EVENT AND COMPETITION SCHEDULE
RANT N' ROAR - DAY TWO
TEAM NL'S WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL HAS A FAMILY FEEL IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE
The wheelchair basketball team features players from both Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia who came together in 2022. The roster also includes three sets of siblings and a mother and son duo.
One of those pairs of siblings is Alex and Jack Kennedy. Alex is representing Newfoundland and Labrador for the second time after being part of the province’s return to wheelchair basketball at the Canada Games in 2019, while the 2023 Games will be Jack’s first time representing Newfoundland and Labrador.
“I’m incredibly excited to be able to represent Newfoundland and Labrador again on the national stage,” said Alex. “I’m eager to see the work we’ve put in come to fruition, and having my youngest brother be a part of this journey with myself and our team has been really special. I’m so excited to see him experience the energy of the Canada Games!”
“I’m extremely excited to participate with my brother Alex. To share the memories of the Games with your friends and teammates is one thing, but it’s going to be a special experience doing it with my brother,” said Jack. “Myself and Alex both share a strong passion for wheelchair basketball and our team, and it’s a passion that will only be amplified when we take the court together and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Story provided to us by Alex Kennedy. You can find Alex on twitter @AlexKennedyNL
Chef's Corner
Last night Team NL participated in a wonderful celebration at the Opening Ceremonies to kick off the 2023 Canada Winter Games. The word on the street is that we were a fine looking group as we marched into the arena. It was especially nice to be greeted by our Premier as we entered the arena. Thank you to Team PEI who welcomed us with open arms as honorary Islanders. Congratulations to our flagbearer, Gleb Evstigneev, who proudly represented our province. We look forward to carrying the momentum and energy from last night’s ceremony into our first day of competition. We are looking forward to cheering on our curling, squash, table tennis, and hockey teams. Let’s Go Team NL!
wheelchair basketball takes in another training session
It was another great training day for the team! The athletes are looking forward to their first game tomorrow against New Brunswick. If it is anything like today’s training, there will be aggressive plays with athletes hitting the floor and incredible teamwork. Be sure to meet the athletes at the Grant Thornton booth throughout the week and grab some thunder sticks to cheer on the team!
speed skater is feeling sharp
Our Speed Skater Noah Bolton was out in North Rustico today for another training day.. According to coach Sharon Karon, it was an excellent training day today in North Rustico. The skate set-up was great, the ice was smooth, and the blades were fast. Noah is poised to make noise tomorrow when competition begins!
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
Team NL Ladies Curling took to the ice today to compete in their opening game against Team Saskatchewan. Although it was not a win for our girls team… we are sure it will be a moment they will cherish for a long time!
Participating on the national stage can be a very emotional yet memorable experience for all, and you could see the pride in both our athletes and supporting parents. We are all so proud of them!
Team NL will now get ready for a match against Team Ontario at 10 am Monday morning. Let’s go Team NL!
artistic gymnastics springs into action
Artistic Gymnastics added another day of training today at the Norton Diamond Soccer Complex. Mens Team Final begins tomorrow. You have trained hard, now is the time to enjoy the experience and to give it all you got! We look forward to cheering you on!
Reach for the sky
Today the athletes got to familiarize themselves with the venue and train on the trampolines at the Eastlink Centre. The excitement of upcoming competition can be felt and we are looking forward to seeing you jump to new heights!
TeamNL squashes the competition
TeamNL took to the courts on day one of individual competition today at the Eastlink Centre. All 4 individual competitors fought valiantly through tough matches. Bolstered by support from her Female Curling and Karate teammates, Sophie Tulk won her game against Team NB and will advance to the next round tomorrow morning. Team competition will begin on Wednesday for the rest of the Squash athletes.
BIATHLON TEAM ARE STRAIGHT SHOOTERS
Team NL - Biathlon is composed of 8 members… 2 female and 3 males athletes, 2 coaches and a wax tech. All but two of the team are rookies at the Canada Winter Games. Head Coach Chris was Asst Coach in 2019 and Asst Coach Katie competed as an athlete at the 2019 CWG in Red Deer, Alberta.
Biathlon 101 - for those unfamiliar with the sport:
Biathlon combines cross country skiing (with a .22 caliber rifle on your back) and marksmanship. Don’t worry they all have their Firearms Certificates!
Biathlon originated in the Scandinavian region during the 18th century possibly as a result of Swedish ski fighting in the Norwegian war.
(Stay tuned for more interesting Biathlon tidbits throughout the week!)
Sunday is the Official Training day where rifles and skis are inspected by competition staff. Competition starts Monday with the 6km female and 7.5km male sprints…
Other sports may have shooters, punchers and twisters… but Biathlon has real snipers!
Karate Prepare to Take the Mat
Its’s day 2 of training and these young athletes were up early and ready to take on the day. It started early with weigh in’s for our Kumite athletes who all made weight, followed by an hour bus ride to Credit Union Place. Upon arrival the athletes pile in to to find a Tatami to practice on. Nerves are heightened as tomorrow starts the first day of competition beginning with our Kata athletes.
The athletes finished up early enough today to take advantage of cheering on our Squash team. Another great day at the games!
Team NL brings a lot to the table
Team NL had a successful first day of table tennis! The mixed doubles event concluded today. Carter and Ciela finished 4-3 placing 11th overall and Peter and Divine finished 13th overall out of 23 teams with a record of 3-3. The team is happy with their performance and look forward to boys and girls doubles tomorrow!
HOCKEY SQUAD FINDS THE TWINE
The NL Mens Male Hockey Team opened up their Canada Games with a 8-0 Win over Team Nunavut. After a scoreless first period, it was Declan Kennedy who notched Team NL's first goal of the 2023 Canada games. Carter Bromley with a strong forecheck causing the turnover and nice feed to Kennedy alone in front to notch his first of two on the night. Ty Peddigrew quickly followed that up with a nice give and go out of the corner with team Captain Will Carroll to fire home his first of two to give NL the 2-0 lead. Brody Harnum added one before the end of the second and it was 3-0 for Team NL after two. Team NL seemed to build confidence as the game went on and dominated the third period scoring another 5 as Peddigrew, Kennedy and Harnum all picked up their second goals of the game while Noah Boland and Mason Strong added their first of the tournament in the 8-0 win. Donald Hickey started in goal and played the first two periods while Carter Arnold came on for the third. Both goalies made some key saves to preserve the shutout. The defence held the fort keeping Team Nunavit at bay with some strong defensive zone play. Jack Marnell chipped in offensively with a pair of helpers. Tomorrow February 20th, will see Team NL with two games. The first will see them take on the Northwest Territories at 9:30am NL time followed by an evening match up at 8:00PM NL time against the host team from PEI. Great start for the Men's Hockey Team.