Fun To Be A Pool Player In Nova Scotia

It's The Last Week In October....and I Just Got Back!
Dory Trawler returns from a bender!

Honest to gawd friends I've only had 3 Rum since June....KEGS! So what! Bedford brought you up to date about a month ago on all the things taking place up to....about now I guess. He left the rest of the year in my capable hands. He has extreme confidence in my ability (what he actually said was.. "update them properly and don't screw up...or else"....but I took that as a confidence booster!)

We do have lots of things happening between now and the end of the year but I want to touch on stuff to date for just a few minutes. Everyone knows last year was a "watershed" year for pool in Nova Scotia. That turning point came at the AGM for CSNS in August. From that moment on things began to unfold with epic results. The second event of course was the unveiling of The Atlantic 9 Ball Tour. I've written about both extensively and their success. The CSNS events last year drew record crowds. Wek took a picture while we were in Sydney and it is now "iconic". It really is. It is used on "invitations" to our next events. How many of you can name the people in that picture? How many times to we go to these events now and absolutely, truly enjoy seeing FRIENDS again and again? EVERY event, either hosted by CSNS or at The Atlantic Tour is now like a Family Reunion! Tell me you feel it.

Tell me when you read JR writing as only he as a songwriter can write that you don't get a little buzz. Tell me you don't get a little chill with so many hugs, so many high fives and truly genuine smiles from friends from Sydney to Yarmouth. Yes Yarmouth! Did you see the smiles on faces of friends of Keith Surette when he just "dropped in". 108 PLAYERS!!! Holy S...t. Some incredible pool was played. The highs and lows...the agony and the ecstasy. The pressure on a single shot. The adrenaline rush that affects the stroke. You put ALL of those things and more into the melting pot that is the current Pool Scene in Nova Scotia and it makes for a hell of a weekend! We need to take our hats off to all those involved in helping CSNS grow and the "team" that T.J. is assembling for The 9 Ball Tour. You also get to watch some live streaming even after you go home.....kinda like my old family reunions on the 8mm on the white sheet!! Well, maybe not quite!

But a word of caution too folks. Trust me. After almost 55 years of playing this game I've seen the highs and the lows. I've seen the bandwagon go by and people jump off. We need to continue to support both "groups" who are trying to build this game. CSNS takes their show on the road. That lends support to local clubs and keeps places to play alive and thriving......in YOUR area! The Tour brings players from other provinces to test our best. We need to keep cultivating our best. I'd like to see huge crowds at every Provincial Championship this year......imagine the REUNION!

CSNS 9 Ball # 3 is in New Glasgow this weekend (October 29th). The next weekend there's a Charity Event at Locas and one at Tommy Gun's (FULL). The weekend of November 12th there is the CCS Maritime Championships in Moncton and for those not able to attend there is the 4th and Final Handicap 9 Ball Event at Tommy Gun's in Windsor. Again 3 spots will be available to be won for the Atlantic 9 Ball Tour Stop #3 the next weekend (November 18th to 20th).

CSNS 9 Ball # 4 is on November 26th at Tommy Gun's in Windsor. The Provincial 8 Ball Championship will be held in New Glasgow on December 3rd and the very next day is the final Charity Event for Bonny Lea Farm at Tommy Gun's....on a Sunday afternoon! (We've got presents to buy!)
 The Silver Fox Finale is on December 10th and The Atlantic 9 Ball Tour # 4 is December 16th to 18th.

Man, that's a lot of pool. But tell me this.......what a great way to spend a weekend. Right.....
I think I need a drink after all that work!
Dory Trawler signing off.

Final Note: CSNS has a brand new website. Great job Craig Teal. For all the news, winners and rankings visit the site today. For all the results for The Atlantic 9 Ball Tour visit their website. Both groups are extensively on Facebook.

Fun To Be A Pool Player In Nova Scotia

It's The Last Week In October....and I Just Got Back!
Dory Trawler returns from a bender!

Honest to gawd friends I've only had 3 Rum since June....KEGS! So what! Bedford brought you up to date about a month ago on all the things taking place up to....about now I guess. He left the rest of the year in my capable hands. He has extreme confidence in my ability (what he actually said was.. "update them properly and don't screw up...or else"....but I took that as a confidence booster!)

We do have lots of things happening between now and the end of the year but I want to touch on stuff to date for just a few minutes. Everyone knows last year was a "watershed" year for pool in Nova Scotia. That turning point came at the AGM for CSNS in August. From that moment on things began to unfold with epic results. The second event of course was the unveiling of The Atlantic 9 Ball Tour. I've written about both extensively and their success. The CSNS events last year drew record crowds. Wek took a picture while we were in Sydney and it is now "iconic". It really is. It is used on "invitations" to our next events. How many of you can name the people in that picture? How many times to we go to these events now and absolutely, truly enjoy seeing FRIENDS again and again? EVERY event, either hosted by CSNS or at The Atlantic Tour is now like a Family Reunion! Tell me you feel it.

Tell me when you read JR writing as only he as a songwriter can write that you don't get a little buzz. Tell me you don't get a little chill with so many hugs, so many high fives and truly genuine smiles from friends from Sydney to Yarmouth. Yes Yarmouth! Did you see the smiles on faces of friends of Keith Surette when he just "dropped in". 108 PLAYERS!!! Holy S...t. Some incredible pool was played. The highs and lows...the agony and the ecstasy. The pressure on a single shot. The adrenaline rush that affects the stroke. You put ALL of those things and more into the melting pot that is the current Pool Scene in Nova Scotia and it makes for a hell of a weekend! We need to take our hats off to all those involved in helping CSNS grow and the "team" that T.J. is assembling for The 9 Ball Tour. You also get to watch some live streaming even after you go home.....kinda like my old family reunions on the 8mm on the white sheet!! Well, maybe not quite!

But a word of caution too folks. Trust me. After almost 55 years of playing this game I've seen the highs and the lows. I've seen the bandwagon go by and people jump off. We need to continue to support both "groups" who are trying to build this game. CSNS takes their show on the road. That lends support to local clubs and keeps places to play alive and thriving......in YOUR area! The Tour brings players from other provinces to test our best. We need to keep cultivating our best. I'd like to see huge crowds at every Provincial Championship this year......imagine the REUNION!

CSNS 9 Ball # 3 is in New Glasgow this weekend (October 29th). The next weekend there's a Charity Event at Locus and one at Tommy Gun's (FULL). The weekend of November 12th there is the CCS Maritime Championships in Moncton and for those not able to attend there is the 4th and Final Handicap 9 Ball Event at Tommy Gun's in Windsor. Again 3 spots will be available to be won for the Atlantic 9 Ball Tour Stop #3 the next weekend (November 18th to 20th).

CSNS 9 Ball # 4 is on November 26th at Tommy Gun's in Windsor. The Provincial 8 Ball Championship will be held in New Glasgow on December 3rd and the very next day is the final Charity Event for Bonny Lea Farm at Tommy Gun's....on a Sunday afternoon! (We've got presents to buy!)
 The Silver Fox Finale is on December 10th and The Atlantic 9 Ball Tour # 4 is December 16th to 18th.

Man, that's a lot of pool. But tell me this.......what a great way to spend a weekend. Right.....
I think I need a drink after all that work!
Dory Trawler signing off.

Final Note: CSNS has a brand new website. Great job Craig Teal. For all the news, winners and rankings visit the site today. For all the results for The Atlantic 9 Ball Tour visit their website. Both groups are extensively on Facebook.

