SportsXpress Kitchener/Waterloo Sept/Oct 2014

The Ultimate Sport

The Unveiling of Angels

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 Waterloo & Area Edition

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editor’snote Welcome to SportsXpress, a magazine all about local sports — the players, teams, families, volunteers and fans. We publish real life stories on the full range of community sports and include all ages and skill levels. Every fan, parent, and sports enthusiast can participate by sharing their experiences with other fans.

We want you to make SportsXpress your magazine and www.SportsXpress.ca your website, by sending in your comments, story ideas, opinions, articles and photos. Get in the game with us and be connected with your local community sports!

Give us a call at (519) 208-9302 or email Alex Tansley at alext@SportsXpress.ca ~ from the SportsXpress team

sportsfiles

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

05 | ROW’s Tsista Kennedy is on his way 12 | Dreams through streams 13 | Ultimate Frisbee – the ultimate sport 20 | Tribute to Peter Hallman

teamprofiles

Profiling community sports in words and photographs.

09 | Spring Classic Training Camp held in Waterloo 14 | CARL is calling on your inner athlete

health&fitness

behindthebench

Tips, tatics and ideas are shared by athletes, coaches and fans.

16 | Buying a hockey stick – a step by step approach

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sportsnews

Up-to-date information on what is happening in the area.

07 | Local powerlifters finish on top 10 | ISC Tournament news 17 | Hockey Helps the Homeless comes to K-W 18 | KSA’s 19th. annual scholarship awards 20 | Twins take first Hallman Memoria 20 | Lots of bass in the Grand

Informative articles on sports health and fitness.

08 | Learning to stay ahead

Thank you to Ed Kung for supplying the ultimate frisbee cover photo.

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Waterloo

PRIMETIME Sports & Entertainment

On deck: 7th annual PrimeTime Sports Conference

By SportsXpress Team An impressive group of speakers has already been lined up for the 7th annual PrimeTime Sports Management Conference and Trade Show (with more to come), and the 2014 installment promises to be a can’t-miss event for anyone looking to learn cutting-edge strategies for managing and marketing the business of sport.

In addition to PrimeTime Sports founders Brian Burke and Trevor Whiffen, speakers at this year’s Conference, set for Nov. 17 & 18 at The Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto, will also include: Kevin Abrams (Assistant GM, New York Giants), Scott Moore (President of Sportsnet and NHL Properties), Gord Miller (Play-by-Play announcer, TSN), Don Meehan (President, CEO and NHL Player Agent, Newport Sports Management), and many more!

A Toronto-based management and consulting firm, PrimeTime Sports & Entertainment Inc. provides a wide range of services dealing with the business of sports, and has established itself as a leader in the areas of sport and event management, consulting, education, media training and networking.

The Conference and Trade Show is the organization’s flagship event, and attendees this November will have the opportunity to learn from leading industry experts about the representation of athletes and the challenges of operating professional sports teams, leagues, facilities and media outlets. This year’s event is expected to pick right up where last year’s event left off. That Conference featured more than 400 delegates and 67 speakers.

Don’t miss the 7th annual PrimeTime Sports Conference, as it is shaping up to be a must-attend event!

For more information, including a full list of 2014 confirmed speakers (and full coverage of the 2013 Conference), visit PrimeTime Sports & Entertainment online at

www.primetimesport.ca THE 7TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME SPORTS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW Monday November 17 - Tuesday November 18, 2014 Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto

SPEAKERS Steven Angel- Senior Vice President of League Operations and Officiating, National Basketball Association Scott Moore - President of Sportsnet and NHL Properties, Rogers Media Gilberto Mendoza - Vice President of the World Boxing Association Don Meehan - President, CEO and Certified Player Agent, Newport Sports Management George Daniel - Commissioner, National Lacrosse League Szymon Szemberg - Chief Operating Officer, Champions Hockey League

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Gord Dearborn Britt Cobean Alexandria Evans, Bill MacLeod, Matt Allen, Dennis Dosman, Kitchener Sports Association, Brett Holmes, Michelle LeDonne, HockeyStickMan, Optimist Club of Stanley Park, Peter Pickett, Sports for Special Athletes, Region of Waterloo Swim Club, Ultimate Frisbee, Jeff Zeffer, local sports enthusiasts and the SportsXpress Team.

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Waterloo • Kitchener • and Area 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.

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sportsfiles

ROW’s Tsista Kennedy is on his way Submitted by The Region of Waterloo Swim Club Kristian, or Tehatsistahawi (Day-hawgee-staw-haw-wi/He is carrying the fire), Kennedy is a member of Beausoleil First Nation and is Ojibway and Oneida. Also known as Tsista, he is an avid swimmer and was selected to participate with the 2014 Swim Ontario Team at the North American Indigenous Games.

