Top stories in your community and around the world as noted by Algonquin Times journalists
Mohamed Abdallah Jbili
Photos:
February 6, 2026 Revised: February 6, 2026 2:40pm
Local
CBC News:A cellblock video shown in court captures Ottawa city councillor Matthew Luloff blowing twice the legal blood-alcohol limit after his arrest for suspected impaired driving. The video was released to the media two weeks after it was shown during his trial.
Luloff, who pleaded not guilty at the beginning of the trial, tells the officer the arrest will be politically damaging for him. He was a federal Conservative candidate for Orléans at the time of the arrest.
National
CBC News: Former prime minister Stephen Harper urged Canada to reduce its economic dependence on the United States, warning thatU.S. political instability makes overreliance risky.
He spoke at a gala in Ottawa marking the 20th anniversary of forming a Conservative government, insisting that Canada should diversify its trade relationships, strengthen its resource sector and be prepared to use tariffs when necessary to protect national interests.
International
The Globe and Mail:Fulton County is asking a federal court to order the FBI to return 2020 ballots and election records that were seized from a county warehouse.
The move comes as President Donald Trump starts pushing the idea of federal “takeovers” of elections in Democratic areas, reviving his disproved fraud claims and raising concerns among election officials.
The college celebrates its 50th year of nursing programs by introducing a new four-year degree, but wants to cut pathway program
Rory Haley
Photos: Rory Haley
February 6, 2026 Revised: February 6, 2026 10:40am
Photo: Rory Haley
Level 2 practical nursing students, Shaira Bobiles (Left) and Nuzhat Kavir (Right), are photographed in their scrubs on Feb. 5, 2026.
In the fall of 2026, Algonquin College will begin accepting applications for a new nursing program, a bachelor of science in nursing (honours) (BScN), at the Woodroffe and Pembroke campuses.
The new program, traditionally four-years long, will be condensed into three years and four months, and will allow students to both meet the College of Nurses of Ontario capabilities, and be eligible to register as a registered nurse (RN) in Ontario.
Hawa Mire, a second-level practical nursing student at Algonquin College, is looking forward to the new program.
“It’s a really good opportunity for people who want to do the RN program, but they can’t get into the uOttawa or the Carleton one,” she said. “The Algonquin program is a good opportunity for those people.”
Second-level practical nursing student, Hawa Mire, photographed on Feb. 5, is looking forward to the new program launched by the college. Photo credit: Rory Haley
On Jan. 29, Algonquin College hosted a panel of nursing experts to celebrate the launch of the new nursing program and to discuss the development of the nursing field over the past 50 years. Algonquin Times reporters were not permitted to attend the panel and were unable to report on it firsthand.
Nolan Quinn, Ontario’s minister of colleges, universities, research excellence, and security, spoke through a video message at the panel where he noted the province’s $56.8-million investment to expand nursing enrolment, with the goal to train up to 2,200 more nurses.
Algonquin College president and CEO Claude Brule vowed to continue encouraging and investing in the college’s nursing programs.
“This anniversary is a powerful reminder of the impact our graduates have had on communities for half a century,” he said. “As we celebrate 50 years of nursing education, we are also looking ahead with excitement and purpose through the launch of our standalone bachelor of science in nursing.”
Brulé also said that Algonquin College has raised over $50,000 to support nursing education, with more donations expected to come.
Sue LeBeau, a francophone nursing leader with extensive experience across Ontario, also spoke at the panel, commending the college.
“I applaud the work that Algonquin is doing,” she said. ”I applaud the fact that the community and the local employers have really nurtured this college, and I applaud the many students that are graduating or have graduated from this institution. You are our future.”
Since Algonquin launched its first nursing program in 1975, almost 16,000 students have graduated from the nursing school.
Currently, the college offers several different nursing programs, including a one-year pre-health science pathway, which is among the 30 programs Algonquin College is considering cutting in the fall of 2026.
Mire voiced concern about the college ending the one-year pathway program and how it may affect others who want to pursue nursing in the future.
“I’m not really happy they’re cutting that program, I don’t see why they would,” Mire said. “I was actually in the pre-health program. It helped me get into the college, get used to the routine and everything, and it also helped me prepare for the practical nursing program.”
Nuzhat Kavir, who is also a Level 2 practical nursing student, agrees with Mire.
“I think it’s a very crucial program,” she said. “It’s a good pathway toward nursing and nursing bachelor’s.”