Bringing EVERYONE as Up to Date as Possible

Working With What You Have

It's been almost two full months since the last post on Pool Hub Nova Scotia and there's plenty of reasons why that is...but who really cares! The most important thing is we're back at it and prepared to bring you up to date on the Pool Scene around the province...so here goes:
CSNS's Annual Meeting took place on August 7th. Plenty of discussion took place along with the non-renewal of some directors and the addition of a couple new faces as directors or simply joining a committee.
The "Season" got started early with CSNS's 1st 9 Ball Ranking Event in Sydney on August 20th. The winner was Andrew Simon with Billy Mac as runner up. The next Ranking Event for CSNS will be Saturday October 1st at Portland St. Dooly's in Dartmouth. I'm pretty sure that the second event, now that we are fully into the pool season, will be extremely well attended and look forward to seeing you there.
The first Atlantic 9 Ball Tour Event took place on September 16th to 18th at Almon Billiards. 98 players from around the Atlantic Region showed up and the highest bid from the Calcutta didn't disappoint...Tom Theriault came away the winner with Colin MacDonald runner up.
There were also Silver Fox events and a 9 Ball Handicap event at Tommy Gun's drawing players from around the province out to play.
Before I talk about the upcoming events in detail I would like to make a couple comments. If you go back just over a year ago and try to remember the FIRST Silver Fox Tournament. 16 teams of 3 players got together in the middle of the summer to play pool! 48 players....about 40 more than had been showing up to each pool tournament over the prior few years came together! The very first inkling of the excitement to come had just taken place.
From those events came almost 20 people showing up to CSNS's annual meeting...a new President was elected and we were OFF and running. We need to thank all those people who, over this past year, helped to revive this great sport. Colin and Billy and Craig and Dale and Jennie for driving CSNS to new heights. T.J. Martin for creating something special out of humble beginnings. Room owners who held things together while we got our s...t together and enabled us to have a place to play! Imagine trying to hold a tournament for 30 or 60 or 100 players in someones BASEMENT!
So now we have so much going on that Pool Players need to pick and choose their events! They need to schedule their weekends to try to support what they can....and THAT is not easy to do.

As a result of all this activity, Pool Hub is taking a slightly new approach. We are going to focus on CSNS Events, Atlantic 9 Ball Tour Events and Charity Events (I'm also going to promote Tommy Gun's Events because they send me the info! And the remaining Silver Fox) . We can go to CSNS's website and view the schedule. The Atlantic 9 Ball Tour website is being built and almost ready for their schedule. Facebook is a great place to learn about what's coming up as well.

I also want to put a plug in for Dave Boone's new website that is either finished or close to it. Dave has begun instructing and mentoring young adults (and others I'm sure) on how to play this game. He has joined me as we work towards finding the avenues available to get kids playing this game. He is probably the most "decorated" player from this province to pick up a stick and he is now looking for ways to give back to a sport he loves....hats off from me Dave Boone...and I'm sure many others.

So here's what's coming up:
October 1st - CSNS 9 Ball Qualifier # 2 - Portland St. Doolys - no details needed
October 15th Silver Fox Stop # 6 - look on Facebook for location
October 21st to 23rd Atlantic 9 Ball Tour Stop # 2 - Almon Billiards (newly renovated!!)
October 29th CSNS 9 Ball Qualifier # 3 Century Billiards, New Glasgow - no details needed
November 5th - TWO CHARITY EVENTS TAKING PLACE
Every year Tommy Gun's hosts 4 events for the residents of Bonny Lea Farm. Started by Stuart Carver to buy Christmas Presents for the 36 adult residents. It is a 32 player only Scotch Doubles event STRICTLY for fun!! This one is the 3rd of the 4 events for 2016. Go to Facebook and register. First 32 players registered...then it closes.
The second event will be hosted by Locas Billiards and Rob Millard. I don't have all the details, but again, Facebook through Locas, Cathy or Rob can fill you in. Events like these are what make pool and its players REALLY great!
November 12th Tommy Gun's 4th Handicap 9 Ball Event. 3 Spots paid to the Atlantic 9 Ball Tour Stop # 3 the next weekend as well as cash. Last Event won by Dave Boone with Brian White runner up and 28 players attending.
November 18th to 20th - Atlantic 9 Ball Tour Stop # 3 - Almon Billiards
November 26th - CSNS 9 Ball Qualifier # 4 - Tommy Gun's, Windsor
I'll post in about a month for the remainder of 2016 and early 2017.

 I have excluded the Snooker events taking place simply because it is almost a separate group of people. I DO want to acknowledge the tremendous effort put forth by Billy Martin and also Dale Brimicombe for their dedication to this sport. If I could see to the end of the table I might still be playing!!
By the way...Dory Trawler has been MIA for about 2 months. He's been on a bender (normal). I'll try to dry him out and stick him in front of a typewriter very soon.

Support the Events...Support the Rooms....Have a BLAST!

How To REALLY Start a New Pool Season!

This is a Public Service Announcement directed at EVERY Pool Player in Nova Scotia

On Sunday, August 7th @ Noon CSNS will be holding its Annual General Meeting. I urge every one of you to attend. Burnside Dooly's...be there!

I know, I know...it's Sunday at noon! It's my day off! I'd rather be playing than attending a "meeting"!

Last year there were about 20 attendees to the meeting and that was a monster turnout compared to other years. There were more people at that meeting then there were at most of the tournaments the prior year! The result.....we elected a new President and Executive Group that built CSNS into one of the premiere associations in the country!!

We had a year filled with dynamic tournaments with tremendous support from all over the province. We brought back events that hadn't been held for years because there wasn't enough suppport. We broke attendance records at almost every single event. We've all seen that iconic picture taken by Wek at an event in Sydney. Isn't it fantastic to look at that picture and point out the names of all the friends you've made and / or renewed over this past year? I think we had 53 or thereabouts in that picture. We should plan on another and try to double that! It all starts with the enthusiasm generated at the Annual Meeting.

Are there things you would like to see changed? Are there formats that would make events even bigger and better? Come out on August 7th and be a part of the best organization in Canada. A group of people dedicated to talking this game to new levels. I personally would like to see a Junior Championship held that had 16 or more players. How about 32 or more Ladies for every one of their Championships? Events like those come from determination and support from participants willing to promote and advertise. We need people willing to say - "I'll help".

Hopefully CSNS will be able to post an Agenda prior to the meeting. If there is something you would like added to the agenda be sure to reach someone on the Executive through Facebook or the website.

See you there...

BOOK YOURSELF INTO THE NEXT GREAT EVENT!           POOL IS LIFE!

So Many Events....So Little Time! Pool Scene Nova Scotia Rocks!

We at Pool Hub told Dory Trawler to take a couple weeks off because we need to pass on real info that is easy to read and understand (compared to his normal drivel that is "sometimes" hard to comprehend unless, you too, are drunk or "other"!)

Events Just Passed 

- The 2nd Summer 9 Ball Tour Event was held at Almon Billiards on July 16th. Chris Dempsey and Dana Murphy were in the finals....somebody won! (Go to the Tour Facebook page for details)
- Paul Gunn held his first ever 8 - Ball event at Dooly's Bedford on July 23rd with 22 entrants. Wayne Bishop 1st, Craig B. 2nd, Ryan Mac 3rd, Brian B. 4th. Great fun and more to come in the future.

Events Ongoing

- Tommy Gun's 8 Ball Round Robin every Tuesday night run by Brian Bedford
- Dooly's Glace Bay every Sunday at 6:30 run by Adam Sheppard
- Locas Billiards every Saturday at 1:00 8 -Ball run by Cathy Hiltz

Upcoming Events - You Just HAVE To Attend!

August 6th Silver Fox # 3 - Colin Maloney MUST provide details asap on Facebook - OR ELSE!

Two great events on August 13th 

- Atlantic 9 Ball Stop # 3 at Almon Billiards for the serious players  (Go to the Tour Facebook page)

- Brian Bedford is hosting a CHARITY EVENT at Tommy Gun's on Saturday Aug 13th. One of our dear friends in Windsor PATRICK BOUTILIER (known by all as deaf Patrick) has Type 1 Diabetes and his Insulin Machine is KAPUT!. We're going to raise money to BUY A NEW ONE and we need your support.
16 Teams only for a Scotch Triple 8 - Ball (yup...3 players to a team!) $25 per player ($75/Team). Hoping at "least" one lady per team (Karl has 2...!!) NO SKILL REQUIRED which means Buddy's Buzz can put in a team!Lots of prizes, 9-Ball Break Contest, Washer Toss Contest.....WE ARE GONNA RAISE MONEY THAT DAY - ENTER YOUR TEAM - SUPPORT FOR FUN!
See Facebook, See Tommy Gun's website. See Brian Bedford. 

