NFL championship games go Sunday. Photo Credit: Buffalo Bills/Facebook. What started with 32 teams back in September, is down to four with the AFC and NFC Championship games Sunday. The early game (3 pm EST) pits the second ranked Philadelphia Eagles home to the sixth seeded Washington Commanders for the right to represent the NFC […]

Photo Credit: Blue Jays/X A little ‘boys of summer’ news broke Monday afternoon as Niagara and much of Canada are suffering through another Polar Vortex. The news that broke involved Canada’s only major league baseball team, the Toronto Blue Jays. A few hours later the word ‘ignominious’ appeared on my smartphone describing the Blue Jays […]

Raptors disappointing despite “rebuilding” season. Photo Credit: Raptors/Facebook It was late September 2024 when Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri proclaimed this: “I would use the word ‘rebuilding,’ that’s the right word,” Ujiri said when asked what he expected from the season ahead. “I think we have a clear path now going forward.” Despite that, the […]

Brock Women’s and Men’s Basketball host McMaster. Photo Credit: Brock Badgers/Facebook It’s become a yearly tradition for the Brock Badgers, and for the university’s Executive Director of Sports and Recreation, Melissa Krist, it’s more than just a basketball game. “Brock’s Paint the Meridian Red Basketball games provide an unforgettable experience for our student-athletes and fans […]

David Urquhart is also head coach at McGill University. Photo Supplied. When the World Winter University Games begin Monday in Torino, Italy two Niagara natives will be representing the Canada’s Men’s Hockey team. Niagara Falls native Kurtis Henry is a defenseman on the team, while Thorold’s David Urquhart is a member of the team’s coaching […]

Buffalo Bills host the Denver Broncos Sunday. Photo Credit: Buffalo Bills/Facebook It all starts Saturday. The National Football League (NFL) postseason. The Kansas City Chiefs (15-2), the top seed in the American Football Conference (AFC) are trying to become the first team in NFL history to three-peat as Super Bowl Champions. Meanwhile in the National […]

OHL trade deadline is one week away. Photo Credit: Ice Dogs/Facebook The Niagara IceDogs have the longest playoff drought in the Ontario Hockey League. 2019 was the last time Niagara qualified for the postseason. Three current NHLers played for that IceDogs team. Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, Phil Tomasino now with the Pittsburgh Penguins […]

Looking ahead to 2025, Niagara will be hosting a number of national and provincial championships. Pictured: Mohammed Ahmed. Photo Credit: moh_speed23/Instagram.  As the calendar flips to 2025, The Niagara Independent looks back at the year that was and the year ahead in sports – locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. We’ll start in Niagara where St. […]

Holiday tradition for many began Boxing Day. Photo Credit: IIHF World Junior Championship It’s a holiday tradition for many across Niagara and the entire country of Canada for that matter. The World Junior Hockey Championship or as its officially known – the International Ice Hockey Federations (IIHF) World Junior Championship. It began unofficially in 1974, […]

Photo Credit: Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL) Another high-level baseball team is coming to Niagara. Dead Red Sports and Entertainment Group is thrilled to announce that Summer Collegiate Baseball is coming to St. Catharines, starting in June of 2025. The new St. Catharines team will join the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL), marking […]

Shaw retired from the game at the age of 29 after multiple concussions. Photo Credit: Niagara Sports Report/Facebook I am sure one day a documentary will be made on Andrew Shaw. One of the toughest players to ever lace em’ up, and one of the best pound for pound fighters of all-time. But Shaw had […]

Photo Credit: Welland Jackfish/Facebook Whatever their motto is, whether its ‘Fans First Fun Always’ or ‘Hooked on Fun’ – the Welland Jackfish have proven their worth since first taking to the field back in 2019. The Jackfish are gearing up for their sixth season in the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL), and have released their 2025 […]

Skyler Goudswaard is also a former rower. Pictured: Skyler Goudswaard. Photo Credit: Kevin Light.  A little motherly advice has gone a long way for Skyler Goudswaard. The 25-year-old track cyclist from Grimsby has been awarded funding and an accelerated path to the Olympics after impressing scouts at the RBC Training Ground national final. Goudswaard was […]

