CENTRE ICE

LIAM MAGUIRE 4 | OTTAWA 67’s ROSTER 14 | CATCHING UP WITH ALYN MCCAULEY 13

CENTRE ICE WWW.CENTRE-ICE.CA

JANUARY 2013

LOVE OF THE GAME OVERCOMES CHALLENGES OTTAWA 67’s

JACOB BLAIR

HOME AWAY FROM HOME THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING A BILLET

BELL CAPITAL CUP AN EXCITING EXPERIENCE FOR YOUNG PLAYERS LIKE THOMAS COOK

THE OFFICIAL HOCKEY MAGAZINE TO THE OTTAWA 67’s

Pre-game ritual.

Š Tim Hortons, 2012

IN THE LINEUP PUBLISHER MARK SUTCLIFFE mark@greatriver.ca

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ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & CHIEF STICKHANDLER LIAM MAGUIRE liam@greatriver.ca MANAGING EDITOR DONNA NEIL editor@greatriver.ca

FIRST PERIOD 4 LIAM MAGUIRE

CONTRIBUTORS JASON CHEN, LISA GEORGES, DAN PLOUFFE RANDY RAY, KELLY SERJEANTSON

6 STARTING LINEUP

COPY EDITOR DAVID SALI

11 PLAYER ACHIEVEMENT

Alexi Legualt’s medical challenges aren’t holding him back

SECOND PERIOD

CREATIVE DIRECTOR TANYA CONNOLLY-HOLMES

13 CATCHING UP

ADVERTISING LIAM MAGUIRE liam@greatriver.ca

Former 67’s captain Alyn McCauley

14 OTTAWA 67’S ROSTER

TERRY TYO, V.P. SALES 613 238-1818 EXT. 268 terry@greatriver.ca

16 COVER STORY

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MARK SUTCLIFFE

PRESIDENT MICHAEL CURRAN

THIRD PERIOD

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER DONNA NEIL

20 HOME AWAY FROM HOME

CENTRE ICE IS PUBLISHED BY

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O BOX 3814, STATION C OTTAWA, ON K1Y 4J8

20

The off-ice contribution that one family can make to a player and his team (and how that family can go through 12 litres of milk per week)

22 OTTAWA 67’S JACOB BLAIR COVER PHOTO: MARK HOLLERON

OFFICE LOCATION: 250 CITY CENTRE DRIVE, SUITE 500, OTTAWA

Players Thomas Cook, Ethan Gadde, Cassie Murray and Arielle Tuttle on playing for the Bell Capital Cup — The pin exchange and the possibility of playing on the big ice

Why a coach once asked if he could talk

24 VOLUNTEER

Now president of the Ottawa 67’s Booster Club, Joanne Cleary became involved when her nephew was drafted to the team

27 PROUDEST MOMENT

10-year-old Gabriel Arrigo and how it all changed for him one Sunday morning

29 LIAM MAGUIRE’S HOCKEY TRIVIA

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This day in hockey history

30 NUMBERS ON ICE

The tournament that has raised $2.26 million

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3

LIAM MAGUIRE

MINOR HOCKEY’S BIGGEST

WASTE OF TIME

W

hen it comes to one of minor hockey’s most time-honoured traditions, it’s time to drop the gloves.

As in, glove taps.

If I were to question people involved in sport at young age levels as to the biggest waste of time in hockey, this post-game exercise would likely be right near the top of everyone’s list. In fact, it’s probably the single largest contributor to coaches’ and parents’ angst in minor hockey today.

What was once a tried and true method of expressing sportsmanship has turned into something far different -- to the point that for several years now at the conclusion of each

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game I have cautioned my other coaches, “Watch the line, fellas.”

We’ve had kids punch each other, swear, spit, deliberately miss the oncoming player’s glove and spew verbal invective that would make a hardened criminal cringe. Even coaches aren’t immune from violent treatment. Three years ago after a minor bantam game, with my hand fully extended to congratulate the opposition, I was punched.

Don Lewis, a midget-level convener, trainer, coach, parent of two minor hockey players and a paramedic by trade, has seen enough. He wants the post-game glove tap eliminated.

“I raised the issue two years ago at our council meeting,” Lewis said. “It was shot down. I told the executive that there are

differently, it’s not like it was a generation ago. Once they get to a certain age, bantam mostly and older, they are still seething after a game and we’ve had numerous incidents.”

After the H1N1 flu outbreak a couple of years ago, all players were required to leave their gloves on for the post-game tap. With that scare now gone, about 25% of the players on any given night might actually take their glove off and offer a handshake and a “good game.”

Half the players cannot wait to

“So many rules are changed, we’ve tried to be so responsible re the head shots and hits from behind, why can’t they get their own damned heads out of the sand and realize even one player getting suspended due to this farcical rule is not worth it!”

— DON LEWIS, A MIDGET-LEVEL CONVENER, TRAINER AND COACH

real issues developing out there and a number of these kids, they cannot turn it off right after a game. They are raised differently, they have grown up

get through the line as quickly as possible, while the remaining 25%, mostly on the losing side, are looking for any opening, verbal or otherwise, to get one

last shot in. It’s brutal.

At almost every tournament we play, the glove tap is done before the game.

Why? Because organizers know how volatile kids can become, especially at tournaments.

Lewis is exasperated that his pleas are falling on deaf ears.

“It’s just common sense,” he said.

“So many rules are changed, we’ve tried to be so responsible regarding the head shots and hits from behind, why can’t they get their own damn heads out of the sand and realize even one player getting suspended due to this farcical rule is not worth it!”

More proof of that came in a recent game between two midget B teams. During the postgame glove tap, there was not one but two brawls, resulting in 52 games worth of suspensions.

Really? Are we that mentally challenged as a group, the ODHA/ODMHA, volunteers and executives, that we can’t see how utterly stupid this is? It’s time to permanently Bench the post-game glove tap once and for all and move to a pre-game ritual instead – especially for bantam-age players and up.

Got a comment? Send us an e-mail at liam@greatriver.ca.

Keep your stick on the ice!

CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

Michael Ryf

Curtis Scales

Major Midget AA

Minor Midget AAA

Maddison Seabrook

Justin Haasbeek

Girls Midget AA

Major Midget AAA

Jaden Simoneau Major Bantam AAA

cihacademy.com

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Annual Cobra Day raises big bucks for minor hockey The Eastern Ontario Cobras Hockey Association celebrated its annual Cobra Day in November at the St. Isidore arena, in the process raising $4,500 to support the association’s activities, including training and the year-end banquet. The day saw all the competitive teams from Novice to Midget play back-toback in one venue, giving players and parents the opportunity to see other Cobras players and old friends they don’t often get to visit with because everyone is at different arenas throughout the season. Cobra Day has been a tradition for more than eight years. The event is also the central fundraiser for the Eastern Ontario Cobras Hockey Association, and Cobra parents were out in full force bringing items for the bake sale as well as offering goodies such as Jean Bernard’s famous sugar pies

and local St. Albert cheese curds, which sold like hotcakes. The kids’ prize table was crammed with youngsters checking their tickets. The Cobra Day committee was amazed and genuinely touched by the generosity of many local businesses and companies such as Rainbow Cinema, Subway, NAC, Marriott, Capital Sports and Belize Spa for donating prizes for the silent auction.

Special thanks to Scotiabank for its generous contribution. Hockey was not the only thing on the agenda — the day was also an opportunity for the Cobras to thank special guests from OEMHL, ODMHA, ODHA and District 3 who support minor hockey in the area. Shawn Anderson, a former NHL defenceman and

Ottawa Senators head coach Paul MacLean speaks to the Gloucester Rangers Major Atom A team before he and Sens assistant coach Dave Cameron put the team through 50 minutes of drills at Earl Armstrong Arena.

With the Sens and other NHL teams involved a labour dispute, MacLean and his fellow coaches had time to make surprise visits at minor hockey practices.

Gloucester AA Bantams win Regional Silver Stick in Pembroke

The Gloucester Rangers Major Bantam AA team won five games and tied one to capture the regional Silver Stick title in Pembroke on Nov. 25.

The victory advances the Rangers to the International Silver Stick 6

tournament in Port Huron, Mich., in January. After a 2-2 tie with the Ottawa Sting in their opening contest, the Rangers won all of their remaining games. Final scores were a 1-0 shutout over the Kanata Blazers, a 2-0

blanking of the UOV Aces, a 2-1 victory over the Belleville Jr. Bulls and a 3-1 win over the Blazers in the semi-final.

Gloucester won the title by beating Belleville 2-1 in the championship game. The Rangers played solid defence all weekend and displayed a strong forecheck.

The stellar goaltending tandem of Connor MacMillan and Patrick Steski allowed only five goals in six games.

owner/coach of the Hawkesbury Hawks Jr. A team, was on hand for the ceremonial puck drop between the Cobras Minor Peewees and Cumberland Grads. The Cobras played nine games against teams from Kanata, Cumberland, Gloucester, Seaway, Nepean and other associations, with the Cobras winning five of them. The Cobras association thanks the many visiting teams as well the volunteers, parents and many dedicated high school students who stayed for the entire day to make the event a success.

Nepean Raiders win third tournament of season The Nepean Raiders Major Peewee AA team went undefeated to win its division at the 29th Stoney Creek Tournament of Champions in November.

The Raiders made it to the finals with five straight victories, starting with a 1-0 shutout over the Peterborough Petes. In other games they beat the Amherst Knights 6-2, the Ajax Knights 5-1, the Newmarket Redmen 4-3 and the Kingston Canadians 3-0. In the final game, the Raiders knocked off the Ancaster Avalanche 5-4. Goalscorers were Paul Larabie and Brayden Liberty with two apiece and Jared Carle, who fired the game-winner. The Stoney Creek title was the Raiders’ third tournament championship of the season. Earlier they were AA Champions in the Scotiabank Cup in Mississauga and the Kingston Canadians Tournament. Congratulations to players William Anderson, Connor McNair, Blake Galley, Michael Gallivan, Owen Scott, Paul Larabie, Noah Montuoro, Dean Bucciarelli, Jared Carle, Justin Barstead, Brayden Liberty, Mackenzie White, James Fretschner, Connor Drost, Malcolm Simpson, Kordell Boyd, Sam Locke and Travis Moriarty and coaches Garry Galley, Donnie Gallant, Andrew Fourney and Brian McDivitt.

CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

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Cobras Minor Peewees snag title at Pickering AA tournament

Moustaches and shoe shines help Rangers raise cash for charity During Rangers Movember Day on Nov. 17, the lobby at Fred Barrett Arena was transformed into a living museum of moustaches and minor hockey.

The Gloucester Rangers Minor Hockey association hosted a day that brought together Rangers players, families and friends to show off their Rangers pride and raise funds for Movember Canada. Throughout November, Rangers dads and coaches grew moustaches and canvassed friends, family and co-workers for donations in the name of Movember. The monthlong fundraiser for Prostate Cancer Canada and a variety of men’s mental health initiatives transforms men across Canada, and around the world, into walking billboards for the cause. During the day, the Rangers hosted seven competitive games and a variety of events in the arena lobby. Young Rangers players could be found in

various parts of the arenas hard at work shining shoes and collecting donations, while parents, coaches and family sold baked goods, raffled tickets and painted smiling faces to raise money for the Movember cause. Through the enormous outpouring of support, the Rangers showed the size and strength of the association within the community, while also displaying the great heart the Rangers family has. When the final buzzer sounded, the Rangers left Barrett Arena with more than $1,300 raised, not including the funds collected in the online Rangers Mo Bro Challenge, where more donations are flooding in. A large thank-you goes out to the parents and players of the Major Atom A and the Minor Peewee AA Rangers teams, with a special shout-out to Jeremy Whalen, Steve Lacroix and Sarah MacCormack for organizing the day’s events.

The Eastern Ontario Cobras Minor Peewee team won the championship at the Pickering AA tournament in November by going undefeated in five games. The Cobras started the round-robin tournament with a 2-1 victory over the Kanata Blazers before defeating the Pickering Panthers 6-1. The third game was tied until the third period, but the Cobras broke it open in the third for a 5-1 victory against the Stouffville Clippers. The semi-final was a rematch with Pickering, with the Cobras winning 4-1. In the final, the Cobras kept rolling, scoring a few goals early against Stouffville and going on to a 5-0 victory for the championship.

Head coach Éric Servant looked upon his team’s success beyond the championship title: “We returned from Pickering with more than a first place,” he said. “We achieved a spirit of collaboration and a sense of great accomplishment from continuous teamwork. As our motto goes: Work Hard, Play Hard, Cobras! This is the key to success!”

WE ASKED: What is your best quality on the ice?

Philippe Laperle Age: 12 Pewee “B” Centre My speed. I’m very fast. Also my size.

CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

Stephanie Wells Age: 11 Pewee Left Wing My crossovers and my backwards skating.

Mitchell Jones Age: 12 Pewee Forward Setting up plays.

Nick Plante Age: 12 Pewee Centre My skating.

Liam Jay Age: 12 Left Wing I’m good with my feet. My footwork.

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STARTING LINEUP

Junior 67’s take title at Big Nickel Tourney in Sudbury

www.peakacademy.ca

The Ottawa Jr. 67’s Major Peewees won their division at the 33rd edition of the Big Nickel Hockey Tournament in Sudbury in early November. The first game was a nail-bitter against a very physical Kitchener Jr. Rangers team. The teams exchanged goals and were tied 2-2 at the end of regulation, but only seconds into the overtime period, the Jr. 67’s capitalized on a power play to seal their first win. The afternoon game was another close one, with the 67’s prevailing 2-1 over the Markham Waxers.

Saturday saw the 67’s continue their solid play and securing the top ranking in the round-robin standings with two shutout wins against the North Central Predators (3-0) and the Thunder Bay Kings (6-0). In the semi-final round against the Nickel City Sons -- who beat Ottawa in the

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Hamilton Huskies finals a few weeks earlier -the 67’s stormed out to a 3-0 lead en route to a 3-1 victory. In the final, the 67’s continued their strong team play to outscore the Quinte Red Devils 4-1 and win their first tournament this season. Divisional MVP Samuel Bitten paced the 67’s attack with a two-goal effort, with singles coming from Jackson Alexeev and William Ennis. Throughout the weekend the players were consistent, played hard for each other, scored some highlight-reel goals, were clinical on penalty-killing, and were almost unbeatable in net, giving up the fewest goals in the tournament. This made for an enjoyable bus ride back to Ottawa.

