www.thebruns.ca
Volume 148 · February 25, 2015 · Issue 22
brunswickan canada’s oldest official student publication.
MEET YOUR CANDIDATES:
UNBSU GENERAL ELECTION 2015 IN FULL SWING
CANDIDATES’ BIOS AND Q&As ON PAGES 4 & 5
REVIEW OF VP ACADEMIC TONY SECCO, DEAN SEARCH SOUGHT BY EMMA MCPHEE | PAGE 3
MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM ENTERS PLAYOFFS AS TOP SEED, FIRST SINCE 1967
BY JAMIE TOZER | PAGE 12
BRUNSWICKANNEWS
2 • February 25, 2015 • Issue 22 • Volume 148
Presidential candidate grilled over absences Emma McPhee News Editor A motion to remove UNBSU international student representative and presidential candidate Muhammad Khan from the UNBSU council was the topic of an in-camera meeting at Sunday’s council meeting. Khan, who was elected in the fall byelection, did not attend any council meetings until Jan. 25, meaning he missed a total of five meetings. The UNBSU bylaws stipulate that “the office of a candidate shall be automatically vacated at the discretion of the Council by majority vote if he or she fails attend three or more meetings of the Council.” The motion failed with 11 votes opposed and five votes in favour. Kinesiology representative Hailey Rendell tabled the motion. “I’m not saying that nothing was done for his constituents, but as a member of
the union it is a councillor’s responsibility to report back to council and vote based on the ideas [of their] constituents; also bringing the decision council has made back to their constituents,” said Rendell. “I believe that it is our job to take council seriously and attendance to meetings is a part of that responsibility.” On top of his absence from council, Khan did not do a UNBSU-council approved project – something that is required of each councillor. “We do expect each of our councillors to do a councillor project, one each semester … and that does include by-election councillors although we do tend to be a bit more lenient knowing that they come in later,” said Lee Thomas, vice-president internal of the UNBSU. “Given that I wasn’t in touch with councillor Khan all of first semester, it would be very difficult for me to say that he had an UNBSU-approved councillor project.
NOTICE All nominations for the College Hill Social Club Board of Directors shall be made in writing by a nominator with written consent of the nominee and shall be hand delivered to the General Manager by 5:00 p.m. Friday March 13, 2015
He didn’t.” Thomas also said that Khan hadn’t contacted her explaining his absence at the time. Although Khan is running for president in the current UNBSU general election, the UNBSU president Greg Bailey said it would not affect his candidacy. “This vote has nothing to do with the election. [The UNBSU] have no oversight over the election,” he said. Khan said that the reason for his absence was a “communication error” and “personal situation.” “The important thing was I was not aware of anything about what was happening in council [and] anything related to when the meetings happened and so it was most on communication error and of course my personal situation,” he said. Khan said he was “in a state of nonresponsiveness mentally and physically.” He also said that no one had questioned him about his absence. “I was never asked what I was doing, why I’m not there, why I’m not present and in a situation like mine I was not in a perfect position to make any initiatives in a situation like that I will need support to get me involved in stuff like that,” he said. “It’s the job of council to hold other councillors accountable but it’s not the job of council to have other councillors on a leash. We expect all of our councillors to be aware and responsible,” Thomas said. “It’s the responsibility of councillors to be engaged in council and we expect that.” The council meeting moved in camera because of the personal nature of Khan’s reason for absence. The Brunswickan was not present for this part of the discussion.
Emergency bursary proposed Benjamin Crouse News Reporter The UNBSU is proposing a $10 yearly fee to go towards a new student emergency bursary fund to help students in financial crises. They are asking students to vote on it in a referendum question in the Student Union general election running this week. “[The UNBSU] tries to see where we can help students more and fill those gaps, and this was just kind of a gap that we saw and wanted to fill,” said Lee Thomas, vice-president internal. The bursary is a service available to undergraduate students experiencing a financial crisis, such as if a medical emergency interfered with being able to pay a portion of tuition. Students can receive up to $500 this way. However, the boundaries qualifying an emergency have not yet been defined. “It’s really hard to set out concrete boundaries because ... students face things that we can’t really imagine and anticipate for,” said Thomas. “We don’t want to put too many limits on it because we don’t want a student to come to us with what is clearly an emergency and have written policies that are not inclusive of that specific incident.” The UNBSU is basing the emergency bursary off a similar service offered at STU. There, a student facing a financial emergency fills out a form which then goes to a coordinator hired by their student union. The ap-
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plications are then brought to a board. Emergency bursary funding would be drawn from a pool of money collected from students as a part of student fees. The fee for this service would be an extra $5 each semester. Leftover funds would roll over into the following year’s budget. “We’re actually not really anticipating there being leftover funds based on the amount that we’re collecting and the amount that STU has told us that they collect and pay out every year,” said Thomas. Because this is a bursary, students who use the service would not be required to pay anything back. Students would also receive the funding in about a week. “I think there’s something really powerful about students helping students and that’s essentially what this is. It’s one of those things that a lot of universities and a lot of other student unions are providing,” said Thomas. If students vote yes to the emergency bursary service, it will be instated in September 2016. “If students vote yes and agree to this then we’re going to totally run with and make it the best service that we possibly can. If students vote no it probably just means that this isn’t something that they view as necessary and we’ll redirect our energies elsewhere,” said Thomas. “Our goal is not to hammer anything through, our goal is to provide services that students say that they want.” Miranda Oblenis, a third-year medicinal chemistry student, said that she wouldn’t mind paying the extra $10 a year for this service, although she doubts she’d ever use it herself. “I think it would be a useful service for applicable UNB students. If anything were to happen it would hopefully make it a less stressful situation for them knowing that this service is available.” Voting on the referendum question will take place in the Student Union general election which ends on Friday.
February 25, 2015 • Issue 22 • Volume 148 • 3
THE BRUNS
NEWS news@thebruns.ca
Although Khan is running for president in the current UNBSU general election, the UNBSU president Greg Bailey said it would not affect his candidacy.
Students unhappy with storm closure policy Tess Allen Editor-in-Chief Laura Bell’s daily commute from Ripples, N.B. to the University of New Brunswick typically comes in at around half an hour. Last Monday, the third-year accounting student spent double that time driving through whiteout conditions. She couldn’t afford to miss an essential class, and when UNB’s doors remained open following the latest in a string of storms hammering the region this winter, she felt she had no other option. “It was an awful drive. I knew if I didn’t go to my accounting class I’d be completely lost, [but] there were times
I couldn’t see the car in front of me it was blowing so bad,” said Bell. “I’m worried it’s going to take something as serious as a fatal accident of a UNB student or faculty member for them [administration] to realize how important the decision is to cancel school or delay school for one day [is].” Bell was one of a slate of students to raise their voices Monday against UNB’s decision to stay “open for business” in light of the blizzard that dropped 33 centimetres of snow on the city on Sunday. “It feels as though UNB is unaware that it’s situated in Canada,” said second-year arts student Kirsten Stackhouse. “My main issue was that whenever the school is open, people with manda-
tory attendance classes or those who have something due or a test to write feel absolutely obligated to be there, regardless of their better judgement, and they’re put in a dangerous situation.” Several called on UNB to develop a storm closure policy that takes such concerns into account. “Referring to the campus as simply ‘open’ implies fully operational and that puts a lot of pressure on everyone, particularly those who travel by vehicle — they are counting on the school to determine if the risk of missed opportunity/commitments is greater than the risk of travel,” said Amy Elizabeth Savile, an interdisciplinary graduate student. “I think having a ‘reduced functions’ mode would be valuable. Important
lecture points wouldn’t be made, attendance wouldn’t be mandatory, and drivers temper their expectation that a) the trip will be safe and clear and b) the school will be fully operational for the day.” Vice-president academic Tony Secco said academics are not taken into account when making decisions about campus-wide closures, a process he said is determined using “common sense” and not any kind of formal policy. “It could be the most important exams going on ever and that has no bearing on the decision. The only thing that has bearing on the decision is safety and access,” said Secco. “I check with security who’s in contact with facilities management at 5 in the morning and I find out what the
campus will be like at 7 in the morning. And if the campus is accessible … then the next thing I look for is what the city is like … if the busses are running it’s pretty well a go for the university.” Secco said the storm had abated by Monday and that 23 classes.were cancelled. He said that “an individual has to determine for themselves whether it’s safe.” “You don’t put a policy in for this stuff. The policy is common sense. If it’s too dangerous to come in, don’t come in,” he said. “My note to students is always, ‘which is more important: your life or that class?’ If they say class then I say maybe we should talk about your priorities.”
