Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – The Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame will grow by eight inductees at their 34th Induction Banquet on Saturday, May 2, 2026 in the Ches Leach Lounge.

The PA Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors nomination committee has recommended and the board approved the following: Leah (Guidinger) Tyree (athlete), Katelyn Lehner (athlete), Joel Mihilewicz (athlete), Randy Emmerson (builder), Tim Leonard (builder), Rusty Clunie (meritorious service), Carol Soles (meritorious service), 2013-14 Prince Albert Mintos (team).

In addition, the 2025 World Cup of Softball Host Committee is being recognized as the sport organization of the year.

The banquet will be held in the Ches Leach Lounge, adjacent to the PA Sports Hall of Fame on May 2 beginning at 7:00 PM.

This event is possible with the support of Crown Vacuum, Lake Country Coop, Broda Group, Micheal Lypchuk-Remax, Smittys, Prince Albert Northern Bus Lines, Parkland Ambulance, Beaulac Funeral Home and Crematorium and Big Drum Media.

Leah (Guidinger) Tyree – Athlete

Leah Tyree is a multi-sport athlete who excelled in soccer, volleyball, track and basketball. On the family acreage east of Prince Albert, she would spend hours kicking a soccer ball, running the dirt track her dad made in a field, practicing high jump, playing volleyball in the driveway with her siblings and shooting hoops. It was here that Leah’s immense love of athletics took root.

She began competing in track in elementary school and won multiple aggregate awards for overall points at the city track meets, breaking the Prince Albert juvenile girl’s high jump record two years in a row as well as the juvenile girl’s triple jump record.

In high school she broke the junior girl’s high jump record and brought home two bronze and one silver medal from the provincial high school track and field championships.

When she wasn’t breaking records in track and field, Leah excelled at soccer, volleyball and basketball. Her Prince Albert Celtics soccer team was a provincial champion in 1998 earning a spot to compete at nationals. At Carlton High School, Leah captained both the volleyball and basketball teams, with the volleyball team winning provincial silver and gold under her leadership.

Leah’s abilities earned her a spot at tryouts for the junior national volleyball team. She was successful at making the team, becoming co-captain and earning a fourth-place finish in the NORCEECA world championships in the Dominican Republic.

With so much success, not surprisingly, she entertained multiple offers to play university volleyball, settling on the University of Maine. During her first two years with Maine, she played in 231 of 232 games, leading the team both years in kills. She was named to the American East all rookie team and American East all conference honourable mention.

Despite suffering an injury in her third year, Leah was able to battle back and play in 99 games. Her team advanced to the championship game of the American East Conference in both her junior and senior years. In her senior year, Leah was co-captain of the team and once again earned an American East all conference honourable mention.

Since graduating from university, Leah continues to be involved in sports competing in long distance running and cross-country skiing, while coaching her kids and playing women’s league volleyball.

Katelyn Lehner – Athlete

Katelyn Lehner started competing in track and field when she was 12 and her rise to the podium didn’t take long. She got her first taste of competition in the P4A track meets.

When she moved on to high school, her track and field success took off. During her four years of high school, she took home gold in each event she was entered in, both in the Prince Albert High School City Championships and the North Central District Championships. Her success during those years was in the 100 meter, 200 meter, high jump, long jump and 80 meter hurdles.

With her success in the city and district meets, Katelyn earned the right to represent the district at the SHSAA Provincial Track and Field Championships. She earned gold her first year in all four of her events and was named Aggregate Midget Female Athlete. In her grade 11 year, Katelyn won gold in five events at provincials as well as being named the Aggregate Senior Female Athlete at the meet. Her success continued in grade 12 with another four gold medals and the title of Aggregate Senior Female Athlete. The events she competed in at provincials were the 100 meter, 200 meter, long jump, hurdles and the 4×100 meter relay.

Katelyn’s success during her high school years also included numerous medals in more than a dozen meets including the Saskatchewan Summer Games. That success did not go unnoticed as she also took home the hardware in the way of awards including the 2012 Saskatchewan Sport Female Athlete of the year and the Prince Albert Kinsmen Female Athlete of the year.