The 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship taking place April 2-9, 2013 is still recruiting volunteers in areas such as hospitality, logistics, media, special events, team services and ticket sales. Venues include SBP arena and the Nepean Sportsplex in Ottawa.

For more information, please visit www.hockeycanada. ca/2013ottawa. For more information on volunteering, please contact Viviane Lafontaine at 2013volunteers@ hockeycanada.ca.

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Grades 4-8

Contact us to see how you can get started today!

Peak Centre Academy 2nd Level Bell Sensplex 1565 Maple Grove Rd. Kanata, ON, K2V 1A4 613-737-7325

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STARTING LINEUP

The Peewee B Russell Coyotes girls team went undefeated to win the division championship at the Etobicoke Dolphins Girls Hockey Tournament.

The Coyotes won four straight in the round robin by scores of 4-0, 4-0, 6-1 and 3-1. In the semi-final they beat the Ancaster Avalanche 5-1, followed by a 4-0 championship victory over the Sudbury Lady Wolves, who until the final had not lost a game in the tournament.

Coyotes goal-scorers in the gold medal game were Arianne L’Ecuyer on a nice deke to her backhand; Camryn Gallagher; and Dayna Bekkers, who notched a pair.

Mackenzie Beishem earned the shutout, making several difficult saves to deflate the spirits of the Lady Wolves. Bekkers was named MVP of the tournament, which featured 10 teams from across Ontario. All of the girls played their best game in the final, motivated by the fact that they were considered the underdogs going into the gold medal game.

CALL OUT LET US KNOW TEAM’S ABOUT YOUR TS ACHIEVEMEN

Photos: IIHF HHOF-Images on Ice / Andre Ringuette / Ottawa Tourism

Russell Coyotes win Peewee B division at Etobicoke Dolphins Tournament

The World’s BesT Female hockey Players are coming To oTTaWa APRIL 2-9, 2013

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STARTING LINEUP

OTTAWA 67’S BOOSTER CLUB

CHRISTMAS BANQUET Brendan Bell welcomed to town by sisters Melissa, Amy and Allie Johnston

Daniel Wal fast friendsshwis Tristan Firth ith Sean Monahan dines with brothers Alex and Lucas Galan

Sean Monahan and Tyler Graovac accept flag signed by fans wishing them well at Team Canada selection camp for 2013 World Junior Championships

Aiden Laurin enjoys candy and his visit with Andrew Abou-Assaly

Clint Windsor spends some time with Jalen Elzein

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CENTRE CENTRE ICE ICE JANUARY JANUARY 2013 2013

PLAYER ACHIEVEMENT

PLAYING THROUGH THE

CHALLENGES PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

L

ike a lot of young Canadians, Alexi Legault loves hockey. Unlike a lot of young Canadians, Alexi has two rare medical conditions which impact his motor skills and make the regular requirements of playing the game rather more challenging.

“Alexi was born with two rare conditions: A neurological disorder called agenesis corpus callosum (ACC) and a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis (NF),” explains the boy’s father, Michel. “The NF doesn’t have a direct impact on his motor skills, but does affect his life greatly and has the potential to cause serious issues as this is a disorder that progresses over the years. Back in August of this year he got a tumour removed from the side of his chest just under his left arm.

This is a direct result of his NF. His ACC directly impacts his motor skills. The corpus callosum is the main communication path between the left and right hemispheres of a brain. Alexi was born without this main path, therefore relying on other paths to do the job. As a result, his overall development is affected and he has several balance and co-ordination issues. From a hockey perspective, doing simple crossovers and stopping with both feet are some of the issues that are difficult for him to do.”

Last February, Alexi competed in a Montreal tournament with his PeeWee team as an overage player.

Now 14, Alexi is playing Bantam house league hockey in Embrun. “One of the highlights of his playing days so far was when he was the first player on his team to hoist the cup last year after winning the league championship in the PeeWee house (District 3),” Michel says. “This is something we will all remember for a long time.”

ALEXI’S ICE FLOW NOVICE 8 - 9 yrs old

ATOM 10 - 11 yrs old

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PEEWEE 12 - 13 yrs old

brother th his father, Michel his Alexi shares a laugh wiJérémie and his mother, Manon.

“I just love g the being at the rink, playinfriends” game and meeting new

: WHY I PLAY HOCKEY BANTAM 14 yrs old

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2012-2013 at Scotiabank Place Why be a Booster Club Member?

•Monies raised buys items for players •You get a free membership gift when you join •Chance to win weekly game day prizes •Reduced rate on bus trips to out of town games •Be first to buy Christmas and Awards Banquet tickets •You are the only ones who get to vote on the awards •Cost is only $10.00 per person or $35.00 for a family of four 14 YEARS OF AGE OR UNDER? •Birthday Card Signed by your favourite player •Plus the same benefits noted above Stop by our New location on Levels 100 and 200 to sign up and buy: • 2 for $1 game day tickets and • Ottawa 67s Game Worn Jersey tickets •Merchandise/Players Pictures Booster Club Enrollment Form Name: ______________________________________________ Phone #: _________________ Address: ________________________________________________________ __ City: _____________________________________ Postal Code: _______________________ E-Mail Address:_______________________________________________________________ Junior: ____  If a Junior Member (14 and under)

Birthday ____/____/____ month/day/year Favourite Player: _____________________________

Adult: ____  Would you be interested in volunteering for the Booster Club? Yes ___ No____

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www.ottawa67sboosterclub.com

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PHOTO BY LA KINGS AND GETTY IMAGES

CATCHING UP

ALYN MCCAULEY – former Ottawa 67’s VITAL STATS: Alyn McCauley was born in Brockville on May 29, 1977 and grew up in nearby Gananoque, where played Rep B minor hockey. At 14, while in his bantam year, he joined the Kingston Voyageurs of the Tier II Metro Junior B League for two seasons before being selected first overall by the Ottawa 67’s in the Ontario Hockey League draft. In four years with the 67’s, he scored

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119 regular-season goals and 165 assists. In the 1995 NHL draft, he was selected in the fourth round, No. 79 overall, by the New Jersey Devils.

CLAIMS TO FAME: McCauley captained the 67’s during his final two seasons with the OHL team, a squad that also included future NHLers Kevin Weekes, Shean Donovan, Mike Peca and Brian Campbell. Despite missing

more than a dozen games due to a concussion in his final season, McCauley was third in OHL scoring and had the highest points-per-game average of any major junior player in Canada. He was named the 67’s Scholastic Player of the Year and also won OHL player of the year and Canadian Hockey League player of the year honours. In 1996 and 1997, he helped Team Canada win gold at world junior tournaments in Boston and Geneva. Before playing a regular-season game with the Devils, he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs and went on to play in 488 regular-season NHL games with the Leafs, San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings, notching 69 goals and 97 assists, along with another seven goals and 12 assists in 52 playoff games.

His most prolific NHL season was 2003-04 when he scored 20 goals and 27 assists for the Sharks. In 2012, as an NHL scout, he was part of the Kings organization that won the Stanley Cup.

STYLE: The 5-foot-11, 200-pound centre was known as a reliable defensive player who could rack up points when given the opportunity.

WHERE IS HE NOW? After retiring following the 2006-07 season due to a bad knee, McCauley and his family spent a year in Los Angeles while he rehabbed after a third round of surgery. When it was obvious his playing career was over, McCauley and his

family moved to Eastern Ontario, where McCauley worked as an assistant coach with the Queen’s University men’s hockey team. In 2008, he joined the L.A. Kings’ scouting staff, a job he continues to hold. He is responsible for scouting all NHL teams in Canada, as well as the Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres and Minnesota Wild and several AHL teams, including the Binghamton Senators.

McCauley, his wife Nicole and their son Renn and daughter May live in Kingston during the school year and in Gananoque in the summer.

QUOTABLE QUOTE: On the difference between playing in hockey-mad Toronto and San Jose in the U.S. sunbelt: “Wherever I went in Toronto, people knew me as a Leaf. They knew all my stats and who my wife was, but in threeand-a-half years in San Jose I was recognized outside of the rink maybe three times.”

FABULOUS FACT: Nearly 16 years after he turned pro, McCauley tasted the glory of a Stanley Cup victory as a scout with the Kings, who knocked off New Jersey in six games to win the Cup in June 2012. On Aug. 26, he was given the Cup for a day and shared it with family, friends and fans at a public gathering in Gananoque. “It was so special to share it with so many family and friends who supported me all the way, whether I was playing Novice or wearing the blue and white of the Toronto Maple Leafs,” a proud McCauley said.

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2012-13 OTTAWA 67’s ROSTER

Ryan Van Stralen POS LW HT 6’3 WT 206 DOB 10/11/1993 Prescott, Ontario

#1

#4

#9

Jacob Blair

POS G HT 6’3 WT 165 DOB 16/03/1995 Kanata, Ontario

Sean Callaghan POS D HT 6’3 WT 210 DOB 08/02/1994 Strathroy, Ontario

Andrew Abou-Assaly POS C HT 5’11 WT 172 DOB 18/05/1996 Ottawa, Ontario

#3

#5

#11

Matthieu Desautels POS D HT 5’11 WT 190 DOB 11/04/1995 Green Valley, Ontario

Michael Vlajkov POS D HT 6’2 WT 185 DOB 03/02/1995 Grimsby, Ontario

Jonathan Duchesne POS D HT 6’1 WT 195 DOB 12/02/1996 Brampton, Ontario

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#8

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#12

#20

#27

Michal Cajkovsky POS D HT 6’4 WT 218 DOB 06/05/1992 Bratislava, Slovakia

Sean Monahan POS C HT 6’2 WT 193 DOB 12/10/1994 Brampton, Ontario

Brendan Bell POS LW HT 6.01 WT 197 DOB 17/03/1994 Uxbridge, Ontario

#13

#23

#28

Remy Giftopoulos POS LW HT 6’0 WT 203 DOB 13/01/1993 Ancaster, Ontario

Daniel Walsh POS LW HT 6’0 WT 185 DOB 30/01/1994 Gloucester, Ontario

Connor Brown POS LW HT 5’11 WT 186 DOB 22/07/1995 Georgetown, Ontario

#17

#24

#30

Steven Janes POS LW HT 6’4 WT 205 DOB 24/02/1993 Etobicoke, Ontario

Nevin Guy POS D HT 5’10 WT 165 DOB 11/06/1995 Mountain, Ontario

Clint Windsor POS G HT 6”4” WT 217 DOB 2/11/1993 Hamilton, Ontario

#18

#25

#36

Taylor Davis POS D HT 6’2 WT 208 DOB 24/05/1995 Trenton, New Jersey

Brett Gustavsen POS LW HT 5’8 WT 170 DOB 13/03/1994 Scarborough, Ontario

Taylor Fielding POS RW HT 6’0 WT 213 DOB 01/01/1994 Hampton, Ontario

#19

#26

#83

Tyler Graovac POS C HT 6’4 WT 204 DOB 27/04/1993 Brampton, Ontario

Dante Salituro POS C HT 5’9 WT 181 DOB 15/11/1996 Willowdale, Ontario

Cody Ceci POS D HT 6’3 WT 206 DOB 21/12/1993 Orleans, Ontario

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Arielle Tuttle, Cassie Murray, Ethan Gadde and Thomas Cook bring different experiences to the game

EXHILARATED FOR

CAPITAL CUP

A

tom and peewee players of all levels caught up in the excitement around the Bell Capital Cup.

But there may not be anyone who is more excited to take part in this year’s event than Ethan Gadde. The nine-year-old atom house ‘A’ player was all set to play in the tournament last season when that opportunity vanished in a split second during an exhibition game on the eve of the Capital Cup. With two goals in the bank already, Ethan was pressing for the hat trick when he saw the puck laying on the goal line. He cruised in at full speed to shoot but lost his footing and did the scissor splits into the boards.

“I knew right away I broke 16

my leg,” says Ethan, who doesn’t remember feeling pain since his body was in shock from the trauma. “I was just panicked. My leg looked like it was upside down.

It was gross.”

Ethan’s father Jason immediately jumped over the boards from his position behind the team’s bench.

“I’ve never seen anything like that in hockey, and I’ve played a long time,” says the coach of six years, who also grew up playing competitive hockey in Kanata. “It was horrible. You never, ever want to see anybody hurt, and especially

WRITTEN BY DAN PLOUFFE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

when it’s your own child, things are racing through your head because you’re so concerned about him.

“It was a pretty scary experience.”

Paramedics brought Ethan to CHEO, where they determined he’d suffered a broken left femur.

Two metal rods were inserted during surgery to attach his knee to his hip.

It was a devastating injury for the Grade 4 Castlefrank Elementary School student, who’s used to playing hockey up to six days a week, and it was only that much worse because it came at Christmastime.

“I had all this stuff I wanted to try,” recalls Ethan, who was in a wheelchair while his cast covered his leg. “I wasn’t allowed in the

basement either, which is where I got my PlayStation for Christmas.”

ROAD TO RECOVERY

But there were several people who lifted his spirits. His teammates all wore his No. 9 on the sleeves of their jerseys, and brought him a Bell Capital Cup cap with pins collected from their opponents.

“I just thought it was really nice of them,” says Ethan, who attended his club’s games later in the season with a remarkably positive spirit.

“I just cheered them on, and had fun watching them play.”

Ethan also received an encouraging phone call from Minnesota Wild defenceman Kurtis Foster, a Carp native who’d broken his femur while playing for the Wild in 2008. Ethan felt “awestruck” that an NHLer would call him, and was also thrilled to receive gear from Jay Beagle of CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

the Washington Capitals – his favourite team – and a signed poster from the Ottawa 67’s.

It all helped motivate him as he progressed through physiotherapy – from only being able to bend his knee the tiniest bit to being able to pull his leg back for a quadriceps stretch. By the end of the summer, Ethan was running around, and he got the green light to return to hockey in August.

“I had so much fun my first time back on the ice,” remembers Ethan, who’s now doubly excited to complete his comeback with a Capital Cup appearance. “I’m looking forward to just having fun and playing with my friends. I’m really happy that I get to play hockey again.”

Ethan’s parents were nervous about how their son would react after his injury, but he quickly showed them that he was in fine form by earning a place on a Kanata Blazers Rep ‘B’ competitive team for the first time in his career.

“As soon as he stepped on the ice, it was just a big smile on his face,” says his dad, who was very proud of how tough Ethan was throughout his ordeal. “His spirits were down for quite a bit, so it was awesome seeing a big smile on him after it being nothing but sad faces for a while.”

