The Effervescent JSmith

NHL DRAFT 2013: DOMI 2.0

2013-05-25T19:30:00.001-07:00

Over the last few years the Toronto Maple leafs have had a plethora of young talent originate from the Ontario Hockey League, specifically the London Knights. Dating back to 2009 the Leafs have seen some great talent coming out of playing in the London organization. From Nazem Kadri, Ryan Rupert, and recently Greg Mckegg, most of these young men have had success with the Knights as they have been perennial Memorial Cup contenders for a few years running now. With the Knights semi-final elimination yesterday night, the Leafs may look to continue that trend going forward.

Max Domi had an excellent season with the Knights, leading the team in scoring and leading them to the Memorial Cup tournament. Ranked at 25th overall in this years NHL Entry Draft, the Leafs could be getting another Knight. This one a little more special than the previous three as he is the son of former Leafs tough guy Tie Domi. Domi is one of the most beloved Leafs to ever play the game because of his fiesty attitude and ability to agitate the opposition. I can even remember him scoring a few goals during his time with the Leafs, which were always celebrated brazingly because of their relative rarity.

Max sees the game in a different way than is father ever could hope to, scoring 39 goals and 48 assists for 87 points in just 64 games this season. At 5'10 and 195 pounds, he is a spitting image of his father but boasts a more robust offensive game. As one of the best skaters in this years draft class, his breakout speed is unmatched by most and can go into those dirty areas if he needs to. He is projected to possibly become a potential first line centre by most scouts assuming he can refine his defensive game. Of his defensive flaws, he can be caught up ice cheating which may create chances for the opposition during play. As a potential #1 he would have to weed that habit out of his game to become successful. Actually it sort of reminds me of another former Knight on the Leafs today in Nazem Kadri. The similarities are there but they are different types of players still. Domi with his stalky frame will alomost certainly be more tough to push off the puck than the aforementioned Kadri.

We will see who the Leafs select in this year's draft, more over, will Domi even be available at 25? My money is on him being gone before the 21st pick, but that will remain to be seen. If I were the Leafs, focus on depth at centre. Something they have lacked for over 15 years, even longer. With the likes of Kadri and Colborne, the additions of McKegg, and a Domi would be invaluable for the future of this franchise.

A FAN'S THOUGHTS

2013-05-19T06:56:00.003-07:00

I think I hate the Boston Bruins! I can't believe it took me almost 2 weeks to realize this. I guess I was in a state of shock since.

There is one thing that will never die on the internet and around the work: Trolls that will make fun of the youngest team in the NHL for blowing a 3 goal lead against the 2-year removed Stanley Cup Champions. These trolls clearly did not watch a single game that the blue and white played this season and I'd hazard a guess they haven't watched ANY NHL games this season.

Here are the facts:

1. The youngest team in the league(Leafs) were slotted by many of North America's top hockey analysts as be in 13th-15th in the Eastern Conference for this season. For those of you at home paying attention, that means the Leafs probably would have ended up second to dead last in the entire league.

Fast forward about 3-4 months and I guess you can say they proved that prediction to be wrong as they ended up 5th in the East and 9th overall.

2. The Leafs went on a long 6-week stretch of never losing more than two games in a row. Again...for those of you following along at home, that means they did what few of the TOP teams in the league could do this year.

3. The youngest team in the NHL did what no previous Leafs team could do in the past nine years and over the last 10 years: That was a) making the playoffs and b) simply clinching them days before the season ended. I mean if the Boston Bruins or Pittsburgh Penguins had done the same thing no one would blink. The fact of the matter is that both of those teams have had prolonged success due to having the right combination of players and having talent. The Leafs quite frankly have not had the personnel and were widely criticized for not drafting well enough.

4. Which leads me to the drafting topic. Once the Leafs made the playoffs, a few home grown guys provided heroics in the playoffs against what some called a more gifted team. Nazem Kadri, Nikolai Kulemin, James Reimer, Carl Gunnarsson, just to name a couple.

5. Then there is the actual series against the Bruins. Again, many hockey analysts chose a Bruins victory prediction. Most predictions ranged from a sweep, other more generous estimates had them losing in 5 or 6. It didn't look good for the Leafs after the 4th game. Down 3-1 in the series, most people following the series were already moving on to other match-ups as the feeling was that the Leafs were done. Queue James Reimer. With their backs against the wall, this young team took the Bruins, a team that had completely crushed the Leafs for almost two years straight, past game five. Then after a trip back to Toronto they won again! I mean at this point you are astonished they forced a game 7. Then they were basically in the second round up until the last 5 minutes of the game. Nevermind losing in overtime in game 7, the simple fact the Leafs even had a sniff of the playoffs was a huge accomplishment. But no...they wanted more and they took the big bad Bruins to 7 games. The funny thing about all this depression about the Leafs losing is that they did it with the youngest roster in the NHL.

