BRICKNELL TAKES ON ONTARIO'S BEST AT OHL GOLD CUP
	Port Perry's Jake Bricknell, shown here with the Central Ontario Wolves, recently took part in the OHL Gold Cup tournament in Kitchener. The event is part of the selection process for Team Ontario's entry at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.... MORE Photo Credit: Darryl Knight/The Standard.

JUNIOR REBELS IN TOP SPOT

Uxbridge Tiger Zoe DeGroote (right) gets some help from a teammate in fending off a tackle from a Port Perry Rebel, during a special exhibition Senior Girls Rugby match between the North Durham rivals in Port Perry on Wednesday, May 8. The Tigers would hang on to win the nailbiter by a final score of 14-12. Uxbridge stayed perfect in LOSSA play on Monday, May 13 when they cruised past St. Mary (Pickering) 53-0... MORE ON THE REBELS Darryl Knight/The Standard

STICKS AND STONES ORGANIZERS HOPEFUL FOR SUNNY SKIES
	Fingers are crossed for good golf weather for Saturday as the Port Perry Curling Club hosts the annual event involving two four-end curling games and nine holes of early golf at Canterbury Common... MORE

Bricknell takes on Ontario's best at OHL Gold Cup
DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

Port Perry's Jake Bricknell took to the ice over the weekend as one of 168 of the top junior hockey prospects in the province vying for a spot with Team Ontario's entry at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

The OHL Gold Cup which brings together eight teams from the six minor hockey associations in Ontario to serve as not only a showcase of the future of junior hockey in Ontario, but also as part of the selection process for Team Ontario.

Bricknell was joined in the experience by two of his teammates from the Central Ontario Wolves Minor Midgets - Lindsay natives Johnny Corneil and Austin Eastman - who suited up for Team OMHA White for the four-day showcase event.

"It was a great experience, and the fact that I had two of my teammates on my team made it even better," Bricknell told The Standard. "I felt that the on-ice chemistry between Johnny, Austin and I really gave us a boost since we just had a whole season of playing together."

The event also gave the prospects their first taste of Ontario Hockey League competition as the entire tournament was played under OHL rules, including three 20 minute periods, with a flood between each period of play instead of the three 15 minute periods with a flood only between the second and third periods at the minor hockey level.

Bricknell quickly took to the enhanced style of play with his high-energy game, as the second round draft pick of the Belleville Bulls explained to The Standard.

"I found the OHL style was actually much better because you could go harder right off the start and not try as hard to conserve your energy, because you know that there's a break after 20 minutes instead of after 30 like in minor hockey," Bricknell said.

The three Central Ontario products all posted impressive results over the course of the tournament with Bricknell compiling two goals and an assist in five games played, including the game winner against the team from the Northern Ontario Hockey Association.

Eastman, a North Bay Battalion selection, tied for top spot on the team with two goals and four assists. Corneil, chosen by the Niagara Ice Dogs, added a goal and two assists over the course of the weekend.

Although he will have to wait to hear what the future may bring with Team Ontario, Bricknell acknowledged the thrill it would be to be chosen for the prestigious event, which has seen Team Ontario win more than twice as many Gold Medals as any other competing team since the tournament was formed in 1986. For the event, Canada sends five entries: Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic, West (Saskatchewan and Manitoba) and Pacific (Alberta and British Columbia). The United States, Russia, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Czech Republic and Slovakia have all sent teams to compete in the event.

"It's be unbelievable to be selected for the team, and a great honour to represent Ontario at the Under-17 World Championships," Bricknell added.

The next stage in the evaluation process for the Under-17 team comes at the Under-17 Provincial camp, which is being held in Oshawa from August 12 to 18. The final team roster is expected to be announced in mid-to-late November ahead of the event in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia in December.

In the coming weeks, Bricknell will be back on the ice with the Bulls for their Prospect Evaluation Camp, and has remained active in hoping to improve his game in order to step into a role with Belleville next season.

