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a, Student Life

McGill Compliments sweeping campus

by Jacqui Galbraith on

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McGill Compliments is a new Facebook account that is quickly joining many McGill students’ friend lists. McGill Compliments provides a safe, anonymous outlet for McGill students to do just that: compliment one another. Through private inbox messages that get posted by the McGill Compliments profile creator, and tagged by whoever happens to know the recipient, McGillians are sharing the love.

It’s based on the premise that we all like a compliment, but don’t always take the time to show our gratitude to those we value most. The Tribune sat down with the mind that brought the compliments movement to McGill to talk about the recent phenomenon.

McGill Tribune: So what is the basic idea behind ‘McGill Compliments?’

McGill Compliments: I feel like everyone needs to hear good things every once in a while, and I don’t think there’s enough positivity on campus ….This is just an outlet for people to tell others, without the possibility of judgement, what they think of them … whether they’re your best friend … or whether you’ve never talked to them before…. The basic idea is just [to] spread positivity, without judgement, and [to create] a network on campus where every student feels connected to each other—because we’re all McGillians. It’s a form of school spirit, I guess.

MT: Other schools like Queen’s have profiles as well. Do you know where this idea came from?

MC: It started at Queen’s, I believe [in September]. I think [McGill] was the seventh or eighth school to get in on it. Now there are 50 plus, since [November 14th], when I made it. So yeah, it’s [become] pretty viral. It’s been awesome.

(Alexandra Allaire / McGill Tribune)
(Alexandra Allaire / McGill Tribune)

MT: How did you first hear about this movement?

MC: My friend at Columbia. At that time, I think five other schools had profiles like that, and I thought, ‘this is awesome, it needs to be at McGill,’ [so] I did it.

MT: Are you in contact with the people who run the profiles for other schools, or are they all independent of each other?

MC: Queen’s actually made a group around a week ago. Just a university Compliments group for all the profiles to join. It’s a private group where we collaborate; if we have questions about how to deal with Facebook’s stupid automated security system—[which] often designates us as spammers—and things like that. We’re currently forming a petition to send to Facebook to stop the threat of bans, because some of us are unable to send friend requests. We also share ideas for other things outside of Facebook. I think Princeton just organized a Secret Santa across campus, and Berkeley is doing some cool things too.

MT: How are you dealing with the problems you’re running into with Facebook?

MC: I’m not too worried about it …. I think that Facebook wouldn’t do anything, because this is pretty viral. … Time magazine recently wrote an article about the whole compliments movement. I think it [makes] Facebook a positive forum for output like this, when often, [there are only] Facebook fights.

MT: Are you the only running the profile? Do you see it growing to the point where you have to bring in help? 

MC: I see myself doing that very soon in fact. Two thousand friends was my benchmark, and now I’m at [about] eighteen hundred. Especially with finals coming up and stuff, most of the other schools now have two to four people running [their pages].

MT: How much time do you typically spend in a day working on it?

MC: It’s hard to say …. I have my iPhone with me everywhere, so every time [a compliment] comes in … while I’m doing something else, I just open it, read it, make sure it’s okay, and [post it]. I’d say I do it all day, [but I’m] multi-tasking.

MT: Anonymity can sometimes be a dangerous thing on the internet; have you encountered any problems with content since you’ve been posting?

MC: Actually, people have been really good. I’ve only had six posts out of [about] 500 that I’ve deemed [inappropriate] to post. Everyone else has been taking it really seriously—genuinely. It’s good to see.

MT: What’s your favourite part of running McGill Compliments?

MC: Just seeing all the reactions and reading these messages and seeing all the love …. People don’t often take the time to tell other people [how] they feel about them. This just gives an outlet for them to do that, a purpose to do it rather than just out of the blue. I find compliments mean more when there’s no face behind them, in fact, because there’s no secondary purpose. It shows that they really think that way, because they’re not getting anything out of it.

send your compliment at www.facebook.com/mcgill.compliments?fref=ts

a, Student Life, Student of the Week

Student of the Week

by Jacqui Galbraith on

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Q: What word or phrase do you overuse?

A: I get a lot of flack for using the word ‘primo,’ which is a way to say ‘awesome.’

Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve?

A: When people drag their feet when they walk.

Q: What’s your secret talent?

A: I can throw a deck of cards across a room without a box or rubber band, and have them stay together. You bend down the corners and the sides, so it takes all the air out of the deck. So if you throw it [at the right angle], you can throw it [across] long distances. It’s a great party trick.

Q: Name a holiday movie you watch every year.

A: I can’t say I watch holiday movies every year …. I like It’s a Wonderful Life.

