SportsXpress Guelph May/June 2014

SXP_Z13_Guelph_14MJ .indd 1

2014-04-27 1:26 PM

an It co

th w sk

pr po

SXP_Z13_Guelph_14MJ .indd 2

2014-04-27 1:26 PM

thelineup

MAY/JUNE 2014

Guelph and Centre Wellington Edition

09

05 editor’snote It has been one year since the first edition of the Guelph SportsXpress was published and it has been an eye opener to be sure. Raising children and being involved with a variety of sports and clubs in Guelph I thought I had a pretty good idea of what the minor sports environment was all about in the area. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

It’s not just the variety of sport in Guelph and Centre Wellington but the levels of competition that these groups compete in. From beginner and house league levels to competing at the national level - and winning - these clubs and association provide an opportunity for our children to develop essential life skills, make life long friends and grow into exceptional young adults.

The goal off this magazine is to bring greater visibility to the clubs and associations in Guelph and provide a platform where their message can reach the community. To all those groups that have supported the Guelph SportsXpress Magazine I thank you and look forward to another great year.

sportsfiles

Entertaining, informative and engaging articles on local athletes, sports and teams.

07 | Guelph Synchronized Swim Club athletes seeing remarkable results 08 | Guelph Ringette teams complete stellar seasons 13 | Fishing in the Royal City

teamprofiles

Profiling community sports in words and photographs.

05 | G uelph Cobras Field Hockey Club offers programs for girls and boys

06 | Guelph Girls Hockey Association scores big in 2013-2014 10 | Saultos send five to Eastern Canadian Gymnastics Championship 15 | Team of the month- Guelph Predators

sports@school

Highlighting all school sports and athletes.

12 | Guelph Gryphons honour top athletes at annual athletic banquet & awards ceremony 14 | Core Strength: More than abs

SXP_Z13_Guelph_14MJ .indd 3

07

10 GuelphSportsXpress.ca

3 2014-04-27 1:26 PM

Get in the Game!

MAY/JUNE 2014

Check out our website at www.GuelphSportsXpress.ca PUBLISHER

EDITOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER CONTRIBUTORS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Call your own shots!

We’re Growing!

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.

Are you: • Passionate about sports?

• Interested in running your own community business?

• Experienced in Sales?

Join our Growing Team!

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

Stephen Petrick Alecia Leslie Guelph Gryphons Athletics Dave Easter Amber Paxton Jennifer Allison GGHA Sandra Pitts Guelph Synchronized Swimming Louise McIntyre Steve Brooks Photography Guelph Cobras FHC Michelle Turley Dan Lacroix Guelph Ringette Shawna Berry Guelph Saultos Charles Basler Dan Lacroix Steven Brooks and Various Sports Enthusiasts

COVER IMAGE

Steve Brooks Photography

PARTNERSHIP EDITIONS

Kingston Ottawa Guelph Brampton Oshawa-Whitby Hamilton Mississauga London Waterloo Region Lloydminster Burlington Swift Current Sarnia-Lambton Windsor Winnipeg Niagara Peterborough Brant County

PARTNERSHIP INQUIRY

Contact SportsXpress at: 1.877.588.8856 or email Sales@SportsXpress.ca

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.

Paul Spears pauls@sportsxpress.ca 519-212-9585

NATIONAL & REGIONAL SALES

Amy Knowles AmyK@SportsXpress.ca

PRESIDENT/CEO

Walter Browning walter@sportsxpress.ca

VP OPERATIONS

Clint Szakacs clint@sportsxpress.ca

VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Mathew Milne mmilne@sportsxpess.ca

CORPORATE MANAGER OF MARKETING & PRODUCTION

Kelly Martin kellym@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. view & upload Photos • Video • Articles TM

4

GuelphSportsXpress.ca

SXP_Z13_Guelph_14MJ .indd 4

box

Your Community Sports Report

2014-04-27 1:26 PM

teamprofiles

Cobras Field Hockey - Give It a Shot images by Dan Lacroix

The Guelph Cobras Field Hockey Club offers recreational and high performance field hockey playing opportunities for girls 18 years old and under and boys 14 years old and under. The outdoor program runs from May to August at Varsity Field, at the University of

Guelph, which is a turfgrass facility and indoor from November to March.

