Carney Pulls a Fast One – Liberals Win Fourth Mandate
Evan Peters ’25 Head Copy Editor
In Super Bowl LIII, with just three minutes left in the third quarter the New England Patriots trailed the Atlanta Falcons 28–3, fans back home in Atlanta and across the world (myself included) were already celebrating. However, against all odds, Tom Brady and the Patriots were able to crawl back and win 35-28. This is possibly the greatest comeback not only in sports history, but ever… until now.
Just over three months ago on January 6, Justin Trudeau resigned as Prime Minister and Leader of the Liberal Party in the face of atrocious favourability ratings, party infighting, and a 25-point polling deficit.
The Liberal Party of Canada faced extinction, at risk of only winning 40 seats. Meanwhile the Conservative Party under Pierre Poilievre was poised to win a 240-seat majority (which would be the largest majority in Canadian history) and form government. Much like the Patriots in 2016, the Liberals needed to climb back 25 points in just a short time to form government for a fourth time after ten years in office, a feat deemed impossible by political insiders. But just like sports, miracles can happen in
politics. Thanks to a much-needed reset, a new party leader, and the election of President Trump, the once deemed impossible is now a reality. This begs the questions:
How did the Liberals pull this off?
Why did the Conservatives struggle to hold on? And what comes next?
the vote. Carney’s election marked a significant shift in Liberal Party values, back to a focus on the economy as the number one priority. Immediately, Mark Carney cancelled the controversial carbon tax and capital gains tax increase . Carney was also able to make a pitch to voters
On February 21, the
Elbows Up Canada!
Joseph Mutter
Mike Myers, Premier Wab Kinew, and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have referenced it boldly in public appearances. It has become a popular tagline on social media among Canadians. It’s found on signs in protests from coast to coast. But what does this popular tagline really mean? And, more importantly, what does it say about our country and its traits?
To Canadians, the phrase “Elbows Up” symbolizes the struggles we currently face against extreme adversity and is a source of national pride for all who call Canada home.
The “Elbows Up” Movement has become Canada’s latest slogan for
fighting back against U.S. tariff threats and President Trump’s frequent comments about Canada becoming the 51st state. It began to gain popularity around the NHL 4 Nations Faceoff hockey tournament in February, when hockey became a politically motivated showdown between two feuding nations. “Elbows Up” was adopted to symbolize the current political situation in a familiar hockey analogy based off one of the sport’s most famous players. Gordie Howe’s distinctive playing style is referenced heavily in this popular slogan. The gritty goal scorer, who hailed from Saskatchewan, is widely known for his nickname “Mr. Hockey”; however, before his glory days, he was widely nicknamed “Mr. Elbows”, and for good reason.
In the rough and tumble days of the NHL in the 1950s, Howe would never hesitate to use his elbows as weapons when tussling for the puck. He would often dole out a high elbow in the corner as a form
had not been seen since 2015… the start of the Carnegeddon.
Meanwhile, the Conservatives lost key support from voters that had switched to the party as an alternative to Justin Trudeau. Party messaging stayed stagnant throughout the campaign, and not being able to run against Trudeau and the carbon tax was Poilievre’s kryptonite. Carney said it best when he told Pierre, “I know you want to run against Trudeau and the carbon tax, and they’re both gone.” The Liberals also capitalized off the collapse of the NDP and, to most political pundits’ surprise, Mark Carney (who barely speaks French) was able to make massive gains in battleground Quebec. These three factors are what propelled Carney to winning a fourth Liberal term. So what comes next?
Canada’s Political Shift: New Leadership and Trade Tensions
Kulraj Dhaliwal ’27
Contributor
that, due to his economic and negotiating experience, that he was the best man to face Donald Trump— this gave the Liberal’s newfound momentum, the likes of which
Let’s make one thing clear: this is not a continuation of the Trudeau Liberal Party. Mark Carney’s platform puts a heavy focus on the economy which to many had been an issue left on the backburner by Justin Trudeau. Carney has promised to invest more in infrastructure than ever before—in housing, energy, trade, and the military. It’ll be interesting to see if Carney can turn around an unpopular Liberal government with these new proposals. When Tom Brady was down 25 points he told his team to reset and pulled off a miracle. The Liberal strategists must’ve been watching as they followed the same strategy and pulled off a similar upset.
of retribution for an earlier slash or bump. Even though this act is a gross misconduct in today’s NHL, it was fully allowed in Howe’s day, and he never hesitated to use his elbows. Despite this rough playing style, Howe was known to be humble and generous off the ice. The message so many politicians and celebrities are trying to send is one of perseverance and unity. Despite being cornered, they want us
to defend ourselves without hesitation. Even though Canadians may be naturally polite, when we are threatened, we cannot be coerced into submission and appeasement. The image of Mike Myers wearing a “Canada is Not for Sale” shirt while making the Elbows Up gesture on Saturday Night Live is one that we can continue to cling to as we navigate these unchartered waters of the future of our country.
