18th Annual Hockey for Hospice tournament scores a big win

The 18^th annual Hockey for Hospice tournament has hit a new milestone– 100 participating teams.

Originally conceived as a skate-a-thon by tournament founder, Tim Beaulieu, Hockey for Hospice has grown each year from its humble beginnings. This year’s edition– being played from Dec. 27-29– will include a schedule of 210 games being played at six different arenas over three days. Divisions include Novice, Atom, PeeWee, Bantam, Atom Girls and PeeWee Girls.

Teams from across Windsor and Essex County, as well as teams from Wallaceburg, Tilbury and Chatham-Kent, will see on-ice action for a good cause. All players participating in the tournament raise pledges for The Hospice. Over the past 17 years, these hockey-playing Hospice heroes have raised over $1.6 million. 

“The kids who play in this tournament always go above and beyond,” said Carol Derbyshire, executive director of The Hospice. “It never ceases to amaze me how much effort they put into collecting pledge money and how eager they are to learn about The Hospice and where their pledges are going.”

The Hockey for Hospice tournament will be played at the United Communities Credit Union Complex in Amherstburg, Vollmer Recreational Complex in LaSalle, Tecumseh Arena, Adie Knox Arena in Windsor, Forest Glade Arena and the WFCU Centre. Tournament games begin Friday, Dec. 27 at 8 a.m. 

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WINDSOR EXPRESS KEEP ROLLING ALONG

(WINDSOR, ONTARIO) Windsor's 16 point first quarter lead held throughout as the Express finished off the Moncton Miracles 115-101 on Sunday afternoon.

The Express (9-4) took a 36-20 advantage after one and never looked back, despite Moncton (2-12) cutting the deficit to four at one point.

Once again, Stefan Bonneau led the team with 24 points and contributed 10 rebounds.

Chris Commons celebrated his birthday with 21 points, while Quinnel Brown and DeAndre Thomas each had 19.

Moncton received 19 points from Travis George and Johnny Mayhane.

It will be a while before the Express return to the WFCU Centre.

The team plays Wednesday, December 11th in Mississauga before embarking on an east coast road trip, that features three games in four days.

The next Windsor home game is Friday, December 20th, when the Halifax Rainmen visit for a 7:00pm start.

Tickets are available at the TekSavvy Box Office in the WFCU Centre or by phone at 1-866-969-WFCU.

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FAST START, STRONG FINISH LEADS WINDSOR TO VICTORY

(LONDON, ONTARIO) Windsor's forth straight win may have been it's most impressive.

The Express (8-4) marched into the Budweiser Gardens on Saturday night and stole a 117-111 victory in London (8-4).

Windsor started on a 29-8 run and finished the first quarter with a 35-19 advantage.

London took charge in the second and third quarter, and took a two point lead into the final frame, before Windsor outscored them 33-25 to seal the win.

The NBL's leading scorer, Stefan Bonneau, added to his already impressive start to the year with a game high 32 points for Windsor.

Chris Commons (24), Darren Duncan (23) and Quinnel Brown (21) also scored twenty-plus points in the effort.

Commons had eight rebounds and Duncan added nine assists.

London was led by Garret Williamson's 27 points.

The next Express game is tomorrow, Sunday, December 8th at 2:00pm against the Moncton Miracles.

It's "Teacher Appreciation Day" where all teachers get into the game for only $2, just by showing their union card.

Tickets are available at the TekSavvy Box Office in the WFCU Centre or by phone at 1-866-969-WFCU.

Tickets are also available online at www.wfcu-centre.com.

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Belle River Canadiens Name Rob Serviss Head Coach

Mark Seguin to retain General Manager duties

The Belle River Canadiens are excited to announce the hiring of Robb Serviss as head coach.

Serviss, 51, is a Windsor-native but holds dual citizenship with the Netherlands. He played for the Windsor Royals and the University of Windsor before a professional hockey career in the Netherlands that spanned more than a decade (1987-1999).

He served as player-coach from 1991-1993 before becoming the coach of the Netherlands U-20 team following his retirement as a player. He served in that capacity from 1999 until 2011, and served as an assistant coach on the Netherlands national team at the World Championships Division 1 tournament in 2010-11.

“We are excited to add someone with Robb’s experience in the game to our coaching staff,” Canadiens owner Stephen Savage said. “He joins an experienced coaching and front office staff. We are thrilled to be able to add another great hockey mind to our organization.”