On Jan. 27, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe met with Brulé and college nursing students, presenting them with a certificate to commemorate the 50-year milestone.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe presents a plaque, honouring 50 years of nursing at Algonquin College on Feb. 5, 2026.
The last two paragraphs of the proclamation read:
“Algonquin practice-ready graduates play a critical role in supporting Ottawa’s health-care sector, working in a diversity of acute care, long-term care, community health, rehabilitation and mobile units to meet the ever-changing needs of patient care.
As Head of Council, I salute Algonquin College, the School of Health Studies and Nursing Studies Department for successfully training highly skilled and talented nursing professionals, who are a pillar of Ottawa’s health-care system.”
Food prices are adding to the financial strain of students grappling with tuition and living costs
Noureddine Zerrad
Photos: Noureddine Zerrad
February 5, 2026 Revised: February 5, 2026 10:16am
Photo: Noureddine Zerrad
A selection of food and beverages sold on the Algonquin College campus.
Algonquin College students say rising food prices on campus are adding to financial strain as the cost of living and tuition continue to climb.
“To get essential items like coffee and water from a vending machine, you shell out almost six dollars,” said Izabelle Engelharf, a second-year child and youth care student. “If you want to buy food, you have to pay way more. Pizza is the only thing that feels affordable.”
While pizza remains one of the most popular food options on campus, students say its appeal is driven less by taste and more by price.
For other favourites, the choice isn’t as easy.
Hamada Hussein, a first-year biotechnology student, loves sushi, but she said the prices are simply out of reach.
“I really like sushi, but it’s just too expensive on campus,” she said. “Sometimes you can’t indulge in the meals you actually want.”
For many students, convenience no longer outweighs cost. Hanna Chezel, a second-year nursing student, said she often buys food off campus.
“The prices here are beyond the financial means of most of us, especially international students,” Chezel said. “I usually go to Loblaws nearby. It’s cheaper.”
Chezel added that buying food off campus often requires extra time and effort, but it is necessary to stay within budget. Other students echoed that sentiment, saying the choice is often between saving money or saving time.
Students eat lunch in the dining hall at Algonquin College on Jan. 19. Photo credit: Noureddine Zerrad
Joam Elisma, a construction engineering student, said he can get better value elsewhere.
“For $12, I can get my favourite meal — chicken, rice and sides —outside campus,” Elisma said. “I usually go to Osmow’s a few blocks away. It’s more filling and better priced.”
Elisma said portion size and value play a major role in his decision to eat off campus, even if it means rushing between classes.
Others rely on packing meals to avoid spending money on campus food, as their budget leaves little room for flexibility. “I generally bring food and drinks from home,” Hussein said. “My budget doesn’t allow me to stretch my spending.”
Hussein added that tight schedules make buying food on campus unavoidable. “Sometimes with back-to-back classes, you have no choice but to buy food on campus, even though the prices are excessive.”
International students said the issue is particularly challenging, as many already face higher tuition fees, limited work hours and increased living expenses.
Ricky So, a first-year construction engineering student from Hong Kong, said he prepares meals at home to avoid overspending.
“It’s a bit challenging, but I prefer to make my meals at home and bring them with me,” So said. “Prices on campus are almost the same as outside. An effort should be made for students. In my country, students always get a 20 per cent discount.”
Students’ concerns come amid a broader rise in living costs across Canada, including higher grocery prices, housing costs and transportation expenses. At the same time, tuition and ancillary fees have continued to climb, leaving many students with less disposable income for daily expenses such as food.
In response, Algonquin College said its food pricing reflects broader pressures in the hospitality industry.
Mary Baxter, general manager of Food and Conference Services, said the college takes a “measured approach” when reviewing prices and faces rising costs similar to those experienced by the public.
“We are not immune to cost variations,” Baxter said, citing wages, food purchasing prices, packaging and supply chain challenges.
Baxter added that the college works to manage costs by bulk buying, offering a range of price points, preparing food from scratch on campus, and focusing on local and seasonal purchasing to maintain value for students.
Despite those efforts, students say affordability remains a concern, particularly for those balancing full course loads, work commitments and rising living expenses. For many, the cost of campus food has become another factor shaping daily student life.
What starts as “new year, new me” is turning into crowded floors and stalled workouts at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre
Kindra Paul
Photos: Kindra Paul
February 5, 2026 Revised: February 5, 2026 8:49am
Photo: Kindra Paul
Students are welcomed to the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.
