The Great Outdoors September 2019

INTERCITY AUTO CENTRE AND INTERCITY POWER SPORTS, WANTS YOU TO Experience that GREAT feeling of… ‘Aaaaahhhhh!’

Celebrity Hockey comes to THUNDER BAY FOR THE 3rd annual EASTER SEALS CELEBRITY HOCKEY CLASSIC The Annual Slate River Plowing Match

Thunder Bay Young Professional takes a Swing at Former Grocery Store Location and Unveils On the Links Virtual Golf & Sports Bar

Colin Sobey Wins The 2019 Teleco District Amateur and Sucessfully Defends

Thunder Bay Young Professional takes a Swing at Former Grocery Store Location and Unveils On the Links Virtual Golf & Sports Bar

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Great Outdoors A new virtual golf training simulator and sports bar will soon replace the former Quality Market grocery store located on Golf Links Road in Thunder Bay. Today, young professional and entrepreneur, Chris Ferguson unveiled the On the Links Virtual Golf & Sports Bar, which is the first of its kind in the city, offering golf, food, drinks and sports.

The new facility will feature four top of the line golf simulators supplied by High Definition Golf and will operate seven days a week, enhancing the opportunity for indoor sports in Thunder Bay. Owner, Chris Ferguson explains that the concept is in high demand in the city.

“We have so many people in Thunder Bay who enjoy the sport both recreationally and professionally. After a few years of research and traveling to several manufacturers and golf facilities, my family and I decided to put this idea into motion. We are excited to remodel the site, and provide more sporting activities for the community, especially when winter freezes over. Growing up and seeing my family operate a successful business for over 40 years, I’ve always had that entrepreneurial spirit.”

On the Links Virtual Golf & Sports Bar will create an indoor golf experience that allows golfers to virtually play dozens of the world’s top courses. Golfers get to

swing their golf club and putt a ball in an enclosed area while the simulator does the rest. “Golfers looking to improve their game throughout the season have a new option. The realism is

to swing a golf club. He even anticipates corporate team building sessions and birthday parties.

Thunder Bay Golfer Hank Wilke,

Pebble Beach? This is a way to learn the course before you play it.”

The new location will also feature a sports bar that will serve up Thunder Bay craft brews and drinks, complimented by lounge snacks and local food. It will be the first of its kind to also host indoor leagues, tournaments, and competitions.

“The location and building are perfect in my opinion. It’s central, right off the highway and easily accessible. The facility is also neighbouring a golf course, which we hope to collaborate with, a university, college, and hospital. For virtual golf, the building itself is ideal, with high ceilings and a lot of space.

Although On the Links Virtual Golf & Sports Bar will only utilize fifty-percent of the building, we are hoping it acts as a catalyst and attracts more businesses to locate at the site,” continues Ferguson.

Chris Ferguson

actually jaw-dropping as you see the entire game exactly as you would outdoors,” explains Ferguson.

Several well-known golf professionals from around the globe attribute success in part to golf simulators. On the Links Virtual Golf & Sports Bar, is a familyfriendly location that will be available to everyone expressing interest in the sport.

Ferguson expects to see pros, course members, and even those that have yet

President of the Thunder Bay District Golf Association says the new site allows people to continue their golf game year round and not be interrupted by the weather or seasons. “It’s the perfect setting for training and practice.

Beginners can learn the game at ease without the intimidation of strangers observing, and the pace of play will always be comfortable. Virtual golf also helps maintain your swing and perfect your golf game. Planning a trip to

Chris Fergusan is the President of On the Links Indoor Golf facility combined with food and beverage in a sports bar setting.

The building is near 11,000 and they are dividing it up to 5000 square feet and will hope to attract other businesss to the site as well.

“I played golf for about 25 years. My parents got me a starter set when I was 8 years old. I try to get out 20 times per year every summer.”

The simulators are provided by Hi Definition Golf the worlds best and most accurate. Serious golfers want an accurate system.

