Why do athletes play past their prime? Maybe it’s because they fear life away from the game.

Lyle Morissette

Sports Editor

When to call it a career? That daunting catechism may quite possibly be the most unsettling and frightening question any professional athlete may come across in their career. Nobody knows the right way to say goodbye. Forget next season’s contract, or that they may be in a season long slump, retirement for athletes is scary despite being—one would think—set for life financially. Some play a frustrating game of hop-scotch with it, afraid to make a decision, while others just refuse to ever give up the goat until a sudden, and soul crushing, realization that they no longer have what it takes, physically or mentally. But, it’s the select few that refuse to give-up that are the most intriguing.

Why are they so Herculean? Is it because they need the money (unlikely), love the lifestyle, the fame or the limelight (highly probable), or is it because they know nothing else outside of their chosen sport—it is all they have ever done, and all they really know how to do.

For many, the post-career, or “retirement”, is something that they wish would never bear its face. Unsurprisingly, this contrasts the beliefs of any blue or white-collar Joe out there who works their entire lives away in hopes of saving for retirement—in their 60’s or 70’s. On the flipside, most athletes commonly retire between the age of 30 and 40, give-or-take a few years on either side of those figures.

But, it is these special few—the exceptions on either side—that are the most intriguing: some play well past their prime—even past their downfall; others fold them up to early; while some are given no alternative when their careers are tragically wisped away from them in an instant due to an injury.

Yet a small portion of these individuals, the ones who just refuse to give up and who, no matter what, always find a way back the next season, are special. The toughest thing is to make it big, the next is giving it up. When they are young it’s: (s)he’s too small, not smart enough. And when they become seasoned veterans it’s: they are too old and slow, the reaction time is no longer there. Luckily, the heart often prevails over both the cynics and the unceremonious statistical numbers in the latter years.

Despite that, there are always the critics who say: “it’s time he gave it up”, or “he’s doing nothing but hurting his team nowadays.” What they often fail to shine the light on are the intangibles that these athletes, often former superstars, bring to their team. Time and again their mere presence in a locker room brings up spirits and their experience is often referenced in hopes of fostering the development of young talent.

Who are these select few? How about Michael Jordan, who came back from retirement twice; his first comeback bore sight to no setbacks when the Bulls won another three straight titles after his brief two year hiatus to play baseball and to make Space Jam. His second comeback was the type that has been discussed: he still had the talent, but the skills were clearly diminishing. Yet, he was still a bright spot on a porous Wizards team. While the second un-retirement might be regarded as a black spot on his legacy by some fans, it shouldn’t. He simply loved the game too much to give it up. Heck, if somebody told you that you could no longer cut it at your dream job and should retire or quit, what would your response be? Though so!

Then there is Ken Griffey Jr. who may be the best, untainted professional baseball player ever. Had he not contracted the injury bug in the early 2000’s—losing at the least three or four full seasons during his prime—he would have arguably shattered numerous records, including home-runs, without cheating. And yet, he is undeterred and is still playing despite declining stats output and a body to match. If you go to Seattle and ask why, all you would have to do is take a look in the change room. Griffey has transformed a defunct and sullen team into a unit that not only enjoys playing again, but also appreciates each other’s company; Japanese superstar Ichiro Suzuki was all but headed out the door before Ken returned to the city that “The Kid” (Jr’s nickname) built.

It is these intangibles that these “shell-of-themselves” superstars bring to their teams and their fans—who never seem to complain about seeing their favourite for one more year—that should dwarf the perceived negatives. They do it for themselves— whether for the love, money, or fame is irrelevant—the fans, as well as for their teams who very well may need the boost or the extra fan support that their sheer presence constantly draws in.

And this is why, despite the constant barrage of cynicism and criticism, that they refuse answering to retirement. And despite their statistical downfall, most fans would grudgingly attest to the fact that they have giddily cheered on at least one of these “past their prime” athletes at some point in their lives. And, instead of hearing “you suck”, they often hear “thanks for another year!” Just make sure to cover up those tears when they finally do call it quits for good.