Tsista has spent five years and many hours training at the Wilfrid Laurier University Pool with the Region of

Waterloo (ROW) Swim Club. He has years of competitive experience ranging from local and regional swim meets and continually strives to break his personal best times.

Tsista has been swimming since before he could walk and, although he was born and raised in the K-W area, he calls Christian Island (Beausoleil First Nation) home. Surrounded by Georgian Bay, while visiting home he developed a great respect and love for the water. He possesses a characteristic of his grandmother’s clan (the otter clan) — he glides through the water with poise. The pool and swimming are his passions and have been passed down from generations before him.

Tsista is a proud ROW swimmer. He has always trained hard with the goal of being selected to the Aboriginal Team Ontario at the 2014 North American Indigenous Games and represent his ancestors, his people, and the coming generations. Tsista is also an active youth within the First Nation community in Kitchener-Waterloo. He shares in the pride, unity, strength and vision as

Anishnaabe. He also strives to be a role model for his younger siblings, cousins, fellow swimmers and community members.

We at ROW are proud of Tsista (Kristian), not only for his selection to compete at the North American Indigenous Games, but also for the two gold and five silver medals he won while there. Well done!

www.rowswimming.ca

MORE INFORMATION Aboriginal Team Ontario is comprised of the top 24 indigenous swimmers from Ontario including First Nations and Métis swimmers.

The team is competing at the North American Indigenous Games in Regina, July 20 to 27.

For more about Team Ontario, read the Northern Life article at www.northernlife.ca/ news/sports/2014/06/02-indigenous-gamessudbury.aspx Follow the games at www.regina2014naig. com/home and the Region of Waterloo Swim Club at www.rowswimming.ca

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sportsnews

Local powerlifters finish on top Submitted by Sports for Special Athletes Several local athletes won medals at the powerlifting meet held on June 21 at the University of Toronto Mississauga Campus (UTM). The competition, for special-needs lifters, was hosted by The Titans of Mississauga Powerlifting Club and attracted competitors from Southwestern Ontario.

Robert Greig won gold in the squat competition and silver in the push/pull (bench press/deadlift). Jacquie Johnson also won gold (push/pull) while Cheryl Howey came home with silver (push/pull) in her weight class.

For more on the competition, search us on facebook: Ontario Powerlifting Association or visit

www.ontariopowerlifting.org

Cheryl Howey won silver in push/pull.

SPORTS FOR SPECIAL ATHLETES Sports for Special Athletes (SSA) is a Waterloo region community-based sport and recreation organization that, for the past 10+ years, has been opening new doors of integrated opportunities for people of all ages with special needs. SSA promotes participation in community fitness, leisure and recreational activities through training with qualified instructors.

Summer sports include blastball, softball, mini golf, lawn bowling and soccer while winter sports include 5 and 10 pin bowling, basketball, curling, floor hockey, speed skating, swimming and, of course, powerlifting.

For more on SSA, visit www.sportsforspecialathletes.org

Robert Greig receiving congratulations from Pascal Tyrell, meet director and Mississauga Titans coach.

Robert Greig in action at the competition in Mississauga (June, 2014).

Jacquie Johnson won gold in push/pull.

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health&fitness

Learning to stay ahead Submitted by Peter Pickett, Regional Director of TutorBright, Waterloo At TutorBright, we are proud to help students reach their academic, personal, and athletic goals. We’re constantly involved in sports in the Waterloo Region, because we believe that sports and academics work in tandem to teach similar values and contribute to the overall health and happiness of young people. We like to think TutorBright is the perfect partner organization to sports and recreation.

For me, sports have always been analogous to education. Learning by doing, continuous practice, and taking ownership of one’s improvement; these are skills that translate from the athletic space into education. Practice, for example, is something that comes very naturally to a student who wants to become a better baseball pitcher or a more skilled goaltender, but they may not see the same practical connection to their academics. At TutorBright we’re

constantly making this connection and showing the importance of academic practice, skill-building, and independent learning, by providing our students with tutor-mentors who can act as educational leaders and guides.

Before students start with us, we take them through our comprehensive assessment process which has three components: academics, learning style and personality. We learn as much as we can about our students in order to build a customized academic curriculum for them, shape the specific tutoring approach we’ll use and discuss the strategy required to achieve their goals.

The assessment process also allows us to match each student with the perfect tutor-mentor. We base this matching on all criteria: academic needs, of course, but also personality, learning style and interests.

All of TutorBright’s tutor-mentors are

highly qualified with the experience and passion to bring out the best in their students. Many of them are certified teachers; others have experience as coaches, mentors or educational leaders.

They are all experts in their field and they all go through a tutor-mentor orientation course with us that focuses on mentorship, one-to-one teaching methodologies, and building confidence through positive reinforcement.

Improvement tends to start with goals.

For us, that goal has always been to become recognized as the best supplemental education company in the world.

We’re encouraged to say we’re on that path, but we’re much more encouraged by every student that we help to put on his/her own path to success.

