Page 32 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 150

32 Issue #150 July 2025 www.sportsenergynews.com

apply to the champion Panthers.
Continued from page 15 is amazing. It was only two years It Is What It Is Many of their stars came from
ago that the first women’s football
team,” said Cardinal. “It’s really league started in Ontario, and now, elsewhere. Seven players were
cool to have an important role on By Peter Collins acquired through trade including
Cornwall has already joined it as
a brand new team and be able to the smallest city to host a team. But Bennett, Jones, Reinhart, Tkachuk,
build it from the bottom up.” despite this, we are still competing and Marchand. It is hard to imagine

For Cardinal, the players make with some of the biggest areas the Panthers winning without
one or two of these players. Free
the experience worthwhile. “I in the province,” said Cardinal. nce again, the NHL season agency has also been well utilized
love coaching this group because “This is only year one of this team, Oended with the Panthers by Zito. Starting with the standout
they’re energetic, eager to learn, and we’ve already had so much from Florida being declared goaltending of Bobrovsky, and
and fun to be around. Being able success. I’m looking forward to Stanley Cup champions. Two other important pieces such as
to give new football players a great coming back to coach this team
Cups in a row, three consecutive Mikkola, Kulikov, and Verhaeghe.
and fun experience in the sport I next year.”
Cup finals appearances, mean Zito is unparalleled at finding
grew up loving is rewarding and Whether as a player or a coach, that the Panthers are on the cusp players that fit the Florida system.
makes me look forward to coming Cardinal sees football as a lifelong of dynasty consideration. If you There is no doubt that draftees such
back to coach every day,” he said.
passion. consider salary cap restrictions as Barkov, Lundell, and Ekblad
One of Cardinal’s favourite “Whether I’m in pads playing or and free agency, their results over were big contributors to Florida’s
memories as a coach reflects the on the sidelines coaching, football the past few seasons have been success, but they would not be
growing momentum of women’s will always be a part of my life,” some of the best in NHL history. Stanley Cup victors without Zito’s
football in Ontario. Certainly, credit must be given to roster manipulations. Now the next
said Cardinal. “I’m still very new to
“Watching women’s football coaching, but so far, my coaching head coach, Paul Maurice, and challenge begins for the Panthers.
become more popular not only in experience has been very positive, GM, Bill Zito, for inspiring the How to keep the team together,
Cornwall but also province-wide and I can’t wait to continue.” players and building a perennial and how to stay motivated after
contender. While Maurice is three grueling playoff runs that
Warner Insurance presents regarded as a player’s coach and lasted into June. No team since the
a master motivator, much of the Islanders of the early eighties have
Member of the Month Panther’s success should go to won more than two Cups in a row,

LIONEL DORIE Zito. The adage that you build a the Panthers seem well positioned
LIONEL DORIE
winner through the draft does not to meet that challenge.
Lionel has been a member of the Ontario Senior
Games’ (OSGA) District 8 for over two decades. OSGA - Continued from page 32 medals in the past in all three levels:
He has represented our District at numerous All of our OSGA participants would District, Regional, and Provincial.
Regional Games, and Provincial Games. He agree the importance of maintaining This year, he and his card playing
revealed that his favourite events are Bid Euchre, a strong family and community partner earned Silver in three events
Bowling, Cribbage, and Euchre. connections, which are crucial for at the District level: Bid-Euchre,
He has shared his passion of card playing with their physical and mental wellbeing. Euchre, and Cribbage. One would
his late wife Marcella, his younger brother Silva, his children, and his Maintaining relationships provide agree that a silver medal represents
grandchildren. Lionel and his entire family enjoy sharing their time emotional support, reduces feelings a sincere effort, a degree of skill, and
together sitting at the kitchen table and participating in some light-hearted of isolation and depression, and can luck. Dealing with a near-miss Gold
card competitions. This is a wonderful way to share their time and stay improve cognitive function. Strong medal can foster resilience, and it
connected with all the generations. Continued on page 32 * family and social ties can also helps the competitor to develop the
Home • Auto • Business • Farm Insurance contribute to a longer life, a sense of ability to bounce back from setbacks.
purpose, and meaning in their lives. But don’t let Lionel’s charming
Family and social relationships are an smile fool you. He hides the heart
essential aspect for seniors and other of a fierce competitor who forever
generations alike. Lionel agrees that strives to build winning memories.
Local the reason he enjoys participating in For more OSGA District 8
www.warnerbrokers.ca Service the OSGA District 8 events is “To information, contact our District 8
Online
meet new people and continue to Coordinator at linda8osga@gmail.
613-932-7210 • info@warnerbrokers.ca Quotes connect in new social relationships.” com or visit https://district8.osga.
Lionel has taken in numerous OSGA ca or follow us on Facebook.