11 January 2017

Arts

Band together What to expect from the local music scene in 2017 Page 13

Comment

A union divided UMSU/CFS feud sets pretext for defederation Page 9

Sports

Bragging Rights Bisons complete sweep of crosstown rival Wesmen Page 17

Vo l 1 0 3 · N o 1 8 · J a n ua ry 1 1 , 2 0 1 7 · w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

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Index

VOL. 103 NO. 18 January 11, 2017

science

Building body parts A look into the world of 3D-printed organs page 10

Editor-in-Chief Craig Adolphe

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

Business manager Kiefer Sheldon

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Advertising Coordinator Daniel Parys

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Editorial

Managing Editor Lauren Siddall

me@themanitoban.com

News Editor Garett Williams

news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

News Editor Levi Garber

levi@themanitoban.com/ 474.6770

editorial

Comment Editor Shawn Garbutt

comment@themanitoban.com

Out of touch

science & technology Editor Malak Abas

science@themanitoban.com

Pallister's PCs not looking out for Manitobans’ best interests

arts & Culture Editor Tobi Nifesi

arts@themanitoban.com

Sports Editor Ryan Stelter

sports@themanitoban.com

Copy Editor Sarah Doran

copy@themanitoban.com

page 8

Design

Design Editor Bram Keast

design@themanitoban.com

sports

Graphics Editor Kelly Campbell

Save the Blizz

graphics@themanitoban.com

Photo Editor Miguel Yetman

photo@themanitoban.com

Community rallies to save local hockey team

Design associate Kellie Huynh graphics associate Aldo Rios pHOTO associate Chantal Zdan pHOTO associate Star Roxas

page 19

pHOTO associate Megan Colwell

Reporters

News Osho Samuel Adetunji News Diana Ubokudom News Seamus Hamilton-Pattison Columnist Jeremiah Kopp Columnist Shaden Abusaleh arts & culture Olivia Michalczuk arts & culture Emelia Fournier Sports Kellen Taniguchi Sports Jason Pchajek Copy Joseph Gonzalez

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News

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News Editors: Garett Williams & Levi Garber Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Canada-wide fentanyl crisis prompts university reactions U of M ramps up opioid awareness alongside other campuses Seamus Hamilton-Pattison, staff

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ith overdose deaths linked to the opioid fentanyl reaching new highs in Manitoba over the last three years, the U of M is working on preventative measures to inform and protect the student body.

The number of overdose deaths linked to the illicit drug has risen significantly across Canada in recent years and the University of Manitoba is joining universities throughout the country in developing a campus strategy.

The university has also set up a fentanyl FAQ page online briefly covering the drug’s origins, why students should be concerned, exactly what an overdose looks like, and what to do in the event of one According to U of M health and wellness educator Katie Kutryk, a National College Health Assessment survey recently conducted at the university shows that less than 0.1 per cent of the surveyed student body has used opioids at all.

But despite the survey, Kutryk said that “the dangers associated with fentanyl should not be dismissed.”

“Students may be inadvertently exposed to fentanyl through con- en masse. tamination or by taking a substance The provincial government that, unbeknownst to them, is cut of Manitoba stated their plan to with fentanyl,” said Kutryk. order “some 1,000 overdose reversal “With that being said, our focus is kits” to CBC in December, and the less on numbers but rather trying to Addictions Foundation of Manitoba raise awareness of this issue to help has been providing regular training our students stay safe and healthy. sessions to school counsellors and The fact is that this is an issue that police officers on the use of both the is currently out there and affecting kits and the drug. many individuals within our city The day after its provincial governand country, and has the potential ment released multiple public service to have a direct impact on the health announcements about the dangers of and safety of individuals within our fentanyl in October, the University campus community.” of British Columbia had take-home A recent U of M release stated naloxone kits available for free on the university is currently working campus. with the Winnipeg Regional Health The University of Calgary has four Authority (WRHA) and Manitoba naloxone kits available to students Health to make naloxone kits – an through the U of C Wellness Centre. antidote capable of reversing the The university provides training for lethal effects of an opioid and its use of the kits, as well as a guarantee delivery system – available through of confidentiality. However, despite University Health Service. the kits having been available to stuKutryk said this decision is purely dents since February, a Metro news preventative. “To my knowledge, in interview with the centre’s senior my role to date, I am not aware of any director of access and support Debbie instances on campus where a nalox- Bruckner revealed that not a single one kit was needed.” student has come to request a kit.

With the spike in fatal fentanylKutryk said the U of M is working related overdoses across Canada, on student awareness now, and will provinces and universities across the continue to do so through a variety country are ordering naloxone kits of means.

photo provided by James heilman, md

“I have worked with different student associations, UMSU, and faculties [and] departments to distribute fentanyl awareness posters throughout the university and our campuses,” said Kutryk.

“The fact is that this is an issue that is currently out there and affecting many individuals within our city and country” – Katie Kutryk, U of M health and wellness educator “Speaking from a student support perspective, different departments within our unit directly connect with students or staff, including myself, who have questions or concerns regarding the issue. Information and education is not a one-time thing and is ever-evolving to meet the needs of the community.”

In addition to this, the same U of

M release announcing the university’s safe and monitored fentanyl prescripplan to acquire naloxone kits featured tions, stating that the drug itself is detailed information on the dangers “not inherently bad.” of fentanyl and what resources are “For years, fentanyl – as well as currently available to students in need other opioid medications – has been of help. successful when indicated at approThe university has also set up a priately treating severe pain if prefentanyl FAQ page online briefly cov- scribed, dispensed, and used legally,” ering the drug’s origins, why students said Kutryk. should be concerned, exactly what an “It’s when it’s used inapproprioverdose looks like, and what to do ately that significant risks can arise, in the event of one. as the findings indicate. This is an “We plan on continuing to work important study that can assist in not with university colleagues as well only improving safety of prescribed as community partners such as the fentanyl for professionals who are WRHA and Manitoba Health to involved with prescribing practices bring education and awareness to the but also help better the education for student population as information is individuals who use fentanyl to treat available through a variety of modes,” their severe pain.” said Kutryk.

Last year in April, a U of M release detailed the findings of a study by university researchers, which revealed half of all patients being prescribed fentanyl patches were at risk of adverse effects that included overdose, respiratory depression, and death. Due to the extremely high potency of fentanyl relative to other opioids, a patient with no prior history or experience with opioids is at risk.

However, Kutryk still supports

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News

News Editors: Garett Williams & Levi Garber Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

AESES affiliates with Confederation of Canadian Unions Support staff union breaks four-decade independent streak in the face of hostile provincial government Osho Samuel Adetunji, staff

photo by Megan Colwell

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he Association of Employees Supporting Education Services (AESES) – which represents numerous levels of U of M support staff – is affiliating with a larger, national labour union.

After 43 years acting as an independent organization, AESES announced in December its board of representatives approved an affiliation with the Confederation of

Canadian Unions (CCU).

AESES president Laurie Morris said the union joined ranks with CCU in order to stay politically vibrant and relevant in the face of growing issues impeding the progress of unions, both locally and internationally.

“Throughout the years, we have remained independent and also unaffiliated. We stayed focused on our

Morris noted AESES previously mission of serving our members,” she said. considered affiliating with other “For some time, however, we labour unions and organizations have felt the need to become more but never took the step to strike an politically active and cognizant of agreement. the issues facing the unions locally, nationally, and even internationally.”

“Unions are under AESES represents about 2,500 fulland part-time employees working attack. By affiliating in various departments on campus, including clerical and administra- with the CCU, we tive, technical, and security services, hope to become part among others. The union reached a of a larger fight to new collective bargaining agreement with the University of Manitoba in maintain everything February 2016 after 10 months of that unions have negotiation.

In August 2016, some members fought long and hard of AESES were victims of budget cuts and departmental restructuring for” – Laurie Morris, within University of Manitoba librarAESES president ies. The restructuring led to the loss of nearly 40 positions.

