SportsXpress London July/Aug 2015

LondonSportsXpress @SportsXpressLON

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Meet Dental Studio and their ALL STAR teams!

Adelaide office : Stefanie, Vanessa, Dr. Roop Mangat, Keri, Vivian and Jaye

Wonderland office: Diane, Lisa, Dr. Navi Mangat, Janis, Tiel, Dr. Mark Fantegrossi, Rachel and Sandra

London South 1051 Wonderland Road South 519-858-3384

London North 1080 Adelaide Street North 519-672-2920

Calendar of Events

Ailsa Craig 151 Main Street 519 293-3625

To promote your event contact London@SportsXpress.ca

May 9

July 25

Sep 11-13

Sep 18-20

London Sports & Activity Expo, BMO Centre

Rug-Rat Back Pack Beach Volleyball Tournament, Port Stanley

2015 NHL Rookie Tournament, Budweiser Gardens

Jr Knights Earlybird AAA Tournament, Western Fair Sports Centre

July 5

July 25-26

Sep 12

Sep 20

MEC London Century Ride: 60K/100K/160K, Railway City Brewery

Rona MS Bike Tours, Grand Bend to London

Terry Fox Run, Springbank Gardens & UWO

July 6-10

July 25-26 & Aug 8-9

MEC London Race Four: 5K, 10K, 15K Road & 6K/12K/ Half Marathon Trail, Fanshawe Conservation Area

ScotDance Championships, London Convention Centre

Slo Pitch Ontario Superseries, Slo Pitch City & Dreamers

Sep 12

TrailCross, Boler Mountain

July 15

Aug 7-9

West Haven Charity Golf Classic, West Haven Golf and Country Club

NAPA/Stratford Spectacular Weekend, Grand Bend Motorplex

July 17

Aug 8

Barking Frog Summer Night 5K, Barking Frog

2nd Annual Going Gold Golf Tournament, Pine Knot

July 18

Aug 22

Golf Channel Amateur Tour, Forest City National

Flat Track Canada - 2015 Championship Race Series, Western Fair Raceway

July 18

Sep 4-6

5K Foam Fest, Boler Mountain

Thunder by the Beach, Grand Bend Motorplex

July 18-19

Sep 7

Slo-Pitch Super Series, Slow Pitch City

Western Mustangs Home Opener, TD Waterhouse

July 19

Sep 10

Running the District Series: I Run for Ice Cream, Western Fair District

2015 OSGA 55+ Southwest Regional Games, London Area

Southwest Challenge - Cycling Tour, London Area

Sep 27

Sept 12-13

Run the District Series: Women Run London, Western Fair District

Ball Hockey International Shoot for the Cure, Ball Hockey International

Oct 24

Sep 13 48th Annual Hardick Chiropractic Centre 1/2 Marathon & 5K Run and Kiddie Trot, Springbank Park

Sep 14-19 The Nash Cup, London Squash Club

Sep 16 Easter Seals Drop Zone, One London Place

Sep 17-20 The Tour Championship of Canada, Highland Country Club

Sep 20

The Amazing Pace, London

Oct 31 MEC London Race Five: 5K, 10K, 15K Road & 5K/10K Trail, Gibbons Park

HOME GAME SCHEDULES London Majors pg 10 FC London pg 14 London Beefeaters pg 24 Western Mustangs pg 24

London

Get in the Game!

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JULY AUGUST 2015 London & Area Edition

thelineup

running.............................................pg 7-8 curling................................................. pg 9 baseball......................................... pg 10-11 soccer............................................pg 12-17 lacrosse............................................. pg 18 contests............................................. pg 19 dance................................................. pg 20 cheerleading......................................pg 21 gymnastics........................................ pg 22 climbing............................................ pg 23 scholarship........................................ pg 23 football.............................................. pg 24 basketball....................................pg 26-27 aquatics........................................ pg 28-31 golf............................................... pg 33-35 fitness............................................... pg 37 nutrition............................................ pg 37 volleyball...................................... pg 38-41 hockey.......................................... pg 41-50 FANPASS............................................pg 51

Call your own shots!

Special thanks to Cam Vassallo (FC London) and Roberth Meth (St Thomas) for their cover photo contributions.

Be a part of the SportsXpress Team!

SportsXpress is a grassroots media provider dedicated to the community sports lifestyle. We’re all about the athletes, coaches, their families and fans.

We publish real life stories and include all ages and skills.

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Road trips from London & Area to watch Pro Sports!

Since 2008, we’ve grown to over 20 community publications across Canada. We are looking for sports-minded entrepreneurs to build new publications throughout the country.

Upcoming Road Trips Aug 15 New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays

Are you:

Aug 16 Nascar at Michigan International Speedway

• Passionate about sports?

• Interested in running your own community business?

• Experienced in Sales?

Sept 20 New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills

Aug 30 Detroit Tigers at Toronto Blue Jays Oct 18 Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions

Join our Growing Team!

Nov 26 Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions

Contact SportsXpress at: 1.877.588.8856 or email Sales@SportsXpress.ca Or visit www.sportsxpress.ca for more information

Dec 27 Dallas Cowboys at Buffalo Bills

Dec 3

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

Dec 27 San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions

Road trip details available on page 11 or at

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London

Connect Sports continues to grow

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Your Community

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Sports Connection

London • and Area

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Check out our website at LondonSportsXpress.ca

By Steve Barry, Connect Sports London Since our inception in July 2014, Connect Sports has steadily grown from one adult soccer league into offering seven co-ed adult leagues in London & Komoka with close to 500 members currently playing. Listening to members has been key for growth, and word of mouth has been essential. Differentiating our leagues from the pack by offering referees in certain sports, fantastic locations and unique charity donations has been really important. Providing awesome leagues at affordable prices is a great mix, and judging by the early success, we expect continued future growth!

PUBLISHER Greg Matthison GregM@SportsXpress.ca 519–619–6029

EDITOR WEB GRAPHIC DESIGNER

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Cam Vassallo, Joe Quinn, Wayne Brown, Browns Photos, Steve Martin, Thompson Martin Photography, Connect Sports London, London Marconi Soccer, Devilettes, Runners’ Choice, EMSA, Cleats for Kids, London Knights, Dance Extreme, McFarlan Rowlands, CrossCourt Volleyball, Revelated.Me, London Volleyball Club, London Lightning Basketball, Middlesex Swimming/Middlesex Water Polo, The Little Gym of London, Junction Climbing Centre, Doug Tarry Custom Homes, London Junior Golf, Lexus of London, Forest City Diving Club, Puckstoppers, Ball Hockey International, Power Cheer Gym, London Lakers Hockey, Mountain Equipment Co-op, St. Thomas Soccer Club, Sportmax Nutrition, London Synchro, London Junior Golf, Supreme Courts, London Minor Lacrosse Association, City of London Municipal Golf, Nor’West Soccer, Twist London Gym, Western Mustangs, Progressive Hockey Development, London Aquatic Club, Elgin Middlesex Chiefs, the SportsXpress Team, various sports group photographers and community sports fans.

Corporate Challenge London Connect Sports is excited to sponsor and run one of 10 events at this year’s

FC Slater vs. Echidna in Thursday night soccer at Western University

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Soccer cleats donation to the local organization ‘Cleats for Kids’

PARTNERSHIP EDITIONS

Connect Sports Kids!

We are happy to announce that we are in the final stages of setting up a social enterprise called Connect Sports Kids.

The organization will offer free after school sports programs in East London, as well as run free half-day summer camps for kids aged 7-13. A portion of every Connect Sports member’s registration fee will be allocated to run these programs.

Allowing kids from low-income households to have the opportunity to take part in structured sports is our mission, and we are looking forward to this opportunity. If you want information on how to become a Connect Sports Kids volunteer, send us a message!

www.connectsportslondon.com LondonSportsXpress

Britt Cobean Tyler Schepens, Coleen Dalton, Richelle Hirlehey, Pam Bialik, Tony Agostinelli, Kevin DeLuca, Natascha Wesch, Steve Barry, Rob Ross, Elgin Middlesex Chiefs, EBBA, Runners’ Choice, EMSA, Cleats for Kids, London Knights, FC LONDON, The Little Gym of London, REV3K, McFarlan Rowlands, Junction Climbing Centre, London Lakers Hockey, Mountain Equipment Co-op, St. Thomas Soccer Club, Supreme Courts, London Minor Lacrosse Association, London Beefeaters, Revelated.Me, Doug Tarry Custom Homes, Power Edge Pro Hockey, Power Cheer Gym, Middlesex Swimming/ Middlesex Water Polo, Ball Hockey International, CrossCourt Volleyball, Forest City Diving Club, Puckstoppers, London Volleyball Club, City of London Municipal Golf, Lexus of London, Twist London Gym, Progressive Hockey Development, London Synchro, Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine, London Majors, Nor’West Soccer, London Aquatic Club, London Lightning Basketball, the SportsXpress Team and local sports enthusiasts.

Steve Barry representing Connect Sports London at the London Sports & Activity Expo

Corporate Challenge London, which is an annual fundraiser for the Sunshine Foundation where companies submit teams to compete and build team morale in a fun, competition format. We love helping out with charity tournaments. If you ever need exposure or help with an event, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Jim Taylor

CONTRIBUTORS

New leagues exciting members Offering fantastic sport leagues for adults is what we specialize in, and this is evident in our first full summer soccer league. We set up a summer co-ed rec league at Western on turf fields and our goal was six teams. We quickly surpassed that, and within two weeks had 12 teams ready to play! The response was so tremendous that we set up another league and members are loving it!

When asking one member, Daniel Szynkaruk of Kilworth FC, what he liked best, he responded: “The turf fields are unreal, it’s a fun rec league and is very well organized. I’m looking forward to joining more leagues in the future.”

Establishing relationships with members and making their experience memorable is our goal.

Todd Devlin

PARTNERSHIP INQUIRY

Ajax/Pickering Belleville/Quinte Brampton Brant County Chatham/Kent Guelph Halton Region Hamilton Kingston Lloydminster London Mississauga Niagara Oakville Oshawa/Whitby Ottawa Peterborough Sarnia/Lambton Swift Current Waterloo Windsor Winnipeg Contact SportsXpress at: 1.877.588.8856 or email Sales@ SportsXpress.ca

NATIONAL & REGIONAL SALES

Amy Knowles AmyK@SportsXpress.ca

PRESIDENT/CEO

Walter Browning walter@sportsxpress.ca

VP OPERATIONS

Clint Szakacs clint@sportsxpress.ca

Mailing Address 50 Ottawa St. South, Unit 110, Kitchener, On, N2G 3S7 519–208–9302 or 1-877-588-8856 Editorial Contributions: Submissions are welcome from writers, photographers, athletes, coaches and individuals. We assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. Contributors are responsible for obtaining all approvals for the publication of photos and content prior to submission. All submissions may not be used. We may edit, publish, reproduce, distribute and archive submissions in any form or medium without any compensation. We are not responsible for lost or damaged submissions. Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction or transmission of any article, photograph or artwork in any form or by any means without permission from the publisher is prohibited. SportsXpress is published six times per year. For detailed circulation information, contact Sports Express Media Inc. Sports Express Media Inc. is committed to protecting your privacy as our customer. We may collect personal information only if it is required for the proper functioning of our business and only share this information with our business partners. The editors and contributors who write for Sports Express Media Inc. attempt to provide accurate and useful information and commentary. However, the editors, contributors and Sports Express Media Inc. cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of the information. We assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any readers based on the information provided.

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sportsfiles

Cleats for Kids going strong Impressions is proud to support minor sports.

Proudly sponsored by

Submitted by Cleats for Kids

The past month and a half for Cleats for Kids has been an unbelievable whirlwind thanks to our wonderful volunteers and sponsors.

Not only has our official charitable status finally been confirmed, but we now have our own storage locker full of gear! Our volunteers got together and organized everything, making it easier to locate

requested items. And this organization helped immediately when Glen Kurti, of iCAN Play Canada contacted us about an up233 Edward Street, St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 1Z4 coming trip he Phone 519-633-1580 Fax 519-633-8531 was planning to www.impressions-printing.com Ethiopia. We were able to donate 100 pairs of cleats and enjoy the amazing feeling of seeing your donations put to use!

May also had us host our very first

“Not only has our official charitable status finally been confirmed, but we now have our own storage locker full of gear!�

The London Jr. Mustangs Peewee football team recently helped bag groceries at the St. Thomas Superstore to raise money for Cleats for Kids, a local charitable organization

Impressions is proud to support minor sports.

233 Edward Street, St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 1Z4 Phone 519-633-1580 Fax 519-633-8531 www.impressions-printing.com

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LondonSportsXpress

barbecue of the season, thanks to the St. Thomas Superstore. While our volunteers made burgers, the London Jr. Mustangs Peewee football team bagged groceries for tips, which they in turn donated back to Cleats for Kids (CFK). It was quite a successful afternoon with over $700 being raised! We're honoured to be in the company of such devoted individuals who believe in our cause. For more information on what we're up to, please feel free to like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

CFK has also started our Gearbox initiative, setting up donation boxes throughout London and St Thomas. We currently have a box at Western University thanks to Coach Greg Marshall, and another in St Thomas at Format Industries. We will also have Gearboxes set up at all London YMCA Locations by the end of June.

Congratulations goes out to our April and May Athlete of the Month award winners. Coaches: to nominate a deserving athlete, please email us at info@ cleatsforkidslondon.com (donations or cleat requests can be made at the same address). Cleats for Kids London is now in our third year thanks to the generosity of Londoners. We hope to continue to grow and help more children get in the game! If you have items to donate or are interested in making a donation, please feel free to email us and we will get right back to you.

www.cleatsforkidslondon.com

sportsfiles

teamprofiles

Race with MEC! Why girls’ hockey is great!

Submitted by Mountain Equipment Co-op

Story byfor Coleen DaltonFanshawe Conservation Race!

Joinand MECphoto London the annual OnThere September 12, take partexcitement in the 5K/10K/15K Road or the is nothing like the friendships that last a lifetime. The 6K/12K/Half Marathon Trail.

