NHL coach Ted Nolan to speak on barriers for Indigenous coaches, athletes

April 20, 2021

An image of a man's hands holding a card that says "Join us!"

To continue the conversation on breaking barriers for BIPOC individuals, a decorated veteran of the sports industry with an Indigenous background, former NHL coach Ted Nolan, will deliver an online webinar in conjunction with the Black and Indigenous Varsity Student-Athlete Alliance (BIVSAA), the Indigenous Students’ Association at York (ISAY) and the Centre for Aboriginal Student Services (CASS).

His event, titled Barriers for Indigenous Coaches & Athletes, will take place April 27 at 12 p.m. on Zoom.

Nolan, a native of Garden River First Nation, Ont., has engaged in a long and successful career at the top of high-performance athletics, with stops as a coach with the Buffalo Sabres, the New York Islanders, and the Latvian national men’s ice hockey team at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. But Nolan’s endeavours have not come without barriers due to the colour of his skin.

The third-youngest of 12 children, in a house lacking electricity and plumbing, Nolan learned resilience from his parents Stan and Rose. From his mother, he received pride in his heritage and that helped him become the strong man that he is today. He also learned to follow his dreams, no matter how big or small.

Nolan grew up playing minor hockey in Sault Ste. Marie and left home at the age of 16 to play junior hockey in Kenora, Ont. After a brief stint in the Detroit Red Wings organization, which saw him raise the Calder Cup championship trophy with their minor league affiliate, Nolan was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He went on to have his career cut short by a serious back injury at the age of 26.

In his post-playing career, Nolan instantly found success in the junior hockey coaching world after returning to the Greyhounds to become the bench boss in 1998. He led Sault Ste. Marie to three straight OHL championship appearances and they won two of them in 1990-91 and 1991-92. From there, he earned a spot in the NHL, where he joined the Hartford Whalers bench for the 1993-94 season. Then, he earned his first NHL head coaching job in 1995 with Buffalo – a position he held for two years, winning one playoff round in 1996-97.

After winning another junior hockey title with the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats in 2006, Nolan had two more stints behind a big-league bench later on in his career, spending 2006-08 with New York before returning to Buffalo from 2013-15. His final NHL coaching record, spanning 471 games in six seasons, was 187-227-19-38.

Nolan always says, “hockey is what I do, it is not who I am.” With his wife Sandra and two sons Brandon and Jordan, he dreams of Indigenous self-sufficiency and a day when First Nations will take their rightful place in Canada.

Since the beginning of Black History Month in February, BIVSAA has launched the Black Excellence Speaker Series to start and continue a conversation on how to empower the York community to speak for social justice. This event, with a prominent Indigenous community member, allows the expansion of this conversation to include perspectives from other members of the BIPOC community.

Sign-ups for this event will make their home on the BIVSAA webpage. Anyone is able to register, and all members of the York community are invited to listen and learn about Nolan’s experiences.

Event details

Guest Speaker: Ted Nolan
Barriers for Indigenous Coaches & Athletes
April 27 at 12 p.m.
Meeting ID: 920 6980 2080 Passcode: 528420
Zoom Link

Varsity Athletics Banquets highlights York Lions student-athletes

April 11, 2021

York University Lions men’s hockey player Kaleb Dahlgren and women’s track and field athlete Monique Simon-Tucker were named York’s top graduating student-athletes at the 53rd annual Varsity Athletics Banquet April 8, 2021

York University Lions men’s hockey player Kaleb Dahlgren and women’s track and field athlete Monique Simon-Tucker were named York’s top graduating student-athletes at the 53rd annual Varsity Athletics Banquet on Thursday night.

For the second straight year, the banquet took place online due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. With the absence of sport this season, only a handful of awards were presented; however, York Athletics honoured the tremendous accomplishments of some of the top student-athletes.

Dahlgren received the Outstanding Male Graduate Award, the first men’s hockey player to do so, while Simon-Tucker was named the recipient of the Bryce M. Taylor Award, the first track and field athlete since 2016 and the fifth overall.

