Keep on, keeping on, guys!
It was nice to hear from M’Chigeeng’s Adam Debassige who graciously invited me to their last game of the year yesterday, April 30, that I am regretfully unable to attend. I hope to take him up on his offer next year because it would be quite the experience. Adam has been playing hockey since, well, a long time!
He even played with Dad back in the old sportsmen league on the Manitowaning Federals, a group of government-type employees. The league lasted for about a decade back in the 70s and also featured such notable teams as the Tehkummah Tycoons, Mindemoya Merchants, Wiky Buzzards and Manitowaning Jets. Basically every community had one. Familiar names included Jim Smith, Danny McDonald, Rick Gjos, Bill Sims, Bill Trimmer, Ross Ward, Denzil Spence, Wendell Buie, Larry Burns, Bruce Wiggins, etc.
Adam was the Federals’ captain and was/is quite the player. His love for the game has carried on while many have since hung up their blades. He has been playing with similarly durable players a couple of times a week for the last eight years. Adam the cagey veteran is not afraid to mention that he is only 76 and not the oldest! Of course, this is nothing to be ashamed of and should be a badge of honour, and suits up with Danny McDonald, 78 and Doug Mitchell, 77 years young. We should all aspire to being this active when we are that age. Heck, we should all be that active now! Keep going, guys, and we will catch up with you next season!
IIHF from Finland features local blood!
Carter George has removed his OHL Owen Sound Attack jersey and has proudly donned a Team Canada jersey once again. Last time it was for the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup and now for IIHF U-18 World Championships! Carter is the first-stringer for the team and has already got a couple of wins under him, including a shut-out against Czechia and a 6–3 win over powerhouse Sweden! Keep up the good work, Carter!
Badminton wrap
The newly minted Manitoulin elementary sport, badminton, was unveiled Thursday, April 18 at the 4-Directions Complex in Aundeck Omni Kaning. Seven schools participated: Pontiac, Assiginack, LCPS, Lakeview, CMPS, C.C. McLean and even St. Joseph’s School in Sheshegwaning.
In the individual results, Amber Brizuela of C.M.P.S. took the gold in girls’ singles, Arabella Otosquaiob of L.C.P.S. silver and Elainah Peltier of APS bronze. On the guys’ side, gold was won by Colin Goodfellow of L.C.P.S., silver Dylan Bebonang of Lakeview and bronze Ryley Corbiere of C.M.P.S.
In girls’ doubles play it was gold for Nova Debassige and Brinley Watson of C.M.P.S., silver Rowyn Kasunich and Tessa Ense-Waabonosse of Lakeview and bronze was won by Myla Edralin and Azalea Anaya of L.C.P.S.
The boys’ pair was won by L.C.P.S. doubles Roen Deschenes and Spencer Cortes, silver was Charles Skippen and Keegan Cranney of C.M.P.S. and bronze came from Hudson Roque and William Mckeown of Assiginack.
Finally in the mixed doubles, gold was captured by the team of Chantal Atkinson and Lucien Behm of L.C.P.S., silver was Corie Brown and Sean Zembal of C.M.P.S. and bronze was the Assiginack pair of Zoe McCarville and Sheldon Mandamin. Congratulations to all participants!
A little aside about the organizer of many things active in Aundek Omni Kaning, Mark Peltier. He was one of 15 coaches selected from across Ontario for the Coaches Association of Ontario’s annual Coaching Excellence Awards presented by Hydro One. He got to enjoy a VIP experience at a Toronto Blue Jays home game and received $500 for the purchase of new equipment. The coaches ranged in a variety of sports. He got his award in recognition of being an NCCP certified coach for the Badminton Warriors of Mnidoo Mnising Club, a 2-year project funded by Sports Canada and Noojmowin Teg Health Centre. Way to go, Mark!
