ignite february 2011

Kevin Cover.indd 1 3/1/2011 3:53:17 PM

Anderson MacDonald's hockey world is about to get a lot bigger

Meet High-FlyingSkateboarderKevin Murray

Sussex Skaters Sweep the Podium

Serving up a championshipUNB Girls Volleyball

Saint John · Kennebecasis Valley · Hampton · Sussex · Grand Bay - Westfield

Volume 1 Issue 4

MolsonCoors Canada is happy to support

our local athletes

Please forward all nominees for Molson player of the Month to [email protected]

Must be at least 19 or older

MOLSON COORS CANADA WILL DONATE $1 TO AMATEUR HOCKEY IN NEW BRUNSWICK FOR EVERY MOLSON CANADIAN 12 BOTTLE PACK SOLD

MOLSON COORS CANADA FERA UN DON DE 1$ AU HOCKEY AMATEUR

DANS NOUVEAU-BRUNSWICK POUR CHAQUE EMBALLAGE DE 12 BOUTEILLES

MOLSON CANADIAN VENDU.

LIMITED TIME OFFER. DONATION VALID FROM MARCH 1 TO MARCH 31, 2011./ OFFRE À DURÉE LIMITÉE.

DON VALIDE DU MARS 1 A MARS 31, 2011

SUPPORT / APPUYEZ

Ignite sjIgnite your passion for local sports

Ignite SJ is Saint John’s source for every kind of local sport from hockey and baseball to fishing and golf. It is an all encompassing sports magazine that will grab not just sports fans but our entire community.

If you would like to submit an idea for a local sports story, or would like to give feedback please contact any of the following:

Eric Durant: [email protected] Mclaughlin: [email protected] Thorsteinson: [email protected]

The Production Team:Charles Teed, Contributing Writer/Running Column

Duncan Mayberry, Golf ColumnAlicia Delong, Graphic Design/LayoutInformative Computer Solutions, Web Design/Photography

Lisa Thorsteinson, Administration

Fred Little, Account Manager Victoria Craig, Regional Sales Manager

Lisa Hatfield, Photography

Mike Hawkins, Contributing Writer

InsideIssue 4 It’s the perfect vehicle

Oh, and getting you to work too.

for fun and excitement.

Special Limited Time Offer!2011 Subaru Impreza “Convenience Package”, featuring 2.5i 4 cylinder boxer engine all wheel drivealloy wheels, premium sound system with “Bluetooth” hands free system and much much more!!

www.aberdeenmotors.ca

755 Rothesay Avenue, Saint John633-0833 1-888-633-0833

The only manufacturer with 2011IIHS Top Safety Picks for all models.▲

2011 Impreza 2.5i Sport Package 5-door model shown.

*48 month lease at 2.9% lease rate, plus HST, includes dealer participation MSRPP $22,659 for 2011 Impreza 5 door convenience pkg. 5 speed manual transmission. See dealer for details.

LEASE FROM

$279/mo*$0 Down, $0 Sec. Deposit

Anderson MacDonald

Chandler's Player of the Month

Kevin Murray

UNBSJ Volleyball

Regional Running

KV Minor Hockey IP 1

Atlantic Horse Racing

SJ Nominate your volunteers

Did You Know?

Irving Oil Challenge Cup

KVBA Senior Mini A Girls

Mike Griffin

Golf Column

Sussex Figure Skating

Page 4

Page 6

Page 8

Page 10

Page 11

Page 12

Page 14

Page 16

Page 17

Page 18

Page 20

Page 21

Page 22

Page 23

Table of contents.indd 1 3/7/2011 9:21:57 AM

A centre for the KV Atom AA Hawks, Anderson has already been recognized as one of the top 10-year-old hockey players on the planet. When he was playing in the Ronald McDonald tournament in Toronto last year, he was scouted by the Montreal Ice Storm and added to their roster to play in the prestigious Brick Super Novice Tournament in Edmonton, an invitation-only tournament designed to showcase the best 10-year-old hockey players in North America. Since that tournament, he’s received invitations to play for several teams across Canada and has earned a spot on the Midwest Regional Selects, a Chicago-based team fronted by ex-NHLer Steve Dubinsky, which will be training in Iceland and playing in the Finland Lions Spring Cup in Helsinki, Finland in April against top Under 12 teams from Canada, USA, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, Norway and Slovakia.

It was his play here in New Brunswick that fi rst got him noticed, however.

The gifted centre is an imposing fi gure at 5 foot 1in and 105 lbs, and he’s put his size and skill to use again this season, scoring 93 goals and helping on 20 more in just 38 games. Last season he netted

hockey world is about to get a lot bigger.

49 goals and 23 assists in 45 games.

As impressive as his scoring touch is, Anderson is also a regular on the blue line, playing a defensive role. He has been described by one of his coaches, Rick Rusk of the Montreal Ice Storm, as the complete player. He has a great knowledge of the game and great on ice vision. Anderson is also a leader on and off the ice and is a true team player. His teammates know him to be just as excited to score a goal as he is to set one up.

Despite his youthful success, his focus remains on improving his game, Anderson says.

“Coach Andy Bezeau says that if I want to play at the highest level then I need to become a better two-way player, not just a good off ensive player,” he said.

His natural ability has had him playing a number of roles on his team, even a brief stint in the net. In one game, he played goal for fi ve minutes when his team’s regular goalie, Jimmy Welch, had to answer the call of nature during the game.

In the fall of 2010, Anderson tried out for the KV Peewee AAA team. His age would

keep him from making the team but Dr. Allan Rombaut, coach of the KV Vito’s Rangers recognized his talent and made him an affi liate of the team. Anderson was later able to play defense for the Rangers in December and January when a Rangers’ player was injured. When asked about the experience, Anderson quipped “I quickly learned that checking is a lot more fun than being checked. I learned a lot from the coaches and playing with the older kids. It was a lot of fun and a lot of hard work. Everyone made me feel like I belonged on the team.”

His education is his number one priority, he says, but he’s quick to add “playing hockey is more fun!”.

“Mr. Kitchen, the headmaster at RNS (Rothesay Netherwood School), made it very clear to me that education comes fi rst, I just hope hockey is a close second.” Anderson is a top student at Quispamsis Elementary School. Once he has looked after his education, he says, Anderson hopes to play in the NHL with his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. He believes he can help them win at least one Stanley Cup in his lifetime.

Any hockey player that’s been in the game for a while will tell you they got

How much has Anderson travelled at age 10? After the current spring hockey season ends, Anderson will have played hockey in 10 di� erent New Brunswick communities plus tournaments in Summerside, PEI, Antigonish and Wolfville, NS, Montreal, Toronto, Boston, Edmonton, Iceland and Finland.

Anderson MacDonald’s

4

there with the help of their family and even at his young age, Anderson already recognizes the support he’s received, not only by parents but much of his extended family. There is usually a contingent of 10 to 15 family members and friends on hand for local games when Anderson is playing. When he travels with his spring hockey team the NB Stars, you can usually find his parents, his sister Emma and grandparents in the crowd. At every game, you will find Poppy (Russell MacDonald Sr.) standing on the last row of the bleachers and Grampy (Stephen Leach) behind the offensive net, pounding on the glass whenever the team scores. According to Anderson, the two grandfathers don’t sit together because Poppy says that Grampy is “too enthusiastic and loud.”

“I know they like each other outside the rink but inside they never agree on anything.”

Is Anderson a fan favorite? Well that depends on whether you support his team or not. In opponents’ arenas, he causes the loudest applause from the opponents’ supporters, not for scoring but for losing the puck or being knocked down on a rush. During many games you can hear the opposing coach yell “Get him, stop #1” or parents of the other team bemoaning the fact that he is on a breakaway “Oh no, here he goes again.” Anderson’s speed and agility on the ice does not go unnoticed by opposing coaches. In most games he is shadowed by at least one or two players. Opposing players tripping or holding him in an effort to slow him down draws many penalties. When asked if this bothers him, Anderson replied “It did at first, but then I realized they were doing it because I was doing something right.”