September 10th is a COMBO DAY - 

TOMMY GUN's 3rd of 4 in the 2016 series 9 BALL HANDICAP OPEN
Dave Boone won event # 1 , Brian Bedford won event # 2 - Who Wins # 3 ???
PLUS - THREE (yup 3) PAID ENTRIES TO the ATLANTIC 9 BALL TOUR STOP # 1 (Sept. 17th)
(Back in June, Brian B. and TJ Martin negotiated 3 entries for Tommy Gun's and 3 for Century Snooker to build excitement for all)
SO - SEPTEMBER 10th @ TOMMY GUN's IS GOING TO BE A GREAT DAY!
Races from 4 to 9 Based on Ability!
Entry Fee - 4's and 5's = $20
Entry Fee - 6's and 7's = $25
Entry Fee - 8's and 9's = $30
Green Fee = $5
FIRST PLACE BASED ON 32 ENTRIES = $200 - (also pay down to 5th/6th place)
PLUS...PLUS Top Lady Finisher - FREE ENTRY To Atlantic 9 Ball Tour Event # 1
PLUS...PLUS Top "C" Ranked Finisher - FREE ENTRY To Atlantic 9 Ball Tour Event # 1
PLUS...PLUS Top "B" Ranked Finisher - FREE ENTRY To Atlantic 9 Ball Tour Event # 1
You can win Cash! You can win a FREE ENTRY!
SIGN UP NOW!!! 
Tommy Gun's - Great Food - Great Staff - New Super Pro Aramith Balls - Well Maintained Tables with Great Lighting.

Silver Fox Tour Stop # 2 Year # 2 Epic!!

No Holds Barred - Knock Down Drag 'Em Out Report

Brought to you by Dory Trawler
Forward - by Brian Bedford (very professional huh!)

Forward - As most of my literate friends (an oxymoron for sure) know, many professional writers have another esteemed collegue write a couple lines about their upcoming story to add value, credence and wisdom to what they are about to read. To that end, Dory Trawler asked me to write a couple exciting comments regarding what you are about to read....so here goes:

"What you are about to read is pure drivel! Dory has stepped over the line this time. This article is not for the faint of heart! The language is crude (keep children away!) and he essentially has something bad to say about EVERYONE he knew at the Silver Fox Stop # 2.
I can't control him anymore.
I, we, he personally think he is a schizophrenic ....and maybe even has a dual personality disorder.
The article is long and seems to wander...like his meds kick in and out or the rum has finally got to him, us we!
Regardless, he, we, I is/are a professional sports writer and I'm sure the details of SFC # 2 will bubble to the top for all who were not there."
(THAT was just the forward.....worried yet!)

SFC # 2 - 2016 A Dory Trawler Exclusive

I drove into Halifax with Bedford (no we didn't drive "through" Bedford..... I drove "with" Bedford) and we talked the whole way about THE TEAM! Brian Bedford, Lynanne Cutler and Patrisha Flemming....it was like a dream team. He can get stupid like that at times! Besides.....exactly who did he think he was talking to??

We got there, I went to the bar for a rum and Bedford started wandering around like a "social FN butterfly" talking to friends. (I know he was actually scoping out the competition and trash talking under his breath about every one of them!). His words to me, "this looks like easy pickings today"! The draw was done and Bedford, Cutler, Flemming won their first match in record time and completely trashed their opponents. (okay,,,so they were the ONLY team to get a Bye the first round!!! Semantics...pure semantics)

Their second round would be played against either Buddy's or Big Country! Bedford decided he would watch the match against Colin M and Brian W. It's funny how both of them get nervous when he watches them......no, no no...nothing to do with fear of playing him.....all to do with what smart-ass comment he might make (at any time) or what he might get me to write about after! It didn't matter..the White Family played (except Danielle) like they had a family reunion to attend before pizza arrived and they were gone!

Bedford, Cutler and Flemming strategized before playing Buddy's. Patrisha wanted Karas and wanted the back room table...she had a plan! Cutler wanted Maloney....she begged for Maloney! She planned to kick his ass. That left Bedford to play Weagle...a 5th meeting of epic proportions!To say the "plan failed" would be the understatement of the FN year! Patrisha planned to get Karas in the back room, lift her top, fondle and groan and watch Karas (over 60) break out in a sweat, hold his heart and when he came to Pat would tell him he lost 2 - 0 and he would happily agree! So what happens??? I go and tell Bedford that there's two tables in the back room and dammit if Farrell Walker isn't in there practicing!! He tells me, "get in that room, grab Walker by the FN ear and drag him out of there!! By the time I get there Karas has already won. He comes out....all virgin eyes and innocent and stands where Bedford and Cutler are still playing. It doesn't matter that both Cutler and Bedford lost....it only matters that Flemming had one FN job to do and she failed!

Next match....made it past pizza (how exciting!!) Bedford is playing Bedford!!! Well Tommy Gun's (how did the team get THAT name...Bedford is simply taking Stu's place!) is playing Bedford! So much easier if we played say...the Unama'ki Legends with Jay, Joel and Leon..no confusion with names and we could have kicked their ass! (they did place 5th but so what!) Bedford and the girls against Chess, Abe and Farrell would have been another "cake-walk" (4th place...again so what!) .....Anyway, Patrisha finally won but Lynanne lost and Bedford lost hill / hill to Tony. During the match, Bedford could see which way the wind was blowing and started scouting for new teammates with Leigh Ann, Lynne, Jen etc.

How was it that Wek has two wonderful ladies (Candace and Brenna) and they get 3rd??? Might be that Wek is 1/3 the age of Bedford!!
New England wins, congrats Wayne, Calvino and Davis. Buddy's 2nd....big FN deal (our plan could have worked!!).

So, we are driving home and I turn to Bedford (no..we did not turn into Bedford!! gheesh!) and ask a simple question......"Can you explain to me why....why...you would give Dave Karas the opportunity to go into the back room with Patrisha? Why would you not have skipped the FN Silver Fox Classic # 2 altogether and simply taken Patrisha and Lynanne somewhere yourself!!!! ???? You are one dumb SOB.!"
And HE thinks I...drink too much....Dory Trawler signing off!

The Pool Scene Is Vibrant

Okay!.....Okay!.....I'm sorry okay! It has been almost 8 WEEKS since Pool Hub last posted. There is absolutely no one to blame (except Chris Banks!), it's just something that happens from time to time. I suppose you could blame our lead sports reporter...Dory Trawler....who went on a seven week BENDER!!! But, if you only followed Pool Hub to read "Trawler's Trash" you need to get a new life anyway!

SO MUCH has happened in these past weeks in the Pool Scene throughout Nova Scotia it's hard to know where to start. I'll try to give a recap of as much as I remember then I'll I'll turn it over to Dory to finish things off. I can tell you this: CSNS had an EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL year with some incredibly deserving Champions in all their major events. Records were set at almost every tournament for participation from all levels. It was a blast to be a part of it and I'm looking forward to next year. Please go to CSNS's website (new and improved by Jennie Ross Saulnier) for every single detail. Hats off to execs Colin, Billy Mac, Craig, Dale and Jennie along with the directors.

Just as successful was the 2015 - 2016 created Atlantic 9 Ball Tour. Again, record participation from all over Atlantic Canada and quite likely the most successful Tour of its kind in North America!! Now that's something to be proud of! Great job T.J. Martin. For something that started when "two heads came together"!!?? Hey, ya gotta laugh sometimes!

Nova Scotia participated at the Canadian Open event through winners and qualifiers of our Provincial Events and also participated at the Canadian Amateur Championships with our winners and qualifiers. I think the highest finisher was Craig Teal as Runner Up in the 9 Ball Amateur in St. John. Not only does he run a great tournament....he can sure play as well.

The summer is filled with plenty of pool too. Once again the Silver Fox Classic will be run by Colin Maloney. I think we can all agree that this was the one key series last year that was most intrumental in reviving The Pool Scene in Nova Scotia. The first one is already over (nobody cares who won White, White and Abolit!) The second one is July 9th. Look for details on FaceBook.
Also, The 9 Ball Tour run by T.J. Martin is holding 3 events through the summer with 32 max. fields. Go to the Tour FaceBook page for details.

So every player from 0 to 90 (Stuart Carver!!) better get ready for a FANTASTIC 2016 - 2017 Season!

