The Converged Citizen - February 18, 2016

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*Volume XI Issue 12 *February 18, 2016

The Power Of The Future

Inside

2 News

The fighting stance

7 Health & Lifestyle

Photo by Michelle Laramie Meaghan Marton and Ricardo Rodriguez show off their fighting stance at Border City Boxing Club Feb. 8.

FIGHT PAGE 7 Aaron Lombardi Converged Citizen Staff

In Honour

The Ronald McDonald House that opens in Windsor this spring has recieved a large donation from a local charity.

A grand player piano sits in the centre ballroom of Windsor's Ciociaro Club on Saturday. Three candlelit chandeliers provided a lighting suitable to the banquet hosted by the In Honour of the Ones We Love charity. CTV's

Ronald McDonald House

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Arms Bumanlag began the evening introductions.

“After 18 years, the In Honour of the Ones We Love team has their vision to ensure that the WindsorEssex Community has access to the best medical equipment and to make the patient-family life as stress free as possible,” said Bumanlag during his remarks.

The Windsor Regional Hospital campus plans to

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8 Entertainment

12 Sports Quote of the Day I had learned that there were times when fighting was impossible, when the best thing to do was to wait and to learn.

- Lawrence Hill

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February 18, 2016

ONVERGED CITIZEN

Downtown apartment receives complaints from tenant were made.

Caron’s landlord was unavailable for comment.

By law, landlords are required to provide and maintain a safe and livable space for tenants. If appropriate actions have not been taken, a tenant can refer to the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Caron scheduled an appointment for March of 2015 but he said nothing so far has been done.

Another route a tenant can take is to bring complaints to

because they’re still living in these conditions that are substandard.”

However, not all problems brought before the department are the landlord’s fault. In one case, Lunardi spoke of a tenant who complained about excessive moisture around his windows. The problem was revealed to be caused by the tenant’s six aquariums.

The responsibilities of the tenant usually involve the general cleanliness of the liv-

“There are certain delay tactics that (building owners) can use to drag the process out.”

-Dan Lunardi, deputy chief building official Photo by David Dyck the Building Services Department. Upon investigation of the state of the living space, an inspector can then file a repair order. This can also escalate to a court appearance if action is not taken.

However, the situation can then be taken advantage of.

“There are certain delay tactics that (building owners) can use to drag the process out,” said Dan Lunardi, the deputy chief building official for the Building Services Dept.

“They could ask for an adjournment, or they want to consult with their lawyers… these things don’t work favourably for the tenant

ing space. Caron said he admits he doesn’t clean regularly. He said this stemmed from his choice of friends, who regularly trashed his apartment. Many of them continue to visit the apartment against his wishes, with even a recent crowbar attempt at Caron’s door in January.

Caron said situations like these have made him prefer couch-surfing between different friends’ apartments. In a notice he left for his landlord, he said he will be officially leaving the premises on March 11.

Officially, however, his tenancy is to end in 2017.

Photo by Mark Brown Anitia Imperioli, the president of the In Honour of the Ones We Love charity, poses for a photo.

room facility located inside of the hospital, this Ronald McDonald House will be the first of its kind in Canada.”

A special Above and Beyond Award was given to Cathy Hendy, a member of the In Honour of the Ones We Love team for her contributions to the charity.

“It takes many volunteer hands joining together to help make In Honour (of the Ones We Love) what it has become today,” said Hendy.

The In Honour of the Ones We Love charity was formed in 1998 by Anita Imperioli who lost her infant son Michael to leukemia.

Imperioli announced the opening of the new Ronald McDonald House by May 6, 2016.

Jacob Caron stands in his apartment Jan. 30. Until recently, Caron said he would not have dared to have his cupboards open for fear of the rodents that infested them.

David Dyck Converged Citizen Staff A Windsor municipal tenant said he believes his landlord is not taking enough responsibility in the maintenance of his apartment.

Jacob Caron, a 22-year-old Windsorite, said he is concerned about the building conditions he’s living in. Fungi, rodents and black mold in his apartment have affected his mental and physical health.

Many of Windsor’s apartments are reaching elderly status. This has contributed to

many being in need of upgrading to current health and safety standards, a task that can sometimes escalate beyond the landlord’s capabilities.

In Caron’s case, he says the state of his apartment left much to be desired upon moving in in 2011. Faulty wiring in the bathroom caused a lightbulb to explode and send glass everywhere on one occasion. In the insulation above his bedroom ceiling mold was a persistent problem, with water seepage making its way through the dry-

wall.

“There is a ton of water damage in here,” said Caron on what once woke him up while sleeping. “I could be lying in my bed and then be having an unwarranted shower.”

Communication between Caron and his landlord has been difficult, according to a report filed by an advocate for Caron between March 2012 and January 2015. Over a dozen occasions he called and there was no response. Caron said it wasn’t until very recently that major repairs

HOUSE PAGE 1 open a Ronald McDonald House to accommodate families in Windsor.

“The goal for tonight is to raise $200,000 which will be staying in Windsor and going towards the construction of a Ronald McDonald house in our city,” said Bumanlag.

Margaret Anderson is the director of Ronald McDonald Houses in Southwestern Ontario, Anderson attended the banquet to promote the new construction and tell the audience about its importance for families going through troubling situations.

“Once we started doing the research we found out things were much greater than what we thought possible,” said Anderson. “With a seven bed-

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February 18, 2016

ONVERGED CITIZEN

It’s MADD to drive drunk

Photo courtesy of Chaouki Hamka Chaouki Hamka, MADD community organizer speaking about drunk driving.

Mariah Atherly Converged Citizen Staff

Photo by Alyssa Horrobin Two Amherstburg police officers plunge for charity into ice cold water at St. Clair College Feb. 4.

Fire and ice unite for a special cause Alyssa Horrobin Converged Citizen Staff Windsorites wanting to support Special Olympics Ontario took a dive into icy water last weekend.

The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run partnered with St. Clair College for the school’s second annual Polar Plunge fundraising event.

College staff and students took the plunge Feb. 4 and the general public who registered took it on Feb. 6. This year’s goal was to raise $10,000 from the event.

Constable Jim Chauvin with the Essex County OPP said

out of 168 participants, about 60 officers and auxiliary from Windsor and Essex County, including himself, did the plunge.

“I want to thank St. Clair for hosting and joining us again this year,” said Chauvin.

“They are a great community partner.”

The event raised about $47,000, about $15,000 more than last year. President of the Student Representative Council, Miranda Underwood, said she is excited to see the impact of this event continue to grow.