BRUNSWICKANNEWS
4 • February 25, 2015 • Issue 22 • Volume 148
UNBSU 2015 GENERAL ELECTION X
PRESIDENT
What makes you a good candidate for this position?
POSITION:
What makes you a good candidate for this position?
PRESIDENT
Voting for the UNBSU general election will take place online Feb. 23-27. Click on the voting tab in eservices. Follow Thebruns.ca for the election results. The following are responses submitted to the Brunswickan from UNBSU executive candidates.
Katie Davey Third-year political science RANDOM FACT:
I have held various executive positions with many clubs and societies on campus. I’m passionate about change in my community and I’ll work hard to improve dialogue, create a green campus strategy, and revaluate services to better serve students. I’ve had great conversations with students over the past weeks. Let’s work together to build a better UNB.
Why should students vote for you?
I understand the challenges that students face: how hard it can be to balance a full course load and a part-time job. But I also realize how unique and rewarding student life can be. Together, with council and the executive, I want to create a better experience for students.
What issues do you foresee being the UNBSU’s chief concern next year? When students think of the UNBSU, most of us first think of the services they provide. These are important and will continue to be a central focus. That being said, I expect advocacy to be the chief concern next year. Working with students, and advocating for their rights will be my biggest priority
POSITION:
Pizza is my favorite food group.
Muhammad Khan Third-year political science RANDOM FACT:
VP EXETERNAL VP EXETERNAL
What makes you a good candidate for this position?
What makes you a good candidate for this position?
POSITION:
What makes you a good candidate for this position?
VP EXETERNAL
I’m not related to “KHAN Academy”, however, I must say, if one KHAN can do a good job, another KHAN as well.
Accessibility- Reliability- Integrity: I’m a people’s person; I have a great passion for public service through effective communication with my constituents. I’m experienced with SU governance as a student councillor and have served on three committees. I also gained organizational, team building, critical thinking and problem solving skills while working as a project engineer for Suncor Energy.
Travis Daley Third-year leadership studies RANDOM FACT:
My experience. I am a representative on UNBSU Council, I chair City Council’s youth advisory committee, and I have worked with a number of local and national NGOs. Through my community engagement I have developed working relationships with politicians in all levels of government. The knowledge and skills gained doing this that makes me a good candidate.
Why should students vote for you?
I’m truly committed towards improving all aspects of student life; therefore, I’ve initiated a series of projects such as, for Academic (Peer tutoring center), Administrative (Parking issues), Social (Campus got talent), Physical (Mr. UNB/ Marathon UNB), Environmental (R3 Project), Food Quality vs. Prices assessment and UNB’s first ever student Food Bank.
Why should students vote for you?
I have the passion and the experience needed for this position. I am dedicated to representing students. This is shown clearly in my time on council. In the past weeks I have had the great opportunity to speak with students and hear their concerns. I know that I can create a #betterUNB.
What issues do you foresee being the UNBSU’s chief concern next year? Advocacy, Transparency and SU Empowerment: With more students’ involvement, the SU carries higher credibility within the university administration. For this purpose I will increase close collaboration with faculty associations, groups and societies, engage councilors, initiate media campaigns, upgrade the SU website for “chat with president,” and initiate personal interaction by extending part of my office hours to the SUB area.
What issues do you foresee being the UNBSU’s chief concern next year? As VP external it would be my duty to take a strong leadership role in both the provincial and federal advocacy groups UNBSU is a part of. A few priorities would be: removing interest on student loans and parental income as a factor in loans and perusing an increase in federal transfer payment to the province.
POSITION:
My favorite show is Boy Meets World!
Dever Pickard Second-year business administration RANDOM FACT:
I bring substantial experience to this position from my time in 4-H, a global youth organization with a heavy focus on practical life skills like communications and decision making. Through 4-H I had the opportunity to meet like-minded youth from all around the world as I attended conferences with themes including Citizenship and Sustainability.
Why should students vote for you?
Student Loan Reform. It’s ridiculous to work your butt off all summer and then have all that money subtracted from the size of the loan you’re allowed to get. And it’s even more ridiculous to have any money that you earn working a part time job during the school year taken away as well.
What issues do you foresee being the UNBSU’s chief concern next year? Our provincial government promised student loan reform during their campaign. It’s an issue that is punishing each of us every semester. There are lots of issues facing NB right now, but our government can still stand to be reminded it’s been proven that for every dollar invested in education, the whole province receives a great return on investment.
No photo provided
POSITION:
I am a Lumberjack.
Jonathan Burns Third-year history RANDOM FACT: I am the founder and 1st serving President of the UNB Marksmen Club.
I am a god candidate do the position because I have experience tea presenting the outside interests of an organization to politicians and businesses, doing so in behalf of the UNB Marksmen Club.
Why should students vote for you?
I am experienced, I am more than capable, and I am someone with real world experience.
What issues do you foresee being the UNBSU’s chief concern next year? I plan to advocate on amendments to the integrated national student loans on the federal and provincial levels, and push for cheaper fares and more convenience scheduling for students in regards to mass transit within the city.
VP INTERNAL
What makes you a good candidate for this position?
POSITION:
What makes you a good candidate for this position?
VP INTERNAL
BRUNSWICKANNEWS
Jesse Reid Third-year computer science RANDOM FACT:
I have held various executive positions with many clubs and societies on campus. I’m passionate about change in my community and I’ll work hard to improve dialogue, create a green campus strategy, and revaluate services to better serve students. I’ve had great conversations with students over the past weeks. Let’s work together to build a better UNB.
February 25, 2015 • Issue 22 • Volume 148 • 5
Why should students vote for you?
I have student’s best interests at heart. Part of my platform is I noticed that volunteer numbers and student engagement is low, so I want to better reward student volunteers for their time and effort. Subsequently, with more volunteers, the student union can provide better services and events for students.
What issues do you foresee being the UNBSU’s chief concern next year? As VP Internal it will be my responsibility to review the university-wide academic regulations and advocate for students on UNB’s senate. I plan on improving the current student representation on senate, as it currently stands at about eleven administration/ faculty members for every student, which is an unacceptable ratio.
POSITION:
I’m from the French Fry Capital of the World!
Adam McAvoy Second-year kinesiology RANDOM FACT:
I would make an excellent candidate for the position of VP Internal because of the experiences that I have obtained from my being a student senator on the UNB Fredericton Senate, the UNBSU council, and from volunteer experiences, which have been organized by the former VP Internal.
Why should students vote for you?
Students should vote for me due to my experiences on Senate and Council as well as the familiarity that I possess with the roles and responsibilities that accompany the position of VP Internal. I plan to continue and add to the great efforts of Lee Thomas, former VP Internal.
What issues do you foresee being the UNBSU’s chief concern next year? I plan on improving academic policies at this university through meetings with all parties of interest: students, staff, and administrators. With an increased dialogue and a restoration of confidence as well as trust in this university, UNB can shine brighter as a national and international institution of academia.
POSITION:
VP INTERNAL
I enjoy watching documentaries (history, political, cultural) in my spare time (if I have any). In the words of Francis Bacon, “Knowledge is Power.”
David Hickey
POSITION:
VP FINANCE
David Hickey did not submit his academic information or a random fact.
Sienna Belliveau Second-year business administration
What makes you a good candidate for this position?
