Letter to the Editor

Spending a wad of money from parents but not taking the responsibility for their education, this concept is entirely an error for the international students.

As I am an international student from Hong Kong spent a minimum of four years studying in Canada, I have well-observed how the majority of international students wasting their parents’ effort and also their precious time of learning the language or furthering their education but instead of making an “Asian Gang” at school.

By defining the word “Asian Gang,” international students will gather as a group of four up to eight people sitting in a quarter at cafeteria gossiping with their friends using the first language but hardly ever have I seen any of them sitting beside a native speaker speaking in English.

Also, you will hardly able to see the international students involve themselves with the college nor the community. I have never known any of my friends so far working on campus or in Castlegar.

It seems to me that studying abroad is merely about so-called “focusing on study” but never attempt to experiencing the culture, the people nor the social structure of the country.

Acknowledging what studying means would be prominent for some international students. Having profit the time while we are studying abroad by involving with the natives and experiencing everything as we could is the main ideal reason to come studying abroad. Otherwise, why wouldn’t us pursuing our education in our home country but to spend massive amount of money to study abroad? Shouldn’t we contemplate the intention to study abroad to show some responsibility for our parents since we all believe in Filial Piety?

Ryan, Chu Chun Hong

Selkirk College International Student

]]> http://selkirksentinel.ca/?feed=rss2&p=111 http://selkirksentinel.ca/?p=110 http://selkirksentinel.ca/?p=110#comments Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:20:28 +0000 Julia McIntyre-Smith http://selkirksentinel.ca/?p=110

Snow has been a hard commodity to come by this year.

With such little snowfall, hitting some powder seemed like a fool’s dream, but the Selkirk College Ski Club are foolhardy. Forced to cancel the Red Mountain Ski Night due to lack of interest, the members of the ski club decided the best way to spend their money would be a weekend trip to Revelstoke… and so the adventure began.

The forecast called for snow the weekend of March 13. So not wanting to waste any time, the ski club hit the road right after school on Friday. The first stop was the shack of the Sentinel’s very own food critic and president of the Ski Club, Derrick Statt, for an overnight stay.

After about a two-hour drive and an interesting turn about in the neighbor’s yard, I pull into Derrick’s driveway. I can tell something is amiss as soon as I do. Andrew Hill is holding his finger and appears to be in pain. While cutting kindling for the fire, he just barely nicks his finger with his axe and slices his finger open. On the drive to the hospital his adrenaline wears off and Andrew turns pale and drips beads of cold sweat. He is given six stitches. Although his hand is in quite a bit of pain Andrew hops back in the car and ensures us that he will be skiing the next day.

Catastrophe averted, things start looking up for the ski club, for as we drove back to Derrick’s place the pounding raindrops turn into big fluffs of snow. Upon our return we hear lots of hooting and hollering. Everyone is stoked on the snow and the air of disaster dissipates and in its stead is excitement. We all agree that Andrew’s accident filled the quota for injuries this weekend and has ensured a trip with no further incidents.

As 4:30am rolls around everyone wakes up and packs up their gear. We catch the 5:30am ferry and make it to the base of Revelstoke Mountain right as it is opening. By this point smiles and a sense of eagerness have consumed every member of the ski club. As we make it up the second gondola I don’t even have the chance to put on my skis before everyone has raced off to soak up every bit of powder.

Being extremely exhausted from lack of sleep, I fear that I will not be able to keep my eyes open the whole day, but that worry is laid to rest as soon as I see the staggering view atop the mountain. It was a constant battle for me between stopping to enjoy the view and devoting all my time to hitting the runs.

After our first day of skiing we head back into town. Wanting to sleep in a little more luxury that night, we stay at the Gateway Inn Motel. We discover there is a hot tub and a little bit of relaxation is in order for this group of rapscallions. That night we entertain ourselves by throwing various items into the fan and watching them fly across the room, finding that carrots and beer cans are the best ammo.

The next morning most of the group makes it to the hill as it opens but there are a few stragglers left behind who are a little worse for wear after events of the previous night. Sustenance is needed before we hit the hill. Frontier Restaurant serves up the perfect medicine: a hearty breakfast of eggs in omelet form to get us back to normal.

The second day of skiing turns out to be another sunny day. I run into other people in the group and ski with them on and off. We attempt to stay together for one run but it is far too difficult and many people are lost during the trip down. At the end of the day we all gather in the parking lot and everyone goes over their triumphs and tribulations of the day. Some stories include precarious adventures in the out-of-bounds areas, yard sales, and god-like abilities to control the sunshine.