New Year’s resolutions have led to a sharp increase in gym attendance, disrupting workouts due to overcrowding at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.
Staff say the annual surge is expected, but this year’s increase has been especially noticeable. The combination of new students arriving on campus and others committing to fitness-related resolutions has pushed gym usage beyond normal levels compared to a typical semester during peak hours.
“With the new year and the new semester, crowding has definitely picked up,” said Adam Voutier, a full-time staff member at the centre.
Part-time staff member Mateo Nunez Kruus said the spike has been more pronounced than usual.
“We normally see an increase but since New Year’s even more, the past two or three weeks have been significant.” said Nunez Kruus.
Although staff believe that the beginning of the winter semester contributes to the overcrowding, many agree that the newcomers are driven by New Year’s resolutions.
A student walks past the south entrance of the Jack Doyle Centre. Photo credit: Kindra Paul
Staff estimate attendance increases by roughly 25 to 35 per cent at the start of the year, resulting in crowded workout floors and longer wait times for equipment.
According to National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) research, this type of surge is common as motivation peaks when people set short-term goals tied to a specific date, such as the New Year.
However, motivation alone is often not enough to sustain long-term behaviour change. These are patterns which Jack Doyle staff say they see each January.
Students say the overcrowding has made workouts more difficult and, in some cases, discouraging.
Part-time staff member and gym user Juan Clive said the overcrowding makes it difficult to complete a workout.
“I couldn’t do anything, every machine was just taken,” said Clive.
Second-level police foundations student Ethan Bos said the congestion has slowed his routine. “It’s slowing us down because all the machines we need are taken constantly and there’s a lineup for everything,” said Ethan Bos, a second-level police foundations student.
Level 2 fitness and health student Saniyah Johnson described the atmosphere as overwhelming.
“It’s really crowded, it’s horrifying right now,” she said.
Johnson said she now adjusts her schedule to avoid peak times. “I just go on different days sometimes, to make it better.”
Others say the busy environment affects motivation.
“It just makes me a bit unmotivated,” said Tessa Gibson, a second-level fitness and health student.
She said many students overestimate how often they can realistically attend the gym.
“A lot of people [say] I’m going to go five days a week and then they realize that that’s not really sustainable for a lot of people,” said Gibson.
NCSF research emphasizes that long-term fitness success depends on habit formation, realistic goal setting and consistency, rather than bursts of motivation. Staff and students expect attendance to drop as these realities set in.
“By early to mid February at least 30 per cent of the new people will be gone,” said Nathaniel Rolland, another part-time fitness representative.
Second-level police foundations student Nolan Tarantino agreed attendance typically drops after the initial rush.
“You have that … energy in the first few weeks and then it’s gone,” said Tarantino.
While the gym is expected to become more manageable in the coming weeks, some students say it is disappointing that many people abandon their fitness goals altogether.
Clive noted consistency remains the most important factor in achieving long-term health and fitness success, something many students hope to maintain once the January rush fades.
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Top stories in your community and around the world as noted by Algonquin Times journalists
Naomi Cabassu
Photos:
February 4, 2026 Revised: February 4, 2026 9:28pm
Local
CBC News: Multiple Canadians at this year’s Winter Olympics come from the Ottawa-Gatineau area: three each in speed skating, alpine skiing, bobsleigh and hockey. Two athletes each will compete in biathlon, cross-country, skiing, curling and figure skating.
There are also athletes playing on local teams representing other counties, including the United States, Finland, Denmark, Germany and Italy.
National
CBC News: In Truro, Nova Scotia, two children — siblings six-year-old Lilly and four-year-old Jack Sullivan — went missing nine months ago.
Their mother Malehya Brooks-Murray, has not spoken to the media since she participated in a volunteer search earlier this year. Her circle of friends and family say she hasn’t been doing well and is also a naturally quiet person.
The only thing police found was Lilly’s pink blanket.
International
CBC News:After two people were shot last month by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officers, the Trump administration announced it is reducing the number of federal immigration enforcement officers in the state.
A brother of Renee Good said “ICE is beyond explanation.” Good was one of the people who was killed.
Nestled in T-building, the robotics club has created a community for people from all over campus to share their love of technology
Reilly Armstrong
Photos: Reilly Armstrong
February 3, 2026 Revised: February 3, 2026 9:20pm
Photo: Reilly Armstrong
Members of Algonquin's robotics club.
