The Converged Citizen - February 6, 2015.

PAGE 2

NEWS

CONVERGED CITIZEN LIFESTYLE

THE

PAGE 6

PAGE 5

VOLUME X ISSUE 8

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

SPORTS

FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Trudeau outlines party plans in Windsor Shelbey Hernandez Associate Managing Editor

Justin Trudeau has a number of complaints about the present government.

The federal Liberal leader held a rally at the Ciociaro Club on Jan. 21, where he spoke to hundreds of people about the high unemployment rate in Windsor.

“Windsor’s unemployment rate is the second highest in the country,” said Trudeau, speaking to the crowd. “This is a problem we can’t ignore, but it’s also a problem that can be fixed. What we need now is a plan.”

Trudeau didn’t outline specifically how he would achieve his goals, but he did mention some of what his plan would include.

“We need a smart, economic plan for Canada that includes all regions and sectors,” said Trudeau, who said the plan would take advantage of the manufacturing in Southwestern Ontario. “A plan that gets those cutting

Photo by Anthony Sheardown Liberal leader Justin Trudeau (right) greets Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara (left) as he prepares to speak to hundreds in attendance at a Liberal rally, held at the Ciociaro Club in Windsor on Jan. 21. edge, Canadian-made exports to global markets, a plan that includes small and big businesses, that includes all Canadians.”

Trudeau also talked about the Conservative govern-

ment’s delay in releasing the federal budget. It has been widely reported that finance minister Joe Oliver announced the federal budget would be delayed until April. Usually, the federal budget is released

in either February or March, but the Conservative government says it has decided to delay the budget’s release because of the dropping oil prices.

Trudeau says this is one

example of the government’s inability to run the country.

“On Wednesday last week, the finance minister said falling oil prices would have no effect on the budget. Then the next day he said, ‘Oh wait, yes they actually will,’” said Trudeau. “They’re making it up as they go along. I’m a teacher and their excuses are the political equivalent of, ‘The dog ate my homework.’”

It will be important for the Liberal Party to gain support in Ontario as the next federal election approaches. In the last two federal elections, the Conservative Party gained more seats in Ontario than in any other province or territory.

Despite the Liberal Party’s challenges in Ontario, there are some Windsorites who think Trudeau will make a great leader, referencing his father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau.

“I think that it’s a long time coming. I’m so happy to see that a member of his family has stepped into the position and is ready to take over

SEE PAGE 3

Police reach out through social media Millar Hill Citizen Staff Reporter

Windsor police are using social media as a tool to inform the public of potentially dangerous individuals with outstanding warrants.

The Windsor police launched the Wanted in Windsor webpage in May 2013 as part of their new website. Its purpose is to inform the public of wanted offenders as well as receive information

to track them down. Windsor police Sgt. Matthew D’Asti said before social media, only officers had access to the information seen on the wanted list.

“Now that we’re able to share this with the community, people are engaged and want to help,” said D’Asti.

A dedicated group of staff works with the Canadian Police Information Centre, a networking system that gives all officers access to the same information. These staff mem-

bers maintain the wanted list.

“They look day-to-day if people have the outstanding warrants. They look to see if the warrant(s) still exist and then upload it to the wanted page,” said D’Asti.

In its first two years, the Windsor police Facebook page has gained 8,130 followers and they have 11,200 followers on Twitter. Updates to the wanted list are posted on social media and seen by followers. Crime Stoppers police coordinator, Leigh-Ann

Goodwin, said the wanted list has been a successful resource in aiding in the arrests of wanted offenders.

“When information is received by the public, it is filtered down to the investigation and then handed off to the officer in relation to the case,” said Goodwin. “I think it is one of the best resources out there.”

The Wanted in Windsor webpage currently has eight individuals listed. Arrest warrants listed range from petty

to serious crimes. For example, Lonnie Smith has been wanted since last September for assault with a weapon, death threats and probation breach.

WINDSOR POLICE If anyone has any information pertaining to wanted individuals or their whereabouts, contact Windsor Police Service at 519-2586111 or Crime Stoppers at 1-519-258-8477.

CONVERGED CITIZEN2

NEWS

FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Hope for Council’s tax freeze decision David Dyck Citizen Staff Reporter

Infrastructure repair throughout the city will be a priorty of council in 2015.

With $41 million of the $98 million of the city’s budget being spent on repairing roads and the hopes of new businesses being enticed by Windsor’s seven-year record tax-freeze, a lot of trust is being placed in this year’s budget.