The club offers a variety of playing options for these age groups. Everyone is welcome and everyone plays.

But what is Field Hockey?

It is a fun, fast and skilled stick and ball game which dates back thousands of years. It is traditionally played on grass, but is at its best when played on synthetic surfaces. Two teams compete

using hooked sticks to hit, push, pass and dribble a small, hard ball with one aim in mind -- to score a goal by getting the ball past the goalkeeper.

Field Hockey is played in 112 countries

and is one of the top five most popular team sports in the world. It is played by men and women and is an Olympic sport.

So next time you think no one plays, think again. The world loves field hockey.

The club`s goals:

•T o create a fun, social environment where players can develop skills •T o promote Field Hockey and create a community sporting opportunity outside of school sports •T o create an opportunity to learn and enjoy a fast and skilled sport •T o promote the sport of field hockey, regardless of age, ability or sex of participants •T o promote good sportsmanship and emphasize fair play •T o foster respect for players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators.

The coaching staff is committed to individual player development. During each practice, they emphasize basic skills as well as elite skills required to compete at the highest level. Each athlete receives individual and group coaching. The club also focus on technical and tactical concepts and often ends the sessions with game play.

Athletes are grouped according to age and/or ability.

Since the club`s inception in 2007, 32 athletes have continued to play at

the Canadian university or NCAA level, and a couple have gone on to represent Canada. Many of the club`s athletes play on provincial teams.

If you are interested in playing, an Open House and a registration for 12 practice sessions, takes place Wednesday, May 7. The first session/ open house will run like a practice, so come prepared to play. All players at the Open House will be entered into a draw to win his/her 2014 skills sessions for free. Visit www.cobrasfhc.ca

For more information contact Ronnie Wilker, Cobra administrator, at ronnie.cobrasfhc@gmail.com

SXP_Z13_Guelph_14MJ .indd 5

GuelphSportsXpress.ca

5

2014-04-27 1:47 PM

teamprofiles Guelph Girls Hockey Association scores big in 2013-2014

This was a banner year for the Guelph Girls Hockey Association. Six teams qualified for Ontario Women`s Hockey Association provincial championships and hundreds of girls participated in house league play.

The six teams that qualified for the provincials, played April 10 to 13 in the Toronto area, were the : Novice B, Peewee AA, Bantam BB, Bantam AA, Midget A and Midget AA teams.

The Bantam AA team progressed from the round robin of 24 teams but lost 3-2 to Oakville, the eventual fourth-place finisher.

The Midget A team went 1-0-2 in round-robin play, then beat Kitchener 2-1 before losing 2-1 to Oakville in the quarterfinals (Oakville went on to win silver).

The house league season was capped with a championship day on April 7, held at the University of Guelph.

More than 280 girls participated in the final games of the house league season and more than 45 players in the FUNdamental program

(for 4-7 years olds) held scrimmages.

The Novice/AtoMc Championship was won by the Yellow Team, with a 3-1 win over the Black Team. The consolation final was a 2-1 win for the Red Team over the Teal Team.

The Peewee Championship was won by the Yellow Team, with a 7-1 win over Eramose Physio Associates (Teal). The Peewee consolation final was won 2-0 by Smith Valeriote (Black) over Play it Again Sports (Red).

The Midget/ Intermediate championship was won 4-0 by the Yellow Team over the Red Team, while the Cooperators (Teal) team was third, the Spira Fire Protection (Black) team was fourth and the White Thunder team was fifth.

Registration for next year will soon get underway. Registration for House League will open in mid-May, and that Early Bird pricing (2014 prices) will be available until June 30.

Visit www.ggha.com for more information or to register.

Guelph Girls Hockey Association Award winners

House League Coach of the Year - Geoff Woolley, for coaching the Peewee Black team, as well as the Peewee DS team.

