Pembina Valley Twisters

The Pembina Valley Twisters are a junior ice hockey team currently based in Morris, Manitoba, Canada. A member of the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League (MMJHL), the Twisters play their home games at Morris Multiplex.

Pembina Valley Twisters
CityMorris, Manitoba
LeagueManitoba Major Junior Hockey League
Founded2001
Home arenaMorris Multiplex
ColoursMaroon, Black, and White
Owner(s)Pat Schmitke
Websitepembinavalleytwisters.ca

History

The Pembina Valley Twisters first skated into existence in September 2001, founded by Glenn Cordy and Kerry Lines. Glenn and Kerry coached the Sanford Sabers High School Hockey Team during the 2000–01 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. Thus the founding of the team in 2001.

The first four years were played in Oak Bluff. The first coach was Danny McDonald.

The third and fourth years were led by Rick Smith and his coaching staff. During both seasons, the Twisters competed and made the playoffs. Concluding the fourth season, as was the case with Danny McDonald, Rick Smith stepped down as head coach. Rick's efforts did not go unnoticed 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 eliminated during the first round of playoffs.

League championships

Jack Mackenzie Trophy (playoffs)
  • 2007-08, 2012-13, 2018-19[1]

Art Moug Trophy (regular season)
  • 2009-10
  • 2018-19

Coaches
  • Danny McDonald (2001–03)
  • Rick Smith (2003–05)
  • Doug Ushakas (2005–07)
  • Garth Shindle (2009–12)
  • Derek Mohr (2012–16)
  • Ryan Dyck (2016–Present)

References
  1. "Twisters Win MMJHL Title". Pembina Valley Online. 22 April 2013.
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