CUT 2010- The Big Boys are Back for the Summer!

Nation,

The big boys of the north east hit the field in the sleepy upstate New York area of Cazenovia. I hate to give away Ottawa trade secrets, but if you are looking for a great post game/ tournament meal, take the detour to Syracuse for Dinosaur BBQ. The food is amazing, and the atmosphere is truly unique.

CUT annually serves as the first major open tournament in the region for the summer, and this year is no exception.

Here is a preview of the elite pools and other Canadian squads.

Pool A

Ironside (Boston)- A deserving top seed. 3rd at USA nationals last year (still getting used to the name change), 2nd the year before, and going to Worlds in Prague as a potential championship favorite.

GOAT Y (Toronto)- Split squad from Toronto's best. 12th at USA nats last year, 6th in 2008 and 3rd in 2007. Toronto understands the season is a marathon and not a sprint, and continues to use the early schedule to make the best decisions for the fall.

PONY (NYC)- I think we'd all have to agree that PONY is one of the best teams not to make USA nationals last fall.

Mephisto (Montreal)- The defending Canadian national champions will have no shortage of day one competition.

Pool B

Bodhi (Amherst)- It was just 2008 that Bodhi was a relative unknown, trouncing teams in the early season tournaments and their seeds sky rocketed accordingly. The team had a great 2009 season, making it to the UPA finals and finished 11th. They're very young, they've already made it to the show, they have a pipeline of talent in Amherst, how can they not be excited about their 2010 prospects? I am.

Goat X (Toronto)- Second split squad from Hogtown. Toronto's three team open system had a very strong tryout process with large numbers of players trying out.

Philly Open (NJ/PA)- A new team building on players from New Jersey (Pike) and Philly Love (Philadelphia). Pike went to USA finals last year and finished 16th, so this merger team might be a huge boost in their ability to compete at the next level.

Phoenix (Ottawa)- 2009 saw many changes for the Ottawa open program. Many players departed and the second team was lost for the season due to numbers. That being said, Phoenix had a strong summer and fall performance, with a best ever 2nd place finish at CUC 2009. They clearly battled hard at each tournament and got the most out of their squad.

In 2010, Firebird is back, and top team Phoenix has one of their strongest rosters- ever. It was a very tough year to make the squad. One of the biggest surprises was Jan Gorski. After experience with Carleton University and a brief tenure with Firebird in 2008, Gorski played with coed team Liquid in Kitchener-Waterloo. That benefit of a change of scenery (and improvement in fitness evidenced through tryout tests) seems to have made a great change in his game.

Other Canadian Squads

Maverick (Kitchener Waterloo)- As the web site states, "2010 will be Maverick`s first year as an organized, competitive Open team, the first such team in Southwestern Ontario. In previous years we have played as a pick-up team under the name Medicare."

I guess this was an inevitable step (dissolution of coed team Liquid) given Liquid's failure to secure a worlds bid last year and Medicare's strong performances in 2008 tournaments like No Borders and Jazz.

Players of note include but are not limited to Andrew Higgins, Carson Turner (ex Phoenix and World Juniors), Tom Dowler and Trevor Henry (2009 Gender Blender 'Fastest Man').

USA College Championships 2010

Nation,

The USA college championships just wrapped up this weekend, and the lack of Canadian teams leads to a wane in interest in this side of the border.

However, our lack of interest is not shared by the many players and fans that took part, anxiously watched/followed and covered the event. Many great reports on the men's and women's tournament are on the USA ultimate web site.

On the men's side, Florida won the title with a 15-12 victory over Carleton College. In the past five years, Florida has won two championships, while also finishing second and third. Four semi finals appearances in five years with two titles might not make them a "dynasty" in many people's eyes, but clearly the University of Florida has built a great program and it will be interesting to see if this team can continue to excel at this level.

On the ladies' side, Oregon entered as the top seed in the tournament and won the championship with a victory over University of California Santa Barbara. Oregon clearly was the class of the division this year, allowing no more than 9 points per game in the tournament, with several routs in pool play action. Given the suspension of the men's program last year, we can hope that the women's title will help foster better relations between the school and the Oregon frisbee team.

Congrats to Oregon and Florida on your national titles!

'USA Ultimate' Lunched- May Tournament Reviews

Nation,

On May 24th, The Ultimate Players Association officially became USA Ultimate. This took place soon after CUPA became Ultimate Canada and launched its new site.
I don't think this was a major surprise to many. The new name, new logo and new website seem to be a fit for both organizations.

It seems from their communications that USA ultimate will continue with the status quo as it relates to their college and club series, specifically as it relates to Canadian teams participation.

Finally, CUPA and UPA won't have to explain to other members of the sports world that they are the national sport organization, and not a player's union. :)

Tournaments in May

KN in Montreal noted I forgot to review the recent Bell Crack Coed Classic in Philly and the women's section of the White Mountain Open. I had some problems with score reporter opening both of those tournaments.. previously, and apologize for the slight.

Bell Crack Coed Classic- May 15-16, 2010

Four of Ontario and Quebec's finest coed teams were active in this year's tournament.

