Download 2020-21 Souvenir Program
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MESSAGE from the owner For 30 years my family owned and operated the Ontario Hockey Leagues Sudbury Wolves up until August 2016. As a MBA Program graduate of the University of Western Ontario, I took over the reins of the hockey club from my father, Mr. Ken Burgess, in 1995. My family has a rich hockey heritage in the community, being active in minor hockey for many years. During those 30 years my family and I managed and maintained the team and its operations. In 2005 it was brought to my attention that the Sudbury Jr. Wolves were looking for someone to take over the financially struggling Junior “A” team. Without hesitation we purchased the team and kept the Jr. Wolves alive in Sudbury. In 2008 the Sudbury Jr. Wolves won the NOJHL title. My family has also been a big contributor to the community. With great pleasure we have donated and helped many citizens and young hockey players over the years. During the last season of our ownership of the Sudbury Wolves Hockey Club we started an OHL tradition of Superhero night. We were the first team in the league to do such an event that helped a local charity. Our Superhero night was in honour of the Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer, this night was such a success we were able to donate $10,000 to the charity. Since my family and I have sold the Sudbury Wolves OHL team I have missed the excitement and joy of watching players grow and learn to be great young men and hockey players. I look forward to working with the players, coaches and staff. Rest assured my ultimate goal is to get back to the Royal Bank Cup. We are all passionate about hockey, community and shaping our young men of tomorrow. I welcome you and your family to our “Rayside family”. Sincerely, Mark W. Burgess Owner, Rayside Balfour Canadians e B id AL s F y O A u r R c a s n a d i a n team STAFF DIRECTORY Mark Burgess Blaine Smith Jeff Forsyth Brittany Zacerkowny Team Owner Team Director General Manager Office Manager Vagelli Sakellaris Bob Chaumont Eric Navarro David Efford Head Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant GM Team Volunteer: Julie Dubois Player Support: Carrington Ryan, MSW Head Trainer: Chris Seguin Billet Co-ordinator: Jennifer Seguin Team Trainer: Tom Bain Team Fitness : Anytime Fitness, Chelmsford Team Nurse: Ginette Trottier Fitness Advisor: Callen McKibbon, REPerformance Equip. Manager: Brian Workman Team Statistician: David Harrison, NOJHL Asst. Trainer/ Equip. Manager: Everett Bona Graphic Designer: Julie Dohanich TV Announcer: Thomas Mercier Team Website: www.rbcanadians.com TV Audio/ Video: Robert Fera Team Email: [email protected] Game Announcer: Brian Beaupre Team Address: 2335 Maley Drive, Security: Sean Hinschberger Sudbury, ON P3A 4R7 Team Doctor: Dr. Guy Mongeon Office Number: 705-524-8375 Team Chiropractor: Dr. Zvonko Vukovic Office Fax: 705-524-5349 DEGRAZIA TABBED By NHL Central Scouting Second-year forward Nick DeGrazia was recently recognized by NHL Central Scouting on their season-opening Players To Watch List for the upcoming 2021 NHL Draft. DeGrazia was ranked as a B rated skater, typically a rating given to players selected between the 2nd and 4th round of the Draft. DeGrazia had an incredible first year in the NOJHL for the Canadians, finishing tied for the rookie scoring lead and 6th in the entire league with 61 points in 42 games last year, which included 32 goals, the most among first-year players. DeGrazia’s resume does not end there, he was also selected to Team Canada East who brought home a silver medal from the 2019 World Junior A Challenge, held in Dawson Creek, B.C. Nick also suited up 4 times for the Sudbury Wolves recording his first OHL goal and assist in that time. When the OHL returns to play, Nick will be looking to earn a spot on the Wolves’ roster. “It definitely means a lot to be on that list and it’s a huge honour to be recognized by the NHL,” said DeGrazia. “To me it only means that the work is just getting started. I still need to be at my best everyday and looking for ways to keep improving my game if I want my dreams to come true.” The speedy winger who lead the Canadians in scoring last season definitely has his sights set on hearing his name called by an NHL team whenever the 2021 NHL Draft ends up taking place. MESSAGE FROM COUNCILLOR gerry MONTPELLIER On behalf of the City of Greater Sudbury and the Town of Rayside Balfour, it is my pleasure to welcome the players and staff of the Rayside Balfour Canadians back for another season of exciting NOJHL