The Lakeland College Rustlers opened their 2026 soccer season with four home games over the August 29 and 30 weekend, giving local fans their first look at the teams on Holy Rosary High School’s new outdoor artificial turf field. The women’s team got the weekend off to a strong start on Saturday, evening with a 3–2 victory over The King’s University Eagles. The men followed later that afternoon but were unable to hold off the Eagles, falling 5–2 in their season opener. The Ru

Vermilion Kuk Sool Won students had a rare opportunity this past weekend as Chong Jae Nim Alex Suh, son of Kuk Sool Won founder Grandmaster In Hyuk Suh and CEO of the World Kuk Sool Association, made his first visit to the Vermilion school. Suh was joined by Sa Bum Nim Hong, a fourth-degree black belt from Korea, with the visiting instructors spending Friday and Saturday and part of Sunday in Vermilion. The weekend marked the school’s first Kuk Sool Won seminar and the first

The Mannville Riverview Golf Course was bustling with activity on Friday, August 21, as golfers, volunteers and supporters came together for the annual Lyster Family Golf Fundraiser. After being rescheduled from its usual July date, the popular tournament returned with approximately 25 teams of four taking part, bringing around 100 golfers to the course for a full day of friendly competition and community spirit. The tournament got underway at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start, se

Young rodeo competitors were back in the saddle in Vermilion last week as the Little Cowpokes Junior Rodeo Association brought two days of competition to the Lakeland College Equine Centre. The rodeo was held August 20 and 21, giving young cowboys and cowgirls another opportunity to put their skills to the test while spending time with friends and families who share their love of rodeo. Little Cowpokes has long been about more than winning a buckle. The junior rodeo associati

Suttyn Volz from Marwayne took the Breakaway Buckle. Photo CHSR. Canada’s young rodeo athletes once again showed there is no shortage of talent coming up through the ranks. Competitors representing Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia and communities across the country came together for the 2026 Canadian High School Rodeo Finals, competing for the chance to leave with one of the biggest honours: the title of Canadian Champion. Lola Hogg raced to the Barrel Racing

Kane McKnight from Lloydminster took the Bareback Buckle. Photo CHSR. The future of Canadian rodeo is looking pretty bright; judging by this year’s Canadian Junior High Rodeo Champions, there is plenty more talent coming up through the ranks. Young rodeo athletes from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia and communities across the country came together for the 2026 Canadian Finals, where they put their skills, determination and plenty of hard work to the test. Wh

Photo submitted The Vermilion Roar U15 lacrosse team returned home from Medicine Hat as provincial champions after defeating the Medicine Hat Sun Devils 9-5 in the gold-medal game. It was the finish the team had worked toward all season, with every practice, game and challenge helping prepare the athletes for the moment they stepped onto the floor with a provincial championship on the line. The Roar rose to the occasion, combining determination, teamwork and resilience to sec

Harper Matthews. Photo submitted Local homegrown athlete Harper Matthews continues to prove that small-town players can make a big impact when hard work, dedication and opportunity come together. Matthews, a U17 lacrosse player from the Clandonald area, has been steadily paving her way to success through the sport. She figures she has been playing lacrosse since she was about five years old, starting out as a player and continuing in that role until her U13 year. That was whe

Dirt flew, engines growled, and cheers echoed around the track on June 13 as the Vermilion River Lawnmower Racing season kicked off at the Vermilion Agricultural Grounds, bringing together racers and fans for an afternoon of unique grassroots motorsport. Drivers from across the region gathered to test their skills on the specially prepared infield track; entertaining spectators with tight corners, friendly rivalries, and plenty of close finishes. What may have looked like ord

The Vermilion Roar turned in a strong showing at the 2026 Lakeland Ice Melter Tournament over Mother’s Day weekend, competing against teams from across Alberta and Saskatchewan in one of the region’s largest early-season box lacrosse events. Hosted throughout Bonnyville, Cold Lake, and Glendon from May 8 to 10, the annual tournament brought together athletes, families, coaches, and fans for a weekend packed with lacrosse action, community spirit, vendors, and family activitie

