skating siblings - Guelph SportsXpress
Transcription
skating siblings - Guelph SportsXpress
YOUR COMMUNITY SPORTS CONNECTION Hamilton Region Edition .com March/April 2011 Vol. 4 / Issue 2 SKATING SIBLINGS’ bright future SportsXpress & Cable 14 team up to showcase local talent .com thelineup March/April 2011 Hamilton Region Edition editor’s notes Welcome to SportsXpress, a magazine all about local sports — the players, teams, families, volunteers and fans. We publish real-life stories on the full range of community sports and include all ages and skill levels. Every fan, parent, and sports enthusiast can participate by sharing their experiences with other fans. We want you to make SportsXpress your magazine and www.SportsXpress.com your website, by sending in your comments, story ideas, opinions, articles and photos. Get in the game with us and be connected with your local community sports! 11 Give us a call at 905-696-7856 or email us at Editor@SportsXpress.com 06 07 Hall of Fame 12 Informative articles on sports health and fitness Silver Fox Basketball The value of a custom-fit mouthguard Sports@school Highlighting all school related sports and events 19 Sports Files Entertaining, informative and engaging articles on local athletes, sports and teams Time to spring into ball hockey action! 22 Behind the Bench Tips, tactics and ideas are shared by athletes, coaches and fans The ride, the arrival and March Madness 09 Health and Fitness Features the fans favourites when it comes to community sports Strength in numbers 21 Sports News Up-to-date Information on what’s happening in the area Steel City Hockey entering 16th year 25 Sports@work Highlighting all work related sports and events. To submit for next issue go to sportsxpress.com Cover Photo Credit: Katie Kolodziejski SportsXpress.com 3 .com Solimar Pools March/April 2011 www.SportsXpress.com Serving the community since 1990 PUBLISHERS Solutions in backyard fun! • Openings • Closings • Liners • Maintenance • Salt Chlorination • Equipment • Restoration Work Clint Good Tel: 905.573.2231 Cell: 905.730.3827 Email: solimar@cogeco.ca 30 Summerfield Ave., Stoney Creek, ON L8J 2S4 EDITORS WEB EDITOR CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS PARTNERSHIP EDITIONS NATIONAL/REGIONAL SALES HAMILTON SPORTS ZONE Zoran Knezevic Zoran@SportsXpress.com 905.520.5509 Nick Milanovich NickM@SportsXpress.com 905.516.4122 Elaine Wiltshire, Gina Fusco Winnie Wang Paul Schillaci, Ryan Easson, Chris Newman, Nick Milanovich, Bernadette MacKay, Jim Weatherbee, James Lizotte, ICG Hamilton, Laura Lhman, Dan Caco, Kim Morgan and community sports fans Paul Robb, Katie Kolodziejski and various sports enthusiasts Kitchener/Waterloo Barrie Halton Hamilton GTA York London Swift Current Regina Lloydminster Vernon Mississauga Oakville Burlington Okanagan Call 416.904.4047 Sales@SportsXpress.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Wendy Ferris Catherine McDonald PRINTING WEB OFFSET PUBLICATIONS LTD. IRONSTONE MEDIA, Pickering, ON PRESIDENT/CEO Walter Browning Walter@SportsXpress.com 416.904.4047 VP OPERATIONS Clint Szakacs Clint@SportsXpress.com Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4821 Kitchener, ON N2E 4K6 Phone: 905.696.7856 Editorial Contributions: Submissions are welcome from writers, photographers, athletes, coaches and individuals. Contact Ian Palmer, editor. We assume no responsibility for unsolicited materia. Contributions are responsible for obtaining all approvals for publication of photos and content prior to submission. All submissions may not be used. We may edit, publish, reproduce, distribute and archive submissions in any form or medium without any compensation. We are not responsible for lost or damaged submissions. Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction or transmission of any article, photograph or artwork in any form or by any means without permission from the publisher is prohibited. SportsXpress is published in 4 editions eight times a year. For detailed circulation information, contact Sports Express Media Inc. Sports Express Media Inc. is committed to protecting your privacy as our customer. We may collect personal information only if it is required for the proper functioning of our business and only share this information with our business partners. The editors and contributors who write for Sports Express Media Inc. attempt to provide accurate and useful information and commentary. However the editors, contributors and Sports Express Media Inc. cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. We assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any readers based on the information provided. PRINTED IN CANADA 4 SportsXpress.com The young-and-gun Blues enter the playoffs strong By Ryan Easson The Dundas Blues Junior Hockey Club are proving to everybody in the hockey world that it doesn’t matter how young you are, as long as you play with passion and desire, there’s no game that can’t be won. The Blues finished the season strong, ending up tied for second place with Glanbrook in the Niagara District Junior C Hockey League’s East Division. Each team went into the post season with 43 points, finishing with an identical record of 20–13–3. Normally, when two teams have identical records, the team that won the head-tohead matchup would break the tie. Unfortunately, the Blues had split the six meetings with Glanbrook, winning and losing three of them. It came down to goals for and goals against, with Glanbrook getting the nod and grabbing the first week bye that comes with second place. However, Steve Aglor, general manager for the Blues, says he did not mind skipping the bye week and that it may have actually been better for the team. “I’d rather be playing than practising,” Aglor said. “The kids get tired of practising for two-and-a-half weeks waiting to play.” The Blues have a roster full of young and local talent who came together as the season progressed to finish the season strong. Aglor says that finishing the season with a win against Grimsby, who finished first place in the East Division, gave a real boost to the players and showed them that despite their young age, they can beat the more experienced teams in the league. “The kids realized that they can beat anybody if they show up to play,” Aglor said. Throughout the season, there were many players that were able to help guide the Blues to a successful season. Andrew Kolodzey was a player that helped lead the team to its second-place finish by playing great two-way hockey. In his second year, he proved to be a true leader for a team full of young, although inexperienced, talent. “On the ice he’s working his butt off and leading by example,” Aglor said. “I just like the way he’s been playing.” Tom Searle, head coach of the Blues, was tasked with making sure this young team would be able to play competitively throughout the season. He did just that, marking a successful first season with the team. It was his first year coaching Junior Hockey after coming out of Midget where he coached 15- and 16-year-olds. Aglor says that it is quite the jump to begin coaching kids up to 21 years old. All of this was despite the fact that the Blues faced their fair share of injuries throughout the season. There were few times throughout the season that the team was able to field their full roster. At times, it was hard to figure out who was on the first, second or third line as they kept changing due to injuries. Aglor says that guys had to pick it up as the year went on, which also helped them gain muchneeded confidence. Going into the playoffs, Aglor says that anything can happen and he hopes his team will be able to compete for the league finals. “Naturally, we would like to get into the league finals and win the league finals if we can,” Aglor said. “Anybody can beat anybody this year. It’s all going to depend on discipline. If the kids play discipline hockey then it’ll be fine. If we’re giving the other team chances at power plays or spending half the game killing penalties, then we’re just going to dig ourselves into a hole.” So far the Blues are playing more than well enough to advance throughout the playoffs. At the time this issue went to press, the Blues defeated the Chippawa Riverhawks in four straight games, and head into Glanbrook to face off against a very good team. Fan support has been a bit better toward the end of the season, and Aglor says that he expects it to continue to grow as the playoffs progress. Despite what happens in the playoffs, the Blues will spend the offseason to once again find local talent. They proved this year that it is a formula for success. As this may be the last article within SportsXpress to be published about the Dundas Blues until next season, Aglor was sure to get a message out to the fans, not only for the rest of the playoffs, but for next season as well. “It’s good hockey and I’d like to see more people out supporting us,” Aglor said. “We get people that come out to the playoffs every year and say it’s great and how they wish they’d come out sooner. It’s always entertaining.” The Dundas Blues would like to thank their sponsors: ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH #36 MCARTHUR MEDICAL SALES