This year we will have lots happenof watching your daughter take the puck atmosphere in the dressing room is full ing at the the ice Start/Finish area, such food vendors, bouncy castle, down for the first time andas score of music, chatter and laughter while the face painting and many activities.

The event will also showcase her first goal! Cheers from the fans in girls prepare to play together as a team! special guest Salomon, who will be the offering all What runners to try a the stands, a wave to parents from does it mean to be part of this demo pair of shoes for their run! ice, and a smile that could light up the team? Most recently, a group of my eldest For only $15 or $20, Registration arena are what follows that amazingincludes: daughter’s teammates were brought • Entrance into the conservation park moment. Teammates hug and fist bump together through a sad and difficult • A fun family friendly time on the bench, coaches are so proud of situation – the passing of one of their • Certified route, timedhas andgained posted long-time coaches. Many of these girls their athletes, and chip the player • Post-raceknowing massage (first first by together since they were 6 confidence that shecome is part of serve).Provided an played hockey incredible Kelly Patterson, RMT thing – a team! or 7 years old until they were 18 and get• Playing Post-race freshly brewed girls’ hockey helpscoffee, create bagels and tingspreads, ready to leave for university. They are bananas, NUUN and CLIF bars • Special in-store discount (invitation is included in race kit) • Aid Stations along the course • Medals for the top 3 Men and Women finishers in each distance.

Sign up early, as space is limited!

now 21 and 22 and have been apart for a few years. What amazed me watching this group was the ease with which their “sisterhood” instantly returned. They have been through amazing wins and difficult losses together. They have cheered together and cried together. They have always had each other. They will always be a team!

There is something incredibly strong and unique about girls being able to be part of a girls’ hockey team. The confidence they build, the friendships, and the memories, which they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Do you want more information on how to get your daughter involved in the great game of hockey? Check out the London Devilettes website: www.londondevilettes.com. The Devilettes are dedicated to the growth and development of female hockey players!

MEC.ca

www.londondevilettes.ca

There is something unique about girls’ hockey and the friendships and memories which will last for a lifetime The annual Fanshawe Conservation Race is set for Sept. 12. Join MEC London!

BEACHCOMBER HOT TUBS LONDON

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Celebrating 25 years with YOU Submitted by Runners’ Choice Twenty-five years in business deserves to be marked with something special, and that’s just what we plan to do. This summer, Runners’ Choice will be donating 25 pairs of running shoes to youth involved with YOU London. But the celebration is about more than an anniversary and shoes. It’s about creating a sense of community, boosting self-esteem, and inspiring some young individuals with a lifestyle change that hopefully will last for years to come.

Running has been such an important part of the lives of all our staff, and we wanted to do something that would make a difference and have an impact on someone else. In addition to new shoes, the youth involved will be coached through a running program over the summer with the goal of completing

either a 5km race or a half marathon on September 13.

Serving more than 3,600 youth each year in London and Middlesex, YOU provides a caring and active place where youth aged 16-29 are engaged in learning and creating opportunities to build their future. The running program will keep participants motivated and active so they get in the habit of running in addition to eating healthy and living well.

The goal event for the program this year will be the Springbank Road Races on September 13, and it will be the first year that YOU will be the charity partner.

Although it is a first for YOU, Springbank Road Races is the longest standing road running event in London. It has a deep history that includes some of the best runners in the world (Frank Shorter, Bill

Rogers and Jerome Drayton).

It looks to be an exciting summer of running in London with run groups of all sorts getting ready for their goal events.

To take part in the Springbank Road Race and help support YOU, please visit our website at www.londonroadraces.ca or contact us at the store: 519-672-5928.

www.runnerschoice.on.ca Meet some of the Runners' Choice community

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sportsfiles

Squires excited to hit ice in 2015-16

Proudly sponsored by

By SportsXpress Team provincial silver medal and a national bronze (2014) in university play (in addition to national all-star honours), and an appearance at the 2015 Ontario Men’s Provincial tournament. But he’s not resting on his laurels.

“Technically, there is always some fine-tuning to be done,” Squires said.

“But the majority of the development that I look for now is physically in order to remain in good shape, as it is becoming increasingly important. Mental training is also essential, as it has always been a huge part of the game.”

It has also been one of Squires’ strengths over the years. The St. Thomas native says he’s long been good at keeping his emotions in check on the ice, and he tends to keep the same mindset throughout his games, regardless of the score or external distractions.

On the physical side, the Wilfrid Laurier University student is in the gym training 3-4 times a week during the offseason, and continues to play competitive soccer in the summer. He’s Job #: 34416-38 4/0 Team Bice for the 2015-16 season, and the Aaron Squires hasColor(s): joined dedicated to his Size: 7.375x 3.125" Bleed?: Y Branch: 343youngster London Misc: Val Pak is excited about what the year has in store. craft, and he has

Aaron Squires was six years old when he threw his first rock, and the talented curler has been around the rink often ever since.

“I always played soccer growing up in the summer, and when my stepfather was introduced into the family … he’s an avid curler … he taught me the game which I fell in love with,” said Squires, who was picked up this year by Team Bice, who previously competed in the 2014 Brier as Team Balsdon.

Squires says he owes a lot to Tom Devaney, his stepfather, for not only introducing him to the sport of curling, but also for his countless years coaching and managing the youngster. The hard work has certainly paid off. Squires counts among his accomplishments an Ontario Junior Men’s Championship (2013), a

some impressive goals tucked away.

“I dream of winning the Ontario Tankard and participating in the Tim Hortons Brier,” said Squires, who cites Kevin Martin as his favourite curler and Michael Jordan and Lionel Messi as his sports role models. “More importantly, winning a gold medal at the Olympics would be amazing.”

To be sure, Squires has a lot of supporters, most notable his stepfather, Devaney.

“He’s taught me many lessons on and off the ice that have shaped me as a curler and as a person,” the youngster said.

Meanwhile, Squires is also thankful for the kind support of Roy Inch & Sons, who have partnered with Team Bice for the upcoming season.

Said Squires: “Their support will go a long way in us achieving our goals in 2015-16.”

www.royinch.com

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5/28/15 11:43 AM LondonSportsXpress.ca 9

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Majors’ season in full swing Submitted by the London Majors and photos by Wayne Brown, Browns Photos It was an interesting start to the young season for the London Majors, as their best-ever start in the team’s history saw them go 7-0 to open the year, only to come back down to earth and sport a 9-7 record after 16 games. That put them fourth in the Intercounty Baseball League standings three weeks into June.

The Majors’ season started with an opening pitch from London Mayor Matt Brown, and it continued in an upward trend with plenty of solid individual performances on the field, including Majors third baseman Alex Martinez earning IBL

Luis Pina

player-of-the-week honours.

Three weeks into June, Luis Pina led the Majors and was 5th in the IBL with a 2.70 ERA and 4-2 win-loss record. Oscar Perez had a 3-1 record and was second in the league with 30 strikeouts.

“Those two pitchers have been the backbone of a strong pitching staff,” said Roop Chanderdat, the Majors’ co-owner, GM and on-field manager. “Luis and Oscar have been incredible so far, and will continue to lead our pitching staff.”

The Majors had their highlights at the plate in the early going as well, as Cody Mombourquette sat in sixth place in the IBL with a .405 batting average three weeks into June. He was also 5th in the league with 11 RBI. “Cody has had a hot start to the season and his hard work during our winter workouts and spring has paid off,” Chanderdat said. “Mombo is providing us with solid defence, and his bat is helping us win games.”

The Majors also Oscar Perez announced the sign-

10 locations to serve you in Southwestern Ontario

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ing of 24-year-old Japanese player Kenta Nishii. He most recently played for the now-defunct Mount Vernon squad in the Mount Rainier league after spending time playing professionally in Ohio and Rio Grande.

“Nishi is the second Japanese born player to play for me and the Majors,” Chanderdat noted. “The first was Toshi Sasa in 2008.

“Kenta is a versatile player that can play both infield and outfield. He’s a true professional, and I enjoy coaching him.”

The Majors continue to make strides within the community, and are holding their sixth annual Purple in the Park night on July 10. If ticket sales for their sixth annual Pack and Park event are any indication, the Majors are continuing to make inroads both on the field and in the stands with excitement building for the second half of the season.

www.londonmajors.com

HOME SCHEDULE Sat, July 4 vs Hamilton Fri, July 10 vs Guelph Fri, July 17 vs Guelph Sun, July 19 vs Brantford Fri, July 24 vs Burlington Play-offs begin

sportsfiles

Colman Day tradition continues Submitted by EBBA Labatt Park will be awash in colours on July 11, as teams from Eager Beaver Baseball and other London and area leagues gather to participate in an all-star event held in honour of Frank Colman, one of the founders of EBBA. Colman played for the Yankees and other professional baseball teams during his career. The annual event has grown from a small exhibition of EBBA players to an

all-day, all-star event for over 250 players from 10 different leagues.

The day begins at 9am when over 100 EBBA t-ball players will take the field to show off their skills at challenge stations and to scrimmage on the big diamond.

The Rookie division then takes over at noon to play an all-star game between teams comprised of teammate-selected players from EBBA and neighbouring

leagues. The Mosquito division follows at 2pm, the PeeWee division at 4pm, the Bantam division at 6pm, and then the day ends with the Midget division game at 8pm.

“It’s wonderful to see players from all the different leagues come together to play as a team,” said event organizer Kelly Terry.

Besides excitement on the field, there will be door prizes, 50/50 draws and concessions all day long. There will also be a live announcer for all games, including T-ball. Frank Colman's greatgrandson will throw out the first pitch at noon. Everyone is welcome, and coaches and players are admitted free. There is a $2.00 admission charge for spectators.

EBBA invites you to come out and see neighbourhood baseball at its finest!

Colman Day 2014 (held July 12/14) - (Left to right): As part of Colman Day, more than 100 EBBA t-ball Rick Peters, EBBA president, Frank Colman Jr., Colplayers will take the field to show off their skills man family members

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Road Trips from London and Area to watch Pro Sports

Aug 15

New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays

Aug 16

Nascar Sprint Cup Series, Michigan Int'l Speedway

Aug 30

Detroit Tigers at Toronto Blue Jays

Sept 20

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills

Oct 18

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions

Nov 26

Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions

Dec 3

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

Dec 27

Dallas Cowboys at Buffalo Bills

Dec 27

San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions

Additional road trips may be available. See website for all details.

www.ebba.ca

Road Trips include game ticket, motor coach transportation, videos, games and prizes along the way.

Toronto Blue Jays $99(plus hst) Michigan Int‘l Speedway $169 (includes taxes) Buffalo Bills vs Patriots $279, vs Cowboys $259 Detroit Lions $229 (vs Bears $199) (NFL road trips include all taxes and all you can eat/drink tailgate party) Some conditions apply. Gift cards available.

Limited space available. Book Now! Ask Us About: - Group rates - Executive road trips - Fundraising opportunities

Road Trips are a fun way to: - Reward staff - Recognize valued customers - Boost to contests and promotions

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Complimentary Appetizer With entre purchase. London area only. One card per party. Some conditions apply.

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Reliving a championship run

By Tony Agostinelli, President, London Marconi Soccer The quest for a national championship started on a cold January night when a meeting was held between myself, Marconi head coach Tyler Hemming, and new manager Tom Kouzounas. The focus was to put together a championship quality team with some of the most talented players in the region, coached by one of the most experienced coaching staffs, and supported by one of the most historic soccer clubs in the area (London Marconi Soccer).

Tom was given the task of recruiting the players. Tyler was given carte blanche to choose the roster and train the players as he saw fit, as well as choose his coaching staff. Marconi's role was to provide the necessary resources for the team to perform at a high level. We ensured that the proper funding would be

in place for top-notch training facilities, the best uniforms and equipment, and the best home soccer pitch to play on.

We even added our own Italian touch by celebrating after every home game with a great home cooked meal provided by the excellent staff at the Marconi Club.

The season got off to a mediocre start, but Marconi began to hit their stride at the Ontario Cup. After beating local powerhouses Benfica and Croatia in the regional round, it was off to play the even stronger GTA clubs in the knockout rounds. After beating Mississauga in the quarter final and then Woodbridge in the semis, Marconi met Vaughn in the Ontario Cup final. It was a hard fought game, but Marconi came out with the win in regular time to become Ontario Cup Champions for the third time in club history.

Filled with confidence and a hunger for more, the team travelled to Vaughn for the National Championship.

Playing against the champions of Canada's other provinces

The 2014 National Champion London Marconi Club

Time to think indoor By the SportsXpress Team It may be hot outside, but this is a reminder that registration will be underway soon for indoor soccer at the BMO Centre. The registration process and fees are unchanged from last year.

Returning teams will be given priority as long as they register by the August 31 deadline. If there are any open spots after August 31, then new teams that have pre-registered will have the opportunity to join.

Mayor Matt Brown visited London Marconi Soccer during a recent match against St. Thomas and presented a congratulatory award to commemorate Marconi’s impressive 2014 National Championship

and territories, Marconi went undefeated in five games over six days to advance to the final against Calgary, the favourites.

The match came down to who played harder, wanted it more, and played for their teammates more than for themselves. And that was our team, London Marconi, the first team in London to ever win the National Championship since its inception in 1922.

Since then, we have celebrated our accomplishments many times, culminating in London Mayor Matt Brown presenting us with a congratulatory award on June 2 at London Marconi field at a home game against St. Thomas. We would like to thank Mayor Matt Brown and everyone at the City of London for all of their support..

www.londonmarconisoccer.com

INDOOR WINTER SCHEDULE October to April Monday Night – Men’s 2nd & 3rd Tuesday Night – Adult Co-ed Wednesday – Women’s 2nd & 3rd Thursday – Men's 1st, Womens: Masters, 1st, 101 Friday – Men’s Masters Saturday – Southwest Youth Co-ed Sunday – Men's Premier, LDYSL, Women’s Premier

SKILLS & DRILLS October to December Skills & Drills fall season for kids aged 4–12 is back on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

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Update on Cups and Youth Development League Submitted by EMSA The 2015 Elgin Middlesex Soccer Association’s outdoor soccer season started on schedule and is progressing well. Each league has played several games, and it appears that the competition in some divisions is as strong as ever.

