Jeff's Sporting Life: 2014

December 2014/2015 Non Contact Hockey League

Wed 17th, (Game #16)
@ 10:45pm, Castle Downs Arena Rangers vs. Wolverines II (L 6-3) I had two great chances to score and got robbed point blank by their goalie. I did have a couple of nice take away's including catching up to one of their players on a break away. At one point we were down 4-0. I like how we did not give up and kept skating hard and made a game of it.

Wed 10th, (Game #15) 2 Assists
@ 10:45pm, Kinsmen Arena Rangers vs. Voodoo (W 6-5) On my first assist I got the puck in the corner and passed it out to Jason L and he one timed it in. My second assist I got right in front of the net and my shot was stopped and went to Jason L at the side of the net and he put it in. I think I was still in my pre game nap mode to start the game as on my first two shifts I was -4. From there on I played way better. At one point we were down 4-1 and we just kept coming at them at that point and really pushed the play. We were resilient as a team to come all the way back to take the lead and hold it. Our defense played good. Cameron B 1G & 1A. Jason L 2G. Ryan S 1G & 1A. Alex H 1G. James S Game winner. Blaise F 1A.

Wed 3rd, (Game #14)
@ 10:45pm, Kinsmen Arena Rangers vs. Bandits (W 4-3 S/O) I had two shots on goal and I played as hard as I could and passed it to my team mates lots. This game snapped my twelve game point streak and what a stretch it was. This game snapped our team's three game losing streak. I think for the most part we had the better of the play in their end and they seemed to get there chances off the rush. Ryan S scored late in the third period to tie it up. Blaise F and Patrick G scored the shoot out goals. Ryan S 1G & 1A. James S 2A. Scott I 1G. Cameron B 1G. Blaise F 1A.

December 2014 Training

Sun 7th, XC Skiing (Classic style) for 1hr 34mins @ Strathcona Wilderness Centre w/ parents. Average heart rate =126 Max =169, Elevation gain 205 ft. Km's 9

2014 November Phoenix NCHL Draft Tournament

Sat 8th, (Game #1) 2 Goals & 1 Assist
@ 9:40am, Scottsdale Ice Den Arena - Doc Hollidays vs. Jesse James (W 8-5) My first goal I was standing at the side of the net and the puck came loose and I swiped at the puck a couple times going against their player and I used persistence. My second goal was the same thing only I was standing in front of the net and lots of sticks were going for the puck only I came through. My assist I passed it over to out winger who made a nice move to score. Our team was down by three goals after the first period. We Played really well in the second and even better in the third period. The pace was fairly quick.

Sat 8th, (Game #2)
@ 12:00pm, Scottsdale Ice Den Arena - Doc Hollidays vs. The Wyatt Earps (L 2-1) Not a word of a lie I won all but two face offs in the game as I was in the zone. The first period it was pretty even. The second and third period I would say we had the better of the play. Our defence was great. We had a lot of great scoring chances but their goalie was the difference in the game, a young 18 year old from Junior A now living in Phoenix for college, he was filling in for their normal goalie for just Saturday.

Sat 8th, (Game #3) 3 Assists
@ 2:20pm, Scottsdale Ice Den Arena - Doc Hollidays vs. The Billy The Kids (W 10-5) My first assist I passed it around my own zone and it went to our winger and they got it to the other winger on our line and he scored. My second assist I passed it to our winger and he scored. My third assist I won the face off in their zone straight back to our Defence Men who took a big slap shot. The big difference in this game was how our Defence either carried the puck into their zone or made a good outlet pass to a streaking forward. We out played them.

Sun 9th, (Game #4) (Semi Finals)
@ 8:00am, Scottsdale Ice Den Arena - Doc Hollidays vs. Jesse James (W 2-1) We were the second place team and they were the third place team. This was a fast paced game. It was very evenly matched as there was some good end to end plays resulting in good chances. The stage belonged to both goalies as they made some great saves along the way. I was head to head against their player and a former WHL one at that, he beat me on most face offs and in the third period with fifteen seconds left I tied him up on the draw as I dug in deep and used all my power.

Sun 9th, (Game #5) (A Finals) 3 Goals
@ 10:45am, Scottsdale Ice Den Arena - Doc Hollidays vs. The Billy The Kids (W 8-3) This was the winner's of the Semi Finals. My first goal I got a perfect pass out front from my winger and I tipped it in. My second and the Game Winning Goal the puck was cleared by their defence men from behind the net and it hit a player along the boards and bounced to me, we were all skating back and then I spun around and took a one time slap shot off the turn over and it went top corner as I fell to the ice, It was a perfect shot. My third goal was a easy tap in as my winger gave a pass to me. We jumped out to a four nothing lead and looked like we were going to run away with it. The second period they came back and played really hard and their goalie made great saves. By the time the third period rolled around we were just too much for them as our entire team played so hard to win. We won the championship. Prompting us to play our theme song we played in the dressing room every time we won "All I Do Is Win"