Underwood was the emcee for both plunges and said she really enjoyed being part of

the fundraiser. This was her second time taking the plunge.

“It’s hard to be on the planning committee for an event and not end up wanting to participate,” said Underwood.

“It’s cold in that water but you get really excited leading up to the actual jump.”

She said her favourite moments were watching police chief Al Frederick jump on Thursday and her father Mark Underwood jump to the Jaws theme song on Saturdaydressed in a shark costume.

According to Underwood, a portion of the funds raised by Special Olympics athletes who did the Polar Plunge or those who jumped on behalf of an athlete stays local.

The Special Olympics has community, regional, provincial, national and international competitions involving 18 different sports sectioned into Spring, Summer and Winter games. This year’s Spring Games will be held in Guelph.

To find out more ways to donate and get involved with Special Olympics, visit (specialolympicsontario.com.)

A local Mothers Against Drunk Driving community organizer has been explaining what people can do to prevent impaired driving.

Chaouki Hamka is the community leader for MADD Windsor and Essex County.

The mission of MADD is to stop intoxicated driving and support the victims who have been affected.

Hamka said Windsor police have programs informing youth about drunk driving by going to high schools to talk to students about the effects and consequences not only about drunk driving but also driving under the influence of drugs.

Hamka said the police do a great job explaining the outcome of impaired driving and getting behind a motorized vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs.

He also said a great way to show students the reality of an actual drinking and driving crash would be to bring in a vehicle that has been involved in a crash.

"Impaired driving is the number one criminal cause of death and not only can Windsor police do a better job but all of us can do a better job by educating ourselves about the danger of impaired driving," said Hamka Hamka has traveled around Canada for two years talking to high school students about the dangers of drunk driving.

He said by doing this he has really gotten to know the stu-

dents on a personal level.

"At the end of your day it's your life so make responsible choices," said Hamka.

Hamka said there are many years ahead to be successful, and making wrong choices like impaired driving will diminish all of that.

According to Hamka, the province needs tougher laws but it's just not about the new laws. The city needs effective laws that will deter people from driving impaired.

Hamka said things are going in the right direction and authorities are being very proactive in the fight against drunk driving.

Justyna Van Poucke is an 18 year old student at Fleming College and said she has not been directly affected by drunk driving but hearing about accidents in the community involving impaired driving upsets her because people have a choice to get behind the wheel after having too many drinks.

"Kids tend to get way too carried away and I think with the drinking and being 19 that is still young,' said Van Poucke.

Presentations about drunk driving have made her more aware of the consequences and the affect it can have on herself and other people. Van Poucke said it made her realize how important it is to take drinking and driving seriously because the outcome is not always good and that it could be her or loved ones. For more information about MADD you can visit www.madd.ca.

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Rediscover city parks with accessible upgrades Jillian Toman Converged Citizen Staff The City of Windsor wants you to step outside and rediscover the parks in your neighbourhood.

Close to 200 residents attended an open house Feb. 8 at Giovananni Caboto Club to view the $1.5 million plans to upgrade more than a dozen parks.

The capital budget will include splash pads, accessible playgrounds, trails and other upgrades.

Heidi Baillargeon, landscape architect, said city staff was on hand to gather feedback and input from the community so they can be a part of what they would like to see.

As of January 2016, full compliance will be in enforced of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. “We want to solicit what (the public) wants to see at the playground and take a look at our designs,” said Baillargeon.

She added all of the new playgrounds will be accessible.

Photo by Jillian Toman Bruce and Michelle Arther with theit three children Elisabeth, 2, and Nathan, 2, visit the City of Windsor of Windsor Open House at Giovanni Caboto Club Feb. 8 to hear more about park upgrades.

Baillargeon said the strategy of the master plan is to rediscover city parks and what would bring the public back to the parks.

Baillargeon said park trends have been considered like wifi, world-wide gaming and exercisization.

“Parks are so important for recreation and getting out of the house and enjoying the

outdoors.”

Selene Lauzon, a downtown resident, said strolling through the city park is a part of her and her Husky’s daily routine.

Lauzon said the parks are the only place where her pet can enjoy the outdoors inside the city and away from traffic.

“It’s important for everyone, dogs and families, just to get away and enjoy what we can

here. It’s important to improve and invest in the parks.”

Mike Clements, manager of parks development, said the revamp will refresh the twelve parks in nine wards that will be accessible for everyone, with the goal to bring people back to the park.

He said participation from all neighbourhoods is valu-

able.

“I think people are getting more involved,” said Clements. “One of the basics is to have a good inner park trail system for everyone to use.”

Michelle Arther is a mother of two who came to support upgrades to Bridgeview Park.

“We’re so excited to hear there is going to be a new playground in our neighbourhood because we take our kids outside of the neighbourhood to go to parks that are more toddler-friendly,” said Arther.

Arther said she was excited to see the city taking steps to beautify the parks and make them more accessible and accommodate the needs of the neighbourhood residents.

For more information about the capital budget and how park ideas can be heard visit plans, http://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/parksandforestry/Pages/ParkImprovements-OpenHouse.aspx

Radar testing procedures questioned Sean Previl Converged Citizen Staff There could be inconsistencies in police radar testing, but changes can’t be made unless people contest their traffic tickets.

A January report from CBC News claims most police organizations use a tuning fork test in order to test their radar apparatus. By tapping the two-pronged device against a non-metallic object, it vibrates at a specific speed.

The radar can then be calibrated by ensuring the reading on the device matches the speed of the fork.

However, not all police organizations use this method, including the Ontario Provincial Police which stopped using tuning forks more than 10 years ago.

Off the Hook Paralegal owner Walter Martin said while radars have internal tests which check the circuitry of the device, only a tuning fork can properly test the radar’s antenna.

“Without the antenna working properly or ensuring the

antenna is working properly, none of your readings should be allowed,” said Martin, who has taken tickets to court for the past four years.

Prior to starting Off the Hook, Martin was an officer with the Windsor Police Service working in the traffic enforcement division and later as an instructor.

Even though the CBC report has raised questions about the validity of millions of tickets, Martin said he does not foresee a return to tuning fork testing unless a large majority of people start calling for change.

“The only way this is going to change is if there’s enough noise about it and the government says, ‘no, we better start doing these tuning forks again,’” said Martin.

He said it is likely there won’t be a large majority because often people do not want to go to court for their ticket. Either they don’t want to admit to having a ticket or have concerns over higher insurance rates so instead they just pay the fine.

