Canada’s gold streak tainted by silver devastation

Team Canada falls 6-5 to Team U.S.A. at IIHF U20 final

Jan 6 – Kyle Ireland and Dorian Geiger – The Sheaf

SASKATOON (CUP) – Team Canada and the nation they play for were engulfed in silent disbelief after a championship streak lasting half a decade came to a screeching halt in Saskatoon on Tuesday night at the world junior hockey championship.

The speedy Americans managed to fend off a chippy Team Canada at the International Ice Hockey Federation World Under 20 Championship gold medal showdown. The Canucks again found themselves down by two goals in the third period due to too many turnovers and odd man rushes. It always seems Canada and the United States are out to prove that they are distinct from one another – and better too.

When it came time for the two North American hockey teams to collide in the IIHF U20 gold medal bout, there was only one thing on most Canadians’ minds – avoiding a devastating loss of the same magnitude Team Canada experienced the last time they faced the U.S. in a championship game at the IIHF tournament.

Rewind to 2004’s gold medal match-up at the IIHF: a game that every Canadian hockey fan wants to permanently block from their memory. Canada lost that game 4-3 to Team U.S.A., after current Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Marc-André Fleury faltered while attempting to clear the puck from the Canadian zone. Fleury’s clearing attempt resulted in the puck unexpectedly ricocheting off one of his own defencemen and into the mesh of the Canadian net, bringing a nation of hockey faithful to their knees.

Though history didn’t repeat exactly, the loss in itself was historically repetitive enough.

The American gold medal comes five days after Canada triumphed over Team U.S.A. in a 5-4 shootout victory – a game that proved to be one of the most frenzied, jaw-dropping games of the tournament.

The gloomy atmosphere permeating the Credit Union Centre following Canada’s loss overshadowed one very bright prospect – Jordan Eberle’s future in the sport of hockey.

Add Eberle’s name to the dynasty line-up of past IIHF Canadian hockey players such as Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews and John Tavares. The Regina native netted three points and the tying goal against Team U.S.A. but his solo efforts just weren’t enough to propel Canada to the top of the podium.

Eberle’s eight goals and combined 13 points in the tournament set the stage for the young forward make a big dent in the NHL when he laces up for the Edmonton Oilers when his tenure with the Regina Pats expires.

Team U.S.A. capitalized on the undisciplined Canadian play and questionable calls by officials. Following the Americans’ go-ahead third goal of the game to make it 3-2, there was little turning back for U.S.A. Though Canada forced overtime in the dying seconds of the game, American John Carlson took advantage of a sloppy Canadian defence and powered the puck past backup Canadian netminder Martin Jones on a 3-on-1.

Following the loss, Canadian forward Brayden Schenn voiced the unspeakable disappointment that was brewing in Team Canada’s locker-room.

“When we got down by two, Eberle came up huge. We had a chance in overtime but it never worked out,” said a blank-faced Schenn.

“(The game) easily could have gone our way. We hit two posts in overtime – it’s as simple as that,” added Schenn, who had eight points throughout the tournament.

The American win in Saskatoon was only the second time the team has captured gold in the history of the tournament and the win comes at an opportune time for the red, white and blue.

The gold medal win should be a major boost for hockey fever in the U.S., where the vast majority is unaware of the IIHF tournament. Since the 2011 tournament is poised to take place in Buffalo, N.Y., hockey hype may soon be on the rise down south.

Team U.S.A. forward Chris Kreider enthusiastically reiterated the importance of the gold medal victory for improving the American hockey program. “We weren’t going to settle for anything less than gold. This is a great honour and a great stepping stone for our program,” said Kreider, a New York Rangers prospect.

Records are meant to be broken, and CUC in Saskatoon was oh-so-close to becoming the birthplace of hockey history and Team Canada’s longest winning streak throughout the entirety of the IIHF U20 hockey tournament.

Instead – for Canadian hockey fanatics – Saskatoon will be remembered as the place where dreams were shattered.

Unfortunately for Canada, they will have to wait another five years to be in the same position – if they’re lucky.

In terms of records, though, Canada’s all-time record against Team U.S.A is 27-6-3 – a record that truly speaks to the higher level of hockey that is bred on Canadian soil, and one thing hockey fans from across the nation can still hold their head high about.