Competition in the Kick-Off Cup, which was organized by the Western Ontario Youth Soccer League (WOYSL), took place on the weekend of May 16-17 and saw the EMSA girls playing in Tillsonburg and the boys playing in Windsor. The competition was strong in both groups.

The Ontario Cup draw has taken place and the schedule shows a strong repre-

sentation of clubs from our District, both in the Preliminary Tournament Round and also in the Round Robin Tournaments.

Later in the season we will also see good competition in the Challenge Cup hosted

by London District Youth Soccer League (LDYSL).

Our District will be putting forward a proposal to launch a Youth Development League, so that players will have an opportunity to be exposed to other players of similar skill level. This League will be based on the Matrices as presented in Long Term Player Development model (LTPD).

We continue to explore opportunities with partnerships, which will present

“It appears that the competition in some divisions is as strong as ever.”

Danny Clarke, EMSA

a clear and distinctive pathway for the young players in our District.

www.emsadistrict.com

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Eyeing championship run Submitted by FC LONDON and photos by Cam Vassallo It was back in December of 2014 when Head Coach Martin Painter and CEO Ian Campbell attended the USL-PDL Annual Meeting in Tampa, Florida that they arranged to start the 2015 season with four games on the road. In hindsight, it worked out well for the 2012 North American Champions, as they started their 2015 season with 10 away points out of a possible 12. By getting away games in Louisville, Dayton, Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo out of the way early, it has paved the way for FC LONDON fans to enjoy “Soccer Saturday” throughout the summer with a flurry of home games to complete the season.

The first Soccer Saturday, on June 6, was a day of soccer celebration with the Champions League Final, the opening game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, a visit from the University of Nebraska

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to play the Western Women’s team (coached

by Painter), a miniskills camp attended the “Sweet 16” round versus the top 2 by over 300, and the teams from the Heartland Division for the Home Opener, in which Central Conference Championship. The FC LONDON dominated winner of that weekend competition will TorontoFC Academy in a 5-2 win. The make their way to the Final 4 championfans were also treated to some “bubble ship round on the weekend of August soccer” action, courtesy of Bubble UP 1-3. With teams like Thunder Bay Chill, Soccer.

Michigan Bucks and Chicago Fire U-23 “Starting with road games is a mixed in their path, FC LONDON still has a long blessing,” said Painter, who is in his sevway to go to repeat their 2012 success. enth season (50-20-22 record) as head “It would be great to repeat, but we coach. “We have a great fan base, and don’t want to get ahead of ourselves,” to play so many games without that 12th said FC LONDON CEO Ian Campbell. “And man is hard. With that said, it is a great with upcoming events at games including bonding experience, and a great way for visits from London Mayor Matt Brown, the guys to get to know each other both World Champion Decathlete Damian on and off the field.”

Warner, and the Royal Canadian Naval Chemistry is something Painter empha- Reserve Unit with their Navy Masco sizes with the team, especially with so Sonar, there is still lots of fun ahead, many new players this year. both on and off the field.

“I’m pleased with the results so far,” “We’ve also partnered with both Cleats he said. for Kids and the United Way “Backpack The squad sits at the top of the table Drive” to connect their worthy causes in the early going, along with rivals with the local soccer community,” added Michigan Bucks and KW United FC, while Campbell. “Overall, there are lots of other teams seem to be struggling to reasons to keep up-to-date on all the FC get points. In 2015, the top three teams LONDON action this year. will make the playoffs, with #3 playing www.fclondon.ca at #2 in a playdown to decide the top 2 in the Great Lakes Division.

REMAINING HOME GAMES: JULY 4, JULY 11 & JULY 18 Those teams will then compete in

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On the pitchCourts?

Supreme What’s that?

Submitted by Nor’West Soccer

Thank you!

Congratulations!

In speaking of inspiMany thanks to all the House League, Development and Competitive volunteers By David Cameron-Arthurs, Supreme Courtsration, development features more than squareCup! feet of Here areSupreme the U18 Courts Wildcats after winning the19,000 2014 Ontario and commitment, we that came out again this year! We know playing space, including six full-sized volleyball courts on Back Row: Manager Maryann Vieira, Assistant Coach Stephen Mackie, Supreme Courts London’s unique sportsif program for would be remiss we state-of-the-art VersaCourt sports flooring many of your lawnsisgo un-kept,premiere your holi- A Aislinn Mason, Nicole Pistor, Elise DeDecker, Emma Mackie, Shae-Lynn volleyball venue. did not offernot ourjust sin- volleyball) kids (and days are often delayed, and you borrow Van Gassen, Andrea Cimino, Tori Sanderson, Anna Rose O’Brien, Shaina In operation the summer floor hockey, martial and dance. congratulations Supreme Courts is happyNelson, Coach John Fleming.

Front Row: Lauraarts, Kewin, Robyn Scott, time from worksince and your families of in order cere 2013, Courts is a We hidden Jessica Vieira, Victoria Sifton, Courtney Families will nowJames, haveErica one Mack, placeBreanna and one this summer’s local the introduction of the to gift Supreme players with soccer. appreciate to announce Alyssa & Jessie Fleming sporting gem.

Nestledand in the southeast to corner of program forBlair all their children’s World CupSports star and Sharkids Academy (SSA). TheMarks Missing: your choices commitment the kids London, just off the 401, Supreme Courts activities.

No more around the Nor’West will lifer,teach Jessiechildren from all in this important piece of their social and Academy tive Nor’West teamsrunning throughout, and has quietly been building a permanent city.

No more taxi service!

Fleming! backgrounds and orientations the skills physical development! continues to volunteer his time for the home for London’s volleyball With Fall justWildcats around the corner,travels aresports incredibly of this humble of We seven – notproud just volleyball.

THANK-YOU for helping the commucycle U21 Nor’West (between nity.

Featuring over 19,000 square feet Supreme once again welcome familyaand their passionapproach for soccer.

Using comprehensive aimed continue! to supportCourts Jessiewill in her World Cup of playing surface, across six full-sized thousands of players each week. We are Like so many at developing socially conscious athadventures!) volleyball courts, athletes are competing therefore making some exciting changes Nor’Westies, letes, the SSA offers indoor classes in Wildcats Roar! on our state-of-the-art VersaCourt sports to the facility to improve the experiJessiebaseball, Fleming soccer, basketball, volleyball, Please come out and the with flooring. ence of our players and support spectators, started her 2015 Wildcats this summer in the U21 project completion dates set for the end soccer life on league as they defend their Ontario Cup of 2014.

Saturday mornChampionship!

‘Like’ us on Facebook and follow us on ings in our U5 for exciting announcements about program (known Twitter Women’s World Cup upcoming tournament community as our Active By the time this goesand to print, the 2015 events.

For bookings, please our… Of Start program Women’s World Cup will havevisit ended now). Little more website: course, itsupremecourts.ca. was an amazing tournament, than a toddler with Team Canada carrying as many as www.supremecourts.ca at the time, she TEN Ontario players (out of 23 selected); was coached by what a terrific legacy and inspiration for novice parent us all. Soccer pride will carry on! volunteer, John @NorWestSoccerL Fleming, who Nor’West Optmist coached her Soccer Club house league Jessie Fleming’s journey started as a toddler in Nor’West’s U5 program (now known as the and competiActive Start program). Congratulations on reaching the World Cup! www.norwestsoccer.com

wwwtttttttttttttttttttttttt

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STSC teaches them well Submitted by St. Thomas Soccer Club Whitney Houston sang, “I believe the children are our future; Teach them well, and let them lead the way.”

The St. Thomas Soccer Club (STSC) takes it one step further, with a continued emphasis on ‘Coaching-theCoaches.’ They have made a significant investment in their Youth Competitive Coaches by bringing in Technical Advisor Ian McClurg to run Coach Training Sessions 2-3 times per month.

“STSC continues to emphasis on ‘Coachingthe-Coaches.’ They have made a significant investment in their Youth Competitive Coaches by bringing in Technical Advisor Ian McClurg.”

Doug Tarry Homes is a proud supporter of the St Thomas Soccer Club

Director, says, “The quality of the STSC youth competitive coaches (left to right): Trevor training sessions that we’re seeTolten, Gord Kilday, Alex Russell, Gerry Safadi, Richard Gruener, Ian McCurg. Dave Allen, Rob Cameron ing within the Youth Competitive environment in St Thomas is stronger than we’ve ever seen. That steady improvement can be directly attributed to the continued investments we’re making in our current and future coaches.”

Children are definitely the future. It is the responsibility of those in the present to teach them the skills they will need to move forward Youth competitive coaches (left to right): Sean Beilhartz, Michael in the game.

stthomassoccer.com

Ian brings experience and strong qualifications, and together with Youth Competitive Technical Coach Phil Trueman has been working hard at ensuring that the coaches have all the best informational and instructional tools available. These training sessions give the Youth Competitive coaches the opportunity to work with, and learn from Ian, while interacting directly with players in well-planned sessions. The knowledge that the coaches are able to draw from these sessions has helped the STSC see early returns.

Robert Meth, STSC Youth Competitive

Ian McClurg works with some of the U9 Girls team

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Dowson, Kevin Umansky, Dennis Dlouhy, Kevin Verbruggen, Alex Russell, John Meszaros, Ian McClurg, Jeff Renaud

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Proudly sponsored by

Expansion a success Shadows on the field

By Steve Nancekivell

By SportsXpress Team

The 2014 season, our 26th overall, saw the continued London Soccer has beenresurgence a big part ofofNorman Lightning Fastball.

It was another major MacDonald’s life for many years. He expansion year, with Lightning Fastball played and refereed as a child, and adding another two teams to bring the competed on the pitch throughout total number of girl’s competitive fastball high school. And for the last 13 years, teams to six. he’s coached the game to different age Novice Blue (U14), in their second groups, ranging from 5 to 17 years old. season and led by head coach Chris This year, he’s coaching an Under 10 girls Askew, entered three tournaments. The team in the East London Soccer League. girls always played hard and earned the respect of the top teams.

“I'm very proud of the hard work my players displayed this year,” Coach Askew said.

Novice Red (U14), led by head coach Darren Walz, picked up where last year's team left off, winning one gold, two silvers and a bronze medal during tournament play this season. The Novice Red team also accepted an opportunity to head to White Rock, B.C. to compete at the Canadians in the Tier II division in early August.

Woods and the London Lightning Bantam (U16)and began their the girls “I loveBlue teaching showing inaugural season with a bang, win- said the fun and team spirit of the game,” ning five of six games at the season MacDonald. “I believe in making sure stay active.” opening continued Junior/Intermediate team coached by Bill the girls tournament have fun outand on the field, win or Bantam Blue (U16) did a lot of winning in 2014, their winning ways for most of the MacDonald, who was formerly the including lose, as long as you tried and played as a 3rd place finish at the Port Perry tournament year, earning a third-place finish at the head referee and president of a soccer hard as you can.”

Port Perry tournament in June. league in Welland, Ontario, says his goal The Under 10 girls squad is sponsored Bantam Red (U16), led by head is to tryHaving to develop pure skills and Sword. played in soccer the Tri-County

by Elmira Stove Works, and the team is coach Tim Burden, competed in four league, the ladies had a fun and successwork as a team, as he believes that team known as the ‘shadows on the field’ for tournaments, including one in Canton, ful first season. play is just as important as individual jerseys.

Michigan. The teamtheir wonblack bronze in the 'A' London Lightning Fastball would like goals.

From a team perspective, though, “It’sinimportant for division at a tournament Barrie in June, to thank allhave of our head coaches, asthe goals been admirable. the league toQualifiers have and won silver at the Provincial sistant coaches, parentwe volunteers “As the year began, set a goaland, of these kind of sponin the Tier II division. of course,first our in sponsors for their supfinishing the division,” MacDonald to get as many Long-time Londonsors Lightning Fastball port commitment throughout the said,and noting that the team was undefeatchildrenmember out being acplayer, coach, association and 2014 season.

Open workouts/tryouts ed at the time of this writing. “In fact, the tive,” said MacDonald, are newly-appointed Fanshawe Falcons early September girlsscheduled have set afor goal to not lose thisfor year.” who is in his fifth fastball coach Catherine Arthur and her squirt (U12) ages it’s andnot up,all and our winter But, of course, about winseason as a coach Midget (U18) team had a successful year workouts will take place in the January ning and losing, and MacDonald is al- – in the East London moving up to the Tier I division.

They March timeframe.

Check out our website ways proud of his ‘shadows on the field.’

Soccer League.

“And competed in Brantford, Humber College, for more details.

“I love building team spirit and watchleague a Port Huron and the the Motor City does tournalondonlightningfastball.com. ing the girls develop as the season ment in Canton, Michigan.

Thejob team wonderful helping goes.”

Elizabeth MacDonald, Jayden Zister, Samantha Ballantyne, Emma Ballantyne, finished 7th in Ontario. and giving the kids Emily Brown, Makaela Bettercourt, Morgan O' Reilly, Jemma Martin, Kaitlin Estaris, Head coach and LLF President Terry This was the firstan year for the LLF affordable sport to www.eastlondonsoccer.ca Emmalee Gauthier, Jaylyn Gray, Kate Jujsola and Alexis Davila

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Lacrosse pros giving back Submitted by London Minor Lacrosse Association Over our 50-year history, London Minor Lacrosse has developed a number of world-class athletes and is thankful for the thousands of volunteer coaches who have headed up our teams over the years. We would like to highlight two of our current coaches who are giving back to the sport in which they’ve excelled.

Jeremy Tallevi Jeremy Tallevi started his coaching career with London Minor Lacrosse in 1999.

