Pucks for Purpose: A New Tradition Takes Center Ice at StFX

Although at first glance, Pucks for Purpose may seem like a game focused on rivalry—pitting StFX's Business program against its Arts and Science Faculties—this charity hockey event goes far beyond competition. Pucks for Purpose is really about coming together as a community, something that StFX students and faculty are all about.

Last Wednesday, March 13th, marked the inaugural Pucks for Purpose Charity Hockey Game held at the Charles V. Keating Centre—an event that was not to be missed.

If you're not already familiar with Pucks for Purpose, let me offer a quick introduction. This student-led non-profit organization generously contributes to charity through the game of hockey. The Business team athletes fundraised in support of the Canadian Cancer Society and its inspiring Camp GoodTimes, while their competitors in Arts and Science raised funds for Motionball for Special Olympics. Beyond individual player efforts, the Pucks for Purpose Executive Team worked tirelessly, securing support from numerous sponsors, donors, and organizing additional events to boost fundraising efforts.

Thanks to outstanding marketing and the dedicated work of the Pucks for Purpose Executive, 1,500 tickets were sold for Wednesday’s game, and a grand total of $55,000 was raised for these two special charities: the Canadian Cancer Society and Motionball for Special Olympics.

The evening buzzed with excitement from the very start. Master of ceremonies Nick MacInnis set the tone, rallying the crowd, and creating an electric atmosphere. The Keating Centre was packed to the brim, with attendees lining up out the door, stretching past the Saputo Centre.

Prior to the game, co-chairs Luke White, Danny Laursen, and Emma Quirin took the stage. Luke, Danny, and Emma, all StFX Business students, are dedicated leaders who spearheaded a team of 25 executives and over 100 brand ambassadors, bringing the vision of Pucks for Purpose to life. The fundraising total of $55,000 was announced, and ceremonial cheques were presented to representatives from both Motionball for Special Olympics and the Canadian Cancer Society.

The guest of honor for the ceremonial puck drop was Father Stan, who received a standing ovation from the crowd while proudly wearing a Pucks for Purpose jersey. Sponsored by OneExchange, the jerseys added to the overall impressiveness of the night. The Business team, coached by Professor Mark MacIsaac and captained by forward Reid Russett, sported sharp white uniforms. Meanwhile, the Art-Sci team, led by head coach Gerry Marangoni and captained by defenseman Mitchell Sturgeon, proudly represented their team colors in green and gold.

The game itself was high-level, high-scoring, and high-energy. Standout moments included hat-tricks for both Business captain Reid Russett and Business forward Jake Kyle. Art-Sci assistant captain Evan Pye described his team as the underdogs, and despite their determined effort, they ultimately fell to the Business team, resulting in a final score of 10-7.

The excitement was non-stop—During the break between the first and second periods, StFX faculty members joined local Antigonish sledge hockey athletes for an action-packed game.

Then, between the second and third periods, one lucky fan had the chance to shoot for a car, courtesy of Central Nova Subaru. Additionally, raffle prizes were awarded, with one student winning the grand prize: a WestJet round-trip flight for two, valid to any destination they fly to.

Player of the game honours, presented by Bet99, were awarded to Reid Russett from the Business side. Cameron Bell, representing Arts-Sci, and Jake Kyle, representing Business, were named as team MVPs, powered by Keep it Social and Nova Construction, respectively. Despite Arts-Sci's loss in the game, they achieved success in other aspects, especially with Craig Landry being named the top fundraising athlete. The Business team then raised the Pomerleau Cup, but the night wasn’t over just yet—there was still much to celebrate at the afterparty, hosted by the Golden X Inn.

If you missed the 1st annual Pucks for Purpose game, don’t worry, there will be more! Executives Luke White and Quinn Caplice both emphasized how creating a lasting legacy has been the goal from day one. Pucks for Purpose aims to establish itself as a new tradition at StFX, with an even greater fundraising goal and an expanded charitable impact in the future. Plus, there's hope for an Art-Sci comeback!

Roots to Results: Cultivating Environmental Health Equity

The StFX Health Society team has been busy gearing up for their upcoming 2nd annual health conference, Roots to Results: Cultivating Environmental Health Equity, and the event is just around the corner. I recently had the opportunity to chat with second-year students Reese Mann and Katie MacNeil, who serve as the Co-VPs of Conferences for the StFX Health Society, to discuss various aspects of this highly anticipated weekend.

Reese Mann is originally from Moncton, New Brunswick, and her primary health-related interests include health equity, youth development, and exploring the various ways our environment influences our health.

