Mustangs stampede depleted Lake Raiders

Saturday Nov 23rd 1:30pm -2:30pm. Missing their big goal scorer the Lake Raiders had their work cut out for them against the Mustangs. 4:48 saw Captain Kirk Ashman open the scoring with an unassisted effort, followed by a sweet backhander by Mike Iacovone (Kirk Ashman, Mitchell Stark) at 11:41, adding another at 12:50 assisted by Istok "The Rock" Vidmar bringing the first to close at 3-0. The scoreless second period saw the Lake Raiders D and goaltending make a solid attempt to keep hopes alive. In the third the Mustangs kept on coming with a unassisted Kirk Ashman marker at 6:35. Just when it seemed all hope was lost for the Lake Raiders; the Gritty Alicia Palma crashed the net, poking in her first (unassisted) of the season spoiling goalie Brad Gordon's shutout bid. 11:39 saw Kirk Ashman close out the period with his third for the hat trick and a 5-1 victory. 

Saints Rally to tie Wolves

November 23, 2013 – Wolves vs Saints (Boxscore)

Photo by Esther

In a wild game the Saints comes back from three goals down in the 3rd to tie the Wolves 3-3.

In the first period, the Wolves got off to a fast start to lead 2-0 with two goals from saverio was assists from Darrin and newly acquired Matt vocino, who made a great debut. In the second Darrin gave the Wolves a 3-0 lead.

In the third, Braden led the Saints inspiring come back with two goals that he tipped in. And Bryan Scored with 20 seconds left in the game for the tie.

Hon. mention: Matthew Cockburn provided great spirit in the game. Gabe made some great plays clearing the ball.

Kings use strong second half for the win

November 23, 2013 – Bulldogs vs Kings (Boxscore)

Photo by Esther

In a close game, the Kings used a strong second-half to win 3-1 over the Bulldogs.

It was a scoreless first period. In the second period, the Bulldogs opened the scoring on Scott Allen's second goal of the season. However the Kings answered with a late marker to tie the game at one. The tough looping shot beat the goalie.

In the third period the Kings Wei Jiet Goh gave them their first lead of the game, which would eventually be the game-winning goal. Jordan would add one more.

Hon. mention: Eli and Leo provided great goaltending for their respective teams.

TPWHL Team Profile: Saints

Saints

Forwards:

The Saints has three great shooters in Brandy, Don and Alexa who are capable of providing offence. Braden has amazing puck control skills, which will help the team.

Defence:

They also have three great D as well: Matthew who won his first championship last year is one of the great young D in the league. Bryan a veteran will provide great experience and toughness to the team. Greg Contaxis will be a great team player as always.

Tracey has been a solid goalie since she started playing two years ago.

Interview with coaches Chris and Ed

1. What are your expectations from your team?

Chris: Well to finish as high on the standings as possible.

Ed: Keep improving every game and always put in your best effort no matter the end result of the game.

2. Which team is your favourite to win it all?

Chris: No problem the Saints.

Ed: All the teams are very balanced, but I'll pick the Saints any day.

3. Based on what you've seen so far, what do you like most about your team? what needs to improve?

Chris: They are starting to mend together as a team, we can use another body with a stick and to be able to check the other team's forwards.Keep concentration on the game communicate with other players and yes try your best.

Ed: I think we have a talented team. The season is young and the players are just getting to know each other`s strengths. We need to start playing together as a team and less as individuals which is starting to come around.

4. How will help the new players in the league? If any?

Ed: I want the new players to feel welcome and enjoy coming out to play each week.

5. What do you hope to accomplish as a coach?

Chris: For me satisfaction love it i wish i had a lot more free time to devote to this.

Ed: I hope to help every player improve their game.

6. What inspires you to coach in the league?

Chris: The efforts some of this young people put in to this and the satisfaction they get accomplishing what they love.

Ed: This league shows that everyone, no matter their abilities, can play organized sports. I enjoy giving back to the community and have done so my entire life.

Thanks Chris & Ed!

Brandy Scores 6 in Saints Win

November 16, 2013 – Saints vs Mustangs (Boxscore)

Photo by Esther

In an offensive outburst the Saints defeated the Mustangs 7-3.

