AURORA BARBARIANS CELEBRATES
SUCCESS PG.4
MARTIAL ARTS GROWING IN AURORA PG.7
FROM SAC TO THE NHL: EXTENDING NINE-YEAR DRAFT STREAK PG.12
TRADITION MEETS TRANSFORMATION AT PC ARENA PG.14
PLUS COMMUNITY
COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL ATHLETE MAKES HISTORY IN STANDOUT TRACK & FIELD
LOCAL RECOGNITION
Sport Aurora Celebrates our School Athletes of the Year 2025
Aurora Soccer Club Charity Soccer Match Raises Funds for Southlake AND MUCH MORE !
AURORA BARBARIANS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB (ABRFC) CELEBRATES SUCCESS
\\\ Story by Khalil Ajram, Aurora Barbarians Rugby Football Club
\\\ Photos Courtesy of Aurora Barbarians Rugby Football Club
On the weekend of July 11th and 12 th , the Aurora Barbarians RFC celebrated their 75th Anniversary in grand style with their annual golf tournament and gala. The Friday golf event organized by Brian D’Andrade, was a huge success with over 110 current players and alumni enjoying a round of golf and dinner at the Royal Stouffville GCC in Stouffville. The Saturday evening gala at King Valley GCC in Aurora combined two important celebrations, the club’s 75th Anniversary and the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The Barbarians (then known as the Toronto Barbarians) were founded 75 years ago at Riverdale Park in Toronto. The club officially became the Aurora Barbarians in 2002 when the Barbarians and the Aurora Rugby Club successfully merged.
Saturday’s gala celebrated the anniversary of the club but also recognized the 6 individuals who have earned their place in
The ABRFC Hall of Fame:
Jack Heald
Ian Dainty
Sarah Stern
Laura Libby
Dino Manoukas
Scott Bullock
In addition, the club took this opportunity to thank Black Sheep stalwart Nick Mitchell for his services to the Club communication and keeping the old boys (and gals) network informed of the club activities.
Special thanks go to the Club Executive and the Hall of Fame committee for their hard work and support in putting together this momentous weekend. Thanks to DJ Khalil for his musical stylings, and a special thanks to long-time ‘Baa Baa’ Leighton Chong for sharing his photographic expertise.
For more information on ‘the Barbs’ go to https://abrfc.ca/
August 2025
PUBLISHER
VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4
Insport Media & Publications Inc.
EDITOR
Ron Weese – Sport Aurora E-mail editor@sportinaurora.com
DIRECTOR OF SALES
Laurie Mueller
Phone 905.713.5027
E-mail insportmedia@rogers.com
ART DIRECTOR | GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Christian Baird
E-mail christian.jp.baird@gmail.com
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTION
Sport Aurora Members Ron Weese
Khalil Ajram Lauren D’Andrea
Tara Deris Jenna Farmer
Zachary Lawton Sean Maillet
Lisa O’Connor
CONTACT US
Insport Media & Publications
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EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS Submissions are welcome from writers, photographers, athletes, coaches and individuals. Contact Ron Weese, editor. We assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. Contributions are responsible for obtaining all approvals for publication of photos and content prior to submission. All submissions may not be used. We may edit, publish, reproduce, distribute and archive submissions in any form or medium without any compensation. We are not responsible for lost or damaged submissions. Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction or transmission of any article, photograph or artwork in any form or by any means without permission from the publisher is prohibited. Sport in Aurora Magazine is published six times a year. For detailed circulation information, contact Insport Media & Publications Inc. Insport Media & Publications Inc. is committed to protecting your privacy as our customer. We may collect personal information only if it is required for the proper functioning of our business and only share this information with our business partners. The editors and contributors who write for Insport Media & Publications Inc. attempt to provide accurate and useful information and commentary. However the editors, contributors and Insport Media & Publications Inc. cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. We assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any readers based on the information provided.
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Sport in Aurora Magazine-Celebrating Community Amateur Sport
ommunity sport plays a vital role in building stronger, healthier, and more connected communities. It goes far beyond the scores, standings, and trophies— it’s about inclusion, identity, and opportunity. Sport in Aurora Magazine celebrates this role six times per year with the help of our contributors.
As we head out of summer and into fall, we look forward to the change of seasons, but sport never sleeps in Aurora. Each season brings new stories and accomplishments of athletes, teams, coaches and volunteers. You see it all here.