If your child is interested in getting ahead or improving academically, TutorBright is the perfect place to start!

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teamprofiles

Waterloo Minor Soccer hosts Waterloo United Spring Classic Training Camp Submitted by Alexandria Evans The Waterloo Minor Soccer Club (WMSC) took over Warrior Field and the University of Waterloo residences on Saturday, May 3rd and Sunday, May 4th for the first Spring Classic Training Camp.

Ninety-seven players from Waterloo United’s under-13 and under-14 boys and girls rep teams participated at the camp.

The event provided players with a wide range of experiences over the weekend as they stayed in university residences, learned from high-level coaches, and attended classroom sessions pertaining to nutrition and the importance of education.

The concept of the camp was in development for the past year by Peter Mackie, WMSC Technical Director, and Club President Brian Jewett. The objective was to provide players with a new and unique opportunity that was different from their average experiences through-

out the season. Offering the camp at the beginning of May, provided teams the opportunity to come together and learn something new as they prepared for the season ahead.

“The Spring Classic is the start of what I hope will be a tradition of bringing together our club teams at the end of off-season training and immersing them in the game and providing connections to an educational pathway. Excellence and education are strong, shared values within our club and our community,” noted Jewett.

The training camp included an impressive lineup of guest coaches, including some with their National “A” coaching licenses, National “B” coaching licenses and a former national player. The Spring Classic volunteer coaches all shared a common goal — to raise the level and quality

of soccer with youth players.

The camp featured top-level coaches from Ontario University Athletics, including Wilfrid Laurier men’s head coach Mario Halapir and University of Guelph women’s head coach Randy Ragan. There were also US-based coaches such as Dan McCarty and Andy McNab from NCAA Division 2 Seton Hill, and Rick Clayford, head coach of Brazilian Futebol School.

www.waterloominorsoccer.com

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sportsnews MORE INFORMATION www.isc2014.ca Facebook www.facebook.com/ISC2014 Twitter twitter.com/ISC2014

ISC Tournament news Submitted by Matt Allen, OIWFA President and WLU Women’s Softball Head Coach Sixty men’s softball teams comFalcons, Kitchener Cubs, Sweaburg donated back to charitable organizations peted at three levels (Elite, Legends and Hickson, Puslinch Kodiacs and the (Children’s Wish and KW Habilitation) and U21) converged on Kitchener for Wellington Sox (former ISC II Champions). and youth softball programs. the International “The Region Softball Congress of Waterloo has (ISC) World become synonyTournament. The mous with hosting event draws the premier softball top players and events in the past from around the and this one is world including no different. This Duncan Matheson, Host Committee Chair Canada, USA, area continues to South America, Europe, New Zealand, This is the fourth time Kitchener be a hub of softball and we appreciate Australia and .... numerous local teams has hosted the event — previous tourthe fan support we experienced over the including: Kitchener Outlaws, Kitchener naments were here in 2002, 2006 eight days of competition,” says Duncan Hallman Twins, Elmira Expos, Ponsonby and 2007. The local community also Matheson.

Sting, Mitchell Mets, Shakespeare benefits as profits from the event are

“The committee was thrilled to host the best men’s softball teams from across the world back in Kitchener for the fourth time since 2002,”

The unveiling of the Angels in the Outfield Memorial: Duncan Matheson & Tom Clancy at the unveiling of the Angels in the Outfield plaque

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ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD A new initiative by Kitchener Fastball Promotions to recognize nine local individuals who were major influences on the game: Bernie Daly, Doug Davies, Peter Hallman, Paul Hutcheson, John MacTavish, Donald “Pete” McIlwraith, Laverne Reichert, Sue Sherry and Donna Weber.

ISC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES The ISC Hall of Fame Breakfast: John Thompson: Recipient of the Bob Welby Memorial Recognition of Service Award (ISC Hall of Fame 2014 Inductee)

KSA/ISC Legacy Grant to Sports for Special Athletes: (l-r) Rick Boyd (ISC Host Committee), Tom Clancy (KSA), Adele Couchman (SSA), Lerinda Chapeskie (KSA) and Charlie Smith (ISC Treasurer)

Seven inductees were added to the ISC Hall of Fame at the Hall of Fame Breakfast held Sunday, August 10 at the Concordia Club. The seven inductees were: Denny Delorit, Lou Ferrero, Steve Kooser, Trent Rubley, Chris Santos, John Thompson and Glenn Verge.