Experience and dedication. I feel as though I am the best-suited candidate for this position because of my experience. Currently I’m pursuing a co-op as the HR Coordinator at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery in the magnificent Okanagan Valley. Experiences like this are only what we need more of at UNB.
What makes you a good candidate for this position?
I am great at multi-tasking such as when it comes to overseeing the running of revenuebased services. I can time manage effectively with multiple projects happening whether it be the cash budget cycle or administering funding requests. I accept criticism well and can adapt. I am friendly and outgoing!
Why should students vote for you?
Advocacy. I would be the strongest advocate on council for student’s interests. It’s time that the Student Union develops a respectful and constructive relationship with UNB Executive. Which can only start with getting students involved and invested, then we can be taken seriously. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter, @DavidHickeyUNB.
Why should students vote for you? I want to contribute what I can to as much as I can: clubs, societies, and to the members of the Student Union and their projects. I was on Student Council in high school for four years. I am familiar working in teams and as a leader.
What issues do you foresee being the UNBSU’s chief concern next year? Co-op. I think the best way to improve academic policy at UNB is increasing the Co-op opportunities. Co-op opportunities not only give us valuable work experience, it gives us an education that can’t be paralleled in the classroom. It can only make UNB students more educated and more employable.
What issues do you foresee being the UNBSU’s chief concern next year? I will ensure that money spent will be in a manner that not only adheres to the by-laws but also provides maximum benefit to the students and their experiences (social and academic). The money belongs to the students. It will be my job to guarantee it is administered to benefit them.
RANDOM FACT:
POSITION:
VP FINANCE
I was on a television show called Splatalot (teen version of Wipeout).
Will MacMackin 4th year business, majoring in accounting and finance RANDOM FACT:
What makes you a good candidate for this position?
If re-elected, I will be able to use the summer more effectively as I am already familiar with the requirements of the position. I’m a Dean’s List student and have proven my ability to maintain my high academic standards while executing the duties of VP F&O with the same effort and dedication. Experience counts.
Why should students vote for you? I plan on doing a comprehensive review of the Union’s internal controls to ensure that student funds are spent more responsibly now, and in the future. I also wish to implement a new budget line that will enable clubs and societies to access promotional support from the Student Union.
What issues do you foresee being the UNBSU’s chief concern next year? I oversaw the entire process of the student fee increase; I created the frameworks on which the increase was voted. As such, I have a very comprehensive understanding of how the current student council envisions seeing student funds spent under the new fee structure.
POSITION:
VP STUDENT SERVICES
When I was 5, King Louie from the Jungle Book stole my Winnie the Pooh hat at Disney Land; I have yet to watch that movie.
Mikayla Donovan Third-year kinesiology RANDOM FACT:
I climbed the Great Wall of China on the hottest day in over 50 years.
What makes you a good candidate for this position?
Being a past president of Lady Beaverbrook Residence and a current proctor, I have experience in planning events and services for students. Being a proctor has taught me excellent time management skills, allowing me to manage a multitude of problems and to organize great events!
Why should students vote for you?
I want to improve on-campus involvement and communication to ensure that students are receiving the services that they need and enjoy. By keeping an open door policy, I hope that students will feel comfortable with bringing their opinions and ideas to me for discussion.
What issues do you foresee being the UNBSU’s chief concern next year? There are many services that are available on campus that students are currently unaware of. Instead of focusing on specific issues, I want to first get input from the students on where they want expansions and improvements.
THE BRUNS OPINION editor@thebruns.ca
UNB leaders need a pay cut AN OPINION
Micah O’Donnell-Gillies Governments in this province have little going for them. Eit her t hey’re d iscon nected, they’re against progress, or, well, they’re made up of politicians. However, it’s the f irst time in my political memory where a government made a move towards being leaders of our province instead of blind bystanders. The Gallant government took a pay cut. Our premier and his cabinet ministers took a cut to their salaries as a good gesture to the New Brunswick population. A population that struggles to get by. A citizenship who struggles to, often, even get employment. Let’s be clear. MLAs and party
leaders make a ton of money. Compared to the working class of this province, they’re Warren Buffets, albeit less altruistic. Them taking a pay cut is in no way going to save the destitute f inancial state of this province. But it’s a huge gesture. Lately, with these articles, I’ve been obsessed with leadership. W hile I don’t believe change is top down, I do think that great leadership can provoke a shift in thinking. Great leadership is when those in elite positions decide to not only consider, but assist t hose who they lead. Taking a pay cut says a multitude of things on how our government treats our f inancial situation. It speaks volumes to how our government thinks of its constituents. It’s a gesture towards understanding. It’s an attempt at saying “let’s move forward together.” W hat does it say when politicians act more altruistic, have better leadership, actually try to be the front of change instead of its inhibitor, than the leaders of universities? What’s it mean when one of the most entirely degenerative pieces of our society have better
Help shape the voice of your generation It seems everyone and their dog has something to say about the journalism industry these days. With the game-changing arrival of the Internet, one especially popular diatribe we tend to hear is that journalism has been sealed in its plastic blue coffin and tossed on death’s doorstep. Who needs “professionals” telling us what is and what is not when the whole world is engaged in the ceaseless and overwhelming exchange of information online?
The question answers itself. In the chaotic sea that is the information age, clear and accurate reporting and thoughtful insight on a trusted platform are absolutely essential. Traditional media, as it always has, shapes a generation’s conversation. Journalism is shifting, not dying. And you have the opportunity to be part of that fundamental shift, a chance to help direct the discussion. In a nutshell, the platforms have changed, but the power of the pen has not.
All of this to say that you may have noticed the Brunswickan is hiring. You also may have noticed you’d make an excellent member of the team for the 2015/2016 school year. Join our team. Join the conversation where it matters most. Tess Allen is the Editor-in-Chief of the Brunswickan. For now.
GOT AN OPINION YOU CAN’T HOLD IN? Letters must be submitted by e-mail to editor@thebruns.ca including your name, as letters with pseudonymns will not be printed. Letters must be 500 words at maximum. Deadline for letters is Friday at 5 p.m. before each issue. form than the institutions which are intended to train the next generations and support the creation and criticism of knowledge? Herein lies the best explanation for why we have a generation that is so often self-involved and narcissistic. We learned from the best. We had the best teachers possible. They gave a shining example of how to get and maintain things you don’t deserve. They showed us how to keep a job we are subpar at. I d a re a ny Ne w Br u n s w ic k university president to organize a public forum where their wages and benef its are presented and they must then justify their salaries to a body of their subjects. There’s a lingering question: why were there salary increases at UNB while academic position were left unf illed? Why were their salaries increased while tuition was increasing? Shouldn’t there be some rule where when a president wants to implement a tuition increase, they must take a pay cut? There’s a suggestion for a UNB Act revision.
Let’s have that forum where we can f inally understand why university presidents make so much. At the same event, let’s ask them what they do. This won’t be one of those law school “all is f ine, friends” meetings, but an honest chance to get to know the leaders who have “led’ us through strikes and conf licts and change. Hone s t ly, it ’s not goi ng to happen. These individuals are so supremely isolated and escaped from the general population of the places they lead that they would ask “my god, why would they need this? Do they not get it?” These “leaders” are so entirely lost in their own self-importance that it is beyond their understanding. Instead, they send out heartless letters, they try buying students cof fee, a nd t hey g r u mble out empty sentiments. They live in la rge houses w it h wel l-plowed driveways and beautiful porches and can’t grasp why their position might need a review. Even when their subjects call them out and outright state that
they do not have conf idence in them, they act like nothing is going on. They honestly think they are doing a perfectly f ine job and can’t, for the life of them, understand why people are so unhappy. This kind of isolation, of disconnection, is so well-groomed and practiced that there is no way in hell that we can change it. The only thing to do is wait them out and hope they are gone before any real danger has been done to the institutions we create, live with, and support. We all know who I am talking about. My suggestion is this: call a meeting on campus. Open-door. Open to the public, faculty, and staff. Leave your marketers and fellow administrators behind. Let us confront you, question you and we promise we will give you the time and silence to justify yourself. As a gesture of good will, I’ve cut my article length by 10 per cent. Leadership, right?