The CCU claims it is Canada’s largest federation of independent She said CCU first approached labour unions with six affiliates – AESES in early 2016 for a possible including AESES – representing affiliation. more than 16,000 members.

AESES representatives took their Morris said affiliating with the time researching and meeting with CCU is a step in the right direction CCU affiliates before agreeing to the to avail AESES with the resources for conditions of the affiliation proposal. a larger fight while also maintaining Morris said recent comments the high standards of the union. from Manitoba premier Brian “Unions are under attack,” she said. Pallister concerning public sector “By affiliating with the CCU, we hope unions – including a promise within to become part of a larger fight to the November throne speech that maintain everything that unions have would prevent the government from fought long and hard for.” agreeing to any increases it cannot

pay for without deficit spending – gave AESES almost no other option than to take advantage of the CCU affiliation.

“We strongly feel that this is the right time to make this commitment given the Pallister government's plans regarding wage freezes for public sector jobs and other attacks on unions, such as the passing of Bill 7,” she said.

Bill 7 amended the Labour Relations Amendments Act and made a secret ballot mandatory before a union can be certified as the bargaining agent for a group of employees. The bill was criticized by provincial labour union leaders for being an attack on workers’ rights.

In his first state of the province address in December, Pallister further alienated public sector unions by stating there are too many bargaining units within Manitoba healthcare and suggesting that number should come down.

Morris said she is hopeful the CCU affiliation will bring additional supports to AESES while allowing the association to give a boost to other member organizations.

“We hope that our affiliation with the CCU will aid us in tackling issues facing our members locally and provincially while we strive to lend our support to others in need.”

Federal finance committee recommends removal of funding cap on scholarship and bursary program for Indigenous students Recommendation comes following lobbying push by student unions Levi Garber, staff

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he federal standing committee University of Waterloo Federation students every year. In 2013-2014, $322 increases was placed on the program on finance has recommended the of Students, the Western University million was invested in the program, in the 1990s by former Liberal finance government remove a two per cent Students’ Council, the University providing funding for more than minister Paul Martin. Since then, the funding cap placed on Indigenous of Saskatchewan Students’ Union, 22,000 students. program has seen an 18.3 per cent and Northern Affairs Canada’s Post- the Queen’s University Alma Mater Following her trip to Ottawa with decline in the amount of students Secondary Student Support Program Society, and the University of British the other ADVOCAN representa- it supports, the CBC reported in (PSSSP) in the Liberal government’s Columbia Alma Mater Society. tives, UMSU president Tanjit Nagra September. next budget.

The PSSSP was set up in order to said she feels it is important the cap During their 2015 federal election The recommendation came in a “improve the employability of First is lifted for the government to ful- campaign, the Liberal party promreport from the finance commit- Nation and eligible Inuit students fill its goals in reconciliation with ised to lift the two per cent cap and tee in December, just weeks after by providing them with funding to Indigenous communities. add $50 million a year to the program.

ADVOCAN, a group of seven stu- access education and skills develop“I think our Indigenous population That promise was not included in last dent unions including the University ment opportunities at the post-sec- and our young people need support year’s federal budget. of Manitoba Students’ Union ondary level,” according to its official going to post-secondary institutions,” While in Ottawa, ADVOCAN (UMSU), travelled to Ottawa to webpage. she said. “At the end of the day, I representatives met with more than lobby for the cap lift.

The program provides hundreds think that if we want to honour rec- 50 members of Parliament to lobby ADVOCAN is made up of execu- of millions of dollars in scholarships onciliation and move down that path, for the removal of the cap in the next tives from UMSU, the University and bursaries to Treaty and Status we need to support where it’s needed.” budget, including Carolyn Bennett, of Toronto Students’ Union, the First Nation and Inuit post-secondary The two per cent cap on funding the minister for Indigenous Affairs

and Northern Development.

Nagra said that although the meeting with Bennett was brief, she believes it was productive.

“I think that [Bennett] was very happy that we were there, advocating for that,” she said. “Even though we only had a short time with her, I think she was pretty receptive.”

The recommendation from the standing committee on finance does not include any specifics on how much funding to the PSSSP should be increased, only that the two per cent cap should be lifted.

The next federal budget is expected to be released in March 2017.

VOL. 103 NO. 18 January 11, 2017

News

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UMSU cries foul over U-Pass administration fees Student union claims Winnipeg Transit reneged on operating grant support, bargained in bad faith Garett Williams, staff

graphic by megan colwell

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he University of Manitoba years of a four-year contract after sioned it was that UMSU and transit According to numbers Pawlak Winnipeg Transit, and UMSU – Students’ Union (UMSU) is refusing to remit the one per cent [would be] side by side arguing the presented to the executive commit- each party is responsible for any costs claiming Winnipeg Transit reneged commission on the U-Pass – a stan- grant to the councillors and it ended tee, the U-Pass more than doubled incurred to meet their obligations. on a commitment to support an oper- dard agreement between transit and up being just UMSU arguing for the the number of U of M students with To fund the U-Pass, full-time U a transit pass. He said 87 per cent of of M students are assessed an addiating grant to offset U-pass adminis- bus pass retailers. grant.” trative fees, leaving the union on the On Dec. 8, Pawlak and UMSU eligible students claimed their pass, tional fee of $260 – $130 per term – hook to absorb a projected $60,000 governance coordinator Chris Struc with more than 19,100 issued com- in their tuition. The fee represents “We were assured in associated costs. appeared before the executive policy pared to close to 7,000 under the a $306 savings from regular student In a release issued in December, committee to support UMSU’s indi- previous student rate arrangement. rates for monthly bus passes and gives this grant would vidual grant request.

In a release published on Dec. 16, students access to Winnipeg Transit the student union accused Winnipeg be supported by Transit of failing to negotiate in good “The U-Pass is a partnership,” said UMSU claimed that the U-Pass pro- from September through April. faith and criticized the mayor’s execu- transit” – Adam Pawlak, addressing the committee. gram generated $5 million in revenue tive policy committee for its “short“In order to make the partnership for Winnipeg Transit.

Peggo cards Pawlak, UMSU vicesighted refusal to work with students.” work effectively, both parties need Clark challenged that claim, sayCurrently, U of M U-Pass users The U-Pass is a universal transit to work together to ensure its success ing the $5 million is roughly equiva- are issued paper cards to be displayed president internal pass available to all full-time underfor the long-term health of the city lent to the sales UMSU produced along with their valid student cards. grad and graduate students at the U of Winnipeg.” through the previous student transit This has increased the administrative of M and University of Winnipeg for The request was rejected. However, pass framework but noted the bol- costs to UMSU, which had to orgaa reduced fee payable with tuition.

“From our understanding, what Pawlak said transit representatives stered ridership numbers increase ser- nize and distribute the passes both in The complaint stems from a verbal we agreed upon was that Winnipeg and UMSU are scheduled to meet vice requirements and in fact run the the fall and winter terms. commitment UMSU vice-president Transit would support this grant this month to continue discussions. city a net loss of $1.6 million annually.

Students at the University of internal Adam Pawlak said transit within their budget and make it Wardrop was not made available Clark also noted that a one per Winnipeg have been issued plastic director David Wardrop made to the work,” he said, adding that he learned to the Manitoban. However, A lissa cent commission is provided to retail reloadable peggo cards. student organization. through email that the transit depart- Clark, a spokesperson for the city, commercial outlets to offset costs The paper passes are a temporary Administrative costs were a point ment removed a grant request for said in an email the request was dis- including credit card fees, which do measure until systems are in place of contention over the summer when $27,000 before the budget submis- missed “as part of the budget process.” not apply to the U-Pass. at the U of M to support the peggo the two sides negotiated terms to roll sion went to committee.

“Winnipeg Transit suggested According to Pawlak, adminis- cards. out the U-Pass for September and “We were assured this grant would that UMSU apply for a grant and trating the U-Pass has cost UMSU They are expected to be available Pawlak said he was under the impres- be supported by transit,” said Pawlak. offered to support the grant request nearly $47,000 for the fall term. That in the fall of 2017. sion transit would support an operat“I always knew that it could be by including the grant in the depart- number is expected to reach close to ing grant to offset half of the cost of defeated at the city council level but ment’s budget submission as part of $60,000 after the winter passes are administering the pass. the frustration stems from the fact the 2017 budget process, but advised distributed.

