Lee Hanebury Memorial Tournament Wraps Up

Photo Credit: Joan Hill

This past weekend, we wrapped up another incredible Lee Hanebury Memorial Squash Tournament, and what a tournament it was! From intense rallies to inspiring sportsmanship, every match was a testament to the passion and dedication of our squash community.

Lee Hanebury Squash Tournament 2025 highlights.

A huge thank you to all the players who participated, giving it their all on the courts. Whether you were battling for the championship or simply enjoying the camaraderie, your energy and enthusiasm made this event truly special.

Video by Jackie Ferrier

We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to our volunteers and organizers. This tournament wouldn’t be possible without your hard work and generosity. From coordinating matches to ensuring everything ran smoothly behind the scenes, your efforts did not go unnoticed.

Lee Hanebury’s legacy continues to inspire us, and this tournament remains a fitting tribute. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year for another unforgettable weekend of squash!

#ThankYou #SquashCommunity #LeeHaneburyMemorial

2025 Lee Hanenebury Squash Tournament Winners

Men E Single Winner

Vonas, Nigel

Men D Singles

Sunil Malik, Raamis

Men C Singles

Dwivedi, Krish

Men B Singles

Eltorgman, Kareem

Men A Singles

Steckle, Brett

Women E Singles

Beltran, Maria

Women D Singles

McPhaden, Megan

Women C Singles

Koowar, Sumintra

Women B Singles

Malik, Ranya

Women A Singles

Lee, Young

Men C Doubles

Nicholson, Eric / Tieche, Roger

Men B Doubles

Portillo, Alfredo / Henderson, Robert

Women B Doubles

Pirko, Nicole / Pratt, Lisa

2025 upcoming events at the Pickering Squash Club

– From Nicole Pirko

The first half of the squash season has been a success and there is much more to come in the new year.  So don’t you dare put your racquet away over the holidays because we have a busy schedule of house leagues, tournaments and lots of clinic opportunities coming up in the new year.  

First up is our Monday Night Singles House League that will be starting up again on Monday Jan. 20th.  I have automatically added everyone from the final round in December so there is no need to sign up if you were participating in the final weeks before the break.  If you are new to the league and would like to participate, simply send me an email and say “I’m in” and I will add you to the list. If you are not sure if you are included, just send me an email and I’ll confirm.  All levels are welcome and the house league is a fun way to meet other players and get a great work out.  

Our doubles house league will also be starting on the week of Jan. 20th.  The sign-up sheet is posted on the board outside the doubles courts.  Please find yourself a partner and add your team to the list!

 Our annual Lee Hanebury Memorial Tournament – Jan. 31, Feb. 1, 2, 2025. I would like to invite you all to participate in the Pickering Squash Club’s annual Lee Hanebury Memorial Tournament on the weekend of Jan. 31-Feb. 2.  This is a tournament weekend you do not want to miss!  Tournament events include Men’s and Women’s singles events levels A-E (This means everyone at every level should play), as well as Doubles Men’s and Women’s B and C draws (you will need to register with a partner).  Women may play both singles and doubles (only required to pay one entry fee) but due to limited court time, men may only play one event.  Your entry fee includes a tournament souvenir, licensed bar, Saturday breakfast and lunch, Saturday night doubles Calcutta (if court time permits) followed by a social night at our local restaurant and lots of squash.  You must register on the Squash Ontario website at: www.squashontario.com (under the “tournament community” tab.  The sign-up deadline is Wed. Jan. 22th but please sign up early to avoid disappointment as some draws WILL fill up fast!  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.  

Junior Squash Programs:

Our junior squash program is in full swing and we have added more clinics for juniors of all levels and ages!  All clinics are 12 weeks and the emphasis will be on teaching the kids proper techniques, drills, game play and of course fun!  Here are the details below.  Please sign up early because the clinics fill up fast!

Tuesday’s 4:30-5:30- Advanced Junior Clinic (all ages)

Tuesday’s 5:30-6:30- Intermediate Junior Clinic (Ages 7-14)

Saturday’s 12:30-1:30 – Novice/Beginner (Ages 4-15) 

Saturday’s 1:30-2:30 – Intermediate Junior Clinic (Ages 7-14) this is an additional class for our Tuesday Intermediate players. 