Both were recognized for their outstanding contributions to varsity athletics over their careers at York and were also named recipients of Lions Legacy Awards earlier this week. Joining them as recipients of a Lions Legacy Award are women’s hockey player Lauren Dubie and women’s soccer player Teni Odetoyinbo.

Dahlgren was also named the recipient of the Charles Saundercook Memorial Trophy for exemplifying the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, enthusiasm for life and the consideration of others.

This year’s award recipients are:

Outstanding Male Graduate Award: Kaleb Dahlgren, hockey

The personification of positivity, Dahlgren has left an indelible mark on the York community in his three years as a Lion. He has been a very engaged member of the York Sport Council throughout his career and was part of BIVSAA this year, as well as previously serving as a regular volunteer at Hockey HEROS skates and the Shoreham school clinics. He is a Type 1 diabetic and set up his own foundation called Dahlgren’s Diabeauties to connect with children who have Type 1 diabetes, running annual events for his foundation while at York. He has also helped other schools within the OUA host diabetes awareness events and is a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) ambassador. Dahlgren never got to step on the ice in a game due to a lack of medical clearance, but he remained an active participant in all team activities and took on a leadership role in recruiting future Lions. He has also excelled in the classroom, earning U SPORTS academic all-Canadian honours in each of his years while completing his degree in commerce.

Bryce M. Taylor Award: Monique Simon-Tucker, track and field

A track and field team captain, Simon-Tucker led in multiple different ways throughout her five-year career with the Lions. She has medalled in multiple events on the track, taking home silver in the 60m and the bronze as a member of the 4x200m relay team. She was also an OUA second-team all-star in 2019-20 and has competed at two national championships. Away from the track, Simon-Tucker is heavily involved as a proponent for BIPOC rights. She is the co-founder and co-president of BIVSAA, is a member of the executive team for the York Sport Council, serves as the community navigator coordinator for the York University social work student’s association, and is a program developer for One Kenton Place. She also previously travelled to the Dominican Republic to build houses and teach English to primary school students. She will graduate with her degree in social work.

Charles Saundercook Memorial Trophy: Kaleb Dahlgren, hockey

A Type 1 diabetic from the age of four, Dahlgren has needed perseverance his entire life to remain in the game he loves. Then, he became a survivor of one of the most infamous disasters in Canadian history, the Humboldt Broncos bus accident. He spent three years here at York while recovering from a severe brain injury that prevented him from receiving medical clearance to play, but is still an active member of the men’s hockey team. He has worked hard to overcome the physical, emotional, and mental challenges that have come with surviving a traumatic incident and will graduate as a three-time U SPORTS academic all-Canadian with a degree in commerce. He recently completed a memoir, Crossroads, that has been nationally published and has received critical acclaim.

Spirit Cup: Sam Eyles-Frayne, Emerson Morassutti, Mike Larocque (strength and conditioning coaches)

BIVSAA Roar for Change Award: Teni Odetoyinbo, soccer; and, Monique Simon-Tucker, track and field

Sport Council Award: Lauren Dubie, hockey; and, Lauren Walter, rugby

Student Therapist of the Year: Skyler Moss

Roar Cup: Women’s Hockey Team

Four student-athletes to receive 2021 Lions Legacy awards

April 7, 2021

Four York University Lions student-athletes have been selected as the recipients of the 2021 Lions Legacy Awards. They will be recognized for their achievements at the online varsity banquet on Thursday, April 8.

These awards are presented to the graduating student-athletes who have, throughout the undergraduate years, made outstanding contributions to varsity sport at York University. Leadership, dedication, enthusiasm and participation in all aspects of varsity sport are considered qualifications for this award.

This year’s recipients of a Lions Legacy Award are men’s hockey player Kaleb Dahlgren, women’s hockey standout Lauren Dubie, women’s soccer player Teni Odetoyinbo and track and field athlete Monique Simon-Tucker.

The top male and female student-athletes from this group, as selected by the awards committee, will be presented with Athletics & Recreation’s top graduating awards. The male winner will receive the Outstanding Male Graduate Award and the female winner will receive the Bryce M. Taylor Award.