How much has Anderson travelled at age 10? After the current spring hockey season ends, Anderson will have played hockey in 10 different New Brunswick communities plus tournaments in Summerside, PEI, Antigonish and Wolfville, NS, Montreal, Toronto, Boston, Edmonton, Iceland and Finland.

We at Ignite SJ wish Anderson and his teammates all the best in Helsinki. Bring home the Gold!!

There will be a meet and greet at KV Billiards on March 19th, 2011 from 4 to 7pm. A 50/50 draw will be held and pool tables will be free to all supporters. All Welcome.

Check us out and see why we are one of the leading independent hockey schools in Atlantic CanadaFor complete details on our Quispamsis or other schools visit www.tomduffeyhockey.com to register call (902) 443-3414 and register in a matter of minutes or print registration from website and mail/fax in.

Coming to the Q-Plex in JulyJuly 18-22 Power Skating School with Marie Bowness Atlantic Canada’s leading power skating instructor (Groups for Novice, Atom, Peewee/Bantam and an Advanced group for Bantam/Midget Rep/Junior players)

July 25-29 Hockey school (Day school groups for Novice, Atom, Peewee/Bantam and daily 3:30-5pm High Performance group for Bantam/Midget rep and High school players)

Small groups sizes and personal attention.

Saint John LancasterConstituency O ce

649 Manawagonish RoadSaint John, NB Canada

E2M 3W4

Dorothy ShepardMLA Saint John Lancaster

Tel: (506) 643-2900Fax: (506) 658-9885

[email protected]

Jordan is a pleasure to coach, both on the ice and in the dressing room. He is a strong defenseman with great fundamental skills and disciplined positional play. Jordan is always thinking on the ice and working unsel� shly to make the right play.

Jordan is also a strong leader in our dressing room. He volunteered to organize the team cheer each game. Jordan also o� ers freely to play di� erent positions to help the team if we are short sta� ed. He is very respectful to coaches and team-mates at all times, and listens intently when instructions are being given.

I have to share with you an email recently received by one of our team parents to help demonstrate the type of boy Jordan is:

I just wanted to pass on an observation from the tournament this week. I have witnessed on more

JORDAN RICHARD

We are proud to announce the

Amateur Player of the

Month

sj

than one occasion a child who does not hesitate to step up and act as team leader when it comes to motivating his team!! Jordan Richard has the most positive attitude and is able to turn attitudes around when things do not look so great. Today in the dressing room after the game he said, “It’s OK Canadiens…it is only one game and one tournament. We played hard and we played well. Good e� ort by everyone!”

I was so impressed by this statement. I know that you do not believe in Captains at this level and I am in 100% agreement with you, but he certainly stands out as a great potential team leader!!

And after most games, Jordan typically comes over to me, looks up and says, “Thanks Dave.” This is the kind of thing that makes coaching so rewarding.

Jill Russell from Chandler presenting bookbag to Jordan

6

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

CHS-C5233-Basketball Ad Ignite.ai 2/16/11 2:43:27 PM

Chandlers ad.indd 1 3/2/2011 9:27:32 AM

Kevin Murray has fond memories of being a teenager and shooting to the top of the Canadian skateboarding world.

Although he picked up the sport rather late in life at 14, it would be just four years later that he would catch the eye of the West 49 Flow Team and become a member and a bit of an instant celebrity in skateboarding.

But much of the past year has been a stark contrast to the freewheeling teens. Now 24, Murray is emerging from a snowboarding accident that caused serious injuries and had him wondering if he’d ever skate again.

While snowboarding on February 27, 2010, he took a bad spill that put him in the hospital with a torn spleen and a torn kidney.

“I had a lot of time in bed, a lot of time to think, recuperating. A lot of di� erent things went through my head,” he said.

Known by his friends to be relentlessly positive, Murray found the � rst few months of recovery tough, both physically and mentally.

“There was a point where I thought I didn’t want to do it anymore. I was hurt, I just didn’t want to do it anymore.”

But several events have led Murray to a point where he’s more excited about skateboarding than ever before.

“Once I started recuperating and getting better, I started going to the gym with a friend of mine, Adam Bouchard. Because I’ve been doing that, it has really improved everything in my life, my skateboarding, my overall attitude,” he said.

“I feel better than I ever have in my life right now.”

With the help of fellow skaters, he got back on the board.

Murray got in a little light skating in the latter part of last summer but feels he’ll be in top shape and fully recovered for the upcoming season, and he’ll be approaching it with a new found love much like when he � rst started in the sport.

His interest in skateboarding � rst developed after a cousin and other friends urged him to try it out.

“I would watch videos, skateboard videos my friends had. I’d see kids Uptown skateboarding. I liked that image and I thought it’d be cool to get to the point where I could learn some tricks. Once I picked it up and took it seriously, then it really became quite addictive.”

Part of why he loved skateboarding was because it was such an individual sport and he was able to express his own creativity without limits.

Kevin Murray has fond memories of being a teenager and shooting to the

Although he picked up the sport rather late in life at 14, it would be just four years later that he would catch the eye of the West 49 Flow Team and become a

But much of the past year has been a stark contrast to the freewheeling teens. Now 24, Murray is emerging from a snowboarding accident that caused serious injuries

While snowboarding on February 27, 2010, he took a bad spill that put him in the

“I had a lot of time in bed, a lot of time to think, recuperating. A lot of di� erent

Known by his friends to be relentlessly positive, Murray found the � rst few

“There was a point where I thought I didn’t want to do it anymore. I was hurt,

But several events have led Murray to a point where he’s more excited about

“Once I started recuperating and getting better, I started going to the gym with a friend of mine, Adam Bouchard. Because I’ve been doing that, it has really improved everything in my life, my skateboarding, my overall attitude,”

Murray got in a little light skating in the latter part of last summer but feels he’ll be in top shape and fully recovered for the upcoming season, and he’ll be approaching it with a new found love much like when he � rst started in the

His interest in skateboarding � rst developed after a cousin and other friends urged

“I would watch videos, skateboard videos my friends had. I’d see kids Uptown skateboarding. I liked that image and I thought it’d be cool to get to the point where I could learn some tricks. Once I picked it up and took it seriously, then it really became

Part of why he loved skateboarding was because it was such an individual sport and














KevinKevinKevinKevinKevinKevinMurrayMurrayMurrayMurray

“I became obsessed with it quickly,” he said, adding that it was when he met more skaters in high school in grade nine that it really began to take o� for him. “There was nothing more fun in my life. I wanted to keep these good times going so I kept at it, with that came progression.”

West 49 has been supporting skateboarding in Canada for 15 years and for the past six has issued three DVDs showcasing the talents of members of the “Flow Team”.

Skating for West 49 carried the responsibility of maintaining a top level of skating but Murray says it was all a joy to do.

“I loved what I was doing. I never felt pressured. All I was doing was having fun and that’s what it’s all about.”

He � rst joined the � ow team at 18 and he’s been a regular ever since. He can be seen in several videos and blog posts at www.49days.ca, and has travelled with the team several

times.

Last summer, while Murray was still recovering from his injuries, the tour spent a week in his hometown of Saint John, shooting at several locations around the city

and enjoying the moral support from Murray.

Now, looking forward to this spring, not only is Murray’s career in skateboarding back on track, but he thinks the scene in Saint John is stronger than ever

thanks in large part to the opening of the new skate park near Harbour Station.

“Once the skate park was built, that changed the whole scene in Saint John. Everyone got together again, everyone was feeding o� of each

other’s energy,” he said.

With that energy, there’s every possibility another local skater could follow in his footsteps some day and he has several pieces of advice for whoever that might be.

“Don’t try to compare yourself to anyone else. You can set goals for yourself for sure, but honestly, just have fun,” he said. “Having fun with it is why I feel I’ve been successful with it.”

“One thing I really can’t stress enough is how much training has helped me,” he said.