U.S.A. coach Dean Blais humbly summed up the reason why the Americans were able to score a victory: “We took a page out of Team Canada’s book, found a way to win, and we played Canadian hockey.”

The Big Players Canadian Player of the Game: Jordan Eberle American Player of the Game: Derek Stepan MVP of 2010 IIHF U20 Tournament: Jordan Eberle

IIHF U20 World Junior Tournament All-Star Team Goaltender: Benjamin Conz (Switzerland) Defenceman: Alex Pietrangelo (Canada) Forward: Jordan Eberle (Canada)

Rod Brown tells you all you need top know about Canada’s Olympic 2010 hopefuls

For fans of Canada’s most beloved sport, the question on everyone’s mind was who was going to make the team for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.  On Wednesday December 30^th, the long, anticipated wait was over. There were many surprised faces as well as disappointments for some of the players.

During the wait, many fans predicted that experienced players who have played for Canada’s Olympic squad before such as Scott Niedermayer, Chris Pronger and Jarome Iginla to be guaranteed a spot on the team.  A lot of people talked about Martin Brodeur and Roberto Luongo would fill two out of the three goaltending positions but had debates about who would be the third.

Ever since Dany Heatly was traded to the San Jose Sharks, he has been playing exceptionally well with Joe Thorton and Patrick Marleau and has proved to be the best line in the NHL today.  Because of that, the Olympic committee was thinking of keeping that line together for Team Canada. Millions had expectations that Sidney Crosby would be a “for sure” player on the roster. The predictions went on.

Even though the roster is finalized, that doesn’t means it’s set in stone; due to injuries occurring around the NHL, some players could hear their name called to replace that player.  The team you are about to see before may not be the team you see going for gold in Vancouver.  The roster is as follows:

Goaltenders

Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils), Marc-Andre Fleury (Pittsburgh Penguins),

Roberto Luongo (Vancouver Canucks)

Defensemen

Dan Boyle (San Jose Sharks), Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings), Duncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks), *Scott Niedermayer (Anaheim Ducks), **Chris Pronger (Philadelphia Flyers), Brent Seabrook (Chicago Blackhawks), Shea Weber (Nashville Predators)

Forwards

Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins), **Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins), Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim Ducks), Dany Heatly (San Jose Sharks), **Jarome Iginla (Calgary Flames), Patrick Marleau (San Jose Sharks), Brendan Morrow (Dallas Stars), Rick Nash (Columbus Blue Jackets), Corey Perry (Anaheim Ducks), Mike Richards (Philadelphia Flyers), Eric Staal (Carolina Hurricanes, Joe Thorton (San Jose Sharks)

Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks)

* named captain

** named alternate captain

Rod Brown is a volunteer writer with the Baron.

ACAA & CCAA Female Athlete of the Month: Emma Waters-Wolfe

1st year setter Emma Waters-Wolfe  from Winnipeg, Manitoba has averaged 30 assists, 8 defensive digs, 5 serving aces and 3 kills per match in the first seven matches of the year  with the Seawolves.  This has helped the team achieve a perfect 7-0 record, good for first place in the ACAA and a 10th place ranking in the CCAA.

Emma graduated from Westwood Collegiate in Winnipeg where she helped to lead her team to the 4A Provincial Finals and  earned herself a Provincial All-Star selection. She was an All-Star in the Manitoba Volleyball Association and a member of the Bison Volleyball Club.  Emma plays like a senior and runs a very balanced attack for the Seawolves.  She puts the ball on the money for her hitters which keep the opponents off balance. She really spreads the ball around and our opponents cannot key on just one or two of our players.  She also has a very good serving game, is a solid defensive player and is quick moving into transition from defence to offence. Emma has the ability to set solid balls in the heat of battle.  We are not the biggest team in the league so we must have good passing and solid setting in order to keep being successful in the very tough ACAA.

ACAA & CCAA Male Athlete of the Month: Carl Settle

The defending ACAA champion Seawolves have started the season 5-0 and a big reason has to do with the play of Carl Settle who continues to improve his already strong skills at the setting position. Settle, a 4^th year Bachelor of Arts Student from Debert, N.S,  has averaged 24 assists per match and has enabled the hitters to perform to their top level. Coach Wayne Manuel has been really pleased with Carl, saying ‘Carl has done everything asked of him so far. He’s played every minute this season and we need him to  be at his best to win’.

