Focusing on the bottom line and the blue line

October 19, 2004

Focusing on the bottom line and the blue line

by Keri Irwin

	Accounting major Dominic Noel - as seen on reality TV's "Making the Cut." (Nick Pearce, 123 Photo)

Dominic Noel traded his business attire for a uniform this summer in order to try and score the ultimate goal on a reality television series.

The third-year commerce co-op student was a successful competitor on the new prime time reality based show "Making the Cut," sponsored by Bell. The ultimate prize is a pro hockey tryout with one of the six Canadian teams. How it will all add up is anyone's guess, as secrecy still surrounds the outcome.

A third year commerce student, Noel lives a life most only dream. Noel hails from Lameque, a small fishing town in North-eastern New Brunswick and played in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles before joining the Tigers for the 2002/03 season. Scouted by many schools is the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Conference including Acadia, StFX and Saint Mary's, Noel credits Halifax's vibrant community and head coach Fabian Joseph as the driving forces instrumental in his decision to attend Dalhousie University.

As the Tigers prepare for another medal winning season, this Tiger is well conditioned and looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead. Currently on his second of three work terms, a requirement for the Commerce Co-op program, Noel is employed with Guysborough Transfer Ltd. as an accounting clerk and looks forward to a career in the professional field of accounting post graduation. While many enjoyed a summer off, Noel balanced a semester of classes with the grueling practices, games and conditioning both on and off the ice as he competed on the new prime time reality based show - Bell's "Making the Cut".

Having survived the first cut, Noel is one of 68 hopefuls vying for one of six invitations to an NHL training camp. Not a stranger to training camps, Noel has attended two camps and considers them to be among his "biggest accomplishments to date." In 2001 he attended a training camp for the Columbus Blue Jackets and just returned from a Florida Panther's camp in September.

Although he is enjoying the added attention he is busy preparing for the upcoming season with the Tigers and is both "excited and confident that it will bring good things." Is another medal in reach of the Tiger's claws? Only teamwork, dedication and time will tell, however if Noel has a repeat of last season, in which he averaged over one point per game, the Tigers will be well poised for another strong finish.

Follow Dominic's quest on Bell's "Making the Cut", on CBC Tuesday nights, or online at www.makingthecut.ca. A complete schedule and results for the Tigers is available online at www.athletics.dal.ca.