On March 10, the Arena Lacrosse League postponed the last two weeks and playoffs of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 crisis. Your Peterborough Timbermen have been keeping busy while in quarantine during this strange time of no sports. Some are still working, like Kyle McFadyen who is a paramedic on the front lines in Muskoka; offensive coach Derrick Crough has been curating his collection of wooden lacrosse sticks; and assistant captain Stephen Bourden has been the busiest of all as he and partner Becki welcomed their first child in late March.
While their activities all differ, they all agree that they miss lacrosse terribly and can’t wait to finish the season when the league starts up again in late September (provided governmental regulations allow for the resumption of sports by that time).
We checked in with a few of our guys to see what they’ve been up to.
Steve Bourden
I had actually booked this time off with my vacation days a few months ago so I’ve been spending most of my time in quarantine with my new little guy Finn who’s almost two months old now. Fatherhood’s been awesome so far and the little guy sleeps more than I do so which has been really fortunate for Rebecca and myself. I’m with my girlfriend and pup so just making the most of our family time together before I go back to work in a couple weeks. Happy to hear the season will continue in September.
Kyle McFadyen
I am still working as paramedic for Muskoka Paramedic Service and Beausoleil First Nation Paramedic Service and as a firefighter with Muskoka Lakes Fire department. Missing the boys and getting out on the floor. I can’t wait until we’re back. I’ve been staying in shape by running and working out at home. Puttering around the house, too. I built a fence, built a gym in my basement and have done lots of small jobs I never had the time to finish.
Todd Chapman
I have been quarantined in my one-bedroom apartment in Toronto (Yonge & Eglinton area) with my partner Krista and our cat Richard Parker. I have been lucky to shift to working from home since around the time the season was postponed which has been good because it definitely helps make the days go by quickly, but that isn’t to say I haven’t been watching a lot of TV and playing video games. I definitely miss lacrosse and the thing I miss the most is having a physical outlet to go out and forget about everything going on and just play. Lacrosse is such a fun and free game that is only made better by having a good group to surround yourself with and that is definitely what we have with the Timbermen. I miss my teammates, coaches and all the support staff that I would look forward to seeing each week. I have been able to go out to a school yard nearby to play some wall ball a couple times a week and also have been doing at home bodyweight workouts along with long walks to try and stay in shape and sharp. My favourite quarantine meal is definitely homemade pizza because you can put whatever toppings you want!
Aaron Woods
I have been riding my bike when possible and have set up a home gym in my basement! I am at home quarantined with my sisters who are home from school. I have been working from home and making my favourite quarantine breakfast, an egg sandwich. I definitely miss seeing the boys at the arena and being able to take shots!
Marko Celic
I unfortunately lost my job just prior to the pandemic warning. Quarantined with my parents. I’ve been keeping busy with home workouts and playing PS4. Getting lots of rest, more home cooking and waiting for a haircut. Trying to keep my stick in my hands is harder than I thought since I can’t go anywhere.
Trainer Rob Ostapek
During this time, I have taken some vacation time away from my duties as a Correctional Officer. I have been enjoying the time with my wife (even though she’s working from home, as a principal). I have also been spending time with my 8-year-old daughter and my 9-year-old son. We have been outside playing lacrosse and hockey. My daughter has been doing her gymnastics online. I just want to be out in the boat fishing. I miss my Timbermen family!
Asst. Coach Derrick Crough
Building up my wooden lacrosse stick collection!