Seventeen wins on the season already matches their total from all of last season. Photo Credit: Ice Dogs/Facebook The Niagara IceDogs made their last home game before the holiday break a memorable one. A 4-3 victory over the Brantford Bulldogs was the franchise’s 500th since the IceDogs moved from Mississauga to St. Catharines back in […]

Photo Credit: River Lions/Facebook The Niagara River Lions of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have released their 24-game 2025 season schedule. The River Lions will defend their 2024 Championship starting with the home and season opener on Friday May 16th against the visiting Calgary Surge, before going on a three-game road trip including a […]

Brock Women’s Volleyball and Niagara Women’s Basketball top of class. While exams are underway or will be soon at both of the region’s post-secondary institutions, when it comes to athletics both the Brock Badgers and Niagara College Knights are on pause when it comes to game action. The holiday break is here. When it comes […]

Pictured: Michele O’Keefe, Director of Athletics and Student Engagement at Niagara College. Photo Supplied Welland native, Michele O’Keefe, Director of Athletics and Student Engagement at Niagara College, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) 2024 Women in Business Awards. Presented to women who have excelled in their […]

All three siblings playing for the McGill Redbirds. Photo Supplied. There’s not too many people in the world that can say they have three family members playing for the same university at the same time. However, the Blanchard’s of Pelham can. Max, Alex and Cassidy all play hockey for the McGill Redbirds after their high […]

Niagara Falls native Lucas “Prince” Bahdi has signed with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions following his fight on the Paul-Mike Tyson card last week in Texas. Photo Credit: Facebook/Lucas Bahdi Bahdi is described as an exceptional talent and a relentless competitor. A top-ranked lightweight by both the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and the World Boxing […]

Six athletes and builders will be enshrined Wednesday night. Photo Supplied.  Six distinguished athletes and builders of sport will soon be inducted into the illustrious St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame. The 2024 St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame inductees will be honoured this Wednesday for their significant achievements in sport, either in competition or […]

Photo Credit: Grey Cup 2024/Facebook Grey Cup festivities continue, ahead of the 111th edition of Canada’s biggest football game. BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia will host the Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers Sunday night in a 6 pm EST kickoff. It’s a rematch of the 2022 Grey Cup in which the Argos […]

Photo Supplied.  The Welland Soccer Hall of Fame Committee announced its inductees for the Class of 2024. Two former National team members Lucio Ianiero and Erica Demers and the 1980 Atom Major Boys team were enshrined this past Saturday during an on-field ceremony at Rynberk Field inside Youngs Sportsplex. Lucio Ianiero represented Canada’s Men’s National […]

Both players will have their names on banners raised to the Meridian Centre rafters. Pictured: Marcel Dionne and Brian Cullen. Photo Credit: CHL.  The Niagara IceDogs will honour hockey royalty tonight as a pair of the greatest players to hit the ice for major junior hockey in St. Catharines – Marcel Dionne and Brian Cullen […]

Photo Supplied. The Garden City will be curling central starting Sunday, as a Canadian champion will be crowned. As part of its ongoing 125th anniversary celebrations, the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club will be hosting the 2024 Canadian Mixed Curling Championship. Curlers from each province and territory will compete at the club over seven […]

A rare bit of sports history and trivia from Monday night. Did you see the sports equinox? Or better yet, maybe you were a part of it – in either Buffalo or Toronto. For just the 31st time since 1971, the so-called Big 4 sports the NHL, MLB, NFL and NBA all had games on […]

Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge go head to head in the 2024 World Series. Photo Credit: Los Angeles Dodgers/Facebook Is Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts right? Is it the World Series that everybody wanted? For the first time since 2017 the top two teams in their respective leagues, the Los Angeles Dodgers in the […]

Raptors open Wednesday at home. Photo Credit: Toronto Raptors/X.  The National Basketball Association (NBA) regular season tips off Tuesday night on two fronts. The early game (7:30 p.m. EST) sees the defending NBA Champion Boston Celtics home to the New York Knicks, while the Los Angeles Lakers welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves at 10:00 p.m. The […]