“Everybody that gets a

ticket, they want to have a trial … but they’re scared to have the trial,” said Martin.

According to Martin, when the forks were phased out, they were told it was a costsaving measure because if the fork became damaged, it can be expensive to replace it.

Martin added not using tuning forks in some jurisdictions also made it easier for officers to testify in court. This is because they would only have to discuss performing the basic, internal radar test and describe the traffic incident.

OTD Ticket Defenders owner Ron Harper said in court, those contesting their ticket often would have little defence due to absolute liability. He said in a court room all the Crown has to do is read off when and where the person was driving their car, then show the traffic ticket and there would be a conviction.

In addition, the Crown may ask the officer if an internal radar check was performed before and after their shift, but often do not ask specifically about the tuning fork test.

“They’re (the judge) going

to simply make a decision based on the best evidence they have which is whether or not it is a legitimate conviction,” said Harper.

However, following the release of the CBC report, Harper said the tickets should be challenged and it will be up to the Crown to defend the ticket.

“I think one of the things that the Crown has to do is they need to satisfy everyone that they've done everything possible … and if you're not doing so, yes they should be challenged,” said Harper.

Before the report was released, Windsor Police said they did not have tickets contested based on radar testing, even though the organization does not use the tuning fork test.

Const. Andrew Drouillard said they do not perform the test because the manufacturer, Decatur, said the internal test is enough.

“If an officer does this calibration test at the beginning of his shift and at the end of his shift, this will have been deemed to have been suffi-

cient knowing that the device was working properly,” said Drouillard.

The radar used, the Genesis VersaPak, also performs automatic checks of its systems in addition to the required tests at the beginning and end of an officer’s shift.

But even with manufacturer and police support of the internal testing system, both Harper and Martin said Windsor Police along with other organizations across the country should return to using tuning fork tests. Harper added this is due to accuracy and efficiency.

“It's not a challenging test to do at all, said Harper. “It takes seconds and we know that it's more certain than any other test. Certainly far more certain than the internal calibration test.”

In addition to Windsor Police and the OPP, the CBC investigation also found the Regina Police Service do not use tuning forks but they are the minority. The RCMP as well as U.S. police forces require this method be used when testing radar.

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ONVERGED CITIZEN

Life changing career options at St. Clair Kati Panasiuk Converged Citizen Staff

A program at St. Clair College is giving adults another opportunity for postsecondary education.

The Academic and Career Entrance program is helping hundreds of adults each year achieve their goal of attending college. Instructors at A.C.E. teach students the equivalent of a Grade 12 education.

Many adults arrive at the program looking for an opportunity to pursue college for the first time to try and find a second career after being laid off.

Holly Diloreto has been running the program successfully since 2006.

“My favourite part of the job is the students,” said Diloreto.

“Every student who comes here works hard. They have the motivation to get through the program as soon as they come in the door.”

There are two types of adult upgrading students can receive in the program.

College and Employment Prep focuses on basic language and math skills. The Academic and Career Entrance program offers Grade 12 equivalent courses

Photo by Kati Panasiuk From left: Stephanie DeFranceschi, Amy Klyiard, Nancy Kendrick and Holly Diloreto are pictured inside the A.C.E. building at St.Clair’s main campus Feb. 2. in math, English, biology, chemistry and physics.

Students can take the A.C.E credits and use them in any college in Ontario with the only exception being collaborative programs with universities.

The program also offers a variety of options to help working families maintain their busy lives. A.C.E Distance is one option students can take online or if

learning in a class is more efficient they can also use the Thames campus for evening classes.

“If you go to St. Michaels, you are going to get a standard Grade 12 curriculum that will go on your Ontario Secondary Diploma,” said Diloreto. “Our courses are designed for college admission. We approach it just like you were taking a post-secondary course. We get you settled on Blackboard and

you get the same experiences you would get in college.”

Stephanie DeFranceschi, a biology and chemistry instructor at A.C.E., said she enjoys engaging the students to encourage them participation.

“When Holly asked me if I wanted to teach in this department I really felt like I could make a difference,” said DeFranceschi. “It’s not just a formal education, it is about the visuals and tactile style of

learning. Adult learners need to see the relevance right away.”

Based on success reports at the A.C.E building from April 2014 to March 2015, from an average of 400 new and returning students, over 150 students went on to college programs. DeFranceschi said they follow up with students in six months to a year after they leave the program to make sure they have the skills and tools they need to be successful.

Amy Klyiard has been a learning technologist at A.C.E since 2008. She takes care of the students’ day to day needs.

Klyiard said because it is a ministry-funded program they have the budget available to assist students whether it is with a gas allowance or a bus pass.

“The success of the students depends on the environment we have created here,” said Klyiard. “Walking in the door you are welcomed with a nurturing atmosphere that lets our students know they are not only cared about, but accepted. When they are successful, we feel good because we helped them achieve their goals. Their success is our success.”

Ontario making electrical vehicles more affordable Kayla Wang Converged Citizen Staff With the rate of air pollution growing, people are trying to do something about environmental concerns. The Ontario government is making electric vehicles more affordable to the public through an incentive program that aims to reduce greenhouse gases and help communities to switch.

The province’s first Electric Vehicle Incentive Program was announced in 2010. The new program will give people more reasons to go green.

Also, there will be an increase incentive range for those who choose to buy an electric vehicle from between $5,000 and $8,500 to between $6,000 and $10,000. Also, there will be an additional incentive of $1,000

Photo by Kayla Wang Mufflers, which emit gas that concerns many environmental groups, have pushed the Ontario government to provide incentives to those who buy electrical cars. for anyone who buys an electric vehicle with a larger battery and another incentive increase for those who buy an

electric vehicle that has five or more seats. These are just some of the many increased incentives.

“It’s a good switch to trying to reduce our (environment) impact,” Karina Richters said, the environmental coordinator

of Windsor Essex County Environment Committee. She points out that it is necessary to have this program for Windsor based on the population of the people who use cars in the city.

“In Windsor, about 25 per cent to 27 per cent depend on the year of our greenhouse gas with our community is based on our transportation. The vehicles people drive are contributing that, so it’s the significant portion. Trying to turn away from gas vehicles to electric vehicles will provide some reduction in that greenhouse gas community,” she said.

Windsor has been one member of this program trying to reduce air pollution and to encourage its citizens to choose healthier transportation.

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‘It is up to the young crowds,’ Windsor SOUP Christian Dutchyn Converged Citizen Staff Local entrepreneurs are continuing to find support from a unique grant funding event – Windsor SOUP. Entrepreneurs were invited to attend an event run by Enactus, a global non-profit organization with the goal of helping businesses achieve growth, on Jan 31.

