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Sunday, December 30, 2012
2012 CXBL Season Favourites
Hey guys!
Based on the top answers from the talent survey, I have created a ranking system for the CXBL Elite division. Please rank your favourite CXBL athletes in order of strength to help me determine the true favourites overall!
The MXL, RXL, and CX4 results are in and I will post them alongside the CXBL Elite results!
Thanks for your interest and assistance!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Introducing Toronto Force: A Force to be Reckoned With
Many of you have heard rumblings that something exciting
has been brewing in the aftermath of NAX. We all know that the Canadian
paintball scene is full of talent albeit spread amongst a variety of CXBL
teams. Well, not for long! Ron Guy, owner and coach of the new Toronto Force, with
help from sponsors has brought together many of the CXBL’s best and is seeking
to bring new opportunities to our homegrown talent! In just a few days we will
get to bear witness as the faces of Toronto Force take to the D1 field of PSP’s
World Cup.
Ron Guy and two of the proud bearers of the Force jersey
have graciously taken the time to answer some of my questions. Read on to learn more about
this team and their exciting future.
- Ron, What inspired you to put this team together? How did you choose the players for the roster?
“I have been wanting to delve back into PSP for a couple of
years now. With having a team playing in the CXBL, and coming up through the
ranks with RXL and MXL, I have listened to countless players talk about
wanting to put a "Canadian Team" into the PSP series. Having watched
the Elite league this season, I noticed how competitive our CXBL bred players
can be against top American Pros and felt now was the time to introduce
players back into PSP on a regular basis but, include all CXBL players and
not just Canadian. My hope is that, with consistent performances by individuals,
they will get a chance at a fair tryout opportunity with a PSP Pro team. As for choosing players, that was TOUGH, TOUGH,
TOUGH! That has been the most difficult part of the process. There are so
many talented players in the CXBL, and all the guys bring intangible
assets that pull the team together even if they do not have the
stats or the skill set of some of their teammates. I spoke with several guys
from the team in the preliminary stages about different characteristics of the
player and how it may hinder or help the team. Next I compiled a huge list, in
a tiered format and slotted players into where I felt they were on my
depth Chart. After that it was a matter of begging, and
groveling with them to come play on a team which I had no idea would get
off the ground. Our final roster is made up of players who bring the components
of what I think a team should possess. I guess we'll find out in a week!"
- What is your vision for Toronto Force? Is this simply a competitive team for PSP World Cup or do you hope to carry this group of players into the coming 2013 PSP season?
“My goal for this team is to provide a stepping stone
for players to move into the Pro ranks of PSP and, also a competitive outlet
for those who wish to compete at a high level, without the travel associated by
Pro practicing in the States. Force plans to run a full D1 schedule next
season, provided we can fulfill all the financial obligations required.”
“I have been involved in sport long enough to know the roster for 2013 it will be different. As with any team sport, commitments change, goals are altered, opportunities arise, and sometimes life just gets in the way so, I can safely say, Force will have a different look by the time we get to the first event next season. One of the things I see happening a lot, is teams become stagnant with players that are friends more than teammates, and that stalls the development of the team.”
“I have been involved in sport long enough to know the roster for 2013 it will be different. As with any team sport, commitments change, goals are altered, opportunities arise, and sometimes life just gets in the way so, I can safely say, Force will have a different look by the time we get to the first event next season. One of the things I see happening a lot, is teams become stagnant with players that are friends more than teammates, and that stalls the development of the team.”
- Who are the faces of the first ever Toronto Force roster? What positions do they play?
“Our World Cup Team for Toronto Force is made up from players
on 5 different teams in CXBL:
Gerry Harris-Matticks from 2012 Richmond Cup Champion, Mont Tremblant Cowboys, Back Middle
Gerry Harris-Matticks from 2012 Richmond Cup Champion, Mont Tremblant Cowboys, Back Middle
Chris Tarquinio- Toronto Rockstar, Doritos
Travis Kropf- Cambridge Raiders, Snake
Jesse Benoit- Windsor Lockdown, Doritos
Dan Szypka- Windsor Lockdown, Doritos, Back Middle, Snake
Ryan Dowling- Windsor Lockdown, Snake
Stefan Herda- Windsor Lockdown, Doritos
Justin Ing- Windsor Lockdown, Doritos
Buddy Baur- Windsor Lockdown, Back Middle
Josh Dempsey- Rochester Rythym, Snake
Tom Guest- Medonte N2 Factor, Snake
Grayden Guy- Medonte N2 Factor, Back Middle”
We originally had Bryan McKenna from Mont Tremblant Cowboys on the roster. He was given an opportunity with Chicago Aftershock, took full advantage of it, and is now heading into his second event with Aftershock. Congratulations Bryan!