DUNDAS VALLEY SUNRISE ROTARY CATTEL EATON & CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME BOSTON PIZZA DUNDAS TIRECRAFT KELLY GREEN INSURANCE AGENCY (CO-OPERATORS) DUNDAS LOCK & KEY COLDWELL BANKER AMALFI REALTY BROKERAGE CLARKE PRODUCTION LIMITED TIM HORTONS, DUNDAS HANDSON PROPERTY SERVICE DY'S PLUMBING & GENERAL CONTRACTING DR. B CONRON, OPTOMETRIST CLAYBAR CONTRACTING WINDMILL POWER EQUIPMENT TYDAN SPECIALTY BLADES KEVIN MARTIN FINE JEWELLERY CAL-CHEK CANADA HIGHLAND PHYSIOTHERAPY BLACKADAR CONTINUING CARE CENTRE 8 DAYS A WEEK LAWN SPRINKLER SYSTEMS BINKLEY FARMS COLLINS BREW HOUSE GRISDALE ENTERPRISES ROTHSAY A&A DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS LTD DAVID A. WILSON INSURANCE AGENCY LTD AERLOC INDUSTRIES LTD. SportsXpress.com 5 halloffame Silver Fox Basketball The 40th edition of the Silver Fox Invitational took place on Jan 14–15 at four area high schools and involved 19 very competitive teams from across the province. Additionally, South Delta HS from BC rounded out the 20 team field by attending for the first time. This added another bit of Fox history to our archives when Dustin Triano took part just like his father Jay, head coach of the Toronto Raptors, did when he played for Niagara Falls AN Myer in 1977. The "Fox" is considered one of the top high school events of the year and has a long history of great players, great games, successful coaches and rewards that are second to none. This year’s list of players involved the best high school player in the country and Canadian national team participant, Kevin Pangos of Newmarket Dr. John Denison SS. Kevin is committed to attending Gonzaga University next year where he will join three other Canadian players and national team program members. Kevin's dad Bill, who is also a former Fox participant and has been the York University Women's coach for over 25 years, has been instrumental in his son's development and understanding of the game. Kevin set both a single round record and tournament record in the Spectator 3pt Shoot-out Challenge with scores of 22 and 21, over 2–1 minute rounds, for a unbelievable total score of 43! He also averaged 25 plus points per game and was selected a first team all-star. His team won the Joe Raso divisional final for a fifthplace finish. He has great talent, tremendous work ethic and clearly set goals. We look forward to following his game in the future. The other first team all-stars were Justin Edwards of number 1 seed Whitby Anderson CI and a junior national team member, who impressed spectators with his athletic dunks and skill, Kevin Blake of defending champion and this year’s finalist, Toronto Oakwood CI, a provincial team member who was the defensive player of the Fox in 2010 who showed a marked improvement in his game and is highly recruited here in Canada. Rohan 6 SportsXpress.com By Jim Weatherbee Boney of Champions Oakville Loyola CSS showed great skill and feel for the game and is a highly recruited prospect for many universities. Finally, John Gordon of Hamilton St Thomas More may have put together the best game finish of the tournament when he Loyola Hawks 2011 Silver Fox Champions sank the game-tying Photo Credit: Paul Robb three-point shot at the go with a soft shooting touch. He is also a buzzer in the Ken Ormerod Divisional final junior national team participant. Lastly, against No 1 seed Anderson, following it Hamilton's STM Lamar Barr did a great job up with the game-winning layup at the end of finishing and defending against the very of OT. His steady and athletic abilities athletic Anderson lineup in the third-place were instrumental in No 6 STM winning game. He brings a highly competitive spirit the third-place game. in every game he participates in. The tournament MVP was Oakville Our other award winners were Oakwood's Loyola's Mike L'Africian, a combo guard Sheldon Moore who was selected the who can handle the rock, set the offence tournament Defensive Player for his ability as a point, shoot the 3 as a 2 guard and to defend a number of positions and defend full court with great anticipation contribute on the defensive rebounding skills to make him a complete ball player glass; Oakville Loyola's Jake Babic who for any university program. He completes received the Ron Kovljenic Fair play award; his abilities with great character. He and Ottawa's Hillcrest John Lenz who showed over and over the ability to make walked away from the Fox with the the right pass, give the right teammate a Teacher's Life Academic award of look and take the important shot when it $1000.00 for his post-secondary education was needed. He joins a long list of great after achieving a mark of 95 percent and MVPs. contributing over 100 hours of community Our second team all-stars start with the service. youngest all-star in many, many years; This year’s tournament was both a success Cardinal Newman's grade ten point guard and enjoyable for many participants, David McCulloch displayed great poise coaches and spectators, and I give thanks and solid skills and has a bright future to our tremendous sponsors and to my ahead; he led his No 14 seeded team to a outstanding committee members. sixth-place finish. Brampton's Fletcher We ask that you visit our website at Meadows Shaquille Keith who stands at www.silverfoxbasketball.com to read our 6'5” is very athletic and plays much historical archives on past team rosters, bigger, and showed a great all around former players and their post-secondary game while carrying a smile, showing how athletic accomplishments, and also see much he loves to play. Windsor Holy our gallery of pictures to come in the near Names outstanding Rotimi Osuntola Jr future. also stands 6'5” and competed head to head with Keith to win the MacLeanThank you for the opportunity to talk Newton Divisional final by 1 where he about our community event and we look showed solid skills and defensive ability. forward to many more competitive teams Whitby Anderson's Dyshawn Pierre could to come play at the Silver Fox Invitational, very well be the most athletic player in the a Hamilton tradition for Ontario's best. event and displayed high-flying dunks to sports@school The ride, the arrival and March Madness By Chris Newman Much is often made of winning a championship, just as it should. The amount of energy, effort and determination it takes to be number one is enormous and can’t really be understood unless you’ve done it. From a coach’s perspective, the effort often equals that of the player — the planning, the adjustments, the fine details all have to come together at just the right time. And oh how the timing is so important. How often does the team that should not have won win because of a bounce here or Saltfleet Storm a missed moment of opportunity there, which can turn a game or a series around. Too often in sport we overlook the effort required to get to the top. Not just top spot, but the top couple of spots. When I’ve been handing out championship medallions at a high school event, the look on the faces of the players tells the story of the game: the hits, the misses, the scoring, the physical expense. And the story reads on the faces of both teams. Sadly though, we too often celebrate only the champion and we overlook what is the second-best team in the league standing across from the winner. I’ve heard it said by more than one player, “If you’re not number one, you suck.” How sad is that. Every year I’ve been involved in school sport, the discussion arises over what is more important to the student-athletes that play the games: the regular season where existing skills are honed and new ones learned, or the playoffs when the “real” season begins and we are put to the test as we reach for the top. The ride or the arrival? The answer, of course, is both. Without the regular season to develop skills and practice them regularly against worthy opponents, you can’t excel in playoffs. And without playoffs providing the end goal at which we all aim, it can be tough to stay motivated during the regular season. But do we focus too much on one aspect of that two-part equation? Do we place too much emphasis on the importance of winning at the expense of player development? can reach their full potential while developing a sense of personal worth and competence. Throughout February and March, thousands of students from grade six to graduation will strive to be the best in their league. With quality teacher-coaches to support them, they will also be striving to be the best they can be within themselves. And while everyone will be cheering the team that won, everyone who was part of the process — and all the teams that aren’t number one — need to stand back and be proud of what they accomplish. Finishing second or third may not be first, but it takes just as much as it does to be number one. Our own local version of March Madness will see six girls volleyball teams, six boys basketball teams and four hockey teams from our Board, along with hundreds of others from across the province, work their way through local and regional playoffs toward their goal of a berth at the O.F.S.A.A. provincial championships. As our student-athletes move through these playoffs, balancing academics and