 By Staff
December 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington is set for winter fun with the launch of its Neighbourhood Rink program, the opening of Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond at the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington and dedicated locations for tobogganing.
Neighbourhood Rinks
The Neighbourhood Rink program is back for a fourth year and encourages neighbours to come together to maintain a natural outdoor ice rink in their local park.
City staff will install boards for ice pads in various parks throughout Burlington that will be maintained by neighbourhood volunteer groups. The rinks are open to the public and free to use. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact skating@burlington.ca. The deadline to apply for a rink is Dec. 31, 2018.
 The outdoor ice at Rotary Centennial Pond is scheduled to open on Saturday, Dec. 8, weather conditions permitting. Located at the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington, the pond hosts nearly 9,000 skaters each year. The rink is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and skating is free. On Christmas Eve, the rink will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and then closed for Christmas Day.
Skating Lending Program
The city is asking residents to donate gently used skates they no longer need. These skate donations will be used for the lending program at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, which began in 2016. The skate lending program is available weekends and school holidays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Skate donations can be dropped off at city pools, arenas and community centres.
For up-to-date information on ice conditions at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, please call 905-335-7600, ext. 8587. To learn more about the pond’s features and rules, visit, burlington.ca/pond.
 Sliding in Lowville park Tobogganing
The city has designated six areas in the city that are safe for tobogganing. They include:
• LaSalle Park, east of the parking lot
• Tyandaga Park at hole number four on the west slope
• Central Park on the hill northwest of the community garden
• Brant Hills Park, southwest of the tennis courts
• Nelson Park on the east side of park, north of the Centennial bike path
• Lowville Park on the hill at the southwest end of park.
Get outside and enjoy the many parks, outdoor spaces, play fields and recreational play experiences that support active living and a healthy lifestyle for all ages, abilities and cultures.
 By Staff
December 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Due to a mechanical issue Centennial Pool is closed Wednesday, Dec. 5 and the morning of Thursday, Dec. 6. The following swims have been cancelled:
Wednesday, Dec. 5 2018
Water Running 10-11am
Aquafit 10am-11am
Adult 55 Plus Lap Swim 11am-Noon
Lap Swim Noon – 1:30pm
Thursday Dec. 6 2018
Lap Swim 6:00-9:00am
Water Running 9:00-11:00am
Swim Training 11:00- noon
Service will resume at 12 noon on Thursday.
 By Pepper Parr
December 3rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Last week the Gazette published a story about changes some seniors called us about with the exercise classes at the Senior’s Centre. There is a link to the news story at the bottom of the page.
The city sent the Gazette a response – statement this morning setting out their position. That response – statement is set out below:
 Rob Axiak, Manager of Recreation Services. “My name is Rob Axiak and I am the Manager of Recreation Services for the City. I would first like to apologize for any misinformation that may be out there that has resulted in this article and subsequent commentary. We are looking to send out more accurate information regarding personal equipment for fitness classes over the next two weeks.
Prior to information going, please rest assure that equipment will always be provided by the city for our fitness programs. It was never our intention to remove equipment and to force individuals to bring their own. Some who currently participate had expressed an interest in bringing their own equipment to programs for a variety of personal reasons. We fully support this and encourage anyone who would prefer to bring their own equipment to please feel welcome in doing so.
For those who prefer to have the convenience of using city issued equipment readily available onsite, well that is perfectly acceptable too!
Our goal is to remove any barriers to participation and provide individuals with options based on your own personal preference. Hope that clarifies and thank you for your ongoing interest and participation!”
A source the Gazette takes as reliable, who has asked not to be identified, said when she read the news story she went to the Customer Service desk at the Seniors’ Centre and asked what the policy was and was told that “this is what is going to happen”.
Our source asked the customer service to confirm that information with staff in the offices behind the Customer Service counter. “It took a while but the Customer service person did return and said the policy will be going into effect in the Spring and that people will have to bring their own equipment.”
Axiak appears to be saying that people participating in the exercise classes can bring their own equipment if they wish and that equipment will still be available at no cost to those people taking classes.