Lyle Morissette

Sports Editor

This week: Athletes and food: is there a proper formula?

It would probably puzzle many that when an athlete is “caught” eating something it is usually an item that would be deemed as being “garbage” for such a highly tuned machine. Or could it be very good product placement? Nevertheless, it is highly probable that many individuals—based on, “if I see it, it must be real”— are constantly coaxed into believing that: if an athlete can do it and get away with it, then surely I can. The problem: you don’t train like them nor do you live the same lifestyles as them. Yes, you are often in a rush and convenience is often key, but it can arguably take just as long, or longer, waiting in a drive-thru line as it would to make a proper and nutritious meal. Despite that, the former dominates our society. And athletes may have more to do with that—and the obesity epidemic sweeping the developed world— then they would generally like to acknowledge. Yet, it’s true that it’s not uncommon to spot an athlete on camera scarfing down on McDonald’s, potato chips, and the like. But why? And how can they get away with it most ask? In all likely-hood, it is probably their “cheat” meal of the week. Or, in some bizarre twist, it may even very well be suggested by some avant garde nutritionist touting its possible pre-game energy boosts. But, the real explanation is that they probably grew up on the stuff and are as hooked on it as any other common Joe blow out there. Contrary to belief, athletes are, as most of everybody is, human and non-impervious to foodie temptation. A burger and fries before a game? Why not! How about some crème-filled donuts? Of course! And the worst of all, McDonald’s? Well, it’s commonly eaten by the likes of LeBron James and Chad Ochocinco, to name but a few. Now, while Chad may be a self-proclaimed golden arch convert, and superstars like James and Dwight Howard may endorse the Happy Meal, it is safe to say that they don’t eat this “crap” everyday—or one would think not? It’s also debatable that they may very well actually eat this on a weekly basis, but it’s certainly not all they eat—not by a long shot. Chicken breasts, protein powders, Greek yogurt, salmon, these are merely a few of the staples of the healthy athlete’s diet. Chuck in some whole grains for carbs and some milk for calcium and you have the beginnings of what most would call their meal plan. So, how do you eat before a big game or performance? Do you attack the fast-food outlet? Or do you play it smart and follow scientific guidelines? Furthermore, do you track calories, fat, or carb intakes? If not, maybe it should be at least a brief thought as we all can not get away with the un-spoilable Happy Meal (google: happy meal sits for a year without changing at all). Or maybe again, maybe there is some hidden or untapped nutritional science behind that milkshake and quarter-pounder….then again, probably not.

Photo by Cole Breiland

‘Wolves bow out of national championship to #1 ranked Alberta Golden Bears after drumming of UQTR

Lyle Morissette

Sports Editor

If history teaches us anything, and I quite certainly does, then one of its most ominous lessons for ‘Wolves fans is that being the host team for the Cavendish Cup is rarely a good harbinger in regards to the chances of it winning the championship. In fact, prior to this year’s festivities, only 9 out of the 63 hosts have captured the title, that’s roughly a dismal 14.3% of the time. So, which end of that stick did the host ‘Wolves find themselves on this weekend?

Well, first off, that total of two goals from last year’s bereft performance were certainly washed away, becoming a quick afterthought after the ‘Wolves opened up their championship bid with a 7-2 drumming—and elimination—of the UQTR Patriotes on Friday. Their three goals alone in the first period trumped the two goals they scored in their two games combined last year.

Clearly last year’s showing may have been on their mind as the ‘Wolves surged out of the gates with three goals in the first period alone from the likes of Kris Hogg, Dan Speer, and Brock McPherson, and never looked back. Speer added a later goal as did Ryan McDonald, and Matt Caria also potted a pair of his own to close out the ‘Wolves offensive onslaught on the night.

“I thought that tonight our fore check was the key,” said Thunderwolves head coach Joel Scherban. “We knew coming in a few weeks ago that we needed to step up the pressure and I think we did that tonight to generate a lot of offence.”

All three of Lakehead’s first period goals were assisted by fifth-year senior Scott Dobben who also happened to earn the Thunderwolves player of the game honours as well.