After his injury, Murray decided to give working out at Body Plus Fitness Centre a try to help his recovery. The experience with a personal trainer has been a real eye opener for him.

“It’s helped me tremendously with skateboarding and made me stronger,” he said. “I never really did it before. It took me getting hurt to open my eyes and start taking care of myself. I’m glad I did because there’s just nothing but positive energy � oating around right now and I love it,” he said.

Beyond skating, Murray’s also building a career in carpentry. He’s taking a carpentry course at the Carpenter’s Training Centre in Saint John and hopes to pursue a career in residential home construction when he completes the 40-week course.

And through the winter this year, he’s been playing hockey twice a week in addition to his time at the gym, all with a focus on the spring ahead and getting back to his passion in skateboarding.

9

Kevin Murray has fond memories of being a teenager and shooting to the top of the Canadian skateboarding world.

Although he picked up the sport rather late in life at 14, it would be just four years later that he would catch the eye of the West 49 Flow Team and become a member and a bit of an instant celebrity in skateboarding.

But much of the past year has been a stark contrast to the freewheeling teens. Now 24, Murray is emerging from a snowboarding accident that caused serious injuries and had him wondering if he’d ever skate again.

While snowboarding on February 27, 2010, he took a bad spill that put him in the hospital with a torn spleen and a torn kidney.

“I had a lot of time in bed, a lot of time to think, recuperating. A lot of di� erent things went through my head,” he said.

Known by his friends to be relentlessly positive, Murray found the � rst few months of recovery tough, both physically and mentally.

“There was a point where I thought I didn’t want to do it anymore. I was hurt, I just didn’t want to do it anymore.”

But several events have led Murray to a point where he’s more excited about skateboarding than ever before.

“Once I started recuperating and getting better, I started going to the gym with a friend of mine, Adam Bouchard. Because I’ve been doing that, it has really improved everything in my life, my skateboarding, my overall attitude,” he said.

“I feel better than I ever have in my life right now.”

With the help of fellow skaters, he got back on the board.

Murray got in a little light skating in the latter part of last summer but feels he’ll be in top shape and fully recovered for the upcoming season, and he’ll be approaching it with a new found love much like when he � rst started in the sport.

His interest in skateboarding � rst developed after a cousin and other friends urged him to try it out.

“I would watch videos, skateboard videos my friends had. I’d see kids Uptown skateboarding. I liked that image and I thought it’d be cool to get to the point where I could learn some tricks. Once I picked it up and took it seriously, then it really became quite addictive.”

Part of why he loved skateboarding was because it was such an individual sport and he was able to express his own creativity without limits.



























KevinKevinKevinKevinKevinKevinMurrayMurrayMurrayMurray

“I became obsessed with it quickly,” he said, adding that it was when he met more skaters in high school in grade nine that it really began to take o� for him. “There was nothing more fun in my life. I wanted to keep these good times going so I kept at it, with that came progression.”

West 49 has been supporting skateboarding in Canada for 15 years and for the past six has issued three DVDs showcasing the talents of members of the “Flow Team”.

Skating for West 49 carried the responsibility of maintaining a top level of skating but Murray says it was all a joy to do.

“I loved what I was doing. I never felt pressured. All I was doing was having fun and that’s what it’s all about.”

He � rst joined the � ow team at 18 and he’s been a regular ever since. He can be seen in several videos and blog posts at www.49days.ca, and has travelled with the team several

times.

Last summer, while Murray was still recovering from his injuries, the tour spent a week in his hometown of Saint John, shooting at several locations around the city

and enjoying the moral support from Murray.

Now, looking forward to this spring, not only is Murray’s career in skateboarding back on track, but he thinks the scene in Saint John is stronger than ever

thanks in large part to the opening of the new skate park near Harbour Station.

“Once the skate park was built, that changed the whole scene in Saint John. Everyone got together again, everyone was feeding o� of each

other’s energy,” he said.

With that energy, there’s every possibility another local skater could follow in his footsteps some day and he has several pieces of advice for whoever that might be.

“Don’t try to compare yourself to anyone else. You can set goals for yourself for sure, but honestly, just have fun,” he said. “Having fun with it is why I feel I’ve been successful with it.”

“One thing I really can’t stress enough is how much training has helped me,” he said.

After his injury, Murray decided to give working out at Body Plus Fitness Centre a try to help his recovery. The experience with a personal trainer has been a real eye opener for him.

“It’s helped me tremendously with skateboarding and made me stronger,” he said. “I never really did it before. It took me getting hurt to open my eyes and start taking care of myself. I’m glad I did because there’s just nothing but positive energy � oating around right now and I love it,” he said.

Beyond skating, Murray’s also building a career in carpentry. He’s taking a carpentry course at the Carpenter’s Training Centre in Saint John and hopes to pursue a career in residential home construction when he completes the 40-week course.

And through the winter this year, he’s been playing hockey twice a week in addition to his time at the gym, all with a focus on the spring ahead and getting back to his passion in skateboarding.

10

UNB Saint John will be on full display March 10-12 when the CCAA Woman’s Volleyball Nationals come to the G. Forbes Athletic Centre. The event will see Canada’s top woman’s volleyball teams compete for national glory, but will also give the university a chance to highlight its rapidly improving campus.

“We have a new medical school, our Health Sciences program is up and running, the Canada Games Stadium re-opened last fall, and the Commons Project is two or three months away from completion,” says head coach Keith Raynes. “People who haven’t been here in a while will see a tremendous change, and every school that takes part will know about UNBSJ.”

The three-day sporting event was two years in the making. Raynes and Athletics Director Dave Munro submitted the successful bid in 2009, and have spent much of their time since then working out details and finding community partners to finance the event. Luckily, they discovered plenty of support in their own backyard.

“UNB Associated Alumni came on board as our title sponsors, and the Student’s Representative Council supported us as well, which was great,” says Raynes. Several other local and national companies have since hopped on the championship bandwagon, which is estimated to bring $125,000.00 to the local economy. “It was a big process,” he says.

Raynes isn’t complaining, though. The end result is an event that will be a huge boon for the volleyball community and the UNBSJ campus. The championships are open to the public and will be broadcast on Rogers Television, exposing the sport to a wider audience and potentially inspiring young athletes to take up the game. The event is also an effective recruitment tool for the campus, as hundreds of Saint John residents are

expected to descend upon the campus over the course of the weekend.

“The bottom line is that we’re going to expose our sport and school to a wider audience,” says Raynes. “The community will be able to see our team and our program, and younger kids will have a chance to watch a great level of volleyball. There are lot of exciting things going on for our students, and our potential students.”

While the UNBSJ Women’s Volleyball Team is not expected to win the championships – they placed second at the ACAA Championships behind Mount Allison University, and are currently unranked nationally – Raynes believes his team will be competitive. Led by left third year students Kelcie Levesque and Jasmine Lavoie, the squad has several players with breakout potential. First year player Alison Stymiest had seventeen kills during the ACAA championships, and third year player Dax Hooper was a cornerstone to the team’s success this year.

“You never know which one of our players is going to step up in a pressure situation and feed off the moment,” says Raynes. “The national championships will be eye opening for them, but at least they’ll see what it takes to compete nationally. It’s a great learning tool for them.”

And with a large crop of first and second year students on the squad, the potential for team improvement is huge. “The future looks bright,” says Raynes. “We’ve got a lot of young players ready to play on the big stage.”

The CCAA Woman’s Volleyball Nationals is a chance for UNBSJ to play on the big stage as well. With all of the recent improvements to the campus as of late, and a team dedicated to a successful event, the spotlight should shine bright.

“We’ve spent the last six months looking forward to this,” says Raynes. “I know it will be a great weekend of high level volleyball.”

Serving Up A ChampionshipUNBSJ hosts the CCAA Woman’s Volleyball Nationals March 10-12

11

Catching Up With Co� nSpring is slowly closing in (there is grass under those snow banks, trust me), which means that the road race season is almost upon us. Before you toe the starting line, however, you might want to check out two fun runs Alex Co� n has planned for the month of March.