Our source said “this is how the Parks and Recreation people operate. Rather than make a clear statement that they publish, they float a trial balloon and wait to see what there is in the way of reaction. If there is no negative feedback it becomes policy.
“Staff don’t take responsibility for the mistakes they make.”
The city has either shifted their position or people taking the exercises did not fully understand the city’s position. Classes were informed by people delivering the exercise classes. Those people are not full time city employees involved in setting policy – they are contract people delivering a service.
Link to the original news story:
 By Staff
November 29th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The city has asked that we publish a statement they have made related to this news story. That response can be found HERE.
The city Parks and Recreation department runs a number of programs for the seniors in the city.
Some are exercise related and the some people taking part in those classes, for which they pay a fee, are not happy.
One Exercising Class was told that they would have to provide their own equipment – for health reason.
The equipment includes yoga mats, stretching bands and exercise balls.
 Sitting on exercise balls and working with resistance bands is part of most classes – transporting that exercise ball seems unfair the class participants. Yoga mats and the resistance stretching bands are not much of a problem but the Aldershot resident who talked to the Gazette wondered how a senior was going to use public transit with an exercise ball on her lap.
What also bothered the people in the exercise class was that the message was delivered by the class instructor and not a member of the Seniors’ Centre staff. The change is to be effective with the Spring classes which begin in April of next year.
“Many of the people in the class are on fixed incomes: said our source. “They were shocked and perturbed and couldn’t understand the health reasons.”
The group is getting ready to put together a petition asking that the new plan not be put in place.
Comments from people who were uncomfortable providing their names centered around policy changes without any input from the program participants.
The Gazette sat in on a meeting where seniors were asked to comment on the programs that were being offered at the Senior’s Centre on New Street. Few words were spoken because there were a number of staff in the room and participants didn’t feel free to speak their minds. That seemed to be a policy approach at the Centre that wasn’t appreciated.
By Staff
November 10th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Ann-Marie Burton (Gift of Giving Back and Burlington Food Bank) was very busy at Robert Bateman HS Wednesday Nov 7 as they announced donations amounting to 601,639 lbs.
 Shown here with Ann-Marie are some of the helpers including Brooke Ellsworth-Hewson, Megan Burton, Tess Gates and Scarlett Staszkiel (members of the Barracudas Novice A team) Shown here with Ann-Marie are some of the helpers including Brooke Ellsworth-Hewson, Megan Burton, Tess Gates and Scarlett Staszkiel (members of the Barracudas Novice A team)
This new national record for Food donations in Canada was acknowledged by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Founded in Burlington, Ontario in 2005, The Gift of Giving Back is now the largest food drive of its kind in Canada that supports, educates and empowers thousands of young hockey athletes, baseball athletes and high school students to compassionately give back to their community. Summer and late Fall annual initiatives are launched to Help our Kids Feed Kids in their community.
 Originally launched by the Burlington Eagles, the campaign has grown to include more than 85 male and female youth hockey teams from: The Burlington Girls Hockey Club (Barracudas), Burlington Cougars and the Burlington Eagles. In 2017 we were pleased to announce that baseball teams from BOMBA have joined us in our cause.
Together with their parents and community leaders, amount to more than 3,500 volunteers who make this all possible. An exciting addition in 2018 was our partnership with the Burlington Gymnastics Club.
 By Staff
November 2, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Two Burlington high school student-athletes, Andrew Burrows from M.M. Robinson High School and Brantt Burnstein from Nelson High School were selected from hundreds of applicants in a nationwide search for Canada’s most inspiring young football players, to represent Burlington at the 2018 CFL Grey Cup in Edmonton.
Burlington was the only city to have two applicants selected in the preliminary round.
Gearing up for the trip to Edmonton the two athletes played against each other in season final football game in Burlington on a rainy Halloween day afternoon. WHO WON
 Two Burlington high school football players will be in the stands in Edmonton to watch the 2018 CFL game. For any Canadian high school football player, this trip to the Grey cup game represents the sporting opportunity of a lifetime. Brantt and Andrew‘s selection is part of the Nissan Kickoff Project, which aims to showcase the nation’s most notable high school football players who not only shine on the field, but also off it.