During this time, she excelled at western Canadian events including the Midget Track and Field Championships and the Western Canada games. But she didn’t stop there. Katelyn also competed on the national and international stage including the Canada Summer Games and the 2012 Olympic trials. Her travels also took her to Hershey, Pennsylvania in 2009 to compete in the Hershey Track and Field games, earning a fifth-place finish in the 200 meters. At the Pan American Junior Championships in Columbia, Katelyn finished sixth in the heptathlon.

From high school she would move on to a bigger stage as a member of the University of Calgary Dinos and University of Saskatchewan Huskies track and field teams. During her time with the Dinos, she would earn one gold and two bronze in the pentathlon and a silver in the 4×100 meter relay at the Canadian Western (Can West) University Championships. As a member of the Huskies, at the Can West championships, she would take home medals in the 60 meter hurdles, long jump and 4×200 meter relay.

Katelyn also had success at the CIS national championships during her university career earning bronze and silver medals in the 60-meter hurdles and long jump, competing against the top university athletes in the country. She capped off her career in 2020 when she was invited to compete in the Saskatoon Knights of Columbus invitational meet in the 60-meter hurdles where she would finish sixth in a field of world-class athletes.

Katelyn Lehner had a remarkable journey through local, provincial, national, and international competitions attaining success at every level.

Joel Mihilewicz – Athlete

From a very young age, Joel Mihilewicz distinguished himself as an exceptional athlete in the sport of racquetball.

Joel was a proud member of the Prince Albert Racquetball Association Junior team from 1990 to 2000 and represented the Saskatchewan Racquetball Association Junior team from 1991 to 2000. His commitment and competitive spirit led him to win numerous local and provincial tournaments. Joel’s provincial titles include championships in Boys 8 and under double bounce in 1990, Boys 10 and under in 1991 and 1992, Boys 12 and under in 1993 and 1994, Boys 14 and under in 1995, Boys 16 and under in 1997 and 1998, and Boys 18 and under in 1999 and 2000. He was also the provincial runner-up in Boys 14 and under in 1996.

On the national stage, Joel competed at junior nationals from 1992 to 1999, securing the title of national champion with gold medals in Boys 10 and under in 1992 and 1993, and Boys 12 and under in 1994 and 1995. He placed fourth in Boys 14 and under in 1996 and earned a silver medal in Boys 18 and under doubles in 1999.

Internationally, Joel represented Canada at the world junior championships in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, and again in 1999. Among his remarkable achievements, Joel captured a bronze medal in Boys 10 and under doubles at the 1993 world junior championships.

Joel continued to give back to the sport once he finished his competitive career. He coached junior racquetball and was also a member of the Saskatchewan Racquetball Association board.

Randy Emmerson – Builder

Randy Emmerson has been a quiet force behind multiple sports in the Prince Albert area for many years. In his youth, he played hockey, baseball, football and basketball. When his University of Saskatchewan Huskies football playing career was over in 1986, he took on the reins of coach, mentor, organizer, committee member, volunteer and builder. He has touched many with his hard work, patience and integrity.

In the role of school coach, Randy was a coach for the Carton junior and senior football teams. He also assisted and head coached the senior boys’ basketball team and helped them earn multiple appearances at Hoopla and win small cities regional and provincial championships. Randy was a basketball and volleyball coach at Arthur Pechey, Vickers and Vincent Massey public schools. Randy was one of the leading forces behind starting the six-man football program at PACI, as well as a coach for the senior boys’ soccer and basketball teams.

In club sports, Randy was a coach from 1997 until 2015 with the Prince Albert Youth Soccer Association developing young athletes in both house league and with the Celtics program. Randy was an assistant volleyball coach with the U14 and U16 Prince Albert Toppers teams from 2013 until 2016 and helped lead the team to multiple provincial championships. Randy served on the Toppers executive from 2013 until 2020 ensuring athletes and coaches had quality experiences. Randy coached in the Steve Nash Youth Basketball Program and with both the Prince Albert Lakers and Prince Albert Thunder Club basketball organizations.

On a provincial level, Randy was the power lifting event coordinator with the 2002 Canadian Special Olympic Games hosted in Prince Albert. He was a Special Olympics soccer and basketball coach. Randy also coached in the Basketball Saskatchewan developmental system from 1994 to 1996.

Along with benefiting from his coaching skills, Prince Albert has Randy to thank for being a part of the fundraising and/or planning committees for the development of the Alfred Jenkin’s Field House, the City’s Beach Volleyball courts and the Max Clunie Field Friday Night Lights project.

