.

September was predeceased by her grandparents Anne and Jake Williams, Ruth and Lloyd Burt and twin daughters born prematurely in 1983. She is survived by her husband Josh; three children, Rob (Vanessa), Chantelle (Sven) and Sheldon (Aimee); grandchildren Layne and Hailey; parents Gerald and Gloria; siblings Monty (Heather) and Holly (Robin); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Her family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Davidson Health Centre and the Saskatoon Cancer Centre for their dedication and care.

A service for September was held in Davidson on Jan. 23, 2016. Donations in her memory can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, Saskatoon Cancer Centre, and the Davidson Public Library. Arrangements were in care of Hanson’s Funeral Home.

Craik, Davidson, featured, Sports

Local players making an impact with midget Mavericks

Charly Nolting of the Moose Jaw Mavericks attempts a shot during a Dec. 20 game against the Estevan Power Tech Panthers at Affinity Place.
Charly Nolting of the Moose Jaw Mavericks attempts a shot during a Dec. 20 game against the Estevan Power Tech Panthers at Affinity Place.

By Joel van der Veen

MOOSE JAW — It’s been a growing year for the Moose Jaw Mavericks, but coach Cam King says his players are learning plenty as the season moves on.

With only four players returning from last season, the girls have taken some time to bond and develop team dynamics, King said last month.

“I used to say it was two steps forward, one step back,” said the head coach. “Now it’s about three steps forward, one step back. So we’re making progress.”

The midget AA team, part of the South Saskatchewan Female Hockey League, has three players from this area on its roster.

Forward Charly Nolting of Craik returns for her third season, while forward Breanna Shaw of Davidson and defenceman Jewel Bakken of Craik are in their first full season with the Mavericks.

The coach described Nolting as a “fast skater, very strong (and) very physical.” She has four goals and four assists so far, giving her the fourth highest point total on the team’s roster.

Shaw, described as a “playmaker,” has three goals and one assist so far. King also referred to Bakken, who has recorded three assists, as a “solid, hard-working, gritty defenceman.”

“They all know their role,” said King. “They all play their role well, and for me, the most important part is they’re great kids.”

As of last week, the Mavericks stood at sixth place out of eight teams in the league, with six wins, 14 losses and one tie.

The team began January with back-to-back losses to the Parkland Lions, followed by a 3-1 win over the Weyburn NOV Drillers.

King, who was interviewed following consecutive losses in Estevan on Dec. 19 and 20, said the team is focusing on puck handling.

“When you get the puck, you should really have a plan of what you’re going to do with it,” he said, adding, “I can see continuous improvement every night.”

He also noted he has benefitted from the contributions of Shaw’s father Jason, who has joined as an assistant coach this year. King called him a “tremendous hockey guy.”

“I’ve coached a long time and I’ve learned a lot of stuff just from having him on the bench this year,” said King. “So he’s been a great help as well.”

The Mavericks will visit Davidson on Jan. 22, when they will challenge the Regina Ravens at the Communiplex starting at 7:15 p.m.

(With files from Jamie Harkins)

Davidson, Obituary

Obituary: Gourlay, Harold Robert

Harold Gourlay
Harold Gourlay

Harold Robert Gourlay
1946 — 2016

Harold Robert Gourlay of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of Lynn (Hillis) Gourlay, passed away on Monday, Jan. 4, 2016 at the age of 69 years. Harold also leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Kelley (Kyle King); his sons Brent and Michael (Shiela), all of Medicine Hat; and his grandchildren Maralynn Sasse, Kelvin King, Robert Gourlay and Stephanie Gourlay. He also leaves to mourn five brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Harold was predeceased by his parents Hugh and Gertrude (Danielson) Gourlay; his mother and father-in-law, Arthur and Maizie Hillis; three sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law. Harold was raised on the family farm at Davidson, Sask. He spent several years as a truck driver in Saskatchewan and Alberta. He also spent 10 enjoyable years on Vancouver Island where he and Lynn ran a family business before relocating to Medicine Hat in 1993. Harold then returned to truck driving until his retirement. The family would like to thank Dr. Martin Wong and Dr. Bao Dang as well as the nurses on 5West at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. A come-and-go reception will be held at Saamis Creekside Centre, #11 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, on Monday, Jan. 18, 2016 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Memorial gifts in Harold’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com, subject heading Harold Gourlay. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium, “The Chapel in the Park,” Medicine Hat, Alta. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 1-800-317-2647.

