Durham Total Sports December/January 2019

durham.totalsportsmagazine.ca

Total Sports Durham

Don’t Just Play, Play Better

Pages 22-23

Covering Local Sports in your Community

PLUNDERing HARDWARE

Pages 30-31

Volume 7 • Issue 10

Southern Exposure Five more Blue Knights Head to U.S. Schools

Pages 8-9

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durham.totalsportsmagazine.ca

Total Sports Durham

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Dallas Knowles 416.843.3801 durhamtotalsports@gmail.com

Volume 7 • Issue 10

Features

Table of Contents

Sports Mom of the Month PAGE

16

Learn to PLAY BETTER WITH TWIST

26/01/2018 16:54

PAGES

Oxford Learning ............................................. 4 Oshawa Generals ................................... 5, 25 Whitby Girls Softball ...................................... 6 Edge Hockey Academy .................................. 7 Lady Blue Knights ............................... 8-9, 16 Blyth Academy ....................................... 10-11 Town of Whitby Fitness ............................... 12 Whitby Wild Ringette .................................. 14 Durham College ............................................ 18 UOIT ............................................................... 19 Ajax Wanderers ............................................ 20 Tree-Top Eco Adventure Park .................... 21 Whitby Sports Hall of Fame ....................... 28 Decal City ...................................................... 29 Oshawa Vikings Rugby .......................... 30-31 Team of the Month ..................................... 34 Graphic Design

22-23 SUGAR IS A BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW PAGE

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Dave Ashton 905.903-3416 dave.ashton@tallshipsmedia.com www.tallshipsmedia.com On the Cover Left to Right: Corinna Lyon, Mackenzie Beam, Kate MacDonell, Jacqueline MacLean and Nicole Perroni.

Cover Photo by Don Curran, Durham Sports Photography

Contributors Lady Blue Knights Field Lacrosse, Jeff Roux, Dallas Knowles, Whitby Lightning, Ajax Wanderers, Whitby Sports Hall of Fame, Durham College, UOIT, Oshawa Generals, Mary Giacalone “Scary Mary”, Anthony Cornacchia, Tina R. Ward, WGSA, Canlan Ice Sports, Oshawa Vikings, Town of Whitby, Whitby Wild

Photo Credits

Skating on the edge of hockey success PAGE

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Whitby Sports Hall of Fame, Durham College, UOIT, Ajax Wanderers, Whitby Lightning, Lakeside Academy, Oshawa Vikings, Mary Giacalone, Whitby Wild, Oshawa Vikings, Durham Sport Photography Don Curran.

Total Sports Durham Region Edition is a free Magazine, published 6 times year, bi-monthly. Contents Copyright 2015, 2019 Total Sports Magazine Inc., No part of this magazine may be reproduced or depicted in print or digital without the written permission of Total Sports Magazine Inc. The opinions expressed by contributors may not be those of Total Sports Magazine. Total Sports Magazine Inc., assumes no liability for submissions or omissions.

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COVERING LOCAL SPORTS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

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Summer is On Deck Game Doesn't Stop For Whitby Girls Softball Association

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e may not be outside on the Whitby diamonds, but that hasn’t stopped our players from wanting to play softball!

Back by overwhelmingly popular demand we are running our Fall and Winter Clinics! There was a noticeable improvement in the level of play at the beginning on the summer season for both House League play and Select tournaments standings, which we credit to many of our players attending the off-season clinics.

We are using a new indoor facility this year to accommodate the increased number of players as well as expand the drills that we can run.

We ran our Fall Clinics for 6 weeks, and we saw a record 97 players attend.

Our Winter Clinics run for 6 weeks starting January 12, 2019.

We offer specialized clinics for Pitching and Catching to give girls the opportunity to try out these indemand positions or improve on their current skills.

We are also running General and Advanced Skills Clinics for all players in Mite through Midget divisions, to include beginners new to softball, to give everyone a head start on the summer season.

Something new in our Winter Clinics will be batting instruction which will expand on the skills the girls can work on in the off-season.

Our numbers have exceeded our Fall Clinics attendance, so we have added extra time slots to accommodate the demand.

We are looking forward to working with our players to have some fun over the winter and improve their skills.

We will be running another 6 week

session of Spring Clinics that will get us ready to head outside in April.

Information will be posted on our website www.whitbygirlssoftball.com and on social media.

OFF-SEASON CLINICS: Our off-season clinics also give our senior players the opportunity to give back to the WGSA and gain experience by instructing for our younger players.

Of course, we wouldn’t be able to run these clinics if it wasn’t for all our volunteer coaches who help us run all the drills and make our clinics run so effectively.

The success of our program relies heavily on the support of local businesses and organizations who

become a sponsor, which allows us to offer a cost-effective sport to local families.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about being a sponsor for 2019, please contact sponsorship@whitbygirlssoftball.com.

SIGN UP FOR 2019: Our 2019 season registration is well under way and available 24/7 online on our website.

We will also have In-Person Registration events scheduled over the winter.

We had several divisions full last year, so we encourage players to register early to ensure their spot.

What’s your game next summer?

VISIT WWW.WHITBYGIRLSSOFTBALL.COM

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Galloping Knights New Crop of Players Head South on Lacrosse Scholarships

S

ince the Lady Blue Knights field lacrosse association formed in 2000, the club has had tremendous success, winning over 50 provincial championships.

