The SPAD Blog

By SPAD Blogger Adam Johnston

The third and fourth year business of hockey class has just concluded its Websim Hockey assignment that was described in a previous article. If you didn’t read that article, Websim Hockey is essentially an online simulation of being an NHL general manager. 24 students from the Business of Hockey class each assumed the role of GM of an NHL team and controlled the hockey operations aspects as well as the business functions of the team.

In approximately 3 months, there were 4 seasons simulated in Websim Hockey. GMs were responsible for nearly every aspect of an NHL team including changing lines, trading and signing players as well as setting ticket prices, making arena modifications and investing into different marketing decisions such as market development and advertising.

GMs took very different approaches to managing their respective teams. Some GMs would be at the top of salary cap threshold every season while others would try to cut costs and as a result put an inferior product on the ice. When looking at the final financial standings, it appears that the teams that spent the extra money to obtain quality players were rewarded financially most through playoff revenue, and those who did not open their “wallets” lost fans and therefore lost ticket revenue.

It is important to mention those in the class that won a Websim Cup, mostly because I am one of them.  Other winners include Geoff Gascon, Garrett Hamel and Jeff Tremblay. Eric Lachapelle representing the Montreal Canadiens was far and away the most successful on the financial side of things (not to mention he knocked the professors out the playoffs 2 years running!), with Geoff Wolfer and Jeff Tremblay also being very successful financially.

Websim Hockey provided an educational as well as very fun experience that I would recommend to all. As for the accuracy of the game, the simulation seemed very realistic as the Toronto Maple Leafs finished in nearly last place every year.

 

 

By SPAD Blogger Andrew Berlingieri

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is that time of year again; the Sports Administration program is taking its talents to Denver, Colorado. The Sport Consulting class is one of the most anticipated things to reach in SPAD program. When Field Trip is first mentioned in first year it seems mythical, like one will never get there. For the graduating class of 2012 that week has finally come. The fourth year students will be leaving this coming Friday for the annual SPAD Sport Consulting Trip.

This year’s trip to the Mile High City will feature SPAD fourth year students delivering presentations to major sports teams in the Denver area. These teams include the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids, Colorado Mammoth, and the Colorado Rockies. The students are asked to put their knowledge together and develop strategies, or plans that focus on solving specific real issues facing the organizations. A lot of hard work, and long nights have been put into these presentations so that SPAD’s true aptitude can be put on display. Once the presentations are complete the group will have the chance to relax, take in a Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche game and see what other adventures Denver has to offer.

As much as the trip is meant for the fourth years to apply their knowledge and consult in a professional, real world environment, it is just as much about celebrating their four years of hard work. The class of 2012 has earned this trip as a reward of four successful years in the SPAD program. SPAD wishes you a safe, and fun-filled trip and show the Mile High City what SPAD has to offer.

By SPAD Blogger Adam Johnston

 On February 29^th to celebrate Leap Year Day, SPAD students tried their hand at bowling. The student council ran the event and approximately 40 SPAD students came out to participate in the festivities. SPAD Bowling has become an annual event known for its shenanigans; this year most certainly did not disappoint. Listed below is what you missed if you didn’t have the chance to attend.

Preparation and Hydration- A new addition to the SPAD Bowling tradition featured the athletes (students) to gather in the games room for hydration purposes. The students played pool and Ping-Pong while others focused on mentally prepared for the evening’s activities.
Hey Laddy, Laddy Laddy- As per most events where SPAD students travel together, things were a little rowdy on the bus ride over. The main cause of this was the prestigious “Hey Laddy, Laddy, Laddy” chant. For those of you who don’t know, this chant attempts to publicly ridicule someone else on the bus. Honourable mentions for best Laddys go out to Jeff Howlett, Cassidy Stewart and Brianne Pankoff.
Scott Rodger’s Birthday Party- To provide a little extra fun, the lanes were booked under Scott Rodgers’ name and the reason provided was that it was his birthday party which only happens every 4 years (But it really was not!). This allowed for many jokes at Scott’s expense given the  throughout the eventing.
Beauticians in Training- SPAD Bowling gave the first years another chance to become part of the SPAD family. The frosh got a first hand experience of how much fun SPAD events are.  Frosh participation in upcoming events is highly encouraged.
When the students returned to the university, all eligible flocked to the local watering hole that is the Pub Downunder. Glory stories were exchanged and battle wounds compared. Needless to say, the evening created some legends as well as stories that will last for years to come in the SPAD family.