The weekend of skiing went off without any other incidents. Everyone found what they were looking for, whether that was fresh powder, trees to ski through, or in my case, a run that I could conquer without falling. The Ripper Chair, the Tasty Glades and the North Bowl seemed to be the areas of choice for most of the group.

The drive home included, for most of the group, a stop over at Halcyon Hot Springs. However, four unlucky people missed the boat though, due to my lack of road knowledge. From what I heard, the hot springs were very enjoyable and included an attempt to convince one of the members of the ski club to give another member a bum massage.

On March 26 the Spirit Bar in Nelson was packed full of lovin’ hip-hop fans, who anxiously awaited the arrival of the group “Zion I:” a well-known hip-hop group from Oakland, California.

The night started off with three local DJ’s: DJ Ben Fox, SES and Ben Fresh. They got the crowd pumpin’ while Zion I’s crew were relaxing in the VIP.

Zion I consists of three members: DJ Amplive, Zumbi (who is the rap artist), and Holiday (vocalist).

My friend and I were even lucky enough to meet Zion I and get invited to sit with them in the VIP! Holiday asked us to join them, and once we started talking we got to know that they were super nice people, who love what they do.

Their music focuses on more serious and spiritual subject matter. This group has been together for over ten years now, and has produced numerous CD’s. DJ Amplive is known to have remixed for everyone from Linkin Park to MGMT.

Songs to download first are: “Hit ‘em,” “I love the way she moves,” and “Don’t loose your head.”

For all of those who missed this sick performance, I hope you catch ‘em next time!

Peace.

Nealy O’Brien’s Pub

1502 Columbia Avenue
Castlegar, BC
(250) 365-2215

Nealy O’Brien’s is a standard neighbourhood pub with regular patrons, random decor and a simple menu. I’ve been to their Liquor Store on numerous occasions, but this time I was hungry for something more than just a pack of refreshing PBR. The restaurant has a signboard outside their door that posts daily specials. This day it was a Cheeseburger and Pint for $10.99. Worth a try? Sort of.

The burger was a homemade patty and was unique, yet tasty. Somewhat reminiscent of black licorice. The Fries were of the basic frozen variety. The beer, at first flat and stale, due to being the bottom of the Keg, was quickly replaced before I even had a second sip, by the waitress rushing to my aid with an apology and a fresh one…Delicious!

I’d say the food was just average though. And when I got my bill the special was listed as costing $11.62. That’s $0.63 more than was advertised! What the?

Regardless, the booths provide lots of space to get in and out of, no matter your shape. I’m a lanky guy and sometimes booths can require some contortionism skills, but these ones are great.

They have several TV’s and a good selection of regulars that frequent the place and know each other by name. It’s not the type of crowd that shuns new faces though.

The menu is basic pub fare plus pastas, steaks, and a good selection of sandwiches.

You have probably noticed the big-ass Montreal Canadiens light above the building, well step inside this place and the decor just gets better. Several sexy velvet paintings cover the wall around the pool table (which is free to play on Sundays), a sign “Santa Clause Lane” hangs in the hallway to the washroom (very clean bathrooms), and a deer head hangs on the wall forced to live in a state of perpetual holiday with x-mas decorations hanging from its antlers.

Also on the walls are a healthy mix of X-mas tinsel and lights combined with four-leaf clovers and a sign behind the bar that says: “Happy St. Patrick’s Day.” Perhaps this is intended to create a festive atmosphere anytime of the year? I wouldn’t doubt that at least a couple people have belted out x-mas carols in July at this place.

Oh yeah, I can’t forget to mention the t-shirts! Dozens of them from all over the world—some classy, some trashy, some clever, either way they are a unique item to find in a bar and much more interesting than hockey jerseys.

Nealy O’Briens has mostly your basic domestic pilsner selection on tap, but is a well-stocked full service bar. They offer daily food and drink specials.

The food wasn’t bad but not great either. The thing that got me was the incorrectly-advertised price of the special. This is more of a place to come and sip some bevvies and snacks with friends, rather than a place to enjoy a spectacular meal.

Overall, I’m gonna have to give this place a 2.5 out of 5.

Heard of a skinny double decaf? A cappuccino? A macchiato? But don’t know the difference between any of these coffee drinks featured in today’s cafes? Well here is a crash course.

