By Josh Martin, Sports Editor

Don Cherry—the laughable, terribly blunt, opinionated but somewhat lovable Canadian icon has found himself in yet another firestorm after commenting that women reporters “don’t belong” in dressing rooms. His reasoning was pathetic, saying that “guys are going to act like jerks in front of women,” and that “women shouldn’t be in there, you have to have respect for women.”

Don’s comments were made in reaction to what happened with Chicago Blackhawks defensemen Duncan Keith, who took heat in an interview exchange with female reporter, Karen Thompson, after a 3–1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks. The conversation between Thompson and Keith on an undetected penalty carried out with Thompson saying, “It looked like there was a penalty.” Keith responded with, “Oh no, I don’t think there was. I think [Daniel Sedin] scored a nice goal. The ref was right there. That’s what the ref saw. We should get you as a ref, maybe, hey?”

“Yeah, maybe. I can’t skate though,” Thompson replied.

“First female referee…can’t play probably, either, right? But you’re thinking the game like you know it? Okay, see ya.”

The remarks from Keith were blown out of proportion by the power of the media, but regardless of what happened in the interview, how is Cherry’s point justified? Taking away women reporters from the dressing room wouldn’t change anything. Cherry is defending the NHL players in a laughable way, saying boys will be boys. These players are professional athletes and must have a level of professionalism, regardless of the gender that surrounds them. By taking women away from the dressing room, it’s encouraging the idea that it’s okay for guys to act the way they are and is pushing society in a backwards direction from where we strive to be with gender equality.

Touching on the nudity factor of when athletes are walking around the locker room in nothing but skin, I’m sure it’s uncomfortable for all parties regardless of whether or not the reporters are male or female. Reporting on someone who has their junk hanging out while answering questions is just an awkward situation that no one wants to be a part of. There has to be a level of professionalism, a separate room like Cherry suggested where players can do interviews would be ideal, like on Sportsnet or TSN in-between periods or after games in the hallway outside the dressing room.

Cherry also said that men reporters aren’t allowed in female dressing rooms, so how is this fair? This is valid but can be resolved with a designated room and time for interviews. This would relieve the players tremendously by not being bombarded with reporters after a long game. Let them shower, change, and then the reporters can ask two or three players for a quick interview in a designated room. That way they can be fully-clothed in a neutral space where the reporters and players can be professional, do their business, and then be on their way.

Women have no place in male change rooms

By Eric Wilkins, Staff Writer

Don Cherry says a lot of things. Some reasonable, some obvious, and some outlandish. And all while wearing an amusingly garish suit and tie combo. His latest comments on women not belonging in the locker room have stirred up quite a storm, but there’s no reason for it.

The main issue here seems to be that every feminist and politically correct do-gooder immediately leaped to their feet as soon as even a hint of sexism popped up. Women can’t go somewhere? What? Why?! It was a bit of a knee-jerk reaction made without even taking 30 seconds to examine the situation and what exactly was being said. Ron MacLean was pretty brilliant taking on that role. It’s almost impossible not to cringe and laugh simultaneously watching the clip over and over again. But that’s neither here nor there.

Cherry’s right…for once. Barring women from male locker rooms isn’t a sexist act in the least. Some have taken the side of women shouldn’t be in the locker room because of the abuse they may have to face, but for me, that’s missing the point. If a woman wants to go into a room full of males in varying states of undress, that’s fine and dandy for her. If she can put up with the jibes and teases, good on her. But this isn’t about how strong females can be. We all know women are equal to men and can do whatever they set their mind to—that’s old news. This is about the men.

A locker room is a sort of haven. A room full of crass jokes and lewd stories. Having to worry about modesty due to the presence of women destroys that atmosphere. It’s not like anyone ever really needs to prance about completely nude, but it’s the fact that one can that’s so liberating. A woman in the room can make things a little stiff.