The Lady Blue Knights have also developed many players who have gone on to play at the university level as well as representing Ontario and Canada at international tournaments.

During the past 19 years, the Lady Blue Knights have seen over 50 athletes achieve scholarships and this year five more have signed letters of intent to play in the U.S. next year.

Nicole Perroni (University of Louisville), Mackenzie Beam (University at Albany), Corinna Lyon (Loyola University Maryland), Jacqueline MacLean (Canisius College) and Kate MacDonell (Lindenwood University) are all highly decorated members of

the Lady Blue Knights family.

Durham Total Sports caught up with all five girls recently during their off-season skills sessions at the Oshawa Civic Fieldhouse to find out more about where they will be playing next year and how the Lady Blue Knights program helped them earn their scholarships.

Mackenzie Beam and Corinna Lyon, who both attend the Hill Academy, credit the Lady Blue Knights as a key factor in developing their lacrosse skills over the years.

“The Lady Blue Knight program has helped to shape me into the player I am today; competitive, hardworking and disciplined. Each of my coaches have played a unique role in my development.

They pushed me hard and watched me grow. Being able to play with so many elite players was also an important piece,” said Lyon.

Beam echoed Lyon’s praise of the Blue Knights: “Blue Knights helped me earn my scholarship at the University of Albany through the opportunity to compete with and at the highest level. I train with some of the best girls in the province and coached by some of the best coaches in the country. This is an opportunity that I would not have been given if I played anywhere else besides the Blue Knights.”

Kate MacDonell, a Brooklin High School student and ten-year veteran of the Lady Blue Knights, is very excited about the next chapter of her lacrosse career at Lindenwood University.

“I am most looking forward to playing university lacrosse because of the high level of competition and the opportunity to learn from other experienced coaches and athletes,” said MacDonell.

VISIT WWW.LADYBLUEKNIGHTS.CA

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"Through the LBK program, I have become a stronger more confident athlete. " — Kate MacDonell, who is headed to Lindenwood University

MacDonell also has a lot of praise for the Lady Blue Knights: “The Lady Blue Knights has helped me earn a scholarship by teaching me to be an elite athlete. Through the LBK program, I have become a stronger more confident athlete. I have learned life lessons such as self-discipline, independence, responsibility and teamwork. It has taught me how to be a good leader and how to work well under pressure. The advice and guidance from my coaches and Barb Boyes played a key role in me earning a scholarship.”

Nicole Perroni, who attends Sinclair Secondary School, will be attending the University of Louisville in the fall.

Perroni also commended the elite coaching that she received as a Lady Blue Knight and considered it one of the key reasons why she is moving on to play lacrosse at university.

“They have taught me to become the best player I can be and they have always motivated me and pushed me to work my hardest and to make sure I was prepared for university and the challenges that I’m going to face in my future.”

Jacqueline MacLean, who currently attends Maxwell Heights in Oshawa, was inspired by some of the previous Blue Knights who earned scholarships: “The Lady Blue Knights have always stressed hard work and goal setting. For a long time we looked up to the older girls who played in the NCAA and for Team Canada. These girls were right

Mackenzie Beam (far left), Jacqueline MacLean, Kate MacDonell, Nicole Perroni and Corinna Lyon are joining the large number of Lady Blue Knights players who have earned lacrosse scholarships in the United States. here in our organization and I always wanted to be a part of that.”

All five of the U.S. bound girls are looking forward to challenges of being a student-athlete in the U.S. and gave their thoughts on what they are most excited for next year.

“I am most looking forward to playing with my teammates. From training to practice to games I will be with a great bunch of women all competing for the same goal. We will be doing a lot together and I hope to have life-long friendships,” said MacLean.

“What I’m most looking forward to in university is the high level of play that Louisville has. I’m very excited to be able to showcase my competitiveness and also getting to know lots of new people not just from the lacrosse team but also from the other sports teams and other classes,” said Perroni.

“I am looking forward to being

coached by two of the top players and coaches, Dana Dobbie and Jen Adams.

They bring so much knowledge to the game. My new teammates are a great group of women and I look forward to learning and growing with them,” said Lyon.

“The most excited thing I am excited for when playing lacrosse in university is being given the chance to represent my country. At U Albany I will be the only Canadian on the team which I think is pretty neat. I am given the opportunity to represent the country that I am proud to call home,” said Beam.

All five of these athletes will continue to train and prepare for their move to the U.S. The success of these five as well as the team accomplishments show why the Lady Blue Knights are one of the premier women’s lacrosse organizations in the country.

EMAIL LADY_BLUEKNIGHTS@YAHOO.CA

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New School Values Blyth Academy Offers Flexibility For Student Athletes

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or young athletes, finding the right balance between sports and academics can sometimes be overwhelming.

The rigors of training and practice schedules can make it difficult for students completing elementary, middle school, and high school to follow a standard timetable and meet class deadlines. As an accredited private school, Blyth Academy Whitby offers unique flexible scheduling and personalized academics for studentathletes grades 6 to 12. This cuttingedge restructuring of the academic school year has dramatic benefits, allowing students to engage in sports and fitness training throughout the day while still completing schoolwork.