Katie MacNeil, a proud Antigonish local, draws inspiration from her agricultural background, driving her passion for food security and public health policy. Her aspirations include a future career in health policy or as a physician assistant.

Katie and Reese have been at the forefront of planning the upcoming conference, with the support of their 15 fellow StFX Health Society executive members. This student-led society is passionate about enhancing the health of both students and the greater community. Emphasizing the power of a great team, Katie and Reese highlight how the executive members bring out each other's strengths. This collaborative effort makes it possible to achieve great things, like the organization of various fun and educational events, actively promoting a sense of unity within the Health program at StFX.

The conference on March 22nd and 23rd will explore critical topics, including health equity, the impacts of climate change on both physical and mental health, and strategies for building resilience against climate change through public policy, individual initiatives, and community action. Attendees can look forward to gaining a new and expanded perspective on climate change and environmental health equity.

When it comes to the highlights of the upcoming conference, Katie is most looking forward to the think tank session. She sees it as a valuable opportunity for participants to reflect on the insights shared by the impressive lineup of speakers. The commitment to community engagement, involving both students and the greater Antigonish population, has been a priority since the early planning stages, and Katie is excited to see this vision come to life.

Reese had a tough time picking the most exciting part of the upcoming conference! Among her honorable mentions are the Smudging ceremony led by Kerry Prosper, the climate grief session hosted by Dr. Ivan Drouin, and, like Katie, the think tank session facilitated by Dr. Riley Olstead. In terms of speakers, she looks forward to hearing Chief Pauline Frost of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation in Yukon delve into discussions on social and community wellness, renewable resources, and economic development. Reese highlighted Chief Pauline Frost's unique perspective, noting that she will be the only speaker from outside of Atlantic Canada.

If you're still unsure about attending, here's what Katie and Reese believe makes the 2nd annual health conference a must-attend event:

Katie emphasizes, “The networking opportunities with the speakers and leaders in the field, the chance to enhance your understanding of the environmental impact on your health in a consumable way, and the potential for a change in perspective on the topic make this conference a must-attend. This topic is not highlighted enough on campus, especially not from a health perspective.”

Reese adds, “Attending this event will broaden each attendee's perspective on the interconnectedness of health and the environment while hearing from some of the biggest changemakers in the health and environmental sectors. You will leave this conference with a greater appreciation for Mother Nature, a drive to improve your health, and learn various tools to make a difference in your community. Whether you are super interested in health, the planet, public policy, equity, or harnessing a sustainable future, there is truly something here for everyone.”

The duo envisions this two-day event, featuring insights from eight changemakers in the fields of health, environment, and public policy, as an initial step for attendees to improve their relationships with the environment. They hope the conference prompts participants to realize that in crises like climate change, we shouldn't remain stagnant but rather be equipped with the tools to proactively protect both the planet and our own health.

Come join Katie and Reese, alongside the entire StFX Health Society, at the 2nd Annual Health Conference, 'Roots to Results: Cultivating Environmental Health Equity', on March 22nd and 23rd in the Barrick Auditorium. All are welcome, and the event is free of charge!

A Fall of Female X-Cellence: A Semester Recap of Women’s Sports at StFX

As the fall semester draws to a close, let’s reflect on the highlights of our StFX X-Women from the past few months. This term showcased both strong performances from our fall athletes, and promising starts for our winter athletes, marking the midpoint of an exceptional year for women's sports on campus. With victories, championships, and national recognitions, it's evident that our female athletes have paved the way for an exciting and successful year ahead.

X-Women Cross-Country and Track

The X-Women kicked off their season in early September at the StFX invitational, where the top six finishers all proudly represented the white and blue. Sustaining this momentum throughout the season, they consistently secured top-three finishes in all subsequent meets. Capping off a remarkable AUS season, the X-Women clinched a conference championship victory.

The X-Women received notable individual recognition in the AUS, with five runners—Allie Sandluck, Eileen Benoit, Mairin Canning, Caroline Ash, and Caden Lee—receiving first team all-star distinctions, and Eve Carreau receiving second team all-star recognition. Eric Gillis was honoured with AUS Coach of the Year award, marking his third consecutive win.

Making their mark at the national level, the X-Women Cross Country team claimed bronze at the USports National Championship hosted by Western University. Mairin Canning, Eileen Benoit, and Allie Sandluck all earned All-Canadian status, adding to the team’s already impressive list of accolades.

Looking ahead, the X-Women are gearing up for the track season. No stranger to strong starts, they kicked off their first indoor meet of the 2023-2024 season in mid-November in Saint-John, New Brunswick. Brynn Hebert secured the top spot in the 1500m race, while in the 3000m race, Eileen Benoit, Allie Sandluck, Mairin Canning, and Taylor Rasmussen claimed the top four finishes. Notably, Benoit clocked the second-fastest 3000m time in X-Women Cross Country history.

