Pembina Valley Twisters
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| Pembina Valley Twisters | |
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| Founded | 2001, an expansion along with the "Stonewall Jets". |
| History | Pembina Valley Twisters 2001-present |
| Arena | Southern Manitoba Convention Center |
| City | Morris, Manitoba  |
| Team Colours | White, Black, and red |
| General Manager | Dale Rempel  |
| Head Coach | 2001-2003 : Danny McDonald 2003-2005 : Rick Smith 2005-2007 : Doug Ushakas 2007-Present : Applications available |
| Captain | Bryce Cowling |
| Championships Won | None as of yet |
The Pembina Valley Twisters are an ice hockey team currently based in Morris, Manitoba, Canada. They are part of the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey Leauge (MMJHL).
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[edit] History
The Pembina Valley Twisters first skated into existence in September 2001. Prior to that date, the Twisters were a dream of Glenn Cordy and Kerry Lines. Glenn and Kerry coached the Sanford Sabers High School Hockey Team during the 2000-2001 season. At the conclusion of an emotional season it was realized that the graduating players did not have a place to continue playing outside the "Winkler Flyers" and a Junior B team in St. Malo, Manitoba. If having limited options was true for the Sanford players it was true for all the graduating High School, Midget and Triple A players as well.
After consulting friends and league officials associated with the MMJHL, it was decided that Glenn and Kerry would apply for an expansion franchise in the MMJHL. As it turned out timing was everything as the Stonewall Jets were also putting in an application. The MMJHL created an expansion committee and over the course of several meetings the, Pembina Valley Twisters and Stonewall Jets were granted expansion teams in June 2001.
[edit] Where did this name come from?
One night at home Kerry asked his daughter Leslie what would be a good name to call our proposed team? Kerry wanted to capture the geographic region of Pembina Valley, not just Oakbluff to ensure that all graduating players would feel welcome. Without hesitation Leslie said Twisters. The Pembina Valley Twisters was officially born!
[edit] Past Seasons (2001-2006)
The first four years were spent in Oakbluff, were the Twisters were treated warmly by the local fans. The first coach was Danny McDonald. Danny gave his heart and soul to our expansion franchise through the first two seasons.
The third and fourth years were led by Rick Smith and his coaching staff with optimism. During both seasons, the Twisters competed and made the play-offs. As was evident in our first two seasons, the Twisters were very young and better days would be ahead. Concluding the fourth season, as was the case with Danny McDonald, Rick Smith stepped down as head coach. Rick's efforts did not go un-noticed as the Twisters were now on the verge of taking the next step, competing for a league championship.
After our fourth season Glen Munford contacted Kerry Lines inquiring about an expansion franchise for Morris. That was not possible, as sharing the existing geographic area would not work. The other possibility was proposed, moving the Twisters to the Town of Morris. After several discussions and after partaking in the Stampede Parade, it was unanimously decided to move the franchise to Morris. The existing ownership group of Kerry, Don Boyd and Doug Ushakas now joined Glen Munford and Dale Rempel to make up the new ownership group.
The Twisters entered the fifth year with Doug Ushakas behind the bench as head coach. The previous two seasons were as an assistant to Rick Smith. After an off season recruiting program, the Twisters were ready to take the next step and win it all. After finishing tied for third, injuries that were absent all season did the Twisters in during the first round of play-offs.
[edit] Current Season
The Pembina Valley Twisters have come quite a long way since their move to Morris. I fact, at the beginning of the 2006-2007 play-off's, they were in 2nd place, next to the Charleswood Hawks. They have invested in technology including a wireless scoreboard and sound system, a 2-piece automatic camera system, plus an on-ground camera man that gets all the action. Their videos go onto DVD, and archived for future use. The Twisters have made many amazing comebacks, including the latest one, coming back from 5-1 to 6-5 to win it all in the 3rd period.