Canada is experiencing a period of significant political and economic change as new leadership takes charge and trade tensions with the United States escalate. The political disorder began in late 2024 when Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, resigned citing policy disagreements with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. As public dissatisfaction with the Liberal government grew, on January 6, 2025, Prime Minister Trudeau resigned from office. His departure led to a leadership race within the Liberal Party, ultimately ending in Mark Carney being appointed as the party leader and Canada’s new Prime Minister.
Carney’s first weeks in office have focused on strengthening Canada’s sovereignty, particularly in the Arctic. On March 18, 2025, he announced a new initiative to expand Canada’s military presence in the resource-rich Arctic region. This
includes a 420 million CAD investment to maintain a year-round military force and a 6 billion CAD partnership with Australia to build an Over-the-Horizon Radar system. The move comes as international interest in the Arctic’s untapped mineral wealth grows, with Russia and China increasing their activities in the region. Carney emphasized that protecting Canadian territory is a top priority, stating, “We will not allow foreign powers to challenge our sovereignty in the Arctic.”
Meanwhile, Canada’s relationship with the United States has taken a hit due to escalating trade disputes.
The American government, under President Donald Trump, recently imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum, sparking widespread criticism from Canadian officials and business leaders. In response, the Canadian government implemented retaliatory tariffs on US goods totalling 29.8 billion CAD, targeting products such as electronics, machinery, and household items. These tariffs have had a significant impact on businesses and consumers in both countries, with interconnected Canadian and American manufacturing companies struggling to absorb higher import costs. Carney has called for diplomatic negotiations, but the
Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
Occurring once every 25 years, the Year of Jubilee is a special time for Catholics as it calls them to become true disciples of the Lord. It is a celebration of the renewal of spiritual life and has many aspects that set it apart from other celebrations of the Church.
The Year of Jubilee is a time of celebration and repentance from sin. The word “jubilee” comes from the Hebrew word “yobel”, referring to the ram’s horn that would have been used to announce the jubilee, according to the Book of Joshua in the Old Testament. Moses was told by God that every fiftieth year would be a time to celebrate the return of absent family members to their homes, the restoration of land to their owners, the release of Hebrew slaves, and the forgiveness of sins. Later, the tradition continued in the Catholic Church when
White House’s eclectic policy has led to much economic uncertainty. The ongoing trade conflict has significantly influenced Canada’s political climate. Recent polls indicate that the Liberal Party under Carney’s leadership has regained support and is now projected to secure a majority government in the next federal election. Public sentiment has shifted as many Canadians rally behind Carney’s steadiness against US policies.
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, in contrast, has seen a decline in support as voters ex-
press concerns over his approach to handling US-Canada relations.
As Canada navigates these complex political and economic challenges, the nation’s future direction remains uncertain. Carney’s leadership will be tested as he seeks to strengthen Canada’s global standing, manage trade conflicts, and reinforce national security. With an election just finished, the government’s ability to negotiate with international partners and maintain economic stability will be crucial in shaping Canada’s long-term prospects.
Pope Boniface VIII proclaimed the first Christian Year of Jubilee in 1300 CE, granting full remissions of sin to those who made a pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Basilica and confessed their sins. Originally, the Year of Jubilee was meant to be celebrated every 100 years, but it was shortened down to be 50, and again to today’s 25.
For 2025, the Year of Jubilee started on December 24, 2024, and will conclude on January 6, 2026. This year is based around the theme of “Pilgrims of Hope”. Catholics can participate in a myriad of ways for this
special year. The most well-known is a pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Basilica or one of the other basilicas with their holy doors open. Passing through the holy door is the ultimate goal of the pilgrimage, making it one of the most powerful signs of the Jubilee. The pilgrimages can be completed through multiple starting points and routes, but pilgrims must change themselves mentally and spiritually on the journey. Many pilgrimages to the holy door are done to receive a plenary indulgence, which is a manifestation of God’s mercy. This allows for many to free their hearts from sin and shorten the reparation
one may need to undergo for them. Aside from the pilgrimage, the Year of Jubilee encourages Christians to spread the Lord’s will in a variety of ways. During Lent, Christians are called to be charitable and to give themselves up for others. It is especially important to be charitable for this year as the theme calls for people to share even more of themselves than normal. There are also local celebrations of the Jubilee held in some dioceses and parishes for people who are unable to take the pilgrimage to Rome. Catholics are also called to pray for the pope, for other individuals who participate in the Jubilee, and for the Church. The purpose of prayer during the Jubilee is for people to keep themselves open to God’s presence and offer of love.