Bandits will host the Las Vegas Desert Dogs next month. Photo Credit: Buffalo Bandits/Facebook The City of St. Catharines, in partnership with the St. Catharines Junior Athletics Club, and the Las Vegas Desert Dogs and Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), are excited to bring professional lacrosse to the Meridian Centre for the […]

Carter’s impact on basketball in Canada lives on. Photo Credit: NBA Canada/Facebook His effect on basketball in Canada continues to live on. Heck, maybe it’s safe to say he made the Toronto Raptors. Sunday night in Springfield, Massachusetts Vince Carter was officially enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame. The man they called ‘Air Canada,’ […]

Former pro wrestler being honoured Saturday night in Niagara Falls. Pictured: Jesse Scott.  Local professional wrestling fans are in for a treat as WWE star Shawn Spears of St. Catharines, and TNA wrestling stars Cody Deaner and Rosemary, return to their old stomping grounds for the highly anticipated Neo Pro Wrestling Jesse Scott Memorial Show. […]

IceDogs off to their first (4-0) start in franchise history. Photo Credit: IceDogs.net Ben Boudreau might not go as far as calling the start to the Niagara IceDogs, Ontario Hockey League (OHL)season a dream, but it’s certainly been a surreal one. The IceDogs are off to their first (4-0) start in franchise history, are the […]

Mike Strange and Lucas Bahdi part of McGibbon Gloves 2024. Pictured: Lucas Badhi knockout punch against Ashton Sylva. Photo Credit: YouTube/DeToxXBL.  It was the knockout heard around the world. It improved Niagara Falls native Lucas ‘The Prince’ Bahdi’s professional record to (17-0) with 15 knockouts. Bahdi, along with fellow boxing legend Mike Strange, will be […]

Buffalo plays New Jersey in Czechia while Toronto opens in Montreal next week. Pictured: Buffalo Head Coach Lindy Ruff. Photo Credit: Sabres/Facebook. There are more than a few story lines to the opening of the National Hockey League regular season, which begins Thursday from Prague Czechia when the Buffalo Sabres meet the New Jersey Devils. […]

Photo Credit: Ridley College/Facebook Homecoming weekend has more meaning for Ridley College this year. Ontario’s oldest private boarding school, opened in 1889, will also host the grand opening of its new athletics and arts facilities. On Saturday, Ridley will celebrate homecoming with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of Phase 1 of The Campaign […]

Photo Credit: Brock University It was the who’s who this past Saturday at Amici’s Banquet and Conference Centre in Thorold. The Brock Badgers, for the first time since 2012, added names to their Hall of Fame. Four Badgers were enshrined in the Builders category, while six entered as Athletes – all of whom participated in […]

Game’s 25-year history all part of Brock University’s 60th Anniversary celebration. Pictured: AJ Cook. Photo Credit: Brock Badgers It’s truly a part of Canadian history. Two hockey teams will battle for the Steel Blade Friday night at Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, when the Brock Badgers Men’s Hockey team host the Guelph Gryphons. Longtime […]

The Pelham Panthers were the first Niagara-based team to hit the ice as the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) regular season began this week. Photo Credit: GOJHL.  The Panthers traveled to Hamilton Thursday night. The defending regular season champion Fort Erie Meteors, St. Catharines Falcons, Port Colborne Sailors and Welland Jr. Canadians are the […]

Canada Games Park will host six-day/two-intrasquad game camp. Pictured: Ottawa PWHL Captain Brianne Jenner (second from left). Photo Credit: Brianne Jenner/X.  Hockey Canada has invited 48 of the nation’s best players to Canada’s National Women’s Team September Camp, presented by BFL CANADA, starting today and running through Sunday at Canada Games Park in Thorold. Six […]

Bills hope to remain the team to beat in AFC East. Pictured: Kansas City Chiefs, with tight end Travis Kelce in centre. Photo Credit: Chiefs/X.  The National Football League regular season officially kicked off Thursday night in Kansas City with the Baltimore Ravens in town for an AFC Championship Game rematch. Kansas City raised its […]