The rst event is Pete’s Pub St. Paddy’s Day Bash, an annual event that is set to take place on March 17. A short evening run on Harbour Passage, the event will provide a quirky alternative to the usual St. Patrick’s Day debauchery.

“We’re going to have a bunch of prizes, and Pete is having chilli back at the pub afterwards,” says Co� n. “I like to get involved and see people active, and I hope we attract people who wouldn’t normally run.”

Co� n’s second event is the Run to Grand Bay 6k & 15k. A point to point run that ends at the Grand Bay Human Performance Centre, the event will help sharpen racing skills in preparation for the upcoming road race season.

“This one is more of a straight run, with prizes for the top runners,” says Co� n. “All of the funds raised will go to Morna Heights School.”

A local running legend, Co� n has kept busy over the last few months, moving his store back to the West Side while maintaining several running groups around the city. He’s also working with the UNBSJ track team, who recently joined forces with the Fredericton squad at the AUS Indoor Track and Field Championships. The Saint John team is just in its infancy, but Co� n expects big things.

“We have some strong athletes at the Saint John campus, and at some point I could see our team rivalling Fredericton’s team,” says Co� n. “Put the two teams together, and we could have the best group of runners in the Atlantic Provinces. It would be huge.”

For more information on Alex Co� n’s upcoming races or running groups, please visit www.alexco� n.com.

Hoo ng It In HamptonIf you’re living in Hampton and looking for running partners, look no further than the Hampton River Runners. One of the longest running (no pun intended) groups in the region, the River Runners meet at Hampton High School 8AM on Saturdays for runs of varying distances, and will add a Tuesday evening run later this spring. When they’re not running, the group can often be found at Holly’s restaurant discussing their workouts and planning the Hampton Five Miler, one of the most popular runs on the New Brunswick race calendar. For more information on the club and its activities, please visit www.hamptonriverrunners.ca.

That’s it for now. See you on the road!

Running.indd 1 3/1/2011 4:42:18 PM

12

I was talking to a fellow coach, Coach LeRoy, the other day about being a kid and we were reminiscing about child hood traditions with regards to hockey. I loved my hockey cards. I studied the back to � nd out all I could about each player. I used to race to school every day and sit in what we called “the wind tunnel” at the back of Forest Hills Elementary. I would take out my 10 hockey cards and line up 5 on the brick wall. Leaning them gave them strength so that opponents who came to challenge me would not knock them down and take them. My cards were all bent on the edges, and by the end of the year, most of them were worn out as I carried them in the side pockets of my painter pants. Every so often some would be lost to the dreaded washing machine because I forgot them in my pants on laundry day. My friend played a similar game, but kept his cards safe in a shoebox. Boy, why didn’t I think of that? Nowadays kids simply can go on the internet and � nd out just about anything they want about a player from where they played rep at the age of 14, down to what they have as a pre game snack.

Coach Leroy had a tradition on Saturday

KV Minor Hockey IP 1 Future STARS

nights where he and his family would sit around the TV and he would have a bottle of lime Ricky pop and Hickory sticks. For me, it was a bottle of root beer and a big foil bag of Hostess chips (so that we could use the bag for chip bag tag the next day). Now it is Gatorade and microwave popcorn. Though the way that we get information on the players we idolize and the way we celebrate how we watch the game may change from decade to decade, I know from my visit with the KVMHA IP 1’s the one thing that remains constant is…….. the dream.

I would like to introduce you to KV’S future hockey stars and yes the dream is de� nitely still alive and it is as strong as ever. When I laced up my skates for Saturday morning’s practice, the players were lined up at the doors waiting to get on the ice. Once the zamboni leaves the ice, the players, of course, start moving towards the doors with eagerness only to hear the coach say “OK guys, hold on, back up so I can get the doors open....easy guys, don’t trip, careful - everyone back up”. Once the coach had the players back up and the doors opened it was not long before every player was on the ice skating as hard as they could. As a coach,

there is one key factor that I always want to see, and that is enthusiasm both form the players and the coaches. I can honestly say that there was no shortage of that on the ice today.

During the practice, between photo shoots and drills, I was able to talk with Steve Gri� n the director the IP 1.

Coach Phil- “Steve you have a really great group of kids and coaches here but I see that you have quite a few kids.

Steve Gri� n- “Yes, we have approx 76 kids in IP 1 alone. Our volunteer coaches are vital in the development of the players.

Coach Phil- ‘Everyone in the valley who is associated with hockey knows how tough it is to get ice time and we all can’t wait for the Q Plex to open. How do you mange to develop this many kids on the ice at one time?”

Steve Gri� n- “Well, 76 players on the ice would not work. We broke the whole group into 2, so we have about 38 players per group and they each get 2 ice times per week.”.

Coach Phil- “Still, Steve, it must still be

12

Michael BuckleyNathan Adams

tough to have between 33 and 38 kids on the ice at once.”

Steve Gri� n- We do what we can and seem to manage quite well. We break up the ice into 3 sections and place around 10 players on each section. With the smaller groups the kids get more one on one time and this way, we also keep the kids skating, rather than having to wait for 37 players to go through a drill before their turn.

As I skated away from Steve to help the coaches with the next drill, I was really able to see what Steve was talking about. The rink was divided into sections and there were 2 coaches per section. “Hurry!” one coach yelled as another one shouted “that’s it... good job”. As I skated with the kids I thought, “Wow, there is no way that this would work without these coaches”. Since the volunteers on the ice do not get paid, they could very easily just focus on their own son or daughter but they do not. Instead, they are helping each and every player with the dream.

At the beginning of the practice, I thought the kids were the ones keeping the dream alive. But I was wrong. It is the volunteers who are allowing the players to keep their dream alive. As I skated o� the ice, I remembered why I, myself, choose to volunteer. These coaches made me feel proud to be a part of youth

sports.

KV Minor Hockey IP 1 players and volunteers...are keeping the dream alive.

“Excellence in Electricity Delivery”

REMEMBERCall Before You Dig1-866-DIG-LINE

(344-5463)

Customer Service InquiriesIncluding: Street Lighting Water Heaters

Power Outages

Les Watts

Customer Service InquiriesIncluding: Street Lighting Water Heaters

Power Outages

Saint John EnergyProud Supporter of Local Sports

Call Before You Dig1-866-DIG-LINE 1-866-DIG-LINE

(344-5463)

Les Watts

Les Watts

www.sjenergy.comemail: [email protected] Free: 1-877-907-5550

Tale of the TapeGilles Barrieau Kenny Arsenault3389 Career Wins 2474$6,040,004 Career Earnings $4,004,638(2) NDC appearances (1) WDC appearances (11) ’96, ’97, ’99, ‘01 Frank Daniels Trophy (2) ‘98, ‘09 ’02, ‘03, ’04, ’05 ’06, ’07, ‘10 Most Money in one season 2009 $484,0522005 Horsemanship O’Brien Awards(13) Atlantic Breeder’s Crown (8)2007 Mr Sundin 2010 Meridian Magic2006 Gordies Last Call 2009 Allbentouttashape 2005 Gordies Last Call 2009 Meridian Magic2004 Admirals Firstlady 2007 Bo Butler2004 Flaming Moe 2006 Clay Henry2004 Mr Domi 2005 J Gs Hangman2003 Clinton Debriefed 2000 Seawind Alpha2002 Blu Meadow Sue 1999 GLENGYLE MARJ2002 Charlottes Best2001 Le Win Skied2001 Quick Flow2001 Firms Phantom2000 Firms Phantom(3) Gold Cup & Saucers1997 Comedy Hour2000 Canaco Simon2002 London Mews N

2001 Le Win Skied2001 Quick Flow2001 Firms Phantom2000 Firms Phantom(3) Gold Cup & Saucers1997 Comedy Hour2000 Canaco Simon2002 London Mews N