The move to hire Serviss will allow Mark Seguin, the current GM/Coach to focus on GM duties. With the move to a new arena –currently under construction – the timing was right to make the change.

“Mark is going to have a lot on his plate between now and September with us moving into our new facility,” Savage said. “He can work to build our club into an elite program, with the new arena as a focal point. We want players to be excited to play their junior hockey in Lakeshore.”

“Work commitments and time constraints have made it difficult to hold down both positions,” Seguin said. “I look forward to working with Robb and the wealth of coaching experience he brings.”

The Canadiens next game, and Serviss’ Canadiens head coaching debut, comes Friday night on the road in Dresden against the Kings. Their next home game is Dec. 13 when they host the Mooretown Flags.

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New Recruits for Bordercity Brawlers Wanted

Think you have what it takes? No experience? No problem!

Learn how to play roller derby!

The Border City Brawlers are hosting 2 free information nights to recruit new “Fresh Meat” members.

The first date is Saturday Dec. 7 from 2-5 at WFCU Bank at Tecumseh and Drouillard and the second date will be on Saturday Dec 14 at 8pm at the Dominion House on 3140 Sandwhich St.

The Brawlers are looking for skaters, volunteers and referees.

Come on out and meet the members and join in the fun!

For more information visit bordercitybrawlers.com and see us on facebook and twitter.

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WINDSOR EXPRESS PAIR WITH CLOTHESLINE DRIVE

Bring your unused clothes and household items to Sunday's home game

(WINDSOR, ONTARIO) The Windsor Express are asking fans to do their part and help those in need, this Sunday, December 8th.

  

The Express will host the Moncton Miracles at 2:00pm at the WFCU Centre and are asking fans to bring with them any gently used products to help the Clothesline Drive - an initiative of the Canadian Diabetes Association.

  

The Clothesline Drive will collect any clothing, electronics or small household items, along with blankets, bedding, sleeping bags or footwear.

The drive has helped nearly 9 million Canadians living with diabetes or pre-diabetes since 1985.

For more information, visit www.diabetes.ca/get-involved/supporting-us/clothesline/

Tickets are available at the TekSavvy Box Office in the WFCU Centre or by phone at 1-866-969-WFCU.

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WINDSOR EXPRESS OVERWHELM POWER

(MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO) DeAndre Thomas scored 27 points in just over 28 minutes, leading the charge in Windsor's 102-85 win over Mississauga on Wednesday night.

Thomas also had 10 rebounds in his dominating performance, helping the Express (7-4) to their third straight victory.

Windsor was up 39-35 after a subpar first half, but rallied to score 33 points in the 3rd quarter and 30 in the final frame.

At one point in the 4th, the Express lead ballooned to 21 points.

Stefan Bonneau finished with 21 points and 9 assists.

Quinnel Brown had a game high 14 rebounds, as Windsor outboarded the Power 60-41.

Kirk Williams Jr. had 21 points in the loss for Mississauga (4-8).

Windsor gets set for another edition of their 401 rivalry with the London Lightning at Budweiser Gardens on Saturday, December 7th at 7:00pm.

The next Express home game is Sunday, December 8th at 2:00pm against the Moncton Miracles.

It's "Teacher Appreciation Day" where all teachers get into the game for only $2, just by showing their union card.

Tickets are available at the TekSavvy Box Office in the WFCU Centre or by phone at 1-866-969-WFCU.

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EXPRESS SWEEP HOME AND HOME

(WINDSOR, ONTARIO) A 34-point third quarter helped Windsor  (6-4) rebound from a lackluster start and close out the Ottawa Skyhawks (5-5) 88-85 on Sunday afternoon.

The Express were behind by 9 points at the half, but caught fire in the third, at one point scoring in eight straight possessions.

DeAndre Thomas muscled his way to 21 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, while Quinnel Brown got back on track with a 21 point performance of his own.

Darren Duncan dished out a game high 12 assists.

Jermaine Johnson was Ottawa's leading scorer, dropping 19 points.

The Express head up the 401 on Wednesday, December 4th for a game against the Mississauga Power at 7:00pm.

The next Windsor home game is Sunday, December 8th  when the Moncton Miracles make their only appearance at the WFCU Centre this season. Tip off is 2:00pm.

IPM will have tickets to give away for this game. Check back for details.

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