2017 Year In Review – March
As we prepare to say goodbye to 2017, battlefordsNOW is taking a look at some of the top news items that made headlines and newsmakers over the past 12 months.
It was an exciting month in March for the Town of Wilkie as they are selected as a top 10 finalist in the 2017 Kraft Hockeyville competition. As a finalist, Wilkie received $25,000 in arena upgrades and qualified for the grand prize of $100,000 plus the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game. Ituna, Saskatchewan would edge Wilkie in the next round of voting, however Mayor David Ziegler said the positive experience changed his community.
The Battlefords North Stars completed one of their most successful seasons in franchise history. The Stars easily captured first place overall in the SJHL by amassing a 48-9-1 record for 97 points and earning home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. The Stars also set a league record for fewest goals against in a season (103). Battlefords went into the playoffs as heavy favourites and it was well warranted as the Stars swept the Weyburn Red Wings, Estevan Bruins, and the Flin Flon Bombers in the league final to capture the Canalta Cup and earn the right to represent the league at the Western Canada Cup in Penticton B.C. in May.
The Town of Wilkie and surrounding area were shocked that Heidi Veit, an education assistant in the Living Sky School Division was found dead in the RM of Buffalo. Her estranged husband Wesley John Veit was subsequently arrested and charged with first degree murder. His trial was expected to begin in the summer. The charges have not been proven in court.