Well folks, we have had some winter weather, but it's March, the clocks have changed, and the temperatures are gradually rising. The NL Closed is just around the corner so if you have not registered now is the time to get it done while the NL Closed registration portal is still open. The registration deadline is March 21.
Details regarding the Atlantic Table Tennis Championships are becoming available. The Nova Scotia Table Tennis Association is hosting the championships this year from May 16-18 at Auburn Drive High in Dartmouth with May 17-18 as the competition days.
May 16 - Friday night - set up and practice
May 17 - Saturday - all day (team event and some individual events -TBA)
May 17 - Saturday night - Banquet at Auburn (catered)
May 18 - Sunday - all day (conclusion of individual events, including doubles)
A few weeks back info regarding accommodations in the Dartmouth area was distributed, for those that are planning on attending it might be a good idea to check on accommodations sooner rather than later. For info on the event stay tuned to our social media feeds and of course our website.
Labrador coaching
Canada Games Head Coach Jeremy Lehr visited Hopedale, Labrador from February 21-23 to conduct a 3 day table tennis training clinic. Each day consisted of two sessions, three hours in length in which players worked on technique, footwork and general skills. The clinic was open to all Labrador residents from grades 6-12 and also functioned as a Canada Games 2027 scouting trip to identify athletes who may be interested in joining the Canada Games 2027 Training group in which the final team is selected from. The trip was excellent and it was a follow up to the training sessions that Jeremy, Nick Hiscock and Dave Milley conducted there in June 2024.
Canada Games 2027
Although 2027 may appear to be quite some time away, preparations have already started for the 2027 Canada Games to take place in Quebec. The Coach and Manager have been chosen, and the NLTTA is delighted to announce that Jeremy Lehr will serve as the Coach, while Divine Aseo will take on the role of Manager. The forthcoming 2025-26 tournaments will be utilized to assist in selecting the Table Tennis team, which will include 3 males and 3 females.
For all things concerning table tennis at the Canada Games be sure to check out the NLTTA website as we have created a dedicated Canada Games 2027 webpage for the Games. The page will contain all the info needed for athletes, parents and interested parties.
On the page you will find athlete age requirements, the selection process for the team as well as team member profiles when available.
A reminder for all potential athletes that the NLTTA along with the Coach and Manager has established the process on how the athletes will be selected.
A couple of important items to keep in mind are. . . .
A Canada Games training group will be established by August 31st, 2025. Candidates will be selected from this group.
To join the group, email head coach Jeremy Lehr at jnlehr@mun.ca with you/your child’s: full name, gender, date of birth and town/city of residence.
The forthcoming 2025-26 tournaments will be utilized to assist in selecting the Table Tennis team, which will include 3 males and 3 females.
All interested parties are advised to refer to the document entitled Table Tennis NL Canada Games Selection Plan for 2027
Athlete profile
Earlier in the season, the Rising Stars news blog featured profiles on two athletes and we are glad to say we are back again with more athlete profiles. Featured this time are two junior players Peishan Chen and Evan Denty
Peishan Chen
How did you get into the sport and how long have you been playing? Well… my dad introduced me to table tennis, and I enjoyed it. I have been playing for almost two years.
Personal interests, hobbies. Japanese anime, soccer, piano and most importantly, table tennis for sure!!
What have been your biggest accomplishments in table tennis? Beating my dad, though it has been only once so far.
Name two players in the local table tennis community who have influenced/helped your development as a table tennis player. Definitely, all my coaches. Divine Aseo, Jiaqi Mu, Jeremy Lehr and maybe my dad.
What are your table tennis goals for the next couple of years? Well… I hope I can go to Canada Games and enter Canada U13 national team.
What is your favorite part about playing table tennis? It’s really fun. Matches are relatively short but exciting!
Evan Denty
How did you get into the sport? I got into this sport because my mom bought my sister and I a 'table top table tennis net' for Christmas one year. Mom played a lot growing up and loves it as well and I’ve been playing for 3 years now.
Personal interests, hobbies. Most of my interests are school sport related. I also play minor ice hockey as a goalie. I really don’t have much free time for hobbies because when I’m not playing a sport, I’m either doing school work or refereeing for ice hockey! But when and if I do, I will hang out with friends.
Biggest accomplishments in table tennis. Last year when I represented the Eastern region for table tennis in the NL winter games. I went undefeated in my age group and our team won gold! The second would be last year competing with Team NL in the Atlantic Table Tennis Championships in New Brunswick.
Name two players in the local table tennis community who have influenced/helped your development as a table tennis player. I have to say my mom would be first, she has taught me so much when I first started playing and has given me the fundamentals of the game. Also, my sister Jayden keeps me on my toes because when I play her, I try my best as I always want to beat her!!! There are many others that helped shape my game such as Sheldon Briffett, Adam Howse (high school coach), and Jeremy Lehr.
What are your table tennis goals for the next couple of years? For this year, I want to make Team NL for this years Atlantic’s and compete well in Nova Scotia. I also want to compete at the Canada Winter Games in 2027!
What is your favorite part about playing table tennis? I like meeting new people and I really like that table tennis is competitive and I get the chance to compete against all age groups and skill levels.
Season is winding down
As we approach the end of March the NL Closed is on tap. Be sure to get your registration in as this is the last tournament in which Team NL selection points are up for grabs. Be sure to check the latest points totals to see your current standing.
Table tennis in the province has a rich history and to this end we are trying to preserve as much as possible. We have an Archive page that contains a couple of items from the past and we are actively looking for more. If you or someone you know have other papers like this please feel free to pass them along to us and we will do our best to make them available to all. You can scan them and email to the email address webmaster@nltta.com or if you attend the Paradise Table Tennis Club on Mondays pass them along to Bob Hendricks.
If there is something you would like to see added to our website don't hesitate to Contact Us and while there, make sure to subscribe to receive immediate notifications when a news item is posted.
There are many ways to keep informed about Table Tennis in the province. check out our social media presence on Instagram @nltabletennisassoc and on Facebook and of course our website.
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