www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Wednesday, January 22, 2014 | 26 Steve Mason extends contract with Flyers; Greg Westlake to captain Canada in Sochi continued from p.25 in that lineup, and I'll kick myself forever not having someone else there." Granted, Lain didn't seem too broken up about the incident a day later. "Realized my life long dream last night of playing in the NHL. It was a short debut but wont ever forget it! Its been a long road and could not have done it without the support of my family n friends #dream," Lain posted from his Twitter account (@ Klain19), along with a link to an Instagram depicting his bout with Westgarth (bit.ly/1bfN5x0). And though Lain may be a nice guy off the ice, he's no saint on it. He had 111 penalty minutes in 32 games during his final season at Lake Superior State University. In 35 games with the Comets this year, he'd spent 84 minutes in the box. At 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, Lain long ago accepted the fact that playing a physical role and getting in the occasional fight will be the price for any NHL career he may enjoy. It just should have taken more than two seconds for that fact to be reinforced. Mason rewarded for hard work In some happier Oakville hockey news, it was nice to see the Philadelphia Flyers reward Steve Mason for turning his career around, signing the Abbey Park grad last week to a three-year contract extension worth $12.3 million. Mason was the toast of Columbus in 200809, when the goaltender went 33-20-7 with a 2.29 goals-against average and .916 save percentage, led the Blue Jackets to their first playoff appearance Steve Mason and earned the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year. But a 63-79-20 record, 3.13 GAA and .899 save percentage over the next three-plus seasons caused Mason to lose his starting job and led many to question his work ethic and dedication to his craft. Those who knew Mason best insisted his character wasn't the issue. Mason, now 25, kept working on his game, got a fresh start last April with a trade to Philadelphia -- notoriously a goalie graveyard -- and is 23-13-5 ever since. "It wasn't a lot of fun at all. It was tough to get through," Mason told the Beaver 15 months ago, referring to his struggles in Columbus. "But obviously I'm here, still playing hockey. I learned a lot." Maybe it's true that without the bad days, we can never fully appreciate the good ones. Westlake a passionate leader Speaking of good ones, the Canadian men's sledge hockey team will have a quality guy wearing the `C' when it competes at the upcoming Winter Paralympic Games. Greg Westlake, who was an alternate captain at the 2010 Games in Vancouver, will captain Canada in Sochi March 7-16. The 27-year-old has captained the team since 2010-11, leading Canada to gold at the 2013 worlds and bronze at the worlds in 2011. Though my wife and I are friends of the family, I can't pretend to know Greg too well. But I recall how passionately he spoke about the sledge hockey program when we talked at his sister's wedding four years ago, and how he viewed the exposure the sport Greg Westlake got at the Vancouver Games as consolation for Canada's failure to win a medal in 2010. "I put so much time and effort into the sport. I just want people to understand what it is I do," he said following those Games, when he led all scorers with seven goals. "I think we took a big step with that." Hopefully, the team can take another step -- onto the podium this time -- in Sochi. OAKVILLE LACROSSE All registration will take place @ Toronto Rock Training Center 1132 Invicta Dr., Oakville Off of North Service Rd. between Trafalgar Rd. & Joshua Creek Arena 2014 Season Peanut, paperweight or Mini Hawk (boys 2008-2011, girls 2007-2010) - $195 All other age groups (excluding Jr. C) (boys 1998-2007 , girls 1996-2006) - $285 Jr C (1993-1997) TBD Senior Girls (1995 and earlier) - TBD Sunday, January 26th 9:00am 3:00pm Sunday, February 2nd 9:00am 3:00pm Wednesday, February 5th 6:30pm 9:30pm Sunday, February 9th 9:00am 3:00pm Wednesday, February 12th 6:30pm 9:30pm GIRLS' AND WOMEN'S PROGRAMS REGISTER ONLINE DETAILS AT WWW.OAKVILLELACROSSE.COM Cash or Cheque accepted. 3% additional charge if paid by Credit Card. REGISTRATION FEE REGISTRATION DATES: TO A DEVELOP SKILL, INTELLIGENCE AND CREATIVITY FOR SOCCER If you have any questions or require further information please contact our registrar at registrar@oakvillelacrosse.com NOTE: ALL NEW PLAYERS (BOX & FIELD) REQUIRE A PROOF OF AGE BIRTH CERTIFICATE, PASSPORT OR NEW HEALTH CARD REGISTER NOW! REGISTER NOW! Starting February 1st www.apexfootball.ca Saturday, January 25th at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex Puck Drops at 7:30pm Adults $7, Students/Seniors $5, Kids FREE LOCAL JUNIOR A HOCKEY AT ITS BEST! OAKVILLE BLADES VS. HAMILTON REDWINGS