sports while reaching to achieve their goal, remember what it takes to get to each level. Recognize and applaud the time, effort and energy they have expended to get there. Appreciate the level — whatever level — it is they finally arrive at. And be proud! The introduction of the Long-Term Athlete Development program encourages, among many things, a re-focus on the development aspect of young athletes. It talks about the importance of a ratio of training that is greater than the number of games that are played. It talks about the importance of quality daily physical education and talks about transitioning from competitive sport to life-long involvement in sport. Much of what is important to effective longterm athlete development starts with “the ride” — the training, the instruction and the encouragement. School sport aims to create an atmosphere in Sir Winston Churchill Bulldogs which students SportsXpress.com 7 8 SportsXpress.com sportfiles Time to spring into ball hockey action! There’s nothing quite like the spring season of outdoor ball hockey. Some people have to talk themselves into getting outside again for sports and leisure activities, while others have been enjoying themselves all winter long. For those looking to shake off the winter doldrums and get active again, outdoor ball hockey is the perfect sport model to gradually build into the beauty of spring. Ice hockey is wrapping up, other stick and ball sports haven’t started yet and the weather gets a bit warmer every day. What more could you ask for? We’ve been building up our crop of spring teams since late December, and the start of the season is upon us with adult games taking place to kick off the spring 2011 season on February 27th. We like to give our youth participants and their parents a little more time to ease into the spring season so they don’t start their regular season until the conclusion of March Break. If you or your family members are looking for a great sport to fill your need for activity, then spring ball hockey can fill that void and then some! We offer divisions for all family members ages four and up, and no experience is required! Outdoor ball hockey is FUN for the whole family…not just the kids! As you learn more about our unique sport model, we encourage you to visit us at our club or online at www.ballhockey.com. While our spring season is typically our busiest, we often have room to add By Tom Roberts players that want to join after we’ve started. We’d be happy to get you playing this season or next, so call or come by today to get in on the spring action. Each of our seasons is approximately three months or 13 weeks, starting in March, June, September and December. Children get started as early as age four and adults play well into their fifties (and some into their sixties). There are divisions for men, women and children of all experience and skill levels. All teams play 12 regular season games, plus a minimum of two playoff games. Divisions at the club include: Tiny Tots (ages 4 & 5 instructional); Youth Under 9; Under 12; Under 15; and Under 18; Adult Co-ed (men and women mixed); Men’s A, Men’s B, Men’s C, Men’s D, Men’s 30+; and Women’s. Players can sign up individually or enter teams, regardless of experience or skill level. New players are welcome! Many of our players come from diverse sports backgrounds. While the obvious is ice hockey, the not so obvious is other stick and ball sports such as baseball, soccer and lacrosse. Groups of friends look for other things to do and new experiences to share. We offer them a chance to maintain that social connection through organized sport. In some cases, it’s a couple of friends trying something new. In other cases, it’s a group looking to try that new place they just heard of. In all cases, the spring season promises a great time with friends, competitors and other club members. Check us out and you’ll see why our sport is growing rapidly all over Ontario! Our facility is also used frequently for birthday party rentals, shinny rentals and Minor Hockey teams conducting off-ice training. This affordable rental option is just $70 per hour (including HST), compared to many more expensive facility costs…including arena ice time. Ball hockey is a great sport to supplement or complement budding ice hockey players as they look to hone their skills and creativity. As with many organizations, our club is also actively seeking volunteer coaches for our youth divisions. If you would like to help out, please contact us at your earliest convenience. In addition, we have various opportunities for partnerships with local businesses to sponsor youth or adult teams and/or reach our customer base through rink board advertising. Our customers are a very loyal group and they support businesses that support our club! To see how your business can get behind this great program and sport, please contact Tom Roberts at (905) 679-2317 or via email at tomr@ballhockey.com. To get started on your ball hockey career, visit the Hamilton Ball Hockey Club at 2633 Upper James Street (at the Cameron Motorsports Karting Complex), or call the office at (905) 679-2317. Register online today at www.ballhockey.com! Register Today for Spring ball hockey Enter your team today or sign up individually! 2633 Upper James St. Hamilton 905-679-2317 SportsXpress.com 9 JOIN US FOR A CELEBRATION TO SUPPORT AMATEUR FOOTBALL IN HAMILTON Tuesday, April 12, 2011 CARMEN’S C ARMEN’S BANQUET BANQUET CENTRE CENTRE 6WRQH &KXUFK 5RDG (D (DVW DVW +DPLOWRQ 21 The Hamilton Tiger-Cats Touchdown Dinner & Awards is a new initiative to help support the development of grassroots football in Hamilton. Funds raised will be used to ensure that youth of all ages can participate in WKH JDPH RI IRRWEDOO UHJDUGOHVV RI ¿QDQFLDO FRQVWUDLQWV The evening will be hosted by the CFL on TSN Football Panel. Broadcaster Dave Randorf, former CFL receiver Jock Climie, Canadian Football Hall of Fame quarterback Matt Dunigan and the CFL’s all-time leading receiver Milt Stegall will serve as the evening’s MCs and keynote speakers. 7LFNHWV 7LFNHWV 7DEOH D 7DEOH RI 7DLOJDWH 7 D DLOJDWH 3DUW\ 3D DUW\ SP SP .LFNRII SP 4 Quarters oof Dining and Entertainment Enterrtainment To get your tickets for this great event call: 905-547-CATS or visit ticats.ca Jock Climie Matt Dunigan Milt Stegall Dave Randorf TSN is a trademark of The Sports Network Inc., Speed Letter Graphic is a trademark of ESPN, Inc. Used under license. sportsfiles Hamilton Panthers and Cable 14 team up to let kids showcase their talent By Paul Schillaci Hamilton Panthers will host OFC Varsity Championship Weekend, August 6 and 7, 2011 You won’t find much televised football in the months following the Super Bowl as both CFL and NFL seasons are in their respected off-seasons. However, football fans in Ontario can get their fix once again watching the Hamilton Panthers home games, on Cable 14 for the 2011 varsity season starting May 29 all the way through to August 7th. “Cable 14 is a great tool for exposure for our players,” says Sam Preston, media relations’ officer for Hamilton Wentworth Minor Football and Hamilton Panthers Football. “The ultimate goal for a varsity league is to have our kids exposed to universities and recruiters to get them further in the football world. One of the prime tools is video and exposure in media.” “They do play-by-play, colour commentary, slow motion, reverse angles, instant replay. It is full broadcast,” says OFC rep. Mark Thompson. Cable 14 and The Hamilton Panthers are also teaming up in helping the players and the rest of the Ontario Football Conference get even more exposure by providing the opportunity for the kids to play in a live broadcast. On June 3, the Hamilton Panthers will square off against the Burlington Stamps live on Cable 14. This chance for the kids to showcase their talent on live television has created a buzz across the league. “Not only are our kids excited about being on TV, but a visiting team that comes in from Sarnia, Sudbury or Chatham, and they find out they’re going to be televised, they get extremely excited about that,” says Thompson, who sounds excited for the youngsters himself. “So, it’s not only great for our kids, but for others in the football community as well.” The OFC is committed to providing their young athletes with an opportunity to progress and improve their skills within the parameters of Canadian football. This is demonstrated not only through exposure via media but also right down to how the game is played. The OFC organizes their game using Canadian rules; this includes playing the three down game, as opposed to four down American-style football. This gives athletes looking to further their skills a chance to progress in the Canadian game, which is rich in a long history. “The OFC has been around for 52 years and it has always been a three down program. Their whole belief is promoting the Canadian game,” says Varsity Director Sue Sklepowicz. “We are Canadian, and the fact that there is far more youth that can move forward in a three down system to further their playing at universities around Canada, then the few that manage to get into the States to play.” This is what grassroots football is all about. Promoting