Q: What’s one place in Montreal you think everyone should visit?

A: Cheskie’s Bakery is up at Bernard and Parc. They have these amazing sprinkle cookies. It’s up farther than a lot of McGill students would ever venture, especially when it gets cold, but it’s definitely worth the walk.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

A: Someone said ‘don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff.’ Which is a nice thing that I definitely don’t live by as often as I should.

Q: What’s your dream job?

A: Professor of American History. That might change, but that’s where I’m pointing myself for the future.

Q: I’ve been told you’ve written papers and travelled to give talks about Bruce Springsteen. How did that come about?

A: I really like Bruce Springsteen. Something was bothering me about one of his songs, this narrative dysfunction in some of his lyrics. My dad’s an academic, so probably [those genes] drove me to write an essay, which I eventually sent out to a few authors who I thought would be interested in the subject to get their feedback. One of them invited me to a conference to speak last October, and I did. He kind of introduced me to this whole world of academics who also like Bruce Springsteen, and relate their academia to Springsteen’s work specifically, and its context in twentieth century America and its literary meaning. It’s a really awesome community, and it’s something that more than anything I feel comfortable writing about and I enjoy writing about. Obviously, when you can go to a concert and that counts as fieldwork, that’s really cool.

Q: What’s your favourite Bruce Springsteen song?

A: That’s like asking me to pick my favourite child.

Q: You’re the President and captain of the Quidditch team. what are the best and worst parts?

A: There’s no better feeling than when you’re losing by a couple of points, and then you snatch a snitch to win the game. The worst part: our placement in Montreal isn’t ideal. There’s a Quidditch hub in the Boston area, and in New York. There’s an emerging scene in Ottawa, but [we’re] just far enough away that it’s a bit of an inconvenience to get there. So as President, I’ve had to deal with the logistics of getting buses to get to specific tournaments. It’s not fun work, but someone has to do it, and after three years on the team, I was in the best position to do it.

Q: You’ve also been a floor fellow for a few years. Can you talk about how that experience has been?

A: I’ve been a floor fellow for two years, and I’m now the assistant director at New Rez. I’ve been at New Rez all three years. I had a great experience in rez my first year [at Carrefour Sherbrooke], and really like the community and opportunities of living in residence. I really relish the responsibility to successfully guide 50 first-years through what certainly can be a difficult experience. The hope is [that], at some point, I’m able to make it stop being [difficult], and make a successful [experience] that leads to four years of happiness [at McGill].

Q: What are the best and worst parts of the job?

A: The worst part is [when people get sick]. I’ve gotten used to it. The best parts overshadow the worst parts though. And that’s the opportunity to guide these students through their first year experiences, and put them on a road of academic success and extracurricular involvement. That’s what I think McGill has to offer; obviously, there’s always time for fun and there always should be. That’s definitely what first year is. And there’s no better feeling in the world than when you solve a roommate conflict.

a, Student Life

Dreaming of a white Christmas

by Alycia Noë on

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Classes are coming to an end, finals are rapidly approaching: it’s the final push. Sometimes it’s difficult to cope with so much stress, but whatever holiday you celebrate, if you stop to think about it, there is a lot to look forward to.

Food:

The first delight of the holidays is arguably the food. In addition to delicately preparing holiday dinner, we make and consume delicious desserts. The choices range anywhere from pecan tarts, to apple crisps, to fruitcake—yes, even fruitcake—in the kitchen. This is the time of year to eat anything and everything your heart desires. It’s always enjoyable to cook and bake with family—and let’s not forget the numerous family traditions every household possesses. During Christmas dinner, we always burst open crackers, which are similar to miniature fireworks that contain surprising little gifts. On Boxing Day, we invite friends and family over, piling our plates high with copious amounts of leftovers and tasty treats, and play board games until the early morning.

Rest:

Holidays are also a time for rest and relaxation. After a long, and at times sleepless, semester, I always look forward to returning home. I can sleep in past noon, watch too much television, or play cards and board games with my family. This is the season where you realize family bonding time is significantly undervalued. Before coming to university, you may have been eager to escape your typical surroundings, but as famous saying goes, ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder.’

That Christmas feeling:

It is also impossible to forget the music, movies, decorations, and weather associated with the holidays. Christmas music and movies never cease to capture the imagination. Classic songs like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer play continuously and movies such as The Miracle on 34th Street, It’s a Wonderful Life and, of course, Scrooged are must watches. Decorating the house is a vital part of the joy and merriment of the holiday season. There are always ornaments to hang on the tree, garlands to wrap around the banister, and wreaths to hang on the front door.This time of year also helps everyone romanticize about the harsh and frigid Montreal weather, after all, ‘I’m dreaming of a white Christmas!’