He said transit agreed to support that transit did not support the grant UMSU that there was no certainty Under the U-Pass agreement the grant request for the first two in the end, because the way I envi- of approval,” she said.

– which is between the U of M,

Editorial Editor-In-Chief: Craig Adolphe Contact: Editor@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

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PCs are out of touch with average Manitobans The working class have nothing to gain and everything to lose with Pallister’s government Shawn Garbutt, staff

problem? Not in Manitoba, where the newly inaugurated Progressive Conservative government has been trumpeting an agenda of austerity.

Since taking control of government, Premier Brian Pallister has cancelled an annual minimum wage increase – costing minimum wage earners $400 this first year alone, according to Manitoba Federation of Labour estimates – while accepting a pay increase for himself and his cabinet ministers tied to Manitoba’s balanced budget legislation. Pallister has also indicated interest in opening up settled contract agreements with public sector unions.

This kind of antilabour political manoeuvering by the PC government is representative of the party’s disregard for average people

photo by miguel yetman

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n Jan. 3, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives rang in the new year with a report that showed that Canada’s 100 top CEOs earn an average compensation 193 times more than the wage received by ordinary full-time workers. In real numbers, that amounts to CEOs raking in approximately $9.5 million in

comparison to Canada’s median salary of $49,510. These numbers speak to a broader trend – since the 1980s new wealth in Canada has increasingly gone to the richest among us.

Frankly, this isn’t shocking news for anyone near or below that median number. People have an intuitive sense of the unequal distribution of

wealth in society. That's why we've seen such resonance with politicians from the left like Bernie Sanders in the U.S. and Jeremy Corbyn in the UK, and the push to get rid of Harper in Canada.

With the broad support for a new approach to tackling inequality, is government acting to address that

Pallister has taken a leave of reality longer than his two-month Costa Rican vacations if he thinks people will stand by apathetically while he tears up negotiated labour contracts for the purpose of ending minute wage increases for front-line public sector employees.

This kind of anti-labour political manoeuvering by the PC government is representative of the party’s disregard for average people. Indeed, the only group that registers on this government’s radar are interest groups catering to business. A troubling disconnect exists between the people and their representatives when the latter treat the minimum wage as a handout instead of the most basic level of subsistence deemed humane by society.

Pallister’s lack of care for the lay-

man only becomes more apparent as we get further into his government’s term. When concerns were raised about affordability in light of Bell’s bid to acquire MTS, Pallister remarked, “You get what you pay for.”

First and foremost, Bell’s promise to invest in more cell towers will not completely offset the pressures to increase prices and lower quality of customer service given the decreased competition between providers. Furthermore, it’s rich for the premier with prime property in a foreign country to be so nonchalant over the possibility of prices jumping up, especially when his government, is pushing wage stagnation for thousands of workers.

Pallister’s sails can’t rely on the winds of ‘blue skies’ for much longer.

Economic inequality is one of the hottest topics in modern political discourse, and it’s not going unnoticed.

Abroad, the Finnish government is experimenting with universal basic income; meanwhile the Canadian economy is getting increasingly lopsided. A report issued by the Broadbent Institute in 2014 showed that the top 20 per cent of Canadians now control approximately 70 per cent of the country’s wealth.

The Manitoban government should be in the business of looking out for the everyman – not cutting back accessibility to services, nor slashing funding and drying up wages. To justify his rampant austerity fear-mongering, Pallister warns Manitobans that “something’s got to give” when it comes to the province’s spending. But not everyone has a $2 million mansion to curl up in when those spending cuts result in lost jobs and fewer public services.

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Comment Comment Editor: Shawn Garbutt Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Reignited spat with CFS a pretext for defederation Jesse Blackman, volunteer staff

photo by chantal zdan

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f nothing else, the University of Manitoba’s Students’ Union’s (UMSU) latest foray with the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) has shown the UMSU executives are in over their heads.

At the CFS’s November national general meeting (NGM), UMSU proposed a motion for CFS to adopt a new policy on international student tuition increases. The motion was out of touch with other province’s policies on tuition fees and completely contrary to some of CFS’s core principles.

The UMSU executives’ response to the motion not being adopted, but tabled, was nothing short of childish.

Here’s the motion: “Be it resolved that notwithstanding current policy on tuition fees, the federation amend the existing policy stance on international students to include advocacy for a mandate to lock international student fee increases to the same percentage as domestic students.”

As it stands, the motion does not apply to every province in a meaningful way. Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan have deregulated tuition. Ontario tuition increases are capped at three per cent. Manitoba, for the time being, has regulated

domestic tuition increases capped at coordinated a day of action against CFS since Al Turnbull was elected the rate of inflation. Newfoundland tuition fees. president in 2013. Since that time, and Labrador and Alberta have The federation has also won UMSU has only recently remitted tuition freezes. reforms for international students almost $1 million in outstanding fees Lobbying for a policy that has who face barriers beyond tuition fees to the federation, has opted out of vastly different implications in dif- and unpredictable hikes. Indeed, the the CFS’s not-for-profit Greenshield ferent provinces does not make sense CFS has won key victories for inter- health coverage (a move leading to a for the CFS or international students. national students by lobbying for leg- more expensive plan that covers less), UMSU’s motion called for CFS to islative reforms both provincial and and has failed to stand with CFS conchange their policy manual – which federally. Across Canada, interna- sistently in opposition to tuition fees currently calls for the national union tional students have gained access to and student debt. to advocate for the complete elimi- working visas to help mitigate tuition nation of tuition fees – to not only and living expenses, and starting in This latest skirmish support tuition increases, but dif- 2012, international students in our ferential fees between domestic and province have been eligible for covershows UMSU international students. Differential age by Manitoba Health. representatives fees result in international students On the tuition front, CFSpaying more than triple what the Manitoba has also been leading have no interest in same classes cost domestic students a campaign against the financial on average. Courses at the U of M exploitation of international stucooperating with in university 1, arts, fine arts, and dents. Ignited at the U of M followthe larger student the Asper school of business are 3.8 ing the administration’s 2015 tuition times more expensive for interna- hike for international students, the movement tional students.

“International Students are not Cash Since forming in 1981, the CFS Cows” campaign continues the resist has opposed tuition fees, seeing the mistreatment of international Quite frankly, it seems UMSU’s them as a financial barrier to univer- students. motion was an attempt to allow CFS sal access to post-secondary educaIt is incomprehensible to think critics to denounce the federation for tion. Free education for all students, that the CFS should compromise its not caring about international sturegardless of where they were born stance on tuition fees. dents. After the motion was tabled, or hold citizenship, is central to the UMSU’s motion was never about Tanjit Nagra and Adam Pawlak federation’s mandate. On Nov. 2, not international students. UMSU has blasted the CFS on Twitter. a full month prior to the NGM, CFS had a tense relationship with the By playing politics around

UMSU’s actions and the federation, the executive may be trying to position the federation as an ineffective waste of money.

This kind of pointed rhetoric has its use. While UMSU has barred CFS services on campus in the past and has not participated in campaigns, executives are now manufacturing a new reality where the CFS is portrayed as not benefitting UMSU members. Thus, a de-federation referendum can be justified.

This latest skirmish shows UMSU representatives have no interest in cooperating with the larger student movement, especially when the executives deem demanding an apology from CFS executives a worthwhile exercise for the council. This only continues a pattern that has shown to be costly to UMSU members.

Students at the U of M should take time to do their own research into the CFS. Based on what they’ve heard, they may be surprised to know how much great work they've done with international students.

Science & technology 10 Science & Technology Editor: Malak Abas Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Building body parts: a look into the world of 3D-printed organs Canadians in need of organs may receive 3D-printed ones sooner than you think Delica Leboe-McGowan

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y the end of 2015, the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved the sale of over 85 3D-printed medical devices, such as prosthetics, surgical tools, and artificial replacements for damaged bones. Spritam, a pill for treating epilepsy, became the first 3D printed drug to gain FDA approval in 2015.

