The Centennial Cup National Junior "A" Hockey Championship begins today at Stride Place in Portage. The Manitoba Junior Hockey League champion Steinbach Pistons play their first of four round robin games tonight against the Collingwood Blues. The Ontario Junior Hockey League champions were sixth in the final CJHL Top 20 rankings prior to the start of playoffs. The Pistons will also meet the host Portage Terriers, Superior International champion Kam River Fighting Walleye and the Saskatchewan Junior champion Battlefords Northstars. The Terriers play their opener Friday night against Steinbach. 


The 2023 Western Hockey League Prospects Draft takes place today. The Prince Albert Raiders own the first and second overall picks in the draft. The Brandon Wheat Kings have the fifth and 19th picks in round one. The Winnipeg Ice do not have a pick in the opening round. The Wheat Kings selected forward Reed Brown of Tempe, Arizona and defenseman Jimmy Egan of Mahtomedi, Minnesota in the 2023 US Priority Draft. The Ice took forward Colemen Bumgarner of Shakopee, Minnesota and defenseman Logan Lutner of Maple Grove, Minnesota. 


The Winnipeg Goldeyes 30th anniversary season begins tonight in Gary, Indiana. The Goldeyes open the 2023 American Association season against the SouthShore RailCats. The Fish play their home opener Friday, May 19th against the Lake Country DockHounds at Shaw Park. Winnipeg placed right-handed pitcher Max Steffens and outfielder Demias Jimerson on irrevocable waivers for the purpose of granting them their release, as were non-roster spring training invitees Tanner Bercier and Neil Freeman, both right-handed pitchers. Infielder Jordan Howard was dealt to the Kane County Cougars in exchange for future considerations.


It's day two of Winnipeg Blue Bombers rookie camp at IG Field. The Bombers added offensive lineman Desmond Bessent, receiver Dominick Fiscelli and running back Vance Barnes to the roster. Receiver Otis Lanier was released. Linebacker Robbie Lowes was transferred to the retired list. Main camp starts Sunday. The Blue Bombers first pre-season game is Saturday, May 27th against the Edmonton Elks at Commonwealth Stadium.