Come on stripes!

When Dale Sobkowich witnessed his son get verbally abused by a coach while officiating a hockey game, he vowed to get involved to stop it from happening again.  Unfortunately, the incident caused his son Brendan to quit officiating.

“Brendan got leveled by a coach.  He was physically threatened; a ‘see you after the game’ type thing,” said Sobkowich.

Like Brendan, thousands of officials quit every year because of the abuse they get from fans, coaches and players.

When Sobkowich’s youngest son took up officiating a few years later, he ensured there were safeguards in place to prevent the same thing from happening.  As a senior official, Sobkowich – with the help of other senior officials– created a mentorship program where first year officials get paired up with senior officials for all of their games.  Coaches are warned before the game that they’re dealing with a first year official and that all concerns should be addressed to the senior referee.

 “There’s no talking to him whatsoever, no discussions at all.  If caught involving him, you’re gone.”

The system seems to be working.

“The first year, I was extremely nervous.  Every game I was nervous.  But I got through it, got over my nerves and I love reffing right now.  Can’t wait to get back on the ice to ref this year,” said Aaron, 15, Sobkowich’s son who’s entering his third year of officiating. 

While this program is showing signs of success in Lorette, a small town southeast of Winnipeg, it is not a universal program used by the province.   According to Grant Heather, director of officials for Hockey Manitoba, mentorship programs are used in different forms throughout the province but none quite as innovative and effective as the one in Lorette.

The fact of the matter is too many officials quit due to abuse every season.  It’s an epidemic in the sport of hockey, something Heather knows all too well.

“There’s a perception that it’s okay.  It’s so engrained; people think they can continue to do it.”

And he’s right.  People think that tearing into officials is as much a part of the game as icings and off-sides. 

Heather also notes that recruiting officials is something Hockey Manitoba struggles with.  With no specific programs in place, finding new refs is tough. 

If recruitment doesn’t draw in more officials, programs like the one in Lorette may have to be implemented province-wide in order to keep refs in the game.  Because let’s face it, if there aren’t any officials, there is no game to be played at all.

Sometimes it's funny, but not usually

Billy Talent: Dead Silence

Howdy folks!

Since none of my posts are related in topic, I figure I would continue the trend.  Here is my album review of Billy Talent's new album Dead Silence.

I must confess right up front that I am a huge Billy Talent fan.  Therefore, my bias in this review is wholeheartedly one-sided, partisan and unbalanced. 

First, some backround information.  Billy Talent released their first album in 2003.  It was self-titled and it was a fantastic album.  Some labelled it punk, others screamo.  Either way, it did very well and BT started their climb as one of Canada's best bands.  In subsequent releases, II in 2006 and III in 2009, BT continued to produce solid music and built a huge following. 

In case you didn't notice, that's one album every three years.  Sticking to that tradition, Billy Talent released Dead Silence this September.  The only thing breaking the trend was the naming of the album, as BT abandoned their Led Zepellin-esque style of self-entitled albums opting for one with an actual track name on the cover. Their first three albums shared similar qualities, while at the same time showing growth and subtle changes in certain respects.  Dead Silence marks a significant shift in BT's discography.

The album begins with an eerie duet between lead vocalist Ben Kowalewicz and lead guitarist, Ian D'Sa.  This song was a clear indication to fans that the band is willing to go to new places on this album.  Lonely Road to Absolution is a short but powerful tune that sets the stage for a truly magnificent album.

Next is the band's first single from the album, Viking Death March.  This song is more of what's expected from fans - a slick sounding riff with equally interesting bass and drums to accompany the hard rock sound. 

Billy Talent has been criticised in the past for lame lyrics (and guilty of).  They put those critics to bed throughout this album and never more in Surprise, Surprise.  Another wicked riff starts this gem off and then Kowalewicz goes to work attacking Generation X "We're the target market of a corporate joke, our generation is a fucking joke!".  A song about spoiled rich kids buying the latest gadgets and engaging in the hottest trends, Surprise Surprise deserves a good listen or two.