Brantt and Andrew are part of a group of approximately 70 high school football players from across the country that will be part of a Welcoming Dinner and an Exhibition match between that will be played. The 70 young men will be split into two teams and play against each other.
 Brantt Burnstein plays for Nelson high school. Brantt was nominated by his coach for his demonstrated ability to be a respected leader on and off the field, which led to him being named team captain on the Nelson Lords. Additionally, Brantt’s passionate about giving back to the Burlington community by volunteering his time twice a week to coaching offensive skills to younger football players.
 Andrew Burrows plays for MMR Andrew was nominated by his coach for his dedication towards football, school and his family. He is an ambitious student-athlete which is demonstrated in his flawless attendance record at team practices, while balancing his school work and maintaining a high academic average. Moreover, Andrew is admired by those around him for his willingness to support his parents in caring for his younger brother with autism, who also attends M.M. Robinson.
The first 10 All-Canadian TITAN finalists include:
- Andrew Burrows – Burlington, ON
- Brantt Burnstein – Burlington, ON
- Cameron Creechan – Chatham, ON
- Craig Coleman – St. Thomas, ON
- Mason McGriskin – North Bay, ON
- Dominic Hall – Fredericton, NB
- Daniel Velocci – Dartmouth, NS
- Eric Choquette – La Ronge, SK
- Josh Yee – Calgary, AB
- Brandon Martens – Virden, MB
By Pepper Parr
October 23rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
While the rest of the city adjusts to the new reality at city hall, Ron Foxcroft puts the changes in perspective and lets us know what it is that is really important
“So happy that silly time is over, and no more political campaigns until 2019.
“I enjoyed working with Mr. Goldring, who was a man of integrity, leadership and class.
 Ron Foxcroft on the right talking to Rick Goldring “Marianne ran an efficient and masterful campaign, with drive and innovation.
“She has shown to be a team builder, with enormous enthusiasm, and energy.
“We all know that there is much difference between campaigning and managing.
“We must get behind our new Mayor, to help create an environment where managing the company (City) can be successful.
“Managing companies in this new complicated world is very challenging.
“It takes new skills, far from the days, where a hand shake was gospel.”
“Oskee Wee Wee. Now we concentrate on getting the Tiger Cats to the Grey Cup.”
By Staff
October 18th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Applications to run an outdoor neighbourhood ice rink are now available from city hall.
The City of Burlington is encouraging neighbours to come together to maintain outdoor community ice rinks at their local park this winter. Applications for the Neighbourhood Rink program are available now at burlington.ca/neighbourhoodrink.
Applicants can choose from 10 city parks that have a dedicated water supply or another local park without a water supply. Groups looking to organize a neighbourhood rink will need a minimum of six people from their community to maintain the rink. Applications are due by Dec. 31, 2018.
The following parks can accommodate an ice rink:
 Brant Hills Park- Bridgeview Park
- Central Park
- Ireland Park
- LaSalle Park
- Nelson Park
- Orchard Park
- Sheldon Park
- Sherwood Park
- Tansley Woods Park
If your preferred rink location not on the list? Apply and let’s work together to see if we can make it happen.
City staff will install rink boards and hoses in each requested park and provide a training manual with tips on ice maintenance. As the colder weather arrives, each neighbourhood group will flood the rinks to get them ready for a first skate and then maintain them throughout the winter.
By Staff
October 17th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The city is looking for volunteers for Rogers Hometown Hockey event that will hit the city October 27th and 28th.
Rogers Hometown Hockey will be welcomed to the city in the midst of largest food drive campaign in Canada, the Gift of Giving back. Young Burlington hockey players will be canvassing communities to gather non-perishable food donations. Residents are encouraged to continue to give generously.
 The weekend will feature a ball hockey tournament, local musicians on stage, activities and will end on Sunday evening with an outdoor viewing party of the live Sportsnet broadcast of the evening’s featured NHL game with Tara Slone and Ron MacLean on site in Burlington showcasing our great city.
