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Sunday, February 10, 2013

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH FEB 10 2013


31stANNUAL PCAHA
JUVENILE SCHOLARSHIP TOURNAMENT
wrap up
by Sher Boudreau


This year's final game was hosted by North Delta Minor Hockey Association, at the Sungod Arena.  Saturday February 9, just also happened to be 'Hockey Day in Canada'. A fitting occasion to see these all-star teams:  "PCAHA Flames" vs. "PCAHA Canucks" play on the same day as their namesake NHL teams The Calgary Flames and the Vancouver Canucks. 

The final's rivalry began when the two teams met in round robin play. The PCAHA Flames won their first outing by a butt whooping score of 11-3 over the battered PCAHA Canucks. The Flames also won their game against the PCAHA Senators (who consequently came third in the tournament).  With the Flames in full lead of the tournament, the Canucks had a settle to score.

The Scholarship Tournament was not only about winning the coveted Earl Sinkie Trophy. But an opportunity for these juvenile players made up from the lower mainland to play together on these all-start teams with different coaches.  To develop new friendships, improve team-play, fair-play and also for a chance at one of three $500 bursaries awarded at the end of the tournament. (One bursary per team).  This year, the final game was proud to have Earl Sinkie on hand to award his namesake trophy as well as the gold, silver and bronze place medals. 

The first period was very fast paced with good clean hitting and outstanding net-minding by both sides. At the end of the first period, the teams were locked at 0-0. As the second period started, there seemed to be a newly lit fire under both sides. It would be the PCAHA Canucks that would draw blood first at 19:51 with an unassisted goal by Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey's Evan Semenerio.
The Flames pressed and peppered shots at the Canucks goalie at struck pay dirt at 9:28 with a goal by Coquitlam Minor Hockey's Anthony Basso and assisted by Port Coquitlam Minor Hockey's TJ Bevilacqua.  The Flames would continue to fire bullets at the Canucks net-minders (both Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey's Marshall Quinnell and Cloverdale Minor Hockey's Jacob Durose who would finish the game).

At 6:58 of the 2nd period, the Flames would get on the board again with a goal by Seafair Minor Hockey's Kris Hay with an assist by Vancouver Minor Hockey's Daniel Wong.

The Canucks would rally back and Ridge Meadow Minor Hockey's Evan Semenerio would get his 2nd goal of the game.  This time with the assist of Cloverdale Minor Hockey's Hirsh Gill.

Tensions were mounting as the clock whined down to zero and the 2nd period would end in a 2-2 tie. The third period would start with some good clean checking and constant pressure on both goalies.  It would be the Flames to score at 11:41 of the 3rd period to take a 3-2 lead. Scored unassisted by Vancouver Minor Hockey's Daniel Wong.

Vancouver Minor Hockey's Daniel Wong also won the game's MVP for the Flames. While, the MVP for the Canucks was their goalie; Ridge Meadow Minor Hockey's Marshall Quinnell.

At the end of the game, the award presentation also included the awarding of the three $500 bursaries.

From the PCAHA Senators - representing North Vancouver Minor Hockey was Ryan Eisenbock who was on hand to receive his award. The second bursary was awarded to PCAHA Canucks player Kevin Scott, representing Surrey Minor Hockey.  The third $500 bursary was awarded to PCAHA Flames player TJ Bevilacqua, representing Port Coquitlam Minor Hockey.
Prior to the final game's commencing, I had a chance to talk to a few of the coaches. While speaking with Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey coach Derek Bedard, he was looking at all the name plaques on the trophy. It was at that moment that he made what would be quiet a prophetic statement.

"Hey Sher, remember when I played in the Scholarship Tournament?" "Yes," I replied happily. "Well, my winning team then was the PCAHA Flames. I'm now coaching the PCAHA Flames. Maybe this is a good omen".

No truer words could have been spoken that afternoon.

Congratulations to all the coaches, managers and especially to all the players. The Tournament showcased a remarkable display of sportsmanship, teamwork and fantastic hockey! Hockey Day in Canada certainly made it's mark for these graduating minor hockey players.


Wednesday, January 09, 2013

RIDGE MEADOWS DAILY DISH JANUARY 9 2013

CHAMELEON CAFE

Nestled between the concrete jungle of downtown Maple Ridge is newly opened Chameleon Cafe.


From the outside, it looks similar to the rest of the street. When you walk inside, the world around is transformed. Chameleon is an upscale New York City/Paris style tapas bar.

The exquisite woodwork alongside the white leather in the seating areas, give the cafe a chic feel that is unpretentious and welcoming. A long arched staircase leads to a cozy balcony seating area. Eight tables elegantly set and ready for a meeting or party. With another eight tables on the main floor, Chameleon caters to smaller crowds with big appetites.  

'The Cuban' sandwich showcases pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, dill, mustard and mayo served on your choice of bread (including gluten free for a $2 extra charge). It is served with a side of fries or salad for $12. 

