Second Annual Pucks for Purpose Men’s Game: A Winning Night for Hockey and Charity

With a packed crowd, the Pucks for Purpose Men’s Game on Friday night was electric. Full of Business and Art-Science students alike, alumni, and the StFX community, everyone was excited to support our players and the charities. It was fitting for the second annual Pucks for Purpose Men’s Game. As we walked to the Keating Center, a line wrapped around the side of the building, and the arena filled up fast. But before the game could start, there were many important announcements to share.

First, the big one: last year, Pucks for Purpose raised over $55,000. This year, with the addition of a women’s game and even more publicity, they have exceeded their goal of doubling the money raised. With $130,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society and motionball for Special Olympics, the Pucks for Purpose Classic was a complete success. Now, with many of the executive team members who created this event graduating, it was an even sweeter victory to see their creation be such a success.

As a fan, both events, the women's and men’s games, are exciting to watch. Why? Because even during the periods, there are events and prizes to be won. The buzzer will go, and challenges like sliding an Oreo into your mouth without using your hands, or guessing which briefcase has the money, are only a couple of the ways fans are involved. And of course, one could not forget the big Shoot-to-Win a Subaru! With a seemingly impossible task, I still held my breath as the puck slid toward the net. Even though it was not a win, seeing the Subaru drive on the ice was cool. It is no wonder that the game was sold out with the amount of money that was to be won! Or the Shoot-to-Win competition hosted by the Business school, which led to $300 being won! The fun never stopped. One section in the stands even won hot dogs. No matter what, the event was fun both on and off the ice.

But on the ice, the game was thrilling. Business took the lead, but Art-Sci did not give up. With amazing saves from Brandon Cole and incredible goals from Nate Supryka, Art-Sci was a definite underdog. However, Business stood strong and took home the win, 7-3. Both teams raised a large amount of money themselves: Business with over $29,083 and Art-Sci with over $27,057. The game is the base of the event, and every ticket purchased to watch went toward that grand total. I will say, as a biased Art-Sci student, that Art-Sci filled up most of the crowd, but it was the combined effort of the StFX community that showed up and made the game what it was.

As the next generation of Pucks for Purpose carries on the tradition, I am excited to see what we can raise next year. StFX shows up for charity, for hockey, and for those who need help. Pucks for Purpose was a success that I cannot wait to see again. 

X-Women AUS Hockey Champions: Resilience on Ice

On Wednesday, March 12th, the Keating Centre was electric as the X-Women took home the title of AUS Conference Champions! It was a sold-out arena, filled to the brim with jumping students in support of our X-Women. Father Stan and Andy Hakin were among the crowd as we rose to our feet to witness Kamdyn Switzer (StFX Female Athlete of the Week) score the game-winning goal, and when the buzzer sounded, the fans went mad.

The final game, played on StFX home ice, garnered the X-Women’s home team spirit, …but it was resilience that brought them the win. It was not an easy path to get to the final match. With nine games in thirteen days and an incredible amount of over-time wins, the X-Women pushed through to earn their victory. According to X-Women’s Head Coach, Ben Berthiaume, a few days after the final minute of play, “They would not be denied this year; it was what they wanted”. In an interview with Ben at the Keating Café, he mentioned the importance and the impact of the StFX and Antigonish community, and its support of the girls both on and off the ice. As women’s sports, especially hockey, have begun to get the recognition they deserve, it is an even sweeter victory, when the school and local community support was a vital force behind the X-Women, and all sports here at X.

The Oxford Dictionary defines resilience as: “ the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. Each of the X-Women exhibited this trait as they hit the ice for a tough five-game series against St. Thomas and broke the record for the longest AUS women’s hockey game with over one hundred and thirty minutes on the ice. That’s four hours and forty-four minutes real time! The victory was arguably a turning point for the X-Women, which they fought, and won. With five over-time periods, hockey is no longer physical skill and stamina alone; it becomes a mental game. The X-Women were up to the task – athletes in mind body and soul. Sitting in the stands, there was nothing sweeter than the red glow of the buzzer, lit up after nearly four hours of hockey. But the overtime did not end with St. Thomas. It continued in game one against New Brunswick with two more overtime periods in which the X-Women once again conquered the opposition.