THE BRUNSWICKAN IS HIRING! We are hiring for the following positions. Find full job descriptions at Thebruns.ca: Business Manager News Editor Arts Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Production Editor Copy Editor Multimedia Editor Videographer Reporter (2)
Arts Editor
Production Editor
Videographer
Reporter (2)
Manage the arts section. Sometimes this involves drinking beer and writing about it.
Design and layout of the Brunswickan (ex. this sublime hiring graphic)
Assist the Multimedia Editor with our weekly video content.
Be “that person who knows what’s up on campus” and write about it.
Business Manager
Sports Editor
Copy Editor
Show people the money (or lackthere-of.)
Go to games. Write about them. Make other people go to games. Make them write about them.
Find mistkaes (if you caught that tricky one, you might be just what we’re looking for.)
News Editor
Photo Editor
Multimedia Editor
Eat. Sleep. Write news.
Take and organize photographs for the paper and the website.
Create video content for the Brunswickan.
SUBMIT YOUR RESUME,COVER LETTER AND WORK SAMPLES TO EDITOR@THEBRUNS.CA BY FRIDAY, MARCH 6
BRUNSWICKANOPINION
W T VIEO N I P
February 25, 2015 • Issue 22 • Volume 148 • 7
on What’s YOUR s week? i h t d n i m
What are your March break plans?
Spencer Farrell
Curtis Kennedy
Amanda Parker
Molly Gallibois
Nikita Senay
“A lot of sleeping.”
“Binge watching Netflix.”
“Skiing.’”
“Going to see my bro-bro.”
“Dominican.”
Brandon Cosman
Terry Fitzpatrick
Bess Teague
James Woods
Stephanie Watson
“School reports and skiing.”
“AUS Basketball Championships in Halifax.”
“Montreal to see Sam Roberts Band.”
“Playing in an ultimate frisbee tournament.”
“Going to see the fam.”
THE BRUNS
ARTS arts@thebruns.ca
Dan Mangan + Blacksmith performed at The Playhouse on Thursday, Feb. 19. Adam Travis / The Brunswickan
Dan Mangan + Blacksmith perform at The Playhouse with stellar supporting cast Sebastian Maynard Arts Editor The last time that Dan Mangan played in Fredericton, it was a solo performance at Wilmot United Church. It was the fall of 2012, and Mangan had been promoting the release of his 2011 album, Oh Fortune. The album would go on to win the Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year and help expand the musician’s fan base. On Feb. 19, Mangan returned to Fredericton, this time at The Playhouse with his full band, Blacksmith, and in promotion of their new release, Club Meds. Instead of an intimate and bare bones performance like that of 2012, the band incorporated fog machines with a light
show, making it at times feel like the concert should have been in the Air Canada Centre and not the 700-seat Playhouse. Though the presentation was far more over the top than expected, it reflected the music that the band was playing. The new album features an electronic side that had not even been a thought on previous records, and the complexities of the songs and the tremendous musicianship of the band made the show more of a production. Before Dan Mangan + Blacksmith walked out as silhouettes clouded in smoke to perform their first song of the night, “Offred,” Matthew Swann opened the evening as Astral Swans. From Calgary, Swann released All My Favourite Singers Are Willie Nelson on Mangan’s Madic Records on Feb. 24.
Alone on stage, Swann played his Stratocaster as if it were a bass. Sticking to the lower chords on his guitar and simply strumming or plucking away, he sang songs off his new album as well as a cover of Willie Nelson himself. People were still finding their seats as he played, but he didn’t seem to mind, and by the time he finished his set and made way for Hayden and his band, The Playhouse was mostly full and ready to applaud even if they hadn’t heard a song. While the solo set of Astral Swans was enhanced by the venue, so were the sounds of Hayden. With a full backing band where members rotated between different instruments, the acoustics in The Playhouse allowed for a clear sounding performance.
Hayden, like Astral Swans and Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, had new music to share as well. The band performed the recently released “Hey Love” for the first time, while also covering some of the Ontario artists old material such as “Woody,” a song he wrote about his cat in 2004. The three acts began the tour the night before, on Feb. 18 in Halifax, and there were times that it was clear they were still getting comfortable with the songs they were playing. At one point, Hayden and his backing band had to stop and restart, at another, Mangan admitted that he had played the entire song in the wrong key, and often times the audience could hear someone on stage asking who was supposed to begin the song. Despite all this, the crowd was eager for
music and even if there desire for songs like “Robots” was not fulfilled, the performance put forward by Mangan, Hayden and Astral Swans has been one of the musical highlights of 2015 in Fredericton. The tour has moved on from the east, with stops throughout Canada, the United States and Europe scheduled over the next couple of months. By the time the string of shows is complete, the songs played and speeches in between will become engraved in the performers. Some fans will still expect flannel-wearing Mangan with nothing more than an acoustic guitar when they go and see him perform, but he has moved on from that. Only time will tell what Mangan’s next performance in Fredericton will be like.
UNB grad prepares for comedy festival Kevin Lemieux Arts Reporter “My degree in computer science was mostly to make the parents happy. It’s my safe degree,” said Maddox Campbell. Campbell graduated from the University of New Brunswick in 2009. Now living in Toronto, he is pursuing his passion of acting and writing. While his bachelor of arts in English with a minor in theatre makes sense with his current career in comedy, his bachelor
in computer science may seem a little odd. “I was always the good kid in school, not the class clown. After I started script writing, I realized that I was funnier than I thought I was.” Along with writing, Campbell does improv and sketch comedy and has dabbled in stand up. At the beginning of March he will take part in Toronto’s Sketch Comedy Festival. “Sketch groups from all over Canada come together and present
sketches that they’ve been working on. They get paired with another group so you get to see two shows that have totally different content.” He and his group Interrobang are excited as they have new material and have been doing small shows to help prepa re for t he event. “We’ve been putting in a lot of work for the festival, so we’re excited.” While at UNB, Campbell performed in a number of Theatre
UNB productions as well as appearing in a few local f ilms. On top of getting ready for Toronto’s Sketch Comedy Festival, Campbell has been producing his own improv show and recently starred in a full length improv movie. Si nce g raduat i ng, C a mpbel l has not used his computer science degree but says it’s been useful. “It ha s helped me t h i n k. It makes me think of things in a certain way which is great for creating comedy.”
Campbell’s Youtube channel, K icks and Giggles Films, has a long list of sketches and improv videos for any taste in comedy. He says it’s also a good spot to see his work with Interrobang. “Since a lot of people from New Brunswick won’t be able to make it to the festival, it’s a good place to see the kind of shows we do.” For those who may be in the Toronto region during March Break, C a mpb el l w i l l b e per for m i ng March 5 and 8 at 1115 Queen St. West.
BRUNSWICKANARTS
February 25, 2015 • Issue 22 • Volume 148 • 9
NBCCD exhibit looks at the art of the imperfect Marc Gagnon Staff Reporter The eternal question when it comes to fashion: form or function? For design studio Burnt Offering, there’s no reason that it can’t be both. Their self-titled fashion exhibition, Burnt Offering: The Art of the Imperfect, currently on display at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, aims to take traditional working-class men’s clothing and transform it into something transcendent. The exhibit consists of a dozen or so pieces of menswear, topped with striking red orbs rather than traditional mannequin heads. Heavy cotton, denim and wool are the main media used, with an industrial style reminiscent of quasi-military or
communist worker uniforms. Several pieces are distressed to the point of shredding, adding some texture to what is otherwise a minimalistic, raw collection. For Mark Chilton, lead designer and head of the production studio, fashion offers a medium free of restrictions. “With clothing, I can design with limited resources and largely without externally-imposed constraints,” he said. “Of course, one needs to be aware of the market and the need to appeal to a large enough group of consumers to make the work sustainable. And I find that all of my design pursuits use very similar approaches and logics.” A working architect for the past 12 years, Chilton is self-trained in fashion but has studied art history
and architecture at Universities in Heidelberg, London, and Toronto. For this particular exhibit, Chilton found inspiration in Edwardian menswear and the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi — a concept that stresses the beauty of the impermanent and incomplete. “I tend to be omnivorous in my mining for inspiration,” he said. “Japan has such a rich cultural and aesthetic tradition, in architecture and clothing, as well as so many other areas of design and art. Wabi-sabi turns on its head the western-centric notion that a machine-like perfection is the ideal. It celebrates imperfection and the human touch of the artist/ designer.” Karen Ruet, Gallery Coordinator at NBCCD, praised the individual vision conveyed in Burnt Offering.
