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Red Lake Miners appoint highly decorated new head coach

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The Red Lake Miners have hired Kurt Walsten as the team’s new head coach and general manager.

Walsten has the most coaching wins in SIJHL history, two Bill Salonen Cup Championships, two SIJHL Coach of the Year awards, and three CJHL Coach of the Year honourable mentions.

“I am really excited for the opportunity to work with the Miners organization,” said Walsten. “We are going to build a team that competes every night, plays hard, and helps players develop to the next level. Culture and accountability will be a major emphasis of our program, and our players need to take pride in how they play and represent the Miners organization.”

Walsten is a Kenora native who played 16 seasons of pro/semi-pro hockey as a defenceman. He racked up nearly 200 penalty minutes for the Fresno Falcons of the PSHL in 1992. He previously coached the Dryden Ice Dogs from 2014 to 2024.

He takes over for Billy Keane, who left the organization after posting a last-place 5-42 record in the 2025/26 season.

Ground Breaking Pic

Dryden Food Bank takes next step to completing Project Hope

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Progress is being made on the Dryden Food Bank’s ambitious Project Hope.

After having its official groundbreaking in October, this week marked the start of phase two – preparing footings for concrete to be poured on the new building.

It marks an important step for the Dryden Food Bank’s expansion and ability to soon distribute food to more people in the region.

“Shovels are in the ground,” says Al Huckabay, manager of the Dryden Food Bank. “We are hoping to get all of the work done on the addition part with all of the footings and stuff done before frost kicks in and get some walls up and a roof on before the snow flies.”

Project Hope has been in the works since 2023 when the Dryden Food Bank purchased a building with the intention to expand its facility.

Since that time, organizers have been busy trying to fundraise in order to push the project to the second phase.

With two-thirds of the $1.5 million now collected, Huckabay says it is a sign that building is closer to completion.

“Our target is looking to open in in spring or summer of next year,” says Huckabay. “(We hope) to be totally operational by the fall of next year in our new building.”

He says once the project is complete, it will allow the Dryden Food Bank to increase capacity and be able to distribute more food, especially to the region at large.

“We will become a distribution point (for) the surrounding First Nation communities and food banks in this area, like Sioux Lookout and Red Lake,” adds Huckabay.

“Instead of trucks having to go all the way to Thunder Bay and then having to ship things back into this area, some of those trucks will be able to stop off here in Dryden, drop off the products and then our volunteers will then break it down into smaller amounts to be able to distribute out to the areas around.”

Huckabay says one of the ultimate goals of the project was to build sustainable relationships with First Nation communities.

“The next stage is continuing on in looking for funding,” says Huckabay. “We’re still looking to raise that extra $500,000 that would put us over the top to be able to just really complete the project from start to finish.”

Graeme Tenhunen

Tenhunen getting lots of experience with Miners

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Red Lake Miners rookie defenseman Graeme Tenhunen is looking forward to giving his family more chances to see him play.

“I am really looking forward to playing in Thunder Bay. It will definitely feel like a home coming. Playing in western Canada for the last two years, my family hasn’t had a lot of opportunities to see me play,” Tenhunen said.

The Thunder Bay native spent the last two seasons in Winnipeg playing within the RINK Hockey Academy. After being invited to tour the facilities and talking with the coaching staff, Tenhunen was sold on the opportunity to head west to further his hockey development.

“I did set hockey goals for myself and playing junior A hockey was a step in my development and path to playing the highest-level hockey I could. I am happy and excited to have the opportunity to play as a 16-year-old,” Tenhunen added. “My name was passed along to (Head Coach Billy Keane). We had a few great conversations about playing in Red Lake and I was offered a spot on the team.”

Tenhunen was part of the RINK Hockey Academy squad that took part in the 2024 Border Battle at the Tournament Centre. He, along with Thunder Bay forward Jake Ritson, helped the out-of-town team win the championship game 4-1 over the Hermantown Hawks out of Minnesota.

Outside of the nine Thunder Bay born players on the Kam River Fighting Walleye and the thirteen that are on the Thunder Bay North Stars roster, there are five other Thunder Bay born players in the SIJHL. Tenhunen is teammates with forwards Luke Sicilano and forward Kellan Ozerkevich as well as defencemen Evan Wesley and Daniel Lombardo. Defenceman Max Caddo of the Fort Frances Lakers and forward Griffin McGraw of the Dryden GM Ice Dogs also come from Thunder Bay. Nearby communities of Murillo (North Stars Defenceman Connor Larrett) and Oliver Paipoonge (Fighting Walleye forwards Gage Hordy and Nico Simoeni) are also represented on the two Lakehead squads.

