John's Hopkins Canadian Junior Midfielder, Joel Tinney is back performing magic.
The Culver Academy graduate, arrived at Hopkins for the 2015 season with a mission. As a Freshman, Tinney showed the lacrosse world what he was, a tough rugged scoring machine. Tinney racked up 28 Goals , 10 Assists, 31 Ground Balls, 9 Turnovers and was voted the Big Ten Rookie of the year. Tinney's career as a lacrosse legend was on pace and taking form. Here are his freshman year highlights.
Then it all came to a screeching halt. Joel Tinney violated an NCAA rule and subsequently was suspended for the entirety of the 2016 season with a loss of a year of eligibility. Hopkins remained that Tinney stayed in good Academic standing with the school, and Tinney took his punishment in stride.
The real question on everybody's mind though was, will the Joel Tinney that returns to the 2017 Hopkins Squad be the same Joel Tinney who they had remembered? And the answer was no; he's even better. In the first four games this season, Joel has produced 7 Goals and 4 Assists. One of Joel's trademark moves is "the hidden ball trick." Tinney has pulled this move off, which is one of the harder moves to pull off, twice this season, and once in an overtime win against a mean Loyola team. (See Below.) He's even gotten the all-evasive Sportscenter lacrosse highlight.
Joel Tinney has shown people that sometimes second chances work out and work out better than expected. He's shown the younger lacrosse generation that you may make mistakes but with hard work and grit you can overcome these adversities. The season is long and we will watch and see how Joel Tinney and a super talented John's Hopkins team performs. I bet they do pretty good. They got the Magician.
#55 Joel Tinney in white, hidden ball trick against Navy.
#55 Joel Tinney in white, overtime hidden ball tick against Loyola.
D3 College Hockey Championship Weekend: Norwich Oswego Lead Charge
by, Billy Mumphrey
Game 1. NEHC Championship: (1) Norwich vs. New England College
A one loss stacked Norwich Cadets is too much fire power for New England College to withstand for 60 minutes. Norwich by 2.
Game 2. SUNYAC Championship: (2) Oswego vs. Plattsburgh
Two Division 3 giants going head to head. Both of these teams have been here, both of them have won this game many times. It'll probably be the best game all weekend. Plattsburgh by 1, late.
Game 3. WIAC Championship: (3) Wisconsin - Stevens Point vs. (6) Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Stevens Point has had Eau Claire's number all year in two tight games. This one goes to the team that shows up and takes it; both are dangerous. Stevens Point by 1.
Game 4. NCHA Championship: (4) St. Norbert vs. (5) Adrian
Adrian finished higher in the League Standings than St. Norbert, but Norbert has taken both match-ups against Adrian. And both games by 2. This will definitely be a battle, I take seasoned St. Norbert by 2, again.
Game 5. NESCAC Championship: Wesleyan vs. (12) Trinity
The Giant Slayer Wesleyan will topple (8) Hamilton after they just took down Colby. Trinity will edge out Williams by a goal. In a Wesleyan/Trinity Rival Final, I take Wesleyan rolling with juice over a tough Trinity; Wesleyan by 1.
Game 6. ECAC West Championship: Hobart vs. Utica
Hobart has the better overall record, but Utica has taken both match-ups against Hobart in the regular season. I have a strange feeling Utica has this one, by 1.
Game 7. MASCAC Championship: Plymouth State vs. Salem State
Two of the three match-ups between these two teams have gone into overtime. I take Plymouth on a roll, by 2.
For more great D-3 Hockey News and Information go to: US College Hockey
With the NHL Trade Deadline coming fast we are seeing a lot of players caught in the sights of the Trade Deadline. But as we have seen so far, some of these "Rumors" have been made reality, especially for the boys from the North.
1. Brian Boyle - Veteran Boyle, who played his college hockey for Boston College, has been traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs to join a Stanly Cup Challenging team. Love to see Boyle win the cup.
2. Kevin Shattenkirk - Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk has been traded to the stacked Washington Capitals. Shatty, played for Boston University, will add an offensive defenseman to the already loaded Washington Roster.