For Brody Sunderland, this moment has been building over time, shaped by seasons of growth, quiet determination, and a steady commitment to improving his game. The Kitscoty forward has signed a Western Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Spokane Chiefs, marking an important step forward after being selected in the fourth round, 75th overall, in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft. It is a milestone that reflects not only a strong season, but a player who has

The Vermilion Jr. B Tigers gathered with family, sponsors and community supporters on April 11 at the Vermilion Golf Course Club House for their annual year end wind up and awards night. The evening began with a 5 p.m. cocktail hour, followed by a roast beef dinner prepared by Colleen Hozack. Master of Ceremonies Brayden Wilson opened the program by recognizing the extensive volunteer support required to operate the team throughout the season. More than 90 sponsors, donors an

Photo Lorna Hamilton The Marwayne Arena was ablaze with excitement on April 10th as bull riding enthusiasts and supporters gathered for the highly anticipated 14th Annual Scorpion Oilfield Marwayne Professional Bull Riders Canada event. Presented by Tar-Row Construction, the evening not only brought heart-pounding action but also served as a crucial fundraiser for the Marwayne Arena Board. The annual event drew crowds eager for an electrifying evening, all in support of essen

Jr. B Tigers with their Bronze medal win. Photo submitted The 2026 Alberta Junior B Hockey Provincials brought a full weekend of high-level competition to the Cenovus Energy Hub in Lloydminster from April 1–5, with the Lloydminster Bandits hosting six teams from across the province in a well-run and highly attended event. While the host Bandits worked hard throughout the tournament, it was the Vermilion Tigers who found their stride late, finishing the weekend strong and capt

The U18 AA Musgrave Steelers with their gold banner and medal. Photo submitted The U18 AA Musgrave Steelers have made history in a way that will not soon be forgotten, capturing the 2026 provincial championship in dramatic fashion during their very first appearance at the tournament. Head coach Scott Dopko’s squad defeated Grande Prairie 1-0 in Sunday’s March 29 gold medal game, sealing the victory just 17 seconds into overtime and sending the bench into an unforgettable cele

Lakeland College Rustlers Rowing Team is competing. Photo submitted Members of the Lakeland Rowing Club and Lakeland College rowing team (Rustler Crew) recently took part in two significant indoor rowing events, contributing to a national achievement while also competing at the provincial level to close out the varsity season. Seven members of the club participated in the national Indoor Rowing Day in Canada on Saturday, February 21, collectively rowing more than 28,000 metre

Championship Opener Against Bandits Face off after the Bandits tie the game. Photo Sonya Lee Reporter The Jr. B Tigers’ championship run began on home ice on March 14 as they faced the Lloydminster Jr. B Bandits in front of an energized hometown crowd. While the Tigers ultimately fell short on the scoreboard, the game showcased the determination, skill, and heart that carried the team to the championship series. Adding to the strong community spirit surrounding the night, mem

U13 Vermilion Swift Fox Tigers. Photo submitted Excitement is building in Vermilion as the U13 Vermilion Swift Fox Tigers prepare to host the provincial championship tournament March 20 to 22. Eight teams from across Alberta will travel to Vermilion to compete in the three-day event, which will feature round-robin play in two pools on Friday and Saturday before the tournament concludes with the finals on Sunday. For the Tigers, hosting provincials on home ice makes the experi

The Lakeland College Rustlers women’s volleyball team proved once again that champions cannot be counted out. Despite a season that began under difficult circumstances, the Rustlers captured their fourth consecutive Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) championship in Camrose, defeating the host Augustana Vikings in straight sets to continue one of the most dominant runs in Canadian collegiate volleyball. Lakeland defeated the Vikings 3–0 in the gold medal match (25–22

Is there still an active cross-country ski club in Vermilion? Absolutely — and it’s thriving! The Vermilion Nordic Ski Club is celebrating an incredible milestone this season: 50 years of skiing, friendship, and community spirit. Founded in 1976 by a passionate group of ski enthusiasts — including the parents of Olympic gold medalist Beckie Scott, Jan and Walter Scott — the club has grown into a vibrant hub for winter activity in our region. Today, the club maintains 20 kilom