Like Cherry notes (and MacLean hilariously tries to defend), you wouldn’t send a male into a female change room, so why vice versa? Talk about gender equality; it looks like women have finally gained the upper hand. The world has never seen a man holding up a microphone to a female athlete asking her questions while her teammates wander about to and from the showers, and honestly, it never should. To support that point, how many times have you ever heard that suggestion of having male reporters in female dressing rooms come up? If it’s ridiculous for one sex to do it, it should be for the other as well.

Food for thought: should reporters be allowed in change rooms at all?

Summer sports you should do

By Elliot Chan, Staff Writer

As the snow on the mountains melts away, sporty individuals will now turn their sights on all summer has to offer. For those of us who have spent the winter months hibernating, it is time to shake off the rust and put the rest and training into effect. Now that the city has thawed, grab that bucket list and get to work.

Hiking: British Columbia is home to some of the best hiking trails in the world. From mountain ranges to seascape, we often forget how vast this province really is. Take a drive to the island and embark on the West Coast Trail, a 75-km backpacking route that takes you along the edge of the Pacific. Or challenge the Stawamus Chief, a short two-hour commitment that will lead you up to the peak of Squamish. If nothing more, then try to beat or set your best time on the Grouse Grind.

Whitewater rafting: A roller coaster ride that you can control. If you’re not yet ready to kayak down Hell’s Gate, but are sick of canoeing at Trout Lake then it’s time to see whether you’re made to sink or swim in the world of extreme water sports. All whitewater rafting sites offer different levels of rafting intensity, choosing between a motor-powered raft to a paddle one. If you need a reason to gather a group of friends and head on a road trip up to Whistler or Kumsheen Resort where the Fraser and Thompson rivers fork, let whitewater rafting be one of them.

Bungee jumping: If falling can be considered a sport, then I’m in pretty good shape. I took the dive at Whistler Bungee last year and never regretted it. If given the chance, I would be back on that bridge saying my prayers again. There’s something about taking a leap of faith that is simply unforgettable.

Mountain biking: Biking in any form is a great way to exercise. But why not bombard down a mountain, feeling each stone and root that juts from the earth? Navigating through nature and seeing the world pass you by from the handle bar is one of the most exhilarating things to do. BC is full of trails for all skill levels from beginners to championship-winning professionals. A quick search on the Internet can yield a hundred different paths to bike through.

From spur-of-the-moment adrenaline rushes to weeklong experiences, find opportunities to get outside this summer and try something new.

By Josh Martin, Sports Editor

It’s no secret to the locals of New Westminster that lacrosse is a major focal point within the community. Queen’s Park Arena is home to the New West Salmonbellies, a team that was originally founded in 1888 and holds 26 Mann Cup championships across the rafters, dating back to 1915. The iconic building features the only wooden lacrosse floor across Canada. A city with this kind of heritage, it’s hard to find a single person

in New West that doesn’t have some tie to the city’s game. It’s huge.

So if lacrosse is such a major sport locally, how come the sport doesn’t have as much publicity throughout North America?

“Box lacrosse is absolutely huge in New West. You bleed red, white, and blue, which are Salmonbelly colours,” says Ben Taylor, a Junior ‘A’ Salmonbelly. “Some other cities take it seriously. But the main competitors for people who play lacrosse are New West and Coquitlam.”

Taylor recently went on a four-month scholarship stint down to Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia where he played for the Reinhardt Eagles in the NCLA League. Taylor says that universities across the States are more than willing to give money to hopeful lacrosse prodigies.

“There are a lot of schools down there that have a lot of money. The thing is, unless you’re some sort superstar that’s breaking all the records, schools don’t really notice you. It comes to the point where you have to make the opportunity for yourself. Right now, field lacrosse is the fastest growing university sport in the States and because of that they’re trying to get their hands on as many Canadian lacrosse players as possible.”

Like Taylor, players who have been playing box lacrosse their entire lives are going down to the States and dominating in the league as the two variations, field and box, are completely different and almost treated as two entirely different sports.

