Haligonia Sports Announces Partnerships With Local Corporate Sponsors.

Haligonia Sports, Halifax’s leader in local sport coverage, is pleased to announce partnerships with Mexicali Rosas on Spring Garden Road, and T-Zone Vibration Therapy on Portland Street in Dartmouth.

Mexicali Rosas and T-Zone will provide tremendous support in helping Haligonia Sports with it’s webcasting of the Saint Mary’s Huskies, Metro Marauders, and Halifax Rainmen.

“These are exciting times for Haligonia Sports on haligonia.ca,” says Bill McLean. “Mexicali Rosas and T-Zone Therapy coming on board as sponsors is a huge step and we look forward to a long, mutually beneficial relationship with these outstanding local businesses.”

Matt Wilson of Mexicali Rosas, home of delicious Mexican cuisine in downtown Halifax, is excited about reaching out to the local sport community through the partnership with Haligonia Sports.

“Over the past several years at Mexis we’ve made a serious effort to be involved with the community,” said Wilson. “We’re really excited about supporting Haligonia Sports as they continue to try and showcase local athletes and teams.”

“T-Zone Vibration Therapy is thrilled about it's partnership with Haligonia Sports,” says Dave Green of T-Zone. “We can’t wait to start treating these outstanding local athletes in our brand new clinic on Portland Street.”

T-Zone will be providing free treatments for the Player of the Game of Haligonia webcasts, and awarding a three month membership to the Haligonia Sports Athlete of the Month.

Justin Belanger of the Metro Marauders was the Athlete of the Month for September http://live.haligonia.ca/halifax-ns/sports/104-haligonia-sports/16592-t-zone-athlete-of-the-month-for-september-justin-belanger.html.

Haligonia Sports next webcast is Thursday, November 4th at the Tower on the campus of Saint Mary’s. The Acadia Axemen and Axewomen basketball teams will battle the Huskies in the AUS regular season opener for both schools. Game time from the Tower is 6:00, Mavs Gillis and Bill McLean will have the call.

About Mexicali Rosas

Mexicali Rosas is located at 5472 Spring Garden Road. A Fiesta of Flavors and Fun, Mexicali Rosa's has been bringing the experience of authentic sights, sounds and delicious tastes of Mexico since 1979. The "California Style Mexican Cuisine" has something for everyone! This cooking style incorporates the simple earthly ingredients of Northern Mexico with the subtle blending of spices and flavors of Californian Cuisine.

About T-ZONE Vibration Therapy

T-Zone Vibration Therapy is located at 644 Portland Street in Dartmouth and is the provincial headquarters for T-Zone Vibration Technology. Our specialty is Whole Body Vibration - an exciting product that has revolutionized the health and fitness industry. T-Zone is one of the pioneers in Whole Body Vibration in Canada. Our machines are produced for the home and professional market and currently used by hundreds of outlets including chiropractors, physiotherapists, personal trainers, sporting clubs, nursing homes, retirement centers, and many more. We have a variety of health products that include chi machines, magnetics, and health food supplements. We also have a massage therapy service, electro reflex energiser, chi room and a whole body vibration room for people to exercise in. Check out our website at www.tzonenovascotia.com.

About Haligonia Sports

Haligonia Sports is Halifax’s leader in local sport coverage and the webcasting home of the Saint Mary’s Huskies, Metro Marauders, and Halifax Rainmen. For sponsorship opportunities please contact us at sports@haligonia.ca.

Huskies Recap: X-Women Beat Huskies; Men Play to Draw

Jhonattan Cordoba and the Huskies played to a draw with number one ranked X-Men.

by Armaan Ahluwalia

Editors Note: Our apologies to fans who wanted to watch the games via webcast on haligonia.ca. We experienced technical problems. Join un on Thursday for Men's and Women's Basketball vs. Acadia!

Women’s Game: Saint Francis Xavier 1-0 Saint Mary's Huskies

It was almost taken as a practice as the level of intensity never really got out of hand. The St. FX X-Women won the game 1-0 against the St. Mary’s Huskies.

The two teams had already qualified for the post-season and kept injuries in mind when making the starting line-ups. Both teams rested their key players.

The X-Women had controlled the first half and it paid off as time expired. They managed to score a goal as extra time in half was winding down. #16 Shannon Boisvert scored the game’s only goal.

In the second half there was not much to talk about as both teams really weren’t giving it a lot of intensity. St. FX was just controlling the play and taking their chances when they had them. The Huskies were not playing some of their better players and it showed with the lack of the offensive power.

Both teams will meet in the first round of the playoffs which begin next week at Acadia. The matchup will be a good one as both teams have fire power, especially with Kelly Burgess and Heidi Pentz for the Huskies.

Men’s Game: 1-1 Draw

St. Mary’s got off to a fast start in the first half with a goal from #10 Elvir Gigolaj. The play was set up by Jhonattan Cordoba as Gigolaj beat the defender and put it past the keeper on the near side post.

St. FX was not throwing in the towel and the #1 ranked team in the country was not giving up. The X-Men went out there with a lot of determination and in the second half they got a goal. The goal came with 15 minutes left in the game. #12 Paul Oppenheim scored the goal. SMU goalie Adam Miller came out to challenge the X forward and was caught out of place. Oppenheim then hammered home the ball to tie it up.

The two teams head into the playoffs next week with first round byes. Both teams have been very good this year with X going undefeated (11-0-2), and earning the #1 ranking in the country. Cordoba was a continuous threat throughout the game and will be relied upon during the playoffs.

Armaan Ahluwalia is a student at Dalhousie and writes for the Dal Gazette. Follow him on twitter @therealbrindian, and visit his blog, www.1inthestands.wordpress.com.

Huskies on Haligonia: A Halloween Treat From The Stadium

The Men's Soccer team welcomes the nationally top ranked Saint Francis Xavier X-Men to the Stadium.

by Bill McLean

The Saint Mary’s Mens Soccer team will face a very scary opponent this Halloween Sunday at Huskies Stadium; The Saint Francis Xavier X-Men.

The X-Men are ranked number one in Canada and enter the final weekend of the regular season guaranteed first place in the AUS conference.

The Huskies only need a draw vs. the X-Men or Mount Allison on Saturday to secure second place and a first round playoff bye. The Dalhousie Tigers can still claim the bye with a weekend sweep of Memorial and a pair of Huskies losses.

The match will feature the two leading scorers in the conference, Jhonattan Cordoba of the Huskies, and Michael Marousek of the X-Men, tied with eight goals apiece. The Huskies and X-Men are also tied for the league lead in team scoring with twenty six goals.

Game time from the Stadium is 3:15 and will be webcast on www.live.haligonia.ca featuring the broadcast team of Bill McLean and Tom Sullivan.

Meet the X-Men

Head Coach: Graham Kennedy
Record: 10-0-1, 31 points. First place in the conference, ranked #1 in the CIS.

Players to Watch
#10 Michael Marousek: Tied for the scoring lead in the AUS with 8 goals
#11 Jamar Dixon: Tied for third place in the AUS scoring with 6 goals
#18 Max Mound: Backfielder was last year’s AUS Rookie of the Year.

Interesting Factoid: The one chink in the X-Men’s armor has been yellow cards. They lead the conference with 25 yellows assessed.