Braden opened the scoring for the Saints, tipping in Sharmin's shot. Kirk replied for the Mustangs a minute later to tie the game at one. Brandon gave the Mustangs the 2-1 lead after one period, with this first goal of the season.

The Saints dominated the second period with four goals from Brandy Edwards to give them the commanding 5-2 lead.With assists coming from Braden, Alexa, and Bryan.

Brandy added two more goals in the third period. Mike added one more for the Mustangs, assisted by Mitchell and Kirk.

Hon. mention: Matthew played a great game as always. Brad played his hardest in a tough lost.

Kings Overcome Being 2 Goals Down

November 16, 2013 – Wolves vs Kings (Boxscore)

Photo by Esther

The Kings comes back from 2 goals down in 5-3 win over the Wolves.

Darrin and Saverio scored to give the Wolves an early 2-0 lead. However the Kings stormed back with two goals from Lorne Donnelly, assisted by Jordan to tie the game at two after one period.

In the second period, Lorne Donnelly completed his hat trick to give the Kings their first lead of the game at 3-2. Jordan added another goal later in the period. Saverio scored his second goal of the game at 12:40 to pull the Wolves within one, to give them a chance in the third.

In the third period, Lorne put the game away with his fourth goal of the game.

Hon. mention: Brent Lyon was amazing in net for the Kings. Krista Bath played a great game as well.

Lake Raiders tame Bulldogs

Saturday Nov 16th 1:30pm -2:30pm. In this first meeting of the Bulldogs and Lake Raiders, it was the Lake Raiders who got on the board with the lone goal in the first by Erin Vassilakos at 9:40. The second period saw Scott Allen snap a quick one in for the Bulldogs early to tie things up at 1's. 5:01 saw Isaac Vescio break the tie for the Lake Raiders and add another at 6:57 for a 3-1 lead, followed shortly by Jeremy Schofield sniping number 4 for the Lake Raiders at 8:59. not to be outdone Matthew Vocino shoveled in his 2nd on the season at 10:59 to finish the frame at 4-2. In the third it was all Lake Raiders with goals by Jeremy Schofield at 0:50, Erin Vassilakos assisted by Alicia Palma at 11:15 and Jeremy Schofield capitalizing on a Eli Shupak interference call for the hat trick at 13:37 bringing the game to a 7-2 final.

TPWHL Team Profile: Bulldogs

Forwards:
Jerry Mariano is a great playmaker and can provide offense for his team. Nicole Neeson is always dangerous in front of the net and is also a great shooter. Meghan Hines is one of the best defensive forwards and will destroy opposing forwards. Scott Allen is a great and reliable utility player, he can score goals and play defence as well.

Defence:
Tara Gibson is a solid defencemen, Christine Pacheco has improved her game over the years, and Anna is a rookie playing in her first year.

Veteran Eli Shupak in a great goalie who plays with a passionate edge. He is like the Patrick Roy of our league.

Interview with coach Ray
1. What are your expectations from your team?
Ray: As long as the players try to play their best at all times then I will be happy. That’s all I can ask of them.

2. Which team is your favourite to win it all?
Ray: Well I’d have to say The Bulldogs. But all the teams are looking pretty at this point so it’s very hard to say.

3. Based on what you've seen so far, what do you like most about your team? what needs to improve?
Ray:  My team looks pretty strong from the forwards back through to the D and in goal. If anything I’d say we have to shoot more. And communicate out there a little more as well.

4. How will help the new players in the league? If any?
Ray: As for the new players it’s too early to tell if any of them will be dominant. But it’s great to have some new blood in the league. Makes things more exciting. We have Anna on our team and this is her first year. But you’d never know it. It seems like she’s been playing for years.

5. What do you hope to accomplish as a coach?
Ray:  As a coach I hope to be able to get the most out of my players, to help each of them play to their full potential. And most importantly to make sure we all have lots of fun.

6. What inspires you to coach in the league?
Ray:  The players inspire me. All of the players in the league inspire me.

Thanks Ray!