Here at StFX, our sports are central to the crucible that makes us Xaverian. This spring, the combination of unyielding support from the community, and the resilient character of each of our X-Women, including players, goalies, and Coach Staff, fueled their season to a title win. As women’s hockey continues to rise, there was nothing more meaningful than an arena filled to capacity with screaming fans as the X-Women took home the trophy on their final night on StFX home ice for the 2024-25 season. I have no doubt that as they continue to the U Sports Championship in Waterloo, this March, they will continue to hear the StFX crowd, and once again, bring to bear the reliance and strength that brought them to the level of champions.

Breaking Free from the Scroll: Time to Choose You

How often have you heard “Put your phone down”, or “Stop scrolling”? We Gen Zers, the technology generation, have had to defend our capability to use phones and social media responsibly for as long as we can remember. Those who struggle to use Siri or Alexa or emoji text have consistently preached about its dangers and ill effects. Seems ironic. And yet, we are coming to understand that there is a valid warning. The correlation between excess use and its adverse effect on our mental health, our sleep, and our ability to let our mind be still is becoming better understood. But when did you ever believe something, you haven’t experienced yourself? With recent events and discussions in the United States and the threat of a ban on TikTok, it got me thinking. What would happen if students stopped using these 15-second scrolling apps? Would our mental health improve? Would we die of boredom in the 10 seconds between conversations? What else would happen…better and worse?

I, like many of my friends here at StFX, use TikTok or Instagram reels often, as a sort of zone-out time, a time to disassociate, or to even relax before bed. Now, as many of us are well aware, a quick break to check can sometimes turn into a 2-hour ‘doomscroll’. But how does this intake of passive information and media really affect a person? Personally, I had no honest clue of the impact beyond the time that my setting app told me I was spending on the scroll. (And that was a surprise!) Apparently, I spend about four hours a day on social media, and about one of those four hours on TikTok. So, I decided to run a self-study. I was inspired by one of my friends, Parker (a first-year student here at StFX), who had deleted Instagram off her phone, simply because she recognized the excessive time she was devoting to the app.

Day One: I deleted TikTok. Gone was the constant influx of videos, the shared videos from friends and the ever-changing trends. I’ll admit, the second I deleted it, I fully regretted it. But how could I be sure there were benefits to living off TikTok if I hadn’t tried it? It was one small thing - surely, I could survive. After living TikTok-FREE for two weeks, here are the rewards that filled the scroll space:

1. Procrastination: Oh, I still procrastinate! But did you know that here at StFX, the resources are abundant in helping students to tackle this issue? We all have received the emails from Student Services. Flourish@X is a proactive mental health program and only one of many wellness resources that the school offers out of Bloomfield to help you manage time and pressure as part of your academic and personal life. I was aware I regularly faced the consequences of putting off my work but did taking a small break from scrolling really make a difference? Wouldn’t I find another task to procrastinate further? Or, would the absence of the online distraction help solve the issue? Maybe not a surprise, both situations applied. My procrastination was still there, but with less force. My unconscious use of time scrolling for hours morphed away from my phone, I found myself looking to the people around me. My friends and the activities offered weekly at Bloomfield and around campus were now more attractive. I admit, I still sit down for a nightly show, but there is one definite change. I am now consciously aware of my time. My time is my own and not lost to the repeated swipe of my finger.

2. Sleep: It was expected, yet far more noticeable than I could have dreamt (pun intended). There was a marked change in the quality of my sleep. One of the most important aspects of our health and well-being, especially for students whose brains are still developing, is our rest. Without access to my nightly routine of picking up my phone before sleep, and flipping till my eyes began to shut, I found myself simply going to bed. The best part? I didn’t spend an extra hour looking at the ceiling before finally falling into a light slumber. I realized that this routine was not healthy. Like you, I was aware of the effect blue light has on our brains. But that understanding alone was not enough for me to put an end to it. After asking around to classmates and friends, similar habits were common. For the majority of students, the last thing they look at before going to bed is their phone. Not a book, or a craft, but their device. When we understand the effect our sleep has on the quality of our days, our ability to learn, and to create, it’s a wonder that we, as students, do not try to give ourselves a break from the blue light.

