It will be the Winkler Flyers & Virden Oil Capitals meeting in the second round of the McMunn & Yates Turnbull Cup Playoffs when the puck drops on Friday night in Winkler for game one.
*After Round 1, the teams re-seed by league standings giving Winkler home ice advantage over Virden in Round 2.
(2) Winkler Flyers vs (3) Virden Oil Capitals
Series Overview
This will be a must watch series from the moment the puck drops until whomever is able to come out on top. Two of the top teams in the league are meeting for the chance to get to the finals. For Virden, looking to get there for a second straight season while the Flyers are desperate for a chance to hoist the trophy for the first time in a long time. Both teams can skate, both are physical, both have good goaltending, and both have elite scoring. On paper, there’s only slight edges that go one way or the other.
Special teams may be a factor as the Virden penalty kill is coming off an excellent series and they’ll need to be good against one of the most feared power plays in the country. The Flyers penalty kill unit was touched up a bit in the first round and they’ll need to be at their best to keep the high scoring Oil Caps from finding the back of the net. It could come down to which team can play the most physically on the edge without spending the most time in the penalty box.
All the regular season games were close and at times, emotionally charged and penalty filled. Both teams don’t like each other, and this series is sure to have high emotions throughout. Home fans will play a factor. The Winkler arena is one of the hardest buildings to play in, they’re loud, they’re dialed in and they’re always backing their team. Virden’s not far behind with a dedicated fan base that is loud and into every minute of hockey from start to finish. Both teams should see quite a few fans make the trip to the other respective arenas.
Series Positives and Concerns:
Winkler Flyers
Positive – Soft Hands Of Stone: The Flyers can take a page out of their namesake from back in the day, beating you up in the alley and on the ice. They have players who love to bang bodies and then go and showcase some elite goal scoring ability. They’ve found key goals from all over their lineup showing off the depth that helped them pot 234 goals in the regular season. They’ll look to put Virden in positions to take penalties by using their speed and playing hard even after the whistle has gone. If they can earn more penalties than they take, they’ll be in good shape.
Concerns – Living in the Penalty Box: If the Flyers start marking penalty minutes like prisoner’s chalking up days served on the wall, they’ll be in for a long but maybe short series. Everyone knows emotions are going to be high. The fans for sure are going to be vocal on both sides. It’s going to be up to the leaders on the Flyers bench to find that razors edge of what makes them feared and successful but without setting a record for penalty minutes in a playoff series. Though they can be dangerous shorthanded, it’s probably not the way they want to spend the bulk of the game.
Virden Oil Capitals
Positive – Goals From Everywhere: Virden has 7 players that have scored 2 or more goals coming into the second round. Out of the 17 goals those 7 players have scored, just 3 have come on the power play. To beat a team like Winkler, Virden must be a constant threat, and with the lineup clicking from almost everywhere, anyone can be dangerous at any time. The Oil Caps will say there’s not much to take away from regular season numbers except for the fact they outshot Winkler in all four contests this year. More shots mean more chances which could lead to more goals.
Concern – Bending Not Breaking: Virden is a very big, physical, fast team. Winkler is going to try and take all of that to another level. If Virden moves pucks slowly, the Flyers, especially early in the series, are going to make them pay. It’s not all about the big highlight reel hit, it’s the grind along the boards, banging into bodies after the puck is gone, lean on the defensemen in front of the net shift after shift that can weigh on teams. Virden’s challenge will be moving pucks quickly but smartly. When they do get into trouble, weather storms, and find a way to keep the Flyers from dominating puck control in the offensive zone. Bending is fine but they’ll need to work as a collective unit to ensure they don’t break.
Series Stats: Winkler vs Portage Terriers (Winkler won series 4-1)
Season Series Winkler vs Virden December 1st – Virden wins 5-4 in overtime in Virden Win- Eric Reid 20/24 Loss – Malachi Klassen 37/42 Virden PP – 1/5 Winkler PP – 1/3
Oil Caps Stats: Bazin – 2 goals including OT winner Lehto – 1 goal, 1 assist Bielik and Hunt – 2 assists
Flyers Stats: Nicolas – 2 goals George – 2 assists Legaarden – 2 assists
December 19th – Virden wins 2-1 in Virden Win – Eric Reid 10/11 Loss – Liam Ernst 22/24 Virden PP – 0/4 Winkler PP – 0/2
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