Recap of the Tournament
This was my first ever hockey tournament. I had 5 games played finished with 5 Goals and 4 assists for 9 points Scoring leaders, I was 9th It was put on by the Non Contact Hockey League and league I play in Edmonton (This was a much faster pace of hockey than my current division for this winter season). The way it works, they do a draft party the night before to pick the teams (I did not go because I was coming down with a cold and wanted to sleep) They look at each players skill set and make it as even as they can based on what the player entered their skill level at, so every team had two to three players that played as high as WHL or Junior A, Then guys that played house league and down to players such as myself that just started to play organized hockey as an adult. You don't have to play in the NCHL as it is open to any player from anywhere and any league they play in. They use NCHL rules. The registration fee included two nights at the Scottsdale Marriott at Mcdowell Mountains and I was able to walk to the rink each day as it was a twenty minute walk. It also included a ticket to the Arizona Coyotes vs. New York Islanders game, Arizona lost 1-0. The rink was modern and really nice. The beer was in 710ml cans. After the game some fans stay for two hours to shop as the arena is open and outside they have live music and things to do. It was great to see this along with the young kids on the ice after our games. I went with my best friend Howard C and I played against him in Game #1 and #4. I played lots of soccer tournaments when I was younger and had fun but wow as an adult I had such a great time and it reminded me of all those times as a kid. The team I played on was a great group of guys just out to play hockey and have fun. The camaraderie between players was great. The only bad thing was when I left there it was 28 deg c and when I got home it was -14 deg c and snowing. I would recommend this or one of the other tournaments they put on and they can be found here Draft Tournament Thanks to the guys at the NCHL that organized this and most of all made it happen.

Just outside the Scottsdale Ice Den Arena

Top Row L to R - Arnie M, Tiff M, Matt D, Me, Sammy S.
Bottom Row L to R - Roman L, Chris N, TJ C, Mike K, Eric R and the goalie.

Me post game.

Arizona Coyotes vs. New York Islanders

November 2014/2015 Non Contact Hockey League

Sat 29th, (Game #13) 1 Goal
@ 10:45pm, Terwillegar Arena Rangers vs. Admirals (L 5-2) For my goal Javan M made a nice drop pass to me close to the blue line and I took a quick wrist shot and it hit off their defence men and went in. They have two really good skating defence men and they made a big difference in the game. We had stretches where we carried the play in their zone. Both goalies were good. Javan M 2A. Ryan S 1G. James S 1A.

Video of me taking a shot and a nice pass from Javan M and James S (55 sec)

Wed 19th, (Game #12) 1 Assist
@ 10:45pm, Kinsmen Arena Rangers vs. Puckaneers (L 4-1) My assist Javan M sent the puck in between the defence men and I got through and took a shot on the goalie and then dove over top of him and Javan M got the rebound with a wide open net. Last game against this team we won 11-1. This game was a lot different as they played way better. I'm not sure if they had different players for this game. Scott I made some good saves in the first period and that I think calmed us down a bit. We just were not in sink tonight but we did bring effort.

Thu 13th, (Game #11) 3 Assists
@ 10:45pm, Castle Downs Arena Rangers vs. Wolverines II (L 5-3) My first assist I stole the puck away from their player in my own zone and poked it free to Ryan S who then got it over to Bruce C who scored. My second assist I had the puck in my own zone and I skated out with it to our blue line and I passed it up to Jason L who took a good shot. My third assist I carried the puck in behind their net and passed it out in front to Cam B. We went down 4-0 early in the game. We battled back hard and found ourselves trailing 4-3 after the second period. In the end they just capitalized on their chances better than we did in the third period. Bruce C 1G & 1A.

Wed 12th, (Game #10) 1 Assist
@ 10:45pm, Kinsmen Arena Rangers vs. Voodoo (W 12-1) For my assist I lost the puck in their zone and it went to the trailing Javan M who shot it in. Tonight we out played and skated them. They only had six shots according to our goalie and I think we had well over forty shots. Javan M 2G. Dallas H 2G. James S 2G & 2A. Jason L 2G. Ryan S 1G & 1A. Cam B 1G & 2A. Blaise F 3A. Rob S 1G & 2A.

Wed 5th, (Game #9) 2 Goals
@ 10:45pm, Kinsmen Arena Rangers vs. Bandits (W 8-5) My first goal I got a pass from Alex H at centre ice, I skated in with it to the corner and walked out in front of the net, I had a player open in front so I faked the pass and the goalie moved off the post so then I took a quick shot. My second goal I was behind the net and I was trying to pass it out front and it hit their goalie's skate and went in. The first couple minutes we started slow and Mike G held us in with big saves. Then we got our game going. We got a lot of down low play in their zone and we also had some good chances off the rush. My favorite part of the game was the win and seeing our captain Harry A score his second ever goal and in back to back games. Ryan S 3G & 2A. Javan M 2G & 2A. James S 4A.

October 2014/2015 Non Contact Hockey League

Wed 29th, (Game #8) 1 Assist
@ 10:45pm, Kinsmen Arena Rangers vs. Admirls (W 4-1) My assist I carried the puck in and got around their defence men and was past their goal line and got it out in front for Chris R who out battled their player to be in front of the net. We out played them in the first period and went up 2-0 including Harry A and him scoring his first ever goal, It was great to see and the whole bench cheered loud for the moment, he also added a assist. We did not play very well in the second period and they scored their goal as I got back in time but I think the puck bounced of their players skate, just a lucky bounce. We played better in the third period. James S 1G & 1A. Jason L 1G. Scott I 1A. Alex H 1A.