the game in the younger generation, which in turn provides a foundation and support for our unique and celebrated style of game. “We want to prepare them and give them the best training and coaching to step up to the next level, if that’s their desire,” mentions Sklepowicz. The varsity division of the OFC is the feeder program to the junior division of the OFC, which is part of the Canadian Junior Football League, who is directly affiliated with CFL teams. “So you’ve got that direct line. Once they mature from the varsity division, they can go and play junior, then once they mature from junior they then are eligible and qualify to make or get invited to CFL camps,” says Thompson. “Playing the Canadian game, that three down ball, puts you in a position to move up and get that exposure.” For more information please visit: www.hamiltonpantherfootball.com www.facebook.com/panthernation pantherrecruiting@cogeco.ca WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR SPONSORS: Nortrax • Scafom • Phoenix Fitness • Howlett Development and Construction Services • Boonstra One Hour Heating • Cameron Speedway • Maddalena Construction • GreenLawn Ltd • Michelangelo Banquet Centre SportsXpress.com 11 healthandfitness The value of a custom-fit mouthguard Bernadette MacKay By Bernadette MacKay, RDH It has been eight years since my two sons were involved in hockey, so the other day when I was checking out a sports store to see what they offered in mouthguards, I was stunned by the price of equipment. I guess I was lucky to get out of the game before composite sticks and high-tech skates. The average parent is spending on average $300 on a stick, $500 on skates, and $5 on a boil and bite mouthguard for protecting the child against tooth and softtissue injury and possible minor traumatic brain injury. To me, this just doesn’t make sense. So let’s have the cage/visor protection argument. First, the helmet and cage need to be fitted properly; and second, the J clip that holds the cage in place needs to be secured. Any player who is wearing a half visor without a mouthguard is an accident waiting to happen, and a player who is wearing a half visor will not have the protection against a puck or stick if he or she is wearing a boil and bite or stock mouthguard. Why? A proper custom-fit mouthguard has a protection layer of a minimum 3mm up to 4mm, which is the recommended thickness according to the experts. When you watch different players at different levels of hockey, you see as soon as the play stops, the guard comes out and they slip it in their glove, which is very unhygienic, and even worse between their head and their helmet. So why would players prefer not to wear a mouthguard? The two main complaints are comfort and breathing ability. That is what sets a custom-fit mouthguard apart from the others. When it is a properly made, labquality mouthguard, the player should be Custom Fit Mouth Guards able to breathe effortlessly, which is, let’s face it, important for performance. Some mouthguards are fabricated with a thinner layer on the palate side, which allows for added ability to breathe and speak with less gagging influence. An athlete is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to the teeth when not wearing a mouthguard. I recently received an email from a client who wanted to write a testimonial for my website because he took a puck to the mouth, and when he saw the physician in the emergency room he told him that not only would he have lost a tooth or two but he also would have required a lot more stitches to his lips. This young man was more concerned that he was still a student and the dental work that could have ensued would have caused him financial hardship. Now, he is trying to get teammates to get mouthguards but, as I told him, it is not easy. If you are lucky enough to have dental insurance, plans generally do have yearly maximums, and depending on the extent of the dental work required, you may be left with a substantial bill. For All Ages & Sports Here’s an example: Four fractured front teeth Suggested Fees according to the Ontario Dental Association Fee schedule: The custom-fit pressure laminated mouthguards allows for a more exact fit and results in a better fitting and more durable mouthguard. Emergency visit $500.00 (exam, x-rays, temporary emergency treatment) Root Canal $400 x 4 $1,600.00 $1000 x 4 $176 x 4 $4,000.00 $700.00 (if needed) Crowns Posts We are mobile and will come to you! Dental impressions are taken one week at a practice and delivered and fitted the next week. We offer team discounts or 10% donated to your organization for teams of 15 or more. 905-973-7801 Bernadette MacKay is President of Allsportsguards and is a dental professional with over 29 years experience in the dental field. Please visit our website for more details and testimonials — www.allsportsguards.ca 12 SportsXpress.com (if needed) Grand Total $6400.00 If the teeth are completely knocked out and cannot be re-implanted, one dental implant is approximately $3,000.00. In conclusion, every executive member, coach, parent and player has a responsibility to ensure that athletes are being protected from injury and due diligence is being practised when it comes to mouthguard use. healthandfitness How your child’s fitness can save you money By James Lizotte Two years ago, the federal government unveiled the new Child Fitness Tax Credit, and this year the Ontario government has followed suit, making it even more important that parents keep track of what they spend on their children’s fitness programs. The savings before were often minimal with low-income families, including many single parents gaining little or nothing from the federal credit because it was a non-refundable tax credit. The Ontario government has gone one step further, making their version fully refundable. They even went as far as to make it independent of income so that no matter how much you make, if you pay for programs that qualify, you benefit from keeping your kids active. The credit is only 10 percent of what you spend, up to $500 per child, but if you have two or three kids that’s an extra $100 to $150 in your pocket. If you’re middle income, thus are federally taxable, the federal credit is worth $75 per child, so the total benefit for that family would be $125 per child. I know it’s not enough to make you want to go out and spend the maximum, but if you are enrolling your kids in these activities anyway, why not reap the benefits? In the case of the new Ontario credit, any activity that qualifies for the Federal credit also qualifies for the Ontario Credit. This includes any type of sports activity that involves regular attendance for up to eight weeks, three times a week. One must remember, the cost of equipment does not qualify, so, sorry, you can’t include that new set of skates bought last Christmas, only the actual cost of the program. Most programs are now providing receipts that actually state whether the fees qualify for the credit, but you have to keep the receipt. The Ontario credit does have some other glaring differences from its predecessor. A number of things have been included as qualifying, making it not just a fitness credit but more of an activity credit. The list is quite extensive so really it’s best to keep receipts for almost every activity you pay for that your child attends. One other thing to keep in mind is that unlike most other dependent-related credits, the fitness credits stop at age 16, not 18, so it’s a good idea to take advantage while they are still young. If you have any questions about this or any other tax matter, you should call your local tax professional. Todays’ Tax Laws are getting more complex than ever, are you sure you are getting all the breaks? At Double J’s you get 30 years’ experience behind every return. Tax professionals James Lizotte and Jeneta Gladders know the new tax rules and how to make them work for you. Give us a call at 905-667-5311 or visit our website at www.doublejstax.com “Your Taxes are Our Business” SportsXpress.com 13 KITCHENER - WATERLOO HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE sportsfiles SportsXpress.com 15 sportsfiles Brother and sister skating team’s future is bright By Ryan Easson They have been skating for the better part of their entire lives and have demonstrated the raw talent and passion needed to successfully compete at the national level. However, this is only the beginning as they aspire to compete on an international stage one day. These are aspirations of 16-year-old Rocky and 13-year-old Elizabeth Swenor, the dynamic brother and sister skating team who just recently placed eighth in Canada this past December. What makes their story so impressive are the many obstacles they have had to overcome, as a team, in order to perform at such a high level. Rocky and Elizabeth are pair skaters, a team sport that involves both partners skating perfectly together while performing various tricks such as lifts. Rocky summed it up when he said, “You work together to be one.” Rocky started on the ice when he was just two-and-a-half years old. He got into skating because of extreme hearing loss when he was a child. His mother, Marie Swenor, did not