Between the pipes, both goaltenders were busy in net as Lakehead’s first year net minder, and fan favourite Alex Dupuis made 35 saves on 37 shots to earn the victory.

But, the early celebration was short lived because on Saturday night history made itself all but to real once again, making an ugly appearance that would eventually smear the ‘Wolves title hopes and add them—for second straight year—to the history books as yet another host who failed to win it all. This time, is was the #1 ranked—and 13 time Cavendish Cup champions—Alberta Golden Bears who stood in their way, breaking many players and fans hearts in the process.

The action started off quickly and frantically for the ‘Wolves who were gifted with an early power-play that defenseman Ryan Baird capitalized on, scoring just 2:58 into the game to give the ‘Wolves the 1-0 lead.

That was all to be written for the ‘Wolves though as the power-play, which had gifted them early on, quickly became their enemy. The Bears tied it up with a 5-on-3 power-play marker of their own to send the first period to recess at 1-1, and then added three more on the man-advantage as the game progressed to the final buzzer.

The Bears would add one more not on the power-play and the ‘Wolves two, both by Brock McPherson, and during a man-advantage, as the Bear’s top power-play unit in the country capitalized on far too many ‘Wolves mistakes on their way to the eventual 5-3 win.

The immediate prize was a birth in the Cup final for Alberta where they faced a Saint Mary’s Huskies squad that played in its first national championship final since 1973.

“We took some undisciplined penalties and those always end up hurting you,” said Scherban.

“After that, our team lost its composure a little and made some bad puck decisions… and things unraveled from there.”

“That’s what ultimately killed us in the end,” added ‘Wolves forward Dan Speer, who along with Shandor Alphonso, Mark Soares, and Scott Dobben, played in their final games donning a ‘Wolves uniform.

Elimination of headshots from the grassroots

Benjamin Niittula

Hockey is a game we have all grown to love, and the sometimes barbaric nature of the game is something we have all grown to accept and love. But the fact remains, hockey is a ‘game’ and without doubt, it should be played for fun.

However, as of late, there has been a substantial amount of headshots which have led to some serious injuries and have generated quite an abundance of negative press towards the fundamentals of the game. More important than the reputation of the game, is the well being of its players – which is currently becoming a major issue.

In recent years, a startling amount of NHL and Minor league players have been victims of devastating injuries as a result of an increased amount of “headshots”. For the most part, headshots that occur at the minor league levels have resulted in some “high profile” suspensions; however, not until recently has the NHL had to deal with the rise in these hits to the head.

As a result of these hits and resulting injuries occurring at the NHL level, the NHL Players Association (NHLPA) has met with the NHL Board of Governors in order to make drastic changes to the rules pertaining to headshots.

The message sent to both the league and players is an overwhelming one of severe punishment on the ice and suspension off the ice to those who commit these headshot offenses.

A few of the major headshots brought to the desk of the disciplinary committee are Patrice Cormier’s vicious elbow to the head of Mikael Tam on January 18, 2010, and Mike Richards hit on David Booth on October 25, 2009. Both incidents have brought headshots into the media spotlight and have created a firestorm of bad press for the NHL and all junior and farm league affiliates.

The NHL has decided to set a new precedent with respect to the on-ice punishment for such offenses by allowing referees to penalize and issue game misconducts to players based on the severity of the hit.

Moreover, with the recent implementation of the blindside hit to the head rule which 1st came into play on March 25, 2010 they will be able to grow on this rule, and I don’t think it will take anything out of the overall integrity of the game.

Thus, the game evolves based on the changing nature of the tactics used by the players. Primarily at the grassroots level, there needs to be more emphasis on player safety, and although the goal of the game will always be to win, the safety of young players should always be at the forefront. In addition, the integrity of the game should always be considered when the rules evolve.

There will always be contact involved with hockey as a result of finishing your checks, being aggressive on the fore-check and applying a strong defensive line. However, a clean body check can also be a safe body check in all aspects of the game.

The overall goal in maintaining the integrity of the game, and keeping the player’s safety as the top priority, will make the future of hockey brighter.

