The Winkler Flyers officially received their 2023-24 Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) Championship rings in a heartfelt ceremony that reunited players and staff. The event was a celebration of hard work, dedication, and a season that will be remembered for years to come.
A moment to treasure
For forward Brody Beauchemin, #16 from Île-des-Chênes, Manitoba, seeing the rings for the first time was unforgettable. “We definitely liked them,” Beauchemin said with a smile. “They look way better in person. They’ve got our names on them—it’s just really cool to see all our hard work pay off.”
Opening the rings as a group brought back the camaraderie of their championship journey. “It was awesome opening up with this group,” Beauchemin shared. “Obviously, we missed the other guys that couldn’t make it—especially the 20-year-olds who were a big part of this—but we’re champs forever together. It’s awesome.”
Honoring local talent
While most of the team gathered in Winkler for the ring ceremony, three local players made their mark elsewhere this season. Malachi Klassen, now playing NCAA Division I hockey at the College of the Holy Cross, and Trent Penner, playing for the University of Alaska Fairbanks, received their championship rings during the Christmas break. The two former Flyers were unable to attend the ceremony due to their commitments to college hockey, but their impact on the championship run remains unforgettable.
Another local player, Lucas Ens, who contributed to the team’s success, was also unable to attend the ceremony. Ens is currently representing Winkler in the SEMHL, playing for the Winkler Royals. His continued involvement in hockey underscores the strength and pride of local talent emerging from the Winkler community.
A historic victory
Beauchemin fondly recalled the championship day that united the team and the fans. “We got to the rink at around 4:30, and fans were already lined up in the rain,” he said. “When we scored that overtime goal, I’ve never heard anything louder in my life. It was special to win the last game in the Winkler Centennial Arena, and the fans made it unforgettable.”
Teammate #28 Nicholas McKee, from Trherne, Manitoba, reflected on the significance of receiving their rings together. “It was pretty surreal. All the work we put in last year—it really paid off,” McKee said.
Winning the championship in the iconic Winkler Centennial Arena added another layer of meaning. McKee, who grew up playing for the Pembina Valley Hawks, felt the significance of winning so close to home. “It was unreal,” McKee shared. “The Centennial was a one-of-a-kind barn with an atmosphere I’ll never forget. To have my family and friends there was amazing.”
Eyes on another championship
As the Flyers continue their current season, the team is determined to build on their success. “We’ve got a really good team again this year,” McKee said. “We just have to keep working hard and keep that shared goal in mind.”
Beauchemin echoed the sentiment: “We’re at the same pace as last year. If we stay the course and keep putting in the work, I think we’ve got what it takes to do it again.”
The ring ceremony was not just a celebration of a remarkable achievement but also a reminder of the incredible talent that has come through the Flyers program. Whether competing in the NCAA, MJHL, SEMHL or various other leagues these players continue to carry the legacy of Flyers hockey with them.