X-Women Rugby

The X-Women Rugby team embarked on an early start to their season, travelling south of the border to compete against various NCAA teams in the New England area. Concluding the five-day trip, they achieved an impressive 3-0-1 record. Their undefeated pre-season streak continued with a successful tournament at Acadia University, securing three more wins.

Entering the regular season, the X-Women dominated their home opener match, defeating the Saint Mary’s Huskies with a commanding 81-0 score. As the mid-season point approached, the X-Women maintained their undefeated status.

 During the second half of the regular season, the team faced some challenges, but came out on top. A hard-fought battle against the Acadia Axewomen resulted in a tie, and in the final game of the regular season, the X-Women faced a comeback from the UPEI Panthers, leading to their first defeat. Concluding their season with a 4-1-1 record, the X-Women moved on to the semi-final game against the Axewomen.

In an exciting match witnessed by 500 fans at StFX Stadium, the X-Women secured their spot in the AUS final with a 29-21 victory. The X-Women then travelled to PEI and clinched the AUS Champions title for the 23rd time in program history, achieving a 26-22 win against the Panthers.

Recognition was given for impressive individual performances throughout the season, with five X-Women—Emma MacDougall, Akwaima Akpan, Sophie Beck, Skye Koyote, and Katie Murphy—earning spots on the AUS all-star team. Akwaima Akpan received the 2023 AUS Rookie of the Year award, and Katherine Culligan was honoured with the Student-Athlete Community Service award.

In early November, the team travelled to Laval University in Quebec city, Quebec, to compete in the USports Women's Rugby Championship. Despite putting up an admirable fight, the X-Women faced defeats against both the Guelph Gryphons and UOttawa GeeGees. Akwaima Akpan shone on the national stage, earning recognition as the 2023 USports Women’s Rugby Rookie of the Year.

X-Women Soccer

The X-Women Soccer team kicked off their pre-season at home against the Acadia Axewomen, before heading to Ottawa for match-ups against the UOttawa GeeGees and the Carleton Ravens. Concluding the pre-season with a 1-1-1 record, the team only went up from there. Impressive home openers seem to have become a regular feature for our X-Women teams, with X-Women soccer being no exception. They hosted the Moncton Aigles Bleues at StFX Stadium, securing a dominant 8-0 victory.

The X-Women continued their impressive streak, winning their next 11 games and achieving an undefeated regular season. Earning a first-round playoff bye, they faced the Memorial SeaHawks in the first semi-final match of the AUS Women’s Soccer Championship, hosted by Cape Breton University. The X-Women defeated the SeaHawks 3-1, marking their 13th consecutive win. They  went on to claim the AUS conference title with a 2-1 victory over the CBU Capers. This marked X-Women Soccer’s first AUS championship win since 2016.

Amanda Smith not only earned the tournament MVP, but also secured an AUS first team all-star honour, alongside her teammates Abby Steen, Caitlin Crichton, and Brynn Jurus. The second team all-stars featured keeper Christina Gentile and rookie Cheyenne Bower. Additionally, coach Graham Kennedy was named Coach of the Year.

The X-Women travelled to Kingston, Ontario to compete in the USports Women’s Soccer Championship. They battled fiercely, but ultimately fell to both the Montreal Carabins and UOttawa GeeGees. Three athletes received national recognition—Amanda Smith was named a first-team All-Canadian, while Abby Steen secured a second-team All-Canadian title, and Cheyenne Bower earned a place on the All-Rookie team. Coach Graham Kennedy was honored as the national coach of the year for both Women’s and Men’s soccer.

X-Women Basketball

The X-Women basketball team commenced their season with an unforgettable journey. Travelling to Barcelona, Spain, they spent eight days training, facing international opponents, and exploring the city. Upon their return home, the X-Women secured two pre-season wins by defeating both the Niagara College Knights and the Mount Saint Vincent Mystics.

Commencing the regular season at the end of October with a pair of games against the UNB Reds, the X-Women are now eight games in, holding a 2-6 record. With 12 more regular season games scheduled throughout the winter semester, the season is far from over. Fans can catch the X-Women in action at Coach K Court in the new year, during one of their seven upcoming home games!

X-Women Hockey

Much like the X-Women Basketball team, the X-Women hockey team’s season is far from over. They started the year with a pair of pre-season matchups against the Dalhousie Tigers, followed by participation in the Theresa Humes Invitational Tournament, hosted by Concordia University. There, they faced off against the Queen's Gaels, the Montreal Carabins, and the Toronto Metropolitan Bold, concluding their pre-season with a 3-2 record.