CUMBERLAND COMPANIONS SET FOR CAPITAL CUP DEBUTS

Another player who’s very excited for this year’s event after missing the last edition is Cassie Murray — although thankfully, in her case, it wasn’t an injury that caused her to miss it.

“I could have played last year, but there were too many parents away, so we couldn’t,” explains the Cumberland CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

Dukes atom house ‘A’ player, who’s looking forward to experiencing the foreign flavour of the tournament formerly named the Ottawa International Hockey Festival.

“I can’t wait to see how people from other countries play,” Cassie adds. “And I can’t wait to see if we can win a few games as well.”

The carrot dangling in front of the young players is the chance to compete at Scotiabank Place if they reach one of the 19 division finals, which take place from Dec. 30 to Jan. 1. Cassie’s team recently got to play an exhibition contest against a fellow Cumberland club at the Ottawa Senators’ home arena, and she is eager to get the chance again.

“It’s really fun being on the big ice,” says the Grade 5 de la Découverte elementary school student. “I like having the big ice. There’s more space to move.”

Cassie is one of two girls in the Cumberland A1 team’s lineup. The other is Arielle Tuttle, a Grade 4 des Pionniers elementary school student who’s become a good friend of Cassie’s.

“I find it’s good because I’m not the only girl. I like it,” Arielle says, emphasizing nonetheless that she and Cassie are treated the same as any other teammate. “It’s cool to see how the boys play, and how we’re different also.”

Both girls agree that what they’re looking forward to most about the tournament is the pin exchange.

It’s traditions like that make the tournament special, says Bell Capital Cup general manager Scott Lawryk. For many Ottawa hockey families, the event has become a treasured part of their holiday routine.

“It’s a big thrill for the kids to be able to play in front

of their whole family,” says Lawryk, noting that many relatives are often in town for the season. “They pack the arenas. Their fan base goes from 30 to a couple hundred.

They live in that spotlight for that little moment in time.”

Lawryk leads a team of 2,000 volunteers who will welcome about 385 teams to 30 ice pads at 19 venues across the capital. There are an endless number of tasks to take care of, but one of the big ones is co-ordinating local billets for the teams travelling from overseas, which this year include two entries from Germany, one from Hong Kong and four from Finland.

JUMPING FOR JOKERIT’S JOURNEY

There’s no doubt that aspect is what Thomas Cook is looking forward to most. His Ottawa Valley Silver Seven Black team is set to host the Jokerit Blue squad, which is competing in the minor peewee ‘AA’ division.

“I’m just in shock that we’re going to house some Finnish kids,” says Thomas, the goaltender for his 11-1-4 first-place club. “I’m looking forward to the joy of meeting new kids and talking to them about the differences in our culture.

“And playing on our backyard rink.”

The Cooks’ outdoor rink sounds like it’s straight out of a storybook. Parents Jenn and Jake created a kid’s dream in their Richmond backyard for Thomas and his younger brother, plus many more from the neighbourhood, it turns out.

Growing in size every year as their kids grow, the ice sheet is now around 40 x 60 feet, and this year is getting an upgrade with some fencing that was originally intended TURNS TO NEXT PAGE

Thomas Cook

ICE FLOW: 2005-2011 Richmond-Munster Royals minor hockey 2011-2012 Ottawa Valley Silver Seven ‘A’ WHY I PLAY THE GAME: It’s fun. My dad was a goalie and ever since I was little, I put on my mini-stick pads and blocker and trapper and I’d say, ‘Shoot on me, shoot on me!’ all the time. In IP, they’d pass around the pads and ask who wanted to play goalie and I always wanted to.

Ethan Gadde

ICE FLOW: 2007-2012 Kanata Minor Hockey Association 2012 Kanata Blazers Rep ‘B’ WHY I PLAY THE GAME: I enjoy that how much fun people have playing it. I really enjoy playing with my friends.

Arielle Tuttle

ICE FLOW: 2008-2012 Cumberland Minor Hockey Association WHY I PLAY THE GAME: I enjoy going out and playing and giving it my best.

Cassie Murray

ICE FLOW: 2007-2012 Cumberland Minor Hockey Association WHY I PLAY THE GAME: I like playing as a team, and being with my teammates.

17

The Ottawa 67’s Adopt-A-School Program is a partnership amongst area businesses, local school boards and the Ottawa 67’s Hockey Club. Businesses “adopt a school” and invest in season tickets for that school.

An opportunity exists for businesses to connect with students in a unique way. Adopted schools will use tickets as a reward for students achieving academic success or showing improvement.

If your business would like to join this community based initiative, please contact the

Ottawa 67’s at 232-6767 ext. 305 18

CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

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for a pool, but will now serve as boards.

“Hopefully it’ll freeze,” says Jenn, whose family is hosting the two goalies from Jokerit as well as the other Silver Seven goalie, along with many more expected visitors. “I’m very confident we’ll have more than four. You can’t play with only four goalies.”

The team is “booked solid” with activities planned to entertain their guests, including going downtown to see museums and skate on the canal — if the weather co-operates. And an exhibition game is in the works, although it probably won’t be Ottawa Valley vs. Jokerit.

“We were talking about mixing it up so they don’t go against each other,” Jenn says with a smile, “especially because we have to house them.”

Thomas admits the prospect of living with someone he’s never met is a little worrisome, although they are planning to exchange e-mails and talk on Skype before the Finns arrive.

“I’m sort of nervous,” concedes the Grade 6 student at St. Philip Catholic School, who only knows how to say hello in Finnish, nothing more. “That might be a complication.”

But the Cooks aren’t overly concerned since English is the second language in Finland, much like French is in Canada, and they’ve got a trick up their sleeve if necessary. “There’s an app for that,” says Linda, who uses Google Translate to help her kids with their French homework. “I think we can do the same thing with Finnish. We can write in English, it’ll translate to Finnish, and then we can hit play.”

Lawryk noted it’s a “big commitment” the billet families make, especially during the holiday season, but says he always receives rave reviews nonetheless from those who participate.

“They come out of it with a fabulous experience and new friends,” says the second-year GM. “I’ve talked to people who have played in the tournament seven or eight years ago who still keep in touch with these families from overseas that they billeted at that time.

Some have gone over to that country to visit them.

“You really end up making lifelong friends because of this.”

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“We enjoy helping these young men pursue their hockey and CY BIGELOW academic dreams.” — NAN

MOEM HO AWAY FR HOME JEANTSON WRITTEN BY KELLY SER RK HOLLERON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MA

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OU WON’T FIND NANCY AND BRENT BIGELOW’S NAMES IN A PROGRAM, BUT ANY HAWKESBURY HAWKS PLAYER WILL ATTEST TO THEIR IMPORTANCE TO THE TEAM.

Unlike the players, coaches and trainers, whose contributions are usually clearly obvious, the Bigelows perform their role quietly behind the scenes — and many players wouldn’t be able to compete without them. After all, as any highlevel athlete will tell you, few things are as vital to sporting success as proper nutrition and a good night’s sleep — which is where Nancy and Brent come in.

The Tier 2 Central Canadian Hockey League is the door to the future for many young competitive players with sights set on NCAA scholarships and professional careers. So when Nancy and Brent Bigelow — huge fans of the game themselves — were first asked four years ago to open their door to billet out-of-town Hawks players, 20

they jumped at the chance and haven’t looked back.

“We enjoy helping these young men pursue their hockey and academic dreams,” says Nancy.

Choosing to pursue a junior hockey career away from home is often a difficult decision for both players and parents. Whether it is for university, travel or a job, leaving the nest is never as simple as it seems.

That’s where billets such as the Bigelows come in, hosting out-of-town players in their home, giving them room and board and a place to call home — allowing players to focus on the game without the worry or stress of being away from family and friends. Families such as the Bigelows receive a small stipend from the team to offset their costs, but their role in developing young talent is huge.

In retrospect, the role of billet seems like a pretty natural fit for Nancy and Brent. Both of their sons, Ryan, 23, and Nicholas, 21, played hockey from the time they were five years old. When Ryan progressed to the Hawks, he asked his parents if they would allow an out-of-town player to stay with them.

While Ryan has moved on from the game and now attends McGill University, Nancy and Brent are just as attached to the Hawks as ever. Their own three children, including daughter Angela, have left home, but the Bigelows continue to enjoy their role as “parents” who lend support and guidance to the players.

WELCOME HOME

Every fall, two to three new players come to the Bigelows.

They are like most teenaged boys — they eat, they sleep, they play hockey. Some have part-time jobs, while others take online courses to prepare for university or finish high school. But that doesn’t mean

PLAYERS RYAN KRUSS #19 • • • •

18 years old from Thornhill, Ontario Plays defence Started in IP (5 yrs old) Favourite thing about hockey: Being part of a team • Least favourite: Not accomplishing team and individual goals • Hopes to play college hockey • Calls home every day • Will be taking online courses in January Advice for other players about being away from home: “It’s a good experience.”

SHANE TOPF #7 •

19 years old from Eagle River, Alaska • Plays forward • Started when he was in IP (5 yrs old) • Favourite thing about hockey: Scoring goals • Least favourite: Losing • Hopes to play at college or pro level.

• Calls home once per week, stays in touch via text • Currently taking a marine biology online course and has studied science and nutrition Advice for other players about being away from home: “It’s not so tough.”

CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

the billeting lineup is set for the season, since the league’s trade deadline isn’t until Jan. 1.

Nancy and Brent started the season hosting three players, but two have since been dealt to other teams. “We have met players from all parts of Canada and the USA,” says Brent.

One recently traded billet, Shane Topf, is from Alaska, while current billet Ryan Kruss hails from Thornhill, near Toronto.

MEET THE PARENTS

It is not always possible for players’ parents to travel to Hawkesbury to meet the Bigelows and help their sons settle in.

This was Shane’s first year with the family, and his parents were not able to visit him in Hawkesbury. When parents can manage to see a game or two, they are welcome to visit with their sons at the Bigelow home.

“We had one father from Newfoundland stay with us for a week during tryouts,” Nancy recalls. Chatting on the phone or exchanging e-mails helps both families get to know each other better and provides some reassurance.

THIS IS NOT A HOTEL

The Bigelows play an active role in ensuring the boys eat healthy, balanced meals. “Our grocery bills are scary,” says Nancy with a laugh. As Nancy and Brent both work full-time, the players are responsible for getting their own breakfast and lunch, while dinners are prepared by Nancy and shared together. Usually at the beginning of the season, a joint trip to the grocery store helps Nancy figure out what foods the players enjoy. Any dietary issues or allergies are also discussed. The boys are also expected to keep their rooms tidy and help out with the dishes. “Players who have reached this level of hockey are very focused and usually make an effort to help when they can,” Nancy explains.

HOCKEY CENTRAL

The Bigelow home is a comfortable space where the boys can relax, rest and prepare for the next game or practice. It helps that Nancy and Brent are unabashed hockey fans who truly love the game. They attend all Hawks home games and support the team in

golf tournaments and 50-50 raffles.

In fact, you might call the Bigelow residence the Hawks’ unofficial headquarters. The basement is adorned with hockey memorabilia from various teams, pictures of the Bigelow boys and the Hawks logo. There is no lounge or common room at the arena, so the whole team often gathers at Nancy and Brent’s after a game or on off-days to play video games, watch movies or just relax and get to know each other. “They come after the games to dissect the plays, to commiserate a loss or to celebrate a win,” Nancy says. It isn’t unusual for seven or eight players to gather down there on a regular night.

Recently, Nancy started a new tradition to celebrate home victories by baking fresh cupcakes for the team after the game. The sweet chant of “Cuppies” is now shouted up to the stands by the players after the Hawks win. Thankfully, the Bigelows live close to the arena and Nancy has just enough time to whip them up and have them ready when the crowd arrives.

Those efforts are not lost on the Hawks.

Indeed, billets think of the Bigelows almost like a second family. “They have helped me feel better being away from home by creating a comfortable environment and they treat me like a son,” says Ryan. Having only been with the Bigelows a short time, Ryan is without the customary nickname that Brent assigns each player. “His will come,” jokes Brent.

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PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW

Every spring, the Bigelows say goodbye to players who have lived with them for up to 10 months, often not knowing if they will be back in the fall. They have made lasting connections with some, and many still maintain contact with Nancy and Brent. “We had two of them visit us this summer,” says Nancy. “Both are playing hockey in American colleges now.”

The players are not looking forward to saying goodbye either. Shane, who has one year left in the league, says his time with Nancy and Brent “made me feel welcome and provided me with a home away from home.”

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PLAYER PROFILE

Ottawa 67’s

JACOB BLAIR

WRITTEN BY JASON CHEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

ICE FLOW 2000-01 Intiation Program 2001-02 Initiation Program 2002-03 Minor Novice Kanata Chiefs 2003-04 Novice A Kanata Kaos 2004-05 Minor Atom A Kanata Blazers (first full-year as goalie) 2005-06 Major Atom AA Kanata Blazers 2006-07 Minor Peewee AA Kanata Blazers 2007-08 Major Peewee AA Kanata Blazers 2008-09 Minor Bantam AA Kanata Blazers 2009-10 Major Bantam AAA Ottawa Senators 2010-11 Minor Midget AAA Ottawa Senators 2011-12 Ottawa West Golden Knights Jr. B/Ottawa 67’s 2012-13 Ottawa 67’s 22

C

alm, cool and collected. That’s the best way to describe how Ottawa 67’s goalie Jacob Blair tends the net.

“It’s always the way I was when I was younger,” says the soft-spoken teen. “When I played my better games, I was calm. If I tried to get intense and amped up for games, I wouldn’t play as well. I think about the game too much. I just always stay calm and relax out there.”Indeed, Blair’s mental approach is his greatest strength.

“Nothing bothers him,” says 67’s goalie coach Tom Dempsey, who has worked with Blair since the Kanata native was 14. “I’m happy with that kind of mental attitude.

He’s very good at handling all kinds of things.”“I’m not sure where he gets that calm demeanor from,” says Blair’s father, Ron. Kids starting out in minor hockey rotate positions to ensure every player has some experience playing all over the ice, but Blair always wanted to be a goalie. He showed an aptitude for it early on, too, when he won player of the game honours at a tournament in Arnprior.

The quiet teen prefers to let his game speak for itself.

“I remember his bantam Triple-A coach came up to me once,” says Ron, “and said, ‘He can talk, right?’ ”At 6-foot-3 and just 176 pounds, Blair still has some filling out to do, but he’s got the frame to add extra muscle. “Physically, he’s a big guy,” says Dempsey. “He has a very quick blocker and glove hand. He’s not a traditional butterfly goalie, but he’s quick with his feet too.”

