The Converged Citizen - February 3, 2017

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*Volume XII Issue 9 *February 3, 2017

The Power Of The Future

Inside

Let’s Talk

3 News

Nantanaa Mutharasu Converged Citizen Staff Canadians flooded social media with #BellLetsTalk on Jan. 25.

Bell Let’s Talk announced on Facebook there were around 131 million interactions garnered, resulting in $6.5 million in funds that will benefit mental health organisations all over Canada.

The goal behind this initiative is to end the stigma associated with mental health. “#BellLetsTalk was the number one most used hashtag in Canada in 2016 but on Bell Let’s Talk Day last year, it was the most used hashtag in the world,” said Mary Deacon, chair of the Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative.

The hashtag was used across social media platforms Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Mobile calls made on the Bell network were also measured. The campaign donated five cents every time someone spoke up about mental health.

“Stigma is what keeps people from seeking Photo by Nantanaa Mutharasu help,” says Deacon. “Sharing stories and letting people know they’re not alone helps to reduce Jenny-Lee Almeida, mental health educator at the Canadian stigma and also make it easier for people to reach Mental Health Association shared the statistics on Canada’s men-

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4 Busniess

5 Health & Lifestyle

tal health during Bell Let’s Talk Day 2017. The campaign is aimed to de-stigmatize mental health.

Tax hike to affect youth and elderly Kyle Rose Converged Citizen Staff Property taxes are increasing by 1.73 per cent in Windsor after a city council meeting Monday night that lasted about eight hours.

City administration had recommended an increase of 2.7 per cent. The increase is expected to affect both the young and old.

Eveline Csomor, a student at the University of Windsor said

the tax increase has affected her programs.

“A lot of the students think that property taxes won’t affect us because we are just youth, and for the most part that is true. However, as the

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head of some of the student art programs here, I’ve personally discussed how this will affect our budget,” said Csomer. “We’re already known as the starving

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8 Sports Quote of the Day

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-Dan Rather

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FEBRUARY 3, 2017

ONVERGED CITIZEN

Brews and running shoes leads to world record for Windsorite Ryan Blevins Converged Citizen Staff Beer and running do not usually go together, but for one Windsorite they are a perfect combination.

University of Windsor sprinter Corey Bellemore is one of the school’s top track and field athletes. After coming close to making the Canadian national team and competing for Canada in the 2016 Rio Olympics, Bellemore spent his summer competing and training for his upcoming collegiate season. Between workouts, Bellemore decided he would fly to London, England to compete in the Beer Mile World Classic.

The rules of the beer mile are simple. Each runner must run four quarter mile laps. To begin the race, each runner drinks one beer. At the end of each lap another beer is consumed. Only traditional consumption methods are permitted (no shotgunning or funnels allowed) and each beer must be 355 millilitres in volume and a minimum of five per cent alcohol. A penalty lap is added on to the end of the final lap for any competitor

FROM TAX PAGE 1 artists. A lot of the programs we run have to be free events or fundraisers because we don’t have money in the budget.”

Sherrie Daniels, a 67-yearold senior living in the Riverside area said it is

Photo courtesy of Corey Bellemore Beer mile world record holder Corey Bellemore with some of the apparel he received following the signing of his sponsorship with Adidas.

be known only for running and drinking. He has been running competitively since grade school and in his first year at Riverside Secondary School he won the junior WECSSAA gold medal for the 3000 metre event. In his senior season at Riverside he placed second in the allOntario finals for the 1500 metre event. Now in his final year at the university, Bellemore has a prestigious collegiate career, winning a Canadian Interuniversity Sports National gold medal as a member of the CIS recordsetting 4x800 metre relay team.

University of Windsor cotrack and field coach Kevin Johnston thinks Bellemore can help the University of Windsor team even when no beer is involved.

“He is skilled at a number of events and distances,” said Johnston. “We will have to figure out where he can help the team the most, depending on where everything falls.”

Bellemore’s next step aims for a big summer in hopes of making the Canadian national team in 2020.

who vomits during the race, which was not necessary for Bellemore who kept his liquids inside his stomach.

Bellemore first completed a test run on a Windsor track and timed himself to see how his results stacked up to national competitors. Shortly after the video of his impressive trial attempt hit the Internet he was contacted by the BMWC in London. He was extended an invitation to compete in the event in August. Not only did Bellemore compete, but he

broke the world record, running the race in four minutes and 34 seconds. He was able to best the previous record by eight seconds.

