Equal Grounds Training Pilot

It’s always been hard as a person with different ability to find suitable work. So my brother and I started up a company called Equal Grounds to help create job opportunities for people with different abilities and also focus on technologies to enable us to be more productive in work and for everyday life. On Saturday, July 6 we had an Equal Grounds training pilot and we invited a few people from TPWHL to pilot this program. On the day we did a lot of exercises to help us open up and we also had an opportunity to try a technology called the EyeWriter, a device that enables us to draw with the movement of our eyes.

The glasses for the EyeWriter was heavy on the face and I had some trouble using it but it was still fun. It’s exciting to think that this technology is available and to think about the possibilities that could come from this technology like surfing the web, checking email and among other ideas. I felt that the exercises helped me open up and better understand ourselves. The one I enjoyed the most is the “Good and Bad”. For example, “What is the bad of sunshine?” And the answer someone would give is “dehydration” or “sunburn”. Overall I thought it was a successful training pilot for Equal Grounds and I think all the participants had a great time and they are very interested in continuing with our company. We will also hold a bigger training program in August.

2013 TPWHL Awards Banquet: And the Winner is ...

After a long and hard fought TPWHL season that ended with an epic final. It was time to celebrate the players, coaches and volunteers who make the league run on this night; with Awards, more dry chicken, tons of Door prizes, a few drinks, and a Dance party!!!

Furthermore I would like to Congratulate all the award winners and players for making it an enjoyable and a very competitive season. However there are two people who are responsible for making our league great; Esther Dzura, the President and Paul. Without their hard work and dedication, it would not be possible. So it was truly fitting when Ray Landry, one of the coaches gave a great speech to show his appreciation, which led to a well deserved standing ovation. Thanks Esther and Paul!!!

The Award Winners:

TPWHL'S Leading Scorer: Saverio Romano, Falcons.

Best Forward: Jerry Mariano, Saints.

Best Defensive Forward: Meghan Hines, Falcons. Esther & Paul accepting on her behalf.

Best Defenceman: Don Barrie, Lions.

Most Improved Player: Erin Vassilakos, Saints.

Rookie of the Year: Matt Vocino, Titans.

Best Goaltender: Eli Shupak, Saints.

Most Sportsmanlike: Scott Paul Allen, Ravens.

Diane Trottier Memorial Award: Neil Mercer, Titans.

 Playoffs MVP: Jeremy Schofield, Titans.

Team Awards (Chosen by the Coaches)

Panthers: Jordan Lavoie, MVP / Daniel Boddis, Sportsmanlike (Not shown)

Titans: Jeremy Schofield, MVP / Sergio Correia, Sportsmanlike

Saints: Jerry Mariano, MVP / Mike Iacovone, Sportsmanlike

Lions: Don Dechamps, MVP / Greg Contaxis, Sportsmanlike 

Falcons: Meghan Hines, MVP (Not shown) / Tara Gibson, Sportsmanlike 

Ravens: Tracey Taylor, MVP / Brendon Myrie, Sportsmanlike (Not shown) 

Your 2013 Champions Titans!

Refs.

Volunteers: Roger, Sean, and Maddalena.

The Dedicated Coaches!

Every three years teams are switched around and players are re-drafted into new teams. The new teams for next season are the Bulldogs, Kings, Lake Raiders, Mustangs, Saints, and Wolves. If you are interested in joining the fun and excitement, you can find out more at the TPWHL website.

PowerHockey Player Feature: Monique Lawrence

Player: Monique Lawrence
Number: 24
Position: Defence
Years played: 6
Teams: Vikings, Storm, Panthers
Achievements: TPWHL Champion with the Vikings (2008)
Favourite NHL Team: N/A
Favourite NHL Player: N/A




Monique talks about what playing hockey means to her:

"Playing Power Wheelchair Hockey means a lot because I didn't know there was such a thing until friends told me. It gave me an opportunity to get out, enjoy life and socialize." - Monique Lawrence

If you would like to be featured on my blog, message me through Facebook or Twitter @torranceho with your photo, the same info above, and also provide a short paragraph on what playing PowerHockey means to you.

2013 TPWHL: Titans are the Champions!

2013 TPWHL Playoffs - Final Game 3: (2) Titans vs (4) Falcons (Boxscore)

In a hard fought battle for the 2013 M.D. Memorial Championship, the Titans comes out on top 4-3 to win series 2-1 over the Falcons.

Even though the Titans had 3 new players this season, they were still able to come together and win their second consecutive title.

Jeremy Schofield (#6) opened the scoring for the Titans at 9:59 into the game. Lorne Donnelly answered 2 minutes later for the Falcons with his 5th goal of the playoffs, assisted by Saverio Romano (#4).

In a tight second period, Saverio gave the Falcons their first lead at 2-1 on a goal assisted by Meghan Hines (#29). It was Meghan's 11th point, making her 3rd in playoffs scoring.

In the 3rd period Jeremy Schofield tied the game at 3:30 for the Titans assisted by Nicole Neeson (#5), her 7th point of the playoffs. The Titans took a 3-2 lead on another goal from Jeremy, on a shot that just beat Torrance Ho (#30) upstairs. But the Falcons had another answer from Saverio's playoff leading 18th Goal to tie the game at 3. Saverio had a chance to score again but Neil Mercer (#67) made a key save. With the game still tied late in the 3rd, Jeremy got by the defence and beat the goalie with 9 seconds left to win a thrilling Championship game for the Titans.

For the Falcons it was a hard fought season, battling their way into the playoffs after a slow start. All the Falcons should be proud of themselves for making it into the final game.