Rep Coach of the Year - Mike Johnston, for coaching the Atom B team. While the team did not have a winning season on the scoresheet, the team participated in community fundraising, attended the Team Canada vs. Team USA Women’s hockey game, and played two games against the Guelph Giants special needs hockey team.

The Spira Award was won by Teri-Lynn Druif. The Karyn Spira Memorial Trophy is awarded at the end of each season to the GGHA Midget/ Intermediate House League player who best personifies the attributes that were important to Karyn - Enthusiasm, Sportsmanship and Fairplay.

Rep Coach of the Year Mike Johnston

House League Coach of the Year - Geoff Woolley

Teri-Lynn Druif

Inaugural Megan Favaro Spirit Award won by Brin Krueger Megan Favaro, a tremendous young lady with special needs, is an enthusiastic supporter of Guelph Girls Hockey Association`s (GGHA) 2013-2014 Midget AA team.

Megan attends as many games as she can and is a Megan Favaro tremendous inspiration to all of the players and their families. Megan’s infectious spirit and pure love of the game helps to remind everyone she touches how very fortunate we are to participate in the great game of hockey.

6

The girls and their families embrace Megan and have made her a special part of their team.

In September of 2013, Megan made a personal donation of $250 to the team with a note saying that the money she was donating was to thank all of the girls for allowing her to be a part of the team. Megan intended that this money, which she had personally earned, was to help offset some of the team’s operating costs.

To better honour Megan’s generous donation, this money has been re-directed to the GGHA to fund The Megan Favaro Spirit Award. This annual distinction will recognize a player on the top tier GGHA Midget team who is demonstrates the positive spirit that Megan brought to the game. The criteria selection asks that a player:

• Demonstrates the virtues of good sportsmanship and fair play • Extends a determined and passionate effort - always • Personifies an encouraging and positive attitude • Commits to a “team first mentality” and willingly accepts her particular role on the team • Shows respect for all including teammates, coaches, parents, officials and opponents • Is a positive ambassador, who represents the City of Guelph and the GGHA with pride and dignity.

• Demonstrates accountability, commitment, integrity & a passion for the game.

The inaugural Megan Favaro Spirit Award was won by Brin Krueger.

GuelphSportsXpress.ca

SXP_Z13_Guelph_14MJ .indd 6

2014-04-27 1:26 PM

sportsfiles

Synchronized Swim Club athletes seeing remarkable results Images by Steve Brooks Photography

The Guelph Synchronized Swim Club performed very well at the Ontario West Regional Synchronized Swim meet held March 22-23 at the Gretzky Centre in Brantford.

Guelph Synchro was one of six synchronized swim clubs that competed in individual figures and team, duet and solo routines.

Madison Solda led the way, capturing gold in 13-15 figures.

The 11-12 team (Kiersten Barr, Erica Bonnar, Bria Davidian, Noelle MacDonald, Kyla Smith, and Alice Stubbs) placed sixth; the 13-15 team (Caitlin Bergant, Tonya Bonnar, Emma Gibson, Elizabeth Lister, Luciana Mejia, Breanna Pratley, Clare Vais, and Hannah Wiley) placed seventh; and the 16-20 team (Jocelyn Begin, Katelyn Butts, Sarah Plant, Sophie Reimer, and Madison Solda) placed fourth.

Guelph Synchro is proud of its athletes who competed their duet or solo routine for the very first time. Bria Davidian and Alice

11-12 Team - Kiersten Barr, Erica Bonnar, Bria Davidian, Noelle MacDonald, Kyla Smith and Alice Stubbs

Katelyn Butts

Stubbs (11-12 duet) placed sixth; Tonya Bonnar (13-15 solo) placed seventh; Noelle MacDonald (13-15 solo) placed eighth; Caitlin Bergant (13-15 solo) placed ninth; Katelyn Butts (16-20 solo) placed fifth; and Sophie Reimer (16-20 solo) placed seventh.

