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34 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, September 8, 2000 Kids arriving in hockey jerseys will get into the game for free (Continued from page 33) Blades bounced by Burlington in semifinals of international tournament (Continued from page 33) Photo by Fred Loek The Mississauga Ice Bears won their home opener 3-2. They play at Ice Sports Oakville on Saturday. The game is a lot quicker than men's hockey games because there is less body-checking and fewer whistles. There is also the absence of the violence associated with men's hockey, and although there is aggressive play, only `coincidental contact' is permitted. There is heavy emphasis on passing and position, highlighting the high level of skill the women execute. In demographic research, women's hockey has been found to appeal to a wide range of fans including `veteran' spectators who are continually amazed at the level of play. It has been said that women's hockey is indicative of what hockey used to be in the past and should be now. Members of the NWHL are recognized as the world's best and represent not only players from Team Canada and Team Japan, but Team USA, Team Finland and many provincial teams. Professional women's hockey has been described as a true example of hockey finesse and pure hockey discipline. Developing a youth fan base is critical to the NWHL and as such, autograph sessions are held after each game includ ing Saturday's game at Ice Sports. Tickets will be available at the door and kids arriving in hockey jerseys, will be admitted free. Titans 6-4 and St. Michael's 5-4. Against Burlington in the semifinal, however, Oakville lost a close one 4-3. And Burlington went on to win the tour nament for an impressive third time in a row with a 3-1 win over New York Applecore. The Blades, with its usual large contin gent of home grown players (more on that in subsequent issues), will no doubt be looking for revenge, as well as a good start to the season! Their provincial junior A west division remains the same as last season -- the Blades, Burlington Cougars, Georgetown Raiders, Streetsville Derbys, Mississauga Chargers, Bramalea Blues, Brampton Capitals, Milton Merchants, Hamilton Kilty B's and Buffalo Lightning. The Blades will also want to get off to a get start because a quirk of the scheduling has them playing the next four games on the road. They hit the road to play the Mississauga Chargers this Monday, Bramalea Blues next Friday, Kingston next Sunday (that's at Mississauga's Hershey Center at 1:30 p.m. as part of the league's annual College Showcase Tournament) and then Buffalo Lightning on Monday, Sept. 25. They're not back at home until Friday, Sept. 29 against Georgetown for what should also be a raucous affair. The Blades, you'll recall, almost pulled off a huge upset in last year's first round playoffs. Having slid into the playoffs in the eighth and final spot, they took a 3-0 lead in their playoff series only to have the Raiders revert back to their first-place form and win the series 4-3, capping off their own huge comeback. Included, in this issue, is the Blades complete regular season schedule. 116 Speers Road, Oakville, ON L6K 2E7 8 4 5 - 1 5 6 1 . . V . V . V X ', www.corbettssports.com (AAlGfc