Over 1,000 student athletes are back playing and training. Photo Credit: Brock Badgers/Facebook The squeaking of shoes and whistles from coaches will be heard as almost 30,000 students return to campus at either Brock University and Niagara College this week. Niagara’s two post-secondary school institutions feature almost 30,000 students, and over a one-thousand student athletes. […]

Photo Credit: ParaSport Ontario/Facebook As Canada was picking up its first medal at the Paralympics in Paris, France, Sport Niagara was proudly making an announcement regarding ParaSports in the region, and across the province. In May 2025, Niagara will welcome athletes, managers, coaches, officials, and volunteers from across Ontario for the 44th Ontario Parasport Games. […]

Photo Credit: Ice Dogs/Facebook There’s a sense of urgency as the Niagara IceDogs open Training Camp Tuesday. The urgency can be summed up in one word, and it’s something every Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team strives for – ‘playoffs.’ Over 50 players reported to Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines for fitness training followed by […]

First up for top seeded (32-10) Welland is the eighth ranked (13-27) Kitchener Panthers, where the best of five series began Thursday night at home. Photo Credit: Welland Jackfish/X.  It was a record-breaking regular season for the Welland Jackfish, and now they want to carry that into another championship playoff run. Sellouts became the norm […]

Rain washed out races on Monday. Photo Credit: World Rowing.  Racing continued Tuesday at the World Rowing Championships in St. Catharines, after forecasted rain Monday forced organizers to cancel all events. Sixty-four countries are competing in the week-long event on the world-famous Henley course in Port Dalhousie. Opening ceremonies took place Saturday evening inside the […]

Current River Lions player takes over Rao’s position at Niagara College. Pictured: Chris Rao. As a follow up story from the Niagara Independent on Tuesday of this week, where it was said it was a double celebration for Niagara River Lions assistant coach and Welland native Chris Rao – the only Niagara native on the […]

Photo Credit: Riverlions/Facebook For the first time in franchise history the Niagara River Lions have been crowned champions. The River Lions edged the Vancouver Bandits in nail-biting, nerve-wracking, fashion 97-95 Sunday night in Montreal to capture the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Championship. Montreal native, and the only player from La Belle Province playing in […]

Pictured: Antonio “AJ” Davis. Photo Credit: CEBL.  On paper it doesn’t look like much of a match-up, but Niagara River Lions Head Coach Victor Raso begs to differ. It’s semi-final Friday at CEBL (Canadian Elite Basketball League) Championship Weekend in Montreal as the (14-6, 1-0 in the playoffs) River Lions face the host (6-14, failed […]

The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) has announced the appointment of Craig Spada as its new Commissioner of Junior Hockey. Craig brings years of hockey experience, having held various influential roles, including a referee for the National Hockey League (NHL), where he officiated 247 NHL games, Memorial Cup and Calder Cup Finals. The league […]

Brock grad and VP Andrew Tinnish discusses team he’s worked with for over two decades. Photo Credit: Brock University Andrew Tinnish was finally able to exhale Wednesday night at 6:01 pm. The Toronto Blue Jays Vice-President of International Scouting, and Brock University graduate, had just wrapped up major league baseball’s trade deadline, and that came […]

Ridley College and Sport Niagara form partnership. Photo Credit: London 2024 Ontario Games.  A connection to the 15U Team Ontario baseball team, that just happened to be his son Jack who plays for Niagara Falls, led Jay Tredway to think bigger. You see, over 150 athletes from Niagara make up Team Ontario, and the Assistant […]

Olympic Opening Ceremonies take place Friday. Pictured Emma Van Dyk. Photo Credit: Brock University.  The 33rd modern Olympic Games officially begin Friday in Paris, France with the opening ceremonies. There will be 206 countries represented at the Olympics, and 184 at the Paralympics, including a number of Niagara natives, or athletes and coaches that proudly […]