Honourable mentions to Brandon Hibbs (#21), Matthew Vocino (#13), Matthew Cockburn (#87), and Sergio Correia (#26) of the Titans, Bill Rankin (#60), Tara Gibson (#74), Sam Palmeire (#1), and Steven Davis (#23) of the Falcons who all played a great series.

Come and check out another great TPWHL season next October with all new teams.

2013 TPWHL Finals: Titans evens series in Game 2

2013 TPWHL Playoffs Finals - Game 2: (2) Titans vs (4) Falcons (Boxscore)

Best of Three series tied 1-1 with a 6-5 Win by the Titans in Game 2.

The Titans who were looking to avoid elimination and force a final Game 3, got off to a fast start to lead 3-0 after the 1st period. Jeremy Schofield (#6) scored the hattrick with 2 assists coming from Nicole Neeson (#5) and 1 from Matthew Cockburn (#87).

There was more of the same in the 2nd where Jeremy scored another 3 Goals (his 9th in the playoffs), assisted by Matthew Vocino (#13) and Nicole who got her 6th point of the playoffs. The Falcons were able to get on the scoreboard with 2 Goals from Saverio Romano (#4), assisted by Meghan Hines (#29) 1st of 2 assists giving her 10 points in the playoffs.

In the 3rd period, it was surely an exciting finish. Lorne Donnelly scored 2 Goals for the Falcons, his 4th of the playoffs to make it 6-4 for the Titans. Falcons would make it a one goal game with 30 seconds left in the game on Saverio's 16th of the playoffs. However the Titans would eventually hang on for the win to force a final Game 3 for the 2013 Championship.

Honourable mentions to Brandon Hibbs (#21), Sergio Correia (#26) of the Titans, Bill Rankin (#60), Tara Gibson (#74), Sam Palmeire (#1), and Steven Davis (#23) of the Falcons who all played hard.

Final Game 3 is on May 4th at 1pm.

2013 TPWHL Finals: Falcons Win 4-2 in Game 1

TPWHL Playoffs Finals - Game 1: (2) Titans vs (4) Falcons (Boxscore)

Falcons Lead Best of Three series 1-0 with a 4-2 Win over the Titans in Game 1.

Jeremy Schofield (#6) opened the scoring for the Titans with his 2nd goal of the playoffs 1:30 into the game. Saverio Romano (#4) answered for the Falcons with his 13th, assisted by Meghan Hines (#29) late in the 1st period. On the goal Saverio deked out the defenceman and then beat goalie Neil Mercer (#67).

In the 2nd period, the Titans regained the lead 2-1 on Jeremy's 3rd of the playoffs. On the goal Torrance Ho (#30) got a piece of the ball, but Jeremy's powerful shot still got pass the goalie. However the Falcons had another answer on Meghan Hines 1st Goal of the playoffs, whose shot trickled through the goalie to tie the game 2-2. Saverio Romano assisted on the goal, 1st of 2 assists in the game.

Lorne Donnelly scored his 1st 2 goals of the 2013 playoffs in the 3rd period, helping the Falcons take their first lead and eventually winning game 1. On one of the goals, Lorne scored on the wrap around with his backhand. Titans had a few close chances to score in 3rd, but the ball bounced off the top of the net.

The Falcons defence played a huge role in their win, Tara Gibson (#74), Sam Palmeire (#1), and Steven Davis (#23) all made amazing plays to stop the Titans on the breakaway.

Honourable mentions to Nicole Neeson (#5), Brandon Hibbs (#21), Matthew Vocino (#13), Matthew Cockburn (#87), Sergio Correia (#26) of the Titans, and Bill Rankin (#60) of the Falcons who all played a great game.

Game 2 of the Finals is on April 27th at 1pm.

Falcons Defence Helps them to the Finals!

2013 TPWHL Playoffs Semi-Final - Game 2: (1) Saints vs (4) Falcons (Boxscore)

Photo by Terrence Ho

Falcons Wins Best of Three series 2-0 to Advance to the Finals!

After a wild 8-6 game in Game 1, it was more of a tight checking game in this one. The Falcons great defence and 4 Goals from Saverio Romano (#4) led to a 4-1 Win over the Saints in Game 2.

Saverio Romano opened the scoring for the Falcons with 2 Goals in the 1st period to lead 2-0. Saints Jerry Mariano (#76) had two great opportunities on the wrap around, but was stopped by Torrance Ho (#30).

The score would hold up until the 3rd period where the Saints got back in the game at 2-1 with Michael Iacovone's (#31) 5th Goal of the Playoffs, assisted by Jerry Mariano. However Saverio gave the Falcons a 2-goal lead again at the 10 minute mark, assisted by Meghan Hines (#29). Jerry Mariano nearly answered but the goalie made the save and Saverio swatted the rebound out, which was greatly appreciated. Late in the period Saverio Romano scored his 12th of the Playoffs to secure the win for his team.

It was a great game for all the Falcons that led to the win, tight forechecking from Saverio, Meghan, Lorne Donnelly, and Bill Rankin (#60). Also great defence from Tara Gibson (#74), Sam Palmeire (#1), and Steven Davis (#23) which made the goalie's job a little easier. Saints were a great opponent and I respect them a lot.

Honourable mentions to Eli Shupak (#1), Erin Vassilakos (#2), James Lawton (#9), Bryan Rakowski (#22), and Sean Celsie (#25) of the Saints who all played hard.

Game 1 of the Finals is on April 20th at 1pm.