Here - Catherine DeVos

AURORA YOUTH SOCCER CLUB
AURORA MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
4th Issue | MAY 2014
“The smiles and laughter of the children are truly a joy to behold.
And I’m proud because of the dedication and passion shown by the young people
who deliver the program – that’s how I see today’s youth.”
Coach Pat McMurray
Presidents’ Message
A
From left to right: Sheri Hudson AMHA 1st VP, Joe Bentolila
AMHA President, Louise Dyer AYSC Promotions and
Sponsorship Co-ordinator and Spencer Kanen AYSC President.
fter a long, cold, hard winter, we are all ready for some warmth and
sunshine. Spring brings with it a time of change and new growth. With the
coming of spring, come changes in the world of sports. Players and parents
participate in team parties and award banquets symbolizing the end of another
successful hockey season. As the children place their trophies on their bedroom
shelves, many are already anticipating the drills they will be asked to complete
during tryouts for next season's team. Once the tryouts are done and plans for
next season are in place, it is time to shift gears and move from the arena to the
soccer field, golf course or baseball diamond. To help support player
development, encourage player interest and prevent burnout, it is important to
allow children to participate in a variety of sporting activities and not limit them to
only one activity at such an early age. It is beneficial to both the mental and
physical health of children to switch things up and the changing of the seasons
provides the perfect opportunity to either try something new or just simply
change gears.
S
o why not shift into soccer? According to the U.S. National Soccer Players' website, soccer offers one of the
best ways for a child to get in top physical shape through participation in a youth sport. The mix of sprinting with
endurance running develops long and short muscle fibers. Playing soccer improves flexibility, cardiovascular
capability and body composition. In addition to these physical benefits, playing on a team helps develop selfconfidence and social skills. The valuable life skills learned through playing team sports like soccer can be
transferred to other areas like the classroom and hockey rink. Allowing children to participate in a variety of sports
keeps them interested and makes physical activity fun. The constant repetition of the same drills and practices can
get boring for many children and they may shy away from participating. In an October 2013 New York Times article,
David Geier, the Chairman of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Public Relations Committee and
a member of the STOP Sports Injuries Outreach and Education Committee, says that parents and coaches should
make youth sports fun by letting kids play a variety of sports of their choosing; giving them time off each year, or
letting them play sports that stress different parts of the body; teaching proper techniques; and not pushing them to
play through the pain. He goes on to say that children's bodies are not capable of withstanding the demands of
playing one sport day after day and these physical stresses can lead to bone and joint injuries. As parents, it is our
job to expose our children to a wide variety of sports and activities so they can excel and have fun. Variety is after all
the spice of life!
T
he AYSC will be full of spice this summer as it marks their 50th Anniversary. The planning is well underway
with lots of exciting things on the agenda. So why not make that shift from the rink to the soccer field? You and
your child won't regret it!
IN THIS ISSUE
2
4
5
6
Message from the Presidents
Town of Aurora
Message from the Mayor
AYSC Invite
14 Kid’s Corner
16 AYSC Turns 50
18 Check Out Our Champs
20 Special Olympics News Flash
7 The Life of Hockey/Soccer Mom 21 Hockey’s True Angel - A Poem
22 Hockey Highlights
10 Fueling Up
26 OMHA Champs
12 AYSC Donation Abroad
29 AMHA Special Awards
13 AYSC Technical Corner
THE
SPOTLIGHT
9
8
12
Matthew Menna
Cameron Morrison
24 RIO
May 2014
Blades of Grass is published every three months by the
Aurora Minor Hockey Association and the Aurora Youth
Soccer Club featuring articles about youth sports in the
Aurora community.
Publisher
Editor
AJ Printing
AMHA and AYSC
Contributors
Advertising Sales
Rebecca Bentolila
Louise Dyer
Sue Haines
Cindy Shaver
Antonio Savoia
Louise Dyer
Nikki Posa
Peter Ferrante
For advertising inquiries or if you wish to submit a
soccer or hockey related article please contact Louise
Dyer at [email protected] or the AMHA at
amhaopera [email protected]
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Stay Healthy This Summer...