Thu 23rd, (Game #7) 2 Goals & 3 Assists
@ 10:45pm, Terwillegar Arena Rangers vs. Puckaneers (W 11-1) On my first goal Scott I cycled the puck down low to Javan M and he passed it to me and I slid it just inside the post. My second goal I got in front of the net just ahead of their defence men and Javan M passed it to me and I one timed it in. My first assist Javan M and I cycled the puck down low and got it out in front to Scott I. My second assist I won the face off back to Howard C and his shot was deflected in by Scott I. My third assist Scott I kept it in and got it to me behind the net and I got it out front to Javan M. Our team out played and skated our opposition tonight. We were one full step ahead of them all night. I give them credit because with the score like it was they were not poor sports about it and kept on playing hard. It was nice to see our team do well like this. James S 2G & 1A. Jason L 1G & 1A. Ryan S 1G & 1A. Scott I 2G & 2A. Javan M 1G & 3A. Ryan L 1G & 1A. Patrick G 2A. Howard C 2A.

Mon 13th, (Game #6) 1 Assist
@ 10:45pm, Terwillegar Arena Rangers vs. Ghostbusters 2 (W 4-2) My assist I stole the puck from their defence men and passed it to Jason L who was right in front of the net. I started the game with one extended shift on D. Our team only had three D and they played hard. The Ghostbusters 2 played a good hard game and there were two separate times that they kept it in our zone by keeping it in at the points and the only way we could relieve the pressure was to flip the puck out high. The biggest difference was the great goaltending Ryan L provided tonight. Jason L 2G. Javan M 1G. Ryan S 1G. James S 1A.

Wed 8th, (Game #5) 3 Goals
@ 10:45pm, Kinsmen Arena Rangers vs. Black Aces (W 6-3) My first goal was from a nice pass from Javan M as I took a quick burst of speed and I got in tight and went to the back hand. My second goal I took away the puck from their forward at centre ice then I got around one of their players and had one defence men left so I went outside wide then cut inside and got behind him and shot it through the arm of the goalie, I can not lie it was a high light reel goal & the GWG. My third goal was from a nice pass from the corner from Javan M and Bruce C directed it to the net and I got my stick on it. The first period it was very even, Then in the second we out played and out shot them and we played really good. The Third period we took our foot of the gas a little. We out shot them. Our defence did great at getting the puck up to the forwards. Javan M 2A. Bruce C 1G & 1A. Ryan S 1G & 1A. James S 2A. Scott I 1G.

Wed 1st, (Game #4) 1 Assist
@ 10:45pm, Kinsmen Arena Rangers vs. Bandits (L 6-5 s/o) I got my assist as to start the game I won the face off and passed it over to Jason L and he went in and scored (six seconds into the game). I broke up two, two on one chances they had. I was the third shooter in the shoot out and was stopped from the goalie's toe. Our Goalie Ryan L kept us in the game early with some big saves. I think this game was our best effort start to finish. One thing our team did well was chip the puck in deep and chase after it and we beat their defence a couple times to get a good chance. We earned the point. James S nice break away deke goal. Cameron B continues his strong play with 2G & 1A.

October 2014 Training

Sun 12th, MTB ride United Cycle to Capilano Park for 1hr 49mins. Average heart rate =150 max =191, Elevation gain 1,329 feet. Kms 20

Sun 5th, MTB ride United Cycle to Dawson Bridge for 1hr. Average heart rate =154 max =192, Elevation gain 656 feet. Kms 14

September 2014/2015 Non Contact Hockey League

Wed 25th, (Game #3) 1 Assist
@ 10:45pm, Kinsmen Arena Rangers vs. Hooligans (L 6-5) I got my assist as I won a battle down low behind their net and passed it back to Jason L. We did not play very well in the first period myself included (I have minor injuries with sore hips and groins) The second and third periods we played way better. I liked how our defence was keeping the puck in the offensive zone as it helped create pressure. This was an 80's style game and very fun to play this free flow style. Their last goal I am not sure the puck fully crossed the line. Javan M nice break away goal. Howard C 2A. (This line was great Blaise F 1G & 2A. Alex H 2A. Cameron B 2G & 1A including a short handed break away goal while I was in the box for hooking).

Wed 17th, (Game #2) 1 Goal
@ 10:45pm, Kinsmen Arena Rangers vs. Puck University (L 5-2) I had a two on one chance with Harry A and I passed it just out of his reach, then on the same shift we found our selves in the same situation but this time I faked the back hand pass and shot it and scored. I am really happy how our team played tonight especially after going down three to nothing we battled back to score twice to make a game of it. We skated with them in the first two periods but then in the third they had another gear. I liked the way our D-Man Daniel D played, he got the puck out a lot and played great.

Wed 10th, (Game #1)
@ 10:45pm, Kinsmen Arena Rangers vs. Ghostbusters 2 (W 5-3) I had my hard slap shot deflect off the cross bar. I was in close for a scoring chance and shot it off the goalie's blocker. The turning point happened in the second period. Our goalie Mike G saved a break away. Then late in the period we scored twice in six seconds. Chris R scored the game winner on a nice back hand play and also had an assist. Cameron B 2G & 1A.