The volunteers will help with various aspects of the events being held in downtown Burlington.
There will be two areas for volunteer hours: waste sorting and popcorn distribution.
The online application form can be found at burlington.ca/hometownhockey. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 21.
If you have any questions about the positions available, please contact sports@burlington.ca.
For more information about the events during the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour stop in Burlington, visit burlington.ca/hometownhockey.
About Rogers Hometown Hockey
Each week during the 2018-2019 NHL season, the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour will visit a different community across the country with a weekend of free outdoor hockey festivities for all ages, culminating in an outdoor viewing party of an NHL game broadcast every Sunday, with Ron MacLean and Tara Slone hosting live onsite from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio.
The family-friendly weekend tells the stories of local upcoming talent and alumni, provides an inviting atmosphere for the community to come together to show their passion for the game and ultimately, celebrate the game of hockey which has been woven tightly into our great Canadian culture.
Related news story.
First news of the Hometown Hockey event.
By Chris Perrelli
October 13th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Cougars kicked off an action-packed weekend Friday night versus the Stoufffville Spirit at Appleby Ice Centre. The Cougars came away with the important 2 points in a 5-2 victory.
The Cougars pounced early on a struggling Stouffville club and before the fans could even reach their seats, they were up by two and never looked back.
Just 1:04 into the first period, Jacob Buch opened the scoring with his sixth goal of the season. Then 14 seconds later, Keanan Stewart doubled his team’s lead with his fourth of the year.
 “We came out buzzing,” head coach Mark Jooris said describing his team’s strong start to the game. “They’re a good hockey team. The parity in the league is really strong. They can score, they can play with good teams. We were in tough tonight.”
Early in the second period, Zach Lawrence sent a laser past the Spirit netminder to extend the lead to three. That’s all that the Cougars would muster in the middle stanza, as Stouffville turned up the heat for the remainder of the period.
Despite being outshot 13-8 in the period, Stouffville drew within one goal at 3-2. The end of the period could not come fast enough as Cougars goalie Thomas Lalonde fought off the late Stouffville surge. Lalonde entered the game in search of his first win of the season, and it was within reach.
Lalonde would get some run support from Mitchell Morrison on the powerplay halfway through the third. 16 year-old McKay Hayes added an insurance marker for the Cougars with his first career OJHL goal, set up by an incredible no-look pass from Andrew Salt.
The Cougars defencemen held Stouffville to just 6 shots in the third en route to Lalonde’s first win. The 18-year-old made 21 saves on 23 shots to secure the win for the Cougars.
“I thought the guys played really well in front of him,” Jooris said. “It’s huge for his confidence. He’s a great goalie, he just needed that first win. It was really important to him.”
 Cougar west division Oct 11 Next up, the Cougars hit the road to Buffalo for a two-game weekend series versus the Jr. Sabres. Burlington enters Saturday’s matchup tied in the West Division standings with Buffalo at 13 points apiece. Coach Jooris hopes the team can carry this momentum into a very important, albeit early, series with their division rival.
“They know how important these points are. It’s the old cliché; take it a shift at a time, a game at a time. We have to make sure we’re competing every shift or else it slips away from you.”
Puck drop is set for 7pm at the HarborCenter on Saturday.
By Pat Shields
October 8th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Coming off of double overtime game on Friday night, their fourth straight game requiring extra time, the Burlington Cougars looked out of gas and overmatched on Saturday night in Brampton. The Admirals (formerly the Orangeville Flyers) were all over the Cougars, emerging victorious with a 8-2 win.
 It was a tough start on Saturday for the visiting Cougars, with the Admirals jumping ahead 2-0 midway through the first period on tallies by Justin Vernace and Hudson Lambert. Moving to the second stanza, it was more of the same for the Cougars as they struggled to control the pace of play and fell further behind on the scoreboard.