Although he runs competitively, Bellemore was unsure he would place first in the event.

“It was a little bit of both,” said Bellemore. “I obviously wanted to compete but I was also there to have fun. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do.”

Bellemore’s accomplishment went viral. The video of his

Street “My husband and I have lived here for over 25 years and steadily we’ve seen the increase. We wanted to move to Walkerville but we realized it would have been more of a loss,” said Daniels.

A $10 million enhanced capital budget was presented by

Other thoughts on tax hike...

“My husband and I have lived here for over 25 years and steadily we’ve seen the increase.”

-Sherrie Daniels becoming more expensive to live in her home.

The budget has investments coming for Transit Windsor.

The city and the federal government are jointly providing funding of $20 million for 20 new buses and 120 new bus shelters across the city. The city is also planning for new projects including developing a Walkerville market place and beautifying Wyandotte

record earned a spot on the American gossip and athletic news program TMZ Sports.

Publications such as Canadian Running, Fortune and Draft have all featured stories on the runner. The most notable company to contact him was athletic apparel outfitter Adidas.

After researching his track and field career, Adidas offered Bellemore a sponsorship deal, gaining exclusive apparel rights to the world record holder. For Bellemore, the agreement entitles him to free Adidas gear including shoes, track suits and shorts.

The beer of choice for Bellemore in London was Kingfisher, chosen with the help of an LCBO cashier when attempting to find a brand that fit the criteria.

Bellemore has been in contact with other beer companies and may land another sponsorship.

Fellow beer mile competitor Lewis Kent was impressed but not surprised with the record setting performance of Bellemore.

“I’ve seen the videos and watched him run before. I knew he was good, but not that good,” said Kent.

Bellemore does not want to

Mayor Drew Dilkens which had council members and citizens feeling concerned about just how much this increase would go.

“It has been a while since property taxes have increased but with all the other fees and charges it feels like we have to pay to live,” said Dilkens.

This property tax increase is the first in eight years.

(Files from: Md Nuruzzamar)

“That is less than the rate of inflation, which I think is probably lower than any other municipality in Essex County and of course lower than many across Ontario.

At some point you are cutting the fat and you hit a bone.

This was the year that we hit the bone and we had to deal with the fact that there are inflationary pressures that are beyond our control.”

-Drew Dilkens “It all depends what the tax increases are for. If it is to increase or maintain services, it might be worth it. If, without the tax increase, the city would increase its debt, we're pushing the burden on future generations.”

“The majority of the pot of the overall budget is coming from property tax. That’s how parks are paid for, how the emergency services are paid for and how contracts and salaries are paid for.”

-Fred Francis

-Christian Trudeau

Files from: David Lafreniere, Md Nuruzzaman, Christina Chibani

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Hiatus House receives donations

ONVERGED CITIZEN

Premier Wynne Visits Ontario Colleges Zander Kelly Converged Citizen Staff

(Photo by Mayra Lacayo) Karry Plaskitt (left) accepted the donation from the PR club Emily Borland (middle) Tori Roovers (right) Mayra Lacayo Converged Citizen Staff The St.Clair College public relations club has raised more than $1,000 for the Hiatus House in Windsor.

The public relations club organized a fundraiser at the Oasis Bar and Lounge in east Windsor where students sold raffle tickets and collected donations from local businesses.

Hiatus House has been in Windsor for 40 years and is a social service agency that offers confidential help for victims of domestic violence.

The women’s shelter is open 24 hours, seven days a week, providing a residential program and emergency refuge for women and their children.

Public relations club president Tori Roovers and club member Emily Borland presented the cheque to Karry Plaskitt who works for Hiatus House and is the “Shine the Light” fundraising coordinator at the shelter.

“It's nice to see young people giving back to the community and that are choosing to stand against violence like hiatus house,” said Plaskitt The pr club held the

FROM TALK PAGE 1 out for help and support.”

The more an individual interacts, the more Bell commits to raising funds for mental health organizations.

Workers at Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor says the benefit it receives from Bell Let’s Talk Day is paramount.