These uses of 3D printers are innovative, but they mainly offer another way to manufacture existing medical technologies. The emerging field of bioprinting, which uses 3D printers to assemble products out of living material, is more likely to revolutionize the power of medical intervention.

Similar to how conventional printers can reproduce digital photos and documents, 3D printers can build whatever a computer-aided design (CAD) file can describe. According to the instructions from a CAD file, 3D printers move upwards as they deposit material – often plastic, metal, or, in the case of bioprinting, living cells – onto successive twodimensional layers. These machines commonly employ a technique called ink-jet printing. In basically the same

Beyond guaranteeing a renewable source of viable organs, the most advanced uses of bioprinting would remedy additional challenges related to organ transplantation. Accepting an organ from a human donor requires patients to indefinitely suppress their immune systems’ urge to reject the foreign tissue. Consequently, recipients of organ donations must weaken their natural protection from disease for the rest of their lives. Prior to starting the bioprinting process, a patient’s doctor would extract a sample of healthy cells to multiply in the lab.

The bioprinter would then construct the replacement tissue from cells with only the patient’s genes, thereby allowing the immune system to recognize the new tissue as safe. Unlike waiting to receive organs from a person with compatible DNA, doctors who use bioprinting could tell their patients exactly when a new organ will be ready for surgery. In these two ways, bioprinting would remove the uncertainty of when healthy organs will become available and whether the patient’s body will accept the donor’s tissue. graphic by kelly campbell In addition to automatizing organ donation, bioprinting may eventuway as piping tubes push icing onto cells can now survive for weeks, and ally offer alternative treatments gingerbread houses without touching engineers are continuously working when person-to-person transplants the surface, ink-jets drop microscopic to further extend this lifespan. are impractical. At the Wake Forest amounts of material onto the top of a Institute for Regenerative Medicine, 3D printed object.

Thousands of Canadians a campus for training medical stuneed organ donors dents, researchers are developing This technology has potentially bioprinted skin with the goal of While bioprinters life-saving applications. According to treating burn victims. Severe burns the government of Canada, over 4,500 conventionally require using some evolve, their Canadians in 2014 were waiting to be of the victim’s healthy skin to cover matched with organ donors. In the the damaged areas. As explained by products are still same year, 278 Canadians who needed the Burn Injury Recovery Centre, finding immediate organ transplants died on the waiting using skin from another person is list. If bioprinters evolve to the point only adequate for one-to-three weeks applications in where they can manufacture implant- before the immune system’s aggresmedical science able organs, the healthcare system sive reaction forces doctors to remove could eliminate the current disparity the donated skin. The only permabetween the number of organ donors nent treatment thus requires doctors In order for living cells to survive and the number of people whose to inflict a second wound as large as this process, engineers needed to survival depends on organ dona- the first, whereas the Wake Forest address the high pressures and tem- tion. Research at the biotechnology Institute reports that its bioprinters peratures inside the ink-jet. Thomas company Organovo is contributing can make enough replacement skin Boland, William Crisp Wilson, and to prevent the organ shortage from to cover a burn with ten times less Tao Xu earned a 2006 patent for their claiming more lives. Considering healthy tissue that is usually needed. success in extending the versatility of that a third of the aforementioned 3D printers to living structures. Their 278 deceased Canadians were await- Not yet widely available modifications to ink-jet printing ena- ing kidney transplants, Organovo’s Unfortunately, the people who bled between 25 per cent and 85 per ability to bioprint functional human would benefit from these advantages cent of printed cells to remain alive kidney tissue gives hope for the future of organ printing must wait for the 24 hours after incubation. Bioprinted of organ replacement. technology to become a viable and

widely available option. Reproducing the complex structure of human organs is one of the most ambitious goals in bioprinting, especially when one’s purpose is to implant bioprinted tissue into the human body. While bioprinters evolve, their products are still finding immediate applications in medical science. Organovo’s kidney and liver tissues are commercially available to pharmaceutical companies, enabling researchers to test their medications on bioprinted tissue. The results of these tests can help the researchers to determine which drugs are most likely to succeed in clinical trials, thereby speeding up the process of releasing new medications.

In basically the same way as piping tubes push icing onto gingerbread houses without touching the surface, ink-jets drop microscopic amounts of material onto the top of a 3D printed object Outside of medicine, this opportunity to avoid the strict regulations over testing products on humans is attracting other corporate interests. In 2015, a press release from Organovo announced its collaboration with L’Oréal in pursuing their goal of bioprinting human skin. The cosmetic company intends to test its products on the bioprinted tissue.

Before companies like Organovo can gain approval for this type of application, governments will need to set clear, regulatory standards for the quality and accessibility of bioprinted products. The rapid advancement of bioprinting technology forces legislators to consider how society should use and control the power to mass produce the fibres of the human body.

VOL. 103 NO. 18 January 11, 2017

Science & Technology 11

World’s oldest known killer whale missing, presumed dead Known as “Granny,” the orca whale was over 100 years old Malak Abas, staff

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ccording to reports from the “pods” for categorization purposes.

Center for Whale Research, J2 was named after the “J” pod, of the world’s oldest known killer which she was considered a leader. whale is presumed dead.

Southern resident killer whales The female orca whale – named were split up into “J” “K” and “L” J2, but affectionately referred to as pods by researchers.

“Granny” – has not been seen since The whales’ whereabouts have October 2016, and was believed to been followed by researchers since be over 100 years old. the 1970s, and was easily identified J2 was part of the endangered by a marking on her dorsal fin. J2 southern resident killer whale has mystified whale watchers since (SRKW) population, which live in – as orca whales typically only live the waters off of British Columbia between 60 and 80 years – and and Washington state. While was even the star of a recent BBC 2015 ended with a “baby boom” of documentary.

In a memorial blog post for the SRKW births, bringing the population up to 85 whales, 2016 brought Center for Whale Research, a nonthe population back down to 79 profit organization devoted to the whales after a string of reproduc- benign study and conservation of tive issues in female SRKWs. southern resident killer whales, Whale watchers categorize which had been following J2, Erin groups of whales by letter into Heydenreich wrote that as more

and more female whales in these pods die, the lack of proper structure is dangerous for the entire population.

tribute to the loss of cohesion within the pods. Anyone who is watching the whales has likely observed the fragmentation of all three pods over the years, where groups that once traveled consistently and predictably together no longer do so,” J2 was part of the Heydenreich wrote. endangered southern “We have attributed this change in behavior to lack of food availabilresident killer whale ity – the whales have to spread out to look for salmon that are scarce (SRKW) population, – but perhaps a loss of older female which live in the leadership is also having an impact”.

Just weeks before J2’s passing, waters off of British another whale in her pod known Columbia and as J34 had died. J2 was especially important within the “J” pod, as Washington state she used her advanced age to teach younger killer whales where and “We have speculated that the when to find food. absence of older females may conThe diet for southern resident

Photo provided by Monika Wieland

killer whales is Chinook salmon, and the decline in their population means sustenance has been scarce, and the effects have been damaging. As orcas starve, their bodies metabolize their own blubber, which releases toxins into their bodies.

J2 has no living offspring. Her child, a mature male orca whale named J1, or “Ruffles,” accompanied her up to 2010, when he died at the approximate age of 60 years old.

Diversions Graphics Editor: Kelly Campbell Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

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comic by scott lercher

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Arts & Culture Arts & Culture Editor: Tobi Nifesi Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Local bands to watch in 2017 A list of artists that caught our eyes and ears with their big plans for the upcoming year Olivia Michalczuk & Emelia Fournier, staff

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his year, the Manitoban has Kakagi: Local folk rock outdecided to take on the daunting fit. Check them out at the Uniter task of selecting a few of the many Fiver show this month before they extremely talented local artists. This start touring this May. Their EP is list is focused on bands that are mak- expected to be released this fall, but ing big moves for the upcoming year, until then, check out their first EP whether that be touring their recently that was released in November 2016. released albums, recording or releasing an album, or just starting out their Begonia musical journey in the city.