When asked about a chance to sign with one of the two local teams, Tenhunen noted “I really liked what Coach Billy had to say about his willingness to give opportunities for a 16-year-old to develop in Junior A. So far, I have had a great time playing for the Miners. I have a great billet family and really get along my teammates.”

Tenhunen was happy to see the team get their first win of the season against the Ironwood Lumberjacks on October 11th.

“We had a slower start to the year, but I think the team is really starting to come together. We have a great group of guys who all work hard. Games are getting closer, and I think that more wins will come as the season goes on.”

UPCOMING GAME SCHEDULE

Friday November 7 @ Thunder Bay North Stars
Saturday November 8 @ Thunder Bay North Stars
Friday November 14 @ Fort Frances Lakers
Saturday November 15 @ Fort Frances Lakers
Tuesday November 18 @ Sioux Lookout Bombers

FORT FRANCES LAKERS

The Lakers were recognized on the Canadian Junior Hockey Leagues (CJHL) Top 20 list, grabbing the 18th spot. They swept a weekend double-header with the Sioux Lookout Bombers on home ice.

UPCOMING GAME SCHEDULE

Sunday November 2 vs. Kam River Fighting Walleye
Friday November 7 @ Sioux Lookout Bombers
Saturday November 8 @ Sioux Lookout Bombers
Tuesday November 11 vs. Ironwood Lumberjacks
Friday November 14 vs. Red Lake Miners
Saturday November 15 vs. Red Lake Miners

SIOUX LOOKOUT BOMBERS

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

After losing both of their games last weekend to the Fort Frances Lakers, the Bombers now find themselves trailing the Dryden GM Ice Dogs for top spot in the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL). They enter the first weekend of November on a three-game losing skid.

UPCOMING GAME SCHEDULE

Saturday November 1 vs. Thunder Bay North Stars
Friday November 7 vs. Fort Frances Lakers
Saturday November 8 vs. Fort Frances Lakers
Tuesday November 18 vs. Red Lake Miners

DRYDEN GM ICE DOGS

A seven-game winning streak has vaulted the Ice Dogs into top spot in the SIJHL and earned them the 17th spot in the CJHL Top 20 rankings.

UPCOMING GAME SCHEDULE

Friday November 7 vs. Kam River Fighting Walleye
Saturday November 8 vs. Kam River Fighting Walleye
Friday November 14 @ Thunder Bay North Stars
Saturday November 15 @ Thunder Bay North Stars
Tuesday November 18 @ Fort Frances Lakers

KAM RIVER FIGHTING WALLEYE

The Fighting Walleye concluded October with a 7-3 record, which included back-to-back home wins against the Red Lake Miners.

UPCOMING GAME SCHEDULE

Sunday November 2 @ Fort Frances Lakers
Friday November 7 @ Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Saturday November 8 @ Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Friday November 14 @ Ironwood Lumberjacks
Saturday November 15 @ Ironwood Lumberjacks

THUNDER BAY NORTH STARS

The North Stars will hit the ice for game action on Halloween night against the Sioux Lookout Bombers. They last played on October 18th, earning a 2-1 victory over the Red Lake Miners.

UPCOMING GAME SCHEDULE

Saturday November 1 @ Sioux Lookout Bombers
Wednesday November 5 vs. Ironwood Lumberjacks
Friday November 7 vs. Red Lake Miners
Saturday November 8 vs. Red Lake Miners
Friday November 14 vs. Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Saturday November 15 vs. Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Tuesday November 18 vs. Ironwood Lumberjacks

Miss McKenzie II Ferry - Edited

Red Lake finds transportation solution for McKenzie Island residents

The Municipality of Red Lake has found a temporary transportation solution to provide service between Cochenour and McKenzie Island.

A Transport Canada-registered pontoon boat is being brought in to operate the route.

The replacement vessel can travel with up to six passengers per trip, and all passengers are required to wear properly fitted life jackets at all times while on board.

Adult life jackets are being provided, but child and youth life jackets are not being supplied.

The temporary service will operate at no cost to passengers, as all fees are being waived until the end of the season.

The vessel will be available until November 30, subject to weather conditions.

The municipality does not know when the vessel will start service, but they are aiming to have it operating before Monday.

The Miss McKenzie II Ferry, which normally services the route, was declared out of service for the rest of the year on October 21.

The ferry requires repairs, and there are challenges with sourcing the necessary parts quickly, according to the municipality.

Miss McKenzie II Ferry - Edited

Red Lake: Miss McKenzie II Ferry out of service for the season due to required repairs

The Municipality of Red Lake’s Miss McKenzie II Ferry is out of service for the remainder of the season.