 Jacob Buch on the left Brampton added two more goals to extend its lead to 4-0, before Cougars forward Jacob Buch got Burlington on the board with his 5th goal of the season. That was as close as the Cougars could claw though, as Brampton added three more goals before the end of the frame to go up 7-1 and chase Cougars goaltender Thomas Lalonde in the process.
In the third period, Cougars forward Max Lightfoot found the back of the net for his 3rd goal of the season. Brampton would get it back before the end of regulation though, with David Mastropaolo netting his first goal of the campaign.
It was another tough outing for the Cougars special teams, as they were unable to convert on 5 power play opportunities, while going 4-for-5 on the penalty kill.
Looking ahead, Burlington’s schedule won’t allow for much rest time as they are set to host the Milton Icehawks on Monday afternoon at Appleby Ice Centre. Puck drop will be at 2:00pm.
By Staff
October 3rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Intercounty Baseball League today announced approval of the Burlington Herd’s application to transfer to Welland for the 2019 season. The move was approved unanimously at a League meeting Monday night in Cambridge.
Burlington has had a team in the IBL since 2012 playing out of Cosgrove Field. The rationale for the application, and the League approval, was that the franchise was moving to a better ballpark, better arrangements with the municipality and an overall better environment in Welland.
 The team will play at Welland Stadium which seats 3,000 fans and was home to the Welland Pirates of the Class “A” New York-Penn League from 1989 to 1994. The Pirates were a farm team of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“The team is moving to a great ballpark and we think a great community that is excited about having an IBL team. We had two games there last year when Hamilton’s park was unavailable and the players and teams thought it was great,” said Commissioner John Kastner.
This is not the first time the IBL has had a team in the Niagara Peninsula. The Niagara Falls Mariners were in the League from 1985 to 1989.
The other seven IBL member teams are Barrie Baycats, Brantford Red Sox, Hamilton Cardinals, Guelph Royals, Kitchener Panthers, London Majors and Toronto Maple Leafs. The League celebrated its 100th season in 2018.
For more information contact League commissioner John Kastner (519-301-3227) or Ryan Harrison of the Welland franchise (905-630-9036.)
 By Staff
October 2, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Burlington Herd, members of the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) today announced that the team has been approved by the IBL to relocate to Welland, Ontario and Welland Stadium for the 2019 IBL season.
“At the end of every season we conduct a complete review of our operating structure. Although continued park improvement efforts spearheaded by the Herd through community initiatives improved the facility, the facilities current set up has made it obvious that the economics would not lend themselves to a sustainable business model for an ever-growing Intercounty Baseball League operation,” Herd majority owner Ryan Harrison said.
 Ryan Harrison “Through many meetings with key municipal officials, it was apparent that the complex we called home was not going to see many of the small upgrades that would be required to be successful and a tough decision had to be made.”
The Burlington Herd called Cosgrove Field home starting in 2011 when Elliot Kerr relocated the Twins from Mississauga. In the fall of 2017 Ryan Harrison, Jason McKay, Dan Pokoradi and Adam Harrison would take over ownership and rebranding to the Herd.
 Locating the team in Burlington was a business model that just didn’t work. Harrison continued, “We thank our corporate sponsors and dedicated fans for the support and partnerships we have had over the years. We also want to thank our employees and support staff who made the Herd experience among the best in the IBL. We’re excited about the future of our club and we’re dedicated to growing the Intercounty Baseball League brand into the Niagara Region.”
By Staff
September 26th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The province of Ontario is taking action to keep Ontario’s kids safe and demonstrating its commitment to making sports safer by marking Rowan’s Concussion Law Day. The province is developing a multimedia campaign that will raise awareness about concussion safety.
 It’s graphic – but the point gets made. Is this what we want to do to our kids in the name of sports. The campaign will get concussion safety information in front of the Ontarians who need it most.
“Reducing the risk of concussions is always the goal. But concussions happen and knowing what to do – whether you’re an athlete, a parent, a coach or a teacher – can save lives,” said Sylvia Jones, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “We’ll honour Rowan Stringer’s memory by launching a province-wide multimedia campaign to raise awareness about concussion safety.”