“We treat about 6,400 clients in Windsor-Essex County annually,” said Jenny-Lee Almeida, mental health edu-

FEBRUARY 3, 2017

Windsor was not on the list of colleges that Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne visited last week.

Her stops included colleges in Toronto, London, Waterloo, Guelph, North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie.

A representative from the Premier’s office said he could not explain why Wynne made the decision to not visit the Windsor-Essex and ChathamKent region.

In a press release, Wynne said she was doing this tour to answer questions from postsecondary students about tuition costs, as well as talk

fundraiser in November which is Domestic Abuse Awareness month. A segment by CTV was aired showing that Hiatus House had to turn women away for the first time since it's opening.

“What better time to raise money than domestic violence awareness month,” said Roovers.

It took the the public relations club one event to raise the money, thanks to the community and 27 local businesses.

“We are really proud to have raised this type of money and the support from the community,” said Roovers.

One of Windsor’s most generous donors to the event was BB Branded assistant manager Billy Yannacopulos. The donation was anomymos.

“We try to give back to the community whenever we can,” said Yannacopulos.

According to the Ministry of Women Issues, women are four times more than likely men to be victims of violence and four out of 10 women will experience spousal abuse.

To support Hiatus House visit website HiatusHouse.com/donations or call 519 252 1143.

Both college and university students attended a job fair at the St. Clair College SportsPlex on Jan. 18.

St. Clair College and the University of Windsor have partnered for 18 years to host this event for students and graduates who are looking for jobs. Each year they welcome employers who are looking to hire or provide volunteer opportunities.

Jane Sylvester, the applied learning coordinator at the university, was there to talk to students about what they can do to plan their future careers.

“The job fair is one of the services that we offer to our students,” said Sylvester.

“Some of the other services we offer are career planning, help with resumes and cover letters, workshops and other ways to gain experience for

cator of CMHA. “Statistically, that means one in every five Canadians is affected by mental illness.”

Almeida said celebrities such as Howie Mandel are also speaking up about mental health.

This movement has even spread across the border, gaining momentum from Hollywood stars such as Ellen Degeneres, whose tweet was retweeted almost 300,000 times. Other celebrities such

as Ryan Reynolds, Alice Cooper and Sophia Bush have also joined the initiave.

This campaign has given survivors the platform to talk about mental health, spread awareness and even connect with someone with similar issues. They believe there are more changes that need to be made.

“It’s a good way to educate people who have never thought about it before,” said Hailey Trealout, a post-trau-

about making post-secondary education more affordable to students.

John Coleman, director of public relations at the University of Windsor, said he was unaware Wynne was visiting colleges across the province.

While in Sault Ste. Marie., Wynne announced Ontario will be providing funding for the new Institute for the Environment, Education and Entrepreneurship in that city.

She also announced funding for a Centre for Studies in Early Learning and Care, and a 437-square metre waterfront and tennis centre.

At Conestoga College in Kitchener, Wynne announced

a $20 million applied research and development fund. The goals of this fund are to better align colleges with the needs of companies and strategic sectors, provide learning opportunities for college students and drive increased industry and post-secondary collaborations.

Wynne experienced some turbulence while speaking to aviation students during her stop at Fanshawe college.

Following her hour-long presentation and question period with first-year students, many reported that they felt that some of their questions went unanswered.

Wynne’s tour lasted from Jan. 23 to Jan. 26.

Job Fair 2017 Malak Zubaydi Converged Citizen Staff

the students while they are at the university.”

This job fair is an opportunity for students and graduates to talk face to face with representatives from local, national and international companies with job openings. It is also southwestern Ontario’s largest employer-to-student careerbuilding event.

University student Marco Bernabo was at the fair looking for a job.

“With human resources and how you’re always dealing with people, it really helps me to come to this kind of event.

You’re always trying to put yourself out there and find different solutions,” said Bernabo.

Windsor Police Service was also represented at the job fair.

Inspector Tom Crowley said an important part of this event is recruitment. He said they are always looking for the best quality candidates in the com-

munity.

“This is a great venue to be here at St. Clair College. This provides us great opportunities to have students engage and look for that next generation of police officers,” said Crowley.

Chief Al Frederick said the WPS is a very dynamic workplace. They have 150 civilians and 450 sworn officers on staff.