“I find that people who go from box to field lacrosse have a very big advantage because you’re going from a smaller to a larger net,” says Taylor. “So a person who’s trained their whole lives to pick the corners off in a really small net with a really big goalie, moving up to a sport where you have a giant net with a really small goalie, has such a large advantage.”

With lacrosse moving through a transitional period in North America, the popularity between box and field varies based on the city or community’s heritage. Going from New Westminster where box lacrosse is a near religion among fans to Taylor’s University down in Georgia, where the popular choice is field.

“Nobody knew what box lacrosse was. If I was talking about lacrosse, I’d be talking about box back home. For them, it’s field lacrosse. Box isn’t even on their radar. The mentality down there where I was it wasn’t that popular because it was growing. But there are certainly places around the states where field lacrosse is just gigantic. “

The National Lacrosse League (NLL) hasn’t quite found it’s bearings across North America in terms of popularity. The former Vancouver Ravens were a part of that league for three seasons from 2002-04, but due to a lack of popularity and unstable ownership, couldn’t progress in the business.

“The Vancouver Ravens were playing when lacrosse wasn’t really that big. When the NLL was starting out, people were going, ‘What’s this?’ People didn’t really know about it. Places like New West and Coquitlam might be really big into lacrosse but Vancouver itself, there’s no Vancouver lacrosse team. It’s only the suburbs,” says Taylor.

“It’s a similar situation as to what happened to the Vancouver Grizzlies. We like basketball, but we’re not a basketball city. We’re a hockey city. There’s just not enough interest to keep it going, so it just dies out. Until we get a group of people in Vancouver who have enough interest in lacrosse to keep it going then I don’t think Vancouver is going to have a lacrosse team anytime soon.

“I wouldn’t be able to say, ‘This is the turning point,’ [to its popularity] because it’s a gradual slope. Until something extravagant happens that changes people’s perspective on lacrosse, I don’t think there’s going to be a huge major focal turning point. I think that in our life time it’s going to get popular. Maybe not quite the same as hockey, but definitely something.”

Image from racedepartment.com

Up-to-date with the 2013 race season

By Aidan Mouellic, Staff Writer

The 2013 Formula One season is well underway with four races already wrapped up. The season, which started in Australia March 17, has already had its fair share of drama. Leading the race series so far is the reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel with 77 points, who has an 11-point lead over second place Kimi Raikkonen. Rounding off the point’s podium is Lewis Hamilton who has 50 points so far this season.

The largest bit of drama this year occurred during Vettel’s win in the second Grand Prix of the season in Malaysia. Vettel’s Red Bull teammate, Mark Webber, was leading the race when Red Bull team managers told Vettel not to overtake Webber. Vettel didn’t follow orders and overtook Webber to secure his first victory of the season. Vettel apologized to his team afterwards for being disobedient, but he was unapologetic about winning.

With two victories already thanks to Vettel and another podium, Red Bull-Renault is currently comfortably on top of the standings in the constructor’s championship with 109 points. Lotus-Renault sits behind with 93 points and Ferrari rounds off the top three with only 77 points.

Lewis Hamilton has made his long-awaited debut for Mercedes-AMG. The lifelong McLaren driver has replaced Michael Schumacher as the top driver for the German Mercedes team. Hamilton’s season thus far has been a success; he already has two podiums and a pole position to his name, leaving him already in the mix for the championship title awaiting someone at the end of the season.

On the technical side of the sport, this is the final season of the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter V8 engines currently in use in all Formula One cars. Next season, all of the cars will be powered by turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 engines. Though that may not sound very impressive (the current Ford Fiesta has a 1.6-liter engine), the engines gracing the Formula One cars next season will be mounted in cars that weigh half of what a Toyota Prius does and will propel the cars to 100 km/hr in under two seconds.

The 2013 Formula One season will touch down in Spain on May 12 for the Spanish Grand Prix. The qualifying rounds to determine pole position will be on May 11, along with the final race of the season, which will crown the World Champion, at the Brazilian Grand Prix on November24.

Who is your favourite all-time athlete?