If you are looking for something a little more exotic. Try the 'Lobster macaroni and cheese' served topped with sourdough breadcrumbs for $15.  The food presentation is amazing.  From the personal french fry baskets to the pristine white geometric plates. It is all a symphony in perfection.


Not looking to dine, how about some wine? Perhaps a glass of Hennessy while catching a game on their television. Chameleon has you covered for that as well. A great selection of premium, signature and domestic beverages to choose from. All reasonably priced.

You've wined. You've dined. Now it's time for dessert. A verbal dessert menu to finish off the experience.  A vast array of decadence to entertain any palate. My personal favorite Tiramisu was served with fresh raspberries and a raspberry coulee. The texture is dense but light with the luxurious taste of espresso and marscapone.

Think this is just for adults? Nope, they have a great kids' menu as well. 

Overall, this is one restaurant that is a true class act. 

Open seven days a week. Monday - Friday from 8:00am-10:00pm and Saturday from 9:00am-10:30pm and Sunday 10:00am-10:00pm. 

They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Free Wi-fi is also offered for all patrons. Chameleon also offers group bookings. 

You can find more information on Chameleon at the following:

http://www.chameleoncafe.ca/index.html
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chameleon-Cafe/244091035650127
http://magda-newblogspot.com/
@magda1968 on Twitter

Chameleon Cafe
11965 224th Street
Maple Ridge
604-467-5664

RAVENBRAN RATING $-$$$ 

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH 2013 EDITION


HOCKEY NEWS IN RIDGE MEADOWS
Sher Boudreau


Hockey was alive and well in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge this past holiday season. Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey hosted it's Annual 'Night After Christmas' Tournament. Showcasing eager hockey players ranging from H1 to Atom.  The tournament was held from Dec 27th to Dec 30th and was at both Planet Ice and Pitt Meadows Arenas.

For six and a half year old Keegan Araki, this was his first hockey tournament. Soaking it all in, Araki who plays for Ridge Meadows H2 C4 was shredding the ice smiling all the while.

At the other end of the minor hockey spectrum, was the 2nd tournament happening in Maple Ridge. The Annual Juvenile Christmas Tournament was also held the same weekend at Planet Ice.  The juvenile division which is the eldest of divisions in minor hockey (18, 19, 20 year olds) had six teams from the Lower Mainland and one team from Vancouver Island.

Both tournaments showcased the very best in team sportsmanship, healthy competition and a love for the game. In a season where NHL fans were being deprived of their beloved game, local minor hockey is thriving and keeping the dream alive.

Whether it is a new player like Keegan or a veteran of the juvenile team, hockey is a long standing tradition for Canadians.

For organizers Penny Butler and Mike Lourens, the tournaments are like another child that needs constant nurturing, patience and stamina.  The gruelling hours of running a tournament take a toil on all the volunteers, families and players alike.  It is the drive to give kids an amazing sporting experience that keeps organizers motivated.

Ridge Meadows A1 affectionately known as the 'Moose', has hosted the juvenile Christmas tournament for the last nine years.  Coached by Derek Ferguson, Derek Bedard and Karl Ralph (all veterans of the very same team) faced all the competition head on and were victorious over their tournament and seasonal rival Langley.
While our gold medal hopes were quashed at the World Juniors. Minor hockey gold was shining brilliantly in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

WRITTEN IN BLOOD...title poem from "WRITTEN IN BLOOD" (c) 2002


Written in Blood


Standing at the gates of death
Awaiting my turn for judgment
The book filled with thousands of pages
A few names engraved crimson red

I asked around and wondered why
Some names had no coloring
The gatekeeper pondered on how to answer
What you do is how you are engraved

Still in uniform with the lethal wound
Looking down on my friends and family
I snuck a peek and saw my name
Etched in red so everyone could read

Tears well up within my eyes
As the explanation began
You see you were killed in action
Your name is Written in Blood

You have a special place within the gates
A brotherhood of perfect strangers
Brought together in life and death
Welcome Home Solider you are loved





A THANK YOU IS NEVER ENOUGH...excerpt from 'WRITTEN IN BLOOD' (c) 2002


A Thank You Is Never Enough



For Standing proud day or night
For wearing the Uniform that some may hate
For sacrificing friends and family
A Thank You is Never Enough


For cold lonely nights in far away lands
For having MREs instead of a home cooked meal
For early morning PT in sub zero temperatures

A Thank You is Never Enough



For staring down the barrel of a gun
For facing your own mortality day after day
For countless nightmares that haunt
A Thank You is Never Enough


For coming home battered or bruised
For not coming home at all
For finding peace within the loud silence
A Thank You is Never Enough


For yearly holidays taken for granted
For parades and ceremonies and medals adorned
For being a SOLDIER
A Thank You is Never Enough