Kaleb Dahlgren – Hockey

Has not played due to lack of medical clearance but there is precedence from U SPORTS to waving this component, with regards to being eligible for the academic all-Canadian awards
Three-time academic all-Canadian
Member of York Sport Council and BIVSAA
Regular volunteer at the Hockey HEROS skates
Took part in the Shoreham school clinics
Created his own foundation, Dahlgren’s Diabeauties, to connect with children who have Type 1 diabetes and has helped other schools host diabetes awareness events as well (specifically Ontario Tech)
A JDRF ambassador for many years and has made many appearances as a motivational speaker
Recently completed a memoir Crossroads that was released internationally in March

Lauren Dubie – Hockey

Starting goaltender in all five years with the Lions
Backstopped the program to the OUA finals and national championships in 2019-20
Two-time U SPORTS academic all-Canadian
Member of the team’s leadership group even though she cannot officially wear a letter
PAWS mentor – mentor for the mentors
Member of York Sport Council and this year serves on the executive; she has helped with Bell Let’s Talk, Pride Month and Lions 4 Lions
Major driver of the team’s involvement in Lions 4 Lions, helping the team win the Roar Cup three times in four seasons

Teni Odetoyinbo – Soccer

OUA champion
York female athlete of the year
U SPORTS first-team all-Canadian
Two-time OUA West first-team all-star
Team captain
Studying in the Schulich School of Business
PAWS mentor
Co-founder and co-president of BIVSAA
Part of the OUA’s Black, Biracial and Indigenous (BBI) Task Force
Panel speaker at upcoming Women and Girls Leadership in Sport Conference

Monique Simon-Tucker – Track & Field

OUA silver medallist (60) and OUA bronze medallist (4 x 200m)
OUA second-team all-star
Team captain
York University Renewable Athletic Scholarship recipient
Co-founder and co-president of BIVSAA
PAWS mentor
Member of York Sport Council and serves on the executive
Student intern at City of Toronto community development unit
Executive member, community navigator coordinator at York University’s Social Work Student Association
Attended every OUA BBI Task Force town hall to provide input
Program developer for One Kenton Place (home for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients)
School fitness instructor at MT Fitness
Level 1 track and field official; she helps out at meets when she isn’t competing
Work/study student with Events
Travelled to the Dominican Republic to build houses and teach English to primary school students

Stay tuned to yorkulions.ca on Thursday night for the announcement of all major award winners.

Three student-athletes nominated for York’s Heart of a Lion award

April 6, 2021

An image of the Heart of a Lion award nominees: Kaleb Dahlgren, Simone Da Silva and Kelsey McHolm

Three York University Lions student-athletes have been nominated for York’s Charles Saundercook Memorial Trophy. The winner will be announced at the online varsity banquet on Thursday, April 8.

Also known as the Heart of a Lion Award, this trophy will be given to a student-athlete within the varsity sport program who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, enthusiasm for life and the consideration of others. Both male and female student-athletes are eligible for the award.

This year’s nominees for the Charles Saundercook Memorial Trophy are men’s hockey player Kaleb Dahlgren, women’s track and field athlete Simone Da Silva and women’s hockey player Kelsey McHolm.

Kaleb Dahlgren – Men’s Hockey

Type 1 diabetic since the age of four
Humboldt bus crash survivor
Spent three years with the Lions while recovering from a significant brain injury that he still lives with today; he has yet to receive medical clearance to play but is an active member of all other aspects of the team
Overcame the physical, emotional and mental challenges that have come with being a survivor of the accident and will successfully complete his degree in commerce this year
Three-time U SPORTS academic all-Canadian
A JDRF ambassador for many years and has made many appearances as a motivational speaker
Recently completed a memoir Crossroads that was released internationally in March

Simone Da Silva – Women’s Track & Field

OUA silver medallist (4 x 400m), sixth at U SPORTS championships
Two-time U SPORTS academic all-Canadian
Had three back surgeries to eliminate a tumor that caused consistent pain, stiffness and limited movement
Never lost faith in the training and rehabilitation throughout the process
Gave her full effort regardless of her circumstances, even when limited by medical modifications
Never missed a home meet even when she was recovering from surgery and couldn’t compete herself
Works at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Clinic, where she helps children with brain injuries transition back into their “regular” life, and continued to do so throughout the pandemic

