The MJHL Finals matchup is set, with Winkler reaching the third round for the first time since 2002. They'll face the Steinbach Pistons, who are playing in their third consecutive Turnbull Cup.

Among the players on Winkler's roster is Neepawa product Brandt Young.

Brandt is originally from Neepawa and, on top of his connection to the area, also spent 8 games of his MJHL career in Portage with the Terriers during the 2021-2022 season which was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now in his final season of MJHL eligibility, Young looks to capture the Turnbull Cup with the Winkler Flyers.

"It's a surreal feeling, being this is my final season playing junior hockey. I've never gotten this far or been to experience something like this, so, it's obviously a nice touch to have as your final season, to be able to keep playing, keep going to the rink every day. So, it's been really fun, and I'm really fortunate to be a part of it."

Young finds himself a journeyman in the MJHL, having spent time in Winnipeg playing for both the Freeze and the Blues alongside his brief stint with the Terriers. The 21-year-old defenceman put up 22 points along with 107 penalty minutes this season.

On top of his 153 games of regular season experience in the MJHL, Young also got the opportunity to play with the WHL's former club, the Winnipeg Ice. Young shared what has kept him coming back to Manitoba year after year.

"It's good hockey, obviously, and then, just being close to home, lots of my friends play, not just with me but around the league. I've got friends on almost all teams. So, it's fun competing against them every night. And then it's always good that, if you have a day off, you can head home and see friends and family back home in Neepawa."

Young and his Winkler club now await Game 1 of the MJHL final where they will face the Pistons in La Broquerie.