Huskies Notes: The Huskies are 2-2-2 in their last six games after bursting out of the gate to start the regular season. The last time the Huskies were on Haligonia.ca they defeated the Dalhousie Tigers 6-1…..Elvir Jigolaj is second on the team in scoring with 5 goals…..The Huskies are in the top 2 spots in all AUS team offence statistics…..The Huskies have outscored their opponents 26-8 this season….the last time these teams met, the X-Men won a spirited affair 3-2……the match also features the top three players in assists. Josh Weinburger of the X-Men leads the conference with 4, while his teammate Marousek and Nils Webber of the Huskies are tied with 3…..Huskies keeper Adam Miller is last in the AUS with a .682 save percentage….after the X-Men and Huskies, the AUS playoff race is a logjam with 6 teams still battling for spots and positioning. The Dalhousie Tigers are a lock for a playoff spot but could still finish anywhere from third to sixth.

Game time is Sunday at 3:15 on live.haligonia.ca! Join Bill McLean and Tom Sullivan for all the action.

Follow us on twitter @haligoniasports, and "like" our facebook page!

Rainmen Draft Recap

The Halifax Rainmen added two new pieces to the roster Thursday evening.

by Joel MacDougall

With their first pick in the first round of the Premier Basketball League draft the Rainmen selected Aaron Spears, a 6’10″ forward out of St. John’s. Spears will be asked to help fill the void down low for Halifax, as they have been searching for a big body to play close to the bucket.

Spears will be asked to defend against the other bigs in the league while chipping in on the boards and the odd bucket inside.

With their second pick the Rainmen stay with the St. John’s Red Storm alumni and selected 6’7″ forward Kyle Cuffe. He has showed some scoring and rebounding ability while playing Division I in the NCAA, and that will certainly be welcome on the Rainmen squad.

Spears and Cuffe will join a couple of familiar faces to Rainmen fans for the 2011 season. In the last week, the team also re-signed forward Eric “Air Canada” Crookshank, and wing guard, Desmond “Moneyball” Ferguson.

Rainmen President & CEO, Andre Levingston is optimistic that the skill and experience of the veteran players will allow the franchise to reach the Premier Basketball League playoffs for the second year in a row.

“Both of these players earned the status of PBL All-Stars last season, and we’re looking forward to having their continued leadership on and off the court,” said Levingston.

Crookshank, who averaged a double-double, will not only return as a fan favorite but also as the reigning PBL defensive player of the year. Ferguson, who shoots 46% from the beyond the arc, will return as one of the most dangerous outside shooters in the league.

While both players are eagerly awaiting the start of the 2011 basketball season, they are also excited to return to the city of Halifax. Crookshank, who was recently married, has settled his family in HRM and is extremely happy to call Nova Scotia his new home. Ferguson, who has played professionally all around and in the NBA, says there is no other city in the world where he would rather play the game of basketball.

The Rainmen will kick-off the preseason by traveling to Saint John to welcome the Mill Rats to the Maritimes on December 10th. They”ll start the regular season at home against the Vermont Frost Heaves on January 2nd.

Follow Joel on twitter @jmdougall and check out his blog, www.route19.wordpress.com.

Haligonia Sports Athlete Profile: Jhonattan Cordoba

Jhonattan Cordoba is one of the best players in the AUS and is causing teams headaches with his creativity and speed

by Armaan Ahluwalia

Current Team: Saint Mary’s Univeristy
Height: 5’10
Weight: 180
Date of Birth: 04/22/1990
Where you are from: Colombia
Position: Left Wing
What are you taking at SMU: Arts program
Where you played Soccer Before: Halifax Dunbrack
Favourite Player: Thierry Henry
Favourite Team: Barcelona
Player you model your game after: Ronaldo
How old were you when you started playing: 4 years old
Why Soccer: Becuase i’m born to play it and it’s the most important sport in my country.
Pre Game Rituals: listen to music
Whats the most listened song on your IPod: like a G6
Best Player in the World: Zinedine Zidane
Dream Lineup with You in it: Buffon, puyol, cannavaro, maicon sergio ramos, essien, jonattan cordoba; xavi, iniesta,etoo,ronaldo.
Hobbies: Dance and Teach.
Best Skill: Speed
Area of your game that needs work: Long distance shots
Favourite Coach and why: Alan jazic because he knows the skills of every player and where we play the best.
What are your goals Short and Long term: get to be professional and succeed in my own business.
What makes the AUS so tough: the competition
Favourite Movie: Scary movie
Role Model: Jamie Fox
Goals for the year: Win the AUS and CIS
Most famous person in your cell phone: My girlfriend
One Crazy thing about you: my silly celebrations
Favourite Food: Chicken Parmesan.
How is it being a varsity Athlete at SMU: Challenging at times, but during the game its all worth it.
Dream Vacation Destination: Europe
In your free time you are: Going out with friends
IPhone or Blackberry: Iphone

Armaan Ahluwali is a writer at the Dal Gazette and anchor the sports blog, http://www.1inthestands.wordpress.com/. Follow him on twitter @brindian.

Watch Cordoba and the Huskies this Sunday as they battle the CIS #1 Ranked Saint Francis Xavier X-Men on live.haligonia.ca! Women's game at 1:00, Men's game at 3:15!

World Series Preview

by Joel MacDougall

I picked the Rangers to fall in the first round. I picked the Giants to fall in the second round. So you should probably bet against whoever I pick to win the World Series.

In the end I’m not upset to see this match-up. While I am sure Major League Baseball would have loved to have the big markets of New York and/or Philadelphia meet in the World Series, the Giants and Rangers have played some great baseball that has been fun to watch. They deserve to be here.

The Rangers disposed of the mighty AL East in the first two rounds. The Giants dispatched the Cerberus rotation of Philly. In my opinion, both teams have beaten the odds and surprised many. One thing is certain: their performance has earned the right to be here.

Game 1 tonight will feature a terrific pitching contest between Cliff Lee and Tim Lincecum. Lee’s postseason performance over the past two years has vaulted him into icon status of Chuck Norris proportions (See Challenge above). Lincecum has simply maintained his “Freak”ish outings since entering the league which have earned him two Cy Young awards before reaching the age of 26.

But both teams have shown depth in their rotations. Converted closer, C.J. Wilson had one of the quieter 15 win seasons in history, and has continued to perfomr in the postseason. Colby Lewis and Tommy Hunter have shown that they can be solid and give the Rangers a chance to win each time they take the hill.

The Giants counter with three guys that helped them outpitch the dominant Philly staff and a strong Braves rotation to make it to the show. Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, and rookie Madison Bumgarner have been equally solid and given the team a chance to win close games, as that’s what the Giants tend to play.

The difference will come from the offense. Cody Ross has really been the Giants only consistent presence throughout the playoffs, though others have provided a needed spark at different times.

The Rangers on the other hand, have been getting production from a number of different spots in the line-up. Five Rangers (Kinsler, Cruz, Hamilton, Young and Molina) have more postseason RBIs than the Giants second place producer, Pat Burrell, who is tied with two other Rangers (Guerrero and Moreland) at four. So that is seven batters raking at the same level, or better, than the Giants top two.

If the Giants have any chance of winning, their bats are going to have to wake up and/or the Rangers bats are going to have to fall asleep. Without that, the Giants staff will not only have to great, but be lights out because there will be no margin for error.