Some have commented that Billy has slowed down the pace of their music in this album.  I'm not convinced.  Track 4, Runnin' Across the Tracks, kicks it up with a fast-paced, finger-pickin' good riff from D'Sa backed with steady drum beats from drummer Aaron Solowoniuk.  Speaking of Solowoniuk... For a guy that has been battling MS for the majority of his life, he doesn't miss a beat (pun intended!).  Good on him.  He's a great example of someone who's faced adversity with a tricky disease and pulled through.

Love Was Still Around is next up and doesn't disappoint.  A catchy chorus with some new elements gives this tune some depth to Billy's range.

The sixth track on the album, Stand Up and Run is a risky attempt by BT but I think they pull it off.  It's starts off with an acoustic guitar and Kowalewicz's clearly improved vocals.  With all the other lovey-dovey tracks out there, this one fits right in.  This song also adds to Billy's range and gives Ben a rest when they play live.

Crooked Minds is next and this song showcases bassist Jon Gallant's nifty bass line in sync with Solowoniuk hammering away on the drums.  Rarely ever has BT had a song where the bass is front and centre.  The lyrics are very cool too; a song about a criminal who's pushed his limits too far.  This is the first song where you hear one of Ben's classic screams similar to previous albums.

For those who put Billy Talent in the punk genre, Man Alive!  is evidence of the bank not giving up on their punk– rock roots and inspiration.  It's an uber quick riff that punches you in the face every time you listen to it.  This song will surely get circle pits going when the band plays live.

Now, I took issue with a few songs in III, basically because I thought they were filler.  Filler are songs put on an album by the record label that basically just take up space in order to make a compete album. If there's any of that on Dead Silence, it's Hanging by a Thread.  It sounds similar to a lot of their older songs and doesn't do much for me.

Track 9, Cure for the Enemy is more of what BT fans expect from the band with some twists and turns. Ben hits some notes that I've never seen him hit before in the chorus.  With some magnificently placed
vocal lines, Cure for the Enemy is another hidden gem.

Don't Count in the Wicked is another great song and is next on the album.  I know what you're saying... "How can every song be great?"  Remember, my bias!  Not only that, but Billy Talent puts everything into their albums.  That's why there is three years in between each.  Sam Saunders from Bring the Noise UK sums it up nicely:

"Each song sounds as if a lot of thought has gone into it, each bassline behind each riff sounds like it was carefully placed there deliberately, and subsequently every riff behind every vocal line sounds just as deliberately positioned. And every vocal line… get the picture. A band that puts that much effort into each element, of each instrument, of every one of their songs, is definitely worth a listen."
(You can check out the full review here) 

For those who don't know, BT had to change their name from Pezz to Billy Talent in 2002 after a US band sued them for name infringement.  Their only album released as Pezz did not do well in regards to sales, but it's now a cult classic for hardcore BT fans.  Show Me the Way is oddly similar to the sound of that Pezz album.  A fun, upbeat riff with Ben utilizing that classic high pitch voice of his.  

Swallowed Up by the Ocean is the track before last and it does not disappoint.  Is that a piano?  Don't change the track, folks!  Debuting for the first time ever, a beautiful piano begins this track.  This song builds slowly from the piano into a full on crescendo.  BT's growth from a screaming, hard nosed punk rock band to a multifaceted, multitalented music group is no more apparent than in Swallowed Up by the Ocean.

Finally, Dead Silence, the album's title track wraps it all up.  You'll have to give it a listen to find out what it's all about.

When I heard that Billy Talent was naming their fourth album Dead Silence I thought two things: 1) It better try to go places that the previous three didn't and 2) it might be their last album.  Dead silence is pretty damn quiet so who knows if that is a hint towards the end of an incredible era.  Billy Talent has been together for 20+ years and their dedication and compassion for each other and their music is commendable.  Their live show is electric and full of energy (and a must see!).  Their lyrics deal with important issues and their music has never been so powerful.  Dead Silence blows away III, tops II, and is as eye popping and exciting as their debut album.  Many bands never top their first release because that first album is full of the passion and novelty that dies out after fame hits.  Billy Talent has never lost their passion for making great music.  They love their fans and that's why they put so much time and effort into their albums.  Dead Silence is a wonderful album and it's worth a listen!

