Page 23 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 132

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #132 January 2024 23

Women’s Professional Hockey

truth be known, I didn’t have much make for some competitive season- physicality and look for rivalries to
interest in the bowl games, rather long action. start up as the first month of the 24
focusing on a game from the fabled game regular season begins. Toronto,
As we have seen locally, the
Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. Montreal, and Ottawa hold down
Typhoons program has given young
By Thom Racine Being more specific, the Mattamy girls an opportunity for many years. the Canadian side of the league’s
inaugural season, with Minnesota,
Athletic Center located inside the Now the program can give a new
New York, and Boston on the US side.
old Gardens was host to the first ever generation of girls the same hopes
professional women’s hockey game and dreams that boys have had for Check it out, Montreal and Ottawa
aren’t that far that an afternoon jaunt
with Toronto hosting New York over a century. Who will be the first
fter all the holiday gatherings City. A long time in the works, this local lady to play in the PWHL? to either city would make a nice day
Aand sports on TV, I sat down game and this league opened in style. There most certainly will be another trip. Support is key to success and
on New Year’s Day ready to watch Familiar names of women who have Lori Dupuis in our future and beyond. long future of women’s professional
more sports. I know some of you brought our nation so much pride and Unlike the international game, hockey.
may be wondering which college joy as members of our national team, the PWHL will see a little more For the record New York won the
bowl games piqued my interest, now dispersed through the league to first ever game 4-0.

A Strong BMX Season for Malakai Bergeron

By Victoria Klassen riding in 2019, but his love of bikes
began as a toddler. His parents say he

alakai Bergeron, a local rider has been on two wheels since he was
Mfrom Cornwall BMX and two years old.
Gatineau BMX, had a year filled with “I first got into the sport when
personal BMX accomplishments. asked to go race with a friend at our

“I was a successful candidate for local BMX track in Cornwall. Once
the Rising Stars program which I tried it, I was hooked,” shared
allowed me to have additional Malakai.
training with Team Ontario coaches. The typical BMX season in Canada
I took first place overall in provincial runs from May until October. That
finals for cruiser class, and second doesn’t stop Malakai from training
place overall in thirteen expert year-round. If he can’t do sprints
class finals. I was top eight in the on the streets or practice on a track,
FQSC (Fédération Québécoise des he can be found on rollers or on a
sports Cyclistes) series for Coupe stationary spin bike. He also goes to
du Quebec and received overall the gym three to five times a week.
cumulative second place for 2023
His goal for BMX is to go as far as
season in Gatineau,” said Malakai.
he can in the sport and one day make
“The biggest accomplishment this it to the Olympics.
season for me was getting first place
“This year would not have been
in the Provincial Championship
possible without the support from
race for cruiser, securing a spot
my coach Ian Crawford, my parents,
in the upcoming 2024 World
and with my sponsors for the 2023
Championship, and taking second in
season,” said Malakai. “This included Photo Submitted
class. I qualified in both classes for
Miller Hughes Ford Lincoln, Ming &
the upcoming World Championship
Associates, Health Within, Snap on While 2023 was a year of Championships, Malakai will be
in 2024 which will be held in Rock
Hill South Carolina.” Tools by Chad, Unitech CSN Auto, accomplishments, 2024 is already attending a special training in
Happy Eats, and Caveman Strong, shaping up to be full of opportunity. Colombia in January to work with
Malakai, thirteen, began BMX along with family and friends.” As well as attending the 2024 World elite riders and athletes.