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t The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanvillc, Wednesday, August 25,1993 :11 By Brad Kelly Which Country has The Best Players? The editor posed an interesting question after reading the story on Craig dcBlois that appears in today's edition. Will the day ever come, he asked, when hockey will have a world league? In theory, the idea is not only an interesting one, but one that would create a lot of interest in both Canada and other countries where hockey is one of the most popular sports among the paying public. In reality, though, my answer to him was that a league of that nature isn't likely to ever happen. But then, they said the same about pro hockey surviving in Florida. Professional leagues, like the one deBlois will be playing in for the next year in England, are springing up all over the world. Players with no interest in making a career out of playing professional hockey in North America are taking these countries up on their offers to serve as imports on local teams. The prestige isn't there. But neither is the pressure. For the concept of a world league of hockey to take place, a domino effect of things would have to fall into place. First, NHL owners would have to agree to release foreign players back to their home countries to compete in their own leagues. Because of the length of the hockey season, the NHL schedule would need to be trimmed, and the number of the teams in the league would have to be virtually virtually cut in half. ^ Otherwise, players would be playing from September to June to decide decide a champion in their own country, and then have to embark on trips around the world to play the champions from leagues in the other participating participating countries. It would be brash of us to think that, should a world league ever evolve, the Canadian team would have little trouble in proving its superiority superiority in the sport. • The 1972 Canada and Russia series comes to mind; And so do many of the Canada Cup tournaments, which are the only trite world championships championships in the sport of hockey. Granted, Canada has won four out of five of the popular tournaments. But the victories in 1976, '84, '87, and '91 never came without a straggle. straggle. And those tournaments seem to have an effect on the players who report report for training camp in July, participate in the Canada Cup, and then return return for a full season with their respective hockey clubs. It makes for a very long season. From a fan's perspective, the Canada Cup resolves any arguments that may exist regarding which country produces the best hockey players. Which got me to wondering whether the same arguments surface in other countries regarding baseball. It's becoming more common now for players from countries other than the United States to be signed to professional contracts. Most teams have now implemented a thorough scouting system in countries where • top calibre players are being produced. It would be safe to say that the best baseball players in the world reside reside in the United States, and if a world tournament existed, they would be the overwhelming favourites. But that was said about Canada prior to the 1972 Russia series. (<*> n I Vx. ^ BOWMANVILLE FIGURE ^ SKATING CLUB REGISTRATION y 1993-1994 SEASON SEPTEMBER 14/1993 Bowmanville Recreation Complex 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. CANSKATE $200 CANFIGURESKATE $440 INTERMEDIATE $300 SENIOR $400 POWER SKATING Level 1 and 2....$125 Partial memberships available Senior Level Only Late Registration Fee $15 Fundraising Fee $50/Family Private coaching available FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL Fern Bullock 623-1266 Mike Rate - Power 697-2274 Pro Hockey Takes deBlois to England by Brad Kelly After learning the game of hockey hockey on a frozen pond, Craig deBlois is going "across the pond" to continue continue his career at the professional level. level. The Bowmanville resident, having having completed a four-year scholarship scholarship at Colgate University, is set to embark on a season of professional hockey in England. deBlois, along with two other players from his Colgate team and another player with Major Junior A experience, will comprise the four imports available to the Lee Valley Lions of the Division I British League. All four were scheduled to leave today to begin a season that deBlois referred to as one of uncertainty. "I don't know what we're getting getting into," he said from his parents' home in Bowmanville. 