Lake Raiders edge Wolves in penalty filled game

Saturday Nov 9th 2:30pm -3:30pm. In this first meeting of the Lake Raiders and Wolves, it was the Lake Raiders who drew first blood with a early unassisted goal by Jeremy Schofield at 2:22. The Wolves equalized at 4:25 on goal by Sandy McGrath followed by a Saverio Ramano breakaway deaking the Lake Raiders D and beating Goalie Neil Mercer at the 10:38 mark. The penalty filled second period saw rookie Issac Vescio bang in his 1st for the Lake Raiders at 3:00 mark, followed by another by Jeremy Schofield at 5:15. Just over a minute later Darrin Shep jumped on a loose ball to tie things at 3's only to add anotherto take the lead on a wrap around at 8:15. Exactly 1 minute later Jeremy Schofield ties it again at 9:15 with his third for the hat trick. The Wolves regained the lead on a unassisted goal by Saverio Ramano, with the Lake Raiders adding another to end the 2nd frame at a 5-5 draw. The hard fought third period was decided on a hard drive by Jeremy Schofield beating Torrance Ho on his 5th goal of the game for the 6 - 5 final.

Kings double up Saints

November 9, 2013 –
Saints vs Kings (Boxscore)

Wei Jiet Goh Scores three times to help Kings double up Saints 4-2.

In a dominant first period for the Kings, Wei Jiet Goh scored twice including a goal that eluded Tracey Taylor 57 seconds into the game right off the faceoff. Lorne Donnelly added another one at 14:25 for the 3-0 lead, assisted by Jordan. Sharmin got the Saints on the board late in the period.

It was a different story in the scoreless second period, where it was a lot tighter.

In the third period, both teams exchanged goals with Wei Jiet Goh's hat trick goal and Alexa Booth's first goal of the season.

Honorable Mention: Brandy Edwards who created tons of chances to score and Bill Rankin for his hard work.

Mustangs routs Bulldogs

November 9, 2013 –
Mustangs vs Bulldogs (Boxscore)

Mustangs defeats the Bulldogs in a 7-1 rout.

Rookie Mitchell stark opened the scoring for the Mustangs with his first career TPWHL goal. With the Mustangs up 2-0 Matthew scored his first of the season for the Bulldogs to cut the lead in half, assisted by Jerry Mariano at 13:50. However Mike Iacovone scored his second of three goals late in the first period for the two goal lead.

It was more of the same in the second period for the Mustangs, Kirk Ashman scored two goals and Mike completed the Hattrick at 10:50 for the 6-1 lead.

Istok Vidmar added one more in the third period for his first of the season.

Honorable Mention: Sam Palmiere provided strong game for his team, and Tara Gibson played her hardest filling in as the goalie.

4 Goal 2nd helps Kings beat Mustangs

November 2, 2013 –
Kings vs Mustangs (Boxscore)

A four goal outburst helped the Kings defeat the Mustangs 5-1.

In a tight first period Wei Jiet Goh scored the lone goal for the Kings, off a tough shot that beat Goalie Brad Gordon.

In the second period it was a different story where the Kings scored four goals, with a hattrick from Lorne Donnelly and a goal from Jordan Lavoie.

Mustangs' Kirk Ashman scored the only goal for his team, and spoiled the Kings' shutout in the third period.

Honorable Mention: Bryan Rakowski and Istok Vidmar provided strong games for their teams.

Wolves Win Defensive Affair

November 2, 2013 –
Bulldogs vs Wolves (Boxscore)

Wolves win 2-0 over Bulldogs in a tight game.

Saverio Romano scored the only goal for the Wolves in a close first period.

Wolves' Lori Edwards took an in the crease penalty at 4:58 that helped save a goal in a scoreless second period.

In the third period, Saverio Romano scored his second of the game which would be enough to hold up as the game winner. It was a great defensive effort by both teams.

Tracey Taylor got her first shutout of the season.

Honorable Mention: Meghan Hines and Sandy McGrath provided strong games for their teams.

Saints take tug of war VS. Lake Raiders.