When Dwij Brahmbhatt came to Algonquin College in 2023 to pursue his bachelor of engineering (automation and robotics engineering), he sought out a robotics club, only to find the college didn’t offer one. So he did the next natural thing: he made one.
“(I thought) if I can’t find it, maybe perhaps I’ll start my own so somebody like me who comes newer, they can join our club as well,” Brahmbhatt said.
Dwij Brahmbhatt, one of the club's three founders. Photo credit: Reilly Armstrong
Brahmbhatt, along with co-founders Miguel Fausto and Iliya Papoulias, had club meetings for the next two years, collecting members along the way from similar technology programs.
The club, now recognized by the Students’ Association, has become a place not just for engineering and tech students, but for students from all programs to come work and learn.
“Now, we even expand it to outside of tech people – like arts, PR people, we have marketing, culinary arts, travelling students,” Brahmbhatt said, explaining that he wants to continue diversifying the club.
“People join from whatever background that they have,” said Fausto. “And not only learn (but) also have their own ideas, have their own projects.”
Fausto came to Algonquin from Mexico, where he had attended a robotics school in his youth, to pursue his engineering degree. He recalls the in-class project that inspired the club’s first real brainchild: a robotic arm that they decided to take to the next level and turn into a gauntlet.
“Our next project from there was the robotic head…We (decided) to build the head because it’s more visual. And the eyes move, and you can talk back. It was a great project,” recalls Fausto.
The robotic head is named NIKO (neural intelligence knowledge operator), an AI-powered virtual assistant. It solves problems, tells jokes and has a camera in its eyes that tracks your movement, making its eyes follow in that direction.
Mahmoud Hajoui (left) and Miguel Fausto working on NIKO. Photo credit: Reilly Armstrong
Newer member Haeden Fethi-Henriquez describes being excited about something they’re working on now, a drone called AERIS (autonomous exploration and reconnaissance intelligence system), that could potentially be used to send into volatile environments like nuclear facilities rather than sending people.
The drone is part of an initiative the club has called “Engineering That Gives Back”, where the club focuses on projects that benefit both professional growth and the community. Along with the drone, they’re developing a low cost prosthetic hand aimed at improving accessibility and quality of life.
“We need a bunch of sensors for (the drone) to be able to work and communicate with itself. But we need to have those sensors communicate with themselves. And that’s called fusing the sensors, or centrifusion. And for that, we have to kind of code little pathways to each other,” said Fethi-Henriquez.
A computer systems technician student, Fethi-Henriquez grew up moving around a lot as an army brat. He says the connections he’s made here in the club are important.
“I have made, probably, the closest friends I’ve had in my entire life,” says Fethi-Henriquez.
“The club has been the place where I’ve been learning the most compared to my program or my personal hobbies. I’ve been learning so much to the point where all I can think of are the projects that I do for the club.”
Taking a look at Haeden Fethi-Henriquez under the microscope. Photo credit: Reilly Armstrong
It’s clear the club has been influential in its members’ lives, and possibly to Brahmbhatt and Fausto’s program as well.
In 2025, the bachelor of engineering (automation and robotics engineering) program was accredited by Engineers Canada.
“Our program started from 2019, and they’ve been trying to get accredited,” said Brahmbhatt. “One of the criteria (for) accreditation is how are your students actually applying whatever they are learning? In that, some of the members from the club actually got interviewed and they talked about what they actually do in the club.”
The Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board had visited the college every year for six years. Last year was the first visit to result in the program being added to their accredited list. It’s the only program of Algonquin’s on the list.
As Brahmbhatt and Fausto prepare to graduate next year, Brahmbhatt is reflecting on what he wants for the future of the club.
“Our goal is to create a big community where even (when) we go, we pass down to other people and it stays long in Algonquin,” said Brahmbhatt. ”So, whenever someday I come back and I see, oh, this club is still running. Because that was the plan from day one.”
Computer engineering technology student and new club member Mahmoud Hajoui plans to do just that.
“(This has been) the best experience I could have had. I had my expectations, but this is much better,” said Hajoui, who is set to graduate in 2029.
“It’s so fun. I love it. I cannot wait to get to come to this club after I finish my classes.”
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Students were presented with a unique opportunity to engage with city councillors in to raise concerns and share feedback on issues affecting their campus and community
Mohamed Abdallah Jbili
Photos: Mohamed Abdallah Jbili
February 3, 2026 Revised: February 3, 2026 9:03pm
Photo: Mohamed Abdallah Jbili
The Ottawa city councillors, along with event organizers, lining up for a photo.