Buffalo Bills camp opens Wednesday. Photo Credit: X/Buffalo Bills It’s estimated the Buffalo Bills boast over 8,000 Canadian season ticket holders. I think it’s fair to say at least three thousand hail from the Niagara Region. Bills fans usually have three days circled on their calendars, or marked in their smartphones. Opening day of the […]

Based on Baseball Reference’s postseason probabilities, the Toronto Blue Jays have a 0.1 percent chance of reaching the postseason. Pictured: First Baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Photo Credit: Blue Jays/X.  As the Toronto Blue Jays begin their unofficial second half of the season Friday at home against Detroit, the franchise is at a crossroads. The team […]

Carter Verhaeghe was originally drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Pictured: Carter Verhaeghe. Photo Credit: NHL.  If you’re a Toronto Maple Leafs fan he’s certainly one that got away. But the Maple Leafs aren’t the only National Hockey League (NHL) team to give up on Carter Verhaeghe. The former Niagara IceDogs captain, and Waterdown, Ontario […]

The Niagara River Lions became the first CEBL team this season to clinch a playoff berth with a 83-77 win over the Montreal Alliance Thursday night at Meridian Centre. Photo Credit: River Lions/Facebook Javon Blair led the way with 21 points as Niagara improved to (11-5), (7-0) at home, and won their fourth straight game […]

Former Team Canada Shae Dheensaw player replaces Welland Wall of Famer Mike Rao. Pictured: Brock Badgers Coach Shae Dheensaw. Photo Credit: Brock University.  After Welland native and 2024 Welland Sports Wall of Fame inductee Mike Rao announced his retirement, the Brock Badgers Women’s Basketball team knew they had big shoes to fill. Enter former Team […]

2024 Regional Event hopeful precursor to National Championships in 2025. Photo Credit: FireFit/Facebook.  It’s likely one of the most physically demanding sporting events you will ever witness. And it returns to St. Catharines this weekend. The 2024 FireFit Championships feature a gruelling course that dozens of firefighters from across the region, the province and country […]

He becomes highest drafted Chinese born player in NHL history. Pictured: Kevin He. Photo Credit: CHL.  The articulate, well-spoken Kevin He was almost at a loss for words when contacted by The Niagara Independent minutes after the Winnipeg Jets drafted the Niagara IceDogs forward in the fourth round, 109th overall in this past weekend’s NHL […]

Former Niagara IceDog Carter Verhaeghe only player to notch multiple points in seventh and deciding game. Photo Credit: Florida Panthers/Facebook For the first time in their franchise history the Florida Panthers are Stanley Cup Champions. And Canadian NHL teams, and their fans, will have to wait another year to capture Lord Stanley’s mug. Former Niagara […]

Bryan Crawford replaces David Branch, who is retiring after 45 years at the helm. Pictured: Tim Lukenda (who led the search), Bryan Crawford and the retiring David Branch. Photo Credit: OHL/X.  The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) made it official Thursday, introducing Bryan Crawford, Golf Canada Executive and Tournament Director for the RBC Canadian Open, as […]

Team finished first overall in Ontario with 18-1-1 record. Photo Credit: Facebook/ St. Catharines Athletics  When the St. Catharines Jr. B Athletics open their playoff run Tuesday night, they’ll be playing a familiar foe. The Wallaceburg Red Devils. The Athletics finished first overall in the 30-team Junior B loop, while Wallaceburg was eighth in the […]

 League attendance up 41 per cent from 2023. Photo Credit: CEBL.  As the sixth season of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) continues, the league’s growth is unprecedented.  The CEBL is Canada’s largest professional sports league with 10 teams, including the Niagara River Lions. The year-over-year ascension from the same time frame and number of […]

Emma Van Dyk says swimming changed her life. Photo Credit: Brock University.  There was a reason Emma Van Dyk started swimming.  Some two decades later, the pool is where she finds peace.  And that peace is sending the 21-year old to Paris, France and the 2024 Paralympic Games.  “I started swimming through therapy because when […]