I watched the game. Somebody asked after it finished if I was upset? I said no.
This person was so confused because they watched the game as well and thought I would have been a wreck. I told them that this team beat the odds ALL season. Nobody wanted them in the company of the best in the league. They weren't the sexy pick, nobody counts the Leafs in...not for the last decade at least. With all that crap they proved the doubters and the haters wrong. They have nothing to be ashamed about because they defied the odds when they were stacked against them.

Then as they shook their head and responded with a confused 'OK', I said...

They made me proud this year.

I am finally proud to be fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Lucky five for the Marlies

2012-10-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

#17 Brendan Gallagher and Marlies goalie Ben Scrivens as the Hamilton Bulldogs
take on the Toronto Marlies in AHL play at Copps Coliseum.
Kaz Novak/The Hamilton Spectator

The Toronto Marlies are 3-2-1 in 6 games played, after beating the Hamilton Bulldogs last night in overtime 5-4.

The game is the first of 8 that will have the Marlies away from the Ricoh Coliseum for nearly three weeks. The contest started off strong for the baby Leafs scoring just after the five minute mark of the first period. That was where the difference between the two teams stopped, as Hamilton matched Toronto goal for goal leading up to the eventual five minute overtime. Carter Ashton had the Marlies' first goal of the game and stood as his first of the season. Blunden scored the Bulldogs first goal just 19 seconds later to tie the game.

The second period would see six different goals scored starting with the Leafs star d-man Jake Gardiner for his third goal of the season off a pass from Aucoin. Hamilton would respond three minutes later from Gallagher's first goal of the season on the power play to tie the game at two. St. Denis would put the Bulldogs ahead for the first time in the game with his first of the year to make it 3-2.

Marlies' young gun Greg McKegg would then score his second goal of the season on the power play to tie the game up again at three. The score would remain until the end of the second as the Marlies were looking for a more disciplined period for the final 20 minutes.

The Marlies came out strong in the third scoring again just after the five minute mark off a pretty pass and play from Nazem Kadri. The Bulldogs would tie it up for the final time on Dumont's second goal of the season. Mark Fraser toook a hooking penalty with five seconds left in regulation time putting the Marlies in a difficult position going into overtime. Toronto did score off a scramble tap in from Joe Colborne with 0.4 seconds left in the period that was waved off because the referee did not see the puck.

Ater killing off the penalty Simon Gysbers scored with just 50 seconds left in the game to give the Toronto Marlies the 5-4 victory.

With as close as the game was, winning in overtime after being able to escape the penally kill without a goal against is important for the Toronto club going forward.

"I thought it was one of those roller coaster games, up and down, and pretty evenly matched all night. Winning that game after having to kill that penalty in overtime is a huge building block for our season," said head coach Dalles Eakins.

The Marlies will be off for another week as they prepare to visit the Abbotsford Heat for a weekend back to back.

Eight down the middle spells more moves

2012-07-10T16:32:00.003-07:00

From: www.mapleleafs.com

Assuming a CBA agreement is reached between the NHL and its players before this September, there will be hockey by October. Thus comes a chance for the Maple Leafs to accomplish a task they haven't been able to for about eight and a half calendar years now; make the NHL playoffs.

With the daunting task of improving the team, Brian Burke has had little success in accomplishing what he set out to do since free agency began 10 days ago. Burke has stated countless times throughout the years that his trade deadline is actually July 1. Now with three months to go until a potential new season, where do the Leafs need to improve?

Well, if the Leafs want to make the playoffs, a goaltender has to be on his list of acquisitions. As much as the fans and media want to believe that James Reimer and Ben Scrivens can be the tandem to take them to the eighth spot or better, being young and inexperienced, it seems unlikely. If Brian Burke thinks he is fooling either group, then he greatly underestimates the expectations of the people of Toronto that have been waiting for success for nearly a decade.

There is no easy way to address the teams needs this offseason as free agency is light on talent and the trade market will likely entail depleting the prospect depth of the organization. Yet there may be a few moves that Burke could consider involving both of those avenues of transaction. So in come the rampant rumours of Roberto Luongo's desire to want to move on from the Vancouver Canucks and the possibility of the Leafs landing him. Although I believe that having Luongo as the starting goaltender of the Leafs would almost certainly guarantee them a playoff spot, I just cannot fathom what that contract could mean to the future development of any goalie in the system for the next six years.

There is no doubt that James Reimer is not a a true number one goalie ight now but he has shown stints of excellence during his time with the team. If Luongo comes to Toronto you may see a potential starting goaltender that is about 10 years younger wasting away as the back-up. This would mean he would likely ask for a trade and hurt the Leafs down the road by eliminating them from the playoffs. Ok, maybe I'm getting ahead of myself here but it makes sense doesn't it? How many times has the Leafs traded away a potential star prospect for a supposed true star player only to have the player they traded away have more success then the entire franchise? Tuukaa Rask anyone? So the suggested move I'm proposing regarding goaltending is to stand pat. I realize that this doesn't get the team to the playoffs any quicker but may actually benefit the organization in the long run.

At the forward position things are getting a little crowded to say the least. With the signing of Jay McClement on July 1 the Leafs now have eight NHL ready centres in the system.