If I had to bet: Rangers in 6

Joel MacDougall lives in Halifax and writes about all sports both local and abroad. Follow him on twitter @jmdougall, and visit his blog, http://www.route19.wordpress.com/

Huskie Gameday: Battle for First Place on Haligonia

Micah Brown could be in for big day vs. the Mounties last ranked passing defence
(photo credit)

by Jared Hochman

The Saint Mary’s Huskies look to jump to the top of the Atlantic University Sport standings after an 0-3 start when they host Mount Allison University today at 2:00 p.m.

The Huskies have won three straight games since the slow start, most recently a 41-6 drubbing of St. Francis Xavier, and face a Mount A team that sports an identical 3-3 record.

Mount Allison recently snapped a two-game skid with a 20-7 win over Acadia on Oct. 16.

These two teams hooked up on Sept. 25 in New Brunswick, with the Mounties emerging with 23-21 victory.

Working in Saint Mary’s favour is that the team is the only squad in the AUFC that has outscored its opponents this season, with a +47 points differential.

The key for Saint Mary’s to avenge its earlier loss is to keep the Mounties’ offense off the field. Mount Allison leads the AUFC with 372.5 yards of total offense per game, highlighted by quarterback Jake Hotchkiss, who has a 67.8 completion percentage, six touchdowns and a conference-best 228.8 passing yards per game.

The Huskies will rely on their No. 1-ranked rushing attack, which piles up more than 163 yards per contest. Craig Leger is the feature back for the Huskies, averaging 5.6 yards per carry, but quarterback Micah Brown is also deadly with his legs, logging 36 yards per game on the ground.

The game can be seen by webcast on http://www.live.haligonia.ca/. Mavs Gillis will have the call from Huskies Stadium.

Matchup:
Mount Allison Mounties (http://athletics.mta.ca/) – 3-3, tied to first in AUFC
Head Coach – Kelly Jeffrey

Players to watch:
QB Jake Hotchkiss (No. 6) – AUFC-leading passer with 228.8 yards/game.
WR Gary Ross (No. 80) – Leads AUFC with 417 yards in just four games.
DL Ryan Downe (No. 44) – Second in AUFC with five sacks and eight tackles for loss

Huskies Notes:
- Defensive back Jeff Hecht was the AUS defensive player of the week with 6.5 tackles and an interception in last week’s win over St. Francis Xavier.

Jared Hochman lives in Halifax and is a graduate of the Kings Journalism Program. Email comments to sports@haligonia.ca

Haligonia Sports Athlete Profile: Jahmeek Taylor

Jahmeek Taylor has emerged as a Hec Creighton nominee for the Huskies.

The Saint Mary’s Huskies take on the Mount Allison Mounties this saturday at Huskies Stadium at 2:00. This pivotal game in the standings will be webcast on http://www.live.haligonia.ca/.

Huskies receiver Jahmeek Taylor has been the driving force behind the Huskies revival in October, and Haligonia Sports contributor Armaan Ahluwalia interviewed the Hec Creighton nominee earlier this week.

Q: You have Mount A this weekend, what are your thoughts on them?

A: They are one good football team, strong and a lot better than they have been in the last few years and they all want it, and they are all really hungry for it this year, and it’s all about who wants it more.

Q: What was the locker room like after going 0-3?

A: The atmosphere was a bit different after training camp, guys weren’t as happy as they were in previous years, the coaches worked hard and we worked hard. After the first win we knew what we had and it was just getting over the speed bump.

Q: What has been the difference in these last 3 games?

A: Everyone knows the system now, and we believe in the program and coaches and the hunger we have is the drive that we have that makes us unbeatable.

Q: Is it the defence or offence that has gotten better?

A: The offence, the defence has been there all season and our goals are for the defence to hold them to 21 points and let us go out and win it.

Q: How has Coach Sumarah been involving you in the game plan these last 3 games?

A: Trying to get me the ball whenever he can, he’s a great coach and he knows where his players strengths are and he places them accordingly, and he has taken the time to see my strengths and put me in the place where I can succeed.

Q: How is Micah Brown developing?

A: Great leader out there, leads by example only 6 games in Canadian football and he has played well, he has been improving with every game.

Q: Are the Huskies for real?

A: We are for real, we took the X game as a practice, no disrespect to the X-Men, we are ready to go against Mount A and they are a good team.

Q: How does it feel to be in the Hec Creighton shortlist?

A: I had no idea about that, I have no idea how that happened, it’s a honour to be nominated for that, now that I’m in the shortlist I gotta work harder to make it happen.

Q: How did getting cut help you become a better football player?

A: I really focused and took some time off to focus to figure out where my head was. I also took the time to train and work hard and get and train the trust of your team mates, I wanted to be that guy who pushes you in the weight room.

Q: What is it about this year compared to last that is different for you?

A: Just a better understanding of the game, every level you get smarter, faster, stronger, now I’m in my junior year and I have learned a lot since being here, working hard, watching film, being smarter.
Q: What is it about the AUS that makes it unique?

A: Smaller division, than the OUA, Quebec, and Canada West, the funding is not as much as the other conferences more cash more recruits, still a very high level of football out here, as we have shown on the national stage.

Q: Is football something that you want to continue after university?

A: yes 100%, I want to play this game till my body doesn’t allow me to.

Armaan Ahluwalia is a student at Dalhousie University. Follow Armaan on twitter @brindian, and check out his blog, http://www.inthestands.wordpress.com/.

Huskies on Haligonia; AUFC Supremacy on the Line this Saturday

Jahmeek Taylor has been an offensive dynamo in October for the Huskies

(Photo Credit:Joe Chrvala)

By Bill McLean

Saturday at Huskies Stadium in the south end of Halifax, Saint Mary’s and Mount Allison will play the biggest game in the AUFC so far this season ( 2:00 Atlantic, webcast on www.live.haligonia.ca)

The Mounties and Huskies are in a three way tie with Acadia for first place, and as we approach the final eight days of regular season play, we still have no idea who will be hosting the Loney Bowl, and who will be travelling Nova Scotia’s highways to play a semi final game.

As we approach kick off at the stadium, we do know that the Huskies have gotten their swagger back after a horrific September. Led by potential Hec Creighton nominee Jahmeek Taylor, the Huskies have steam-rolled Acadia and Saint Francis Xavier the past three weeks, outscoring their opponents by a margin of 97 points.

On the other side of the field, the Mounties feature the best quarterback in the conference in Jake Hotchkiss, and the best player in Gary Ross. Furthermore, in what has been a wacky, turbulent season of AUS football, the Mount Allison has been the league’s most consistent team. If the Mounties had not been without the services of Ross in weeks five and six, they could easily be 5-1 and in the driver’s seat to host the Loney Bowl.

Certainly, the glamour match up of this game is Gary Ross vs. Jahmeek Taylor. Ross and Taylor are one-two in the conference in all purpose yards, with Ross having the higher average (191 ypg), while Taylor has more yards overall (1069). The two dynamic stars should provide a plethora of explosive plays that will keep the fans entertained throughout the contest.

However the key match up will be the battle of the running game. Mountie’s Running back Matt Skillett has produced an industrious 347 yards on the ground this season, while the Huskie’s Craig Leger leads the league with 383.

The Huskies and Mounties are tied for first place in rush defence, each surrendering 107 yards per game, while the Huskies lead the conference in rushing offence with 163 ypg, followed by the Mounties with 143.