By SPAD Blogger Andrew Berlingieri

Monday, February 27 marked one of the most exciting times of the year for hockey fans, Trade Deadline Day. It is the day hockey fans wait for every year. It is a day that all of @LU_SPAD wishes was a national holiday! Will a star player be traded to their team? Will the trade deadline be a bust, or will it produce blockbuster moves? Hockey fans across North America sit and hold their breathe as General Managers from all 30 National Hockey League teams take phone calls and send text messages. This years deadline looked to be promising with many big name, star players, like Rick Nash, Jeff Carter, and Dustin Brown to name a few, circling the rumour mill.

The deadline appeared to start a couple days early, with a huge trade taking place for the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Jeff Carter. Carter was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in return for defense man Jack Johnson and L.A.’s first round draft pick in 2013. Once this trade took place it appeared to many that this years deadline would be an exciting one. This was certainly not the case. A mere 15 trades were made on Monday, one less than in 2011, and 16 less than in 2010. The Vancouver Canucks were the Canadian team who made the most impact on deadline day. After losing in the Stanley Cup Finals of last years playoffs, the Canucks added grit, and depth to this year’s roster acquiring Zach Kassian from the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres received the highly touted Cody Hodgson in return and the experts are calling it a great trade from both sides. With the 6’4” 230lbs Kassian headed to Vancouver, look for the Canucks to make another Stanley Cup run come April.

Although some may call the 2012 deadline a bust, it was very similar to last year. The reason for this? Well with the playoff race being so tight around deadline time, teams are unsure of whether or not they are a buyer or a seller. Teams are hesitant to give up assets because they could still be in the playoff race come April, and that player may assist them in getting there. Perhaps former coach, and NHL on TSN hockey analyst Marc Crawford summed up this year’s deadline with this tweet, “Trade Center 2012. Too many buyers too few sellers. No bargains and deals hard to complete. At least we saw return of the pure Hockey Trades”.

It looks like we will have to wait 364 more days to see what next year’s deadline has in store. And will it ever become an @LU_SPAD Holiday?

 

 

 

By SPAD Blogger Andrew Leach

Every year the 4^th year SPAD students take their talents to sporting organizations across North America, next year will be no exception. The SPAD community is pleased to announce that in 2013, the SPAD students will be taking their talents to South Beach, with a highly anticipated trip to Miami. Sun, Sea, Sand, and SPAD….MIAMI 2013!

This year, the third year students had 3 locations which were presented as options for the trip. These options were Miami, Orlando/Tampa Bay, and Chicago. Each location was well presented and provided a plethora of excellent opportunities for the students to assess. Throughout the month leading up to the presentation day, the students had been actively voicing their opinions in various forms, including spirited Twitter disputes, friendly banter, and class discussion. This brought a tense atmosphere into presentation day.

Chicago was first up, and set the bar very high for the following presentations. The excellent presentation by Nick Arruda illustrated the  ample supply of sport organizations to choose from, as well as a variety of extra-curricular activities to provide entertainment for students, students were both engaged, and interested. Next up was the Orlando/Tamp Bay pitch by Jamie Howlett, Andrew Berlingieri and Kory Lafreniere. This location provided many avenues for the students to explore. With added components of Disney World, and beaches, the students were able to overlook the added cost of the trip. Leading into the final location, the contest was neck and neck. Finally, Miami took the stage presented by Andrew Leach (me). This option provided the best of both presentations witnessed to date. With ample supply of sport teams combined with the sunshine of Florida, students began to “warm up” to the idea of this being the desired destination for the trip.