I have been in contact with other players from the league, and Force is hoping to work them into our roster in the near future.”
Travis Kropf- Cambridge Raiders, Snake
Jesse Benoit- Windsor Lockdown, Doritos
Dan Szypka- Windsor Lockdown, Doritos, Back Middle, Snake
Ryan Dowling- Windsor Lockdown, Snake
Stefan Herda- Windsor Lockdown, Doritos
Justin Ing- Windsor Lockdown, Doritos
Buddy Baur- Windsor Lockdown, Back Middle
Josh Dempsey- Rochester Rythym, Snake
Tom Guest- Medonte N2 Factor, Snake
Grayden Guy- Medonte N2 Factor, Back Middle”
We originally had Bryan McKenna from Mont Tremblant Cowboys on the roster. He was given an opportunity with Chicago Aftershock, took full advantage of it, and is now heading into his second event with Aftershock. Congratulations Bryan!
I have been in contact with other players from the league, and Force is hoping to work them into our roster in the near future.”
- What do you deem to be your tools for success? What does this team need to do in order to accomplish their goals? What challenges do they face?
“Without question, our greatest asset is experience. We have
players that have won Richmond Cups, PSP World Cups, International Tournaments
and who have played in every type of paintball event imaginable. That is what I
am going to be calling on at this year’s World Cup event. Force
players should only need to focus on, primary bunkers, secondary bunkers,
closing out, and all things that are instinctual for these guys, as they look
at the field. My job is to remove all the distractions that they allow to creep
into the game such as missed assignments, calls, opposition, or anything
else that forces them to think and question their next shot and move, in
essence, just let them play! If they can be prevented from over-analyzing the
match, I believe we will be successful.”
- Who are the sponsors that stand behind this team?
“Toronto Force is fortunate enough to be involved with
GI Sportz, Louie D'alesio and BuyPBL, RAZA Life, and Chris Tarquinio - who did
all the design work for our jerseys and logos. It is amazing the support they
have provided, considering 2012 budgets have been used yet they still found the
resources and energy to support our program. Without them, we would never
have put Toronto Force together in such a short period of time.”
- Are there any plans to make this team into a CXBL team for the 2013 season?
“We have no plans to use this as a CXBL team in 2013. I
think it's healthy for players to go back to their individual Elite teams or
move around. The guys need space to re-generate goals and take in new ideas and
philosophies from other coaches, owners and teammates. I have encouraged all of
the guys to play as much as possible regardless of format. I personally, still
believe CXBL is the true show of skill and perseverance in speedball.”
- Is there anything else that you’d like to add?
“Toronto Force hopes to build an ongoing program, that works
with the CXBL, in giving an opportunity for players to excel at a
different format. Thank you to GI Sportz, BuyPBL, RAZA Life and Chris Tarquinio for giving this
program a chance! Thank you Niki for creating this blog! I believe that those
that have been interviewed, have given heartfelt explanations to what has gone
on, in their eyes, throughout the CXBL season.”
- Jesse and Travis, what (if any) challenges do you as players face as you work to go from competition to teammates? Has the transition been an easy one?
“I think the most challenging obstacle we have had to
overcome has already been accomplished; we got the roster we wanted. It's never
an easy thing to get players to part from their family to join the creation of
a new one. I think in everyone's mind they want to believe that the guys they
have played with over the years are going to be the ones that they'll go all
the way with. Unfortunately that's not always the case and it becomes a ‘best
player for the job’ type of scenario. If we ever want to be professionals, we
have to act like it. You don't see professional sports teams being given the
option to pick their team and have their buddy's because that's who they have
the most fun with, are closest with, etc. We all agreed to put everything aside
and take the best player for the job, regardless of what team they came from.
