Working for SNAPD Brampton, I've had the opportunity to photograph some sporting events, including the local basketball team, the Brampton A's, as well as the local hockey team, the Brampton Beast. I went back to shoot freelance on Friday November 14th, 2014, purely with the goal of expanding my sports photography portfolio, which I did (photos to follow in a later post).

When packing my gear, I decided I wanted to go a bit lighter though, and ditched my 30mm prime. I also had the thought, "Why take my flash? I'm shooting hockey. You don't use a flash for that. But whatever, I guess I'll take it. You never know what's going to happen." Turns out that what happened was Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender, WWII Veteran, and all-around Canadian hero, Johnny Bower showed up and celebrated his 90th birthday, and I managed to photograph him. Thank goodness I brought my flash!

Chivalry might be dead, but jousting isn't. I'm always looking for something new and different to photograph, and based on a Facebook advertisement for Knights of Valour (www.knightsofvalour.ca) I decided to head up to the Mono Fairgrounds near Orangeville and see what "full contact jousting" was like. This team's website is very clear; this isn't a theatrical event like what you might see at Medieval Times – it's an unscripted, combat sport where the human competitors can and do get injured, and the outcome is the result of strength, prowess and perhaps a bit of luck.

The competitors can only score points when they strike a reinforced piece of armour on their opponent's left shoulder about the size of a frying pan. Even when they don't unhorse each other, the competition is dramatic, as competitors score points for breaking their lances against each other – something I was able to capture dramatically.

It was a fun way to spend a Friday evening. There were many broken lances, a couple unhorsings, and plenty of excitement. The troupe's leader, and MC for the evening, Shane Adams, really knows how to work a crowd. The Knights of Valour have a full summer of events; I'll definitely go again next time I have a chance.

A Hockey Surprise

Not Your Average Extreme Sport