Tim Connolly
Jay McClement
David Steckel
Tyler Bozak
Matthew Lombardi
Mikhael Grabovski
Nazem Kadri
Joe Colborne

An argument could be made for whether or not Colborne is ready and if Kadri can step in as a productive pivot but they are both natural centres. This list just proves that some of these players will not be in blue and white in the fall. Look for Kadri to make the team and for Colborne to push for a spot at training camp. As for Bozak and Connolly, I believe their days with the Leafs are likely numbered. There is value in Connolly with one year left on his contract and Bozak may get a decent pick if the Leafs decide to trade him. Other than those two I can't see any other third or fourth line centres being movable. Either way Brian Burke needs to do something because eventually you need to stop bringing in overpaid veterans and start giving spots to upcoming prospects like Kadri/Colborne.

Humane Society documentation

2012-04-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

As the front door of the Oakville and Milton Humane Society gently creaks open, a tiny face, with yellow eyes peers from the darkness at Sabrina Rae as she walks through. For a minute there is silence, as the animal gets on its hind legs and cries out to her as she passed by the foyer. That was all that was needed for the rest of the shelter’s inhabitants to start whimpering just after she made her way to the back.

Housing over 5000 animals a year including cats, dogs, rodents, and even farm animals; the Oakville and Milton Humane Society is front and centre for some amazing people and inspiring stories.

Like every day, Sabrina made her way to the bulletin board near the kitchen to see what tasks she would be performing today. As she grabbed a trolley and rubber gloves she made her way to Adoption Room B, to start her first task of the day. As she greeted every cat individually by name, she checked the food slips on each cage and made a note of what specific type of food she would have to get for each animal. “I’m like a waitress, but these are my customers,” Rae said, coyly.

After all of the cats finished their meals, she headed back to the kitchen to get a garbage bag and some all-purpose cleaner, to start cleaning out all of the cages. With as much tenderness as she gives her own cats, Rae took each one out of their cage, quietly talked to them, and placed them in a travel carrier so she could clean the cage properly. As dedicated as she feels everyone is, Rae does not think it’s enough for the animals. “I think what’s on everyone’s mind, in every single department, would be a new shelter or a new building, because this one is really old. We are too small for the amount of animals we have and as far as the rooms go, I think we need a lot more than we have now.”

Stephanie Hand, the manager of the customer care department, passed by the adoption room as she made her way to the adoption office. She has been there for 11 years and deals with the adoption process between people who walk in off the street to adopt an animal. There is a process that the person needs to go through in order to be able to actually adopt an animal from the shelter. She conducts interviews with the potential adopting caregiver, and provides them with an application that needs to be completed and approved by the Humane Society and the OSPCA. After so many years there is one thing that is hard for her to see time and time again. “I think the worst thing I’ve seen is when owners come in and surrender their animal just because they don’t want it anymore, and I just don’t understand that. If I ever had to give my animal up, or any of my animals, I would go above and beyond, I would keep them until I could find a home,” said Hand. “I just don’t understand how people can think that animals are so disposable.”

As Sabrina finished up cleaning the cages in the adoption room she got a call from the front desk for a pick up. So Rae headed to the dog kennel to get the Golden Retriever the man in the front had been waiting for. The dog was lost the night before, and had been picked up by the APS (Animal Protective Services) during the night. The dog was registered through the shelter so the owner was contacted as soon as they received the dog. “He was notified by us today because he was registered. From what I know, he was found last night, so it works well,” said Rae. As she gave the leash to the man waiting in the foyer, he smiled and hugged his dog while he was being licked all over his face. “With all the negative things I can experience here, this is why I love my job.”

As she finished her day off teaching a high school co-op student all of her duties, Rae prepared herself to go home, putting away all of the tools she had used throughout the day. She said goodbye to Stephanie, who was also getting ready to leave, as well as some of the animals before going to get changed into her civilian clothing. On her way out she over heard a woman at the front desk telling the receptionist that she wanted to surrender her cat. Rae paused for a moment, shook her head slowly, and walked out the door.

AMAZING!! A Tour de force!!

2012-04-11T11:33:00.003-07:00

Florence + The Machine

Ceremonials (Universal Island Records)

**** (Out of four)

Music is made to evoke emotions in its listeners through nostalgia, empathy, or even joy. Some of this ‘music’ is easily forgettable and uses popular techniques such as auto-tune in order to appeal to the masses. Let’s face it, hearing the same word over and over on top of a catchy beat gets a bit repetitive for someone over the age of 12. I’m not going to compare any one band or songwriter to Justin Bieber because that would be unfair to him, but sometimes its good to expand your horizon a bit from the cliché pop world. Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Hedley, it all sounds the same!! Won’t someone please save us from the norm!?

In comes Florence + The Machine with an inspiring album bursting with energy and indie flavour, if for no other reason than to save us from the everyday clones of the music industry taking over the billboard charts. Fronted by Florence Welch, Florence + The Machine is a seven-piece band whom originated from England. From the beginning of the album it is clear it will be a powerful album with the opening track: ‘Only If For a Night’. An album with some excellent writing, this first song, is an example of that: “And the grass was so green against my new clothes and I did cartwheels in your honour on tiptoes, my own secret ceremonials.” Admitting in her bio that she writes all of her music drunk, it is hard to imagine the album being written any other way.

