The Stonewall Jets are gearing up for what they hope will be another strong season on the ice at Veterans Memorial Sports Complex.
Coaches Pat Power and Brent Murray are currently running the junior-aged players through training camp and whittling down the list of who will get the chance to don the Jets logo this season.
Last week, they wrapped up the preseason with a pair of exhibition games against the Pembina Valley Twisters, which resulted in a 4-2 loss on Friday and a 6-1 win on Sunday.
Those will stand as the only two preseason games after the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League Showcase was cancelled the week prior.
Back in Stonewall, it’s also been a busy time for Jets management, namely their new board of executives.
The club named three new members to their six-person board this season. Trevor Warburton, Shawn Slatcher and Mike Meier are joining returning members Shaun Dalgliesh, Andrew Kirk and Randy Tesluk for the 2025-26 campaign.
Not returning from last season is president Matt Figur, who had succeeded Dale McClintock in the role.
“I want to thank both Dale and Matt for their contributions over the many years that they were involved, as the team wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the two of them,” said Dalgliesh, the Jets’ current treasurer.
Dalgliesh and the board are still finalizing their roles for the season.
Other returning staff include general manager Liam Wheddon, assistant GM Kris Menard, equipment manager Erik Mattson, trainer Doc Moreau and timekeeper/musician Greg Phelan. They were all part of the Jets’ seventh-place finish last season.
“We’ve got some new blood,” said Dalgliesh. “They’re invigorated and at the end of the day we want to see the product continue to improve. We went through a bit of a rebuild and it was tough to stay focused, but now we’re trending in the right direction.”
Part of that trend also includes players getting more involved in the community.
“There will be an expectation of a number of hours that is given back to the community as being part of our association,” said Dalgliesh.
Dalgliesh also highlighted the promotions and events the club will be hosting this season.
Key dates on the schedule include the home opener against the Raiders Jr. Hockey Club on Oct. 2, the Jets’ Halloween Social on Oct. 31, and the Jets Gala on March 7, 2026.
The Jets are also bringing back the RBC Seventh Skater program for players ages six to 12, along with their Chamber Bucks initiative.
Season tickets will go on sale in the coming days and can be purchased at the home opener or by contacting the team.
The Jets will also offer discounted 10-game mini packs and punch cards for seniors and students. Kids 12 and under will remain free for home games this season.
The club is seeking sponsors for its promo nights, including First Responders Night and the CancerCare Manitoba game.
“We’re open to any ideas that business partners have that would be mutually beneficial to both the Stonewall Jets and their business, and we’re open to having conversations to find a meeting ground for any opportunities,” said Dalgliesh.
The Jets’ major sponsors for the 2025-26 season are Quarry Physiotherapy, Rockwood Motor Inn and Stonewall Home Hardware.
For inquiries, contact jetstreasurer@stonewalljets.com.