Guests attending the event were asked to leave a five dollar donation at the door, and were given an assortment of soups and salads provided by Enactus.

The presentations were hosted at the Foundry Pub, which has been the location of the event since it moved from the Walkerville Brewery.

The previous event, held in December, drew a record crowd with an estimated 200 people attending, while this event hosted just under 150.

Entrepreneurs take to the stage to present their ideas and business plans to a crowd, with the winner taking the proceeds collected at the door to aid in the expansion of their companies. The amount raised is also matched by the P. and L.Odette Charitable

Photo by Christian Dutchyn

Wesley Harrison, Elizabeth Bloomield and George Kelso from TerraCloth wear their product after winning Windsor SOUP Jan. 31.

Foundation.

Luciana Giglio, a volunteer for Enactus and the project manager of SOUP, said she feels an event like SOUP is very important to the city.

“The importance of an event like this is encouraging people in Windsor to start their own business and to start a social innovation to uplift our city. I think so many people in

Windsor have these ideas but it’s so hard to get your ideas started without funding,” said Giglio. “The funding they get from this event gives them that opportunity to actually go forward with their idea and actually make something happen.”

The Foundry Pub on Ouellette Avenue, has hosted SOUP since just before

December. Daniel Boisjoly is the second in charge of the kitchen at the Foundry. He said he also feels that an event like SOUP benefits the city.

Boisjoly said that in a city of failing industries, supporting entrepreneurs is a key part in bringing the people of Windsor together.

“I think it’s bringing a more diverse, wider crowd,” said

Boisjoly. “We’re in what a lot of people would call a rebirth stage, our industries are failing us in a sense and it is up to the young crowds and entrepreneurs to bring in new ideas and create that sense of community.”

This year the micro-grant was awarded to TerraCloth, a small business that creates eco-friendly aprons from repurposed dress shirts. The business was founded approximately four months ago and they are currently planning to expand and donate aprons to nursing homes.

George Kelso is TerraCloth’s vice president of sales and said he feels SOUP is a great benefit to small businesses like the one he is part of.

“This event for us is really important because it helps us lay down the groundwork to help us expand our own business, to help us make these innovations we need to make,” said Kelso. “Without this, it would be astronomically harder to make those leaps and bounds we need to make,” More information on Windsor SOUP and TerraCloth is available at their respective websites and Facebook pages.

Animal lovers support cause Samantha Marie Girardin Converged Citizen Staff Animal lovers of all ages came out to support Second Chance Animal Rescue and drew attention to animal adoption at a special black tie event.

On Jan. 30 the S.C.A.R. of Windsor hosted their monthly adoption and fundraising bake sale event. The event featured lowered adoption fees for all black and white cats and people attending could adopt or donate.

There were around a dozen cats, a few dogs and even a rabbit.

Jessica Appleby came to the event hoping to find a new furry friend and found it hard to choose just one. “These cats deserve a home as much as kittens in stores,” She said.

Appleby said has had cats all her life.

“I’ve always adopted, I just think it’s the best thing to do.”

She said she is happy to give a second chance to cats who would otherwise never have one.

All the animals in S.C.A.R. care are being fostered by volunteers with the organization. While the

Photo by Samantha Marie Girardin Allie (child) poses with Loki at the S.C.A.R. black tie event and bake sale. organization is relatively new, members have big hopes for the future of the organization.

“I’ve only been a part of S.C.A.R. for a little bit, but I love it,” said volunteer Kathleen Dean-Nicholson. She has man-

aged the bake sale for the last two events.

“So many people donated to the bake sale. I only baked one thing, this entire table is from volunteers.”

Animal shelters in Canada took

in over 85 thousand cats in 2014 and over 38 thousand dogs were taken in according to the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies. On average, 24 per cent of cats a shelter takes in will be euthanized. Due to a signifi-

cantly lower dog population in shelters, only 10 per cent of dogs will be euthanized, although there are many high-kill shelters with very elevated rates of euthanasia. One of the S.C.A.R. dogs, Rusty, came from one such shelter.

“When you adopt, you not only save the life of the animal you adopt, you save a second one that fills the empty space,” said President of S.C.A.R. Windsor, Sherri Smith.

All animals with the organization are fully vetted and spayed or neutered. She said adopting is better for everyone. Instead of buying a pet for a few hundred dollars, then paying hundreds more for shots and getting fixed, think about adoption.

“Many dogs from pet stores come from puppy mills. Buying from them means supporting these mills,” said Smith.

The next adoption event begins on Valentine’s Day weekend with their Be Mine Valentine event. For more information, visit their Facebook page Second Chance Animal Rescue.

CONVERGED CITIZEN FEBRUARY 18, 2016

Fighting for love FROM PAGE 1 Michelle Laramie Converged Citizen Staff A Windsor couple is putting on boxing gloves to help make their Valentine’s Day unique by throwing a couple of punches at each other.

Exercise is supposed to make us happier and feeling happy is what most of us want from our partners- so why not combine the two? Science shows exercise releases dopamine, a chemical messenger that tells us when to feel happy. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that makes it possible for us to feel pleasure and happiness.

This Valentine’s Day busy couples are looking for interesting ways to celebrate.

Meaghan Marton, a coach at Border City Boxing Club, needed a creative way to spend time with her partner Ricardo Rodriguez who is a competitive boxer.

“My boyfriend is working all day on Valentine’s Day and I wanted something fun and different,” said Marton. “So often you’re just going to sit at home and hang out or go for dinner. Working out promotes strength between each other.”

Marton decided to host an early afternoon boxing class for couples to promote fitness and bonding.

“I thought it was a great idea to get people active instead of just eating chocolates,“ said Marton. “I think it’s a great way to relieve stress and bond at the same time.”

Marton says that couples should not be intimidated by the thought of trying it out.

“The class will be boxing basics, you are not actually going to get in the ring and hit each other,” she said.

The class will contain more of the cardio aspect of boxing, strength conditioning and hitting the heavy bag. Marton

said it will be an all-around workout for your body.

She credits boxing with her partner for strengthening her relationship.

“Working out together promotes strength, confidence and trust in each other,” said Marton. “It can help your relationship because you are building each other up. You also have a support system there when you are having a difficult time.”

Border City Boxing Club has a very open door policy according to Marton.

“I encourage people to step out of their comfort zone and come into the club just once, just give it a try,” said Marton.

“Our gym is totally non-judgmental. We have people from all ages, sizes, fitness levels.