Now I'm going to turn it over to Dory Trawler, our esteemed (that's B.S.!) reporter to talk about the OTHER TEAM EVENTS taking place.

L-R Greg K, Lynanne C, Brian B, Jen P,, Karl L, Greg W, Dave K, Mike W.

A Dory Trawler Exclusive

Can everyone see the picture above? Can you see how "fuzzy" it is? Can you see how the two rejects on the right sorta "fade to black"? That's about my recollection of the day!

A few months ago Bedford started a "Colour of Bragging Rights" Team Event. 8 person teams played other 8 person teams. I wrote about them in past articles. As EVERYONE knows Tommy Gun's has been the clear winningest team. All events are held at Tommy Gun's. So, Weagle....yes, the same one who was part of Team Buddy's Buzz, along with Karas, Potter and Wilson....came up with the BRILLIANT idea of trying to create some HOME ROOM ADVANTAGE! They invited 4 of Tommy Gun's run of the mill players to play against Buddy's Buzz BEST! OF COURSE Tommy Gun's accepted!

So, on Sunday afternoon June 26th the four Tommy Gun's players Brian Bedford, Lynanne Cutler, Karl Larson, Greg Kaye and myself (it didn't feel that crowded with 5 of us  in the car!) drove to Lower Sackville. Understand that Weagle and potty mouth Potter had already been trashing them...in public! But being civil and professional, Tommy Gun's weathered the insults.

On the drive down Karl had never been to Buddy's so I tried to describe it to him. I said "you know how Locas has those big pillars out front?" Karl says "yes". I said "well Buddy's doesn't have those!" I said "you know the big, high ceilings at Locas?" Karl says "yes". I say "well Buddy's doesn't have that!" I say "you know all those big windows along the side of Locas?" Karl says "yyyeeesss". I say "well, you guessed it......Buddy's doesn't have any of those"! Karl said..."I think I get the picture!"

Just prior to actual play Jen had a few rules for her Scotch Doubles and Partner team mates:
- NO side shots!  She doesn't like them!
- NO moaning if she misses (I guess not during anything else either - but just guessing!)
- NO rolling your eyes

So, just to be fair, Bedford made a rule: Lynanne and Jen had to do all the racking and had to lean over...every time...to make sure the top ball was tight!
Now we were ready to play!!

Someone said there was to be no alcohol involved........so six players left!! That person was beat half to death and the players returned. I personally abstained from any alcohol consumption. I was there to report the facts.

Here's how things went: Weagle played as slow as molasses the entire day. Wilson and Bedford had the dumbest, jerkiest strokes (a wonder they even hit a ball!), Karas was right at the table the second it was his turn and 100% aware of EVERYTHING that was happending.....no, no, no that is not what happened.
Lynanne was clearly the best player on both teams. She made a 9 off the break! She made a 3 ball combo that she called! Karl and Greg K were steady all day. I think Bedford and Wilson had more ZERO's then the other six players combined. A lot of alcohol was consumed. The alcohol had no effect on Jen.....except I kept hearing "the OTHER left Jen"..whatever that meant!

The Winner's........TOMMY GUN's. It was so bad that part way through Greg says - "you know, I live in Mt. Uniacke.....I could join Tommy Gun's next time!!

Actually, it was one of the most enjoyable afternoons of pool for all 8 participants!!! And that's a fact! There were hugs all around, high 5's all around and a million laughs. Tommy Gun's won by ONE SINGLE POINT!
That my friends....IS WHAT POOL IS ALL ABOUT!

Pool News Is Always Exciting - Especially From Dory Trawlers Viewpoint

Tommy Gun's Tuesday Night Tourney Keeps Growing.

Bernie Terrio and Dan DeWolfe shared first place on April 26th and Stuart Carver (4 days shy of 90 years old!!) got 3rd Place. 18 players came out and this tourney keeps rolling along. Maybe it's the publicity gained from right here! Perhaps Locas, Buddy's and all Dooly's could benefit.....just send the details and help us grow this sport.

Dan DeWolfe Left - Bernie Terrio Center - Stuart Carver Right

 Charity Event For Bonny Lea Farm Residents and Stuart Carver's 90th Birthday Party

On Saturday April 30th 2016 Stuart Carver turned 90 years young! And what better way for him to share his birthday then to host the second of four Charity Events for this year. 32 Pool Players took part in a Scotch Doubles Event at Tommy Gun's and about 40 more friends and family showed up to celebrate the special occasion. A 40 pound birthday cake (yup..40 pounds! see below)) in the shape of a pool table complete with balls in the pockets! satisfied every sweet tooth for miles around! The winning team was Bill Camp and Ted Llewelyn and their names will go on the trophy (see below). Special thanks to Carrie and the staff for the donation of table time, prizes and a very well decorated Tommy Gun's.

The figures on the trophy were carved by Stuart about 30 years ago from two fellas he met at the pub!

The Cake That Fed Them ALL!

The Colour Of ........Bragging Rights! 100 Point Challenge Cup
Tommy Gun's CRUSHES Buddy's Buzz!!!

Yes folks...it was a "blow heard round the province"! Sunday May 1st the warriors from Buddy's Buzz traveled down the road to do battle with gentle players from Tommy Gun's. It was hard to tell who the captain was of the team. One minute Mike Weagle is calling the shots, then Dave Karas (no, actually, Dave was NEVER in charge come to think of it!) then Lacie Hawco (damn, that's not right either...Lacie was just quiet and ladylike as always.......oh sorry...wrong Lacie!).....at the end Jen was in charge...that was clear....and Greg Wilson, Dustin, Gary and Jeff just did what they were told!

After 128 games of Scotch Doubles and then Partners just 4 points separated the two teams (66 to 62) and the singles began. Up to that point there had been a fair consumption of alcohol by several of the players. Weagle was....well ....he was his normal self! He led the way followed by Karas and Wilson was doing his part ...but Bedford....ah man....he had consumed more than he has in the past two years probably combined.

The captains (Jen now and Brian) paired them up
Dave  took down Glenn Vervaeke 6 - 2
Reg Ivany took down Jeff Venedam 5 - 3
Jen put Lacie up against Albert Coffill and he took her down 7 - 1
David Howells and Dustin Reaney fought to a 4 - 4 draw
Dan DeWolfe got Jen Potter 6 - 2
Darrell Abolit and Gary also fought to a 4 - 4 draw
Mike Parker got by Greg Wilson 5 - 3
And then it was Bedford and Weagle!! Weagle had DEMANDED Bedford
But.....BUT ...Weagle was coming off his first victory over Bedford at the 9 Ball Championship and was feeling cocky!
Copious amounts of alcohol consumed by both (that means lots for some of you!) Shooters (both believe it or not!)....Rum (Bedford) ...Beer (Weagle).
After 3 games of 9 Ball Bedford was up 3 - 0
Bedford looked over AND..YES you read it here first.....WEAGLE WAS DRINKING COFFEE!!!!
Final Score - Bedford 6 - Weagle 2
 But there were so many laughs throughout the day it was hard to declare a winner......IT WAS NOT!
Tommy Gun's 101 - Buddy's Buzz 91....Bragging rights forever! Or until they demand a rematch.

Part of the process is that Weagle and Hawco must post to Facebook their humble respect for Team Tommy Gun's for all to see. 

And what Team wants to be next! Step up and be counted!

DORY TRAWLER BRINGS IT!

A Long Awaited Dory Trawler Exclusive

Okay, time for the truth....Pool Hub actually fired my sorry ass about a month ago and that's why you haven't seen any articles by me in that time. The problem was....I had been drinking too much! There, I said it....it's out in the open now and we can move on. My boss was pretty sure that I couldn't function effectively based on the amount I was drinking. I don't know if it was luck on my part or just karma, but I sent him down to Buddy's Buzz for an afternoon to just relax and have some fun. HE CAME BACK A CHANGED MAN!

I forget his exact words but they were something to the effect of : "I saw with my own eyes how you can function and drink!....and drink!....and drink! Right in front of me was Mike Weagle and Dave Karas! They drank....and they were coherent...they drank....and they played pool....they drank...and one of them could still use his phone (the other one didn't know what a phone was but that's beside the point".