“We also have a whole host of leads in our organization, everything from IT to police officers to critical support staff.” said Frederick “Anyone interested in being in a very dynamic and interesting environment, that’s what we’re looking for.”

More than 80 employers attended the job fair this year looking to hire or provide volunteer opportunities for the students and graduates of St. Clair College and the University of Windsor.

matic stress disorder survivor.

“For someone who has a service dog, I’ve had many issues with the public… that I don’t look disabled enough to have a service dog,” added Trealout “That’s one of the things mental illness has a big stigma for…we are not disabled enough to be helped.”

With such stigmas eradicated, Trealout believes a lot more lives could be helped by focusing on what it is these people are feeling and what

they need in order to move forward.

Last year Bell Let’s Talk raised $6.3 million with 126 million interactions, bringing the total commitment to date, as of 2016, to almost $80 million.

Bell Let’s Talk Day exceeded its goal this year, raising $6.5 million.

Although it occurs once a year, they hope to keep the conversations going all year long.

Business CONVERGED CITIZEN FEBRUARY 3, 2017

International tailor brings modern trends to Windsor

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Retailers leaving Pelissier Street

Photo by Nate Hinkley Debi Croucher, Executive Director of the DWBIA, sits in her office.

Nate Hinkley Converged Citizen Staff

Photo by David Lafreniere Pelissier Street has seen many Lazaros Dimitriou owner of the The Suit Shop Co. Ltd. stands in the fitting area of his store on Erie St. E. Dimitriou, who has worked for fashion houses in Europe and with Harry Rosen in Canada will host the grand opening of his custom tailor shop.

David Lafreniere Converged Citizen Staff A custom tailor with experience working for some of the biggest fashion houses in Europe has set up shop in Windsor.

Windsor native Lazaros Dimitriou, 40, started his career working for fashion stores at Devonshire Mall. His work with Aldo International took him to Greece.

Dimitriou worked with major fashion brands and stores throughout Europe before returning to Canada.

“When you compliment someone’s body, not only do they feel more confident in the suit, they know it looks good,” said Dimitriou.

This is the philosophy behind Dimitriou’s custom suit experience. The owner of The Suit Shop Co. Ltd. most recently worked for Harry Rosen’s Toronto flagship store

in Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto.

He moved to Windsor to be closer to his aging father.

When he could not find work matching his level of experience, Dimitriou opened his own custom suit shop.

“Everything is going to a modern fit, which has always been a European fit,” said Dimitriou.

According to Dimitriou, North America adapted a more classic look. But men’s fashion houses like Tom Ford made it okay for men to be wearing more fitted clothing.

This has created a demand for a more fitted, slim and modern look.

“It is all about not only good quality clothing, but good looking clothing. To make something good looking you have to tweak it and tailor it,” said Dimitriou.

A custom suit is tailored to the person, who has the liberty of picking everything out. The

fabric, lining, colour, buttons, pockets, length of the jacket and the length of the sleeves can all be customized.

“It is a way for each individual to personalize something and show a little bit of the character and personality inside their garments,” said Dimitriou. “Some guys like having fun bright linings or under flock collars. In an offthe-rack suit you will get the default settings.”

A typical custom suit in Dimitriou’s shop costs around $1,000.

The goal is for a man to look good in his clothing. With that in mind, Dimitriou works on the idea of building relationships.

“The more you know about your customer the more you can help groom him for his everyday life,” Dimitriou.

The Suit Shop Co. LTD. is holding its grand opening on Erie Street on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

retailers set up shops under the parking garage since it was built in 1979.

Some store owners have been successful with their businesses while others have moved away.

On Nov. 28, 2016, Windsor's city council revisited the issue of the Pelissier parking garage and the retail space under it.

Councillors voted 7 - 4 in favour of changing the retail space into parking space.

Retailers under the parking garage were given six months notice to vacate their locations.

The city has owned the garage since 2003. The proposed overhaul will cost the city $1.8 million.

But just how important is retail space on Pelissier Street?

Debi Croucher, executive director of the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association, feels there is hope for the street.

“There's a lot of life that’s come back onto Pelissier Street,” said Croucher.

“There's a tremendous amount of opportunity.”

Retailers located under the

parking garage who are looking for a new location include the the Windsor Pride Community Education and Resource Centre and Youssef Hair Boutique.