want her child to be treated any differently so she wanted him in a very structured sport. Figure skating gave him this opportunity. “I took him to an open ice skate and he saw the kids jumping and spinning, and he ran outside into the arena and he started jumping and spinning with his skates on,” said Marie. “Then he just went onto the ice and it wasn’t even his session, and tried to spin.” Elizabeth began skating when she was three years old. As well as being a provincial-level skater, she was also a provincial-level gymnast. Not being able to do both, however, she was eight years old when she chose to continue skating. Each enjoy the sport for different reasons, and it is this mix of admiration 16 SportsXpress.com that helps them as a team on the ice. “He likes to be challenged technically and she likes to be challenged artistically,” said Amanda Covre who has been coaching the team for the past four years. The brother-sister team was formed just over four years ago when their current coach saw them perform a jump together. However, their age difference meant that it would take a lot of work for Elizabeth to catch up to the much more experienced Rocky. “When I paired them together, the age difference and the age gap was such a huge one that she had a lot of work to do to catch up to where he was,” Covre said. “But in the end it absolutely worked out with her drive to catch up to him.” Marie says that her plan all along was to try to create a pair’s team between both Rocky and Elizabeth. She says that they will not be competing as singles anymore and that they have entrenched themselves within the competition as a pairs team. This is important because they have to train and think like a team, not as individuals. “When they skate out on the ice, even at a warm up, they automatically skate almost beside each other and do the same thing because it has to be second nature,” Marie said. This does provide its fair share of challenges, however, for their coach. Normally pair teams project an aura of passion and romance. This is not the case with brother-sister teams, and forces Covre to think outside the box for artistic creativity. However, both Elizabeth and Rocky have been able to put that issue aside and are able to compete at high levels with whatever instruction has been given to them by their coach. “There’s definitely a magnetic force Siblings Rocky and Elizabeth Swenor between them now,” Covre said. The relationship between the Swenor’s and their coach has become very close over the years. Covre has become very close friends and even part of their family. Both Covre and Marie have been very supportive of both Rocky and Elizabeth through all of their training and performances. “Because we spend so much time together, we’re on the same page with same values,” Covre said. “So when you say a pair team it’s not just what you see on the ice, it’s what’s on the outside too. There’s a different respect level.” Since becoming a pair team, Rocky and Elizabeth have competed two years in a row at Eastern Canadians, various Sectionals, Octoberfest, as well as PreJuvenile and Juvenile Champions of Ontario. They recently placed eight in all of Canada this past December in a national tournament. All of these amazing accomplishments have been done with less practice and sportsfiles funding than many other teams that compete within the competitions. Both Rocky and Elizabeth train for about threeand-a-half to four hours a week. This is compared to the five hours a day most other teams practice. The lack of funds make it very difficult for Marie, a single mom, to keep her kids on the ice any longer than what they already do. It is also a credit to the raw talent both Swenor children have to be able to perform at such a high level with so little practice time. “When they step on the ice, they are told to utilize the time that you have and pay attention to what your coach says,” Marie said. “Every time you attempt something, make sure it’s your best attempt, listen, follow directions and I’m a firm believer that it’s quality of training, not quantity of training.” However, this does not mean that they have stopped looking for ways to promote both Rocky and Elizabeth in order to try to get as much funding and sponsorship as possible. They hope that someone will eventually notice the amount of talent and drive that this team has and will help them further their already exploding potential. The older both of them become, the harder the training will get and more time will be needed to practice. “It feels like I have a lot of talent and the drive and I want to go far in figure skating so I am going to utilize the time that I have on the ice,” said Elizabeth. Both kids feel that if they had more funding, there would be no limit on what they could accomplish in the future. Photo Credit: Katie Kolodziejski After everything both Rocky and Elizabeth have accomplished, it is still important to understand that they are brother and sister, and with such a relationship comes the squabbles a normal family will have. Despite this, no one who watched these two perform would ever think they have fought a day in their life. Rocky and Elizabeth both have international aspirations, with “Worlds” competition held annually, as well as the Olympics that are to be held in 2014. “When they perform, they perform,” Covre said. “You would think they’ve never fought in their life. They come together when it counts.” One thing is for certain, as long as Rocky and Elizabeth receive the proper funding for future skating endeavours, there is no limit to what this dynamic duo can accomplish. You have a man advantage with Steve Gracie. STEVE GRACIE New & Used Vehicle Sales & Leasing Phone: 905-388-6396 Cell: 905-512-7695 Fax: 905-388-3436 steveg@airportfordlincoln.ca Purchase from a person you know and trust. SportsXpress.com 17 sportsfiles International Children’s Games Lanarkshire, Scotland, will host the 45th International Children’s Games in 2011, following a joint bid by North and South Lanarkshire Councils to bring the world’s youth sporting event to Scotland for the first time. This year’s games will be the largest athletic event with athletes from over 30 nations from around the world! Up to 1,500 competitors aged 13 to 15 along with coaches, administrators and delegates from around 80 cities worldwide will head to Lanarkshire for the International Olympic Committeerecognized event from August 3 to 8, 2011. Team Hamilton is looking for its best youth athletes in Track & Field, Swimming and Girl’s Soccer to make up the team going to Lanarkshire. “Our executive committee has chosen the top recruiting coaches from each of the three sports; the challenge now is to select from a large pool of elite athletics from around the city. We are expecting medals from all sports.” For more information on this year’s games, please visit www.icg-lanarkshire2011.com. Our tryout information will be posted on www.icghamilton.ca or contact info@icghamilton.ca. Our head coaches for the 2011 summer games are as follows: Track and Field George Kerr (905) 387-7970 George, a Certified Chartered Professional Coach, began his coaching career in 1992 with the Hamilton Olympic Club. He has been part of the Canada coaching staff for the past two years, which represented at the World Youth Championships 2009 and World Junior Championships 2010. He was also the former McMaster University track and field coach. Swimming Leanne McConnell (905) 906-6254 Leanne has been an active member of the competitive swimming world since 1977. By ICG Hamilton She is a national member of the HamiltonWentworth Aquatic Club, the McMaster Varsity Swim Team and Master Swimmer Age-Group. Today, she is the coach with the Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club, coach of the Burlington Central High School Swim Team, coordinator/coach of the McMaster Varsity Swim Camps and former coach of Windsor Aquatic Club. Girls Soccer Mark Wu (905) 308-9155 ext 22 Mark started his soccer career playing with various teams in Sao Paulo, Brazil. A fully certified multi-level NCCP coach, he has long been involved with coaching youth soccer in the Hamilton area with clubs like Saltfleet, Hamilton Sparta, Mount Hamilton and Stoney Creek. Mark has won gold medals in international, national and provincial tournament competitions; he is also involved in coaching high-level club volleyball, track and field, basketball and taekwondo. Lanarkshire, Scotland to host the 45th International Children’s Games August 3 to 8, 2011 Sports include Athletics, Swimming and Girls Soccer. All athletes must be 12 –15 years of age and cannot turn 16 anytime this year (born 1996 or later). For information on Team Hamilton tryouts please visit our website www.icghamilton.ca or e-mail info@icghamilton.ca 18 SportsXpress.com behindthebench Soccer in Hamilton Enters New Era LAUNCH RAISES HOPES AND EXPECTATIONS Soccer in Hamilton is adding a new franchise in the United Soccer Leagues (USL) with the addition of a Premier Development League (PDL) team that will bring the top level of amateur soccer together under a new identity: Hamilton FC. "I am extremely honored and privileged to be associated with the new ownership group. This