Blyth Academy Whitby high school operates on a four-term schedule.

Students take only two courses per term, as opposed to a more traditional semester setting (four courses a semester) or a full-year setting (eight courses daily spanning the entire academic year), allowing them to manage their academic workload much more effectively.

“Our two course per term structure allows students to feel less overwhelmed and provides a better balance between athletics and academics,” says Blyth Academy Whitby Principal, Kim Hacker. “We are a small school with small class sizes which means we know the students well. Our teachers are well aware when students have extensive periods of play-offs or try-outs, and can better accommodate their schedules.”

Average class sizes of seven students, combined with 2.25 hour classes taken five days a week, allow students more time for in-depth review. Our method also enables staff to give each student individualized attention on an ongoing basis. It leaves part of the day free

for athletic and fitness training, and supports athletes who train outside of Ontario for part of the school year.

“Our four term schedule approach allows students, including those who train in warm weather sports, to take a term off and still earn most credits in-class during the school year,” affirms Principal Hacker. “For example, our golfers leave in February to a warmer climate for better training and still have time to complete three terms before they go, and one when they get back.”

In conjunction with our digital campus, Blyth Academy Online, students who spend a portion of the school year training outside of Whitby have access to over 100 high school courses 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“When students take advantage of our online courses while they are away, they are able to complete the school year with the expected number of credits,” says Principal Hacker.

Students at Blyth Academy Whitby also have the opportunity to utilize summer school at the campus.

“Often we find that athletes that miss a lot of academic time, prior to joining us, sometimes have gaps in their schedules or some credits they haven’t earned along the way,” she says.

“Our Blyth Academy Online courses or summer school courses allow them to catch up on a course they missed or prepare for a heavy year ahead.”

Additionally, Blyth Academy Whitby provides academics to student athletes who play in professional leagues outside of the city, and return home once their season comes to an end.

“We have a lot of students who play OHL hockey, who live in the area and when their season typically ends in March, they move home and have the ability to take two credits with us in term four,” says Principal Hacker.

The Blyth Academy academic model has proven success. Our alumni have achieved both academic and athletic scholarships from tier-one schools, competed internationally, and even play at professional levels. For more information visit blythacademy.ca

VISIT BLYTHACADEMY.CA

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Healthy Scoring

Setting your Fitness goals makes them easier to reach

By Marianne Schlottke Town of Whitby Supervisor of Fitness Services Scoring big is all about the goals! It’s time to get started on the road to an active healthy life.You will only get to where you want to go, if you set a plan in place. This is the year to make changes, set goals, and live a healthier life.The first step is to set goals that are SMART.

S M A

pecific – identify exactly what you are going to do. easurable – you have to be able to count it, log it, and track it. chievable – start small and make adjustments and increases as you go along.

R T

elevant and realistic – can it fit into your routine, lifestyle, and budget. ime sensitive – create accountability by adding a due date.

The best way to have success is to write it down. Start a get active, healthy eating, goal journal and add your goals to your weekly scheduler or calendar.

Create a big picture goal that you would like to achieve over 2019. This sets the direction you are heading.

Break it down into achievable chunks that you can commit to and track: WHAT WILL I DO TODAY? This could be as simple as creating your plan and writing it down. Tell someone and that will help to increase your commitment to your plan.

WHAT WILL I DO THIS WEEK? Pick something that will help you get to your end goal, but is a good easy start to get you moving in the right direction.

WHAT WILL I ACCOMPLISH? What will I accomplish in three months? Six months?

Write it down, track your progress and make adjustments as you go along.

Create small rewards for sticking to it and get additional help and support if you need to stay focused or committed.

If you need help sticking to your plan, the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex Health Club fitness staff are certified and trained to help you to reach your health and fitness goals. The Health Club is supervised with certified personal trainers that are willing to assist you while you work out. Come by for a visit.

Your first trial work out is free.

Take advantage of a special January offer! Join for a $1/day for your first three months. Offer expires January 31, 2019 and members must be 14 years and older. Speak to the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex Reception staff for details at 905.666.1991 or visit whitby.ca/ fitness.

Take the first step today to get active, stay healthy, and score big in 2019!

CONTACT

555 ROSSLAND RD EAST WHITBY. 905.666.1991

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Ringing in 50 Years Whitby Ringette Association Celebrates a Half Century

T

his is a very significant year in the history of the Whitby Ringette Association (WRA) as the organization has reached two important milestones.

The 2018/19 season year marks the 50th anniversary of Whitby Ringette and this feat was recently celebrated at the organization’s annual tournament, which is in its 40th year.

This year’s tournament was held from January 4-6th and featured several commemorative events to recognize WRA’s five decades of empowering female athletes in Whitby. One of the highlights of the weekend was an exhibition game between Le Royale du Bourassa and Richmond Hill Lightening who are both members of the National Ringette League (NRL). The game featured some of the top ringette players in Canada and showcased the

speed and agility of the sport.

Following the NRL game, the WRA officially celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special on-ice event that featured some special guests. Some of the highlights of the event included a parade of past WRA jerseys, recognition of former WRA athletes and executive members and the involvement of Whitby Mayor Don Mitchell who is also a former WRA Dad/Coach. Also at the event, WRA’s Carolyn Mountjoy was named the first-ever recipient of the WRA Spirit Award. Mountjoy was recognized for her nearly 30 years of dedication and contribution to ringette as a player, coach, past-president, and player development leader.