Holly Withers, second-year history major

“I’d probably say Wayne Gretzky. He’s one of the Canadian heroes, and I’m Canadian, and out of all the many sports out there, hockey is the one that I really follow. As a person and as an athlete, I really respect him a lot. He knew what he was doing and understood commitment and understood that you needed to be a team player and it isn’t just about yourself and that you need to make sure everyone is succeeding with you. I learned from him that you’re not always on top and you’re not always the number one person. There’s always going to be someone out there who’s better than you, but that’s no reason to not try and be the best that you can be.”

Chelsea Stamp-Vincent, third-year psychology student

“It would have to be Cody Hodgson. He was pretty awesome when he was on the Canucks and I think he’s really going to prove himself to take over the Buffalo Sabres as captain in a couple of years. He’s really cute and he has the drive to do it. I think that the Canucks really underplayed him when they had him and they’re going to regret it. I think he’s nowhere done peaking, I think he’ll peak in his 30’s. He’s got a really good career ahead of him and brings [a great asset] in being able to play multiple positions.”

Image of Milos Raonic by The Associated Press, The Province

A big year for Canada

By Josh Martin, Sports Editor

No matter where you are in life, there are always ups and downs. Whether you’re busy with studying for the next exam, working, or working at trying to find a job, there has to be some sort of “out.” For some, this means screaming the lyrics of Weezer’s “Say it Ain’t So,” at the top of their lungs in the passenger seat of their friends mustang. For others, this means watching a live performance of Cats while indulging in some buttery popcorn. And for the rest, it means sitting down to a good old-fashioned game of football/baseball/hockey/whatever else fits your fancy.

With the Toronto Blue Jays deemed as being the World Series favourites and being in the discussions of the championship for the first time since they won it in back-to-back seasons in 1992 and 1993, sports fans across Canada are jumping on the bandwagon. Ticket sales and prices have risen with hype surrounding the team of the off-season 12-player blockbuster trade that the Blue Jays made with the Miami Marlins.

In the NHL, the playoffs are right around the corner, with what looks like for the first time in seven years, four Canadian teams playing in the post-season. With a handful of games left in the regular season, the Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Montreal Canadiens all have promising positions.

Last week in the world of tennis, Milos Raonic helped team Canada advance to the semi-finals of the Davis Cup for the first time in Canadian history. They defeated Italy and will face Novak Djokovic and team Serbia in the World Group semifinals in September.

For all you sports fans out there, this is an all-you-can-eat buffet with drinks on the house. School is coming to an end and soon it’ll be T-shirt and shorts weather. Indulge, enjoy, and be proud to be Canadian. This is your “out.”

Image of Sidney Crosby via Getty Images

Best players of the 2013 NHL season

By Elliot Chan, Staff Writer

For a moment there in early January, hockey fans were ready to call it a year; but after a significant portion of the season, the lockout is now fading in the rear view mirror. Still, the shortened season has produced some magnificent performances from some of the games most experienced players and young up-and-comers. It will not only be an interesting playoff run, but also a tight race for the players’ trophies awarded at the end of the year.

Hart Memorial Trophy: Despite breaking his jaw in a game against the New York Islanders, Sidney Crosby is the prime candidate for the NHL’s version of the MVP. But if voters are feeling generous, they might turn their sights to an unexpected candidate: Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. After losing star forward Rick Nash in the summer, Bobrovsky has displayed heroic numbers with a 2.01 goals against average, a .932 saves percentage, and a record of 16–10–6. If the Blue Jackets are able to sneak into the playoffs, consider him the contender.

Calder Memorial Trophy: The top rookie award is a three-player race between Florida Panther’s Jonathan Huberdeau, Ottawa Senators’ Cory Conacher, and St. Louis Blue’s Jake Allen. Huberdeau and Conacher have been neck and neck all season. The league can flip a coin on those two young forwards and do no wrong, but the wild card is Allen. The 22-year-old goalie has carried his team at various points throughout the season, while veterans Brian Elliott and Jaroslav Halak were coping with injuries and poor play. The Blues would not be in playoff contention if it weren’t for Allen’s 9–4–0 record.