By David Munro

Pauline Waggott loves basketball. She has always been involved in the sport so there was a bit of a crisis when she finished her fifth and final season of eligibility with the Seawolves in 2008-09 and graduated with a degree in Arts (Sports Psychology). What would she do now? Well, she didn’t have to wait too long to find out.

Kevin Munroe, the new coach of the Seawolves women’s basketball team was looking for an assistant. Athletics Director, David Munro, sensed that Pauline might be a good fit for the team given her passion for the game, and had discussed the idea of her getting into coaching a few times during conversations over the years. He knew that even when she was playing, she always enjoyed analyzing everything related to the team, a good sign for a future coach.

As the story goes, Coach Kevin Munroe spoke with Pauline about the possibility of her becoming the assistant coach. Thus, a brand new career was born, one that keeps her involved with the team but in a very different capacity.

As a player, Pauline wanted to make a difference by helping the team win the ACAA women’s basketball championship in 2004-05. However, while she may not have known it at the time, some tough seasons were ahead. The team really struggled after the amazing championship season and to her credit, Pauline showed her perseverance and leadership potential when stuck it out through the rough times.

That determination to fight through the elements definitely prepared her for coaching. She was at the top and experienced rock bottom—she knows what both feel like and together, these experiences should be valuable as she makes the transition from player to coach in the ACAA.

Pauline played for five years and wants to give back to her university and her sport. Coach Munroe, says that “she has a passion for basketball and loves being on the court with the girl. That’s what you need as a player and as a coach; you have to love the game. She is willing to learn the coaching side of things through clinics, video, and discussions. [She] has already been a big help in the early going this season. She played in the ACAA and has experienced what it takes to be part of an ACAA championship team. It is not easy to win the ACAA championship so that is really valuable experience to have in practices and on the bench during games—the players really respect her”.

Besides missing being on the court as a player, Pauline has found the biggest adjustment from playing to coaching is the amount of time and commitment required to coach. As a player, all she had to do was focus on being at practices and games on time. Everything else was taken care of. She quickly recognized that’s not the way it is as a coach and has come to appreciate all the tasks coaches do behind the scenes without the players even knowing about them. However, she accepts that and likes the challenge of creating and running practices, preparing for games, and organizational tasks for home and travel games.

Being a young coach, Pauline sees one of her roles being a bridge between the players and Coach Munroe. She can still think from the player’s point of view, having just finished last season. She sees the early going as a transitional period for herself and the players on the team. She knows that she must prove herself as a coach—so far there has been an acceptance from the players – they know how passionate Pauline is and they can see she wants the very best for the team. She was a team leader when she played and now she is leading through coaching.

Pauline is still young enough to relate to the girls but has experienced enough through her five years playing at the ACAA level to become a good coach. Being part of the ACAA championship team in 2004-05 cannot be underestimated – the ACAA championship is tough to win in all sports but especially difficult in basketball given the quality of the top teams. Pauline knows what it takes to win in the conference and will pass on that experience to the players and to Coach Munroe.

So what does Pauline think it will take to be a winning team that is capable of challenging for the ACAA title?  Well, she says the team must have players who have a basic level of talent – at least capable of holding their own at the ACAA level with the capability to improve (because the other teams are so good). In addition, players need to be committed to getting better (training with a Cory Goodman, the strength and conditioning coach and training on their own during the off-season).

Players need to be basketball players; with only academics being ahead of their commitment to the team, (basketball cannot be third or fourth on the list). A team of players with strong academics is important. Players have to be coachable and should get along with teammates for the most part. One of the things that is often overlooked – the players need to be able to express their opinions so they feel like they are involved – she recognizes that a coach won’t always be able to listen to every single suggestion from the players but at least they’ll feel part of the overall process if they have a chance to contribute.

Going into this season, Pauline believes the Seawolves will need to focus on their strengths and try to execute well within the system—the team isn’t blessed with an abundance of height this year, so the emphasis will be on speed and quick transition while minimizing turnovers and errors. The Seawolves will try to play more consistent defensively, playing tough all the time and making it hard for the opposing team to score easy baskets. The Seawolves are rebuilding but the girls are working hard to get as fit so they can carry out the game plan.