The mutual respect we all have for each other is second to none, and we all hit
it off very well this past weekend in NY, at our first ever practice as a full
unit. Take that and the great leadership and experience of our coach and owner
(Ron Guy), you have one scary, well-oiled machine. Speaking of having ‘the
right guy for the job,’ Ron is that guy when it comes to the Coaching aspect.
We all have 100% faith that he's the guy that will take us where we want to be.”
– Jesse Benoit
“There are certainly challenges that come with creating a
team like this. You see it in pro teams as well like Dynasty and Imfamous where
they have amazing players but it takes a while to learn how to win. One of the
biggest challenges we have is buying into the same system of how we train and
how we play on the field. The skill level on this team is amazing and everyone
on the roster knows how to win and be a great player. The challenge is doing it
as a team and not as individuals. So far the transition has been an easy one.
We have a great coach and leader who keeps us focused and lets us players worry
about playing and that’s it. Almost all of us have played with each other for a
year or 2 at various times along the way so we have a good idea for how we each
work and think. After a 2 day practice in New York last weekend it feels like
we have been teammates for a long time so it’s a good feeling!”- Travis Kropf
- What was your thought process when the idea of this team was first presented to you? What made you want to be a part of this venture?
“When Ron approached me about the idea, I was immediately interested. I always wanted
to have an all-star team made up of the best CXBL players, and that was exactly
what he was striving to accomplish. I believe I am a very good judge of
character and I knew right away that he wasn't the type of person to ‘blow
smoke’ so to speak. We all believed in him and the idea off the bat, and that's
why it all came together. There was no way I was going to miss being a part of
something so big. The talent in the CXBL is incredible (I'm speaking about the
local talent) and it would be a shame to have never put that to the test. Not a
single person on the team wanted to take the easy road. We want a chance to put
our local scene on the map and compete at the highest level possible. Each and
every player on this team is a competitor and we all share one common trait;
the love for winning. Whether we come 1st or last, I know deep down that I
won't regret anything, because I'm going down this road with 12 other guys that
want it as bad as I do.” – Benoit
“This is something I have wanted for many years and I
instantly jumped at the opportunity. The chance to train with and play with
some of the best players in the CXBL is something we have been wanting to do
for years. We did it in the past with Shockwave and had great results. Now it’s
our time to do it in division 1.”-Kropf
- What else would you like people to know about Toronto Force?
“Toronto Force is a team that will be around for years to
come. World Cup is the start of that journey. We want to take this team to the
top and earn a pro spot in the future. We will always field the best available
roster and represent our scene to the fullest. When I was coming up it was rare
to have a local team competing at a high level. I think this will open a lot of
doors for everyone and give the local scene a much needed kick. We want and
need the support of everyone. As much as we are there to represent ourselves,
we're there to represent all of you too! Wish us luck and we'll keep you all
updated as the Cup adventure continues. The morning after we arrive in Florida
we have a practice with the Pirates. They won a D1 event this season so it will
be a good test. Thanks to everyone that made this happen. Ron, Bryan Mckenna,
GI Sports, PBL, Flag Raiders, and all of the players that came together to make
this a reality, and of course to you Niki for the interview!” -Benoit
“I think everyone should know that this team is built for
the long haul. We won’t be a one hit wonder. This team has been built for a
long term run to make this the next Pro team. The dedication of the players and
the amazing support from the coaching staff and sponsors will prove to be an
amazing asset as we work hard to represent Canada and the CXBL.”-Kropf
Well gentlemen, I believe that the roster you have put
together is built for success! I wish you all of the best at World Cup and I
trust that you will represent Canadian paintball incredibly well and prove that
the CXBL-bred players are a “force” to be reckoned with! Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and to share with us about your newest endeavour! I look forward to hearing about your experiences at cup!
Signing off,
The Paintball Wife
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Reflections on NAX
As always, I’ll begin my rambling by offering my gratitude to the CXBL
and BuyPBL crew who always do an amazing job preparing for and running the
Canadian events. If it weren’t for all of you, many players would be lacking in
the opportunities necessary to grow and develop in the world of speedball.