James Norris Memorial Trophy: Many would be surprised at the beginning of the season if one were to say Sheldon Souray and Francois Beauchemin of the Anaheim Ducks would be considered among the best defensemen of 2013. But that is exactly what they are. Beauchemin is spotting his first positive plus minus season since 2006-07 with a +24. But other teams are not forfeiting the title to the Ducks so hastily. Often awards are given not just by performance, but also by reputation—and few have a better reputation than Boston Bruins’ Zdeno Chara while others believe that P.K. Subban from the Montreal Canadiens has a good chance, leading all defensemen with 32 points.

Frank J. Selke Trophy: Awarding a player based on how they consistently perform in games, rather than on statistical prowess, is a hard one to select… in theory. But there’s no denying that Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings is the main candidate. Few players can play like Datsyuk, with his shifty style he can steal a puck, finesse it, and score a goal before the opposition even knows what happened.

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy: It would be a surprise for Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks to be rewarded the player with best sportsmanship, mainly because of his past reputation. But his miniscule four minutes of penalty and 46 points proves that he is a maturing player, focusing more on winning games than showboating. Another player worth recognition is Matt Moulson from New York Islanders, who has 37 points and also four minutes of penalties.

Vezina Trophy: This is the year where back-up goalies have come into full form. Although Bobrovsky is the touted favourite, Tuukka Rask from Boston is really calling for attention in the league with a .928 SV% and a 1.95 GAA. Ray Emery of Chicago Blackhawks may be the dark horse, but with a 14–1–0 record in the season so far, how can anyone deny his proficiency?

By Eric Wilkins, Staff Writer

Richard Sherman, star cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks, has always been a colourful character, to say the least. Having such a personality often leads to some negative media coverage, and Sherman just landed himself in some hot water. The outspoken all-pro recently went on record as saying that “half the league” takes Adderall.

The league was none too impressed with Sherman’s comments and released the following statement on the matter: “The comments are ill-informed and inaccurate. Adderall is easily detected under current testing and will result in a suspension absent an approved therapeutic use exemption.  If his statement were true, we would be seeing many more positive tests and suspensions. More importantly, his comments are irresponsible, as they ignore the serious medical risks and documented public health crisis associated with the improper use of Adderall and similar drugs.” Sherman quickly tried to cover his tracks by saying, “First off, I didn’t say that. It’s just another case of these writers trying to gain a little notoriety in an interview.” Amusingly, The Vancouver Sun, the newspaper in which the interview appeared, released a video proving the quote was correct; the quote was taken out of context but was there nonetheless. However, the take-away from the incident isn’t really about Sherman shooting his mouth off, but rather the growing image that Adderall is a normal and common drug for players to take.

Adderall, a drug usually prescribed for those with ADHD, is often used by those without the condition to help fuel or sustain their focus and energy. College students are known to take it around exam times when cramming or finishing final assignments. And how does that relate to football players? Playbooks are filled with endless diagrams that have to be studied and memorized; a slip-up studying can lead to big mistakes on the field. Players truly have to be students of the game. Late-night or early-morning film study sessions can be difficult to get through and getting pumped for a game isn’t easy all the time, and it appears that many are turning to Adderall to help them through the process.

There’s one problem though: Adderall is illegal and considered a performance-enhancing drug (PED) in the NFL. Some manage to get around this by procuring a prescription for the drug by some means, but the substance is likely being abused by the majority of its users in the league. Two recent cases of the NFL cracking down on Adderall use (according to the rumours) were the aforementioned Sherman, and fellow Seahawk Brandon Browner. Sherman fought the suspension and won by claiming that the sample was mishandled, but Browner simply took the four-game ban. While it will remain unconfirmed whether Adderall was actually to blame (due to the union preventing the league from releasing specifics of drug tests), no one has raised any complaints about the rumours.