With one degree behind her, Pauline is still taking full-time courses at UNBSJ, finishing up in Political Science and Business (Human Resource Management). She sees similarities between coaching and resource management—both deal with people and each person is unique and needs to be approached differently. It sounds like Pauline Waggott has been listening and learning well. It is great to see that Pauline wants to give back to UNBSJ and to the ACAA. She has everything it takes to be an excellent coach in the ACAA and the Seawolves are proud of her playing career and excited to have her as a coach.

David Munro is UNBSJ Athletics Director.

leARAMARK UNBSJ ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 10th 2009

MALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: KYLE ROODE, BASKETBALL
This week’s Aramark UNBSJ Male Athlete of the Week Is Kyle Roode. Kyle is a former UNB Varsity Red who is already establishing himself in the ACAA as a player that other teams cannot overlook. In his debut with the Seawolves this past weekend against MSVU & UKC; Kyle averaged 15 points a game along with 7 rebounds. He was a force inside the paint and made tough shots from beyond the arc. Coach Stephen LeBlanc indicated that “although the Seawolves lost their matches this weekend, Kyle’s energy and never quit attitude was felt by everyone on the floor which helped the rest of the team remain competitive throughout the weekend”.

FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: DAX HOOPER, VOLLEYBALL
This week’s Aramark UNBSJ Female Athlete of the Week is former Reds Volleyball Club player Dax Hooper. Dax is a 2nd year middle hitter/blocker from Hampton N.B. She dominated the court this weekend helping to lead the Seawolves to two very important victories [3-2, 3-1] over their very tough opponents the MSVU Mystics. Dax lead her team with a total of 21 kills and an impressive 10 stuff blocks in the weekend matches with scores of [ 25-20,25-22,17-25,23-25 and 15-8] and on Sunday [ 25-14,25-21,23-25 and 25-19]. “Dax has trained very hard over the summer and we are seeing the results of the time she has committed to our team and program with her play on the court this year already” said coach Keith Raynes. “She is beginning to come into her own and is gaining confidence each time she plays. Our team will count on Dax as the season progresses and as the matches continue to get tougher”.

Aikido
Come out and enjoy a different kind of martial art, Aikido. This form uses the aggression and force of your opponent to force them down to the ground. Aikido runs every Monday and Wednesday at 7 in the table tennis room.

3-on-3 Basketball
Come out number one in our 3-on-3 Basketball completion. The date is Friday November 13th. Get a team of 3 or 4 together and sign up by sending an e-mail to u662e@unb.ca.

Dodgeball Tournament
One day only! So get your team together and come out a dodge like your life depends on it. Register by October 26th at noon. Tournament takes place in the gym on October 30th at 2:30. For details contact u662e@unb.ca.

Cricket
Come out and hit a cricket ball around become champion of the cricket field. Cricket is held on all courts, most Friday afternoons at 12. Check website for dates.

Rec Basketball
Want to shoot some hoops and maybe play a little scrimmage? Every Wednesday at 8pm come on over to the gym and join some other basketball enthusiast. This time is open for all to come out.

Rec Volleyball
Do you like spiking and volleying? Well then come on out to rec volleyball held every Thursday at 8pm in the gym. This is a great time to have some fun and learn new skills.

Rec Hockey
Love this Canadian past time? Well then get your skates sharpened, your form filled out and your money into the business office. Ice time starts at 3:15 at the Gorman Arena on Friday, October 16th. Coast is $35 for this term.

Flag Football
Get some friends and come join us at the Canada Games Stadium for a little exercise and a lot of fun. These are all pick up games so the more the bigger the teams. Takes place every Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 2:30.

Rec Soccer
Take some time out from working or studying to play some soccer. This is a great time to make friends and have some fun every Wednesday at 7:30 and Friday at 3:30.

Badminton Tournament
Get a team of 3 together to become kings or queens of the courts. The shuttles take off at 2:30 on November 20th. Go to our website for registration forms and rules. http: //www.unbsj.ca/athletics/badminton.html

Baron volunteer writer James Tibbetts sits down with the winner of the Bob Coal Award

The Baron sat down for a quick interview with the recipient of the Bob Coal award: Joe Murphy. Number 8 of the Men’s Sea Wolves Soccer team for 2009, Murphy received the award handed out to only one player every year in the Atlantic Provinces. As Murphy explained, it “recognises the player from the ACAA who best combines Leadership, sportsmanship, enthusiasm and ability on and off the field”. He said he was both surprised and excited to get this award.