You don’t need to be fit to try.

Boxing will naturally make you fit.”

Some professionals believe couples who work out together can become healthier and create a stronger bond between them.

Shane Allen a certified personal trainer says couples who exercise together are stronger.

“Some of the strongest relationships I see are those people who exercise together,” said Allen in an article on ActiveTimes.com. “Common goals and shared routines are what helps make a relationship and our bodies stronger.”

Troy Robinson began working out 16 years ago to help with his aggression issues.

Robinson and his longtime girlfriend Nadine Tilly have recently started working out together in an effort to become healthier and have

gained a better bond in the process.

“It has improved our relationship greatly because we are bonding and showing an interest in each other’s success,” said Robinson. “I feel closer to her. It shows me she cares because she is showing interest in what I am doing and sharing that time with me.”

Tilly, however, does not naturally enjoy working out and only agreed to do it because it helps her show support for Robinson. She said in the end it has strengthened both her relationship and her health.

Relationship expert Michelle Weglarz, 36, says the benefits of couples working out together are both physical health and stress reduction.

“Most people have stress in their lives and it’s always a health benefit to work out,” said Welgarz. “If you work out together it would reduce stress in your relationship as well. When you exercise the happy chemicals in your brain are being released and accessed. So people who exercise are happier people in general.”

Weglarz cautions that sometimes people have different fitness goals and to remember to be supportive.

“Make sure to let your partner go at their own pace,” said WEglarz. “If you can plan a routine together great, but if not don’t add pressure and create a stressful situation. Be supportive and encouraging of each other’s goals.”

Working out can be a great benefit in relationships, reducing stress and creating a stronger bond.

The Valentine’s Day special at The Border City Boxing Club runs for an hour and a half beginning at 11 a.m. The Cost is $15 for each couple.

The club holds about 30 people.

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New gym for downtown YMCA

Photo by Nate Hinckley Andy Sullivan, general manager in his office at the YMCA Windsor Jan. 23 Nate Hinckley Converged Citizen Staff Members of the YMCA on Pelissier Street will soon have to travel to a new location to use its gym facilities.

While the daycare portion of the centre is running smoothly, its gym has been struggling financially.

Last year, YMCA Windsor had 1,400 registered members.

The YMCA will open a pool in the new facility in addition to all of its present services including its gym, exercise equipment and basketball court. The cost of membership will stay the same for the present time, ranging from $27 to $69. The YMCA will be doubling its number of employees over the coming months.

“We will be hiring once we move into our new location in April,” said YMCA general manager Andy Sullivan.

The members of the Mental Health Connections Organisation had used the

YMCA gym for four years, but after the pool closed a year ago they started using the Downtown Aquatic Centre.

“We are happy using the aquatic pools with our members,” said Jeanie Laforge, executive director of Mental Health Connections. She said they have no intention of returning to the YMCA. The YMCA has been allowing registered St.Clair College students to use their facilities free of charge for the past few years. Student members have mixed reactions to the move because of how far away from the city core the new location of the YMCA gym will be.

“I’ll have to go out of my way to go to the new place,” said Aaron Agorilla, a St.Clair Student who is a regular user of the YMCA’s basketball court. “I just won’t be able to go. It’s too far out of the way for me.”

The new YMCA location is due to open in early April, 2016.

CONVERGED CITIZEN FEBRUARY 18, 2016

Style File: fashion firsts

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What’s going on in Windsor - Essex

By Allanah Wills Free Film Screening: Project ICE Where: Lakeshore Cinemas When: Feb. 18 at 6:30 pm The Detroit River Canadian Cleanup will be offering a free screening of their film Project: ICE as well as a panel discussion with film director and executive producer. The film focuses on the history, science and impact of the Great Lakes. The film is free but registration is required. Head over to Eventbrite.ca for more details.

Annual winter arts and craft show Where: Colastanti’s Tropical Gardens When: Feb. 20 at 10 am

(Photo courtesy of thefashionisto.com Marlon Brando starred in the 1951 movie “A Streetcar Named Desire,” helping to make the basic t-shirt a popular fashion piece.

Allanah Wills and Ashley Ann Mentley Converged Citizen Staff When it comes to fashion, there are some items that seem hard to believe never existed.

Items that are such staples, not only in everyone’s closets, but in western culture and every day life.

The t-shirt is one of these items. Shirts themselves have been around since the Middle Ages, but didn’t quite resemble what we’re used to today.

The more modern style of a tshirt didn’t come about until the late 1800s. Made out of cheap and light fabric, the US Navy issued them as undergarments during the SpanishAmerican War. They remained popular with veterans afterwards, but it wasn’t until famous actor Marlon Brando wore one in the 1951 movie “A Streetcar Named Desire” that t-shirts truly became a part of fashion.

High heels may be a crucial

part of today’s fashion and Hollywood style, but they had a rather unexpected start. It seems all too often a man will complain that his wife has too many pairs of shoes, perhaps too many pairs of heels to be specific. A woman might argue there are so many different types of heels nowadays – pumps, stilettos, sling back, peep toe – she needs options.

Interestingly, though, men were the first ones to wear heels. In the 1600s, it was a symbol of status and privilege because only a man who didn’t have to work all day could wear such uncomfortable shoes. This logic clearly didn’t last.

Women started wearing heels to embrace their masculinity and add height and finally men stopped wearing them in the 1700s. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that new technology allowed designers

STYLE PAGE 9

For the sixth straight year Colastantis will be holding a “fun-filled” day of arts and crafts. The admission free show offers visitors the chance to check out vendors selling jewelry, candles, body lotions, purses and much more. There will also be a special lunch buffet from 11 am-1:30 pm.

Pride and Prejudice Where: Olde Walkerville Theatre When: Feb. 19 and 20 7 pm Based on the classic 1813 romance novel, Riverfront Theatre Company will be bringing their adaption to the Olde Walkerville Theatre. The talented group of youth actors from the company have been rehearsing since September. For tickets call 519-817-8780.

Yukon Blonde Where: Phog Lounge When: Feb. 20 at 10 pm Vancouver Indie Rock band Yukon Blonde will be bringing their musical stylings to Windsor. Fresh off releasing their third EP, On Blonde, the band has introduced more synthesizer to their sound, promising a fun mix of 80s-esque vibes meet hard hitting guitar riffs.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

The Song Remains the Same Where: The Chrysler Theatre When: Feb. 26 at 8 pm Calling all classic rock fans! Jeans N’ Classics is back by popular demand. They’ll be cranking out all of Led Zeppelin’s iconic hits….performed by a live full orchestra. Tickets can be purchased at www.windsorsymphony.com.