Roads continue to remain a concern for taxpayers. Angelo Marignani, the owner of the Milk Coffee Bar, said he would like to see more beautification of the public space.

“Look at the road, the road is convoluted …we have an infrastructure deficiency right now that needs to be addressed or else it’s going to be a serious problem,” said Marignani who also said by improving homes, families will be encouraged to move to

the area. “By improving the public space, you improve the public life.”

Marignani said he believes the city is growing but at a slow rate.

“We’ve got two new businesses coming across the street. Fantastic, that’s what we want to see. What we don’t want to see is dead zones, nothing open, nothing going on.”

According to Payne, the city remains the same size in population as it did over 30 years ago when he first arrived here as an immigrant. But with Windsor holding the line on taxes, he said he believes this will encourage new businesses to settle in Windsor. He also said the decision should leave many people happy and with many residents living below the average income, something like this should help.

But Payne does not believe Windsor should try the same next year.

Photo by David Dyck Angelo Marignani, 48, stands beside a painting in his downtown business, the Milk Coffee Bar located on University Ave. W. on Jan. 23.

“The problem is that when increased next year by a two- somewhere down the road you hold the line for so many to-three per cent increase. with a huge tax increase.”

Raymond Fairley, a retired years, your infrastructure “I think our past mayor did begins to suffer and it is,” said quality controller for the Ford an amazing job …fixing Payne. “If you decide to spend Motor Company, shared simi- things that needed to be no money on your house for lar opinions. He said he fixed,” said Fairley. “The seven to 10 years, you’re would rather see the mayor present mayor is going to folgoing to pay more down the increase taxes marginally low in his footsteps and if he each year than to do it in one does, he will get things road.”

Payne said taxes should be “fell swoop done.”

Windsorites may benefit from tax freeze MEDIAPLEX CONVERGED TEAM Rhiannon Lotze Citizen Staff Reporter

Many Windsorites seem to be pleased with Windsor City Council’s decision to hold the line on property taxes for 2015.

This is the seventh year in a row the city has made the decision to freeze property taxes. Windsor City Council made a final decision on the budget on Jan. 19. They invited members of the public and business owners to attend the meeting as a delegation and provide input about the 2015 budget. Ultimately it was decided to hold the line on taxes.

So far, it appears some Windsorites are pleased with the announcement.

“It will be good for you,” said Don Bulley, a resident and taxpayer of Windsor, who does part-time security work.

He also said he believes 2015 will be a good year for Windsor in terms of employment because Dilkens is looking to expand the bus system to other areas around Windsor.

“Without them (buses), we’re stuck here.”

The tax freeze benefits more than just taxpayers.

“It might be better for people that just can’t afford certain things,” said Samantha Tweedle, a first year student in St. Clair College’s travel and tourism program. Tweedle also said she belongs to a low income family and no increase on taxes will be beneficial.

There are benefits to the community as a whole as well, rather than just to individual families.

“It might be a draw to bring new people to move here to try saving on taxes,” Kevin Blondin, a travel and tourism student at St. Clair College said.

Blondin believes Windsor’s community might grow with the freeze on property taxes. He also said he personally benefits from the city

holding the line on taxes because the money he is saving can go towards paying his tuition.

While Windsorites may benefit from taxes remaining the same, there are also some concerns the community will be negatively affected.

“There might not be as big of a budget to spend on new projects and not as big of a budget to put a little extra money into projects that need it,” said Brittany Brosseau who works at Kumon Math and Reading Centres. Brosseau pays taxes to the City of Windsor.

While this is the seventh year that Windsor has held the line on property taxes, Mayor Drew Dilkens has voiced concerns that it’s becoming harder to do every year and it may not be possible come 2016.

Managing Editors

Senior Associate Managing Editors Sports Editors Shelbey Hernandez Bobby-Jo Keats

Chelsea Lefler Ryan Turczyniak

Production Manager

Production Team

Production Team

Justin Thompson

Tecumseh MacGuigan Cassandra Malynowsky

Josh Teixeira Kristine Klein

Sean Frame Dan Gray

Photo Editor Copy Editor Entertainment Tecumseh MacGuigan Johnathan Martin Ryan Bro Katherine Sokolowski Taylor Busch Ashley Ann Mentley

Editor Shelbey Hernandez

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM EMAIL: MEDIA.CONVERGED@THEMEDIAPLEX.COM PHONE: (519) 972-2727 EXT. 4963

NEWS

Traveling exhibit visits Essex County Allanah Wills Citizen Staff Reporter

An interactive exhibit travelling across Canada has made its way to Essex County.