Why does sport matter? At its core, community sport fosters physical and mental well-being. Read our stories and see how participation helps individuals of all ages stay active. For youth in particular, it provides a structured, safe environment to learn teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
But the impact reaches even further. Community sport brings people together from different backgrounds like no other. Whether cheering on the sidelines or volunteering behind the scenes, it creates opportunities for neighbours to connect, form friendships, and strengthen civic pride. It supports local economies through events, facility use, and small business engagement.
Sport also nurtures leadership. It is often said that sport is a microcosm of life in that it demonstrates the characteristics of a quality life, such as talent, effort, success and yes, failures.
Importantly, community sport can be a powerful tool for inclusion. When designed with equity in mind, it opens doors for underrepresented groups—girls, newcomers, people with disabilities—to participate fully and feel they belong.
Community sport is not a luxury but rather a cornerstone of a thriving, inclusive society. Aurora is a shining example, so think about the people in and behind the stories as you leaf through.
I want to take this opportunity to thank our advertisers who invest in our sport community. Without you, sport can’t exist, nor can our stories.
I hope you enjoy this issue of our magazine and can learn more about the role that sport plays in building Aurora as a quality community. See you on the sidelines, poolside, rinkside, and in the gyms.
Ron Weese Editor, Sport in Aurora Magazine
The Mission of Sport Aurora is to promote participation in sport and recreation for all citizens of the community we serve. For more information on Sport Aurora, visit our web site at: www.sportaurora.ca
CDS ATHLETE MAKES HISTORY IN STANDOUT TRACK & FIELD SEASON
The Country Day School (CDS) Track & Field team wrapped up another outstanding season this spring, marked by standout performances, school records, and a strong presence at championship meets—including 14 athletes who qualified for the Metro Championships. With a young, driven roster, the future looks bright for the CDS track program.
Among this season’s many successes, one athlete made history as the first to represent Country Day in pole vaulting. Andy Hamilton of Aurora, a cross-country runner since Grade 5, discovered over the years that his true strength lay not in distance, but in speed. Upon arriving at CDS for Middle School, he began shifting his focus to sprint events.
Last spring, CDS Track Coach Denise Steadman approached Andy about trying something entirely new. With a background in wrestling and boxing, might he be willing to try pole vaulting? She recognized his potential and Andy was quick to accept the challenge—and soon found himself training two times a week at St. Andrew’s College.
What drew him in was how few people pole vault compared to sprinting and long distance. “It shows you have a special capacity to put yourself at risk to do this event—that’s what I like about it,” Andy explains. He also credits watching SwedishAmerican pole vault sensation Armand “Mondo” Duplantis break world records and win Olympic gold as a source of inspiration. “His success helped get me in the right frame of mind for going upside down.”
In early May, Andy became one of three CDS athletes to qualify for the OFSAA provincial championships. He entered with ambitious goals and delivered a new personal best of 2.80 meters—just shy of clearing 3.00 meters—and secured 14th place in Ontario. An impressive result in only his first season.
“After embracing the challenge to learn pole vaulting, Andy’s determination, relentless work ethic, and exceptional coachability propelled him to OFSAA,” says Coach Steadman. “As he continues to refine his skills in this demanding event, there’s no telling how high he will soar.”
Andy qualified for OFSAA with ambitious goals and delivered a new personal best of 2.80 meters placing 14th in the province in his first season.
Andy isn’t slowing down. Determined to build on his success, he’s up at 5:45 a.m. four to five days a week this summer for CrossFit, and is also training once or twice a week in Kettleby to hone the fundamentals of pole vaulting.
“My goal is to hit 4.00 meters by the time I graduate,” he says. “I’m also working on sprinting in general—because your sprint directly impacts your lead-up and the height of your jump.”
He also hopes to be a key contributor once again on the Senior Boys’ Relay team next season. He loves the adrenaline of sprinting and sees it as an important way to improve his timing and coordination—both critical in pole vaulting.
With two years of high school still ahead, Andy has clearly set the bar high—and is already on his way to raising it even further.
\\\ Story courtesy of Lisa O’Connor Country Day School \\\ Photo Courtesy of Paul Hamilton
Grade 11 Country Day School student Andy Hamilton of Aurora made history last spring as the first athlete to represent CDS in pole vaulting.
MARTIAL ARTS GROWING IN AURORA
\\\ Story by Tara Deris, K.O Club and Martial Arts Fitness and Ron Weese, Sport Aurora.
In the mid 1980s, Aurora was a quiet railway town north of Toronto, its growth steady but modest.