2014 Mountain Bike XC Marathon & Mountain Bike XC Racing Season Recap

Marathon MTB XC

Organ Grinder @ Canmore AB June 8th = 37th place out of 48 in Solo Open Men
Rundles Revenge @ Canmore AB June 21st = 20th place out of 42 in Solo Open Men
Tahoe Trail 100km @ Northstar California USA July 19th = 300th out of 355 in Solo Open Men

Alberta Cup MTB XCO

Royal River Valley Rumble in Edmonton AB May 25 = 34th out of 42 in Sport
River Raid in Devon AB July 6th = 26th out of 28 in Sport

This was my fifth season of mountain bike racing. I hired Heather K to be my cycling coach and she provided me with a program along with tips and tricks. I raced 2 spring series road races. I raced in 1 Fat Tire Tuesday MTB XC race. I volunteered for 1 Tuesday night Cyclo Cross race put on by my club United Cycle I went a total of 2,611 km's training and racing on the road and trails.

September 2014 Training

Sat 6th, Road ride with parents @ Colchester Hall for 1hr 16mins. Average heart rate =126 max =192, Total elevation gain 364 feet. Kms 25

August 2014 Training

Sun 31st, MTB ride UC to Quesnell Bridge with parents for 2hrs 10mins. Average heart rate =124 max =191, Elevation gain 1,181 feet. Kms 29

Sat 30th, MTB ride United Cycle to Quesnell Bridge for 2hrs 9mins. Average heart rate =148 max =193, Elevation gain 1,316 feet. Kms 33

Sun 24th, Road ride with parents @ Colchester Hall for 1hr 47mins Average heart rate =116 max =163, Total elevation gain 440 feet. Kms 41

Sat 23rd, Road group ride @ Wye School to Antler Lake for 2hrs 38mins, Average heart rate =170 max =198, Elevation gain 915 feet. Kms 80

Wed 13th, MTB ride w/ Gord B & Jason K to Capilano Park for 3hrs 20mins. Average heart rate =144 max =193, Elevation gain 1,611 feet. Kms 44

Mon 4th, Road ride to Beaumont for 1hr 54mins (25min zone3 Interval) Average heart rate =128 max =158, Total elevation gain 663 feet. Kms 50

Sun 3rd, Road ride with parents @ Wye School for 2hrs 27mins Average heart rate =124 max =167, Total elevation gain 745 feet. Kms 50

Tahoe Trail 100km MTB XC Marathon Race 2014 @ Northstar California, USA

Saturday July 19th, I finished 300th out of 355 in Open Men and Master Men 30 to 39 I was 82nd out of 88, Results. It took me 7hrs 4mins. It was two laps long and a total of 100 km's long. My first lap took me 3hrs 20mins and my second lap took me 3hrs 44mins. The total Elevation gain was 8,484 feet. My average heart rate was 164 bpm and max was 191 bpm. The race was really close to Lake Tahoe. This was a huge race as it saw racers from all over USA including California, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Texas, Oregon, New York, Washington, Virginia, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Arizona, North Carolina and even New Zealand & Mexico. I was the only Canadian to (carry the weight of a nation on my shoulders LOL) There were a lot of racers that were pro or semi pro. I had trained my but off for this race as it was my A race of the year including riding over 2,000km's in the past four month's. I would for sure say that this was my peak performance of the season. There was two category three climbs in this race and when I asked if it was compared to tour of California cat three climbs I was told yes. The start of the race was a over 7km climb that saw us climb over 1,000 feet right out of the gate a (Cat 3 climb not including the other two). The race starts 6,000 feet above sea level and climbs to over 7,300 feet, a far cry from the 2,000 feet in Edmonton. This was a climbers course as some of them seemed like they went for ever. This was a qualifier for Leadville Colorado 160km race, I was not focused on qualifying, instead I just wanted to finish and in doing so I got a medal that says I was a finisher, and as the guy put the medal on my neck I fell over the barricade because I was so sore. I cramped up a bit at the 70km mark but I pressed on and it was at that point that the race became 100% mental as your body is saying stop. There was a time cut of eight hours to complete the race. The race had about 45% single track and then it used the fire roads for the climbs and a few down hills.

My friend Martin P and I drove down to the race (23 hours over two days) as it was a road trip and vacation. The temperature was 31 deg C and it added to a already hard day. A huge thanks to all the volunteers and Lifetime Athletic Events for putting on the race.

Start going through Northstar, Pic by Martin P

Finishing lap #1 50kms down 50kms to go heading into feed zone. Pic by Martin P

Just finished 50kms and about to start the climb, Pic by Martin P

I love climbing! Pic by Martin P

I love climbing! I did pass the racer ahead of me. Pic by Martin P

Ah yes, The finish, Pic by Martin P

I could not even stand up straight as I was so sore, Pic by Martin P

So tired and sore But the best feeling of finishing with my medal. Pic by Martin P

Fat Tire MTB XC Race 2014 #1

Tuesday July 8th, @ Terwillegar Park, I finished last place and did four laps. It was 15 kms long and it took me 58 minutes. My average heart rate was 173 bpm and Max 194 bpm. Total elevation gain 965 ft. It was 28 deg C and a perfect night. I had a good first lap and I had a couple racers in sight and then I went the wrong way on lap two and lost about two minutes. I finished strong with a good lap three and four. When the elite racers lapped me I tried to stay on their wheels but just could not, I was braking way too much and for them I didn't hear a single brake as they just flowed through the trails. Thanks to the guys @ Kokanee Redbike Race Team for putting on the race. After the race I did a cool down ride with James J and Justin S two Expert racers and we went for about 40 minutes and did 12 kms. Tonight I road a total of 27 Kms.