While xball remains a mystery to the majority of society, for the many players
and spectators, this game is life and thus you fine people provide the needed
nourishment for their paint-war hungry souls.
Thanks also to the
Commando Paintball owners and staff who welcomed us all to their fine facility.
It is easy to see that you put your best into maintaining the fields and
keeping the grounds tidy and that certainly makes an event more enjoyable for
all.
You may have noticed that
I didn’t write any predictions for NAX. This was for good reason. After event 3
I felt that there had been so many upsets and surprises that this championship
could truly belong to anyone. That being said, with the exception of the MXL
division, the majority of the competitors in the finals came as no surprise to
me.
Elite
Division
Most
exciting game to watch – Let’s not play around, the final match between Tremblant Cowboys and
Vancouver Thunder was easily the most exciting match.
Vancouver's Nate Schroeder and Tremblant's Bryan McKenna
Photo Credit: Sheldon Carless
I’d be surprised if anyone didn’t
believe that it would be these two teams fighting for the title this year. Both
teams are filled to the brim with professional talent: Tremblant with their
line-up of Houston Heat players (PSP) and Vancouver built mainly of self-made
Vancouver Vendetta players (NPPL). One could only expect some fancy
paint-battles with these two powerhouses on the field.
Cowboys' Nick Slowiak and Thunder's Mason Hwu
Photo Credit: Sheldon Carless
I’m going to go out on a limb here and
be completely honest. I wanted Vancouver to win this match. These guys play
some of the smoothest paintball that I have ever seen. They typically play very
strategic, basic paintball. When I say basic, I am referring to their
well-planned reliance on the fundamentals of xball. This team hits their
bunkers off the breakout, fills key bunkers immediately when a player is
compromised, and typically makes educated bumps at the appropriate times. At
past events, they have been known to play on smarts not on emotion. And, they
have done all of this while being short on players and with very little pit and
sideline support.
With all that said, Tremblant is also
a very strong, smart team who know when it pays to be aggressive. When these
players decide to move, they MOVE! Whether it is Chad George in the snake, John
Woodley at the X, or Bryan McKenna or Chad Bouchez moving down the Dorito side
of the field, they move with intention and they don’t stop until they have
achieved what they set out to do. On top of their essential skills on the
field, this team has an incredible support and coaching staff who help them to
be as successful as possible.
Thunder
Photo Credit: BuyPBL
Cowboys
Photo Credit: Sheldon Carless
As one might expect, the first half of
this match was built of some slow points as these two well-matched teams worked
to figure out one another’s tendencies. Vancouver came out on top with a score of 4-1
as the teams switched ends and headed into the second half. Although Vancouver
made many bold plays throughout the second half, with Mason Hwu flying down the
centre of the field to the X nearly every point, they also suffered a handful
of minor penalties which proved costly. Cowboys’ aggressive moves allowed them
to bring in a whopping 7 points throughout the second half of the match. Thunder
fought back with all they had, seeking to get in a couple of quick points but
got into more penalty trouble as time ran down on the clock. Between the two
teams, there were 3 points scored in the last minute of the match with two of
them going to Vancouver. This left Cowboys with an 8-7 win over team Thunder.
Most surprising game – Undecided
I have replayed all of the matches
in my head a thousand times and I still can’t decide which one was the most
surprising. I truly expected Medonte and Raiders to be more successful and once
again Drummondville showed strength that seemed to be lacking in the beginning
of the 2012 season. Also, while I expected Vancouver Thunder to enjoy a victory
over Windsor Lockdown, I was surprised by the significant point spread in that
match.
Medonte's Brandon Arnold, Tom Guest, and Grayden Guy
Photo Credit: Sheldon Carless
Raider's Ed Evans
Photo Credit: Sheldon Carless
Lockdown's Billy Bernacchia
Photo Credit: The Catshack Reports
Drummondville's Sacha Dupont-Hebert
I
truly believe that the NAX championships this year were host to the best
paintball teams in CXBL history. The weekend proved a feast for my
paintball-loving eyes. I also enjoy the spectator involvement that becomes
common place at NAX each year. When you feel the shared emotion and excitement
with your fellow spectators on the sidelines, the frequent overshooting and
occasional temper tantrums on the field become so much more entertaining.