"I've been working with a power skating instructor and an off-ice trainer to try and bulk up to compete with stronger guys and more in shape. I'm also trying to get quicker and longer strides to help take advantage of the Olympic-sized ice at Yardman Arena (home of the Bulls)," explained Bricknell.

Although he added that it will be an adjustment moving away from home and living with a billet family as well as transferring away from Port Perry High School, where he is currently in Grade 10, Bricknell is enthusiastic to take the next step in his hockey career, and has enjoyed his time in Belleville to date.

"It's a smaller OHL centre, and the fan base is great and has a lot of passion for the game," Bricknell said. "And the bigger ice offers more time and space with the puck and more room to create plays. It definitely gives a conditioning advantage having to play half your games as well as practice on that bigger ice surface."

However, Bricknell's summer won't be limited to the ice, as he will be manning the shortstop position for the Port Perry Power fastball team.

Bricknell has always considered himself a versatile athlete having previously played lacrosse and rugby.

"Different sports allow for the chance to become a better overall athlete and an opportunity to stay in shape over the summer. I'm really looking forward to getting back out on the diamond this summer," added Bricknell.

Although Belleville may be in a rebuilding mode next year after a run to the Eastern Conference Finals this year, Bricknell is excited to be a member of a strong organization, coach by fellow Port Perry native George Burnett.

"It's really exciting to be a part of building the next foundation of the Bulls next season because the team will be younger. But, it's all very exciting and I hope to be a part of their next big run to the OHL Championship, and hopefully the Memorial Cup."

Reeling in the catch of the day
RYAN BEAN Special to The Standard

Editors' Note: Ryan Bean is a local angler and fishing guide. This is his first column in The Standard.

One of the most simple, and effective ways to fish without breaking the bank is simply using live bait.

I don't think there is literally a species for which there isn't an effective live bait technique that will produce fish, and give the most inexperienced angler a chance at a trophy.

Let's face it, not everyone is a pro fisherman, or has the time to learn all the different techniques and know-how that only experience, and years on the water can give you. Nor do a lot of us have the interest in fishing to spend our hard earned money on fishing lures and equipment, especially if we use it only a few times a year.

If you want a decent muskie lure, your looking at $20-$30. And you can't just get one of each style because different colours produce fish on different days, as do factors like water clarity, temperature, structure and species - just a few of the factors that come into play in deciding what lure to buy or use. It gets a little confusing for the novice angler, or for people who couldn't care less and just want to catch fish and relax. Live bait is definitely the most consistent way to catch fish, and I've never seen a weather condition, or body of water where a lively minnow or baitfish wasn't effective - and anyone can fish it.

Here are few pieces of advice for live bait fishing that will land you more fish:

- The smaller the float you can get away with using, the better. The bigger the float, the more likely the fish will spook or feel unnatural resistance and spit the hook. Great floats are made from balsa wood, and any float with a thinner profile will reduce resistance. The classic red and whites aren't recommended.

- Always look for structure, not just with live bait, but with any fishing. Cast your bait in and around docks, weeds, rocks, logs, points, shoals, drops, etc. Cast a lively minnow around any of the above and chance are you'll get bit.

- Make sure your bait is fresh and lively. Minnow, worms and leeches are a few that work great. Depending on your area's regulations, you may be able to use crayfish. They can't be beat for smallmouths! Get a good bait container. Your local tackle shop can help you get one that suits your needs.

- Always adjust the depth of your float according to the depth the fish are biting. If your not sure, one foot off bottom is a good place to start. I cant count the times I've watched anglers throw a worm six inches below a float that's the size of a tennis ball, only to have it drift ten feet above the fishes' strike zone.

- Investing in a worm blower can be deadly to float your worm just off bottom when bottom-fishing with weight. Just put your weight a foot or two above the hook to let the worm float just off bottom.

- The smaller the hook you can get away with, the better. It lets the bait move more naturally. There is a better chance the fish will hang on to it after the initial strike and won't kill your bait as fast.