After about two weeks, and the passing news of TikTok’s ban, and un-ban, I realized that it really isn’t a necessity in my life. Those hours spent TikToking were not defining moments of my day. Instead, the moments spent staying on top of my work, going out with my friends, supporting each other in our respective sports, or watching them in a play, ...this is how I wanted to spend my time. Our StFX student lives are constantly filled with activity, and time is scarce. I expect it’s a practice for life and careers ahead. Why wouldn’t we ditch the scrolling and make the most of it?

But why are we choosing to scroll over our time with friends, learning and sleeping? A fuller study is needed here. But if you can’t say no to the scroll, for even a little bit, check out the great resources and people at Bloomfield to gain control of what you want for your time. As a student here at StFX, where we have access to so many resources for success, it can be hard to step out and actually help ourselves. If there was one thing that this little study taught me, it’s that my time is important to me. I will scroll again, I know it, but I want to be my best self at work, with friends, family and fun. Practice what you want. If you want more health and wellness in your life, take a little more time for yourself. Find out what awesome things might fill the space. You deserve it.

Serving Inclusivity: Volleyball Society Welcomes All

Three days a week, the gym doors are open at Saputo Centre for any to enter and play a sport that welcomes all: Volleyball. There are many sport societies here at X, ranging from the Rowing Society to the Equestrian Society, but the Volleyball Society sets itself apart. There are no restrictions! You don’t have to play competitively or need to sign up. Anyone can play. No matter your level, skill, or stature, you are welcome on the court.

At StFX, sports are everywhere. We have varsity teams, X-Rec programs, and pick-up sports like flag football among students in the parking lot or on the lawn. But not everyone can afford to pay a membership, and some may not want the commitment required to join a team. The Volleyball Society is the perfect balance, a drop-in system with no payment needed. Going alone can be hard, though, and most of the time, finding friends who have like-minded interests is no easy task. From the very first day, the Society has created a welcoming atmosphere. Each person there wants to play, and while it is competitive, the score isn’t kept. It’s about working together and being a team. A positive attitude is the only thing you need to bring. The Society members set up the courts, balls and nets provided. All the members help in creating this environment: “It’s super easy to pop in… All skill levels welcome!” says President Piper Bullivant, who can be found on the court during the week. All one has to do is show up and play!

Often, classes, studying, and exams get in the way of playing sports. But the Volleyball Society plays from 9:30-11:30 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. It’s the perfect end to your workday, allowing for the release of some endorphins before going to sleep. On Sundays, from 1-3 pm, there is another set for weekend fun, a great reason to get out of bed and get the blood flowing before starting the week. It’s not a commitment, and it’s free: the perfect combo for any student.

But the real reason that the Society is special is that it’s a social sport and movement for everyone. There are players who have played through high school but stopped when they came to university. There are others, like myself, who have never received a ball in their entire life. The beauty of it all? It doesn’t matter. The Society divides the teams by numbering you off, which allows a fair shot for everyone. No one has more time than another, and you play all positions. One regular Eli Lokonyen, when asked about the society, said, “It helps me elevate my skills, and from the beginning till now, I’ve significantly improved.” He a first year and has made friends through the Society as well. Volleyball is one of those sports in which anyone can participate, and the Society has made sure that this sport is accessible to everyone.

University is the perfect time to try new things, and best of all a sport. Whether it’s totally new or you just want to be back on the court again, there is a place for you. The Volleyball Society has created an inclusive environment for everyone and anyone to play. Moving to get your blood flowing and playing sports takes real motivation and determination, especially as the winter approaches. With student-lead opportunities like the Volleyball Society offers, there’s a healthy environment ready and waiting for students to work their bodies and their brains. The Volleyball Society, with its open doors at the Saputo Centre, serves up exactly what it means to be part of the student body at X.

Freshman Firsts: Figuring out Eating and Exercise

While older siblings and friends are often eager to offer advice, first-year is overwhelming. All of a sudden, every choice and decision is up to us. What we eat, when we go to sleep, and when we study. But for our bodies to keep functioning, we must take care of them. And when most students come from houses where their meals are prepared for them and their sports and sleep are more inflexibly structured, this can be a monumental task.