9.5/10 

–Jpell

Paradise: Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge

Aikens Lake.  Truly, an absolutely wonderful place.  I was blessed with the opportunity to work at Aikens this past summer.  On May 26th, 2012, with my belongings all packed up for the next 3 months, Elliot Rhodes and his parents picked me up.  Off to Bissett, Manitoba, a 3 hour drive from Winnipeg.  From there, we would be taking a 15 minute float-plane ride to the beautiful Aikens Lake.

From the Aikens Lake Website:

"Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge sits amongst a beautiful birch stand along a sandy beach on the northeast shore of Aikens Lake since 1948. Located near the inlet to the Gammon River in the Atikaki Wilderness Provincial Park in Manitoba, Canada, world class trophy fishing is a cast away. Aikens Lake ranks among the top walleye destinations in North America."

(To see this video in full screen, visit Aikens Facebook Page HERE )

Work

My job position was Dockhand.  I completed an almost endless list of tasks from docking the planes and bringing guests their luggage, re-filling gas, diesel and propane, doing garbage, recycling and compost runs, ensuring all the fireplaces had an adequate supply of wood, including the large wood-burning behemoth that gives the entire camp hot water.  Now, if I told you that I was up for work at 6:45am every single day for 52 days in a row, what would you think?   Most would think that I hated my life, was getting sick of work, or something along those lines.  Not so.  Every single day included something a little different.  Whether it was a different fishing adventure on my afternoons off (I worked a split-shift - 7:00am - 12:00pm, off from 12 - 4, then worked 4:00pm - 8:00pm), or a wild night at Big Molly's (the fully licensed bar on camp), each day was a little different than the last. 

Fishing

As their promo suggests, Aikens has some unbelievable fishing.  Although I did not catch any Trophies in my first summer, many guests left home very happy with some MONSTER trophy walleye or northern pike.

The Staff

The Aikens staff, for many, is what makes the experience.  We are mostly all in our early twenties and basically have the same outlook on life: We love the outdoors, we love community, we love to work and play hard and we love Aikens!  This translates into a great atmosphere for guests.  If the staff is happy, the guests are too!  The great group of people that comprise the Aikens staff are some of the nicest people I've ever met in my life and I look forward to developing these relationships both at Aikens, and in 'the real world'.

The Fun Stuff

As mentioned, the staff at Aikens loves to have fun.  To keep things fresh, we designated every Sunday as 'Sunday Funday'.  This resulted in theme-parties such as the Neon Rod Locker Rave, Toga Party or bigger events such as the 16th Annual Aikens Olympics and the Staff Fishing Derby which was held on Canada Day.  Each of these events were a blast and I will cherish the memories forever.

 

                                                  

The Scenery



It's not uncommon to see some of the most beautiful sunsets, starry-nights and ample wildlife at Aikens.  It's a treat to witness a live turtle birth or see bald eagle's swooping down to grab a fish that didn't quite make it (two of which I witnessed this summer). 

In all, Aikens Lake is an experience like none other.  Many people indeed describe Aikes as such, not a place, but an experience.  I urge you, if ever you have the opportunity, to check this place out for yourself.  You will not be disappointed.  I can't wait to get back up there after the winter season.  Similar to the following photo... Sometimes you need to just... Jump in!

 You can follow Aikens on Twitter: @aikenslake

The Debacle that is the Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers went to the Grey Cup last year, to the surprise of many.  After starting the season 7-1, they stumbled to the finish line, ending the season 10-8, beating Montreal in the Eastern Final and then lost to the B.C. Lions in the final game of the year.