Neelam Sharma is owner of Little India, a store selling clothing and jewelry. It has been at its Pelissier Street location for two years. She says business is good but thinks maybe putting in a grocery store would help bring more people into the downtown area.

“Maybe it’s a grocery store, maybe it’s a passport office.

We need something to bring the members of the public to the street,” said Sharma. “I’m in favour of more parking to get more accessibility to the street.”

Hello Beautiful Custom Fashion and Bridal Boutique’s owner Harmony Peach said she thinks there is no need to convert the retail stores into parking spaces.

“We do not need any more parking downtown,” said Peach. “It’s ridiculous.”

The parking garage currently has 349 parking spaces and will have 50 new spaces added.

The quest now is for the displaced retailers to find a new location.

CONVERGED CITIZEN FEBRUARY 3, 2017

Living with Cystic Fibrosis

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New Exhibit at Chimczuk

Chelsea Girard Converged Citizen Staff Known as the most fatal genetic disease affecting thousands of Canadian children and young adults, Cystic Fibrosis challenges the lifestyles of people across the world every day.

According to data from the 2010 to 2014 Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Registry, the estimated life expectancy for someone with CF is 52 years old.

There is currently no cure.

Christopher Beausoleil, 29, was diagnosed with CF at age five. He has spoken publicly across Ontario and at national events to raise awareness about the disease.

“Through teamwork I can accomplish anything as long as I have people with me trying to work towards the same goal," said Beausoleil. "I have played numerous sports, coached hockey and soccer and joined my local Kinsmen Club in Tilbury. In all, it has made me a better person."

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that occurs when a child inherits two abnormal genes, one from each parent.

According to The Guide: Resources for the CF Community, approximately one in 25 Canadians carry an altered version of the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis.

Missi Chenier, mother to 16year-old Emma, said her daughter's disease has never held her back from doing what she loves. Emma was diagnosed with CF when she was seven months old.

"She has organized food drives at the school for the Windsor Youth Centre and she is a very accomplished musician," said Chenier.

"Emma is an honour roll student. She is both a lifeguard and swim instructor. She is recognized for her hard work

Photo by Joy Chen

Photo courtesy of www.cysticfibrosis.ca and dedication in everything she pursues."

Emma has missed out on some big opportunities due to the illness. However, according to her mother, she has never once complained about it and uses it to make more opportunities for herself.

"She has never once let the challenges she faces from Cystic Fibrosis get in the way of her trajectory, and she does it all with the biggest smile," said Chenier.

If a doctor suspects a patient has CF, the patient will take a "sweat test." This test measures the amount of salt content present in the sweat. If the test comes back positive, it means the sweat collected contains more salt than usual and supports a diagnosis of CF. Merisa LePage, mother to three-year-old Sasha, said this disease has significantly affected her family, from many medications each day to frequent doctors appointments. Sasha also has chest physiotherapy to help clear her lungs and nebulizer treatments. There are many hours

each day dedicated to her health.

"We haven't yet had to deal with fully explaining the disease to her," said LePage.

"She knows that she has Cystic Fibrosis, or 'cytic brosis' as she says it, and that she has to take medicine and do her physiotherapy and treatments, but I don't think she understands that other kids don't do that too."

According to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Registry 2013 Annual Report, the sum of all deaths from 2009 to 2013 showed the median age at death was around 35 years old. The life expectancy in Canada is 77 years for males and 82 years for females based on data from Statistics Canada.

LePage strives to bring awareness to the families and those with Cystic Fibrosis who depend on people to volunteer and support events that raise money for research.

"It's life changing," said LePage. "You need to find a balance between letting your child live a normal life and treating it as the serious disease that it is.

The Chimczuk Museum has a new exhibit revolving around forgeries in history. Photographed is one example of how visitors can interact with the exhibit, determining which items are forged and which are the real thing.

Joy Chen Converged Citizen Staff Can you tell the difference between real objects and fake ones? That is the question posed by Windsor’s Chimczuk Museum.

Visitors to the Chimczuk Museum get a chance to play detective and try to distinguish 115 real and fake objects in the Fakes and Forgeries exhibit.

The interactive exhibit features all kinds of objects, everything from natural history to world cultures and modern designer brands.

Counterfeiting consumer goods is one of the world’s fastest growing illegal industries. Counterfeit items include many things people often use like clothing, shoes, books and bags.