So, if you can believe it......I owe my job to those two! That's crazy...lol...lmao...btw....ffs...wtf....I don't know what any of those short forms mean but I see the kids saying it so...

News?? Oh ya...news. Man, there has been a lot of news. Lets try point form:

• Team Events - The Colour of ....Bragging Rights 100 point Challenge Cup - Windsor beat Kentville, then Kentville beat Chester then Bridgewater beat Windsor and on May 1st Buddy's Buzz takes on Windsor (Tommy Gun's). Who's next? Sloan says he's got a team....but he's also got a girlfriend now so......there goes his pool!
• Greg Wilson won the last Atlantic 9 Ball Tour Event
• Richard (Buddy) Young won the Atlantic 9 Ball Open Event over Rick Leon
• Richard (Buddy) Young won the Open Provincial 9 Ball over Brian White with Bill Macpherson coming in 3rd
• Kelly Brimicombe won the Ladies Provincial 9 Ball.
• Colin Maloney, Richard Young and Bill MacPherson qualified to represent Nova Scotia at the Canadian Open 9 Ball Championships.



Fuzzy Stolen Picture of Richard Young and Brian White

• Craig Teal, Carl Sampson and Andrew Simon qualified to represent Nova Scotia in the Canadian Amateur 9 Ball Championships.

Wow......I felt like a real reporter there for a minute! I CAN function....hooray!

Stu Carver turns 90 years old this Saturday, April 30th and he will host the second of four Tournaments for Bonny Lea Farm at Tommy Gun's that day. Drop in for cake.

Come back the next day and watch Windsor kick Buddy's Buzz ass all the way back to Lower Sackville!

Tommy Gun's has been getting 19 and 20 players out for their Tuesday 8 Ball. Some tremendous improvement showing in players like Darrell Abolit, Glenn Vervaeke and Greg Kaye who have been playing lots of pool lately. Drop in Tuesday...have supper...play some pool.

The picture to the right was stolen from Rick Leon but I made it fuzzy so he couldn't tell. The one below is recycled from a couple weeks ago!

We Keep Breaking Records At Tommy Gun's!

They're Coming Out Of The Woodwork!

So we set a new record on April 12th at Tommy Gun's in Windsor. 20 Players! Yep, that's right...20 players came out for our Tuesday 8 Ball Tourney!
They arrived from Chester Basin, Aylesford, Kentville, Berwick (well, the sticks outside, Greg), Halls Harbour (almost), St. Croix, Hammonds Plains (or somewhere in that area...Harry),  Hantsport, Falmouth (whatever!), Wolfville, a block away from Tommy Gun's (finally Doug!), Steve Ambeau drove all the way from the other side of Sydney (what the hell is on the other side of Sydney!!) and finally Abolit from.....from.....(he has told me about 40 times but!) somewhere in the Enfield, Shubie, Stewie, Musky......area!!!
We split into two groups (tried to get as equal as possible with handicaps!) and the top two from each side did ANOTHER round robin. 1st Place was almost a foregone conclusion with Trevor Clowry as a +4 (see if he EVER sees that number again!) got 1st Place with Greg Kaye getting 2nd Place and Darrell Abolit taking 3rd Place.
The handicap system is getting more

Left Darrell      Centre Greg         Right Trevor

 and more accurate as we move closer and closer to - Anyone...on ANY given night can walk through the door feeling as though they have a legitimate chance of winning if they perform ABOVE their normal capabilities to date!
The top players MUST play their best and that includes trying to keep their opponents from making too many balls. The next level needs to win games AND really challenge the top players. The lower level needs to make balls and hopefully win more games than normal.
We were a bit late starting as we created the format but finished at 10:00 as planned. That's pretty good.
See you next week! Or else!!

The Colour Of.....Bragging Rights Challenge Cup

Draft Your Team And Submit A Challenge

Back in March Windsor challenged Kentville on a Sunday afternoon and a new Team Event was born. Windsor crushed them, but they were not broken. Kentville accepted a challenge from Chester and on April 3rd sent Stuart and the gang back to Chester with their tails between their legs.

Next up....Bridgewater has the audacity to think they can take on the Big Dawgs. On April 17th you can drop by Tommy Gun's and watch Windsor demolish Bridewater. Windsor has NEVER been beaten in the Bragging Rights Challenge Cup! That's right...undefeated to date! (okay, only played one event...but still).

Who's next? Weagle has "claimed" he can put together the winning combination. Lacie has started the trash talk already. Karas has said.....actually Karas has only said "what?...who?....when?....oh sure!" Does anyone believe Buddy's Buzz can field a winner?
Sloan claims he can put together a "brag buster" team. Talk....talk...talk. See what Dooly's Sackville can muster.

Maximum 2 A players and a minimum of 3 C/D players on a team of 8. You get to play 40 games of pool on a Sunday afternoon. Yup...40 games. Scotch Doubles, Partners and Singles. Hard to beat for $10.00 a player.

Contact Dory Trawler for more details......wherever he may be!

Seven (7) Balls On The Break!!

The big story in Windsor on Tuesday April 5th wasn't the winner.

Left - Dan DeWolfe Center Greg Kaye Right Glenn Vervaeke

15 Players showed up for our Tuesday 8 - Ball Tourney at Tommy Gun's on April 5th and another new winner stepped onto the podium. Congrats to Greg Kaye for 1st Place, Glenn Vervaeke took down 2nd Place and unless a miracle happens you won't see him in the money for a while...and Dan DeWolfe claimed 3rd Place.

But, get this, Dave Cochrane won the break over Bedford....broke and sunk 7 Balls on the break!! Yup, 5 stripes and two solids. I have seen five and I think I've seen six but not sure I've seen SEVEN! Reminds you of Alex making SIX in a hill / hill match in 9 Ball. Oh, and do you recall, Alex made a ball then missed and lost the game! Guess what.......Dave made a stripe.......then lost the game!!! That Bedford is such an a......sset to the game!

Everyone should be "playing the weekly circuit" from Tommy Gun's on Tuesday to Almon on Wednesday to Sackville Dooly's Thursday, Locas on Friday night and Buddy's Buzz on Saturday afternoons. Then you'll have enough pool to last you til next week!

Colour of... Bragging Rights Challenge Cup

Ultimate Team Play Afternoon

Chester said... "We can beat Kentville then claim Ultimate Bragging Rights after we demolish them!".
Kentville said..."Assemble your team and give it your best shot!"
Windsor said..."A whole lotta talking going on.....but WE are the BIG DAWG....go fight it out!

So Chester assembled a team and Stu Carver, Lori Davis, Tommy Naus, Billy Davis, Gary Landry, Abe Younis, Farrell Walker and one import Louie Dixon arrived at Tommy Gun's for the Challenge Cup Battle.

Kentville brought Karl Larson, Lynanne Cutler, Bernie Terrio, Jim Mailman, Chris Brown, Wayne Bond, Blaine and a new member Wayne Arnburg to Tommy Gun's on Sunday April 3rd.

40 games of pool from 11:30 to 5:30 played by EACH PERSON ....then the dust finally settled.....

The WINNER?........KENTVILLE!! They crushed, stomped, demolished, ruined, decimated, trashed, ......well, you get the idea.....They BEAT CHESTER.

So, The Colour of.......Bragging Rights Challenge Cup Event # 2 is in the books and # 3 has been set for April 17th with Bridgewater throwing down the gauntlet to Windsor......Ha.. Windsor says.

A maximum of 2 A players and a minimum of 3 C/D players in a Team of 8.  How about it Buddy's Buzz? Will you take on the winner?   

Windsor - Tuesday - Tommy Gun's - BE THERE!

Tommy Gun's Tuesday Pool....Keeps Growing

Darrell 1st Glenn 2nd Andy 3rd

The last Tuesday in March saw 19 Players come out for a whole lot of pool and a whole lot of fun. As you may already know TNS televises the event every week simply because it's getting so big! Thank goodness they do because we thought we had a tie for 1st Place between Darrell Abolit and Glenn Vervaeke with Andy Burnet coming in 3rd Place. Turns out, one of our television viewers phoned in to advise that Glenn had misinterpreted the handicap scoring and marked a score of 4 instead of 2. (Those viewers are just like on the PGA Tour!) That means Darrell 1st, Glenn 2nd and Andy 3rd. 