Guelph Synchro teams also competed at the Synchro Swim Ontario Hilton Worldwide Invitational meet at York University, April 1113. This routine meet hosted teams, duets and solos from eighteen different clubs from across Ontario.

The 11-12 team placed tenth, the 13-15 team placed seventh and the 16-20 Team placed 11th. Davidian and Stubbs (11-12 duet) placed 16th; Bergant (13-15 solo) placed 13th; MacDonald (13-15 solo) placed 14th; Bonnar (13-15 solo) placed 15th; Butts (16-20 solo) placed 11th; Solda (13-15 FINA solo) placed 11th; Butts and Plant (junior FINA duet) placed second.

Jr. FINA Team - Katelyn Butts and Sarah Plant

Caitlin Bergant

Guelph’s 10 & Under Novice Pre-Competitive Team competed at the Burlington Extravaganza on March 2, and the Synchro Swim Ontario Novice Figures Meet on April 6. These young athletes had outstanding performances in their individual figures competitions. Brenna Stroud (7 year old) placed third at Burlington; Lauren Irvine (8 years old) placed second at Burlington and first at Elmira; Cora Byrne (8 years old) placed eighth at Burlington and second at Elmira; Georgia Smallacombe (8 years old) placed 16th at Burlington and 13th at Elmira; Alyssa Shany (9 years old) placed first at Burlington and third at Elmira; Alexis Sanderson (9 years old) placed third at Burlington and second at Elmira. This young team also placed third for “Most Memorable Moment” for their team routine at Burlington.

16-20 Team - Jocelyn Begin, Katelyn Butts, Sarah Plant, Sophie Reimer and Madison Solda

Tonya Bonnar

Noelle MacDonald

SXP_Z13_Guelph_14MJ .indd 7

10 & Under Novice Pre-Competitive Team

11-12 Duet - Bria Davidian and Alice Stubbs

GuelphSportsXpress.ca

7

2014-04-27 1:26 PM

sportsfiles

Guelph Ringette teams complete stellar seasons U16AA team wins national championship, U19AA team wins provincial title The U16AA Guelph Predators ringette team won the gold medal and Canadian Ringette Championship. This is the first time that Guelph has won the national title. The team finished the season with a record of 64-2-1 and four players took home All Star awards at the national competition, played in Regina, Sask. April 6 to 12. Goalie Samantha Gorgi, and forward Emma Eccles were named to the tournament’s first all-star team and secondteam honours went to centre Nicole Shaw and defence Mariah Coverdale.

The team is also made up of: Selena Case, Janna Griffioen, Kelsey Hamilton, Katrina Hart, Madison Jarvis, Neely Jarvis, Anna Lawrence, Gillian Marrow, Madison Seabrooke. Stacey Warner and Rose Williams. The head coach was Todd Marrow and the bench staff included Dave Eccles, Karen Lawrence, Gary Shaw, Arlene Warner. Sodrox Chemicals was the proud sponsor for the U16AA national champion team.

months. Congratulations to each of these great athletes and their families.

The U19AA Guelph Predators team also qualified for the national championships in Regina, by winning the provincial championships.

8

In 2014 the Guelph Ringette Association (GRA) was home to 15 ringette teams for children as young as four years old, all the way up to adult. There is no doubt that the tri-city area is a significant ringette pocket within Ontario. Although Guelph only began developing A and AA teams just over 10 years ago, the organization has come a long way. This year both the Guelph U16AA and U19AA teams won the provincial championship and went on to compete at the national level … and this is not a first.

“The Guelph U19AA Ringette team ended an exciting and very successful season as Team Ontario at the Canadian Championships in Regina,” said head coach Craig Richardson.

“The Predators entered the national event ranked #1 in Canada. They led their division after the first round before losing to the eventual winners (Team Manitoba) in quarter final play.

So what are some core elements that Guelph Ringette has learned over the 40 years it has been an Association?

1. That it is really hard for parents to know what activities their youngsters will like - so they offer free ‘Come-TryRingette’ sessions a few times a year for all ages. Equipment is available and kids can get a ‘feel’ for the ice and a ‘taste’ of the sport.