“Mark likes to call this work unisexy,” she explained, stating that both men and women have been inquiring about the clothing on display. “Mark’s work is innovative, and the attention to detail — distressing material, mixing texture and type of cloth, creates a whimsical yet highly wearable and sophisticated collection of men’s wear, combined with quality that can live for an extended period of time.” While Chilton doesn’t pigeonhole himself into any particular artistic category, he enjoys creating functional clothing that approximates art — without crossing the line into
fine art. “My designs are experimental and alternative, and could never be characterized as mainstream,” he said. “But my clothes are still very wearable and I strive to make them appealing, both formally and functionally. Some of my clothes are quite sculptural, which would contribute to the suggestion that they approach art, or are situated at that intersection of fashion and fine art. But they are certainly not art.” Burnt Offering: The Art of the Imperfect will be running at The Gallery at NBCCD until March 5, 2015.
CASTING CALL Burnt Offering will be on display at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design until March 5. Submitted
Looking for two female characters aged between 18-20 available for a student short film ‘’Petty Thef’’. Must be available the from March 13th to the 15th 2015. Casting will be held Friday February 27th from 6 to 9pm at 236 Marshall d’avery hall. This is a volunteer position. For more information contact Julie Frigault (506)871-7478 or julie.frigault@unb.ca
BRUNSWICKANARTS
10 • February 25, 2015 • Issue 22 • Volume 148
The Brunswickan’s Food & Liquor: Snow day snacks Campbell’s Soup
Carnation Hot Chocolate
The prototypical storm food, the non-perishable cans of soup in your pantry should be given their moment to shine during a snowstorm. Over the years the different varieties of soups have expanded, but I personally recommend sticking to the classics. Maybe a Chicken Noodle, maybe Tomato, combine this with a sandwich and some crackers and you have a meal that will warm you up and perhaps remind you of the snow days of your childhood.
Like snow forts, TV binge watching and a total disregard for any responsibilities, Carnation Hot Chocolate has always been a key component of any snow day. This humble drink mix is a great go-to because it keeps things simple, unlike other hot chocolates that complicate the process with candy bar flavours or lackluster add-ins like those tiny marshmallows. With the basic Carnation powder you can substitute in milk for water, throw in some fluffy marshmallows or splash in a dash or two of Baileys – it leaves the creative control in your hands.
Sebastian Maynard
Adam Travis Picaroons Best Bitter
Storm Chips
One of the staples of the Picaroons brand, Best Bitter will get you through any weather event and won’t leave you feeling bitter about it. The beer has a strong but creamy and dark flavour, with a slightly bitter finish that will leave you ready to shovel, clear off your car, or just chill out and watch Suits on Netflix. I would pair this storm beer with some nice salty storm chips, though the flavour is up to you.
Chips are the easiest things to snack on as well as having the most variety in flavour, which undoubtedly makes them the best things to munch on at anytime, especially when stuck indoors by a snowstorm. Everyone has their own favourite flavour, but style-wise Covered Bridge is hands down the best, followed by Old Dutch. If you want salt and vinegar, smoky BBQ, dill, or jalapeno cheddar, these two chip brands have it all. Partnered with some good Picaroons you’ll be wishing it snowed every day.
Devin Patterson
Mathieu Wong
Rich Aucoin returns to Fredericton on Feb. 27 Kevin Lemieux Arts Reporter
Rich Aucoin may not make the traditional music associated with East Coast kitchen parties, but the Halifax native has gained the reputation of being a performer that can cause a crowd to sing and dance like no other. On Feb. 27, the artist will be making a stop at The Capital Complex, and with him will be Elephants Gerald and Beach Body. Aucoin has been to the area many times and says that he loves it. “The energy in Fredericton is awesome. I always have a good time at The Capital; it’s always a fun night.” Aucoin is set to perform in venues throughout New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario before heading to France for a few shows. Charlie Harding is the front man for Beach Body. He says he is excited to be opening for Aucoin. “It’s awesome. Rich is one of the bigger acts we’ve opened for. I think we’re going to mesh well with his electronic stuff.” The Beach Body performance came about thanks to the show’s other opening act, Elephants Gerald. The group contacted Beach Body and mentioned that they should be in the show. After getting the goahead from Aucoin’s management, everything was set. The half Fredericton, half Saint John group has been together for two years and over that time has
seen their electronic sound develop. “We used to be piano-based but now it’s about electronic programming to get that looping sound.” In terms of Aucoin’s show, he says that there will be new components that fans might not be used to. “I’ll be unveiling a new lighting show, so that’s really exciting.” His shows are known for their energy, but it is hard for Aucoin to decide if he has a favourite song to perform live. “It changes from night to night. It depends on what the crowd is into that night.” Aucoin says that before his performances, he doesn’t do any crazy rituals. “I’m usually busy until the last minute with tech stuff so I never do a vocal warm-up. I limit my diet to something light, like sushi or a sandwich, so I can jump around on stage.” After touring, Aucoin plans on working on new dance music to be released this summer. For Beach Body, they are about to record their debut album and will be performing some of the new material at the show. The album is set to be out this May. Tickets for the Feb. 27 show are $15 in advance, and Harding advises on taking advantage of the price. “Buy your tickets now because they’re cheaper than at the door and this show is very likely to sell out.”
Fredericton is second home for The Fourth Well
Devin Patterson Multimedia Editor
“Unimaginable” is how John Bennett, vocalist and bodhrán player of The Fourth Well, describes the atmosphere at Dolan’s Pub. The band has been playing regular sets at Dolan’s for a few years now, and they are set to perform from Feb. 26-28. “I would say [we are] probably coming into our third year of playing Dolan’s. We played the odd show the first year and then we kind of got a good opportunity to play, you know, pretty well when we had time to do it.” The Fourth Well launched their first EP, titled The Fourth Well EP, back in September. “The EP was kind of a progression of where we’ve come from, and by the end of it is kind of where we’re going. The attitude that we had with SPCW [song] is something that we’d like to use going forward. It’s in the intensity that we
play the music.” The group have been writing a lot of new music lately in hopes of releasing an album. “We’ve been writing over the past little bit, the past couple months, and got some recording gear of our own. We’ve been recording some original stuff, for an upcoming album.” As for when to expect the album, Bennett is hopeful for the start of the summer, but was cautious about saying that. “We’re not gonna put a time on it right yet but we’re definitely looking for something very soon.” Along with working on new music, The Fourth Well is getting set for a tour of Ontario planned in March. The band will make stops in Toronto on March 14, Waterloo for St. Patrick’s Day, a show at the Horseshoe Tavern on the 18th along with other concerts in the province along the way. They will follow that up with a show in New Brunswick towards the end
The Fourth Well will be playing at Dolan’s Pub on Feb. 26, 27 and 28. Submitted
of the month. “We’re actually ending in New Brunswick on an undisclosed show venue. Top secret right now.” You can see The Fourth Well at Dolan’s Pub on Feb. 26, 27, and 28, with all shows beginning at 10 p.m. and going until close. If you miss them this time, chances are the band will be back sooner rather than later. “It’s always a great time. No matter when we go there [Dolan’s], we always have a great time playing for that crowd ‘cause they enjoy what we’re trying to do. We’ve really found a little home away from home in Fredericton.” If you are around though, you won’t want to miss the upcoming concerts, says Bennett. “You’ll get a good chance to truly see where we’re going with our original music. We might do one set of all original. We’re not entirely sure yet how we’re gonna base our sets but it’s gonna be one to remember.”