After all was said and done, the stage was set for the final vote. The vote would be elimination style rounds, or until a team received 50% plus 1% of the votes, making it a majority decision. The votes were in and Miami took an early lead. It looked like it would be a landslide victory, however, late surges by both Chicago and Orlando/Tampa Bay kept matters close. In the end, Miami obtained a majority vote, securing it as the destination of choice for 2013!

There is still much to do before the trip is materialized, but with the talents and work ethic of the SPAD students, there is no doubt that budgets and deadlines will be met, and that the trip will be as successful as possible.

By SPAD Blogger Andrew Leach

As the New York Giants were crowned Super Bowl champions once again, members of the SPAD community, both student and faculty, were immersed in the festivities at Laurentian’s Pub Down Under. The beer was flowing as the crowd became engrossed in an evening of good humour, football and competition. At the end of the evening, a good time was had by all, even those discouraged by the result of the evening, including the devoted Dr. Pegoraro, who’s beloved Patriots yet again failed to deliver when it matters.

From a football viewpoint, the game was filled with some quarterback mastery, with both Brady and Manning playing intelligent, consistent football. However, Manning’s inspiring fourth quarter proved to be the deciding factor as the Giants took the game by a score of 21-17. But from a party standpoint, despite some minor technical speed bumps, and some excessive megaphone usage from SPAD’s own Jackie Weallans, the party was a success. Throughout the evening, spectators were engaged through Twitter contests as well as some enthusiastic minute to win it games including relay races, musical chairs, and card stacking contests. These events helped keep up the spirits of spectators and maintain a friendly and enthusiastic crowd.

To top of the competitive games and football enthusiasm, the crowd was also entertained by a tremendous raffle, including prizes including signed Phillip Rivers memorabilia, clothing, and a variety of gift cards. This added to the atmosphere, with fans hoping to take home the big prize. However, at the end of the day, it was SPAD’s own Alannah Della Vedova who was the big winner, taking home the San Diego Chargers jersey, signed by Phillip Rivers himself.

On behalf of the SPAD community, we would like to thank all those who attended, as well as the many sponsors who generously supported the event, making it a successful night for all.

By SPAD Blogger Adam Johnston

Picture this; you are lying on a white sandy beach with a cool breeze through your hair. You look to your right and see you miles and miles of ocean and to your left is a beautiful swim-up pool bar surrounded by palm trees. A resort staff member is at your service bringing you whatever your heart desires. This can be your reality for the cheap price of $10 with a purchase of a ticket for the SGA/AGE Suitcase Party presented by Breakaway tours. With the purchase of your ticket you get a chance to win a $2000 travel voucher from Breakaway Tours. If you are not the lucky one to win the travel voucher, you still have a chance to win an Xbox 360 and Ottawa Senators tickets. There will also be a raffle with prize’s values totalling over $700. The best part is that if you aren’t in attendance, you still have an equal chance to win the prizes.

The event itself is being held at the Pub Downunder on campus on Thursday February 9^th. The theme for the party is Mardi Gras and there will be prizes for the person that ends up with the most beads at the end of the night. The event is 19+ and valid ID is required to enter the Pub. Doors open at 9 pm but entrance is not guaranteed so get their early.

Tickets are being sold from 12-4 from the 1^st to the 3^rd and from the 6^th to 9^th of February in front of the Great Hall. Jeff Tremblay, one of the event organizers is very excited for the party, “The event is going to be great, everyone will enjoy themselves with an awesome theme night and a ton of people walking away with great prizes”.

So come out and buy a ticket for the chance to have the trip of a lifetime, and if nothing else a great night.