My
congratulations to all NAX competitors! You can’t all win rings but if I had
gold stars, there would be one for each of you!
Signing off,
The
Paintball Wife
Friday, September 14, 2012
Post-season Interview #7 - Mirabel Impact
This interviewee was first introduced to paintball through a friend’s birthday party at Commando Paintball in Ottawa. It wasn’t long before he bought his own gear and started playing woodsball. At that point, Alistair Macdonell met the owner’s children who had a CX4 franchise called Orleans Fishtiks and began to practice with the team. When they purchased an RXL franchise in 2009, Alistair had the chance to help fill the roster by joining the team. He moved through the divisions rather quickly as Fishstiks merged with the Montreal based MXL team called Cowboy Kids for the 2010 season.
Cowboy Kids had a great season, tying for first place but losing out on medals based on plus/minus. Luckily for Macdonell, his team was able to swap their MXL franchise with Mirabel Impact who had lost much of their core group and were seeking to have a season to rebuild in at the MXL level. After a hard fought season in the CXBL, Alistair and his teammates finished the season just short of making NAX. Financial woes forced the team to disband following the 2011 season leaving Macdonell seeking a new team.
Having been in contact with Shawn Monk, the coach of Mirabel Impact, Alistair was graciously offered a spot on the 2012 Impact squad. Mirabel had redeemed themselves winning the 2011 MXL season earning once again a CXBL position. Together with his Impact teammates, while not earning a chance at NAX, Macdonell proved that he deserved a CXBL spot by finishing the 2012 season ahead of Toronto Rockstar and Scarborough Hustle.
Prior to this season, Alistair had always been a snake player. When the team came together for the 2012 season, he was moved over to the Dorito side of the field which he describes as a, “hard learning curve having not much experience on that side of the field.” That being said, he learned to like enjoy his new position. Macdonell plans to continue the Xball grind and has plans to seek out a CXBL team to join should Mirabel choose not to come back. He also hopes to play a few PSP events in the 2013 season. Like many of you, he has a passion for the sport that keeps him coming back for more!
Photo Credit: Sheldon Carless
- What is your general impression of the 2012 Elite standings? Were there any major surprises or did the season finish as expected?
- What do you feel was your team’s greatest strength this season?
- Impact was one of few teams this season who did not have “help” from PSP or NPPL professional or division 1 competitors. What was it like to play against those athletes with only your local players? Do you feel that playing with and against such players will elevate the skills of Canadian paintball players such as yourself?
- What are you able to take away from the 2012 season that will allow you to develop as a player and as a team throughout the off-season?
- This was Impact’s first season (with this roster anyway) as CXBL competitors, having won the Eastern MXL division in the 2011 season. While you won’t be competing at NAX this year, you finished the season ahead of Toronto Rockstar and Scarborough Hustle. Are you pleased with how your team played this season? What are your goals for the 2013 season?
- What was your highlight of the season?
“I’m going to go with our game against Hustle at border battle. It
was the first time my parents had ever seen me play and up until then as far as
they were concerned paintball was just something that made me quit hockey (big
no-no in my house). I think that actually being there at the event and
breathing in the atmosphere that the border battle brings really helped them
understand what it’s all about.”
- Some had Impact pegged as one of the teams to face potential relegation in the 2012 season. Your team successfully managed wins over Toronto Rockstar and Scarborough Hustle meaning that your CXBL Elite position was safe. Did you and your teammates feel a lot of pressure to prove that you deserved a spot in the CXBL Elite or were you confident from the beginning?
- Which individual on your own team do you most respect as a player and why?
- If you had to choose a team most likely to win NAX, who would you choose and why?
- Is there anything else you would like to add?
Alistair, Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions! You are a Canadian inspiration, having moved through the ranks so rapidly and I think you have many seasons of solid xball remaining in your paintball career if you continue to allow your love for the sport to direct you. You have my best wishes for the 2013 season – no matter whom you play for!
Signing off,
The Paintball Wife
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