2 Panthers scheduled to play, fans disappointed

a~mowun

By Mare Macdonald SPORTS EDITOR

Hundreds of fans were fooled by the CIAU’s webpage and the UPEI Student Handbook, both of which scheduled a match between the UPEI Hockey Panthers and the University of Moncton Sunday, January 16", 2:00 PM . Meanwhile, the Hockey Panthers, unaware, were at the Field House for a Cardio- practice.

“Our master schedule said their next game was January 22" - against St. Francis Xavier University,” said Tommy Lynn, Field House front desk employee. The error which slipped into several schedules was not noted by the Civic Center’s information Line, which quoted the next Panther’s game to be January 224 against St. FX. All-Canadian Dave Mitchell would have

been unable to play the game, since Mitchell was at Acadia attending the AUAA all-star weekend. Mitchell was named second team goalie on the AUAA all-star squad which played the Canadian Junior team on Saturday January 15. Unfortunately for Panther fans Mitchell’s team was unsuccessful as they lost to the Canadian Juniors 5-4 in overtime.

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The art of talking trash

Source: The Ontarion (University of Guelph)

by Mark Frayne

GUELPH, ON (CUP) -

After playing competitive

sports for many years, I

have witnessed first-hand

what trash talk can do to

an athlete. A group of trash talkin’ fans can inspire their team, and demoralize their oppo- nents.

In high level sports, where mental focus is paramount to perform- ance, anything that can disrupt an athlete’s mind can be a very powerful weapon. A good verbal jab can be more important to ateam’s achievement as

‘ the Gatorade on the

sidelines.

Rules of Talkin’ Smack:

1. Start your attack at the beginning of the game. By getting in the heads of the players from the start, the opposing team will not have the opportunity to get settled and comfort- able in their new surround- ings. Some well-placed trash will set the tone of

the game, and inspire other trash talkers in attendance to follow your lead, e.g. “You're not going to make that putt, you Jackass!” - Movie:

Happy Gilmore.

2. Kick ‘em when they’ree down. A good trash talker will know that thebest trash talk comes when the opposing play- ers’ morale is at its lowest. The team will fall defeated, hopeless and may give up entirely. “You have made me the happi- est person on the earth!” - A Guelph Gryphon fan, after seeing a volleyball crush a McMaster player in the face.

3. Only talk-trash when — your team has the lead, or is incontrol of the game.

~ Mistimed trash talk can

only help the opposing team, by firing them up even more. Trash talk loses its validity when its source has no place saying

it. Michael Jordan built a reputation by paying back players who would trash him with such vigour that the trash talker would be thoroughly embarrassed. Larry Bird used to hit game-winning baskets over players at the buzzer after he would tell the player that he was going to take the final shot.

4. Keep it above the belt. Racial slurs, or sexist comments, do not belong anywhere, especially at sporting events. In your attempt to be funny and witty, a comment in bad taste will infuriate fellow fans and make you look like an idiot. However, remember that garbage dialogue is part of the territory for high-level athletes, so don’t be too gentle. e.g. “Serve the ugly one... you got him!” - Guelph Gryphon Volley- ball Team classic

5. If you see that some- thing you said irritates a player, stay with it. You may have stumbled on to “trash talk gold.” Popular

examples include the player’s size, hairstyle, age, accessories - gog- gles, glasses, headbands etc. Ifthe player makes the mistake of responding to your blather, he’s not thinking about the game, he’s thinking about how much he hates you. Yell- ing to the athlete, “I’m in your head!” will further infuriate the player and delight those around you.

6. Trash talk and alcohol do not mix. Like in other situations in life, alcohol impairs judgement. Alcohol can make a fan loud and boisterous, but will not help him talk his team to victory. A good trash talker is witty, has significant poise, and executes with impeccable timing. e.g. “Hey Titus! A Lay-up! Bet’cha can’t make just one! - Un- known Gryphon Basketball fan to All- Canadian, Titus Channer after missing two lay-ups

(1998).

7. Travel ina pack. Trash talkers feed off each

other’s strength. This mob-mentality strength- ens the trash talking force and gives the talkers the courage to fire on all cylinders. The “setup technique”, when done right, can be ~ pure genius. Trasher #1:°Hey number eleven! You’re the captain on McMaster’s ship of success!” Trasher #2:”And it’s called the Titanic!”

8. Look for an easy target. The referee is the trash talker’s dream recipient. No matter how the game is going, every- one will agree that the referee needs laser eye surgery. Remember that referees have heard them all, so try to be original. Although trash talk is rarely considered good taste, trash talk is a constant element in most spectator sports. It is another tool ina players’ and fans’ bags — of tricks that could be used as a powerful ally, and can mean the difference between a win and a loss.