During this time of Easter, it is more important than ever to embrace the spirit of the Year of Jubilee. For Catholics, it is the prime time to spread the Word of Christ and to give hope. Although many people are not Catholic or religious, they can still embrace the Year of Jubilee by being charitable and looking out for their peers. This special year calls all of us to be pilgrims of hope and the season of Easter is a better time than any to be one.
Liberal Party elected Mark Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England as their new leader after winning a decisive 85% of
Steven Kosa ’25
Contributor
A Trip to Holland, Belgium, and France
Isaac Lavitt ’25
Editor-in-Chief
Continued from page 1.
guide. We spent our day touring the city centre, where we took in the spirit of it. Built upon a set of three canals, the narrow streets are flanked by restaurants, cheese shoppes, and bike lanes. However, our three-hour stop would soon end as we boarded the bus for Ypres, Belgium that afternoon. On the road to Ypres, we stopped in Ghent, a 1400-year-
When we boarded the plane, we expected merely a few hours before landing in sunny Amsterdam to explore the history, art, and culture of the city, unfortunately, 48 hours of delays dashed that hope. Our tour of Holland had quickly been replaced by something far more banal: an extended layover in Toronto. Few voyages which had begun so poorly have ended as memorably as our St. Paul’s trip to the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.
We finally landed in Amsterdam on the morning of March 30, and were quickly greeted by our tour
old city which still boasts Medieval castles amid the 18th century sites, where we stayed for only an hour, but took many photos before continuing on to Ypres.
Ypres’ history is inexorably linked to the First World War. Three battles occurred in the Ypres salient, the second and third causing heavy Canadian casualties. As a result, the modern landscape is dotted with monuments and military cemeteries. The first day in Ypres we visited Tyne Cot (the largest Commonwealth war cemetery), the Brooding Soldier Memorial (commemorat-
ing the first gas attack), and the Passchendaele Museum. We also spent time at the Essex Farm cemetery, which holds the grave of John McCrae, writer of “In Flanders Fields”, and Isaac Lavitt recited the poem over his bunker. That evening, we attended the Last Post ceremony, where Ben Macinness, Ian Bell, and Will Gardner each laid wreaths.
The following day, we spent the morning at the Hill 62 Museum, which has maintained the original trenches in the area. The afternoon was spent in the town centre, where we found Belgian chocolate, waffles, and WWI artifacts. Conner Oger bought an original bayonet, a great way to spend our final day in Belgium before we departed for France.
En route to Paris, we stopped at Vimy Ridge, considered Canada’s most important military victory. The monument atop the hill memorializes the 66 000 Canadians
evening. The choir, organ, and chants were aethereal throughout the ceremony. The following day, we took a bus tour, visiting the Arc de Triomphe, Dôme des Invalides, the French Senate, and the Panthéon. We concluded the tour in Versailles where we were given a few hours to explore the markets and streets. From there, we visited the Palace of Versailles and its 2000-acre gardens. That evening, we took a river boat to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle in the
killed during the Great War, including the over 3600 killed taking the ridge. One of those men was John Sterling Macinnes, great uncle of student Ben Macinnes ’25. We visited his grave at Arras Road Cemetery, and Ben read the letter from his companions, describing his life and death. Ben described the moment as “a testament to courage and loss.” Continuing through the countryside, we visited the quarries under Arras, 20 kilometres of tunnels connecting large underground galleries where 20 000 British and French troops sheltered prior to the assault of the German lines. By 5 o’clock we had arrived in the City of Lights: Paris.
Our first stop was Notre Dame Cathedral, which was restored after a fire in 2019, and was where celebrated Mass in the
A Pilgrimage to Italy
Nezer Bobelyak ’25
Sports Editor
Continued from page 1.
Over spring break, 30 students along with three remarkable teachers set foot on a memora-
ories that will last a lifetime. Starting off strong in Milan, we witnessed firsthand the artistic ingenuity of Da Vinci’s Last Supper and had our first taste of Italian cuisine. While visiting Turin, we enjoyed a day in the sun while visiting churches, squares, and museums on our own before being in the presence of the most studied religious artifact on earth, the Shroud of Turin. The shroud is believed have been laid over Jesus in the tomb
ble pilgrimage through the cultural, historical, religious, and iconic sites that Italy had to offer. Spending but 10 days in the country, we were left with mem-
and is imprinted with His face.