Bladworth, Davidson, Kenaston

Meet Davidson’s New Year’s baby of 2016

Levi Kevin Reich, born Jan. 1, 2016 at 11:35 p.m., is Davidson's New Year's baby.
Levi Kevin Reich, born Jan. 1, 2016 at 11:35 p.m., is Davidson’s New Year’s baby.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — Levi Kevin Reich might have seemed like a long shot for Davidson’s New Year’s baby.

“We joked about having him as a New Year’s baby, but we didn’t think that would happen,” recalled his mother, Heather Puckett.

Levi wasn’t due until Feb. 11, but as it turns out, the joke was on his mom and dad.

Puckett went into labour around 6:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day, and five hours later, she delivered a healthy baby boy at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.

She was only 34 weeks into her pregnancy, so Levi’s early arrival came as a surprise to both her and his father, Trevor Reich.

As of last week, mother and child were doing well, although Levi was expected to stay a few extra days in the hospital’s neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU).

“They just want him to grow a little more,” explained Puckett. “They haven’t given us a definite date yet. It could be by the weekend, I’m not sure though.”

Levi arrived at 11:35 p.m., weighing 5 lbs., 14 oz., and measuring 20.5 inches. Despite the surprise, his mother reported a smooth delivery.

The child’s arrival marked a happy start to 2016 for his parents, grandparents and many extended family members in Davidson and area.

Levi’s grandparents are Fran and Tom Vanghel of Davidson, Stan Schneider of Bladworth, and Kevin and Lorraine Reich of Saskatoon.

His great-grandparents are Val Thurlow of Kenaston and Norbert and Elaine Reich of Davidson.

Levi has two older siblings: Carter, 5, and Jayla, 4. His father Trevor works at Legend Autobody and Paint in Davidson, while Heather is a stay-at-home mother. The family resides in the former Zeleny home on Government Road.

Levi joins an exclusive club of past Davidson’s New Year’s babies that includes Brad McLaren, Carl Johnson and David Beckie.

Davidson

STC: no plans to move bus station

The STC bus bound for Regina is seen leaving the Davidson bus depot on Friday morning.
The STC bus bound for Regina is seen leaving the Davidson bus depot on Friday morning.

 

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — Bus patrons in Davidson will likely have to continue crossing Highway 11 each time they hitch a ride with the STC.

Despite the circulation of a petition asking the company to consider a new location for the Davidson bus depot, Candace Phelps said STC has no plans to do so.

“We currently have an excellent working relationship with the current agent,” Phelps, the company’s executive director of strategic planning and communications, told the Leader on Thursday.

The Esso station on the east side of Highway 11 currently serves as the local pickup and dropoff point for STC bus passengers, as well as parcels sent using the company’s delivery service.

Last week, a group of concerned residents began circulating a petition asking the company to consider moving the depot to a location within town.

“We feel that if the STC bus service is moved back into town limits, it would be utilized more by both the passengers and businesses receiving parcels,” states the petition.

The petition was initially placed at half a dozen businesses in Davidson, said Larry Packet, who was distributing copies on behalf of some of the customers of his coffee shop and restaurant.

Packet said the current location of the STC agency has been a sticking point for some of his clientele, adding, “They finally decided to do something about it.”

Longtime resident Maurice Merkosky said having the bus terminal on the other side of the highway is inconvenient, since many users rely on the bus because they can’t or don’t drive.

“It’s not handy for anyone in town,” he said. “Convenience is what it’s all about. . . We’re just thinking of the people of the Town of Davidson.”

Eldon Pederson said that when his brother takes the bus from Estevan to visit him here, he has to drive across four lanes of traffic to meet him.

Packet said some of his customers have complained that bus users, many of whom are seniors, have to find a ride to the bus stop or risk walking across the highway.

He said they intend to keep collecting signatures for a couple of weeks before presenting the results to STC.

Previously, the bus terminal was located at the now-defunct SM Gas and Convenience along the north entrance to Davidson.

After SM closed, the terminal moved out to the highway in January 2012, with services provided at the A&W fast food restaurant and Fast Toys for Boys. The terminal has been located at the Esso station since June 2015.

For the full story, please see the Jan. 11 edition of The Davidson Leader.