River Raid MTB XC Race 2014 @ Devon (Alberta Cup) #2

Sunday July 6th, I finished 26th out of 28 in Sport Results. It took me 1hr & 23mins. It was two laps and a total of 20 km's long. It took me 44mins on lap1 and 39mins for lap2. The total Elevation gain was 1,352 feet. My average heart rate was 182 bpm and max was 201 bpm. Today was pure struggle for me and my body as it shut down on me mid way on lap one. I will not make any excuses as today was a B race for me and was not my focus but it didn't help that I was called into work early on the holiday Tuesday (Canada Day) and then on Saturday morning @ 2:30am and was there for a long time. The thing that I am most proud of was that yes my body was not working properly today so instead on giving up I posted a second lap that was five minutes faster to give me some confidence. Today was a fun day as an old team mate from River Valley Cycle was racing Gord B and we have not raced in the same race since 2011, unfortunately his de-railer broke, another old RVC team mate Sheldon S and his family including two young children came out to watch and cheer, thanks for the support Sheldon S. The course was different this year, it was longer and harder with wide open spots to sprint, mixed with some long steep climbs, and technical decents. The temperature was 26 deg C. A huge thanks to all the volunteers and Devon Bicycle Association and Evan W, Stew H for putting on the race.

You can not tell but this is a long climb, pic by Nancy St-H

Pic by Leanne E, Gord B right behind me.

Pic by Leanne E, and also was cheering.

July 2014 Training

Fri 25th, MTB climb up Marshall Mountain and MT. Jumbo Missoula Montana for 3hrs. Average heart rate =148 max =193, Elevation gain 4,190 feet. Kms 32

Tues 22nd, MTB climb up Bogus Basin Mountain Boise Idaho for 3hrs 12mins. Average heart rate =143 max =178, Elevation gain 3,787 feet. Kms 50

Thur 17th, MTB climb pre lap of Tahoe Trail @ Northstar California for 1hr 14mins. Average heart rate =153 max =192, Elevation gain 1,568 feet. Kms 17

Sat 12th, MTB ride Terwillegar Park to Sunridge Ski Hill for 4hrs 41mins. Average heart rate =146 max =186, Elevation gain 2,979 feet. Kms 64

Thur 3rd, Road ride @ Colchester Hall for 1hr 36mins (Sweetspot Workout 40mins) Average heart rate =137 max =179, Elevation gain 545 feet. Kms 44

Tue 1st, Road ride to Beaumont for 1hr 43mins (Threshold interval 40mins). Average heart rate =140 max =180, Total elevation gain 528 feet. Kms 47

Video climb up Bogus Basin Mountain Boise Idaho (51 seconds)

Climb up Bogus Basin Mountain Boise Idaho. Pic by Martin P

Climb up Bogus Basin Mountain Boise Idaho (I'm in the middle). Pic by Martin P

Climb up Bogus Basin Mountain Boise Idaho, Very Top of the Mountain.

Climb up Marshall Mountain Missoula Montana, Very top of the Mountain

Climb up MT. Jumbo Missoula Montana

Rundle's Revenge MTB XC Marathon Race 2014 @ Canmore

Saturday June 21st, I finished 20th place out of 42 in Solo Open Men Results, Overall I was 40th out of 68 for solo open and master open men category. It took me 4hrs 7mins, (Lap1= 59mins) (Lap2= 1hr) (Lap3= 1hr 3mins) (Lap4= 1hr 4mins) I went a total of 50 Kms. Total elevation gain 4,423 Feet. My average heart rate was 166 bpm and max was 193 bpm. My first lap was my fastest. The race was held at the Canmore Nordic Centre. The temperature was 10 deg C for the 8:00am start and when I finished it was 18 deg C. It had rained hard the night before so the course that consisted of some double track and single track was wet in some sections and I struggles on the down hill off camber root sections, I road it but not really fast. I had to stop on lap three and lap four for a nature break. I felt really strong on the long climbs. My legs got a bit sore on the first half of my last lap and then they recovered on the last six kms of that lap. A huge thanks to Transrockies for putting on the race and all the volunteers for all their effort to make this race a success.

Lots of Climbing, pic by Raven Eye Photography

Lots of climbing, pic by Raven Eye Photography

pic by Raven Eye Photography

Sweet berm, pic by Raven Eye Photography

Did I mention there was a lot of climbing, pic by Raven Eye Photography

Organ Grinder MTB XC Marathon Race 2014 @ Canmore (Western National Marathon series) #1

Sunday June 8th, I finished 37th place out of 48 in Solo Open Men Results , Overall I was 68th out of 85 for solo open and master open men category. It took me 4hrs 31mins, (Lap1= 1hr 2mins) (Lap2= 1hr 1min) (Lap3= 1hr 9mins) (Lap4= 1hr 18mins) I went a total of 45 Kms. Total elevation gain 4,587 Feet. My average heart rate was 171 bpm and max was 194 bpm. I earned 68 points in the Western National Marathon series. My second lap was my fastest and that is strange because I am usually slower as the race goes on. During lap three and four three different times I had leg cramps so bad that I could not even stand up straight. I grinded those final two laps out and trust me there was a cloud of doubt of weather or not I could finish even lap three let alone four laps total. The race was held at the Canmore Nordic Centre and the temperature was 22 deg C. A huge thanks to Cyclemeisters for putting on the race and the BBQ chicken sausage hotdog was great and all the volunteers for staying in the rain. I had a cheering section today all the way from back home Saskatoon, my Uncle Tony T and Melissa H. My Mom came to watch, cheer, help out in the feed zone and take pics.