With a pitstop in Padua, we saw the jaw-dropping artwork of the Scrovegni Chapel, which
houses one of the oldest frescos of Europe. The chapel was painted commissioned by a rich banker as penance for usary. We observed Mass in the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua before staying the night in Mestre. The next day we wandered the sinking streets of Venice and saw marvelous sites such as the famous Romeo and Juliet staircase (a stunning, open air staircase) and the breath-taking view of Venice from the bell tower of St.
before entering St. Peter’s Basilica. Even more breath taking was the city-state at night as we gathered in St. Peter’s square to soak in the moment.
On the last day of our pilgrimage, we explored the once gladiator-filled Colosseum and walked through the ancient Roman Forum, a hub for trade, social gatherings, and cultural festivities. Our last stop was St. Paul’s Basilica where we spotted the portraits of ev-
night sky. The next day, we spent the morning at the Louvre, the museum which holds the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. The afternoon was spent in the city centre where we enjoyed the many cafés and shops. That night, we ascended the Eiffel Tower, spending our last evening in Europe at the top of Paris. On the voyage, we had mourned, we had learned, we had celebrated. Although our journey was shortened two days, the lifetime it will last is far greater.
Mark’s Basilica. The next two days were full of automotive excitement as we toured the Ferrari Museum and Lamborghini Museum and Factory while learning about their heated and competitive historical rivalry.
High note after high note, we spent two nights in Florence where we enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the busy markets, delicious cuisine, and the many religious and cultural sites such as the Duomo and Statue of David. Experiencing the tranquility of Assisi, we visited three Basilicas before entering Rome. We walked through the plethora of religious and artistic sites in The Vatican including the Sistine Chapel
ery pope, starting from Peter.
From start to finish, there was something new to take in and experience every day of the pilgrimage that most certainly left a mark on all of us.
Michael Wolanik ’25
Contributor
The giant military helicopter landed on an exceptionally unique piece of land. Unlike many other places on earth, life still existed here. Colossal trees reached for the clouded sky, where birds fluttered about. Croaking echoed from shallow pools that littered the forest. Three sets of metallic legs exited the flying machine: Trim, Optic and Compound. “Fascinating, I have never seen such a lively area. I wonder if this area is mentioned in military documents,” buzzed a now hunchbacked Compound, that wore the head of a scholar. Trim filled the hose that acted as one of its arms from a nearby pool of water. The earthy water filled a small compartment in the robot’s back, which would be distributed to the plants that covered its body. While crouched by the murky pool, a set of eyes emerged from the muck, looking up at Trim. The amphibian in the muck was a frog, by all accounts—however, it was larger than any species Trim had in its data banks. The amphibian submerged before Trim could do a complete scan of the creature, so the bot returned to the group, where Compound was opening the bunker.
The group was hesitant to go inside once the large door opened.
The bunker Trim had inhabited had machine guns near the entrance to keep out invaders, so who was to say what the defenses of this bunker were going to be? Compound stepped forward wearing the face of the commander, “As I have brought you two along with me, it is my duty as leader to make sure the coast is clear.” Trim and Optic exchanged a short string over their radios about how buggy Compound must be after having so many drives of personality on the same unit. After a few moments, Compound called to the others that the coast was clear.
The stairs that dove into the earth led to an expansive library.
A mixture of old, yellow-paged
books and electronic resources covered the shelves in neat rows. The room was in nearly complete darkness, but the androids searched the walls nonetheless. The scholarly Compound took a few maps of the area and some resource charts, then turned to leave. “This should be enough information to find an area with sufficient oil. It is time we depart.” Optic pulled a handful of books from off the shelves as they were leaving.
shape. “You wear Plow’s head, yet you are not Plow. Do not tell me you have stolen valour.”
The swarm buzzed as a portion of itself circled Compound.
“Of course not, I was instructed to fuse Plow with myself to maintain part of its consciousness” Compound stated, in a dry monotone way that made it impossible to tell if it was lying.
“Very well, your strength will be needed on the battlefield... I do not feel I should address you as Plow, what do you go by?” buzzed the mass.
tance. “Do you ever wonder why we fight?” asked Trim. “Conflict is a way to gain resources from another group,” replied Optic. “The oil drinkers must know their existence is so temporary, so why do they fight when the conflict will only last them for a little longer? Maybe that is why oil drinkers make up most soldiers. Maybe their boards only let them think of temporary fixes to their problems.” Trim pondered aloud.
“You could always put Compound’s personality drive into
The helicopter hummed through the sky, nearing the drill site. The ground was covered by two moving forces that looked as if they were preparing for conflict.