WRA president Jenn Nagy was very happy with the celebration and the success of the tournament: “On behalf

of the Whitby Ringette Association, our Executive and our Tournament Committee, I wanted to reach out to the membership, coaches, bench staff, players and parents to thank you for your support throughout the tournament weekend. I’m extremely proud that the WRA Annual tournament is a destination event for many of the associations in attendance and this year was no exception,” said Nagy.

The tournament itself was also a huge success that saw hundreds of athletes competing in 16 different divisions.

The Whitby Wild had a great weekend on the ice as both the U10 and U12 PP teams were gold medalists in their respective divisions. Congratulations to the WRA for their 50 years of providing ringette to the residents of Whitby.

VISIT WWW. WHITBYRINGETTE.COM

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DURHAM TOTAL SPORTS

On Saturday, December 1st, Lady Blue Knights players, coaches and volunteers took part in the 49th Whitby Santa Claus Parade! Our players were excited to spread some holiday cheer as they walked along Brock Street in Whitby.

Knights on Parade Girls Lacrosse Organization Continues to mix fun with success

Congratulations to Akela Russell of the U11 Elite team on winning our prize pack of LBK swag and a $50 gift certificate to the Oshawa Centre! Special thanks to all the players, coaches and volunteers who attended the parade!

Join the Blue Knights!

Are you looking to meet new friends? Try out a new sport? Find off season training for hockey or ringette? If yes, COME PLAY FIELD LACROSSE WITH THE LADY BLUE KNIGHTS! The Lady Blue Knights offers a variety of field lacrosse programs for girls ages 4+. Come join the largest and most decorated women’s lacrosse program in Ontario.

Registration for the 2019 Season opens online on January 1st. Be sure to register before March 3rd to receive our Early Bird Rate ($50 OFF!).

For more registration information, check out Lady Blue Knights Social Media Pages: Instagram: @lbklacrosse Twitter: @lbklacrosse Facebook: @ladyblueknights

VISIT WWW.LADYBLUEKNIGHTS.CA

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sports mom of the Month Sponsored by the Pandora Store at the Oshawa Centre

MEET SONIA ...

Her Son Andon (8 yrs old) started hockey at age 4 and plays hockey for Whitby Wildcats Novice AA . He also focuses on soccer in the summers and loves the sport .

Her daughter Adyson (4 years old) started dance with the Whitby Dance Company at age 2. This is her third year with the studio and is currently doing acro ballet jazz and tap Andon also does soccer in the summers and loves it as well. To add to the mix of everything, the family participates in hockey camps, swimming , you name it they are in it!

Sonia is also the sign holder at all Novice AA hockey games, and cheers on the team like no other!

Congratulations Sonia!

Lords capture rugby title in first season in OCAA league play

Photo credit: Allan Fournier - Durham College OSHAWA, Ont. - The Durham College men’s rugby team captured the 2018 OCAA championship banner this fall, defeating the Georgian Grizzlies 21-15.

The provincial banner marked the first in program history as the Lords returned to conference play this season, having last played in the OCAA in during the 1995-96 academic year.

“At the beginning of the season we didn’t know what to expect but we had a good group of guys and we just worked really hard all season,” said Lords head coach John Watkins.“It’s only year one but this really bodes well for rugby at Durham College.”

Breaking away for several strong runs and scoring the Lords second try of the match, No. 8 John Stewart (Whitby, Ont.) was named Durham player of the game, while Nathaniel Brown received the honour for Georgian.

“Today was unreal,” said Stewart. “I was saying to some of the other guys after the game that I’ve never actually won anything in rugby before so this is really special, it’s a huge moment.”

“When things started to go a little off script for us, John was the one who slowed the game down for us,” said Watkins. “When we needed him he took on that leadership role, sorted things out and relieved a lot of pressure for us especially in the second half.”

The championship contest between the east division champion Durham Lords and west division winning Georgian Grizzlies began in favour of the hosts, as a strong first ten minutes resulted in a James Stockwood (Bowmanville, Ont.) try, putting the Lords ahead 7-0 in the early going.

Midway through the first half the strong play from Durham continued as Stewart plunged in from in tight to put the Lords ahead 14-0.

With five minutes remaining in the opening frame, Donovan Jacko finished off the offensive push for the Grizzlies to make it a 14-5 score line heading into the break.

Following halftime, Durham found themselves on the back foot as the opening ten minutes was played within 20 yards of the Lords try line. Dominating possession, Jayden Wheeler and Brown both dived in for Georgian tries, putting the Grizzlies ahead by one point, 15-14, with just over 10 minutes remaining.

Facing adversity, the Lords battled for possession in the closing minutes. Winning the ball back, Durham turned to their strong

durhamlords.com

interior passing which opened up a lane for Daniel Cooper (Uxbridge, Ont.). The province’s leading try scorer from the regular season weaved his way through the middle of the Grizzlies defence before diving in for the game-winning try in the 76th minute. Jordan McGranachan (Ajax, Ont.) kicked his third convert of the game to round out the Lords scoring.