'T've heard a lot of nightmare stories about guys not getting paid and some other things, but I'm going over there with an open mind. Lawn Bowlers Participate in Wollstein Event One of Bowmanville Lawn Bowling Bowling Club's most popular tournaments was held on Wednesday, August 18. It was the Doris and Oscar Wollstein Trophy event for Mixed Pairs. Teams from all over southeastern Ontario competed and had a good time, Doris and Oscar have been well- loved members of the Bowmanville Lawn Bowling Club since 1984, and have a combined 50 plus years of lawn bowling. Oscar alone has 40 plus. In addition to the prizes and trophies, trophies, Doris and Oscar provide all the food and sweets. They were ably assisted assisted by Grace Murdoch and Irene Carson. A big thank-you from the club. Prior to the start of the actual tournament, tournament, a fun event took place called a "Spider." The jack, or white target ball, is placed in the centre of the green. Each entrant is allowed to throw one bowling ball from either the north, south, cast or west side of the green and the bowler whose shot is closest to the jack wins a prize. The winner this year was George Jackson of Oshawa. The following were this year's svinners. 3 Game High and Trophy Winner - Eric and Marion - Shackleton of Oshawa. " ' '9 3 Game Second High -- Ted and Sharron Morrison of Oshawa 2 Game High Winner -- Helen Cane and L. Hoskin of Cobourg 2 Game Second High Winner - Ken and Ella Dawson of Oshawa 1 Game High Winner - Doug Kirkland and Ilcnc Wilton of Oshawa No Wins but Highest Score - John Bryant and Dorothy Hall of Port Hope Bowmanvillc rinks were gracious losers. The 50/50 draw winner was Eric Shackleton of Oshawa. Another event which took place on Monday, August 16, was the District 14 Playdowns for the Ontario Senior Men's Triples Title. This event was transferred to the Bowmanvillc Club grounds because of the superior quality of our playing conditions. That is a distinct tribute to the members of our club who tend the green each week. Bravo! The winning team, after a playoff, was from Cobourg and consisted of Lew Griffith (lead), Howard Cory (vice), and Jim Gordon (skip). This team will now represent District District 14 in the Provincial Finals. Go get 'em Cobourg. A special thanks to The Statesman for their support of all local activities. "it's going to be something completely completely different." Among the many other duties that the team will expect the four players to perform, one of their major major responsibilities will be to improve improve the team's record. The Lee Valley Lions finished in last place in the league standings a year ago. They have nowhere to go but up. ' 'They're hoping we bring a winning winning attitude to the team," said deBlois. deBlois. "We have nothing to lose." The four players will be housed together and given the use of two cars. In addition, they'll earn a salary salary for the upcoming season. There are also bonuses available for each win the team can produce. In return, they will be expected to help market the team by doing some public relations work. League games are played on weekends, with practices held three times a week. The 40-garhe schedule, schedule, which runs from September to March, is much the same as the one dcBlois became accustomed to during during his four years at Colgate. During his senior year there, the 23-year-old led the team in goals with 17, and added 10 assists, earning earning him the Unsung Hero award ât the team's year-end banquet. After an 0-7 start to this past season, season, Colgate managed to string enough victories together to finish eighth in the ECAC standings. After opening the playoffs with a 3-2 overtime win against Dartmouth, Dartmouth, they were eliminated by RPI, the number one ranked team in the league. During his senior year, deBlois served as one of the team's assistant captains. It was a big turnaround from his freshman year, when he didn't even dress for a game. And, his situation didn't look to be improving when he arrived for training camp the following following year. 'T didn't even have a sweater number. They gave my number to a freshman," he recalled with a laugh. He's hoping that those types of incidents don't arise in London, where he expects to split his playing time between the positions of forward forward and defence. In his spare time, should there be m any, he is hoping to continue working working towards an MBA degree by taking taking courses at the London School of Economics. • Hockey, he says, isn't going 'to be the number one priority. "I'm just going to go over for a year, see Europe, and enjoy myself," myself," he said. "I won't be making a career out of it." It's an opportunity -- much like the one he had at Colgate -- that he won't let pass him by. Bowmanville resident Craig deBlois is preparing to pack