Faces Magazine - November/December 2021 by FacesMagazine

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Fine Dining in Kanata’s Distinctive Heritage Building

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In This Issue

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

MICHAEL DEL ZOTTO Michael Del Zotto intends to have a big impact on and off the ice in the Nation’s Capital. We spoke to him recently about his journey, his career, and his outlook on the new season with the Ottawa Senators.

VANESSA GILLES We caught up with Vanessa to talk Tokyo 2020, her journey to Team Canada, and her best advice for aspiring soccer stars.

Drake Batherson by Claus Andersen/Getty Images

JACOB BERNARDDOCKER Jacob discusses his life growing up in Alberta, his gold-medal highlights, and his thoughts on the upcoming season.

KENT MANDERVILLE We sat down with Kent to discuss his own hockey career, his journey back to the world of finance, and why his new role takes such an important meaning.

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AVERY ELLIS

We chatted with Ellis about his journey to the CFL, the new season, and his favourite spots in Ottawa.

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In This Issue

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

BAILEY ANDISON Bailey talks Tokyo 2020, her journey to swimming, and what’s next.

CHRIS JOHNSTON We sat down with Chris to discuss his journey to journalism, his transition to TSN, and his thoughts on the season ahead.

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Real estate by auction: it’s an incredible concept, and it’s one of 2021’s fastestgrowing startups, all based in the Nation’s Capital.

KRISTY CAMERON 12 questions with Newstalk 580 CFRA host Kristy Cameron.

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JOSH CHARTRAND Josh Chartrand’s reasons for walking away from a successful fourteen-year career to bring Ottawa its first Papa John’s Pizza outlet range from the naively nostalgic to deeply personal.

COURTNEY TURK Two years ago, Courtney sat down to write a home decorating blog. Next thing she knew, she was delivering her tips—including ones on organizing that messy bookshelf that makes you look bad on Zoom, advice which landed her in Oprah Daily—in person, and, thanks to the pandemic, online.

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CONTENTS 34 Four simple twists on classic cocktails to bring some seasonal cheer to your nightcap.

Why?

Holiday edition Why do we sip eggnog? And what’s the deal with mistletoe? Here are the origin stories behind some of Christmas’ oddest traditions.

The Holidays At a glance

From the most famous holiday movie of all time, to the first song played in space, here’s how the holidays have made modern history.

5 Facts About Chronic Lateness

Researchers have a few theories as to why some people fall into the habit of lateness, and it’s deeper than simple laziness.

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November/December 2021 - Volume 70 FIND FACES Faces Magazine is distributed bi-monthly and offered free at select locations across Ottawa and in cities across Eastern Ontario. Full issues are also available online. Faces Magazine is a non-traditional print medium with a strong brand presence on social media.

Editor In Chief Evan Childerhose Publisher Justin MacKinnon Hank’s Paw Publishing (A Division of 8624771 Canada Inc.) Art Director Sonia Mehour Operations Manager Courtney Wheeler

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Accounting/Finance Linda Zhang

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Contact info@facesmag.ca (613) 591 - 6093

Event Info

www.facesmag.ca/awards To request our event sponsorship packages, please email info@facesmag.ca. For all other information regarding our events, please call or visit our event website. Suite 101-105 Schneider Road Kanata, ON K2K 1Y3 Sales advertising@facesmag.ca Submissions echilderhose@facesmag.ca 14 | FACES MAGAZINE

Contributors Alex Feeney Catheryn Risto Morris Miller Corey Stone Christopher Lord Alex Dobsky Mark Tyhurst Jonathan Rock Dan Lalande Maija Stevenson Tayna Gautier Meaghan Vincent Steve Warne Max Polizi Kate Wright Todd Hamilton Stewart Clarke Liam Fox Ryan Bova Trevor McIssac Kenzie Harrison Connor Khonick Shiyao Liu Jordan Palleck Gary Cassidy Jennifer Marwick Guillaume Dubois Allison Dupuis Trever MacIsaac Ryan Bova Kenzie Harrison Dave Rock

Contributing Photographers Cover Photo: Sean Sisk John E. Sokolowski Jana Chytilova Andre Ringuette Connor Armstrong Taylor Condon Peter Wright Yana Klaiz Lucas Short

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cadieuxinteriors.ca • 1280 Old Innes Road • 613 - 745 -1230 FACES MAGAZINE | 15

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November MOVIE RELEASES

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NOVEMBER HERE’S HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS MONTH

Cook for Your Canine

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C’MON C’MON Joaquin Phoenix and Woody Norman star as father and son in this feel-good, thought-provoking, and philosophical film.

For National Cook For Your Pet Day

4 FOODS THAT CAN BE DANGEROUS FOR PETS

Chocolate isn’t the only food that can be poisonous to pets. Here are 4 lesser known foods that can be dangerous for dogs and other household animals (this list is not exhaustive). AVOCADOS Avocados contain persin, which is a known toxin for dogs and other animals, including birds.

BELFAST One young boy from Belfast follows his family through the riots and turmoil of Ireland in the 1960s.

MOLDY FOOD Ingesting old food can be harmful for pets due to mycotoxins found in mold. Signs of mycotoxin intoxication include tremors and seizures. GRAPES & RAISINS Grapes, raisins, and currants aren’t pet-friendly, either. Eating as little as 15 grapes has been known to cause kidney failure in smaller dogs. ONIONS AND ONION POWDER

ETERNALS The Marvel multiverse introduces the Eternals: humanity’s silent protectors who have been forced out of waiting to defend the Earth from its ultimate threat.

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Onions contain N-proply disulfide, which causes a breakdown of red blood cells and can lead to anemia in dogs.

NOVEMBER

National Sandwich Day

In 1762, the noble Earl of Sandwich the 4th (John Montagu), had a continued craving for meat between bread. He first ordered it while playing poker, because he wanted to eat roast beef, but didn’t want to put down his cards or dirty his hands. Thus, the sandwich was born. Today, sandwiches are so popular that they have their own national day.

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NOVEMBER

National Stress Awareness Day

Turn Your Clock Forward On November For Daylight Savings Time

Did You Know? 63% of Canadians say that their stress levels

HOUSE OF GUCCI A long-awaited thrillingly true story behind the family of the House of Gucci, one that spans three decades of scandal, betrayal, and fashion, and stars Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Salma Hayak, Al Pacino, and Jared Leto.

have stayed the same or increased in the last five years. 29% of Canadians have or are seeing a professional to manage their stress.

NOVEMBER

Is Remembrance Spend An Day Afternoon With Your Old Food on November

For National Clean Out Your Fridge Day Did You Know?

NOVEMBER

KING RICHARD Will Smith stars as Richard Williams, the dedicated father of Serena and Venus Williams, who fought to give his daughters the start they deserved in their now iconic tennis careers.

Experts recommend cleaning your fridge (especially crispers and shelves where you store raw meat) once a week. Find more tips on page 44.

Nominations Open for The Ottawa Awards Nominate the outstanding professionals and business owners you know for an Ottawa Award, The Capital’s largest people’s choice awards event, at facesmag.ca/awards

THE BEATLES: GET BACK Peter Richardson delivers a never before-seen look at The Beatles in a music documentary that follows the group throughout their rise to fame and beyond.

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december MOVIE RELEASES

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DECEMBER HERE’S HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS MONTH

Grab A Slice

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For National Pie Day

DON’T LOOK UP In this comedy-takes-thriller flick with a star-studded lineup of A-List actors, Leo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence band together to save the world from a fast-approaching comet. The film includes Meryl Streep, Timothy Chalet, Ariana Grande, Jonah Hill, and more.

THE 5 MOST POPULAR PIE FLAVOURS IN CANADA

Pie crust company Tenderflake set out to determine Canada’s favourite pies, and the results are surprising.

5. Pumpkin

THE MATRIX: RESSURRECTIONS Though Neo no longer recognizes himself or remembers who he is, this slowly changes after he chooses correctly between the red and blue pill. And, through this action-packed thriller, returns to the Matrix.

Though a top-5 favourite, only 8% of survey respondents chose Pumpkin as their favourite pie.

4. Blueberry In similar US surveys, Blueberry pie fell well below favourite. But in Canada, over 10% of people rank Blueberry #1.

1. Apple Pie A time-honoured classic, Apple Pie is still a favourite across Canada and the US, as the most popular flavour of pie in both countries. In Canada, over 18% of people are estimated to favourite Apple Pie, according to the survey.

3. Pecan Pie Another 10% love the sweetness of Pecan Pie, and not just during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

A JOURNAL FOR JORDAN In this romantic drama created by Denzel Washington, Michael B Jordan plays a young man who becomes a husband, father, and soldier. He struggles to choose the right path, be the best man he can be, and to answer life’s big questions.

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2. Lemon Meringue Surprisingly, tart and sweet Lemon Meringue Pie takes 2nd place in Canada, with a whopping 14% of respondents choosing this dessert as their favourite pie.

Enjoy a Cocktail At Your Favourite Bar and Celebrate National Bartender Day on December

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Nominations Close for the Ottawa Awards on

DECEMBER

THE KINGSMAN 3

Enjoy One of Canada’s Best Exports On December

This brilliant action-thriller tells the origin story of the Kings Men, a group of high-profile, secret spies with great influence in the 1800s and 1900s to present day.

For National Maple Syrup Day

Wear A Fashion Statement on December

For National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day

Did You Know? Canada produces 71% of the world’s maple syrup, and 91% of this is produced in Quebec.

Celebrate Identical Siblings

on December

SHERLOCK HOLMES 3 In the latest installment of this series, Robert Downey Jr’s Holmes is on a mission to free the streets of a terrified London from an unspecified evil.

For National Twin Day 3 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT TWINS

- 40% of twins invent their own language as kids. - The birth rate of twins has grown by 76% since 1980. - Famous celebrities who have secret twins include Ashton Kutcher, Scarlett Johansson, Alanis Morrissette, and Jon Heder (Napolean Dynamite).

NIGHTMARE ALLEY Bradley Cooper plays a mid-1900s carnival psychic given the power of manipulation. But, he’s not the only one seeking control over the carnival or its guests. William Dafoe, Cate Blanchett, and other stars come together in this eerie, psychological thriller.

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VANESSA GILLES Almost two months out from Tokyo 2020, Vanessa Gilles and Team Canada have just finished a week-long Celebration Tour at the end of October, one that included a friendly match against New Zealand at TD Place, only after being handed a key to the city by Mayor Watson. It’s the first time the team has been and played together since Tokyo 2020, where they grabbed Gold in a shoot-out against Sweden. Vanessa, who was born in Montreal and lived in Shanghai before moving to Ottawa at the age of 12, still remembers sitting longingly in the stands at Lansdowne some 10 years ago, when Canada played Brazil. Though it was just a short 10 years ago for the now 25-year-old, it was only at this time that Vanessa started playing soccer. It wasn’t until the age of 16 that she was officially on any team.

But from there, Vanessa has been a rising star, and this was made clear during her performance at Tokyo 2020. Though she didn’t play for the first two matches, Vanessa was named a starter for the match against Great Britain. She ended the tournament by playing every minute of the semi-finals, and the all-important, suspense-filled Gold Medal game that was the most-watched event of the entire Olympics, with an audience of 4 million. Though she comes home only briefly before returning to France to play for the Girondins de Bordeaux, when she is home, she makes sure to spend quality time with her parents and brother. She also visits her friends, and makes stops at some of her favourite spots in Ottawa. She is also working alongside other Canadian soccer names to build a women’s pro league in Canada. We caught up with Vanessa to talk Tokyo 2020, her journey to Team Canada, and her best advice for aspiring soccer stars.

Photography by Sean Sisk Makeup by Corey J. Stone

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I NE E O OT TT TA AWWA A F FA AC CE ES S MMA AG GA AZ ZI N

You spent the first 12 years of your life in Shanghai. What parts of that culture do you think are still with you today? I lived in Shanghai in a compound, where I would spend a lot of time in the playground, with friends from Argentina, Japan, Morocco, France… it was a whole blend of cultures. Growing up in that environment taught me how to be open-minded, accepting, and sympathetic to the needs of others. I think that is what I took away the most from growing up in a foreign country with fellow foreigners. What was it like to go from such a busy, large city, to Ottawa? What were your first impressions of the city? We visited Canada every two summers or so, because our family was here. We would visit Quebec and sometimes Vancouver. When we moved to Ottawa, I remember noticing how clean and quiet everything was. Going from Shanghai, which was busy and bustling, to Ottawa, a government city, was new for me. Everything was accessible, safe, and clean. Everyone spoke the same language as me, too. It was a fun and new experience. Tell me about your parents, who were anxiously watching your Olympic journey from home this summer. How important have they been to your career and your success? I always say that my parents are my number one fans, and my brother is my number two. They probably enjoyed the win even more than I did. My mom is comparable to Regina George’s mom… she’s always videotaping, smiling, and super involved with me and my friends. She is the first person to send me an arti22 | FACES MAGAZINE

cle or interview, always. I’m very close with both of them, and I FaceTimed them the whole time I was away. We experienced the win a bit differently, but they are very, very proud, and I am so glad to be able to share this experience with them. When we visited the Mayor’s office this month, they were incredibly moved and thrilled to be there. They saved the cupcakes with my face on them, they’ve refused to eat them (laughs). You’ve spoken about the influence that your Ottawa coach, Raz-El Asmar, has had on your career. Why was he such a special influence on you? I started soccer late, around the age of 16. When you start that late, you have a long way to go. Finding a team here in Ottawa was difficult, because I had no idea how any of the clubs worked. I just had my friends and brother who played. I remember texting my high school coach, Raz, and it took about a month for him to let me try out. I was awful. I still have no idea how I made the team, but he accepted me and took me under his wing. My dad was a hotel manager, and he was often out of town during those years. My mom also worked and played tennis, and couldn’t drive me all the time. So Raz would pick me up and drop me off. He would let me practice with the boys and always pushed me. He was the one who encouraged me to try out for Team Ontario. He’s also been pushing me to be on the national team for as long as I can remember. When I think of my soccer coach in Ottawa, he’s the first person that comes to mind. I always visit him when I’m in town. He is like a second dad to me here in Ottawa.