15165 Yonge St. Aurora - 905.727.3029
Issue #4, MAY | 5
YOU ARE INVITED
Anniversary
Magna Announces Recipients of
2014 “Wild Wild West”
Hoedown Funding
Fifteen York Region Charities
& Community Groups Selected
AURORA, ON – April 30, 2014 – Magna International
Inc. today announced the recipients of the 2014 “Wild
Wild West” Hoedown.
Fifteen local charities and community groups were
selected as recipients of this year's Hoedown funding.
They include the following:
Aurora Youth Soccer Club
Aurora Minor Hockey Association
Big Brothers Big Sisters Of York
Deafblind Ontario Services
Georgina Arts Centre & Gallery
Georgina Skating Club
Heart And Stroke Foundation - York North Area Office
Hospice Vaughan, Hospice
Richmond Hill & Hospice Georgina
Learning Centre for Georgina / Literacy Council York-Simcoe
Newmarket Stingrays Swim Club
Newmarket Minor Hockey Association
Pulsars Gymnastics Club
Queen's York Rangers 2799 Army
Cadet Corps
Rose of Sharon
Welcoming Arms
This year, the event will take place on Saturday,
September 13 on the Magna campus in Aurora
under the largest tent in the country.
Issue #4, MAY | 7
The Puck Stops Here! - Matthew Menna
In the recent Ontario Hockey League Priority Draft, Matthew Menna of Aurora was drafted in the 7th round by the Sudbury
Wolves. All his hard work and dedication had paid off!
Matthew began playing hockey for the Optimist hockey program in Aurora at the age of 5. Like so
many boys his age, he couldn't wait for his turn in goal! After his second year he discovered that
this position would be his passion. As a full time goalie he played Novice for the Aurora Tigers in
his Tyke year. This was then followed by eight years playing AAA hockey for York Simcoe Express
and the Barrie Colts. His hard work on the ice lead him on an exciting journey which included
playing, as the only Canadian, for the Atlantic Junior Selects and representing the East Coast
Selects who participated in the World Selects Tournament in Sweden and Latvia.
In the spring and summer months, Matthew would dedicate his time to his other passion,
playing soccer for the Aurora Youth Soccer Club. With his father Gus Menna as head coach,
Matthew played for AYSC for eight years, the last five at
the rep level. The final year at U13, the boys won the
prestigious Robbie Tournament and were ranked seventh in the province! Five
players from this team including Matthew and Aurora resident Cameron Morrison,
were selected in the 2014 OHL draft! On and off the ice these boys proved what it
means to be an elite athlete! Unfortunately, this year was the last for Matthew as
demands for both sports required him to make a choice between the two and he
decided to pursue his hockey dreams. Matthew is excited about being drafted to
Sudbury and is preparing for the challenge of someday making the team. Both
soccer and hockey have taught Matthew valuable skills such as team work, commitment and determination which he'll
carry throughout his life.
On behalf of the AYSC and AMHA congratulations and good luck Matthew!
8 | BLADES OF GRASS
99 Wellington Street East
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 1H9
(905) 503-5053
www.cochranlaw.ca
Drop by for coffee and conversation,
we always offer free consultation
with no obligation.
Aurora’s Real Estate Boutique
Issue #4, MAY | 9
10 | BLADES OF GRASS
Issue #4, MAY | 11
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Issue #4, MAY | 13
SOCCER KIDS KORNER...
In May's edi on, we asked the children why they “love their sport” and who their Sports Hero was....
Sophia D'Assisi (7) &
Daniela D'Assisi (9) are
Soccer Sisters! They've been
playing since they were 4 years
old. Sophia loves to score goals
and play with her friends, but
most of all have FUN. Her sister
Daniela likes playing soccer so
much that she would play on
any team...with or without her best friends. When asked who
their sports heroes were neither of the sisters
hesitated...Christine Sinclair, of course! What number does
Christine wear? Sophia knew the answer; number 12!