Kelsey McHolm – Women’s Hockey

Key player of the team’s first OUA finals appearance in 20 years and first trip to nationals in program history
Suffered a major knee injury in the 2018-19 season and chose extensive rehab instead of surgery so she could be ready for the 2019-20 season
Dealt with constant rehab but still posted career-best numbers in 2019-20 season
Suffered serious health issues this past summer that resulted in hearing loss but did not let any of it impact her leadership, dedication or enthusiasm
Two-time U SPORTS academic all-Canadian

Stay tuned to yorkulions.ca over the coming days as more of the major award nominees are announced ahead of the April 8 banquet.

Join Nav Bhatia, the Raptors’ Superfan and Schulich startup ZERV for a free fitness event, April 7

March 31, 2021

Nav and the York Lions mascot

In partnership with York Lions and ZERV (a Schulich startup focused on personal care services), the entire York University community is invited to take part in a special fitness activity with Nav Bhatia Superfan on April 7 at 7 p.m.

Bhatia, best known as the Toronto Raptor’s Superfan, has always looked for opportunities to engage with the community and bring people together. With the Raptors now in Tampa Bay due to the pandemic, Bhatia is using his free time to begin a journey to a healthier lifestyle and is hoping to bring everyone along with him.

The event is free to sign up, but virtual space is limited. This will be a fun, low impact fitness event, that can be done from the privacy of your own space. There will be prizes, special guests, and more.

Organizers hope to see you there! To learn more, watch the special video below which is direct from the Superfan himself. Register now at https://bit.ly/3cCT7B8.

York Lion Kaleb Dahlgren releases book chronicling Humboldt Broncos tragedy

March 16, 2021

Lions hockey player Kaleb Dahlgren

An inspiring story of resilience and positivity penned by a prominent member of the York University community is now available. York Lions men’s hockey player Kaleb Dahlgren’s new book Crossroads was released on March 16.

Crossroads chronicles an unorthodox journey through life following his involvement in a deadly bus accident that killed 16 of his junior hockey teammates, coaches and team administrators with the Humboldt Broncos while on their way to a playoff game in Nipawin, Sask., in April 2018. At the intersection of Highway 335 and 35, a semi-truck missed a stop sign and ran into their bus, creating a scene that sent the sports world into an emotional rollercoaster.

An image of the book cover for Kaleb Dahlgren’s new book Crossroads, alongside an image of Dahlgren in his Lions hockey uniform — Kaleb Dahlgren’s book *Crossroads* was released March 16

Life hasn’t been easy for the third-year commerce student; his experiences have been altered by multiple significant events throughout his childhood and young adult life. It began with his diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes at the age of four. Along with diabetes, Dahlgren still lives with severe brain trauma suffered during the bus accident.

Despite all he has been through, Dahlgren is an extremely involved member of the York University Lions varsity community. He is an important and engaged member of the men’s hockey team – even though he has been unable to play – by taking up a recruiting role with the team. He has also earned U SPORTS academic all-Canadian honours and a spot on the Dean’s List in each of his first two years while serving on the York Sport Council, Lions Leadership, and the Black and Indigenous Varsity Student-Athlete Alliance (BIVSAA), all while being a tremendous supporter of his fellow student-athletes. Dahlgren will graduate with his degree at the end of this season and intends to go to chiropractor college next.

“The goal of Crossroads is to truly help others. I was not going to write a book unless I knew it had the ability to make an impact in someone’s life,” Dahlgren said about his memoir. “I am donating a portion of proceeds to a non-profit organization called STARS (Air Ambulance) who helped save lives on April 6, 2018, but also save lives every day. I also thought this would be a great way to generate some discussions around various topics that are tough to talk about. Lastly, I hope readers can take something from this book as they face various crossroads throughout their lives. If I am able to save a life, create an uncomfortable but needed conversation, or help a person through their challenges in life by sharing my story, then I would have accomplished what I set out to do.”