Team also makes first trade of off-season. Pictured: Daniel Paille. Photo Credit: Niagara IceDogs.  The Niagara IceDogs announced the hiring of NHL veteran, Welland native and Stanley Cup Champion Daniel Paille as Assistant Coach. Paille joins head coach Ben Boudreau behind the bench. “Michele and I are excited to welcome Dan to our organization,” said […]

Montreal Canadians were last team to win in 1993. Pictured: Edmonton Oilers Captain Connor McDavid. Photo Credit: Connor McDavid/X. It’s hard to believe that the Montreal Canadiens, featuring St. Catharines native Brian Bellows, were the last Canadian team to win the NHL Stanley Cup back in 1993. The Edmonton Oilers will try and win their […]

Karen McAllister-Kenny was with Brock for more than 40 years. Photo Credit: Brock Badgers Not many people can say they turned a six-month contract position into a four-plus decade occupation, but Karen McAllister-Kenny certainly can. On Friday, after 40-years at and with Brock University, McAllister-Kenny will call it a career. And while McAllister-Kenny will retire […]

Coming off a successful 2023 race season, track officials are looking forward to 2024. Photo Credit: Facebook/Fort Erie Race Track.  “They’re at the post, and they’re off.” It’s seven words horse racing fans have been hearing in and from Fort Erie since 1897. Yes, the 2024 horse racing season opens Tuesday afternoon at historic Fort […]

Niagara River Lions open their season on the road Friday night. Photo credit: CEBL. The Niagara River Lions tip-off their regular season Friday night in Brampton, as part of the 10-team Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) which began its season earlier this week, a look at the player breakdown across the league is very impressive. […]

St. Catharines Jr. A Athletics host Toronto Beaches at Canada Games Park. Photo Credit: Facebook/ St. Catharines Athletics  Niagara’s oldest sporting franchise opened its 2024 season with a win. The St. Catharines Jr. A Athletics lacrosse club, established in 1877, beat the Brampton Excelsiors 11-9 last Friday night and are set for their home opener […]

Alexa Vasko and Pat Sullivan honoured at City Hall. Photo Supplied One is now part of women’s pro sports history, and the other has dozens of championships to his name. Alexa Vasko, current member of the Professional Women’s Hockey League – Toronto franchise, was named St. Catharines Athlete of the Year, while Pat Sullivan, former […]

Matteo Pellizzari (left), Mitchell Garrett and Brendon Hurst. Photo Credit: Hockey Canada   Tim Dool says “seeing is believing.” That’s how Dool describes Para Hockey, and that’s why it’s no surprise the Niagara native is the Chair of the organizing committee for this week’s Canadian Para Hockey Championship in Port Colborne. “My love for the sport […]

Both of Niagara’s post-secondary institutions made significant coaching announcements this week. Photo Credit: Brock University. Pictured: Brock Badgers Volleyball Coach Ian Eibbitt.  In Welland, a former player, turned assistant coach, is now the head coach of the Niagara College Knights Men’s Basketball team.  Lequan Hylton officially took over this week from Phil Mosley, who will […]

A pair of players with local connections still vying for Lord Stanley’s mug. Pictured: Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson. Photo Credit: Jason Robertson/X.  Toronto Maple Leafs fans are left wondering again what could have been. Changes will be coming in Leafs land, that’s for sure.  Elsewhere, the defending Stanley Cup Champion, the Vegas Golden Knights, […]

 “Oars & Encore: A Celebration of Niagara’s Rowing Community.” Photo Supplied. As the Niagara Region prepares to host the 2024 World Rowing Championships, the organizing committee behind the event is hosting “Oars & Encore: A Celebration of Niagara’s Rowing Community,” a special evening combining a concert headlined by acclaimed Canadian musician Steven Page with a […]

Fonthill native played more than 15 seasons in the CFL and won two Grey Cups. Pictured: Chris Van Zeyl. Photo Credit: Chris Van Zeyl/X.  After more than 15 seasons in the Canadian Football League (CFL), including two Grey Cup Championships, numerous all-star nods and the league’s top lineman award in 2019, Chris Van Zeyl announced […]