“I want my music to sound like throwing yourself out of a tree, or off a tall building, or as if you’re being sucked down into the ocean and you can’t breathe,”

http://www.florenceandthemachine.net/

No other song describes this quote from Florence than track three: ‘What the Water Gave Me.’ It has some quiet undertones throughout the song, almost fooling the listener. Then it hits you with a melodic chorus that holds onto its pace but cranks the volume vocally; Only to bring it back down once the next verse starts. The lone single from the album titled: ‘No Light, No Light’ is a good sample of the entire album. It is a catchy background drum set on top of precise pauses that accent the vocal range of Florence’s talents. Listening to this moment gives musical jolt midway through the song using the bass of the drums to catch the listener off guard.

I would recommend this album to anybody looking for something a little different than what usually plasters the radio waves or the itunes top ten charts. This album really changed the way I look at all types of music. It was a complete fluke that I was even introduced to this band, coming from a friend’s suggestion. What struck me about the album was how catchy the beat was for literally every song. It made it easy to get into right from the first song. Technically it’s a good album, but musically it is amazing! I truly think this album is a prime example of why music is made; It certainly is the reason I buy and listen to it.

Top Track:

What The Water Gave Me

Easily among the best songs I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing.

Obituary makes you feel like this chair....and YES, I wrote it!!

2012-04-11T11:29:00.001-07:00

Note: This Obituary is compiled from different sections of an actual obit. that wasn't written by me. I put them together the best way possible in order to demonstrate how an obit. is put together.

Veronica Dawn McMaster lost her battle with breast cancer early yesterday morning at the age of 85. McMaster had been admitted to Toronto General Hospital five weeks ago, but eventually succumbed to her disease.

Born 1927, McMaster grew up in Toronto and ended up graduating from the University of Toronto in 1949 at the age of 22. She then attended the McGill University law school where she held the position of editor of the Law Review Journal. She graduated in 1952 and opened an office in Etobicoke of that year.

She was elected to the Toronto City Council in 1958, at the age of 28, and retained that post until 1974. After that she became the head of the Chamber of Commerce from about 1975 until 1980 as she turned 50.

She was a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada (of which she was president in1971), the Ontario Bar Association, and was an advisor and litigator with the Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted. She was instrumental in winning the freedom and eventual vindication of Guy Paul Morin, wrongly convicted in the murder of Christine Jessop.

“Veronica was perhaps the most unselfish individual I have ever encountered,” said James Lockyer, co-founder of the Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted. “She did thousands of hours of pro bono work to help those who could not afford legal help.” Leading the defence of Morin earned her major notoriety and great accolades but she was at least equally proud of how her work improved the lives of the many poor, homeless, indigent and down-and –outers she represented over the past 30 years.”

At the time of her death, was senior partner in the law firm of McMaster, Perez and Tinsel.

McMaster is survived by her husband John, of 60 years, Daughter: Pamela, adopted son: Robert, and three grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at St. Agnes Non-Denominational Church on Jane St. next Friday at 8 p.m. Graveside services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Wildwood Cemetery. There will be no viewing of the body. The family requests no flowers and that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to St. Agnes Non-Denominational Church.

FABULOUS FEBRUARY FEATURED IN MARCH ISSUE OF SHERIDAN MAGAZINE: AME

2012-04-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

Showcasing downtown Oakville in the dead of winter might seem like a challenging task but the Oakville BIA (Business Improvement Area) pulled it off for Fabulous February.

On the two premier days of the month long event, the BIA was able to garner interest to the various downtown businesses through the Art in the Heart Gallery Taste & Tour, and February Freeze.

On Feb. 4, all of the local art galleries participated in a gallery taste and tour that showcased a particular artist while providing beverages and appetizers. Most of the galleries provided an enjoyable cultural experience through their generous hospitality. The Bronze Frog, took what Fabulous February represented and ran with it, offering a friendly atmosphere with genuine interest for people passing by. As I walked across the street, I saw a crowd of people gathered inside the gallery. The gentle sound of a violinist playing echoed into the street. It was hard not to be drawn toward the sound and commotion. Inside there was a viewing for Richard Riverin, an oil canvas painter who was being featured by Kathy Thomas, the owner of The Bronze Frog. As the biggest seller for the Art Expo of New York for the last seven years, it was easy to recognize why he was chosen to be featured forhe taste and tour event. Riverin believes that you do not need to be the most talented artist to produce excellent art. “Its not so important to be the greatest artist talent-wise, its what you do with the talent you have,” said Riverin. He also believes his works can only be given meaning by those who see it. “ Idon’t have to explain anything because it is impressionistic,” said Riverin, “My goal is to create a painting that has serenity and yet is very lively. That combination is hard to get but in those paintings that’s what people like and that’s why I’ve been successful.” While viewing the paintings that spanned across the left hand side of the gallery, I was greeted by a waitress who asked me if I wanted red or white wine. As she handed me the glass of Merlot, a younger gentleman approached me with a tray and asked if I would like some h’orderves. Their warm greetings made me feel important and oddly cultural. As I sipped my wine, I admired the statuettes of small girls siting by a fountain in the centre of the gallery. The doors opened at 2 p.m. and were meant to be closed by 5 p.m.. The Bronze Frog was so popular they ended up staying open until about 6 p.m.. The owner was very pleasant and encouraged me to look and take pictures of all her wares. The Bronze Frog in Oakville is the place to go if you want to experience beautiful, colourful artwork, and of course frogs.