• Denoiret from Montreal, a mixture of Mephisto and Storm players entered as the third seed in their four team pool. They went 3-0 in day one pool play, beating tournament top seed Quiet Coyote 15-9.
  
• RIP from Montreal also beat their seed and went 3-0 in pool play
• ONYX from Quebec City entered as the highest Canadian seed and won their pool with a 3-0 record.
• Monster from Toronto, one of Hogtown's strongest coed teams annually, went 1-2 in pool play and lost the crossover to get into the quarters by a single point. They later went on to win the B Consolation bracket on Sunday.
  

Three of the four Canadian squads advanced to the quarterfinals, and all of the easily moved on to the semis. Denoiret edged out ONYX in one semi, while RIP won their semi to nab a place in the finals.

In the all Canadian final, scratch that, all province of Quebec final, scratch that, all Montreal final, Denoiret defeated RIP 15-6. Perhaps these two teams could have a rematch before Mephisto, Storm and RIP all head to Prague to represent our country.

Overall, some fantastic performances by Canadian teams in a tough early tournament.

White Mountain Open- Women's Division- May 22-23 2010

Four Canadian squads were involved in New Hampshire at WMO.

Storm of Montreal entered as the number 2 tournament seed. They rolled on day one, going 4-0 in strong fashion.

QUB of Quebec City entered as the second seed in their pool and went 3-1 in pool play. They had a tough result versus top seed bent but set themselves up for a favorable quarterfinal with three very lopsided victories.

Mystik of Montreal held their seed in day one pool play. Their win over Dartmouth cemented their place in the quarters versus QUB.

Chikitas of Sherbrooke, also called EXO, qualified for a play in game to make the quarters with a 1-3 record in pool play. They won the play in game, but unfortunately they landed in a matchup with Bent, NYC's finest women's squad.

In the Sunday play. Storm and QUB advanced to the semis with victories. Chikitas and Mystik lost their respective quarters, and then lost in the consolation semi finals.

Storm beat another Hatch split squad team to advance to the finals, while QUB bowed out quickly to Bent in the other semi.

No score is reported for the final, but Bent's facebook site reports a 13-11 victory for NYC, and BENT leaves Hanover as 2010 champs.

White Mountain Mephisto Magic!

Nation,

Some great pics of TUF 2010 are available via Corry Berghout's site.

Teams are still in the tryout mode or the feeling out mode of the summer touring season, but we're finally starting to get some tournament results in on the new upa score reporter site.

This past weekend, the White Mountain Open took place in Hanover NH. Despite having a population of roughly 11,000, it's highly regarded as a place to live, and there is just enough to see and do for a weekend. It's a beautiful little area for a tournament.

6 Canadian teams were in action, as well as a number of highly regarded teams in the north east region.

Magma of Montreal had a tough Saturday in a very tough pool. They did not manage to score more than 5 points in any of their games. Any team would have tempered expectations if your schedule read: Sons of Liberty, Q, Chuck Wagon and a Bodhi split squad.

Q from Quebec City is back after a two year absence, and that is a welcome site for Canadian open ultimate. Q put up strong fights against Bodhi and SOL, and lost a heartbreaking one point loss to Chuckwagon. Expect this team to improve throughout the season.

Firebird from Ottawa has returned this season after a one year hiatus. Despite struggling against a Bodhi split squad, the team manage to pound Red Tide 13-2, the first time Firebird has beaten Portland's finest open club.

Demon from Montreal, coming off a fantastic 2009 season, went 1-3 record on day one. Demon had a tough day against their A team Mephisto and strong New York club Replicants, but handled Dartmouth Plane Train easily and lost a one pointer against Sherbrooke.

Bloody Gary is a new open team from Sherbrooke... building on the past juniors and coed development in that city. Bloody Gary had a great first weekend, going 2-2 on day and beating Montreal's Demon by one. I smell a rivalry in the making!!

Mephisto of Montreal (defending CUC champs) had a strong weekend. They breezed through day one play in three of their games, and beat the Replicants 14-12 in a strong pool match up.

In the championship bracket....

Mephisto was the only Canadian team in the quarterfinals. They easily outscored a Bodhi split squad and Sons of liberty to advance to the final.

The finals pitted Bodhi Y versus Mephisto. Montreal was able to take home the WMO crown with a single point win over the boys from the Boston area.

A small victory on the road to Prague Preparation! Next major open tournament in the area will be CUT in Cazenovia, NY.

Toronto Ultimate Festival 2010 Preview

Nation,

The first major outdoor tournament of the season in the Upper/Lower Canada region takes place this weekend. It's used as either a tune up tournament for teams recently formulated, or as a final tryout out for players looking to make a team/program.

The 2010 version of the Toronto Ultimate Festival (TUF) promises to be one of the stronger editions in recent years.

Open

8 of the 14 teams in the division will be from Toronto. The open program in Toronto, GOAT/Grand Trunk/ROY, will be entering 5 teams. Other local teams include Too Bad, Fuel, and Fossil.

Ottawa, Montreal, and Waterloo have decided to participate this year, and as such add some great teams to the pool.