3. Ben Bishop - Goaltender Ben Bishop, who helped the Lighting make it to the Stanly Cup Finals, has been traded to the Los Angeles Kings to help strengthen their goalie core with Jonathan Quick. Bishop played at University of Maine, will definitely help the struggling Kings.
4. Jordie Benn - Defenseman Jordie Benn has been traded to the Montreal Canadians. Jordie, Older brother of Dallas Stars Forward Jaime Benn, will make a run to the Cup with the Canadians seasoned Roster.
Actor Peter Shinkoda keeps knocking it out of the park. After coming to
Los Angeles in the 90’s from Montreal, Quebec, Shinkoda quickly developed a
reputation for not only working hard, but becoming a fan favorite in every role
he played. This isn’t by accident. Peter is notorious for diving head first
into all his characters, working and flushing them out until the characters
appear. And with this attitude, Peter has earned roles in Mighty Morphin Power
Rangers, Cold Squad, Dark Angel, I, Robot, The L Word, Falling Skies, Hawaii
Five – O, Daredevil, Lady Killers and many more.
One of Shinkoda’s memorable roles was as Sektor in Mortal Kombat: Legacy
a Warner Bros. Web Series Directed by the very creative, Kevin Tancharoen. You
have to check it out; it’s pretty awesome. And one of the most interesting facts that people
don’t know is that before becoming an actor, Peter was a successful assistant
editor on classic movies like Saving Silverman and Rat Race
For as liberal as the entertainment industry is, we still see a lack of
Asian Actors in Lead Roles. I understand that change takes time, but it is
still a major issue that must be acknowledged and solutions put in place. Peter
has been a big advocate for Asian Actors Rights, while he continues to shine on
the big and small screens.
Recently,
Peter has brought to life Marvel’s Villian, Nobu, in the Netflix Series,
Daredevil. (See Video Below.) His
dedication to the role has made him one of the favorite autographs to get at
the multiple Cons he makes appearances at. Peter loves interacting and talking
with his fans. It allows him to see the effect of his work on the people who
watch the show. Local Big Time had the
chance to sit down and ask Peter a few questions about working on Daredevil and
his career. Enjoy:
1. What was it like moving to California from Ontario?
Shinkoda: I
was attending college in Ontario but I am from Montreal, Quebec originally. Go
Montreal Canadians hockey! I finally made the move in the early 90’s but
there wasn't any real culture shock because I'd been planning the move my
whole life unbeknownst to my parents. I also had spent the full four
previous summers in Los Angeles already - doing "recon" for my
eventual "move.”
2. How was your experience acting on the Mighty Morphin Power
Rangers?
Shinkoda: My
first pro gig in Los Angeles was thrilling especially when I knew I'd be
talking about the MMPR phenomenon and my contribution to it over two
decades later! I still remain friends with the original Rangers to this day.
3. What is your fondest memory playing the character, Dai on
Falling Skies?
Shinkoda: My
fondest memory was meeting Steven Spielberg, and making great friends in the
cast and shooting some very memorable episodes that I remain proud of.
4. What was it like playing a character like Nobu and joining that
Marvel Family? Is there added pressure to get it right?
Shinkoda: The
pressure was enormous fleshing out Nobu. My body and mind still
ache. Shooting constraints that I dealt with while on a very tight
production schedule in NYC was extremely trying but I feel that I got
the job done! Hopefully die hard Daredevil comic fans like myself do
too.
Norwich University’s
fastest growing team, Men’s Lacrosse, has their work cut out for them. CadLax (Cadet
Lacrosse), as they’re known to the nation, is looking at seven tough out of
league games to start the 2017 campaign before diving into eight out of nine
hard fought GNAC league battles. But Norwich Lacrosse, is always up for a challenge.
After finishing third last year in a rugged semi-final match, Norwich has
re-loaded the cannons with a returning Goal-Shark Offense and strengthened its
defense and goalie core with some Lights-Out Talent.