group has worked extremely hard over the past few months in bringing the Avalanche to a different level by expanding on the men’s side. The combined new franchise, Hamilton FC, will be something to be proud of," explained Valdi Greco founding owner of the Hamilton Lady Avalanche. “This is very exciting news for the Hamilton and District Soccer Association (H&DSA) membership and particularly the talented players aspiring to play at the highest level available in North America,” stated Al Carrafiello, H&DSA President. “We look forward to working closely with the new ownership group as we share a similar vision for player development. Their investment is substantial in addition to bringing outstanding coaching and management expertise. This is a great day for soccer in Hamilton.” The club also unveiled its new website, which can be accessed at www.hamiltonfc.com. Strength in numbers By Kim Morgan January 19, 2011, was a monumental day in Hamilton! ParaSport Ontario brought like-minded individuals representing clubs and organizations offering recreational and sporting opportunities to youth and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. The instigator in this process initially was the Ministry of Health Promotion. Our Provincial Government wants communities to encourage more active lifestyles! Ontarians are being challenged to increase their physical activity and participation in sport, and that includes persons with disabilities too. and better co-ordination and communication to its stakeholders, and to raise the bar for increased participation throughout greater Hamilton. Their first venture of the interim committee will be an event in April 2011. ParaSport Ontario’s “Ready, Willing and Able Program” will roll into Hamilton and run a sport introduction/participation day. Participation is open to anyone in Hamilton, and those attending will learn and get to try the sports of sledge hockey and boccia. These two Paralympic sports are in our community today, and it is the Accessible Sport Council’s belief that if more individuals have the opportunity to try the sport, growth would happen and more individuals would get involved. “Ontarians are being challenged to increase their physical activity, and that includes persons with disabilities too” Provincial funding, through ParaSport Ontario, is to assist our community in the development of an “Accessible Sports Council.” This Council works very similarly to Hamilton’s existing “Sports Council,” SportHamilton, but would be Hamilton’s advocacy group and voice for those with physical and cognitive disabilities ensuring equitable opportunities for participation in recreation and sport. With the support of SportHamilton, the City of Hamilton and all the stakeholders listed, they have gone forward and have an interim committee in place. This committee will be promoting to other like activity, sports groups and individuals to get on board with them. As volunteers, they feel together they have strength and a louder voice to advocate for increased Check the SportHamilton Website at http://sporthamilton.com/page/multisport?id=83 for full details of the Accessible Sports Council’s plans as they are finalized over the coming weeks! Know someone who is interested in being involved with the Accessible Sports Council? Are you looking for some increase in your physical activity and want to have fun at the same time? Need more information? Contact: Kim Morgan at (905) 296-0093 or E-mail: kmorgan17@cogeco.ca SportsXpress.com 19 ENTER for your chance to WIN Movie Passes for Your Team! Submit Your Team Photo for a Chance to Win Movie Passes or Your Team! Go to Sportsxpress.com/Contest to enter • No purchase necessary • Winners picked by random draw • Complete rules and contest details available at SportsXpress.com Sponsored by Congratulations to Hamilton Girls Hockey Team on winning the gold medal at the Children’s Winter Games held in Kelowna, B.C. from January 26 to 31st and also on winning Movie Passes from Cineplex and SportsXpress Enter at .com and click Contests 20 SportsXpress.com sportsnews Steel City Hockey entering 16th year By Dan Caco Entering its 16th year, Steel City Hockey remains one of the top Development and League programs for Children and Adults in Hamilton and the surrounding area. Dan Caco, Owner of Steel City Hockey, has been bringing Leagues and Hockey Development Programs with great success for the last 15 years. One of Steel City Hockey’s biggest successes has been its Leagues. For 15 years, Steel City Hockey has been running fun and entertaining Leagues for Boys, Girls, Men and Women of all ages and skill levels. Starting from a small venture down at Barton Double Rinks Arena in 1995, Steel City Hockey has expanded from a league of 12 teams to over 150 teams, offering children’s and adult hockey leagues out of the Mohawk 4 Ice Centre and Copps Coliseum. Steel City is happy to announce it is once again expanding its leagues and programs to three new locations starting this summer. It is going back to its original location of Barton Double Rinks Arena, the Burlington Appleby Ice Centre and Niagara Falls, offering more fun and entertaining leagues to meet the quality and levels of hockey you deserve to play. As the growing success of the Steel City Leagues carry on, the Steel City Development Programs continue to grow as well, offering several developmental programs from Beginners right on through to AAA, Junior and Pro Players. Teaching all areas and skills of the game of hockey, Steel City Hockey has highly qualified instructors and coaches, making sure your children’s skill development is properly met to today’s development standards. Steel City Hockey prides itself in developing your children’s future in hockey. Steel City Hockey encourages you to join and try out our Development Programs and Leagues; become a member of the Steel City family today! STEEL CITY HOCKEY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS 2011 .0)"8, *$& $&/53& t HAMILTON DOUBLERINK ARENA $0114 $0-*4&6. t "11-&#: 3&$3&"5*0/ $&/53& #63-*/(50/ HAMILTON MOHAWK 4 ICE CENTRE 710 Mountain Brow Blvd. (Upper Kenilworth & Mohawk), Hamilton, ON 2011 SUMMER LEAGUES 2011 HOCKEY SCHOOLS t KIDS LEAGUE House League and Rep Pre-Novice to Midget Divisions t 4-ON-4 REP LEAGUE 5VFTEBZT Atom to Midget Divisions t Pre-Tryout Clinics t 'PSXBSE %FGFODFNBO $MJOJDT t :PVOH (VOT ZS PMET t JUNIOR ELITE LEAGUE - Boys 1990–1995 age o .POEBZT t 3FQ (JSMT $MJOJDT t )PVTF -FBHVF (JSMT $MJOJDT t JUNIOR ELITE LEAGUE - Girls 1990–1995 age o .POEBZT t GIRLS LEAGUE House League and Rep Novice to Bantam Divisions o 4BUVSEBZT t A%JBNPOEJOUIF3PVHI o .JEHFU 4IPXDBTF t #FHJOOFST $MJOJD t INTERMEDIATE GIRLS LEAGUE 1989–1991 age o .POEBZT t WOMEN’S LEAGUE 8FEOFTEBZT Recreation – Competitive and Junior Divisions t 1SF4FBTPO 8BSNVQ $MJOJDT t 1SJWBUF -FTTPOT t JUVENILE LEAGUE 'SJEBZT 18-24 yr. olds t "WBJMBCMF UP XPSL XJUI 5FBNT HAMILTON DOUBLERINK ARENA COPPS COLISEUM 1911 Barton St. E, Hamilton, ON 101 York Blvd., Hamilton, ON 2011 3-on-3 YOUTH SUMMER LEAGUES 2011 MEN’S SUMMER LEAGUES t 'VMM *DF 1MBZ t 4VOEBZ "GUFSOPPOT t /0 -POH 8FFLFOET - Novice to Midget Divisions - Rep and House League Divisions - Team and Individual Registration t "#$% %JWJTJPOT o .POEBZ UP 'JSEBZ t 4DIFEVMF "WBJMBCMF t $IBNQJPOTIJQT #FTU PVU PG - Team Incentives (Inquire) - Team and Individual Registration - Hess Village Vouchers - Weekly BURLINGTON APPLEBY ICE CENTRE 1201 Appleby Line, Burlington, ON 2011 WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE 2011 MEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE t 3FDSFBUJPO $PNQFUJUJWF BOE +VOJPS %JWJTJPOT t .POEBZ FWFOJOHT t 5FBN BOE *OEJWJEVBM 3FHJTUSBUJPO t "#$% %JWJTJPOT o 5VFTEBZ UP 5IVSTEBZ 4VOEBZ &WFOJOHT t 4DIFEVMF "WBJMBCMF t $IBNQJPOTIJQT #FTU PVU PG t 5FBN BOE *OEJWJEVBM 3FHJTUSBUJPO t 5FBN *ODFOUJWFT *ORVJSF REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO DPOUBDU %BO $BDP BU PS CZ FNBJM EQD!NPVOUBJODBCMFOFU XXXTUFFMDJUZIPDLFZDPN SportsXpress.com 21 halloffame Stoney Creek Minor Hockey keeps on winning By Nick Milanovich The Stoney Creek House League Program and the Jr. Warriors Rep Hockey program continued their winning ways; yet another three Tournament Championships have been added to the trophy showcase of the Stoney Creek Minor Hockey Association. Congratulations, boys, on your great performances and making Stoney Creek proud! Stoney Creek Peewee Bruins capture firstever Glanbrook Jerry Smith Memorial 2010 Peewee Championship by defeating Glanbrook/Mount hope Lions 3–1 in the Championship game. Bruins were undefeated during the tourney winning all five games including wins over Six Nations and Port Colburn on the final day. Bruins allow only six goals against during the tourney. BANTAM AE WARRIORS REACH CHAMPIONSHIP OF INTERNATIONAL SILVER STICK FINALS The Stoney Creek Bantam AE Jr Warriors breezed through the three round robin games surrendering just one goal and scoring 25 with wins over Port Perry, Glenview, Illinois and Lincoln. The Warriors steamrolled over the Findlay, Ohio, Oilers 6–1 to advance to the International Bantam Finals vs. the Kanata Blazers, however, fell 4–3 to the Blazers. Team members are Brent de Groot, Owen