Blair’s quickness and reflexes have come in handy this season. With a porous defence in front of him, he’s had to make some timely acrobatic saves to keep his team in games.

When asked which NHL goaltender he most likens himself to, Blair thinks for a second before piping up: “Carey Price.”

Blair is too young to know much of Georges

Vézina, the “Chicoutimi Cucumber,” so nicknamed because of his calm demeanor in net back in the early days of the NHL, but Price, the twotime Montreal Canadiens all-star, is an apt comparison as well. “[Like Price], I’m confident in the way I am,” says Blair. But also like Price, some people mistake the calm demeanor with a lack of urgency or a carefree attitude. But Blair was passionate from the beginning, waking up his father at 4 a.m. for 6 a.m. practices. “I don’t really pay attention to what people have to say about me, positive or negative. I try not to get too high or low.”

Drafted 119th overall in the sixth round of the 2011 OHL draft, the Kanata native is in his first season with the 67’s. “He was a local goalie who showed some promise in his draft year,” says 67’s head coach and GM Chris Byrne.

“In the time we’ve had him, he’s been a hard-working, competitive goalie who has a future in the game.”

Blair has always wanted to play in the OHL, says his dad. A few other teams, including Belleville and Kitchener, had made calls and expressed some interest in Blair, but his hometown team ended up calling his name. “‘We were very happy he was taken by Ottawa,” says Ron. “The fact that he could stay at home and play hockey and stay at [All Saints Catholic High School], where he’s always

attended, is a great thing.”

“I came into camp [last year] and a lot of sixth-round picks aren’t expected to make it,” says Blair. Even if Blair impressed, the 67’s were already set in goal, with Czech import Petr Mrazek tabbed as the starter and Shayne Campbell the backup.

Blair lived close enough to the team’s facility and performed well enough at camp to be invited to practise regularly with the 67’s. It was a good way to get some more ice time and experience. Playing with the Ottawa West Golden Knights, his practices were limited to once or twice a week.

The big call came in late December.

Blair was ecstatic.

“Once Mrazek left for the world juniors,” says Blair, “they said they wanted me here, so I signed. I came into camp this year to try and win a spot.”

Mrazek turned pro after the season, and Blair pulled on the No. 1 jersey previously worn with distinction by his predecessor, a Red Wings draft pick.

Blair had a solid training camp this season, showing a great work ethic and impressing the 67’s brass in two exhibition games against the Gatineau Olympiques.

“I needed to see if he could handle it,” says Dempsey. In terms of dealing with the pressure and keeping his composure, Blair excelled, but like most goalies adjusting to the OHL, he needs CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

to get better at reading plays and keeping track of everyone on the ice so he doesn’t get caught off-guard with a back-door pass.

Keegan Wilson, who was acquired from the Brampton Battalion in the off-season, ended up earning the starting job, but the backup role was up for grabs. Blair ended up winning the job in a battle with Michael Nishi, who was later released and joined the Olympiques.

The 67’s were three games into their season when Blair’s first big test came.

Wilson was sidelined with a groin injury, which meant Blair started the next three games, including back-to-back contests against Sudbury and Belleville. Blair finished his three-game stint stopping 93 of the 104 shots he faced.

“We’re very happy with the way he handled it,” says Dempsey. “He played brilliantly against Belleville for two periods.”

Dempsey would like to see Blair play 15-20 games this year, although that decision will be up to Byrne.

With the 67’s off to a slow start, it hasn’t been the easiest season for a rookie in Ottawa. Wilson struggled as the starter and was later traded to the Guelph Storm. It opened the door for Blair to be Ottawa’s No. 1 netminder, but the 67’s felt the 17-year-old needed to be eased into the OHL, not thrown into the fire.

Clint Windsor was acquired from the Mississauga Steelheads to be the team’s starter, with Blair keeping his backup role.

Through 28 games, Blair has started seven games and played in parts of three others. The rookie had a 2-5-0 record with a 4.40 GAA and .879 save percentage, though those numbers aren’t necessarily reflective of his play this season.

In three of Blair’s five losses, he was peppered with at least 44 shots. The 67’s aren’t playing well defensively, but Blair is doing his best to keep them in games.

“Going into Christmas break, the first half has been tough,” he says. “I need to push it a little more.”

Blair is still adjusting to the speed of the OHL game and continues to work on reading plays.

The 67’s are still concentrating on righting the ship this season and aren’t thinking about next year, but if Blair can string together more consistent performances, he’ll get a good look at the No. 1 job.

CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

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VOLUNTEER

Volunteer, Joanne Cleary WRITTEN BY KELLY SERJEANTSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON CODE

W

“hoa! Whoa! Whoa! Let’s go, 67’s!” This familiar chant can be heard many times during the junior club’s home games at Scotiabank Place.

Enthusiastic fans, eager to support their team, wave pompoms and foam fingers and sing along.

There’s a good chance many of those voices are coming from Section 115 — where the 67’s Booster Club can be found.

Since 1990, this dedicated group of volunteers has attended home games, raising funds to give back to the players who thrill them every week. Booster clubs are popular throughout junior hockey, and Ottawa is no exception.

“To see the faces on the youngsters as they skate or have their pictures taken with their favourite player is priceless,” — JOANNE CLEARY

Joanne Cleary, president of the 67’s Booster Club, is a longtime fan. For decades before the NHL’s Senators arrived on the scene, the junior club was the No. 1 attraction for hockey-lovers.

“Back in the early days, the 67’s game was the only thing to do on a Friday night,” remembers Cleary. As a young wife and mother to son Chris, Cleary began to get heavily involved with the Booster Club in the the early 1990s, when nephew Tory Stonier was drafted to the team. She took over as president in 1998 and hasn’t looked back.

While not affiliated with the Ottawa 67’s office, the Booster Club is a valued part of the team.

“All the monies we raise are given back to the players in a variety of ways,” says Cleary. Over the years, boosters have helped raise funds for a glove dryer, a workout station, video equipment and TV for the players. The 67’s organization donates game-worn jerseys to the club to be raffled off — always a popular item for dedicated fans.

While seven other key members make up the executive of the Booster Club, as president, Cleary dedicates several hours per week to prepare for game days and other events. The club’s members — who number more than 350 — enjoy special privileges: Members get a gift when joining as well as discounts for bus trips, banquets, some local restaurants, 67’s souvenir stores. They are also entered into draws for numerous game-day prizes which are generously donated by local companies throughout CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

21

YEARS INVOLVED WITH THE BOOSTER CLUB

1999 12

BEST MOMENT AS A 67’s FAN – WATCHING THE TEAM WIN THE MEMORIAL CUP IN 1999.

the region.

Club memberships and tickets for raffles are available at all home games.

For most players, competing at the major-junior level means living away from home and being away from friends and family. The Booster Club helps make the transition easier for players by providing them with a link to their biggest fans, organizing team and fan banquets, donating holiday packages to the players, and booking busloads of fans to attend out-of-town games. Each year, junior Booster Club members are invited to a Skate with the Players event — a highlight for Cleary.

“To see the faces on the youngsters as they skate or have their pictures taken with their favourite player is priceless,” she says.

Another special Booster Club duty is collecting pictures and news clippings of each player throughout the season and

MEMORIAL CUP GAMES ATTENDED SINCE 1999 (EVERY YEAR SINCE, A GROUP TRAVELS TO THE HOST CITY TO WATCH THE TOURNAMENT REGARDLESS OF WHO IS PLAYING).

650 LARGEST NUMBER OF MEMBERS IN THE CLUB. 2003-2004 SEASON

sending them to parents.

“It is about giving back,” explains Cleary. “We want to help the players feel part of our community, meeting fans, parents and billets.” For many parents, receiving these clipping packages helps strengthen their connection to heir son’s team.

“As a parent, it is extremely comforting to know that good folks are there to support the boys on and off the ice,” says Rita Prince, mother of former 67’s player, Shane Prince.

As a “lifer” in the club, Cleary has had many other hockey-related volunteer opportunities, including helping out at the world junior tournament when it was held in Ottawa in 2009, the 2012 NHL All-Star Weekend and this spring’s women’s world championship.

It’s all in a day’s work for this dedicated hockey fan.

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PROUDEST MOMENT

MY PROUDEST MOMENT: When I was eight years old in Novice, I was playing forward in a Sunday morning game. It was the opening face-off and we got the puck into the offensive zone. I received a pass in front of the net and I shot it past the goalie at 11 seconds into the first period. The other team scored shortly after. Our goalie skated to the bench and said he wasn’t feeling well. Coach told me to go in the locker room and get dressed to take over as goalie. When I came back out in the second period, the score was still 1-1. I finished the game and earned a shutout. The final score was 4 – 1. I am now a full-time goalie and that moment has made me who I am today.

GABRIEL ARRIGO AGE: 10 POSITION: Goalie TEAM: Kanata Blazers Major Atom AA

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CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

LIAM MAGUIRE’S HOCKEY TRIVIA

THIS DAY IN

HOCKEY December 18 ON THIS DAY IN 1954: Montreal’s Maurice Richard became the first player in NHL history to score 400 career goals, when the Canadiens defeated the Black Hawks 4-2 at Chicago.

December 20 ON THIS DAY IN 1995: The Vancouver Canucks played the 2,000th game in team history, a 2-2 tie against the Kings in Los Angeles. The tie gave the Canucks an all-time record of 724-980-296 since entering the NHL in 1970-’71.

December 22 ON THIS DAY IN 1971: Chicago’s Bobby Hull scored his 28th (and final) career hat trick to lead the Black Hawks to a 4-1 win over the Seals in Oakland.

Hull became the first player in NHL history to score 28 hat tricks.

December 24 ON THIS DAY IN 1934: Former NHL centre Fred Saskamoose was born in Sandy Lake Reserve, Sask.

Saskamoose played in the NHL in 1953-’54 with Chicago, and was the first native North American to play in the NHL.

December 25 ON THIS DAY IN 1964: Goaltender Jacques Plante recorded his 63rd career shutout, Camille Henry

CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013 Small sizes : Under 50mm

scored twice and Rod Gilbert picked up three assists as the Rangers won 3-0 at Boston.

Games on Christmas day were a regular part of the NHL schedule until 1971. The New York Rangers probably wish they were still a part of the landscape. In 38 games played on Dec. 25, their record was 25-112, a staggering winning percentage and way ahead of the next five teams on this list.

December 27 ON THIS DAY IN 1979: The first NHL game was played at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. The St. Louis Blues won 3-2 over the Red Wings, with Bernie Federko scoring a goal and two assists. One of his assists came on the first goal in the new building scored by his teammate, Brian Sutter. Federko is also on record as the first player in NHL history to record 50-plus assists in 10 straight seasons, while Sutter joins his brothers, Darryl, Duane, Brent, Rich and Ron, as the highest point-scoring brother combination in NHL history, regular season only. If you include playoff totals, that record is held by Wayne and Brent Gretzky.

December 29 ON THIS DAY IN 1936 Boston’s Bill Cowley

scored two goals in a span of 40 seconds during the first period to spark a 3-0 win against the Montreal Maroons. Tiny Thompson recorded his 63rd career shutout. Cowley’s son Dan is now a well-known local restaurant owner operating the local Don Cherry franchises. He was also a pro hockey player.

December 31 ON THIS DAY IN 1975: Will forever be known as the date of the New Year’s Eve game at the Montreal Forum. The Montreal Canadiens and the Soviet Red Army played to a 3-3 tie as part of a series of games known as ‘Super Series 76.’ Montreal outshot the Red Army 38-13 in the contest. The game came just a little more than three years after the epic Summit Series of 1972.

January 2 ON THIS DAY IN 2001: Montreal’s Jose Theodore became the second goaltender in NHL history to score a goal while recording a shutout, as the Canadiens won 3-0

January 4 ON THIS DAY IN 1992: The Rangers’ Mike Gartner scored a goal and added an assist to become the 33rd player in NHL history to score 1,000 career points. The historic effort came in a 6-4 loss at New Jersey.

January 6 ON THIS DAY IN 1980: The Philadelphia Flyers scored twice in the final period for a 4-2 win at Buffalo, running their NHLrecord unbeaten streak to 35 games (25-0-10). The streak ended with a loss to the Minnesota North Stars the next night.

January 8 ON THIS DAY IN 1988: Chicago rookie goalie Darren Pang set a club record for goaltenders when he picked up his fifth assist of the season as the Blackhawks won 7-3 over Toronto at Chicago Stadium. Pang is an Ottawa native, his mother and sister still live here and he helped the Ottawa 67’s win the Memorial Cup in 1984.

Ottawa. The win broke an 11-game losing streak for the Senators.

January 12 ON THIS DAY IN 1947: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were on hand as guests of New York management, as the Rangers beat Toronto 3-2.

Edgar Laprade led the scoring with a goal and an assist.

January 14 ON THIS DAY IN 1922: For the first time in NHL history, brothers on the same team scored four goals apiece, as Montreal defenceman Sprague Cleghorn and his brother Odie led the Canadiens to a 10-6 win over the Hamilton Tigers in Montreal.

January 16 ON THIS DAY IN 1968: The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the NHL All-Stars 4-3 in Toronto in the final game that pitted the defending Stanley Cup Champions against a team of stars from the other five NHL teams. Bruce Gamble, a goaltender for Toronto, was voted the game’s MVP.

January 18

against the Islanders in Long Island. The Ottawa Senators’ Damien Rhodes was the first goalie to pull off the feat in a 6-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils.

January 10 ON THIS DAY IN 1993: Bob Kudelski scored the first hat trick in Senators “modern” history (and the third of his career), leading the team to a 3-2 win against the Sharks in

ON THIS DAY IN 1970: Boston’s Bobby Orr scored a goal and an assist, his 64th and 65th points of the season, to break his own NHL single-season point mark for defencemen (set the previous season). The Bruins beat Montreal 6-3.

The points gave Orr 200 in 216 career games.

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Number of overseas teams in the 2013 Bell Capital Cup. This includes two teams from Germany, one from Hong Kong and four from Finland.