“This exhibit gives people some tools to try to identify some of the fakes and tell them from the real thing,” said Madelyn Della Valle, curator of the Chimczuk Museum.

The exhibition is presenting faked and forged objects from the Royal Ontario Museum.

This is the first year this exhib-

it has come to Windsor. Most people who tried could not tell the difference between the real and the phony artifacts in its collection.

“It’s different, but interesting to learn how the forgers can do it....how they try to copy it, and what the difference was,” said museum visitor Sue Hasenau.

There is a long tradition of forgeries. In the 1700s, figurines were very popular as decorations in European homes. In the Chimczuk Museum, there are two flower boy figurines, real and fake, side-by -side. One of them was made in England in the 1770s. The less-valuable imitation was made more than 100 years later, around 1890.

When you look at the body shapes, you find the real one is much more natural. Other clues are its blotchy painting and different eye colour. If you are not sure about the authenticity of something you own, you might be able to find some information in the Chimczuk Museum.

Fakes and Forgeries will be open until May 28.

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health & lifestyle

FEBRUARY 3, 2017

ONVERGED CITIZEN

New year, new you?

Alyssa Horrobin Converged Citizen Staff Hit the gym, get in shape, live healthier...these are commitments people make on the first day of January every year.

According to the Statistic Brain website, weight loss is the number one New Year's resolution people make every year.

Alisa Hopkinson, general manager and personal trainer at GoodLife Fitness Centre For Women, says the best and fastest way to lose weight is actually through lifting heavy weights.

"There's still a misconception that doing long periods of steady-state cardio is how (people) are going to accomplish their weight loss goal but that's simply not the case," said Hopkinson. "Lifting heavy weights is crucial for anyone's goals, especially women."

Hopkinson said many women shy away from heavy lifting because they are afraid it will make them bulk up and create large muscles. In reality, it will trim body fat and tone muscle more accurately than long amounts of cardio.

Windsorite Steve Bisutti, who has been working out since he was 13 years old, thinks the ability to do heavy weight-lifting is in a person's genes, whether they are male or female.

He began working out because he wanted to be strong like his uncle and kept

Photo by Alyssa Horrobin Alisa Hopkinson, general manager and personal trainer for GoodLife Fitness Centre for Women in Windsor helps an employee work on proper weight-lifting form. doing so for years because of the physical benefits for a past railroad job. Now he does it to keep in general good health.

Bisutti said those who are new to working out should start slowly and then switch things up so they do not lose interest or motivation to keep going.

"Start small and then keep going and it might stick with you all your life," said Bisutti.

"If something hurts, don't do it."

For some though, it is not

about losing weight. For 26year-old Nakeitha Galati, it is about staying healthy and feeling good.

Galati started working out because of a New Year's resolution to start going to the gym two years ago but what keeps her going is her vision for a long-term goal.

"This is a lifestyle thing for me, not just a New Year's resolution even though it was kinda sparked by that," said Galati. "Eventually over time you will see a nice change in your body, you'll start to feel

better. It's good meditation.

Overall it's just a good thing."

She said the first day was the hardest and some days it is still really hard to get up and go, but the key is taking baby steps on the journey toward the bigger picture.

As a business manager, Hopkinson does whatever she can to keep the influx of new and returning goal setters coming to the gym. Her passion for people and empowering women to lift challenging weights is her drive behind helping people achieve their

goals.

"I am really, really passionate about people who want to lose weight," said Hopkinson.

"It's not about the duration of time you're at the gym...I want people coming in and doing the right things."

If you have a fitness-related goal, whether it is a New Year's resolution or not, there are 87 gyms and training centres in Windsor and the surrounding area as well as dozens of phone apps and hundreds of online videos for home workouts.

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Local Local Sports Sports THIS WEEK’S GAME OFTHE WEEK: Wheatley Sharks face the Essex 73’s in a potential playoff preview

CONVERGED CITIZEN FEBRUARY 3, 2017

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Bracco brings success to Spitfires Garrett Fodor Converged Citizen Staff

The Windsor Spitfires are preparing for the Memorial Cup by acquiring some of the top players in the Ontario Hockey League.