Opening the regular season at home against the Mount Allison Mounties in early October, the X-Women not only secured a win, but also delivered a shutout with a final score of 5-0. Since then, the X-Women have played a total of 14 games, wrapping up the fall semester with an impressive regular season record of 11-4.

As the X-Women hockey team continues their success into the winter semester, fans can watch them in action during their remaining 12 regular season games—five of which will be hosted at the StFX Keating Centre!

To all our X-Women who have completed their 2023-2024 seasons, congratulations! Best of luck to the X-Women Track, Basketball, and Hockey teams for the remainder of their seasons. Here's to another outstanding semester of female sports and athletic achievements at StFX.

StFX Athletics: Home to Leaders and Champions, Bringing Home Four AUS Championships in Five Days

The last week of October saw remarkable success for StFX Athletics, as four varsity teams earned AUS championships.

The X-Women Rugby team was the first to return to campus in white hats, as they defeated the UPEI Panthers 26-22 in Charlottetown on Wednesday, October 25th. This victory marks the program’s 23rd AUS banner.

The weekend that followed brought further victory to the X-Men and X-Women. The StFX Cross Country teams raced on Saturday, October 28th at the AUS Championships, hosted by the SMU Huskies. The X-Women delivered a dominant performance, finishing with 22 points, and claiming a first-place finish. Among the top seven finishers, five were proudly representing the White and Blue. Allie Sandluck secured the silver medal, and Eileen Benoit took home the bronze. The X-Men battled hard and finished in second place, with 43 points. The team was led by veteran Joel Gallant who placed 4th.

On Sunday, October 29th, both the X-Men and X-Women Soccer teams secured victories in the final matches of the AUS Championships, held in Sydney, NS. Both teams went head-to-head with the CBU Capers. The X-Women played first, prevailing 2-1. The X-Men closed out the weekend with a 2-0 shutout win. This marks X-Men Soccer’s first AUS banner since 1994, and the X-Women’s first championship win since 2016.

Behind every successful team, there’s an incredible coaching staff. Special shoutouts to Graham Kennedy (X-Men/X-Women Soccer) and Eric Gillis (X-Men/X-Women XC) for their well-deserved AUS Coach of the Year awards, with Kennedy earning two! Also, a big congratulations to Mike Cavanagh, who is wrapping up an impressive 25th season as head coach of the X-Women Rugby team.

I had the opportunity to speak with some of the veterans from the four recently crowned AUS Championship teams, to discuss what sets StFX Athletics apart.

They all highlighted the program’s standout culture, emphasizing the consistent efforts put in by both athletes and staff.

Katherine Culligan, fourth-year rugby player from Halifax, NS, offered her perspective on the culture within StFX Athletics, “It’s a culture of support and family and I think that comes through in all aspects”. When asked about what she believes provides the extra motivation to StFX athletes, Culligan mentioned the school’s small size and the Antigonish community, stating, “Coming from such a small school in a small town, we are constantly reminded of how many people support us and are looking up to us, so it gives us that extra bit of drive to achieve feats like AUS Championships. We are taught that regardless of our size or reputation, we can achieve great things if we lean on our culture”.

Sophie Beck, a fourth-year rugby player from Fall River, NS, and serving as Katherine’s co-captain, expressed similar thoughts. Beck spoke to the mentality of StFX Athletics, noting, “There are a lot of things outside of our control, but what we can control is our culture. Culture creates champions, and our Athletics Department is keenly aware of that. As a result, they have invested in our development, not just as athletes but as people. Across the board, our teams are full of wonderful people and great leaders”.

The StFX Athletics Department is no stranger to the concept of “punching above its weight class”. Eileen Benoit, a first team AUS Cross Country All-Star, also highlights StFX’s size as a unique advantage, stating, “At a small university, the sense of community is strengthened.”. Benoit, a third-year student from Windsor, NS, believes that the sense of community at StFX fosters a feeling of belonging that transcends the field, court, ice, and track. She emphasizes, “The support we receive from other teams, the wider StFX community, and the town of Antigonish goes deeper than our athletic successes because we come to know each other as people, rather than as another number.”.

The recent successes of our four varsity teams are a testament to the exceptional culture, sense of community, and spirit that defines StFX Athletics. As we celebrate the victories of the X-Women Rugby team, the X-Women Cross Country team, and both the X-Men and X-Women Soccer teams, it is important to recognize the dedication of the incredible StFX Athletics staff, as well as the unwavering support of all fans. Congratulations to all of our newly crowned AUS Champions!