Take me through the ups and downs of preparing for Tokyo 2020. What was it like for you, waiting out the pandemic, and then finally being able to compete again after months of lockdown? Well, there were a lot of ups and downs with COVID. I had a very background role with team Canada leading into the Olympics. I did not know where I would fit into the team, and if I would even make the team. Everything was up in the air. We had staffing changes, players being injured in camp, some players couldn’t come… and then I received a phone call. I remember leading up to that call, I was shopping at Tanger Outlets with my two best friends. I got a text from Bev asking to call. My mind just went blank. I thought she was going to cut me. She told me she’d call me in five minutes, and in those five minutes I was thinking ‘this is terrible. I’ve been preparing for so long and I’m not going to get to go. I don’t even deserve these jeans’. I threw the jeans I was going to buy away and walked out of the store. She called me, and at first she started chit-chatting about the weather. But then she said, ‘I would love to have you as part of the 18 on the team’. And, I’m wearing those jeans I almost threw out today. Other than that, we had a blast. We made do with the weather, and had fun every day. Dezzy and some of the other girls organized a MarioKart tournament during our stay in Japan, and we had movie nights, too. It was just like any other girl’s trip...except, it was the Olympics.

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So many people didn’t believe in me or think I would ever be in the position I am in now. I just kept plugging away, working away, and reaching for the stars.

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Tell me about the moment of your penalty kick, a moment that is tough in any game of soccer, let alone on the world’s stage in the last minutes of the gold medal game. Can you describe that feeling? In pre-camp, we had been practicing PK’s and so we were pretty well prepared to lead into the Olympics with the reps over time. When the time came, I finally had the chance to kick against Brazil. I selfishly remember being upset at being 5th. I wanted to kick it, and I was frustrated that I might not have the chance to lead my team to victory. Then Steph (goalie) came up big, and so did the others in scoring, and I got my chance. I thanked God for my opportunity to kick it. I only get stressed thinking about that moment when I look back. FACES MAGAZINE | 23

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F A C E S M A G A Z I N E O T T A W A F A C E S M A G A Z I N E O T T A W A I remember talking to Ashley about it… while you normally would be nervous in that setting, we were just so tired and concentrated that we didn’t feel nervous. The heat made us all a bit more fatigued than we are used to. Looking back on the experience of being at the Olympics, what was a highlight for you?

The social aspect of being around amazing athletes and getting to meet some of the idols that I watched growing up was definitely a highlight. At the end of the day, they were just regular athletes like me eating at the cafeteria. That’s where I got a picture with Allyson Felix. She was just going to get some pasta or something, and I just jumped in and asked for a picture (laughs). Another memory is after winning the gold medal game, and going back and having dinner at around 4 am in the meal hall. We were just sitting there with our medals around our necks and a pile of pizza, just soaking in the moment. Looking around the hall and seeing other teams and athletes at 4 am with their medals, just hanging out like it was any other tournament.

We spent the rest of the morning hanging out at the Olympic Rings, soaking it all in with all of the other athletes there from other sports. We closed the closing ceremonies, and eventually had to be kicked out because we were the last ones there! September 14th is now Vanessa Gilles Day. How special is that to you? How do you plan to celebrate this day every year? 24 | FACES MAGAZINE

(Laughs) It’s weird and surreal having a name day. It will be my friends bringing it up, planning the celebrations I think.

What’s one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?

It’s an honour to have been able to celebrate that moment with The Mayor, my family, and my friends all together. I think it was the first time we have all been together. I felt like it was my wedding, we were all together and celebrating as one and drinking champagne… it was fun.

I am a pretty big geek, I love playing PlayStation and computer games. People ask me what I like to do in my downtime, and if I always feel the need to read or stretch and recover. The reality is that if I am not doing recovery, I’ll be on my couch or computer chair with the headsets on, playing away.

How long will you be at home before going back to France? Where are some of your favorite places to go to eat or to relax in Ottawa when you’re home?

You are such an inspiration to young girls who are now looking to follow in your footsteps. What is the best piece of advice you could give them?

I am here until Sunday. I have been here for two weeks. Whenever I come home, I’m a huge Kettlemans fan so I will try to go as much as I can and stuff my suitcase with bagels when I go back to France. They end up getting stolen by my friends who also love Kettlemans bagels now. So that is my ultimate go-to.

I would say, believe in yourself. Be an advocate for yourself and fight for yourself, because nobody will do it for you, and no one will fight for you like you can.

What kind of music do you listen to? Do you have a favourite artist?

I listen to all kinds of music, French, English, Spanish, all of it. I’m not very picky. I listen to throwbacks as well. We were in Tremblant with my friends and we had Nicki Minaj on repeat. Favourite movie, book, or Netflix recommendation?

Harry Potter! Or any of the Marvel movies. What is your favourite food to eat? It’s gotta be sushi for me.

So many people didn’t believe in me or think I would ever be in the position I am in now. I just kept plugging away, working away, and reaching for the stars. You should always reach for the stars, even though you might just get to the top of the tree (laughs). Work as hard as possible, and that way you will have no regrets, and you’ll see just where your potential can lead to. @VanessaGilles

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Health &Happiness A Guide To

Every issue, we find lifestyle changes that are so simple, so surprising, and so successful that they are sure to spark a massive difference in your health and happiness.

MAKE AN EFFORT TO TALK, AND LISTEN, TO YOUR FRIENDS A new study from JAMA Network has found that being listened to greatly improves your mental wellbeing. Longterm, adults with friendships that allow an outlet via talking and listening showed greater cognitive resilience in old age. So, structure more time in your week to sit down and chat with friends who are great listeners (doing the same for them, of course). You may find a noticeable difference in your mental well-being. 26 | FACES MAGAZINE

WANT TO FALL ASLEEP FASTER? THINK ABOUT STAYING AWAKE Many times, we overthink falling asleep, which prevents us from doing so. The Director of Duke University’s Sleep Medicine program, Sujay Kansagra, MD, says a trick to bypass that anxiety is to focus instead on staying awake. If you tell yourself that you’re going to try to stay awake, you’ll focus less on why you aren’t falling asleep, and help your body to take over its natural process. It’s a technique called paradoxical intent, used for multiple purposes in cognitive behavioural therapy.

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NEVER EAT MEALS STANDING UP Always make time to sit down when you’re eating, even if you’re in a rush. People who eat their meals standing up (or who stand up immediately after eating) digest their food 30% faster, which may cause gas, bloating, and poor carb digestion.

ADD CINNAMON TO YOUR COFFEE OR BREAKFAST Cinnamon is a spice that has been shown to help stabilize blood sugar and increase weight loss. It’s also an antioxidant. By adding Cinnamon to your morning drink or meal, you can boost your nutritional intake with ease.

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Michael

Del Zotto

When he was a kid growing up in Stouffville, Ontario, Michael Del Zotto played on outdoor rinks while dreaming of playing in the NHL. In 2008, his dream came true. He was drafted 20th overall in the 2008 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers. It wouldn’t take long before the small town Ontario boy would be stepping onto the ice at the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. Del Zotto would get his first NHL goal on home ice against the Ottawa Senators in 2009. After twelve NHL seasons, that included a 2019 Stanley Cup winning St. Louis Blues, Del Zotto returned to Ontario to join the Ottawa Senators.

Though Michael Del Zotto has only been with the Senators since the summer, he is already establishing himself in the community. He’s reignited his work with Ronald McDonald House through the Senators, and is committed to working with Ottawa’s children’s charities throughout the next few seasons.

Michael Del Zotto intends to have a big impact on and off the ice in the Nation’s Capital. We spoke to him recently about his journey, his career and his outlook on the new season with the Ottawa Senators.

Photography by Sean Sisk

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Tell me about Draft Day, 2008. Did you know that you were going to be selected by the Rangers, or was it a complete surprise? It was actually a complete surprise. I went 20th overall, and had numerous meetings with other teams. A few I met with 2 or 3 times... they flew me down to Boston for interviews and fitness testing. There were numerous teams that said that if I fell to them they would take me, so I was thinking I’d get 13, 15, maybe 17. I didn’t think I was going to get 20. That was kind of my first rude awakening of the business side of things. I only met with the Rangers once, and it was at the combine. I wasn’t really expecting it, but I was certainly happy I was going to an Original Six team, and getting to play at Madison Square Garden, one of the most famous arenas in the world. Fast forward to your first NHL goal, the day after you make history as the youngest defenceman on the team to play on opening night. What was it like for you to enter into the Rangers team and have that early success? My first game was actually in Pittsburgh against the Penguins, and they had won the year before. So before the puck drop I remember just being in their old arena, with the Stanley Cup banner, looking across the ice at Malkin, Crosby, Letang, Bill Guerin, and a bunch of other veteran guys, Marc-Andre Fleury. It was definitely surreal, and it added to the nerves. You were named to the NHL’s All-Rookie team following your first season with the Rangers, but in your second season you were sent down to the AHL after struggling to start the year. What did that second year teach you? That you have to prove yourself every single game, every day. I learned what it takes to be a professional, day in and day out. I was 19, and I thought my second year would come a little bit easier than it did. I was taught a lesson. I was also injured, so I was out half the year. But I bounced back the following year and had good career numbers. So that year was like early motivation for my career, and now I’m going into year 13. You were part of the St. Louis team that won the Cup in 2019, and while you didn’t get to play in the playoffs that year, you seemed to have bounced back with two strong seasons following that Cup run. Tell us what you learned from your 2019 season. It was unfortunate not being able to suit up. The team stayed healthy, which is very rare, especially for defencemen. The opportunity wasn’t there, but 30 | FACES MAGAZINE

just being part of that team, that close knit group. And also to see what it takes to battle for 10 months of the year and those extra 2 months of playoffs was amazing. What was the biggest reason you signed a twoyear deal with the Ottawa Senators this off-season? I love the direction of the team, the second half of the season, and how well they did. The way DJ coaches, it’s an old school mentality that I like. He gets the most out of his players, and demands a hard work ethic that you don’t see too often anymore. So that fit in with my game and my mentality. I think they are trending in the right direction. They are out of the rebuild, and the younger guys have now become more mature members of the team. I’m really excited for the season ahead.

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That’s definitely where my motivation comes now: acknowledging the sacrifice that they made for so many years for us. I want to make them proud. Tell us about your life away from the rink. How did you get into DJing? I was one of the only single guys in Philadelphia, and I just got sick of watching Netflix. I would come home from practice at 1 and I’d cook, watch Netflix, and go to bed. It just got to a point where I realized I needed to do something more productive with my spare time. One of my buddies is Tiesto, who is one of the best DJs of all time. I’ve seen him perform probably 15 times, all over the world. I also got to see him work in the studio. The coolest thing about DJing or performing any type of music is that it’s an international language. It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, you have the ability to put a smile on someone’s face and take their mind off of whatever stresses they have in their life, even just for a moment.

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Growing up in Ontario, what were the holidays like for you? My Christmas Eve was always at my parents’ house. My dad‘s parents lived with us and my other set of grandparents were right next door, so it was easy for them to come. It was always Christmas at our place, and we did the Italian tradition and had fish. My family are typical Italians, who always cook way too much food (laughs). We had a backyard rink growing up, so the kids would always be in and out of the house all day playing and eating. We would get to open up one present at midnight before we went to bed. So definitely lots of hockey, lots of games, mini sticks inside, and we always ate way too much food. What is your favourite Christmas movie? Home Alone, and Lost in New York. That’s a good one. Tell me a little bit more about your family. What role did your parents play in your success? It wasn’t just my parents, it was my grandparents and my older brother, too. Both of my parents worked 95% of the time. So one of them would go with me to the rink, and the other would go with my brother. The odd times that they weren’t able to make it, my grandpa would pick us up. It was really a group effort. That’s definitely where my motivation comes now: acknowledging the sacrifice that they made for so many years for us. I want to make them proud. You said you like to cook. If you were hosting a team dinner, what would you prepare for the guys on the team?