Please contact Nicole to sign up for all Tuesday classes and Sameer for all Saturday classes.

Are looking for some extra training to improve your game, why not try a clinic?  Here are the new clinic dates for various levels starting in Jan. 

Beginner Squash Clinic (men and women) – Wednesday’s 6:00-7:00 – 4 week program – Contact Nicole to sign up

Men’s intermediate Skills Clinic (tournament level C/D) -Thursday’s 6:00-7:00- 6 week program- Contact Sameer to sign up

Mixed Performance Advanced Clinic (tournament level A/B) – Thursday’s 7:00-8:00 – 6 week program – Contact Nicole to sign up

Lastly, our social directors are busy planning this year’s banquet party and we have a date confirmed.  Be sure to add Sat. April 5th on your calendars for this year’s banquet party following our Club Championships Tournament.  More details to come!

I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday and we will see you on the courts in the new year!

Nicole

Exciting Events for the 2024/2025 Squash Season!

The new 2024/2025 squash season is fast approaching and we have some exciting upcoming events!  Please get out your calendars and be sure to read this entire email so that you don’t miss out.  

Upcoming Events at a Glance

  • Provincial Singles Championships & Harvest Hit Tournament:
    October 25-27, 2024
  • Monday Night Singles House League:
    Starts September 16th, 2024
  • Doubles House League:
    Starts Week of September 16th, 2024
  • Fun Round Robin & AGM:
    Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 at 6:00 PM
  • T&D and OSDL Leagues Registration Deadline:
    Approaching Soon
  • Junior Squash Clinic:
    Weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays
  • Friday Morning Drop-in Doubles Round Robin:
    Fridays, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
  • Instructional Clinics:
    Various Dates – Contact for Details

See below for more details.

Provincial Singles Championships and Harvest Hit Tournament combined!!

Oct. 25th-27th 2024

Yes, you read this right!  We will be hosting the Ontario Singles Closed Championships (Oct. 25-27th) which will include Men’s and Women’s Open, A, B, C, D, E draws.  This means everyone can play! 

At the same time, we’ll also be running our annual Harvest Hit doubles tournament, including Men’s and Women’s B and C draws, plus a Mixed B draw. Women can participate in both the women’s and mixed doubles events, subject to court availability.

Be sure to find yourself a partner for the doubles event. 

How to Register:

Sign up for both tournaments (listed separately) on the Squash Ontario website here. Don’t forget—register early to secure your spot and take advantage of the early bird discount for the Provincials!

Looking for sponsors and volunteers

We would like to make the Provincial Championships a huge success and we need sponsors!  Your sponsorship will go towards mandatory prize money for the open players, a doubles pro exhibition match (if we raise enough money), and providing pizza for all the players on Friday night.  

Any donation amount would be really appreciated.  Tax receipts are available for all sponsorships. Sponsorships over $1,000 will get your company logo on the tournament shirts.

We also need volunteers to help with Saturday’s lunch service. If you can assist, please reach out!

Monday Night Singles House League

Starting Sept. 16th

Our Monday night singles house league kicks off on September 16th. Sign-up sheets are on the board across from Court 4. If you can’t make it in to sign up, email Nicole, and she’ll add you to the list. Please note, all players must have a Chestnut Hill Developments squash membership and be a member of the Pickering Squash Club ($40 fee—see our membership form).  

Doubles House League

Starting week of Sept. 16th

We’ve posted the sign-up sheet for the doubles house league (all levels) in the doubles court area. Depending on your level, you’ll play on Monday (Div. 1), Tuesday (Div. 2), or Wednesday nights (Div. 3). You’ll need to find your own partner, or if you sign up solo, we’ll place you on the sub list so you can still get plenty of playing time.

Fun Round Robin and AGM

Tuesday Sept. 24th 6:00pm

Join us for a fun round-robin on both singles and doubles courts on September 24th at 6:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to meet other players, sharpen your competitive edge, and have some fun! We’ll start with a short AGM in the doubles court area to update everyone on club events and gather input on future plans.