Feb 11 was the day I had been waiting for. Towne Square was going to be featuring the theme of Fire, Ice, and Chocolate. The day started at noon with the first ever downtown chili cook off, and was being hosted by Minna Rhee from Global TV Toronto. The chefs, who represented various restarants in the area, each entered their own versionof chilito woo the judges. The judges were various types of people from the community, ranging from a firefighter to a Sheridan College student.

As the chili cook off concluded, the melted chocolate art station was opening up for kids and families alike. Chocolate fountains were provided for the kids to take melted chocolate in bowls and create designs with forks. Some kids were quite talented, and others just relished the thought of using chocolate as paint. I tried it, despite my lack of drawing skills. Licking the canvas was by far the best part when I finished.

While the families enjoyed getting chocolate all over their fingers, Brant the Fire Guy was setting up for his show in front of the street facing Lakeshore Rd.. Armed with a microphone and a speaker system, he was the star of the event attracting three times as many spectators in 20 minutes than had showed up for the entire event. Brant impressed the crowd as he juggled and ate fire, and balanced his weight on skateboards. and ate fire, He comically spoke about his “burning desire” for performing for people. Brant told his audience that as long as they too have a “burning desire”, they could accomplish anything.

These two days were motivations for me to get involved in the downtown area because of the passion I saw within the community. To have as much success as it did on cold, and frigid days was astounding.

Invisible Children 'TRIES' to answer the tough questions

2012-04-11T11:18:00.001-07:00

Sheridan Students had their opportunity to have some questions answered regarding the Kony 2012 video on Monday when Invisible Children, the organization responsible for the campaign, visited the Trafalgar campus.

The seminar started later than expected because there were very few people who showed up before the time it was supposed to start. The Kony video was shown to the crowd followed by a Q&A session where some people asked questions about the campaign. First year journalism broadcast student Amanda Galbraith was one of those people and has her doubts about why Invisible Children is hosting this seminar.

“The whole Jason Russel thing, his breakdown, him running around naked in San Diego, I feel like they’ve lost a lot of credibility and they’re trying regain some of that by coming to colleges and talking to everyone”, said Galbraith.

Stephanie Dunbar, a first year cosmetic techniques student, explains how she still feels strongly about the campaign.

“I feel I still stand where I stood. I feel the video is still embedded in me and it does still bring me to tears. As far as questions being answered, I think they answered to the best of their knowledge,” said Dunbar.

She believes it was a good thing that they stood in front of the students and answered some important questions about the whereabouts of Kony.

“The answers to the questions I asked specifically, it was actually nice to know they had an answer in response and to find out he’s no longer in Uganda,” she said.

The Sheridan Kony 2012 group, lead by Marketing student Mahfuz Chowldury, attended the event and showed their posters to the representatives of Invisible Children. Chowldury was perplexed by how few questions their were from the crowd.

“I feel like there were very good questions asked, I feel like they were answered well, however I feel like the questions were a little sugar coated because some people in the audience maybe didn’t want people to be offended by the questions.

“There were a lot questions I was expecting to hear, based on what was written on Facebook pages and all over Youtube, unfortunately they weren’t asked so I don’t feel like all the questions were answered.”

The information session was a precursor to ‘Cover the Night’ which takes place on April 20. The Sheridan Kony 2012 group will also be participating in the event by bringing posters to Toronto and putting them up all night.

Bruins coach pursuing career in sports administration

2012-04-11T11:12:00.001-07:00

Tony Silvestri, has stepped down as the Bruins men’s soccer coach to pursue his Masters degree for Sports administration.

His goal for the next two years is to get his masters degree at Ohio State University and eventually become an athletic director for a post-secondary institution. He chose Ohio State because he believes the school has one of the best sports administration masters degree programs. Silvestri will retain his job as facility coordinator at Sheridan’s Davis campus. The 32-year-old has been the coach of the men’s soccer team for seven years but before that he was a Sheridan student. He graduated in 2003 in the Computer Systems Analyst co-op, while captaining the team for the first two years of the soccer program. In his last year of his program he tore a ligament in his leg, effectively ending his season. Before the season was finished he had been brought on as an assistant coach and his career grew from there.

The Bruins have made the OCAA (Ontario Colleges Athletic Association) finals for the last two years and won the 2010 indoor provincial gold medal. Silvestri believes his biggest contribution was to the soccer program itself.