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self, but one of the most surprising things would be that I play the alto saxophone. I also love reading. I go through a book pretty much every 2-3 weeks. I love reading non-fiction books. You have done a lot of work with charities throughout your career, and you’re doing work already here in Ottawa with Ronald McDonald House. Why is it so important for you to give back? My first year in New York, when I was 19, I saw a young boy watching our practice. After I got off the ice I brought him a signed puck. That led to us becoming friends, and I got to know the family better. Here we are 13 years later and we are still very close friends. He’s visited me in numerous cities and he is now in college, which is crazy. But that’s what started it for me. When I go into a new city, I look at the local charities and see how I can help, especially with kids. When I was in Vancouver, I went to visit the younger Ronald McDonald House there. I hit it off with a few of the kids and families right away. They gave me a volunteer pass and I was able to come and show up whenever I wanted. We traveled a lot there. I tried to get there once a week, sometimes twice a week if we were home for a while. It is amazing to see the resiliency that these kids possess, every single day. What advice would you give to any young hockey players aspiring to follow in your footsteps? Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. @MichaelDelZotto

Hmm, probably parmesan ribs. That’s the favourite. In Philly, we had a few more guys that were around so I would have them over maybe once a week for dinner. The Schenn brothers specifically, anytime they would come over they would ask for the ribs... so that’s my specialty. What’s something that people may be surprised to know about you? There are a lot of things I don’t share. In what we do, there isn’t a lot that remains private, and I like staying a little bit mysterious. I like to keep to my-

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We rarely mess with the classics, but when we do, it’s during the holiday season. Here are four simple twists on classic cocktails to bring some seasonal cheer to your nightcap.

POMEGRANATE MOSCOW MULE Tart and sweet, this holiday rendition of the Moscow Mule adds pomegranate’s dark red hues and sweetness to a fizzy and refreshing classic. Ingredients: 2 Ounce Vodka 1 TableSpoon Lime Juice 2 ½ Ounce Pomegranate Juice (Unsweetened) Ginger Beer Garnish Lime Wedge 3-4 Cranberries Directions: Pour Vodka, Lime Juice, and Pomegranate Juice into a copper mug over ice. Fill with ginger beer to taste. Garnish with Lime Wedge.

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N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

THE PEPPERMINTINI

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MAPLE & SAGE BOURBON BAUBLES

Your favourite Martini, with a splash of candy cane. Ingredients:

Ingredients:

Martini

Garnish 2-3 Lemon Slices 2 Ounces Bourbon 3-4 Fesh Sage Leaves, Torn 2 Table Spoons Pure Maple Syrup 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice

2 and ½ ounce Vanilla Vodka ½ ounce Peppermint Schnapps 2 Ounce Simple Syrup 1 Splash of Grenadine Rim

Directions:

Honey Crushed Candy Cane

Muddle bourbon, sage leaves, maple syrup, lemon juice, and all but 1 lemon slices in a shaker. Add ice and shake well. Pour into a cocktail glass over ice, and garnish.

Directions: Rim a martini glass with Honey, followed by Crushed Candy Cane. Mix Vodka, Schnapps, Simple Syrup, and Grenadine in a shaker over ice. Strain into glass and add garnish.

FESTIVE CRANBERRY MIMOSAS The only thing better than the ease of this 2-ingredient recipe is its spectacular presentation. Ingredients: Rim & Garnish Sugar (decorative white sugar is best) Cranberries Mimosa Cranberry Juice Sparkling Wine, Champagne, or Prosecco Directions: Dab each glass with water and rim with decorative sugar. Add 4-6 cranberries to each glass. Fill with equal parts cranberry juice and sparkling wine (or as desired).

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Kent Manderville

Though hockey may have come first, Kent Manderville’s interest in finance was never far away. In the beginning, when Kent was drafted 24th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 1989 NHL entry draft, the 6-foot-three defenceman played for Cornell University for two years, and studied finance throughout. He also played for the World Juniors twice, winning Gold in both years. Shortly after leaving Cornell, Manderville joined the Toronto Maple Leafs, and began a 12-year career in the NHL, where he would also suit up for the Edmonton Oilers, Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

After a decorated career in hockey, Kent transitioned from the world of pro sports back into finance. He pursued his CFA and CFP certifications in 2020. Kent’s unique perspective, that of an NHLer with a finance mind, has allowed him to see a pitfall that even he admits he first fell into as a young pro hockey player. While today’s best athletes go to great lengths to make sure they are at their best physically, much less thought is given to their financial wellbeing. It can have dramatic consequences, says Kent, who has seen many of his former teammates realize the cumulative effects of bad financial decisions early in their careers coming full circle today.

Today, Kent is a private wealth advisor and the Director of the Hockey Family Office at IP Private Wealth in Ottawa. He aims to bring his experience in the league, with his technical knowledge in wealth management, to help hockey players and their families navigate the complex changes that come with success. We sat down with Kent to discuss his own hockey career, his journey back to the world of finance, and why his new role takes such an important meaning.

Photography by Sean Sisk

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Even as a young athlete, you tried to continue your studies as much as possible. You played for the World Juniors while still studying at Cornell. How did you manage to balance the demands of school with your budding hockey career? It was a challenge. I went to Notre Dame in Wilcox, Saskatchewan. It’s a small school and I got used to juggling academics with the traveling and the time commitment required of hockey. It translated well to Cornell, which was of course a step up: it’s an Ivy League school. I just used my time wisely. The World Juniors was a bit of a break from school, actually (laughs). Juggling school and hockey was all I knew, so I just did the best I could. You’ve had a decorated career in hockey, that included over 700 games, Olympic medals, and 2 World Junior Golds. Looking back, what was one of your proudest accomplishments, or fondest memories, and why? I remember watching the Olympics for the first time on TV in 1984. I remember how much the idea of representing your country resonated with me. So being able to play at the Olympics at a young age was a dream come true. The World Juniors, and the U-17, were all wonderful experiences. Winning the World Juniors on home soil, getting the gold with the John Slaney goal, was incredible. I’ll never forget how it felt to have the fan support of an entire country rallied behind us. And of course, playing in the NHL for so long is definitely something I’m proud of. It’s a tough league to survive in. I wasn’t the most offensive person, but I did find a way to stick around. After such a fast-paced career in hockey, what was it like to transition out of playing professionally? Did you find this challenging to redefine your identity outside of hockey? I played in Finland in my last year, and I was really considering law school. I was a player rep for a number of teams in the NHL. I was really trying to learn as much about the industry as possible. The challenge was trying to find different interests outside of hockey that would make a worthwhile career. Once I really examined my options more closely, I found that wealth finance was more up my alley. I was a finance major at Cornell, so it all came full circle for me. I used my own experiences, not only from the game, but from life, and realized I wanted to help others in this area. I knew there were athletes who had the same questions I did when I started playing professional hockey. For me, I never found good answers to those questions, and that’s why I did the research and started doing it myself.

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“We grow up saying we want to play in the NHL, not that we want to manage a portfolio, or do an estate plan, or tax plan. But those are the things that come with success.”

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N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R What were some of those personal experiences that you drew on that helped you make this decision? Thankfully I don’t have any personal horror stories. One of my first agents said that he would manage my money, and it became very clear that he was trying to get me involved in various investment schemes. I use the word schemes because that is a true depiction of it. He also sold me an inappropriate universal life policy that, in the long run, turned out to be fine, but at the time was just completely inappropriate. But I also got to see what other guys were doing, and now at my age, I’ve seen the results of many poor decisions from the past. Those types of financial decisions compound over time. I also had a teammate pass away when I was playing in Carolina, and I saw the importance of proper planning for those types of events that would have helped to alleviate some of the circumstances the family faced afterward. How common are these types of situations that you’ve seen with your teammates, and younger players today, who get poor financial advice with dire consequences? There are many of these tough stories. For example, Joe Murphy. Guys have lost hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars. I think it’s actually very widespread. Most players have their own stories about an investment that went belly up or a time they trusted the wrong person. So while many can be chalked up to more of an educational experience, I think it underlines the point that when you’re younger, you really can have a lot of misplaced trust. And that’s what we aim to rectify with our clients. What was it like to return to the world of study to pass your CFA and CFP exams? My CFA is really the gold standard for wealth management, it’s one of my proudest accomplishments. Hockey helped me to get through those programs at Cornell, but the reason why I came back to them is because I didn’t just want to be a salesperson. I wanted to be technically proficient and at the top of my game. When you play in the NHL, you’re at the top of your game; you’re at the upper echelon, and that’s the same reason why I wanted to do the CFA and CFP exams. Today, you work with IP Private Wealth and the Hockey Family Office. What is your favourite part about the work you do in each role? It took me quite a while to find a good fit with a firm. I hit it off immediately with Richard Kluska, the CEO and founder of IP Private Wealth. What I love about the office is that our clients are never just working with one advisor, they have a whole team behind them. My favourite part is working directly with my clients, and really helping them to have power over their finances, whether they have just signed their first contract or are transitioning out of hockey. I know from my own experience how powerless you can feel trying

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to stay in the NHL, it’s a hard league. I’m able to bring my experience, combined with my technical knowledge, to give them confidence in their strategy. And, they know that they are backed by our entire team at IP Private Wealth. It’s a great feeling. Why is it important for you to help clients and their families successfully transition from hockey, financially? If we do our piece on the financial side, it makes the transition easier. Pro athletes are in a unique situation: at a relatively young age, they experience a financial drop off the size of the Grand Canyon. Things are great when they’re playing, but when they’re done they go to zero. So if we do our jobs right, it lessens the blow of going from being highly paid to hardly paid. I’m also able to lend my experience here, and have those hard conversations while they are still playing. I help to facilitate that engagement in thinking about life after hockey, not only for the player, but for the whole family. My wife put her law career on hold for many years because of me, and it has impacted her career. She is now a lawyer with the Department of Justice, but at the time, the whole family was impacted. I bring a perspective that others who have never been in their shoes and done the transition themselves may not account for. Speaking of your perspective, what is your best piece of advice for hockey players who are just beginning this transition both personally and financially? My advice is to fully engage, not only in their hockey, but in their entire career. Guys are used to being proactive and making decisions about their game… they have skating coaches, skills coaches, nutritionists… they are proactive about their ability. But, they aren’t always proactive in considering what they’re going to do after hockey. You shouldn’t just go along with your advisor’s advice. Be engaged. Treat yourself as the CEO. You and your family are the corporation. Have a board of advisors, a board of directors (which we help facilitate), and be engaged in the process. Take interest in things off the ice. You have to, because you work so hard and your hockey career is such a grind on your body. Take full advantage of that window of opportunity with your career, but fully maximize its value and protect it going forward. We grow up saying we want to play in the NHL, not that we want to manage a portfolio, or do an estate plan, or tax plan. But those are the things that come with success. When you get to the NHL, you have that responsibility not only to yourself, but to your family as well. https://ipprivatewealth.com/

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THE HOLIDAYS at a glance Trimming The Tree Styleathome released these super handy metrics for planning your Christmas tree decorations: For every 1 foot of tree height, you will need: 100 Lights 9FT of Garland 20 Ornaments

Merry Music Jingle Bells Was The First Song Played In Space By the crew of NASA’s Gemini 6A space flight, on December 16, 1965 Silent Night has been remixed over 700 times. Over 733 copyrighted versions have been created since 1978. 42 | FACES MAGAZINE

Festive Films The most successful Christmas movie of all time is Home Alone. It grossed $285 Million at domestic box offices. In second place is Jim Carrey’s The Grinch (2000), which grossed $260 Million.

Holiday Spending North Americans usually expect to spend around $1,000 dollars each December, but end up spending an average of $1,850, according to a Gallup Poll survey.

Holiday Romance A 2010 Facebook survey found that Christmas Day has the lowest number of breakups in the year. The weeks before Christmas, however, have some of the highest numbers of splits. For lovebirds, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are the most popular days in the year to propose.

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What Does The Law Say About

COVID-19 LIABILITY?

he mandates, regulations, and restrictions set out by governments during the pandemic were meant to protect citizens from contracting COVID-19. Today, as provinces reopen further every month, both people and businesses alike recognize their responsibility in helping to keep each other safe and in lowering the risk of transmission of the virus. What does the law say about our responsibility to protect one another?

Lesly Joseph has specialized in personal injury and insurance litigation with Tierney Stauffer LLP for over 10 years. Though the firm is based in Ottawa, she regularly travels to Cornwall, Arnprior, and other surrounding areas to meet with clients. She now also works on COVID-19 liability for both businesses and individuals. As a lawyer of over a decade, the pandemic has brought forth interesting shifts in the realms of her practice, she affirms. “In March 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic changed the ways in which people across the world think and live their lives.” Says Lesly. “With that change, people have redefined how they think about civil liability. In response to these concerns, the Ontario government passed the Supporting Ontario’s Recovery Act. The purpose of the Act is to offer protection to individuals, businesses and corporations from liability related to COVID-19.”

