Island players make a difference!
Manitoulin hockey products who spent the bulk of their developmental years with the Manitoulin Panthers all played prominent roles with their teams at the “next level” this past weekend. Young Braedan Case and Hunter Abotossaway were instrumental in their AAA debut with the Sudbury Nickel Capitals of the Great North Midget League. The Capitals defeated the Kapuskasing Flyers 5 to 4 in the opening game of the 2015-16 season. Meanwhile, Tyler King picked up his first Junior A point as he garnered an assist off the power-play for his French River Rapids unfortunately in a losing cause this time against the Blind River Beavers. The Rapids have former NHLer Moe Mantha Jr. as coach and are certain to improve under his tutelage. Over in Rayside, former Panthers forward Zac Pregent picked up one of three Espanola Express Jr. A goals but were just edged by a 4 to 3 count to the Canadians. Also suiting up in that game were: Nevada Waindubence, Thomas Hayden, Mitchal Payette and Barry Pitawanakwat.
Lanktree to skate as Laurentian Vee!
Hats off to Kennedy Lanktree who will lace up skate for this season’s Laurentian Vees! The young hockey phenom has been a player of note all of her way up the top-notch, rep-hockey ranks! Keep up the hard work Kennedy!
Manitoulin Men’s Fastball champions!
On the softball front, congratulations to the Wikwemikong Lumberjacks who are this year’s Manitoulin Men’s Fastball champions! The series was a very competitive battle against the Aundek Omni Kaning Raiders who they managed to edge to hoist the trophy!
My Dad had a short chat with Aundeck Omni Kaning pitcher and well-known strongman Mike Abotossaway last week. Although his squad dropped the final series to the Wikwemikong Lumberjacks three games to one, he was proud of the efforts put forth by his teammates. He was particularly pleased that each game was a close battle. Congratulations to both teams who all displayed outstanding sportsmanship despite the close battles. It was especially heartwarming to see how the teams came together to help Lumberjack’s outfielder Shaun Shawanda when he suffered a medical emergency on the field during game two. With great help Shaun pulled through and is well on the road to recovery. Good show, everyone who helped out!
Local triathlete battles adversity to complete Ironman!
Kudos to Little Current’s Steve Fessenden who, despite a very difficult medical condition, was competitive in the inaugural Muskoka (full length) Ironman! Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville was the site for the 2015 Ironman Muskoka. The region has hosted an Ironman 70.3 event since 2008 and the success of those events led to the newest Iron-distance event on the Ironman calendar and just the third in Canada.
1,298 athletes made their way under overcast skies to the beach at Deerhurst on Peninsula Lake for the 6:45 am start. Due to the size of the beach, the traditional chaos of the mass start was replaced by a rolling start with up to 30 athletes hitting the water every 10 seconds. By 7 am they were all on their way to completing the 3.8km swim. After T(ransition) 1, it was onto the grueling 180km bike course that circled the Lake of Bays twice passing through the rugged and hilly scenery and the towns of Dwight, Dorsett and Baysville. Thanks to the over 1,300 volunteers for the event competitors were able to compete at their optimum. After a brief stop in T2 and a change into his running gear, Steve was lathered up with sunscreen by volunteers and headed out onto the run course. For him, with many marathons under his shoes Steve was in his element and finished strong after the 41km course and crossed the line in 12:01:47 hours! Steve ended up 293rd overall and 21st out of 111 in the Men 50-54 age group. Way to go, Steve!
Terry Fox Run turns 35, Sunday!
Organizer Joanna Rosenbaum is once again encouraging us all to get on out to walk, wheel, ride or run on Sunday, September 20 to participate in this year’s Terry Fox Run in Little Current. The official run start time is 1 pm at Low Island, and registration will be open as of 12 noon. Pledge forms are available in many locations around the Island, and available on run day, or you can register and donate online at www.terryfox.org.
As in years past, all participants get a certificate, a ribbon and tattoos! They will also have a bake sale table, and Terry Fox T-shirts available at the run for just $20. This year they will also be featuring a silent auction with many great prizes to bid on, and a special guest to help us warm up before the run with a little bit of Zumba! “Everyone’s got a dollar” is the theme this year—let’s try to raise $1 for everyone living on Manitoulin. Participate on the 20th, or sponsor a family member, friend or neighbour. If you can’t make it out that day, there are many Terry Fox Run donation jars in the community: located at Dreamer’s Cove, Turner’s of Little Current, Rylan’s Clothing Store, Taylor Sawmill, Home Hardware, Williamson’s Hardware Store, Manitoulin Physiotherapy Centre, and the Central Family Health Team in Mindemoya. If anyone has questions about the run, or if you are interested in entering a Team (workplace, family or in tribute to a cancer survivor), please contact Joanna Rosenbaum at (705) 377-6244 or joanna.r@manitoulinphysio.ca, or contact the Terry Fox Foundation directly though www.terryfox.org or 1(888) 836-9786. Volunteers are always welcome on run day and leading up to the event, as are donations for the bake sale and silent auction. Contact Joanna for details!
A good sport is good for sports.
705-377-6018 chipstoquips@gmail.com