7 2.26

FIVE

Number of unofficial â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;World Championsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, representing the elite of each division in the Bell Capital Cup each year

$

Million

Amount of money raised for eastern Ontario and Western Quebec minor hockey associations and local charities in the 13 Bell Canada Cup tournaments played through 2011-2012 (not including 2013 tournament)

$196,000 Amount of money raised for local minor hockey associations and charities by the Bell Capital Cup in 2007

14 The 2013 Bell Capital Cup is the 14th tournament

19

Number of different champions in all of the divisions within the Bell Capital Cup each year

2,000 Number of volunteers at the 2013 Bell Capital Cup

Number of ice pads in use for the 2013 Bell Capital Cup

30 30

510

Number of teams in the Bell Capital Cup when the Guinness World Book of Records was set for most teams in a minor hockey tournament (in 2007)

8 , 145

Number of players on those 510 teams when the Guiness record was set CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

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LIAM MAGUIRE 4 | OTTAWA 67’s ROSTER 14 | CATCHING UP WITH ALYN MCCAULEY 13

CENTRE ICE WWW.CENTRE-ICE.CA

JANUARY 2013

LOVE OF THE GAME OVERCOMES CHALLENGES OTTAWA 67’s

JACOB BLAIR

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING A BILLET

BELL CANADA CUP AN EXCITING EXPERIENCE FOR YOUNG PLAYERS LIKE THOMAS COOK

T H E O F F I C I A L H O C K E Y M A G A Z I N E T O T H E O T TAWA 6 7 ’ s

Pre-game ritual.

Š Tim Hortons, 2012

IN THE LINEUP PUBLISHER MARK SUTCLIFFE mark@greatriver.ca

11

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & CHIEF STICKHANDLER LIAM MAGUIRE liam@greatriver.ca MANAGING EDITOR DONNA NEIL editor@greatriver.ca

FIRST PERIOD 4 LIAM MAGUIRE

CONTRIBUTORS JASON CHEN, LISA GEORGES, DAN PLOUFFE RANDY RAY, KELLY SERJEANTSON

6 STARTING LINEUP

COPY EDITOR DAVID SALI

11 PLAYER ACHIEVEMENT

Alexi Legualt’s medical challenges aren’t holding him back

SECOND PERIOD

CREATIVE DIRECTOR TANYA CONNOLLY-HOLMES

13 CATCHING UP

ADVERTISING LIAM MAGUIRE liam@greatriver.ca

Former 67’s captain Alyn McCauley

14 OTTAWA 67’S ROSTER

TERRY TYO, V.P. SALES 613 238-1818 EXT. 268 terry@greatriver.ca

16 COVER STORY

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MARK SUTCLIFFE

PRESIDENT MICHAEL CURRAN

THIRD PERIOD

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER DONNA NEIL

20 HOME AWAY FROM HOME

CENTRE ICE IS PUBLISHED BY

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O BOX 3814, STATION C OTTAWA, ON K1Y 4J8

20

The off-ice contribution that one family can make to a player and his team (and how that family can go through 12 litres of milk per week)

22 OTTAWA 67’S JACOB BLAIR COVER PHOTO: MARK HOLLERON

OFFICE LOCATION: 250 CITY CENTRE DRIVE, SUITE 500, OTTAWA

Players Thomas Cook, Ethan Gadde, Cassie Murray and Arielle Tuttle on playing for the Bell Capital Cup — The pin exchange and the possibility of playing on the big ice

Why a coach once asked if he could talk

24 VOLUNTEER

Now president of the Ottawa 67’s Booster Club, Joanne Cleary became involved when her nephew was drafted to the team

27 PROUDEST MOMENT

10-year-old Gabriel Arrigo and how it all changed for him one Sunday morning

29 LIAM MAGUIRE’S HOCKEY TRIVIA

27

This day in hockey history

30 NUMBERS ON ICE

The tournament that has raised $2.26 million

16 CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

3

LIAM MAGUIRE

MINOR HOCKEY’S BIGGEST

WASTE OF TIME

W

hen it comes to one of minor hockey’s most time-honoured traditions, it’s time to drop the gloves.

As in, glove taps.

If I were to question people involved in sport at young age levels as to the biggest waste of time in hockey, this post-game exercise would likely be right near the top of everyone’s list. In fact, it’s probably the single largest contributor to coaches’ and parents’ angst in minor hockey today.

What was once a tried and true method of expressing sportsmanship has turned into something far different -- to the point that for several years now at the conclusion of each

44

game I have cautioned my other coaches, “Watch the line, fellas.”

We’ve had kids punch each other, swear, spit, deliberately miss the oncoming player’s glove and spew verbal invective that would make a hardened criminal cringe. Even coaches aren’t immune from violent treatment. Three years ago after a minor bantam game, with my hand fully extended to congratulate the opposition, I was punched.

Don Lewis, a midget-level convener, trainer, coach, parent of two minor hockey players and a paramedic by trade, has seen enough. He wants the post-game glove tap eliminated.

“I raised the issue two years ago at our council meeting,” Lewis said. “It was shot down. I told the executive that there are

differently, it’s not like it was a generation ago. Once they get to a certain age, bantam mostly and older, they are still seething after a game and we’ve had numerous incidents.”

After the H1N1 flu outbreak a couple of years ago, all players were required to leave their gloves on for the post-game tap. With that scare now gone, about 25% of the players on any given night might actually take their glove off and offer a handshake and a “good game.”

Half the players cannot wait to

“So many rules are changed, we’ve tried to be so responsible re the head shots and hits from behind, why can’t they get their own damned heads out of the sand and realize even one player getting suspended due to this farcical rule is not worth it!”

— DON LEWIS, A MIDGET-LEVEL CONVENER, TRAINER AND COACH

real issues developing out there and a number of these kids, they cannot turn it off right after a game. They are raised differently, they have grown up

get through the line as quickly as possible, while the remaining 25%, mostly on the losing side, are looking for any opening, verbal or otherwise, to get one

last shot in. It’s brutal.

At almost every tournament we play, the glove tap is done before the game.

Why? Because organizers know how volatile kids can become, especially at tournaments.

Lewis is exasperated that his pleas are falling on deaf ears.

“It’s just common sense,” he said.

“So many rules are changed, we’ve tried to be so responsible regarding the head shots and hits from behind, why can’t they get their own damn heads out of the sand and realize even one player getting suspended due to this farcical rule is not worth it!”

More proof of that came in a recent game between two midget B teams. During the postgame glove tap, there was not one but two brawls, resulting in 52 games worth of suspensions.

Really? Are we that mentally challenged as a group, the ODHA/ODMHA, volunteers and executives, that we can’t see how utterly stupid this is? It’s time to permanently Bench the post-game glove tap once and for all and move to a pre-game ritual instead – especially for bantam-age players and up.

Got a comment? Send us an e-mail at liam@greatriver.ca.

Keep your stick on the ice!

CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

Michael Ryf

Curtis Scales

Major Midget AA

Minor Midget AAA

Maddison Seabrook

Justin Haasbeek

Girls Midget AA

Major Midget AAA

Jaden Simoneau Major Bantam AAA

cihacademy.com

STARTING LINEUP

Annual Cobra Day raises big bucks for minor hockey The Eastern Ontario Cobras Hockey Association celebrated its annual Cobra Day in November at the St. Isidore arena, in the process raising $4,500 to support the association’s activities, including training and the year-end banquet. The day saw all the competitive teams from Novice to Midget play back-toback in one venue, giving players and parents the opportunity to see other Cobras players and old friends they don’t often get to visit with because everyone is at different arenas throughout the season. Cobra Day has been a tradition for more than eight years. The event is also the central fundraiser for the Eastern Ontario Cobras Hockey Association, and Cobra parents were out in full force bringing items for the bake sale as well as offering goodies such as Jean Bernard’s famous sugar pies

and local St. Albert cheese curds, which sold like hotcakes. The kids’ prize table was crammed with youngsters checking their tickets. The Cobra Day committee was amazed and genuinely touched by the generosity of many local businesses and companies such as Rainbow Cinema, Subway, NAC, Marriott, Capital Sports and Belize Spa for donating prizes for the silent auction.

Special thanks to Scotiabank for its generous contribution. Hockey was not the only thing on the agenda — the day was also an opportunity for the Cobras to thank special guests from OEMHL, ODMHA, ODHA and District 3 who support minor hockey in the area. Shawn Anderson, a former NHL defenceman and

Ottawa Senators head coach Paul MacLean speaks to the Gloucester Rangers Major Atom A team before he and Sens assistant coach Dave Cameron put the team through 50 minutes of drills at Earl Armstrong Arena.

With the Sens and other NHL teams involved a labour dispute, MacLean and his fellow coaches had time to make surprise visits at minor hockey practices.

Gloucester AA Bantams win Regional Silver Stick in Pembroke

The Gloucester Rangers Major Bantam AA team won five games and tied one to capture the regional Silver Stick title in Pembroke on Nov. 25.

The victory advances the Rangers to the International Silver Stick 6

tournament in Port Huron, Mich., in January. After a 2-2 tie with the Ottawa Sting in their opening contest, the Rangers won all of their remaining games. Final scores were a 1-0 shutout over the Kanata Blazers, a 2-0

blanking of the UOV Aces, a 2-1 victory over the Belleville Jr. Bulls and a 3-1 win over the Blazers in the semi-final.

Gloucester won the title by beating Belleville 2-1 in the championship game. The Rangers played solid defence all weekend and displayed a strong forecheck.

The stellar goaltending tandem of Connor MacMillan and Patrick Steski allowed only five goals in six games.

owner/coach of the Hawkesbury Hawks Jr. A team, was on hand for the ceremonial puck drop between the Cobras Minor Peewees and Cumberland Grads. The Cobras played nine games against teams from Kanata, Cumberland, Gloucester, Seaway, Nepean and other associations, with the Cobras winning five of them. The Cobras association thanks the many visiting teams as well the volunteers, parents and many dedicated high school students who stayed for the entire day to make the event a success.

Nepean Raiders win third tournament of season The Nepean Raiders Major Peewee AA team went undefeated to win its division at the 29th Stoney Creek Tournament of Champions in November.

The Raiders made it to the finals with five straight victories, starting with a 1-0 shutout over the Peterborough Petes. In other games they beat the Amherst Knights 6-2, the Ajax Knights 5-1, the Newmarket Redmen 4-3 and the Kingston Canadians 3-0. In the final game, the Raiders knocked off the Ancaster Avalanche 5-4. Goalscorers were Paul Larabie and Brayden Liberty with two apiece and Jared Carle, who fired the game-winner. The Stoney Creek title was the Raiders’ third tournament championship of the season. Earlier they were AA Champions in the Scotiabank Cup in Mississauga and the Kingston Canadians Tournament. Congratulations to players William Anderson, Connor McNair, Blake Galley, Michael Gallivan, Owen Scott, Paul Larabie, Noah Montuoro, Dean Bucciarelli, Jared Carle, Justin Barstead, Brayden Liberty, Mackenzie White, James Fretschner, Connor Drost, Malcolm Simpson, Kordell Boyd, Sam Locke and Travis Moriarty and coaches Garry Galley, Donnie Gallant, Andrew Fourney and Brian McDivitt.

CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

STARTING LINEUP

Cobras Minor Peewees snag title at Pickering AA tournament

Moustaches and shoe shines help Rangers raise cash for charity During Rangers Movember Day on Nov. 17, the lobby at Fred Barrett Arena was transformed into a living museum of moustaches and minor hockey.

The Gloucester Rangers Minor Hockey association hosted a day that brought together Rangers players, families and friends to show off their Rangers pride and raise funds for Movember Canada. Throughout November, Rangers dads and coaches grew moustaches and canvassed friends, family and co-workers for donations in the name of Movember. The monthlong fundraiser for Prostate Cancer Canada and a variety of men’s mental health initiatives transforms men across Canada, and around the world, into walking billboards for the cause. During the day, the Rangers hosted seven competitive games and a variety of events in the arena lobby. Young Rangers players could be found in

various parts of the arenas hard at work shining shoes and collecting donations, while parents, coaches and family sold baked goods, raffled tickets and painted smiling faces to raise money for the Movember cause. Through the enormous outpouring of support, the Rangers showed the size and strength of the association within the community, while also displaying the great heart the Rangers family has. When the final buzzer sounded, the Rangers left Barrett Arena with more than $1,300 raised, not including the funds collected in the online Rangers Mo Bro Challenge, where more donations are flooding in. A large thank-you goes out to the parents and players of the Major Atom A and the Minor Peewee AA Rangers teams, with a special shout-out to Jeremy Whalen, Steve Lacroix and Sarah MacCormack for organizing the day’s events.

The Eastern Ontario Cobras Minor Peewee team won the championship at the Pickering AA tournament in November by going undefeated in five games. The Cobras started the round-robin tournament with a 2-1 victory over the Kanata Blazers before defeating the Pickering Panthers 6-1. The third game was tied until the third period, but the Cobras broke it open in the third for a 5-1 victory against the Stouffville Clippers. The semi-final was a rematch with Pickering, with the Cobras winning 4-1. In the final, the Cobras kept rolling, scoring a few goals early against Stouffville and going on to a 5-0 victory for the championship.

Head coach Éric Servant looked upon his team’s success beyond the championship title: “We returned from Pickering with more than a first place,” he said. “We achieved a spirit of collaboration and a sense of great accomplishment from continuous teamwork. As our motto goes: Work Hard, Play Hard, Cobras! This is the key to success!”

WE ASKED: What is your best quality on the ice?

Philippe Laperle Age: 12 Pewee “B” Centre My speed. I’m very fast. Also my size.

CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

Stephanie Wells Age: 11 Pewee Left Wing My crossovers and my backwards skating.

Mitchell Jones Age: 12 Pewee Forward Setting up plays.

Nick Plante Age: 12 Pewee Centre My skating.

Liam Jay Age: 12 Left Wing I’m good with my feet. My footwork.

7

STARTING LINEUP

Junior 67’s take title at Big Nickel Tourney in Sudbury

www.peakacademy.ca

The Ottawa Jr. 67’s Major Peewees won their division at the 33rd edition of the Big Nickel Hockey Tournament in Sudbury in early November. The first game was a nail-bitter against a very physical Kitchener Jr. Rangers team. The teams exchanged goals and were tied 2-2 at the end of regulation, but only seconds into the overtime period, the Jr. 67’s capitalized on a power play to seal their first win. The afternoon game was another close one, with the 67’s prevailing 2-1 over the Markham Waxers.