Into this peaceful community came Master Tim Wakefield, bringing Shaolin Kung Fu and Sanda training with him and opening Shaolin Martial Arts Canada. For over 30 years, he taught generations, turning a small dojo into a 6,200 sq ft modern centre of tradition and discipline.
Michael Cameron of Aurora Family Martial Arts has taught and coached karate ‘from the incredibly shy, to the one that can’t sit still’. He and his staff help students and athletes develop self-control, confidence and discipline as well as skill.
By 2021, martial arts had become a central part of Aurora’s culture. When Tara Deris and Ardeshir Arjomandkhah founded K.O. Club Martial Arts Fitness, they quickly made a mark. Only two years after opening, their athletes won five medals at the Fourth Pan American Wushu/Kung Fu Championship—helping Team Canada earn first place overall for the first time. In Boxing, they competed at National Championships and Olympic Trials. Their achievements showcased Aurora’s maturation on the competition stage.
Cavalo Martial Arts Aurora recently entered the mix, offering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well as a variety of martial arts, including boxing, kickboxing, karate and wrestling; training highly skilled athletes who compete on the world stage.
These Sport Aurora Members are certified and governed by their respective Sport Governing Bodies and provide Aurora families with the most diverse and expert teaching and coaching for all levels and interests. Today, Aurora’s martial arts landscape is vibrant thanks to these local sport organizations.
From a single teacher’s humble dojo to a thriving ecosystem of major schools and elite competitors, martial arts in Aurora have grown into a community cornerstone, fostering fitness, confidence, tradition, and international achievement.
CELEBRATING OUR FUTURE CHAMPIONS
SPORT AURORA CELEBRATES OUR SCHOOL ATHLETES OF THE YEAR 2025
The 9 th annual Sport Aurora School Athletes-of-the-Year Awards, held on Thursday, July 17, at the Aurora Town Park Bandshell, was an inspiring celebration of athletic achievement and the power of community. Thirty-four outstanding student-athletes from 17 local Aurora schools, including both elementary and high schools, were recognized for their dedication, talent, and commitment to excellence in sport. The evening brought together athletes, their families, local dignitaries, and the supportive members of the Sport Aurora Board to honour these young individuals.
The athletes showcased diverse multi-sport backgrounds, making it clear that a single focus on one discipline does not define school sport participation. This group of diverse and well-rounded athletes embodied the holistic approach that defines local sports culture in Aurora. The York Region District School Board (YRDSB) and York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) continue to be instrumental in providing varied athletic opportunities to students. Their commitment
to fostering multi-sport engagement ensures that our athletes develop a broad set of skills, which will serve them well on and off the field.
It is well-documented that multi-sport athletes are better equipped for long-term success. By engaging in a range of school sports, these students tap into all aspects of motor skills, from balance and coordination to agility and strength. The benefits are clear: students who participate in multiple sports excel not only in physical performance and physical literacy, but also in social and personal development, building a foundation for success.
A big thank you is owed to the local sport clubs and community members who support and nurture these young athletes. Your dedication to fostering excellence and inclusion in sports is what makes events like the Sport Aurora School Athletes-of-the-Year possible. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to our Community
\\\ Story by Lauren D’Andrea, Sport Aurora \\\ Photo Courtesy of Neil Moore, Sport Aurora
Patron, E360S, for their continued partnership with Sport Aurora. Their alignment with our mission to celebrate and promote sports excellence is deeply appreciated.
As we celebrate these remarkable young athletes, let’s remember the significance of the foundation our schools provide in encouraging talent across multiple disciplines. Whether they go on to shine in community, regional or provincial leagues or compete at higher levels, the lessons learned through their diverse athletic experiences will continue to shape them into leaders, both in sports and in life.
Congratulations to the 2025 School Athletes of the Year and thank you to everyone who continues to support their journey!
St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School -
Sophia Venuto and Theo Marion
St. Jerome Catholic Elementary School –
Cohen Smith and Mia Dimmell
Our Lady of Grace Catholic Elementary School - Cameron MacGillivray and Lawson Gamble
Holy Spirit Elementary SchoolKatelyn Rantz and Nicholas Di Lucia
Light of Christ - Katerina Mihaiescu
Aurora Heights Public School - Kunyanut
Jenchiewchan and Penn Duncan
Northern Lights Public School - Jayden Fu
Wellington Public School - Ethan Peng and Jacob Wahda
Lester B Pearson Public School –
Beckett Hawthorne
Hartman Public School - Ivan Yen and Mya Stickle
Rick Hansen Public School -
Kennedy Hunter and Liam Gao
Devins Drive Public School - Tyson Navarro and Seth Morris and Kiana Ansari
Regency Acres Public SchoolRosha Nejad-Javadi
Cardinal Carter - Noah Wetzel and Abigail Lee
Aurora High School - Maddie Law Heese and Ali Worden and Lucas Mochizuki
St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High SchoolElliott Pileggi and Kaitlyn Toner
Dr. G.W Williams Secondary SchoolAbigail Thompson, Karson Stickle, Ashlyn Donald, and Judah James
AURORA SOCCER CLUB CHARITY SOCCER MATCH RAISES FUNDS FOR SOUTHLAKE
The Charity Soccer Day returned to the Aurora Soccer Club in July, featuring the historic Scotland vs. England match. The Southlake Foundation fundraiser is a staple on the Aurora Soccer calendar, which features a diverse group of players.