The “It’s an Honour” exhibit celebrates Canada’s National Honours system. A system that was created to award Canadians for their excellence in various fields and achievements. Using special features and an informative tour guide, the exhibit tells visitors how the honours system works.

Guests can also read stories about the people who have received the awards.

Travelling on a one-of-akind 1000 square foot trailer, the exhibit is all bilingual and offers free admission.

Francois Grenier is the tour manager who talks to every guest who visits, ensuring they receive a personalized experience.

“It’s a hands-on type of exhibit,” Grenier said.

“We’ve got medals all around on retractable wires, so all you do is give it a pull and you get a closer look, and every screen inside the exhibit is touch screen.”

Natalie McFadden brought her mom out for a fun afternoon at the exhibit and to learn more about what the medals mean.

“It’s great recognizing what different awards mean, what it represents, and how Canadians can contribute to serve the greater good,” McFadden said.

The exhibit has been travel-

FROM PAGE 1 Canada,” said Giselle Gereige, a Windsor resident who attended the Liberal rally. “We’ve needed this for a long time, our economy is not where it should be. I’m middle-aged now, but as a young Canadian, we need a focus, our children need a focus. We need something to look forward to and we need future goals.”

Those who were part of Trudeau’s team during the rally said they were pleased with the turnout, noting that the Liberal Party is gaining a growing number of support-

ling for a year-and-a-half and has six more months left on the road. It was created by a fellow honours recipient, Don Taylor, a philanthropist in Canadian health and education.

“Mr. Taylor was awarded in 2012, the Order of Canada, for all his acts of generosity,” Grenier said. “He saw a very small exhibit in Parliament Hill about the medals and awards handed out to inspiring individuals. He thought ‘I wish everyone in Canada’ could see this, and got the idea.”

The exhibit has traveled to big and small towns in every province and visits all different locations across the towns.

Schools are an especially popular stop for Grenier and his exhibit, with many schools viewing it as a field trip that comes to them.

“We’ve gotten very positive feedback from the schools,” Grenier said. “They learn a lot and it’s a very dynamic environment, so the kids learn without even knowing it. We are very proud.”

“I think it should be taught more in schools. When I was younger I didn’t know anything about this,” McFadden said.

“It’s an Honour” started its Essex County tour on Jan. 14 in Windsor, with stops in LaSalle, Tecumseh, Amherstburg, Kingsville and Leamington. It will finish in Chatham on Feb. 10. Anyone looking for further information, date or times can visit www.gg.ca/honoursexhibit ers.

“Last night, we had over 600 people in London (and tonight), we had over 350 here, despite a snowstorm,” said Marlene Floyd, the Director of Operations and Outreach for the Liberal Party of Canada. “I think that that really shows the favour of the Liberal Party is changing especially in southwestern Ontario.”

Trudeau’s final message to the crowd was to keep knocking on doors and encouraging Liberal votes in preparation for the upcoming federal election. The federal election is expected to be held in October 2015.

CONVERGED CITIZEN3 FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Foraging for food in winter

Photo by Victoria Parent A flock of pigeons eat bread crumbs at the riverfront on Jan. 30. The cold weather and snow-covered ground make it hard for birds to find food at this time of year.

>K > EhD Z͘ >K > ^ Zs/ ^͘

ƌĞ LJŽƵ Žƌ ƐŽŵĞŽŶĞ LJŽƵ ŬŶŽǁ ĂīĞĐƚĞĚ ďLJ ĂŶ

ĂƟŶŐ ŝƐŽƌĚĞƌ͍ >ŽŽŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ zŽƵƚŚ Žƌ ĚƵůƚ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ͍ EŽ ƌĞĨĞƌƌĂů ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ͘ WƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞĚ &ƌĞĞ ŽĨ ĐŚĂƌŐĞ͘

Ăůů ƵƐ ƚŽůů ĨƌĞĞ͘ dŚŝƐ ŝƐ EKd Z/^/^ EhD Z͘ WŚŽŶĞƐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ĂŶƐǁĞƌĞĚ ŽŶ ǁĞĞŬĚĂLJƐ ĨƌŽŵ ϵ-ϱ ǁŝƚŚ ĂŌĞƌ ŚŽƵƌƐ ǀŽŝĐĞŵĂŝů͘

:RUNLQJ WRJHWKHU RU KHDOWKLHU FRPPXQLWLHV

CONVERGED CITIZEN4

NEWS

FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Bonduelle seeking on-site migrant worker housing Chris Jackman Staff Writer The housing arrangements of Tecumseh migrant workers remain uncertain following a town hall meeting this month.