BRUNSWICKANARTS
Songs of the week
February 25, 2015 • Issue 22 • Volume 148 • 11
Sebastian Maynard Arts Editor
Chance the Rapper & The Social Experiment – “Lady Friend” Released on Valentine’s Day, Chance the Rapper and his band The Social Experiment shared “Lady Friend,” a laid-back, simple song that sees Chance wheezily singing about his girl and rapping lines like “I’m the best man you’re not marrying.” What originally sounds like a cute love song turns out to be Chance admitting that he really just wants to be friends. The low-key track surprises with a horn section and some female harmonies that take over at the end. No word yet as to whether this will be part of Chance’s next album, but it should tide fans over until more news comes.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25 The Brunswickan Issue #22 hits stands!
THURSDAY, FEB. 26 Ben Caplan & The Casual Smokers, Courtney Smith The Capital, 9:30 p.m., $15
Drake – “Star67” It is possible that Drake was pulling a Beyoncé by releasing an album with absolutely no promotion, or maybe it was to help get him out of his record contract or perhaps he was just trying to get some hype around his upcoming album, Views from the 6. Whatever the reason was for Drake’s surprise release, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, there are actually some good songs on it. The 17-song offering moves between singing Drake and rapping Drake, which is best exemplified on “Star67” where the Toronto artist does both. The album covers a lot of ground and is perhaps his most personal, but it is overall a more confident sound than Drake’s previous material. He has always been known and sometimes criticized for the emotion he puts in his songs, but now it seems Drake has finally found the right balance.
FRIDAY, FEB. 27 UNBSU General Election UNB Student Union, Feb. 23-27 Beaverbrook STU Black Box Theatre, Feb. 27-28, $10
Iron & Wine – “Beyond the Fence” Sam Beam, aka Iron & Wine, will be releasing a series of previously unheard material over the next little while, with the first installment of the Archive Series getting its official release on Feb. 24. Volume 1 of the series contains 16 mellow songs, such as “Beyond the Fence,” which features Beam’s hushed vocals over a strumming acoustic guitar. As Beam has expanded the sound of Iron & Wine over the years, the collection of home recordings is a nice look back at the type of music he was playing at the start of his career.
Rich Aucoin, Elephants Gerald, Beach Body The Capital, 10 p.m., $15 Ultra Magnus, Suspect Gang The Cellar, 10 p.m., $5
SATURDAY, FEB. 28 Sufjan Stevens – “No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross” Sufjan Stevens is set to release his ninth studio album at the end of March, and in lead up to the new record the singer has shared “No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross.” The short song contains a finger plucked guitar paired with Stevens’ layered, harmonious vocals. On “No Shade,” he deals with the substance abuse and sadness that he faced after his mother passed away. “This is not my art project, this is my life,” he said in regards to the new record, which is named after his mother and stepfather: Carrie & Lowell.
Beast Coast Open Crabbe Mountain, 12 p.m., $15 to compete
SUNDAY, MAR. 1 The Buddy Holly Experience with Billy McGuigan The Playhouse, 7:30 p.m., $35
February 25, 2015 • Issue 22 • Volume 148 • 12
THE BRUNS
SPORTS sports@thebruns.ca
UNB’s Javon Masters goes to the basket last weekend against MUN at the Currie Center. Adam Travis / The Brunswickan
Reds looking to end drought
Jamie Tozer Sports Editor
The Toronto Maple Leafs have something in common with the UNB Varsity Reds men’s basketball team. Like the Leafs, the Varsity Reds haven’t won a championship since 1967. In fact, UNB’s only Atlantic University Sport men’s basketball title came that year. Unlike the Leafs, the Varsity Reds could very well end their championship drought this season. UNB will enter this weekend’s AUS Men’s Basketball Championship as the No. 1 seed. They, along with the No. 2 seed UPEI Panthers, have received a bye straight through to Saturday’s semifinals.
It’s the first time the Reds have gotten a bye since the 2001-02 season. The Varsity Reds clinched first place — also something they haven’t done since 1967 — with two home victories over the Memorial University Sea-Hawks this past weekend at the Richard J. Currie Center. “It feels better than finishing eighth,” said veteran guard Will McFee. “It feels really good. When it’s all said and done, I’ll probably go back and check the archives and just see us slowly moving up [the standings].” It’s been a slow and gradual climb back to prominence for the Varsity Reds, having finished no higher than fifth since the 2004-05 season. This year, UNB sat in first
for most of the season and finished with an impressive 16-4 record. Although it’s been a long time coming for the Reds, head coach Brent Baker doesn’t want his team thinking about the past. “It feels really, really good to be truthful,” said Baker about his team’s regular season title. “It doesn’t really impact you until you hear it right now and go, ‘really, 1967?’ ” The funny thing is, I always tell our guys that it’s our team and it’s our time. ’67 was ’67 and we’re not worrying about that. Let’s just worry about this season. 2014-15 is us and that’s what we worry about.” The first-place finish is especially rewarding for some of the team’s veteran players, notably McFee, Ryan Smith and Jordan
Irvine who are all graduating. “We’ve eaten a lot of humble pie over the last four or five years with some of these guys and it’s time to get our own back,” said Baker. “It’s very, very enjoyable.” The AUS Championship begins on Friday at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax with the two quarterfinal matches. The winner of the Dalhousie-Cape Breton game will play UNB in Saturday’s semifinal while the victor of the MUN-SMU quarterfinal will play UPEI in the other semi. The championship game will be played on Sunday. A Nova Scotia-based school has won every AUS Championship since UPEI’s last title in 2003. Having the Varsity Reds and Panthers seeded one and two is certainly a
MEN’S BASKETBALL
CHAMPIONSHIPS 2015 1 2 3
UNB Varsity Reds Record vs. AUS: 16-4 Record in Halifax: 3-0 Last AUS Championship: 1967
UPEI Panthers Record vs. AUS: 15-5 Record vs. UNB: 1-1 Last AUS Championship: 2003 Saint Mary’s Huskies: Record vs. AUS: 13-7 Record vs. UNB: 1-3 Last AUS Championship: 2014
different sight. McFee said the team will be ready to go come Saturday. “As soon as you go into the playoffs, it’s like a one game season. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done. “It doesn’t matter because anyone can come out and beat you any given night.” As for this past weekend’s games, McFee led the V-Reds with 25 points in their 85-66 win over the Sea-Hawks on Friday. Javon Masters, who had to get seven stiches over his right eye after a fall, posted 20 points. On Saturday, Masters had 26 points and McFee 25 in UNB’s 97-79 win over MUN.
SCHEDULE Scotiabank Centre, Halifax, N.S.
4
Cape Breton Capers Record vs. AUS: 11-9 Record vs. UNB: 1-1 Last AUS Championship: 2013
Friday, Feb. 27 Quarterfinal 1: Dal vs. CBU at 6 p.m. Quarterfinal 2: MUN vs. SMU at 8:15 p.m.
5
Dalhousie Tigers Record vs. AUS: 10-10 Record vs. UNB: 0-2 Last AUS Championship: 2011
Saturday, Feb. 28 Semifinal 1: Dal/CBU vs. UNB at 6 p.m. Semifinal 2: MUN/SMU vs. UPEI at 8:15 p.m.
MUN Sea-Hawks Record vs. AUS: 6-14 Record vs. UNB: 0-2 Last AUS Championship: None
Sunday, March 1 Final: Semifinal winner vs. semifinal winner at 4:30 p.m.