Legendary play-by-play announcer was voice of Hockey Night in Canada for 50 years. Photo Credit: NHL/X.  Today’s sports piece in The Niagara Independent wasn’t going to be about hockey at all.  But when the news broke Thursday afternoon that Bob Cole had passed, this piece had to be written. When this author thinks of hockey […]

Four Canadian teams on the ice in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, while double-digit Canadians playing in the NBA post-season. Pictured: Toronto Maple Leafs Captain John Tavares. Photo Credit: Toronto Maple Leafs/X.  It’s a good time to be a sports fan.  And perhaps a nerve-wracking, anxious, time if you’re a Toronto Maple Leafs fan. If hockey’s […]

Niagara names first ever Canadian college player as well. Pictured: Luka Syllas. Photo Credit: Queen’s Gaels.  The Niagara River Lions of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) recently announced their three selections in the 2024 CEBL Draft, including Jordan Tchuente of Brock University in St. Catharines, Luka Syllas from Queen’s University in Kingston and the […]

Braidy Wassilyn, who played this past season with the U16 AAA Markham Majors in the GTHL, was drafted fourth overall after recording 31 goals and 31 assists for 62 points. Pictured: Braidy Wassilyn. Photo Credit: Niagara IceDogs/X. The Niagara IceDogs made a total of 18 selections over the two-day 2024 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection […]

The Maple Leafs are the hottest Canadian team heading into the final week of the regular season Photo Credit: Maple Leafs/X As the regular seasons wind down for both the National Hockey League and National Basketball Association, The Niagara Independent looks ahead at where things stand now, and what may play out in the postseason […]

NHL all-time hits leader proudly calls the Rose City home. Pictured: Cal Clutterbuck. Photo Credit: New York Islanders.  He received the call about a month ago from his father to tell him he was being named the Welland Sportsperson of the Year.  Friday night at Casa Dante in Welland, Cal Clutterbuck’s father, Tim, accepted the […]

The River Lions open their 2024 season on May 24 on the road beginning a home-and-home against the Brampton Honey Badgers. Pictured: New Niagara River Lion Aaryn Rai. Photo Credit: Aaryn Rai/X.  After announcing the return of their top four scorers from last season, the Niagara River Lions continue to bolster their roster heading into […]

Team releases its 2024 promotional schedule. Photo Credit: Welland Jackfish/Facebook.   There’s a reason Ryan Harrison calls himself the Director of Fun. Sure, he’s also the majority owner and President of the Welland Jackfish, but he’s promised – and delivered – on bringing more than baseball to the Rose City and the Niagara Region as […]

Niagara Falls city councillor only Canadian boxer ever to appear in three Olympics. Pictured: Mike Strange and Mike Sommers. Photo Supplied Mike Strange knew he would get emotional last Saturday night.  Sure, the now 53-year-old Niagara Falls native and city councillor had been inducted into Boxing Hall of Fames before, but Saturday night was different.  […]

Canada’s first track cycling world champion was a Niagara Falls native. Pictured: Gord Singleton. Photo Credit: Library and Achieves Canada.  A legend. He put Canadian cycling on the map. The fastest man on wheels.  Just a few of the many words uttered in the past about Niagara Falls native, and World Champion, Gord Singleton who […]

Alexandra Taylor calls Port Robinson home. Pictured: Team Ontario at the 24th Can-Am Matches in South Carolina. Photo Credit: Golf Ontario. She’s a proud Port Robinson native. Not Thorold or Allanburg, but Port Robinson.  It was just a few months ago that Alexandra Taylor was appointed as the Manager of Junior Performance by Golf Ontario. […]

Mikey Rocco’s Golf Fore All Abilities has arrived. Photo supplied.  It was a dream that has become reality for Mikey (Rocco) DiRaddo.  The 33-year-old Thorold native is a former Special Olympic Golfer and, in collaboration with local golf enthusiast Tony Haney, has brought Golf Fore All Abilities to fruition.  This reporter has had the grateful […]

The Niagara River Lions continue to prepare for their 2024 season and May tipoff. Pictured: Forward T.J. Lall. Photo Credit: CEBL.   The Region’s only pro basketball team announced the return of 6’6 forward, T.J. Lall and 6’1 guard, Kimbal Makenzie, both returning to the team for a second consecutive year. Lall, a 27 year-old […]