All three players get their handicap adjusted! Some people thought Tuesday Night was a Democracy but they're finding out it's really a Dictatorship! Bedford finds the slightest reason to change handicaps!

The night went later than usual (almost 11:00) and that won't happen again. The goal is to finish before 10:00 every week and still get in lots of pool. In order to do that our magic number of games played is about 12 to 14 . The Round Robin Format will continue and will simply be adjusted into either 2 or 3 groups when we exceed 15 players. Leave it to Bedford, he'll figure it out.

There has also been a request to get back to providing more stats like Pool Hub did in the past. We will, we will, just give us time! The 3 winners on this night had actual wins of 11, 9, and 10 respectively. The most wins on the night was Mike Parker with 16 out of 18....congrats Mike!

Come out and join the FUN every Tuesday. Have supper...play pool...enjoy life! Word has it that you can play 9 - Ball at Almon Billiards Wednesday night......I KNOW you can play 9 -Ball at Doolys, Lower Sackville on Thursday, I KNOW you can play 9 - Ball at Locas Billiards on Friday,

If they would send Pool Hub their RESULTS we could track EVERYTHING!
(ps - for those who thought the TV station was incorrect...it's Total Nonsense Stuff!)

Tuesday Fun at Tommy Gun (lost the "s" to make it rhyme)

It's a Whacky World in Windsor every Tuesday night (too bad it wasn't Wednesday) where new winners win weekly!! Whew!

Darrell 2nd Andy 1st Glenn 3rd

This week 16 Players competed but the winner was almost pre-determined! Andy Burnet came into the night with a huge handicap advantage...but then he simply sealed the deal by winning 11 of his 15 matches. Greg Kaye actually won 12 of 15 but his handicap is + 1 and Brian Bedford and Karl Larson tied Andy with 11 wins but with handicaps of -1 they were not even close!

Only two points separated 2nd Place Darrell Abolit a + 2 from 3rd Place Glenn Vervaeke a + 3. The ultimate goal on Tuesday is to eventually have EVERYONE WIN and from there every player will be competing at their best "normal" level. If they play better than "normal" they will win and if they do not play up to their potential, they will not be in the money.

Next week should be a blast! Trevor Clowry, Darrell, Glenn and Nick Smith will be the favourites going into the night.....but that just means that everyone will be "gunning" for them! The role of the low handicaps on Tuesday night is to be "spoilers"!

Come out and join us. $7.00 is pure entertainment value for a fun night of pool at Tommy Gun's.

The Stuart Carver Charity Pool Tournament For Bonny Lea Farm

A Great Afternoon Of Pool For a Worthy Cause

A Full House For A Fun Day

A Full Field of 32 players arrived at Tommy Gun's in Windsor for the first of four events in 2016. All four events are scheduled to raise funds for the residents of Bonny Lea Farm in Chester. If you have a moment, please google this fantastic facility. All funds go towards Christmas presents for the residents.

The afternoon of pool is a Scotch Double Event that runs as smooth as clockwork thanks to the efforts of Stuart and Linda as well as a supporting cast of helpers.The top four teams (two from each side) make it to the playoffs. The Winners of the day....Betty Poulain and Brian Bedford beating out Lynanne Cutler and Stuart Carver.

The REAL WINNERS of the day will be the Residents of Bonny Lea!

Super thanks to Carrie and her staff for the great service throughout the day as well as the donation of table time and prizes. Tommy Gun's generosity easily allows another $400 per event to go towards gifts at Christmas.

Now......get ready for the NEXT EVENT ON APRIL 30th. The Second Event takes place on that date AND STUART CARVER TURNS 90 YEARS YOUNG ON THE SAME DAY!

Only 32 can play in the Event but 90 more can show up to cheer everyone on! Sign up IMMEDIATELY to play: Phone Linda 902 275 5262.....NOW !

We Hid Something AMAZING Under All That Was Bad In Society

Success For The Future Starts Today – Everyone Should Play!

I sincerely hope I do a great job writing this article. My goal is for its contents to be read by every teacher, professor, parent and government official that can help me change the perception and then laws surrounding the game of pool in this province.

It will not be a short read. However, I hope that when you have finished reading you will believe, as I do, that it is time to “right a wrong” that has been placed on this game and the time is now to make changes that should have been done many years ago.

The very first thing I need each of you to do is imagine that I have a PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Behavioral Science and Bio Mechanics. Believing my credentials to be impeccable will add validity to each of my statements. Or, you could just take my word that I know what I’m talking about!

The second thing I need you to do (and this may be the most important request of all) is to remove every aspect of your perception of this game (we’ll call “pool”) and all the history you think you know about this game. I want your mind to be free of negative knowledge and open to the true values this game offers.

Some people call this game a sport. Some refer to it as a hobby or a pastime. Just for purposes of this article perhaps you could trust me that the game of pool is a sport that has many of the elements of other games that are always considered sports. I will compare this game to other “sports” as well as other games of strategy as we go. There are so many aspects of this game that are truly unique that determining exactly what it is becomes a completely separate article.

Please follow me on a hypothetical journey. Remember, you have removed all past knowledge of this sport from your mind! (My behavior science degree!) I have set up a 4 ½ x 9 foot pool table in your high school gymnasium. It has six pockets (on all four corners and 2 on the sides exactly half way from each end) and is covered by green cloth. All of the rails between the six pockets are rubber covered by the same green cloth. For our purposes today we are going to play the pool game called 9-Ball. On the table are 9 balls numbered one to nine and a cue ball which are all perfectly round spheres 2 ¼ inch in diameter (please convert that to cm. for me when you get a moment). The nine numbered balls are “racked” in a diamond formation and placed in the centre of the table approximately 1/3 of the way out from the back rail. The cue ball is placed behind a line approximately 1/3 out from the other end rail. The cue ball is going to be struck by a cue stick (approx. a 56 inch tapered stick with a compacted leather tip about 12 mm in diameter) directed at the rack of balls and … THE GAME BEGINS! (I hope none of that was too technical and could be visualized)

The object of the game of 9-Ball is to strike the cue ball into the lowest numbered ball on the table and sink the nine numbered balls, in order. The player who sinks the 9 Ball is the winner. (I am NOT going to get into all the rules except as they occur in my journey below).

The opponents are, most often, one person against another. It could be partners or even teams but typically it is one on one.

Now, this is the exact moment that some of the amazing aspects of this game begin:

• Unlike virtually any other sport the opponents “pitted” against each other could be so diverse it’s almost limitless: male / male, male / female, female / female, young (8) / old (108), and on and on. By the way, I used to say old (88) but I have a remarkable friend who just turned 89 and plays as one of the top 1% of skilled players in this province! Strength is not a significant factor. You can play this game from a wheelchair or with one leg or one arm. All of those factors suggest to me that it truly might be a sport for almost everyone. Amazing

• Our journey involves two 15-year-old girls (remember, high school gym!) who will play a race to whoever wins 5 games first. Each game takes about 8 minutes so this “match” will last about one hour maximum. (My degree in mathematics!)

• By whatever method approved, the “breaker” will be determined. She then (as noted above) strikes the cue ball with the tip of the cue into the rack of balls! A loud crack is heard and the game begins. The 10 balls on the table scatter around the table and come to rest in a completely random position. A limitless, infinite number of landing patterns (is that redundant!) every single time the break occurs. Amazing

• If no foul occurs and any ball goes into a pocket except the cue ball, the breaker remains at the table and will then shoot again. Her next shot must be at the lowest numbered (object) ball on the table. (Remember, not too technical for those who know the game!) As long as she continues to hit the lowest numbered ball on the table and a ball is sunk, she will remain at the table. Another of the amazing aspects of this game is that it is possible, if she has the skill, to win all five games in a row with her opponent NEVER getting to the table!