The Supporting Ontario’s Recovery Act, passed in November of 2020, says that people who take reasonable steps to protect themselves and others should not be found liable for transmitting COVID-19. “The Act is meant to protect individuals and businesses who have made a good faith effort to act in accordance with public health guidelines as well as complied with municipal, provincial and federal laws relating to COVID-19. The Act does not protect those whose behaviour, acts or omission are found to constitute gross negligence. Gross negligence refers to behaviour that does not comply with the standards in place at the relevant time. In Ontario, liability as it relates to COVID-19 may be found in situations where an individual’s or corporation’s actions constitute a marked departure from the standards by which reasonable and competent people act.” The Act protects both businesses and individuals alike who have taken the necessary precautions to limit the risk of COVID-19 transmission. So what should each do to ensure they remain protected? Policies will help both businesses and their clients/ employers to keep each other safe, advises Lesly. “Individuals and businesses should ensure that they are aware of, and in compliance with, the ever-changing rules and policies related to health and safety practices for COVID-19. Businesses can protect themselves by creating workplace policies and guidelines for staff members and their patrons that comply with the public health guidelines.”

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If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 in an unsafe circumstance, you may have options, she says. “As an employee or customer, you should get as much information as possible about the circumstances that led to you contracting COVID-19 as soon as possible. Depending on the facts, you may wish to seek advice about whether you have any recourse in those circumstances.”

About Lesly Joseph Lesly is a Partner at Tierney Stauffer LLP and practices in the areas of Personal Injury and Insurance Litigation focusing on claims in the areas of Motor Vehicle Accidents, Slip and Falls/ Trip and Falls, Medical Malpractice, Disability Claims and Contract Litigation. Lesly works in the Ottawa office, but also travels to Arnprior, Cornwall and Kingston to meet with clients on personal injury matters.

About Tierney Stauffer LLP For over 40 years, Tierney Stauffer LLP has worked with clients in the greater Ottawa area providing professional and affordable service. In the last 10 years, the firm has opened locations in Cornwall, Arnprior, Kingston, and North Bay. 1-888-799-8057 TSLawyers.ca

Laws surrounding COVID-19 liability will continue to evolve, she foresees. “The law related to COVID-19 and liability is a new and evolving area. To date, there has been little jurisprudence in Ontario related to civil liability relating to COVID-19. As times change the law will likely evolve to encompass the new world in which we live.”

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COURTNEY TURK’S Designs on Success

A note to frustrated parents: the next time your child, for no apparent reason, takes to rearranging their room, don’t panic. You might have the next Courtney Turk on your hands. The smiley Haligonian, Ottawa-based since 2009, first exhibited her career-making talent moving furniture within the confines of her own home, just for fun. After raising two children of her own, she’s right back at it, this time for fun and profit. Two years ago, Courtney sat down to write a home decorating blog. Next thing she knew, she was delivering her tips—including ones on organizing that messy bookshelf that makes you look bad on Zoom, advice which landed her in Oprah Daily—in person, and, thanks to the pandemic, online.

by Dan Lalande Photography by Sean Sisk Makeup by Corey J. Stone

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It forced us into that uncomfortable place where great things can happen,” says the spirited blonde, who shares idol Oprah’s can-do attitude. “We had to overcome switching from daily in-person projects to completely virtual e-design projects… we’ve tapped into a market that we would have otherwise not explored.” “The entire presentation is done virtually,” she furthers, “with video chats and project delivery alike. What initially seemed like a direction we were forced to take has now become one of our more popular services. We can do it across the country and internationally, with shorter lead times for project completion.” The two-year-old business, as a result, has boomed. Courtney and her staff of four—including her newest hire, CTI’s first full-time senior decorator—can boast 58 clients and counting. “It’s no surprise. People have spent a lot of time indoors over the last year and a half, and with this housing boom, so many homeowners are either looking to renovate their current home or the one they recently purchased.” While interior designers as inextinguishably enthused as Turk and her co-practitioners, who’ve brought the company’s signature style to both residential and commercial spaces, appear born for the job, it’s a professional discipline that takes much more than primary passion. “It requires patience,” Turk qualifies. “Projects are not completed overnight. In fact, they can take months, years even. Patience is required in all stages of the process, from lead times for products right down to the installs. I think a lot of aspiring decorators

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see the quick social media posts and HGTV shows that make it all seem so turnkey, but in reality, it’s just not.” Plus, she invaluably adds, a love of people. Turk cites her relationships with clients as one of the best parts of the job. “Knowing they put so much trust into my vision and means the world to me and my team. Knowing we are the support they need to rest easy about their decisions is so much of why I love what I do.” As for creative inspiration, this self-confessed outdoorsy type, for whom a pair of jeans and a loose shirt fit like a second skin, draws a lot from natural surroundings, another reason why the nation’s capital, famously dotted with greenery, is a good place to be. “Bring the outdoors in” she advises, “whether it is with colours, texture, literal greenery or looking at each angle and how the natural light will filter into the home. There is so much beauty in nature that is untapped around us every day and I love looking at it on a deeper level for each new project.” If you’re looking for proof, check out CTI’s website. There, you’ll see a small, impressive sample of the bedrooms, condo lobbies, and cottages, from across Canada and the U.S., that Turk and her staff have spent the spring and summer transforming via exotic wood, oversized tiles, and organic accents. Now that the weather has turned, Turk is looking forward to tuning in to a new seasonal vibe. “Fall is one of my favourite times of the year,” coos Turk. “The colour palette is so fantastic. Lay-

ered textiles and throws are a must as colder weather approaches. We will be introducing a lot more texture in wall paint and wallpaper this year, paired with ornate lighting and deeper hues of furniture and accents.” Don’t get the impression, though, that she’s advocating the importance of “theme,” a mistake all too common among DIYers. “I often see homeowners trying to combine multiple different styles into one space. While I’m all for stepping outside the box, this can sometimes lead to a feeling of chaos in your decor. It’s important to have some fluidity and movement through the home that remains consistent, so that the house doesn’t feel disconnected. Being considerate of the energy from one room to the next is important. Mind you, this doesn’t mean every room needs to be the same colour or idea” It might also help combat those decorative trends, the ones that end up depersonalizing your home or office space. “There was a major increase in creating visual interest this past year with lots of wood-detailed feature walls, shiplap and board and batten in virtually any space.” As remedy, Turk is offering the disappointed her ear. Book a consult and let her and her staff sit at your feet for a while. “Clients need you to make their dreams become a reality. The first step is just to listen to what those wishes are, their likes and dislikes and overall goals.”

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It’s a philosophy that goes back to the formative days of her career, when Turk herself was made to heed some guidance, albeit a less diplomatic sort than the kind she dispenses in her practice. “I was told by someone I admired in the industry that I didn’t know what an honest day’s work felt like and that I would never be respected. That advice has been a driving force throughout my career. Knowing people want to see you fail can be just as motivating as some of the best advice out there.” There’s that indefatigable optimism again—bringing us back to Oprah. “The day I found out I was going to be featured in Oprah Daily, I was at a loss for words. It was one of those ‘Momma, I made it!’ moments. Oprah was a daily routine in my house growing up; 5 PM you can bet her show was on while someone was preparing dinner. She is one of the most iconic women of our time and I am still in shock that I had the honour of being featured in one of her articles.” Better get used to the feeling, Ms.Turk. There’s likely a lot more press in the offing. In fact, there’s already serious buzz about CTI’s next move. “Next on the agenda is expanding our online shop. I can’t share just yet what is coming to the shop, but I will say we are focusing on collaborating with some other local talent and promoting small businesses and their products!” courtneyturk.com

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Avery Ellis is a 6’2 offensive lineman from New Jersey. He signed with the Redblacks in 2017, and since his breakout year in 2019 where he recorded over 54 tackles and 7 sacks, he’s been making waves on the field. Since then, he has continued to make waves on the field. Off the field, Avery spends his time discovering Ottawa’s hidden restaurants as a self-proclaimed foodie, and recently celebrated his 27th birthday. We chatted with with the New Jersey native about is journey to the CFL, the new season, and his favourite spots in Ottawa.

Photography by Sean Sisk

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Tell us a little about your life growing up in New Jersey. What are some of your favourite memories?

When I was in middle school, I got accepted into a program to study marine biology in the Bahamas. The school was in a small town and owned by an ex-marine. It was a cool experience and definitely one of my favourite memories as a child. When did you first start playing football?

I was always a basketball fan. I loved playing basketball, that was my number one love and my number one sport. It wasn’t until my sophomore year in highschool that I started playing football. I didn’t play on the varsity team until my junior year. I was playing basketball in the AAU, and my parents wanted me to try out for football instead. I gave it a shot, but I really had no idea how to play. In my freshmen year, I ended up getting hurt and couldn’t play basketball. The same thing happened two years in a row, and I finally decided to switch sports. So in junior year, I started playing football. Were you always a Defensive End, or did you play other positions growing up?

I actually wanted to be a quarterback, but I realized I had no accuracy (laughs). Then I started playing wide receiver, and I started gaining weight and kept making my way down from position to position. I went from wide receiver to tight end, to linebacker, and now I play defensive end. Being a guy from Jersey, were you a big Giants or Jets fan growing up? Who were some of your heroes as a kid?

I was actually a big Mets fan back when they were in New Jersey, before they moved to Brooklyn. I grew up in the era where they had Jason Kidd and Vince Carter and I always wore the number 15, even on the football field, because of Vince Carter. He and Jason were definitely my favourites and my heroes.

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What do you like most about living in Canada, and in Ottawa? Any favourite local spots around the city you like to go to? I love eating out in Ottawa. I’m a bit of a foodie, but I like to cook myself too. I’m really big on pizza, and my favourite spot is Heartbreakers Pizza + Wine. I’m also a big steak and fries guy, so I like to go to The Whalesbone or The Keg. There are so many other spots too, I just love to go out and see what’s good, what’s new, what’s poppin. I don’t trust the Yelp reviews all the time... I find these rare blogs from other food lovers and take their recommendations. Who is your least favourite Offensive Lineman to go up against in the CFL? What about him makes him so tough to play against? I don’t hate anyone, but I’ll have to say Justin Renfrow. He and I are friends, so I kind of have this personal vendetta out for him, I wanna beat them over and over (laughs). You had a breakout year in 2019 with 54 tackles and 7 sacks, and that has carried over now to 2021. What was it about the 2019 season that led to your growth as a player? I think it was the experience I had the years before and just understanding the game better. I took that whole season a bit differently. I ended up having a couple of mentors who played in the CFL for a while like Jamaal Westerman, where some time ago he had 16-17 sacks. He’s from New Jersey as well. We trained together in the off-season and he showed me a different work ethic, one I thought I had, but not at his level. So that was a big difference going into the 2021 season. Let’s talk about life away from the field. During lockdown, you completed a Sports Business Degree from Temple University. When you think about life after football, what would be your dream career or job? After football, I know I’d want to stay in the realm of sports. I’d strive to be a General Manager because I don’t think I would want to coach, but I would definitely want to delegate on how a team would run. For the collegiate level, I would like to be an Athletic Director. During my time at Temple, I was an assistant to one of our AD’s, and it was a cool job. You get to be around all the

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sports, help athletes grow and provide different tools for them to put in their toolboxes to be better after their sports career is done.

You recently celebrated your 27th birthday. What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from your 26th year?

I think that a General Manager or Athletic Director would be the best job for me to strive for after football is over.

I know it’s going to sound so cliché, but how you do anything is how you do everything.

What is your favourite thing about the Holiday Season? Do you have any family traditions that you look forward to the most every year? Every time my family gets together, whether on Christmas or Thanksgiving, we have a big potluck. It gets competitive, and people end up bringing the same dishes in order to outdo each other. One year I think we had 7 different lasagnas (laughs). We all give our rankings, too. It’s my favourite time of the year because of that… as soon as someone says the dish their going to bring in the family group chat, it’s game on. The next thing you know, there are 20 different versions of it coming to Christmas Dinner for the family to judge. Favourite Christmas movie? Home Alone for sure. What about a favourite book or movie? For the best book, probably anything by Malcolm Gladwell. For movies… there are so many to choose from. I’m a big Will Smith fan. As much as he didn’t like Wild Wild West, I know he thinks it’s his worst movie, there’s someone out there who loves it, which is me.

Approach everything like you won’t have that opportunity ever again. Not only in football, in everyday life, too. I try to give the maximum effort in everything I do. It’s about being present. Too often we have a great moment in front of us, but we are so busy thinking about the future or the past that we don’t pay attention. One thing from 26 to 27 is I really started to enjoy the moment. Not thinking about what is to come, or what has happened... but just making the most out of the moment that is happening right now. What’s your best advice for aspiring athletes, or any youth, looking to establish themselves in their career and achieve their goals? I would say to stay true to yourself. Don’t try to compare yourself to others. Get 1% better everyday. Athletes are always so busy looking at others and comparing themselves and looking at the competition, but it’s really just between you and you. If I ran 6 sprints today, my goal tomorrow will be to run 7 or 8, and to just keep building myself. Only compete against yourself, because you will shock yourself from the day you start to the day you are ready to have that measured. @averyellis52

You mentioned that you like to cook. If you were having the team over for dinner, what meal would you serve? There’s a lot of big guys, so I would need to find something that would satisfy everyone. I wouldn’t make something small like a 5-star plate. I would make a nice jerk-chicken pasta with a salad on the side to keep it healthy. I don’t want them to know about the butter and cheese that’s in the pasta.