Mass start with all categories

I'm in the middle of this pic on the mass start.

I'm leading this pack of racers on lap#1

Finishing lap#1

Looking forward on lap #2 my fastest lap.

lap #2 my fastest lap.

Lap#3

Lap #3

Lap #4, Me suffering with bad leg cramps and Melissa H taking a selfie pic and cheering loud.

June 2014 Training

Sat 28th, Road ride along Ellerslie road for 1hr 34mins Average heart rate =134 max =163, Total elevation gain 604 feet. Kms 44

Fri 27th, Road ride along Ellerslie road for 2hrs Average heart rate =112 max =145, Total elevation gain 938 feet. Kms 50

Thur 26th, Road ride @ Colchester Hall for 2hrs (Sweetspot Workout 40mins) Average heart rate =131 max =190, Total elevation gain 620 feet. Kms 54

Sun 22nd, MTB ride in Canmore for 1hr. Average heart rate =111 max =148, Elevation gain 554 feet. Kms 13

Fri 20th, MTB ride to Canmore Nordic Centre for 1hr 19mins. Average heart rate =126 max =168, Elevation gain 945 feet. Kms 16

Sat 14th, Road group ride @ Wye School to Northern Bear Golf Club for 4hrs, Average heart rate =146 max =189, Elevation gain 1,699 feet. Kms 105

Fri 13th, Road ride to Eagle Rock Golf Course for 1hr 36mins (Threshold 4 X 6mins intervals) Average heart rate =132 max =189, Elevation gain 548 feet. Kms 40

Mon 9th, MTB ride to Whiteman's Pond then Canmore Nordic Centre for 1hr 54mins, Average heart rate =132 max =175, Elevation gain 1,834 feet. Kms 25

Sat 7th, MTB ride w/ Mom to Canmore Nordic Centre for 1hr 34mins. Average heart rate =103 max =146, Elevation gain 620 feet. Kms 16

Sun 1st, Road ride to Eagle Rock Golf Course for 1hr 42mins. Average heart rate =122 max =157, Elevation gain 495 feet. Kms 42

9th - Climb up to Whiteman's Pond. Pic by me.

Royal River Valley Rumble III MTB XC Race 2014 @ Terwillegar Park (Alberta Cup) #1

Sunday May 25th, I finished 34th out of 42 in Sport Men Results It was three laps long and 25 km's in total. It took me 1hr 23mins. My Average heart rate was 179 bpm and max was 194 bpm. The total elevation gain was 858 feet. I had a warm up for about seven minutes. I had a really slow start for the first couple km's but then I maintained my pace and picked off a few racers as I went along for the rest of the race. The temperature was 19 deg C with light rain so it made some of the roots slippery to ride over a little mud don't hurt as its a MTB XC race. I am proud of myself as I wore Lycra shorts for the first time in a MTB race, I stayed clipped in for the full race and I closed the gap on a racer that beat me by twenty minutes in 2012 to just three minutes today. My legs were really sore today as I have done lots of hard training this week but that is ok this is on my list as a B race. It was cool to see an old team mate Jason K from my River Valley Cycle racing days as five years ago we both did an Alberta Cup race here (my first ever race), unfortunately then he had a bad crash, today he beat me by just under three minutes and he raced great today. I want to say a Huge thanks to my parents for coming out to cheer me on and take pics, it made me race faster. Thank you Mike B, Steve M, Karen M, Mark R and Hardcore Bikes for putting on the race & all the volunteers for their help as they also cheered loud.

I'm ripping by with a smile of hurtful joy. Pic by parents

At the finish line. Pic by parents

Spring Series Road Race 2014 #2 @ Northern Bear Golf Club

Sunday May 11th, I finished 13th out of 33 in group C and that is un official because there is no timing done. It took me 1 hr & 31 mins. It was four laps and a total of 52 km's long. My average heart rate was 182 bpm and max was 200 bpm. The total Elevation gain was 612 feet. I road 5kms to the start line so it served as a nice warm up and for the day I went a total of 62 Kms. The temperature was 13 deg c with a bit of a wind. I was nine minutes faster than I was just last Saturday. My legs and lungs felt great. I got dropped from the main group about sixteen minutes in, then formed a three person group where I road up front for a full lap and I had a team mate Shauna there to help me and later four more joined us to form a chasing group. I finished about 30 seconds off the lead group and I made my move a bit to soon to catch them as I should have just waited one more minute as we still had three kms to go.

Post Race with my team, Me, Shauna T, Leanne E, Heather K, Trevor C, Cory D, David J

Spring Series Road Race 2014 #1 @ Northern Bear Golf Club

Saturday May 3rd, I finished 8th out of 14 in group C and that is un official because there is no timing done. It took me 1 hr & 40 mins. It was four laps and a total of 52 km's long. My average heart rate was 178 bpm and max was 199 bpm. The total Elevation gain was 663 feet. I road 5kms to the start line so it served as a nice warm up and for the day I went a total of 62 Kms. The temperature was only 2 deg c. I stayed with the main group for over two laps and I spent a lot of time at the front driving the pace and on one of the up hills I split the group up. There was a break on lap three and because I was on the front when it took place I was just not able to close the gap in time. There was a professional tri athlete in our group and some really fast riders as well. I am happy with my result and performance.

