The Selkirk Steelers played just twice last week, but both contests proved to be entertaining.
Last Tuesday, they hosted the Winnipeg Monarchs at Selkirk Recreation Complex in a long-awaited RBC Game Night, where Steelers captain Owen Branson was recognized as a member of the 2025–26 RBC–Manitoba Junior Hockey League Community Ambassador Team.
Branson was named the Steelers’ representative in December when the league announced the 13 players selected — one from each team.
RBC Community Ambassadors are chosen from players who display outstanding citizenship and sportsmanship both on and off the ice, along with a commitment to volunteerism.
As for Branson, he brings point-per-game skill to the Steelers’ forward group and strong off-ice leadership, helping with learn-to-skate programs, minor hockey practices, and attending sponsorship initiatives and fundraisers.
Head coach Hudson Friesen and his staff were pleased to put forward the Fargo, N.D., native as the team’s representative.
“He’s obviously our captain, he’s been here for two years, and he’s done nothing but get himself involved with the community,” said Friesen. “Anytime we have any type of volunteering initiatives or things going on, he’s the first to sign up and the first guy to help get things organized. Obviously, he’s not a local kid, but he’s very passionate about this community and giving back and getting involved, and it was an easy choice nominating him for that.”
All 13 ambassadors around the league are recognized at an RBC Game Night throughout the season and are honoured through a donation from RBC to a school in their community.
At the conclusion of the regular season, one ambassador will receive the RBC Community Award, which includes an additional donation from RBC in the player’s name to a school in their local community.
Beyond Branson being honoured during Tuesday’s ceremonial puck drop, the Steelers and Monarchs still had a game to play — one that turned into a nail-biter down the stretch.
Selkirk led 2–0 through the first period on goals by Jules Delepoulle and Cole Babych before Winnipeg got one back early in the second.
The teams then traded goals throughout the remainder of the middle frame, with Carter Haney and Nolan Wytrykusz scoring to put Selkirk ahead 4–3.
From there, Selkirk’s Hudson Hunnie and Winnipeg’s Dylan McFadyen shut the door, as the game ended in a 4–3 Steelers victory. Selkirk held a 56–16 edge in shots and earned its 18th win of the season.
On Friday, the Steelers faced an even tougher challenge as the Portage Terriers came to town.
Portage struck first and led 2–0 after 20 minutes before Selkirk got on the board on a Babych goal.
After Portage responded shortly after, Dawson Madden scored to bring Selkirk back within one.
The Steelers then turned to Branson in the third period, as he tied the game at three early in the final frame.
The deadlock, however, lasted only briefly, as the Terriers scored three goals in a 10-minute span to claim a 6–3 victory.
Portage finished with a 42–29 edge in shots, with Ryan Velan stopping 26 to earn the win. Selkirk’s Ethan Sawyer posted 36 saves in the loss.
The Steelers fell to 18-19-2 following the defeat, remaining fifth in the MGEU East Division — nine points back of the fourth and final playoff spot.
With 19 games remaining, Selkirk will look to take advantage of an upcoming road pair against the Swan Valley Stampeders, where they will seek a full four points.
Swan Valley currently holds an 11-22-3-1 record and sits fifth in the MGEU West Division.
“We have to bring our best this weekend and play six periods of meaningful hockey and play it the way we need to play — with our style and our structure,” said Friesen. “If we do those things, I think we’ll be very successful. It’s definitely not lost on us how important this weekend is, and we’ve been playing pretty well of late, so it’s going to be important to keep it going. Getting the results is obviously the most important thing at the end of the day, and we’ve got to find a way to get those four points.”
Upcoming games:
Friday, Jan. 30 — at Swan Valley Stampeders, 7 p.m., Swan River Centennial Arena
Saturday, Jan. 31 — at Swan Valley Stampeders, 7 p.m., Swan River Centennial Arena
