After an ice scheduling conflict opened up availability, Stonewall will host a Manitoba Junior Hockey League game on Thursday, Jan. 15.
The Winnipeg Blues will face the Portage Terriers at the Stonewall Veterans Memorial Sports Complex, with puck drop set for 12 p.m. The game gives local fans a rare opportunity to see MJHL action in Stonewall, with the Blues promoting the matchup as a community-focused event encouraging minor hockey players and families to attend. The meeting also carries playoff implications, with the two teams battling for position in the league standings.
For local billet parent Amanda Clarke, the game carries added meaning.
Clarke is hosting three Winnipeg Blues players this season — Kyson Lindsay, Brennan Green and Brennan’s brother, Brady Green — and says what began with a simple email through Stonewall Minor Hockey has grown into a life-changing experience for her family.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity to bring a young adult into our home who was dedicated, disciplined and passionate about hockey — someone my son Wyatt could look up to,” Clarke said.
Lindsay, who arrived from Calgary in late August, said the transition to Stonewall was made easy by both his billet family and the community.
“Being billeted in Stonewall has been a really positive experience,” he said. “From the moment I arrived, the community and my billet family made me feel welcome and comfortable. It truly feels like a home away from home.”
After Lindsay quickly settled into family life, Clarke agreed to billet additional players as needs arose. Brennan Green joined soon after, followed by his brother Brady in early October after a trade to Winnipeg.
“Before we knew it, our family of five had grown to include three billet brothers,” Clarke said. “It’s been an experience filled with learning, growth and connection.”
Brady Green said the household dynamic has been a highlight of the season.
“Billeting in Stonewall has been a great experience, and I’m thankful for the support the Stonewall youth teams have shown toward us and the Winnipeg Blues,” he said. “Having four little billet siblings is also pretty cool, and we all enjoy spending time with them. Our billet mom has made us feel at home since Day 1.”
The players have become part of the household’s daily rhythm, balancing demanding junior hockey schedules with family meals, chores and time with Clarke’s four children.
“They’ve blended seamlessly into our home,” Clarke said. “It’s not just about hockey — it’s about kindness, respect, hard work and being part of a family.”
Brennan Green said that support is critical for players competing away from home.
“The support from our billet family has been huge,” he said. “After coming home from practice every day, they give you a place that feels like home and are super supportive, which makes it easier to stay focused on hockey.”
The influence has been especially strong for Wyatt, who plays minor hockey in Stonewall and now has three junior players as everyday role models.
“Having MJHL players in our home has inspired him in a way I couldn’t have imagined,” Clarke said. “He dreams of one day playing in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League himself.”
Wyatt said having the players live with his family has been the highlight of his season.
“I’ve always wanted a brother, and I feel like I really lucked out and got the three best ones I could have ever asked for,” he said. “When they come to watch me play, it makes me really excited and I work harder to impress them.”
The billet players have also embraced the Stonewall community, volunteering during Smile Cookie Week, helping on the ice at minor hockey practices and regularly attending local games.
“They always wait for Wyatt to get off the ice to give him a fist bump and congratulations, win or lose,” Clarke said.
Brennan Green said supporting young players is something he takes seriously.
“It’s important for me to support local minor hockey teams and players like the Stonewall Blues and Wyatt,” he said. “I know how much support and encouragement means at that age, and they look up to us as role models.”
One standout moment came during a parents-versus-kids skate, when Wyatt lined up for a faceoff against Brady Green and scored moments later.
“That’s a moment he’ll never forget,” Clarke said.
The connection has extended back to the junior club as well. Local teams, including the Stonewall Blues U11 and U18 girls squads, recently attended a Winnipeg Blues game, where the billet players invited the kids into the dressing room for photos and autographs.
With the Blues now set to play an MJHL game in Stonewall, Clarke said the experience has come full circle.
“For Wyatt especially, it’s a huge deal,” she said. “He keeps saying they’ll be playing on his turf.”
Brady Green said playing a league game in Stonewall adds another layer of meaning.
“You’re representing not just your team, but the community and billet family that’s supported you throughout the season,” he said. “It makes the game feel more meaningful.”
As a billet parent, Clarke said hosting the game locally is deeply meaningful.
“These boys are truly amazing young men,” she said. “Being able to watch them play in our hometown, surrounded by people who have gotten to know and support them, is incredibly special.”
Families attending the game are welcome to bring outside food and drink into the facility, and the arena canteen will be open throughout the afternoon. General admission will be $15 per person, with tickets sold at the front door, while minor hockey players aged 18 and under wearing their team jersey will receive free admission, adding to the community-focused atmosphere of the event.