Previously a member of Juno Priority was given to bands that Award-winning Chic Gamine, Alexa are up and coming or newly formed. Dirks (now more commonly known Although we highly recommend sup- as Begonia) made her debut in 2016 porting all of these artists by buying as one of the most popular local acts their music or going for their shows, without even releasing a full album. this is not a list of favorites, but rather She garnered fans through her local a list of artists that caught our atten- performances and live recordings tion who we think will be worth in 2016. Her strong vocal range watching out for this year. combined with infectious melodies and a hip grandmother aesthetic Kieran West and his have drawn fans in and wowed critBuffalo Band ics. She released her single “Out of Since their last EP release in 2014, My Head” in October 2016, and Riverwood Avenue, Kieran West and her highly anticipated EP Lady in his Buffalo Band have been play- Mind will be released in March 2017 ing their sad yet upbeat alt-country with a release party at the West End tunes as minstrels at Winnipeg Folk Cultural Centre. As the title of her Festival, headlining a night at Shine EP suggests, Dirks explores themes On music festival, opening for art- of femininity, love, and loss to the ists such as the Perpetrators, and tune of alternative pop peppered with headlining shows across Manitoba. gospel and blues.

With their first tour ever currently extended westward to Calgary, the With so many local Winnipeg band hopes to share the new materials from their upcoming bands to watch EP – slated for a release later this out for this year, year. The EP, which is currently in preproduction stages and is being Winnipeg music crowdfunded, will feature local artenthusiasts can ists like Micah Erenberg, Somebody Language, and The Way it Feels, who expect a lot of good will also be recording music this year.

Similar bands/artists to watch music in 2017 out for: Roger Roger: Twin folk-roots singer-songwriters Madeline and Similar bands/artists to watch Lucas, are fresh off a tour and plan out for: to head out once again in 2017. Their Rayannah: Currently touring effortless vocal harmonies, compli- Germany with Matt Epp for the mentary guitar, and storytelling make month of January, Rayannah creates for a perfect combination. her alternative sound by looping her Micah Erenberg Band: A folk- vocals, synths, and percussions. This rock group that had a busy 2016 with French/English bilingual artist has the release of Poor Mic’s Toe. With toured coast-to-coast and overseas recording in progress, Winnipeg with her unique sound. music enthusiasts are keeping their Lanikai: Lanikai’s self-titled eye on this group. Their upcoming debut features sweet and pure yet live repertoire for 2017 will include powerful songs with unpredictable new material and the give-and-take compositions that will leave you of energy at live shows keeps people hooked. coming back for more.

June Killing Stones: With an

anticipated EP release this year, the Winnipeg alternative-pop/rock outfit is hoping to hop on some music festivals this summer. The band released their single “Leap” in October 2016 and have been turning heads ever since.

Silence Kit

This female-led, post-punk, altrock, grunge-whatever group has worked hard over the course of 2016 to make 2017 a great year. Silence Kit played several shows around Winnipeg last fall and this winter, and hopes to maintain an equally busy performance schedule this year.

They rang in the new year performing at The Cavern to a packed house with fellow rockers Solhounds and Madeira. The Winnipeg band was recently featured at Manitoba Music’s New Music Night alongside Kakagi and Trampoline.

Silence Kit’s 2016 was largely spent creating and perfecting new songs as the group solidified. They released demos Verbs and Pipe Dream last summer and are on course to release an EP in April. Silence Kit’s high energy rock-n-roll performing style has brought audience members back to see them perform repeatedly but the band is sure to draw even larger crowds in 2017.

Similar bands/artists to watch out for: Solhounds: This female-led desert doom rock band spent last year touring and performing sold out shows. They’ll hit the studios this winter to start recording again but be on the look out for their upcoming live performances.

Tusk: Formed in the spring of 2016, Tusk is being featured in the Uniter Fiver show. Their debut EP is set to be released in March 2017.

top left: Kieran West and his buffalo band. Top right: Begonia, photo provided by Brittany deck. above: Silence kit, photo provided by Quincy Houdayer

Mulvey Street Maniacs: With an EP on the way and a full album in the works, this bluesy rock trio with a country twang will perform their debut show at Festival du Voyageur this February and will continue to hit stages at shows and in the summer.

lot of media attention this past year, all for good reason. The successful release of their album Don’t Give into the Bad Feeling has further established them in the Winnipeg music scene and sent them on an eastern Canadian tour.

JayWood: JayWood is planning Sam Singer on releasing a new album in 2017, and The youngest band on our list, playing more around the city. They Sam Singer is definitely one to watch hope to bring their groovy, dreamy, out for in years to come. With the indie pop sound to other Canadian release of their full-length album cities this year. JayWood’s EP, Some The Sammy Singer LP in November Days, is now available on Bandcamp.

2015, the young musicians sing of Trampoline: Trampoline will be teenage heartbreak and misery and kicking off their mini-tour at The have played at Big Fun Festival, the Cavern this February with a more Goodwill Social Club, and Real extensive tour planned for September.

Love Thursdays at the Handsome This self proclaimed “anti-rock band” Daughter, as well as many others. will be sharing songs off their recently Their sound is evolving and this is released EP, Sometimes a Song is Just evident in songs like “Never Winter” a Cigar at their upcoming mini tour. and “The Hipper the Girl the Harder the Fall.” Their live shows are fasciWith so many local bands to nating partly due to their youth and watch out for this year, Winnipeg the raw and rich timbre of Singer’s music enthusiasts can expect a lot voice. of good music in 2017. Do your part Similar bands/artists to watch by supporting local music – go see out for: your favorite bands perform and buy Iansucks: This band has gotten a their music.

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Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Tobi Nifesi Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Brian Friel’s Translations explores the power of language New Black Hole Theatre Company production raises questions about cultural barriers Emelia Fournier, staff

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rom Jan. 18 to 28, the University and limiting which doesn’t neces- those linguistic confines,” said Kerr. of Manitoba’s Black Hole Theatre sarily fit a previous worldview,” said Despite taking place in Ireland, Company (BHTC) will be showcas- William Kerr, director of Translations. and exploring Irish identity, ing Irish dramatist and writer, Brian “All language, in fact, is an act of Translations was written in English.

Friel’s most famous play, Translations. translation.”

Friel wrote Translations to be the first Set in Ireland in 1833, Translations While there are Irish and English play performed by his theatre troupe, is a story that takes place when the speakers in the play’s cast, only Field Day Theatre Company. At the British army conducts a map-making English is spoken or read in the time, it seemed odd for the political survey and renames places in a small performance. The Irish and English theatre company’s first play to be set Irish town to make them more acces- characters do not understand each in mid-19th century Ireland, rather sible to the broader British public. other, but the audience can under- than the tumultuous political settings However, the names are changed stand everyone and watch the misun- of 1970s or 80s Northern Ireland, confrom Irish to English names and this derstandings between the characters sidering it was written there in 1980. seemingly well-intentioned act raises unfold.

Translations explores themes like a lot of questions in the community.

“You can communicate beyond lan- assimilation that are reminiscent of “The act of naming itself is an act guage through a play and the love and relevant to Canadian Indigenous of controlling, labeling, defining scenes suggest that love goes beyond history and culture, and the struggle

for Indigenous communities to reas- hard everyone worked on the play, sert their values or identity. and showed that theatre really is a “The Irish feel they were complicit labor of love. in the loss of their language. They feel they’ve sort of self-assimilated,” Translations will run from Jan. said Kerr.

18-28 at John J. Conklin Theatre. Tickets “One of the things I love about this are $18 for adults, $12 for students. For play is in some ways it is explicitly more information on the current season about the fact that we are trying to and free LunchBhagg shows, visit www. create truth onstage every night and bhtc.ca knowingly failing, but trying harder.”