“After the success of this past season, winning the OCAA championship, the Durham College men’s rugby program will be in a good position for next year as the team will have over 20 players returning next fall,” said Watkins. “Also, having now established ourselves as a legitimate contender with this championship a number of potential new players have contacted the college to express their interest in coming Durham in 2019, and with the continued support from all our staff, administrators and the community I have no doubt this kind of interest will only remain strong.”

playoff push

ridgebacks hockey programs wrap up regular season in february

Photos: Al Fournier

OSHAWA, Ont. – The second half of the OUA season for both UOIT Ridgeback hockey teams opened on January 4, a fresh start to the New Year.

Both squads are hoping to build on their positive first semester performances and climb the ladder in preparation for playoffs, which start in February.

Starting second semester, the women’s hockey team held the eighth and final playoff spot entering the final stretch of the season, which they moved into by winning three straight games before the holiday break.

Kassidy Nauboris (Brampton, Ont.) continues to move up the Ridgebacks all-time goal and point leaderboards. As team leader with 10 goals and 15 points through 13 games, she now has 41 goals and 75 points all-time at UOIT – putting her second and third in those categories. Jill Morillo is UOIT’s all-time leader in goals, assists and points.

Between the pipes Brooke Vial (Port Moody, B.C.) has posted a 4-1-0 record, with a 1.59 GAA and team-high .946 save percentage.

On the men’s side rookie goaltender Michael Bullion (Anchorage, Alaska) has made an immediate impact, sitting with an 8-2 record through his first semester of OUA hockey. He is amongst the top of the league with a 2.12 GAA and .925 save percentage.

For the Ridgebacks men’s squad their scoring has been well-balanced as seven players had 10 points or more through the team’s first 17 games. Mike Robinson (Stouffville, Ont.) was averaging just over a point per game with 12 goals and six assists, followed closely by captain Danny Elser (Hopewell Junction, N.Y.) with 17 points.

Rookies Jake Bricknell (Port Perry, Ont.) and Austin Eastman (Lindsay, Ont.) each have 13 points in their first season thus far, both coming from the Aurora Tigers junior A program.

The final home games of the semester for UOIT are Saturday, Feb. 9 against Concordia for the men and Friday, Feb. 1 against Waterloo for the women’s team. All home games are played at the Campus Ice Centre. For the full second half schedule visit goridgebacks.com.

2019 home games

goridgebacks.com

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70 Years of Rugby Ajax Wanderers Celebrating a Big Birthday in 2019 The Ajax Wanderers are proud to be the VERY FIRST rugby club in all of Ontario and in 2019 the Ajax Wanderers turn 70! Started by a group of English immigrants who missed their favourite sport from back home in 1949, the club originally had no similar opposition to compete against. By 1950 a few more rugby clubs had popped up around Ontario and the great sport has grown ever since. We have many special events planned to celebrate the 70th Anniversary throughout the year.

If you’re new to the sport or life long fan, come out and celebrate with the Ajax Wanderers in 2019. Follow us on our social media accounts for all the details throughout 2019!

6 NATIONS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIPS: Once again the Wanderers will be showing EVERY 6 Nations game LIVE at the clubhouse. This longstanding championship between England, Ireland,

Scotland, Wales, France and Italy always entertains. Along with the watching the games, Wanderers will also be offering our well known breakfast “Bacon Buddies.”

Who will be crowned 2019 Champion and who will walk away with the Wooden Spoon? Come out the Wanderers Clubhouse and find out.

1717 Harwood Ave N. Ajax.

Week 1 – February 1st and 2nd Week 2 – February 9th and 10th Week 3 – February 23rd and 24th Week 4 – March 9th and 10th Finals – March 16th WINTER TRAINING 2019: In gear up to the Wanderers 70th season, winter indoor training has begun. All new and interested rugby players are also welcome to join the winter training. Contact the Director of Rugby – Stew Dobbs, for more details: directorofrugby@ ajaxwanderers.com

ARROWS AND MOONLIGHT: 2019 sees the first professional rugby team in Canada to join the newly formed Major League Rugby (MLR). The Toronto Arrows kick off their season on January 26th against New Orleans.

Wanderers are very excited for Pickering native and Ajax Wanderers member, John Moonlight who recently signed with the Arrows.

Moonlight is joining the Arrows squad after retiring from a decorated career representing Canada on the rugby Canada 15s team and captain of the Rugby Canada 7s squad.

Wanderers are looking forward to watching Moonlight and the Toronto Arrows in their inaugural season in 2019!

Ticket information: torontoarrows. com Twitter: @ajax_wanderers Instagram: @ajaxwanderers Facebook: ajaxwanderersrufc

VISIT WWW.AJAXWANDERERS.COM

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More Fun and Games Don’t Just Play, Play Better in 2019 Young or old, no matter the age; we all strive to keep playing.

In reality, we all need to play a little more and have more fun. Certainly we would all every like to play a little better.

In the athlete development world there is a lot of discussion about Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) and for specific sports more directly, Long Term Player Development (LTPD) but the truth is what we all really need to think more about is long term HUMAN development.

What can each of us do as individuals to get better, to move better, and perform better, in our sport, in our activities and in our lives every day?