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arts & entertainment

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FEBRUARY 18, 2016

ONVERGED CITIZEN

Windsor shows off its beauty

Janeen Kratochvil Converged Citizen Staff

Free manicures and fashion shows were some of the highlights at the annual Beauty Expo held Feb. 7 and 8 at the Caboto Club in Windsor.

The show featured 35 vendors who showcased their most popular products and services of aesthetics and wellness.

“I was about to turn 50…

I was curious about the products and services that might help me look younger… I thought, wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to go to one place and find out about all the things available to me,” said Sylvia Farkas about the inspiration behind the event.

Exhibitors at the event included Nygaard and 30 models from St. Clair College’s fashion design technician program performing fashion shows.

Farkas said the most popular attraction of the event was the free mini-mani-

STYLE PAGE 8 to use metal in new ways, which soon after led to the stiletto. Women’s shoes (and feet) have never been the same since.

Another staple in women’s fashion has been dated to as far back as ancient Egypt, but it takes jumping a few thousand years ahead to see the creation of a modern miniskirt. Hemlines first started to rise in the 1920s as flappers showed their bare ankles

such as Avon’s Anew Power Serum.

The benefits of anti-aging products compared to procedures are “they’re more affordable, effective and non-invasive,” said Kim Sankovic, Rodan and Fields consultant.

When asked why antiaging products are so popular, Linda Feldman of Mary Kay Cosmetics said “its important to preserve and reverse as much as you can.”

LaRose Laser and Spa promoted non-invasive procedures such as semipermanent makeup tattooing and eyelash extensions, Photos by Janeen Kratochvil according to vendor Ella Osman.

Left - Event organizer Sylvia Farkas welcomes guests to the second annual Beauty Expo “These are the most popheld at the Caboto Club Feb. 8. ular current beauty trends,” Bottom - A student of St. Clair College’s Esthetician Program performs free manicures said Osman, who was parat the Beauty Expo Feb. 8. ticipating in her first year at Right - A student of St. Clair College’s Esthetician Program performs free manicures at the Beauty Expo. the Beauty Expo Feb. 8.

The expo attracted more cures, which were provided many local beauty secrets ular according to Avon rep- vendors and exhibits, than

by St. Clair esthetician stu- including ShopEco, which resentative Paivi Lintunen. last year according to dents. offered complimentary all- Several companies show- Farkas. It was sponsored by Hundreds attended the natural makeovers. cased their premium skin- Shoppers Drug Mart and Anti-aging products care products that promise organized by Vantage second annual Beauty Expo. The expo boasted proved to be the most pop- to restore youthfulness, Events. and calves in beaded, feathered and glittery skirts. Full below-the-knee skirts remained all the rage though and anything else was considered scandalous. Leave it to the 1960s to change all that.

British designer Mary Quant pioneered the miniskirt, wanting to design something that girls could run for the bus in and is quoted as saying, “Style should be arrogant, aggressive and sexy.” Although the miniskirt was initially banned from places like the Academy

Awards (and even some entire countries) famous faces like Twiggy helped the look reach popularity.

Famous faces, whether they’re actors, models, politicians, etc., can have a great deal of influence on what becomes a popular fashion trend. This was no different with the leather jacket. This look first came into culture in the early 1900s when it was worn by pilots and the military but the trend then hit Hollywood where famous

actors like James Dean used the jacket to symbolize a cool, tough-guy image. Think Danny Zuko in Grease or Fonzie in Happy Days – the jacket helped to define the character. With the punk subculture then taking over in the 1970s, bands such as The Ramones continued to use the jacket to associate with rebellion and female rockers like Joan Jett made it a unisex look. While the leather jacket still has a bad-boy connotation, it has definitely made its

way into both mainstream and high fashion for men and women.

Fashion trends clearly come and go throughout the years.

Recently there have been resurgences of 90s grunge styles, 70s fringe and flare, 50s full skirts – the list goes on. But regardless of what the current fashion trends are on the streets or the runways, it’s never hard to find the basic tshirt, high heels, miniskirts and leather jackets among it all.

CONVERGED CITIZEN FEBRUARY 18, 2016

The Long Goodbye Opinion

Mark Brown Sports Columnist

Writing this a couple of days before Valentine’s Day, I realize that the best relationships are those that persevere through good times, bad times and uncertain times. Yet sooner or later, all relationships come to an end.

The relationship in question is with Joe Louis Arena.

The Detroit Red Wings announced their plans for the farewell season at “The Joe.” The team will finish its run at the building in the spring of 2017 before moving a little north to the building with the working title of Detroit Events Center. A commemorative logo has been revealed, with the dates “1979-2017” and four stars symbolizing the four Stanley Cups the Wings have won so far while playing there. Celebrations have been scheduled remembering the Cup-winning teams as well as the college hockey, concerts and events held at the arena.

There will be giveaways and many opportunities for fans to share their memories of the arena before the final horn sounds next spring, maybe with another Stanley Cup or two?

The arena’s post-Wings fate isn’t clear, though chances are it will be gutted or torn down to make room for a possible expansion of Cobo Center or

perhaps more retail or residential space.

Sports fans have special relationships with the buildings their teams play in. I had one with Tiger Stadium as a Tigers fan and there has certainly been one with the Joe as a Wings fan.

Joe Louis Arena opened in December 1979 when the Wings, then an NHL laughingstock, moved from the venerable Olympia Stadium.

The team often played to a half-empty arena, which gave it the nickname Joe Louis Mausoleum. When Mike and Marian Illitch bought the Wings in 1982 they immediately began sprucing it up and by the late 1980s, it was full almost every night. My first memory of the Joe was not a hockey game (that would come much later), but the Ice Capades with Dorothy Hamill in 1980. That was a year that also saw the building host the NHL All-Star Game and the Republican National Convention.

There were of course many electric moments at Joe Louis Arena in the 1990s and 2000s as the team won Cups in 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2008, and went to the Finals in 1995 and 2009. I saw my first Wings game there in about 1994, a 5-2 victory over Vancouver. Since then there have been games viewed from every possible vantage point.

This included a New Year’s Eve contest where “Auld Lang Syne” would play on the PA system as the crowd filed out. I’ve sat in the lower bowl, upper bowl, standingroom only and the Comerica Legends Club and have also hung out in the downstairs Olympia Room. My beloved Michigan Wolverines have won hockey titles in that building.