his suitcase suitcase for England, where he will be playing a season of professional hockey in the British Division I League. Craig will be suiting up for the Lee Valley Lions this year. He recently completed a four-year scholarship at Colgate University in Hamilton, NY. Under-8's Win in Cobourg Recently, the Darlington Youth Soccer League under-8 select team competed in the annual Cobourg Soccer Challenge. This was only our second, tournament tournament together this season. The previous previous one was our own tournament in June when we competed in the undcr-9 division, earning one win out of four games. To prepare for this tourney, we recently hosted our rivals from Co bourg and gamed some much- needed confidence with a one-sided 10-0 win. After three decisive victories in the round robin play of the tournament, tournament, Darlington again met Cobourg Cobourg in the semi-finals. Again, it was a complete team effort as Darlington Darlington thrashed the home side 6-0. In the final match, the opposition was from Port Hope. An early goal by Devon Potter gave Darlington the important lead. Moments later, Tf rfânwï Richard Morel extended the lead. Second half goals from Brad Bakker and John Lammers salted away, a well-deserved 4-0 win and the second second 'A' Championship of the tournament. tournament. The undcr-13 girls' team succeeded succeeded in their final. The advantage Darlington held over the opposition was their fine positional work and smart team piay. ■""i'"" .1 : • jii I tir/i v ; »Lw .Kavi fllf i|lÉ£ v. ' > I w ifi uma. ' Ï ^avTfci.'W 'CWBBK ■"**L.,-//- - Kf&w&v- Vi ■ ' V/v ' r • ;/ % -X SCOREBOARD The Darlington Youth Soccer League undcr-8 select team had reason to smile when this photo was taken at the conclusion of a tournament in Cobourg recently. The team won three round robin games, posted another victory in the semis, and then won the *A' Championship with a 4-0 victory. Team members members include, front row, (1-r), Derrick van Hcuvcllcn, Justin Andrews, Justin Ross, Erik Janssen, Ryan Fowler. Back row, (1-r), Jim Potter (coach), Brad Bakker, Kevin Bcllrosc, Richard Morel, Trevor Rich- lcr, Brad Griffin, John Lammers, Devon Potter and Erin Haass. Newcastle Girls' Slo Pitch Royals 2 10 0 4 (ns of August 19) Jim Hancock Free. 55 2 11 0 4 Team W L T Pts Novice Division Newcastle Ladies' Slo Pitch Ilnnc's Fries 9 5 0 18 (Points Onlv) PollAVnlt/Dizen 8 6 0 16 Pontypool Auto Sales 34 Cutting Post 7 7 0 14 Active Bodies 29 Skolding Fuelers 7 7 0 14 King St. Bar & Grill 28 Bob's Towing 6 8 0 12 Cactus Clothing 28 Snips Sluggers 6 8 0 12 Bottom Line 23 Pcowco Division Redskins 23 Sleeve's Auto Supply 13 1 0 26 River Valley 21 Martin Gorrits&Sons 13 1 0 26 Chatterton Electric 21 McCutcheon Sor Con 10 G 1 21 Shoppers Drug Mart 21 Lange's Photo 9 3 2 20 TJ's 10 Doighton Assoc. Ltd. 7 8 1 IG Survivors 8 Nowcnsllo Recycling 7 7 1 IG Alloy Knts 4 Cook's Esso G 10 1 11 Angels 4 8 2 10 Newcastle Boys'Slo Pitch Carter's Bakery 2 12 0 4 (as of August 19) Optimist Now. Vill. 1 IG 0 2 Team W L T Pts, MÜlgfiiJMaifln Junior Division Rushwood Ltd. 10 1 0 20 Morris Auto Glass 14 3 1 29 Mike's Place 9 3 0 18 Bow. Sports Shop 9 8 1 19 Stutt's Plmrm. Orono 8 G 0 16 Jr. Ducks 7 10 2 IG Hobb,Gillies,Bnkkor G G 0 12 Hooper's Trophy Con. 3 12 2 8 Dostinctivo Dining G G 1 11 Intermediate Division Dv-Toch Inc. 3 G 2 8 Roy's Entorpriso 12 4 2 20 Thu Building Place 2 10 0 4 Lango'a Photo 11 G 1 23 Nowcnsllo Lions 1 8 1 3 Hooper's Jowollors G 10 2 14 Russell Division Purple Ilillo Ornngo. 4 13 1 9 Jo-Elon Sportswear 11 2 0 22 Senior Division Sox 9 -1 0 18 Dennis Pizzeria 11 7 1 23 Hooper's Trophies • 8 4 0 10 Momorlal Park Club. 10 7 1 21 Ctmliimls G G 0 12 Nowcnsllo Slo Pitcli G 12 0 10 ♦«till! 1993-94 B.M.H.fi. and B.R.H-L MINOR HOCKEY REGISTRATION B.M.H.A, = REPRESENTATIVE DATES Thursday, August 19th Friday, August 20th Saturday, August 21st Thursday, August 26th Friday, August 27th Saturday, August 28th Thursday, September 9th Saturday, September 11th B.R.H.L TIMES 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. = RECREATION LOCATION Bowmanville Mall Bowmanville Mall Bowmanville Mall Bowmanville Mall Bowmanville Mall Bowmanville Mall Recreation Complex Recreation Complex NOTE: PloasQ bring your Health Card # and proof ol ago For moro Information call: Paul Jackman G23-9538 (B.M.H.A.) Ron Ballskl G23-1812 (B.R.H.L.) Novlco $235. B.M.H.A, REGISTRATION FEES - Includes picturo Payment schedules available on request Atom $255. Poo Woo/Bantam $2G5. Mldgot / Juvonllo $275. B.R.H.L. REGISTRATION FEES - Includes picturo $25. Lalo registration loo Squills - $00. Tyko lo Mldgol $210. 'Juvonllo - to bo dotormlnod. * Includes funding'tor Spoclal Olympics