Giving:

I think we can all appreciate the fact that everyone seems to be a little nicer during the season of giving. Most people look for any way, big or small, to help out and eagerly place money into the red Salvation Army kettles, or volunteer their time at a charity. The holidays are also a time to show our loved ones how much we care. We take time to just be with each other, and put serious thought into the perfect present. It’s always rewarding to see the enjoyment on someone’s face when they finally receive their gift. Another part of the holiday shopping fun is finding the best deals and discounts. When you manage to buy a present worth hundreds of dollars for 60 per cent off, you might even enjoy making the purchase more than they enjoy receiving it.

New Year’s Eve:

New Year’s Eve is always an anticipated event. Staying up late, surrounded by all your loved ones is a great way to ring in the New Year. You wait around for hours, watching the television coverage—I recommend Anderson Cooper on CNN—and waiting for the countdown to begin. When I hear ‘ten, nine, eight…’ my stomach begins to turn with anxiousness and excitement. Finally, ‘three, two, one…’ and the New Year has arrived. The New Year is the perfect ending to an amazing time with family and promises a new beginning for everyone.

So relax, and enjoy what’s truly important this holiday season, no matter how you celebrate. Leave your stress behind, get home, and get comfy—‘tis the season, after all!

a, Recipes, Student Life

Latke Recipe

by Adam Sadinsky on

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After sundown on Dec. 8, Jewish people around the world will light the first candle of Chanukah. Celebrate the Festival of Lights with this traditional latke recipe—they’re so good that you can take them home to your mother for the holidays. This recipe makes at least two dozen, so you’ll certainly have enough to.

Ingredients:

6-8 potatoes (Yukon Gold or yellow fleshed are best)

1 onion

3 eggs

1 tbsp. oil

1 tsp salt

Pinch of pepper

¼ cup flour

2 tsp baking powder

Oil for frying

Instructions:

Cut and grate the potatoes into a bowl, not too fine. Grate the onion and mix with the potatoes. Scoop the mixture into a cheesecloth and squeeze to remove liquid. Return to the bowl and mix with the rest of the ingredients. Pour a generous amount of oil into the pan for frying. Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture into the pan and flatten into pancake shape. Turn them over when you see the bottom turning brown. Place the cooked latkes on paper towels to absorb some excess oil, and serve with apple sauce or sour cream.

McGill College Ave. at Christmas (Melanie Simon / McGill Tribune)
a, Student Life

Christmas time in the city

by Natassja Di Battista on

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Once the first snowflakes start falling, we know that winter is officially here. And with winter comes hot chocolate, and cozy blankets. When we bring out the word ‘holiday,’ it also means decorating, baking, and lots of eggnog. That’s right, it’s time to get excited! Even though you’re going to be stressing for finals—it’s inevitable—make sure that you take some time to relax, to give yourself a break, and get into the holiday spirit. There are tons of must-see attractions around the city that are guaranteed to take your mind off of school. So grab your tacky sweaters, your mittens, and enjoy the best of Montreal’s Christmas attractions.

Ice Skating:

A timeless classic that most of us learned when we were little is now an exhilarating study break. Montreal has a few outdoor skating rinks, but Beaver Lake and Bonsecours Basin come highly recommended. Beaver Lake is located on the west side of Mount Royal, and is a favourite among many. Admission is free, and if you don’t have your own skates, you can rent a pair for seven dollars. Bonsecours Basin sits in the heart of Old Port and boasts amazing views of the city. Admission and skate rental cost about $12 in all. Both rinks are open seven days a week, but hours of admission vary. Check online for more details, as well as information on directions and special theme nights.

Fireworks:

Telus presents Fire on Ice: a breathtaking annual fireworks display in the Old Port. Each Saturday night in December fireworks are shot over the St. Lawrence River at 8:00 p.m., creating an amazing spectacle of pyrotechnics. On New Year’s Eve, the display coincides with the midnight countdown. The event is free; all you have to do is get there early for a good spot. The closest metro stop is Place-d’Armes, but check online for other viewing locations.

The Nutcracker:

The classic story of Clara, her nutcracker, and their fantastic journey is being performed by Les Grands Ballet throughout the month of December. Performances will be taking place at Place des Arts starting December 13 through 30 on various days, alternating between 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. showings. Tickets start at $41, and are available through grandsballets.com. Check online to score your pass into the wonderful world of dancing snowflakes, fearsome swordplay, and sugar plum fairies.

