SEPTEMBER 27, 2005

The Right Picks if You Really Want to Win Your Pool

Liam McKenna Sports Editor

It’s less two weeks away to the first puck drop and already hockey fans around the nation are declaring who they think will be in the playoffs, or better yet, who actually has a legitimate shot at winning the Stanley Cup. And while most people appreciated Paul Kariya’s attempts at humor (of course Nashville has a shot at the final with you, Paul! And watch for the Eric Lindros to get a hundred points with the Leafs, too!), there are a few teams which you can comfortably predict on as being legitimate contenders. Here, I present to you my picks for some of the more

prominent teams in the NHL - winners:

and losers.

Pittsburgh Penguins: No one can stop talking about these guys. They are armed to the teeth with offensive weapons, that by now have been so publicized my dog actually helped me remember them all when I wrote my last article. It seems everyone expects them to win the Cup with their potent mix of veterans, like everyone’s hero Mark Recchi, and rookies, like Crosby. While I’m sure the Penguins will do well, I’m not sure if their goaltending is enough to carry them to silver glory. Thibeault is good, but he doesn’t boast a wealth of playoff experience. I guess it’s a good thing he has Marc-Andre Fleury to back him up. Fleury’s outstanding performance against the US was spectacular in the world juniors... oh wait. I guess there was a third period after those first two, wasn’t there? Maybe someone should have told him. Prediction: 2" in the East.

Toronto Maple Leafs: The Leafs should

do very well this season. However, when I say, “do very well,” I actually mean “do very well fora bunch of aging, untalented, dirty lowlifes like Darcy Tucker and Wade Belak.” Maybe if Eddie the Eagle can muster up enough courage or liquor to propel them into the playoffs, they might make the second round. But don’t count on it. Prediction: 8 in the East.

Montreal Canadiens: Finally! A good team! After all my faithful years of waiting, a legitimate contender. Scoring, defense, goaltending, a player whose last name is “Bonk”... all the makings of a champion. Prediction: 4" in the East.

Detroit Red Wings: A lot of Wings fans were bitter when the stifling Anaheim Mighty Ducks knocked them out of the playoffs during in 2003-2004. Will the team be able to resurrect itself after the lockout into the President’s Trophy- winning entity it was before the loss? Don’t count on it. Too many old guys here now (see: Toronto), although they could make some noise since signing young stars Henrik Zetterburg and Pavel Datsyuk. Prediction: 4" in West.

Colorado Avalanche: Off-season losses: Peter Forsberg, Teemu Selanne, Paul Kariya, Adam Foote. Off season acquisitions: Pierre Turgeon, Brad May, Patrice Brisebois, Andrew Brunette. I feel no need to elaborate. Prediction: 7" in West.

Continued on page 16

THE CADRE ¢ 12

Campbell Continues Terry Fox’s Crusade Northern Irish Cyclist Plans Remarkable Endurance Feat to Raise Money For Cancer Research

Matt Somers The Varsity (University of Toronto)

TORONTO (CUP) — With the shadow of a legendary Canadian cancer activist looming large in the wake of the 25th anniversary of his greatest achievement, another man is training to carry out a task similar to Terry Fox’s remarkable Marathon of Hope.

He may never receive the same acclaim and prestige as Fox did when he tried to cross Canada on one leg, but his efforts will not go unnoticed.

Michael Campbell is preparing to cycle across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, and Fiji to raise both money for cancer research and awareness of the terrors of the disease. Call him the modern-day, Northern Irish version of Terry Fox.

Campbell became motivated to -

fight cancer after losing his close friend, Nathan Hurst, and his mother to the deadly disease in 2001.

“Sometimes it takes a personal tragedy to get you motivated, to draw your attention to something that you may never have contemplated,” said Campbell. “If by doing these events I help even one person, then the effort will have been worthwhile. Whata fitting memorial to my mom and Nathan.”

Campbell explained that the idea to cycle came from a proposed trip that he and Hurst, an Australian, had planned but never undertook.

“In 1998 I was going to cycle from Perth to Sydney to meet up with Hurst, but I had to cancel the ride,” he said.

Traveling alone, Campbell’s joumey will be a lonely one. Campbell said the solitude will give him flexibility and will allow more of the donations to go directly charity.

“Ttis more of a challenge this way, with no one to argue with but yourself,” he said.

_ The cyclist is training for his upcoming marathon at U of T. He looked at various training facilities in the city before settling on the Athletic Centre, which he chose for its spacious facilities and friendly staff. He can currently be seen training for several hours a day there.

Money is the only difficult issue that Campbell must overcome before beginning his quest. He is looking for cash sponsorship and donations to pay for his venture around the globe, and is hoping to have these issues resolved so he can start his trek in October. Media attention has not been lacking as many media outlets have agreed to cover his ride.

“So far I have secured the BBC, Men’s Health Magazine, Irish Connections, a prominent Irish American magazine, and the leading Northern Ireland daily to publicize my effort,” revealed Campbell. “But this is only the beginning. I will contact every major newspaper on route and call local radio and TV channels for coverage.”

Campbell’s cycling trip will most likely commence in October in Vancouver.

Those interested in donating to the cause can either go to Campbell’s website, www.bikedreams.org, which should be up and running within two weeks, or make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Terry Fox Foundation. Campbell stressed that he just wanted money to be donated for cancer research. “I don’t care where people put their money, as research is research wherever it takes place.”