If the Mounties can build a productive running game, it should open things up for Hotchkiss (1373 yard passing this season) and Ross. If the Huskies can establish the run, Micah Brown may be able to pick apart the Mounties horrendous pass defence, ranked last in the conference.

With the Huskies regaining their traditional form this month, the Mounties may represent the conference’s last stand against Steve Sumurah’s troops who are getting more confident with each blowout win. A major key for the Mounties will be to withstand the initial assault of the fired up, athletically superior Huskies playing in front of a revved up home crowd thirsty for another rout.

If Saint Mary’s gets out to a big lead, ignited by big plays from Taylor, it could be a long afternoon for Mount Allison.

However, expect the Mounties to hang in there early and make the Huskies stand and fight. Gary Ross will possibly be making his final trip to Huskies Stadium, and he’ll be a force.

But in the end, the Huskies should prevail in a hard fought football game.

Final score; Saint Mary’s 37 Mount Allison 27.

The game will be webcast on www.live.haligonia.ca with Mavs Gillis and Dan Campbell. Jared Hochman of Halionia Sports will be providing a gameday preview on Saturday morning…..Bill and Mavs analyzed the game Thursday morning in the studio, go to haligonia.ca to see their breakdown …..if the game comes down to a battle of kickers, advantage could go to Mount Allison. Jon Szilagy is coming off a week where he was named AUS Special Teams player of the week, while Brett Lauther may still be feeling the effects of a concussion suffered last week vs. the X-Men. Szilagy and Lauther are the top two placekickers in the AUS this season……the Huskies and Mounties are the top two teams in nineteen of twenty five major team statistics…..the Acadia Axemen will be in Antigonish to play St FX. With a win, Acadia would be tied with the winner of the Huskies game for first place. The Axemen host the Huskies to finish the season next week in Wolfville.

Comments? Email us at sports@haligonia.ca. Follow us on twitter @haligoniasports and on Facebook.

Haligonia Sports Athlete Profile: Taylor Burke

by Armaan Ahluwalia

Gatineau Olympiques first round pick in the 2010 Q draft, Taylor Burke is going into this first season in the Q league. A highly placed prospect, he looks to make some splashes in the league. So far he has 2 points in 10 games. In the Stands caught up with Taylor and asked him some questions. Here’s what he had to say.

Current Team: Gatineau Olympiques
Height: 6’0 1/4
Weight: 193
Date of Birth: June 22/94
Where you played Minor Hockey: Halifax Hawks
Where you are from: Halifax
Favourite Player: Jonathan Toews
Favourite Team: Colorado Avalanche
Player you model your game after: Ryan Getzlaf
How old were you when you started playing: 5 years old
Why Hockey: Hockey has just always been around me. My brothers played it and I would always go to the rink to watch them. I started to play and it has been my passion ever since.
Pre Game Rituals: I always put all my gear on on the left side first.
Whats the most listened song on your IPod: It is a mix techno song created by one of the guys
Best Player in the World: Joe Sakic
Dream Lineup, with you in it:
Forwards: Joe Sakic, Sidney Crosby, and myself
Defense: Duncan Keith and Drew Doughty
Goalie: Ryan Miller
Hobbies: X Box
Best Skill: Puck protection down low
Area of your game that needs work: Quick Feet and hands
Favourite Coach and why: My favorite coach is Benoit Groulx because he knows how to bring the best out of you. Since having him as a coach I have really been able to grow as a hockey player
What are your goals: My goals are to be a good student, get better as a hockey player and become a better person.
Short and Long term: My short term goals are to get better every time that I go in the ice and gain more and more confidence. My long term goals are to have a quicker and more explosive first few strides, improve my hands and gain a quicker shot release.
Favourite Movie: Transformers
Role Model: My grandfather
Goals for the year: To become a better hockey player and do well in school.
Most famous person in your cell phone: Jody Shelley
One Crazy thing about you: I am 16 and can grow a beard
Favourite Food: Steak
Dream Vacation Destination: Australia
In your free time you are: Playing X Box or on my laptop
IPhone or Blackberry: Blackberry

Armaan Ahluwalia lives in Halifax and is a student at Dalhousie University. Follow Armaan on twitter @theRealBrindian

Haligonia Sports Athlete Profile: Raeesa Lalani

by Armaan Ahluwalia

Current team: Dalhousie Universities Tigers Womens Volleyball Team
Position: Power/Outside Hitter
Height: 5’9
Date Of Birth: December 27th 1991
Where are you from: Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta
What are you taking at Dal: Bachelor of Arts with a major in English and a double minor in Journalism and Spanish
What sports did you play in High School: Volleyball, Track and Field, Badminton and Soccer
Favorite Sport other than vball: Does Beach Vball count? haha! Probably Soccer
Why Vball: To be honest I just picked up on the game really fast and improved a lot in a short amount of time
Hobbies: Singing, Acting and playing the piano
Goals for the year: WIN the AUS Championships and go to Nationals
How tough is the AUS: there are a lot of good teams so as long as we bring our A game we are great competitors
Which one Dig, Smash, Block, Set: Definitely Attack!! I love hitting the ball!
Who is your favorite coach and why: ooh tough question. Rick Scott is an amazing coach because he is very knowledgeable and is a very caring coach! My high school coach Taryn Cosser was also amazing because she was the nicest, smartest lady I have ever had the pleasure of knowing!
Pre Game Rituals: If i had it my way it would be a Big Mac! but…I always plug into my ipod and make sure that I have a good warm up so that I am confident when starting a game
Best Skill: technically I would say being a crafty and smart player when hitting, also being a very positive and energy giving player
What is one area you need to work on: Definitely blocking.
How old were you when you started playing: I was in Grade 9, so 13 years old
Your top played song on your Ipod is: I made it (keving rudolf, jay sean, lil wayne)
Favorite movie: Romeo and Juliet (1968 version with Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey)
How is it being a Varsity Athlete at Dal: AMAZING!!!!!
Role Model: My father Sadiq Lalani and my high school volleyball coach Taryn Cosser
Player you most admire: Kirstie sheppard (#9) on my team, she is sooo quick and strong and all around very good at volleyball. She is a great leader and she is so positive, energetic, and when she celebrates…she celebrates!!

Armaan Ahluwalia lives in Halifax and attends Dalhousie University. Follow his blog at www.inthestands.wordpress.com.

Cam Russell Demoted; Bobby Smith to Take Over As Herd Head Coach

By Joel MacDougall

After a disappointing start to the season, Halifax Mooseheads owner Bobby Smith has decided it’s time for him to step behind the bench himself. Smith announced today that he will be taking over the head coaching duties from Cam Russell.

There is no mention of an interim tag being placed on Smith’s coaching tenure, so it seems this is not just a bandaid solution until an appropriate replacement is found.

In what could be an awkward situation, Russell will stay on as assistant coach of the Moose’s backend (pun intended) and maintain his general manager duties.

Russell inherited a depleted team when he took on the coaching post, as much of the team’s future had been mortgaged in the hopes of contending for a championship. But like the housing market south of the border, the market went bust and Halifax had few assets left and had talent debt as opposed to depth.

Russell has seemingly done a decent job as GM, restocking the Herd with young talent. However some of that could be laid at his feet for poor performance on the ice, guaranteeing the team high draft picks the last two years. The Moosehead finished dead last in the league both years.

“Cam has done a tremendous job replenishing our depth chart with talented young hockey players,” said Smith. “It is now our job to make sure these players reach their potential. We owe it to ours fans to return to being an elite team in the QMJHL.”