Downtown Core:

If you are not particular about the activity, just taking a walk around the downtown core—hot chocolate in hand—can boost your holiday cheer. Take a walk down McGill College at night for the festive displays; the trees are wrapped with lights, and there are lit up wreaths and angels hung on the surrounding buildings. Once you hit Ste. Catherine, look across to Place Ville Marie to see the giant Christmas tree, and try not to feel warm and fuzzy.

The holidays inevitably mean shopping: window or otherwise. While trying to find that perfect gift, make sure you head to The Bay on Ste. Catherine, or the Ogilvy store on the corner of la Montagne to look at some of the gorgeous Christmas displays. You can even stop and take a picture in front of one of them. Keep your eyes open for Santa Claus, too!

Stay at Home:

If you’re not up for leaving the house, there is still plenty that can be done in your own home to bring in some Christmas cheer! Burn a yuletide-scented candle; bake a batch of your favourite holiday treats and deck the halls while listening to your favourite holiday album. My recommendation: Michael Buble’s album Christmas. End your day off with a classic seasonal movie—or two. Love Actually, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, and A Christmas Carol are all must-watch.

Try something new:

If you’re in the mood for a change, why not try creating a new tradition? Take the opportunity to celebrate Chanukah or Kwanza, and learn about other holidays. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Dec. 8 and ends on Dec. 16. Kwanza begins on December 26 and ends on January 1. You could also partake in a classic Quebecois tradition and eat some tourtière this holiday season. This meat pie offers tons of flavour, and a delicious way to celebrate French-Canadian culture.

So whether you’re braving the cold, or snuggled up at home, remember to take a break this exam season and enjoy what Montreal has to offer. Happy Holidays!

Simon Poitrimolt / McGill Tribune
a, Sports

Fall Sports Record Cards

by Justin Simon, Mayaz Alam, Steven Lampert, Mido Assran, Remi Lu, Peter Laing on

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Redmen Baseball – A-

MVP: Adam Gordon

Athlete to Watch: Tyler Welence

Looking to rebound from a disappointing 2011 season, the Redmen turned to new Head Coach Jason Starr to restore order in McGill’s nationally renowned baseball program. Despite a poor start—dropping four of their first five contests—the Redmen stayed composed, and won eight of their final eleven games to secure a playoff berth.

Characteristic of the 2010 National Champions, McGill caught a spark at the most opportune time. They swept both their semifinal and final playoff opponents in Ottawa and Carleton, respectively, and qualified for the CIBA National Championship in the process. McGill remained hot throughout nationals, culminating in a dramatic walk-off grand slam to send the team to the national semifinal.

However, this proved to be as far as the momentum would carry them, as the Redmen fell to  eventual champions St. Clair College 4-2, ending hopes of a second national championship in three years.

Martlet Soccer – B

MVP:  Meghan Bourque

Athlete to Watch: Kristina Pearkes

The Martlets looked ready to earn another CIS Championship tournament berth after opening the 2012 season with six straight wins; they were ranked amongst the top ten in the country and were dominating RSEQ competition. However, McGill’s inconsistent play plagued the team down the stretch, as it managed to win just three of its last eight games. While McGill qualified for the conference playoffs, the team was clearly out of sync. The Martlets needed to prevail in the RSEQ semifinal to earn a trip to nationals, but lost to Sherbrooke on season-ending penalty kicks.

There were a few Martlets that put together impressive seasons, notably first-year standout Kristina Pearkes, leading goal-scorer Hannah Rivkin, and third-year midfielder Meghan Bourque. Looking forward to next season, the team will maintain a strong nucleus, including 2011 CIS Freshman-of-the-Year Alexandra Hoyte, who missed all of the 2012 campaign due to injury.  Martlet leaders Julie Bahen and Beth Armstrong leave the team following graduation, and while this year’s result was undoubtedly disappointing, the program’s future looks bright.

McGill Cross-Country

Redmen B-

MVP: Benjamin Raymond

Athlete to Watch: Charles Litwin

The Redmen placed 16th at the CIS Championship—a decent showing for the runners. Freshman Benjamin Raymond played a crucial role, posting second place finishes at the McGill Open, the Laval Open, and the RSEQ Championships. The first year polished off the season with Quebec Rookie-of-the-Year accolades. Other top-scorers for the season included freshman Charles Litwin and sophomore Michael Abramson. Promising rookies Raymond and Litwin look to lead the team moving forward.