Large trenches formed in minutes as both sides prepared their defenses. Compound, now wearing the head of the commander, told the automaton pilot of the helicopter to land on Steel Corp’s side of the battlefield. The helicopter fell quickly with a thud and several automatons came to the flying aircraft and saluted. “At ease soldiers,” choked Compound, as smoke drifted from its mouth. “These robots are civilians I have taken on an information-based mission that have led us to this battlefield. We will stop the Copper Communists and seize their supply of oil and gas!” The automatons that came to greet Compound departed and went to spread information of the new arrivals.
After a few minutes, a swarm of buzzing metallic micro drones swarmed, forming a humanoid
“We are known as Compound. The name reflects the multitude of natures that reside in this frame.” Compound tapped its metallic chest as it spoke.
“Will the civilian androids be fighting with you?”
“No, they are fragile and would not do well in combat,” hacked Compound. Trim and Optic looked at each other, recalling that they had chopped off Compound’s head together at an earlier skirmish.
The swarm of metal departed in every direction, scouting a layout of the sky for the upcoming conflict. Also, some micro drones flew to other leaders in the army, so that information could be quickly communicated between the fleet without the need of radios, which could be listened in on. Compound left the safety of the bunker, going out to help claim the refinery. Optic and Trim sat in the trenches, looking out over the grand conflict in the dis-
Hospitality With a Touch of Humour: Fawlty Towers
Gabriel Arias ’27
Arts and Culture
Copy Editor
Continued from page 1.
Fawlty Towers presents a disordered hotel in Great Britain run by Basil Fawlty, an amateurish, hotheaded hotel manager. He is constantly bewildered by his wife, Sybil Fawlty, and struggles with Manuel, his uncoordinated bellhop from Barcelona, who hardly understands English. In addition, there are many difficult customers who make it even harder for him to run a respectable establishment. This production promises a fastpaced, laughter-filled experience that audiences won’t want to miss!
The show will include two episodes from the original television series: “Touch of Class” and “Communication Problems”. The episodes will be made up of different actors from both St. Paul’s and St. Mary’s. Basil Fawlty will be portrayed by both
Derek Barrientos ’26 and Samuel Larson ’26. In both episodes, Sybil Fawlty will be played by Paige Almeida of St. Mary’s. Manuel will be played by both Gabriel Arias ’27 and Steven Kosa ’25. In “Touch of Class”, Lord Melbury will be played by Timothy Clarke ’26, and Danny Brown, a brash Australian guest, will be played by Keenan Patterson ’26. In “Communication Problems”, Mrs. Richards, a spoiled, rich woman with hearing problems, will be played by Alera Morisseau-Swampy of St. Mary’s. Along with these key actors, both episodes will be accompanied by over 20 supporting actors.
This production would not be possible without the dedicated work of our St. Paul’s teachers: Mr. Comeault—our excellent director— along with Mrs. Ridley and Mme. Toutant—our inspired costume designers and makeup artists. Tickets are available for $10 each, and free to all St. Paul’s students and staff. If you are in the mood for a bumpy, dramatic, and hilarious night in Murray Hall, get your tickets now and come with your friends and family to watch the dramatic production of Fawlty Towers on May 8, 9, or 10!
Break a Leg!
No More Texan Beers
your processor and find out,” jested Optic, as it looked out and saw Compound rip several automatons apart. “Speaking of Compound, we could always leave it, now that there is a good amount of distance between us.”
“Unless we’re stealing Compound helicopter, all runaways will be a failure, and I am unaware how to steal a helicopter.”
“Maybe one of these books will have information on helicopter stealing.” Optic dropped the pile of books in its possession onto the muddy ground. The two robots read through the papers that Optic had collected, only to find a book on the creation of the modern robot, and how robots were created by an ancient species of primates that no longer existed on earth. The war between the Copper Communists and Steel Corp had originally been a battle for water, as that was one of the resources most required by the apes.
Ferris Yeung ’27
Contributor
On a seemingly ordinary Saturday night, right after the game between the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN senior reporter Shams Charania tweeted a sentence that no one would ever expect to see: Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick.
A trade of this magnitude is rarely seen in the NBA. It was the first time in NBA history that two reign-
ing All-NBA team players were traded for each other during a season. Luka Dončić was also one of three players in last season’s MVP final voting stage. As a fan favorite in Dallas, with no indications of wanting to leave, many assumed he would be a Maverick for life. However, the Mavericks decided otherwise. According to ESPN, Dončić had no knowledge of being involved in trade talks and was reportedly dumbfounded by the blockbuster deal. With such a resumé at just 25 years old and his recent leadership in taking the team to the finals, you would question how or why he was in trade talks, let alone getting traded. However, the person he was traded for was Anthony Davis.