2011 Symposium presented in part by:Horse Racing New Brunswick, Standardbred Canada, Maritime

Provinces Harness Racing Commission and Horsemen’s Associations of New Brunswick

ATLANTIC HARNESSRACING SYMPOSIUMHILTON HOTEL & SAINT JOHN TRADE

& CONVENTION CENTER (MARKET SQUARE)FREE TO ATTEND/MEET EQUINE PROFESSIONALS

Fri March 11 / Reception 7pm Saturday March 12

Panel Topics 9am-5pm· Caring for the performance horse· Health & Nutrition · Harness Horse Ownership· Performance horse ownership tax benefi t

** Sat night/ Awards & Reception 6pm/ 7pm dinner

Sunday March 13, 2011Wrap Up & Closing 9-11am

The Director’s & Sta� of Horse Racing New Brunswick as well as the organizing committee for the upcoming Atlantic Harness Symposium would like to congratulate Gilles Barrieau & Kenny Arsenault on winning the Atlantic Regional competition

for the National Driving Championship to be contested on May 7th at the Charlottetown Driving Park & Entertainment Centre. Gilles will be making a return visit to the National Driving Championship as he was victorious at the inaugural NDC in 2007 held in Charlottetown. Where he won the right to represent Canada at the World Driving Championship held on that occasion in New Zealand. He followed that up with a return appearance at the National’s held at Fraser Downs in B.C in 2009 and � nds himself in familiar territory once again in 2011. Kenny will be making his � rst appearance at the National’s.

Kenny and Gilles have been amongst the leading drivers here in the Maritimes for a number of years now. Gilles recently claimed his 11th Frank Daniels Memorial Trophy awarded annually to the Maritimes leading dash winning driver. Kenny has also won the coveted Daniels trophy on a couple of occasions those coming in ’98 & ’09. Gilles also received national recognition from his peers in 2005 when he won the O’Brien award for Horsemanship .

Gilles Barrieau Kenny Arsenault

Cheese Man Photos

Kenny Arsenault & Gilles Barrieau, leading drivers in the

Maritimes

14

Tale of the TapeGilles Barrieau Kenny Arsenault3389 Career Wins 2474$6,040,004 Career Earnings $4,004,638(2) NDC appearances (1) WDC appearances (11) ’96, ’97, ’99, ‘01 Frank Daniels Trophy (2) ‘98, ‘09 ’02, ‘03, ’04, ’05 ’06, ’07, ‘10 Most Money in one season 2009 $484,0522005 Horsemanship O’Brien Awards(13) Atlantic Breeder’s Crown (8)2007 Mr Sundin 2010 Meridian Magic2006 Gordies Last Call 2009 Allbentouttashape 2005 Gordies Last Call 2009 Meridian Magic2004 Admirals Firstlady 2007 Bo Butler2004 Flaming Moe 2006 Clay Henry2004 Mr Domi 2005 J Gs Hangman2003 Clinton Debriefed 2000 Seawind Alpha2002 Blu Meadow Sue 1999 GLENGYLE MARJ2002 Charlottes Best2001 Le Win Skied2001 Quick Flow2001 Firms Phantom2000 Firms Phantom(3) Gold Cup & Saucers1997 Comedy Hour2000 Canaco Simon2002 London Mews N

2001 Le Win Skied2001 Quick Flow2001 Firms Phantom2000 Firms Phantom(3) Gold Cup & Saucers1997 Comedy Hour2000 Canaco Simon2002 London Mews N

2011 Symposium presented in part by:Horse Racing New Brunswick, Standardbred Canada, Maritime

Provinces Harness Racing Commission and Horsemen’s Associations of New Brunswick

ATLANTIC HARNESSRACING SYMPOSIUMHILTON HOTEL & SAINT JOHN TRADE

& CONVENTION CENTER (MARKET SQUARE)FREE TO ATTEND/MEET EQUINE PROFESSIONALS

Fri March 11 / Reception 7pm Saturday March 12

Panel Topics 9am-5pm· Caring for the performance horse· Health & Nutrition · Harness Horse Ownership· Performance horse ownership tax benefi t

** Sat night/ Awards & Reception 6pm/ 7pm dinner

Sunday March 13, 2011Wrap Up & Closing 9-11am

The Director’s & Sta� of Horse Racing New Brunswick as well as the organizing committee for the upcoming Atlantic Harness Symposium would like to congratulate Gilles Barrieau & Kenny Arsenault on winning the Atlantic Regional competition

for the National Driving Championship to be contested on May 7th at the Charlottetown Driving Park & Entertainment Centre. Gilles will be making a return visit to the National Driving Championship as he was victorious at the inaugural NDC in 2007 held in Charlottetown. Where he won the right to represent Canada at the World Driving Championship held on that occasion in New Zealand. He followed that up with a return appearance at the National’s held at Fraser Downs in B.C in 2009 and � nds himself in familiar territory once again in 2011. Kenny will be making his � rst appearance at the National’s.

Kenny and Gilles have been amongst the leading drivers here in the Maritimes for a number of years now. Gilles recently claimed his 11th Frank Daniels Memorial Trophy awarded annually to the Maritimes leading dash winning driver. Kenny has also won the coveted Daniels trophy on a couple of occasions those coming in ’98 & ’09. Gilles also received national recognition from his peers in 2005 when he won the O’Brien award for Horsemanship .

Gilles Barrieau Kenny Arsenault

Cheese Man Photos

Kenny Arsenault & Gilles Barrieau, leading drivers in the

Maritimes

16

They can be found in rinks, elds, and courts; on benches, in the bleachers, at the pool or the neighbourhood community meeting. They are volunteers. And although most are content to work behind the scenes for their team, club or cause, this year, during volunteer appreciation week in April, they will get the spotlight.

“We want to celebrate Volunteer Week by recognizing the contributions and achievements of sport, recreation and community volunteers of the City of Saint John,” says Councilor Gary Sullivan, who chairs the 2011 Volunteer Appreciation Committee. Sullivan, a known sports enthusiast, explains the idea came to him from witnessing the time and e� ort his son’s hockey

City of Saint John Ad.pdf 1 11-02-17 10:01 AM

coach puts into the team.

Councillor Joe Mott, who also served on the City committee for the awards when they ran in the 80’s, points out that nominees could be a league’s volunteer administrator, a team coach, a player, parent or fan. Or it could be the volunteer community gardener, the senior who organizes recreational activities for their club, or the voice behind a neighbourhood improvement initiative. “Our goal is to honour those who donate their time to improving the quality of life and well-being of citizens, says Mott, no matter what role they may serve in their organization.”

The 2011 Volunteer Appreciation Awards will recognize individual

e� orts in four categories as well as a company who supports a sport, recreation or community service: (1) outstanding volunteer contribution in a sport or recreation organization; (2) outstanding volunteer contribution to a community development initiative; (3) fundraiser of the year: sport & recreation; (4) fundraiser of the year – neighbourhood & community development; (5) corporate sponsor award.

Nomination forms must be submitted to the Leisure Services Department by March 26, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. to be considered. More information is available by calling 658-2908.

City Calls for Nominations to Recognize Sports, Recreation and Neighbourhood Volunteers

Mon-Fri. 7:30am- 8:00pmSat. 8:00am - 5:00pmSun. 12:00pm - 4:00pmFax line 506 635-5779

Mon-Fri. 8:00am- 8:00pmSat. 8:00am - 6:00pmSun. 12:00pm - 5:00pmFax line 506 658-4669

Mon-Tues. 8:00am- 6:00pmWed-Fri. 8:00am - 8:00pmSat. 8:00pm - 5:00pmSun. 12:00pm - 4:00pmFax line 506 738-3525

Lumber PlywoodInsulation Windows

PaintHardware

Plumbing Electrical

This month our topic turns to the role of the coach. As everyone knows, a coach is a highly paid individual who simply shows up for practice and games, screams directions and goes home…right? If this is your take on coaching you may be very surprised. I will try to debunk this myth.