The production’s cast and crew faced logistical challenges due last semester’s faculty strike at the university and this slowed down the progress of the production a bit. These challenges made Kerr appreciate how

2017 brings renewed hope and inspiration for Canadian artists Canada 150 sets the tone for a creatively inspiring and celebratory year Tobi Nifesi, staff

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or many, the ringing in of a new year is always a time for reflection and preparation. It is a time to appreciate whatever progress has been made in the past 12 months and be optimistic about what lies ahead.

As 2017 kicks into full gear, Canadians can look forward, with optimism and hope, to a year that could be a turning point in our arts community. However, before turning the page on 2016, we must truly appreciate some special events that took place last year in our arts community.

Last year, Morehshin Allahyari’s Material Speculation: ISIS exhibition at Toronto’s Trinity Square Video explored the effect terrorism has on our arts community. Carol Sawyer’s The Natalie Brettschneider Archive explored the unique role art plays in our culture, Karel Funk graced the Winnipeg Arts Gallery with a one-

of-a-kind exhibition that explored post-humanism and the Manitoba Museum celebrated 100 years of women’s right to vote by debuting the Nice Women Don’t Want The Vote traveling exhibition.

their voice to make a strong statement and this might have been the inspiration behind a lot of artwork on display last year.

However, 2017 is a new year with new possibilities and renewed hope for a brighter future. There is a glimmer of hope that is penetrating through the crevices, and this is the This year, there is a notion that artists might latch onto glimmer of hope as their inspiration to create this year.

This could be the year artists celebrate that is penetrating hope. through the crevices Artists need not look too far to be inspired to create celebratory art. This year, we will be celebrating Canada’s These exhibitions, along with sesquicentennial – 150 years since several other spectacular shows and confederation. To mark this monuproductions, made 2016 a creative, mental feat, the 150! Canada initiative informative, and engaging one for was set up by the Canadian governartists and their following, and with ment to organize yearlong festivities so much going on in our society – across the country.

This began with spectacular New from terrorism to racism and gender issues – artists saw the need to use Year Eve parties and performances in

19 urban centers across the country, Other upcoming themed exhishowcasing Canada’s rich history and bitions and productions, such as diverse culture and geography. The Pitaloosie Saila’s at the Winnipeg fun is set to continue with special Art Gallery, Leonard Cohen’s events throughout the year. Over at Musée d’art contemporain de the course of the year, in national Montréal, and Marc Chargall’s at and local galleries, you can expect to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, find topical exhibitions on displays to will explore and celebrate Canada’s commemorate the celebrations. Many multiculturalism. of these exhibitions will explore As part of the celebrations, some Canada’s values and multiculturalism. Canadian galleries and contempoSeveral new plays based on rary galleries, such as the National Indigenous stories will be premier- Gallery of Canada and the Museum ing this year. They include the of Contemporary Art, are undergoRoyal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s ing major transformations and set to Sarah Ballenden, Stratford Festival’s reopen in the spring as Canadian and The Breathing Hole, and Hardline Indigenous galleries.

Productions’ Redpatch. As part of the With the celebratory tone already Canada 150 celebrations, the National set in several galleries across the Arts Centre will be premiering country, arts enthusiasts as well as Children of God, Corey Payette’s musi- gallery and theatre visitors can expect cal about the effects residential school 2017 to be a year of celebratory art systems had on an Indigenous family, showcases. Therefore, we have reason at its English Theatre. to be optimistic about what lies ahead.

VOL. 103 NO. 18 January 11, 2017

Arts & Culture

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Sports Sports Editor: Ryan Stelter Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

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Bisons record first sweep at home over the Regina Cougars Jason Pchajek and Ryan Stelter, staff

Photo by Megan Colwell

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he University of Manitoba men’s hockey team were back in action this weekend against the lowly Regina Cougars. They won handily 3-0 on Friday, and held on to win 5-4 on Saturday. With the wins, the Bisons improve to 8-9-1 and remain in sixth place in the Canada West.

quality scoring chances towards the net and controlling the pace of the game. They were unable to convert on their chances, while Regina was unable to get anything past Bison goalie Byron Spriggs.

A scary moment in the second saw a Cougars player collide with Spriggs, but he stayed in the game.

Friday The Regina player broke into the The game on Friday was fast and Bisons’ zone and put a shot on goal physical, with the Bisons taking the that was stopped. He took a bump game 3-0 to open the second half of from a Manitoba defender, sending their season. him sliding into Spriggs and catching The home side came out flying his left leg. in the first, putting multiple highThe deadlock lasted until the

opening minute of the third where the Bisons drew first blood. Remi Laurencelle snapped his third goal of the year past Cougars netminder Andy Desautels to give the Bisons the lead. Justin Augert and Nick Zajac picked up the helpers on the play.

Eight minutes later the herd extended their lead. Adam Henry took a pass at the point and fired a long wrister towards the goal. The shot went top corner on Desautels, over his outstretched glove to make the game 2-0 for the Bisons.

Laurencelle recorded his second goal of the evening with an empty

netter to seal the 3-0 win for the The next shift Hunter tied the score Bisons. The goal and some frustra- at one when he fired a hard wrist shot tions led to a scrum in the corner, from the point. Lee Christensen where Zajac was involved in a brief made it 2-1 with seconds remainshoving match. The physicality con- ing in the opening frame. No goals tinued for the remainder of the game, were scored in a penalty-filled second highlighted by a massive hit by Rene period as the Bisons held on to the Hunter.

2-1 lead.

McNulty got his second of the game to knot the score at two on the “The main thing power play early in the third period.

McNulty came flying down the left is that we got the wing and roofed it on Bison goalie four points this Justin Paulic.

Kamerin Nault scored his first weekend” – Mike goal as a Bison when he took a feed Sirant, Bison men’s from Stovin on the rush. Henry got his second goal of the weekend at the hockey head coach halfway point of the third to make the score 4-2. He took a drop pass “I guess that’s a bit of frustration from former Portage Terrier Brad from the opposing team,” head coach Bowles and fired over the glove of Mike Sirant said when asked if he Cougar goalie Dawson MacAuley. thought the physicality would carry The two teams exchanged goals late over to the next game. “We do expect in the frame, but the Bisons managed that there will be a lot of physical to hold on to win 5-4. play tomorrow night, but we expect “We made it interesting in the end it’s not going to be anything where it there,” Sirant said postgame. “The goes too far.” main thing is that we got the four points this weekend. These are huge Saturday points for us to get us back in the race.”

The matinee rematch between the Cougars and Bisons was a physical, The Bisons head out on the road to high-scoring affair. Both teams com- play the UBC Thunderbirds on Jan. bined to score nine goals, with the 13-14.

Bisons coming out on top 5-4.

The Cougars got on the board first after Ian McNulty scored the Cougars’ first goal of the weekend.

Bison women’s hockey team manage a split in Regina Jason Pchajek, staf

Manitoba took control of the Manitoba got the ball rolling game in the second, putting 14 shots early, as fourth year forward Karissa towards the Regina goal. However, Kirkup opened the scoring 92 seconds Jane Kish of the Cougars stood tall into the first. Jenai Buchanan fed the in net, keeping her team ahead until puck the Kirkup who banged her fifth forward Alanna Sharman tied the of the season past Kish to put the game 1-1 with her sixth goal of the Bisons up 1-0. season with 2:34 left in the third.

The first overtime period was a tight checking affair, with only six With the win total shots being directed on goal on Saturday, the between the two teams. The Bisons held the shot advantage but could not Bisons snap both get a winning goal past Kish.

Regina took a slight advantage in a two-game losing the second extra frame, using a power skid of their own play brought on after a Lauryn Keen Photo by Megan Colwell tripping minor. Soon after the man and Regina’s fiveadvantage ended Chelsea Hallson game win streak he Manitoba Bison women’s Cougars. The game went back and played the hero for Regina. Hallson hockey team opened up the sec- forth all night, but ultimately Regina scored her first of the year at the perond half of their season in Regina, took the game in double overtime by fect time, beating Rachel Dyck to splitting a two-game set against a score of 2-1. give her side the 2-1 overtime victory.

