EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Wes Phillips will follow Kevin O’Connell to Minnesota from the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams and serve as offensive coordinator for the Vikings.
Phillips was one of five more assistants for O’Connell’s staff finalized by the team on Monday, along with special teams coordinator Matt Daniels, defensive backs coach Daronte Jones, assistant special teams coach Ben Kotwica and outside linebackers coach and pass rush specialist Mike Smith.
O’Connell was hired as head coach of the Vikings last week.
Phillips is the son of Wade Phillips and the grandson of Bum Phillips, both former NFL head coaches. Wes Phillips was the tight ends coach for the Rams for the last three years and added the passing game coordinator title in 2021. He has coached in the league for 16 seasons.
Daniels was the assistant special teams coach for the Dallas Cowboys the last two years. He played in the NFL for four seasons as a safety for three different teams.
Jones returns to the same role he had for the Vikings in 2020 after one year as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at LSU. Kotwica enters his 13th season as a coach in the NFL. He was director of player development for his alma mater Army in 2021. He served eight years in the U.S. Army after graduation in 1996. Smith spent the last three seasons with the Green Bay Packers and has coached in the league for 10 years.
Preston-born Nick Park took home two awards at The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAS) thanks to his contribution to the latest critically-acclaimed Wallace & Gromit film. The awards, hosted by […]
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/maple-taffy-being-poured-on-now-at-a-sugar-shack-in-quebec.jpg?id=56657545&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=132%2C0%2C132%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Get the maple syrup and popsicle sticks out. It's March, which means cabane à sucre season is officially here.</p><p>If you haven't experienced it yet, sugar shacks are a Quebec tradition where the magic of sugar maple sap turns into the golden syrup we all crave. But it's not just about syrup. The food is a feast on its own, with classic dishes like pea soup, baked beans, tourtière, omelets, and crispy pork rinds, all generously drenched in fresh maple syrup.</p><p>Many cabanes à sucres offer a behind-the-scenes look at how syrup is made, while others throw in some extra fun with wagon rides, snowshoeing, and live folk music, making for a perfect mix of good food and outdoor fun.</p><p>While it's definitely a rural activity, you don't have to travel far out of Montreal to find the real deal. Some of the best sugar shacks are just a short drive out of town. </p><p>Here are seven of our favorites. </p><h3>Au Pied de l'Érable</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpxOlIJoW-g/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpxOlIJoW-g/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost: </strong>$40/person</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> 8785 rang St Vincent, Mirabel, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go:</strong> Run by third- and fourth-generation syrup makers, this family-owned cabin features an extensive menu full of classic Quebec fare like omelette soufflé served in a cast-iron skillet and maple sausages.</p><p>There's also a cozy walking trail, outdoor fire pit and mini farmhouse on site.</p><p><a href="https://cabaneaupieddelerable.com/" target="_blank">Au Pied de l'Érable website</a></p><h3>Cabane Panache</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGx7bv1JfyQ/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGx7bv1JfyQ/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost: </strong>Free entry, food available for purchase</p><p><strong>Where: </strong>Promenade Wellington, Verdun, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go: </strong>While the other places on this list are a short drive away, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-verdun-cabane-sucre" target="_blank">Cabane Panache</a> can be found right in the heart of the city.</p><p>From Thursday, March 20 to Sunday, March 23, 2025, the 13th annual edition of the festival will be taking over Verdun's Promenade Wellington for a four-day celebration full of maple goodness. The free event will feature live music, cocktails, and plenty of syrup-infused eats for purchase.</p><p><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-verdun-cabane-sucre" target="_blank">Cabane Panache details </a></p><span></span><span></span><span></span><span></span><span></span><h3>Cabane à sucre au Milieu Des Champs</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwmqpXABp5p/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwmqpXABp5p/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost:</strong> $40/person on weekdays, $45 on weekends</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> 7000, rang Saint-Vincent, Mirabel, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go:</strong> This sugar shack in Mirabel offers a delicious selection of local treats, including smoked ham, bacon, and jowl from a nearby butcher, plus homemade apple pie for the perfect sweet finish.</p><p>You can also meet farm animals, take a stroll through the scenic landscape, and visit their shop for homemade products and maple treats.</p><p><a href="https://aumilieudeschamps.com/reservation#reservation" target="_blank">Cabane à sucre au Milieu Des Champs website</a></p><h3>Ferme Aux Vieux Chênes</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMfuCIen5Al/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMfuCIen5Al/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost: </strong>$47/person</p><p><strong>Where: </strong>2, rue du Panorama, Laval, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go: </strong>Just 35 minutes from downtown Montreal, this family-owned sugar shack serves up all the classic favourites, like mouthwatering sugar pie and pudding chômer.</p><p> Visitors rave about the warm, welcoming vibe here, with the friendly owners adding to the homely feel. As you dig into your meal, you'll be treated to Quebec folk music playing softly in the rustic atmosphere.</p><p><a href="https://auxvieuxchenes.ca/" target="_blank">Ferme Aux Vieux Chênes website</a></p><h3>Erablière Charbonneau</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBWKlSaIGKJ/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBWKlSaIGKJ/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost: </strong>$44.95/person</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> 45 Chem. du Sous-Bois, Mont-Saint-Grégoire, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go:</strong> Less than an hour from Montreal, Érablière Charbonneau combines classic sugar shack meals with outdoor fun. Enjoy hearty dishes like pancakes and ham, sip on wine or cocktails, and explore hiking trails, a mini farm, and play areas for kids. </p><p>It's a perfect spot for a family day out — and you can even bring your dog along!</p><p><a href="https://www.erablierecharbonneau.qc.ca/fr/erabliere" target="_blank">Erablière Charbonneau website</a></p><h3>Érablière Meunier</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4BE6J6rtIu/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4BE6J6rtIu/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost:</strong> $38.27/person</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> 325 Rang des 54. Richelieu, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go:</strong> Established in 1920 by Roger Meunier, this érablière keeps things simple and delicious, serving up all-you-can-eat sugar shack classics in a rustic setting. From maple-smothered sausages to crispy roasted potatoes, the feast is as traditional as it gets. </p><p>Live music, walking trails, and a mini farm add to the charm</p><p><a href="https://erablieremeunier.com/" target="_blank">Érablière Meunier website</a></p><h3>Cabane á Sucre Famille Ethier</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv6tEvRjTjj/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv6tEvRjTjj/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost:</strong> $39/person</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> 7940, rang St-Vincent, Mirabel, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go:</strong> This family-run sugar shack has been welcoming guests since 1978. Enjoy activities like walking along a scenic trail, spotting red deer in their enclosure, and taking a sleigh ride.</p><p> Maple products are available for purchase at the shop, and guests are even welcome to bring their own alcohol.</p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Cabane-%C3%A0-sucre-Famille-Ethier-100033418195320/" target="_blank">Cabane á Sucre Famille Ethier Facebook page</a></p><p><br/></p>