Saturday saw the 67’s continue their solid play and securing the top ranking in the round-robin standings with two shutout wins against the North Central Predators (3-0) and the Thunder Bay Kings (6-0). In the semi-final round against the Nickel City Sons -- who beat Ottawa in the

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Hamilton Huskies finals a few weeks earlier -the 67’s stormed out to a 3-0 lead en route to a 3-1 victory. In the final, the 67’s continued their strong team play to outscore the Quinte Red Devils 4-1 and win their first tournament this season. Divisional MVP Samuel Bitten paced the 67’s attack with a two-goal effort, with singles coming from Jackson Alexeev and William Ennis. Throughout the weekend the players were consistent, played hard for each other, scored some highlight-reel goals, were clinical on penalty-killing, and were almost unbeatable in net, giving up the fewest goals in the tournament. This made for an enjoyable bus ride back to Ottawa.

The 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship taking place April 2-9, 2013 is still recruiting volunteers in areas such as hospitality, logistics, media, special events, team services and ticket sales. Venues include SBP arena and the Nepean Sportsplex in Ottawa.

For more information, please visit www.hockeycanada. ca/2013ottawa. For more information on volunteering, please contact Viviane Lafontaine at 2013volunteers@ hockeycanada.ca.

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CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

STARTING LINEUP

The Peewee B Russell Coyotes girls team went undefeated to win the division championship at the Etobicoke Dolphins Girls Hockey Tournament.

The Coyotes won four straight in the round robin by scores of 4-0, 4-0, 6-1 and 3-1. In the semi-final they beat the Ancaster Avalanche 5-1, followed by a 4-0 championship victory over the Sudbury Lady Wolves, who until the final had not lost a game in the tournament.

Coyotes goal-scorers in the gold medal game were Arianne L’Ecuyer on a nice deke to her backhand; Camryn Gallagher; and Dayna Bekkers, who notched a pair.

Mackenzie Beishem earned the shutout, making several difficult saves to deflate the spirits of the Lady Wolves. Bekkers was named MVP of the tournament, which featured 10 teams from across Ontario. All of the girls played their best game in the final, motivated by the fact that they were considered the underdogs going into the gold medal game.

CALL OUT LET US KNOW TEAM’S ABOUT YOUR TS ACHIEVEMEN

Photos: IIHF HHOF-Images on Ice / Andre Ringuette / Ottawa Tourism

Russell Coyotes win Peewee B division at Etobicoke Dolphins Tournament

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9

STARTING LINEUP

OTTAWA 67â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BOOSTER CLUB

CHRISTMAS BANQUET Brendan Bell welcomed to town by sisters Melissa, Amy and Allie Johnston

Daniel Wal fast friendsshwis Tristan Firth ith Sean Monahan dines with brothers Alex and Lucas Galan

Sean Monahan and Tyler Graovac accept flag signed by fans wishing them well at Team Canada selection camp for 2013 World Junior Championships

Aiden Laurin enjoys candy and his visit with Andrew Abou-Assaly

Clint Windsor spends some time with Jalen Elzein

10 10

CENTRE CENTRE ICE ICE JANUARY JANUARY 2013 2013

PLAYER ACHIEVEMENT

PLAYING THROUGH THE

CHALLENGES PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

L

ike a lot of young Canadians, Alexi Legault loves hockey. Unlike a lot of young Canadians, Alexi has two rare medical conditions which impact his motor skills and make the regular requirements of playing the game rather more challenging.

“Alexi was born with two rare conditions: A neurological disorder called agenesis corpus callosum (ACC) and a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis (NF),” explains the boy’s father, Michel. “The NF doesn’t have a direct impact on his motor skills, but does affect his life greatly and has the potential to cause serious issues as this is a disorder that progresses over the years. Back in August of this year he got a tumour removed from the side of his chest just under his left arm.

This is a direct result of his NF. His ACC directly impacts his motor skills. The corpus callosum is the main communication path between the left and right hemispheres of a brain. Alexi was born without this main path, therefore relying on other paths to do the job. As a result, his overall development is affected and he has several balance and co-ordination issues. From a hockey perspective, doing simple crossovers and stopping with both feet are some of the issues that are difficult for him to do.”

Last February, Alexi competed in a Montreal tournament with his PeeWee team as an overage player.

Now 14, Alexi is playing Bantam house league hockey in Embrun. “One of the highlights of his playing days so far was when he was the first player on his team to hoist the cup last year after winning the league championship in the PeeWee house (District 3),” Michel says. “This is something we will all remember for a long time.”

ALEXI’S ICE FLOW NOVICE 8 - 9 yrs old

ATOM 10 - 11 yrs old

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PEEWEE 12 - 13 yrs old

brother th his father, Michel his Alexi shares a laugh wiJérémie and his mother, Manon.

“I just love g the being at the rink, playinfriends” game and meeting new

: WHY I PLAY HOCKEY BANTAM 14 yrs old

11

2012-2013 at Scotiabank Place Why be a Booster Club Member?

•Monies raised buys items for players •You get a free membership gift when you join •Chance to win weekly game day prizes •Reduced rate on bus trips to out of town games •Be first to buy Christmas and Awards Banquet tickets •You are the only ones who get to vote on the awards •Cost is only $10.00 per person or $35.00 for a family of four 14 YEARS OF AGE OR UNDER? •Birthday Card Signed by your favourite player •Plus the same benefits noted above Stop by our New location on Levels 100 and 200 to sign up and buy: • 2 for $1 game day tickets and • Ottawa 67s Game Worn Jersey tickets •Merchandise/Players Pictures Booster Club Enrollment Form Name: ______________________________________________ Phone #: _________________ Address: ________________________________________________________ __ City: _____________________________________ Postal Code: _______________________ E-Mail Address:_______________________________________________________________ Junior: ____  If a Junior Member (14 and under)

Birthday ____/____/____ month/day/year Favourite Player: _____________________________

Adult: ____  Would you be interested in volunteering for the Booster Club? Yes ___ No____

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www.ottawa67sboosterclub.com

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PHOTO BY LA KINGS AND GETTY IMAGES

CATCHING UP

ALYN MCCAULEY – former Ottawa 67’s VITAL STATS: Alyn McCauley was born in Brockville on May 29, 1977 and grew up in nearby Gananoque, where played Rep B minor hockey. At 14, while in his bantam year, he joined the Kingston Voyageurs of the Tier II Metro Junior B League for two seasons before being selected first overall by the Ottawa 67’s in the Ontario Hockey League draft. In four years with the 67’s, he scored

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119 regular-season goals and 165 assists. In the 1995 NHL draft, he was selected in the fourth round, No. 79 overall, by the New Jersey Devils.

CLAIMS TO FAME: McCauley captained the 67’s during his final two seasons with the OHL team, a squad that also included future NHLers Kevin Weekes, Shean Donovan, Mike Peca and Brian Campbell. Despite missing

more than a dozen games due to a concussion in his final season, McCauley was third in OHL scoring and had the highest points-per-game average of any major junior player in Canada. He was named the 67’s Scholastic Player of the Year and also won OHL player of the year and Canadian Hockey League player of the year honours. In 1996 and 1997, he helped Team Canada win gold at world junior tournaments in Boston and Geneva. Before playing a regular-season game with the Devils, he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs and went on to play in 488 regular-season NHL games with the Leafs, San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings, notching 69 goals and 97 assists, along with another seven goals and 12 assists in 52 playoff games.

His most prolific NHL season was 2003-04 when he scored 20 goals and 27 assists for the Sharks. In 2012, as an NHL scout, he was part of the Kings organization that won the Stanley Cup.

STYLE: The 5-foot-11, 200-pound centre was known as a reliable defensive player who could rack up points when given the opportunity.

WHERE IS HE NOW? After retiring following the 2006-07 season due to a bad knee, McCauley and his family spent a year in Los Angeles while he rehabbed after a third round of surgery. When it was obvious his playing career was over, McCauley and his

family moved to Eastern Ontario, where McCauley worked as an assistant coach with the Queen’s University men’s hockey team. In 2008, he joined the L.A. Kings’ scouting staff, a job he continues to hold. He is responsible for scouting all NHL teams in Canada, as well as the Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres and Minnesota Wild and several AHL teams, including the Binghamton Senators.

McCauley, his wife Nicole and their son Renn and daughter May live in Kingston during the school year and in Gananoque in the summer.

QUOTABLE QUOTE: On the difference between playing in hockey-mad Toronto and San Jose in the U.S. sunbelt: “Wherever I went in Toronto, people knew me as a Leaf. They knew all my stats and who my wife was, but in threeand-a-half years in San Jose I was recognized outside of the rink maybe three times.”

FABULOUS FACT: Nearly 16 years after he turned pro, McCauley tasted the glory of a Stanley Cup victory as a scout with the Kings, who knocked off New Jersey in six games to win the Cup in June 2012. On Aug. 26, he was given the Cup for a day and shared it with family, friends and fans at a public gathering in Gananoque. “It was so special to share it with so many family and friends who supported me all the way, whether I was playing Novice or wearing the blue and white of the Toronto Maple Leafs,” a proud McCauley said.

13 13

2012-13 OTTAWA 67’s ROSTER

Ryan Van Stralen POS LW HT 6’3 WT 206 DOB 10/11/1993 Prescott, Ontario

#1

#4

#9

Jacob Blair

POS G HT 6’3 WT 165 DOB 16/03/1995 Kanata, Ontario

Sean Callaghan POS D HT 6’3 WT 210 DOB 08/02/1994 Strathroy, Ontario

Andrew Abou-Assaly POS C HT 5’11 WT 172 DOB 18/05/1996 Ottawa, Ontario

#3

#5

#11

Matthieu Desautels POS D HT 5’11 WT 190 DOB 11/04/1995 Green Valley, Ontario

Michael Vlajkov POS D HT 6’2 WT 185 DOB 03/02/1995 Grimsby, Ontario

Jonathan Duchesne POS D HT 6’1 WT 195 DOB 12/02/1996 Brampton, Ontario

14

#8

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#12

#20

#27

Michal Cajkovsky POS D HT 6’4 WT 218 DOB 06/05/1992 Bratislava, Slovakia

Sean Monahan POS C HT 6’2 WT 193 DOB 12/10/1994 Brampton, Ontario

Brendan Bell POS LW HT 6.01 WT 197 DOB 17/03/1994 Uxbridge, Ontario

#13

#23

#28

Remy Giftopoulos POS LW HT 6’0 WT 203 DOB 13/01/1993 Ancaster, Ontario

Daniel Walsh POS LW HT 6’0 WT 185 DOB 30/01/1994 Gloucester, Ontario

Connor Brown POS LW HT 5’11 WT 186 DOB 22/07/1995 Georgetown, Ontario

#17

#24

#30

Steven Janes POS LW HT 6’4 WT 205 DOB 24/02/1993 Etobicoke, Ontario

Nevin Guy POS D HT 5’10 WT 165 DOB 11/06/1995 Mountain, Ontario

Clint Windsor POS G HT 6”4” WT 217 DOB 2/11/1993 Hamilton, Ontario

#18

#25

#36

Taylor Davis POS D HT 6’2 WT 208 DOB 24/05/1995 Trenton, New Jersey

Brett Gustavsen POS LW HT 5’8 WT 170 DOB 13/03/1994 Scarborough, Ontario

Taylor Fielding POS RW HT 6’0 WT 213 DOB 01/01/1994 Hampton, Ontario

#19

#26

#83

Tyler Graovac POS C HT 6’4 WT 204 DOB 27/04/1993 Brampton, Ontario

Dante Salituro POS C HT 5’9 WT 181 DOB 15/11/1996 Willowdale, Ontario

Cody Ceci POS D HT 6’3 WT 206 DOB 21/12/1993 Orleans, Ontario

15

Arielle Tuttle, Cassie Murray, Ethan Gadde and Thomas Cook bring different experiences to the game

EXHILARATED FOR

CAPITAL CUP

A

tom and peewee players of all levels caught up in the excitement around the Bell Capital Cup.

But there may not be anyone who is more excited to take part in this year’s event than Ethan Gadde. The nine-year-old atom house ‘A’ player was all set to play in the tournament last season when that opportunity vanished in a split second during an exhibition game on the eve of the Capital Cup. With two goals in the bank already, Ethan was pressing for the hat trick when he saw the puck laying on the goal line. He cruised in at full speed to shoot but lost his footing and did the scissor splits into the boards.

“I knew right away I broke 16

my leg,” says Ethan, who doesn’t remember feeling pain since his body was in shock from the trauma. “I was just panicked. My leg looked like it was upside down.

It was gross.”

Ethan’s father Jason immediately jumped over the boards from his position behind the team’s bench.

“I’ve never seen anything like that in hockey, and I’ve played a long time,” says the coach of six years, who also grew up playing competitive hockey in Kanata. “It was horrible. You never, ever want to see anybody hurt, and especially

WRITTEN BY DAN PLOUFFE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

when it’s your own child, things are racing through your head because you’re so concerned about him.

“It was a pretty scary experience.”

Paramedics brought Ethan to CHEO, where they determined he’d suffered a broken left femur.

Two metal rods were inserted during surgery to attach his knee to his hip.

It was a devastating injury for the Grade 4 Castlefrank Elementary School student, who’s used to playing hockey up to six days a week, and it was only that much worse because it came at Christmastime.

“I had all this stuff I wanted to try,” recalls Ethan, who was in a wheelchair while his cast covered his leg. “I wasn’t allowed in the

basement either, which is where I got my PlayStation for Christmas.”

ROAD TO RECOVERY

But there were several people who lifted his spirits. His teammates all wore his No. 9 on the sleeves of their jerseys, and brought him a Bell Capital Cup cap with pins collected from their opponents.

“I just thought it was really nice of them,” says Ethan, who attended his club’s games later in the season with a remarkably positive spirit.

“I just cheered them on, and had fun watching them play.”

Ethan also received an encouraging phone call from Minnesota Wild defenceman Kurtis Foster, a Carp native who’d broken his femur while playing for the Wild in 2008. Ethan felt “awestruck” that an NHLer would call him, and was also thrilled to receive gear from Jay Beagle of CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

the Washington Capitals – his favourite team – and a signed poster from the Ottawa 67’s.

It all helped motivate him as he progressed through physiotherapy – from only being able to bend his knee the tiniest bit to being able to pull his leg back for a quadriceps stretch. By the end of the summer, Ethan was running around, and he got the green light to return to hockey in August.

“I had so much fun my first time back on the ice,” remembers Ethan, who’s now doubly excited to complete his comeback with a Capital Cup appearance. “I’m looking forward to just having fun and playing with my friends. I’m really happy that I get to play hockey again.”