Of the honourees, John Thompson was the only local resident. He received the Bob Welby Memorial Recognition of Service Award for his many contributions as a coach, manager, helper/chair at numerous ISC events including the breakfast and, most visibly, the Diamond Dirt newsletter.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS Under 21 Division: Midland Jr Explorers Legends: Cobourg Force ISC II: Niagara Falls Snappers Open: Six Nations Hill United Chiefs

KSA/ISC Legacy Grant presentation to Stanley Park Ball: KSA cheque presentation (ISC Legacy Grant) to Stanley Park Optimist Ball. (l-r) John Thompson (Past-president KSA), John Sherritt (coach), Craig Findlay (supervisor), Janine Sherritt (player in theSenior 3-Pitch league) and, in front, Julie Sherritt (player in the Senior T-Ball league). The photo was taken at Peter Hallman #1 before the Hill United Chiefs vs Scarborough Force quarter-final game onThursday August 14, 2014.

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sportsfiles

Dreams through streams

By Brett Holmes

Kitchener Soccer Club — playing the advantage If the World Cup is the end destination — an ocean that all soccer streams run into — then your local soccer club is where it all begins. It’s a fact the Kitchener Soccer Club (KSC) is certainly well aware of.

Now, in 2014 the streams of Academy, rep, and house league — programming offered by the Club — have seen an increase in participation. In fact, club registration totals have steadily risen to 5,445 participants. It’s safe to say locally the game is alive and well.

“KSC is committed to the development of all our athletes and the promotion of the sport of soccer all over the world,” says Tim Hart, General Manager of the Kitchener Soccer Club. “Our commitment is to make the game more fun than ever

before for the recreational player and to provide better development opportunities than ever before for those with aspirations for a future in the sport.”

Achieving those soccer aspirations is something the community has been witnessing through essential partnerships expounding the game of soccer in the area — one in particular being KW United.

As presented to the regional public in February 2013, KW United FC of the Premier Development League (PDL), has aligned itself with KSC to provide a vital component in the development and playing options for aspiring athletes. The club is certainly setting a course on “the ship” of Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) that is designed and bound for the further success of the athlete.

With the introduction of LPTD across the province, many have been suspect about how it will play out. However, a

positive touch is passing the ball, not “passing the buck,” when it comes to successfully training young soccer athletes at the grassroots level. Yet, belief in the system is already evident. To find it, you need to look no further than at the players themselves.

Nikolina Lesic, a player in the Academy program says, “What I enjoy about playing soccer is that it’s fun and it’s a team sport. Every day since I joined the Academy I believe I can play at a high level. I hope to get a scholarship and maybe play pro.”

For KSC, having the advantage of fun and participation is the end destination — where young soccer dreams begin and the children are all winners.

Offering the advantage of fun and opportunity is the common denominator the club has established. You can watch your child develop into a better athlete and person.

KSC is achieving this by using a “build up from the back” mentality — a soccer term referring to the strong possession of the ball by a team. In relation to LTPD, this ideology is taking control of your child’s technical development as a soccer athlete instead of lobbing a “Hail-Mary” pass into the opposition’s half and hoping for a good result. This approach gives the individual control, and that’s what the KSC and LTPD is synonymously all about.

MORE INFORMATION Kitchener Soccer Club:

www.kitchenersoccerclub.com Premier Development League:

www.pdl.uslsoccer.com Canada Soccer:

www.canadasoccer.com

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sportsfiles

Ultimate Frisbee — the ultimate sport Submitted by Ultimate Frisbee with photos by Ed Kung Ultimate Frisbee is more than just a game; it is the ultimate sport. It combines factors from well-known sports like football, soccer and basketball, without the padding or the refs.

I have played mainstream competitive sports my whole life and, in my opinion, nothing compares to Ultimate Frisbee when I think about the combination of physical demands, mental focus, teamwork, and sportsmanship necessary to be successful.

I am thrilled that the Canadian Ultimate Championships (CUC) were held in Waterloo in August for the first time in the sport’s history. The first Canadian Nationals on record were in 1987 consisting of only an open division. Now we had seven divisions and 2,000 athletes in Waterloo competing for gold!

The sport in Canada has developed over time with the establishment of Ultimate Canada, the governing body, in 1993. Today, we see Canada as a contender on the world stage. Canada was the only country to medal in every division at the 2012 World Ultimate Guts Championship in Sakai, Japan. Those top-end results qualified Canada to compete at the World Games in Colombia in 2013 where Canada won the bronze medal.

The actual rules of the game are detailed but, from a spectator’s perspective, you’ll see men, women and youth throwing their bodies through the air to catch or defend the flying disc. You will see people throwing the disc in ways that will

make you wonder how it’s possible to be that accurate with a round, weird-looking object, or how someone can throw the disc 100 yards with ease. You will witness individuals calling their own fouls and either agreeing or “re-doing” the play. You will hear opponents cheering and having spirit circles at the end of the game to thank each other for the great competition.

You will be witness to one of the greatest communities in sport.

Locally, Waterloo Organization of Disc Sports (WODS) has roughly 600 to 650 participants in the sport, and has leagues running four nights each week during the summer months. WODS, and the ultimate community in the surrounding region, had athletes contending for medals at this year’s tournament in the Maverick (Open division), PPF (Women’s division), and Crash (Mixed division).