“I think overall my biggest achievement as coach was making this program consistently a contender. I wanted to really, not build a team from year to year, I wanted to build a program,” said Silvestri.

Silvestri thinks he has established bonds during his time at Sheridan with the people he has taught and worked with. “Overall I’ve really enjoyed the characters we’ve had. You know they always make you laugh, they make you want to yell some times, but at the end of the day they become part of your family,” said Silvestri.

Athletic director Jim Flack recalls a playoff game won by the Bruins from Silvestri’s time as head coach.

“Just going in the locker room with a bunch of people that are soaked from the rain, and it’s cold, and just the joy of victory on their face; how proud I was to talk to the players and congratulate Tony, that was just a great victory,” Flack said.

Flack remembers how Silvestri had always been a dedicated member of the Sheridan community. “The facility coordinator and I were out there shoveling dirt into pot holes to make it safer and he was the first one out there with a shovel in his hand filling holes. So you know this is his home,” said Flack.

The new head coach is Andrew Seuragde, a former player and assistant coach of Silvestri’s for the last three years. Silvestri will stay on with the team until August helping to scout new potential players and developing systems.

LEAFS TO DRAFT 5TH: FAKSA THE TARGET?

2012-04-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

So as the 2012 NHL Draft Lottery concluded last night two things were certain: 1. The Edmonton Oilers would be picking first AGAIN!! 2. The Maple Leafs will have a chance to draft an excellent player in the first 5 picks for only the second time in the last five seasons. Now why does the later mean so much? For the amount of sucking this team has done over the last half decade its astounding how few top 5 picks they have acquired. The Oilers are a clear example of a team that decided to pull up their socks and start a legit rebuild. The Maple Leafs have never made any such came since Brian Burke took the helm just three seasons ago. The fact of the matter is that the Leafs will have a chance to draft an elite forward or defencman in the first 5 picks this June in Pittsburgh. I will have my eye on the likes of Radek Faksa of the Kitchener Rangers and also Cody Ceci of the Ottawa 67's as they are both in the range of Toronto's pick and still seem legitimate NHL prospects to boot. This video is a collection of highlights from Faksa's Juniour career thus far. Looks solid as a two-way centre that can put on some points. Ceci on the other hand has almost as many points as some of the forwards in the top ten of the draft class this year and is a defence man....any team would love to have an offensive talent like him patrolling the blue-line.

GAME OF THRONES

2012-04-02T11:23:00.001-07:00

Season 2 started last week and continues on this week. Although I have only watched 4 episodes it is easily one of the best shows I've ever watched. VERY dark and almost reminds me of The Walking Dead in the how the show is presented in such a raw way. This is obviously the opening credits to the show.

P.S I love this instrumental piece.

Moments in History

2012-04-01T20:21:00.001-07:00

Two heroes were born this day. The simple man with his bags who refused to move and the man in the tank that drove around him instead of killing him.

BEST OTR INTERVIEW EVER

2012-04-01T20:17:00.001-07:00

Kony 2012 Campaign

2012-04-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

KENSINGTON MARKET

2012-04-01T20:07:00.001-07:00

This is a photo of some colourful buildings down town Toronto in Kensington Market. Twas a wonderful time for all but I kinda wish it wasn't as as cold as it was. Great stores, interesting people. Had a couple drinks at the 'Last Temptation' bar on Kensington Street.

Sheridan Cosmo Competition

2012-03-26T14:34:00.001-07:00

Candy Cane devil girl at the Marquee during the makeup competition let Wednesday.

Photo By: Justin Smith...me

This photo is the front page of the SHeridan Sun for this week and is of my favourites in the entire collection. Initially I shot this event for the paper and ended up taking about 200 photos for a half hour event. The artists were very talented and had great personalities.

Upcoming Projects

2012-01-25T12:08:00.000-08:00

I'll be covering Fabulous February which is an event that showcases the downtown Oakville area. For the entire month there will be many activities/events going on in and around the downtown area. One event on February 4th will involve certain art galleries along Lakeshore that will feature a chosen artists work. The event is called the 'Gallery Taste & Tour, and will be catered viewings featuring food from local restaurants. There will also be a chill cook off on February 11th which will feature top local chefs in a blind tasting. The theme will be Fire, Ice & Chocolate incorporating ice sculpting, fire breathing performers, and chocolate tastings.

Mandy and Gloria

2012-01-19T21:39:00.000-08:00

It's amazing what a little practice can do for your success with certain skills. I've recently taken up the skill/hobby of playing the guitar. Actually I should say...LEARNING... how to play the guitar.
This photo is a pic of my girl posing with my wife. You can figure out which ones which.

HELP IS ON THE WAY!!!!

2011-08-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

The ire of Leafs Nation never fades these days, as this team has not made the playoffs in 6+ years now. Mr. Brian Burke is trying to give them something they've been missing for almost half a century; I won't bother saying what it is because I among many have heard it WAY too much in the last 6 years. The long suffering fan-base has seen good players come and go, playoff runs that boiled their blood, and awful play that made the season seem 3 years long. In all this time though the Leafs could never boast a talented farm system in any such way. The last 3 years the Maple Leafs have seen growth in every facet of the game, giving some credence to the hiring of GM Brian Burke. When has this franchise improved so much with any other GM in its history? Well the only answer I could even think of is Conn Smythe; Seeing as that is 40 years past now, it's time to start acknowledging the successes of this NEW management team.