6
BRUNSWICKANSPORTS
February 25, 2015 • Issue 22 • Volume 148 • 13
Women’s team falls twice to MUN
Jamie Tozer Sports Editor
Colleen Daly’s UNB Varsity Reds career isn’t over just yet. Daly and the rest of the Varsity Reds women’s basketball team will hit the road for Halifax this week where they’ll take part in the 2015 Atlantic University Sport Championship. It’s the first time UNB will appear in the tournament since 2013. Following back-to-back home losses to the Memorial University Sea-Hawks this past weekend, UNB enters the playoffs as the sixth seed with an 8-12 record. Daly, who was honoured after Saturday’s game as the team’s only graduating player, said it was her teammates that made her time at UNB so special. “They’re so supportive and they’re so kind,” she said. “I wouldn’t choose to be on any other team if I got paid to play. I love every single one of them. It’s been a great opportunity. “I’ve just tried to appreciate everything that’s been given to me here. I’ll always
remember it.” In Saturday’s 80-64 loss to the SeaHawks, the Varsity Reds were down by just one entering the fourth but allowed 26 points in the final quarter. “We battled hard. We couldn’t finish, really,” said Daly, who had three points and a rebound in 19 minutes of action. “We worked hard and we’re just going to get ready for playoffs.” A late run by the Sea-Hawks tied things at 17-17 to end the first quarter. The Varsity Reds quickly jumped out to a 19-17 lead in the second, kicking off a 6-0 run. But the rest of the quarter was mostly all Sea-Hawks who took a 39-31 lead into halftime. In the third, UNB was able to cut MUN’s lead to 47-46 and 50-49. Then, at 1:25, a Jane Boyle jump shot tied the match at 51-51. The Sea-Hawks retook the lead with 42.7 seconds remaining in the quarter when Sydney Ezekiel drained a three-point shot. The Reds were able to get back within one though and trailed 54-53 heading into the fourth. A 13-3 run by MUN start the fourth kicked off a dominant quarter for
the Sea-Hawks. “To say it got away from us is an understatement,” said UNB head coach Jeff Speedy. “I think we had trouble playing when we were tired today and playing when things weren’t going our way. I thought that was a big issue in the second quarter but I thought we did a really good job with that in the third quarter to cut an eight point deficit down to one. If we could have somehow managed to do that in the fourth quarter we would have been right there in the end. If it’s a close game with five minutes left I like your chances at home. We just couldn’t maintain the same focus and energy in the fourth quarter that we needed to.” After giving up 80 points on Saturday and 70 points in Friday’s 70-58 loss, Speedy said his team needs to work on sticking to their defensive game plan come Thursday’s playoff game. “I don’t think there is anybody we should be afraid of that we can’t compete with and possibly beat,” the coach said.
The Varsity Reds women’s basketball team lost twice to MUN last weekend. Adam Travis / The Brunswickan
“Anybody you play in playoffs is going to be a very good basketball team. We’re sixth, so all five teams in theory are doing some things better than us because their record is better. It’ll be a challenge no matter who we face. Grace Wade led UNB in scoring on Friday, posting 14 points and seven rebounds
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
CHAMPIONSHIPS 2015 Saint Mary’s Huskies Record vs. AUS: 16-4 Record vs. UNB: 4-0 Last AUS Championship: 2014
1
Dalhousie Tigers Record vs. AUS: 14-6 Record vs. UNB: 2-0 Last AUS Championship: 2001
2
UPEI Panthers Record vs. AUS: 13-7 Record vs. UNB: 2-0 Last AUS Championship: 1998
3
PANEL
THEY KNOW WHAT’S UP
SCHEDULE Scotiabank Centre, Halifax, N.S.
4
MUN Sea-Hawks Record vs. AUS: 12-8 Record vs. UNB: 2-0 Last AUS Championship: 2008
Thursday, Feb. 26 Quarterfinal 1: CBU vs. MUN at 6 p.m. Quarterfinal 2: UNB vs. UPEI at 8:15 p.m.
5
Cape Breton Capers Record vs. AUS: 9-11 Record vs. UNB: 0-2 Last AUS Championship: 2011
Saturday, Feb. 28 Semifinal 1: CBU/MUN vs. SMU at 12 p.m. Semifinals 2: UNB/UPEI vs. Dal at 2:15 p.m.
UNB Varisty Reds Record vs. AUS: 8-12 Record in Halifax: 0-3 Last AUS Championship: 1999
Sunday, March 1 Final: Semifinal winner vs. semifinal winner at 1 p.m.
6
Teams tanking: an acceptable thing to do or disrespectful to fans and players?
Scott Hems
Jonathan Copeland
Devin Patterson
Columnist
Sports Fan
Multimedia Editor
Disrespectful. So many people would give their lives to play professionally and spend every moment of their lives obsessed with a game. They would gladly replace those who play professionally and purposely lose for all the wrong reasons.
in 28 minutes of action. On Saturday, Kiley DeLong had 18 points and 13 rebounds in 33 minutes. The Varsity Reds will play their first game of the AUS Championship on Thursday night at 8:15 p.m. at Halifax’s Scotiabank Centre. UNB will face the third seeded team.
Tanking is a part of sports. It’s a part of the strategy of a franchise. Knowledgeable fans know when it’s a good time for their team to lose. You think Buffalo Sabres fans will be upset about the 2015 tank job when Connor McDavid raises the Stanley Cup in 2021?
The way the draft system is set up, it rewards teams that fail. Because of that, I see no issue with tanking, and I think most fans will agree. Hence the “fail for Nail” (looks like Nail is failing now, but that’s another story) campaign in Edmonton a few years back, and a similar one taking place in other cities across various leagues this year.
Jamie Tozer
cellarpub.ca
Sports Editor
In most professional leagues, buying players to build a team around is no longer an option. Drafting properly is critical, and if purposely having a terrible season(s) helps with that, then it’s the way to go.
BRUNSWICKANSPORTS
14 •February 25, 2015 • Issue 22 • Volume 148
UNB wins first AUS curling title Sarah Rouse Sports Reporter
The University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds came up big at the i naug u ra l A t la nt ic Un iver sit y Spor t Cu rl i ng Cha mpionsh ip, beating the Saint Mary’s Huskies 9-5 in the f inal. Despite t h is bei ng on ly t he second year that UNB has f ielded a te a m s i nce 19 9 2 , t he te a m has qu ick ly become a legit imate contender for the Canadian I nter u n iversit y Spor t nat iona l championship. The team’s recent success can be attributed in large part to the excellent leadership of their current skip, Josh Barry. Barry, who started curling at the age of seven, has always held a passion for the sport. “I think it really piqued my interest because it’s such a mentally testing and strategic sport unlike ma ny ot her s , not to ment ion ext remely physica lly test ing at the highest level, and I challenge those who don’t agree with me to try it themselves,” he joked. “Now, 16 yea rs later I’m st i l l obsessed with the sport, which has allowed me to make so many incredible friends and visit many places all over the world that I probably wouldn’t have ot herwise.” According to Barry, one of the main contributing factors to the team’s success is the wealth of experience provided by its members. “Most of us have had the good fortune of attending a national
event before, so despite CIS being new to all of us, we know what we’re getting ourselves into. The preparation won’t change a whole lot from what we’ve been doing all year in terms of practice and f itness.” Having been successful on the international stage — he helped bring home the bronze for Canada at t he 2013 World Ju n ior Curling Championship — Barry believes the team has what it takes to beat the competition and take home the CIS title. “Having had the experience of playing at the top level of curling, we’re all expecting to go into the CIS championships knowing that all the other teams will be bringing t heir A-game,” said Barr y. “That said, I’ve played just about everyone there before and realize t hat we can beat anyone if we play well.” Despite playing at such a high level, Barry believes that represent ing his universit y brings a new level of excitement to t he competition. “Since I travel out of the Maritimes for most of my regular season events, the AUS tournament was relatively small, but by no means a lower level of intensity. W hen you’re play i ng for you r universit y t here isn’t just your own pride on the line, you want to perform for the V-Reds, which makes it exciting.” Looking to the future, Barry has high hopes for the AUS curling league.