Saturday Nov 2nd 12:30pm -1:30pm. In this back and forth affair it was the Saints who struck first at the 1:02 mark with Sharmin Alam's 1st of 3 on the day, with her second coming shortly after at 4:30. the Lake Raiders responded on a late period goal from Jeremy Schofield to end the 1st frame 2-1. The second saw the Lake Raiders explode with 2 goals on breakout plays by Erin Vassilakos, a another from Jeremy Schofield at 8:57 and solid goaltending by Neil Mercer saw the Lake Raiders take a healthy 4-2 lead into the third. The game of Hockey is one of momentum swings as we saw in the third when the Saints capitalized on the Lake Raiders 5 trips to the penalty box with 2 markers from substitute player Lorne Donnelly at 7:50 & 11:59, followed by solo efforts from Brandy Edwards and Sharmin Alam's third for the hat trick.

Bulldogs Shutdown Saints

October 26th 2013
Saints vs. Bulldogs (Box Score)

In a lop-sided game the Bulldogs shutout the Saints 5-0.

In the first period, Nicole Neeson and Jerry Mariano scored to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead. The Saints nearly got one back late in the period.

It was more of the same in the second period, Nicole Neeson scored her second of the game. Jerry Mariano also got his second off a hard slap shot just beat the goalie Torrance Ho.

In the final period the Saints had more bad luck when their own player accidentally shot the ball off their own defensivemen and into their own net. In which Jerry got credited with the hat trick.

Eli Shupak got his first shutout of the season.

Honorable Mention: Greg Contaxis and Tara Gibson provided strong games for their teams.

Mustangs Hang on to beat the Wolves

October 26th 2013
Mustangs vs. Wolves (Box Score)

In a wild game the Mustangs come out on top 5-4 over the Wolves.

Saverio Romano gave the Wolves an early 1-0 lead, in the first period.

Mike Iacovone tied the game at 1 for the Mustangs off a sweet tip in. However, Saverio gave the Wolves their second lead at 2-1. The Mustangs would once again tie the game off a goal from Kirk Ashman late in the second period.

Halfway through the third period Kirk Ashman scored two goals to give the Mustangs a 4-2 lead which was part of three unanswered goals. In a furriest rally late in the game the Wolves scored two goals from Sandy and Saverio but the Mustangs would hang on for the victory.

Honourable Mention: Brad Gordon and Darrin Shep provided strong games for their teams.

Kings and Lake Raiders draw even at 3's

Saturday Oct 26th 2:30pm - 3:30pm. Aside from a few chances from each team the quiet first period ended at a 0-0. The second heated up at the 4:09 mark when a trapped Wei Jiet Goh let loose a spectacular off the wall, over the head shot that ricocheted of goalie Neil Mercer's arm and in; Unbelievable! A scrum at 10:09 landed the ball on Erin Vassilakos's stick and she made no mistake potting the equalizer with the second period ending  1-1.  In the third frame the Kings regained the lead on a goal by Lorne Donnelly only to be evened out exactly 1 minute later on a solo effort by Jeremy Schofield. Wei Jiet Goh sniped one off the inside of the post as the Kings were once again on top but with less than 5 minutes left, a line drive by Erin Vassilakos finds the back of the net for the Lake Raiders bringing this back and forth affair to a close with a 3-3 tie.

Saverio Leads Wolves Past Saints

October 19th, 2013 - 
Wolves vs Saints (Boxscore)

In the TPWHL Season opener for the Wolves and Saints, the Wolves Won 4-2.

Saverio Romano opened the scoring with 2 Goals for the Wolves. Sharmin Alam replied for the Saints late in the first period.

Sandy McGrath scored the lone goal in the second period for the Wolves, he beat the goalie Torrance Ho bottom left corner off a hard shot.

In the third period, Brandy Edwards scored for the Saints to pull within one making it 3-2. However, Saverio completed the hat trick to win the game for the Wolves.

Even with the lost the Saints did a good job and kept it close for most of the game against the leading scorer from last year, Saverio.

Honourable Mention: Matthew Cockburn and Lori Edwards for their defensive plays.

Kings Trump Bulldogs in TPWHL Opener

October 19th, 2013 - 
Bulldogs vs Kings (Boxscore)

In the TPWHL Season opener for the Bulldogs and Kings, the Kings come out on top with a 4-2 Victory.

Lorne Donnelly scored the league's opening goal for the Kings early into the 1st period. Wei Jiet Goh added another for the 2-0 lead.

With the Kings now up 3-0 in the 2nd period, the Bulldogs finally get on the board with 2 goals from Nicole Neeson 29 seconds apart to pull within one at 3-2. Both goals were assisted by sweet passing from Jerry Mariano.