Ultimate is a sport on the rise with the introduction of professional leagues and increased media coverage, but what has kept the spirit alive is the inclusivity

and low costs to play. I invite you to join us on the field and check out the sport.

Come out and have some fun!

Check us out: www.wods.ca Results from the Nationals: wp.canadianultimate.com/cuc2014/

WaterlooSportsXpress.ca

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A LEAGUE OF YOUR FULL PAGE AD ADVERTISER

OWN. Live a healthy lifestyle while having fun in a premier sports facility.

Register today at 519-884-5363 or carl@waterloo.ca

waterloo.ca/CARL

teamprofiles

CARL is calling on your inner athlete

By Jeff Zeffer Sports fans across the world sit every day and cheer for their favorite teams or athletes, cheering them on as they give it their all. Those precious wins and points move their teams one step closer to their championship.

But, have you ever thought to skip those world-class television moments and take the field /court to make longlasting athletic memories of your own? It does not matter if you are experienced in your sport or just starting out, CARL (Community Adult Recreation Leagues) has a spot on its roster just for you. For almost 15 years, CARL has been offering league opportunities to fulfill your dreams in your own inner athletic world.

Individuals and teams are welcomed and encouraged.

Need reasons to break out on your own to chase your sporting dreams? Consider CARL as a way to spice up your normal workout routine. Get into the game with well over 200 other teams and we will show you an athletic opportunity of a lifetime.

Break into some seasonally awesome sports like slo-pitch, ultimate frisbee, soccer, ice and ball hockey, basketball or your favourite childhood game —dodge ball. All of these sports allow you to be inspired and interact with other people. Joining a team and playing a sport will motivate you and keep you in shape; playing sports can be your own fitness routine.

Watch for our newest sport program coming soon — silliest name but a great game – pickleball!

Another reason to join is that sports allow you to learn new skills. Isn’t there a sport you always wanted to try but just never had the opportunity?

Is your jump shot not just where you want it to be, and could you use that extra practice and encouragement from other passionate basketball players? Whether it’s volleyball, ultimate frisbee, ball hockey or whatever sport that interests you, joining a league will help you learn a new sport that you can enjoy for years to come; building strength, endurance and conditioning all at the same time. When you find a sport that you enjoy, chances are that you will stick with it! CARL’s peeps remark on how much better they feel over the seasons of being, and remaining, active.

Lastly, joining a sports league is a great way to meet new people and generate new friend-

ships. During a game, you will quickly find yourself chatting with teammates and opposing players because you all share a common interest.

By interacting with the same group of people each week, you may create some good friendships and, in some cases, a new romantic relationship.

Yes, CARL offers co-ed leagues!

CARL has been known to spark some connections (wink) over the years.

Whether you are new to town, simply like meeting people, want to try a new sport or get your “active” on, CARL has a place for you. CARL is your multisport provider for fall, winter and summer programs that offer a variety of leagues with several different skill levels. No matter what your skill level, our league has the right division for you. An opportunity like this is too good to pass up.

“Whether you are new to town, simply like meeting people, want to try a new sport or get your “active” on, CARL has a place for you. CARL is your multi-sport provider for fall, winter and summer programs that offer a variety of leagues with several different skill levels.”

“Sports fans across the world sit every day and cheer for their favorite teams or athletes, cheering them on as they give it all, night after night. But, have you ever thought to skip these world-class television moments and take the field /court to make long-lasting athletic memories of your own?”

Sign up with us and make your athletic dreams come true.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION Contact CARL’s great administration staff to assist you with your questions and get you set up for on-line registration at 519-884-5363 #229.

Email: carl@waterloo.ca or visit www.waterloo.ca/CARL Join us and experience “A League of Your Own.”

WaterlooSportsXpress.ca

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behindthebench

Buying a hockey stick – a step by step approach Submitted by HockeyStickMan Over the last decade, the hockey stick has undergone a dramatic change. We have gone from the traditional wood to the technologically advanced world of composite. There are some people (like myself) who anticipate the release of every new stick and enjoy learning about the technology behind it, while others admit they just want a stick that feels good, performs well, and doesn’t cost them too much. Either way, here is a step by step process I suggest you follow when buying a stick:

Step 1 – Know your ‘Player Type’ The first thing that you should do is an assessment of the type of player that you are. This will help you make an informed decision. For instance; how many times a week do you play? How hard you are on sticks? Do you take lot of slapshots or wristshots? Do you skate standing up tall or crouched down? Are you a stick handler? These questions will help determine the type of stick that you will want to buy.

Step 2 – Be Prepared Every hockey player should have two sticks. Besides not wanting to be that guy saying ‘hey can I borrow your stick’, having only one stick may put you in a position where you are desperate to purchase and invariably you will not find a good deal or get the stick that you want.