A look at some of the wackiest personalities in the history of sport

Mike St. Jean

Layout & Design Editor

The first indoor hockey game

With university sports seasons coming to an end, March is often seen as a celebration for athletics across North America. From the NCAA’s March Madness basketball tournament, to the CIS Cavendish Cup of hockey, there is no shortage of events for sports fans to be excited about.

One rarely celebrated event, however, hits close to home for many Canadians: the birth of hockey.

Although a primitive version of the sport has existed in various regions of the world since the early 1800s, it was not until March 3^rd, 1875 that the first recorded indoor game was played. The Players were a group of students from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec.

The game was organized by James Creighton, a Halifax resident and graduate of Dalhousie University. Creighton, who was to attend McGill the following semester, had arranged for some of his colleagues in Nova Scotia to send shinny sticks to Montreal in an effort to bring his beloved sport to his new home.

With the help of some of McGill’s best athletes, Creighton was able to draw up a set of rules for the game. He booked the Victoria skating rink, the future home of several early Stanley Cup championship teams in Montreal, for an evening to host the big event.

Prior to this game, hockey was exclusively an outdoor sport, played on ponds and rivers across eastern Canada. Any number of players were allowed to participate, leading to an often overcrowded ice surface. However, due to the size of the Victoria rink, Creighton and his comrades were forced to limit each team to nine players, a seemingly high number to modern day hockey enthusiasts.

The game was also the first to employ a primitive version of the hockey puck, which is now synonymous with the sport. At the time, a lacrosse ball was often used in pond games, however, with the small ice surface and lack of boards, it proved to be unsuitable for indoor play. In an effort to control the bouncing ball, an angry spectator at the rink sliced off two sides of it to produce a flat disc that could slide across the ice surface in a more controlled fashion.

Just as modern hockey games are known to produce a great deal of emotion, the first official game ended in a similar fashion. Angry with the seemingly brutish nature of the sport, Victoria skating rink regulars watching from the sidelines kicked Creighton and his gang off of the ice prior to the game’s official end.

The final score was recorded as a 2-1 victory in Creighton’s favour, and, despite the seemingly unpleased Victoria skating rink staff, a new sport that Canadians now call their own found its early roots that evening.

LU’s Nordic cross-country ski team brings home yet another championship

Lyle Morissette

Sports Editor

There was never any doubt in anybody’s mind about the performance of this year’s ‘Wolves Nordic cross-country women’s ski team coming into the 2010 CIS Championships. Why? They had won six straight championships coming into the event. Accordingly, Lakehead took control after only the second day of events and never looked back as head coaches Adam Kates, Phil Brown and the women brought the CIS-CCUNC Championship banner back to Thunder Bay for a seventh straight year. The event took place March 14^th to the 19th in Whitehorse, Yukon and brought nine collegiate teams together from across Canada. Lakehead proved once again to be the mightiest, finishing with 283 points while second-place Laval had 265 and third-place Laurentian, 223.

Freshman Kara Jaspers made a strong charge to close her first season with the team, finishing second overall, also being the Pack’s top finisher, while senior Anna Crawford was fourth. Both athletes received all-Canadian honours for their strong efforts; it was Crawford’s third such distinction.

Overall, the Championships opened on the 14^th with a bang with a hotly contested sprint event that saw the Thunderwolves fall just short to the event-winning Carleton Ravens by two points.

On Tuesday, the ‘Wolves made their move in the 5 km classic as Jaspers and Crawford finish 2-3 while sophomore teammates Hilary Schrama and Britt Bailey also cracked the top ten, finishing seventh and ninth, respectively.

And, as the events continued to pile on, so did Lakehead’s lead. On Wednesday, in the 10 km skate, a fourth place finish by Anna Crawford, who has edge by Mary Thomson for third by only one second, helped bolster the ‘Wolves position while Jaspers was again near the top of the standings, finishing eighth.

On Friday, Jaspers capped off the championship win by squeaking past Carleton’s Alana Thomas and Laval’s Catherin Auclair by under half a second to win the 1 km sprint. Crawford closed her solid national’s effort with a sixth place finish.