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5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE

MOVING IN TOGETHER

MAKE SURE YOU’RE MOVING IN TOGETHER FOR THE RIGHT REASONS Maybe their apartment building is closer to your workplace. Cool. But that doesn’t necessarily suffice as evidence for the right reason to be moving in together. When thinking about cohabiting, it’s all about the feelings you have for one another says Robert Solley, Ph.D, a San Francisco clinical psychologist specializing in couples therapy. Moving in together for the wrong reasons can be disastrous, so try not to make that mistake. It’s pretty straightforward when you think about it: you want to take the next step in your relationship together and now seems like the best time. Terri Orbuch, Ph.D, author of 5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage from Good to Great, agrees, saying, “I don’t think the situation should make the decision.” What should, she says, is “your relationship, how you work as a couple, how you feel about one another and how committed you are to each other.”

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LET’S TALK ABOUT MONEY FOR A MINUTE

BUT DON’T FORGET TO MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF TOO

Oh that little green monster that is said to be the root cause of all evil. When it comes to money, there are definitely a few things you should take the time to discuss and decide. How will rent and bills be divided fairly if one of you makes more? Make sure you define exactly who will be paying for what before you pack up your entire place. “All couples, regardless of age or length of relationship, should discuss joint finances explicitly before moving in together to prevent serious legal complications if the relationship ends,” Kate Ryan, a wealth management adviser at TIAA says. Although it’s fair to say that your love and newfound living arrangement might last forever, it’s important to protect yourself and that hard-earned cash.

I know we’ve just established that spending time together is elemental, but that doesn’t mean you should be completely joined at the hip. A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that couples who spend the most time tending to their own preferred leisure activities are usually the happiest. Try to ensure that you get time to yourself – go out with your own friends, hit up that neighborhood spin class, or simply spend time alone in another nook of the house. Just remember not to lose sight of who you are as an individual.

MAKE SURE YOU SPEND QUALITY TIME TOGETHER You’re busy. You’re stressed. You feel like you’re being pulled in multiple directions. Snuggling up on the couch with some popcorn and Netflix on the regular sounds pretty tempting…but do make sure to challenge yourselves and explore the world together too. Spend Saturday morning doing couples yoga, sign up for a sign language class, or do something crazy adventurous like bungee jumping. Don’t fall into the habit of simply seeing each other only to coordinate everyday tasks.

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Wedding planner Beth Sharb claims that nearly all of her clients live together before they get married. In this day and age, it seems to be pretty inevitable. With our top five tips you can now be totally prepared… and excited. But it’s okay to be nervous too. “You’re going to have to adjust to a new human being’s routines, flaws, and idiosyncrasies – it can be both exciting and anxiety-provoking,” reassures Sharb. If all else fails, just try and remember the reason that you moved in together in the first place – love. That should be enough to conquer whatever comes your way.

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12 Questions With Newstalk

Kristy Cameron Y

You grew up in Oakville. How would you describe your childhood? I was an angelic cherub of a child. I excelled in every area of life and was a gift to my family. You’re not interviewing my mother though right? Next question. How did you know you wanted to study journalism? What was your first impression of Ottawa when you came here to study? I grew up watching CTV National News every night and always loved politics. After realizing I probably wouldn’t make it in acting, I moved into journalism (yes, I was a very cool theatre kid.) I immediately felt at home in Ottawa. People here are very engaged, and they want to talk about current events. I love living in a city that is the political heartbeat of the country. And I think Ottawa has a lot of offer for people who like being outdoors.

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How did your work at News Talk 580 CFRA change during COVID?

The pandemic radically changed my job. All of a sudden, I was hosting a radio show in the living room of our cramped townhouse - I never thought that would be possible. My stationary bike was in there too so it was both a gym and a radio studio, which was quite strange. It also meant my partner Drake, was banned from the lower level of the house for four hours a day. Thankfully, we’ve moved and have a basement, so I work down there and Drake isn’t a prisoner anymore.

What do you love most about your show Ottawa Now with Kristy Cameron? How would you describe the show to someone new to Ottawa? Ottawa Now brings people closer to their city. It’s like chatting with a close friend who is informed. We cover the big stories and talk to the newsmakers but we have fun while doing it. I love the show‘s range - one minute we’re having a tense interview about transit or interviewing a minister, and the next we’re hearing outrageous personal stories on “Confession Thursday”.

Your job requires you to stay on the beat about the issues and events happening in Ottawa, Canada, and the world. Do you find this challenging, or is it your favourite part of the job? It’s certainly challenging but that’s why I love it. I cannot imagine doing anything else because I have no off switch! I remember being on vacation on a volcanic island in Nicaragua and using my weak wifi connection to tune into my station to listen to the SNC Lavalin testimony. News is what makes me tick. What do you love most about working with the News Talk 580 CFRA team? Every day is different but no matter what, there will be a four-hour show, so we have to make that happen. It’s a hungry beast and somehow we manage to feed it. We work together; we all have a strange sense of humour and big passion for radio.

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What is the best advice you have received in your career thus far? Who do you look up to? Never trip over yourself to fill a silence in an interview. People have a desire to be heard, and sometimes they need that extra moment to seize the opportunity. I really admire Lisa LaFlamme. She is a legendary broadcaster and an institution in this country. Where do you get your confidence from to be a broadcaster? Did your way with words come naturally, or did you need to work towards it? I have a habit of delivering monologues (my performances are regularly mocked by friends and family) so it’s safe to say the talking part comes easily. Confidence is a learned skill. I also consider my audience to be a big part of the show. We meet every day and it’s a conversation, so I feel like I’m speaking with people rather than talking at them. Aside from your busy work life, what are some of your favourite things to do around Ottawa? How about your favourite places to eat or visit in the Ottawa area? I’m a very active person, so when I’m not behind the mic or in front of the camera, I’m usually in spandex exercising. I enjoying hiking, spinning and running. Movement is essential to maintain balance in my life. If I can pop in some good tunes, and get my heart pumping, it’s a good day. And as places to eat…I recently had dinner at Arlo and loved it! Superb wine and delicious food. What’s something that most people would be surprised to know about you? I thought long and hard about this one and now realize I chronically overshare with my listeners so I have absolutely no mystery. Ok fine, I haven’t had meat in about 17 years but my mouth still waters at the smell of bacon.

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Tell us about your dog. What’s their name? I have two dogs - Jasper and Bridget. Jasper is a manic 7-year-old black lab mix who loves to swim and run. And Bridget is a 2-year-old Bullmastiff. She’s 130 pounds of love. She’ll go for a trundle or two around the block but then she just wants to be cuddled or held. They’re an odd pair but they balance each other out. Sadly, everything I own is covered in a layer of dog hair.

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What is the best piece of advice you can give to anyone looking to follow your footsteps as an aspiring young broadcaster? Work hard, stay hungry and know that nothing comes easy in this profession. You’ll get a front row seat to the news everyone else reads about and an opportunity to interview fascinating people you never would’ve met otherwise. And you’ll get to work in a newsroom with a real cast of characters - these people have a wicked sense of humour and are whip smart. @RadioKristy

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Facts About

Chronic Lateness E

xperts say you can become addicted to being late. Despite the general public’s agreement that tardiness can read as rude or irresponsible, 1 in 5 people are late to work atleast once a week, according to a YouGov poll. Of those who admitted tao consistent tardiness, it was millennials who appeared to be the biggest culprits, with 22% of the participants admitting to being late once a week in comparison to only 15% of the older demographics surveyed. Just under half (48%) of the participants surveyed claimed to never be late to work. Researchers have a few theories as to why some people fall into the habit of lateness, and it’s deeper than simple laziness.

1. Mental Health Plays a Role It’s believed to be avoidance, rather than laziness, which causes late behaviour. This can stem from deeper underlying issues like anxiety and other mental health problems which make it difficult for people to get out the door each morning. Experts say that avoidance is a fear response, and fear is an incredibly powerful motivator—or in this case, a powerful obstacle to habitual punctuality. 62 | FACES MAGAZINE

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2. Lateness is Nurtured

3. Culture Plays A Role

Many habits and behaviours are formed early in life, and are picked up from the home and family. When punctuality is not held as an important factor in the day to day, these thought processes can follow a child into their adult life and wreak havoc on their relationships and career. Inherited lateness is a common reason for tardiness in adults, as these childhood behaviours become second-nature as we age, and are therefore more difficult to break free from.

Some research suggests that there can also be a cultural link, as punctuality is not as highly regarded in some other cultures as it is in North America, and in many countries tardiness is the norm. What would be considered rude in one culture is a standard practice in another, which can cause problems for an individual who is new to North America and has yet to acclimate to certain publicly expected behaviours.

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4. You Can Be Addicted To Being Late

5. Lateness Can Be A Rebellion

Another factor which may contribute to forming the habit of tardiness is the chase for adrenaline, which can be seen in those with overbooked schedules who thrive on the high of adrenaline that stems from running from obligation to obligation. Adrenaline can be an addictive high, and often those who engage in this form of habitual tardiness are doing so unintentionally, chasing the feeling that lateness gives them rather than gaining pleasure from the repercussions of tardiness. This can be a difficult habit to break, as it stems from a pleasure-seeking portion of the brain.

For some who’ve made lateness a habit, the driving force behind their tardiness is their ego and a disrespect for authority. Making people wait on them is a way of stroking their ego and proving their own self-importance. This is a physiological high, say experts, differing from the brain-response that the adrenaline chaser experiences.

Whatever the reason, tardiness can cause a strain on a person’s life, affecting performance at work and interpersonal relationships. Experts suggest implementing a few small changes, like committing to waking up 15 minutes earlier, paring down your obligations in a day, and limiting distractions like your phone and TV in order to prioritize your tasks for the day in a timely fashion.

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By Dan Lalande

Photography by Sean Sisk

Josh Chartrand’s reasons for walking away from a successful fourteen-year career to bring Ottawa its first Papa John’s Pizza outlet range from the naively nostalgic… “Growing up,” confesses Chartrand, “I loved the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, with their thing for pizza. I figured that getting into pizza would be fun.”…to the deeply personal: “I lost my mom a little over three years ago. I didn’t take the time to properly grieve, which came back to bite me. About a year after her passing, I realized I needed a change in my life.”

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So determined, Chartrand said goodbye to a life selling nutritional supplements, a business that had been more than good to him, both monetarily and socially.

some pizza places use fillers instead of 100% cheese.”

Especially in Covid-challenged times.

While Chartrand’s passion for pizza is palpable, other menu items have him just as jazzed.

“When you work with the same people for so long, you develop a bond that’s tough to walk away from. I’m thankful I’m still friends with my former colleagues and that they were so supportive during a challenging time.”

“What you might not know is that we do some amazing sides and desserts. My favourite non-pizza items are the Chicken Poppers and the Cinnamon Pull-Aparts. Our Chicken Poppers are made from 100% white meat raised without antibiotics or GMOs. Not only do they taste great, but you can also feel good about treating yourself or your family. The Cinnamon Pull-Aparts are just ridiculous. They’re lathered in tasty icing and they literally pull-apart. It’s a great way to enjoy a sweet ending to pizza night.”

“It’s been a frustrating experience. Supply chain and labour shortages are impacting every business. Thankfully, Papa John’s head office understands and has been very helpful throughout the process.”

While in limbo, the Orleans native began to contemplate his next professional move. Recalling the childhood thrill of his mother’s cooking and wowed by the prospect of being an entrepreneurial pioneer, Chartrand determined to give Ottawa, a city as crazy about pizza as he is, its first taste of Papa John’s.

“

“I think being first to market is a great competitive advantage,” Chartrand enthuses. “But what impressed me the most is Papa John’s commitment to its tagline: ‘Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.’” Those better ingredients being?

“A good pizza starts with the proper dough. Our dough is fresh, never frozen. From there, it’s all about the sauce. Our tomatoes are grown exclusively for Papa John’s and are picked and canned within forty-eight hours. We also use 100% mozzarella cheese. I didn’t realize that

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After having caught the pizza bug, Chartrand’s initial instinct was to go at it alone. As a newbie in the food business, however, not to mention in Ottawa’s highly competitive pizza market, he began to consider that the waters probably ran deeper than he knew. Enter partner Paul Lahey, the Leonardo to Chartrand’s Michelangelo…or is it the Donatello to his Raphael? ”We’re a great team,” Chartrand boasts. “I’m wellversed in operations and sales and he knows numbers inside-out. Having a partner to bounce ideas off and confide with has been a blessing.”

So helpful that the franchise’s November opening, in Chartrand’s native Orleans no less, is right on track. After that, it’s Kanata/Stittsville in 2022, then, Barrhaven and Riverside South. Before they’re through, Chartrand and Lahey’s goal is to make Papa John’s as much a part of the city as the hockey rinks and baseball diamonds Chartrand spent his childhood playing on. Meanwhile, you’ll find Papa John’s latest franchise owner grooming the staff of his flagship outlet, helping to create a winning customer experience. “Building a team and coaching is fun. My job is to encourage them to reach their potential, move up, if desired, and equip them with skills they can use forever.” “I grew up in Orleans, so opening the first Papa John’s in Ottawa there is like a homecoming. Can’t wait to see familiar and new faces!”