Joe Louis Arena is certainly quirky, and not perfect. It’s difficult to get to. Parking is a challenge. The luxury boxes are too high above the ice.

The concourses are too narrow. The stairs in the upper bowl are too steep. You’re lucky if you can get up there without slipping, spilling your beer and having people laugh at your ineptitude. But it’s still a building fans love warts and all.

It’s way too early to eulogize Joe Louis Arena, but I want to share my own favourite memory…

It was during the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals. I was still living in Michigan and going with family and friends to frequent showings of the Wings’ away games on the arena’s JoeVision system.

When Game 4 of the Finals was being played in Washington, DC against the Capitals, the Joe was a packed, crazed house. The tension rose as the game wore on until late in the third period when the Wings scored their fourth goal of the game. By then it was a given the Wings would repeat as Cup champions. Security and arena officials moved to the floor of the arena, expecting to see a wild celebration.

When the final horn blew, 20 thousand people went totally berserk as lights flashed and confetti rained rom the rafters.

People flung confetti, napkins, toilet paper and anything else they could get their hands on. The wild yet orderly crowd then moved outside, where horns blared through the night, strangers high-fived each other and newsboys sold commemorative front pages of the Free Press and News.

And so, the long goodbye has begun. But it’s going to be a great ride.

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Sports round-up

by Michael Hugall Great Lakes Junior ‘C’ Hockey League The Essex 73’s are in the driver’s seat as they take a 3-0 series stranglehold into Alvinston tonight. A win could clinch the series. The 73’s are led by the Great Lakes Junior C most valuable player Trev or Wheaton.

Wheaton has recorded three straight shutouts in Essex’s 9-0, 6-0, and 6-0 wins.

Local boxer chasing dream Windsor native Deneige Chaffey, 16, is looking for support in chasing her dream of becoming an Olympic boxer. Chaffey will be representing Team Ontario in the upcoming nationals being held in Quebec from Mar. 28 – April. 2. Chaffey started a “GOFUNDME” page in order to pay for meal expenses, and tournament participation.

“I started boxing about four years ago at the Windsor Amateur Boxing Club and I am very passionate and dedicated to the sport I love,” said Chaffey.

Express on the right track The Windsor Express have won three of their last four games after a 99-95 victory over the Orangeville A’s on Feb. 11 The Express were led by veteran forward Chris Commons and his 32 points.

Four other players scored in double figures. The Windsor Express will return to the court on Feb. 18 as they take on the London Lightning at the Budweiser Gardens.

NBA All- Star Weekend All-Star weekend will start its festivities Feb. 12 and this year the NBA has chosen the Air Canada Centre in Toronto to house the event.

The weekend will conclude with the All-Star game, with talent from the Eastern and Western conferences showcase their skills.

Among the all-stars are Raptor guards Demar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry.

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sports & fitness Essex, Wheaton looking to extend winning ways

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FEBRUARY 18, 2016

ONVERGED CITIZEN

Leaf’s Phaneuf traded Opinion

Dylan Fremlin Sports Columnist

Photo by Garrett Fodor Alvinston Flyers goalie Matt Boere sprawls to give Essex 73’s forward Matthew Hebert the pad save Feb. 9 in Essex at the Essex Centre Sports Complex.

Garrett Fodor Converged Citizen Staff A local goalie is leading the effort for his team as they look to defend their Schmalz Cup championship title.

It took three straight Schmalz Cup appearances before the Essex 73’s won the title on their fourth attempt. It

goalie in the league honours and league MVP. One of the 11 returning players is defenceman Matthew Rosati, who has spent two season with Wheaton.

Rosati said Wheaton has been unbelievable for the team “There's a reason he won league MVP. He puts us in a great position to win every

“There's a reason he won league MVP. He puts us in a great position to win every single night.”

---Matthew Rosati is now a year later and the 73’s have 11 players from that team returning for this year’s playoff run. Expectations are high for Essex after posting the best regular season record in the league winning 34 games and losing three in regulation expectations are high.

A large factor to that record is between the pipes from soon to be 21 year old goaltender Trevor Wheaton.

Wheaton finished the 2015 2016 season with a 24-3-1 record while earning a 0.946 save percentage and sporting a 1.31 goals against average with six shutouts. Which was good enough in all the categories to earn him the top

single night,” said Rosati. “He makes every save he is supposed to and then a couple more he's not supposed to. All that being said I think our entire team in front of him has been playing great and limiting the opposition's quality scoring chances too.”

The 73’s have been hosting the Alvinston Flyers in the first round of the playoffs. In the first three games of the series, Wheaton has posted shutouts and the team has gone on to win 9-0, 6-0 and 60.

Wheaton said he has been playing well but has to credit his success to the team in front of him.

“It’s not just me, our defence

is playing a really good game right now and they are making good decisions in our zone,” said Wheaton. “Our defence is keeping shots to the outside, giving me the easy shots so I make the saves I gotta make. Bryan Spearing, our goalie coach, has been running us through drills, brings out the video and makes sure we see what we are doing wrong in games so we are really fixing our errors.”

Rosati said he knows that teams have heard about the team and Wheaton’s success but is confident if they just keep at their systems they can progress.

“He won back-to-back Western Conferences in Leamington the past two years and a Great Lakes title with a run to the Schmalz before that,” said Rosati. “I'm sure teams may try to get in his head but they did that to Hedrick last year too and we were able to overcome it. He just has to stay focused and let us players deal with anything unnecessary going on. We're a tight group in that locker room and I know all 23 of us will be looking out and standing up for each other.

Rosati, Wheaton and the rest of the Essex 73’s are in action Friday night as the team travels to Alvinston for game four, as they look to advance to the semi-finals of the Great Lakes Junior “C” playoffs.

The Dion Phaneuf era has officially come to an end for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Leafs shipped their captain to their arch rivals, the Ottawa Senators Tuesday morning in a nine player deal.

It was the first trade between the two teams in almost 18 years.

There were bad contracts aplenty in this trade with the Leafs taking back three short term contracts to get rid of Phaneuf’s remaining five years at $7 million per year.

Milan Michalek, Jared Cowen and Colin Greening all came to the Leafs in the trade as salary dumps. The three contracts combined cost a little more annually than Phaneuf’s, but they all expire at the end of next season. This is perfect for the position the Leafs are in right now. They don’t expect to be a team close to the salary cap next season.

This deal gives them flexibility in the long term when they expect to be contenders. The Leafs still managed to obtain a solid prospect in Tobias Lindberg and a 2017 second round pick in the deal.