Summer2020 could be your Olympic year girls!
Ethan plays AMHA hockey in
the winter and AYSC soccer in
the summer. When he is
playing soccer, he likes to play
forward to score goals but also
is going to give goal keeping a
try. The best part about soccer
is playing outside, especially in
the rain. So when Mom and
Dad are dripping on the
Ethan Peters (7)
sidelines, they can be warm and happy knowing Ethan is
happy kicking it up in the rain! Ethan loves to watch the Men's
National Team on TV....but his sports hero is Syd the Kid from
the Pittsburgh Penguins! Have a great soccer filled summer
Ethan....we want to hear about all the goals you score!
When asked what he liked about
hockey, Jamie said, “It's a lot of fun.
I've made lots of friends over the
years and had many great coaches.
They have taught me to how to be a
better hockey player and team
player.” When asked about who he
considers to be his hockey hero,
Jamie said, “My first sports hero
was Sydney Crosby because he
always made such amazing goals
Jamie Stewart (14)
and is so talented. Now I really like
watching Phil Kessel on the Leafs. He has a great shot and he
isn't a big show off.”
I play competitive soccer and
hockey. My favourite part about
playing sports is meeting new
friends and playing not just as one
but as a team! Also I love the
competitiveness in the sports that I
play! There is no "I" in team and I
like that because we all play as a
unit meaning we all have important
roles to win the games or make the
great passes! I also enjoy learning
Talia Mikrogiannakis (12)
and playing all the other positions
because it helps me see where I have to go to support the
other positions. My sports hero would probably have to be my
mom. She's the one who got me into sports and also the one
who taught me how to play the games that I love!
Sebastian loves playing soccer and
hockey. His favourite part of the
game is scoring goals. “I can run
really fast and get past all the
players,” he says. Sebastian spends
most of his spare time playing ball
hockey with the kids on his street
or in the park practicing his soccer
moves with his dad. “We practice
soccer a lot,” he says. When asked
who his favourite sports hero is he
Sebastian Vargas (5) said, “The Toronto Maple Leafs”.
What a diehard fan, he couldn't choose just one;)
Colin likes soccer because it's
action-packed and it's fun to score.
His soccer sports hero is Cristiano
Ronaldo. Colin says, “I like Ronaldo
because he's the captain of team
Portugal and my daddy is
Portuguese.”
Colin Smith (7)
14 | BLADES OF GRASS
William said his favourite part of
playing soccer is working with a
team to score goals and have fun.
His favourite soccer player is Robin
Va n Pe r s i e w h o p l a y s fo r
Manchester United. William likes
Van Persie because he was one of
the top goal scorers in the league.
William Haines (10)
Thank-you to our keen players and their families, for
coming out and giving us their me to be interviewed. If
you would like to be a part of our Kids Korner, please
contact us at the AMHA or AYSC offices for more
informa on!
HOCKEY KIDS KORNER...
2013/2014
CHAMPIONS
In May's edi on, we asked the children why they “love their sport” and who their
Sports Hero was....
Who is your favourite Hockey Player?
Steven Stamkos
Who is your favourite Hockey Team?
Toronto Maple Leafs
What do you like the most about Hockey?
I like winning the most
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a Pro
TYKE CONSOLATION CHAMPS
Team 107
GEORGE RAPPOS JR.
Who is your favourite Hockey Player?
Patrick Kane
Who is your favourite Hockey Team?
Chicago Blackhawks
What do you like the most about Hockey?
Having fun
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a Pro Athlete
LOGAN KIDDER
Who is your favourite Hockey Player?
John Van Riemsdyk
Who is your favourite Hockey Team?
Toronto Maple Leafs
What do you like the most about Hockey?