One of the best things that this management team did was hiring Dallas Eakins as their AHL Head Coach. There are numerous current prospect/players that have spoke very well about Eakins coaching, such as Tyler Bozak and Joe Colborne. He is an intense person who expects tremendous effort in all of his players. He rewards success with more minutes and gives second chances and better opportunities with failures. He is well liked and respected throughout the Toronto Marlies locker room. Dallas Eakins is my pick for who takes the reins as the Head Coach of the Leafs if Ron Wilson should be fired before this upcoming mid-season.

Top Players In The AHL
Jake Gardiner
Jesse Blacker
Nazem Kadri
Joe Colborne
Matt Frattin
Jussi Rynnas

Top Players In The CHL/ College
Brad Ross
Greg McKegg
Josh Nichols
Sondre Olden
Stuart Percy
David Broll
Tyler Biggs

Caught In The Weber of Want

2011-08-08T12:11:00.001-07:00

As many people people will suggest over the next few months, the Maple Leafs should make a play for Shea Weber. Is this a realistic outcome?.... Probably not, considering how the Predators were fleeced by Brian Burke a couple months ago. My option may be less feasible due to contractual reasons.
Here's my suggestion:
Trade for Shea Weber if he's available, play out most of the season. Whether he's a force on the blue-line or is just taking up capspace, trade him before the trade deadline.
Then you will ask:
"But Justin, why would you trade an AllStar defenceman?" Thats easy...to get a TRUE #1 Centre.
I'm thinking maybe a Jordan Stall or Paul Statsny.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Burloak, Oakville, Canada.

Kadri In The "A"

2011-07-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

I'm just going to come out and say it; Patience is a virtue. This thought seems to be lost on some Maple Leaf fans and it has been like this since the very night that Nazem Kadri was drafted 7th overall.

Last season Kadri played 29 games with the Leafs with only 12 points to show for it. It would be a very sore topic for Leafs' management if he had put up the same numbers in the AHL, he did not. After coming back from an injury earlier in the season and spending time with the Leafs, Nazem could only put together a 44 game campaign with the Toronto Marlies. Most of this is in credit to Kadri who was called up late in the season and stuck with the team until the final game. If he had not been injured or promoted for the last few months, Brian Burke would be likely be looking at some very impressive AHL numbers. In 44 games with the Marlies last season Kadri scored 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points. With his progression through every game it would've been understandable to assume he could've reached the total he was on pace for, which was about 75 points. Those are VERY good AHL numbers for a rookie in any given year.

If kadri makes the team out of training camp I don't think anybody would argue the decision. If he is relegated to the Marlies for the beginning of the season though, people may start to go nuts. Why? If he shows the same drive he did last season in the AHL, leave him there and let him thrive. Whats the worst that could happen? Kadri has a 80 point season? Come on guys, players develop because they are young. You don't get a player for everything he will ever be at the ripe old age of 19. I say leave him in the "A" and let him dominate the league. If there is an emergency than he's the first on your list to be called up, plain and simple.

Prospect Profile: Kegger

2011-07-21T07:05:00.000-07:00

Looking at Maple Leafs prospects has been a bit of a disaster for the past decade or so. Never really finding a player that would bring something special, the Leafs have been severely lacking in the scouting department for as long as I can remember. This has inevitably led to an empty cupboard and subpar, if not horrible winning records throughout the years; Two short years ago that all changed.

Brian Burke was handed the keys to the castle, and given full control of the team. The scouting staff under Burke has made significant progress the last few years. One particular pick that has turned into a gem is a St. Thomas, Ontario Native, Greg McKegg. Greg plays for the Erie Otters of the OHL, and Captained the team into the playoffs this past spring. Many within the Otters organization, including his coach, Robbie Ftorek, believe he is the epitome of what a true captain is.

His regular season numbers have jumped massively in the last few years with the Otters.

2008 - 2009 (Rookie Season)

8 Goals - 10 Assists

18 Points in 64 Games.

2010 - 2011 (Last Season)

49 Goals - 43 Assists

92 Points in 66 Games.

After the Otters were eliminated frm playoff contention he was given the privilege of being called up to the Marlies to play out the final two games of the AHL season. He scored his first Pro goal in his first game with the Marlies. Although he will most likely return to the Otters next season, McKegg will be on the shortlist to make the AHL if he impresses further at training camp this fall.

Assuming he does return to the OHL, he will be playing alongside a newly acquired teammate, and fellow Leafs prospect Sondre Olden. The Erie Otters picked him 31st overall in the CHL import draft, no doubt because of the chemistry he and Greg showed during last seasons NHL rookie Tournament; Being drafted by the same team, in the same round at the same draft doesn't hurt either. Brian Burke suggested to Olden last season that he should enter the Import Draft so he could work on his North American game in the CHL. Being drafted by the Otters was probably the best thing for him by far. With McKegg's guidance, he can learn how to utilize his 6'4 180 Pound frame on the wing with the captain this upcoming OHL season. This also means they could both be making the Marlies at the same time in the 2012 - 2013 AHL season.