- Only use enough weight so that your bait will naturally sink, and don't bunch the weights right near the hook.

- In most cases, a spinning rod outfit is the best bet for live bait fishing. When fishing for fish like pike and muskie, use a heavy fluorocarbon leader instead of wire. It will give the bait more natural movement.

Live bait fishing can provide fun for you and the whole family - without taking a chunk out of the wallet.

So next time your scouring the box looking for something that will work on a day the fish aren't really biting, go natural and try live bait. I'm not saying it always out-fishes lures, or is better. I am a lure fisherman myself, but as far as ‘keeping it simple' and something that will work on a consistent basis for kids and adults alike, it can't be beat.

Please remember to always check the bait regulations for the area you are fishing.
Visit Ryan Bean on-line at beanoutdoors.blogspot.com.

Junior Rebels in top spot
DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

Port Perry High School's Junior Boys Rugby team continued to roll over LOSSA competition this week as they rolled to a pair of wins.

The team, which has yet to allow a point against in four league games played, rolled to a 51-0 victory over Sinclair (Whitby) before benefitting from a 20-0 default win over the recently-folded entry from GL Roberts (Oshawa).

The team, which is led by Team Ontario members Seth Grove, Jesse Menzies and Matthew Van Camp has outscored its opponents by a margin of 184-0.

The current group of players is looking to build on their success from a season ago when they captured the first LOSSA Midget Championship for the Rebels since 2006.

On Friday, May 17, the Junior Rebels will host Eastdale (Oshawa) at 3 p.m., before a showdown with the East Division-leading Donald Wilson (Whitby) Gators on Tuesday, May 21 at 3 p.m. in Port Perry.

Across Lakeridge Rd., the Uxbridge SS Junior Boys also improved their undefeated record with a pair of victories last week.

After downing Pine Ridge (Pickering) by a score of 17-7, the Junior Tigers shut out
All Saints (Whitby) by a 20-0 margin in Uxbridge.

Uxbridge's Senior Boys rebounded from a 17-15 loss to Pine Ridge to wallop St. Mary (Pickering) by a score of 51-0 to earn a split of last week's games.

The Senior Tigers will play host to a pair of LOSSA foes this week as they tangle with Henry Street (Whitby) on Friday, May 17 at 3 p.m. and on Tuesday, May 21, will look to give the Dunbarton (Pickering) Spartans a hostile welcome when they visit Uxbridge on Tuesday, May 21 at 3 p.m.

The Tigers have their eyes on a sixth straight LOSSA championship this year. Uxbridge has emerged as a provincial rugby powerhouse over the past decade as the school has claimed eight of the last 10 league championships.

In East Division action, the Senior Rebels sit just four points behind division leading Wilson after wins over Sinclair and GL Roberts last week.

The Rebels will look to continue their winning ways when they host Eastdale on Friday, May 17 at 4 p.m. and engage in a showdown for top spot in the East when Wilson visits Port Perry on Tuesday, May 21, with the action getting underway at 4 p.m.

In Girls Rugby action, the Tigers downed the Rebels by a score of 14-12 in a close fought exhibition match between the North Durham schools in Port Perry on Wednesday, May 8.

After defeating St. Mary (Pickering) by a 53-0 margin on Monday, May 13 in Uxbridge, the Senior Tiger Girls will look to close out a perfect LOSSA regular season on Wednesday, May 15 when they travel to Oshawa to tangle with the Eastdale Eagles at 2 p.m.

The Senior Rebel Girls will also close out the 2013 LOSSA regular season on Wednesday, May 15 at 2 p.m. when they square off in Port Perry against the Courtice Cougars. The game will be followed by a Junior Girls match-up also pitting Port Perry against Courtice. With a win, the Junior Rebel Girls would also wrap up a perfect regular season record.