Students filled the Algonquin Commons Theatre on Jan. 29 for a candid conversation with Ottawa city councillors, speaking directly on their own issues and representing themselves in an unfiltered setting.
“When we are making city decisions, we’ll often hear from people who speak on behalf of young people,” said Laine Johnson, councillor for College Ward. “I believe that young people and students have a strong idea of what they want and need.”
Hosted by the Algonquin Students’ Association, the panel opened with brief introductions from each councillor, who outlined the priorities shaping their work during this term.
In addition to Johnson, the councillor panel also included Jeff Leiper, chair of the planning and housing committee; Glen Gower, chair of the transit committee; and, Tim Tierney, chair of the public works and infrastructure committee.
Councillor Laine Johnson in the backstage, poses for a photo before joining the rest of the council members on stage. Photo credit: Mohamed Abdallah Jbili
Johnson opened the discussion by acknowledging the past few weeks on campus and drawing a connection to the city’s own financial strain, while providing consolation to the students.
“I know that the tenor at Algonquin College has been somewhat sombre over the last week or so, and I’mvery disappointed to hear that the college has had to make further cuts,” said Johnson. “We feel similarly at the City of Ottawa as an institution that gets, our financial support from other levels of government.”
When the discussion switched to current student issues, housing was one of the first topics.
Johnson mentioned that during her campaign, housing emerged as the primary concern, with discussions centred on older homes being divided into multiple rooms or apartments to address the demand for affordable housing, which was deemed unsuitable for students.
“They weren’t necessarily meeting the needs of students. And so, one ofthe things that we really wanted to see happen was more purpose-built rental housing,” said Johnson. “When you build multi-unit properties, you actually get more controlover garbage, storage, parking and things like that, that you wouldn’t necessarily have when you slice and dice a home.”
The discussion quickly shifted to the topic of transit which was brought up by many students.
Gower talked about his community that predominantly travels by car, and he emphasized the need for reliable public transit that supports the entire city.
“People say, ‘Why am I paying more for transit on my taxes? Why are they running? Who uses the bus?’ I try to remind them,” said Gower. “Without transit, our society does not work. It amazes me sometimes how some members of the public don’t have that perspective because they drive.”
Healsopointed to a major fundingproposalnowunder discussion: shifting ownership of the LRT system to the province.
“What that will do is free up tens of billions of dollars a year that the city is paying that we can reinvest into our bus system so we can add more frequency to routes,” saidGower. “Whetherthey’re along Baseline or coming from Kanata or Leitrim or Barrhaven or wherever it may be, and Ithink in the coming years that’s going to be a real thing.”
The council has all sorts of responsibilities that they have to deal with, such as transit, homelessness, public health and infrastructure like sewers, roads, parks and community centres. Despite having property taxes as a tool, city council members still struggle when it comes to funding.
“We need good public services because good public services make life more affordable,” said Leiper. “But,we’re really struggling on how to properly pay for those services. So, it’sa real challenge and something that we deal with in many ways at city council.”
After having answered many of the audience-submitted questions and offering great insight on the inner workings of the Ottawa city council, the presentation ended with a closing address from Johnson, who encouraged students to reach out to their city councillors, noting that the councillors are accountable to residents and often act based on the feedback they receive.
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The two-day event gave students a chance to learn about Algonquin's clubs and societies
Ryan Harkness
Photos: Ryan Harkness
February 3, 2026 Revised: February 3, 2026 9:11am
Photo: Ryan Harkness
Kyle Harris (right), one of the co-coordinators of the pride club, sits at a table during Clubs Fest.
The Clubs Fest took place at the Robert C. Gillett Student Commons and featured 16 clubs on Jan. 27 and 12 additional clubs on Jan. 28.
Students had the opportunity to chat with club organizers at each table, where they could learn about how to get involved with the club and collect snacks and other freebies. The clubs included cultural clubs, tech clubs, religious clubs and gaming clubs. There was also an Algonquin Students’ Association banner where students could scan a QR code and start the process of creating their own club.
Alli Harris, the student life coordinator for the Algonquin Students’ Association, said Clubs Fest is the best opportunity for those who organize clubs to pitch their ideas to the student body.
“We always do it (Clubs Fest) in the first month of the semester. Basically, clubs can come out and promote and pitch their club events that they have going on, what they’re doing, they want to talk with people,” said Harris.