As the calendar turns to mark each New Year, we get to go in with a fresh start, a blank slate, a new opportunity. It is the perfect time to hit the reset on all of the lifestyle habits that can affect your physical and mental health and performance. Nutrition, sleep, exercise, sport practices and competitions, school and work-life balance all must be managed effectively. Now is the perfect time to focus on getting a little better every day, moving a little better every

day and playing a little better every day.

At TWIST, we believe everyone is an athlete.

Whether you are a competitive athlete, weekend warrior or simply an active person who is not ready to give in or give up on your health and fitness, this philosophy can guide whatever kind of training you decide to do and give you the foundation to train like an athlete as well.

Athletes of every age and skill level can benefit from the same kind of planning, prescription and progression that guides high performance athlete programs. The objective with every “athlete” is the same.

To choose purposeful drills that fit their needs, to teach them how to do things properly, coach them to get better doing them, and to motivate them to challenge themselves to achieve more in every training session so that they can perform at a high level in their sport and in their life.

A JOURNEY NOT A DESTINATION To be truly successful in business,

athletics, relationships and life, you need goals, proper planning and some expert coaching and guidance to help you succeed. Just showing up is never enough. A long term HUMAN development plan is built around a strategy and focused around individual goals. This is the way high performance athletes need to train and this how everyone should organize their own training programs. The questions you need to ask are simple: • Where am I right now?

• Where do I want to be in the next few months?

• Where do I want to be in the Next year?

• How do I get there?

We need to lead a paradigm shift of focus away from the idea of how hard we are working and consider instead how smart we are working. We need to be efficient with our time, with our energy and with our planning. Working hard is easy, doing the things we need to do to get results take knowledge and planning.

I’ll let you in on a little secret. Adults need to have fun and play just as much

VISIT WWW.TWISTPERFORMANCE.COM/WHITBY

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as kids, sometimes even more.

Inactivity, long days at a desk and injuries will slowly devolve your mobility, your energy and your athleticism and take away a lot of the things that made you love to move. Eventually you may feel like you simply cannot do it anymore. Despite all of the research and knowledge on the importance of physical activity, many people of all ages are still sedentary or not nearly as active as they need to be every day. Some would quickly assume they are just lazy or apathetic but the truth is, they may be intimidated, or simply lack the confidence to get moving in the first place.

MOVE-LIFT-LEARN Life is long term and all of us want to continue to perform at as high a level as possible for as long as possible. No matter what your sport or activity, if something motivates you to get moving, stay moving and keep moving better, it is worth doing, and it is worth doing well.

Once you begin to move, you will move better. Once you begin to embrace being more active It will get easier. Once you engage your mind, muscles and body in athletic movement, you will love it and realize you are capable of much more than you realized.

Whether you are an elite athlete, a

teenager who is not interested in sports, a mom trying to manage her job, family, and her own fitness, or a grandfather who plays men’s league hockey a couple of times a week, everyone can benefit from moving better, getting a little stronger, understanding how your body works, and enjoying the process along the way.

Movement is simply about taking muscles through a full, functional range of motion and expanding that range of motion. It is about stabilizing the joints to handle deceleration (stopping) and direction changes without injury. It is about developing explosive muscle firing patterns to accelerate quickly and change gears efficiently.

Movement challenges your body to be able to stop and go and challenges your heart and lungs to adapt to a variety of conditioning intervals and intensities.

OVERLOAD. ADAPT. PERFORM. REPEAT. It is exciting to see strength training make resurgence over the past few years and to see adults joining the strength revolution.

They are excited about getting stronger, challenging themselves more within their fitness programs and training more like athletes. One thing that people must realize when it comes

to training intensity, is that moving any load is a movement skill and there are many elements that must come together to execute strength training technique besides moving weight up and down.

First, learn to move properly, then load, lift and challenge the complexity and intensity of the movement. In reality, the most important piece of strength training equipment to be able to move is YOU! The question that everyone must consider when performing any exercise or drill is simple.

Why? Why, am I choosing this particular exercise?

Why, am I doing a specific number of sets and repetitions?

What is the true purpose of this drill?

Is it going to make me better or just make me tired?

As we embark on the journey of 2019, it is a perfect time to open your mind to a training program that allows you to focus on your needs, allows you to move better, and allows you to perform better, in your sport and in your life.

Make a commitment to yourself to get a little better every day in 2019 and get out and play as much as possible.

That way, when you do, you won’t just play, you’ll play better!

EMAIL TRAIN@TWISTWHITBY.COM

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Sour on Sweets Processed Sugar May Be Tasty But It Has Harmful Effects

Y

ou’re too sweet. No, really YOU ARE TOO SWEET! And not in a good way…

What do diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, hormone and blood sugar imbalance, moodiness, digestive disorders, cancer and cavities have in common? These degenerative diseases are all greatly impacted by the over-consumption of refined sugars.

Sugar definitely has a negative effect on our health and well-being.

Don’t try justifying consuming sugar in some amount by thinking the following when it comes to consumption and effects of sugar: • All things in moderation…

• A little bit won’t hurt…

• It’s brain fuel…

Sugar exists in many forms not just the white granules or cubes.Yes, you want to cut-back on the sugar you buy in sacks at the grocery store (which is usually GMO!) but that’s probably not the form of sugar that is sneaking into your daily diet and causing over-consumption.