“The team finished the season with two silver and three gold medals in five tournaments, which included winning the provincial championships and earning the privilege to represent Ontario at nationals. The strength and tenacity that each athlete put-out was impressive and I was honoured to work with such talent.”BDO was the proud sponsors of the U19AA team.

2. Many years ago GRA added a Learnto-Skate program for kids just getting started as the demand for fun ice programming was evident. The Learn-toSkate program continues along with the launch of the Learn-to-Play initiative next season.

3. When parents and coaches experience how quickly the kids improve they can get ‘caught up’ in the sport, therefore GRA supports a Long-Term Athletic Development protocol that focuses on fun. They want kids to stay active and healthy, and if the players are happy this philosophy works.

“What an amazing finish to an incredible year,” said Marrow. “The gold medal game was a seesaw battle between undefeated teams to that point in the national championship.

Both Team Ontario and Central Alberta became known as offensive powerhouses as the week progressed. In the end, it was nice to see that a strong defensive effort by every girl on our team was what protected a narrow lead for the final minutes of the game, proving that defense does win championships.

“The girls should be proud of all the hard work they did on and off the ice the past few

All about Guelph Predators Ringette

4. And lastly, whether is it learning to try your best, persevere through difficult circumstances, play by the rules, work as a team, ringette can be an opportunity for a series of life lessons that develop character in a child!

For more information visit www.guelphringette.ca Photo by Artifacts for Life Photography

GuelphSportsXpress.ca

SXP_Z13_Guelph_14MJ .indd 8

2014-04-27 2:01 PM

sportsfiles The Predators roster included: Halli Berry, Hayley Chase, Moira Davidson, Nicole Evans, Taylor Jarvis, Nia King, Meghan Lanteigne, Megan McGuire, Katie McKersie, Jessica Mezenberg, Abby Richardson, Trisha Rowsell, Jodi Rutten, Colleen Scott, Rachel Shaw.

Coach Richardson’s bench staff included Doug Chase, Margaret Lanteigne, John Mezenberg and Trish Scott.

The 2014 season was truly an outstanding one for both teams, as they went undefeated at the Ontario Provincial Ringette Championship in Ottawa this spring, to qualify for the national championships. As provincial champions representing Ontario, they retired their traditional navy and white Guelph jerseys and put on a brilliant Team Ontario red jersey.

Practices become a slew of red in Guelph arenas as the 30 athletes began an intense training regime.

Only 44 teams across the county competed at the CRC with sixteen U16AA teams, eighteen U19AA teams and eight National Ringette League teams. Participating at a

U19AA Provincial Champions national level tests every athlete, physically and mentally. The experience itself can be overwhelming, from travelling to Regina over nine days, participating in opening ceremonies, a minimum of 10 games over five days,

closing ceremonies and awards. This level of competition challenges individual skills as well as team strength - and in the world of ringette, it doesn’t get any better than this.

U16AA National Champions

Ringette Fun Day set for August 24

Ringette players from all associations are invited to Guelph for the 3-on3 Fun Day August 24, 2014 at the University of Guelph.

Players register as individuals or groups of three and are placed onto teams to compete against other players from across Ontario.

Teams are balanced with players of all abilities.

SXP_Z13_Guelph_14MJ .indd 9

GuelphSportsXpress.ca

9

2014-04-27 1:26 PM

teamprofiles

Saultos send five to Eastern Canadian Gymnastics Championships division Ontario’s highest provincial level in women’s artistic gymnastics -- three more Saultos gymnasts claimed spots on Team Ontario. Sayge Urban earned her slot as Provincial Champion in the 10/11 year old division while15-year-old Kristina Santiago placed second all around behind teammate and Guelph Saultos second Provincial Champion Megen Reid in the 14-plus age division.

In all, Guelph Saultos gymnasts earned 20 medals at this year`s Ontario Championships; 11 gold medals, including two all around provincial champions; four silver medal, including two all around rankings and five bronze medals, one being an all around placing.

Guelph’s gymnastics team finishes the competitive season with a bang.