In the 3rd period, Wei Jiet Goh put the game away for the Kings with the hat trick.

Power wheelchair soccer: the most prominent sport? (Donald Barrie)

When I was younger, in the days before I took up power hockey, I briefly played power wheelchair soccer at my school, Sunny View. I remember playing it during gym class and occasionally over the lunch hour. I didn’t pursue it further because I found playing power hockey more enjoyable. However, this sport has caught on in many circles internationally, and I am amazed to see its growth in the years since graduating from Sunny View.

Power wheelchair soccer is played with an average of four players per team on the floor (unlike in standard soccer where there are 11 players per team on the field). There are coaches and officials like in standard soccer games. All players have bumpers attached to their footrests, which act as footrest protectors. Bumpers also make it easier to ‘kick’ the ball. When I played I only used my plates and wheels to kick the ball. The ball itself is the size of a regular soccer ball.

Wheelchair soccer is a variation of association football. The wheelchair can be motorized (i.e. power chair) or manual, however you can’t have both types on the floor at the same time. Both power and manual wheelchair soccer is played in organized leagues in the USA.

In Canada, the sport has caught on in British Columbia and Quebec. There is one acquaintance of mine in Vancouver who has played power soccer for about six years. He tells me there are teams throughout BC who play competitively as members of the BC Power Soccer Association. To my knowledge, there presently aren’t any wheelchair soccer leagues in the province of Ontario.

Internationally, power chair soccer is played in the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Japan, Portugal, Switzerland and Australia. International rules have been laid out by the FIPFA (Federation Internationale de Powerchair Football Association), based in France, where the sport was introduced in 1978. According to the FIPFA, the concept of ‘power soccer’ was introduced in Canada in 1979. 

I have read from more than one source that power chair soccer is the most prominent of all power chair sports. If this is true, how come it hasn’t caught on in Ontario, Canada’s most populated province?

The Canadian Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association (CEWHA) used to have a Vancouver Island division (I remember when it formed), but it folded a few years ago, partly due to the growth of power soccer.

I’m hoping this blog will stimulate interest and dialogue, especially for readers in Ontario. Power chair soccer can yield the same recreational and social benefits as power hockey (and other wheelchair sports for that matter). Perhaps attempting the sport at a school gym or local fitness facility could generate more interest in developing an organized league. The more sports there are for those of us with disabilities, the better.

Lake Raiders VS. Mustangs

October 19th 1:30 - 2:30pm Saw the 2013-14 season opener between the TPWHL Lake Raiders and Mustangs. First period action saw the Mustangs open the scoring with a Kirk Ashman bullet to the top corner, followed by Erin Vassilakos jumping on a loose ball and drawing even for the Lake Raiders. The second period saw the Lake Raiders take a 3-1 lead on a couple goals from Jeremy Schofield,  the Mustangs responded with a another from Kirk Ashman and Jeremy Schofield netted another for a 4-2 lead into the third. In the third frame the Lake Raiders had a lone goal from Jeremy Schofield for a 5-2 final.

Outstanding work by all especially… Kirk Ashman, Mitchell Stark, Mike Iacovone, Jeremy Schofield, Erin Vassilakos and Brendon Myrie.

TPWHL Season Begins!

This will be the start of the 7^th TPWHL season, which means it is all brand new teams for the next three years. The new teams are:

Come join us, the regular season will be starting on October 19^th. Right now the exhibition games have started for two weeks. From watching the first week of exhibition games, most teams look pretty even with some exciting hockey action. There could still be changes to the teams. So come and enjoy the exhibition game this Saturday, the first game starts at 12:30PM at Sunny View Public School, 450 Blythwood Road. Throughout the season we will be profiling each team with coach interviews so stay tuned!

Hockey remembrances (Donald Barrie)

My earliest memory of playing hockey was while I was a 13-year-old student at Sunny View Public School. My mom was afraid I would get hurt easily because of my brittle bones. I respected her concerns, and I understood the risks involved. However it did not kill my desire to play. Most of the people in my circle of friends did not object to me playing. I attempted other sports, like T-ball (a variation on baseball), volleyball and soccer. But the only sport I truly excelled at was hockey.