 A concussion is a head injury caused by moving forces such as a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, that results in a variety of symptoms and temporary changes in mental status, coordination, and balance. Definitions are constantly updated based upon new research, but a concussion is a form of a traumatic brain injury. In fact, it’s the most common traumatic brain injury. After a concussion, the symptoms that occur differ from patient to patient. These include headaches, dizziness, vision problems, trouble concentrating, feeling slowed down, repeated vomiting, sleep problems, and even irritability and sadness. Symptoms may not even appear for days or weeks after the injury. Concussions represent nearly a quarter of Ontario student injuries treated by a doctor or nurse. Ontario students who report a head injury are more than twice as likely to report very high emotional distress and to report less success in academics.
Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Children, Community, and Social Services, sponsored Rowan’s Concussion Law in the Legislative Assembly, where it was adopted in March, 2018.
Better late than never – this should have been done year’s ago.
By Staff
September 12th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The first series of tournament to kick-off the 2018-2019 season were held last weekend; the Burlington Eagles came ready to compete in 2018-2019 with an unprecedented 6 Tournament Championships.
Burlington Eagles Elite players from different ages and levels were competing all over Southern Ontario. The amazing efforts of all the players is recognized as they continue to demonstrate why the Burlington Eagles Elite is considered one of the top programs in Ontario.
The six teams bringing home the Championship hardware this weekend are:
 1: Minor Bantam AA Gold, Team Sponsored by Burlington Mall: Vaughan Ranger Early Bird
2: Minor Bantam AA Blue: Team Sponsored by National Sports :Garden City (St. Catharines)
3: Minor Bantam A, Team Sponsored by Sport Chek: Niagara Falls Early Bird
4: Peewee A, Team Sponsored by Mark’s: September Showdown
5: Minor Peewee AA Gold, Team Sponsored by Mark’s Commercial: Vaughan Ranger Early Bird
6: Atom A, Team Sponsored by Global Fuel: KMHA Early Bird
By Staff
September 5th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Barrie Baycats are one win away from a fifth straight IBL title.
 Barrie Baycats batter. Barrie leads the best-of-seven championship series 3-2 after a 7-1 Game 5 win over the Kitchener Panthers Tuesday night at Coates Stadium.
The Burlington Herd was eliminated in the quarter finals when they were defeated three straight by thee league leading Baycats.
Game six of the series takes place Thursday, Sept. 6 at Kitchener, 7:30 p.m.
The InterCounty Baseball League is celebrating their 100th anniversary as a league.
By Pepper Parr
September 4th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
We don’t see this kind of baseball coming out of the games the Burlington Herd play but the Inter County Baseball League does produce some fine baseball.
The playoff series – best out of seven – has the Kitchener Panthers playing against the Barrie Baycats – a team that has taken more best of the season trophies than anyone else in the recent past.
The Kitchener Panthers aren’t slouches either – they are giving the Baycats as good – if not better – than they get.
 Just water at this point – the Kitchener Panthers are aiming for champagne in their best out of even playoff series against the Barrie Baycats. Zach Johnson’s bases-loaded single scored Yorbis Borroto in the bottom of the 10th to give the Kitchener Panthers a 3-2 win over the Barrie Baycats in Game 4 of the IBL final Sunday night at Jack Couch Park.
The best-of-seven series is tied 2-2 with Game 5 Tuesday in Barrie.
By Staff
August 29th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
When the Barrie Baycats or Kitchener Panthers hoist the IBL championship trophy next week, it will be a first. Both teams have certainly done so before – but not this one.
 Jack and Lynne Dominico Trophy In celebration of the IBL’s 100th season, the League commissioned a new trophy. It will still be called the Jack and Lynne Dominico Trophy but the old wooden trophy, which had been awarded for 25 years since 1993, is going out of service. In its place the IBL has a new and more traditional trophy – a cup, mounted on a series of levels that chronicle all 99 league champions.
“We have done a number of things to recognize our 100th season,” said Commissioner John Kastner. “We recognized the top 100 players in League history, we had special baseballs from Rawlings complete with our 100th season logo, and we produced a fantastic book.”