Tecumseh’s Bonduelle plant is requesting permission from Tecumseh Town Countil to house approximately 45 seasonal migrant workers on-site. At a public meeting to discuss the decision on Tuesday, Jan 13 before council’s usual meeting more than 50 people attended and shared their opinions.

“Whenever there’s re-zoning to be had, the public has a right to know what’s happening and provide their feedback,” said Ward 1 Councillor Andrew Dowie.

Rob Anderson, vice president of operations at Bonduelle, said a similar plan was originally proposed to the council last summer but was put on hold after the plant was damaged by a fire in July. He said Bonduelle is looking to convert the plant’s office building on Lacasse Boulevard into housing for the seasonal workers who migrate to Tecumseh from Jamaica every year from June to early December.

“Right now, what (Bonduelle is) proposing does not comply with our zoning law,” said Dowie.

“They’re asking for the ability to add residential uses to industrial, which do not exist anywhere else in town and they’re currently not legal.”

The zoning law was not

the only issue discussed at the meeting. Dowie said several attendees asked why Bonduelle wasn’t hiring from the local community.

Anderson said that while the majority of the Tecumseh plant staff is local, they still needed to employ migrant workers for part of the year.

“We don’t have the seasonal people we need,” said Anderson.

Chris Ramsaroop from Justice for Migrant Workers was also in attendance, and said housing the workers on-site would segregate them from the community.

“They should be living amongst us,” he said. “The employers should be providing rental properties and rental units at no cost to the workers in the community itself.”

Ramsaroop also raised concerns about the health and safety of the workers if they are housed at the plant and said the workers would be “confined to an employer, industrial setting.”

“Employers cannot be dictating the total control of workers in our society.

Migrant workers are tied to their employer. They can be sent back at the whim of the employer.”

Anderson called the attendees’ reaction to the plan at the meeting “disappointing.” He works at the plant in Strathroy, Ont., where he said Bonduelle also employs seasonal migrant workers.

“We do not treat these workers any differently than our regular workers.

They become members of the community,” said

Anderson.

As for the health and safety concerns raised at the meeting, Anderson said the housing facilities would be inspected by health inspectors as well as the Jamaican liaison office.

Dowie said council is planning another public meeting within the next month before they vote on the issue, and they plan to speak to officials from other communities where similar situations have occurred.

“So there’s a lot more information that I need as a councillor in order to make a decision,” said Dowie.

“I’m not prepared to make a decision on this until that information is available, and the various questions that I have, and many of the residents’ questions too, can be answered.”

Tax freeze implications debatable

Photo by Ashley Ann Mentley Kevin Awram speaks to customers on the phone at Windsor Truck Maintenance in Windsor on Jan. 27.

Awram discussed taxes and the effect on him as a homeowner.

Ashley Ann Mentley CP Editor The recently released 2015 budget has put a freeze on taxes, but not all Windsor residents are celebrating.

For the seventh year in a row, the city voted to neither increase nor decrease property taxes. According to the report, “The recommended budget for 2015 achieves council’s directive of holding the line on taxes.”

Kevin Awarm, 48, said he believes a zero per cent increase in taxes is a bad

thing for the city, but that it doesn’t affect him either way.

“Maybe someone in a lower tax bracket might have a hard time if taxes go up,” he said.

“But that’s all part of taxes, right? To help pay for things, for improvements, to make it a better community to live in.”

Awarm, who has lived and worked as a mechanic in Windsor for over 20 years, said he currently pays approximately $3,200 a year in taxes. He pointed out, however, that he pays nearly as much for his family of four to

maintain their cell phone plan.

“We never complain about our cell phones, and we don’t complain about the amount we spent on TV all year.

Those are big amounts,” Awram said. “People don’t like paying taxes, but they do.

If they do what they’re supposed to do then they’re fine.”

Glen Benson is retired from Chrysler and now collects Canada Pension in addition to his pension from the automotive company. He said holding the line on taxes hasn’t

affected him.