Before the headliner match, the day began with a Canada Red vs. Canada White game at 1 pm, a match designed to ensure all members had an opportunity to play on the day. A friendly match saw Canada Red take a 1-0 win, mostly thanks to Man of the Match goalkeeper Jithin Jerard and goal scorer Domenic Gullo.
Crowds filled the Clubhouse patio and along the bleachers for the headliner Scotland vs. England match. Mayor Tom Mrakas, Sport Aurora President and Ward 1 Councillor Ron Weese, ASA member and Ward 5 Councillor John Gallo and others helped with the ceremonial coin-toss.
After renditions of ‘God Save the King’ and ‘Flower of Scotland’, a fiery affair broke out, true to its roots. A scoreless first half had its drama on both ends of the field, before the deadlock was broken by Aurora Hearts player Colin Kilner, giving England a 1-0 lead.
Barry Kilner was on fire in the England goal, pulling off some sensational saves, but in a familiar twist of fate, a controversial moment occurred when Scotland equalized through Alec Mackrell mid-way through the 2nd half, as he latched onto a beautiful cross from Harris McLucas. The England defenders protested that the ball had gone out before the cross was made and that the goal should not stand. The referee was having none of it and the game was tied.
With minutes to spare, Scotland scored the winner through Ciara Ambrose who collected a pass in the penalty box and buried it past England Goalkeeper Kilner, giving Scotland a 2-1 win.
\\\ Story by Zachary Lawton, Aurora Soccer Club \\\ Photo Courtesy the Aurora Soccer Club
The 200+ supporters in attendance cheered and clapped all the way, as Scotland lifted the trophy once again, their 4th in 5 years.
The match is steeped in history. In the 1980s, a group of Scottish and English players decided to recognize soccer’s oldest international rivalry by playing this annual match. A decade ago, the match moved to the Aurora Soccer Club, a venue fit for its calibre and magnitude.
The Aurora Soccer Club just celebrated 70 years of history and offers everything for adults looking to continue playing recreationally or competitively. Stop by for a drink or visit aurorasoccerclub.com for more information about this historic Auroran soccer club.
FROM SAC TO THE NHL: THREE MORE GRADS EXTEND NINE-YEAR DRAFT STREAK
St. Andrew’s College (SAC) continues to reinforce its standing as one of Canada’s premier hockey development programs, with three more alumni selected in the 2025 NHL Draft: Francesco Dell’Elce, Aidan Lane, and Kieren Dervin
Their selections mark the ninth consecutive year that a Saint has been drafted into the NHL, bringing the total to 16 alumni who graduated from SAC chosen since 2017.
Below are the SAC alumni selected in the 2025 NHL Draft, accompanied by insights from Head Coach, David Manning:
Kieren Dervin, Class of 2025 - 65th overall, 3rd Round
– Vancouver Canucks
A dynamic, powerful skater with elite offensive instincts, Dervin brings explosive speed and energy to the game.
“He’s a very athletic, powerful skater,” says Manning. “Kieren possesses an extra gear that no one really has out there and shows flashes of offensive brilliance.”
2024–25 season at SAC: 33 goals, 46 assists, for 79 points in 50 games
Aidan Lane, Class of 2025 - 176th overall, 6th Round
– Calgary Flames
A cerebral, two-way forward with a team-first mentality, Lane exemplifies smart, responsible play.
“Aidan’s an all-around great hockey player, plays a real strong two-way game,” Manning says. “He makes the right decisions in all instances and chips in offensively, while being great defensively. He displays leadership while doing a little bit of everything on the ice.”