Martlets B+

MVP: Jessica Porfilio

Athlete to Watch: Caroline Pfister

The Martlets started their season strong, winning five of their first six meets, including multiple podium sweeps and the RSEQ Championship. Rookie Caroline Pfister, a high-profile athlete previously representing Canada at international age-class competitions, led the Martlets throughout the year. Other top runners included sophomore Quebec conference runner of the year, Jessica Porfilio, as well as seniors Sarah McCuaig and Madeleine Cummings. The Martlets placed seventh overall at nationals. The team has good depth and a young core, which bodes well for next season.

Martlet Rugby – B-

MVP:  Brianna Miller

Athlete to Watch: Emily Barber

The McGill Martlets had a season of up and downs in 2012. They opened their season winning four out of their first five games. However, they failed to deliver when it counted once again, as the team fell in the RSEQ semifinal for the fifth consecutive season—this time, to rival Concordia. Third-year back Brianna Miller was honoured with All-Canadian status and named the RSEQ player of the year after recording six tries and a conference-high 40 conversions. The Martlets lose just two players to graduation, so next year’s roster has the potential to end their recent playoff woes.

Redmen Football – C+

MVP: Laurent Duvernay-Tardif

Athlete to Watch: Shaquille Johnson

After multiple seasons of disappointment on the gridiron, the Redmen finally ended their 23-game winless streak with a 36-9 victory over Mt. Allison. Overall, it was a tumultuous season for the Redmen, as strong performances—including another win against Bishop’s, and a narrow loss to rival Concordia—were mixed with the 40-point shutouts seen in previous years.

The improvements on the field were spearheaded by two All-Canadians: third-year offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, and freshman wide receiver Shaquille Johnson. Johnson became only the second Redman to capture the CIS Rookie-of-the-Year. This season also marked Head Coach Clint Uttley’s first full year in the position. This was a smart hire for McGill, as Uttley injected life into a downtrodden program. With both All-Canadians returning and only eleven graduating seniors, look for the Redmen to ride this wave of momentum into even more playoff appearances in the future.

Redmen Soccer – D

MVP: Alexis Pradié

Athletes To Watch: Max Leblond, Olivier Lacoste-Lebuis

The Redmen had an unfortunate season. After the year’s conclusion, the RSEQ announced that McGill had forfeited 11 of its 12 games for use of an ineligible player. The news sent the Redmen to the bottom of the standings with a miserable 0-12-0 record.

However, McGill MVP and centre-back Alexis Pradié still earned some glory when he was named to the CIS All-Canadian first-team for the second consecutive year. Pradié will graduate this year, undoubtedly leaving a huge hole in the leadership department.

However, with new rising freshman star Max Leblond coming through the ranks, McGill is sure to have a formidable team next fall. Leblond brought strong leadership to the keeper position, and delivered a laudable performance. Head Coach Jose Valdez will enter his second season at the position, which will give him more time to make his mark on the program.

Redmen Rugby – A

MVP: Cameron Perrin

Athlete to Watch: Robert Ashe

It was certainly a roller coaster ride for the Redmen this season. After coming out of the gate with four straight wins, the team was devastated after an ineligible player cost them all their victories. Despite the forfeits, the Redmen continued to dominate the rest of the year, and won their final four matches. The Redmen cruised to the championship by easily defeating Bishop’s in the semifinals, and for the third consecutive year, McGill faced Concordia in the final. While the Redmen played a somewhat sloppy game, they managed to come out on top to claim their seventh straight RSEQ title.

Even though McGill loses 15 players to graduation, the team is still in great shape. Fortunately, seniors comprised only half of the starting lineup. The team is in good hands moving forward, as Head Coach Craig Beemer currently sports a 66-6 record during his tenure at McGill.

Redmen Lacrosse – A

MVP: Jishan Sharples

Athlete to Watch: Alex Rohrbach

The Redmen finally achieved what they desired. The team had a storybook run through the playoffs to capture its first-ever CUFLA championship. McGill finished the regular season on top of the Eastern Conference with a 9-1 overall record. The Redmen pulled off a three goal rally in the final 80 seconds to stun Guelph in the national semifinal matchup. Then, in the championship game against Western, with mere seconds remaining in double overtime, captain Jishan Sharples scored the game-winner to claim the Baggataway Cup.

The Redmen will lose two key players to graduation: Ryan Besse graduates as McGill’s all-time leading goal scorer, while Sharples, who provided leadership and clutch play all season, will also not be returning. With veteran Coach Tim Murdoch at the helm, and depth at every position, the Redmen will have a chance to repeat as champions again next season.

a, Sports

Sports 2013 Wishlist

on

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As a huge basketball fan, it would be pretty great to see a non-superteam win the NBA Finals and hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy at the end of the season. It would validate the fact that the NBA world isn’t dominated by a couple of superstars, and that true team-basketball is still the best kind of basketball.