From last year the team lost ten players when they graduated, but they gained several “really good players” who, according Murphy, were at least partially made up for their handicap. They thought it would be a rebuilding year, but they were able to make it all the way to the semi finals in PEI.

Murphy’s coach, Jason Brown, also received the coach of the year award. Joe indicated that this might have something to do with the fact that Jason was basically starting over with a new group of people and was still able to take them to the semi-final.

When asked about the league rules dictating that the team keep a low percentage of International students he responded by saying that as he understood it the team cannot dress more than three international students at each game. This he said might hurt us due to the “great base of international students”. He said “he has seen a [few] good international students not are able to play just because there are only three spots available”.

He suggested that there was another possible unfairness coming from the lack of division between fulltime international students and exchange students from the student abroad program. He pointed out that there may be an inherent unfairness in having to reject one for another in the competition for these two spots.

When asked how important he thinks sports are to the student experience, he said that for him it made it very easy to become accustom to University. Last year as a first year student, he said, “I had 20 friends new friends, right off the bat.” He then lamented that it was difficult when it ends, and you are no longer spending every day with these same 20 people.

Joe Murphy challenges any new student to try any of the sports out. He says the friendships you build are irreplaceable. “It helps make your school experience better”.

James Tibbetts is a volunteer writer with the Baron.

Volunteer sports writers Hannah McLeod and Kayla Munroe recall the major events of soccer season

On October 23rd the UNBSJ men and women, Sea Wolves soccer teams traveled to Prince Edward Island for the 2009 ACAA soccer championships. The tournament kicked off with an awards dinner and banquet, held at Holland College. Our teams represented themselves very well, bringing home many awards.

For the women’s team there were three players who were recognized this season; Captain Jennifer Bergeron made 1st team all conference along with Hannah Connolly making the 2nd team all conference. Erica Forward received the Gerry Leblanc award, for her outstanding contribution to the team along with her academics and school participation. The men’s team received six awards along with two nominations.

Nick London along with Brian Peters made the 1st team all conference while Nathan Munroe and Niels Botman made the 2nd team all conference. Joe Murphy received the Bob Coe award, where he was recognized for his contribution to his team, academics and school participation. Sea Wolves male coach, Jason Brown proudly took home the coach of the year award. The male wolves also had two outstanding nominations; first year student, David Bitten was nominated for Rookie of the Year and Nick London was nominated for MVP of the league.

The women’s team entered the playoffs in fourth place and played their first game against the MSVU Mystics, who finished first in the league. The girls went out strong, hoping to pull off an upset; they fought hard and had a great first half, entering the second half only down by one.

They ran into tough luck with injuries to two of their starting defenders and slowly began to run out of steam. MSVU came out strong in the second half, scoring three quick goals and capturing the 4-0 win. The men’s team entered the playoffs in third place and were matched up against their second place rivals Holland College. Both men’s teams played unbelievable first and second halves under brutal weather conditions.

Each team had many scoring opportunities and finished the halves with a 0-0 score. They continued playing hard for twenty minutes of overtime in the freezing rain and hail. The defensive line stepped up their game and held the Hurricane’s for another solid twenty minutes.
The game was forced into a shoot out, and Coach Brown sent out; David Bitten, Brain Peters, Niels Botman, William Van Veen and Nick London. The wolves took some amazing shots, scoring four out of five goals. In net more the boy’s was Jason Demerchant, who got a hand on nearly every shot. Unfortunately it came down to the last shot and the boys lost the game with a score of 5-4.

Thanks to coaches, Kevin Munroe and Jason Brown and Athletic Directors; Dave Munro and Natasha Kelly for all of their contributions, making this season a great success!!

Hannah McLeod and Kayla Munroe are volunteer sports writers.

Sports columnist Ryan Papineau gives you the play-by-play

SAINT JOHN¬- The University of New Brunswick Saint John Seawolves clinched first seed in the Atlantic Football League and a final’s appearance by defeating the University of New Brunswick Red Bombers 10-6 Sunday night.

It was the Seawolves first-ever home game in franchise history and they didn’t disappoint. The win leaves the club undefeated at 3-0 which guarantees them a spot in the league championship game on Nov. 21 in Saint John.

It was difficult for either team to score in the opening quarter of play as field conditions were terrible at Shamrock Park. Both teams clashed pads and helmets in the mud trying to gain momentum, but neither got rolling until the second frame.

