Golfing legend Arnold died yesterday at the ripe old age of 87. A few years ago WestonWeb did a short article on Weston Golf and Country Club. The article contains a reference to Arnold Palmer’s early days winning his first PGA title in 1955, here in our neck of the woods.
Category: Sports
It’s not just about the game
As the days of negative weather come to a close, another hockey season does as well. On April 2nd, family and friends from the Weston community and beyond gathered in the famous Weston Lions Arena for a day full of hockey and festivities. Players grasped their hockey sticks, as their families did the same with cups of warm drinks. A single glance at the venue would show that the hype behind this event was immense.
Crowds of hockey players filed into Weston Lions Area for the annual ‘house season championship game’. The arena was buzzing with excitement from participants, parents, and spectators alike. Stands that were usually filled with a handful of parents clutching their thermoses were now packed with excited fans.
The event was run throughout the day, with players from kindergarten to high school in attendance. At the start of the hockey season, players were split into multiple leagues made up of other kids in their age group. Each league was then split into around six teams, for friendly competitions. Throughout the October to April hockey season, players competed in games with others in their league. “it’s not just about hockey. The kids all get together and have a good time doing what they love” explained John Sichetti, father to one of the players.
The day consisted of final games being played and awards. Awards included: Most improved, Most Dedicated, MVP, and many others. Everyone seemed ecstatic to be on the ice, whether they were making a slap shot, or accepting an award. Jane Ross, dedicated volunteer for the Weston Lions Club and Arena stated, “It’s a great family event, and even the kids who don’t win, they aren’t crying”
Excitement teemed through the veins of everyone in attendance. Even those who were standing in the lobby of the rink snacking on fries and coffee seemed overjoyed that this event was taking place. Everyone was chatting about how hard the players had worked, and how much they had improved over the six-month season.
After every game was played, and every award was given, the players and their families filed into the top floor of the rink for dinner. As they feasted, they chatted about the season and excitedly fawned over each other’s awards.
Hockey at Weston has been a tradition for 65 years, and the excitement and joy the rink brings has been alive since the day it began.
Although this was the championship tournament, it’s not the end of the season. Later in the month, the ‘Last Gasp’ tournament will take place. The arena will host teams from all over the province for games (and famous arena fries).
The players who call the arena home are even more ecstatic about playing in this tournament, and the other good times to come on, and off, the ice.
This Post was Sponsored by: Luisa Bada: Living in Weston and loving it
Free yoga tonight
If you have a couple of hours to spare tonight, UrbanArts is offering a free yoga program at the John Street location.
Weston Rugby: A legacy
By: Lieselotte Noort
“Rugby? That’s like football, right?” Is a common phrase heard by every rugby player.
On March 30, rugby players at Weston Collegiate Institute got the devastating news that their beloved sport would not be running a team for the spring 2016 season.
Spring Rugby requires a minimum of 25 committed players. But this season, both girls and boy’s teams were short by just a handful of people. The team was puzzled at why interest in the sport was down this year, and were enraged that they were going to miss out on their adored sport.
The season that took place in the fall of the current school year was extremely popular and successful. The junior and senior girls had a great victory throughout the two-month season, with the senior team winning one game and tying another. The junior girls, whose team was mostly made up of beginners, suffered only one loss. In the past the school has been even more successful with their rugby teams.
For some, Weston Rugby has been a part of their family for generations. The current captain of the senior boy’s rugby team, Julien Crisante is a 2nd generation Ironman. Weston has offered a team for well over 20 years, and the current coach, Mark Bould, has been part it for ten. “In all my years of coaching at Weston, I’ve never had to not run a spring team…I’m just as upset as you are” Bould stated.
The team has impacted many students in the school, and though it may seem to be ‘only one season’ of a sport missed, players are heartbroken that the team is not going to be run this spring. “Rugby isn’t just a game to me, it’s a family that has your back on and off the pitch. I have yet to come by another group of young women as strong, committed, empowering and fierce as my fellow Weston female ruggers” said Bhonita Singh, who has been playing Weston Rugby for 4 years.
With rugby being one of the most well known, and formerly one of the most popular, sports at Weston, the whole school is startled by the news. Although this loss is not forever, the Ironmen are all saddened by the state of the team this spring.
“I guess we can always join soccer!” stated many players who previously loved to say “Rugby is a hooligan’s sport played by gentlemen, and soccer is a gentleman’s sport played by hooligans!”
This post was brought to you by: Maureen Lennon, who loves Weston and great writing.
Hometown boy fights Ali: news from 50 years ago
Today is the 50th anniversary of an fight that made boxing history. George Chuvalo, who raised his family in Mount Dennis, fought Muhammad Ali to a 15-round decision on March 29, 1966. Ali was in his prime; Chuvalo took the fight on 17 days notice.
After the fight at Maple Leaf Gardens, Ali went to the hospital. Chuvalo went out dancing with his wife. Ali said Chuvalo was the toughest guy he ever fought.
Weston Hockey opening 2016 season
The Weston Minor Hockey League is taking applications for the 2015–6 season—it’s 70th. Kids 4–18 are welcome.
The WMHL is also looking for sponsors. For $500, you can have a team named after your organization or business. (I’m tempted to get a incorporate a company called “The Bloodsucking Crushers” just to sponsor a peewee team.) For $250, you can get a silver sponsorship with plenty of advertising (and good karma).
Join a crowd for the Pan Am Games
Two local groups are hosting Pan Am Games celebrations. Urban Arts is offering a big-screen viewing every weekday from 10 am – 8 pm. You can stop by their new location at 5 Bartonville.
Frontlines is having a party this Saturday from 10 to 5. There’ll be food, dance, and more.