—Remi Lu

I wish that the NBA will bring back basketball to Vancouver. Otherwise, I hope that the Brooklyn Nets continue to ascend into the ranks of the elite—beating the New York Knicks in the process—and that someone from an NCAA conference other than the SEC wins the BCS Championship Game.

—Mayaz Alam

­

My wish is for the return of the Quebec Nordiques. There is an obvious thirst for more hockey in La Belle Province. Numerous NHL franchises are currently struggling. Moving one of these teams to Quebec City would eliminate an economic bottom feeder—the kind that  is bleeding money and begging for help during the lockout. Having more hockey teams in Canada is better for the league. Period.

—Trevor Drummond

I would love to see Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos take home Superbowl XLVII, shutting down the New England Patriots in the process. As a Broncos fan, I’ve watched Peyton pick apart my team in many playoff games when he was a member of the Indianapolis Colts. A Superbowl win would more than make up for all those devastating losses.

—Justin Simon

I’m blindly cheering for a drug-free Tour de France, with the ‘Manx Missile,’ Mark Cavendish, again showing that he’s the fastest thing on two wheels. Knowing I won’t make any friends with this, I’m hoping for a continued NHL lockout since it has greatly increased the coverage of sports I hold dearer and those that have improved my quality of life.

—Jeff Downey

I, for one, want the NHL lockout to end soon. Not only will life be better with NHL hockey, but cancelling an entire season could prematurely end some great careers. Above all, my wish is that Daniel Alfredsson—a good person, a great leader, and a borderline Hall-of-Famer—gets to play at least one more game in the city he has adopted as his home, a city which bows at his feet.

—Adam Sadinsky

Why do Raptors fans—myself included—go through this self-punishment every year? Do we watch to see Ben Uzoh record the Raptors’ only triple-double of the year; or do we watch to see the team finish in 8th place before being obliterated by Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat? Our well-dressed general manager’s time is up. This mess is his fault. In 2013, I want Bryan Colangelo expelled from the Toronto Raptors—and for good reason.

—Filippo Furlano

I was born the year the Blue Jays won their first World Series. Since then, the Toronto sports scene has been fairly bleak, filled with the nasty combination of false hope and embarassment. However, with one major offseason trade, a Toronto team has finally become relevant again. My wish in 2013 is for the Blue Jays to make the MLB postseason, and remove the disappointment at the collective Toronto sports fans’ core. I don’t know if we can survive another year of mediocrity and heartbreak.

—Steven Lampert

Darche is engaged in the NHL lockout negotiations. (Luke Orlando / McGill Tribune)
a, Sports

McGill NHLer weighs in on the lockout

by David Stein on

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The Tribune had the opportunity to sit down with Mathieu Darche, a McGill graduate (B.Com. ‘00) who played in the NHL last season with the Montreal Canadiens. He weighed in on his time at McGill, this year’s Redmen roster, and the current NHL lockout. 

McGill Tribune: What do you remember about your days as a McGill Redmen? 

Mathieu Darche: I went to McGill to get an education. It was the only [Canadian] school that gave me an offer. I remember all those years at McGill, those Christmas trips that we [took to] Europe and Vancouver. I think we went to Slovakia one year. I try and keep in touch with quite a few of the ex-Redmen, like my linemates from those years: Dave Gourde and Dave Grenier. [Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach] Martin Raymond I actually still talk to today.”

MT: How closely do you follow the current McGill Redmen?

MD: To be honest, I only saw one game this year. But I’ve heard good things about that [Marc-Olivier] Vachon, and a few other kids like [Ryan] McKiernan, who was there last year [and] seems like a good character kid. I know it’s a bit of a transition year for them because they graduated a lot of players [from] last year’s [championship team]. That’s the thing with [collegiate] sports; you can’t keep your players forever.

MT: Has your McGill Management degree benefited you throughout the NHL lockout negotiations? 

MD: Well, a degree is just a piece of paper. I mean, maybe I was able to get a grasp on the financial things quicker because I did take some finance classes. [However], whatever you learn in school is nothing compared to practical work and experience. I’m getting towards the end of my playing career, and being in the business side of hockey is something that I’ve always been interested in.

MT: Do you see the NHL lockout ending anytime soon?

MD: I’ve been optimistic from the start that there [will] be hockey; and I think the players have come a long way. We sacrificed over a billion dollars in salary, and it just seems right now, like the owners want to hit a home run by getting us on the player’s share and contracting rights. Then again, I think we’re way too close to not get a deal done.