Saint John put up points early in the second when John Phillips split the uprights with a 15-yard field goal. Wide receiver Justin Cavan caught a high pass in traffic over the middle for a big gain and running back Charlie Harroun ran 35 yards to put the Seawolves in scoring distance.

The Bombers were quick to respond just minutes later when tight end Andrew Guest made a leaping grab of his own for 20 yards advancing his offense to midfield. Running Back Andrew Hubbard capped the short-lived drive off with a 50-yard catch-and-scamper down the sideline for a touchdown and a Bombers lead.

The point after kick sailed wide, but the Bombers weren’t discouraged as they recovered a Saint John fumble mere moments after the Seawolves regained possession. However, the Bombers were unable to find the endzone and the half ended with a 6-3 Fredericton lead.

“It’s simple- we didn’t execute, made too many mistakes and didn’t get the job done,” Red Bombers quarterback Brendan Cornford confessed after the game.

Adding injury to insult, Bombers star Andrew Hubbard left the game at halftime with a pulled hamstring and was unable to return for the rest of the contest. Hubbard, credited with his team’s only score of the night, was a major loss for the Bombers.

The second half of play began much like the first- lots of mud and filthy jerseys. Shamrock Park’s field, already soaked from rain, became a slip-and-slide of sorts. Conditions made it difficult for either side to have much success moving the ball.

Seawolves running back Charlie Harroun gained hard yards all night, but really turned the jets on in the second half. Harround pounded the rock up-field several times in the last two frames eating away time and maintaining possession for Saint John.

The winning touchdown came when Seawolves quarterback Jeremy McAuley hit his favourite target Cavan, who left Bombers defenders eating mud as he sprinted to the endzone. The 45-yard catch-and-run gave Saint John the lead, and they never looked back. Phillips was good on his point after attempt, making the score 10-6 halfway through the fourth quarter.

In the final minutes, Fredericton was within scoring distance and looking for the win on the Saint John 20-yard line. However, the Seaswolves defense denied any possibility of a Bomber comeback by gaining leverage at the line of scrimmage and shutting the drive down.

Saint John regained possession and ran the clock out in front of an estimated audience of 700 people, securing their slot in the championship game.

The Seawolves won a fiercely competitive game, perhaps aided by the fact that Fredericton missed three field goal attempts in the process.

“It was a hard fought battle. But, we didn’t capitalize on opportunities and couldn’t finish anything offensively,” said Red Bombers head coach Mike Dollimore afterwards.

Cavan, on the other hand, had something else to say regarding the outcome.

“Both teams had trouble moving the ball. But, our boys worked together in the second half. It wasn’t pretty, but it’s about getting the job done.”

Ryan Papineau is a volunteer sports writer with the Baron.

By Kayla Munroe and Hannah McLeod

The UNBSJ soccer program is very well respected and each year there is a new level of performance brought to the field. This year the coach of the varsity women’s team, Kevin Munroe had at large turn out, many of which being rookies. Munroe has been coaching the women’s team for two years now and last year the girls fought hard and showed immense dedication, however, they couldn’t quite capture a spot in the provincials. This year the team had some fresh legs and new faces come out and they are still working to earn their spot in provincials.

The girls are now 4-0-5 in their regular season. The Sea Wolves home opener was played against NSAC, where the girls managed to pull off their first win, with a 3-1 game. The girls came out strong and confident for their second game against CU and with the help of captain Jenn Bergeron, contributing three goals, the team managed to end the game with a 6-1 victory. The girls continued their winning streak, defeating STU and CU. They ran into some tough competition and ended up with five losses, keeping each game within 1-3 goals against.

The UNBSJ varsity men’s team has had a successful past, attending two national championships, lead by current head coach, Jason Brown. This year Brown lost many of his key players and this season was looking to be a rebuilding year, but to the teams surprise they have managed to keep the season with an impressive 5-1-2 record.

Goal keeper, Jason Demerchant, currently holds the record of least goals scored against in the ACAA league. Both rookies, David Bitten and Mike Weatherbie have both gained a starting position on the team and are continuously proving themselves to the team. Bitten, playing right mid-field is currently the leading scorer for the wolves. Weatherbie has established is starting position, assisting by Colin Rouse and Captain Nathan Munroe in the defence.

Kayla Munroe and Hannah McLeod are volunteer sports writers.