May 2014 Training

Sat 31st, Road group ride & w/ Mike K @ Wye School to Fort Saskatchewan for 2hrs 22mins (Threshold 2 X 15mins intervals), Average heart rate =148 max =188, Total elevation gain 973 feet. Kms 65

Fri 30th, MTB ride in Millwoods Ravine for 1hr 4mins. Average heart rate =108 max =148, Elevation gain 188 feet. Kms 18

Sat 24th, MTB ride @ Terwillegar Pre-Lap Royal River Valley Rumble III for 1hr. Average heart rate =129 max =178, Elevation gain 327 feet. Kms 13

Wed 21st, Road ride w/Mom, Ellerslie road for 1hr 32mins (Sweetspot Workout 30mins) Average heart rate =121 max =180, Total elevation gain 266 feet. Kms 32

Mon 19th, Road ride @ Colchester Hall for 2hrs 5mins (Tempo Effort 45mins) Average heart rate =126 max =167, Total elevation gain 476 feet. Kms 52

Sat 17th, MTB ride Terwillegar Park to 23rd ave for 3hrs. Average heart rate =138 max =175, Elevation gain 1,732 feet. Kms 42

Fri 16th, MTB ride United Cycle to Goldbar Park for 2hrs 22mins. Average heart rate =123 max =172, Elevation gain 932 feet. Kms 26

Wed 14th, Road ride along Ellerslie road for 1hr 52mins (Tempo Effort 40mins) Average heart rate =126 max =166, Total elevation gain 437 feet. Kms 44

Sat 10th, MTB ride @ Terwillegar Park for 2hrs 11mins. Average heart rate =135 max =186, Elevation gain 1,054 feet. Kms 33

Thu 8th, MTB ride United Cycle to Forest Heights Park for 1hr 41mins. Average heart rate =137 max =179, Elevation gain 774 feet. Kms 18

Wed 7th, Road ride to Eagle Rock Golf for 1hr 30mins (Tempo Effort 30mins) Average heart rate =125 max =163, Elevation gain 397 feet. Kms 38

April 2014 Training

Wed 30th, Road ride to Eagle Rock Golf for 1hr 54mins (Tempo Intervals 3x6mins) Average heart rate =122 max =176, elevation gain 429 feet. Kms 43

Sat 26th, Road group ride & w/ Travis B @ Wye School for 4hrs 8mins, Average heart rate =156 max =201, Total elevation gain 1,220 feet. Kms 100

Thu 24th, Road ride to Bretona Pond for 1hr 30mins. Average heart rate =104 max =166, Total elevation gain 301 feet. Kms 31

Tue 22nd, Road ride along Ellerslie road for 1hr (Test #2). Average heart rate =147 max =187, Total elevation gain 273 feet. Kms 24

Sun 20th, Road ride along Ellerslie road for 2hrs 3mins. Average heart rate =128 max =167, Total elevation gain 686 feet. Kms 45

Sat 19th, Road ride @ Colchester Hall for 2hrs (Spin-ups + Dominant leg). Average Rpm =80 Max =143, Total elevation gain 574 feet. Kms 47

Sun 13th, Road ride @ Colchester Hall to Golden Bear Golf Club for 2hrs, Average heart rate =131 max =150, Total elevation gain 623 feet. Kms 49

Sat 12th, Road ride @ Wye School to Strathcona Wilderness Centre for 3hrs. Average heart rate =128 max =147, Total elevation gain 1,027 feet. Kms 66

Thu 10th, Road ride to Beaumont for 1hr 45mins (Spin-ups + Dominant leg) Average rpm =78 Max =132 ,Total elevation gain 372 feet. Kms 40

Sun 6th, Road ride @ Colchester Hall to Ardrossan for 3hrs, Average heart rate =116 max =153, Total elevation gain 1,030 feet. Kms 63

Sat 5th, Road group ride @ Wye School for 3hrs, Average Rpm =81 Max =119, Total elevation gain 953 feet. Kms 72

Thur 3rd, Road ride @ Colchester Hall for 1hr (Spin-ups + Dominant leg). Average heart rate =118 max =164, Total elevation gain 310 feet. Kms 20

2013/2014 Non Contact Hockey League Season Recap

This was my sixth season of men's league hockey and first with the Rangers. We finished 5th place out of 6 teams in Division 8/12. I played 27/30 games and had 11 Goals & 13 Assists for 24 points. I was tied with Javan M for the team lead in points. I played in 1/1 play off games and had 1 Assist. We lost our round one play off game and were eliminated.

Back LtoR- Patrick G, Scott I, Andy R, Dallas H, James S, Harry A, Me
Front LtoR- Jeff M, Leonard L, Javan M, Bartek J, Daniel D, Chris R
Goalie is Mike G
Pic by Chris R's Dad

April 2013/2014 Non Contact Hockey League (Play-Offs)

Tues 1st, (Game #1) 1 Assist
@ 6:15pm, Terwillegar Arena Rangers vs. Ghostbusters (L 6-2) I got my assist as I stole the puck along the boards I chipped it out along the boards just past their defence men and was on a two on one, I took a hard shot low blocker side and the goalie fumbled it and Javan was there to get the rebound and score. In the first period we were skating with them and keeping the game close. We had a not so good second period and had a few lapses in our d zone. We came out with a better effort in the third period, I guess we emptied the tank. Tonight we did not lose due to lack of effort. Dallas H 1G. Leonard L hard fore checking. Chris R was skating so hard he took out the net. I would like to thank my mom for coming out to the game to cheer the team on.