“So to start a club, you need 20 endorsements, 20 people who think that the club is going to be a good idea.”
Alli Harris, the student life coordinator for the Algonquin Students' Association, was quite eager to organize and set up the event. Photo credit: Ryan Harkness
Harris also said that after a club gets approved, students go through club training through the SA.
“You can do club events at school. You can book rooms, so there are a lot of good advantages to starting a club,” said Harris. “You can get access to the resources that we have, and we can help you put on events or if you just want to meet and hang out with like-minded people, that’s something you can do.”
Ryan Walsh, who runs the electronics and manufacturing club, is grateful for the support that Algonquin College gives clubs.
“The club coordinator at Algonquin does an awesome job explaining all the opportunities a club can have,” said Walsh. “But it can be difficult to work with the administration for club work because they are concerned about student safety. They do want to work towards helping clubs achieve everything they can for student success.”
Ryan Walsh, one of the organizers of the manufacturing and electronics club, tables at Clubs Fest. Photo credit: Ryan Harkness
Some Algonquin College clubs are available for students who need a space for community and inclusion. Colleges and universities have made extra effort over recent years to introduce clubs and societies for racial, religious and sexual minorities.
This is especially true for the pride club, which is run by Kyle Fraser, one of club’s co-coordinators.
“The more people I talk to, the more I realize that this club is necessary within Algonquin,” said Fraser. “There are so many people who otherwise would feel like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m the only queer person in my program, I have no one to talk to and feel like a weirdo.’ That’s certainly not true.”
Committing to clubs can be a challenge for students who have a long list of assignments to complete, and a schedule filled with classes.
“A lot of the clubs I ended up looking at, the times overlap with my classes and that’s sort of unfortunate,” said Lorelei Merizzi, an Algonquin College student. Merizzi used to be an administrator for the pride club.
Lorelei Merizzi visits the Clubs Fest after being curious about what the event has to offer. Photo credit: Ryan Harkness
Harris believes that the lack of available time for students may also create a challenge to start a club.
“You need to budget your time during the week aside from school. I think the best way to solve that is to have a couple people involved,” said Harris.
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The Wolves jumpstart the new semester after an impressive performance against George Brown
Owen Riendeau
Photos: Owen Riendeau
February 3, 2026 Revised: February 3, 2026 9:00am
Photo: Owen Riendeau
Algonquin Wolves guard Albert Opena celebrates with teammates during stoppage in play against George Brown on Jan. 17 at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.
The Wolves men’s basketball team extended their win streak to three consecutive games on Jan. 17 with a 91-74 victory over the George Brown Huskies at Algonquin College’s Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.
The George Brown Huskies came into the game after suffering three consecutive loses. In Ottawa, they were unable to capitalize as the Wolves hounded them on defence.
“I’m always trying to make sure my team’s winning,” said Wolves forward Aydin Gilani.
Algonquin Wolves forward Aydin Gilani coordinates with teammates on defence during stoppage in play against George Brown on Jan. 17 at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre. Photo credit: Owen Riendeau
Gilani put up 14 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals while playing a key role in the Wolves’ defensive scheme.
The Wolves came out aggressive at both ends of the court. The team started with a 10-3 run in the opening minutes of the game. The Wolves continued their first-quarter success, thanks to their hard-nosed defence and their ability to finish in both transition and around the rim. The first quarter ended with a bang, with guard Albert Opena hitting a buzzer-beating three-pointer, putting the Wolves up 26-16 heading into the second quarter.
Opena and Frank Thomas kept the Wolves afloat in the paint and from the foul line in the second quarter. Opena, who finished the game with 30 points, the second game in a row hitting that mark, has solidified himself as the Wolves’ go-to player.
Head coach Trevor Costello said “Albert is always nice to have,” and considers him the best player in the league.
Algonquin Wolves guard Albert Opena dribbles the ball against George Brown on Jan. 17 at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre. Photo credit: Owen Riendeau
The Wolves’ defence was promising, as they were able to force tough shots and hold the Huskies to a 38.2 per cent field goal percentage while grabbing 13 steals as a unit.
“Cultures will always emphasize defensive-first, so I always like to be a defensive-first player,” said Gilani.
Costello seemed pleased with the team’s performance.
“Guys are playing better lately, we shared the ball a lot more than usual last night and it showed on the scoreboard,” Costello said. “Another thing is defensively we did what we wanted for the most part and that’s a key.”