Coming to the Great Northeast’s
Sabine Field this Saturday is the tough tested UMass Dartmouth Corsairs. The
past two years, the Corsairs have gotten the better of the Cadets, but this
year’s CadLax Squad is on a mission. “I’ve never seen a team on more of a
mission than this year’s CadLax Squad,” an Un-named Source tells Local Big Time.
At the helm of the Cad-Ship
is Reigning GNAC Coach of the Year, Head Coach Neal Anderson. Anderson,
third-time winner, is known for drawing out the best of his players and getting
them to work as one fluid unit. Norwich recently was voted third in the GNAC
Pre-Season Poll and some say that fans and particular alumni are absolutely insulted
by this. “I’m a fan! And I’m absolutely insulted by this!” proclaimed an
Un-named Fan to Local Big Time.
The boys take the field
at 1:00 PM this coming Saturday and I’d highly suggest all Norwich University
Fans or general Lacrosse fans in the area go and watch the game. You won’t be disappointed.
Arena
Football gets limited coverage here in the United States, often times
broadcasting it’s games on ESPN3 or not at all. Ironically though it also
happens to be one of the most entertaining, high scoring sports to watch with
over-the-boards catches and the best Touchdown Celebrations in all of football.
One of those high flying athletes is Indiana’s own, Collin Taylor. And let me
tell you, Collin Taylor is a worker.
Wide Receiver, Collin
Taylor, understands what it means to put in the work to make yourself great.
Playing in the Arena Football League for the Cleveland Gladiators, Taylor, known
to locals as CT, has been one of the offensive staples. In the last three years
with the Gladiators, Collin has been one of the most prolific wide receivers in
the game, catching at least one touchdown in the most consecutive games in
Gladiators history. Last year he caught 110 passes for 1437 and 32 touchdowns
in 16 games. Taylor was also the recipient of the 2016 Al Lucas Hero Jason
Foundation Award, which is given to the player in all the AFL that has made the
greatest impact on the community in which they play (See:
This
past fall, Taylor was selected as one of the AFL Players to go play in the
Inaugural China Arena Football League. Collin’s team, the Beijing Lions, won
the championship in the first ever China Bowl; Taylor had multiple touchdowns
in the game.
Local
Big Time had the chance to interview Collin Taylor about his trip and career
playing Arena Football and we were not disappointed:
1. How do you feel about the upcoming season?
Taylor:
I couldn't be more excited about the
upcoming season. Looking at the roster that the coaching staff has put
together this off season, on paper, this is the best team that has been
assembled in Cleveland since I've been a part of the team. We have future
hall of fame defensive backs, multiple time all-arena defensive lineman,
multiple time all area wide receivers, and a few solid, veteran O-lineman, and
a couple of dynamic QB’s. If I were a betting man, I would put some money
on the Glads to make a big push for the Arena Bowl Championship this year.
2. In the Off Season you traveled to China
to play in their new Arena Ball League. How was that experience?
Taylor:
The CAFL experience was one of the
best times of my life. Not only was I able to travel overseas to teach
the game that I love, to athletes who were dedicated to learning, but I was
able to experience a culture that I was completely unfamiliar with for the
first 28 years of my life. The football was great, but the real gem of
the trip, was being able to build relationships with the Chinese players, that
I will be able to cherish forever.
3. What is the most fun thing about playing
arena ball?
Taylor:
I believe the best part about the
arena game in the fast paced, non-stop, hard hitting action that only comes
along with the rules of our game. The game was built around the fans
perspective, and what the fan would find entertaining. Having offenses
that score 70-80 points a game, with players catching 4-6 TDs a game is a fans
dream, and I love that about the arena game. Of course, playing on the
offensive side of the ball, I'm a little bias to the rules and the scoring, but
I truly believe that’s what separates us from the outdoor game.
4. How did the new expansion draft effect the
Gladiators Roster?
Taylor:
The expansion draft is a great
opportunity for teams to be able to select top players from AFL rosters, to
help current teams build their roster, with proven, veteran arena football
players. I think the expansion draft is crucial for every new team.