Competing this year for the first time in the National Open category, 13-year-old Justina Skalskyte of Guelph qualified to compete at the Canadian Gymnastics Championships to be held May 26 to June 1 in Ottawa.

At the Ontario Gymnastics Championships in Windsor, April 3- 6, five local girls qualified for Team Ontario and will compete at this year’s Eastern Canadian Gymnastics Championships to be held in Oshawa, May 10-12.

Saultos’ youngest Team Ontario member, Charlise Radencich, placed third all around in the Level 7 age 10/11 division while 13-year-old teammate Cailyn Chung earned her spot on Team Ontario in the Level 7 age 12/13 division with a second all around ranking. Moving up to the Level 9

10

GuelphSportsXpress.ca

SXP_Z13_Guelph_14MJ .indd 10

2014-04-27 1:26 PM

behindthebench

Want to be a sports journalist?

Get your feet wet with

Volunteer/intern as a: • reporter • writer • photographer • videographer • events/promotions coordinator

Apply online at sportsxpress.ca/volunteer

SXP_Z13_Guelph_14MJ .indd 11

GuelphSportsXpress.ca

11

2014-04-27 1:26 PM

sports@schools

The University of Guelph, Department of Athletics held its annual Awards Ceremony recently at the W.F. Mitchell Athletics Centre. Wrestler Kelsey Gsell was named the Female Athlete of the Year and the President’s award winner while Ross Proudfoot from Cross Country and Track and Field was named the Male Athlete of the Year.

On the wrestling mat, Gsell has been a dominating force since she stepped on campus four years ago. She had a remarkable 2013-14 season for the Gryphons rolling through an unbeaten season. At the 2014 OUA Championships, she won gold in the 82-kg class. At the 2014 CIS National Championships, she won gold in the 82kg class earning first team All-Canadian honours.

Gsell was also named the President’s award winner, for excellence in academics.

12

In addition to her OUA and CIS titles, the fourth-year put up a 91% average over the academic season while studying Human Kinetics.

Gryphon cross country and track and field standout Ross Proudfoot took his running to a new level in 2013-14. In the fall, he won an OUA silver, was named an OUA first team all-star and CIS first team All-Canadian helping the Gryphons win the OUA and CIS cross country banners. During the indoor season, he won two gold medals at the OUA championships in the 1500m and as a part of the OUA record setting 4x800m relay. At the CIS championships, he won the gold in the 3000m, silver in the 1500m and was named a first and second team All-Canadian.

Also honoured were the top rookies of the year Katelyn Ayers and Tristan Woodfine. Ayers, a two-sport athlete, was named

the Dr. Mary Beverley-Burton Female Rookie of the Year. Competing on the OUA silver medalist women’s lacrosse team and the OUA and CIS gold medalist Track and Field team she had nothing short of a spectacular season. Named the OUA and CIS women’s track and field rookie of the year and OUA MVP, Ayers won two gold and two silver medals at her first OUA championships. At the CIS championships, she earned a relay bronze. During the season, she also broke the Canadian Junior record for the 1000m.

Woodfine from Cross Country and Track and Field took home the Scott Yanchus Male Rookie of the Year Award. Named the OUA and CIS rookie of the year in Cross Country, this aggressive racer won an OUA bronze and then came back to win a CIS silver medal. He was the highest rookie to finish second on the national stage since 2006.

GuelphSportsXpress.ca

SXP_Z13_Guelph_14MJ .indd 12

2014-04-27 1:26 PM

sportsfiles

Fishing in the Royal City Article By Guelph SportsXpress After the winter of 2014 most of us can’t wait to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

The city of Guelph offers excellent hiking and walking trails along a fairly extensive park system that runs along the Speed and Eramosa rivers. These trails offer access to the rivers and at times some very good fishing. The Speed and Eramosa rivers are monitored by the Grand River Conservation Authority who works with the city of Guelph and the Guelph Outdoor Water Use Program to ensure there is adequate water flow.

as possible, a five-foot to six-foot rod is perfect River fish are a little more aggressive and don’t seem line shy, I like to use an eight to 10-pound line so I’m not always breaking off in the snags and rocks we will encounter. I will add a leader if I’m fishing for pike or I feel there are pike in the area.