25 Things On My Mind

2011-07-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

Guest Blogger: KF_Kadri43

I could make a bunch of little blogs, but what’s the point. Here is some things that are on my mind.

1. Don’t worry about Luke Schenn not signing. It WILL get done.

2. Stamkos will NOT become a Leaf. 1/20 chance Parise gets moved.

3. Jonas Gustavsson is looking to take back his #1 spot. He says he is finally healthy.

4. Nazem Kadri for Kyle Turris is like trading $5.00 for $5.00... Maybe even $5.50 for $5.00.

5. Cody Franson is a lot better than people think.

6. Tim Connolly is a good 2^nd line center. 1^st line? Doubt it.

7. Don’t always listen to Burke. He plays the game very smart. The media is one of his tools.

8. Call me crazy, but I am terrified Reimer will suffer from the sophomore slump

9. Ron Wilson is do or die.

10. Don’t think of Komisarek as a “negative”. He has skill, he doesn’t have confidence.

11. Jeff Finger has trade value. Ask Brett Lebda.

12. We are a playoff team. Key word, “playoff”. Not cup contending. Answer: True #1 Center

13. With a point per game playmaker, Kessel CAN be a 50 goal scorer.

14. PREDICTION: Dion Phaneuf- 14 goals, 32 assists. Huge bounce back year.

15. Joey Crabb needs to be signed back.

16. MLSE might be getting impatient. They don’t understand the time it takes for long term success.

17. Speaking of long term success, why are people throwing Kadri’s name around like a football.

18. Luke Schenn paired with Dion Phaneuf could mean Noris for one?

19. Ryan Hamilton will be the first Marlies call up...if healthy. Jake Gardiner, first defence call up.

20. Matt Frattin is the best pure sniper, behind Kessel.

21. Leafs new 3^rd jersey is pretty sweet. Hopefully it brings good luck.

22. I’d put my money on Tyler Biggs if ANYONE is going to make it out of camp.

23. Lombardi, 70% he WILL return. 20% he takes the season (maybe half) off. 10% he retires.

24. We have the assets to make a trade, and have no risk of doing worse.

25. 2014, Leaf will win the Stanley Cup!

Don't forget to rate and comment this blog! :)

Plus, follow on twitter

@KF_Kadri43

Thanks guys.

Too Much or Too Little?

2011-07-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

So many people have been criticizing Brian Burke for either doing too much or too little when it comes to improving the Toronto Maple Leafs. I never understood how this can happen considering the moves that Burke has pulled off to this point. Could he have made better decisions? Yeah, of course he could have, but so could have every other GM in the NHL. When you look at the key moves he has made since becoming the Leafs GM about two years ago, its clear to see he has done more good for this franchise then any other Leaf GM in recent history. So I compiled a list of the BEST trades and pickups by Mr. Burke since being hired by Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment.

April 3erd, 2009:
Signed Tyler Bozak to 2 year entry level deal.

June 26th, 2009:
Drafted Nazem Kadri 7th overall.

July 2end, 2009:
Re-signed RFA Grabovski to a 3 year contract @ $2,900,000 per season.

July 6th, 2009:
Signed relative unknown minor-leaguer Tim Brent.

July 7th, 2009:
Signed Jonus Gustavsson to 1 year @ $810,000.

September 18th, 2009:
Traded 2 first round picks and a 2end round pick to the Boston Bruins for Phil Kessel.

January 31st, 2010:
Traded Vesa Toskala and Jason Blake to Anaheim Ducks for J.S Giguere.

January 31st, 2010:
Traded Matthew Stajan, Niklas Hagman, Ian White, and Jamal Mayers to Calgary Flames for Dion Phaneuf, Keith Aulie, and Fredrik Sjostrom.

July 1st, 2010:
Signed Colby Armstrong to a 3 year contract @ $3,000,000 per season.

August 28th, 2010:
Signed Clarke MacArthur to a 1 Year contract @ $1,100,000.

Fubruary 14th, 2011:
Traded Kris Versteeg to Philadelphia Flyers for a 1st round pick and 3erd round pick in the 2011 NHL entry draft on June 24th.

Febuary 18th, 2011:
Traded Tomas Kaberle to the Boston Bruins for a 1st round pick in 2011, Joe Colborne, and a 2end round pick in the 2012 entry draft.

June 24th, 2011:
Traded 2end round pick in 2012 (Boston Bruins) to the Colorado Avalanche for defenceman John Michael Liles.

July 2end, 2011:
Signed Tim Connolly to a 2 year contract @ $4,750,000 per season.

July 3erd, 2011:
Traded Brett Lebda and prospect Robert Slaney to the Nashville Predators for Matthew Lombardi and blue-chipper Cody Franson.

Soon to come:
Signing of Luke Schenn.