Smith a 15-yr NHL veteran with Montreal and Minnesota (NorthStars) will making his coaching debut Tuesday night at the Metro Centre against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan at 7 p.m.

Follow Joel on twitter @jmdougall and check out his blog, http://www.route19.wordpress.com/.

AUS Football Power Rankings; Huskies Back on Top.

Kevin Walsh and the Huskies have literally leapt over the rest of the AUFC in October

by Bill McLean

(photo credit: Joe Chrvala)

There would appear to be order once again in the AUFC. After a disasterous September, Steve Sumarah's Huskies have been absolutely dominant throughout the month of October.

The Mount Allison Mounties are also back on track. After losing two games without having the best player in the conference, Gary Ross, the Mounties walked into Wolfville and had little trouble with the Acadia Axemen.

This all sets up the biggest came in the conference so far this year, when the Mounties visit the Huskies this saturday. Game time is 2:00 at the stadium, and it will be webcast on haligonia.ca.

1. Saint Mary's

Ladies and Gentlemen….I present to you, the big, bad Saint Mary’s Huskies

Those cocky, swaggering Huskies that have ruled the AUS the past four years are once again steam rolling over their little cousins of the conference.

Coming off the most challenging month of Steve Sumarah’s tenure as Head Coach of Saint Mary’s football, the Huskies are not just undefeated in October; they’ve outscored their opponents 129-32 in the process.

Heads up!

How have they done it?
1) Jahmeek Taylor has emerged as possibly the best return man in the country. Two weeks ago in Antigonish, Taylor had punt return touchdowns of 56 and 63 yards. Taylor leads the conference with over 1000 all purpose yards on the season.
2) Brett Lauther has stepped in admirably for the departed Justin Palardy. Lauther has come out of nowhere to give the Huskies a solid kicking game after it looked like it could be a disaster at the start of the season.
3) The Huskies have figured out a way to maximize their talent by featuring Craig Leger at running back and moving Devon Jones to slot back. Legere leads the league in rushing, and Jones is 8th in the conference in all purpose yards.
4) The Huskies are dominating the ground game in the conference, leading in rushing offence (164 ypg) and rushing defense (108 ypg)

Mark Holden leads the conference with 4 interceptions, and Ryan King is 4th in tackles with 42.

The Huskies will face a stern test this weekend vs. the Mounties, but should roll to another first place finish in the AUS.

Projected Finish: 5-3, 1st place.

2. Mount Allison

If it wasn’t for a second half collapse last week in Sackville to the Acadia Axemen, the Mounties would be 4-2 and in sole possession of first place in the conference.

Even more aggravating for Mounties fans, if the team would have been with the services of Gary Ross in week 4 and 5, they might very well be undefeated on the season.

Led by the conference’s best quarterback, Jake Hotchkiss, the diligent running of Matt Pickett, and the dynamic Ross, the Mounties have the most productive trio of offensive talent in the conference.

Now all they have to do is go in to Huskies Stadium this Saturday (game will be webcast on haligonia.ca) and beat a SMU team that absolutely whipped Acadia and St FX through the first few weeks of October.

The Mounties should be confident considering they have a healthy Gary Ross, and have beaten the Huskies already this year, a 23-21 victory last month in Moncton.

The Mounties also have one of the best kickers in the country in Jon Szilagyi, who leads the conference in punting average and field goal percentage.

Regardless of Saturday’s outcome at Saint Mary’s, this is a Mounties team that has clearly established itself as a legitimate threat to win an AUS championship.

Projected Finish: 4-4, second place.

3. Acadia Axemen

Axemen Head Coach Jeff Cummins has possibly done the best coaching of his career this season, maufacturing three wins out of this team and putting them in position to potentially host a playoff game.

The Axemen have a legitimate gunslinger in quarterback Kyle Graves who can also run the ball effectively, and a dynamic receiver in Stu Clow. But the team suffers from a lack of depth at the running back and receiver positions.

Defensively, Acadia has a bunch of gamers who play tough led by the conferences leading tackler in Tom Labenski, but their front seven lacks athleticism and physicality. The Axemen are the worst team in the conference vs. the run, allowing over 200 yards a game, and surrender a league leading average of nearly 400 total yards per contest.

Barring one more spirited effort vs. the Huskies on the final weekend in Wolfville, the Axemen will likely be travelling once again for the conference semi final.

Projected Finish: 3-5, third place.

4. Saint Francis Xavier X-Men

Gary Waterman’s youthful X-Men are coming off back to back beat downs by the more talented, more experienced Huskies, and have clearly established themselves as the last place team in the AUS conference.

It’s not for lack of effort. The X-Men play hard and with enthusiasm, but an offence that has been devastated by graduation is dead last in nearly every offensive category, including the most important one, points per game, with a meager 14.3. The rushing attack has been particularly inept, averaging only 52 yards per game.

Newcomer Jordan Catterall is 4th in the conference in all purpose yards with 77 per game and will be an offensive force for years to come. 6’3” QB Cory Wensley is in his third year and should develop into a solid senior quarterback.

Defensively, Henoc Muamba and Tom Lynch have had outstanding seasons and will undoubtedly be AUS all stars once again.

This X-Men team is definitely building for the future, but may have one more upset win left in them this year.

Projected Finish: 2-6, fourth place.

Think these rankings are a crock? Email us at sports@haligonia.ca. Follow us on twitter @haligoniasports and on Facebook. Haligonia Sports is the official webcaster of the Saint Mary's Huskies and the Metro Marauders.

Join Mavs Gillis this saturday at 2:00 on http://www.live.haligonia.ca/ for Saint Mary's Huskies football. This weekend it's a battle for first place as Micah Brown and the Huskies battle Gary Ross and the Mount Allison Mounties.

T-Zone Athlete of the Month for September: Justin Belanger

Belanger was an offensive dynamo for the Metros in September

(photo credit: Michael Fines)

Justin Belanger of the Metro Marauders has been selected by the staff of Haligonia Sports as the T-Zone Athlete of the Month for September.

Belanger scored 13 points in 8 games in September leading the Marauders to a 6-2 record, good for first place in the Bent Division.

Justin wins a three month membership to T-Zone Health Therapy at 644 Portland Street in Dartmouth (http://www.tzonenovascotia.com/)

Meet Justin Belanger
Team: Metro Marauders of the Maritime Junior Hockey League.
Number: 22

Justin is a Halifax native who spent the majority of the 2009/10 season playing for the Halifax Mooseheads. Currently, Justin is second in MJHL scoring with 20 points, trailing his teammate, Wayne Bedecki (21)

Favorite Pre Game Meal- Spaghetti and Meatballs
Favorite Player- Sidney Crosby
Favorite Team- Montreal Canadiens.
Favorite Activity off the Ice- Playing Lacrosse
Favorite Music- Hip Hop/Rock
Favorite Movie- The Goonies

Follow us on Facebook, search word Haligonia Sports, and on twitter @haligoniasports. Email us at haligoniasports@gmail.com. Haligonia Sports is the official webcaster of the Saint Mary’s Huskies and Metro Marauders.