So, where are we getting most of our sugar from? Processed food…refined food…junk food…which ironically is not food at all! And let’s not forget the liquid sugar we drink – sodas, energy drinks, juices and specialty lattes and teas. Did you know that the average person consumes their own weight in sugar every year? The human body cannot tolerate such a large amount of refined carbohydrates. Such gross amounts of sugar intake cause damage to the body’s vital organs.

Don’t use the argument that sugar is healthy in moderation and eliminating any “food group” is dangerous. Absolutely, cutting out an actual macronutrient category (protein, carbohydrate or fat) is not recommended, but sugar is not a food group or a macronutrient. Sugar is naturally present in many whole-foods

Recipe For "Tina’s Treats" INGREDIENTS • 2 cups organic Medjool dates, pitted • 1½ cups organic raw walnuts • ¼ cup goji berries • ½ cup organic raw cacao (not cocoa) • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract • ¾ cup organic raw unsweetened shredded coconut • 3 tablespoons hemp seeds/ hearts + more for rolling/ coating

and that form of sugar is just fine. But sugar by itself provides: • NO nutrients • NO protein • NO healthy fats • NO enzymes Sugar only provides empty calories that are quickly digested and actually pull minerals from the body during digestion. This sugar rush creates a hormone cascade that starts a positive feedback loop in the body and triggers a desire for more sugar.

Naturally contained sugars in fruit and vegetables are balanced perfectly

by Mother Nature. These whole-foods contain fiber, vitamins, enzymes and some other properties which slows their digestion, therefore allowing the body to deal with these natural sugars more easily. The same does not apply for processed or refined sugars. Even a little has a negative health effect, such as: • Overburdening and Stressing the liver • Promotes cardiovascular disease • Increases bad cholesterol and triglycerides • Can contribute to leptin and insulin

DIRECTIONS • Process walnuts and goji berries in a food processer or high-speed blender until ground.

• Add in dates, raw cacao and vanilla and process until mixture forms a dough and is sticky.

• Empty mixture into a bowl and stir in shredded coconut and hemp seeds.

• Roll into bite-size balls, coat with additional hemp seeds and refrigerate until firm, approximately one hour.

Enjoy!

resistance (which may lead to weight gain, cravings, blood sugar issues and interfere with proper sleep) • Creates an addictive sugar response and will cause constant sugar cravings • Leads to over-eating BREAKING UP WITH SUGAR: Where to start? Since sugar is so readily available and added to so many foods and beverages, it can be tough to completely avoid (and you may not even know how much you are consuming!) but cutting back is a positive first step. An important key to breaking your sugar addiction is following a whole foods diet that is minimally processed. Also, be aware of the beverages you are consuming. A Starbucks caramel macchiato contains a whopping 25 grams of sugar and a can of Coke packs in 35 grams of sugar.

That’s six to seven teaspoons of sugar!

Stop sabotaging your health!

For more information on how to kicking your sugar addiction, please join me for my upcoming “YOU’RE SWEET ENOUGH CHALLENGE”.

EMAIL TINARWARD@GMAILL.COM

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Skate on the Edge Using All Three Parts of a Blade is Crucial to Success

E

dges are the most important aspect of power skating in hockey.

Without good edge control, a player will always struggle to become an efficient and good skater.

Edges are used in every aspect of skating including forward/backward stride, crossovers, stops and starts, and transition. If you want to become a really good skater it all has to start with great edge control, and balance.

There are three basic edges – inside edge, outside edge, and straight or flat edge.

When you first learned to skate you were off balance due to the fact that you did not have good edge control.

Balance plays a huge part in learning to master your edges.

Once you work on and master the inside edge you need to continue on to learning and mastering the outside edge which will end up being the harder edge to learn.

I love edge drills that force players to balance on one leg.

It really teaches you how to balance your weight over your skates and pushes you outside of your comfort zone.

I have my players balance on one foot, jump on one foot, and do edge work on one foot.

The minute you start using both legs you will be feel a lot more comfortable and be able to perform the exercises much better.

I am always explaining to my skaters that if you break down the skating in a game, you would be surprised, how much is actually done on one leg.

Players are on one leg quickly over and over again to stride, crossover, stop, take off, or pivot.

Here are some examples of how edges work when you turn, stop, or accelerate.

TURNING: You will be using an inside edge, and an outside edge (depending on which way you turn). If you are new you might not trust your edges and keep a very wide stance while turning.You need to trust your edges and let them grip into the ice while you make sharp turns.

STOPPING: You are also using one inside edge and one outside edge, you achieve this by bending your knees, getting lower and having your skates at an angle. In this case you don’t want your weight right over your feet though as that will cause your edges to dig in, you want to “slide” a bit on your edges.

ACCELERATING: You want to use your inside edges.You will be leaning slightly forward, with your feet turned and your skates on an angle to

the ice. You want to really dig your blades in with each stride, bite those edges into the ice and go!

Once your edges become easier and you have more control on your blades, your edge work will need to have more power, and speed, with a puck.

Progression is so important in edgework.

I really believe that all minor hockey coaches should start off every practice with 10 mins of edges.

One and two foot c’cuts, sculling, and balance can all be incorporated in the dynamic warm up at the beginning of the practice.

Edges are the foundation to becoming an efficient and powerful skater.

Until next time Scary Mary says see you at the rink ...