MT: Have NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly been unfair during the negotiations? 

MD: I don’t have anything personal against those two; they’re incredibly smart people, and they’re doing what the owners want them to do. They’re just the voice behind the whole [position]. Obviously, I’ll preach from [the players’] choir. I feel that we’ve made the most concessions.

MT: Were your ex-teammate Roman Hamrlik’s comments against NHLPA Executive Director Donald Fehr out of line? 

MD: I don’t want to say [out of line], [because] I understand where he’s coming from. He’s 38 years old and I’m in the same boat. Maybe I’ll never play again, who knows? And I have no problem with his opinion except for one [thing]: I’m just disappointed that he hasn’t been to any meetings. When he was in Montreal, skating with us, I tried to explain stuff to him and he wouldn’t listen. He would just say, ‘That’s stupid, that’s stupid.’ The only thing that I [can] say is that I’m a little bit disappointed that he made those comments without being informed.

MT: Is decertification for the NHLPA a realistic possibility? 

MD: It could happen. I mean, you saw the NFL and the NBA did it and they got a deal not long after. Will we do it? I don’t know yet. Has it been discussed? Of course it has. Every [possibility] has been discussed. I don’t know if we will, [but] I’d like to hope that we’ll get an agreement before doing something like that. It’s tough to predict right now if we’ll get to that or not.

MT: Does the fact that you don’t currently have an NHL contract change your perspective in these negotiations? 

MD: Well, some people told me on Twitter—because you get Twitter haters who think they’re ‘Twitter tough’—[that] ‘of course it’s easy for me to be a hardliner.’ They told me that I have nothing to lose because I don’t have a contract, but I think it’s the opposite. I have everything to lose because especially at my age [36] the longer it goes, the lower my chances are of playing again.”

 

a, Behind the Bench, Sports

Fantasy is my reality

by Tom DiNardo on

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After unloading my backpack stuffed full of books and unzipping my puffy jacket, I settle into my McLennan carrel with a Tim Hortons’ double-double for a long study session. I open up my computer, click on Safari, and type “Yahoo fantasy basketball” into the Google search bar. The results appear, and the normally blue hyperlink at the top is purple from countless clicks. An hour later, I still haven’t started my work, preferring instead to pour through Rotoworld’s fantasy updates, research hot players, or just stare at the beauty of a lineup that includes Russell Westbrook and David West.

I have always been a basketball fan. Growing up in Boston, it’s hard not to get swept up in the mania of one of the greatest sports cities in the world, especially given the past decade of success. However, I will admit that I never really paid much attention to teams other than Boston in the NBA. Barely able to divide my attention between the Celtics, Patriots, and Bruins during the winter months, there was no way, I figured, I could ever pay attention to a whole league.

Nevertheless, I live with roommates whom I would consider to be basketball fanatics, and I was approached this fall with the prospect of being in an NBA fantasy league. I eagerly accepted, thinking that it would be a fun way to pay a bit more attention to basketball—a good topic of conversation among friends.

I can honestly say now—as we’re ending the fifth week of our league—that nothing has ever consumed my waking psyche like fantasy basketball. In the mornings, the first thought that pops into my head is how my fantasy team performed the night before. It’s always the first website I go on when I open up my laptop.

Yahoo! Fantasy StatTracker—the league’s live scoring system—is probably the most distracting feature of all. In the evenings, I’ll find myself at the library, staring at the application, and waiting for a player’s name to light up and the statistics to update. Even when I’m in the comfort of my own home and done with studying for the night, I’d rather watch StatTracker than a real game on TV.

Being involved in the league has made me think about basketball in another way. Before, I was always attracted to the unorthodox combination of grace and physicality that exists in basketball: the swish of a long range three through the net, the effortless and quick motioned dribbling, and the aggressive drives to the paint. Teamwork was always a thing of beauty. But now, I curse teamwork and pray that my fantasy players selfishly jack up three balls and miss shots to grab their own offensive rebounds.

Sadly though, my allegiance to the Celtics has waned in these past few months, most evidently when a member of my fantasy team is playing them. For instance, when Boston played Oklahoma City just a few weeks ago, I was delighted that Russell Westbrook was tearing it up from behind the arc and making well-placed assists. Even in the final minutes of the game, when OKC was threatening to overtake Boston, I hoped Westbrook would tally up some late game points.

Before this fall, I could probably only name the star players on each NBA team. Now through my team, I can rattle off the two players time-sharing at centre for the Denver Nuggets, and the backup point guard for the Golden State Warriors. I eagerly await Portland Trailblazers’ games, even though they are last in their division.