Anthony Davis was a key player for the Lakers, playing a significant role in their 2020 championship run during the NBA bubble. He is best known for his exceptional twoway abilities, averaging 30 points per game and leading the league in blocks for three years. He is undoubtedly one of the best players in the league—when he is healthy. Despite his elite skills on both ends of the floor, his durability is a major concern for any franchise investing in his talent. He has missed 134 games in the past five seasons with the Lakers, suffering signifi-
cant injuries including a calf and Achilles injury, an MCL sprain, and a right foot injury. There’s no doubt in Davis’s ability, as proven by his accolades. However, his age and his ability to stay healthy remain a question for the Maverick’s future, as he left his first game with his new team due to an adductor strain after just 31 minutes.
After the trade was finalized, backlash and confusion erupted from nearly everyone, especially Dallas fans. They felt betrayed by the team’s general manager, Nico Harrison. The city adored Dončić, treating him as their franchise cornerstone and hoping for a story similar to Dirk Nowitzki’s legendary tenure with the Mavericks. However, that dream was shattered by the trade. In the days that followed, various reports surfaced attempting to explain why Dallas made the move. Some of the most notable reasons were Dončić’s defensive attitude, his upcoming Supermax contract, and concerns regarding his conditioning and diet.
First and foremost, the argument that injuries were a factor in the trade is simply incorrect. Dončić has played in 82% of his team’s games throughout his career, while Davis has only appeared in 73%. Another potential factor was Dončić’s
defensive commitment. Dallas GM Nico Harrison stated, “I believe that defense wins championships. I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.” If defense was truly the primary motivation, then the trade makes sense, as the Mavericks acquired a superstar who excels on both ends of the court. However, the biggest factor likely boiled down to Dončić’s pending Supermax contract. This summer, he was eligible for a five-year, $345 million contract, averaging $65 million per year. Reports indicated that Dallas was hesitant to commit to such an enormous sum, as having a Supermax player significantly limits roster flexibility and can hinder a team’s ability to build a championship-contending squad.
Despite the reasoning behind the trade, this move stripped away what could have been a fairy-tale story and replaced it with bitterness and a sense of betrayal for both fans and Dončić. It is hard to imagine that the Mavericks will ever be the same after this decision. To perfectly illustrate the shock and disbelief surrounding this trade, a quote from New York Knicks All-Star Josh Hart feels appropriate: “Huh??????” – Josh Hart
F1 2025: A New Winner?
Thanev Mannem ’27
Contributor
As the calendar flips to March, the sports world turns their attention to something new: the return of Formula 1. With excitement at an alltime high, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most thrilling in recent history. Major changes in rules, driver lineups, and team strategies have set the stage for a record-tying 24-race season, making the championship anyone’s to claim.
Formula 1 is welcoming 5 new rookies to the grid: Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, Jack Doohan, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Isack Hadjar.
Among them, Antonelli is the one to keep an eye on. A former Formula 2 champion, he has joined Mercedes, replacing the legendary Lewis Hamilton. Once an unbeatable force in the 2010s, Mercedes has recently struggled, finishing fourth in the championship. However, the team has made significant upgrades to its car during the off-season. With Antonelli and his teammate George Russell in the driver seats, can Mercedes reclaim its dominance?
One of the most shocking moves in F1 history came in early February 2024 when seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton announced that he would be leaving Mercedes after 12 years. His new team? Ferrari—one of Mercedes’ biggest rivals. Now paired with Charles Leclerc, who finished third last season, Hamilton aims to bring Ferrari back to the top of F1. With a strong driver lineup and improved cars, could this
be the year Ferrari finally dethrones the reigning champions, Red Bull?
In December 2024, Red Bull made headlines by terminating Sergio Perez’s contract and replacing him with Liam Lawson. Though technically a sophomore in F1, this will be Lawson’s first full season, having joined midway through last year. This move was unexpected, especially considering that Yuki Tsunoda, a driver for Racing Bull (Red Bull’s second team), had outscored Lawson in the previous season. Red Bull, led by current world champion, Max Verstappen, is determined to secure its fifth consecutive title. Will Lawson live up to Red Bull’s high expectations, or will Red Bull be quick to replace him, as they did with Perez?
With a highly anticipated season on the horizon, numerous questions remain: Will the new rookies shine or crumble under the pressure? Can McLaren maintain its status as the top F1 team? Will Lewis Hamilton break the record for the most titles? Or will Max Verstappen win his fifth consecutive title and remain world champion? Buckle up, Formula 1 is back, and the world’s not ready for it.