That Midget team produced Blue Devil alumni and National Lacrosse League (NLL) veterans Mike and Scott Carnegie (Calgary Roughnecks). London is fortunate to have Jeremy Tallevi among its current coaching staff in the Paperweight division, which includes his 4-year-old son Logan. Tallevi says it’s extremely rewarding to see how quickly the young players learn and improve. The Blue Devils are fielding their first-ever competitive Paperweight team this season, with an all-star bench staff that also includes former Toronto Rock Jon Low. Tallevi’s experience behind the bench is impressive. He has coached the Western Mustangs men’s field lacrosse team since 2002, and was twice recognized as Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association Coach of the Year (2005, 2011). As a box lacrosse coach,

his resume includes positions as defensive coach with NLL teams in Anaheim (2005), Portland (2006-2008), and Edmonton (2010-2011). Most recently he was at the helm of the Southwest Cyclops of the Canadian Lacrosse League (CLax) as General Manager and Head Coach. His greatest accomplishment is winning the national championship Founder’s Cup in 2001 with the Wallaceburg Junior B Red Devils.

back to Ontario to begin his NLL career. A tough defensemen, he won the 2002 Champions’ Cup in his rookie year with the Toronto Rock. Six more years of professional lacrosse followed, including seasons in Philadelphia, Buffalo and Chicago.

Now back in the London area, Candy is assisting his brothers and coaching his nephews on the Blue Devil Novice 2 and Bantam 2 teams (his daughter prefers horses!).

He loves helping out and admits that it has made him miss the game, which has taken a back seat to work in recent years.

According to Candy, the game itself has changed very little since he began playing, although he notes that the stick skills of today’s youngsters are ‘unbelievable!’ This summer, Drew is running a summer lacrosse camp in the Bayfield area to help promote the sport.

Lacrosse has definitely grown in popularity, and with pros such as Candy and Tallevi giving back in minor associations across Ontario, the sport has a bright future! Candy’s advice to young lacrosse players dreaming of an NLL career is simple: “Always have your stick in your hand and just stay with it!”

“Over our 50-year history, London Minor Lacrosse has developed a number of world-class athletes and is thankful for the thousands of volunteer coaches who have headed up our teams over the years.”

Drew Candy When Drew Candy first became a London Blue Devil at age 11, he knew very little about the sport of lacrosse.

He now returns to the London program after a successful professional lacrosse career. After only a few seasons of minor lacrosse, Drew was drafted to play Junior A in Mississauga where he spent five seasons before heading west to join the Coquitlam Adanacs. It was there that he won the Mann Cup (2001) before moving

Jeremy Tallevi, former NLL defensive coach, is shown here with the NLL’s Portland Lumberjacks

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www.londonlacrosse.com

Drew Candy hoists the NLL Champion's Cup that he won with the Toronto Rock in 2002

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McFarlan Rowlands in the community Submitted by McFarlan Rowlands The employees at McFarlan Rowlands Insurance Brokers put value in supporting the London community through charities and events. We try to participate in or sponsor as many events as we can and support a healthy, active lifestyle while having fun.

This spring was a busy time for McFarlan Rowlands community involvement. A group of McFarlan Rowlands employees participated in the YMCA Sweat for Strong Kids Charity Cycling Event at the Covent Garden Market in London. The funds raised at this event enable kids

and families to access YMCA programs and services regardless of their financial ability to pay.

One-third of the YMCA’s members rely on this fundraiser to give them access to swimming lessons, health and fitness memberships, and also provide opportunities to go to camp. This was McFarlan Rowlands’ second year participating, and it looks like it will turn into an annual event!

For many years, McFarlan Rowlands has been a strong supporter of Forest City Road Races, sponsoring the half-

McFarlan Rowlands employees at the Sweat for Strong Kids (Left to right): Paul Hancock, Jeff Crane, Rodney Hancock, Crystal Yeoman, Julia McCallum, Martine McCarthy, Leisha Ruddy, and Dorie Scheffler.

marathon. This event supports the Thames Valley Children’s Centre. TVCC is a regional rehabilitation centre for children and young adults with physical disabilities, communication disorders, developmental delays, and autism spectrum disorders, living primarily in Southwestern Ontario. Congrats to all participants!

www.mcfarlanrowlands.com

McFarlan Rowlands CEO Rodney Hancock (third from left) helped reward runners as they finished their race at the Forest City Road Races.

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sportsfiles

Extreme Feature: Rebecca Zizek

By Richelle Hirlehey for Dance Extreme Dance Extreme has been privileged to have Miss Rebecca Zizek working with its dancers since 2009. Rebecca began teaching on Faculty at Dance Extreme when she came to London to attend Western University. Since then, she has taught both recreational and competitive classes. As a competitive choreographer,

Rebecca Zizek’s recent choreographed piece, ‘chasing the light,’ has been accepted to the Young Choreographer’s Festival in New York City, an event that features the work of up-andcoming choreographers in all genres of dance

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Miss Rebecca’s intricate and creative works have earned many prestigious awards. When she teaches her students, she inspires and works to achieve greatness in each piece of choreography.

Outside of Dance Extreme, Rebecca is also an accredited choreographer. Most recently, a piece she choreographed was accepted to the Young Choreographer’s Festival in New York City. The piece is entitled, “Chasers of the Light.”

Zizek describes the theme of the piece as “our constant pursuit of happiness,” or “chasing the light.” It is meant to explore the journey that this never-ending process takes us on -- the forces that push and pull us towards the light, and how we find our way through life’s twists and turns. Rebecca believes that light and happiness are created within ourselves, and that happiness is something that we must fight and strive for.

“There is a drive that takes us from one moment to the next, she says. “And if we are relentless enough, it will take us there and open our eyes to the light.

“Despite fears, uncertainties and downfalls, our inevitable and undying spark drives us to release our inhibitions and jump headfirst into the unknown -- because truly, what other choice do we have? All of this in an endless pursuit of chasing the light.”

The Mission of the Young

LondonSportsXpress

Miss Rebecca Zizek has been a Dance Extreme instructor since 2009, and has taught both recreational and competitive classes

Choreographer’s Festival is to present the work of the most up-and-coming young choreographers in all genres of dance. Their unique event will garner them the experience and resources needed to aid in the progression of their careers. At Dance Extreme, we are all extremely proud of Miss Rebecca’s accomplishments!

www.danceextreme.com

sportsfiles

Summer Training Submitted by Power Cheer Gym Summer at the Power Cheer Gym is dedicated to developing new talent at all age levels. The Spring Tryouts gather the majority of next year’s team members, but for those who missed them, or for athletes interested in getting started in competitive Power Cheerleading, it is never too late to start! Younger novices can take the Cheer 101 summer program (Tuesday and Thursday evenings), which is divided into Mini (4-7 yr olds), Youth (8-11) and Junior (12-14). This six-week program is designed as a cheerleading sampler and touches on all of the major skill areas.

Senior aged athletes (14-18) are encouraged to drop in to a Friday or Saturday ‘Open Gym’ or to simply come to any summer practice night to meet the coaches and check out the gym.

PCG is proud to boast that last year the club had alumni Vipers cheering on 11 different Ontario university and college teams. High school cheer athletes are strongly encouraged to get involved with

a Viper team as a solid stepping stone to earning a place on a collegiate team after they graduate. Call to set up a visit time: 519-667-0565.

The powerhouse teams from Western and Fanshawe are into their respective summer training schedules and the 2015 class of recruits is deep in talent. The 29time National Champion Coed Mustangs signed eight freshmen women, all fresh off World Championship squads to join the 23 male members of the team and other veteran women. Mustang games will be explosive on the sidelines this fall. The Mustang All-Girl squad is looking exceptionally talented as well, and though not as publicly visible as the coed team, they are expected to be challenging for a National Championship title in 2015.

New this summer at PCG: Cheerleading themed birthday parties. Kids get a two-hour in-gym party that includes skill instruction, gym equipment, big time fun, and of course birthday cake! More information is on the web site.

It is never too late to get involved with a team at the Power Cheer Gym, and the fully credentialed, friendly and fun staff and coaches are always available to introduce new athletes to competitive cheer. Parents will love

our comfortable elevated parents’ lounge and reading room overlooking the newly renovated gym area.

www.powercheergym.com pcgvipers

The Mustangs and Falcon Cheer teams Hill Training

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Where are they now…?

Submitted by The Little Gym of London We hear all the time how wonderful our staff is. And we AGREE! We make sure our staff are confident in their skills before they help your child build his/her own confidence. Luckily, many of our former staff keep in touch. We’re very proud of their accomplishments, and the fact that we played a part in their growing careers. The Little Gym of London has been around almost 10 years now, and many of our former staffers are now parents themselves! It is our pleasure to be able to teach a second generation of TLGers.

Since we are hitting our 10-year mark, we wanted to look back at some former employees and find out “what it meant to them” to work at The Little Gym and perhaps learn more about how a potential new employee can benefit from working with us. The response was overwhelming! Many sent responses a page long!

Here are just a few quotes: “Asked in an interview, ‘What was the best job you have had, and what made it so great,’ my mind immediately went to TLG. The Little Gym holds strong values that it instils in all classes. Growing confidence is something very important to young children. To be able to promote

Miss Caitie

confidence, leadership, and integrity, you must have these traits yourself. Who would have thought that all the while I was teaching these things to children, I was the one learning and growing too.

There is no doubt that the Little Gym grows strong children – however, they need to be credited for growing strong employees as well.” -- Miss Rae-Ann “Working at The Little Gym has given me the life skills to be able to mould myself into the confident employee that I am today. As a military wife, we are constantly moving, and I need to be easily employable. The Little Gym has made me very well-rounded in my abilities to obtain employment wherever we may be … having the ability to use my skill set to work just about anywhere is priceless.”

-- Miss Kristi “Working for TLG was the BEST training and preparation I could do to become a primary teacher … The experience has opened my heart and mind to the potential and the

Miss Kristi

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Miss Rae-Ann

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capacity for achievement that all children have. It has made me more sensitive and empathetic to the challenges that some students have and what success means for individual students.” -- Miss Sokhun “Really, the way working at TLG has helped me the MOST is by giving me two of my best friends who I look forward to knowing for my whole life as we get older and raise kids (near or far). I couldn't have asked for anything better!” -- Miss Caitie As we open the doors to new employees this summer, we cherish the opportunity to watch them grow and develop into strong, confident, valuable employees that will provide our members with the best customer service in town and pass along their confidence and skills to your children too. Interested in a career opportunity at The Little Gym? Make sure to send us your resume.

“Happy Handstands!”

www.tlglondoncan.com

Miss Sokhun

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Kids that rock Submitted by Junction Climbing Centre he Junction Climbing Club’s ‘Kids that Rock!’ program has wrapped up a successful first year. The Climbing Centre opened in London in July of 2014 and has quickly become popular with families for being a place where people of all ages can come enjoy the exciting challenge of indoor rock climbing.

For kids wanting a regular climbing experience, we've now offered three sessions of ‘Kids that Rock’ -- our weekly youth program -- and are excited to be hosting a fourth session this coming fall.

‘Kids that Rock’ is divided into three age

groups and each spends 10 weeks learning climbing skills, climbing techniques, and above all else, doing lots of climbing!

Ascenders is our youngest age group, open to youth aged 6 and 7. For Ascenders, the focus is on maximizing climbing time to build strength and confidence. Biners are aged 8 through 12. Knot and belay skills are introduced in this age group, as is extra climbing challenges like ascending and pulleys.

Crimpers is our oldest group, for youths aged 13 and over. Crimpers focus more extensively on technique and body position to help them climb as Ascenders (ages 6 and 7) hard as possible. All climbWednesdays 6pm to 7pm - Sept 23 to November 25 ing is led by our friendly $155 including taxes and knowledgeable staff Biners (ages 8 to 12) and Crimpers (ages 13 and up) in a fun and supportive environment.

Mondays from 6pm to 730pm Our Fall Session starts Sept 21 to November 30 (no Club on October 12) on Monday Sept 21. Kids $255 including taxes are provided all necessary

Junction Climbing’s successful ‘Kids That Rock’ program will return for its fourth session in the fall. Sign up today!

equipment, and are also given a membership during the 10 weeks of the program.

Write us at info@junctionclimbing.com for more information.

www.junctionclimbing.com

Matthew Philip Elgin Middlesex Chiefs Matthew Philip is a strong team player, serving as either Captain or Assistant Captain of his team. He has routinely volunteered at annual Chiefs events, such as tryouts, Chiefs Day, and the Chiefs Golf Classic. He has also volunteered with his team in fundraisers for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and, most memorably, the Prusty 4 Kids Charity Golf Tournament. Philip learned that volunteering is its own reward when Tie Domi told him stories about playing in the NHL and how he got there while Philip caddied for him (“It was awesome!” he recalls). Philip has also volunteered at Cancer fundraisers, school functions, and other hockey events. Philip says, “I volunteer because I like to help others, like people have helped me along my way. It has enriched my life by showing me how it feels good to help others.”

@SportsXpressLON

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sportsfiles

Beefeaters celebrate 40 years UPCOMING HOME GAMES on gridiron Submitted by the London Beefeaters and photo by Browns Photos This year marks the 40th anniversary of London Beefeater football, which has provided young men ages 19-24 an opportunity to pursue their football dreams.

The London Beefeater motto, ‘Committed to Excellence’, summarizes our vision to promote character development through football excellence and a quality program. It is our mission to develop, throughout the organization, the skills necessary for success not only

in football but in life as well.

As we prepare for the 2015 season in the Ontario Football Conference, we are looking forward to another great year.

Beefeater Alumnus Rob Annen has taken over the head coach position from John Vouvalidis, who stepped down after three very successful years to concentrate on his family and coaching his high school football team. Rob brings years of experience in football as a player, coach and executive.

With our continued successful relationship with Greg Marshall and the Western Mustangs university football program, as well as the fine athletes who come to us from Fanshawe College and the excellent local high school It’s a special year for the Beefeaters in 2015, as the team will celebrate its 40th graduates who anniversary while fielding a strong team in the Ontario Football Conference

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Saturday, August 29 vs. Grand River Predators Saturday, September 12 vs. Burlington Braves Saturday, October 3 vs. Windsor AKO Fratmen Saturday, October 10 vs. Ottawa Sooners

join the Beefs, we expect to once again field a strong team in the extremely competitive OFC. Our main training camp will open August 3 at John Paul II C.S.S. at 7:00 p.m., with games played at City Wide Sports Park.

A bonus this year is the 40th anniversary celebration. Plans include our Homecoming Game against the Grand River Predators on August 29 followed by our 4th Annual Beefeater Golf Tournament held at Forest City National on August 30. Whether you’re a London Beefeater alumnus, (player, coach, volunteer) or a dedicated football fan, mark the weekend of August 29 on your calendar!