Video of me assisting on Javan M's goal (31 seconds)

I was flying overtop the ice, lol
Pic by Chris R's Dad

2013/2014 Cross Country Ski Racing Season Recap

Alberta Loppet Race Series XC

Canadian Birkebeiner @ Blackfoot AB - Feb 8th, 247th place out of 592 Overall

This was my second season of Cross Country Ski racing.

March 2013/2014 Non Contact Hockey League

Sat 29th, (Game #27) 1 Assist
@ 10:45pm, Terwillegar Arena Rangers vs. Whos Your Daddy (L 4-3) I got my assist when James S shot it at the net and it hit off me and to a pinching Howard C who knocked it in. They out played us in the first period. We had a really good second period and we were tied at two. They found another gear in the third period, but we all tried really hard and together as a team we made it close. Howard C 1G & 2A. Steven W had a good game on defence. Mike G was great between the pipes.

Mon 24th, (Game #26)
@ 10:45pm, Terwillegar Arena Rangers vs. Ghostbusters (L 6-0) I had seven shots on goal and myself and James S rotated as the two centre ice men. Tonight was not from a lack of effort on our teams part as I thought all our players were skating hard all night. Where I think we got caught puck watching at times and we got out of position for a couple of there goals.

Sat 15th, (Game #25)
@ 10:45pm, Terwillegar Arena Rangers vs. Ice Kings (L 3-0) We started out pretty even with some shifts where we had some chances. They got out to a three goal lead mid way in the second period. We kept skating with them and put out our best effort to not let them run away with the score. I thought Blaise F was our best player with some shots on net and good back checking.

Sat 8th, (Game #24)
@ 10:45pm, Terwillegar Arena Rangers vs. Puck University (L 8-1) We started out well with a one nothing lead. I thought that we could skate with them. We had a couple defensive break downs giving up some odd man chances. I thought the huge difference was their #24 and #80 as they were very high level players. Ryan S 1G. Javan M 1A. I thought Bartek J played really well.

Sat 1st, (Game #23) 1 Goal
@ 10:45pm, Terwillegar Arena Rangers vs. Voodoo (W 5-1) I scored my goal of a great stretch pass from Patrick G that sent me just behind the defence and I faked right and went to the back hand (similar to Jordan Eberle lol) I thought we played one of our best games tonight. I liked the fact that every player played as hard as they could and I thought it was a great team effort. Patrick G 2G & 1A, James S 2A, Javan M 1G & 1A, Blaise F 1G & 1A, Cameron B 2A.

March 2014 Training

Thurs 27th, Spin @ home for 1 hour (Isolated Leg Training), Average heart rate=101 Max=123, Avg rpm=77, km's 17

Sun 23rd, Road ride along Ellerslie road for 2hrs 2mins. Average heart rate =120 max =160, Total elevation gain 659 feet. Kms 40

Sat 22nd, Road ride to Beaumont for 2hrs 2mins. Average heart rate =131 max =164, Total elevation gain 486 feet. Kms 43

Tues 18th, Road ride @ Colchester Hall for 1hr (Spin-ups + Dominant leg). Average heart rate =112 max =166, Total elevation gain 197 feet. Kms 19

Sun 16th, Road ride @ Colchester Hall to Beaumont for 2hrs 2mins. Average heart rate =126 max =159, Total elevation gain 617 feet. Kms 46

Thur 13th, Road ride @ Colchester Hall for 1hr 20mins (Test #1). Average heart rate =137 max =171, Total elevation gain 323 feet. Kms 33

Canadian Birkebeiner XC Skiing Race 2014 @ Blackfoot (Alberta Premier Loppet Race Series) #1

Saturday February 8th, I finished overall 247th place out of 592 results and in my (30-39) men's age group 36th place out of 69 results, It took me 3hrs 37mins. It was classic style and it was a total of 31 Kms long. Average heart rate =175bpm Max =193bpm, Elevation gain 3,719 feet. This was my first XC Skiing race (classic style) and considering I have only started classic skiing in December 2013 and have gone classic skiing 8 times ever. I had a really fast start and I was skiing way faster than my normal pace. At the 20km mark it had taken me 2hrs 10mins and was skiing really strong. It took me 22mins longer the last 11kms than my pace I had started out at. Then at the 23km mark I hit the wall as I bonked and my legs then started to get cramps and sore at the same time. It was at that point where I was just trying to hang on and I only stopped once for a minute to take in some energy chews. My Mom came to the start @(Unkranian Culture Heritage Village) and the finish @(Blackfoot) for the race and that was a huge support as it made me dig really deep to finish the race, even though my body was saying otherwise. I ended up on the trails at the end with my United Cycle Bike Race teammate Stew H and he got me at the line by two minutes with a great performance. I am really happy with the race and I beat my goal. Temerature was -24 deg c. Thanks to canadianbirkie.com and all the volunteers for puting on the race and for braving the cold weather. Thank you Fast Trax Ski Shop Sean R for waxing my glide zone and Patrick M for his wax lessions and their entire staff for their support. I also wanted to thank Lana O for giving great skiing lessons.