We encourage everyone at all levels to come out for a fun evening of squash followed by a fun social. 

Join Our Executive Team:

If you’re interested in joining the executive team, please let us know. We’re always looking for passionate members to help shape the future of the club.

Bring Non-Perishable Food Items

We will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the Pickering Food Bank that same evening.  

T&D and OSDL Leagues – For competitive players

The T&D/OSDL league registration deadline is coming up soon. Nicole needs to submit our teams in the next couple of weeks, so please let her know if you’d like to be on a team this season.

Junior Squash Clinic

Our junior clinics are a great way for kids to learn and improve their squash skills in a fun environment!

The beginner players will learn the basics of squash including proper technique, footwork, rules, scoring and how much fun this sport can be!  Intermediate players will learn more advanced techniques to continue improving their skills through drills, fitness, and strategic play.  

  • Beginners/Intermediate (Ages 7-12): Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 PM
  • Teen Beginners (Ages 12-16): Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 PM
  • Lil Ones/Novice (Ages 4-8): Saturdays, 11:30 AM-12:30 PM

Contact Nicole for more info or to register.

Friday Morning Drop-in Doubles Round Robin (F55)

Join us Friday mornings- 8:30am – 10:30am

Contact Nicole for more details.

Instructional Clinics

We offer a variety of clinics for adults:

  • Beginner Clinics (Wednesdays)
  • Women’s Daytime Clinics (Thursdays)
  • Competitive Group Lessons (Book a 4-week group clinic with Nicole and/or Sameer—first come, first served)

Contact Nicole for upcoming dates and to secure your spot.

Membership Form

To participate in any club activities, you must be a member of the Pickering Squash Club and have a squash membership at the recreation complex. The PSC membership form is available on our website and is easy to submit. After completing the form, you can e-transfer your $40 fee. Contact Nicole or anyone on the executive team for the email address to send it to.

🏆🥇 Tonight: Division 1 Doubles House League Showdown! 🥇🏆

Get ready for an epic showdown as Raj and Sameer go head-to-head against Kevin and Eric for the ultimate House League bragging rights this season! The action kicks off at 6 pm, so be sure to come out and witness the excitement firsthand. Plus, stay tuned for updates on the Division Three Finals, which will be scheduled soon—these two matches mark the thrilling conclusion of the season!

But wait, there’s more:

Last week, we had a blast at the Shindig fun tournament from Wednesday to Saturday! The courts were buzzing with energy as players competed in spirited matches and enjoyed the camaraderie of the game. Keep an eye out for upcoming pictures capturing the highlights of the tournament.

And let’s not forget about the Saturday banquet—it was an unforgettable evening filled with dancing and 70’s style vibes! It was fantastic to see so many people dressed up and having a great time. Thank you to everyone who made it such a memorable event!

See you on the courts and keep an eye out for those pictures!


Follow the Pickering Squash Club on Instagram and Facebook for more content!

🏆🥇 A Week Packed with Squash Excitement!🥇🏆

Get ready for an action-packed week ahead at the squash club, with a lineup of events that’s sure to keep you on your toes! It’s all about doubles this week as we dive into the heart of the playoffs and celebrate the incredible contributions of one of our own.

Here’s what’s in store:

  • Monday, April 22nd: Division 1 Squash Doubles House League Semi-Finals kick off the week with intense matches and fierce competition. Don’t miss the showdown as our top teams battle it out for a spot in the finals! Teams will be playing at 6pm and 7pm.
  • Tuesday, April 25th, the top two teams in our Division 2 doubles house league will battle it out for first place. Dayan and Shan will play against Mark and Winston.
  • Wednesday, April 24th – Saturday, April 27th: The highly anticipated super-fun Shin-dig Doubles Squash Tournament takes center stage, promising four days of thrilling matches and friendly competition. Matches begin Wednesday at 5:30 and will continue to about 9pm.
  • Saturday, April 27th: It’s a day filled with festivities as we honor the legacy of Ian Parsons with the naming ceremony of the Ian Parsons Doubles Squash Courts at noon. Later in the evening, join us for the annual banquet at Drums ‘n Flats for dinner, drinks, and celebrations with our fellow squash enthusiasts and friends.