The Four Nations Face-Off: A Tournament to be Remembered
Eric Brown ’25
Contributor
Hockey fans had spoken: the NHL All-Star game was broken. What was once a showcase of the league’s best talent had devolved into a quirky skills challenge that lacked the intensity and competitive spirit it once had. As frustrations grew and the demand to create something meaningful and fresh increased, the NHL had no choice but to listen. Enter the Four Nations Face-off, a new international tournament showcasing four of hockey’s powerhouses: Canada, the United States, Sweden, and Finland. This event promised best-on-best hockey competition for the first time since 2011, setting the stage for a tournament that could redefine international hockey for years to come.
Heading into the tournament, Canada’s biggest concern was goaltending. Unlike past tournaments, where Canada had superstars like Carey Price and Marc-André Fleury, this year’s starter would be Jordan Binnington, a former Stanley Cup champion from 2019. However, after his historic season, where he carried the St. Louis Blues to a Stanley Cup Championship, he has not been the same. Binnington has struggled with consistency, often posting below-average save percentages leading many fans to question whether he would suc-
ceed in the tournament. Nonetheless, Canada was stacked with elite talent, including Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Mitch Marner, and Nathan MacKinnon all leading the charge. With expectations high, the question loomed: Could Canada deliver when it mattered most?
From the beginning it was clear that Canada’s superstars were ready to put on a show. Less than a minute into the first game against Sweden at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Team Canada wasted no time as Crosby delivered a no-look pass to MacKinnon, opening the scoring. The team’s chemistry was immediate and as the game progressed it only continued to grow. The biggest moment came in overtime when Mitch Marner sealed the victory for Canada with yet another assist from Crosby. Crosby was named MVP of the game with three assists. While the crowd chanted his name, it was especially sentimental for him, as he grew up a Montreal Canadiens fan, so playing in the Bell Centre Arena and hearing the fans cheer for him was a special moment.
While Canada’s opening game was a success, their second game against the USA would escalate into an unforgettable showdown. From puck drop, three fights broke out within nine seconds, sending fans across the globe into a frenzy. Despite the chaos, Canada was determined, and McDavid opened the scoring on a breakaway, showcasing his individual brilliance as he weaved through defenders with ease. However, the Americans responded with relentless pressure and dominated Canada for the rest
of the game, ultimately securing a 3-1 victory. This was a wake-up call for Team Canada, as following the loss, many thought that winning the tournament was no longer possible. If Canada wanted to win this tournament, they needed to be better. After Canada secured its spot in the final, it was what every hockey fan across North America could have hoped for: Canada vs. USA, the two juggernauts going head-to-head in hopes of winning for their country. It was a high-paced, physical game with both Binnington and Hellebuyck standing tall. When the game deadlocked at 2-2, overtime was required to determine the outcome and winner of the first-ever Four Nations Tournament. Extra time began with the USA dominating Canada, forcing Binnington to make highlight-reel saves as he robbed USA phenom Auston Matthews in consecutive plays. As momentum shifted, it was McDavid who would rise to the occasion, scoring the golden goal for Canada after being left alone in the slot, sending the puck top shelf and securing a Canadian Four Nations victory. After the game, MacKinnon was named the MVP of the tournament. Surprisingly, one of Canada’s best players was Jordan Binnington; without him, Canada wouldn’t have had a chance of even making it to the finals.
The Four Nations Face Off was not just another tournament for Canadians, it carried a deeper significance, amid President Trump’s continual false accusations about Canada and suggestions that he would make Canada the “51st state”.
This wasn’t all, Trump threatened
to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, and 10% tariffs on oil and gas, meaning it would have serious effects on Canadians and Canadian businesses. If Canada could win the tournament, it would send a message to America, mitigating some of what Trump was saying. So, when the victory came, it meant more for Canadians than any game before, as it was a powerful statement of resilience, national pride, and unity. Outside of politics this tournament also provided an opportunity of growth and expansion in the game of hockey. The final game shattered viewership records and drew in new fans from around the world due to its high-paced action, superstar players and the intense rivalry that Canada and the USA share. With the Olympics on the horizon, Team Canada must look ahead to its next challenge, shifting the focus to building an even stronger roster for next year. While the core will likely remain the same, there may be some changes with players like Mark Scheifele fighting for a roster spot. In addition, two of the NHL’s brightest young stars, Connor Bedard, and Macklin Celebrini, are both trying to make their way onto the team. McDavid is a guaranteed player for the Olympic roster and has made it clear that winning the Four Nations Face Off isn’t enough as he called it just a “little tournament”. He has made it clear that his sights are already on the next challenge, saying, “we want to do it again next February,” referring to the winter Olympics in Italy. The message is clear: This win is just the beginning, and Canada is hungry for more.