Vrbos, Sebastian Bollert, Josh Bryers, Michael Ciavarella, Pasquale Centritto, Brandon Cole, David Devenish, Matthew Doughty, Dakota Harms, Andrew Meulendyks, Ryan Murdoch, Matthew Pateman, Grayson Pottruff, Aaron Smith and Lucas Smith. The head coach is Jim Pottruff and assistant coaches are Kevin Cole and Mike Ciavarella. Stoney Creek Peewee Bruins (bottom row left to right) Alex Nangle and Stephen Conti. (second row) Matteo Guizzo, Cale Cowan, Matthew Gibson (Tourney MVP), Austin Krasulja, Chris Whalen, Connor Moore. (third row) Lucas Budz, Brandon Yachetti, Tyler Aitken, and Noah Loppie (top row) Coach’s Steve Whalen, Doug Whalen, Al Conti, Daniel Krasulja. Missing from Photo Steven Rullo, Jared Young and trainer Jason Gibson STONEY CREEK MIDGET AA WIN GOLD AGAIN The Stoney Creek Jr. Warriors Midget AA team took home their second Tournament Championship of the season on January 9. The win took place in the Nation's Capital at the 7th Annual Capital New Year's Tournament. The Midgets capped off a hard-fought tournament by beating the host team Kanata Blazers 3–2 in the finals. The winning goal was scored in overtime by the team’s spark-plug Cam 'Killer' Kilpatrick. The championship was a total team effort with outstanding goaltending by Michael Szalowski and Mitchel Pidsadny. The Midgets also claimed a championship earlier in the season at their own Stoney Creek Tournament of Champions. They were also Silver Medal winners at the Humberview Huskies Tournament, losing a heartbreaker in the championship game in a shootout. Stoney Creek Hockey has been the pinnacle of our community sports for over 50 years, offering coaches and players many opportunities for success. SCHMA has created a philosophy that encompasses all levels of development, offering coaching clinics/seminars, mentoring programs, player development such as power skating, puck control, shooting and goalie development. 22 SportsXpress.com Bantam A Warriors Stoney Creek Midget AA halloffame The success of our programs has allowed many of our players to go on to participate at the highest levels that our association has to offer. Stoney Creek Minor Hockey offers many advantages for players and coaches to strive for, such as coaching and playing in their own hometown, and having the opportunity to coach and play AA, AE, Select, house league and pre hockey. “Stoney Creek Hockey has been the pinnacle of our community sports for over 50 years, offering coaches and players many opportunities for success” Stoney Creek Minor Hockey Association is extending invitations to all new and former players to register for this upcoming year. The association will be entering into another exciting new year of hockey for the 2011–2012 season. As we continue to read this, we all know that there is still a lot of pride and passion in all of us that have been associated with Stoney Creek Hockey either by being a coach, a volunteer or a player; let’s continue passing on this sense of pride and passion throughout of community. Register by June 30, 2011, and save $100 off the registration www.scmha.org Stoney Creek Minor Hockey Association YEAR-END EVENTS House League Championships March 19 & 20 This is to allow those teams winning championships the opportunity to participate in Hamilton City Finals. House League ICE FESTIVAL Saturday March 26 Stoney Creek Arena ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) Sunday March 27 Stoney Creek United Church 1 King West, Stoney Creek 12 pm–4 pm As members of SCMHA, you have entrusted the Board of Directors to use your membership fees wisely and to improve the level of fun hockey for your children. Once a year at the Annual General Meeting, these volunteers will formally report back to you on what they’ve done for the past season and what they are planning to do for the next season(s). This is your chance to get informed, to ask questions and to become part of this group if you choose. VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION SCMHA gives thanks to the many generous volunteers across the league who give their time and energy to ensuring the kids of Stoney Creek have a quality hockey program year after year. BOARD of DIRECTORS ANNUAL ELECTIONS Will be held at the Annual General Meeting Nominations are deemed to be closed at 6 PM, March 15th, 2011. All completed nominations shall be dropped in the ballot box at S.C. arena (it will be marked Stoney Creek Elections 2011). What’s your financial game plan? We can help. Independent, unbiased advice. Rebecca Isowa and Lucy Lukic (289) 656-0649 301 Fruitland Road, Unit 4 Stoney Creek, ON www.yourwealthmanagementsolutions.com SportsXpress.com 23 Interested in volunteering? Get experience in sports: • marketing • writing • photography We are also recruiting for team reporters for summer/winter teams Contact Zoran@SportsXpress.com In any kind of weather, call HAMILTON CAB for a safe ride to your destination. re Carde — The Sco the scor st keeping ju . more than me plan.. It’s about winning ga building a it’s about a player, in sports as participate 1. Do you n? or fa volunteer No sports? Yes know play yone you kids, or an ur yo Do 2. No am? Yes onsor a te mpany) sp (or your Co 3. Do you No ore Yes se to get m ion adverti ur competit 4. Does yo to buy more often? customers No Yes mpetition? ove your co t to rise ab an w u yo 5. Do No Yes e any of thes “YES” to answered If you have en we should talk. , th questions SportsXpress has a targeted readership reaching committed sports enthusiasts — 37,500 readers throughout this sports zone. he Get in t Game! WE’LL HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS BY TAPPING INTO THE POWER OF COMMUNITY SPORTS! Call or email to advertise in our next issue ZORAN KNEZEVIC Zoran@SportsXpress.com 905.520.5509 NICK MILANOVICH NickM@SportsXpress.com 905.516.4122 Magazine • Web Sports and Event Marketing 24 SportsXpress.com sportsfiles TaeKwon Do Martial Arts The Lee Sukhi TaeKwon Do Success Martial Arts School is just not another ordinary Martial arts school; the programming goes beyond just fighting, as Head Instructor Walter Zdeb explains. All our programs emphasize on a life skills component offered through tenets of TaeKwon-Do – our students learn the aspects of Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Sprint. Our school strives in making a difference in people’s lives and helping improve our society as a whole. Mr. Zdeb explains that TaeKwon-Do is the art of hand and feet techniques. “Tae” means hit or break with the foot. “Kwon” means hit or break with hand. “Do” is known for the kick and punch way. Being a martial artist is not just being able to fight and/or defend yourself. It's about being a leader, role model, and as I say to my students, "a hero". A hero stands for the good in life and helps those that need help, because he or she has confidence, inner strength, focus and empathy. Here at the Lee Sukhi school our students have had the opportunity to competed all over the world and have had many first place finishes. Lee Sukhi Success Martial Arts RESPECT FOCUS SELF DEFENCE leesukhitkd.com S ONLY EMBER NEW M PR. 30, 2011 EXP. A SportsXpress.com 25 sporstfiles SportsXpress and Cable 14 announce partnership Cable 14 and SportsXpress have ventured into an exciting partnership to promote and raise awareness of sports in the community. This past season, Cable 14 expanded its mobile production efforts to produce more sports coverage, including more high school football and recent coverage of the OFSAA Girls Basketball Championships. SportsXpress focuses on community sports from the perspective of the local player, coach and fan. The Hamilton edition of SportsXpress is published six times per year and has an active website to enhance all aspects of sports coverage. Last summer saw the coverage of the Canadian Little League Championships out of Ancaster, along with several Hamilton Panthers home games and Canadian Mini Indy series at Cameron Motorsports. FINANCIAL PLANNING Invest in life, enjoy the returns. We’ll help you build a comprehensive financial plan. If you’re at the point in your life where you need a plan, contact us. Our Financial Planners can help you set your goals and create a detailed, written long-term financial roadmap for your future. Alex Corovic, CFP Financial Planner 905-524-0936 alex.corovic@td.com TD Waterhouse Financial Planning is a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. – Member CIPF. TD Waterhouse is a trade-mark of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, used under license. M00944 This fall, Cable 14 produced more coverage. Cable 14 and Mohawk College are also working together on a partnership to air coverage of select OCAA Men’s Basketball games — all produced by the college’s television broadcasting students. SportsXpress is your community sport connection. Located in regions across the country, SportsXpress strives to bring all sportsminded individuals together to share stories, ideas, tips and information from a local level. This partnership is in the infancy stage but there is talk of producing SportsXpress segments and/or “stand alone” programming to run on Cable 14, along with cross-promotion of a wide variety of sports and sports-related issues