Furthermore, you need to know the type of stick you like, and if you see a deal on it buy it! If you’re playing with a top end stick now, you’re not going to want to go back. People that begrudge spending the money on them and wait till they absolutely need it probably end up spending more in the long run.

Step 3 – Determine Height and Flex These considerations are made together as the playing height of your hockey stick will affect the flex. The general rule of thumb is that stick height should be between your chin and nose, and that your stick flex should be roughly half your body weight (flex is measured by the amount of weight in pounds it takes

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WaterlooSportsXpress.ca

to bend the stick one inch = loading the stick).

For instance; a player who cuts a few inches off their stick may choose a lower flex, and one that uses an extension may need a higher flex. A defensive player may choose to have more length, whereas a dangling forward may want it shorter. Of course this is just speaking in generalities. You must consider your ‘Player Type’ to make an accurate choice, and then slightly adjust until you feel that you have the right combination of stick length and flex.

When going to purchase I suggest that you bring your old stick to compare.

Typical stick flex ranges – Junior 40-50, Intermediate 60-77, Senior 75+

Step 4 – Know your pattern It’s tough to keep up with pattern numbers and a seemingly rotating door of new players associated with different curves. Most people like to stick (pun intended) with what they like, which therefore makes it tough to switch brands. I suggest knowing the similar patterns in other brands before going out to buy a stick (if your flexible with brands, you’ll find more deals).

Patterns are differentiated by curve depth, curve origin (heel, mid, toe), blade lie, an open vs. closed face and a round vs. square toe. Retail patterns come with a designated lie, where the lower a lie the flatter the stick sits on the ice. The lie is defined by the angle between shaft and blade (4 = 137°, 5 = 135°, 5.5 = 134°, 6 = 133°, 7 = 131°).

Below is a grouping of most popular patterns on the retail market today; Big mid curve – (Lie 5.5 - 6) Far and away the most popular on the market today this stick is designed for control, toe drags and loading the blade, Ex. (E3) Hall/Sakic, (P92) Backstrom, (H87A) Crosby, (H11), Kopitar.

Small mid curve – (Lie 5 - 6) Designed for puck handling and wrist shots these sticks make it easy to release a shot from

anywhere on the blade, Ex. (E7) Iginla, (P88) Kane/Lindros, (P40) Perron/Hossa, Kovalchuk.

Small mid-heel curve – (Lie 4 - 5) Designed for stick handling and shooting forehand and back, Ex. (E4) Cammalleri, (PM9) Stamkos/Malkin, Burrows/Savard, (H42) Duchene/Couturier Big heel open curve – (5.5 - 6) Built for hard shots loaded from the heel and great for deflections and going top shelf, Ex. (E5) Parise/Drury, (P91A) Stall, (P36A) Phaneuf, Kovalev.

Other patterns of interest – The old Lidstrom (now Getzlaf/P02 Kesler) is seemingly not as popular as it once was and can be difficult to find. Gaining some serious attention is the new (E28) Open Toe curve pattern or the (P46) Landeskog, Bergeron, and (P14) Toews.

Step 5 – Find your stick Right now Bauer is the most popular brand and is carrying three lines of sticks (Nexus, Vapour, Supreme), followed by Easton (Velocity Series, Synergy), CCM (RBZ, Tack), RBK (Sickick, Ribcore), and Warrior (Dynasty, Covert). Beyond this there are a lot of lesser known stick brands that produce excellent quality sticks, and typically sell for cheaper.

Stores will carry a line of the brand name sticks at various price points. Their top end sticks are designed to perform and you will find a significant difference in weight, POP, and overall feel between them and sticks at the lower end of the line.

However, the top end sticks are not necessarily more durable. Consider browsing online to compare different prices. You may find a top end stick that had been released a few years earlier at a significantly reduced rate. If a 30 day warranty is not that valuable to you (if you’re not playing a couple times a week) you may consider trying to find a deal on a Pro Stock stick.

We wish you the best in your hunt for the most interesting and fascinating piece of sports equipment on the planet, the composite hockey stick!

For more information visit

www.hockeystickman.com

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GET INVOLVED TODAY. BE A GAME CHANGER.

Hockey Helps the Homeless comes to K-W By the SportsXpress team with photos supplied by Hockey Helps the Homeless Preparations are fully underway for Kitchener-Waterloo’s first Hockey Helps the Homeless (HHTH) hockey tournament. The event, which raises funds in support of organizations that provide programs, shelter, housing and food for K-W’s homeless, takes place on Friday October 24 at RIM Park in Waterloo. The proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the House of Friendship, HHUG, Lutherwood and the YWCA. Participants each team have the opportunity to play alongside their hockey heroes (two retired professionals per team) while raising money in support of the local homeless. It’s a concept, initiated in 1996, that has already raised in excess of $7 million while increasing the awareness and support for Canada’s homeless.