Even though property taxes may not have gone up, Benson said his property assessment from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation has.

This caused taxes on his house to increase from $2,800 to $3,200 last year, despite the line being held.

Though the 2015 budget report states holding the line, “…has generally been achieved without significant impact on services,” both Windsorites mentioned the roads and infrastructure as needing more funding and attention.

Ken Regnier, a co-worker of Awram in Windsor, has a twoyear-old daughter. He said he would like to see more of his tax money be put towards activities and entertainment for young people.

“I can take her to Adventure Bay but she can’t play in any of the pools. She can play in the splash pads because she’s little. What else is there,” he said, referring to how much of the tax money went towards building the aquatic centre.

The 2015 budget requires all

city funded agencies, boards and committees to request the same, or a lesser amount than they did in 2014. It also indicates increased funding to departments such as police and land ambulance.

While Awram said giving less to those agencies than last year feels like going backwards, he also said he supports an increase to the emergency services departments.

Benson agreed and said he supports emergency services getting better funding.

“Since I was unionized all my life, I’d tell them to go for it…I wouldn’t take their job,” he said.

Windsor Police Services will see a $1.2 million increase this year.

The report also stated, “It is likely that service levels will start to deteriorate due to inflationary pressures without at least modest increases to the tax levy in the near term.”

Windsor residents will enjoy at least one more year of a zero per cent tax increase, but with no promise on the conditions of service levels and public maintenance.

LIFESTYLE

CONVERGED CITIZEN5 FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Onyx opens in Essex

Photo by Mike Hugall Ken Dennison at Onyx gym talking about the business plan behind opening the fitness centre in Essex.

Mike Hugall Citizen Staff Reporter Two provincially ranked body building medalists and certified personal trainers have opened their own fitness centre in Essex, Ont. Kim and Ken Dennison have

been competing as body builders in Ontario for over a decade. In 2013 Ken placed second in the lightweight division of the Ontario Provincial Championships in Toronto. Kim is also a competitive body builder and an International Sports Science

Association certified personal trainer.

“Our plan was never to build a big gym,” said Ken Dennison. “Kim’s and my passion has always been fitness but more importantly being able to help people.”

“Kim and Ken started Onyx

fitness in their Essex garage three years ago, training people through “boot camps.”

They opened their gym in August and are trying to give back to the residents in the community.

“We have always been doing online programs, boot camps,

and working with competitors,” said Kim .

Kim said that the name Onyx was chosen to be gender neutral and that by having a gym in a small town customers could get the family atmosphere that they think might be appropriate.

“What sets us apart is our person ability,” said Ken “I know every one of our members by first name and I know something about them. They also know something about me.”

Ken said that those customers who choose to live a healthy lifestyle can’t afford to spend a lot of money on purchasing the right food let alone gym memberships.

Therefore Ken says the goal is that every customer can afford Onyx’s services, that is why a year membership is $3,390 Maureen Bedford, 73, is an Essex resident and she says that Onyx is the place for her.

“There is fantastic personal one-on-one help from both owners, and enough willingness on their part to help me,” said Bedford.

“I’ve tried a lot of fitness places in the past but this has been the best.”

The facility is in its opening stages however both owners are adamant that it will continue to grow.

Jerry Seinfeld ‘delights’ Windsor audience Allanah Wills Citizen Staff Reporter

OPINION Jerry Seinfeld showed Windsor he still knows how to bring the laughs.

The popular comedian performed to a packed house of

around 6,000 at the WFCU Centre on Jan. 12.

His set was opened by fellow comedian and close friend Mario Joyner, who customized parts of his act for the Windsor audience.

“They must be from Russell Woods,” Joyner joked as he singled out a couple who walked in late. “They’re used to making people wait on them.”

When Seinfeld took the stage, he was as animated and lively as ever.

Using a range of expressions, voices and hand motions, he delivered his signature brand of observational comedy, as he joked about

life’s mundane frustrations.

During the 90-minute set, Seinfeld covered a wide variety of topics, including death, cell phones, family life and even Gatorade.

“Gatorade Series, that’s their new product. We need three different Gatorades now to survive. One to prepare, one to perform, one to recover. I just went from the fridge to the couch, how many electrolytes did I really lose there?”

Seinfeld asked the laughing crowd.

While on the subject, Seinfeld mocked peoples’ consumption of energy drinks.

