The Xtreme Paintbal League

CXBL Central Event 4: Ground Zero Paintball.

Time has run short for many teams this past weekend as we take a look back at the last central event of 2010. It’s almost surreal to think this was it, this was our last time to shine and relive the glory, the success, we craved just 6 months back. Toronto Rage, Cambridge Raiders, and Kitchener Recon will prevail and fight once again at NAX, alongside 5 more teams between the eastern and western conference. The remaining teams however are left short with high hopes for the following year.

It’s tough walking out of the pits knowing that the season may be over for you. You look back at the field one last time, then down into your orange stained hands while noticing the fat welt on your wrist. It’s a cycle you think, an everlasting fight to attain what you rightfully deserve...What your team rightfully deserves. But it’s what you love, and the reason we play the sport. This was the case for seven out of eight teams in both the RXL and MXL division. RXL’s Hespeler Hooligans and MXL’s Woodstock Defiance however made the cut and showed the league where they deserve to be after a phenomenal season. The big question for both these teams is will their caliber of play match that in the highly competitive MXL and CXBL division?

Hespeler Hooligans have been fighting for this spot for the past three years. It took long practices, dedication, and a full commitment from each and every player to bring them to their success. “Influential players within the organization were definitely a helping factor” says AJ Wineck #4. “All season long we worked well as a team and received a great deal of support from the Woodstock guys. Travis Kropf was also a great coach, and clearly, we came out wanting it more than anyone else”.  Hespeler Hooligans squeezed through the division, beating Joyceville Juveniles and Brockville Tdotballers. MXL next season will bring big games and bigger opportunites. Goodluck next season boys, you did a great job.

Woodstock Defiance, unlike Hespeler, has now won their second title in a row. Going from RXL, to MXL, to now the CXBL, People are watching closely as Woodstock climbs up the divisional ladder in record time. “Last year we figured out that it’s about being a family on and off the field” says Derek Thompson. “Off the field we’ll drink and have good time together, but the second we get back on that field, we’re all in sync. We have the same mindset, keeping our eyes on the prize and never letting our guard down”. It was a close draw between Woodstock and Medonte nTwo Factor, but in the long run, Woodstock’s experience as a team brought them to their success. See everyone in CXBL next year, congrats guys.

As for CXBL, Windsor Lockdown fell short on making it to NAX but definitely raised their game from last the season. Kingston Criminal Factory ended the year as a mid-pack team, regardless of the hired pros flown in from out of the country. They did however play a great season, but simply slipped up on big matches that could have meant a ticket to NAX. Barrie Xtreme played a great last half of the season as well, managing to stay alive and proving they do in fact belong in the division. Wasaga Beach Boyz has had better days, placing seventh in the division. But regardless of the mistakes made this year, the players are learning from the mistakes made and are already getting ready for next season. This leaves London Xpress in last place after one of their best seasons yet. Regardless of their relegation, London wrapped up and amazing season as they fought harder then ever years before. For that, congratulations guys and way to make the best of the year, we hope to see you out there again in 2011. 

Well I have to say, what a season and way to end 2010. As the years pass by we’re seeing more fight, more dedication. We’re seeing teams go from good to great, and we’re watching the players in our league become some of the best in the sport. This season, we watched professionally ranked players pour into our home fields. And not only did they help bring up the caliber, but as players, watched Canadian teams prevail to NAX. Toronto Rage, Cambridge Raiders, and Kitchener Recon more or less all consist of central players. With that said, they are the one’s making it to NAX, showing the pro’s what paintball in the CXBL is really about. Stay tuned as we checkout easterns fourth a final event this weekend at Cowboy Paintball.

-Kyle Muffty