Hot Coffee Drinks:

Espresso:

A shot of espresso is the basic to any speciality coffee drink. An espresso shot is a strong rich coffee, brewed by forcing hot water through a finely ground espresso bean roast. Decaf espresso can also be brewed. An espresso is traditionally served in a three ounce cup, hence being called a shot. This will keep you awake if you are up late cramming for an exam.

Americano:

This drink involves an espresso shot or two (called a double) and hot water. Add cream and sugar and you technically have a coffee there.

Canadiano:

Of course now a Canadiano has to be stronger than a mere Americano! Try a shot of espresso with hot coffee to get you awake in the morning!

Latte & Cappuccino:

Take a shot of espresso and add some steamed milk to that. So what is a skinny latte (also called non-fat) then? For this drink, skim milk is steamed and added to the espresso shot. Any type of milk can be used, including non-dairy such as soy or rice milk. With lattes and cappuccinos it is all about the foam that the milk produces once it is steamed. If it is light and creamy, it is considered perfect latte foam that should be spooned on top of the beverage. If the foam is thick and fluffy, you might just have a cappuccino there. A cappuccino has more foam than milk in its cup.

Caramel Macchiato (pronounced “maki-ato”) and Mocha:

Caramel macchiatos and mochas are flavoured lattes. A caramel Macchiato has a shot of caramel and vanilla syrup poured into the milk before or after it is steamed. In some cafes, or in Italy, if you order a macchiato, it means that a small amount of steamed milk will be added to an espresso shot therefore making it a smaller version of a latte. Mocha on the other hand is steamed milk with chocolate syrup added to an espresso shot.

Below the party favours, hackysacks, and discount house wares filling the neon-illuminated shelves of Nelson’s Baker St. dollar store, there is a sweet little juice bar dishing out Ginger Zingers that pop.

This lovely all-ages, hole-in-the-wall, the Velvet Underground, played generous host to the Selkirk College Students’ Union second annual Battle of the Arts competition on March 5; and between the wheatgrass shots and wicked student talent, the event was a total success.

“The Battle of the Arts,” said SCSU Organiser Varenka Schwarz, is intended “to raise awareness about the arts and provide an opportunity for students from different campuses to meet and mingle.”

With most of the student competitors hailing from Nelson, the Kootenay School of the Arts was definitely well-represented. In addition to passionate musical performances by community members and Selkirk students, the event showcased student work in ceramics, textiles, jewellery, metal, paint and mixed media, with beautiful contributions by Talia Maisonneuve, grand prize winner of $200 and second-prize winner Peter Booth, as well as third prize-winner Trent Kampel-S. The event also featured work by Sarah Orton, Liz Banes, Alexander Cheshire, among others.

The jewellery and metalwork were amazing: pieces included a full chain mail shirt, a sceptre complete with crystal ball, and necklaces with glowing silver pendants.

While the music played, audience members participated in an on-site painting competition, whose continuing rounds and winners were decided by audience applause between band sets, with Sarah Orton taking home first prize (twice!), Trent Kampel-S second, and community-member Nadia third.

The crowd was amazing: super-dancey, enthusiastic, supportive, and fun. Whilst grinning ear-to-ear and gesturing wildly, SCSU Events Director Fraser Ploss exclaimed, “The bands kick ass! The artists kick ass! This is our best event ever!”

The evening’s music opened with two solo acts: Akhil Kodamanchili (remember his sweet finger-tapping at Selkirk Idol?) and Simon Joseph as One Stood Still. Though the two made valiant attempts to shift focus to the stage, the attention of the masses remained, for the most part, concentrated at the back of the venue, no doubt in the grips of the creepy skeleton-hand candleholder and delicate silver-twig necklace contributed by those talented folks of the KSA.

Immediately following the duo however, I Heart NY, featuring Melis McWilliams on drums, Nils Mikklesen on keys, Tyler Toews on guitar, and Simon Joseph on bass, grabbed everyone’s attention with a killer cover of MGMT’s “Kids,” and another of XTC’s “Making Plans for Nigel,” which they rocked like maybe XTC could’ve rocked it, were this 1979. The guitar killed. The keyboard! The drums! And every band member grinning like sinners, which is the best part of any performance, really.

Soundsplash, composed of music students Orion Miller, Neil Graham, and Remi LaLiberte, followed with earnest acoustic rock. Though I wasn’t totally captivated by their first two songs, I appreciated the third, into which singer Miller charged with total abandon, maybe having glimpsed the MC lingering near the side of the stage. Equipped with a wireless patch cord, bassist Graham strolled into the crowd the way a sitcom dad strolls across the front lawn for the paper, casual as all get-out, effectively clearing the stage for the evening’s first-prize winners, Prank Hot.