The book also covers his childhood and early life, providing important context which proves essential in understanding his approach and resiliency which contributed to his recovery following the bus accident.

Prior to the crash, Dahlgren joined the Broncos after requesting a trade away from the Notre Dame Hounds, another Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) team based in the small community of Wilcox, Sask. He made the request so he could start his program titled Dahlgren’s Diabeauties in a larger centre. The initiative aims to help children with Type 1 diabetes.

The program continues today in Toronto while Dahlgren completes his studies at York University. The Lions men’s hockey team has hosted the annual Dahlgren’s Diabeauties game at Canlan Ice Sports, which invited players with Type 1 to listen and learn from Dahlgren’s experience playing hockey and take in the Lions hockey festivities.

To celebrate his tremendous achievement, York Athletics & Recreation will host a virtual event with Dahlgren so he can talk more about the book and community members can ask questions on Monday, April 12 at 12:30 p.m. on Zoom. Click here to access the meeting link. The meeting ID is 960 3020 6511 and the passcode is LIONS.

HarperCollins is the book’s publisher. To date, the book has received positive reviews from influential figures such as Wayne Gretzky, Hayley Wickenheiser, Mitch Marner, Marilyn Denis, Kaitlyn Bristowe, Bobby Clarke, Kate Beirness, Ron MacLean and James Duthie.

Crossroads can be purchased at a variety of different online and in-person book retailers across Canada and North America.

Event to support female leaders in sport returns for second edition

March 14, 2021

Members of the women’s Lions field hockey team

In honour of International Women’s Day, York University Athletics & Recreation has announced the return of the Women and Girls Leadership and Sport Conference (WGLSC) this year, slated for April 30, in a virtual setting.

The inaugural event was a resounding success in 2019 and organizers were looking forward to a second edition last year; however, the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation. This year, the event will be held virtually so female sport leaders can continue to be educated, empowered and supported, especially during this challenging time.

The theme of WGLSC 2021 is resilience and the free event will take place via Zoom beginning at 11 a.m. and concluding at 2:30 p.m. Coaches, athletes, sport administrators and allies are all welcome to attend.

“It was very important to us to host the Women and Girls Leadership and Sport Conference this year even if we had to do so virtually, and I am thrilled that we are making it happen,” said Jennifer Myers, executive director of York Athletics & Recreation. “Resilience has never before been as crucial as it is right now and we are proud to be giving women in sport an opportunity to hear from some of the leading voices within the sport industry about the topic. I look forward to hearing from all the speakers about their own experiences at the end of next month.”

Speakers for the event come from a diverse background, and many incredible female leaders are poised to share their stories and experiences with the audience. Kayla Alexander, a WNBA star, national team athlete and author/illustrator, will be headlining this year’s conference. There will also be a powerhouse panel featuring some tremendous female leaders in sport who have paved the way. The panel hosts perspectives of sport administrators, coaches, elite athletes and current student-athletes. Finally, the conference will close with two York Lions head coaches, Jennifer Neilson and Daniel Church. Neilson is the York Lions women’s volleyball head coach, and youth/junior national team assistant coach; Church is a master coach, chartered professional coach, mentor coach (OWHA) and York Lions Women’s Hockey Head Coach.

Panel speakers for the event include:

Joely Christian-Macfarlane – RMC Paladins women’s volleyball head coach, National Military Volleyball Program head coach
Erica Gavel – paralympian, PhD candidate
Nadine Crowley – social worker/mediator, FIBA and U SPORTS referee
Theresa Hanson – Simon Fraser University senior director of Athletics & Recreation
Teni Odetoyinbo – York Lions women’s soccer student-athlete, co-president of the Black and Indigenous Varsity Student-Athlete Alliance

For more information and to register for the event, visit the official WGLSC webpage.

York hosts week of virtual events to mark Bell Let’s Talk campaign

January 20, 2021

File photo of previous Bell Let's Talk activities at York University

Members of the York University community are invited to join Athletics & Recreation for a week of virtual events during the Bell Let’s Talk campaign. The University will host events Jan. 25 to 28 that are free and open to students, staff and faculty. Help end the stigma surrounding mental illness by sharing thoughts, experiences and support through virtual events and on social media.