2024–25 season at SAC: 34 goals, 52 assists, for 86 points in 55 games
Francesco Dell’Elce, Class of 2023 - 77th overall, 3rd Round
– Colorado Avalanche
Drafted in his final year of eligibility, Dell’Elce is a dynamic offensive defenceman, who capped off a strong post-graduate season with Penticton in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and then followed that up as a top-scoring freshman defenceman in the Hockey East conference this past year for the University of Massachusetts (UMass).
“Francesco just kept improving and working on his game, and I think ultimately his physical maturity kept up or got to a point where it matched his talent level,” says Manning. “He controls the game with his feet and stick and possesses a powerful shot from distance - a real power-play specialist who will be an offensive difference-maker at the next level.”
\\\ Story Sean Maillet, St. Andrew’s College \\\ Photos Courtesy of Paul Mosey
Kieren Dervin
2024–25 season at UMass: 7 goals, 17 assists, for 24 points in 40 games, and led all UMass defencemen in scoring, while earning Hockey East All-Rookie honours.
Since 2017, 16 alumni who graduated from SAC have heard their names called on draft day, underscoring the school’s tradition of shaping talented, character-driven athletes that organizations are proud to welcome into their ranks. “All our players who have been drafted share some commonalities; they’re all very athletic, they’re driven, and they’ve dominated at this level, along with possessing the ability to make their teammates better,” says Manning. “One thing that’s also rung true over the years is that teams really appreciate the maturity and the things that they’ve learned from being in this type of environment; they’ve been great ambassadors to our school and hockey program.”
A number of other SAC alumni who left before graduation have also gone on to be drafted and make their mark in the NHL. Some notable, recent alumni include Robert Thomas and Alex Newhook, who spent time at SAC before continuing their hockey journeys elsewhere. Their stories, along with those of earlier SAC graduates outside the nine-year draft streak, like Warren Foegele and Dylan Sikura, highlight the program’s long-standing impact on the NHL. A complete list of Saints who have reached the NHL is proudly showcased on a pinmounted display inside the La Brier Family Arena.
At the heart of SAC’s hockey success is a strong mentorship model. Grade 11 players benefit from the example set by senior teammates, learning how to prepare, how to lead, and how to elevate their game in the face of pressure.
“Having our younger players go through this process alongside drafteligible teammates is invaluable,” says Manning. “They get to see how the leaders and the top players on the team handle and manage the various expectations and attention that come their way. Across the board over the last number of years, our draft-eligible players have really risen to the occasion.”
From high-level competition and internal mentorship to strong academics and character development, St. Andrew’s College provides a complete environment where aspiring student-athletes grow, compete, and thrive on and off the ice.
Aidan Lane Francesco Dell’Elce
Head Coach David Manning
TRADITION MEETS TRANSFORMATION AT PICKERING COLLEGE ARENA
The renovation of the eric veale memorial arena, scheduled for completion this fall, reflects pickering college’s enduring commitment to community and sport.
Pickering College’s Eric Veale Memorial Arena may be shedding its reputation as “the coldest ice in town,” but it’s gaining far more, thanks to a transformative renovation set to be completed this fall.
The renovation will not only preserve the arena’s legacy as a cherished part of the Pickering College community for over 50 years but will also introduce improvements designed to serve generations to come.
Upgrades include a new ice pad and piping, insulated walls, and an upgraded refrigeration system. On the south end of the building, a multi-purpose gym, complete with a rock-climbing wall, is being added. This addition will make use of valuable space and extend the facility’s function beyond the rink.
Affectionately known as “The Barn,” the arena has been an integral part of Pickering’s identity and served the wider Newmarket-Aurora community. It has hosted countless hockey practices, games, and tournaments, including those of the school’s Senior Hockey team, proud back-to-back champions.
Beyond hockey, the arena has also been home to CanSkate skating lessons for students as a part of the Junior School physical education curriculum. During the warmer months, the ice pad transforms into courts, allowing for racquet sports and other off-ice activities for students of all ages.
The arena has also served as a filming location for several films, including holiday movies from Brain Power Studio, and Paul Michael Glaser’s 1992 sports-romantic comedy, The Cutting Edge.
With renovations nearing completion, faculty and students look forward to using the revitalized space.
“
The renovations to the arena are a huge step forward for our school and the broader community,” said Joe McTamney, coach of the Senior Hockey team and a Pickering College skating coach.
“This space has been home to so many incredible memories over the years, and now it’s being reimagined for the next generation. It’s exciting to see the improvements not only support the programs we already have but also open the door for new interest in our hockey and skating offerings.”
\\\ Story by Jenna Farmer, Pickering College \\\ Photos Courtesy of Pickering College