But wait, there’s more:

  • Monday, April 29th: Division 1 Squash Doubles House League Finals mark the culmination of an exciting season of competition, where the top teams will battle it out for the championship title.
  • Wednesday, May 1st: The excitement continues for Division 3 Squash Doubles House League as they play their Finals, rounding off our week of squash celebrations.

And don’t forget:

  • Mondays: If you’re into singles squash, come join us for the drop-in round-robin matches every Monday night. It’s a great way to stay active and connect with fellow players.

With such a busy and exciting week ahead, there’s something for everyone at the squash club. We can’t wait to see you on the courts and celebrate the spirit of squash together!

🏆🥇 Division 1 Squash Doubles House League Semi-Finals – Monday, April 22nd 🥇🏆

As some of you know, our Division one teams are made up of some of the clubs best doubles players. With the stakes higher than ever, our top teams are poised to battle it out on the courts for a shot at the house league championship title.

Here are the matchups for the semi-finals:

Court 1 – 6:00 PM:

  • First Place vs Fourth Place:
    • Raj and Sameer vs Steve and Rick

Court 2 – 6:00 PM:

  • Second Place vs Third Place:
    • Jonathan and Savio vs Kevin and Eric

Court 1 – 7:00 PM:

  • Fifth Place vs Eighth Place:
    • Mike and Eric vs Fred and Mark

Court 2 – 7:00 PM:

  • Sixth Place vs Seventh Place:
    • Roger and Devon vs Trevor and Dom

It’s sure to be an evening filled with intense matches, nail-biting rallies, and fierce competition as our teams vie for a spot in the finals. Don’t miss out on the excitement!

And mark your calendars for the finals on Monday, April 29th, where the top contenders will face off for the ultimate title.


Follow the Pickering Squash Club on Instagram and Facebook for more content!

2024 Shin-Dig Tournament Draw and Rules

Dear Participants,

Welcome to the highly anticipated Shin-dog Doubles Squash Tournament!

Below you will find your time for your first round match, which begins for everyone on Wednesday. Each participant has been assigned a partner for the duration of the tournament. Everyone will play a minimum of 3 matches over 4 days (Wed.-Sat).  Draw sheets are posted by the doubles courts so you can have a look. 

Please be on time for your match as it will be a tight schedule.  If you cannot make your match, please see the sub list below, ask a friend to fill in for you or ask another player at a similar level to play.  Do your very best to find your own sub!   

Shin-Dig Rules

* Games are best of 5
* First game – score starts at zero/zero
* Second game – losing team starts with 3 points and the serve!!
* Third game – losing team from second game gets 3 point handicap and
the serve (ie; 6/0 or 0/0)
* Etc. etc.

Wednesday Draw

Game 1

Steve D & Darryl S
Wed. 6:30 PM
Dayan & Jackie

Game 2

Savio & Naveen
Wed. 5:30 PM
Winston & Caryn R

Game 3

Devon & Gurjit
Wed. 7:15 PM
Anderson & David S

Game 4

Alison & Sunil
Wed. 8:00 PM
Roger & Raj

Game 5

Celine & Dan
Wed. 7:15 PM
Terry & Ashwin

Game 6

Dom & Carol
Wed. 8:00 PM
Kitt & Jason P

Game 7

Jonathan & Sorin
Wed. 5:30 PM
Vince & John K

Game 8

Sara-Jane & Nav
Wed. 6:30 PM
Sameer & Max

Subs:

  • Jim
  • Wayne
  • Hazel

🏆🥇Doubles House League Play-offs Begin for Division 1🥇🏆

The final results for our Doubles Squash League are in, and we’ve had an unexpected twist—there’s a tie for 5th place! Mike and Eric get 5th based on a 3-2 win in a head to head with Kevin and Eric early in the season.

Now, it’s time to gear up for the playoff rounds, which kick off this Monday night! If teams are unable to play on Monday, they may arrange a date to play before next week. Remember, winners of the playoff rounds will advance to the semi-finals, while the other four teams will battle it out for final ranking.