When DC and Baltimore had the draft, we lost some really good players, and lost
a few of the fan favorites from seasons past. It’s tough for Cleveland fans to
see some of their favorite players end up on different teams, but it’s just as
hard for former Gladiators to make the jump to other teams due to the
draft. I wish the guys who ended up in DC and Baltimore best of luck, and
I'm looking forward to seeing them when we get the opportunity to play the new
teams.
5. Why are the games between the Cleveland
Gladiators and the Philadelphia Soul so epic?
Taylor:
2014 was my first experience with
the Cleveland vs Philly rivalry. They were some of the most exciting, and
most intense games I've ever been a part of. We won all 3 games against
them that year on the last play of the game. I mean, imagine that, every
single time the horn went off, Philly was winning, but by the time the last
play ended, we finished on top. The Teams were very evenly matched, and
because we play teams 3-4 times a year, the teams really learn each other’s
game plans and tendencies. We knew Philly better than we knew ourselves,
and I'm sure they would say the same about us. In 2015, it was the
complete opposite, they got the best of us in each game we played! 2016,
we won 1 game, they beat us the other 3, and ended up winning the Arena Bowl Title.
2016 they were the best team in the league, and they gave us a lot of
problems. We will see them again, a few times, this upcoming season, and
you can bet that they will be just as epic of match ups as seasons before!
6. You are notorious for scoring at least one
touchdown every game and have hundreds of receptions, how do you train to
make sure you are able to perform at that high level every game?
Taylor:
The TD streak, to me, has just proved
that what I'm doing in my everyday life, in practice, in the gym, in my
nutrition, is exactly what I need to be doing, and continue doing to play at my
highest level. I am obsessed with being the best, I refuse to be
outworked, and no player on this planet plays with the heart that I play with
every single play of every single game. That is how I am able to be
successful. I maintain my physical capabilities as much as I can by
training hard, and training often, football is a collision sport, and I have to
always be ready for that. But I also train very hard mentally, that’s
where I believe I have a major advantage over a lot of players. To me,
being the best, doesn't stop when I step off the field, it is something that I
think about 24 hours a day, every single day. I was never given anything,
I've had to work for everything, and I won't ever stop playing or training with
that drive, until I hang the cleats up. I'm able to perform at the
highest level because I refuse to perform any other way.
7. What is one superstitious quirk that you
do before every game?
Taylor:
Every player has certain things they
do, every game, just as superstition, or something they've been doing for a
long time! I do not have a short list of odd, or quirky things I do, but
I'll just name a few. I met my best friend, Steve, who's now an
accomplished news anchor, and hosts the evening news in Kansas City, when we
played ball together in 9th grade. Before every game, him and I would get
together with another close friend of ours, and basically give ourselves a pump
of speech. I've continued this tradition through college, and now into
the professional ranks. I've talked to Steve, either on the phone,
through facetime, via skype, and sometimes snapchat, before every single game I've
played in since 9th grade, even while I was in China! I also, and some
people may be grossed out by this, drink a whole jar of pickle juice, straight
out of the jar, before every game. The sodium in the juice has helped
cramping issues I used to have a few years ago, but it’s now something I do
about 20 mins before kickoff. Another one of my favorite rituals is my
game day nap. I get up super early on game days to eat breakfast, and
then hop back in bed and try to nap for a few hours. Even if the game is
early, let’s say 3pm, and I need to be at the arena at 1, I'll eat at 6 AM, go
back to bed at 730, and get a few more hours in before I have to get up and get
moving. Like I said, that’s just to name a few!
8. What are the Cleveland Gladiators fans like?
Taylor: I’ve said this since day 1, Cleveland fans are the best in
the business. Cleveland loves their sports, and we as players, love their
continued support. When we've been really good, fans have packed the
arena, and when we’ve been really bad, they still come out in bunches to show
their support! Seeing fans outside of the games is great too! They’re
always respectful, and always congratulate us on successes. The fans are
one of the main reasons I continue to come back to Cleveland, I love them just
as much as they love us!