• Now, the player is looking at the pattern of the balls on the table. She is thinking very hard (tremendous thought processes occurring, very educational). She knows that if she misses, her opponent then has the very same advantage she now has and the opportunity to achieve what was noted in the last point. She strategizes her next shot but also envisions exactly where the cue ball will stop for the next lowest ball! She is a skilled player and she sees each of the shots required to “run this rack of balls” from this pattern. She is planning ahead. She has created a strategic plan to win this game and must now put her plan to the test. Amazing

• For our purposes today she runs 5 balls in a row and misses. That number of balls in a row would be typical of an average player of the game. That means that a below average player runs 4 or less and an above average player can run the rack of nine balls with one turn at the table. Highly skilled players can run more than one rack at a turn at the table and exceptional players can sometimes achieve 5 or more racks at one turn. The ability to improve your skill is limitless. Amazing

• Our original player developed a strategic plan but failed to execute it this time. However, all is not lost and the chance she will get back to the table, if not this game, then the next, is highly likely. How typical of life. How typical of business. Imagine, thinking about what went wrong and developing skills and mindsets to resolve the problem next time. Amazing

• The ebb and flow of the game is truly exciting for the players and anyone watching who fully understand the rules and the complexities of the game. The players know that the more they practice the better they will get. Proper instruction from qualified people can improve their game. They develop their own stance, bridge and stroke. They emulate other players they see who are successful. They try to control their emotions like professional golfers with a 3-foot putt and the nerves that need to be harnessed. It’s not physical strength that carries the day. It is mental, emotional, nerves and consistent visual attention to every detail that prevails. You need physical stamina to compete for an extended period of time in one session but you can improve that stamina with healthy eating, drinking and exercise.

• This match has gone back and forth and is now tied at 4 games apiece (hill / hill) and the final game is about to get underway. Imagine, these girls have struck the cue ball and caused it to hit the “exact” spot on the object ball that will cause that ball to drop in the pocket they aimed at a total of 72 times. They have probably attempted well over 120 shots and missed several times. So many details to focus on and so many factors come into play. It requires excellent hand / eye co-ordination, a smooth stroke, precise speed, an understanding of deflection and geometry (my physics degree!). They have probably “banked” several balls (hit into the rail allowing it to rebound into the pocket on the other side of the table). They have probably strategically “hid” the cue ball behind another ball forcing their opponent to calculate exactly where they must hit a bank to “kick” into the lowest ball on the table. Amazing

• Has anyone gone back to the beginning of this article to add up the number of educational aspects that have come into play in this single match of eight games? If you do, I am certain you will be amazed.

• Let’s not finish this match. Let’s fully understand though that there will be a winner and a loser. That is what life is all about. The fact that one of these 15-year-old girls lost does not make them a loser. Hopefully it makes them stronger. Hopefully it makes them practice more, seek additional coaching and makes them more determined to do better next time. That would be so similar to what happens in real life that it would be amazing.

• I imagine this high school has plenty of sports activities. There will likely be individual and team sports for both male and female. However, I doubt there is even one sport, team or individual, that enables male and female to compete on a virtually level field. I also doubt there is another sport available at that school that would enable every, single student a chance to compete at some level. I need you to simply stop and imagine some of these things I’m saying. The petite grade 10 girl challenges the largest football player in grade 12 to a match….and wins! Those types of “what ifs” are endless. But think of the self- esteem, confidence boosting results that are possible.

• At the same time it is important to remember that you can practice this sport on your own and “hone” your skills at your own pace. There will always be those who have difficulty with this game, the same as any other. However, once played and understood, this game can be a tremendous spectator sport as well. It is the one sport that almost any member of the audience can duplicate a very difficult shot, if shown properly, and execute it as well as a professional in one try. That is simply not possible in golf, football, hockey, tennis, soccer and on and on. Amazing

• I believe they have now determined beyond doubt that continually “testing” your brain long into your later years helps prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia. The game of pool does that. Learning and understanding the complexities of this game at an early age allows for a lifetime of enjoyment, challenge and competitive activity. Every single game is different. Every pattern after a break is different. How exciting is it to test your ability in a different way every time you step up to the table?

• If you have followed me to this point I want to thank you. However, we’re not done yet. I have provided some irrefutable positive aspects of this game that should cause many people at influential positions to say…”he might just be right”! The key point at this very moment is, what is occurring right now regarding our youth and the game of pool? The answer…virtually nothing!

• Youths under 19 are not allowed in any commercial establishment that offers pool. Their only option is someone whose parents have placed a table in their home. They get together and play amongst themselves with likely very limited instruction and structure to what they are doing. They likely don’t know all the rules of whatever game they’ve chosen. I’m certain there are some parents who have played at a competitive level and are passing on proper instruction but that number will be very, very small. That is truly a shame. A sport that has so much to offer is being slowly phased out.

• The next significant problem is when these young adults do turn 19 and go into an establishment that offers pool, they don’t have the proper respect for the value of the tables, the cost to maintain them and the etiquette required to let others enjoy their leisure time. That simply adds more reasons to get them involved, at least from the age of 14 to 18.

The next thing to happen is that we must get this message “out there”! We have to reach the right people. We have to ask them their perception of the game of pool. It will likely be negative, trust me. However, I honestly believe when they really think about it, the only negatives they will come up with will be lingering perceptions from years gone by. Haven’t we proven over the past 50 years that society needs to shed prejudices and perceptions that are simply no longer valid?

I will challenge EVERY EDUCATOR out there to show me another sport, currently enjoyed in our high schools by some students, that can even come close to matching the values available in the game of pool!

Imagine competitions between schools, between grades, between teachers and students. Imagine the thrill of a student who is not tall enough for basketball, strong enough for hockey or football or soccer or agile enough for badminton or tennis…but fully capable of being cheered on in a match playing pool! What percent of the student body could be playing this game versus ANY other?

And how cool is pool! It’s shown on commercials all the time. It’s played by the “rich and famous” and also the working class. It’s the National Sport of Taiwan! They have been trying to get it included in the Olympics as a “test”. A little “turn” in another direction back in about 1880 and the game of pool would have followed golf into our living rooms via TV and tournaments enjoyed by millions.

Pool Hub Nova Scotia needs your help to get this message out. Don’t wait for someone else to take it to your high school, college or university educators. Take it yourself. If you need help, contact me at the Pool Hub website. If you want me to come speak to any group, just ask.

This article is Pool Hubs first step in our fight to get junior players into this game.    

- Brian Bedford

They Come From Far And Wide and Converge In Windsor At Tommy Gun's Tuesday Nights!

Darrell Abolit from Stewiacke (or thereabouts!), Bernie Terrio, Lynanne Cutler and Karl Larson from the Kentville area, Stuart Carver from Chester Basin, Chris Goodie from Halifax, Glenn Vervaeke from Wolfville, Dave Cochrane from Hantsport, David Howells from St. Croix and the rest (March 15th) came from Windsor.

15 Players came to the Tuesday Round Robin 8 - Ball Tourney again on the 15th and some travel up to 40 minutes to get there! Pretty awesome. Great Fun! Chris Goodie was introduced to Stuart Carver by watching him break and run!! A crazy claim that Stu is 90 years old. He won't be 90 for 5 weeks....some people love to exaggerate things ALL out of proportion!

Congrats to Dave Cochrane as the winner this week with Trevor Clowry coming second and Lynanne Cutler placing 3rd and in the money two weeks in a row. All bets are off for next week when Trevor and Andy Burnet will both be 4 handicaps.

Plenty of pool played by all with 14 games each and all done before 10:00.

Hello Truro Doolys...The CSNS Players Came To Play.....And They'll Be BACK!

A Dory Trawler Exclusive

Hey there Pool Players of Nova Scotia....if you weren't in Truro on March 12th you MISSED EVERYTHING!

First of all, there were 63 players...the biggest Qualifier yet! Of course, who gets the ONLY BYE but Brian White......and that's the ONLY reason he makes it to the final right? Well, he might have won several matches along the way but it sounds better to blame it on the Bye!

Never mind who won what and all that....you can read all that on CSNS website. I'm here to tell you the REAL news. First off, hats off to Holly and her staff at Doolys Truro. Talk about a fantastic job....man oh man, from free coffee and tea from Tim Horton's to free pizza at lunch to excellent service and great smiles all day long......you guys should be proud. You can bet CSNS will be back for many more events.

Next....The 10 Ball Break GOT GOODIED! Yup... the 7 ball off the break then a full run for Chris to put $700 in his jeans. You can see it on Pool Hub and Facebook courtesy of Jason Ross. Goodie looked so calm and in control.....maybe the 10 Ball Break is his cue to reach the next level in his game.