Species Bait should also be For this article we are focusing on the kept simple. Leave the big Speed and Eramosa rivers within the city of tackle box at home and Guelph. Both the Speed and Eramosa, in the just use a small box that lower sections, are considered warm water has a few compartments fisheries that offer good to excellent fishing for essentials. I like to for warm water species such as bass, pike, swim grubs on 1/16th to carp and a variety of panfish. I say good to 1/8th jig head looking for excellent because it depends on the time of aggressive fish or small year and the conditions of the river. Early in stick baits in the three to the season, May/June, look for active Pike five-inch range. If none of these are working and panfish above the dam on the west end and I’m sure I’m in the right spot I do carry of Royal City Park heading east including the Eramosa out to Victoria Road. Once bass season opens on the fourth Saturday in June the same stretch can produce quantities of average size smallmouth bass (six to 12 inches) with the occasional fish reaching 20 inches. Pike season opens the second Saturday in May and panfish is open all year. As the season warms up in July and August, look for deeper holes where the fish will seek out cooler water.

The Speed River at Riverside Park north to Woodlawn Road can produce largemouth and pike especially late in the day with surface lures

small live bait hooks and small split shot.

Turn over a rock or dead brush and anything you find crawling can work in a pinch. Fly fishing tackle we will discuss in a following article.

Fishing along the Speed and Eramosa rivers in Guelph is great way to get out and enjoy the environment without spending a lot of money on equipment to fish bigger waters. It is also an easy way to introduce young kids to the sport of fishing but please use caution. Young children should wear a lifejacket when around the water especially around a river with lots of snags and if there has been a lot of rain and the water is high and fast everyone should stay away, the fishing won’t be good anyways.

And please do not leave your garbage along the river! Let’s keep these areas looking good for everyone to enjoy. Happy fishing!

For more information on water conditions check out GRCA (www.grandriver.ca) or City of Guelph (www.guelph.ca) .

Tackle

Shore fishing along the Speed and Eramosa rivers requires a simple approach as does using a canoe or kayak. Spinning or spincast gear will offer the versatility you will need. Keep the rod as small

SXP_Z13_Guelph_14MJ .indd 13

GuelphSportsXpress.ca

13

2014-04-27 2:02 PM

sports@schools

14

GuelphSportsXpress.ca

SXP_Z13_Guelph_14MJ .indd 14

2014-04-27 1:27 PM

teamprofiles

team of the month

Guelph Predators Ringette U12 Regional Gold Team (Sponsor: Play It Again Sports)

The U12 Gold Ringette team headed into the Ontario regional playoffs winning 95% of their league games and over 76% of their tournament play with 2 gold & 2 silver medals in-hand. To finish the season they came out undefeated over four games at the regional tournament.

In total, between league and tournament play, these 11 talented young athletes played 37 games with 32 wins, 3 losses and 2 ties. Congratulations to the U12 Gold team and Guelph Ringette on this tremendous success.

Guelph Predators Ringette U12 Regional Gold Team Back row: Wayne Hawkes, Asst. Coach, Chris Glazier, Head Coach and Pat Hood, Asst., Coach; Middle Row: Amaiya Copeman, Hanna Hutton, Megan Hawkes, Jessica Hood, Jessica Robinson, Cerys Mochan, Olivia Copeman; Front Row: Julia Glazier, Kate Driscoll, Erika Gobbi, Sydney Watson; Absent: Nicole Watson, Team Trainer and Tammy Copeman, Team Manager.

SXP_Z13_Guelph_14MJ .indd 15

GuelphSportsXpress.ca

15

2014-04-27 1:27 PM

STAY TRUE

435 STONE ROAD WEST GUELPH, ON 519-821-5780

stoneroadmall.ca

SXP_Z13_Guelph_14MJ .indd 16

2014-04-27 1:27 PM