Get ready! The 2017 season is almost upon us! Here’s a bunch of stuff you’ve probably been wondering about, including a preliminary tournament schedule, confirmed tryout dates, and captain announcements!
We’re excited to welcome an experienced and skilled group who will lead Union in 2017! Drum roll please……
2017 CAPTAINS
Eric Blanchard played with Union in 2015 and 2016. Coming back for a third year he brings experience from playing with the Toronto Rush, GOAT, MuD and a range of other teams. He brings a deep and experienced view of the sport to the coach’s corner and an explosive “never quit” attitude to the field.
Stephanie Malcher played with Union in 2014 and 2016. From Australia, she captained one of Australia’s top women’s club teams. She has represented Australia, including on the mixed World Games team in 2013. In 2015, she won a gold medal at the US Open with Melbourne-based mixed team Ellipsis. Building mental strength is a key element of her leadership style, along with a wealth of experience in the mixed game.
2017 VICE CAPTAINS
Jenn Le Roux is in her 5th season with Union Ultimate. She assisted Union to secure a gold medal at CUC, rewarding them with a bid to 2014 Club Worlds in Italy. Jenn helped the Canadian mixed masters team bring home a silver medal from Beach Worlds in Dubai in 2015, and will represent Team Canada again with the women’s masters team in France this June. Jenn’s passion for the game and player development makes her a valuable leader both on and off the field.
David Kaufman started touring in 2011 with Maverick, also playing in 2013, 2014, and captaining in 2015. He decided to move over to mixed in 2016 to play with Union. Kaufman’s enthusiastic attitude and strategic thinking are important assets to the team this season. He also brings big hucks, and loves throwing for our fast female receivers.
TEAM MANAGER (a.k.a. Team Mom)
This year, we also have the incredible support of Krista Kotwa who will be managing all off-field activities in addition to cutting long and skying people. She loves Union, she loves spreadsheets, and she’s very good at reminding people to reapply their sunscreen. She will be helping to organize the team so we can play our best when it matters most.
2017 SEASON
UNION is committed to building a team based on respect, continual development, and competitive excellence in 2017. We believe world-class mixed ultimate belongs in Toronto. In the 2017 season Union will compete at the Canadian Ultimate Championships, aiming to secure a bid for World Clubs in 2018. We’ll also be competing in the USAU Fall Series, where we’ll have the opportunity to take it to the best mixed teams in North America and re-establish our presence as a top 10 USAU team. We’re looking for players who are skilled, play smart, and have a positive, team-first attitude.
This year, Union plans to be practicing two-nights per week on Tuesdays and Thursday from 8pm – 10pm (reduced to once per week in weeks before and after tournaments). Additional fitness and skill development is expected outside of official practices. Guidelines will be provided as the season goes on (if you’re interested in accessing pre-season workouts, please get in touch!)
TOURNAMENTS
We’re yet to finalize our tournament schedule, however we expect it to look something like this:
- Toronto Ultimate Festival, Toronto, May 6/7
- One of: Mixed Easterns, Devens, June 3/4 OR Boston Invite, Devens, June 24/25
- Ontario Ultimate Championships, Waterloo, July 8/9
- Select Flight Invite, Columbus, Ohio, July 29/30
- Canadian Ultimate Championships, Saskatoon, Aug 24-27
- USAU Fall Series, Sectionals, Rochester, Sep 9/10
- USAU Fall Series, Regionals, Devens, Sep 23/24 (if successful at USAU sectionals)
- USAU Fall Series, Nationals, Sarasota FL, Oct 19-22 (if successful at USAU regionals)
TRYOUTS
If you’re interested in playing for Union this season, tryouts will be happening in late April. We’re looking for high-energy, team-focused players who can bring skills and a good attitude to this elite mixed team. Check out the Facebook events here and you’ll be sent a reminder to register once the form becomes available:
Thursday April 20, Downsview Park, 7pm – 9pm
Tuesday April 25, Downsview Park, 7pm – 9pm
Sunday April 30, Downsview Park, 4pm – 8pm
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
Leading up to tryouts, we’re hosting a bi-weekly high-level, invite-only scrimmage. If you’re interested in being invited, please be in touch with us at union.ultimate@gmail.com