The boat requires repairs, and there are challenges with sourcing the necessary parts quickly, according to the municipality.

“We understand how vital this service is for McKenzie Island residents and the inconvenience this may cause”, said Mayor Fred Mota.

“Our team is working diligently to identify alternate transportation options to ensure residents continue to have reliable access to the mainland during this pause in service.”

The Miss McKenzie II is an important transportation link for McKenzie Island residents. 

Municipal staff are actively researching Transport Canada-compliant alternate options to provide transportation between McKenzie Island and the mainland for the remainder of the season.

The municipality plans on providing more information as it becomes available.

Scotiabank Red Lake Screencapture

Scotiabank Red Lake planning to close and move services to Kenora

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The Scotiabank serving the Red Lake community plans to close next spring.

The bank plans on moving its operations to the Kenora Scotiabank location by the end of May 2026.

“With client preferences changing, and more day-to-day banking being done digitally, we are continuing to evolve how we serve our clients and invest in areas that make it easier for our clients to bank with us in multiple ways,” explained Director of Canadian Banking Communications, Katie O’Dell.

“We are communicating this change to all affected clients and will be working with them to ensure a smooth transition. Our teams in Red Lake and Kenora are committed to assisting all clients with any questions they may have.”

The closure will leave Red Lake with only one full bank location, the CIBC on Howey Street.


OPP SUV

Red Lake driver charged with alcohol and drug impairment

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A 61-year-old from Red Lake has been charged after causing a collision around 4:30 p.m. on October 1 at the complex at 10 Summers Road.

The Red Lake Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged the individual with operation while impaired by alcohol and drugs, and operation while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration of 80 plus.

The accused has been released from custody, but will stand before the Ontario Court of Justice in Red Lake on Thursday, November 20.

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INTERVIEW: Red Lake Dementia Awareness Walk, May 4th

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🚨 Happening this Sunday in Red Lake! The Dementia Awareness walk. I was fortunate enough to have Lovepreet from the Alzheimer’s Society to speak with us about the event and how important awareness is in our communities.
🔊”Hi everyone, my name is Lovepreet and I am with the Alzheimer’s Society of Kenora University District. I am here to share an exciting and meaningful event coming up in Red Lake our dementia awareness walk. This walk is more than just a stroll through town. It’s a chance for a community to come together and show support for people with dementia and the caregivers who stand by them. It’s about raising awareness, breaking the stigma and reminding families affected by dementia that they are not alone. Dementia impact many people across our region and that number is growing. In smaller communities like red lake building dementia, family, awareness, and offering local support is more important than ever. This year’s walk will take place on May 4, the Sunday, at Northwood Lodge. It will start with a short walk and the registration start at 12 PM and then we will provide some refreshments afterwards. All proceeds from the lake dementia awareness, walk stay local they go directly towards funding much needed programs and services here in the Kenora and Rainy River Districts, that includes support group education session, one on one care planning and social and recreational programs that improve quality of life for people living with dementia and their care partners. I want to invite everyone to join us whether you whether you walk, donate, volunteer or just come out to show support! Every step we take out a stronger more compassionate community. Thank You and we hope to see you there.”

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Active Cases Static Despite New Results

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The Northwestern Health Unit says that even though there are four new cases of COVID-19 within their catchment area as of Thursday morning, the number of active cases remains at eight where it was Wednesday.

Two of the new cases are from the Rainy River district, while there is one new case in each of the Kenora and Sioux Lookout regions.

When it comes to the active cases, there are four in the Rainy River area, two in Dryden/Red Lake, one in Kenora and one in Sioux Lookout.

To date, the Health Unit tells us that there have been 1,153 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the region since the pandemic began.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit sees another day with no new cases.

Across Ontario, Health Minister Christine Elliott says that there are 677 new cases. She adds that 529 of the cases, or just over 78 per-cent, are in people who are not fully vaccinated or have an unknown vaccine status.

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No New Cases Reported By NWHU

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The Northwestern Health Unit says they have no new cases of COVID-19 to report Tuesday morning.

They tell us that there are currently nine active cases within their catchment area; six in the Rainy River district and three in the Dryden/Red Lake area.

Since the start of the pandemic, the NWHU has administered 113,707 COVID-19 swabs with a test positivity rate of 1.01 per-cent.

On the vaccine front, they say that a total of 119,690 shots have gone into arms.

That translates to 85 per-cent of the 12+ population with at least one dose and 76.7 per-cent with two doses.

Taking a step back and looking at the provincial numbers, Health Minister Christine Elliott says there are 574 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday across Ontario. Of those, 434 (75.6 per-cent) are in people who are not fully vaccinated or have an unknown vaccine status.

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