If you are an alumnus of Beefeater football, we want to hear from you!

Where you are and what are you up to?

Contact us at: beefeatersalumni@gmail. com and visit: www.facebook.com/ londonbeefeatersalumni.

www.londonbeefeaters.org LondonBeefeaters

sportsfiles

Dombroski a WCS success story Proudly sponsored by

By SportsXpress Team and photo by Steve Martin, Thompson Martin Photography Colin Dombroski’s connection to Western’s Continuing Studies program dates back to 2001 when, as a Western student, he took the Pedorthic Certificate program concurrently with his undergraduate degree. Today, Dombroski is a Canadian Certified Pedorthist. In fact, the only one in Canada holding a PhD in Health and Rehab Sciences.

Since 2002, Dombroski has been at the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic at Western University. Also in 2002, he started a business, SoleScience Inc, as a single practice. In 2009, he began expanding the clinic and manufacturing network. Today, SoleScience is a 12-clinic network and has a staff of 10.

“It’s been a wild ride,” said Dombroski.

“Half of staff are family, which is fun (most of the time!). We’ve earned a reputation for ethical provision of foot orthoses, and we have long-standing relationships with world-renowned centres, such as the Fowler Kennedy Clinic.”

SoleScience evaluates an individual’s specific biomechanical needs and determines an appropriate course of action.

For instance, if you’re injured and your foot biomechanics are a contributing factor (if you have really high or low arches), SoleScience can help you recover. If you’re looking to prevent injury, their 3D gait service can identify issues in your running/walking that may predispose you to injury.

The pedorthists at SoleScience first earn a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology or Health Sciences and then complete an extensive Post Graduate Diploma Program in Pedorthics at Western University. Other qualifications include athletic therapy, bike fit, specialization in diabetic wound healing, kinesiology, custom and offthe-shelf bracing, and a solid research program at Western.

Colin Dombroski is Canada’s only Canadian Certified In addition to being Canada’s

only Certified Pedorthist with a PhD in Health and Rehab Sciences, Dombroski was also named to the Top 20 under 40 list by Business London in 2014. He’s a huge cycling fan, and will be watching this year’s Tour de France in its entirety.

“NOTHING else is allowed on the TV during those three weeks,” says Dombroski, who raced downhill mountain biking in the Expert category for years in his late teens and early twenties.

His current research interests include basic orthotic science, manufacturing techniques, and leg length discrepancy, and his specialities are in custom-made foot orthoses, footwear education and biomechanical gait assessments (walking and running). Meanwhile, he is an Adjunct Research Professor at Western University (Physical Therapy).

And now, many years since he first enrolled in a Western Continuing Studies course, Dombroski teaches the capstone course in the pedorthic diploma program.

“They’re always a pleasure to deal with,” Dombroski said of the Continuing Studies department. “Nicole [Tate-Hill] and her team are world class.”

www.wcs.uwo.ca

Pedorthist with a PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Science

@SportsXpressLON

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Charity tourney a continued success Submitted by Revelated.Me The Street Mayor Classic was founded on Feb 9, 2013, as a result of the teacher’s strike of 2012-2013. Many students lost out on extracurricular activities due to lack of available teachers and volunteers. A number of kids we were coaching on the Woodstock City basketball teams expressed their frustrations and disap-

pointments about how it would be their last chance to play with friends on school teams before they graduated.

Having started up an event company called Revelated.Me, we decided to do something about it. We put together a student charity 3-on-3 basketball tournament to give back to the youth in our community. We set out to create a different atmosphere by adding live music and a halftime show, and perhaps most importantly, we encouraged the older teens to mentor the younger kids. We achieved this by structuring the tournament to allow older kids to play in their group divisions, do drills alongside the younger kids between games, and also referee.

This created a good Team Revelated sporting their Street Mayor jerseys mentoring cycle, which

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has continued throughout the years. We also brought back former Woodstock Chill and Oxford Attack players (who have gone on to play post-secondary basketball) to buddy up with the younger players, inspiring and encouraging them to take their skills to the next level. We encouraged parents to not just drop their kids off, but to stay, watch and participate, as there were many opportunities to win prizes for themselves and their families.

With ages ranging from 11 to 18, we held this year’s tournament at College Avenue Secondary School on June 20.

Once again having a great response, we look forward to the future of the tournament. This being our third consecutive year, we plan to continue to provide positive and constructive options for our youth, showing the kids that we care.

www.revelated.me

teamprofiles

Camping with the Lightning Submitted by the London Lightning This summer, the London Lightning are pleased to offer a series of camps for youth in the London and surrounding community.

Starting in July, the Lightning will offer full day camps for campers aged 6 to 12 through the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario. Campers will be given the chance to brush up on their basketball skills by some of their favourite Lightning players.

YMCA day camp is the best way to play, build relationships and start to develop a healthy lifestyle like no other day camp in London. This camp will offer many of the same skills that helped take our local team members to a professional level of

The London Lightning is excited to host day camps this summer for kids aged 6 to 12

basketball.

Lightning Dance Pack

The YMCA London Lightning Basketball Camps will be of-

The Lightning Dance Pack will fered on the following dates: also be offering Training Camp July 27-31 at St. Thomas YMCA this summer through Elan Dance August 4-7 at the official Lightning gym Arts. Dancers aged 9 to 14 years August 10-14 at the official Lightning gym can take part in Junior Training August 17-21 at Centre Branch YMCA Camp, and those aged 15 years August 24-28 at Centre Branch YMCA or older can participate in Senior Training camp. Dancers will For more information or to register, visit www.ymcawo.ca work on their jazz, hip hop and or call (519) 453-8858. freestyle techniques. Both training camps will be instructed by art facility! For more information or to Lightning Creative Director Shawna Kwan register, please call (519) 652-3433. and members of the Lightning Dance www.lightningbasketball.ca Pack at Elan Dance Art’s new state of the

The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario will play host to Lightning camps this summer, where campers will learn from some of their favourite players

@SportsXpressLON

LondonSportsXpress.ca

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sportsnews

LAC representing on all stages

Learning trip of a lifetime

Submitted by the London Aquatic Club

Submitted by Dr. Natascha Wesch, PhD

The London Aquatic Club saw 155 swimmers race at the Western Ontario Regional Championship meets in June, and 30 swimmers compete at the Provincial Championship meets in June and July. In late July and early August, 10 swimmers will compete at the age group and senior national championship events in Quebec, while three LAC’ers will proudly wear the Maple Leaf this summer as part of Canada’s national swim team.

Three-time Paralympian Adam Purdy will compete at the IPC World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland in late July, then will be joined by new LAC teammate Devin Gotell at the Parapan Am Games in Toronto in mid-August.

Fifteen-year-old Maggie MacNeil, meanwhile, will represent Canada for the second time in 2015 when she travels to Singapore in August as part of Canada’s 19-member World Junior Championship team. MacNeil competed for Canada in Australia in April at their national age

In early 2015, I was awarded an Endeavour Executive Fellowship from the Government of Australia, and I am currently conducting Natascha Wesch professional development in applied sport psychology for three months in Australia, collaborating with, and learning from some of the best sport psych's in the world. Then, I’ll take home ‘best practices’ in the integration of research, theory, and applied areas of sport psychology. It is truly an opportunity of a lifetime.

I arrived in Melbourne, Australia on June 3. After settling in to my new home, meeting with my Fellowship supervisor, and figuring out the lay of the land, I traveled to Canberra, the national capital, in mid-June and to the Australian Institute of Sport to discuss sport psychology and high-performance with the Sport Science support teams. In late June/early July, I’m meeting with key individuals in the field of sport psychology, both in private practice and with those working specifically with professional teams, athletes, and player associations. The focus is on developing relationships and potential future collaboration.

In July, I’ll spend two weeks in New Zealand working with the Wellington Rugby Union and Tribe Team Training International where I will deliver performance psychology seminars and workshops. In August, I will learn from sport psychology professors at Victoria University in Melbourne to better understand how they integrate applied concepts and experiences in sport psychology courses.

In early September, I will return to Canada with all of my learnings, experiences, and memories, and begin to apply and implement these into my private practice (performance psychology and counselling), my teaching at Western, and into my life.

The London Aquatic Club enjoys their first Saturday morning practice of the season at the Thames Park outdoor pool

Long-time LAC’er and three-time Paralympian, Adam Purdy, will represent Canada at age 34 at the World Championships and the Parapan Am Games this summer

group championships, where she collected a silver medal in the 15-year-old girls 100m butterfly event.

Whether your child loves racing internationally, or racing across the backyard pool, LAC provides opportunities for everyone to try the great sport of swimming, and endeavours to make the initial experience as enjoyable and welcoming as possible, as evidenced by these recent comments from a parent: “Many thanks again for the invitation.

My daughter had fun, and I have to commend you and your staff on the positive atmosphere created for the athletes. It's refreshing to see youth sports focused on fun, development and engagement, and to see smiles on the faces of the athletes. Thank you also for taking the time to work with my daughter to ensure that she is placed in the right group and to help me, as a parent, understand the process. Coming to a new sport culture that I have not experienced in the past is oftentimes challenging, but you made it seamless. Thank you!”

www.londonaquaticclub.ca

LEADING • ACHIEVING • COMPETING

519-857-SWIM

SINCE

1947

LONDONAQUATICCLUB.CA 28

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www.elitemindperformance.com

LSC 4th-best in province Submitted by London Synchronized Swimming Club Ending the Provincial Competitive in 16-20 figures, Bridget Koza (Athlete season with a bang is an understatement of the Year) was 10th in 13-15 figures in for the London Synchronized Swimming a pool of 250 swimmers, Ioanna Hopper Club. LSC has, over the past several was 4th in 11-12 figures in a pool of 210 seasons, been recognized as one of the athletes, Sydney Clarke and Allison Major smaller clubs in Ontario. And while our qualified in the top 10 for 13-15 Age athlete talent dominates in some age Groups, and Alyssa and Lauren placed categories, it was the enthusiasm and 2nd and 3rd in 16-20 Solos. commitment of our athletes that put LSC Our duets were equally as impressive, back on the map. There are 21 Provincial with our 11-12 duo of Abigail Young and Clubs throughout Ontario, with most Ioanna Hopper placing 7th in a tough located in the central and eastern parts field of 20 teams, and Millie Sweetof the province. London placed 4th, just Boulay and Bridget Koza swimming to behind Gloucester but ahead of ordinarily a 3rd place routine score and 4th place strong teams like Mississauga, Durham, overall championship. Not to be outdone Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo. were our team placements: 16-20: 2nd The reason for our success this year place, 13 yr team: 1st in age category, was a simple mix of hard work, commitand 9th overall in 13-15 team in a stagment and athlete support. Long training gering pool of 33 provincial teams! And hours have paid off, and the athletes our new Combo team placed 2nd to take proved at the Ontario Age Groups (held home the silver!

May 21–24) why London is a club to be reckoned with. Some highlights: Alyssa Gosling and Lauren LeBer placed 3rd and 4th, respectively, Millie Sweet-Boulay and Bridget Koza pose with

Our 11-12 and 10U teams represented LSC with pride and enthusiasm!

Many of the girls on these teams were new to Ioanna Hopper competitive this year, and they did remarkably well. LSC is exceptionally proud of these young swimmers.

As we finish another season and take time to reflect, LSC is proud of the accomplishments of our athletes and thank our sponsors and parents for their dedication to our club. Thank you for making LSC one of the best in the province!

www.londonsynchroclub.ca

The LSC 16 Team

their ribbons

Sydney Clarke

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Welcoming water polo Submitted by Middlesex Swimming/Middlesex Water Polo It is exciting times at Middlesex Swimming, as the club has merged with London Eclipse Water Polo to create a brand new program, Middlesex Water Polo. Middlesex Swimming now has three components to its club: competitive swimming, water polo, and masters swimming/water polo. It is now a one-ofa-kind program in Canada.

After developing strong swimming skills, young athletes aged 8-10 will be introduced to the basics of water polo.

By age 10-11, they can decide which path they’d like to focus on: swimming or water polo. Athletes also have the option of

MIDDLESEX SWIMMING FACTS - Middlesex is now a 250-member club.

- Summer programs are available in July/August - 2015-2016 programs begin in September - Contact: info@middlesexswimming.ca

doing both from the ages of 11 and up.

The goal is to produce skilled water polo players with strong aerobic swim abilities. This will help Middlesex Water Polo offer an elite level program to Londoners. Water Polo offerings will start as early as July. Check the website!

Coach Arturo Ortiz Middlesex Water Polo is happy to welcome new head coach, Arturo Ortiz.

A graduate of the Sport National School of Cali-Columbia with a diploma in Sport (Development), Ortiz has 12 years of experience as a full-time Water Polo coach and part-time swim coach.

He has spent 25 years in the sport overall, including 15 years combined as a player on the Columbian Provincial and National Teams, where he competed at the Pan Am Games, Central American Games, South American Championships, Pan American Championships, and Pre-

Middlesex Swimming boasts more than 250 members

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Olympics, earning seven medals along the way.

Head Coach Arturo Ortiz Ortiz was the head coach of Western University’s Water Polo team in 2012-13, and held the same role at London Eclipse Water Polo from 20112014. Previously, he spent a decade at the helm of a Columbian Provincial team (winning coach of the year honours twice), and was a two-time Columbian National Team head coach.

www.middlesexswimming.ca

Middlesex Water Polo debuts in 2015

sportsfiles

Onward to Nationals Submitted by Forest City Diving Club The Forest City Diving Club (FCDC) had continued success at its latest meet, as the Tier I team traveled to Windsor, Ontario to compete at the Summer Provincial Championships at the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre. . This was the last Ontario Jr. and Sr. qualifier for the National Championships, which will take place in July.

Making a strong presence on the podium, all divers continued to demonstrate the success of their training received here in London, Ontario under the guidance of coaches Ioana Marinescu and Luda Zakharenko. Not surprisingly, all main-

tained their qualifying scores, with some divers achieving yet again new personal bests. Al'x Pierre, Faith Zacharias and Camryn Hughes each earned outstanding diver awards, while Joshua Inglis earned outstanding synchronized 3m with Victor Povzner (Optimal Diving), and Luda earned the award for outstanding coach.