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WHY? Holiday Edition

Where Did Eggnog Come From? It has been written that Eggnog’s roots go back to the wealthy aristocrats in Britain. The wealthy folk would drink warm egg and milk beverages, which they would season with expensive spices like nutmeg and cinnamon and pricey liquors like sherry and brandy to keep from spoiling. When this drink was passed onto American colonists, rum was used. The colonists would use the term “Grog” for Rum and back in the day, Rum was served in wooden carved mugs that were known as Noggins. In North America, this egg, milk, spices and rum drink was first known as Egg-N-Grog and over time it was shortened to Eggnog.

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Why Do We Kiss Under a Mistletoe? Many trace this tradition back to Norse Mythology, to a story about the god named Baldur. In the Story, his Mother casts a powerful magic spell to make sure no plant grown on Earth could be used as a weapon against her son. The Sneaky mistletoe avoided her spell, because it was grown out of a tree’s branches, not out of the earth! There was a devious fella named Loki who, when realizing this, made a spear out of Mistletoe and he killed Baldur with it. Surprisingly, Baldur’s magic momma declared the Mistletoe to be a symbol of love after the death of her son and she promised to plant a smooch on anyone who walked underneath it. Historians who ponder such important things seem to be baffled how this mythological tale somehow evolved into its modern-day tradition.

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CHRIS JOHN STON

Chris Johnston is one of the NHL’s top insiders who has just celebrated 21 years in the industry. It has given him time to reflect on his early years growing up in Coburg, Ontario, where he was more of an outsider to the world of hockey, reading or watching only from a distance the work of people who would become his colleagues. These people would include Ron McLean, who a young Johnston would watch on Hockey Night in Canada, like every other Canadian hockey fan growing up. And Bob McKenzie, someone Chris always especially admired, who he now works with at TSN. If it feels sentimental to you, that’s because it very much is. After 9 years with Sportsnet, Chris recently announced a pivotal change in his career to become an NHL insider with TSN. He’s also taken a leadership role with Nordstar’s new gaming venture, as a Senior NHL Insider, which will have his work regularly featured in the Toronto Star. The Toronto Star was the paper of choice for his late Mother, who would read it every morning with a black coffee. She would share the sports section with Chris while he ate his cereal before school. In his own words, this daily ritual ‘kept the peace and fed a dream’. While Chris’ 21-year career seems to be coming full circle in interesting ways, he believes it’s also a product of the changing media landscape. As that landscape begins to include more in-person reporting as a return to a norm post-COVID, Chris is excited to get back into the arenas and bring the human side of hockey to Canadians and Leafs fans everywhere. We sat down with Chris to discuss his journey to journalism, his transition to TSN, and his thoughts on the season ahead.

Photography by Cole Burston

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Tell us about life for you growing up in Cobourg, Ontario. Did you have dreams of playing professional hockey when you were young? I was a hockey nut for as long as I can remember. I was a kid who watched games on TV, used to collect NHL stickers and trading cards, and played minor hockey my entire life, from three years old until I moved away to university. I grew up playing a lot of road hockey. There wasn’t a ton to do in a small town, so that really accounted for a lot of my time as a child. Strangely, my journey to doing what I do now is also connected back to that time. When I was about 5 or 6 years old, I started saying that I wanted to be a hockey journalist. No one in my family is quite sure where that came from. I can’t really say why either, we were a family that grew up reading the newspaper a lot at the breakfast table each morning, and my mom in particular was a real newshound. I started telling her I was going to be a hockey journalist and I never really lost that idea... and obviously ended up pursuing it as my profession. Was there anyone in the industry that really gave you your first big break or gave you a piece of advice that you’ve never forgotten? Anytime you have any success in your life, there are always people along the way that have helped get you there, it’s impossible without it. My mom, Linda, was a big influence on my life. She was more studious. My dad, who was an immigrant from Scotland, didn’t have much of an education. My mom encouraged me to pursue things like 72 | FACES MAGAZINE

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writing. She gave me the confidence to believe that I could succeed in a career like this. Once I attended Ryerson University, which was my first move away from Coburg, I ended up getting a job at a company called The Canadian Press. I was 18, and within 3 weeks of moving to Toronto, the Editor there, Neil Davidson, was very kind in hiring me. It also initially linked me up with Pierre Lebrun, who at the time was the company’s main hockey writer. Pierre has been a pretty steady influence throughout my life, and has helped to introduce me to people in the industry. He’s also now my close friend and confidant, especially since I’ve taken a job at TSN and am working alongside him again. He is just one of those people who has been a guardian angel throughout my life, and really helped to motivate, encourage, and support me when I was still finding my way. What are your memories of your first night working on Hockey Night in Canada? Did you have a chance to enjoy the moment, or was it too nerve-wracking? I was a nervous wreck. I am not going to sugarcoat it, or try to twist the truth on that one (laughs). You know, as much as I told you that I wanted to be a hockey writer, and managed to do that even through the initial stages of my career, that was a place that I never really planned on getting to. I never would have imaging that I would be on that stage, sitting beside Ron McLean. He was in that seat when I was a kid, watching on Saturday nights. I remember the pit in my stomach that I had on that day. You know, I did 4 seasons at Hockey Night, and I would say that there was a healthy level

of anxiety that went with every Saturday that I worked. Starting Thursday, I would feel it in my shoulders if I didn’t have ideas or any info, and I would be making a lot of calls Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I always felt like that was a spot to be lived up to I suppose. I never really felt like I made it. I was actually told the first Saturday, that I was only promised one. Part of the reason that I’m sure I was nervous the first week was because there was no promise that there’d be a second (laughs). To get a little sentimental, I remember going home after the first or second Saturday for thanksgiving. My family had bought me a small painting of the Hockey Night logo, and they all signed the back. That’s still hanging up in my apartment. It was a big thrill for my whole family, and for me, to get that chance. The fact that I did over 100 shows in 4 years is honestly still a bit surreal. How long does it take for a reporter to build up the contacts and network to become ‘an insider’ in the game? Was it hard getting agents or players or teams to trust you at first? I don’t think there is any way to speed it up, honestly. One thing that I have to remind myself, even now, is that stamina is a skill in this industry. The longer that you can hang around and keep doing it, and continue to be relevant and have a platform, the more people you’re going to know. Sometimes it takes going out and physically meeting people, and spending time with them, to gain their trust. Your reputation also takes a while to build,

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you have to get to a point where people are returning you texts, calls and emails, and for them to actually stop and have a chat with you if they see you at an arena. It’s hard to say the exact amount of time, but it felt like a long time. There were certainly lots of days where I wondered if I would get there. Let’s talk about your life away from hockey. What are some of your favourite holiday memories or traditions your family has that you really look forward to every year? The big one is just spending time together, and often that means going back to Coburg because my dad still lives there. I actually have a sister who lives in Ottawa with her family. Usually we all converge in Coburg on or around Christmas Day, depending on what everyone else’s in-law situation is. We just hang out together, watch the kids open presents, and reminisce a little bit. We talk about my mom, who died a few years ago. A lot of those years, we’ve rented ice and gone skating at an arena. Hockey is part of our holiday traditions, too, including watching the World Junior Tournament on TV. What is your favourite holiday movie if you had to choose just one? Christmas Vacation. What is the most memorable Christmas gift you have ever received and why? Probably when I got an Easton aluminum hockey stick. I don’t know what age I would have been, but it was the same model that

Wayne Gretzky would have used after he went to the Kings, so somewhere in the early 90’s. That was a huge thrill... I wasn’t getting those types of things too much at that age (laughs). Tell me about your decision to run every day last year since the start of COVID? What inspired that? What did that teach you about yourself? Well, it really came from the fact that I used to be a pretty committed runner for a number of years and that stopped about 10 years ago. It was always kind of in my mind that I would like to get back to it, but I never made the time… it was just one of those things that I kept putting off. When COVID hit, I found myself with a lot more time. I also found myself in a hard place around then. I was worried about what was going on in the world, I was worried about my family, health… I didn’t know what was happening with my job at that point or what the company would do, and so as a way of giving myself a little bit of purpose, I told myself I was going to run every day. This was at the beginning of the COVID lockdowns, when there was truly nothing to do. So I told myself that even if I didn’t accomplish anything else that day, I would have still done something positive for myself. What I have learned from it is the power of small actions repeated. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say it’s changed my life.

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I feel a lot better physically, I have a lot more clarity of thought, and a lot more conviction in my decision making. It’s been really positive for me, and I am still doing it today. I think I am at around 530 days. I started April 29th, 2020. I don’t know that it would be for everyone, but certainly for me, it was just nice to have that become part of my routine and I find that it is almost meditative for me. Speaking about decision making, tell me about your decision to move to TSN. Was it hard to leave Sportsnet? What’s it like working on the panel? You have said before that you were always a big fan of Bob McKenzie. What is it like working with his son, Shawn? Shawn is a good friend of mine, and he was one of many reasons it was difficult for me to leave Sportsnet. You know Elliotte Friedman, David Amber, Caroline Cameron… I really did become close with all of the people I worked with at Sportsnet. I was there for almost 9 years, and owe a lot to them. But, I think that change can be healthy in your life. I got to the point this summer where my contract was expiring, and I had 5 other places calling me about potential jobs. I had to go through that process, and ultimately what I landed on here just felt right. I think it’s good to push yourself beyond your comfort zone, and I would say quite candidly that’s where I am talking to you from today. It’s been a huge change and upheaval. It’s just a new rhythm to the life that I am living. I won’t be travelling nearly as much in these new roles as I was in my previous one. It’s pretty cool to be back working with Pierre, and to even be working with Bob. Bob’s in the group chat now on my phone, which is pretty neat for me, as someone who grew

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up wanting to follow his path in this industry. So there were definitely mixed emotions in the summer, as I was working through my decision. I left behind some people that I think will be lifelong friends, but I am going to hopefully make more friends here at the new shop. What are your thoughts on the Ottawa Senators? Well, I think that the Senators are deserving of their hype. I look at the foundation that they have built with the young players, and I see lots of reasons for optimism for the team. What’s your best advice for any young journalists looking to follow in your footsteps? Be a little more patient, because when you want something really bad, it’s natural that you reach points where you think it’s not happening for you, or to wonder if you’re on the right path. Certainly in my 20’s I had those feelings at various points. If you are able to stay in the industry long enough, it is amazing how someone who you might have met 10 years ago all of a sudden is a GM, or a more prominent agent… I think there is no substitute for time when it comes to building up your contact base and trust in the industry. @reporterchris

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Founder and CEO Ryan O’Connor has taken that concept and turned it into a reality for real estate by launching the first-ever transparent online auction site in Canada. Real estate by auction, it’s an incredible concept and it’s one of 2021’s fastest-growing startups, all based in the Nation’s Capital. The model - an online platform that hosts fully transparent auctions for homes in real-time. All buyers need to do is register on Unreserved. com (mortgage pre-approval required), and they can bid on homes from any computer or mobile device. The platform is a first of its kind in the real estate market and hopes to counter the largely problematic blind bidding system that has left many buyers frustrated and fatigued.

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It’s the brainchild of tech entrepreneur Ryan O’Connor. O’Connor has been able to force change in other industries starting with Eblock, an online automotive auction site that allows car dealers across Canada and the United States to buy and sell used car inventory. In 2020, Eblock was named Fastest Growing Automotive Company by The Globe and Mail. “I know first-hand how defeating the home buying and selling process can be”, recalls Ryan. “I’ve got an amazing team rallied around this idea. We are bringing transparency, excitement, and a level of trust back to the real estate market. This is a process that can’t be circumvented by anyone.”

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Since launching in Ottawa, Ryan has attracted some of the city’s top talent. It’s a testament to not only Ryan’s abilities, but the quality of the company he is creating. His team now includes the former CEO of Royal Lepage, Simon Dean, now Unreserved’s Chairman of The Board, Matthew Hoar, the former CFO of Flow Water, now President of Unreserved, Toronto advertising executive, Daanish Siddiqui, now SVP Marketing, and former director of strategy at Ciena, Montana McTiernan, stepping in as COO. In an already established industry, change is always a challenge. Uber and Airbnb had their fair share of backlash. Ultimately, this is free market economics. Matt elaborated on some of the hard to swallow facts surrounding the current landscape. “It’s not agents that don’t want the change, it’s the governing real estate boards who act more like unions rather than ambassadors of the consumers that they are supposed to be representing. Agents are pushing them for change. Transparent bidding goes directly against what the boards have laid out for their agents. The rules are very strict, and agents are stuck with blind bidding and bully offers.” FIRST OF ITS KIND FEATURES, FOR BOTH BUYERS AND SELLERS Trust and transparency are not just words for O’Connor; they are the pillars of which the platform is built on. Unreserved pre-inspects every home, and that report, along with the market comparables, are available for anyone to view. The transparency flows

through the entire buying process as anyone can watch the auction in real time on the company’s website. Buyers can schedule a private showing, attend an open house, and get their own inspection in advance if they wish. For Ryan, it’s black and white “The industry would have zero complaints if this process were implemented. So we’re doing it.”

When Sellers see the 1% fee and the Price Guarantee, the live auction becomes the icing on the cake. The numbers don’t lie and Unreserved’s true success will be based on a marketplace that allows both the buyers and sellers to win. Right now it’s a sellers market and bidding wars are inevitable - the fairness that Unreserved brings is something all buyers appreciate.