It’s bound to be an intense and thrilling competition as we inch closer to crowning our champions. Let’s bring our A-game, sportsmanship, and passion for squash to the courts!

Best of luck to all the teams competing in the playoffs!

Exciting Events Ahead – Mark Your Calendars!

Get ready for an action-packed few weeks filled with thrilling events that you won’t want to miss!

Doubles “Shin-Dig” Tournament:

Join us from Wednesday, April 26th to Saturday, April 29th for our doubles “Shin-Dig” tournament! We’ll kick off the evening matches with paired-up teams, ensuring a level playing field for everyone. If you would like to participate, simply shoot Nicole a quick email, and you’ll be added to the list while we still have space!

Our Annual Banquet!

Celebration at Drums ‘N Flats. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 27th, as we gather at Drums ‘N Flats for an unforgettable celebration! Enjoy a delightful evening with our fellow squash player, filled with dinner, drinks, live music, and fantastic prizes. Bring a friend or your significant other! Tickets are just $25 each, so let us know if you’d like to secure your spot!

Ian Parsons Doubles Squash Courts Naming Ceremony

Join us on Saturday, April 27th, at 12:00 noon for the official renaming ceremony of our Doubles Squash Courts to the Ian Parsons Doubles Squash Courts.  Please come out and show your appreciation for all of Ian’s hard work and dedication to build these courts for our club.  

Monday Night Drop-In Round Robin

Although our singles house league has concluded, the fun doesn’t stop there! Join us for our Monday night drop-in round robin starting this week, from 6:30 to 7:30. No need to sign up in advance—simply show up and enjoy some friendly competition!

We’re looking forward to seeing you at these exciting events as we celebrate the spirit of squash and camaraderie within our community.

🏆🥇 Doubles Division 2 Finals Are Set! 🥇🏆

Excitement is at its peak as we announce that the finals for our Doubles Squash House League Division 2 teams are officially set!

Following an epic semi-final match played on Sunday, April 14th, between Marc and Winston and Terry and Anderson, word has it that it was one of the best showdowns witnessed yet. In an intense battle that went the distance, Marc and Winston emerged victorious, solidifying their spot in the finals.

Now, all eyes are on the championship match to be played on April 23rd, where Marc and Winston will go head-to-head against Dayan and Shan. It’s sure to be a classic showdown, filled with thrilling rallies and fierce competition.

The remaining teams play tomorrow night, April 16th. The results of these matches will determine the seeding going into the fall season. It’s a chance for players to leave their mark and set the tone for future competitions.

As we approach the culmination of another fantastic season, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated!

🏆🥇 Pickering/Parkway Women’s Squash Doubles League Semi-Final Match: Wednesday, April 10th 🥇🏆

Excitement is in the air as our Pickering/Parkway Women’s Squash Doubles League Team gears up for their semi-final match on Wednesday, April 10th, starting at 6:30 PM! It’s set to be an exhilarating showdown as our talented team takes to the courts to vie for victory.

A little background on the Ontario Squash Doubles League (OSDL): It’s a prestigious league that brings together some of the best squash talent in the region. This year, Pickering Squash Club proudly fields men’s teams in Division 3 and Division 4. However, we’ve also made waves by joining forces with Mayfair Parkway last fall to form a formidable women’s team in Division 2.

Despite being newcomers to the league, our Pickering/Parkway women’s team has showcased incredible skill and determination throughout the season. Finishing in first place ahead of established competitors like Cricket, Richmond Hill, and RCYC (Royal Canadian Yacht Club) demonstrates their hard work and dedication.

Now, with the home-court advantage on our side, we’re gearing up to face off against the 4th place team, RCYC, in the semi-finals. It’s bound to be an intense match, but no matter the outcome, our team will demonstrate heart, determination, and the spirit of camaraderie that defines the Pickering Squash Club.

We invite all members to come out and show your support for our Pickering/Parkway women’s team as they strive for victory in this crucial semi-final match. Let’s cheer them on to success!

Go Pickering/Parkway!