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“ The golf community of Thunder Bay will really benefit from this. It’s not just golf we are going to have a sports bar setting, big screen TV’s, bar top tables and a fully serviced bar with some snacks.” “ My family has been in business for over 40 years. We plan on opening later this fall, that is the goal.”

On the Links Virtual Golf & Sports Bar is expected to open later this fall. www.onthelinks.ca

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About HD Golf: • HD Golf simulator is the most accurate indoor system when it comes to analyzing shot data. It is endorsed by PGA Tour pro’s like Bryson DeChambeau, Bubba Watson, Fred Couples, Zack Johnson, and many more.

• HD Golf high-speed cameras are more accurate indoors than radar launch because its camera’s are “Smart Cameras”. HD has microprocessors in the cameras that analyze the shot data before it gets to the computer…zero lag time. • HD Golf has a dedicated Spin Module that actually measures back spin and side spin. All other simulators calculate spin numbers using ball speed and launch angle.

www.slednews.ca The Annual Slate River Plowing Match The Annual Slate River Plowing Matchs were held September 6th and 7th at Highway #130 and Piper Road

in Oliver-Paipoonge Township just outside of Thunder Bay. It has now became a tradition for me to attend each year. There is just something about being out on a nice after-

noon with the farming people whom are enthusiastic about their work!

This very fun event offers harvest

demos in binding, stocking, threshing and grain grinding.There is a ploughing competition, antique tractors as well as brand new tractors, and a tractor rodeo. Live music is played,there are many food vendors, kids play area and people movers!

Rural Heritage Days shows off the farming lifestyle right at the doorstep of urban Thunder Bay and is really worth a visit each September. My favourite part of the event is talking to the people who work or have worked in the farm industry. They are a very genuine group who seem to really enjoy their work and lifestyle.

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The first plowing match in the Slate River Valley was held October 12th,1927.The ploughs then were all horse driven. No matchs were held from 1940 to 1945 during the war but have been held ever since.

Todays four wheel drive tractor can plow 45 acres of land in a day which is far different than the earlier machines on display.

You should make plans to attend next years event in September!

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INTERCITY AUTO CENTRE AND INTERCITY POWER SPORTS, WANTS YOU TO Experience that GREAT feeling of… ‘Aaaaahhhhh!’

By Sherry Hanes O.k. So, right about now you might be thinking, ‘What do I have to do to experience that great feeling of ‘Aaaaaahhhh!’?

Congratulations to Intercity Auto Centre/Intercity Power Sports, now located at 879 Tungsten Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario. They are excited to be holding a Grand Opening on Saturday, September 21, 2019, in celebration of their new, 17,000 square foot power sports showroom and automotive repair and parts shop, address.

The new site, which actually opened on December 31, 2018, embellishes professional décor` and atmosphere, pleasantly displaying, bright and roomy aesthetics, where one

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experiences a genuine sense of a welcoming invitation, to come in and spend time browsing around.

Bringing the family in, to see the wide assortment of power sport vehicles, is strongly encouraged, which will promote ‘Family Fun’ on a whole new level and asking questions, getting the

dialog going is also generously encouraged.

The auto centre side of the business, has served Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario with outstanding repair services, products/after-market products and accessories, since 1997. Their professional services for any automotive repair, including transmission repairs and kits, and lift kits, to name a few, are second to none! They are also well known for fleet repair services, involving a number of prominent government and private sector businesses and they also are highly noted for their exceptional and prompt REMOTE repair services, which takes them just about anywhere in Northern Ontario.

“I’ll bet you didn’t know that?”

Historically speaking, in the beginning, the business itself, was comprised of Intercity Auto Centre only. For the first few years in business, there was the usual shuffle within the company, involving different partners, but eventually, through independent decisions, Bruce Miault, in partnership with Chris Kaukola, forged forward, continuing on in pursuing continued success. The addition of the second enterprise, Intercity Power Sports Centre, in 2014, has been thriving and servicing Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario since that time’.

Continued

INTERCITY AUTO CENTRE AND INTERCITY POWER SPORTS, WANTS YOU TO Experience that GREAT feeling of… ‘Aaaaahhhhh!’