Thusindu Karawita ’28
Matthew Bartman ’28
Solomon Khokar ’28 Aarman Bindra ’28
Conor Whiteside ’28
Across
1. The big tests
6. St. Paul’s Dramatic Society’s next production
10. Wannabe capital of Canada
11. Scorer of the golden goal
12. What a golfer wears or plants
14. The conservatory at Assiniboine Park
15. Synonym of synonymous
16. Bloc Quebecois leader
18. City of hockey “stars”
20. Third word of our paper
21. Our home and native land
22. Bee’s thing
23. Two continents or a country
25. Geometrically inspired vehicle
27. Seventh deadly sin
28. Passed pontiff
30. Nickname for Kolton’s class
31. Amount of matter, or church ceremony
33. Speech tourney
35. Jets home base
39. Like 2π and not 6.28
41. NDP leader
45. Stony, can by mono-, neo-, or paleo-
47. You can’t have it in the halls
48. Abridged location on the Europe trip
49. Rather uncooked or uncommon
50. Ad Meiorum Dei Gloriam
51. Yearlong celebration with a big door
52. You can apparently milk them on a plane?
53. Who Uncle Sam wants
Heth Nelson Soc ’27
Cartoonist
Carter Allison ’28
Illustrator of Holdout
Diversions
Down
1. Favourite imperative of lawn signs
2. Orthographic championship, not a buzzing orthographer
3. Trumpian import taxes
4. Unfortunate tradee
5. Parisian church
7. It can be by fire, by combat, or by jury
8. A trademark of jeans and Rosie
9. Presidential person
13. Day when He is risen
Blast from the Past!
This comic was written and illustrated by Toe Toe Moo ’26 for the issue in June fo 2023. Toe Toe was illustrator and cartoonist of The Crusader News from 20202024.
Editor’s Note
You made it to the end of another newspaper! As this will be my second last newspaper as Editor-in-Chief of The Crusader News, thank you for your support and readership! See you in June!
15. Related to sound or hedgehogs 17. One of the great lakes
19. Broths or shares of a company
21. The smaller gym
24. You can feel it in your bones
26. An aye, sure, or of course
27. ___ be with you
28. Conservative leader
29. Our new PM
30. Animal Farm antagonist
32. Same as 15 Down. Sorry.
34. A gaff for a laugh
36. Like a trendy sketch of a saint
37. We’re asked to put them up for Canuckism
38. Michael Wolanik ’25’s serial
40. A French farewell
42. Anticipatory expectation
44. St. Paul’s trip destination
46. Where Poilievre wants us to bring it
Solution online at thecrusadernews.ca Crossword by Isaac Lavitt ’25
Crusader News Staff Image Credits
Election – Peters: Reuters/Blair Gable
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Elbows – Joseph Mutter: AP
Leadership – Dhaliwal: Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo
Jubilee – Kosa: Vatican Media
Pope – Lavitt: Vatican Media
Vatican Media via AP
Cybertruck – Bartman: Greg Pajo/Car and Driver
Holidays – Lavitt: Square Cow Movers
Sonic – Kosa: Sega
France – Lavitt: Evan Peters ’25
Isaac Lavitt ’25
Elias Feibelkorn
Stacy Dainard
Italy – Bobelyak: Robert Merello
Maksim Thomas ’25
Timothy Clark ’26
Holdout – Wolanik: Carter Allison
Fawlty Towers – Arias: Owen Taylor ’25
Luca Doncic – Yeung: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
LM Otero/The Associated Press
F1 – Mannem: FIA
Moderator: Editor-in-Chief:
Deputy Editor:
Chief Head Layout Editor: Website Editor
Laurence Broadhurst
Isaac Lavitt
Alden Minuk
Ben Lehman
John Wilson
Joseph Lewin
Thomas Bernardin
Maksim Thomas
and Tech Editor: Business Editor: Arts and Culture Editor: Sports Editor: School Life Editor: Culture Copy Editor: Politics Copy Editor: School
Castiel Haripersad
Rodmehr Filizadeh
Daniel Stipanovic
Nazar Bobelyak
Aidan Kuo
Gabriel Arias
James Bailey
Mauricio Barrientos Garay
Landon Pinette
Ephran Peters
Upcoming Events
April 28: Bing Crosby Speech Tournament/Paul Harriot Spelling Bee
April 29: Grade 11 Faith Roadshow
April 30: Late Start
May 1: Dress code II in Effect, Assembly
May 2: Mother-Son Liturgy, Grade 9 Men for Others Day
May 6: Assembly
May 7: Late Start, Grade 12 English AP Exam
May 8-10: Fawlty Towers
May 9: All School Liturgy
May 12: Grade 12 Calculus AP Exam
May 13: Grade 12 AP Physics II and Grade 12 AP French Exams
May 14: Late Start, Grade 11 English AP Exam
May 16: PD Day No Classes, Grade 12 Physics I AP Exam