Being around friends
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a TSN hockey Analyst
TYKE LEAGUE CHAMPS
Team 106
BRADY SARAZIN
Who is your favourite Hockey Player?
John Van Riemsdyk
Who is your favourite Hockey Team?
Toronto Maple Leafs
What do you like the most about Hockey?
I like scoring
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a Pro Hockey Player
NATE WINDLE
Who is your favourite Hockey Player?
Sidney Crosby
Who is your favourite Hockey Team?
Pittsburgh Penguins
What do you like the most about Hockey?
I like playing with friends
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a NHL Player
TYKE PLAYOFF CHAMPS
Team 101
DANIEL IWAI
Who is your favourite Hockey Player?
Vincent Lecavalier
Who is your favourite Hockey Team?
Toronto Maple Leafs
What do you like the most about Hockey?
I like being part of the team & playing
for the fun of the game
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be an Engineer
JACK PECORA
Issue #4, MAY | 15
2013/2014 CHAMPIONS
NOVICE CONSOLATION CHAMPS
Team 202
NOVICE PLAYOFF FINALISTS
Team 201
NOVICE PLAYOFF CHAMPS
Team 203
18 | BLADES OF GRASS
ATOM CONSOLATION CHAMPS
Team 407
ATOM PLAYOFF FINALISTS
Team 403
ATOM PLAYOFF CHAMPS
Team 401
2013/2014 CHAMPIONS
PEEWEE CONSOLATION CHAMPS
BANTAM CONSOLATION CHAMPS
Team 604
Team 803
PEEWEE PLAYOFF FINALISTS
Team 605
PEEWEE PLAYOFF CHAMPS
Team 603
22 | BLADES OF GRASS
BANTAM PLAYOFF FINALISTS
Team 802
BANTAM PLAYOFF CHAMPS
Team 808
Issue #4, MAY | 19
SWEETEN YOUR
COMBO
FOR
1 Henderson Dr.
Aurora , ON
905-727-7918
Harveys.ca
20 | BLADES OF GRASS
HOCKEY’S TRUE ANGEL
I sit in the stands, all alone
Early in the morning, as if made of stone
Not a sound can be heard, all is quiet and still
As I await today’s game, and the anticipated thrill
I ask myself, does an angel exist
To help the players, learn skills and persist
For how can it be, each week on the ice
A play will happen, forcing us to look twice
In the stillness of the rink
I am forced to think
About those goals I love most
And the ones off the post
Or the save that was made
Off the defencemans blade
I was sure it was in
Witnessed by the goalies grin
Do these plays just happen
As cold feet are tappin
On the cold floor of the rink
I ask you to think
Your son is now PeeWee
Their skills we do see
But some of these plays
Will linger for days
This answer I seek, haunts me to this day
For up until now, I could not truly say
That an angel does exist, in this game that we love
Both here on earth, and up above
S & S Cleaning
Commercial & Residential
Call us for an estimate
TODAY!
Some day in the future, when I’m called up to heaven
I once again hope, to coach team 607
But from now until then, with an angel at my side
Players will continue to learn, this game with pride
The answer I share, comes from above
From a very special voice, as pure as a dove
The answer we seek, comes from a spirit much higher
For Hockey’s True Angel, is Hunter Gilpen-Maier
By Coach Dave Wochenmarkt (Peewee Team 607, March 24, 2013)
References Available
Tel: 647-772-0683
Sopio
Email: [email protected]
Issue #4, MAY | 21
Tyke A-York Simcoe MD1 Consolation Champs
Atom AA-York Simcoe Champions
22 | BLADES OF GRASS
Ron Sharpe-Champs
Juvenile-Champions
Issue #4, MAY | 23
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Issue #4, MAY | 25
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Issue #4, MAY | 27
AURORA
Montessori School
Private Tutoring
Available upon
Request
Camp Monty!