One of my favourite moments in wheelchair hockey came during my graduating year in 1988, when my team and I won the school’s league championship. It validated for me that I was accepted by my hockey peers, and could blend in well in the sport. The championship win boosted my confidence in staying active in the sport. 

 A year before I graduated from Sunny View, I joined the Canadian Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association. They met 1-2 times a week at the old Bloorview building. It was fun joining some of my schoolmates in this league, and also getting to meet other players from throughout Toronto, and sometimes from other parts of Ontario as well.

During the 2004-05 season, I wanted to give back to the league by coaching in their junior division. The average ages of the players in this league ranged between the ages of 10 to 17. When I was invited by the coordinator to coach a team, I took on the challenge despite the fact I had no previous coaching experience. The kids and I clicked immediately, and they always expressed appreciation and gratitude every time my assistant coach and I encouraged them to shoot the ball high and not give up.

One player in particular told me years later that my coaching helped his game and gave him the confidence to advance into the post-teen level. His name is Brandon, and he continues to play as a defenseman in the Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League.

Five years ago, in 2008, I left the CEWHA to join the TPWHL. All the seasons I played in this league were good. The one I cherish most was the year my second team came back from personal losses to win the 2010-11 championship. Perhaps it was settling into adulthood that made it work while still possessing the spirit of childhood. Whatever it was, it was a solid foundation that carried us through our three seasons together. The mutual respect and camaraderie that existed between us certainly helped.

Throughout my time playing wheelchair hockey, I was either a forward or a defenseman. Nothing gave me a greater thrill than being able to prevent the opposing team from scoring. Scoring the occasional goal felt even better. There was even a game I recall where I played as a defense, forward and goalie! We won that game!

One of the major skills I developed as a player was being a team player. Being a team player doesn’t just involve showing up on time and playing alongside your teammates. More importantly, it involves being an active listener and observer. These skills I have transferred on to other areas of my life, including places of employment.

My years in hockey also improved and expanded my social life. Hockey to me isn’t just about playing the game. It’s also about having fun and breaking out of the isolation many people with disabilities experience.

I’ve played with many people, at Sunny View, the CEWHA and later in the TPWHL. Some are still active in the sport, and some are not. I value all the personal and professional relationships that have resulted from my participation in wheelchair hockey, past and present.

Whether I am playing hockey or taking part in some other recreational activity, I hope I will always stay connected to the community born out of my years playing and coaching wheelchair power hockey.

2nd Annual SEAN ROSS MEMORIAL SUMMER CLASSIC

The 2nd Annual SEAN ROSS MEMORIAL SUMMER CLASSIC was held on August 24th 2013 at Withrow park in Toronto's east end, 26 players from both the Canadian Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association and the Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League competed together in memory of Sean Ross a great friend and Ambassador of the sport of power wheelchair hockey.

After a moment  of silence in remembrance of John Makhlouf and Natios Ignadiou and following Reg Boudreau's singing of the national anthem, the game was on. Perfect weather set the scene for some wide open 6 on 6 action. The hard fought first period saw the Wolves (in Red) and the Eagles (in Blue) draw 2 goals apiece. The second period saw the Wolves open up the scoring with 3 unanswered goals to take a 5-2 lead.

 Finally in the 3rd, the Wolves added 3 more and the Eagles answered with 1 for a 8-3 final score. All in all the day was a total success, Everyone had a amazing time, we raised $280 of which a portion went to Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC), while the remainder will ensure that the Sean Ross Summer Classic will continue as annual event.

My Road to Recovery

You would have thought my injury would be sports related but it wasn't. Here are some updates on my road to recovery since injuring my leg in June.

Challenges I’m facing:

• Fear of reinjuring my leg.
• Not sleeping very well due to my lower back (and surprisingly not my leg).

Good things that’s happened:

• NorthYork General Hospital staff is really good.
• Meeting Harry Greenblat of Helpful Hands, he drove us to the ER within 30 minutes of calling him.
• No need to wear shoes!
• Having friends and family sign my cool green cast (including my pet bird Lulu has been spending time on it!).
• Family and friends have been very supportive.

What’s next:

• Will be checking in with the surgeon at NYGH in two weeks

Thank you for all the messages of support and concern from everyone!