Although GM Joe Mack did not re-sign some of our star players from last season, such as Odell Willis, Brendan Labatte or Terrence Jeffers-Harris, many still believed the Bombers were a good team and headed in the right direction starting the 2012 season.  Not so.  Not even close.  In fact, things went from bad to worse so quickly, no one really knows where this tailspin will end.  Let's recap the blunders from this year so far:

- Management promised that our new stadium, Investors Group Field, would be completed in time for the 2012 season.  They failed miserably on that promise and now the Blue won't be playing in it until NEXT season.  Note:  Who in their right mind doesn't know that there are always delays in the construction business?  It happens!  It's no big secret.  While the mass majority of the public and media commented on how they believed there wouldn't be enough time to complete the project, Blue Bomber management went ahead with the announcement.  That translated into the league being forced to make the Bombers open their first 4 games of the season on the road.

-  Buck Pierce, who's battled through injury his entire career, started where he left off... Injured in Game 2.  That left relatively inexperienced Alex Brink at the helm, and after he showed no signs of improvements, our 3rd string, Joey Elliot got the call.  He showed glimmers of hope for Bomber fans, culminating in a close loss to B.C. last weekend  Note: While Pierce's injury and Brink/Elliot's inability to perform are not blunders, per se, they reveal a deeper point which I intend on making (see below).

- The security issue.  Bombers fans were up in arms after strict new policy measures were implemented once the Blue came home after starting the season 0-4.  Fans were upset because security officers were being way too vigilant in their duties; confiscating outside food, performing over-zealous body searches, etc.

- The Lapolice firing.   Following the tough loss to B.C. at home, GM Joe Mack surprised many by firing head coach Paul Lapolice and promoting offensive coordinator, Tim Burke, to the head coaching position.  The reason was said to be a mix of lack of offensive production (which, admittedly, struggled last year and this) and that Lapolice had lost the players (i.e. the players did not want to play for him anymore.)

- A week later in Saskatchewan, in the coveted Labour Day Classic (which I was able to witness first-hand) everything, and I mean everything, went to shit.  In a 52-0 slaying, the Riders absolutely decimated the Bombers from start to finish in one of the worst losses in the history of the franchise.  Like I said, being there as a fan was excruciating. It was embarrassing.  I traveled 6 hours, paid all kinds of money to come and see that (under)-performance?  After the loss, Twitter was buzzing with calls to fire GM Joe Mack.  Two days later, fans are still extremely upset and Mack's fate questionable.  The local papers are tearing him, the players and upper management apart.  Season ticket holders are questioning whether they should hang onto them or not.  The team is truly in shambles, as worse as I've ever seen it as a fan.  It seems like every move management makes is the wrong one.  Same goes for the players, who should be absolutely torn up inside after that 52-0 loss.  I know, I know, it's just football.  Life goes on and it's not the be-all, end-all.  But it's damn near close in a city such as Winnipeg with such a rich football history.

So, at mid-season we are 2-7.  95% of our fans want the GM kicked out of town.  Our new head coach inherited a mess he is not responsible for and our ex-coach is probably lighting a big fat cigar while playing 'Good Riddance' by Greed Day.  I'm no football expert.  I have no clue where the true blame lies but from a holistic perspective, it's usually a safe-bet to say that it lies in multiple places.  Joe Mack needs to be held accountable- whether the board decides to keep him or not is a mystery but if he thinks his 16-29 record as a GM is okay with fans, he's got another thing coming.  The players share the blame too.  In no way as professional athletes should you ever, EVER lose a game 52-0.  They need to pull up their socks and find ways to make plays regardless of how bad it gets out there.

As fans, all we want is results.  It's pretty simple.  Actually, at this point, all we want is the team to compete.  And that's saying a lot.  We've essentially started waiving the white flag and are simply asking our team to 'try'.  Please, just try.  Try to be a good GM, try to be good players, try to be good coaches.  Because as it stands right now, it looks like nobody's trying and we're getting sick and tired of it.

-Jpell.