When he wasn’t busy coaching or helping to build community facilities, the Emmerson household were billets for the Prince Albert Mintos and the Prince Albert Raiders from 2012 until 2016, ensuring the players were treated like a part of the family.

Never being one to seek the spotlight, Randy has worked behind the scenes, doing whatever was needed to develop good athletes, strong people and excellent facilities that will benefit Prince Albert for years to come.

It is fitting that Randy Emmerson is inducted as a “Builder”. His philosophy is that sports and competition are tools to be used for the building of character and community.

Tim Leonard – Builder

Tim Leonard’s contributions to hockey in Prince Albert were marked by unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport.

Tim began his coaching journey in 1999 as the head coach of the U15 Venice House Pirates in Prince Albert, a role he held until 2002. Here he focused on developing both the technical skills and the character of his players, emphasizing values such as teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. These formative years laid the groundwork for his future successes.

From 2002 to 2004, Tim served as assistant coach for the U18 AAA Mintos, before stepping into the role of head coach from 2005 to 2012, and again from 2021 to 2024. Under his leadership, the Mintos consistently excelled, never missing the playoffs.

During his tenure, he guided the Mintos to AAA provincial championships in 2005-06, 2006-07, and 2010-11. His teams also secured western regional titles in 2005-06 and 2006-07, and reached the regional finals in 2010-11. The pinnacle of these achievements was winning backto-back Telus Cup national championships in 2005-06 and 2006-07, each time with a flawless 70 record. The Mintos became the first team ever to win consecutive Telus Cups undefeated, setting a remarkable standard in Canadian midget hockey history.

Tim’s influence extended beyond the Mintos. He contributed as assistant coach with the Prince Albert Raiders from 2012 to 2015, bringing his expertise to the junior level. From 2017 to 2019, he was an assistant coach for the U18 AAA Tisdale Trojans, followed by a head coaching role with the Parkland Elks U18 AA in the 2020-21 season.

Tim’s coaching excellence has been widely recognized. He was named Coach of the Year in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League and selected as Coach of the Tournament at the prestigious Mac’s International Tournament.

Beyond the accolades and championships, he provided mentorship and guidance to countless young athletes, helping shape them not only as hockey players but as individuals.

Rusty Clunie – Meritorious Service

The name Rusty Clunie is well known in the Prince Albert community for his generosity in many charitable events and for developing and supporting numerous sports including football and bull riding. He’s not one for the limelight, yet he quietly goes about his business, rallying support to initiate programs that promote sports and entertainment in Prince Albert. Rusty’s efforts have left a lasting impression: not only in Prince Albert, but throughout Saskatchewan and across Canada.

As the founder, builder, and coach of the PA River Riders football program, Clunie has been central to developing youth sport and fostering new opportunities for participation. His leadership was also pivotal in bringing and promoting Professional Bull Riding (PBR) and rodeo events to Prince Albert and its surrounding area, broadening the city’s reputation as a hub for athletic excellence and entertainment.

Clunie’s commitment extends to investing in and supporting the Max Power Ball Parks and Max Clunie Field, helping to create vital spaces for local athletes and families. He played an instrumental role in the Friday Night Lights campaign which resulted in the installation of lighting at Max Clunie Field—giving local teams the chance to play and compete under the lights for the first time.

Through these programs and initiatives, Rusty Clunie continues to help build, promote, and showcase Prince Albert. His legacy endures in the enhanced facilities and opportunities available to athletes of all ages, ensuring that his influence will be felt in the community for years to come.

Carol Soles – Meritorious Service

For more than 40 years, Carol Soles has been dedicated to volunteering, fundraising, coaching and taking the lead on various committees to help benefit a number of sporting activities and events in Prince Albert and area.

Carol served as a director on the Prince Albert Sports Council from 1985 until the organization ceased operation in 2025. She held a variety of positions including president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer and was also very hands-on with many of the Sports Council’s capital projects, with the largest one being the Summer Games Sports Centre. She sat as the Sports Council’s representative on a number of committees throughout the city including the City of Prince Albert Parks and Recreation board, Terry Fox Award Selection committee, Community Grant committee and Summer Games Sports Centre tenants’ group. Carol also took the lead role in organizing the Prince Albert Sportswoman of the year award.