FCDC also hosted the Provincial Tier II Championship held at the Canada Games Aquatic Centre here in London on June 13-14. Over 60 divers from clubs across Ontario traveled to the Forest City to participate in the event. There was also a group of Master Level divers who came

from as far east as Quebec to compete with our very own master level diver, Nancy Beheme. FCDC would like to thank all the parents for their donations and time to make the event a success.

Moving forward, the Jr. Tier I divers, consisting of Camryn Hughes, Nathan Marshall, Julia Parybak and Katelyn Fung, will head to Quebec City for the Speedo Junior Development National Championships July 3-5. The Sr. Tier I divers, Brittany Haskell, Al’x Pierre, Jamie Dutz, Anika Holland, Faith Zacharias, and Joshua Inglis, will travel to Edmonton, Alberta for the Speedo Junior Elite National Championships from July 17-19.

While both groups will meet up with their respective cohorts from across Canada, each FCDC diver recognizes that they are their own toughest competitor. The club recognizes the hard work these young athletes and their coaches have put forth to achieve their success and determination to strive to be the best that they can be in their chosen sport. For more information on our ‘learn to dive’ program, visit us online: www.forestcitydiving.com, or sign up for a summer camp week to see if diving is the sport for you or your child. You can also reach us by calling 226-289-5504.

The Forest City Diving Club helped gear up for the coming National Championships by earning a number of medals and personal bests at the recent Provincial Championships in Windsor

@SportsXpressLON

www.forestcitydiving.com

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sportsfiles

Badder is better

BOOK ICE* ANYTIME

By Rob Ross Badder Bus lines are celebrating an impressive 62 years in business. They’ve serviced many hockey teams, including the London Knights, Windsor Spitfires, Sarnia Sting, and many other junior hockey teams in Southwestern Ontario, including the Strathroy Rockets and St. Thomas Stars. Meanwhile, they’ve also serviced many other teams, including FC LONDON, who currently receive transportation on their long-haul trips from

Badder Bus lines.

Said FC LONDON CEO Ian Campbell: “We’ve been impressed with the value that Badder Bus brings to our road trips.

It’s important that our players and staff arrive safe and well rested. Badder make sure that we can focus on our game, and they take care of the rest.”

Doug Badder, the company owner, has always had a passion for sports and was a pretty good hockey player back in the day.

He always liked driving teams around, and he knows that many of his drivers enjoy it as well.

“There are a lot of funny

Doug Badder and his custom designed London Knights bus

24 hrs a day 7 days a week *pending availability

things that happen NEW! Book online in real-time Book your ice now! on bus trips, and we westernfairsportscentre.com hear a lot of interestCall (519) 438-4629 ing stories, that's for sure,” Badder said.

Drivers enjoy getting to know the names and faces of kids who may go on to storied professional sports careers.

Doug was honoured when Corey Perry asked him to take him and the Stanley Cup home to Peterborough.

Badder is the chosen bus line for sports teams because of the professionalism of the drivers and the comfortable seating offered. There’s a good chance you’ve seen the Badder Knights bus driving around London and area.

Along with sports teams, Badder Bus Lines provides transportation for group/ corporate charters, airport shuttles, church groups, service clubs and other special event trips.

www.badderbus.com

Concussion Education Workshop Submitted by Fowler Kennedy The Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic invites you to join us for a free PMS 268 PMS 5425 Concussion Education Workshop presented as part of SEE THE LINE 2015.

CONCUSSION EDUCATION WORKSHOP Wednesday, August 12, 2015 8:30 – 11:30 AM Natural Sciences, Room 1, Western University This workshop will focus on a range of concussion management topics including recognition, first response, rehabilitation, return to play/return to learn strategies, baseline testing and prevention. Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA) guidelines will be emphasized.

This program of interactive discussion with expert panelists and informative presentation sessions, will be of particular interest to coaches, educators, parents and students.

Register at: http://www.westernconnect.ca/site/Calendar?id=130621&view=Detail) Please visit www.seetheline.ca for additional SEE THE LINE events including: Continuing Medical Education Community Information Symposium Gala & Armchair Discussion

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sportsfiles

Lexus hits the links for prostate cancer Submitted by Lexus of London The 15th annual Lexus of London Golf Classic was hosted at the Oaks on June 22, 2015. A full field of golfers were treated to a fun and sun-filled day of on-course excitement, including the opportunity to win a brand new Lexus. This year’s celebrity participants included Red Bull air racer Pete McLeod, 1972 Summit Series team member and former NHLer Dennis Hull, and long drive and trick shot golfer Brett Cleverdon. A VIP, invitation only

Gala event was held at the dealership the night prior to golf day, and all of the proceeds are earmarked to aid in the fight against prostate cancer. For more information on this exciting event, visit: www.lexusoflondongolfclassic.com.

lexusoflondongolfclassic.com

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Girls walk with Pros, Gallant helping in Philly

By Tyler Schepens

Walk with a Pro at Manulife LPGA Classic On Wednesday, June 3, seven local girls traveled to Whistle Bear Golf Club in Cambridge to spend a day with the LPGA

stars. As part of the CN Future Links golf program, the girls received the opportunity to walk the 5th hole with an LPGA star. Each girl had the chance to chat with a star and hit the pros’ birdie putt (a few birdies were made).

Thank you to Golf Canada for the day, as the girls left with many memories and autographs!

Local coach called on to assist Team Ontario The Golf Association of Ontario has tabbed local golf coach Brian Gallant to assist with coaching

Brian Gallant, a long-time successful golf coach in London, will help coach Team Ontario Team Ontario at the 2015 Williamson Cup this at the 2015 summer

Williamson Cup. The event sees golf associations from the northeast part of North America send a team of four players to participate in the two-round tournament. This year the event is being hosted by the Golf Association of Philadelphia at Saucon Valley Country Club in Pennsylvania.

“I feel very fortunate to be recognized by the GAO and to be provided this opportunity,” said Gallant. “I look forward to supporting each individual in an effort to have a strong team environment.”

www.londonjuniorgolf.com

(photo to the left) Walk with a Pro at Manulife LPGA Classic - Front Row (left to right): Cheyanne Kunder and Elaina Gallant. Back Row (l to r): Deena Jain, Adrianna Demelo, Gabrielle Harrison, Maya Oliver and Sabrina Lefurgey

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Pull Rentals:by $5a ors under years of age must beCart accompanied PRIME TIME: $21.00 $17.00 PRIME TIME GOLF & CART $50.00 $34.00 NON-PRIME TIME: NON-PRIME TIME:PACKAGE: nt or guardian.

Golf Club Rentals: (9 holes) $5 (18 holes) $10 All memberships age categories will be defined by NON-PRIME TIME: $17.00 $11.00 NON-PRIME TIME: $34.00 $22.00 TWILIGHT: TWILIGHT: August 31, FANSHAWE GOLFbyCOURSE emberships age2015. categories will be defined TWILIGHT:JUNIOR (9-18): $11.00 $10.00 TWILIGHT:JUNIOR (9-18): $22.00 $20.00 st 31, 2015.

2835 Sunningdale Rd. E. JUNIOR (9-18): $10.00 $7.50 JUNIOR (9-18): $20.00 $15.00 JUNIOR TWILIGHT: JUNIOR TWILIGHT: 2015 Payment Plans London, Ontario N5X 3Y7 JUNIOR TWILIGHT: $7.50 JUNIOR TWILIGHT: $15.00 5 Payment Plans Fanshawe Quarry & River Road Fanshawe Quarry & River Road Monthly payment plans will be available(Press for select 519-661-4450 2) Unlimited Fanshawe Quarry & River Road Fanshawe Quarry & River Road Golf Memberships.

Five month payment will be hly payment plans will be available for selectplans Unlimited PRIME TIME: $17.00 PRIME TIME: $34.00 RIVER ROAD GOLF available starting in March and plans four month Memberships.

Five month payment will COURSE beplans starting PRIME TIME: $17.00 PRIME TIME: $34.00 FANSHAWE QUARRY PRIME TIME FANSHAWE QUARRY PRIME TIME $30.00 $42.00 April. Membership will be divided able in starting in March andpayments four 2115 month plans startinginto equal River Rd. GOLF & CART PACKAGE: GOLF & CART PACKAGE: FANSHAWE QUARRY PRIME TIME FANSHAWE QUARRY PRIME TIME st $42.00 $30.00 installments payments with final payment occurring July 1 .

Payments ril. Membership will be divided into equal GOLF & CART PACKAGE: GOLF & CART PACKAGE: London, Ontario N5W 6C4 NON-PRIME TIME: $14.50 NON-PRIME TIME: $29.00 st maywith be made by creditoccurring card or direct from your bank lments final payment July 1debit . Payments NON-PRIME TIME: $29.00 $22.00 NON-PRIME TIME: $14.50 $11.00 519-661-4450 (Press 1) TWILIGHT: TWILIGHT: account.

Cheques bedebit used from for payment plans. be made by credit cardcannot or direct your bank th TWILIGHT:JUNIOR (9-18): $22.00 $16.00 TWILIGHT:JUNIOR (9-18): $11.00 $8.00 are available afterGOLF April 30 . unt. Payment Cheques plans cannot benot used for payment plans.

THAMES VALLEY COURSE th JUNIOR (9-18): $16.00 $12.00 JUNIOR (9-18): $8.00 JUNIOR TWILIGHT: $6.00 JUNIOR TWILIGHT: ment plans are not available850 afterSunninghill April 30 . Ave. Unlimited Adult (25+) $1500 JUNIOR TWILIGHT: $12.00 JUNIOR TWILIGHT: $6.00 Senior (65+) London, Ontario N6H$1500 3L9 $1325 mitedUnlimited Adult (25+) Thames Valley Hickory 9 Thames Valley Hickory 9 Value (25+)519-661-4450 (Press$1325 $1075 Thames Valley Hickory 9 mitedUnlimited Senior (65+) 3) Thames ADULT: Valley Hickory 9 ADULT: $10.00 $20.00 Intermediate (19-24) mitedUnlimited Value (25+) $1075 $950 ADULT: $10.00 ADULT: $20.00 JUNIOR (9-18): $7.50 JUNIOR (9-18): $15.00 For Tee Times: 519-661-4450 Youth(19-24) (9-18) mitedUnlimited Intermediate $950 $500 more informationon JUNIOR (9-18):Please check the website and pro shops for$7.50 JUNIOR (9-18): $15.00 mitedAll Youth (9-18) $500 Please check the twilight websiterates. and pro shops for more information non-prime time and (Green fee pricing includes HST.) on non-prime time and twilight rates. (Green fee pricing includes HST.) memberships are subject to HST. Please check the website and pro shops for more information on non-prime time and twilight rates. (Green fee pricing includes HST.) emberships are subject to HST.

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Rev3k team is growing Submitted by REV3K Rev3k would like to welcome Laraine Lavigne to our growing family.

Laraine offers RMT at both facilities on Windermere at the Mount and Hyde Park. She is an excellent addiRMT Laraine Lavigne tion to the REV3K approach to healthy lifestyle fitness.

We asked Laraine why she decided to become a massage therapist: “The reason I became an RMT was because I injured my shoulder while training for a bodybuilding competition,” Laraine said. “I could barely lift my toothbrush, let alone pose or lift weights. After a few sessions of tissue release, I regained almost all my strength and my full range of motion. I could return to the gym, sports, dance and gymnastics classes, but I

was too late to compete and my dream slipped away from me. It was then that I knew I had to learn how to help athletes like myself recover and get their lives and fitness back!”

You can reach Laraine at rev3kmassage@gmail.com or 519-520-2036 (text) Welcome aboard!

www.rev3k.com

Meet some of our hard working members who are making great strides in physical fitness

Benefits aplenty from fish oil

By Kevin DeLuca There are few supplements on the market that offer as many benefits as fish oil. In fact, regardless of who you are, it's almost certain you will benefit from it.

Among the benefits:

#1: Fish Oil Can Help You Lose Body Fat

#3: Fish Oil Will Decrease Inflammation, Enhancing Body Composition

Fish oil provides essential fats because it is made up of omega-3 fatty acids. Essential fats are those which the body cannot produce on its own. The body will favourably use the fat from fish oil to build the membrane that protects our cells. Your cells will function best and metabolism will be optimal if fish oil makes up a portion of the membrane because it improves the activity of insulin.

This allows for better insulin sensitivity, which is a principal factor in fat loss.

Inflammation in the body is damaging for health, but it also significantly impacts your ability to lose body fat and build muscle. Inflammation seems to be a word that has no meaning for the general population, and people just don’t seem to understand that “inflammation” actually equals disease, illness, delayed recovery from injury, and obesity.

Conclusion As you can see, fish oil supplements offer a variety of benefits. Fish oil isn't necessarily going to help you build muscle at an accelerated pace directly, but indirectly it will help support the quality of your workouts. Most importantly, supplementing with fish oil will enhance your overall health, which is key to pursuing workouts over a longer period of time.

#2: Fish Oil Can Help You Build Muscle

Kevin DeLuca lives what he preaches at Sportmax Nutrition

Since fish oil decreases cortisol, it is anabolic and can promote muscle building. Research backs this up. A study that gave middle-aged adults 4 grams of fish oil a day found that it increased protein synthesis, and produced a significant muscle building effect. @SportsXpressLON

www.sportmaxnutrition.com

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Join the CrossCourt community!

Submitted by CrossCourt Volleyball

LEAGUES It was another great year for CrossCourt Volleyball! Thank you to all the players and sponsors for a wonderful year!

CrossCourt is hard at work preparing for

Men’s B winners: Full Torque

the fall season. Our regular leagues will continue as usual with Women’s A on Mondays, Men’s A on Tuesdays, Men’s B and Women’s B on Wednesdays, and our Coed AB league on Thursdays. We welcome new players and teams!

Three NEW leagues will start this upcoming season: A new 8-team Women’s B league will be available on Tuesdays, the exciting COED-Reverse league for 8 teams on Thursdays, and Coed B-recreational league on Sunday nights.