About T-Zone Health Therapy
T-Zone is one of the pioneers in Whole Body Vibration in Canada. Their machines are produced for the home and professional market and currently used by hundreds of outlets including chiropractors, physiotherapists, personal trainers, sporting clubs, nursing homes, retirement centers, and many more. They have a variety of health products that include chi machines, magnetics, and health food supplements. T-Zone also has a massage therapy service, electro reflex energizer, chi room and a whole body vibration room for people to exercise in.

Friday Night Football on Haligonia.ca; Huskies Look to Keep Rolling Under the Lights vs, X-Men

Expect a full house at Huskies Stadium for Friday Night Football. The game will be webcast on haligonia.ca

Steve Sumarah’s rejuvenated Huskies will be trying to extend their winning streak to three games at Huskies Stadium vs. Gary Waterman’s youthful Saint Francis Xavier X-Men.

Game time is 7:00 and will be webcast on http://www.live.haligonia.ca/. Mavs Gillis will have the call from the stadium.

Huskies Opponent- Saint Francis Xavier X-Men (www.goxgo.ca)
Game Time: 7:00
Where: Huskies Stadium. Game will be broadcast on www.live.haligonia.ca.
Huskies Record: 2W 3L, second place in the AUFC
Last Game: Defeated the X-Men 43-16 in Antigonish.
Interesting Factoid: The Huskies have outscored their opponents 88-26 in October.

Meet the Saint Francis Xavier X-Men

Record- 1W 4L, last place in the AUFC
Head Coach- Gary Waterman
Key Players

#10 Henoc Muomba: 2009 AUFC all star. Leads the conference with 41 tackles.
#53 Tom Lynch: 2009 AUFC all star. Leads conference in tackles for a loss with nine.
#6 Jordan Catterall : First year player is 4th in the conference with 393 all purpose yards

Recent X-Men News- Catterall was named AUS offensive player of the week on October 5th .

Huskies Notes

Jahmeek Taylor has been named AUS Special Teams player of the week the last two weeks. Taylor ran back punts of 63 and 56 yards vs. X last Friday.Taylor leads the conference in all purpose yards with 919…..the Huskies are the only team in the conference to have more points scored than points against (123-111)….Placekicker Brett Lauther has stepped in nicely this season for the departed Justin Palardy. Lauther has been true on eight of nine field goal attempts this season….Craig Leger is the AUS leading rusher with an average of 62 yards per game….the Huskies are by far the most penalized team in the league, averaging nearly 100 yards a game lost to infractions.….SMU is dead last in passing efficiency with a rating of 90, nearly 44 points below Mount Allison, the conference leader. The X-Men have not beaten the Huskies at the Stadium in over a decade and have been outscored by an average of 30 points per game.

Picks to Click: Bill: Craig Leger; Steve- Jahmeek Taylor; Mavs- Micah Brown

Questions or Comments? Email us at haligoniasports@gmail.com. Follow us on twitter @haligoniasports

AUS Football Power Rankings

The Rejuvinated Huskies Come in at #2 on the midway Power Rankings.

by Bill McLean

We are halfway through the 2010 AUS football season and there are only two things we know so far:

A) The AUS is the weakest conference in Canada
B) We have no idea who is going to win the AUS Championship, then make the trip out west to play in the Mitchell Bowl and get destroyed by Calgary or Saskatchewan.

Throwing caution to the wind, here are your AUS power rankings as we approach week five.

1. Mount Allison Mounties

The Mounties are the best team in the AUS.

It feels as strange typing it as I’m sure it is reading it, but in the midst of a season in which the AUS has clearly established itself as the weakest conference in the country, it’s the boys from Sackville who have shown the most consistency thus far.

I’m sure Coach John Macneil is smiling as he reads this.

The Mounties are tied with Acadia for first place with a record of 2-2. They have impressive wins over St FX, a 19-6 drubbing at home, and Saint Mary’s, a hard fought 23-21 battle on a neutral site field in Moncton.

Last week they showed plenty of grit and resolve in a loss to the X-Men in Antigonish, losing 36-27 in front of a huge homecoming crowd at X.

The Mounties outscored the X-Men 21-5 in the second half and came up 1 inch short of getting within a touchdown midway thru the 4th quarter when their outstanding kicker, Jon Szilagyi, saw his 42 yard field goal attempt bounce off the bottom of the uprights.

Consider that the Mounties were without the services of the best player in the conference, Gary Ross, and you have to admire their effort vs. a fired up X-Men team that may not win another game this season.

The Mounties pass defense is borderline disastrous at best, but it’s a good year for that particular deficiency considering the lack of solid passing play in the conference. In a year where the conference championship will probably be decided on the ground, the Mounties have the best defense vs. the run, allowing only 113 yards per game, and the second best rushing offence, averaging 113 yards so far this season.

Mount Allison also has the conference’s best quarterback in Jake Hotchkiss. The big lefty has already thrown for over 1000 yards and completed 65 percent of his passes. Hotchkiss should be twice as effective once Ross is healthy again and wreaking havoc on AUS corner backs.

We’ll know for certain just how good this team is when they travel to Huskies Stadium to play a rejuvenated SMU team on Saturday, October 23rd (Game will be shown on live.haligonia.ca)

2. Saint Mary’s Huskies

After the Huskies 45-10 beat down on Acadia this past Friday night at the stadium, (http://live.haligonia.ca/halifax-ns/sports/173-sports-video/16377-replay-smu-huskies-football-vs-acadia.html) it was very tempting to put Saint Mary’s at the number one spot of this embattled conference.

But I think I want to see Steve Sumarah’s troops prove they are legitimate contenders one more

week before I begin to believe the big, bad Huskies are back.

The Huskies first win in nearly 11 months vs. the Axemen was more then just revenge; it was a display of complete domination from start to finish. But as Mavs Gillis talked about Tuesday on Bill McLean Sports Show, it was hard to tell if the Huskies were really good, or if Acadia was just really bad.

Certainly the Huskies had no problem shutting down Acadia’s predictable offense, but it was the way they re-established that traditional powerful Huskies ground attack that has caught the attention of AUS pundits.

The Huskies racked up 454 yards rushing on Friday night, led by Craig Leger and Devon Jones who combined for 243. AUS special team player of the week, Jahmeek Taylor, added 70, and QB Micah Brown had his breakout game of the season by running for 67 yards.

As mentioned, it looks like it’s the “year of the running game” in this conference, and it seems the Huskies are the best equipped team for moving the ball on the ground as they lead the conference with 173 yards per game. Also, SMU is second in the conference in rushing defence, allowing only 114 yards a contest.

If the Huskies want to make us believe again, they are going to need another dominating performance this weekend in Antigonish vs. the X-Men.

3. Acadia Axemen

In one week Acadia has gone from being a team that we thought could be the best in the conference to a team that looks like it may not have many wins left on the schedule this season.

We’ll know more about this team after this weekend when they travel to Mount Allison, but it would appear that Axemen Head Coach Jeff Cummins has serious reservations about opening up the playbook for his youthful offence, and has a defence that struggles vs. the run.

Thanks to the mauling from the Huskies on Friday night, the Axemen have surrendered over 200 yards per game on the ground. Factor in that they are only getting 95 yards a game rushing on offence, and it makes for a pretty unhealthy balance that could keep them out of first place the rest of the season.

Acadia’s biggest strength this year has been passing defence. The Axemen lead the AUS with seven interceptions and an efficiency rating of 103.

The secondary will be tested early and often this weekend by the Mounties Jake Hotchkiss and Gary Ross.