As freshmen try to find their footing, their health often falls down on the priority list. It’s time to help them take control and build habits that will help them for the rest of their lives. Lizzy Duffy, a BA major, and Ashlyn Wood, a Forensic Psych major, have been living on campus for one month and describe having to navigate lifestyle choices they haven’t faced before, and these are just two instances of what every first-year student is dealing with to some extent.

So much is new in the first year of university. One of the most significant is sudden freedom. Choices abound. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want. Most students lacked this option before, and now presented with the ultimate freedom of choice, they are experiencing consequences from changes to their diet and activity levels. What has the biggest impact, though?

Anyone who’s taken one step into Meal Hall is struck with the realization that you can now eat whatever you want whenever you want! But are students realistically pulling out a Canada Food Guide? Often, students struggle with making uneducated food and drink choices that are not always best for one’s body. For some, the sudden freedom is detrimental, especially when they come from a more restricted food household. As freshman Parker Anstey said, “The way you deal with university food is super dependent on the way you grew up.” Parker found that with a job and making her own money, she was able to learn the ways of making smart food choices while in high school. But when meals are made for you for most of your life, one doesn’t know the dos and don’ts of healthy eating. Freshmen living in dorms are required to have a meal plan. While healthy options are available, many students gravitate towards comfort food, for example, the “always-open" pizza bar. Ashlyn Wood agrees, “The food is always mediocre, so pizza is a usual.” This common habit increases the intake of less-than-balanced meals (more carbs, less veg), which can be a new change for students’ bodies.

You may ask, but can’t first-years supplement their diets with a little “fresh” from off-campus? When it comes to dorm food, it usually isn’t vegetables or fruit. More likely, it's potato chips, ramen, and KD for those industrious enough to boil water. And, if students go off-campus for a midnight snack, their student net worth usually limits them to options consisting of fast food. First-years must work harder than any other age group to control their diets.

To top it off, Freshmen are going through one of the most stressful times in their lives, adapting to entirely new environments, roommates/social groups, and schedules, and without the rigor of past routine and parental guidance. With stress and midterm season imminent, comfort food comes first, and eating clean is the last thing on a freshman’s mind. But Morrison Hall is not just greasy food heaven. One of the highlight features, one that was a part of my acceptance decision, was the open kitchens. They allow students to create whatever they want and give them the resources to do so. One of my friends and I’s favorites is making smoothies and eggs in the morning. Not to mention the infamous salad bar right as you walk in. Stocked with fruits and vegetables and a variety of dressings, there is something for everyone. Don’t want to make it yourself? Every day, there is a different pre-made salad!

There are healthy options, but they require one thing: making an educated choice. Food is one piece of the puzzle. Another is the fact that the human body eats to fuel its movement and metabolic systems. The body is controlled by what it consumes versus how one burns that consumption through movement. Brady Skinner, a first-year in Engineering, stopped playing organized sports when he came to university. With more regular movement and exercise being less common, he feels that he is lacking the exercise that he once survived on. Students have their plate full in their first year (yes, that was a pun). Making friends, figuring out how to study and what works, and discovering who they are leaves little time to get outside for purposeful calorie burn. But here is where the freedom of choice at St.FX comes to the table. St.FX understands the students need movement even if they don’t realize it. Intermural sports organized through the university are a great way to make friends, move your body, burn off anxiety, and have some fun. With a variety of sports and games, it’s an easy way to move your body and get involved. If you are unable to make a commitment to a sign-up sport, some sports societies, like the Volleyball Society here at St.FX, run open courts for all levels a couple of nights a week. These are only a sampling of the plethora of resources available to all students as they balance the elements of their new lives at X.

With freshmen experiencing so many changes in their minds, bodies, and souls, it makes sense that dietary and physical health habits are lowered on the list of priorities, slotting in after friends, academics, and the comforts of pizza and unlimited ice cream. After informally surveying St.FX first-years, I would report that the siren call of comfort food and the relegation of organized sports and movement with the excuse of “if I have the time” are the two crucial factors when it comes to student health. For first-years, the reality of change, academic pressures and social stresses are only the beginning of managing adult life.

It is time to break the cycle here at St.FX, and it starts with reaching out to friends and St.FX resources like the health and wellness center and our brand-new Saputo Centre. It is time to love what you eat, move like you love, and take control of your choices.