The first period saw both teams the Cougars. The Bisons lost 2-1 in The Cougars drew first blood trading chances, but eventually the double overtime on Friday, but won thanks to forward Bailey Braden who Saturday Cougars got one back as forward 4-2 on Saturday. recorded her fifth goal of the seaFollowing a 2-1 overtime loss Emma Waldenberger snapped a shot son. Braden took a feed from Jaycee Friday night, the Bisons were back past Dyck, tying the game at one.

Friday Magwood, potting the goal to put on the ice looking for revenge against Regina took over play in the In their first game back from the the Cougars up 1-0. The assist was the Cougars. The game was fast and second; however it was the Bisons holiday break, the Bison women’s Magwood’s ninth on the year - and tight-checking, but the Bisons earned who broke the tie with a flurry in hockey team looked to shake off the 20th point - keeping her in the top a split in the weekend series with a the beginning of the third. Kirkup rust against the University of Regina spot in Canada West scoring.

4-2 win. notched her second of the game on

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the first shot of the period, and forward Jordyn Zacharias scored at the 52 second mark with the second shot of the period. Keen picked up her 12th assist of the year and team-leading 18th point.

Things did not get better for Kish and the Cougars. Nicole Carswell beat Kish at the 3:45 mark of the third, putting the Bisons up 4-1 and ending the Regina goaltender’s night.

Regina did not go quietly. During a scramble in front of the Bisons’ goal the puck found its way onto the stick of Lilla Carpenter-Boesch.

Carpenter-Boesch tucked the shot behind Dyck, cutting the Manitoban lead to two goals. This was the closest the Cougars got, with the Bisons taking the 4-2 decision.

With the win on Saturday, the Bisons snapped both a two-game losing skid of their own and Regina’s five-game win streak. Manitoba also puts distance between themselves and the fourth-place Cougars in the standings.

The Bisons will be back home on Jan. 13-14 for a weekend series against the league-leading UBC Thunderbirds.

VOL. 103 NO. 18 January 11, 2017

Sports

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Bisons complete sweep of Winnipeg Wesmen in resounding fashion Kellen Taniguchi, staff

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n Saturday, the University of Manitoba women’s volleyball team opened the second half of their schedule. They defeated the Winnipeg Wesmen 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-13) at the David F. Anderson Gymnasium, to complete the series sweep. With the win, the Bisons improve to 6-6 in conference play, while the Wesmen fall to 1-11 with the loss.

“Everybody on the court was involved, and it seemed like the energy was there” – Jon Hykawy, Bisons head coach Kearley Abbott was sensational in the match, connecting on 14 kills and committing only one error. Tori Studler was dominant as well with ten kills of her own, and Cassie Bujan led the herd with 11 digs.

The Bisons, now winners of four straight games, built confidence throughout this match with everyone getting involved.

“We really talked a lot about making sure we were talking,” Bisons head coach Jon Hykawy said. “Everybody on the court was involved, and it seemed like the energy was there.”

The match opened with an exciting first set, as the Bisons held an

photo by Chantal Zdan

11-9 lead heading into a Wesmen timeout. Out of the timeout, the Bisons attacked their way to a 20-13 lead, but the Wesmen didn’t go away.

The home side put up five straight points, before Abbott connected on a kill, to give the herd a 21-18 lead.

Manitoba would go on to win the first set 25-20. Abbott led the way

for the herd, smashing down six kills in the set.

The Bisons carried momentum into the second set, storming out to an early 9-2 lead. Winnipeg responded with five straight points out of the timeout, cutting the lead down to just two. The Bisons steamrolled the end of the set, finishing with seven

straight points. Abbott connected on five kills, and Haille Bujan served up two aces.

Manitoba was dominant in the final set, opening with eight straight points, forcing Winnipeg to take a timeout with the score 10-1. With the confidence they gained throughout the match on full display, the Bisons

cruised to a crushing 25-13 set victory.

The Bisons will be back in action on Jan. 13-14, as they play host to the UBC Thunderbirds at the Investors Group Athletic Centre.

Junior hockey teams seem to get lost in overfilled hockey markets Despite Canada being a hockey-crazed country, junior teams are having a tough time Jason Pchajek, staff

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ews came down Dec. 22 that, ships. When one or both of those Capitals operated from 1984 to 2012. to bring in money through ticket and after 21 years as a member of fails, teams drop like flies.

In a hockey-mad country like merchandise sales. In more remote the Manitoba Junior Hockey League OCN is just the latest junior A ours, why is it seemingly so hard communities it is hard to draw visit(MJHL), the Opaskwayak Cree hockey team to close up shop in to keep our junior teams alive? The ing fans to attend.

Nation Blizzard would be shutter- Canada – since 2000, a startling total English River Miners of the Superior ing their operation. With its closure, of 87 clubs have closed or relocated. International Junior Hockey League OCN is just the latest the MJHL loses a five-time league This number is made up of teams lost a major sponsor, leading to the champion and a club that provided that play under the Canadian Junior fees being passed to players. Many junior A hockey team high-level hockey for Indigenous Hockey League banner, the govern- walked away, refusing to pay hunplayers. ing body of junior A hockey in the dreds of dollars while other mem- to close up shop All signs point to money being country. bers of the league played for free. in Canada – since the major issue. Plants, stores, and The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey The River Miners were able to keep a casino in the area are all closing League is the only league not to lose afloat, however, still surviving to this 2000, a startling their doors or moving, taking a large a single franchise since the new mil- day. Other teams it seems were not total of 87 clubs have amount of the community’s financial lennium began, with the Northern as fortunate. support with them. Running a junior Ontario Junior Hockey League losMany Junior A clubs are located closed or relocated hockey club, especially outside of the ing the most with 12 over the same in smaller communities, and while major junior level, is not always the stretch. Some teams, like the Metro this often means greater attendance most profitable venture. Teams must Shipbuilders of the Maritime Hockey it can also incur financial woes. In Things are no better for teams pay for staff, travel, and arena costs, League, lasted a single season, while communities such as OCN and located in larger communities. The with ticket sales covering little and others, like the Brampton Capitals, Waywayseecappo, where the local Winnipeg Blues have to contend with teams relying heavily on sponsor- went down after decades of play – the economy is not as strong, it is harder the other local hockey options, leav-

ing the club to primarily draw friends and family to games. Their only other junior A rival, the Winnipeg Saints, relocated to Virden in 2012 after being purchased by a group of investors from Virden.

It seems that our love of Canada’s game has created a crowded market.

New teams come in to offer high level play to young hockey players, but often seem to wind up folding or moving because the competition is too fierce. With the Jets being the main draw in Winnipeg and the Moose being a good budget option, the province’s many junior A and B clubs are left to try and draw people closer to home.

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Sports

VOL. 103 NO. 18 January 11, 2017

Canada shows promise at the 2017 World Junior Championship Breaking down Team Canada’s tournament performance and gold medal heartbreak Kellen Taniguchi, staff

also produced a plus/minus of +8 in the tournament, showcasing his solid play offensively and defensively. Kale Clague also put up some numbers from the Canadian blue line, providing six assists throughout the seven games.

Improved goaltending?

graphic by bram keast

A

year removed from their sixth Lauzon both scored and gave Canada attempts in the tournament) to find Terry. The IIHF would generate even place finish, the Canadian world a 2-0 lead heading into the first inter- the five-hole and the back of the greater games if the shootout was junior team was able to advance to mission. The Americans stormed net. Hart put Canada in position to eliminated from the playoff rounds the gold medal game in this year’s back in the second frame, as Charlie win the match, but Parsons kept the in future tournaments. Despite how it tournament. The Americans were McAvoy and Kieffer Bellows were door shut, and Terry’s lone goal was ended, the gold medal game still lived the lone obstacle in between Canada able to even the score, setting up an enough to win the shootout. up to the hype of a big game. Would and gold, setting up yet another clas- epic third period. Canada regained we be talking about eliminating the sic Canada versus USA world junior their two-goal lead early in the final Banish the shootout shootout as much if Canada won?