Continued The Power Sports Centre is the new ‘go-to’, for new and used power sports vehicles sales, services, repairs, equipment and accessories.

Superior customer service and operations in automotive, mechanical repairs, builds kits, auto parts and accessories, combined with excellent business strategies, administration, sales and direction, lent way to that perfect balance for the success of this home grown, business. The families and friends of both partners, have been and continue to be, inspirational and supportive, of the ‘day-to-day’ operations of the business. Long hours and major decisions are all part of advancing and sustaining viability and Bruce cannot say enough about the support he and his partner share and receive from family, friends and community!

Previously to relocating to 879 Tungsten Street, the business started out on Cobalt Crescent and then moved to 570 10th Avenue, for eight-

een years. Today business partners, Bruce and Chris, have found, what appears to be, a permanent home for their business. As with creating any new business, there is always that one turning point…that one question of, ‘Should we go for it?’ and in this case, Bruce and partner Chris, supported by family and friends, helped direct the decision that propelled this venture

forward.

The Power Sport Centre offers nothing but the best in recreational power sport vehicles for your all- season fun, when it comes to the Great Outdoors!

This recreational sports vehicle dealership, proudly carries both new and preowned snowmobiles, ATVs, sidexsides, outboards, boats, trailers and personal

watercraft. It does not matter if you are a well- seasoned or first-time operator/buyer, the expert sales team will have you quickly operating your power vehicle with confidence and safety. At Intercity Power Sports they will introduce you to the full line of Arctic Cat snowmobiles, ATVs and sidexsides, CFMOTO and sidexsides, Yamaha marine, Tohatsu Outboards, G3 Boats, KingFisher Boats and Kodiak Inflatable Boats. Along with having a wide range of products, they also carry multiple lines of aftermarket parts and accessories, for your snowmobile, ATV, boat and sidexside. In addition, they are also your local dealer for Hewitt Docks & Lifts, Yamaha Power Products and SnowDog. The fine team of experts, want you to know that “If you are ready to get out and enjoy the most of Northern Ontario’s finest snowmobiling, hunting and fishing or just get out and tear up some snow, dirt or water – We want to help you find fun!

Continued

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INTERCITY AUTO CENTRE AND INTERCITY POWER SPORTS, WANTS YOU TO Experience that GREAT feeling of… ‘Aaaaahhhhh!’

Continued At Intercity Power Sports the friendly and knowledgeable staff want to make sure your experience is outstanding from making your purchase to regular

maintenance, they value their customers and strive to make a customer relationship for life.”

Intercity Auto Centre and Intercity

cal repairs, annual /safety inspections, air conditioning install, starting/charging system check, all electrical work or diagnostics.

Bruce and Chris invites everyone to stop in and see what they do and what they have to offer for services, parts,

Power Sports, have a great team of experienced, hard-working individuals, where team work rules and dedication to providing exceptional customer service and quality of work is priority.

This is one place you will definitely want to stop at, when considering purchasing any power sport vehicles or needing any auto repairs, lift kits,

transmission repairs, body lift kits, suspension lift kits, oil changes, tire repairs, wheel alignments, all mechani-

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equipment and repairs and they would also like all of their customers to know that, without them, their business would not be the success that it is today!

At Intercity Auto Centre and Intercity Power Sports, you will come in as a customer and leave as a friend…but don’t just wait until the GRAND OPENING…stop in any time during their regular business hours and experience that GREAT feeling of Aaaaahhhhh!

INTERCITY AUTO CENTRE/INTERCITY POWER SPORTS, 879 Tungsten Street, Thunder Bay Ontario P7B 6H2 Phone: (807) 767-8884 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday: 8:00am-5:30pm Saturday: 10:00am-2:00pm Service Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday: 8:00am-5:00pm Email: info@intercitypowersports.ca

Celebrity Hockey comes to THUNDER BAY FOR THE 3rd annual EASTER SEALS CELEBRITY HOCKEY CLASSIC On Friday, October 25, hockey fans in the Thunder Bay area will have the opportunity to skate with NHL greats in the city’s third annual Celebrity Hockey Classic in support of Easter Seals Ontario.