Needless to say, the news came fast and furious on Monday. Pictured: Bills guard David Edwards. Photo Credit: Matt Durisko/AP.  While many in these parts are familiar with NHL (National Hockey League) Free Agent Frenzy, the National Football League (NFL) stole the show Monday.  First things first. Even though the legal contract negotiating window for […]

The Fort Erie Meteors placed second in the seven-team Golden Horseshoe Conference and will play the seventh-seeded Port Colborne Sailors beginning Saturday night in Fort Erie. Photo Credit: Facebook/Fort Erie Meteors.    Three best-of-seven playoff series featuring five Niagara-based Junior B teams begin this week.  The Fort Erie Meteors placed second in the seven-team Golden […]

Taylor Pendrith isn’t the only athlete’s name featured at Pillitteri. Sprinter Andre De Grasse, swimmer Kylie Masse and equestrian Amy Miller also have their own wines. Photo Credit: Pillitteri Estates Winery.    Yes, your eyes and ears aren’t deceiving you.  You did see golfers on the links, or hear ‘fore’ in the distance this past […]

The River Lions tip off their season at the end of May. Pictured: Khalil Ahmad. Photo Credit: CEBL.   The Niagara River Lions have announced the re-signing of all four of their top scorers from last season, as Khalil Ahmad, Jahvon Blair, Eddie Ekiyor and Antonio ‘A.J.’ Davis will return for the 2024 Canadian Elite […]

It’s the final week of regular season for local Jr. A. and Jr. B hockey teams; Jr. C play-ins begin this week; and the last month of OHL regular season gets underway. Pictured: Niagara IceDog players. Photo Credit: Meridian Centre.  The Niagara IceDogs, who play out of the Ontario Hockey League, are officially in the […]

Badgers will play four home games on campus Saturday. Photo Credit: Brock Badgers Athletics/Stephen Leithwood.   If you’ve never checked out a Brock University sporting event, Saturday may be the best day to do it.  Over a six-hour span, four different Badgers teams will be competing in playoff games on campus at Brock U.  First […]

Thirteen teams, and over 200 players are expected to hit the ice at the Gale Centre in Niagara Falls on Friday, after Thursday’s night draft in which players and teams involved try and outbid each other for the right to draft their favorite former NHLer. Pictured: Wendel Clark. Photo Credit: NHL.com.    Thirteen former NHL […]

The Blue Jays first spring training game is Feb. 24 against the Philadelphia Phillies, while their regular season opener is March 28 in Tampa Bay against the Rays. Pictured is Blue Jays Vice President Andrew Tinnish. Photo Credit: The Canadian Press/Chris Young.   It’s a rite of passage to spring.  Major League Baseball Spring Training.  […]

St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe, who was at the bid presentation Sunday offered this: “The upcoming 2025 Minto Cup presents another exciting opportunity to highlight the hospitality and hosting excellence of St. Catharines.”   The Ontario Junior Lacrosse League (@TheOJLL) and St. Catharines Athletics, in collaboration with Sport Niagara and the City of St. Catharines, […]

It’s Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and defending champion Kansas City taking on Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffery, George Kittle and the San Francisco 49ers in the 58th edition of the Super Bowl, Sunday night from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images.    It’s hard to know what conversation is bigger surrounding […]

Despite the gold medals and representing Canada, Bach calls making her PWHL debut the highlight of her career thus far. Pictured: Victoria Bach. Photo Credit: PWHL Toronto on X.    It was a long awaited and much-anticipated women’s professional hockey debut for Victoria Bach.  The recent Brock University graduate had been waiting her whole life […]

Just past the halfway mark of the 82-game regular season, the Boston Celtics are the clear leader in the Eastern Conference, but the West is a tossup, with five teams all within five games vying for the Conference’s top spot. Pictured is Canadian R.J. Barrett, now a Toronto Raptor. Photo Credit: CP/Chris Young.    The […]