Women’s B winners: Team BS-ERS

Coaching clinics from the Coaches Association of Ontario

TRAINING Coaching Courses: We will continue to offer CAO-approved coaching courses in the fall. We will offer the Part A (Make Ethical Decisions, Plan a practice and Nutrition courses) and Part B (Teaching and Learning, Design a Basic Sports Program, Basic Mental Skills courses).

These courses are essential for all sports.

Upgrade your skills: We will offer 8-week long adult clinics starting in August. Our coaches are certified coaches and have experience coaching adults at all levels. You will improve your basic skills, such as setting, passing, blocking, hitting and serving, as well as more complex skills such as defensive and attacking systems.

And you will receive 1-on-1 personalized plans and feedback.

www.crosscourtvb.com

Men’s A winners: Two-time champions Patty Cakes

Fiery season for LVC 17U Boys Submitted by LVC Fire This season's LVC 17U-Heat had some new faces, but found much of the same success. The core of the players, together now for five years, welcomed some new teammates in 2014-2015, as well as two new coaches, Jeff Demeza and Sean McKay. It was a whirlwind year, complete with 11 tournaments, (six at the 17U level and six playing up a year against 18U opponents!), and a trip to the Windy City of Chicago! The squad left with not just plenty of hardware, but substantial individual and team growth.

The 17U-Heat found themselves once again amongst the best in Ontario, and Canada, finishing with a bronze medal at Provincials and fifth place at Nationals in Calgary.

Leading the way for the boys have been three standout performers, each of whom has earned a berth at this year's prescontinued on the bottom of page 39>>

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The new pathway to building athletes!

Submitted by Supreme Courts Sport for Life (“un-organization” of experts from sport, health, recreation, government and academia who are employed independently of CS4L yet work cooperatively to promote its goals) has developed the LTAD model - LongTerm Athletic Development: “A developmental pathway whereby athletes follow optimal training, competition, and recovery regimens from childhood through all phases of adulthood.

The vision behind Canadian Sport for Life is to reshape how we support sport and train athletes at all levels in Canada.”

The LTAD model combines the best research in today’s sport science with the best practices in coaching and training from around the world. They have developed a program that has seven stages that support training, competition and recovery programs based on developmental age (the physical, mental and emotional maturation of the individual, rather than chronological age). The stages ensure that our youth are getting the right physical literacy and fundamental skills at the right development stage to create a confident diverse athlete. They build a strong foundation that can be carried over to any sport.

Merry Mount youth took part in The Fundamentals of Sports At Supreme Courts, we fully supTraining with one of our community partners, Just Sweat

The latest science in the sports world is showing us that traditional approaches to sport in Canada have served to reduce participation numbers, led to poor results, and even caused injury. A lot of our youth are missing out on key factors at the right developmental age. This causes all kinds of issues on each end of the spectrum, like lack of confidence that might cause a youth to avoid sports, to athletes going sport-specific too early and causing serious injuries from overtraining.

Sport Medicine Clinics see too many injuries that happen because youth go into a specific sport too young. This causes imbalances and overtraining of specific muscles to that sport that could damage them for life. This is why the Canadian

The Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) model combines the best research in today’s sport science with the best practices in coaching and training from around the world

port this model and are putting it into practice in our Multi-Sport PD days, camps and specifically in our after-school programs starting this fall. We will have all stages of the LTAD so that our athletes can grow with us and build the foundation they need to develop their specific sport.

If you would like more information about how we can help build your future athletes, please call us at 226-667-9900, or email tara@supremecourts.ca.

supremecourtsvolleyball.com

Fitness Studio, and one of their Trainers, Roberto Sucuqui

Proudly sponsored by

continued from the bottom of page 38>> tigious OVA 18U High-Performance Centre (HPC): Daiken Edwards, David Doty and Taylor Jordan. Responsible for distributing the offence, Edwards was aided in the assist column by the aforementioned Doty who, along with Jordan, earned over half of the team's points on the season. The three are also being heavily recruited by colleges and universities across North America, all while still in grade 11!

After another successful club season, these guys can hang up their LVC swag for the summer and set their sights on the The LVC 17U-Heat - Group photo includes: Matt Castle, Matt Smith, Kiran Singh, next goal, a position on the 2015 edition of Team Ontario!

Derek Carter, Robert Carter, Brody Bell, Brady Potter, Coach Jeff Demeza, Coach Best of luck at tryouts!

Sean McKay, Taylor Jordan, Robbie Zalewski, David Doty, Daiken Edwards, John

www.lvcfire.com

Dunne.

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LVC on fire!

Submitted by London Volleyball Club The past year was a season of growth for the London Volleyball Club, as the organization fielded 22 competitive teams with over 400 athletes in six different programs! LVC now has volleyball opportunities year-round! But ... none of this would be possible without the generous contributions from our sponsors.

The London Volleyball Club would like to extend a HUGE thank you to the following organizations: Tim Horton's, BMO Nesbitt Burns, The Berry-Smyrnios Group, Selectpath, London Life, Dominion Lending Centres, RBC, Dr. Brock Rondeau Dentistry, Cahill Financial, Salliss Plumbing & Heating and London Honda.

And a very special

Sponsors:

thank you goes out to our top sponsor, GoodLife Fitness.

Without your generosity, we would not be able to offer the same quality of experience to our athletes and their families.

Year number three for LVC was incredible, and we’re looking forward to year number four! #weareLVC

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Mustangs gearing up for 2015-16 season

By Pam Bialik Coming off a season that resulted in eight athletes listed as OUA All-Rookie, 115 OUA All-Stars, and 15 CIS AllCanadians, the Mustangs return in full force for the 2015-16 season.

The previous season saw seven teams ning the 29th title in earning provincial titles, with figure skatprogram history. Finally, ing taking their fourth OUA banner in five women’s hockey made years, and women’s rowing and men’s history by not only being tennis each taking home a second conthe first Mustangs to win secutive OUA title. Women’s hockey won an OUA banner, but also the first OUA Championship in program the first to bring home a history, while men’s squash – undoubtCIS Championship title. edly one of the most successful teams Rookie Kelsey Veltman helped the Mustangs to a third-place OUA Numerous athletes in Mustang history – brought back their finish, while earning five awards from the OUA and CIS along the way. have been added to the 32nd consecutive OUA win. Both postAmong her awards is OUA West Player of the year, alongside a place purple and white rosters on the CIS All-Rookie Team. ing undefeated seasons on the road to for the upcoming season their respective championships, women’s ter recruits Canada has to offer. Earning to help continue the legacy of success lacrosse earned their fourth straight OUA a top ten slot on the CFC Top 100 list, that has become synonymous with Championship, while softball took home the 6-foot running back’s most recent Western University. However, two incoma fifth straight provinseason resulted in a total cial title.

“Coming off a season that resulted in eight athletes of 1,108 yards on 188 Moving on to the nacarries – averaging 5.9 listed as OUA All-Rookie, 115 OUA All-Stars, and 15 yards per carry – with 12 tional stage, four teams were able to capture CIS All-Canadians, the Mustangs return in full force touchdowns, warranting titles. Women’s softball the native of Pointefor the 2015-16 season.” earned their fourth Claire to be named the uninterrupted CCSA CEGEP Division 1 MVP. ing athletes have already begun turning National Championship, while women’s Joining Joseph as one of the most heads with their impressive resumes rowing brought back their second conhighly-anticipated rookies of the 2015-16 before officially beginning their time as a secutive Canadian University Rowing season is women’s volleyball’s Tia Miric.

Mustang.

Championship. Western’s cheer team Despite having two consecutive Cedric Joseph joins the Mustangs from locked down a ninth straight University Provincial All-Star awards, each paired the Champlain-Lennoxville football proand Open National Championship, winwith National All-Star awards from her gram as one of the most highly sought aftime with the Leaside Lightning Volleyball Club, the majority of her hardware comes from beach volleyball. A world champion by the age of 13, the 5-foot-8 native of Thornhill, Ontario has amassed seven gold medals, two silver medals, and three bronze medals across six years of beach volleyball. In 2014, she helped Canada win its first ever U21 World Beach Volleyball Championship, while winning Tournament MVP honours in the process.

The upcoming Mustang sports season will officially begin in late August, with men’s and women’s soccer being the first to compete in the regular season, taking to the road for their first matches.

The schedules for all Mustang teams The Mustangs women’s hockey team cemented their place in the history books when they defeated can be found online.

McGill and captured the first CIS Championship in program history, posting a 28-1-3 record throughout the regular season, playoffs, and national championship.

@SportsXpressLON

www.westernmustangs.ca

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Training for athletic performance Submitted by Twist London Gym Successful athletic performance means being the player who is a constant threat, well rounded, unpredictable, and one who nobody wants to play against. This type of player comes from a combination of speed, power, agility, technical skill, and strength.

In a sound, periodized training program, the first thing that needs to be developed is a strong, stable, efficient foundation -- built by targeting strength, stability, and movement skills. With foundational strength exercises (squats, deadlifts, lunges, presses, pulls, raises), athletes will be working under slow tempos and time under tension, adapting the muscles to the load. Movement skills (open steps, drop steps, deceleration, acceleration) are taught in a controlled manner, at a slower pace. In the next phase of training, we focus on the next layer of athletic performance (agility, explosiveness, and power).

The foundational phase has taught the

athlete to link their strength together with their speed and agility, to make quick and powerful directional changes and are running six days a week, with morning accelerate rapidly. If you want to BE fast, and evening options. you have to TRAIN fast. The key is finding Twist Sport Conditioning Centre the right balance and training smarter, 31-1828 Blue Heron Dr., London not harder. It’s important to devote some 519.914.2682 of an athlete’s training to bridge the gap www.twistlondongym.com between dry-land training and sport performance. When the season comes … you want to BE READY! All summer, Twist Sport Conditioning Centre is offering dryland training for both Football Conditioning and Hockey Development, with programs during the day and evening. Our London Junior Knights (from various teams) - Back Row (left to right): Jaimen Allison, Matt Granger, Ryan Martin, Derrick Johnson, Isaiah Payne, Marcel Berube, small group Athlete Hayden Broomhead, John Warren, Keenan Dawdy. Front Row: Carson Esipu, Liam Development classes O'Shea, Dante Copps, Noah Campbell, Colin Warren

Your Home Team for 60+ years

By Doug Tarry Custom Homes Doug Tarry Homes has been in the business for over 60 years.

In 1954, Doug Tarry Sr. started the company in St. Thomas and now his children carry on his legacy of building quality homes for their customers. From the moment you walk into our model

home until the day we give you your keys, we are there with you every step of the way.

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At Doug Tarry Homes, we’re always hard at work building dream homes for our clients. Some days, we get to enjoy our day at work too …

Back row: Doug Tarry Jr, Larry Corner, Troy Travis, Darryl Walker, Tasha Stacey.

Front row: Sandy Lale, Suzie Dennis

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Back row: Doug Tarry Jr, Bill Tarry, Greg Tarry Front row: Frances Tarry-Trusdale, Kathy Collier

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This is an incredible amount of ice time for an amazingly LOW price.

scoringgenius.com psychologies, and physical demands of the position while understanding spatial environment, net coverage and minimizing movement to become as efficient as possible, expending minimal energy, and working to develop a style that suits individual abilities and strengths.

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fromthesidelines

Eight Chiefs drafted!

Submitted by the Elgin Middlesex Chiefs

2015 CITY OF LONDON MUNICIPAL GOLF MEMBERSHIP PROMOTION!

Eight players from the Elgin Middlesex Chiefs 1999 Minor Midget team were drafted to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) on Saturday, April 11. Shane 17 Shane Bulitka 18 Donovan Cowan Bulitka and Donovan Cowan were selected by the Sudbury Wolves, while Jeff Clarke was taken by the London Knights, Carson Pearce by the Saginaw Spirit, Chiefs teams of different age groups Matthew Philip by the Niagara Ice Dogs, cheering each other on and highKenneth Chisholm by the Owen Sound fiving at tournaments, and the annual Attack, Carter Pearen by the Barrie Colts, banquets that were “always awesome” 2015 CITY PROMOTION! and Curtis Abbott by the NorthOF BayLONDON andMUNICIPAL made them feel GOLF proud toMEMBERSHIP be Chiefs.

Battalion.

The advice they offered to younger Phillip and players 55 Jeff Clarke Purchase your 2015 Golf Membership hockey starting on September 15th and 4 Carson Pearce Chisholm, who hoping to play rest have been playing enjoy its privileges and benefits for the in the OHLof the 2014 Golf Season (Green fees apply to certain memberships) for the Chiefs reflected the since Minor Atom, hard work, shared their dedication, and or over the phone at Municipal Golf Memberships can be purchased in person best memory of determination Thames Valley, Fanshawe or River Road Golf Course. Memberships are also available through being a part of it takes to at- 661-5575 City of London Customer Service (519) the Chiefs famtain that goal. ily over the last “Don’t worry 77 Matthew Philip 7 Kenneth Chisholm seven years. Both agreed itCall wasone the time what happens, always look ahead,for said of our golf courses at (519) 661-4450 more information spent “growing up” with all the guys they Philips.

“It’swww.london.ca/golf not just how you start the or visit played with, having fun with them, and season, but also how you end it that getting to know them better on and off counts, so keep working hard.” the ice. They are going to miss spending “Not everything goes your way,” so much time with the close friends they Chisholm added. “But if you keep have made from the team. Some of the working hard and following the dream, highlights were trips to Michigan where there is not a lot that can stop you from they got to see what it was like to play getting there.” college hockey, the camaraderie of other 1 Carter Pearen 16 Curtis Abbott elginmiddlesexchiefs.com

“Eight players from the Elgin Middlesex Chiefs 1999 Minor Midget team were drafted to the Ontario Hockey League.”

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# TRAIN LIKE CONNOR

SUMMER CLINICS AND CAMPS London Sports Park – Every Monday night throughout summer and Aug. 24-28

Submitted by Power Edge Pro Hockey The Power Edge Pro™ Training System had been developed by Inventor Joe Quinn, who has been training numerous elite players, including Connor McDavid, since the age of 10. Connor has been ‘Manufacturing’ skilled plays for years, showing us elite skills and fantastic 1-on1 ability against players 3 and 4 years his elder. He has the ability to dominate in the small areas of the ice that very few can at full speed.