on select Cable 14 programming. There could also be the opportunity to air your own videos and pictures of local sporting events. Log onto www.SportsXpress.com for more details. Celebrating 40 years! Starting Weeknights at 5pm: For the Record followed by Hamilton Life Mondays at 7pm: Kiwanis TV Bingo Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: Cable 14 Sports and Special Presentations www.cable 14.com CABLE 14 IS A COMMUNITY SERVICE FUNDED BY: 26 SportsXpress.com behindthebench Local Warriors reveal inspiration By Laura Lehman Motivation is a key component in high athletic performance. Local Ruberto brothers, David, 20, and Marcus, 19, have the privilege of playing together as Captain and Alternate Captain on the Stoney Creek Junior B Warriors. “It’s easy to know where each other are on the ice and we know how far to push each other,” says David. Being on the same team acts as external motivation rather than competition. “It’s a team game, we want to see each other succeed,” concludes David. Both attend local schools, David studying at Brock University and Marcus at Mohawk College; the brothers are certain they will continue to motivate each other wherever their individual hockey journeys take them. Similarly, teammate Gavin Shantz is inspired by his eldest brother David, who was drafted as a goaltender by the Florida Panthers at the 2004 NHL Entry Draft in Raleigh, North Carolina. Having an older brother immersed in a hockey career has given Gavin insight on what he may expect in the future. The Rubertos acknowledge that, aside from one another, their biggest motivator is Coach Ric Nattress, who has guided them in each of their three years together on the Warriors. “He knows how to get us going.” Gavin agrees that the leadership of a former NHL player and Stanley Cup winner is a unique opportunity for a Junior B squad. “He knows what to do. He influences me to do the right things to make the game simpler for me,” states the 16-year-old defenseman. Check out www.stoneycreekwarriors.com to catch the Stoney Creek Junior B Warriors in action in upcoming home games at Valley Park Arena. Stoney Creek Jr B Warriors would like to thank this year’s sponsors: SportsXpress.com 27 Symphony Limousine is a Hamilton owned limousine company providing luxurious, reliable service for private and corporate occasions. We can accommodate any group, large or small. To further serve our clients, Symphony limousine offers a 24 hour service to insure you are never stranded. Our company and experienced drivers will go the extra mile to serve you and your guests. Airport Transportation Corporate Gatherings Special Occasions Sporting Events Social Events Graduations Weddings Yesterday, today and tomorrow... an unequaled experience! HAMILTON: 905.522.5200 NORTH AMERICA: 1.877.387.6464 28 SportsXpress.com 467 CHARLTON AVENUE EAST, HAMILTON, ON Email: limo@symphonylimo.com | www.SymphonyLimo.com Congratulations Grimsby Secondary School Junior Boys Basketball Team The 2010–2011 season has brought out the best in the Grimsby Junior Boys Eagles. The Jr. Eagles have soared into the spotlight, making them top contenders in their league. With their hard work and determination, the Jr. Eagles have surprisingly upset many basketball powerhouses in the region. We wish them the best of luck in the playoffs. “Go Eagles Go!” Coaches: Rod Foster and Art Epp. Team: Cody Lee, Brett MacDougall, Jamie Farrell, Raven Foster, Joel Love, Adrian Vallentin, Harry Lwesso, Brayden Epp, Campbell Kraniak, Tyler Paton, Tyler Kamphuis, James Thompson, Kyle Martin, Cameron Tharby. Missing: Alex Harvey Beach Volleyball & Beach Soccer is coming to Players Paradise VOLLEYBALL SOCCER Co-ed Rec 6 on 6 Men’s Competitive 6 on 6 Women’s Competitive 6 on 6 U18 Teen’s 6 on 6 U14 Teen’s 6 on 6 Men’s 5 on 5 Women’s 5 on 5 U18 Teen’s 5 on 5 U14 Teen’s 5 on 5 Leagues run by and The Beach Club SIGN UP YOUR TEAM OR JOIN AS AN INDIVIDUAL PLAYER. WE ARE SIGNING PLAYERS FOR ALL DIVISIONS RIGHT NOW! Ask for registration info at Players Paradise Sports Complex 565 Seaman, Stoney Creek, Ontario L8E 5Z5 For more details contact Zoran at 905-520-5509 or email Zoran@SportsXpress.com 30 SportsXpress.com Available at the following locations: KITCHENER 509 Wilson Avenue Tel: 519.893.3100 CAMBRIDGE 1 Hespeler Road Tel: 519.740.8288 BRANTFORD HAMILTON ST. THOMAS LONDON 175 Linden Road 200 Centennial Pkwy. N 1063 Talbot St. 1389 Dundas St. Tel: 519.753.0600 Tel: 905.664.8898 Tel: 519.663.6500 Tel: 519.451.8885 ! H C N U L R O F N E NOW COoPme and Join Us At Player Paradise Sports Complex 565 Seaman St. Stoney Creek, On. 905-643-3200 playersparadisesoccer.com Kicks Check Out Our DaSilpyecial s ENTRÉES lad Includes Side Sa Pollo Parm iana with side linguini Classic chicken parmig ra sauce & choice of olio or marina d potatoes with potatoes or garlic mashe Choice of roasted baby red wine demi glaze medley of vegetables & Kicker cheeses & hot peppers Caramelized onion, three free available Whole wheat or gluten potato Choice of roasted baby l pan jus of vegetables & natura potatoes with medley PIZZAS lad & Bread Includes Side Sa WRAPS SANDWICHES & Penne alla Vodka panied with choice of fresh All sandwiches are accom or house greens cut fries, soup of the day shallots, parmesan Double smoked bacon, with a splash of vodka & garlic in a blush sauce ara Classic Spaghetti Marin Ciabatta bun Slow roasted plum tomato all Sub Oven Baked Sicilian Meatb Our homemade Classic s Burger Charbroiled 6oz Angu sesame seed bun grated parmesan Italian meatsauce tossed in spaghetti on a toasted * Risotto Funghi san ooms with shaved parme Arborio rice, forest mushr & truffle oil drizzle smoked tomato Prosciutto, Gorgonzola, bun on toasted sesame seed tomato, onion & dill pickle Players Veggie Wrap Linguini Tutto Mare Diavo fire ooms, zucchini & egg plant, Grilled portabella mushr & pesto cheese, arugula lettuce roasted red peppers, goats in a spicy Daily seafood medley tossed lo tomato sauce Gnocchi Apple & Brie Sandwich Grilled Chicken, Crisp w/ cranberry honey mayo , with your choice of alfredo Potato dumplings served pesto cream sauce plum tomato sauce, or wer bread Served on toasted sunflo Kicks Club Sandwich Cheese Ravioli d with shaved parmesan r cream sauce, finishe In a roasted red peppe n Add Meatballs or Chicke lex ise Sports Comp Players Paradted upstairs loca Rd) ice Rd. & Fruitland Creek (South Serv 905-643-4200 565 Seaman St., Stoney E KICKS PUB FAR S SOUP & SALAD * Nacho Grande of the day Market inspired Soup s Salad * Organic Baby Field Green tomatoes, d red peppers, sundried Caramelized onion, roaste oil emulsion in a Balsamic & olive shaved reggiano tossed Classic Caesar Salad in ta, croutons & parmesan Crisp romaine, crisp pancet Add Grilled Chicken a traditional dressing. * Caprese Salad red onion, reduced bocconcini cheese, shaved olive oil Vine ripened tomatoes, drizzled with extra virgin Balsamic, fresh basil & Lasagna a layered with ricotta cheese Our homemade lasagn & our classic meat sauce ate Burger Kicks 6oz Angus Ultim relish, lettuce, & marinated chicken sauce topped with freshly Spaghetti Bolognese san sauce, shredded parme Topped with marinara & mozzarella cheese lettuce, tomato Applewood smoked bacon, OUT DINE IN OR TAKE E CATE RING AVAI LABL LICE NSED BAR • cheddar pepperoni, mushrooms, Maple Smoked bacon, & mozzarella cheese en Supreme * Lemon Rosemary Chick es or garlic mashed & dill pickle Lettuce, tomato, onion Lunch Canadiana Lamb Osso Bucco Veal on a Bun romaine lettuce NE OVEN FROM THE STO zzas Personal Size Pi d Fillet of Salmon * Pan Seare d y of vegetable & finishe With rice pilaf, a medle sauce with a lemon caper butter Veal Parmigiana on a toasted QuiMckenu Chicken Caesar Wrap n, pancetta,and Kicks marinated chicke in our ceasar dressing APPETIZERS Calamari Fritti Lightly dusted in our own spice & Crisp fried with * Pan Roasted East Coast lemon garlic aioli Mussels white wine ra, mild curry cream or Choice of classic marina chardonnay sauces Rustica Bruschetta drizzle garlic, basil & olive oil Roma tomatoes, red onion, & mozzarella topped with parmesan Crab Dungeness Acadian style Cakes With charred sweet diced tomatoes, onions piled high topped with Crisp corn tortilla chips salsa & sour cream cheese & served with & jalapeños, covered in chicken or beef Add guacamole, grilled Chicken Quesadillas Kicks jack green onions,Monterey Grilled chicken,tomatoes, and cheddar cheese Fresh Cut Fries Ale Battered Halibut with & fresh lemon w Accompanied with colesla One Piece or Two Pieces * Kicks BBQ Prime Ribs in our own rib beef bones basted Flame broiled “AAA” prime bold BBQ sauce e Garlic Bread with Chees Chicken Fingers With fresh cut fries & plum sauce Rings Tempura Battered Onion * Gourmet Fresh Cut Fries With roasted garlic mayo * Sweet Potato Fries With chipotle mayo Wings Buffalo Style Chicken with carrots, ing & crisp fried served Lightly dusted in our season 1lb or 2lbs. dressing. Available in celery sticks & blue cheese Spice Cajun. BBQ, Honey Garlic or Dry Choice of Mild, Med, Hot, irs - located upsta Sports Complex d Rd) Players Paradise ney Creek (South Service Rd. & Fruitlan * Gluten Free 565 Seaman St., 905-643-4200 Sto SPRESS.COM DESIGNED BY SPORT