Clad in bare feet, bandana, and Gogol Bordello hoodie, guitarist Tyler Boissonnault revealed Prank Hot’s influences even before bassist Tom Wyman announced them. “We’re gonna play some gypsy punk!” hollered Wyman, as Boissonault launched into that carefree one-legged rock hop so dear to the music-lover’s heart, pounding out the rhythm as much as the chords on a nylon-string acoustic, whilst drummer John Aaram shredded a snare with a sound so tight and beautiful as to inspire this intrepid reporter to maybe learn the secrets of tuning drums. Seriously. It was gorgeous. Their set sprinkled liberally with fist-pumps, choruses of “Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!,” and half-time breakdowns I overheard one listener describe, in excited disbelief, as “Totally metal,” Prank Hot effectively captivated the audience.

Following Prank Hot were third-prize winners Sarah’s Electric Panda, who performed a sizzling rendition of Erykah Badu’s “Back in the Day.” Thank-you, Brittany Mahood—though I had forgotten how fabulous a frontwoman can be, my cynical heart busted wide-open every time she and the rest of the band called out, “Puff.” The hip swing! The tenderness! Though they’d obviously only planned the one song, as Mahood left the stage drummer Melis McWilliams, possibly responsible for the wicked sound of the snare I later saw her hugging to her chest with affection, hissed, “I kind of feel like playing another one.” They did—an instrumental original, “It’s Sweet When Cultures Meet,” which boasted complex parts, myriad time changes, and many breaks. Though it was upwards of eight minutes long, the dynamic keyboards and visible concentration and joy of the players made for a totally engaging performance. Keyboardist Mikklesen confessed to being a relatively new addition to the group, while McWilliams, guitarist Sean McLaughlin, and bassist Matt Haywood have been playing together for a little over a year.

With two bands left, we were treated to the impromptu beat-boxing of one Rob Goblin, who made beats like C3P0 might, if he were a droid with some sense and not an uptight nerd. Think, maybe, Anakin gets rich or dies trying, the podrace is actually a driveby, and instead of light sabres the jedi are wielding those hi-tech needle-less turntables that play records with lasers. George Lucas. The crowd pressed in close to the stage as Nelson’s Dazza freestyled over Rob Goblin’s wicked beats.

The Ginger Zingers, at this point, were flowing freely. Some audience members had paint on their faces. Most of us were on our feet.

Second-prize winners Locomotive Ghost were a crowd favourite. Somehow, the bulk of the audience knew all the words to their songs, singing almost as hard as vocalist-guitarists Tyler Toews and Mike Buckley, though with somewhat more fierce and frequent fist-pumps. While drummer Cortney Osness kept time with the upright posture and serene expression of a yogi, bassist Ben Nixon wriggled like a two-legged snake playing bass in a Disney flick, feet planted, teeth flashing, heart singing, riffs galore. The beautiful back-ups, harmony, and sweet, sweet repeats of singers Georgia Laloudakis and Shelby Suhan fleshed out the band’s old-time good-time stage-party 1970s feel.

And then suddenly, at the close of the evening: metal. Northwind—Nick Molson, Kris Kolesnikoff, Ross Oyurkovitz, and Shane Sherm subbing on guitar—boasted, having left their synth player at home, a six-string bass, a pair of matching flying V’s, a double-kick, and two china cymbals. Extreme! Singer-guitarist Kolesnikoff projected all the charisma and rakish charm of Bruce Dickinson, and gave mad props to the Velvet Underground, SCSU, participating artists, and other bands.

And then it was over.

First-prize winners Prank Hot took home $500, Locomotive Ghost, a close second, bagged $250, and third-prize winners Sarah’s Electric Panda scored a cool $125. When pressed for a quote, SEP bassist Matt Haywood said, “It’s cool being in Nelson, just playing whatever music you want.” Damnnnn straight.

For upcoming shows, music downloads, and more information, check out everybody’s websites:

Soundsplash: myspace.com/soundsplashmusic

Sarah’s Electric Panda: myspace.com/sarahspandaland

Locomotive Ghost: myspace.com/locomotiveghost

Akhil Kodamanchili: soundclick.com/anidlemind

Northwind: myspace.com/knightsofthenorthwind

1. Breakfast: Full Circle Cafe in Nelson

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of classics such as Eggs Benedict served on English muffins or French toast coated in cornflakes, graham crackers and toasted pecans served with a sweet fruit compote. Feeling adventurous? Try their grilled grapefruit. The Full Circle Cafe supports local farmers and businesses by buying local eggs, bread and meat. Breakfast prices range from $4 – $13.