Ethan’s parents were nervous about how their son would react after his injury, but he quickly showed them that he was in fine form by earning a place on a Kanata Blazers Rep ‘B’ competitive team for the first time in his career.

“As soon as he stepped on the ice, it was just a big smile on his face,” says his dad, who was very proud of how tough Ethan was throughout his ordeal. “His spirits were down for quite a bit, so it was awesome seeing a big smile on him after it being nothing but sad faces for a while.”

CUMBERLAND COMPANIONS SET FOR CAPITAL CUP DEBUTS

Another player who’s very excited for this year’s event after missing the last edition is Cassie Murray — although thankfully, in her case, it wasn’t an injury that caused her to miss it.

“I could have played last year, but there were too many parents away, so we couldn’t,” explains the Cumberland CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

Dukes atom house ‘A’ player, who’s looking forward to experiencing the foreign flavour of the tournament formerly named the Ottawa International Hockey Festival.

“I can’t wait to see how people from other countries play,” Cassie adds. “And I can’t wait to see if we can win a few games as well.”

The carrot dangling in front of the young players is the chance to compete at Scotiabank Place if they reach one of the 19 division finals, which take place from Dec. 30 to Jan. 1. Cassie’s team recently got to play an exhibition contest against a fellow Cumberland club at the Ottawa Senators’ home arena, and she is eager to get the chance again.

“It’s really fun being on the big ice,” says the Grade 5 de la Découverte elementary school student. “I like having the big ice. There’s more space to move.”

Cassie is one of two girls in the Cumberland A1 team’s lineup. The other is Arielle Tuttle, a Grade 4 des Pionniers elementary school student who’s become a good friend of Cassie’s.

“I find it’s good because I’m not the only girl. I like it,” Arielle says, emphasizing nonetheless that she and Cassie are treated the same as any other teammate. “It’s cool to see how the boys play, and how we’re different also.”

Both girls agree that what they’re looking forward to most about the tournament is the pin exchange.

It’s traditions like that make the tournament special, says Bell Capital Cup general manager Scott Lawryk. For many Ottawa hockey families, the event has become a treasured part of their holiday routine.

“It’s a big thrill for the kids to be able to play in front

of their whole family,” says Lawryk, noting that many relatives are often in town for the season. “They pack the arenas. Their fan base goes from 30 to a couple hundred.

They live in that spotlight for that little moment in time.”

Lawryk leads a team of 2,000 volunteers who will welcome about 385 teams to 30 ice pads at 19 venues across the capital. There are an endless number of tasks to take care of, but one of the big ones is co-ordinating local billets for the teams travelling from overseas, which this year include two entries from Germany, one from Hong Kong and four from Finland.

JUMPING FOR JOKERIT’S JOURNEY

There’s no doubt that aspect is what Thomas Cook is looking forward to most. His Ottawa Valley Silver Seven Black team is set to host the Jokerit Blue squad, which is competing in the minor peewee ‘AA’ division.

“I’m just in shock that we’re going to house some Finnish kids,” says Thomas, the goaltender for his 11-1-4 first-place club. “I’m looking forward to the joy of meeting new kids and talking to them about the differences in our culture.

“And playing on our backyard rink.”

The Cooks’ outdoor rink sounds like it’s straight out of a storybook. Parents Jenn and Jake created a kid’s dream in their Richmond backyard for Thomas and his younger brother, plus many more from the neighbourhood, it turns out.

Growing in size every year as their kids grow, the ice sheet is now around 40 x 60 feet, and this year is getting an upgrade with some fencing that was originally intended TURNS TO NEXT PAGE

Thomas Cook

ICE FLOW: 2005-2011 Richmond-Munster Royals minor hockey 2011-2012 Ottawa Valley Silver Seven ‘A’ WHY I PLAY THE GAME: It’s fun. My dad was a goalie and ever since I was little, I put on my mini-stick pads and blocker and trapper and I’d say, ‘Shoot on me, shoot on me!’ all the time. In IP, they’d pass around the pads and ask who wanted to play goalie and I always wanted to.

Ethan Gadde

ICE FLOW: 2007-2012 Kanata Minor Hockey Association 2012 Kanata Blazers Rep ‘B’ WHY I PLAY THE GAME: I enjoy that how much fun people have playing it. I really enjoy playing with my friends.

Arielle Tuttle

ICE FLOW: 2008-2012 Cumberland Minor Hockey Association WHY I PLAY THE GAME: I enjoy going out and playing and giving it my best.

Cassie Murray

ICE FLOW: 2007-2012 Cumberland Minor Hockey Association WHY I PLAY THE GAME: I like playing as a team, and being with my teammates.

17

The Ottawa 67’s Adopt-A-School Program is a partnership amongst area businesses, local school boards and the Ottawa 67’s Hockey Club. Businesses “adopt a school” and invest in season tickets for that school.

An opportunity exists for businesses to connect with students in a unique way. Adopted schools will use tickets as a reward for students achieving academic success or showing improvement.

If your business would like to join this community based initiative, please contact the

Ottawa 67’s at 232-6767 ext. 305 18

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CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

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for a pool, but will now serve as boards.

“Hopefully it’ll freeze,” says Jenn, whose family is hosting the two goalies from Jokerit as well as the other Silver Seven goalie, along with many more expected visitors. “I’m very confident we’ll have more than four. You can’t play with only four goalies.”

The team is “booked solid” with activities planned to entertain their guests, including going downtown to see museums and skate on the canal — if the weather co-operates. And an exhibition game is in the works, although it probably won’t be Ottawa Valley vs. Jokerit.

“We were talking about mixing it up so they don’t go against each other,” Jenn says with a smile, “especially because we have to house them.”

Thomas admits the prospect of living with someone he’s never met is a little worrisome, although they are planning to exchange e-mails and talk on Skype before the Finns arrive.

“I’m sort of nervous,” concedes the Grade 6 student at St. Philip Catholic School, who only knows how to say hello in Finnish, nothing more. “That might be a complication.”

But the Cooks aren’t overly concerned since English is the second language in Finland, much like French is in Canada, and they’ve got a trick up their sleeve if necessary. “There’s an app for that,” says Linda, who uses Google Translate to help her kids with their French homework. “I think we can do the same thing with Finnish. We can write in English, it’ll translate to Finnish, and then we can hit play.”

Lawryk noted it’s a “big commitment” the billet families make, especially during the holiday season, but says he always receives rave reviews nonetheless from those who participate.

“They come out of it with a fabulous experience and new friends,” says the second-year GM. “I’ve talked to people who have played in the tournament seven or eight years ago who still keep in touch with these families from overseas that they billeted at that time.

Some have gone over to that country to visit them.

“You really end up making lifelong friends because of this.”

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“We enjoy helping these young men pursue their hockey and CY BIGELOW academic dreams.” — NAN

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OU WON’T FIND NANCY AND BRENT BIGELOW’S NAMES IN A PROGRAM, BUT ANY HAWKESBURY HAWKS PLAYER WILL ATTEST TO THEIR IMPORTANCE TO THE TEAM.

Unlike the players, coaches and trainers, whose contributions are usually clearly obvious, the Bigelows perform their role quietly behind the scenes — and many players wouldn’t be able to compete without them. After all, as any highlevel athlete will tell you, few things are as vital to sporting success as proper nutrition and a good night’s sleep — which is where Nancy and Brent come in.

The Tier 2 Central Canadian Hockey League is the door to the future for many young competitive players with sights set on NCAA scholarships and professional careers. So when Nancy and Brent Bigelow — huge fans of the game themselves — were first asked four years ago to open their door to billet out-of-town Hawks players, 20

they jumped at the chance and haven’t looked back.

“We enjoy helping these young men pursue their hockey and academic dreams,” says Nancy.

Choosing to pursue a junior hockey career away from home is often a difficult decision for both players and parents. Whether it is for university, travel or a job, leaving the nest is never as simple as it seems.

That’s where billets such as the Bigelows come in, hosting out-of-town players in their home, giving them room and board and a place to call home — allowing players to focus on the game without the worry or stress of being away from family and friends. Families such as the Bigelows receive a small stipend from the team to offset their costs, but their role in developing young talent is huge.

In retrospect, the role of billet seems like a pretty natural fit for Nancy and Brent. Both of their sons, Ryan, 23, and Nicholas, 21, played hockey from the time they were five years old. When Ryan progressed to the Hawks, he asked his parents if they would allow an out-of-town player to stay with them.

While Ryan has moved on from the game and now attends McGill University, Nancy and Brent are just as attached to the Hawks as ever. Their own three children, including daughter Angela, have left home, but the Bigelows continue to enjoy their role as “parents” who lend support and guidance to the players.

WELCOME HOME

Every fall, two to three new players come to the Bigelows.

They are like most teenaged boys — they eat, they sleep, they play hockey. Some have part-time jobs, while others take online courses to prepare for university or finish high school. But that doesn’t mean

PLAYERS RYAN KRUSS #19 • • • •

18 years old from Thornhill, Ontario Plays defence Started in IP (5 yrs old) Favourite thing about hockey: Being part of a team • Least favourite: Not accomplishing team and individual goals • Hopes to play college hockey • Calls home every day • Will be taking online courses in January Advice for other players about being away from home: “It’s a good experience.”

SHANE TOPF #7 •

19 years old from Eagle River, Alaska • Plays forward • Started when he was in IP (5 yrs old) • Favourite thing about hockey: Scoring goals • Least favourite: Losing • Hopes to play at college or pro level.

• Calls home once per week, stays in touch via text • Currently taking a marine biology online course and has studied science and nutrition Advice for other players about being away from home: “It’s not so tough.”

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the billeting lineup is set for the season, since the league’s trade deadline isn’t until Jan. 1.

Nancy and Brent started the season hosting three players, but two have since been dealt to other teams. “We have met players from all parts of Canada and the USA,” says Brent.

One recently traded billet, Shane Topf, is from Alaska, while current billet Ryan Kruss hails from Thornhill, near Toronto.

MEET THE PARENTS

It is not always possible for players’ parents to travel to Hawkesbury to meet the Bigelows and help their sons settle in.

This was Shane’s first year with the family, and his parents were not able to visit him in Hawkesbury. When parents can manage to see a game or two, they are welcome to visit with their sons at the Bigelow home.

“We had one father from Newfoundland stay with us for a week during tryouts,” Nancy recalls. Chatting on the phone or exchanging e-mails helps both families get to know each other better and provides some reassurance.

THIS IS NOT A HOTEL

The Bigelows play an active role in ensuring the boys eat healthy, balanced meals. “Our grocery bills are scary,” says Nancy with a laugh. As Nancy and Brent both work full-time, the players are responsible for getting their own breakfast and lunch, while dinners are prepared by Nancy and shared together. Usually at the beginning of the season, a joint trip to the grocery store helps Nancy figure out what foods the players enjoy. Any dietary issues or allergies are also discussed. The boys are also expected to keep their rooms tidy and help out with the dishes. “Players who have reached this level of hockey are very focused and usually make an effort to help when they can,” Nancy explains.

HOCKEY CENTRAL

The Bigelow home is a comfortable space where the boys can relax, rest and prepare for the next game or practice. It helps that Nancy and Brent are unabashed hockey fans who truly love the game. They attend all Hawks home games and support the team in

golf tournaments and 50-50 raffles.

In fact, you might call the Bigelow residence the Hawks’ unofficial headquarters. The basement is adorned with hockey memorabilia from various teams, pictures of the Bigelow boys and the Hawks logo. There is no lounge or common room at the arena, so the whole team often gathers at Nancy and Brent’s after a game or on off-days to play video games, watch movies or just relax and get to know each other. “They come after the games to dissect the plays, to commiserate a loss or to celebrate a win,” Nancy says. It isn’t unusual for seven or eight players to gather down there on a regular night.

Recently, Nancy started a new tradition to celebrate home victories by baking fresh cupcakes for the team after the game. The sweet chant of “Cuppies” is now shouted up to the stands by the players after the Hawks win. Thankfully, the Bigelows live close to the arena and Nancy has just enough time to whip them up and have them ready when the crowd arrives.

Those efforts are not lost on the Hawks.

Indeed, billets think of the Bigelows almost like a second family. “They have helped me feel better being away from home by creating a comfortable environment and they treat me like a son,” says Ryan. Having only been with the Bigelows a short time, Ryan is without the customary nickname that Brent assigns each player. “His will come,” jokes Brent.

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PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW

Every spring, the Bigelows say goodbye to players who have lived with them for up to 10 months, often not knowing if they will be back in the fall. They have made lasting connections with some, and many still maintain contact with Nancy and Brent. “We had two of them visit us this summer,” says Nancy. “Both are playing hockey in American colleges now.”

The players are not looking forward to saying goodbye either. Shane, who has one year left in the league, says his time with Nancy and Brent “made me feel welcome and provided me with a home away from home.”

BIGELOW’S WEEKLY STATS

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PLAYER PROFILE

Ottawa 67’s

JACOB BLAIR

WRITTEN BY JASON CHEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

ICE FLOW 2000-01 Intiation Program 2001-02 Initiation Program 2002-03 Minor Novice Kanata Chiefs 2003-04 Novice A Kanata Kaos 2004-05 Minor Atom A Kanata Blazers (first full-year as goalie) 2005-06 Major Atom AA Kanata Blazers 2006-07 Minor Peewee AA Kanata Blazers 2007-08 Major Peewee AA Kanata Blazers 2008-09 Minor Bantam AA Kanata Blazers 2009-10 Major Bantam AAA Ottawa Senators 2010-11 Minor Midget AAA Ottawa Senators 2011-12 Ottawa West Golden Knights Jr. B/Ottawa 67’s 2012-13 Ottawa 67’s 22

C

alm, cool and collected. That’s the best way to describe how Ottawa 67’s goalie Jacob Blair tends the net.

“It’s always the way I was when I was younger,” says the soft-spoken teen. “When I played my better games, I was calm. If I tried to get intense and amped up for games, I wouldn’t play as well. I think about the game too much. I just always stay calm and relax out there.”Indeed, Blair’s mental approach is his greatest strength.

“Nothing bothers him,” says 67’s goalie coach Tom Dempsey, who has worked with Blair since the Kanata native was 14. “I’m happy with that kind of mental attitude.

He’s very good at handling all kinds of things.”“I’m not sure where he gets that calm demeanor from,” says Blair’s father, Ron. Kids starting out in minor hockey rotate positions to ensure every player has some experience playing all over the ice, but Blair always wanted to be a goalie. He showed an aptitude for it early on, too, when he won player of the game honours at a tournament in Arnprior.