One of the newest Spitfires is Jeremy Bracco, acquired from the Kitchener Rangers in exchange for Cole Carter, Andrew Burns and three second round draft picks from 2023 to 2025. Bracco was chosen 61st overall in the 2015 NHL entry draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs and prior to the 2015-2016 season was committed and enrolled at Boston College. Bracco waived a notrade clause to come to Windsor. In 34 games this season Bracco has tallied 57 points.

The New York native recently returned from representing the U.S. at the World Junior Championships held in Montreal and Toronto. For Bracco it was an opportunity to play in front of the fans and on the ice for the team that

drafted him. He came home with a gold medal around his neck after the U.S. defeated Canada 5-4 in a shootout.

Bracco said he and his two teammates returning to teams in the Canadian Hockey League expected to not be well liked among the Canadian players and fans.

“For me, (Tyler) Parsons and (Caleb) Jones playing in the CHL we knew we weren’t going to be the most loved guys,” said Bracco. “To end in a shootout, win or lose, is a tough way to go out but it was a lot of fun to be apart of.”

In the seven game tournament Bracco tallied three goals and two assists, playing on the third line. Windsor Spitfire head coach Rocky Thompson said he was pleased with the acquisition of Bracco ahead of their Memorial Cup run.

Thompson added that Bracco was playing through a lower body injury throughout the tournament. Thompson will be cautious when playing him, as they do not want him

Photo by Windsor Spitfires Jeremy Bracco meets with the media before his first game for the Spitfires Jan. 10.

Bracco earned a gold medal with the U.S. at the 2017 World Juniors. to aggravate the injury.

“It is pretty cool to play at the spot you are drafted by, it’s pretty special,” said Bracco. “To play at the Air Canada Centre in front of 20,000 fans against Canada

was pretty cool. I kinda learned how to be resilient and how to win and I hope to bring that here (to Windsor).

It didn’t matter who we played we were getting booed.”

In seven games since the trade to Windsor, Bracco has tallied six assists.

Bracco remains unsigned by the Maple Leafs and hopes that is the first of many more opportunities to play on NHL ice.

Hockey player turned business administrator at University Amos Johnson Converged Citizen Staff A former hockey star is now the program administrator for the school of business at the University of Windsor.

Born and raised in Tecumseh, Ryan Donally started playing hockey at age five and was drafted into the Windsor Spitfires at age 15.

By the time he was 18, he had been drafted to the Calgary

Flames and retired at 24.

"Hockey wasn’t something that I voluntarily retired from,” said Donally. “It was as a result of injury. I had suffered a number of concussions. The doctors recom-

mended that I didn't go back to hockey and then I made the final decision to retire. My next stage in life was going back to school.”

Donally earned his undergraduate degree from the

University of Windsor and enrolled in the Master of Business Administration program.

SEE HOCKEY PAGE 8

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sports sports & & fitness fitness

FEBRUARY 3, 2017

ONVERGED CITIZEN

Sports round-up NHL On Wednesday night the Toronto Maple Leafs came to Joe Louis Arena to face off against the Detroit Red Wings. The Leafs came to play, shutting the Red Wings down 4-0. This puts the Red Wings in last place in the Eastern Conference. The loss jeopardizes their shot at making the playoffs, breaking their 25 year post-season streak. This also gives the Maple Leafs a shot at making the playoffs for the first time since 2012. The Maple Leafs currently sit at ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 23-14-9 record.

The Toronto Maple Leafs also played on Thursday night against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia. The Flyers held the Leafs to one goal while scoring two for themselves, winning the game 2-1.

MLB This past Sunday the Major League Baseball association said goodbye to two young players. Yordano "Ace" Ventura (25) was one of Kansas City Royals' top pitchers. Ventura was on the roster for Kansas City's World Series win in 2015 and went to the AllStar game twice.

Andy Marte (33) was a free agent and former thirdbaseman for the Cleveland Indians. Marte hit 21 career home runs and played with the Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks then finally joined the Cleveland Indians' roster. Marte was rated ninth best prospect in 2005 by Baseball America. He died in his home country of the Dominican Republic in a car crash.

Within the last four years, the MLB has had to face the tragic deaths of seven players. Andy Marte and Yordano "Ace" Ventura joins Jose Fernandez of the Miami Marlins, Victor Sanchez of the Seattle Mariners, Yorman Landa of the Minnesota Twins and Tommy Hanson of the San Francisco Giants on the list of players that died young.