The 2012 Laurentian University SPAD Hockey Tournament was full of tough competition, and plenty of excitement! The first day began bright and early at 7 am, with the RG Rangers taking on the Pucking Beauties for the Mixed Division and BDC taking on the defending champions Skoal Pike for the Competitive Division. Every team was eager and excited to get on the ice in hopes of starting off the tournament with win number one. The second day of the tournament, seen some of the highest scoring games of the entire tournament with Dirty Mike & the Boys losing to the V.E Rebels by a score of 8-4, and the Flying Frenchmen dominating the Beaver Blaster 7-0. Finals began at 8 am sharp Friday morning with the Pucking Beauties taking on Off in the Showers, and Welcome to the Jungle taking on the Pylons. One of the hardest battles of the tournament came during the semi-finals between the Sudbury Sharp Shooters and the Wheeling Nailers from the competitive division, it came down to 45.2 seconds left in overtime when the Wheeling Nailers were able to score and earn their ticket to the finals. At the end of the tournament it was Skoal Pike who took the championship title for the third year straight in the Competitive Division, and Off in the Showers took their first championship win in the Mixed Division.

The annual Faculty versus Staff Game was held between finals on Friday, and it was nothing short of fierce competition and rivalry to determine who would hold bragging rights until next year. In the end, it was the Staff who took a 7-1 win over the Faculty. Following the game, Ray Coutu stated “This game is the hi-lite of the year for the players! After the game the Faculty members were already looking forward to next year’s match to redeem themselves.”

We would like to thank all of this year’s sponsors including, Laurentian University Office of the President Dominic Giroux, Point to Point Communications, Dog House Sports Bar and Eatery, Laurentian University Printing Services, Dabba Development Inc, Vrab’s Independent Grocers, SGA, Southridge Mall and Gloria’s Restaurant.

As well, the tournament committee would like to give a huge thanks to all the volunteers and players who helped make the tournament a success! A special thank you to Jackie and Olivia for arriving each day full of energy to do the announcing and score keeping at the Carmichael Arena. Look for a facebook group and sign-up dates in the fall around campus to put your team in. We hope to see each and every one of you out at the tournament again next year!

 

By SPAD Blogger Andrew Berlingieri

Back in 2007, New England coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady went into Super Bowl XLII, in Glendale, Arizona with a perfect season (18-0) on the line. With 1:15 remaining in the 4^th quarter Eli Manning eluded multiple Patriots firing a pass to David Tyree who made an incredible catch. This play would cause the Patriots to fall to none other than the New York Giants 17-14. Neither team has been back to the Super Bowl since, but both look to leave their mark come this Sunday. With a win Tom Brady looks to join two great quarterbacks, Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw, with four Super Bowl wins.

The revenge factor certainly puts the Patriots as the favourite to win Super Bowl XLVI, but the New York Giants path to get where they are cannot be ignored. With their season coming right down to week 17 with a win against the Dallas Cowboys, the Giants have not had an easy journey. They had to beat a Green Bay Packers team, who looked sure to repeat as Super Bowl champions, on the road. From there they had to go into San Francisco and beat the 49ers with a thrilling overtime win. The Giants have proved that they can win as the underdog.

Super Bowl XLVI promises to be one to remember so why not come out to the SPAD PepsiCo Foods Super Bowl Party presented by the SGA at the Laurentian Pub. The event will be for students aged 19 years or older. Tickets will be sold Monday to Friday, this week, from 1pm to 4pm outside the Great Hall. Raffle tickets will also be sold outside the Great Hall and can be purchased by anyone of any age, and prizes may be won by anyone of any age. For more information on the SPAD PepsiCo Foods Super Bowl Party presented by the SGA follow @PepsiCoFoodSB12 on Twitter. The party is sure to be a good one, so grab your tickets early to ensure that you do not miss out!

My prediction: Giants 28 Patriots 24 – who do you think will win?

*Click to enlarge*