hockey action. Although we find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic, the hockey community is truly grateful that we are able to cheer on our boys in red, blue and white from afar. The Canadians have a young and exciting team this season and the present and future of Jr. A hockey in Rayside Balfour is extremely bright! Once things do return to normal, it is my hope that residents of Greater Sudbury will once again return to the Chelmsford Arena and cheer- on the hometown Rayside Balfour Canadians. Your perseverance during challenging times like this, is most appreciated. Best wishes to the Rayside Balfour Canadians organization and thank-you for providing Junior hockey entertainment for the residents of Rayside Balfour and Greater Sudbury. Sincerely, Councillor Gerry Montpellier OUR MISSION Statement The RAYSIDE BALFOUR CANADIANS are dedicated to winning Championships, developing our players both on and off the ice, growing new fans, and providing exciting hockey, value and service. We aim to achieve our mission by working hard to emphasize the following core values: • Mutual respect for each other, and a commitment to excellence, e B id AL integrity and quality in everything we do. s F y O • Helping our sponsors build their brands and grow their business. A u r R • Making our community a better place to live through our support of c a s worthy social causes. n a d i a n • Being good leaders and role models for the youth in our community. • Staying proactive and accountable in carrying out our mission. Rayside Balfour Canadians are here to develop players who have the desire and potential to achieve scholarship opportunities or to continue on in the pursuit of a professional career! e B id AL pLAYER F s y O A u r PROFILES R c a s n n #4 Cole Ambeault a d i a Date of Birth: May 2,2001 Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, ON Height: 5’ 11” Weight: 175 lbs Position: F Shoots: L #5 Nicholas Faught Date of Birth: January 1, 2002 Hometown: Garson, ON Height: 5’ 7” Weight: 155 lbs Position: Forward Shoots: L #14 brady Maltais Date of Birth: May 12, 2000 Hometown: Dowling, ON Height: 6’ 1” Weight: 210 lbs Position: Forward Shoots: R #15 mitchell martin Date of Birth: January 6, 2003 Hometown: Sudbury, ON Height: 6’ 4” Weight: 210 lbs Position: Forward Shoots: L e B id AL s F y O A u r #17 Giordano Biondi R c a s Date of Birth: September 13, 2002 n a d i a n Hometown: Sudbury, ON Height: 5’ 11” Weight: 180 lbs Position: Forward Shoots: L #18 jaxon bedard Date of Birth: February 16, 2003 Hometown: Mississauga, ON Height: 5’ 9” Weight: 155 lbs Position: Forward Shoots: R #20 ethan marois Date of Birth: October 3, 2003 Hometown: Sudbury, ON Height: 5’ 11” Weight: 185 lbs Position: Forward Shoots: R #22 oliver smith Date of Birth: March 2, 2003 Hometown: Sudbury, ON Height: 6’ 1” Weight: 190 lbs Position: Forward Shoots: L Graduating CLASS ONE TO REMEMBER FOR CANADIANS By David Elford, Laurentian University This year’s class of overage players for the Canadians is one that will not soon be forgotten. With a combined total of 381 career games between the three of them, Brady Maltais, Joel Mongeon and David Bowen have been outstanding contributors in their time with Rayside Balfour. Brady Maltais has brought a hard-nosed style and team-first attitude to the program for his entire junior career. Now in his 4th season with the Canadians, Brady was named team captain and is now the leader of this always competitive Canadians organization. Amassing 114 points in his 155 career regular season games, including producing at just over a point-per-game pace in 45 games last year, Brady has always been able to contribute at the offensive end. Impressively though, coupled with his offensive talents is his ability to play a 200-foot game. He has been a trusted member on the penalty kill throughout his entire tenure in the NOJHL and is one of the better faceoff men in the entire league. “Junior hockey has been an awesome experience,” said Maltais. “The memories and friends I’ve made will last a lifetime and the lessons I’ve learned have helped make me the person I am now away from the rink.” Brady intends to pursue opportunities beyond junior hockey next season, but has not made any concrete decisions on where that may be. Steady as they come, defenceman Joel Mongeon is in his third and final season with the Canadians. Well-known as one of the toughest defencemen in the league to beat one-on-one, Mongeon has been a quiet and consistent leader on the ice for the team, through his work ethic and competitive attitude around the rink.