Did you know… most coaches are volunteers? These VOLUNTEER coaches perform many duties as circumstances seldom allow them to only coach. Once they don the magical whistle these multifaceted individuals now become teachers, students, mentors, managers, medics, psychologists, chau eurs and major fundraisers. There are weekends away from family and countless hours put into understanding the game by attending National Coaching Certi� cation Program workshops and sport speci� c clinics.

Did you know…?

Be prepared...

fogcityrollers.com

when the Fog rolls in

Did you know.indd 1 3/7/2011 9:26:16 AM

Throughout the past 20 years Irving Oil has been proudly supporting Bantam AAA in Atlantic Canada. The company sponsors all Bantam AAA hockey teams, their respective provincial league championships as well as the Irving Oil Challenge Cup.

For the � rst time in this 20 year history, Hockey Canada has awarded the hosting of the prestigious event to the Kennebecasis Valley. The KV Irving Oil Bantam AAA Vito’s Rangers will be the Host Team for the 20th Annual Irving Oil Challenge Cup!!

As Host Team for the 20th Annual Irving Oil Challenge Cup the KV Rangers have been working hard all season to hone their hockey skills and come together on the ice. The team is currently ranked third in the New Brunswick Irving Oil Bantam AAA League with 13 wins, 7 losses and 3 ties for a total of 29 points.

The remaining four (4) spots will be � lled by teams from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador after they compete in their provincial playo� s.

• Prince Edward Island – Playo� Format beginning the week of February 21st • Newfoundland & Labrador – February 25 – 27th• Nova Scotia – March 10 – 13th

• New Brunswick – March 17 – 20th

The weekend of the Irving Oil Challenge Cup is a very important weekend for these 13 and 14 year old hockey players. When the teams will arrive the evening of March 30th – anticipation will � ll the air.

Each team wants to hoist the “Cup”! They have worked hard all season for the chance to play at this tournament and win the Irving Oil Challenge Cup or perhaps even impress some National Hockey League (NHL) scouts. This tournament showcases the best Bantam AAA hockey teams in Atlantic Canada. Alumni of the Irving Oil Challenge Cup include Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins), Jon Sim (New York Islanders), Colin White (New Jersey Devils), Michael Kirkpatrick (Saint John Sea Dogs), Luke Adam (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles), Kelsey Tessier (Saint John Sea Dogs) and Jake Allan (Dummondville Voltigeurs).

Irving Oil Challenge Cup Coming to the ValleyA Team First, a Valley First and a qplex First

18

In addition to contributing over $100,000 to Bantam AAA hockey throughout the 2010-2011 hockey season and the Irving Oil Challenge Cup tournament, Irving Oil also celebrates the success of individual players at the Annual Irving Oil Challenge Cup Awards Banquet. Each year, players, fans, family, friends and organizers gather on the eve of the medal games to honour the tournament’s top scorer, top goaltender, top forward, top defenceman, most sportsmanlike player and most valuable player.

A great addition to the Challenge Cup’s roster of contests throughout the tournament weekend has been the Hometown Heroes Contest. This contest involves each team’s community. Teams attending the Irving Oil Challenge Cup will receive an Irving Oil Challenge Cup banner the week leading up to the tournament. Teams will compete to win $500 towards a team pizza party by taking the Irving Oil Challenge Cup banner around their hometown collecting signatures of support as they head o� to compete at the 2011 Irving Oil Challenge Cup. Be sure to watch for members of the KV Irving Oil Bantam AAA Vito’s Rangers as they travel throughout Sussex, Hampton and the Kennebecasis Valley looking for your signature of support.

The tournament runs from Thursday, March 31 – Sunday, April 3, 2011 Tickets will be available at the door:

• Tournament Passes - $20.00• Senior/Student Tournament Passes - $10.00• Day Pass - $10.00• Game Pass - $5.00• Awards Banquet Tickets - $25.00

For information on the tournament, be sure to check out the tournament website at www.irvingoilcup.com

We look forward to seeing everyone at the qplex!

Irving Oil “Proud Community Supporter”

for a successful tournament!Best Wishes

Proud supporter of Bantam AAA hockey

for the past 20 years.

facebook.com/irvingoil

Best Wishes for a successful tournament 8.5w x 2.2h v2.indd 1 2/21/2011 10:07:30 AM

20

The 2010/2011 KVBA Senior Mini A Girls Basketball team has had a great season so far. This year’s squad is made up of seven, second year players and ve players who are new to the rep program. Many of the second year players were part of last year’s B team and bring much skill and knowledge to this year’s group.

The girls have worked hard towards capturing the second place seed in the provincial rankings, and they have faced many teams from around the Maritimes. They have really pulled together and bonded as a team; spending lots of practice time working on various plays and skills to help bring their goal to fruition. They have also enjoyed some social time together as a team o� the court.

The girls have participated in several tournaments this season and have brought home a number of medals. They have travelled to Riverview, Moncton, and Fredericton for tournaments and played in the local Dave and Bridget Kean Memorial Tournament over the Christmas Break. In January, they hosted the 23rd Annual KVBA Invitational Senior Mini Tournament in the Kennebecasis Valley. As always, the tournament was a huge success thanks to the many parents who volunteered their time to pull together all of the nishing touches for the tournament. Their hard work and dedication to the team this season is greatly appreciated by head coach Bryan Soucy and assistant coach Lori Cleveland.

In the Riverview Tournament in early December, the girls defeated Sackville, Nova Scotia to win their rst medal of the season. The team worked hard to capture this win and brought home a Bronze Medal. During the Christmas Break, they participated in the Dave and Bridget Kean Memorial Tournament, hosted by Lancaster Minor Basketball Association and nished with a record of 2 – 1 during round robin play; making it to the gold medal game. They were defeated by Sussex in the nals however were pleased to bring home a Silver Medal.

In January, the girls travelled to Fredericton for a two-day tournament. There were teams from all over New Brunswick and the girls swept the Miramichi Tommies to bring home their third medal of the season. They were proud to be wearing their Bronze Medals home after a great weekend of basketball.

The girls continue to work hard with at least two practices each week and they continue to push themselves each practice as they head down the nal stretch to the provincial championships.

Coaching at this level is very time consuming on and o� the court and Bryan and Lori deserve a big thank you for their dedication to the team.

We wish the team great success in the upcoming Provincials – March 19th & 20th which will be hosted by Fredericton. Bring back the Gold!

Front Row, left to right: Madison Hogan, Erin Connolly, Kiersten Appleby, Amelia McCavour, Lauren Perry, Charlotte Magee, Haley Soucy. Back Row, left to right: Hayley Lucas, Head Coach Bryan Soucy (back), Alyson Gray, Delaney Perkins, Jillian Hayward, Kennedy MacPherson, Assistant Coach Lori Cleveland

2010-2011 KVBA Senior Mini A Girls Basketball Team

20

When Rocky Marciano announced his retirement April 27, 1956, he became the only heavyweight boxing champion to retire undefeated. Dozens of heavyweights have worn the belt around their waist since then, but none have been able to equal Marciano’s record of 49 wins, zero losses. When all-time great boxers are brought up in conversation, Marciano is often near the top of the list.

The Saint John bodybuilding community has its own Marciano in Mike Gri� n. A certi� ed consultant at Simply For Life on Rothesay Avenue, Gri� n was undefeated for his entire bodybuilding career, retiring as Mr. Canada in 2006 after fourteen years and nine titles. Gri� n credits his impressive streak to a dedicated training regimen and a focused mindset.

“Every o� season I would put some size on, and then dial it in for twelve or fourteen weeks,” he says. “I would train all those days and hours, and walk into each competition in the best shape of my life. It was an unbelievable feeling.”

Gri� n began his bodybuilding career in 1990. Inspired by his father – “he was bigger than the average dad, and always had bodybuilding magazines around the house,” he says – Gri� n trained diligently, but didn’t think about competing until he discovered the Mr. Moncton tournament in 1992. “I couldn’t believe there was something like that in my area,” says Gri� n. “I was thrilled to see how I would stack up in a competition.”