‘ONE OF THE SECRETS TO BECOMING AN ELITE PLAYER IS SMALL AREA/ REACTIVE HOCKEY TRAINING’ Years of the PEP Training Circuits and unique repetitions have been a major advantage and helped enhance Connor McDavid’s game performance. Picture Connor skating full speed through the PEP Training Circuits at 10 years old.

Maneuvering and multitasking at full speed, executing PEP President Joe Quinn with evasive skating PEP London 2004 Members Malcolm Scott and Jaxon Rigby techniques/

Komoka Wellness Centre - Aug. 10-14 and Aug. 17-21

edge control and puck control! Then add in ‘hand skills’ of executing saucers, toe drags with the puck through PEP before coming out of the turn and exploding to the next PEP Trainer.

Collingwood - Aug. 31 - Sept. 4 (Private Groups/Teams by appointment) REGISTER NOW AS SPOTS ARE LIMITED Contact Steven DuBarry at: steven@poweredgepro.com

‘THIS IS THE KIND OF TRAINING TO GAIN BETTER PERFORMANCE FOR TODAY`S GAME’

Power Edge Pro has seen similar growth in other parts of North America, as well, and is now looking to expand into Europe!

In addition to private camps and clinics, Power Edge Pro is now releasing the ‘McDavid Skills Pak,’ which will be available to Winter teams and include on-ice PEP sessions and the McDavid Dangler off-ice training program. Coaches, inquire today!

The world is now realizing the effectiveness of the Power Edge Pro™ Training System, and it’s being used by players at all levels of the game, including three of the last five Memorial Cup Champions - Saint John Sea Dogs, Halifax Mooseheads and the Oshawa Generals.

Other programs who use it include the www.poweredgepro.com Erie Otters, USA National Team U17/ U18, Regina Pats, Brandon Wheat Kings and the University of New Hampshire NCAA D1 program.

Many kids in London and the surrounding area have been training with PEP consistently for the past three seasons and have been noticing substantial improvement. Due to the demand in Southwestern Ontario, PEP has added trainPEP 2006 - Port Huron Champions - Back Row (Left to right): Coaches Darryl Candy, Bill Landy, Doug Langhorn, Allison Spencer. Middle Row: Carson ers in London, Komoka, Aylmer, Stratford, Sarnia, Thomas, Owen Gray, Liam Spencer, Matthew Langhorn, Trevor Vandenberk.

Front Row: Mason Landry, Nolan Candy, Lucas Wilson, Braedon Jones, Atley Guelph, and Windsor.

Rogers, Ryder O`Neil, Aidan MacMillan Front: Goalie - Michael McIntyre.

Missing: Matthew Souliere and Coach Chris MacMillan

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Leafs Skating Coach joins PHD Submitted by Progressive Hockey Development (PHD) weren’t for so many. Thank you to all the players for all the hard work they put in.

Thank you to all the parents, who give so much for their kids to continue to play the game they love, especially into an extended spring season, and thank you to all the volunteers, coaches, and staff for all your time. We would also like to thank our great partners:

Progressive Hockey Development is pleased to announce that Toronto Maple Leafs skating coach Barb Underhill will be joining the PHD team this summer to work with Founder and Head Instructor Mike Ellis while they work with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies players and prospects.

Thank you from the Sharks

Partners

The Elgin Sharks just wrapped up their second season of Spring Hockey. In year two, the organization expanded from four teams to thirteen teams.

“We had some great and exciting victories, and we also have some hard-fought defeats,” said Ellis. “Overall, we set out to develop and improve as many players as possible and we felt we did that.”

The Sharks season wouldn't be possible if it

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2005 Team

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Mike Ellis with Barb Underhill at the Mastercard Centre

2007 Team

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Same great organization, revamped logo!

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By Coleen Dalton The London Devilettes have proudly been the place for girls aged 5 to 20+ to play hockey in London for more than 25 years! Part of this proud history has been the distinctive uniforms the Devilettes have worn over that time. The uniform has undergone several changes over the years, which have helped show the evolution and growth of girls’ hockey in London. This year, the Devilettes will once again introduce a new logo that will modernize the look of the players’

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Call (519) 438-4629

uniforms and will be proudly worn by the more than 800 Devilettes players for the upcoming season.

The new logo is also quite distinctive.

It keeps the historic Devilettes’ colour scheme while adding a level of professionalism to the organization. For the players, the logo is likely secondary to getting on the ice to play, but they do have a sense of pride in wearing uniforms that represent both their club and their city. For the organization, the new logo

The London Devilettes Atom B team performed well at the Pittsburgh Girls Thanksgiving Classic tournament, coming home with a silver medal

breathes a freshness into an already well-established program.

Does your daughter want to become part of this female hockey tradition in London? Registration for the upcoming Devilettes season is now open at: www. londondevilettes.ca.

We hope to see everyone at the rink in the fall cheering on our amazing Devilettes’ competitive and house league teams!

www.londondevilettes.ca

Young house league players receive instruction from senior Devilettes players

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sportsfiles

Lakers active in recruiting for 2015/16 Submitted by the London Lakers The London Lakers are a first-year franchise in the GMHL JR A Hockey League 2015/16 season. The team is owned by Cornerstone Sports Group, the same group that owns the Halton Ravens, who last season played into the 7th game of the semi-finals before losing to the eventual champions.

One of the recent high-profile signings for the London Lakers is Jacob Jammes, who previously played for the OHL’s Mississauga Steelheads and London Knights

Coach Jeff Zehr and Michael Woolley sporting the new Lakers jersey and gear

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Cornerstone prides itself on having the right people in place to operate the teams successfully. The Lakers player management team of Head Coach Jeff Zehr and Director of Player Personnel Ian Kennedy live up to that expectation and will deliver a successful team to London in their first year. The future of a Lakers player is in good hands as Cornerstone has had excellent success moving players to the next level of NCAA, OJHL, OHL and Pro Leagues.

Since the last issue of SportsXpress, the Lakers have signed two high-profile players along with other recruits. Michael Wooley was the first player ever signed by the team. He comes from London National JR B (with stints in Strathroy and St. Thomas). Also joining the team with tremendous experience and leadership is Jacob Jammes, formerly of the OHL’s Mississauga Steelheads and London Knights. These players signal that Lakers Hockey will be successful in their first year.

Contact Ian or Jeff if you’re interested in playing on the team.

The Lakers will be playing out of London Sports Park on Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. and have nice indoor seating area for perfect viewing. The team plans to be active in the community, so hopefully we will see you at one of the games

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or at a community event.

The team is assisted in managing by the Bedford family (Wayne and Lyle) who operated the Lakers Senior Hockey Team several years ago. Wayne was instrumental in working with Cornerstone to bring the team to London. The Lakers will also be hosting many groups and minor hockey teams, and also have plans to play a couple of home games at the local rinks of minor hockey clubs. Watch for the announcements! If you would like to be an invited guest team or organization at a Lakers game, contact Wayne Bedford at: w.bedford@rogers.com.

www.londonlakersjrahockey.ca LAKERS MANAGEMENT Ian Kennedy, Director of Player Personnel ian@londonlakersjrahockey.ca - 519-784-4919 Jeff Zehr, Head Coach - jeff@londonlakersjrahockey.ca Hayden Maass, GM/Director of Marketing hayden@londonlakersjrahockey.ca

JOIN THE LAKERS IN 2015/16 The Lakers are currently taking applications for players, game night staff, and host families (billet families) for the 2015/16 season. For more information, including how to apply, contact Hayden Maass.

teamprofiles

Knights’ new faces Submitted by the London Knights Here’s a look at a few of the Knights’ recent acquisitions that will don the Green and Gold for the 2015-16 season:

#2 - Evan Bouchard Bouchard, a product of the Oakville Rangers, was the Knights’ first round (17th overall) pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound offensive defenseman and assistant captain led his Rangers team in scoring with 31 points (18 goals, 13 assists) in 35 games. Bouchard competed at the 2015 OHL Gold Cup in May, and was the tournament’s Top Scorer with 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in just five games -- including a six-point final game for Team OMHA White.

#7 - Mathew Tkachuk Tkachuk, a St. Louis native, is a product of the U.S. National Team Development Program, and was a member of Team USA’s U17 Gold Medal Team in 2013-14 and U18 Gold Medal Team this spring. While competing at the U18 tournament in April, the 6-foot-1, 187-pound winger (and Knights fourth round selection in 2013) was named a Top Three Player on his team and had the most assists (10) in the tournament in seven games. The son of former NHLer, Keith Tkachuk, he is eligible for the 2016 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo.

#27 - Robbie Thomas The Knights’ second round pick (26th overall) in 2015 spent Evan Bouchard and last season with the York Simcoe Max Jones Robbie Thomas Express. In 34 games, the Aurora, Ontario native and gifted playmaker scored a team-leading 45 points (18 goals, 27 assists). Thomas participated in the 2015 OHL Cup Showcase tournament, leading his Dale Hunter & Basil McRae with Sam Miletic (left) & Matthew Tkachuk (right) team in scoring with 5 #49 - Max Jones points (3 goals, 2 assists) in four games.

The Knights’ first round (18th overThe 5-foot-9, 165-pound centre also all) pick in 2014, Jones is a big power served as the assistant captain with the forward with skill and speed. He was a Express last season. member of the U.S. National U17 Team #29 - Sam Miletic last season. In 38 games, the 6-foot-2, Miletic, a Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 195-pound winger produced 28 points native and Knights 15th round pick (18 goals, 10 assists) and 189 PIMs. in 2013, played last season with the At the U17 Five Nations Tournament in Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL (the Russia, he had two goals in four games, same organization Knights Alumni Alex en route to a silver at the tournament.

Broadhurst and Dakota Mermis played Jones also competed at the 2014 World for). In 58 games, he amassed 27 points Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Sarnia, (12 goals, 15 assists) and 20 PIMs. and helped Team USA claim silver while Playing on his off wing, Miletic is known earning a spot on the All-Tournament as a 200-foot play-making player and Team with seven goals. Brother to Flint has international experience, having won Firebirds’ Mitch Jones and son of former Gold with Team USA in the 2013-14 Five NHLer Brad Jones, Max will be eligible for Nations Tournament. He’s eligible for the the 2016 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo.

2015 NHL Entry Draft in Florida.

www.londonknights.com

FOR AN IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTATION CALL 519 661 - 6895 @SportsXpressLON

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sportsfiles

Clams relish division title

By SportsXpress Team Alex Geer freely admits that he was forced into ‘an early retirement’ from his competitive hockey career at the midget level, topping out as a member of the house league Lambeth Lancers. But little did he know, he’d be hoisting a championship hockey trophy years later – albeit outdoors on another surface.

An assistant captain on the Clam Divers, a team that plays in Ball Hockey International, Geer helped lead his team to a division title last season. And he had a blast doing it.

“Our team’s strength is that we came together as a whole,” Geer said. “It probably started in our first year. After a big comeback win, we chanted “CLAMS! CLAMS! CLAMS!” so obnoxiously loud that it wasn’t even funny. It was the birth of our new tradi-

tion. Every goal, you can hear the clams a mile away.”

That tradition continued through the Clams’ championship run, as the team seemed to have more and more fun along the way, which Geer says seemed to work to their advantage.

“We made a name for ourselves during our first season,” Geer said.

Besides their Cup win, the Clams have also enjoyed their time in BHI as a whole, according to Geer, as the staff is very friendly and personable, and the league is competitive but yet friendly and fun.

“It’s been nothing short of amazing,” said Geer of his time playing BHI. “We have a team that takes things seriously, refs who just love being there, a great office lady, and an extremely awesome instagram account.

Whether you're looking to have fun, or to hoist a trophy over your head, BHI has what you're looking for.”

Looking ahead to next season, Geer says he’ll sit down with fellow assistant captain, Tanner Turley, and draft up a list of potential friends, write out their strengths and weaknesses, and have some beers while they pick the roster.

And as for goals?

“That’s an easy one,” Geer says. “To defend our title as Cup champions. And being in a higher division against the more talented teams will make that an even bigger accomplishment. And we also want to do our best to go above and beyond to try and publicize our team and the league. You can even follow us on Instagram @THECLAMDIVERS to see all the personality and keep up-to-date with the team!”

“We chanted ‘CLAMS! CLAMS! CLAMS!’ so obnoxiously loud that it wasn’t even funny. It was the birth of our new tradition. Every goal, you can hear the clams a mile away.”

“We even have a few friends that suit up and put lines together and ‘play coach,’” Geer said. “Sometimes I feel like I'm on an actual NHL team.”

The Clam Divers, Geer says, are what you might call a ‘re-birth’ team.

After his original BHI team folded after one winless season (“After one terrible year without a single win, I fell in love with the place,” Geer says of BHI), the Londoner joined a new team that was formed by an old teammate, the ‘Clam Divers.’

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YOUTH DIVISION

ADULT DIVISION

4 to 6...........$113 Taxes Included

Men’s B........$150 Taxes Included

7 to 9...........$150 Taxes Included

Men’s C........$150 Taxes Included

10 to 12.......$150 Taxes Included

Men’s D .......$150 Taxes Included

13 to 15.......$150 Taxes Included

Ladies & Coed .....$113 Taxes Included

TEEN............$150 Taxes Included

Men’s 30+.....$113 Taxes Included

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4 to 6 division includes 10 games, end of season team party and medals Youth division includes 12 games + playoffs, and end of season team party Men’s division includes 12 games + playoffs, twice a week league Coed, Ladies & 30+ includes 8 games + playoffs, once a week league

Registration deadline SEPT 8

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2015 Champs: The ‘Clam Divers’ - Top row (left to right): Jason Meng (Asst. Coach) Mike Wadley, Ben Moniz, Conner Hodgins, Erik Cholod, Garret Rinas (C), Deek Finlay, Sean Banghart (Coach) Middle row: Tanner Turley (A), Alex Geer (A), Riley Bell. Bottom row: Andrew Wood, Corey Lirette, TJ Turley, Nick Boyer, Tyler Nicol. Absent: Chris Taylor

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