Finally, it will be interesting to see how much the youthful Axemen confidence has been shaken by the absolute thrashing from Saint Mary’s.

4. Saint Francis Xavier X-Men

The big win in Antigonish during homecoming weekend over the Mounties can’t disguise the fact that this is a very young team that is probably one or two years away from being a serious contender.

Yes, the defence still has Henoc Muamba and Tom Lynch, a couple of scary dudes. But the offensive side of the ball has been devastated by graduation of talented offensive players, leaving a hard working yet inexperienced group of X-Men struggling mightily to move the football with any kind of consistency.

The X-Men are averaging 32 yards a game of offence on the ground (it’s actually 31.8). Considering that the defence is surrendering 158 yards per game, that means ST.FX is getting outrushed 5 yards to 1 per contest.

That’s not going to get the X-Men to the playoffs, even in this conference.

The pivotal stretch of the season for Gary Waterman’s X-Men is definitely the next two weeks with a home and home vs. Saint Mary’s beginning in Antigonish this Friday. The X-Men will be trying to build on the momentum of last week’s win to keep a Huskies team, on the verge of a breakout, still under wraps.

However, a blowout loss to the Huskies at home this weekend would mean impending doom for their visit to Huskies Stadium on October 15th (game will be shown on live.haligonia.ca).

Either way, come Saturday, October 16th, we should have a clear picture of where this X-Men team stands in the conference.

Answers to Impending FAQ’s Regarding These Rankings

1) Mount Allison? Really?
Yes.
The Mounties are tied for the best record in the conference, have the best passing offence and the second best rushing offence while defending the run very well. They also beat #2 Saint Mary’s in a neutral site game (yes…it was only 30 minutes away from Sackville), scoring three touchdowns in the process. They’ve done it with the best player in the AUS, Gary Ross, in and out of the lineup due to injury.
This ain’t your daddy’s Mounties!

2) SMU Huskies #2? Really?
Yes.
The Huskies had an absolutely horrific September, but their complete destruction of Acadia at the Stadium on October 1st could be a sign of things to come for their home and home with St FX the next two Friday nights, and was easily the biggest margin of victory this season in conference play. (Excluding the absolute demolition from Quebec teams on the overmatched AUS in week 2)

3) Do You Really Know What You Are Talking About?
No, of course not!
But if you think you can do better, post a response or email me your thoughts to haligoniasports@gmail.com.

Haligonia Sports is on twitter @haligoniasports. Follow us on Facebook, search word “Haligonia Sports”. Haligonia Sports is the webcasting home of the Saint Mary’s Huskies and the Metro Marauders!

MLB Divisional Series Preview: Reds vs. Phillies

Roy Halladay pitched a no hitter in his MLB playoffs debut

by Joel MacDougall
For some Canadian fans this could be a tough choice. As Toronto Star columnist, Morgan Campbell asked on Twitter: Who gets your support during the playoffs — Halladay or Votto?

While I would love to see Joey Votto go deep into the playoffs and make his mark on the Baseball world, I’ll be rooting to see Roy finally get a ring. It doesn’t hurt that Halladay will be anchoring a three headed monster of a starting staff along with Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt. The Phillies even have a schedule that will allow to run out one of the three for the entire NLDS.

The Reds will send Edison Volquez to the bump to counter the 2010 NL Cy Young winn…oh, they haven’t given that to Roy yet?…alright the soon to be 2010 NL Cy Young winner. Bronson Arroyo Arroyo and Johnny Cueto would round out the start for the first three games. Clearly the edge goes to the Champs.

Despite putting together a young powerful lineup, success has been rare for the Reds facing the Phillies. Philadelphia has defeated the Reds in five of the seven match-ups this year, and have held them to less than four runs per game. It won’t be any easier with Cerberus on the hill.

And the runs will be needed as the Phillies have an equally imposing line-up of sluggers that have been here before and won’t be awestruck by the hoopla. They are finally getting healthy and have seemed to hit their stride late in the year.

Votto will have to be comforted by his 2010 NL MVP awar…What? He hasn’t gotten it yet? Could someone freakin’ check these things out for me. Okay, Votto will have to be satisfied with his FIRST NL MVP Award. I still believe he will have a good series and make sure those that haven’t heard of him yet, know about the bashing canuck. I won’t be surprised to see this series repeat next year and be even better, but…

If I had to bet: Phillies in 3

Joel MacDougal lives in Halifax. Follow him on twitter @jmdougall, and follow his blog at www.route19.wordpress.com.

MLB Divisional Series Preview: Rangers vs. Rays

by Joel MacDougall

With October here, the marathon that is the Major League Baseball season begins the final sprint to the finish. Quick starters that did not have the endurance have been left behind; true contenders have separated themselves from the pack.

This year’s postseason features some familiar faces, young teams with something to prove, and other that weren’t expected to be here at the beginning of the year.

So let’s get you set by taking a look at the first of the Divisional Series. Check back as I prepare preview for all the series over the next couple days. And leave you comments on who you think will move on the ALCS and NLCS or why you think I’m full of crap.


Despite being the AL West Divisional Champion, the Texas Rangers come in to the playoffs with the lowest expectations. Playing in one on the weaker divisions in baseball, the Rangers face off against a Rays team that just barely inched out the Yankees to win the toughest division in baseball.

The Rangers team led the AL with a .276 team average and finished fifth in homers and RBIs. The Rays had two less homers than the Rangers and ranked 26th in terms of batting average (.247). Despite those numbers, the Rays managed to score the third most runs in the Majors thanks in large part to their ability to use their speed when they did get on base.

The Rays led the Majors in stolen bases with 172 swiped bags this year. Their speed puts tremendous pressure on defenses to make plays and forces pitchers to constantly have one eye focused on the base paths. It’s that extra burst of speed from guys like Carl Crawford and BJ Upton that help score extra runs: beating out infield singles; sac flies not deep enough to score average runners; easily scoring from first on doubles; and getting into scoring position late in games without having to give up outs.

Both team have put together solid rotations. The Rays will lead of Game 1 starting David Price, followed by James Shields, Matt Garza and Wade Davis respectively. Tampa’s pitching staff was second only to the Oakland A’s in team ERA throughout the year.

Cliff Lee, 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA, a 0.818 WHIP and a 5.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio in five starts for the Phillies last postseason (those are some crazy numbers), will try and keep those Rays speedsters off the bases in the first game, and be followed by CJ Wilson, Colby Lewis and Tommy Hunter. The Rangers ranked (3rd) just below the Rays in team ERA

Unfortunately for the Rangers, as mentioned above, unless you can shutdown the Rays enitrely and keep there speed on the bases, they will maximize every opportunity to score runs. It leaves a very small margin for error for the Rangers pitching staff.

If the Rays’ pitchers can control the power of the Rangers bats, led by AL MVP front runner, Josh Hamilton and Vlad Guerrero they’ll be in good shape. On the other hand if, Rays ptiching falters, the Rangers will make them pay.

One X-factor could be the health of Evan Longoria who missed the final 10 games of the regular season with a strained left quadricep muscle, but…

If I had to bet: Rays in 4

Follow Joel on twitter @jmdougall. Joel's website is www.route19.wordpress.com

MLB Divisional Series Preview: Yankees vs. Twins

With October here, the marathon that is the Major League Baseball season begins the final sprint to the finish. Quick starters that did not have the endurance have been left behind; true contenders have separated themselves from the pack.