2. Window Shopping: Baker Street, Nelson

After breakfast, take a stroll along the quaint downtown core streets of Nelson in the early morning light. Notice some of the years on the buildings? Most of these heritage buildings are around a century old. Take a peek into their windows. There is something for everyone here from locally-made crafts (Kootenay Craft Connection) to clothing (Bia Boro) and check out Still Eagle, the store with two prices on every item. If you come out in the afternoon, buskers emerge on each side of Baker Street playing a variety of diverse music such as folk and reggae on their guitars.

3. “Streetcar 23” Rides: Lakeside Park, Nelson

This is a must-ride. You cannot leave the Kootenays without riding this charming trolley from Lakeside Park down to the Prestige Hotel. A 10 to 15-minute ride, this heritage trolley is over a century old and costs around $3 for an adult and less for children and seniors.

4. Scenic Bicycle Route: Ymir to Nelson

In good shape? If not, you might hurt a few days after trying this little excursion. Try cycling from fascinating Ymir to Nelson along the old train trestle tracks. Do not go alone however, in case you get lost or run into some unfriendly wild animals. This scenic route in pristine backcountry could take up to four hours one way to complete, but the views from above Nelson make it totally worth the ride.

5. Lunch: Frog Peak Cafe in Crescent Valley

Halfway between Nelson and Castlegar, in the tiny community of Crescent Valley, is a hidden secret jewel of a cafe that serves mouth-watering grilled Paninis filled with your choice of items like chicken teriyaki or brie cheese. Their house salads are a work of art with grated beet, carrots, and sunflower seeds combined with healthy greens. Try the Green Goddess dressing, a creamy green garlicky dressing, with one of their salads. After devouring your meal, enjoy a cappuccino or a light beer such as Stella Artois or Okanagan cider to wash down your meal. Prices range from $6 – $14 for lunch.

6. Museum: Le Roi Mine in Rossland

A little bit out of your way? You will forget that as soon as you step into the opening of the historic Rossland gold mine. Mined a century ago, this tour is fascinating if you love history and geology. The museum has interesting displays on life in early 19^th century Rossland and tidbits on the mine’s operation. Dress warmly for the tour, since it becomes very chilly underground. Call ahead to check when tours are available.

7. Picnicking Spots: Lakeside Park in Nelson, Pass Creek Park in Pass Creek and Zuckerburg Island in Castlegar

Spend the afternoon lounging around one of these parks with a hamper full of food, a Frisbee and a towel to tan on or to use after a refreshing swim. Both Lakeside Park and Pass Creek Park have concession stands, and Pass Creek Park and Zuckerburg Island have beautiful short hiking trails. Zuckerburg Island also has a suspension bridge and don’t forget to check out the heritage home of Alexander Zuckerburg on the island, open weekdays through the summer. All three are dog and children friendly.

8. Local Youth Music: Corazon Vocal Ensemble in Nelson, and Vision of Peace Youth Choir in Castlegar.

Come support your fellow Selkirk students who sing in these local youth choirs. Corazon features world repertoire music in several languages with piano and string accompaniment. Most of their concerts are held in Nelson and area. Vision of Peace is a traditional Russian-based choir that focuses on preserving Doukhobor culture in the Kootenay area through their beautiful music. Songs are mostly sung in Russian. Check local media for upcoming performance schedules.

9. Live Music: the Old Castle Theatre in Castlegar

Check out local bands and musicians featured weekly at the quaint Castle Theatre in downtown Castlegar. Or bring some friends down for the open mic and jam session on Thursday nights. The Castle Theatre also features an eclectic vintage cafe offering a full coffee bar and creative light lunches such as butter chicken pizza and miniature apple pies. Café open 9am to 6pm, later on jam nights.

10. Theatre: Charles Bailey in Trail and Capitol Theatre in Nelson

These two theatres host weekly local and international bands, plays, ballets, orchestras, operas and concerts that appeal to all ages. Prices range from $8 and up, per ticket. Previous events have included plays such as Grease, choirs such as Corazon and Shenango, bands such as Hedley and Marianna’s Trench, jazz concerts, Canadian ballet companies…the list is endless! So if you are looking for a great performance, head over to Nelson or Trail and sit down for an evening of fun.

