Page 8 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 65

8 April 2018 Issue #65 www.sportsenergynews.com

the game, but it seems as though he get a fresh mindset and not have to season; my players are required to be
Continued from page 7
loves coaching just as much. keeps kids on the team based on committed to strive for victory. ‘How
when it comes to lacrosse skill and politics and parental favouritism,” can I make the team better?’ should
“I love to coach simply because
development; Alberta is not quite up says Blanchard. “We had to cut be the question regularly asked
I love the game of lacrosse and
to par. I want to see that change and approximately 25 to 30 kids within throughout the season.
everything that comes with it. Going
it begins with teaching proper skills one week to make our final roster,
and lacrosse I.Q. at the younger to the rink in the summer, being part which was challenging but I predict In terms of his favourite coaching
of a team/family and going through memory, Blanchard has a great one.
levels,” says Blanchard. “I feel we we will have a strong team, one that
the highs and lows of a season are
are on the right path to becoming will compete every night.” “My favourite coaching memory
aspects of the game that will never
on the same level as Ontario and would stem from coaching with
get old for me,” says Blanchard. “I In terms of his coaching philosophy,
BC when it comes to lacrosse and I the Sherwood Park Junior A Titans.
also enjoy seeing the improvement Blanchard has a clear view of what he
wish to be an influential part of that We were in a rebuilding year, with
of the players throughout the year believes in.
success.” approximately 10 to 12 rookies in the
and sharing my lacrosse experiences
Currently, Blanchard is coaching with them. Coaching also gets me “As Vince Lombardi once said, line-up every night,” says Blanchard.
the Parkland Posse Bantam A ‘Winning isn’t everything, but striving “In the middle of the season, we went
involved in the community and allows
lacrosse team. to win is.’ This is the foundation of my on to beat the powerhouse Okotoks
me to be a positive role model for the
philosophy,” says Blanchard. “Hard Raiders, who ended up playing in
“There are only four levels players. These aspects of coaching work, class, discipline, commitment, the Minto Cup (Canadian Junior A
of lacrosse; A B C and D,” says are influential in bringing me back and sportsmanship are important Championships) that year. They had
Blanchard. “Three associations year after year.” factors that influence the mindset to a stacked team and we were a team
in the West division of Edmonton
The tryouts for Blanchard’s team strive for victory. Improvement in with a bunch of rookies. It was a
combined to make the Parkland
wrapped up mid-March and the start these areas defines a successful season huge upset, one that I, nor the players,
Posse. It would be like if Cornwall, of the season is quickly approaching. for me, not winning a championship. will ever forget.”

Brockville, and Akwesasne Although winning is always an
“As it stands, we have a good team Blanchard is an incredibly
combined their players to play within objective and is important, it is not
and players we can build with. As dedicated coach and we can’t wait to
one organization.” what will define you as a person or
this is my first year with the Parkland see what this season brings for him
Blanchard certainly loved to play a player…At the beginning of each
Sports Energy to and his team.
Posse organization, it was good
Greater Cornwall & Areas Community Sports Newspaper

Sports Energy presents Sports Panel

Greater Cornwall & Areas Community Sports Newspaper

Rogers Hometown Hockey rolled into Cornwall March 17th and 18th, putting Cornwall on
Sports Energy
the national stage during a Jets vs Stars nationally televised hockey game. What did you

think of the show, and how did Cornwall fare?
Greater Cornwall & Areas Community Sports Newspaper

Gilles Gaudet - Sports Enthusiast - I’m sure all Cornwallites who tuned in to watch Hometown Hockey’s tribute to our city felt a sense of
civic pride. It’s not often that we’re honoured nationally and Hometown eloquently captured some important historical facts, and provided
insight into some of our personalities in the sports arenas. In fact Hometown Hockey is a first class operation, as witnessed by their exceptional
set-up of stages and displays at the Civic Complex parking lot. They made the weekend about involving everyone from children to seniors,
and we should be grateful for the opportunity to showcase our city. It’s easy to be negative, and there are enough blogs and some news outlets
that continually try to spin Cornwall as a substandard place to live. In fact, we have a rich history of being an industrial town where people
have worked hard and played hard to make Cornwall a great place to raise a family. Hopefully as our city diversifies in both industry and
more importantly in our people, we take the time to enjoy our sports and continue to make sports an integral part of our community. So thank
you, Hometown Hockey, for chronicling our rich sporting history, it’s something that we’re very proud of!

Jake Lapierre - Conditioning Coach -Hyped for Rogers Hometown Hockey. What an event; a great chance to meet former NHL players;
hear stories of local hockey legends, to kindle that spirit, that love for the game of hockey. My aunt Pierrette MacDonald even grabbed an
opportunity to snap a pic with Ron MacLean and proudly display it on Facebook. Attendance at the Colts’ game on Thursday was higher than
usual. Rogers Hometown hockey has been showcasing towns from around the country and I’m proud Canada had the chance to meet the City
of Cornwall. Great job to the city and everyone involved. Cornwall fared very well…

Jim Riddell - Seaway Karate Club - Cornwall is fortunate to be one of only twenty-four communities from across Canada chosen for
Rogers Hometown Hockey tour. Rogers’ co-host Tara Slone stated “It’s amazing to me that we are on season four and still have so many
wonderful places in this country left to discover”. The cold weather may have had some impact on the crowd, but there were still many kids
of all ages walking around wearing jackets and jerseys from various area teams. There was something for everyone, - a chance to see three
hockey games, music, shows, and activities. Former Sens’ player Chris Neil was on hand signing autographs, as was Shayne Corson who had
played for the Canadiens, Maple Leafs, and the Oilers. This weekend gave Cornwall a chance to showcase its hockey heritage, gain some
positive exposure, and show people that “Yes, Cornwall is a hockey town”