Special thanks to Truro's own Sam MacDonald for keeping us entertained with his air guitar and moves. I think every tournament should have one "Sam" to remind us that life is short and we should just let loose every once in awhile. Way to go Sam and thanks to Chris Simon and Lorne Medley for giving him a couple good matches.

Bedford spent all day Sunday in therapy after Maloney schooled and retooled him 8 - 0. He then got Simonized by the brothers after being up 3 - 0 and 4 - 0 on them! From now on he's only gonna race them to 3 then walk away regardless what the real race is supposed to be.

Talk about a team effort by CSNS at every single event. Seems as though everyone pitches in to ensure a great event but special thanks to Craig and Dale and Colin and ...of course...the indomitable Debbie MacPherson for, well, for EVERYTHING!

Wek wins the Predator! He's home studying to become......what?.......A lawyer? And now he's got a cue to fit his game. Congrats.....even though it was me that shouted "REDRAW"! Last event Weagle showed up without Karas. This event Karas showed up without Weagle. It is now a stated, proven fact that one cannot function properly without the other! Lookout Austria....here comes Billy Martin! Two Gold Medals for his son and they're off to represent Canada...super Congrats to Daniel Martin.

So, it's Brian White and Richard Young in the finals.....the winner to be determined! CSNS just likes to keep us in suspense!

Dory Trawler signing off.....

Tuesday Night Pool @ Tommy Gun's In Windsor Keeps Getting "FUNNER"!

Lynanne Cutler "Girled" All The Boys This Week!!!

15 players showed up Tuesday March 8th and Lynanne schooled them all and walked away with $35. The handicap system was working like a charm. Dave Cochrane was three points back for second place and picked up $25 while Greg Kaye rounded out the top three places and put $15 in his jeans.

The Tuesday round robin format provides lots and lots of pool for all those who show up. Everyone played 14 games from 7:30 until about 9:45. That's a lot of pool for just $7.00...and a chance to pick up some cash!
Listen.....(read?), here's what I suggest. Take your cue to work. Leave work and head over to Tommy Gun's for supper. Tables are free for practice right up to start of play. The kitchen is open til 8:00. We want beginners and we want the best to show up. Use that time before we start to pick up tips to improve your game, ask questions on "how to" and / or just plain socialize!

The Colour Of.....Bragging Rights First Ever Team Event WAS A BLAST!

A Dory Trawler Exclusive

Sunday afternoon March 6th will go down in history as "The day the FUN began". About a year ago Brian Bedford said he was going to have a team event that pitted room against room or county against county or city / town against city / town. As usual he procrastinated so long that Jim Stone had to put a gun to his head and tell him to get his butt in gear! So he did!

The Result - A format better than the Ryder Cup of golf.....better than the Mosconi Cup of pool.
The Colour of .....Bragging Rights. The 100 Point Challenge Cup.

Windsor challenged Kentville on Feb. 22nd and the date was set for March 6th. At that moment the trash talking began and would not let up until start of play. E-mails flew back and forth between ALL 16 Players (8 players to a team) and even from spares and bystanders! Now, if I remember correctly, most of the trash talking came from the Kentville players. The Windsor Team was very polite and gentlemanly throughout this period. Windsor, of course, would let their cues do the talking!

Every player would play 40 games! That's right. No sitting, no waiting, no napping! Play began at 11:40 and finished about 6:00. Tommy Gun's in Windsor is where all challenges will take place and they did a fabulous job of supplying food and drink to the combatants. Brandy on the bar and Wendy in the kitchen were "the 3rd team".

There were 32 games of Scotch Doubles 8 Ball played and Windsor won 17 - 15
There were 32 games of Scotch Doubles 9 Ball played and Windsor won 19 - 13
There were 32 games of Partners 8 Ball and Windsor won 19 - 13
There were 32 games of Partners 9 Ball and Kentville FINALLY won 17 - 15

The final format was Singles with 8 matches played. The Team Captains decided who would play who. Each match was 5 games of 9 - Ball followed by 3 games of 8 - Ball.......64 games played in total.
The singles ended dead tied! 20 wins for each team in 9 Ball and 12 wins for each team 8 - Ball.
The BRAGGING RIGHTS BELONG TO WINDSOR - SCORE 102 - 90.

Who's NEXT??? 8 player team - Maximum 2 A players and minimum 3 C/D players. Cost is $10 per player with $5 going to table time and $5 going to a year end "something" along with a trophy.
There were some rumblings out of Buddy's Buzz. Maloney, Weagle, Karas and Sloan but that was probably just talk. Seemed to be some chatter from the South Shore from Harlow and Walker.

There MUST be a challenger here somewhere!!

Word is that Bedford thinks he's Dana White (same hair!) and he'll be the one to decide who plays next. Challengers might have to prove their worth and play Kentville first to see if they're worthy of playing with the big boys from Windsor! This is The Colour Of.....Bragging Rights after all! Who's NEXT?

Tommy Gun's Tuesday Night 8 Ball: Another All New Handicap System!

That's right.....a Handicap System is designed to "equal out the playing field" giving everyone a chance to compete "fairly". So, I changed the system back in December and over the 10 weeks it was in place we had 10 different winners! Obviously a huge success right? Wrong. So I changed it again...and this time it's a keeper.
15 players came out on March 1st to play our Round Robin format and the first winner under our new system...Mathew Cassidy; with Karl Larson and Glenn Vervaeke tied for 2nd place. The entry fee for the night is only $7.00 making Mathew's payout @ $35.00 good for his next seven weeks entry and Karl and Glenn's earnings good for about three weeks entries.
But, it really is about the super social atmosphere and a very inexpensive night out. Join us any and every Tuesday night....you will NOT be disappointed.

Get Ready To Get GIRLED!

A Dory Trawler Exclusive

All I wanted to do was come up with a title for this article.....and my mind wandered.

As every male pool player knows (and a bunch of ladies are already aware) this game has so much sexual inuendo surrounding almost every comment that it could be embarassing... "nice rack...nice shaft....tight pocket...hold the cue gently as if you were.....stroke it smoothly....am I doing it right, everything goes in but the balls"..and the list goes on.

I wanted to write an article about another aspect affecting the growth of pool in Nova Scotia. I wandered down to Tommy Guns in Windsor last Monday night and what do I see......a dozen ladies learning to play the game or improve their game! That Bedford is one sneaky son of a b...! One guy...twelve women.....I hate him! The ladies seemed to be having a blast. All levels were there from first time holding a cue to those learning to move the cueball around the table. A few drinks, a few laughs and the end result is MORE players finding out how much fun this game can be for all. Every Monday night at Tommy Guns is free pool for the ladies with instructions for any and all who want to come out.

So, back to my title for the article - The Ladies Are Coming...nope, scratch that. - The Girls Are Working On Their Stroke...nope, scratch that - Back when there were fewer ladies playing there was a saying if you lost to one of them that "you got girled". More and more and more and more that saying doesn't even apply because there are so many very strong lady players it is becoming the norm..not the exception.....and it is only going to get Worse???....Better?....whatever...

Pool Hub Nova Scotia Enters A New Phase

Chris Dempsey wins 2016 Ryan Ongo Memorial Tourney
(photo courtesy of PoolScene.com)

The Website for Pool Hub Nova Scotia was launched in May of 2015. The site had over 4700 viewers from that time up to now! We are very proud of the work we did, in our small way, to help The Pool Scene in Nova Scotia grow. Combined with a new Executive and Director group in CSNS the game just seems to be growing in leaps and bounds. Over 100 players.......that's right...over 100 players travelled to Sydney last weekend for the Ryan Ongo Tournament. Imagine! Super congratulations to CSNS Director Ryan Kendall and all the others who assisted on that weekend.
Today, Pool Hub is growing too. We launched a whole new format. You can continue to go back to our website to view prior articles and we will bring some of them forward to our new home as well. Now you can view us at poolhubns.blogspot.com and we want you to share and like and tweet us around the world on Facebook. We've made it easier to share, easier to tag and easier to comment.
I might as well note that Dory Trawler was brought ...kicking and screaming into this new world of communication.....but he'll get over it!