Bell Let’s Talk Day will officially take place on Thursday, Jan. 28, but Athletics & Recreation have scheduled a number of events through the week to raise awareness for this important issue.

Monday, Jan. 25

Valuing your Mental Health Seminar, 5 to 6 p.m.
Learn from guest speakers and special panelists from York’s clinical Psychology Department on how to improve mental health during the pandemic. Topics include, but are not limited to, work-life balance, stress and anxiety management. Spaces are limited. Register today at reconline.yorkulions.ca.

Tuesday, Jan. 26

Instagram Talk to us!, 11 a.m.
Join this ‘talk to us; hour @yorkulions Instagram.’ We will be asking students “How do you prioritize self care during the school year?” and will be sharing responses throughout the afternoon. Participate for a chance to win a Bell Let’s Talk toque.

Colouring Hangout, 1 to 2 p.m.
Join us for an hour of colouring while learning how to journal, a great way to manage stress and mental health. Learn how to get started and why journalling can be helpful. Colouring is used to explore feelings, foster self-awareness, manage behaviour and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem. Yet, art therapy is not only about learning and improving yourself – it’s a means of personal expression, too. Download a virtual colouring sheet and bring some art supplies and/or a pencil.

Zoom Link: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/95865444232?pwd=WnRZRnZtYjl6bWdjYndJVWQ0RUdEZz09&from=addon.

Wednesday, Jan. 27

Healthy Meals with a Nutritionist, 11 to 11:45 a.m.
Join Sport Dietitian Katie Jessop in this session to learn about low-budget, high-quality protein meals and when it really matters for your sport (and doesn’t matter as much). Any and all questions about nutrition are encouraged.

Join us as we make overnight oats. You will need:

1 cup oats
Greek yogurt or soft tofu
Milk or milk alternative

Jessop is a registered dietitian specializing in sport nutrition. She works with athletes from varsity to elite level in endurance, team and weight class sports.

Join this event on Zoom:
Meeting ID: 959 9534 1909
Passcode: 522445

Wellness Wednesday
Check back online at https://yorkulions.ca/sports/2018/1/10/bell-lets-talk.aspx on Jan. 27 for Wellness Wednesday.

Hatha Yoga & Meditation Class in collaboration with Jack.org YorkU Chapter and Peace by PEACE, 6 to 7 p.m.
Join the YorkU chapter of Jack.org and Athletics & Recreation in an all-levels Vinyasa session to help support your self-care routine to prioritize student mental health. This medium intensity session will involve a flowing style class to deepen your understanding of postures, breathing, and relaxation to strengthen the body and to reduce stress. Link movement with breathing to help guide your body into a moving meditation to allow for deeper presence and confidence on and off the mat. Learn more about Peace by PEACE.
Register today at reconline.yorkulions.ca.

Thursday, Jan. 28: Bell Let’s Talk Day!

Share your Bubble!
Share your virtual Bell Let’s Talk bubble and tag @yorkulions. Participate for a chance to win a Bell Let’s Talk toque.

Complete your Bell Let’s Talk bubble at Virtual Photobooth; view the Athletics & Recreation Bell Let’s Talk gallery online at Virtual Gallery.

I AM A LION Ambassador Program – All ambassador students that share their bubble and hashtag #LionsAmbassador will receive an ambassador virtual stamp and be entered to win a Bell Let’s Talk toque. Not a member? Register for the Ambassador Program here.

Resources for Bell Let’s Talk events can be found here:

York Lions’ digital holiday drive smashes donation record

January 19, 2021

York U Lions

In a year where families needed it the most, the York University Lions banded together to create a new, 2020-friendly system to give back to local families this past holiday season through the Adopt-a-Family program.

The initiative returned for its sixth year of operation with modified goals in order to safely carry out the program in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time since the program’s inception, both physical and online monetary donations were taken this year.

The new program resulted in a record-breaking donation total, with $6,500 raised for nine different families in the community.