National champion Mephisto from Montreal begins its title defense this weekend, and will be joined by affiliate Demon.

Ottawa will be sending two Phoenix squads and Firebird, which makes its return after a one year hiatus.

Maverick is a new open team from Kitchener-Waterloo. The new team played well as an open team (Medicare) at both Jazzfest and No Borders last year, and will be a strong opponent this weekend.

Womens

There are three local teams from Toronto, with one Lotus team (defending national champions) and two Lily squads.

Ottawa is sending both their A and B squads to the event, and Montreal is sending Storm as a representative.

PPF from K-W should also be a very strong entry this season, benefiting from the folding of coed powerhouse Liquid from the same city.

A team from Peterbourough is listed. No team name is given, but I hope this team is the start of a regular women's team from this city. It's ultimate, so maybe it's just a ringer team from somewhere else.

Mixed

Usually the strength of the TUF tournament, the division has 27 teams this year but is missing some of the key coed teams in the region. (Gecko, RIP, etc)

Monster, Bytown Flatball Club, Mayhem, Big Fish and Big Hammers will be introducing their 2010 squads. Tundra will be continuing their tryouts with split squads entered.

After a great experience last year, Saint John's (Newfoundland) will be sending two squads this year. Currently, there is no word on whether the team will employ the services of Gavin "Zone Buster" Thompson this year.

2010 Junior National Teams

Nation,

Ultimate Canada released the rosters of the open and women's 2010 Junior National Teams.

These players will represent Canada in Germany at the WFDF World Junior Ultimate Championships August 2-7, 2010.


Junior OpenJunior Women's

Head Coach: Kirk Nylen Assistant Coach: Patrick Mooney	Head Coach: Stephanie Chow Assistant Coach: Dan Byma
Ben Mussell Ethan Kovacs Evan Cole Fred Lam Greg Moore Hollis Maradyn-Jowsey Isaiah Masek-Kelly Joel Ruelens-Lepoutre Keanen Grant Kevin Greer Marc-Andre Perreault Myles Sinclair Nick Boucher Nima Mostaghimi Quin Rusnak Robert Schmidt Ryan Kremsater Tim Tsang Willem Konrad	Chantal Africa Jessica Chen Mira Donaldson Laura Hatch Katherine Ho Lauren Kimura Jacqueline Kwok Amira Maddison Kayla Pangos Aya Peloquin Dominique Rioux Adrianna Rowe Katie Scarth Kaylee Sparks Gera Stancheva Erica Tucker Nicole Vidal Olana Wach Claire Williams Lisa Wong
Alternates Gregory Loscin Jackson Byrne Kyle Patrick Thomas Canale	Alternates Sara Lawlor Emily Lublow Rebecca Saaltink Helen Thompson Jo-Hannah Yeo

Team Manager: A.J. Sainsbury

March Madness- Things picking up in the Ultimate Scene!

Nation,

The world of ultimate is starting to buzz again as teams have already begin to announce final rosters for World Clubs and UPA College sectionals are mere weeks away

WUCC and U-19, U-23 and other Canadian Buzz

Teams are at various stages of organization for WUCC. Rumors about where certain Furious or GOAT players are headed for the Prague tourney are now being realized as fact (Andrew Lugsdin to Mephisto, various Furious players to Invictus, Blackfish players to GLUM) or fiction.

Kudos to Phoenix of Ottawa for being so early with naming their team. It would have been easy for them to delay naming their team in the hopes of landing some of the big names out there still available, but instead they went local and loyal to the players who helped them win their bid. And they spared themselves the ordeal of being "disc teased"by superstars.

U-19 tryouts will be starting soon in various cities, and men's coaches Kirk Nylen and Pat Mooney are in fact implementing some base testing measurements (40, shuttle drill, vertical, etc). These numbers will assist them in the tryout process and be very valuable to Ultimate Canada to compare to future years. Finally, we'll be able to quantify it when people say "Players are getting bigger/faster".

U-23 coaches and team manager will be selected this week. Tryout dates have already been tentatively set by Ultimate Canada.

There is also rumors that Furious George will attend Canadian Nationals in Sherbrooke this year, while Lotus will most likely not. Let the dominoes fall...
UPA College Sectionals

Is your college team representing Canada in the UPA college series. Send me an e-mail with your team preview!!!

College sectionals begin on April 10. After Roll Call this weekend, I will have a Canadian specific preview on both the men's and women's division.

Other News

It's been brought to my attention that Cultimate is taking over the running of the Emerald City Classic. I don't know the people of Cultimate personally, but they organize over 10 tournaments per year, and they are famous for trying to create a elite championship tournament series separate from the UPA before.

Most of the comments I have gotten about Cultimate is that of concern, and many question whether this group will be able to continue the reputation and standards of ECC.


Possibility that a very key member of North Carolina women's team Backhoe will be starting a new team, possibly sharing the same team name as Ottawa men's team Phoenix.

Backhoe has long been a UPA finals club trying to take the next step and challenge Fury and Riot. A new team and the loss of a key teammate might not be good news for the team.