Yes, final papers are weighing heavily on my shoulders, and I should spend my evenings pouring through source material, but every night around 8:00 p.m. StatTracker goes up and the rest of the night is written off as I stare at my computer, living the fantasy life.

Sharples celebrates with the Baggataway Cup. (Jishan Sharples)
a, Sports

For the boys: Sharples leaves on top

by Jeff Downey on

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“My plan was to go to Western University to play lacrosse since grade 12,” Jishan Sharples, McGill’s graduating, and recently crowned national champion said. “I didn’t even think of going to McGill, hadn’t even visited the campus. I was sure I didn’t want to go there. But then [Head Coach Tim Murdoch] contacted me and with one 30 minute phone call, I switched right away.”

Amazingly, this one discussion with Murdoch transformed Sharples’ life. Using the captain’s desire for a premium education and a promise of a national championship in the coming years at McGill, Murdoch lured the young star recruit to Montreal. Despite Sharples’ early uncertainty, the move to McGill has undoubtedly paid off, as he scored the game winning overtime goal in the Baggataway Cup final to beat the team he was once destined to join—the Western Mustangs.

“I saw immediately that Jishan was a versatile athlete—strong, fast, and athletic,” Murdoch said. “[Yet], it is truly ironic that Jishan scored the most historic goal in our history against Western in the championships. I’m so glad he was wearing red that day instead of purple.”

Growing up in Vancouver, Sharples began playing lacrosse at just five years old, after his father got him interested in the sport. Long travel sessions to practices and games marked Sharples’ high school playing days, then a member of the Burnaby Mountain Selects, the premier travelling lacrosse program in British Columbia. The club cycles through tournaments in the United States to provide exposure for gifted lacrosse players to Divison I NCAA schools.

“There isn’t a lot of exposure in Canada, specifically for field lacrosse, which is what is played in university,” Sharples said. “In order to take it to the next level, you really need to join a travelling team. The switch really came for me in grade nine, when I joined Burnaby.” Sharples said.

The Vancouver native was recruited by 18 American institutions, in addition to his few Canadian opportunities. However, McGill’s strong lacrosse program, as well as its academic reputation, won the Sharples over.

“The best decision I ever made was becoming a Redmen,” he said.

According to Sharples, the team’s success can be attributed to the roster’s diversity and the team’s devotion to the motto “for the boys.” The team features players from all across Canada and the United States. This multi-faceted dynamic—faithfully helmed by Princeton alumnus Murdoch—presents an environment where players can mature and constantly improve. This differs dramatically from other elite Canadian programs, like Western, which recruit heavily from the local talent base.

Even this year’s national championship—where Sharples scored five goals between the semis and finals, including the game-winner in the Baggataway Cup—was a total team effort.

“The entire tournament everybody played his role­—as corny as that sounds, from offence to defence—and even though my name will be on that last goal, I’m adamant that it stands as a team one,” Sharples said. “But, it is a pretty amazing feeling … it’s the only way I wanted to end my career at McGill.”

Looking towards the future, Sharples already has opportunities. With the National Lacrosse League planning to expand the current professional scene in Canada—including a team in this city to follow the now-defunct Montreal Express—Sharples was chosen to participate in a tryout for Quebec lacrosse athletes for a chance to play in a Toronto Rock professional game in December. Although he was unsuccessful in his first bid, the tryout served as a learning experience for future endeavours should he wish to pursue them. However, the future may be far more similar to the present.

“The good thing about our league, is that there is no [eligibility] limit—so I’ve already told coach I’ll be back in some form,” Sharples said. “As long as you’re a full-time student at McGill [you’re eligible]. I’m hoping to do a dual MBA/JD program, with another four years of lacrosse.”

Looking back, Murdoch had glowing reviews of Sharples and the legacy he leaves with the program.

“I am always happy to witness young men like Jishan mature over four years on campus. He took full advantage of McGill’s academic offerings—four-year honor roll status, while enjoying himself socially in Montreal. He has always been self-motivated to achieve great things, on and off of the lacrosse field, [and] he made his own success through hard work and determination,” Murdoch said.

“Jishan is destined for continued success in whatever career path he chooses beyond McGill,” Murdoch continued. “As head coach, I have formed especially close friendships with our captains over the years, and I can say from the bottom of my heart that I will miss Jishan enormously.”

It’s safe to say Sharples made the right playing decision.

“[It’s been] the best four years of my life,” Sharples said. “An absolute roller coaster, with definitely more highs than lows, but it started the right way and ended the right way.”

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