“Five Hour Energy, that’s a weird amount of time, five hours. How do you suddenly find yourself in deficit of five hours of energy? If you need five hours of energy, go to bed!”

The 60-year-old took a moment to tell the crowd a little about himself, his three kids and how he got married at a late age.

“I didn’t get married till I was 45. I had some issues. I was enjoying them.”

Seinfeld finished his set by thanking the crowd and bringing Joyner back on stage with him. They

received a standing ovation, proving that he’s still got it after all these years.

Two days after the show, Seinfeld’s wife Jessica uploaded a photo of marble rye bread to her Instagram account, sending a shout out to Windsor.

“Every once in a while, Jerry comes home from being on the road with something really good,” her caption read. “This time, it was the most gorgeous and delicious marble rye bread from Blak’s Bakery in Windsor, Ontario.”

It seems Seinfeld appreciates Windsor, as much as Windsor appreciated him.

CONVERGED CITIZEN6

SPORTS

FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Manchurek makes big impact with Vipers Justin Prince Citizen Staff Reporter

Since rejoining the LaSalle Vipers more than two weeks ago, left winger Mark Manchurek has made an immediate impact with the team.

Manchurek has helped the Vipers win six of their last seven games while almost matching the point total he had with the Windsor Spitfires one goal and four assists since being reassigned Jan. 11. The 18-year-old Tecumseh, Ont. native had three goals and three assists along with 16 penalty minutes in 29 games with the Spitfires, playing predominately on the third and fourth lines. Manchurek was passed over twice in the OHL Priority Selection, but signed with the Spits after earning a roster spot during the team’s training camp last summer.

Manchurek helped the Vipers reach the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League Western Conference semifinals last season.

“Any time you change teams, especially midseason, it’s difficult (to adjust),” said Vipers head coach and general manager Bill Bowler. “Even

though Mark has played in our league, it has taken him a game or two just to adapt to our systems again and the pace of play. Slowly, Mark’s made himself back to this level and he’s been surely, but slowly becoming the Mark Manchurek that we know.”

Manchurek was the top rookie scorer in the GOJHL for the Vipers last season with 65 points. During a 6-3 victory against the Lambton Shores Predators at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex Jan. 28, Manchurek scored his first goal since Oct. 16, when he was still with Windsor. Manchurek said he is still adjusting to the new system.

“Obviously when you move up a level in any league, it’s (the OHL) obviously bigger, stronger, faster,” said Manchurek. “So coming down here, you can say it’s a little bit different and easier, but you still have to work hard and you have to give it your all.”

His teammates have also been happy about his play with the team so far.

Defenceman Nicolas Crescenzi said Manchurek “is a great asset” for the Vipers and it was “huge to have him

Photo by Justin Prince Mark Mancherek of the LaSalle Vipers (left) attempts to shoot the puck behind goaltender Anthony Hurtubise of the Lambton Shores Predators (middle) and defenceman Ryan Fraser during first period action at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex Jan. 28. The Vipers won 6-3. back at this point of the season.” Bowler agreed, saying he was a welcomed addition to the team after being with the Vipers last season.

“Everyone knew him before (from last season) and everyone welcomed him in,” said defenceman Nick Gauvin, who was called up by the Windsor Spitfires Jan. 29. “He seems really happy and he’s

been able to do a lot for the team. Obviously getting into playoffs, it’s nice to have an extra man on the team so it’s been good.”

Bowler said the main focus for the team was to get Manchurek back to the OHL level. However, Manchurek said his main focus is to help lead his team in the playoffs, which start in late February.

As of Jan. 30, the Vipers are within one point of the third place Sarnia Legionnaires in the GOJHL Western Conference. He said he was happy with the way the team had been playing and hoped to keep the momentum going.

“Our team’s been playing really well lately and hopefully we can keep this thing on a roll,” said Manchurek.

Vollmer complex action

Photo by Chelsea Lefler

Photo by Chelsea Lefler

LaSalle Vipers Mark Manchurek shoots the puck at the Lambton Shores Predators goaltender Anthony Hurtubies in the second period on Jan. 28. at the Vollmer Recreation Complex in LaSalle.

LaSalle Vipers defenceman Nick Gauvin trying checks Lambton Shores Predators forward Drew Marlatt, on Jan. 28. at the Vollmer Recreation Complex in LaSalle. Gauvin was recalled by the Windsor Spitfires to play Jan 29. against the London Knights.