“All of those things were great initiatives but the trophy is the one thing that will create a lasting legacy for this, our 100th season.”
And what a season it is turning out to be. The Burlington Herd didn’t make it out of the quarter finals but the league leading Barrie Baycats and the Kitchener Panthers are matched up in the playoffs.
The first game in a best out of seven went 11 innings with the Panthers taking the game 1-0
 The next game is in Kitchener on Thursday.
Created by Wilson Trophy of Mississauga, it is nickel, with a black base and with the IBL logo proudly displayed.
About the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) is the top level baseball league in Ontario, boasting ex-major league professional and elite NCAA college baseball players. The 2018 season will mark the IBL’s 100th season. The IBL is the fifth longest continually operated baseball league in the world and serves as a valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff. More than 40 IBL players have advanced to Major League Baseball or returned to the IBL following their MLB careers. The league is comprised of teams from Barrie, Brantford, Kitchener, London, Toronto, Guelph, Burlington and Hamilton. For more information, visit www.theibl.ca.
By Staff
August 27th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON’
The City announces that Burlington has been chosen as a host city for the acclaimed Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour with Ron MacLean and Tara Slone on Oct. 27-28.
Residents, hockey players and hockey fans of all ages and abilities are invited to attend, participate and enjoy the free festivities planned throughout the weekend.
This is the 5th Season for the Hometown Hockey tour – they will be visiting 25 cities across the country this time.
 It takes a small convoy of trucks for the show to take place – all kinds of equipment. Rogers Hometown Hockey will be welcomed to the city in the midst of the largest food drive campaign in Canada, the Gift of Giving back. Young Burlington hockey players will be canvassing communities to gather non-perishable food donations. Residents are encouraged to continue to give generously.
The weekend will feature a ball hockey tournament, local musicians on stage, activities and will end on Sunday evening with an outdoor viewing party of the live Sportsnet broadcast of the evening’s featured NHL game with Tara Slone and Ron MacLean on site in Burlington showcasing our great city.
 Ron MacLean and Tara Slone host the show in each community. Each week during the 2018-2019 NHL season, the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour will visit a different community across the country with a weekend of free outdoor hockey festivities for all ages, culminating in an outdoor viewing party of an NHL game broadcast every Sunday, with Ron MacLean and Tara Slone hosting live onsite from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio.
The family-friendly weekend tells the stories of local upcoming talent and alumni, provides an inviting atmosphere for the community to come together to show their passion for the game and ultimately, celebrate the game of hockey which has been woven tightly into our great Canadian culture.
More on this as we get closer to the event. We have to get through a municipal election first.
By Staff
August 25th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The 100th Intercounty Baseball League final will begin Aug. 28 when the Barrie Baycats host the
Kitchener Panthers at Coates Stadium.
 Barrie Baycats batter. Barrie finished first in the regular season and has swept its way through the first two rounds of playoffs, going 7-0 against Burlington and Hamilton. The Baycats are gunning for a fifth straight
Dominico Cup title and would be the first team to win five consecutive championships since the Brantford Red Sox won six straight from 2008-13.
 A Kitchener Panther batter. Kitchener has been a finalist in two of the last four seasons, including 2017 when it lost to Barrie in four games. The Panthers finished second in the 2018 regular season and are also undefeated in the playoffs, sweeping Brantford and Toronto.
Best-of-seven Dominico Cup final
Game 1: Tuesday, Aug. 28 at Barrie, 7:30 p.m.
Game 2: Thursday, Aug. 30 at Kitchener, 7:30 p.m.
Game 3: Saturday, Sept. 1 at Barrie, 7 p.m.
Game 4: Sunday, Sept. 2 at Kitchener, 7 p.m.
*Game 5: Tuesday, Sept. 4 at Barrie, 7:30 p.m.
*Game 6: Thursday, Sept. 6 at Kitchener, 7:30 p.m.
*Game 7: Saturday, Sept. 8 at Barrie, 7 p.m.
* If necessary
|
|
