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Sports briefs: Get your wax on

The Whistler Nordics are hosting a wax fundraiser on Monday, Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m., in partnership with The Nordic Shop (opposite the Telus Whistler Conference Centre).

The Whistler Nordics are hosting a wax fundraiser on Monday, Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m., in partnership with The Nordic Shop (opposite the Telus Whistler Conference Centre). All cross-country skiers are invited to bring their skis by the store for waxing, and are welcome to stay to talk about waxing and learn how to do it themselves. The minimum donation is $15, with all proceeds going to the Whistler Nordics.

“Wax is the second most important thing for skiers, but it’s something that people always forget about,” said Duncan Munro, who learned from visiting national teams at Whistler Olympic Park last year and who will be waxing on Monday. The most important thing?

“It’s technique,” he said. “All the racers know that there are three things make people fast, the first is technique, the second is wax, and the third is fitness.”

The skis will be ready for pickup the next morning, unless you’re one of the skiers that wants to learn more about waxing.

With no trails open at Whistler Olympic Park and Lost Lake (Callaghan Country’s Main Line trail to Callaghan Lake is open), Munro says skiers have an opportunity this year to get ready.

“I talk to people all the time who wax once a year because they’re too busy, but this way there’s no excuses.”

 

Biathlon Twoonie race cancelled

The first Salomon Biathlon Twoonie Race, scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 7 at Whistler Olympic Park, has been cancelled due to the lack of snow.

The events, where participants get to race the Olympic course, shoot rifles with the assistance of volunteers, and ski penalty laps for all the targets they miss, are open to the public for a $10 entry fee.

Future events are scheduled for Jan. 11, Feb. 8 and March 29.

 

Squamish Wolfpack face Delta on Saturday

With an 8-16 record and no wins in their conference of the Pacific International Junior Hockey League, the Squamish Wolfpack are in a tough place in their bid to make the playoffs in their inaugural season.

The top four of five teams in the Tom Shaw Conference will move onto the playoffs, and the Wolfpack are currently sitting fifth. In fourth place right now are the Delta Icehawks, which are making a trip to Squamish Saturday, Dec. 6.

Detla only have three more wins than Squamish and two fewer losses, if you count four overtime losses this season.

Meanwhile the Wolfpack are successful facing teams from the rival Harold Brittain Conference, and have proved they can compete with anybody. In their last game against the Richmond Sockeyes, who are leading the Tom Shaw Conference and league with 24 wins and just two losses, the Wolf Pack actually held the lead 1-0 after two periods of hockey, only to see the Sockeyes score four unanswered goals to take the game 4-1.

Wolfpack goalie Graham Hallenbeck was the biggest factor in that game, blocking 47 of 51 shots, including all 30 shots taken by the Sockeyes in the second period.

The Wolfpack’s next game, against Delta, gets underway at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, Brennan Park Arena. Tickets are $8 for adults, and $6 for seniors and youth.

 

Quest basketball teams break for New Year’s

The Quest Kermodes men’s basketball team is now winless in five games, most recently dropping a pair of games to the Douglas College Royals 87-75 and 81-75. The team will have several weeks to regroup, and won’t play again until their two-game series against the Langara College Falcons on Jan. 9-10.

The Kermodes women’s team has a slightly better record of two wins and three losses. They split their games against Douglas College, winning the first game 63-45, then losing their second game 64-42.

 

Opening rail jam on Dec. 14

The Telus Park Rider Sessions get underway on Dec. 14 with a rail jam in the Whistler Terrain Park. The event is open to skiers and snowboarders of all ages, with different age groups sessioning the rails and boxes in the time allotted to their category. The judges and commentators keep the atmosphere fun and the skill level progressing for the event, and afterwards all participants are eligible to win draw prizes donated by sponsors.

The cost is $25 to enter, and registration is available at Whistler-Blackcomb Guest Relations desks around the village. Day of event registration is $30, and will be available until 9:45 a.m. in the Roundhouse Lodge.

All participants must wear helmets, and mouth guards and other protective gear are encouraged. As well, participants under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian at registration.

The awards are at 4 p.m. at 18 Below, and include a video playback of the day’s competition.

 

Get read to race, KVRS style

The opening of the Kokanee Valley Race Series is just two weeks away, with the first giant slalom on Thursday, Dec. 18 on Blackcomb. Pre-registration is available for $25 at guest relations, and day of race registration is in the Rendezvous Lodge until 9:45 a.m. As well, racers can pay $160 for a pass to compete in all eight events.

The first runs get underway at 10:30 p.m. and the second runs at noon.

This year the pro class racers are eligible to win prize money, while skiers in the age categories will win prizes. As always, all participants will be eligible to win draw prizes, including a pair of Atomic skis.

The awards take place at the Mountain Club in the Westin Resort and Spa, one level below the Fire Rock Lounge. Video playback starts at 3:30 p.m. and the awards are at 4 p.m. You must be 19 or older to take part.