NFL The Superbowl is now only days away and Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons are getting set to meet Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. For the Patriots, this could be their fifth Superbowl win in 15 years. For the Falcons, this will be their first time in going to the Superbowl since 1999 and could be their first Superbowl win ever.

Lancers Hockey The Windsor Lancers men's hockey team was in London on Wednesday facing off against the Western Mustangs. Unfortunately they couldn't come out with a win, losing 3-1. The Lancers will be playing their final game against the Brock Badgers on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. where they will be honouring their senior graduates.

The Windsor Lancers women's hockey team was in St. Catherines, up against the Brock Badgers on Sunday afternoon. The ladies team was able to pull away with a 2-1 victory, going 2-0 for the weekend. The women's team is now on hiatus until Feb. 10 and 11 where they will face off against the Queen's Gaels, followed by the Toronto Ridgebacks on Feb. 11.

Photo by Amos Johnson Ryan Donally Univerity of Windsor program administrator for the Odette School of Business in his office at the Odette MBA building at the University of Windsor.

FROM HOCKEY PAGE 7 Afterwards he went on to manage internal communications at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Former Spitfire Marco Maggio is working in the restaurant industry. He had some advice for Donally on

leaving professional sports.

“Donally and I both played for the Spitfires. He was a little older than me, but he was a role model and I looked up to him,” Maggio said.“Keep trying to achieve your goals and always have a positive attitude when working towards it.”

Donally is 31 and now the

MBA program administrator for the Odette School of Business at the University of Windsor.

“If I would have played another year of hockey or another game, perhaps the next concussion would have happened and then I wouldn't be on the current path that I am on now,” Donally said.

Wrestler Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka dead at 73 Joe Gibel Converged Citizen Staff Legendary professional wrestler Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka has died at age 73.

Snuka, known throughout the wrestling world as the innovator of the high-flying offence wrestling style and his "superfly splash" from the top turnbuckle, died from complications of stomach cancer.

Wrestlers and fans around the world paid their respects on television and through social media to the hall of famer including Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson who first broke the news of Snuka's death. Snuka’s daughter and current WWE superstar posted a picture with the message "I love you dad" on her Instagram account the night of his death.

The Fiji Island native enjoyed success in bodybuilding before his career in wrestling. Snuka made his wrestling debut in 1970 in Hawaii under the name Jimmy Kealoha. He found his biggest success in the World Wrestling Federation where he debuted in 1982 as a violent villainous character managed by Captain Lou Albano.

He received several world title

shots against Bob Backlund including one in a steel cage which would later be declared 1982 Match of the Year by Pro Wrestling Insider.

Even though he was intended to be a villain, Snuka’s athletic style won over the fans.

After firing and feuding with Albano, Snuka was solidified as a fan favourite leading up to what was the defining moment of his career.

In 1983 Snuka was booked in yet another steel cage match. This time he would take on "Magnificent" Don Muraco, but it was not what happened during the match that was significant. After the match ended Snuka dragged Muraco back in the ring, climbed to the top of the 15foot steel cage and connected with a "superfly splash" on top of Muraco. Many future wrestling superstars cite this as the main reason they decided to get into pro-wrestling including WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley. Snuka was named 1983 Wrestler of the Year by WWF Magazine.

Over the next 30 years Snuka travelled the world wrestling, sharing his love and passion for the sport with fans and wrestlers alike. He worked for many wrestling agencies such

as New Japan Pro Wrestling, The American Wrestling Association, Eastern Championship Wrestling and Windsor Ontario's own Border City Wrestling.

"I was blessed to have worked with and known Jimmy over many years. He was always a kind and giving person who was happy to share his knowledge with younger wrestlers," said Scott D'Amore, owner of Border City Wrestling. "I have many fond memories of Jimmy on the road and in the ring. Many of them involve sitting around a hotel room after shows just listening to stories and sharing laughs."

For more then four decades Snuka has thrilled fans with his high flying "superfly splash." Wrestling past age 70, the wild man from Fiji always entertained the crowd.

He retired in 2015.

In August 2015 Snuka's wife Carole announced that he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Snuka had surgery to remove his lymph nodes and part of his stomach. In December of 2016, it was revealed that Snuka was in hospice and had six months to live. He died in Pompano Beach, Florida.