With that said, players likely help fan the flames of these rumours for one simple reason: who cares if you’re using Adderall? There’s no real stigma about it, and many members of the public make use of it themselves. If one were to fail a drug test, would you rather it be for steroids or Adderall? By having the results of which PED they took remain private, players can hide behind the smokescreen of uncertainty and almost portray themselves as victims. Getting suspended for a studying aid? It comes off as a little harsh.

Of course, the players who slip through the drug tests are only hurting themselves. The long-term effects of Adderall can include cardiovascular problems and strokes, and mental health issues such as depression, hostility, and paranoia. For a league that seems to have a constant uproar about player safety, it’s ironic to see how some players are putting their future health at risk entirely of their own accord.

Image by Nathan Denette

The pressure is on

By Josh Martin, Sports Editor

While it may seem like the season is just getting started—just like that—we find ourselves in the final few games of the shortened regular season, on the cusp of enjoying some playoff hockey. Here’s a look at several favourable teams and surprises heading into the 2013 NHL playoffs.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are the clear number-one favourites heading into the post-season with the likes of late-season acquisitions star forwards Jarome Iginla, and Brenden Morrow as well as Jussi Jokinen and defensemen Douglas Murray joining the already star-studded cast of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Pascal Dupuis, Chris Kunitz, James Neal, and Kris Letang. This team was already dominating the Eastern Conference before they acquired the aforementioned players, but now they look as if they’re a bona fide all-star team. Anything short of a Stanley Cup this year will be a disappointment for the Penguins, who are first overall in the East and second overall in the NHL behind the Chicago Blackhawks. However, with recent injuries to Crosby—who suffered a broken jaw after a slapshot from teammate Brooks Orpik hit him in the face—Neal, Letang, and defensemen Paul Martin, the trade acquisitions are coming up more useful than mere depth players that they were expected to be.

Luckily for the Penguins, Crosby is expected to be back before the playoffs, as well as Letang.

As of last Sunday, the Chicago Blackhawks are the first team in the league to clinch a playoff berth. The team that started the season with a sensational run of gaining at least one point in a 24-game period have not let off the gas pedal since. The Blackhawks are currently the number one overall team in the NHL, with only five regulation losses and an impressive 30–5–4 record.

With only a handful of games left, it looks as though the Blackhawks will capture the Presidents’ Trophy as the team that amasses the most points in the regular season. But looking back in the past four years, the Trophy winners have all come up short, not even making it past the first round of the playoffs (with the exception of the Vancouver Canucks, who lost in the Cup finals against the Bruins two years ago.)

All eyes will be on the Blackhawks in the West to make a deep playoff push, especially if they finish first overall in the regular season. It’s theirs to lose, and that has proven to be a decision maker in the past several years.

It looks as though this will be the first year since 2004 that the Toronto Maple Leafs will be making a post-season appearance. Maple Leaf nation has gone nine miserable years without cheering for their team in the months of May and June. But that will soon come to an end if all goes well, as they sit in fifth position in the Eastern Conference with a 22–13–5 record and 49 points with eight games remaining in the regular season. Just being in the playoffs is a huge accomplishment for Toronto, who could possibly fly under the radar for a deep playoff push.

With Nazem Kadri having a spectacular breakout year (17 goals, 23 assists, 40 points), Phil Kessel leading the way (14 goals, 26 assists, 40 points), and goaltenders James Reimer and Ben Scrivens playing solid between-the-pipes, Maple Leafs fans finally have a team worth getting excited about.

The Montreal Canadiens have possibly had the biggest turnaround year in the NHL. After finishing last in the Eastern Conference last season with a terrible 31–35–16 record and 78 points in 82 games, the Canadiens have played like a team possessed, going 25–9–5 in 39 games while collecting 55 points.

Rookie GM Marc Bergevin, who was hired last May by Montreal, is looking like the favourable candidate for GM of the year after taking a risk in hiring the former Canadiens head coach Michel Therrien to a second stint with the team—which has evidently paid off. He also locked up goalie Carey Price, winger Max Pacioretty, and juggernaut defencemen P.K. Subban for several more years. The Canadiens are one of the top teams that have emerged in the East behind the Conference-leading Penguins heading into the Playoffs.

