— | Whitecaps close on | | | big signing Vancouver’s MLS team is close to signing South Korea’s Lee Young-Pyo to start at fullback in 2012 By PATRICK JOHNSTON eports indicate the Vancouver Whitecaps may be about to make a major signing, bringing in for- mer South Korean international full- back Lee Young-Pyo. Lee’s agent, Jissen Agency, told Ko- rean newspaper The Chosun Ilbo, “We still disagree on one or two details so we need a bit more time, but the White- caps seem very interested in signing Lee.” Whitecaps play-by-play announcer Peter Schaad said bringing in a player like Lee would to the lineup would strengthen the back line and also add flexibility. Schaad said new coach Martin Ren- nie wants “pace, skill, work rate and he definitely sees the fullback being part of the plan.” Lee’s ability to play both left and right back meant Rennie could consid- er moving other players into new posi- tions. Alain Rochat, for example, could move into midfield if Rennie wanted to play Lee at left back, Schaad said. John Knox, president of the White- caps’ supporters group The Vancouver Southsiders applauded the potential signing, but did have concerns. “There are probably a few eyebrows being raised over this guy’s age,” Knox said. “But he was flying up and down the wings as early as last year so he’s possibly got a few good years left.” Knox also feels that adding a player of Lee’s quality would help take pres- sure off Rochat, the Whitecaps star left back. “[{Rochat] is probably the best left back in the MLS, and adding a guy of Lee’s quality will be definitely be an as- set to him.” Lee collected 127 caps in his career before retiring from international soc- cer after the January 2011 Asian Cup. He left Saudi Arabian club Al Hillal in June and has also played for PSV Eind- hoven, Borussia Dortmund and Totten- ham Hotspur. Schaad said that being South Korean was a “bonus” for marketing the team. But added that a successful signing comes down to the quality of the player and what he brings to the team. “[The Whitecaps] job is to win games and fill the seats.” EDITOR CARLISLE RICHARDS Fans toss bears for charity 7641 SPORTSphoto une of teddy bears hit the ice after the Vancouver Gi- ants score. THE VOICE, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 8 The Vancouver Giants bring hollt- day cheer to the ice in December By LYNDA CHAPPLE ust in time for the holidays the Vancouver Giants are showing their spirit with their Giant Heart Weekend. On Friday, Dec. 9 the Giants hold their 10th annual Teddy Bear Toss fol- lowed Saturday night by the 3rd annu- al Fill the Rink on Renfrew: Food Bank Night. “These are the last two games [be- fore the holidays], after that they are on the road trip and finish off on the 22nd,” said Mike Charters, spokesper- son for the Giants. The Teddy Bear Toss gives fans the opportunity to bring a new teddy bear to the game. When the Giants score the first goal against the Portland Win- terhawks fans throw the bears on the ice and they will collect and donate them to the Lower Mainland Christ- mas Bureau. “When the first goal is scored it is kind of crazy you can’t see the lights because it is raining teddy bears,” said Chris Bayliss of the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau. “Last year it was around 6,000 teddy bears that we picked up off the ice.” For years the Teddy Bear Toss has been a popular Christmas promotion for many minor and junior hockey teams across North America. The tra- dition started with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. The Calgary Hitmen hold the record for most bears on ice, 26,919 on Decem- ber 7, 2007. Specatators that don’t bring a bear can also buy one at the game with pro- ceeds going to the Province Empty Stocking Fund. An additional $2 will be donated to the Lower Mainland Christ- mas Bureau for each bear picked up off the ice as well as part proceeds from the entire night will go to the CKNW Orphan’s Fund. The Fill the Rink on Renfrew cam- paign happens as the Giants face the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Tickets for this game can be purchased at a re- duced price of $15 and the Giants will donate $5 to the food bank. Fans are to bring a non-perishable food item or baby supplies to the game to add to the donations. After facing Portland and Leth- bridge the Giants go on the road to face Seattle, then come back to B.C. to face Prince George. Vancouver’s ball club has been named the best-run team by Baseball America By SHAWN GILL en winners on the field and now they are being recognized as win- ners in the community. On Nov. 29, Baseball America an- nounced the Canadians as 2011 win- ners of the Bob Freitas Award, for best operator in minor league baseball at the Single-A level. “In baseball management this is the Stanley Cup of awards,” said Rob Fai, the Canadians play-by-play announcer and assistant general manager. The team drew a record 162,162 fans T: Vancouver Canadians are prov- to Nat Bailey Stadium during their run to the Northwest League Champion- ship. In the last five years approximately half a million people have come to see a rejuvenated team under the ownership of Jake Kerr and Jeff Mooney, who took over the Canadians in 2007. Before the start of the season the club gained even more popularity when it announced it was the Single-A affiliate of MLB team the Toronto Blue Jays. However, it’s been the Canadians’ emphasis on family, affordability and fun that has made it a mainstay in the community. “T don’t think there’s another sports team in the province that operates with an environment that’s so family friend- ly,” said Jeff Holloway, the Canadians sales and community relations coordi- nator. Tickets start at $12.50 each includ- ing tax, meaning that a family of four can take in a game at Nat Bailey Stadi- um for less than it costs for the cheap- est seat at a Canuck’s game. “We try to have as many things go- ing on here at the ball park as possible and try to make it entertaining and fun,” Holloway said. The team runs promotions like post- game fireworks nights; a superstar se- ries where Blue Jay alumni are hon- oured; and family fun Sundays when kids can get autographs from their fa- vourite players and are invited to run the bases after the ball game. “We want kids to come out here and get that positive memory,” Holloway said. aseball VANCOUVER CANADIANS photo The Canadians have garnered success by offering good prices and family-friendly entertainment.