“This year, we wanted to ensure we could still facilitate the Adopt-a-Family program and brighten the holiday season of less fortunate members of our community even with the onset of the pandemic,” said Tara Leithead, president of the York Sport Council. “We actually ended up fundraising even more than last year. We hope that we helped families in need have an amazing holiday season after this unprecedented year.”

Adopt-a-Family recipient family (photo courtesy Jane/Finch Community Cntre) — Adopt-a-Family recipient family (photo courtesy Jane/Finch Community Centre)

As with any new initiative, the Adopt-a-Family program required multiple different departments across campus to come together as a group and execute the modified program.

Leithead thanks all the contributing members of the York family – Athletics & Recreation, Community Support Services, Student Engagement, Student Accessibility Services and Student Counselling and Development – for their support and guidance in pulling off the holiday drive during an extraordinary year.

“Our partner departments were instrumental for the program’s execution in a time where champions were needed in order to carry out the program effectively,” Leithead said.

York Sport Council also sends out a special thanks to Sport Council member Frankie St. Louis for her valuable contributions to the project, and to community outreach coordinator Lauren Walter for her diligence in keeping social media followers updated and informed.

Of the many generous contributions to the drive, York men’s volleyball was the most notable, raising a total of $150.

Run through the Jane/Finch Centre, the Adopt-a-Family program focuses on helping families in need enjoy a special holiday season. The focus of the program is to provide warm clothing, bedding, boots, cooking items and toys for children.

The York Sport Council has worked tirelessly to connect with community members in the neighbourhoods immediately surrounding the University. The Adopt-a-Family program is another example of the great community leadership on display across the GTA by so many Lions student-athletes.

Those interested in learning more about the Jane/Finch Centre’s community support initiatives can visit their website at www.janefinchcentre.org.

York honours legacy of former Lion Mark Cross, Jan. 18

January 17, 2021

Mark Cross Memorial Day

York University Athletics & Recreation will honour the legacy of former Lions men’s hockey player Mark Cross on Monday, Jan. 18, which has been declared Mark Cross Memorial Day.

Cross was one of the victims of the tragic 2018 bus accident in Saskatchewan that claimed the lives of 16 members of the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team. Since Cross’ death, the York Athletics & Recreation Department has taken numerous steps to remember its former player, including recognizing the 18th game of the men’s hockey team’s regular season as the Mark Cross Memorial Game. In the absence of a season this year, Jan. 18 has been selected as the date.

The Lions are looking for support in one of the following ways:

Donate $18 (or a multiple of $18) to the Mark Cross Memorial Fund.
Record a video of 18 reps of an exercise of choice and post on social media, tagging @yorkulions and including the #MC18 hashtag.
Take a selfie wearing MC18 gear and post on social media, tagging @yorkulions and including the #MC18 hashtag.
Talk about how you live out the CROSS pillars of character, respect, optimism, sacrifice and selflessness and post on social media, tagging @yorkulions and including the #MC18 hashtag.

“The Humboldt tragedy is something Canadians and our Lions family will never forget,” said Jennifer Myers, executive director of York Athletics & Recreation. “Too many young, promising lives were taken too early, and their loss is felt every day. Mark was a very special individual who exemplified everything we strive to be as Lions.

“Mark Cross Memorial Day is very special to us. It provides an opportunity to publicly remember Mark and ensure who he was is a core part of who we are. The spirit of Mark lives in each one of us, and we encourage all our student-athletes to live his values every day: character, respect, optimism, sacrifice and selflessness. Please join us on Jan. 18 to honour and remember an individual who has had a tremendous impact on our Lions family and beyond.”

Cross played for the Lions from 2011-16 and was an assistant captain and the team’s most valuable player in his senior year. He was serving as an assistant coach for the Broncos during the 2017-18 season.

York continues to honour his life and legacy with the Mark Cross Memorial Fund. As part of the scholarship fund, the Mark Cross (MC18) Award is given out annually to a member of the Lions men’s hockey team who best embodies Mark’s spirit by exhibiting elite levels of character, respect, optimism, sacrifice and selflessness.

YFile
Newsletter

Tag: Sports