Sticks and Stones survives a blast of winter weather
BRUCE ROGERS Special to The Standard

Golfers braving gale force winds, ice pellets and soggy fairways carded some impressive nine-hole scores at the Sticks and Stones, Port Perry Curling Club's final event of the season. Subtracting points earned in two curling games from their one under golf total (30), the team of Don and Willie Beaton, Jim McCann and John Butler topped the day at 19. Second overall was the mixed foursome of Terry Golphin, Marita Kersten, John and Tracy McKinnon. They won a three way tie by winning more ends on the ice. Ray Brauch's Uxbridge team of Doug Lockhart, Herb Kelloway and Bernie Jefferson came close with a final total of 21.

Golphin also won Men's Longest Drive on the third hole. Louise Haugen had the Longest Lady's Drive on the 6th. Closest to the pin awards went to Angie Barnes and Ken Parish. Bill Clayton of the Sunderland-Cannington foursome won the putting contest. Mary Holt, Karen Meyer, Bev Brown and Jan Thompson were the top ladies foursome and third overall with a final point total of 30.

Bev Brown's volunteers included draw master Paul Coveart, kitchen crew of Diana Rogers, Diane Harris, Dorothy Smith with Irv Gibson at the BBQ.

Wild Card rink wins Port Men's Playoffs
Ralph Fairman's Doug Rowe, Ron Short and Graeme MacIver triumphed in the quarter finals and did it again against Ken Slute's Third Schedule winners in the semi finals. Meanwhile, Schedule One winners Mark Howsam and Clive Powell fought it out to see who would meet Fairman in the final game of the year.

Howsam's rink of Paul Travers, Dan Adamson and Jake Haak advanced, but wild card winner Fairman and crew prevailed. The Men's Banquet is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15.

Bantams crown champs and dine in style
Jacob Lamb guided Seth Brownrigg, Jack Blaney and Ashley Basque in a playoff victory at Port Perry Curling Club against the Daniel Kiss rink of Eric Mailhot, Ryan Brauer and William Delaney. They blanked the first end behind an impenetrable wall of rocks and then exchanged singles after that. It was a tight final end but Lamb's side prevailed 2 to 1.

In other last day Bantam games, Regan Eckhardt led Leanne Cherry, Robyn Blaney and Bobbi Christie to a one-sided, draw-based, 7-zip win over Trevor Hill, Thomas Kiss, Elliott Giles Duhamel and Thomas Stiller. And 5 to 2 was the score in the game pitting Meaghan McGuire, Alexandra Duff, Gregory Whitney and Holly Stiller against the winning rink of Aidan Bowers, Andrew Brown, Cameron Mailhot and Brendan Stevenson.

Their season of games and skills training wound down with a league banquet prepared by coach Diana Rogers. The menu was salad, pasta with meat balls and sausages, peaches and ice cream for dessert. Curlers received certificates for skill achievements and they thanked Ian Emerson, Gord Humphrey, Paul Webert, Bill VanVugt and yours truly for their help. Many Bantams took registration forms with them as they look forward to fall and another curling season.

Port Perry Club's Junior Early Bird
The Ontario Curling Tour's Junior Early Bird event set for Port Perry Curling Club in September is almost full. The 2012-13 Ontario Bantam Boys Championship team of Matt Hall, Phil Malvar, MacKenzie Reid, and Cody McGhee and the Ontario Bantam Girls Championship team of Jestyn Murphy, Leah Will, Riley Sandham and Hilary Nuhn will attend. Jestyn Murphy and Leah Will were also part of the 2012-13 Ontario Bantam Mixed Championship team, along with Jeff Wanless and Hale Murphy. Ben Bevan (a former Canada Winter's Games champ) and Dillon Pierce from Annandale will also contend. Erin Macaulay will represent Whitby C.C. Melissa Borowski (K-W Granite) was recently in the Canadian College Curling Championships in Edmonton. Local curlers of all ages will get to see some of the best juniors in Ontario, September 13-15. The Early Bird committee is still looking for individuals or businesses to team sponsor at a cost of only $50. Anyone interested can contact Bill Rourke at 905-986-0100 or wjrourke@gmail.com.