Gri� n took home top prize after a fourteen week training program, and followed that up with a win at the Mr. New Brunswick tournament six months later. A two-year hiatus took Gri� n out of the competitive scene, but he returned in 1994 to win both Mr. Moncton and the Junior Atlantic Canadian Championships.

“I wanted to go out on top at the Atlantic Juniors, and thought it would look good on my rap sheet if I won Mr. Moncton two weeks before the event,” he says.

“I won Mr. Moncton and the Atlantic Juniors, and it became important for me to take home the � rst place trophy at every competition.”

Gri� n added three more � rst place � nishes to his resume – Mr. New Brunswick in 1996 and 2000, and Mr. Atlantic Canada in 1998 – before taking time o� to get married and start a family. He returned to the stage in 2004 on the urging of his friend and co-worker Bruce Sweeney, and won the Mr. New Brunswick tournament one � nal time.

“I felt that I had a reputation to up hold because I placed so high in all of my previous competitions, so I was nervous, but all the nerves disappeared when I walked on the stage,” he says. “It was an amazing way to make a comeback.”

He wasn’t done yet, though. Gri� n followed up that win with his � nal, and most impressive, victory of his career: the

2006 Mr. Canada championship. Gri� n trained for forty weeks in preparation for the nationals, and found juggling family life and gym life challenging.

“You need to be 100% focused on your training, but you can’t let things slip at home,” he says. “Winning my last two titles was an even greater accomplishment because I was able to balance both.”

Now retired from competition, Gri� n focuses much of his energy on his large client base at Simply For Life. He currently works with over 200 Saint John residents, and is always willing to book time for health and � tness consultations. “I like helping people lead a healthier life,” he says. “I lot of people let themselves go to a point where they no longer feel good, and I give them direction so they can turn it around. When people are able to take their lives back, it’s incredible.”

And while you won’t see him in a competitive pose down any time soon, he is still very active in the local bodybuilding community. He’s currently building a small bodybuilding team, and expects a strong local showing at the 2011 New Brunswick Bodybuilding Championships. If Gri� n can share his winning attitude with his students, they will do just � ne. “I want to work with them from the beginning so they can feel con� dent going in, and so they can experience how good it feel when you compete,” he says. “They’ll have a good time, make friends, and have stories they can talk about for years to come.”

To contact Mike for a � tness or nutrition consultation, please call (506) 693-8446 or email mike.gri� [email protected].

Set for Success Simply For Life consultant Mike Gri� n looks back at his undefeated bodybuilding career

700 Rothesay Ave, Saint John • Phone: 672-2826

tanning.... look goodfeel great

20% offany Tanning

Lotion Bottle

Phone: 672-2826

2 FREE TANSwith purchase

of 10 or 20

10% offSunless Spray-Tan (reg.$30)

Present Coupons upon

Purchase *Offer Expires March 31, 2011

miamitan.ca

20% off

Mike Griffen.indd 1 3/7/2011 9:42:38 AM

GOLFPutting If you bogey every hole, and 2 putt every hole on a par 72 golf course then 40% of your total shots were with a putter. It is very important to practice putting, but with every aspect of you golf game you need to practice properly. As stated in an earlier issue at least 40% of your practice time should be dedicated to putting. Remember a missed 3 foot putt counts the same on the scorecard as a 300 yard drive right down the middle of the fairway.

Many players struggle with putting and as a result their scores are higher than they should be. A 13 handicap player once asked me “how he could get into the single digit handicap bracket?” The answer was simple; “2 less putts per nine holes”.

In this tip we want to simplify the putting stokes and break it down into two sections. When you putt you only need 2 things to happen; the right line and the right weight and if you keep it that simple that’s all you need to work on.

Pendulum Motion of Putting Perhaps the simplest and most e� ective way to learn to putt is to copy the basic principles of a pendulum. As you watch a pendulum swing back and forth think about what it is doing: a pendulum swings straight back and straight through, a pendulum swings through the same distance it swings back, and a pendulum maintains a consistent pace on both sides. When a pendulum swings back it come to rest at its outer limit, it then accelerates to a maximum speed point in the middle of the swing and then decelerates to come to rest at the opposite outer limit. This is important for putting as you want to try to contact the ball when the putter head traveling at its maximum speed point, right in the middle of the swing.

Set Up To putt properly it is very important

to get set up properly. Start by standing straight up and down with your feet together. Separate you feet so that the insides of your feet are shoulder width apart. Flex you knees to relieve the sti� ness and tension in your legs (similar to the � rst motion of sitting). Tilt forward and bend from the waist so that you arms drop in front of you and hang at a natural full length extension. Place you palms together and see that you have made a triangle formation with your arms and shoulders. From this position place a golf ball in a location where it is directly under your eyes and in a spot where your thumbs will point at it. You will � nd from here that the back of the ball should be in the middle of your stance. With your palms still together, simply swing your hands back to point at your back foot and swing them forward until they point to your front foot. Continue back and forth and feel the arms just swinging. If you go back to one foot and through to the other the hands are travelling the same distance through as back. There should be no other movement, your lower body, wrists and head should remain still throughout the entire stroke. When you are ready, place a putter in your hands and keep both thumbs on top of the grip and try to repeat the same swinging motion with the putter.

The Right Weight Now that you are developing a nice � uid back and forth pendulum stroke we need to know what causes the ball to go a certain distance, otherwise called the “length of the result”. Two things cause a ball to go a certain distance 1. the length of the pendulum and 2. the pace of the pendulum. Develop a consistent pace back and forth and to change the ‘length of the result’ simple create a longer or shorter pendulum swing. So as you are practicing and you hit a 10 foot putt and go 10 feet past the hole you need to stop and think about what went wrong. There are only two possible answers, 1.the stroke was too fast or 2. the stroke was too long. Think of it on these two simple terms and you will be able to control your distances. It takes a lot of practice but you need to get it to a point where you know exactly how far back , how far though and at what pace you need to control any distance.

The Right Line Again we want to control this by using only two variables. What makes a ball travel directionally is a function of only 2 things. 1. swing path (the path on which the club head travels) and 2. keeping the club square or at 90 degrees to that to that path. To work on this part of putting, practice only straight putts and clearly establish your target line to the hole. If a right handed player missed a straight 10 foot putt to the right then simply the putting stroke was inside to outside of the target line, or the putter face was open at impact (more than 90 degrees to the target line). If the putt was missed to the left the swing path was outside to inside the target line or the putter face was closed at impact (less than 90 degrees to the target line). Again you need to know which one it was and � x the error. Swing straight back and straight though and keep the putter head at 90 degrees to your target line and you will greatly improve your direction.

Practice Drill A great way to practice this in the basement for the winter is to get a wooden yard stick ruler. Lay it on the � oor and point it in the direction of a target such as a plastic putting cup. Place a ball on the 20 inch mark and set your putter in behind the ball making sure your putter head is at 90 degrees to the yardstick. Make sure your stance is parallel to this ruler. With the proper technique, swing the putter head back to the 30 inch mark and follow though to the 10 inch mark (same distance back as through) and hold your � nish. When you hold your � nish the putter head should still be visibly over the ruler and the putter head should still be at 90 degrees to the rules. If not make the adjustments. Try this with di� erent lengths of stroke (back to 25 and though to 15, or back to 35 and though to 5) making sure you are the same distance though as you went back. You will notice the ball will travel di� erent distances when you do this.

Control the line and control the weight and you putting will improve, and remember proper practice makes perfect.

by Duncan Mayberry

Duncan Mayberry CPGA The Kennebecasis Valley Golf Academy

www.kvga.ca22

GOLFPutting If you bogey every hole, and 2 putt every hole on a par 72 golf course then 40% of your total shots were with a putter. It is very important to practice putting, but with every aspect of you golf game you need to practice properly. As stated in an earlier issue at least 40% of your practice time should be dedicated to putting. Remember a missed 3 foot putt counts the same on the scorecard as a 300 yard drive right down the middle of the fairway.