]]> http://selkirksentinel.ca/?feed=rss2&p=105 http://selkirksentinel.ca/?p=104 http://selkirksentinel.ca/?p=104#comments Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:21:22 +0000 Melia Campos http://selkirksentinel.ca/?p=104

On March 5, a colourful array of music could be heard filling the ears of many excited students at the Velvet Underground’s live lounge in Nelson, BC. This was the second annual Selkirk College Student’s Union “Battle of the Arts” event. It was a night filled with rockin’ music, live art and a sparkling display of a variety of student visual art.

The night started out with the bands doing their thing, and then a little live art got thrown into the mix.

There were seven groups performing and many people joined in on the live art. The crowd was just going wild for these bands! And the live art was amazing too; watching two to three people at once paint with mad fingers and brushes, given their 20-minute time slot.

The winner of the live art, Sarah Orton, walked away with a $60 gift certificate for Frisco’s restaurant. And the band “Prank Hot,” winner of the Battle of the Bands received a grand prize of $500!

But that’s not all! There was also the display of vivid paintings, sick jewelry, metal creations, and more. Students voted for their favourite exhibit, and Talia Maisonneuve walked away with her grand prize of $200!

Overall, the event was extremely successful and many students showed up to see their fellow peers perform in this ample event.

Thank you to all who participated and came out to the event! Until next year…

On March 2, the founding members of the SCSU’s Total Bouldering Club, James Boldt and Tanya Foster, RRS students at Selkirk’ College, unveiled an almost entirely revamped bouldering cave in the Castlegar campus, boasting challenging new climbing routes for all experience levels.

The occasion marked the club’s inaugural Bouldering Competition, which was complete with oodles of prizes generously supplied by over 15 local sponsors, including the Lion’s Head Brewpub, Kootenay Centre Cinemas, the Castle Café, Patagonia, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Safeway, Boston Pizza, and the Selkirk cafeteria and bookstore.

Though the swag was sweet, the crags were sweeter. So sweet, that over 20 enthusiastic boulderers in three experience categories crowded the entrance of the cave, eagerly awaiting their turn to top out.

The competition’s categories required climbers to classify themselves as either Intermediate, Beginner, or Amateur, but despite drastic differences in skill and experience levels, all competitors managed to swing off routes that challenged their problem-solving skills.

“This is probably the best-organized campus event I’ve been to this year,” commented campus recreation enthusiast and killer local DJ Kevin Heidt, who had spectators crowded in the doorway bobbing their heads to the bumping music mix.

Heidt’s enthusiasm was mirrored by competition organizers Foster and Boldt, who spent many hard hours prepping the cave for the event: taking down and reassessing old routes, cleaning chalk and age-old finger grease off holds, and rearranging, retaping, and rethinking routes.

“We’re just so grateful to our sponsors and everybody who came out. It’s great to see our hard work pay off,” said Boldt.

“It was fun!” added Foster.

Event participant Jean-Fred Mongrain agreed, “So fun,” he said. “Really.” The man is not a fool.

If you’re ever looking to kill some time on campus, check out the Bouldering Cave, just down the hall from the weight room on the Selkirk College Castlegar Campus. Shoes and chalk can be borrowed from the equipment room across from the gym, free of charge.

For more information about the SCSU Total Bouldering Club, contact James Boldt by email at leadingtheway_2001@yahoo.ca.

Welcome to the first edition of the Selkirk Saints player profiles!

This month I spoke with Brendan Blackmore #14 about what it is like playing hockey for Selkirk College. I started off slow with a couple of easy questions.

JMS: What position do you play?

BB: Left wing.

JMS: Who is your favorite hockey player of all time?

BB: Joe Sakic.

JMS: How long have you played?

BB: Aside from this year, I have only played one year Midget B.

After Brendan was warmed up I got into the deeper questions…

JMS: What is your favorite memory playing with the Saints?

BB: The road trips are always a good time. We have gone to Kelowna and Vancouver

JMS: What is the hardest part about being a student athlete?

BB: Keeping up with the classes. You have to study lots.

Once I realized Brendan was ready for anything, I asked him the question of all questions…

JMS: Would you rather ooze black stuff when you get nervous, or shed your skin like a snake every time you sneezed?

BB: Shed my skin.

And that’s it for this month’s edition of SpeakSports. Until next time!

To find out more about the Selkirk Saints visit www.bcihl.ca for hockey and www.bccaa.ca for volleyball, golf and x-country running.