Last but not least, the Ottawa Senators have had a truly remarkable season. Despite devastating injuries to superstar defensemen Erik Karlsson and sniper Jason Spezza, they have played exceptionally well going 19–14–6 with 44 points in 39 games so far this season. They are sixth in the East, with the New York Islanders, and New York Rangers knocking at the door with 44 points apiece, sitting at seventh and eighth place respectively. On the upside, Karlsson has been skating with the team as of late and may return within the next month, depending on whether or not the Senators make the playoffs. If they do and Karlsson returns, he will provide a huge boost in the Senators lineup next month, which will increase the chances of this underdog team putting up a fight against the beasts of the East.

Image of Jarome Iginla playing for Pittsburg Penguins via Pittsburg Penguins Facebook page

NHL’s lacklustre trade deadline

By Elliot Chan, Staff Writer

“I’m proud to be a Vancouver Canuck,” were Roberto Luongo’s words after the trade deadline on April 3. “I love it here and I love my teammates. I would love nothing better than to win a Stanley Cup here.”

There was no way for Canucks general manager, Mike Gillis to give a discount for one of the top goalies in the league, even if he is currently a backup. Early in the season, rumors about Toronto and Florida’s interest for the Canucks’ goalie surfaced, but Gillis refused to consider his team as one selling away players. Luongo is the ace in Gillis’ hand, and it would be a shame if he simply folded. “It was tough to make trades today,” Gillis tweeted moments after the deadline.

The Canucks managed to make one significant move, adding 29-year-old centre Derek Roy from the Dallas Stars for young prospect and former Vancouver Giant Kevin Connauton. Roy should be able to give a solid contribution on the third-line when Ryan Kesler returns from his injury.

Elsewhere, trade deadline day was anti-climactic, since Jarome Iginla was shipped out of Calgary to Pittsburgh earlier in the week. The New York Rangers were busy prior to the deadline landing highly-touted forward Ryane Clowe from the San Jose Sharks. Clowe is full of intangible talent that any playoff team could use in the playoffs. The Rangers also dealt Marian Gaborik to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Since grabbing Rick Nash from the Blue Jackets in the summer, the Rangers have been going through a revolving door of forwards. Perhaps they finally have the championship team they were looking for, but with a constant flux, the Rangers should be wary of their team chemistry.

The Boston Bruins also made a move, picking up veteran forward Jaromir Jagr from the rebuilding Dallas Stars. Jagr has been trade bait for many years and for good reason. Not only does he have more experience than any other play in the NHL, he was also the scoring point leader for the Stars. The Stars are in a clear rebuilding state since trading away captain Brendan Morrow to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Another rebuilding team who lost their long time captain are the Calgary Flames, who many expected were also going to trade goaltender Mikka Kiprusoff or defensemen Jay Bouwmeester. Turns out it was the defensemen that had to go. St. Louis Blues acquired Bouwmeester for draft picks, a defenseman, and a prospect goaltender.

The teams vying for the championships also turned out their pockets on trade deadline day. The Anaheim Ducks snatched up speedy winger Matthew Lombardi from the Phoenix Coyotes while the Chicago Blackhawks added to their offensive depth with Michal Handzus from the San Jose Sharks. And the Minnesota Wilds, a team sliding under the radar, picked up Buffalo Sabres’ captain, Jason Pominville.

The theme this year is team captains jumping ships for a chance to win the Stanley Cup. Although fans usually feel the heartbreak, players understand that deadline day is all business.

“I wish we had more success over the past few years,” said Iginla, as he reminisced about his time in Calgary. “I know it wasn’t lack of effort from the organization.”

Often torn between loyalty and regret, team captains have to step down as the face of an organization to win the cup. The worst thing that can happen is for a player to over stay their welcome. All eyes are on Gillis, wondering what status Luongo will be in next season.