“Until now all Hockey Helps the Homeless events have been held in NHL markets. We are thrilled to enter the next phase of our expansion by launching into OHL markets,” said Gary Scullion, HHTH President.

“Kitchener-Waterloo is a great hockey town which makes it a perfect launch market.” (Editor’s note: London was the first non-NHL centre to host an HHTH event.)

OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE This year’s one-day tournament offers local males the opportunity to play (three games) and dine (breakfast, lunch and closing banquet) with former NHL pros such as Gary Roberts, Kris King, Mike Gartner, Mark Osborne, Brad May, PJ Stock and Rick Vaive (previous participants). Each participant also receives a personalized pro-level jersey and a full-day’s experience worthy of a pro. The player registration fee for all this is $150 and a commitment to fundraise a minimum of $350 for the homeless.

You can make a pledge, register and get more information on-line. Please visit www.hockeyhelpsthehomeless.com and select K-W 2014.

www.hockeyhelpsthehomeless.com

WaterlooSportsXpress.ca

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THE KITCHENER SPORTS ASSOCIATION KSA, a local not-for-profit group, provides funding to local minor sports groups and charities for participants meeting its residency criteria, i.e. the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo and the Townships of Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich.

KSA offers travel, hosting and capital grants in addition to the KSA Scholarship, Athletic Excellence, Fee-assistance and several other special programs. KSA raises its money by selling 50/50 tickets at Kitchener Rangers games, operating bingo sessions, riding at Spin 12 and various other activities.

KSA, now on summer break, holds informal dinner meetings on the third Tuesday, September through May (except December).

Everyone is welcome to come out and socialize with other local minor sports enthusiasts. The next meeting is meeting is September 16.

Visit www.kitchenersports.ca

INFORMATION ON KSA FUNDING KSA provides funding to local minor sports groups and charities for participants meeting our residency criteria. KSA offers travel, hosting and capital grants in addition to the KSA Scholarship, Athletic Excellence, Fee-assistance and several other special programs.

BEN FANELLI

KSA’s 19th. annual scholarship awards By the SportsXpress Team Robert Fedy, Co-chair of KSA’s Scholarship Committee along with Lerinda Chapeskie, presided over the June KSA dinner meeting. The event featured guest speaker Ben Fanelli, fanfavourite and captain of the Kitchener Rangers. Always inspiring, Ben was at his best talking about overcoming obstacles, having realistic goals and keeping everything in perspective.

The night also featured the introduction of the six recipients of KSA

Scholarships for 2014, each of whom receives $2,000 towards his/her firstyear tuition. All were, and most still are, heavily involved with local minor sports groups and many played on their school team(s) as well.

When the Rangers finished their 2013/14 season, Ben’s career in junior hockey also officially ended — and what a career it was!

• Co-MVP of the Kitchener Rangers in 2012-13 with a rating of +23 • Outstanding Team Player (Jim McGeachie Memorial Award) 2012-2013 • Team captain for 2013-14 • Most Popular Player in 3 seasons: 2012, 2013 and 2014 • Best Defensive Ability (Herchenrader Family Trophy) in 2013-14 • Humanitarian of the Year Award (2013) for both the OHL and CHL • KSA Ted Scharf Humanitarian Award for 2013-14 • Founder of Head Strong: Fanelli 4 Brain Injury Awareness Ben is now concentrating on his studies at Wilfrid Laurier University and charity work with Head Strong. Although he has decided to put playing hockey on hold, at least for this year, Ben isn’t ruling out a career in the sport in some capacity in the future — maybe even as a referee!

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Above: Quinn Turner, one of the recipients of a KSA Scholarship, $2,000 towards his first year tuition at the University of Waterloo, demonstrates his skill at solving the Rubik’s cube - even with a sprained wrist!

Above right: Ben Fanelli (Kitchener Rangers Captain, voted Rangers’ Most Popular Player three consecutive years, KSA Humanitarian Award recipient and founder of Head Strong) was the guest speaker at KSA’s 19th Annual Scholarship Dinner held June 17, 2014.

sportsnews Scholarship recipients

The 2014 KSA Scholarship recipients. (Back row l-r): Rachal Bolger (KCI), Addison Cober (Waterloo Oxford), Quinn Turner (Sir John A. MacDonald), and Ben Fanelli (guest speaker, Kitchener Rangers Captain). (Front row l-r): Helen Coroy (Cameron Heights), Holly Gojmerac (St. David’s) and Leah Nairn (Cameron Heights).

• Rachal Bolger (KCI): Soccer, field hockey • Addison Cober (Waterloo Oxford): Football, hockey, softball • Quinn Turner (Sir John A. MacDonald): Basketball and variety of sports since early childhood • Helen Coroy (Cameron Heights): Gymnastics, soccer, hockey • Holly Gojmerac (St. David’s): Swimming, gymnastics, basketball • Leah Nairn (Cameron Heights): Softball, soccer, hockey and ball hockey The presentation of these six scholarships brings the total to 97 awards in the 19 years KSA has offered the program — $146,000 in scholarships to local athletes!