When it comes to big games, the Probably not, but still the change game. Canada was hungry for gold, frame, as Nicolas Roy and Mathieu having only won it once in the past Joseph found the net for Team shootout always feels like a sorry would benefit the game of hockey. seven tournaments.

Canada. Just over three minutes later, way to end it. The NHL has a hanThe game lived up to all the the Americans once again tied the dle on this though, as once the playhype, with the teams exchanging game up, with two quick goals from offs begin, shootouts are no more.

Progress was made goals throughout, and with both Bellows and Colin White. The sec- 20-minute overtime periods are from the previous goaltenders making big saves when ond half of the period was dominated continuous until the game winner is called upon. The game needed a full by the goaltenders with neither team scored. The IIHF should take notes year, and the team 20-minute overtime period before able to score, sending the game into from the NHL, and allow shootouts in round robin play, but eliminate the the Americans won the game and the overtime. represented the gold in the tie-breaking shootout. A Canada created plenty of chances skills contest when it comes to the nation well in game for all the marbles was settled in the overtime period, but American knockout and medal rounds. by a skills contest, forcing viewers to goalie Tyler Parsons kept the puck The USA only got through to the the final game question why the shootout even exists out of his net. Parsons stopped 46 final game by defeating the Russians in a winner-takes-all affair. of the 50 shots he faced within the in the semifinals via the shootout, At the end of the day, Canada game, including a couple of unbe- and then ended up winning it all came up short, but progress was lievable saves in the overtime period. in yet another one. The excitement Monster d-man made from the previous year, and The Americans forced Canadian net- level of both of those games were Chabot was a complete monster the team represented the nation well minder Carter Hart to make some extremely high, and a continuous for Team Canada, and was rewarded in the final game. The Manitoban key saves, as he stopped 31 of the 35 overtime would have let the excite- by being named MVP of the 2017 breaks down Canada’s performance shots he faced in match. Goaltending ment play out through team play, but World Junior Championship. The sixin the 2017 World Junior hockey would remain at the centre, as over- instead both were settled by skill and foot-two blueliner led all defensemen championship. time solved nothing, and the game luck alone. in the tournament in points, putting needed a shootout.

The one good thing that comes out up 10 (4G, 6A) in just seven games.

Hart did his job, stopping four of of the shootout in these tournaments Chabot was a workhorse for Team Gold medal game The game couldn’t have started the five American shooters, allowing is the emergence of names such as Canada, always leading the team in any better for Canada. Tournament only shootout phenom Troy Terry Jonathan Toews, and most recently ice time, as he even played a ridicuMVP Thomas Chabot and Jeremy (he went four-for-four in shootout University of Denver product Troy lous 43:53 in the final game. Chabot

Canada’s goaltending has been a weakness as of late. Mackenzie Blackwood was supposed to be a reliable goalie for the team in last year’s tournament, but he failed to impress in his three games, putting up a .859 save percentage and allowing 3.95 goals per game. Both goalies for Canada were not particularly great, as together they had a .860 save percentage, and allowed an average of 3.58 goals a game. Those statistics had Canada ranked ninth in goaltending out of the ten teams in the tournament.

The 2017 tournament got off to yet another rocky start in the crease, as the team’s goalies finished the tournament ranked eighth out of the ten teams. Hart was thought to be the number one goalie before his early tournament struggles, which turned the crease over to Connor Ingram who was not a lot better. The goaltending became a liability in the semi-final match against Sweden, when Ingram allowed two goals on the first three shots.

The team immediately handed the crease back to Hart, and he back stopped Canada into the gold medal game, stopping all 28 shots he faced in the match. Hart allowed four goals in the final game, but made the big saves when he had to. Unfortunately, it was not enough to win the game, but goaltending improved at the end as Hart stopped 60 of the 64 shots he faced in his final two games combined. Canada can only hope they maintain that for the 2018 tournament in Buffalo.

Scoring by committee

Canada was loaded with skill up front in this tournament, and the coaching staff has said they would have to score by committee. That all became evident when this edition of the Canadian junior team hit the ice, as five players scored three or more goals in the tournament. Julien Gauthier and Taylor Raddysh led the way, each sniping five goals in the team’s seven games.

Chabot was all over the ice for team Canada, blasting four goals from the point in the tournament.

Both Anthony Cirelli and Mathew Barzal netted three goals for Canada.

Captain Dylan Strome finished the tournament tied with Chabot for most points on the team, as he set up seven goals and scored three himself. The depth in the Canadian roster helped make the gold medal push, something Canada will hope to have again next year.

VOL. 103 NO. 18 January 11, 2017

Sports

19

The OCN Blizzard of the MJHL is on the brink of extinction Efforts are being made to save the hockey club, but will it be enough?

Ryan Stelter, staff

A

fter 21 seasons, the Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) Blizzard of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) announced that they will be ceasing operations of the team effective next season. The northernmost team in the MJHL has enjoyed a lot of success, winning the championship five times in a row between the years 1999-2003.

The Blizzard have been apart of the fabric of OCN and it will be an incredible loss to the town if the Blizzard pack their bags. The chief council has decided to stop supporting the team financially which puts the team in a real bind, forcing them to look elsewhere for money.

Jaret Schneider, the play-by-play man for the Blizzard for the past three years, said that right now it is about getting community support for the team.

“We want the community to back us as much as they can,” he said.

“Biggest tool would be social media, Facebook, Twitter, and to get it out to all the media outlets.”

Schneider has seen what kind of impact the Blizzard has had on the community, and what kind of impact the community has had on the team. OCN has long been a supporter of Aboriginal hockey players in northern Manitoba, providing them a place to play and develop their hockey skills. The community will do whatever is possible to keep the team playing at the Gordon Lathlin Memorial Centre.

“I’ve seen the fans that have come out and support the team, so it’ll be a devastating loss for the community,” Schneider said. “Especially in some of these smaller northern towns, hockey is everything. There is a real love for

the game.”

The OCN Blizzard have had many players come from smaller northern towns, in particular star defenseman Brady Keeper, who hails from Cross Lake Manitoba, a community 120 kilometres south of Thompson. Keeper has committed to the University of Maine Division I NCAA hockey program next year which was ranked 54th in the U.S. last season. Keeper grew up a fan of the OCN Blizzard and was able to develop as a player close to home.

“I’ve met so many great people in my time here and I know that I will never play hockey in a place with as much passion and love for hockey as OCN” – Adam Heinemann, OCN Blizzard defenseman

photo provided by Trevor Wright

racking up 37 points in 47 games en ing his final season with the Blizzard, The meeting was a success, with a route to a MJHL championship. grew up and played minor hockey large amount of new people signed Tootoo released a statement on in Winnipeg. He was traded to the up to help out the team, whether it Twitter following the news of OCN OCN Blizzard from the Portage be helping with a 50/50 fundraiser, “He was able to foster his hockey shutting its doors, expressing his sup- Terriers and was able to find his helping out at the gate, or other game skills here with the Blizzard, and he’s port for the team. groove with the team. day operations. The OCN board will “The three years that I have spent meet with the council in the coming “The OCN Blizzard will always been able to take his hockey to the next level and have opportunities to have a special place in my heart, in OCN have been unforgettable,” weeks to make their case to keep the go play in the NCAA and potentially especially because it provided me the defenseman said. “I’ve met so team in OCN. The deadline to comsome level of professional hockey,” with the only opportunity I had to many great people in my time here mit for the 2017-18 season is March 31.

Schneider said. play competitively with my brother and I know that I will never play One of the most famous OCN Terence,” he wrote. “The organization hockey in a place with as much pasBlizzard alumni is Jordin Tootoo, also served as a support system for the sion and love for hockey as OCN.” Efforts to save the team are in full who currently plays for the Chicago Aboriginal people and contributed Blackhawks in the NHL. Tootoo to their lives in such a positive way.” swing, as the community met on Jan. played for the Blizzard in 1998-99, Adam Heinemann, who is play- 5 to gather support for the Blizzard.