VISIT WWW.SCARYSKATE.COM

75 Years of Greatness WHITBY MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

We are looking for your hockey stories and photos for our upcoming Commemorative Magazine ...

PLEASE SEND YOUR PHOTOS AND STORIES TO WMHA75@GMAIL.COM

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Almost Famous

Wait is almost Over for 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees

he mandate of the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame is to recognize and honour persons and groups of persons who, through their individual or collective efforts, have contributed to the advancement and quality of sport within the Town of Whitby or have exhibited and attained athletic prowess in a specific sport of such a standard as to attract acclaim and recognition from the sporting community at large.

Each year, on the final Saturday of April, the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame enshrines three new members at our Annual Induction Gala. Attendance generally ranges from 175 to 200 guests, and the evening includes a reception and dinner, as well as live and silent auctions, gift card raffles, and a keynote speaker; our recent roster of speakers consists of such noted sportscasters as Scott Russell, Ken Reid, Carly Agro, and Evanka Osmak.

The festivities are capped by the induction ceremonies, during which the new inductees are individually recognized through a video montage of their respective careers and successes; this is followed by an opportunity for each inductee to address the audience

and share their personal thoughts and memories leading to their recognition by the Hall. Subsequent to the Gala, permanent plaques are installed in the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame at Iroquois Park Sports Centre to commemorate each of the inductees, and memorabilia from their careers is placed on exhibit in our main showcase for one year.

Over its first 21 years, the Hall has consistently adhered to its mandate as stated above. To date, we have recognized and honoured representatives from 17 different sports disciplines, including 49 individual inductees and seven teams, thus boasting an aggregate membership of 244 athletes, builders, team executives, and media personalities.

After our summer hiatus, the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame Executive Committee reconvened in September 2018 to launch our 2018-2019 term. Our first and foremost order of business was the selection of our inductees for 2019, to be recognized at our 22nd Annual Induction Ceremonies at Royal Ashburn Golf Club on Saturday, April 27, 2019 beginning at 6:00 p.m.

The three newest inductees to the

Hall have been notified, and our plans are well underway to celebrate their successes and contributions in their respective sports – but you will have to wait a few more weeks before the individuals are identified in our official announcement on January 30, 2019.

This announcement will be made by Rob Snoek, Sports Director, Durham Radio, live on the air during his morning sports updates on CKDO Radio in Oshawa. This will immediately be followed by posting the inductee photos and bios on the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame website (http://www. whitbysportshalloffame.com/) and social media streams, and a press release to local and national sports media outlets.

The inductee photos and bios will also be published in the next issue of Durham Total Sports so be sure to pick up a copy when it hits the newsstands. In the interim, you can acquaint yourself with the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame and our current inductees via our website or by viewing the inductee memorabilia and permanent plaques in our display cabinets during your next visit to the Iroquois Park Sports Centre at 500 Victoria Street West in Whitby.

VISIT WHITBYSPORTSHALLOFFAME.COM

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Champions

Over 80 girls and boys enjoyed the first season of the Oshawa Vikings' minor house league program last year.

NOT PICTURED: Under 15 Boys Toronto Rugby Finalists and Rugby Ontario Bronze Medallists.

Under 15 girls Toronto Rugby Champions and Rugby Ontario Champions.

Under 15 Girls Toronto Rugby Sevens Champions.

Under 15 Girls Ontario Rugby Sevens Champions.

VISIT HDJKSLAFDJKSAFHKD SALFHDKSALFH REGISTER NOW AT WWW.VIKINGSRUGBY.CA

Row in 2018

The Vikings provide rugby for all ages and abilities and will be offering the following programs in 2019 • Vikings House League Flag Rugby: Under 11, Under 9, Under 7 • Under 11 Coed Contact Rugby (born 2008, 2009) • Under 13 Girls (born 2006, 2007) • Under 13 Boys (born 2006, 2007) • Under 15 Girls (born 2004, 2005) • Under 15 Boys (born 2004, 2005) • Under 17 Girls (born 2002, 2003) • Under 17 Boys (born 2002, 2003) • Women's Under 19 (born 2000, 2001) • Men's Under 19 (born 2000, 2001) • Senior Women — 1 Team • Senior Men — 3 Teams • Battle Axes Women's Touch League • Runes — Old Boys Rugby Team (35 Years and over)

U17 Girls Ontario Rugby Sevens Champs.

Men's Under Toronto Rugby Champs and Rugby Ontario Champions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 905-925-2453

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team of the Month Sponsored by Marigold Ford in Whitby

WHITBY WILD U10 Sport: Ringette Association: Whitby Ringette Association League: Central Ontario Ringette League The Whitby Wild U10 ringette team celebrate gold, at the 40th Annual Whitby Ringette Tournament, Sunday Jan 6. “These players make me so proud, Coach Greg Harper said after the final. "They have worked so hard this season. They deserve this.� The 12 players, ranging in age from seven to nine, went through the tournament losing only one nail-biting game 10-11 to eventual finalist Sunderland. It was, therefore, a packed arena that got to enjoy the return match as Whitby Wild rebounded from that earlier loss to take the championship game by a score of 6-4.

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DON'T JUST PLAY ... PLAY BETTER!

104 Byron Street South, Whitby | 905-217-0664 | info@twistwhitby.com