For the past 96 years, Easter Seals has been providing support for children and youth with physical disabilities with programs including funding for essential mobility and accessibility equipment, as well as fully accessible

summer camp opportunities at its two properties, Camp Merrywood and Camp Woodeden.

www.celebrityhockeyclassics.com or easterseals.org.

For more information, please visit

The tournament kicks off the evening of Thursday, October 24 with an unforgettable Draft Party, where each team will select a NHL star to play on their team. Draft positions will be deter-

mined by the total dollars raised by each team. After an evening spent getting to know their celebrity teammate, teams will hit the ice on Friday, October 25 at the Thunder Bay Tournament Centre. Each team is guaranteed a minimum three games with VIP treatment before and after each game.

An All-Star game ends the tournament with the top individual fundraisers from each team taking on the Celebrity All-Star Team in a thrilling game of hockey. Other Celebrity Hockey Classic tournaments taking place this year feature Eric Lindros in Whitby, Brad May in Halton, Rick Vaive in Waterloo and events in Brampton, Grey Bruce and York-Simcoe.

Each team must pay a registration fee of $1,500 (non-refundable/non-receiptable) plus a minimum of $400 per player in fundraising in order to qualify to play in the tournament.

Funds will help kids in Ontario with physical disabilities live more independently within their communities.

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Colin Sobey Wins The 2019 Teleco District Amateur and Sucessfully Defends His 2018 Title!

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Great Outdoors Colin Sobey sucessfully defended his 2018 Thunder Bay District Amateur golf championship with a 2019 win this year!. “ It was a battle out there starting three back of Ryan and playing with a 15 year old

as well. I hit 14 of 18 greens in regulation.

It is tough to remain composed over 54 holes, you don’t see the same hole twice as the amateur is played over 3 courses. You have to be physically and mental good, it is a grind. Today I said I would play conservative golf with three drivers holes only,” said Colin Sobey.

Above: Colin Sobey with 1 year old son Beckett and girlfriend Kayla.. Bottom Jack Moro Last week Colin also pulled off the club championship at Centennial.

It was fun playing in the final group with 15 year old Jack Moro according to Colin. “ I asked Jack how are your feeling and play just like you are playing with your friends today. Jack hit a perfect drive and approach shot on the first hole and made a birdie and then we were chasing him for awhile. It does get tiring and Jack played so

next and try for the threepeat.” notes Colin Sobey.

Jack Moro, age15, finished third in the overall championship, quite an accomplishment at a young age. “ It was awesome today, going into the day I just wanted to hit fairways and greens and I did that pretty well. I was nervous at the start but calmed down after the first tee shot,” said Jack Moro, St Patrick High School student. “ I started golfing at age 3 when I got my first clubs and starting playing tournaments at 7 or 8 and loved it from the start. The next few weeks I have high school golf lined up which will be fun. I won the junior player of the year here and played in an event in Manitoba and qualified for the Canadian Juniors the second week of August. It was incredible there. My goal is to get a US golf scholarship and play on the tour someday. I’m happy with my performance, left a few shots out there but overall it was good.”

good.” “ You have to come out and put your ball in the right spots. You need to give yourself a chance based on the pin locations. My iron striking was really good today at Whitewater. To win the amateur two times in a row is fantastic. I’ll have to come back

Overall Scores Colin Sobey 216 Ryan Pietila 220 Brett Shewchuk 221 Jack Moro 223 Barry Caland 226 Casey Niemi 226 Scott Glomba 230 Nathan Mercier 231 Hank Wilke 234 Trevor Green 241 Spencer Bodnar 241 Dustin Mauro 244 Rob Campbell 246 Albert Drake 248 Ed Olsen 248 Tony Stokaluk 249 Andy Karanasos 250 Scott Wilke 251 Ron Compardo 252 Aaron Leupen 254 Kevin Campbell 254 Frank Conci 255 Mike Satten 256 Decio Lopes 256 John DeGrazia 258 Dan Kukko 261 Ash Nate 270 Danial Niemi 312

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