Before summer is officially over I would like to ask, was summer actually here? The weather has been questionable at times; old Mother Nature has been making some calls out there that most of us don't agree with.
But let's look on the bright side, the transitioning weather during fall and even pre-fall (early Sept.) can be depressing but it will soon be over and we will be back to our true Canadian ways in full-out winter mode.
So, instead of complaining about the weather, let's focus on the joys of the upcoming sports season.
Fall is the time of year that almost all sports, amateur and pro, local and global, indoor and out, are at the start or in the midst of their seasons. For the sports fan, this means the best and most exciting time of year. And for the sports writer, the busiest and most hectic – which is not necessarily a bad thing.
Right now in the town of Bonnyville we have several sports just getting underway. Most of us know about the Bonnyville Pontiacs, as the signs are now up all over town and the building was almost completely packed for the home opener last Saturday night. They will be a significant draw this season, I am sure, especially if they can do some damage in the playoffs. The Northeast Panthers have tryouts and training camps that are also just starting, and they are looking for a return to the championship-calibre team they were two seasons ago. Then there is Bonnyville and Glendon minor hockey, both big draws in their respective communities.
Also hitting the ice surface will be the Bonnyville Figure Skating Club. And over at the curling rink the Bonnyville Curling Club is preparing to sweep some action into town.
As for field sports, indoor soccer is just getting started, and this year there are U-16 boys and girls tier III clubs. Outside on the field, football is just getting underway. The Voyageurs and Bandits are both looking to put up strong seasons and have the teams to do it. Some extra fan support at Walsh Field couldn't hurt – fans showed their support at the Bandits home opener by packing the bleachers, despite the cold summer weather, kudos fans.
The start of the school year also adds its share to the sports buffet that is late-summer, early fall. School sports kicking into gear right now are volleyball, cross-country and golf – all of which I have not yet been introduced to.
That is the local sports scene that I am currently aware of. Although I am also aware that there are more sports here that I have yet to be introduced to. So, if your sport was not mentioned don't be offended, call or write to me and tell me about it.