The Leafs also sent forwards Matt Frattin, Casey Bailey, Ryan Rupert and long shot prospect Cody Donaghey to the Senators in the deal.

Frattin, Bailey and Rupert had been playing for the Leafs AHL affiliate, Toronto Marlies and are not expected to become NHL players.

Donaghey is a young defenceman who signed as a free TORONTO ACQUIRES

agent out of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The purpose of these four players being thrown into the deal is to free up space on the team’s 50 contract limit. In short, the Leafs opened up a contract spot which is helpful to them as they expect to be sellers at the upcoming trade deadline.

This means they can take on an extra contract that a team is trying to get rid of if it will increase their return in a trade.

This deal looks like a home run for the Leafs and a big risk for the Senators.

To be fair, the Senators are in a tough position. Superstar defenceman, Erik Karlsson, is in his prime and the Senators have to try to win with him. A player like Karlsson doesn’t come around very often to say the least. Karlsson is sitting in third place in points in the NHL more than half way through the season and he is a defenceman. Senators General Manager Bryan Murray clearly realizes what a failure it would be to never even sniff a Stanley Cup with a special player like Karlsson on your roster. Murray decided to take on a contract that will make them worse in the future to get a player that will improve their team right now. It is tough to argue that this trade makes the Senators contenders as they are five points out of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

This time last year the Leafs still had David Clarkson, Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf’s massive contracts on the books. All three have since been moved while only retaining $1.2 million on the Kessel deal. If you told any Leafs fan a year ago this would be the case, they would have laughed in your face. It was a foregone conclusion there would be no way to move all three without taking back a significant amount of salary.

Kudos to the new Leafs front office for ridding this team of three onerous contracts while gaining assets for the future.

OTTAWA ACQUIRES

-Jared Cowen

-Dion Phaneuf

-Milan Michalek

-Matt Frattin

-Colin Greening

-Casey Bailey

-Tobias Lindberg

-Ryan Rupert

-2017 second round pick

-Cody Donaghey

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sports & fitness

FEBRUARY 18, 2016

ONVERGED CITIZEN

Clipping the competition

Photo by Christian Bouchard Members of the Amherstburg Admirals celebrate a goal in the 1st period of Game 3 of the Great Lakes Junior ‘C’ Quarter-Final round.

Younger Admirals stepping up

Photo by Todd Shearon Martin Bak sets up microphones with an X Clip at Sound Lab Recordings in Windsor.

Todd Shearon Converged Citizen Staff A Windsor man has trademarked a new product to assist music studio producers in a more efficient setup and recording process.

The owner of Sound Lab Recordings has created a revolutionary two-mic attachment called the X Clip, a dual microphone clip which pairs an SM57 with any small diaphragm condenser microphone.

Martin Bak said the conventional method has always been to tape the two microphones together. In videos, photographs and most live or studio scenarios where two mics are being used they have usually been taped or slip-tied.

“I had been using the (taping) technique for years, primarily on the snare drum,” said Bak. “I thought to myself, ‘something else has to exist. I’m tired of doing this tape crap and my expensive mics keep getting all sticky.'”

Bak began researching the issue to find a solution to his problem and found nothing.

“There are however some similar products, but they are not the same idea. The clips are either too far apart or they are angled differently,” said Bak. “After that, I did a patent search because I wanted to go about pursuing it. Nothing was found. Again, similar ones, but none that were the same concept.”

Bak was talking about his idea and the need for a mold maker during a recording session which included guitar player Alex Antic, who is also a mold maker. The two discussed the concept and the work began.

“It went from, ‘this can actually happen,’ to making a tangible product that many people can use,” said Bak. “It took me 10 years to figure out that it didn’t exist and to even think about it.”

The X Clip simply snaps on to one mic and you piggyback the pencil mic. Another benefit is it does not require two microphone stands to do it, essentially saving room and eliminating clutter.

Some producers will even use it to combine tones for

guitar amps.

“I’m not only promoting the product but the technique behind it, as far as blending distortion tone through one mic and a clean tone through another mic to make a better sounding guitar or snare,” said Bak. “It actually improves the sound if you know how to do it right. If you compress one or equalize them a certain way you can really get them to work together.”

Bak said a lot of producers have been using the technique for years but haven’t had the ability to clip them properly.

Butch Vig used two mics on the snare drum on Nirvana’s Nevermind album and the snare sound has been a rock staple through today.

The X Clip is selling online for $19.99 and Bak said he is receiving orders from across the globe.

“I think his product is genius in its simplicity,” said The Tea Party drummer Jeff Burrows.

“I have many friends in the industry using it now.”

More information can be found at www.thexclip.com.

gives us a great chance for one.”

Meyernik is now 3-0 in the playoffs and holds a 1.57 goals against average in the playoffs. He said playoffs are the best time of the year for him as the bigger the challenge, the more likely he is to succeed.

“Playing for my family and playing for all my boys it makes it that much easier to stay in it and go for the win,” said Meyernik. “I just play to have fun, that’s all I do. Times like these are fun for me. I like a good challenge when it’s intense like this.

Meloche’s line mate Muzzatti said the Admirals are in for a deep playoff run.

He believes the playoffs are all that matters and it is exactly what the Admirals play for.

According to Muzzatti, pound for pound, the Admirals have the best overall team in the league when they come to play for a full 60 minutes. He sees a championship in the Admirals future.

“We’re here to win,” said Muzzatti. “We’re not goig to lose this year. We want it all and we’re probably going to get it all because we’re the best team in the league.

Christian Bouchard Converged Citizen Staff The Integrity Amherstburg Admirals are receiving a playoff push from two of their youngest players.

17 year-old Broden Meloche has helped lead the Admirals this season, leading his team in scoring with 44 points in 39 games. Meloche’s quality of play has continued throughout his three-playoff games as well. Meloche is currently averaging a goal and an assist in each contest and is second in the league with a total of eight points.

Meloche said a large part of his success comes from being partnered with line mate Dylan Muzzatti, who finished second on the team in points with 41. However, Meloche believes the goaltending received by 17 year-old Connor Meyernik will be the biggest factor in a deep playoff run.

“Conner (Meyernik) has been on another planet as of late,” said Meloche. “All year he’s been solid in net and has won us some games we didn’t deserve to win. You definitely need good goaltending for deep playoff runs and Connor

THE CONVERGED TEAM Managing Editors

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Mark Brown Caleb Workman

Ashley Ann Mentley Michael Hugall

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Christian Bouchard Jordan Caschera

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Entertainment Editor Allanah Wills