Junior Adventure Camp
Senior Adventure Camp
(18 months - 6 years)
Explore and learn through games,
songs, physical play, nature walks
and science experiments. Weekly
theme based ac vi es. Swimming
lessons and academic tutoring for
5-6 year olds
(7-14 years)
Enjoy a wide range of weekly
programs including digital
photography, cooking, drama, art,
science, outdoor ac vi es,
woodworking, paper & origami fun,
gymnas cs, swimming lessons,
sports and academic camp.
Red Cross Swim Program for all age
campers.
Extended care available
from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Limited Space Available for September
2014-15 (academic year)
28 | BLADES OF GRASS
2013/2014 REP PLAYERS SPECIAL AWARDS
Novice AA
Novice AA
Novice A
Parsons Family Trophy
for Most Dedication
Gary Wright Memorial Trophy
for Most Team Spirit
AMHA Trophy for Most
Sportsmanlike Player
Thomas Dimoulas
Owen McNamara
Julian Fryer
Atom AA
Atom A
1980-81 Coaching Staff Trophy
for Most Improved Player
Luca Capraro
Colin Graham Trophy
for Most Dedication,
Improvement & Sportsmanship
Atom A
Atom AE
Ben LeGallais
Minor Atom AA
Minor Atom A
Minor Atom AE
R.J. Grimmer Memorial Trophy
for Most Gentlemanly Player
AMHA Trophy
for Most Defensive Player
AMHA Trophy
for Most Dedicated Player
Nolan Heggie
Nathan Mochizuki
Malcolm Parkinson
Ethan Solilo
Alex Morra
Minor Peewee AA
Minor Peewee A
Minor Peewee AE
Bantam AA
Bantam AA
York Regional Police Assoc.
Trophy for Most Dedication,
Sportsmanship & Ability
The "Big Heart" Trophy
for Most Dedication & "Heart”
AMHA Trophy
for Most Dedicated Player
Jack McCann
The Team
Peewee AA
Peewee A
Peewee AE
Grant Winter Memorial Trophy
for Most Sportsmanship
Chris Ardern Memorial Trophy
for Most Dedication & Desire
AMHA Trophy
for Most Sportsmanlike Player
Pearce Baker
Matteo Orlandi
Jeremy Gonsalves
Jake Adams
Jacob Parke Memorial Trophy Todd Sherrard Memorial Trophy
for Most Defensive Player
for Spirit & Perseverance
Westwood Metal Mfg. Trophy Jennifer Welch Memorial Trophy
for Sportsmanship & Perseverance
for Most Valuable Player
Andrew Sergejewich
Eric Pears
Bantam A
Bantam AE
Jim Dixon/Byron Brown Trophy AMHA Trophy for Outstanding
Achievement & Dedication
for Most Dedication & Excellence
Devlin Kauffeldt
Thomas Wilson
Issue #4, MAY | 29
2013/2014 REP PLAYERS SPECIAL AWARDS
Minor Bantam AA
Minor Bantam A
Minor Bantam AE
Midget AA
Midget AE
Picture
unavailable
AMHA Trophy
for Most Dedicated Player
AMHA Trophy
for Most Improved Player
Andreas Imperio
Braden Reid
Minor Midget AA
Minor Midget AA
Minor Midget A
Al Crowe Memorial Trophy
for Most Sportsmanship
Coach Doug Nuttall
Memorial Trophy for
Perseverance & Determination
AMHA Trophy
for Most Improved Player
Scott Bailey Memorial Trophy
for Outstanding Ability
& Sportsmanship
Adam De Piero
Cameron Zinner
30 | BLADES OF GRASS
Ryan Coveart
Charles Bennett
Larry Winter Memorial Trophy
for Most Sportsmanship,
Ability & Dedication
AMHA Trophy
for Most Defensive Player
Connor Rice
Lucas James
Coach of the Year
Atom AE Coach
Midget AA Coach
Fred Cox
Brandon Donches
AYSC & Brand Wizard Warehouse Sale!
Saturday May 31st
10-6pm
Together for one day only.
Thank-you for your support of the AYSC
250ml