The quiet teen prefers to let his game speak for itself.

“I remember his bantam Triple-A coach came up to me once,” says Ron, “and said, ‘He can talk, right?’ ”At 6-foot-3 and just 176 pounds, Blair still has some filling out to do, but he’s got the frame to add extra muscle. “Physically, he’s a big guy,” says Dempsey. “He has a very quick blocker and glove hand. He’s not a traditional butterfly goalie, but he’s quick with his feet too.”

Blair’s quickness and reflexes have come in handy this season. With a porous defence in front of him, he’s had to make some timely acrobatic saves to keep his team in games.

When asked which NHL goaltender he most likens himself to, Blair thinks for a second before piping up: “Carey Price.”

Blair is too young to know much of Georges

Vézina, the “Chicoutimi Cucumber,” so nicknamed because of his calm demeanor in net back in the early days of the NHL, but Price, the twotime Montreal Canadiens all-star, is an apt comparison as well. “[Like Price], I’m confident in the way I am,” says Blair. But also like Price, some people mistake the calm demeanor with a lack of urgency or a carefree attitude. But Blair was passionate from the beginning, waking up his father at 4 a.m. for 6 a.m. practices. “I don’t really pay attention to what people have to say about me, positive or negative. I try not to get too high or low.”

Drafted 119th overall in the sixth round of the 2011 OHL draft, the Kanata native is in his first season with the 67’s. “He was a local goalie who showed some promise in his draft year,” says 67’s head coach and GM Chris Byrne.

“In the time we’ve had him, he’s been a hard-working, competitive goalie who has a future in the game.”

Blair has always wanted to play in the OHL, says his dad. A few other teams, including Belleville and Kitchener, had made calls and expressed some interest in Blair, but his hometown team ended up calling his name. “‘We were very happy he was taken by Ottawa,” says Ron. “The fact that he could stay at home and play hockey and stay at [All Saints Catholic High School], where he’s always

attended, is a great thing.”

“I came into camp [last year] and a lot of sixth-round picks aren’t expected to make it,” says Blair. Even if Blair impressed, the 67’s were already set in goal, with Czech import Petr Mrazek tabbed as the starter and Shayne Campbell the backup.

Blair lived close enough to the team’s facility and performed well enough at camp to be invited to practise regularly with the 67’s. It was a good way to get some more ice time and experience. Playing with the Ottawa West Golden Knights, his practices were limited to once or twice a week.

The big call came in late December.

Blair was ecstatic.

“Once Mrazek left for the world juniors,” says Blair, “they said they wanted me here, so I signed. I came into camp this year to try and win a spot.”

Mrazek turned pro after the season, and Blair pulled on the No. 1 jersey previously worn with distinction by his predecessor, a Red Wings draft pick.

Blair had a solid training camp this season, showing a great work ethic and impressing the 67’s brass in two exhibition games against the Gatineau Olympiques.

“I needed to see if he could handle it,” says Dempsey. In terms of dealing with the pressure and keeping his composure, Blair excelled, but like most goalies adjusting to the OHL, he needs CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

to get better at reading plays and keeping track of everyone on the ice so he doesn’t get caught off-guard with a back-door pass.

Keegan Wilson, who was acquired from the Brampton Battalion in the off-season, ended up earning the starting job, but the backup role was up for grabs. Blair ended up winning the job in a battle with Michael Nishi, who was later released and joined the Olympiques.

The 67’s were three games into their season when Blair’s first big test came.

Wilson was sidelined with a groin injury, which meant Blair started the next three games, including back-to-back contests against Sudbury and Belleville. Blair finished his three-game stint stopping 93 of the 104 shots he faced.

“We’re very happy with the way he handled it,” says Dempsey. “He played brilliantly against Belleville for two periods.”

Dempsey would like to see Blair play 15-20 games this year, although that decision will be up to Byrne.

With the 67’s off to a slow start, it hasn’t been the easiest season for a rookie in Ottawa. Wilson struggled as the starter and was later traded to the Guelph Storm. It opened the door for Blair to be Ottawa’s No. 1 netminder, but the 67’s felt the 17-year-old needed to be eased into the OHL, not thrown into the fire.

Clint Windsor was acquired from the Mississauga Steelheads to be the team’s starter, with Blair keeping his backup role.

Through 28 games, Blair has started seven games and played in parts of three others. The rookie had a 2-5-0 record with a 4.40 GAA and .879 save percentage, though those numbers aren’t necessarily reflective of his play this season.

In three of Blair’s five losses, he was peppered with at least 44 shots. The 67’s aren’t playing well defensively, but Blair is doing his best to keep them in games.

“Going into Christmas break, the first half has been tough,” he says. “I need to push it a little more.”

Blair is still adjusting to the speed of the OHL game and continues to work on reading plays.

The 67’s are still concentrating on righting the ship this season and aren’t thinking about next year, but if Blair can string together more consistent performances, he’ll get a good look at the No. 1 job.

CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

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VOLUNTEER

Volunteer, Joanne Cleary WRITTEN BY KELLY SERJEANTSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON CODE

W

“hoa! Whoa! Whoa! Let’s go, 67’s!” This familiar chant can be heard many times during the junior club’s home games at Scotiabank Place.

Enthusiastic fans, eager to support their team, wave pompoms and foam fingers and sing along.

There’s a good chance many of those voices are coming from Section 115 — where the 67’s Booster Club can be found.

Since 1990, this dedicated group of volunteers has attended home games, raising funds to give back to the players who thrill them every week. Booster clubs are popular throughout junior hockey, and Ottawa is no exception.

“To see the faces on the youngsters as they skate or have their pictures taken with their favourite player is priceless,” — JOANNE CLEARY

Joanne Cleary, president of the 67’s Booster Club, is a longtime fan. For decades before the NHL’s Senators arrived on the scene, the junior club was the No. 1 attraction for hockey-lovers.

“Back in the early days, the 67’s game was the only thing to do on a Friday night,” remembers Cleary. As a young wife and mother to son Chris, Cleary began to get heavily involved with the Booster Club in the the early 1990s, when nephew Tory Stonier was drafted to the team. She took over as president in 1998 and hasn’t looked back.

While not affiliated with the Ottawa 67’s office, the Booster Club is a valued part of the team.

“All the monies we raise are given back to the players in a variety of ways,” says Cleary. Over the years, boosters have helped raise funds for a glove dryer, a workout station, video equipment and TV for the players. The 67’s organization donates game-worn jerseys to the club to be raffled off — always a popular item for dedicated fans.

While seven other key members make up the executive of the Booster Club, as president, Cleary dedicates several hours per week to prepare for game days and other events. The club’s members — who number more than 350 — enjoy special privileges: Members get a gift when joining as well as discounts for bus trips, banquets, some local restaurants, 67’s souvenir stores. They are also entered into draws for numerous game-day prizes which are generously donated by local companies throughout CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

21

YEARS INVOLVED WITH THE BOOSTER CLUB

1999 12

BEST MOMENT AS A 67’s FAN – WATCHING THE TEAM WIN THE MEMORIAL CUP IN 1999.

the region.

Club memberships and tickets for raffles are available at all home games.

For most players, competing at the major-junior level means living away from home and being away from friends and family. The Booster Club helps make the transition easier for players by providing them with a link to their biggest fans, organizing team and fan banquets, donating holiday packages to the players, and booking busloads of fans to attend out-of-town games. Each year, junior Booster Club members are invited to a Skate with the Players event — a highlight for Cleary.

“To see the faces on the youngsters as they skate or have their pictures taken with their favourite player is priceless,” she says.

Another special Booster Club duty is collecting pictures and news clippings of each player throughout the season and

MEMORIAL CUP GAMES ATTENDED SINCE 1999 (EVERY YEAR SINCE, A GROUP TRAVELS TO THE HOST CITY TO WATCH THE TOURNAMENT REGARDLESS OF WHO IS PLAYING).

650 LARGEST NUMBER OF MEMBERS IN THE CLUB. 2003-2004 SEASON

sending them to parents.

“It is about giving back,” explains Cleary. “We want to help the players feel part of our community, meeting fans, parents and billets.” For many parents, receiving these clipping packages helps strengthen their connection to heir son’s team.

“As a parent, it is extremely comforting to know that good folks are there to support the boys on and off the ice,” says Rita Prince, mother of former 67’s player, Shane Prince.

As a “lifer” in the club, Cleary has had many other hockey-related volunteer opportunities, including helping out at the world junior tournament when it was held in Ottawa in 2009, the 2012 NHL All-Star Weekend and this spring’s women’s world championship.

It’s all in a day’s work for this dedicated hockey fan.

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MY PROUDEST MOMENT: When I was eight years old in Novice, I was playing forward in a Sunday morning game. It was the opening face-off and we got the puck into the offensive zone. I received a pass in front of the net and I shot it past the goalie at 11 seconds into the first period. The other team scored shortly after. Our goalie skated to the bench and said he wasn’t feeling well. Coach told me to go in the locker room and get dressed to take over as goalie. When I came back out in the second period, the score was still 1-1. I finished the game and earned a shutout. The final score was 4 – 1. I am now a full-time goalie and that moment has made me who I am today.

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CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

LIAM MAGUIRE’S HOCKEY TRIVIA

THIS DAY IN

HOCKEY December 18 ON THIS DAY IN 1954: Montreal’s Maurice Richard became the first player in NHL history to score 400 career goals, when the Canadiens defeated the Black Hawks 4-2 at Chicago.

December 20 ON THIS DAY IN 1995: The Vancouver Canucks played the 2,000th game in team history, a 2-2 tie against the Kings in Los Angeles. The tie gave the Canucks an all-time record of 724-980-296 since entering the NHL in 1970-’71.

December 22 ON THIS DAY IN 1971: Chicago’s Bobby Hull scored his 28th (and final) career hat trick to lead the Black Hawks to a 4-1 win over the Seals in Oakland.

Hull became the first player in NHL history to score 28 hat tricks.

December 24 ON THIS DAY IN 1934: Former NHL centre Fred Saskamoose was born in Sandy Lake Reserve, Sask.

Saskamoose played in the NHL in 1953-’54 with Chicago, and was the first native North American to play in the NHL.

December 25 ON THIS DAY IN 1964: Goaltender Jacques Plante recorded his 63rd career shutout, Camille Henry

CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013 Small sizes : Under 50mm

scored twice and Rod Gilbert picked up three assists as the Rangers won 3-0 at Boston.

Games on Christmas day were a regular part of the NHL schedule until 1971. The New York Rangers probably wish they were still a part of the landscape. In 38 games played on Dec. 25, their record was 25-112, a staggering winning percentage and way ahead of the next five teams on this list.

December 27 ON THIS DAY IN 1979: The first NHL game was played at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. The St. Louis Blues won 3-2 over the Red Wings, with Bernie Federko scoring a goal and two assists. One of his assists came on the first goal in the new building scored by his teammate, Brian Sutter. Federko is also on record as the first player in NHL history to record 50-plus assists in 10 straight seasons, while Sutter joins his brothers, Darryl, Duane, Brent, Rich and Ron, as the highest point-scoring brother combination in NHL history, regular season only. If you include playoff totals, that record is held by Wayne and Brent Gretzky.

December 29 ON THIS DAY IN 1936 Boston’s Bill Cowley

scored two goals in a span of 40 seconds during the first period to spark a 3-0 win against the Montreal Maroons. Tiny Thompson recorded his 63rd career shutout. Cowley’s son Dan is now a well-known local restaurant owner operating the local Don Cherry franchises. He was also a pro hockey player.

December 31 ON THIS DAY IN 1975: Will forever be known as the date of the New Year’s Eve game at the Montreal Forum. The Montreal Canadiens and the Soviet Red Army played to a 3-3 tie as part of a series of games known as ‘Super Series 76.’ Montreal outshot the Red Army 38-13 in the contest. The game came just a little more than three years after the epic Summit Series of 1972.

January 2 ON THIS DAY IN 2001: Montreal’s Jose Theodore became the second goaltender in NHL history to score a goal while recording a shutout, as the Canadiens won 3-0

January 4 ON THIS DAY IN 1992: The Rangers’ Mike Gartner scored a goal and added an assist to become the 33rd player in NHL history to score 1,000 career points. The historic effort came in a 6-4 loss at New Jersey.

January 6 ON THIS DAY IN 1980: The Philadelphia Flyers scored twice in the final period for a 4-2 win at Buffalo, running their NHLrecord unbeaten streak to 35 games (25-0-10). The streak ended with a loss to the Minnesota North Stars the next night.

January 8 ON THIS DAY IN 1988: Chicago rookie goalie Darren Pang set a club record for goaltenders when he picked up his fifth assist of the season as the Blackhawks won 7-3 over Toronto at Chicago Stadium. Pang is an Ottawa native, his mother and sister still live here and he helped the Ottawa 67’s win the Memorial Cup in 1984.

Ottawa. The win broke an 11-game losing streak for the Senators.

January 12 ON THIS DAY IN 1947: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were on hand as guests of New York management, as the Rangers beat Toronto 3-2.

Edgar Laprade led the scoring with a goal and an assist.

January 14 ON THIS DAY IN 1922: For the first time in NHL history, brothers on the same team scored four goals apiece, as Montreal defenceman Sprague Cleghorn and his brother Odie led the Canadiens to a 10-6 win over the Hamilton Tigers in Montreal.

January 16 ON THIS DAY IN 1968: The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the NHL All-Stars 4-3 in Toronto in the final game that pitted the defending Stanley Cup Champions against a team of stars from the other five NHL teams. Bruce Gamble, a goaltender for Toronto, was voted the game’s MVP.

January 18

against the Islanders in Long Island. The Ottawa Senators’ Damien Rhodes was the first goalie to pull off the feat in a 6-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils.

January 10 ON THIS DAY IN 1993: Bob Kudelski scored the first hat trick in Senators “modern” history (and the third of his career), leading the team to a 3-2 win against the Sharks in

ON THIS DAY IN 1970: Boston’s Bobby Orr scored a goal and an assist, his 64th and 65th points of the season, to break his own NHL single-season point mark for defencemen (set the previous season). The Bruins beat Montreal 6-3.

The points gave Orr 200 in 216 career games.

29

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$196,000 Amount of money raised for local minor hockey associations and charities by the Bell Capital Cup in 2007

14 The 2013 Bell Capital Cup is the 14th tournament

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Number of ice pads in use for the 2013 Bell Capital Cup

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510

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Number of players on those 510 teams when the Guiness record was set CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013

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