Sellers are winning too. Unreserved makes money by charging a 1% auction fee on each successful transaction.

Zach Neilson, VP of Strategic Partnerships, is confident that sellers will see the value they receive by selling with Unreserved. “We always want to go above and beyond. An upfront guarantee, staging, decor, painting, small renovations and an unrivaled investment in advertising ensures that when your home is seen, it looks it’s best. Our goal is to position each listing for success.”

One of the crown jewels of the Unreserved model is the “Price Guarantee”. It’s an industry first, providing sellers with all the benefits of an auction while simultaneously eliminating any risk. Traditionally, your first offer is your best offer, with an auction model, it’s reversed, your last offer is what you are ultimately putting forward as your best offer. Sellers also set their auction date and watch their house transact online. Ryan says, “Nobody in this space is giving price guarantees. With all the data we have at our fingertips it’s pretty simple to give real assurances for sellers.” In the unlikely event that the auction does not surpass the guaranteed price, Unreserved will pay you the difference between the sale price and the price guarantee. “This has been a real game changer for sellers as it gives them peace of mind in the auction, and the flexibility to go ahead and buy their next home knowing their current home is 100% going to transact” says Ryan.

OTTAWA AS HOMEBASE Being part of a forward thinking, innovative company is what has attracted many professionals to work for Unreserved. Rachel Langois, a former realtor and Unreserved’s VP of Sales, says that her own experiences on the frontlines of buying and selling have underlined the need for a new system. For her, Unreserved is the answer. “I was a realtor for 10 years, and in that time I saw everything I needed to see to convince me that there had to be a better way for the industry to operate” The Ottawa market has proven Rachel right. The team receives over 1000 calls per week. “Our inbox is

Photography by Sean Sisk

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a little out of control,” says Rachel. “But in the best possible way.” The Canada-wide expansion is slated for early 2022; first Toronto, then Vancouver. But right now, the focus is Ottawa. With the support of the city behind them, they have been able to use Ottawa to refine the platform and experience. Ryan can’t thank the city enough, “We are grateful for the people of Ottawa who are rallying behind us to make this happen.” This December, despite a huge volume of interest, they will be shutting down the platform from December 10th until the 20th — all to make way for their inaugural charity auction campaign. Unreserved will auction off an array of prizes and money raised will go to The Boys and Girls Club. Ryan has always been a bit of an underdog, finding the value of sports like boxing in his own life. His involvement with Ringside For Youth was part of the inspiration as he stepped into the ring 13 times in the past to help raise money for The Ottawa Boys and Girls Club. O’Conner, who has 5 kids of his own, has seen first hand how kids have suffered this past year and half. Donating directly to Ottawa programs that elevate them and their wellbeing was a no brainer.

We sat down with Matt, Zach, Rachel and Montana to discuss some of the commonly asked questions about the platform. How is this being received by real estate agents? Rachel: We are in direct competition because every agent in this city is competing for listings. We are recognized as a threat for sure. With that said, there are a lot of progressive agents in this city. The launch of Unreserved would have not been possible without them. They have embraced

the transparent buying experience just like I have. Of course, some agents are still agents trying to maintain the status quo… we’ve seen the use of some scare tactics to push their buyers away from the platform. Agents will say that you don’t know who you’re bidding against. To that I say, this only works if everyone is transparent, and we are in it for the long haul. What if it’s a buyer’s market? How does that impact your business? Zach: An auction platform is built for all market conditions. Establishing a home’s true value is the challenge the market is facing because there are so many hands in the pot. I have experience operating a real estate auction company in Vancouver during a down market, and it was a success! I witnessed first-hand that it doesn’t matter if it’s a buyer’s market or a seller’s market. When there’s urgency of an imminent transaction… it actually helps establish a home’s true value. What kind of support can buyers expect? Zach: Everything but the kitchen sink! Just joking, we include that too. We built this business from a buyer’s perspective and some of this stuff has just never been done before. Anyone who views a home on Unreserved will have access to a comprehensive report with the home’s market comparables and home inspection. For the person that buys the home, we include a 1-year home warranty. That’s a huge advantage for sellers and buyers because it means people want to buy on Unreserved, you wouldn’t get that warranty if you bought through the traditional model. We want to make the buying process fun again! Ultimately, we are providing transparency, which is long overdue.

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And sellers? Zach: An upfront guarantee in a business where guarantees don’t exist. I think we spoke about it in a lot of detail, but I can’t stress enough, we will guarantee you a price on your home. It will be fair and aggressive, and we will pay you the difference if your home doesn’t reach that number in the auction. Garnering the most interest for your home is easier if things look good, so we have a full staging team that descends on your home when you list with us. Décor is big and we bring that too. It truly is the royal treatment. We’ll go in and paint and perform small renovations if necessary. When your house is ready for its close up, we bring through our photo and video team who are doing some of the coolest work I’ve seen in the space. Our goal is to position each listing for success. Why should I sell my house with Unreserved vs the traditional home selling process where my house is listed on MLS and accessible to more buyers? Rachel: We are able to post our listings on MLS through mere postings. The exposure we are getting for our properties is unparalleled. Nobody has the marketing budget that we have, and we are making sure that we are averaging between 40 and 50 showings per property. It validates that consumers are gravitating towards this model. We are getting more showing than agents are. I’d like to say it was hard to give up my license, but it wasn’t. There’s a better, more efficient way to sell homes, and this is it.

www.unreserved.com

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ARE YOU MAKING THESE 5 COMMON MISTAKES WITH YOUR FRIDGE?

ANNUAL OR SEASONAL CLEANING ONLY Fridges are definitely a bother to clean properly, but experts say you should give your fridge a weekly clean to eliminate bacteria. If this proves to be too frequent, then you should focus on cleaning your crispers and any shelves where you store meat only, and save the rest for your semi-annual cleaning. STORING MEAT ON TOP SHELVES

Though they are marvels of the modern world, fridges can also double as breeding grounds for bacteria if not cleaned or used properly. Here are 5 of the most common mistakes that people make when storing food in their fridge, according to microbiology experts.

STORING FRUIT AND VEGETABLES TOGETHER Many grocery shoppers come home and put all of their fresh produce away in their crispers, or drawers. But be sure to separate your fruits and vegetables, say microbiologists. Fruit emits ethylene, which can actually accelerate the expiry of vegetables. OVERFILLING Fridges rely on the circulation of cold air to each level and each item. Fridges that are overstuffed have a higher chance of interfering with this processes, and cause sneaky spoiling to the unsuspecting cook.

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Speaking of meat, where do you store yours? One of the biggest mistakes that fridge owners make is storing meat too high in their fridge. Top shelves are always slightly warmer than bottom shelves, and when thawing raw meat, a top shelf can allow for meat juices to drip onto other food. To lower risk of

cross-contamination, always store thawing meat on the bottom shelf, and in a bowl, to make sure no dripping or running occurs. STORING EGGS IN THE DOOR Some fridges have shelves on the door specifically for eggs, but experts warn against using them. Though these specialized shelves are quaint, the door is also a very warm area for eggs, as it loses coolness easily when opened. To properly store eggs, keep them in their container and in the back of the fridge.

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Bailey Andison was a member of the Canadian national team at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima where she won bronze in the 200m individual medley. She qualified for the team in Lima by finishing third in the 200m IM at the Canadian Trials. She made her Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 where she was two spots shy of advancing to the 200m individual medley semi finals. Andison first represented Canada internationally at the 2017 Universiade in Taipei. She swam for the University of Denver from 2015 to 2018 before transferring to University of Indiana. She represented the Hoosiers as a senior while being rewarded with two All-America honours at the 2018 NCAA Championships. She achieved this by finishing sixth in the 400m individual Medley and eighth in the 200m. She now competes in the International Swim League with DC Trident where she hopes to continue their push in their upcoming playoff season. We caught up with Andison to discuss her Olympic experience and life in Ottawa.

Photography by Sean Sisk Makeup by Corey J. Stone

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What was it like growing up in Smiths Falls? Growing up in a small town, there is always a huge sense of community around you no matter what you are doing. Everybody knows everybody, and everyone looks out for each other. My best memories are of the Hershey Chocolate Festival that Smiths Falls was known for. The Hershey plant was our main commodity. I loved it, and it’s a great little town. Everyone should go and visit it if they can. How did you first get involved with swimming? When did you know that you wanted to pursue it professionally? My grandfather is Australian, and I loved the water from a really young age. At only 2 years old, I was swimming with no flotation devices. My family would throw loonies and toonies down into the pool and I would go down to dive and get them. The ones that I could get, I could keep. Swimming is big in Australia, and my grandpa noticed my passion and tried to find me a club. I joined The Perth Stingrays, which is a town over. And I stuck with it from when I was 5 to now. Take us back to 2019, in the Pan Am Games, where you won bronze in the 200M individual medley race. What do you remember from that moment? It was a huge relief, to be honest. I was going into that meet seeded first, so I was really hoping to grab that gold, but unforeseen circumstances arose. I don’t like to make excuses, but I had some sort of food poisoning or food-related illness just a day before the race, and all I had

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to eat was an apple. The day of the race, I almost couldn’t keep down a peanut butter sandwich. Getting up behind the blocks, I was feeling weak, but I grinded it out. I got my hand on the wall, though maybe not on the time I wanted. But I brought home some hardware and represented Canada on the podium, and that was a surreal feeling. What was the atmosphere in Lima like in comparison to the other tournaments you competed in? It was incredible. Team Canada was just so fun to be around. We had a team room for all athletes, and every night after dinner the room was just packed with people. You could barely get a seat. Everyone was watching whatever event was on that night, some people were playing card games, and everyone was getting to know each other. I met so many cool people from track, and baseball, and even more obscure sports like race flock. It was a really cool atmosphere, everyone was teaching others about their sports, and we were all cheering on Team Canada. You were awarded the 2020 Brooke and Brittany Henderson Award for youth who exhibit small town values and community pride through perseverance, commitment and dedication to attain their goals. What did it mean to you to be recognized with this award? It means a lot. Brooke and I are close. The award is named after her because she is so amazing, as a person and as the pinnacle of success. So to be recognized in that way is an honour. Brooke is someone I look up to so much, not only as an athlete, but as a friend.

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How about Tokyo 2020? What was it like preparing to actually compete, having to wait due to the postponement, and then finally getting to go this summer? To be honest, in 2020 I was probably not in the right mindset to be on the Olympic team. My body was capable, but I was freaking out. I pretty much thought myself out of being successful at trials. With the postponement, it was really difficult at first, especially because Canada was one of the first countries to pull out even before the Olympics were actually cancelled. It was really hard to deal with because we didn’t know if or when we we were going to go, and I was still showing up to practice every day in case. That first part of the year was really difficult, trying to feel like you still had a purpose in the sport when it felt like something you had been working towards your whole life had just been ripped away from you. Going into the later half of 2020 and 2021, I had a change of mindset. I said to myself, I love swimming, I love what I am doing, and I am going to stop focusing so much on results, and focus instead on the moment and the process. I started to have fun, and I sort of returned back to the initial reasons why I started swimming. I went into every practice with a good attitude, and instead of focussing on my times, I focussed on making sure I laughed at every practice, and things started to turn around. I was able to drop a lot of time that year, and going into the Olympic year, I made it on the team.

“I focussed on making sure I laughed at every practice, and things started to turn around. I was able to drop a lot of time that year, and going into the Olympic year, I made it on the team.”

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What was the energy like at Tokyo 2020? What’s a highlight from your experience outside of competing? The vibes of the games were a little bit different than they usually would have been, but for a lot of us first-timers, we didn’t have anything to compare it to, so everything was still so amazing to us. We didn’t even realize that there were restrictions in place. Tokyo did an amazing job, I felt safe the entire time. Swimmers were able to go into the venue and watch, even if they weren’t racing that day, so there was always noise and a crowd which helped add to the experience. I watched the flag be raised for Margaret Mac Neil’s 100 fly. I never thought in my life that I would get to see and hear the Canadian anthem at the Olympics. I teared up, it just felt so cool. It wasn’t even me who was getting the medal, it was a teammate, but to watch that happen was amazing. For those Olympic seasonal fans who may not know about it, you currently compete with DC Trident which is 1 of 6 teams in the International Swimming League. How does it feel to be on the top 10 point scorers list? We happen to be in Italy this year, but we travel all over the world. For people who don’t know alot about swimming, it’s kind of the equivalent of the NHL, MLB, NFL and NBA. There is a draft, then you compete for your team that represents a certain geographical location. You don’t have to be based out of that location, that is just the location you represent. I am on DC Trident, and I had a really good start to season 3. I went in there after the Olympics and was ready to have a good performance... because I didn’t really have the performance I wanted at Tokyo. I was ready to redeem myself, and I was able to do that. I had a ton of fun. It’s not about the time you put up, it’s about getting your hands on the wall and just raising points for your team. We’re into the playoffs in the Netherlands next month, and I am really excited about that.

flying back to Canada right after that. It means more than it ever has to be home for Christmas this year, because in 2019 I wasn’t able to get back to Canada to spend Christmas with my family because of COVID restrictions and training. I was unable to leave the United States. So I am really looking forward to being around family this holiday season, something that I haven’t had in 2 years. My immediate family has a tradition for getting each other gifts. We each get each other something you want, something you need, something you wear, something you read, and then everyone has to do a good deed that year, and you have to tell the family what the good deed was that you did. How often do you get back to The Capital Region? When you are home, where are some of your favourite spots to visit in the city of Ottawa? I was home more this summer leading up to the Olympics than usual. I am usually home about twice a year which can get hard. I always make sure to make it into Ottawa at least once when I get back to the Ottawa valley area. In Smiths Falls, there is a bar in town called Bowie’s that does an open mic night, and they have awesome opportunities for local talent to come in and play on different nights. I always make sure to hit up that spot with my friends. There is also a bakery in town called C’est Tout that I always go to. It’s my morning coffee spot (laughs). What is one piece of advice you would give to young aspiring swimmers who look up to you and want to follow in your footsteps?

