News Archives

March

VB Hockey: The View from Heartbreak Hill

3/10/2026

By Matt Thompson

I wouldn’t be true to myself if I didn’t sit here and write. Sunday’s CPSHA game had ups and downs all the way through but to be frank ended in what I think may have been the most painful loss in my hockey career. The easy thing to do in this situation is not to put my feelings out there, but I have been reminded by countless people that what I write is important for others to read, and even in the tough times we need to use lessons for learning.

VB Hockey: Sometimes It’s Just About Showing Up

3/3/2026

By Matt Thompson

On Wednesday of last week Brody Molloy left campus at 3am to travel to Baie Comeau to meet up with the Drakkar and make his QMJHL debut. Brody played for the Drakkar on Friday and Saturday in the North Shore town, becoming the fourth Spartan this year to make his QMJHL debut. On Sunday morning at 11am, after walking into the rink in his blue Ugg tracksuit, Brody was back on the ice for the Spartans.

February

Athlete of the Week: Andrew Shimon

2/27/2026

The Spartans rode a wave of momentum out of the TNPHL playoff weekend, and a major reason was the steady, standout play of goaltender Andrew Shimon (Grade 12, Sydney NS). Starting in two crucial games, Andrew delivered exactly what his team needed—calm, athletic and highly competitive goaltending in pressure moments. His Sunday performance was especially impressive. Andrew turned aside multiple highlight‑reel chances to preserve the Spartans’ lead and secure a key win to close out the weekend. His athleticism in the crease and relentless compete level set the tone for the group and helped propel the team back to Stanstead with confidence heading into the final stretch of the season. A well‑earned recognition for a goaltender who continues to rise to the moment, Athlete of the Week, from varsity boys hockey, Andrew Shimon.

VB Hockey: A Sort of Homecoming

2/23/2026

By Matt Thompson

I write this weekend story proud, happy and appreciative, but with that bit of sadness that conclusion tends to create in our emotion knowing this was our last weekend playing “back home” close to where I grew up.

If you look at all the write-ups I have put together over the years, they try to create a moment that isn’t just the big goal or save. They try to find other feelings beyond a win or a loss. There is no doubt that themes have developed over the years: travel, teenage antics and moments, seeing alums, maturing, living, learning, education and of course family. My writing has always fought against providing shine to an individual and instead has tried to focus on the emotion of the whole. In most cases, the whole is the team. For today, the whole will be not just the team but my team, my family. Don’t get me wrong, though; there were some great goals and big saves along the way to help make this weekend successful.

VB Hockey: The Power of the Fist Bump

2/19/2026

By Matt Thompson

When you watch sporting events, whether live or in person, it is hard not to notice the line of fans that gravitates towards the players exiting the playing surface. From six-year-olds players and their waiting parents to pros and Olympians facing fans, it seems that everyone wants to give that high five or fist bump, to be able to leave the arena or stadium and be able to tell a story about an athlete making that split-second interaction. It can truly create a fan for life and inspire a young person.