This year’s postseason features some familiar faces, young teams with something to prove, and other that weren’t expected to be here at the beginning of the year.

So let’s get you set by taking a look at the first of the Divisional Series. Check back as I prepare preview for all the series over the next couple days. And leave you comments on who you think will move on the ALCS and NLCS or why you think I’m full of crap.

This truly is David versus Goliath. The Yankees boast a powerful line-up with Jeter, Texiera, Rodriguez and Cano, while the Twins get by with with a balanced offensive attack anchored by perennial MVP candidate, Joe Mauer and sound defense and pitching.

The Yankees won the season series 5-2, and despite the Twins having the best home record in the AL (53-28), took three out of four at Target Field.

For the Twins to have any chance of knocking out the Yanks, their pitchers are going to have to neutralize the Bronx Bombers bats. According to Manager Ron Gardenhire, the Twins will start Francisco Liriano, Carl Pavano, and Brian Duensing in the first three games respectively. Interestingly, Nick Blackburn, who recorded the Twins’ only two wins against the Yankees, won’t start until Game Four, if necessary.

It will be interesting to see if the Yankees can remedy some of the consistency issues they’ve experienced throughout the year. C.C. Sabathia has been named the Game 1 starter, and it will likely be veteran Andy Petitte and youngster Phil Hughes (not necessarily in that order) for the next two. Hughes’ start could be the pivotal one.

The Yankee pitchers will have the good fortune in not having to face Justin Morneau, who has been ruled out for the entire postseason due to the aftereffects of a concussion sustained in early July. The positive is that the Twins have proved they can be successful without him, but they would certainly love to have his bat in the lineup.

In the absence of Morneau, the Twins will have to continue to rely on Joe Mauer to lead the way. Hopefully following in his wake Delmon Young, Michael Cuddyer, and Jason Kubel will continue their strong performances at the plate to match that of Rodriguez, Cano and Texiera.

Offensive X-factors: For the Yankees, of course it is the postseason, and therefore Derek Jeter will likely do something special. While veteran slugger Jim Thome has been a revelation for the Twins in the latter half of the season, and certainly has the potential to shift the tide of a game with one swing.

As is often the case, this series will likely come down to which team gets the better pitching performance. Will New York’s high priced, experienced hurlers pitch like they are capable? Or will the Twins pitching and defense be able to minimize a powerful lineup? I’ll be rooting for the Twins, but…

If I had to bet: Yankees in 5

Joel MacDougall lives in Halifax. You can follow him on twitter @jmdougall. Joel's website is www.route19.wordpress.com.

Goaltending, Balanced Scoring, Produces Victory for Metros

Alex Newman was stellar in goal for the Marauders

(photo credit:Michael Fines)

by Bill McLean

On the long bus ride home to Yarmouth Sunday night, many Mariner players may have been clenching their fist and uttering the name made famous by the popular sitcom, Seinfeld.

“Newman!”

However, Alex Newman is not a pudgy post office employee, and his performance on Sunday afternoon in a 5-0 Metro victory at the Dartmouth Sportsplex was anything but comical.

The Marauders first year goaltender turned away all twenty eight shots he faced, fifteen in the first ten minutes, to stave off an early show of force by the Yarmouth Mariners and propel Metro to its eighth victory of the year,

Andrew Wiggington, Stuart Lenehan, and Ben Clarke would each score in the second period, followed by goals from Justin Belanger and Bradley MacDonald to give the Metros a split in the home and home series with the Mariners that began Saturday night in Yarmouth.

The game was the third of the weekend for the Marauders, having defeated the Summerside Western Capitals on Friday night in Dartmouth.

“These three game weekends are definitely grueling for the guys, but I thought we played with a great deal of energy today after a sluggish start,” said Marauders Head Coach, Troy Ryan.

“Fortunately Alex was able to close the door until our offence was able to get going. When you get five different players scoring and outstanding goaltending, you’re going to come away with a victory every time.”

The Marauders next game is Friday, October 8th, at the Dartmouth Sportsplex vs. the Weeks Crushers from Pictou County. Game time is 7:00.

Marauders Notes
With the shutout, Newman lowered his GAA average to 1.25 in 8 games played……Yarmouth outshot the Marauders 15-3 in the first 10 minutes of the game. The Mariners had several glorious chances but couldn’t beat Newman. Newman’s best saves of the afternoon were in the second and third period, stopping Mathew Miller on a breakaway, and Mitch Kerr with the glove hand on a hard one-timer……Justin Belanger and Wayne Bedecki are now tied for the lead in league scoring with 17 points each. Bedecki scored 8 points in 3 games over the weekend……the game can be seen in it’s entirety on http://live.haligonia.ca/halifax-ns/sports.... Special teams continue to spark the Metros. They killed all 6 minor penalties while converting on 3 of 8 power play opportunities. The Marauders are now killing penalties at an 87 percent clip. Stuart Lenehan set up Ben Clarke for a beautiful short handed goal in the second period. ]

Questions or comments? Email us at haligoniasports@gmail.com. Follow us on facebook and twitter @haligoniasports.

Marauders Gameday; Metros out for Revenge on Haligonia.ca

Wayne Bedecki had 2 goals and 2 assists last night for the Marauders

Opponent- Yarmouth Mariners (www.yarmouthmariners.com)
Game Time: 1:00
Where: Dartmouth Sportsplex. Game will be broadcast on www.live.haligonia.ca. Bill McLean and Joel MacDougall with the call.
Marauders Record: 7W 3L, first place in the Bent Division
Marauders Leading Scorer: #22 Justin Belanger with 16 points.
Interesting Factoid: The Metros have the top two scorers in the MHL with Belanger the leader, and Wayne Bedecki with 15 points.

Meet the Yarmouth Mariners
Record- 4W 4L, tied for third Place in the Bent Division
Head Coach- Laurie Barron
Key Players
#24 Ryan Nickerson: Leading scorer with 10 points. His next point will be his 100th of MHL Career.
#16 Kenny Mahoney: Leading scorer with 10 points. Scored 42 points last season.
#21 Brock Morrison : 17 year old has 9 points on the season. May be the best prospect on team.

Recent Mariners News- Team is currently on a three game winning streak. They defeated the Marauders last night in Yarmouth, 7-4.

Marauders Notes

The Marauders have 4 players in the top seven MHL scoring leaders (Belanger, Bedecki, Dylan King and Andrew Wigginton)…..Alex Newman has a 1.44 GAA in six starts with a save percentage of .944…..After a 5-0 start, the Metros are 2-3 in their last five games and have been outscored 21-16……the Marauders are currently ranked 7th in the CHL…..Dylan King has 1 goal and 11 assists on the season….next month on haligonia.ca we’ll show the Marauders vs. the juggernaut Woodstock Slammers. The 2009 MHL champs are undefeated this season and outscoring their opponents 39-8…….The Marauders are leading the league in penalty minutes with 273. They are first in the Bent division in penalty kill percentage (85)....programming note: due to unfortunate conflicts, today's webcast is replacing our planned webcast of the October 8th game vs. the Weeks Crushers.

Picks to Click: Bill: Wayne Bedecki; Joel- Andrew Wigginton

Coach Troy Ryan: "The second game of a home and home series always makes for some interesting hockey. It’ll be our third game of the weekend so hopefully we can fight off fatigue and get a win at the Sportsplex.”

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