What is your favourite holiday movie to watch?

Honestly, nothing matters if you’re not having fun. Everything needs to revolve around enjoying what you are doing, the sport, the process, the nitty gritty of it, even when it gets hard. If you’re not having fun, there is no point. So make sure to go into every practice, every meet, every opportunity that you have within swimming or any sport you are doing, and focus on enjoying yourself. Life’s too short to stick with a sport that isn’t bringing you joy.”

I know it’s kind of a cliche, but I really like Elf.

@baileyandison

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Now

This Surprising finds from the world of research.

This One Activity Will Improve The Quality & Quantity of Your Sleep A new study has found that individuals who engage in consistent aerobic fitness get a higher quality and quantity of sleep each night. The study, published by the University of Saskatchewan, followed 114 individuals between the ages of 30-55, from 2015-2019, tracking physical fitness, grip strength, and sleep quality. The results found that those with a higher aerobic fitness level sleep longer, averaging at 7.04 hours compared to the 6.61 hours averaged by those that were less physically fit. The quality of the sleep for those who participated in aerobic fitness was also shown to be higher, with participants citing feeling more well-rested in the morning, and were able to fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night in comparison to their less-fit counterparts.

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Parents Waste 219 Hours per Year in a ‘Brain Fog’ A new study has found that the average parent wastes 36 minutes a day in a state of ‘brain fog’—totalling nearly 4000 hours of their lifetime spent checked out and on autopilot as the world happens around them. Of the parents surveyed, six in 10 say that consistent lack of sleep results in low energy and a general ‘blur’ that accompanies their day to day tasks. Many of the participants cited this blur as the reason they skip meals, don’t properly hydrate, and often have difficulty remembering events like birthdays.

Housecats Are Inherently Lazy, New Study Says A new study published by SpringerLink examined the relationship between animals and food-based puzzles, measuring the amount of effort an animal would exert to solve a puzzle in order to get to the food. The study presented two options to the animals: a simple puzzle to access their meal, and an open tray of food available to eat without effort. All other animals in the study chose the more difficult route to acquire their food, a phenomenon called ‘contrafreeloading’, which researchers still cannot quite explain, it may be linked to the animal attempting to learn more about their environment. The only species that defied the phenomenon of ‘contrafreeloading’ was the domesticated house cat, which chose the free tray consistently rather than the puzzle. This result was consistent despite the cat’s activity level, age, or size, with no clear correlation between any of these factors and the majority sway towards the effortless meal.

Working parents rely on caffeinated beverages like coffee or energy drinks to get through the study-wide 2pm hump of exhaustion, however nearly 60% of participants state that even with the stimulant they feel like they’ll never be fully energized again. This permeating exhaustion is the cause of the nearly 219 hours per year parents waste in a haze. Participants across the board state that reclaiming their energy is a priority for them to be more active with their families and more productive at their workplaces.

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Dogs Communicate With Their Tails: Here’s What Tail Wagging To The Left Means A study done in 2007 found that the position of a dog’s tail isn’t the only indicator of his or her mood. The direction is directly linked to either a positive or negative emotion. A tail wagging to the left indicates negative emotions, while a tail wagging to the right means your dog is in a positive state of mind. This was further proven in a 2013 study, that showed that a dog’s right-wagging sparked positive reactions from other dogs, while leftwagging made other dogs feel nervous and stressed. The phenomenon is linked to the hemispheres of the brain. In some animals, the left hemisphere controls positive emotions and behaviours (like safety, food, and family), and the right side controls more negative emotions and behaviours (like danger and illness).

“Parents, especially those who are working, are juggling multiple tasks and so don’t always take the time to address their health needs,” says a spokesperson from MitoQ. This can have long term effects on cognitive function if not addressed, and can affect overall quality of life.

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THE 5 DAILY HABITS OF

ENTREPRENEURS Have you ever wondered what sets successful entrepreneurs apart? The secret might just lie in their daily habits. Studies documenting the day to day of various entrepreneurs showed surprising overlap in a number of their daily activities, posing the question: how much do your lifestyle habits affect the success of your career?

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5. THEY PREPARE

1.THEY’RE EARLY RISERS Across the board, successful entrepreneurs commit to an early morning start, with the average rising time being between 5am and 8am. This habit is one that is backed by research, with studies finding that an early wakeup time increases productivity and decision making skills throughout the day. Sleep in general is a huge priority in the daily routines of these entrepreneurs, with many keeping strict nighttime routines to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Though it appears that there is no magic number for hours to sleep per night to maximize productivity, as shown by the varying lengths of each entrepreneur’s average night of sleep, which ranged from 4 to 9 hours.

2. THEY EXERCISE Prioritizing a daily workout is a recurring theme in the day to day of successful entrepreneurs. The type of exercise seems to hold less importance than the commitment to consistency, with some citing a daily walk in nature as their workout and others maintaining a more complicated fitness routine. The emphasis is placed on keeping the body strong to keep the mind strong--a necessary asset when living the life of an entrepreneur.

3. THEY REST Setting aside time in the day to devote purely to rest and relaxation is a vital aspect of the entrepreneurs day. Maintaining a state of well-being is crucial in a leadership position, and preventing burnout is a top priority to keep the wheels of a business turning effectively. Many entrepreneurs stated that meditation played an important role in their daily rest routines, with others opting for reading or a power nap.

A good business owner is always thinking one step ahead. Most surveyed entrepreneurs work to minimize the time spent on micro-choices that slow down their daily flow. They accomplish this by preparing in advance, whether that be by scheduling all of their meetings into one day, or setting aside time at the beginning of the week to troubleshoot small-scale challenges that may arise; this helps them streamline their working hours and maximize productivity.

4. THEY KEEP THEIR SCHEDULES FLEXIBLE The day-to-day for these successful entrepreneurs doesn’t imitate the standard 9-5. Many opt to keep their schedules fluid, mixing their day with business meetings, workout classes/mindfulness practices, and social/family time. This helps to maintain a better work-life balance, while also allowing mental breaks in order to prioritize effective worktime productivity.

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JACOB BERNARDDOCKER Jacob Docker’s last three years have been surreal. Since being drafted to the NHL 26th overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2018, the now 21-year-old defenceman has won Gold at the World Juniors, Gold in the World Championships, played 5 NHL games, and has finished a degree in kinesiology. Currently, Docker is playing with the Belleville Senators, but says his brief stint in the NHL helped him to see just what it takes to play at the pro level, and he’s ready to continue to make waves in the AHL in the 2021-2022 season. We caught up with Jacob to discuss his life growing up in Alberta, his gold-medal highlights, and his thoughts on the upcoming season.

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Photo by Minas Panagiotakis

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How big of a role did hockey play for you growing up? What are some of your earliest and fondest memories of playing the sport as a kid growing up in Alberta? I started playing at 4 years old, with Timbits Hockey. I was born in Banff, so I have great memories of playing hockey on the pond, and that’s where it all started for me. I was 5 years old when I moved to Canmore. Who were some of your favourite players growing up or the teams that you liked? When I was really young, I always liked the high-end guys like Sidney Crosby. As I got older, and mou lded into a D-man around 12, I started to like Morgan Rielly. I watched him and modelled my game after him. How did you know that you wanted to be a defenceman? As a kid, you’re kind of thrown around into every position, and my mom wanted me to play goalie. She thought I’d be safer not being hit all the time, that there was less chance of injury. But I think she’d have been more stressed if I was a goalie (laughs). I always liked defence, because you can see the whole game in front of you. You can be the eyes out there, and you have the chance to jump up in the play when you can. Tell us about your NHL Draft Experience. Leading up to the Draft that year in Dallas, what was the experience like for you? Did you already have an idea of what was going to happen? 96 | FACES MAGAZINE

I had my whole family there on draft day, which was very special. Most of the rankings had me going from the second to the fourth round, somewhere in there. So I didn’t really expect to be picked on that first night. I think it was a Friday night, and we thought we were just there for the experience. I remember my sister went to grab a pretzel at pick 23, and she got back one pick before I went. We always joke about how she almost missed it. It was an unreal experience for me and my entire family.

course the highlight of the entire trip. Being over in Czech was also pretty cool. That was my first time in Europe. It was a beautiful place to be around Christmas time with all of the lights.

We re-watched the video of you being drafted, and when your name was announced one of the analysts mentioned that you wanted to pursue a career in medicine. What fascinated you with medicine?

After your college year ended, you got to play your first NHL games last season. What was it like to find out you were being called up to the Senators?

I took Kinesiology in North Dakota, and I am actually finishing up my degree now. I should be done by next summer. I am taking classes this year, obviously a lighter load because I want to focus on hockey, but I think just having something to do away from the rink is always awesome. I have always liked the training aspect of hockey, and being in the gym. So I thought that taking Kinesiology would teach me a little bit more about that, and maybe after my hockey career, I’ll go into strength and conditioning and hopefully train with elite athletes.

I think one of the coolest parts of that trip was our training camp in Vienna, Austria. We trained there for a week before the tournament. That was a beautiful city too, and definitely a place that I want to go back to.

It was a dream come true. Obviously it was a bit of a tough ending to my college career, the way it went down was not what I had hoped for, but I was so pumped to get the call from the Sens and sign a pro contract. I mean, that’s every kid’s dream. I wasn’t supposed to play the night of my first game, but I had just come off my quarantine and had 2 or 3 practices under my belt. Zaitsev was questionable for the night, so I showed up for the game not really knowing if I was going to play. An hour or so before warmups, DJ tapped me on the shoulder and said ‘kid, you’re in’.

Tell us about winning the World Junior Championship in 2020. What was a highlight of that experience for you?

How was it playing your first game in the Canadian Tire Center with no fans? Was it odd?

There were so many highlights, it’s hard to choose just one (laughs). Winning is of

A little bit. I came out for my solo lap and it wasn’t exactly how I had watched them on

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We open pajamas on Christmas Eve, and we usually go sledding on Christmas Day. Last year I didn’t get home for Christmas because of COVID, but I’m hoping to this year to see my family. What is your favourite holiday movie? It’s gotta be Home Alone. And your favourite non-holiday movie or book?

Photo by EyesWideOpen TV, because there was no crowd (laughs). But it was still an amazing experience, and if there were fans there, I probably would have been even more nervous. What are some lessons that you have learned from your first stint in the NHL that will make you a better player moving forward? I now know a bit more of what to expect going forward. I’ve seen how strong guys are in the corners. The puck battles and puck protection is on another level from college and Junior. The speed is something that you adjust to, but as a D-man going back to get pucks and retrievals, I’ll try to use the middle of the ice as much as I can. It’s tough to get off the wall in the NHL, guys are so good at forechecking and being right on you. Those are my main takeaways.

One of the movies that I think is really funny that I don’t think gets enough recognition is The Watch. It’s with Ben Stiller, Jonah Hill and Vince Vaughn, it’s unreal. For books, I am reading a book right now called The Champion’s Mind that is pretty cool. It gives insight into how a lot of elite athletes think. I think that keeping mentally sharp is important when starting out in a pro career, because of the adversity you have to go through to get to the top level. What is something that people would be surprised to hear about you? I’m a pretty boring guy (laughs). But something that I don’t do is play video games. I can’t stand them. I pass my time either watching Netflix or hanging out with buddies. Or even doing a bit of school work (laughs). What is your best advice for young athletes who are looking to follow in your footsteps? That you’re probably closer than you think. A lot of people grow up thinking that the NHL is really far away. You have to believe in yourself and know you can get there, with hard work. There are stepping stones to get to that level, but never think that it’s too far out of reach.

You were also in the World Cup with Nick Paul and Connor Brown. What’s your relationship like with them? That was an awesome experience too. I wasn’t actually supposed to go. I got a call from Roberto Luongo when I was on my connecting flight home from Ottawa, going home for the summer. He asked me to come over. I remember being so excited to have another experience like that under my belt, playing with pros. Playing with Brownie and Paulie over there was really cool too, they’ve always made me feel really comfortable, both in Latvia and in Ottawa. What are you most excited about for this upcoming season in Belleville? I think just the chance to play 72 games, and to have a pro schedule. It’s going to be new, and a lot more games than I’m used to, but I’m just so excited to be here and to help Belleville win as many hockey games as they can. This interview will be going in our Holiday issue. Do you have any family traditions that you look forward to every year?

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