The Prince Alberts Sports Hall of Fame board benefited from Carol’s skills from 1990 until 2025 where she held various positions as a director including vice-president, secretary and treasurer, while also sitting on a number of sub committees from constitution to decorating.

If there was a big event in Prince Albert, there’s a pretty good chance you would see Carol volunteering; having lent a hand for the Saskatchewan Winter and Summer games, the Western Canada Summer games, Junior Men’s World Softball Championships and the Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association (SSFA) 55+ games.

Carol’s commitment to the community hasn’t gone unnoticed as Carol has received many awards including the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for recreation, sport and active living, Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, North Central Regional Recreation Association, volunteer recognition award, City of Prince Albert Award of Merit and Big Brothers Big Sisters, Big Sister of the year.

2013-14 Prince Albert Mintos – Team

The 2013-14 Prince Albert Mintos represent a spirit of excellence, sportsmanship, and perseverance. The Mintos earned the right to play in the Telus Cup after hosting and winning the Western Regional championship. They excelled at the Telus Cup tournament enroute to the championship game versus the Grenadiers de Châteauguay of Quebec. It was in that game that they made Telus Cup history.

On that remarkable Sunday, at Mosaic Place in Moose Jaw, the Mintos would play a back and forth game. Châteauguay opened the scoring, but the Mintos responded with two quick goals, heading into the first intermission with a 2-1 lead. The Grenadiers tied it in the second, only for the Mintos to restore the lead just before the period ended. With the Mintos minutes from victory, Châteauguay forced overtime with a power-play goal.

The game then headed into overtime, but one extra frame wasn’t enough for either team to solve the outstanding goaltending. The Minto’s Connor Ingram would end up with 60 saves in the game. It was Dakota Boutin who sealed the victory, scoring at 18:36 of the third overtime period; ending the longest game ever played in the tournament’s history, a staggering 108 minutes and 36 seconds of intense hockey.

In addition to Boutin’s goal, Carson Cayer found the back of the net twice, while Lance Yaremchuk scored once to help secure the 4-3 victory.

Team members were:

Forwards: Chad Grambo, Josh Roberts, Jared Blaquiere, Ryan Duret, Carson Cayer, Teal Sobkowicz, Lance Yaremchuk, Cody White, Keegan Kjargaard, Dakota Boutin, Wyatt Grant, Brody Madarash

Defence: Braden Lozinski, Brody Reimer, Matthew Parson, Rhys Kipling, Loch Morrison, Braxx George

Goaltenders: Connor Ingram, Lane Michasiw

Coaches: Ken Morrison, Todd Becker, Brad Bergen

Manager: Don Fachoux

World Cup of Softball Host Committee Sports Organization of the year

When the teams from around the world took to the field in Prince Albert this past July for the men’s World Cup of Softball, it was the result of 11 years of work from the organizing committee. The host committee worked tirelessly for more than a decade to ensure that when the world came to Prince Albert, the world would remember.

The tournament drew thousands of fans, athletes and officials from around the globe showcasing the very best in international softball.

Throughout the six-day tournament in July, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and camaraderie, culminating in widespread praise from spectators, officials, and players alike. The success of the event was built on the tireless efforts of more than 300 volunteers, whose commitment ensured a seamless experience for all involved. Their contributions, whether large or small, were instrumental in creating a memorable World Cup that WBSC officials and participants described as the best they had ever attended.

The Host Committee attributes this achievement to the community’s spirit and support, emphasizing that the recognition of Sports Organization of the year belongs not only to the organizers but to everyone who played a part in making the tournament an historic celebration of softball in our community.

Retiring Citations

PASHOF citations will be presented to inductees from 2011 to make room in the hall for this year’s slate. The 2011 inductees’ information is on the Hall’s website: www.pashof.ca.

2011 Inductees were:

• David Herbert (meritorious service)
• Pete Lukoni (athlete/builder)
• Bob Romanchuk (builder)
• Terry Springett (builder)
• 1972-73 Motors Dusters Women’s Softball team
• 1993-94 Carlton High School Girls Soccer team

Tickets for the 2026 Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame Banquet, May 2 are $75 each and available by contacting Jody Boulet at pashof@citypa.com.

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For More Information:

Barry Mihilewicz, PASHOF President – 306-961-8034