Members of UNB’s curling team celebrate their AUS Championship. Submitted
“The competition at AUS this year was a bit scattered. I feel as though now that it’s integrated into the AUS system, it will entice a lot more curlers to look into
curling at their respective universities – therefore producing better teams,” said Barry. Barr y, A ndrew Burgess, A lex Robichaud and A lex Sutherland
will be representing the Varsity R ed s at t he eig ht h CI S/C C A Curling Championship hosted by Wilfred Laurier University from March 18-21.
No regrets for veteran Paulsen Marc Gagnon Staff Reporter
Paige Paulsen, No. 9, had her Varsity Reds career came to an end with a loss in the AUS semifinal. Adam Travis / The Brunswickan
Paige Paulsen is hanging up her jersey with no regrets. While her five-year career with the UNB Varsity Reds women’s volleyball team may have ended on a losing note — a 3-2 loss to the Dalhousie Tigers in the Atlantic University Sport Championship semifinal — Paulsen said that she’ll value the memories of her V-Reds family more than anything. Paulsen wished she could have gone out on a win, but acknowledged that Dalhousie put up a strong fight. “My stomach still drops when I think about the fact that we lost in a fifth set 15-12, but that being said, it really was a tough-fought match,” she said. “We all believed we were going to win and fought until the very last point to do so. I am so proud of the effort that was given from my team, and knowing that is what makes me able to still hold my head up after that game.” Still, after five years, Paulsen is emotional talking about what she described as some of the best years of her life. “After the game we sat in the locker room and I just remember looking down
at my jersey thinking, ‘this is the last time I will ever have UNB on my back’ — and that was a hard thought to process,” the Keswick Ridge, N.B. native said. While she was one of the veterans on a relatively young team, Paulsen believes that the squad is in good hands moving forward. “The young players came in and filled some big roles on the team. They never cracked under the pressure nor did their dedication waver. The girls on the team are my family and I don’t think I would have had the amazing five years that I have had if I didn’t have the teammates that I did.” Paulsen will have plenty to keep her busy off the court, given her extensive volunteering record. She recently won the AUS Erin Bursey Memorial Award for balancing academics, athletics and community service. Still, she finds herself occasionally reflecting upon that last game against Dal. “I would be lying if I said I haven’t been replaying the game in my mind over and over again, thinking of how I could have been better,” she said. “But then I remind myself that it truly has been one hell of a run and I couldn’t have asked for a better year to finish on.”
BRUNSWICKANSPORTS
Masters leads men’s team into playoffs
Sarah Rouse Sports Reporter
The 2013-14 season was one to remember for UNB Varsity Reds basketball star Javon Masters. The freshman guard was named the Canadian Interuniversity Sport rookie of the year while also leading the country in scoring with an astounding 27.4 points per game. “Masters has made a major impact on our program and will continue to do so as he progresses through his career at UNB,” said V-Reds head coach Brent Baker at the time. “Leading the country in scoring as a freshman is a rare and special accomplishment.” Now in his second season with the Varsity Reds, Masters has shown no signs of slowing down. The Kitchener, Ont. native leads the scoring race yet again with 25.1 points per game, narrowly beating out UPEI’s Tyler Scott, who has been averaging 23.9 points. Masters has also been a key factor in
UNB’s 16-4 overall record, giving them a first place finish in the AUS standings for the first time since 1967. “Overall, this season has been going really well for us,” said Masters. “Going into the season, we knew we had the talent and the depth to be successful, and I think we’ve done that thus far.” While the team finished at the top of the standings, there were a few challenges along the way; notably, the team losing back-to-back games heading into the mid-season break. “The season is a marathon, and not a sprint, so you will always experience some highs and lows,” explained Masters. “We knew we just had to keep level headed and play the game of basketball the way we want to.” In terms of his individual play, Masters believes that he has made significant gains in all aspects of his play. “Personally, I think I played a more well-rounded game this year,” he said. “Last season, I was more of a pure scorer. This year, however, I’m becoming more
of a playmaker and getting my teammates involved. “When the others get going it’s tough for the opposing defence to only key in on me, because they have to worry about four other guys too. I feel that was the biggest change I made this year in my own game.” As the V-Reds head into post-season play, Masters believes his team has what it takes to succeed at the next level. “We feel like we are playing some great basketball at this point in the season, and we believe that this is our year. UNB hasn’t brought home a banner in basketball since 1967, so we’re aware of the pressure. We just need to go out and execute, and play like we have been playing all year.” UNB, thanks to a first round bye, advances straight to Saturday’s AUS Championship semi-final where they’ll play the winner of the first quarterfinal. All playoff games are being held at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax.
Javon Masters averaged a league best 25.1 points per game this season. Adam Travis / The Brunswickan
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February 25, 2015 • Issue 22 • Volume 148 • 15
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16 •February 25, 2015 • Issue 22 • Volume 148
Notebook: future bright for volleyballers Jamie Tozer Sports Editor
After having their season end in the Atlantic University Sport Championship semifinals, it’s time for the UNB Varsity Reds women’s volleyball team to look ahead to next year. Although the team will be graduating three key players — Paige Paulsen, Vanja Mitrovic and Jacqueline Sebetovsky — the future looks bright for a team that was loaded with rookies and sophomores this past season. “I’m really happy with the young squad that we’ve got on the team,” said head coach Jilliane Goulet following her team’s semifinal loss to the eventual AUS champion Dalhousie Tigers. Goulet noted the strong performances of rookies Maggie McLenahan, Janie-Eve Doucet and Allison Quiring this season while Victoria Eadle was named the AUS rookie of the year. “We’ve got a bright future for sure. I’m excited — or I will be excited once I get over this season,” Goulet said with a laugh. Even though a promising future may be ahead for the team, Goulet said it won’t be easy to fill the holes left by the three graduating players. “As people, they are irreplaceable,” the coach said. “Those three really are just incredible people. I can’t even say if we can ever replace those people in our program. We’ll look for players that can and hopefully we can find some players who bring what they brought. They’re really incredible young women. “We’re expecting good things from the girls coming in but it may
take a few years to get to everything that these girls brought to our team.”
New look for Carroll In game one of the AUS men’s hockey semifinal last Thursday at the Aitken Centre, Tyler Carroll was back to his usual ways, scoring once and adding two assists. Something was certainly different, though. Carroll, who said he hadn’t cut his hair in over two years, cut off his trademark flow and donated the hair to a charity that makes wigs for cancer patients. It was the third time the fourth-year V-Red had donated his locks. “It was just time,” said Carroll about his haircut. “It’s been long enough for a while and my girlfriend had been kind of urging me to get rid of it. Figured it was time to get it chopped off.” “I think he probably had to adjust his helmet a little bit to make it a little bit smaller,” joked linemate Cam Braes after the game. “He always [cuts] it for cancer so it’s [for] a great cause. I thought he looked pretty sharp out there with the new hairdo.” Gone viral A huge third period hip check by Matt Petgrave in game one of the men’s hockey semifinal has gone viral online. The hit, which was delivered by Petgrave on an unsuspecting Steven Kuhn at the blue line, has been viewed around 70,000 times on Vine since last Friday. Video of the hit even made The Hockey News’s website and TSN’s Bar Down blog.
Show us your sport face the brunswickan sports
UNB’s women’s volleyball team made it to the AUS semifinal with a young roster. Adam Travis / The Brunswickan
Championship Weekend on TV Canadian Interuniversity Sport fans won’t want to be too far away from a television screen on March 14-15. Sportsnet has released broadcast details for the first ever Championship Weekend, which will feature
the men and women’s hockey and basketball semifinals and finals all shown live over the two-day period. Spor tsnet’s 30 hours of CIS coverage begins at noon on Saturday, March 14 with the first of eight semifinal games. On Sunday, March 15, the first of four championship
games begins at 2 p.m. All games will air live nationally on either Sportsnet 360 or Sportsnet One.