Visit ymcacambridgekw.ca to learn more

Get Ahead Of The Competition Work together as a team with Small Group Training. With YMCA personal trainers and fitness instructors you can build a program that caters to your sport, age group, and athletic goals.

Improve your skills, advance your fitness, and take your team to the next level!

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sportsnews

Twins take first Hallman Memorial Submitted by Dennis Dosman The first Peter Hallman Memorial Fastpitch Tournament disappointed no one. Great games, only a couple of them lopsided, and a great test for most of the teams that have qualified to attend the ISCs later this summer at Peter Hallman Ball Yard. Moreover, a good opportunity or a couple of teams to earn berths into the ISCs as well.

The Kitchener Hallman Twins won!

In actual fact, the team won all four of its games and beat the Scarborough Force twice to claim the inaugural Peter Hallman Memorial title. It took an extra inning in the final but the Twins emerged on top (3 – 2) when Jessie Taws doubled.

Meanwhile, in the Consolation game, the Wellington Sox defeated the Sweaburg Crush 8 – 3.

The Kitchener Hallman Cubs congratulating the Scarborough Force after the Force’s 2 - 1 win in the semi-final at the Peter Hallman Memorial, 2014. By virtue of the win, the Force advanced to the final to face the Kitchener Hallman Twins.

Jim Hallman Presenting Twins’ Ryan Wolfe with the winning trophy for the Peter Hallman Memorial Fastball Tournament.

The Twins beat the Scarborough Force 3 - 2 on a run-scoring double by Jessie Taws in the bottom of the eighth inning.

(June 22, 2014 at the Peter Hallman Ball Yard)

Tribute to Peter Hallman Submitted by Bill MacLeod

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The best ball players from across Ontario, and one team from the USA, played fastball at Kitchener’s Peter Hallman Ball Yard as part of the Peter Hallman Memorial fastball tournament held in June. There were three teams from Kitchener: the Hallman Cubs, the Hallman Twins and Bell Cartage Outlaws.

The finale came down to a nail-biter between the Hallman Twins and the Scarborough Force and it was only fitting that the Twins won. They won it for Peter and I am sure he is looking down on all

WaterlooSportsXpress.ca

the players. (Peter was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on June 22, 1999 at the tender age of forty-eight.)

I didn’t personally know Peter but I have played ball at the Ball Yard and have heard from many sources that he was a very fine gentleman. We, the citizens of Kitchener, love and miss him dearly.

Gone, but never forgotten — see you at the Peter Hallman Ball Yard where Peter is one of the Angels in the Outfield.

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Lots of bass in the Grand By the SportsXpress Team with photos by Gord Dearborn and Chris Lasso Fourteen-year-old Ed Fleischer won the top prize, $2,000, at the 27th annual Grand River Bass Derby held the first weekend in July. (Ontario’s largest liverelease bass derby.) This year’s event drew 480 entrants who proved that there is still a lot of good fishing locally. Ed’s 20” smallmouth was the largest while Dimitri Taves with his 18 5/16” catch took first in the Junior Division. One of the two tagged-fish was caught during this year’s Derby and earned $1,000 cash for Peter Holden. The other tag is still worth $100 if brought in to Natural Sports within the next year.

As in previous years, all youth (ages 8 and under) received a trophy and prize pack while those aged 9 through 15 received fishing gear including a rod and reel. There were over 100 door prizes including: • a bicycle (won by Ian McDougall) • an “Early Bird” prize (a Quantum fishing rig won by Terry Geisel) • a Google Nexus 7 provided by Catch’n Fish (won by Katie Geisel) • a $300 gift certificate provided by Royal Distributing (won by Brendan Clark) • and the grand prize, a day’s charter for 6, provided by F&P Fishing Charters (won

by Josh Price).

Julie Temple and her 14” bass

Brian Schnarr

Ed Fleischer with his 20” smallmouth bass.

Jr. Division - 1st place: Dimitri Taves

BASS DERBY 2014 FINAL STANDING Adult (Open) Division

Junior Division entrants and their prizes

1st place - $2,000 cash (20”) Ed Fleischer 2nd place - $1,000 cash (19 13/16”) Brian Schnarr 3rd place - $500 cash (19 3/4”) Alex Grose 4th & 5th places – Don Smith (19 7/16”) and Chris Bignell (19 9/32”) won prize packages from Natural Sports

Junior Division 1st place – Dimitri Taves (18 5/16”) 2nd place – Braden Restoule (18 7/32”) 3rd place – Aidin Hopper (16 1/4”) 4th & 5th places – Jadin Kains (15 27/32”) and Tyler Campbell (15 3/4”) More photos and information:

www.grandriverbassderby.ca www.stanleyparkoptimist.com

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The Youth Division with trophies

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