Many players struggle with putting and as a result their scores are higher than they should be. A 13 handicap player once asked me “how he could get into the single digit handicap bracket?” The answer was simple; “2 less putts per nine holes”.

In this tip we want to simplify the putting stokes and break it down into two sections. When you putt you only need 2 things to happen; the right line and the right weight and if you keep it that simple that’s all you need to work on.

Pendulum Motion of Putting Perhaps the simplest and most e� ective way to learn to putt is to copy the basic principles of a pendulum. As you watch a pendulum swing back and forth think about what it is doing: a pendulum swings straight back and straight through, a pendulum swings through the same distance it swings back, and a pendulum maintains a consistent pace on both sides. When a pendulum swings back it come to rest at its outer limit, it then accelerates to a maximum speed point in the middle of the swing and then decelerates to come to rest at the opposite outer limit. This is important for putting as you want to try to contact the ball when the putter head traveling at its maximum speed point, right in the middle of the swing.

Set Up To putt properly it is very important

to get set up properly. Start by standing straight up and down with your feet together. Separate you feet so that the insides of your feet are shoulder width apart. Flex you knees to relieve the sti� ness and tension in your legs (similar to the � rst motion of sitting). Tilt forward and bend from the waist so that you arms drop in front of you and hang at a natural full length extension. Place you palms together and see that you have made a triangle formation with your arms and shoulders. From this position place a golf ball in a location where it is directly under your eyes and in a spot where your thumbs will point at it. You will � nd from here that the back of the ball should be in the middle of your stance. With your palms still together, simply swing your hands back to point at your back foot and swing them forward until they point to your front foot. Continue back and forth and feel the arms just swinging. If you go back to one foot and through to the other the hands are travelling the same distance through as back. There should be no other movement, your lower body, wrists and head should remain still throughout the entire stroke. When you are ready, place a putter in your hands and keep both thumbs on top of the grip and try to repeat the same swinging motion with the putter.

The Right Weight Now that you are developing a nice � uid back and forth pendulum stroke we need to know what causes the ball to go a certain distance, otherwise called the “length of the result”. Two things cause a ball to go a certain distance 1. the length of the pendulum and 2. the pace of the pendulum. Develop a consistent pace back and forth and to change the ‘length of the result’ simple create a longer or shorter pendulum swing. So as you are practicing and you hit a 10 foot putt and go 10 feet past the hole you need to stop and think about what went wrong. There are only two possible answers, 1.the stroke was too fast or 2. the stroke was too long. Think of it on these two simple terms and you will be able to control your distances. It takes a lot of practice but you need to get it to a point where you know exactly how far back , how far though and at what pace you need to control any distance.

The Right Line Again we want to control this by using only two variables. What makes a ball travel directionally is a function of only 2 things. 1. swing path (the path on which the club head travels) and 2. keeping the club square or at 90 degrees to that to that path. To work on this part of putting, practice only straight putts and clearly establish your target line to the hole. If a right handed player missed a straight 10 foot putt to the right then simply the putting stroke was inside to outside of the target line, or the putter face was open at impact (more than 90 degrees to the target line). If the putt was missed to the left the swing path was outside to inside the target line or the putter face was closed at impact (less than 90 degrees to the target line). Again you need to know which one it was and � x the error. Swing straight back and straight though and keep the putter head at 90 degrees to your target line and you will greatly improve your direction.

Practice Drill A great way to practice this in the basement for the winter is to get a wooden yard stick ruler. Lay it on the � oor and point it in the direction of a target such as a plastic putting cup. Place a ball on the 20 inch mark and set your putter in behind the ball making sure your putter head is at 90 degrees to the yardstick. Make sure your stance is parallel to this ruler. With the proper technique, swing the putter head back to the 30 inch mark and follow though to the 10 inch mark (same distance back as through) and hold your � nish. When you hold your � nish the putter head should still be visibly over the ruler and the putter head should still be at 90 degrees to the rules. If not make the adjustments. Try this with di� erent lengths of stroke (back to 25 and though to 15, or back to 35 and though to 5) making sure you are the same distance though as you went back. You will notice the ball will travel di� erent distances when you do this.

Control the line and control the weight and you putting will improve, and remember proper practice makes perfect.

by Duncan Mayberry

Duncan Mayberry CPGA The Kennebecasis Valley Golf Academy

www.kvga.ca

It was a 1-2-3 for Sussex � gure skaters in preliminary skills at the 2011 Skate Canada New Brunswick STARSkate Run O Competition. Bryanna Lagace won the gold medal in the Western division followed by Jenna Gregg’s silver and Madeline Webb’s bronze medals. Sussex skaters further dominated that event with Madison Malone placing 4th, Maren Miller 6th, Anna Miller 8th and Samantha Feener 10th. The top 8 in each event qualify for the Provincial Championships Feb. 18 - 20 in Edmundston.

In other events Maren Miller won the bronze medal in Pre Preliminary Women’s Free. Also competing in that division were Madison Malone, Samantha Feener and Abrial Verhoeven. Madeline Webb came 4th in Pre Introductory Interpretive. Geena Oxford and Kendall Bacon competed in Jr Bronze Free with Oxford qualifying for provincials with a 6th place � nish. Bryanna Lagace placed 6th in Jr Bronze Women Solo Dance qualifying for Provincials. Lagace and Anna Miller also competed in Preliminary B Freestyle,

Sussex dominated preliminary skills L to R Top Row - Maren, Miller, Anna Miller, Samantha Feener, Madison Malone L to R Front Row - Madeline Webb, Bryanna Lagace, coach Renee Elliott, Jenna Gregg

Sussex Skaters Sweep the PodiumSussex Skaters Sweep the PodiumSussex Skaters Sweep the PodiumSussex Skaters Sweep the PodiumSussex Skaters Sweep the PodiumSussex Skaters Sweep the PodiumSkaters moving on to Provincial championships as a result of receiving a bye are:Malin Smith - Pre Preliminary AAAndrew MacMillan - Jr Bronze Men Free and Jr Bronze Mens SkillsKendra Graham - Introductory InterpretiveAllyson MacDougall - Silver Interpretive, Sr Silver Skills, Gold Solo DanceMadison Malone & Anna Miller - Pre Introductory Interpretive PairSamantha Feener & Maren Miller - Pre Introductory Interpretive PairGeena Oxford - Sr Silver Skills, Gold Solo DanceKendall Bacon - Sr Silver Solo Dance

Sussex � gure skating fans can see these skaters and other club members perform live at the annual ice show March 26th at 2 and 7 pm at the 8th Hussars sports Center in Sussex. This year’s theme is “Once Upon A Time...”

SSC sweeps podium L to R Jenna Gregg, Bryanna Lagace, Madeline Webb

At Pleasant Valley Realty we offer the small town atmosphere with friendly and personalized service to all of our customers. We believe that buying and selling a home is a major decision and we are here to make sure your dreams become a reality with little stress as possible. Choosing the right real estate agent who understands your needs makes for a pleasant experience. One real estate agent can show and sell you any MLS® property regardless of who has the listing. Why wait, call us today!

1040 MAIN ST. SUSSEX, NB OFFICE 433-5227 www.pleasantvalley2000.com

Small Company.........Big Service.........Because Nice Matters!PLEASANT VALLEY REALTY 2000 Ltd.

At Pleasant Valley Realty we offer the small town atmosphere with friendly and personalized service to all of our customers. At Pleasant Valley Realty we offer the small town atmosphere with friendly and personalized service to all of our customers.

PLEASANT VALLEY REALTY 2000 Ltd. Free Market Analysis

MLS® System

Sussex Skating.indd 1 3/7/2011 9:38:05 AM

Community RinksHome Rinks

Event RentalsTraining Centres

Want ice year round?

www.icepro.caLen Andrewstel: 506-644-9965email: [email protected]

ice year round

FREE SHIPPING to Saint John, NB

*nearest terminal Saint John, NB

ignite february 2011

Documents