VICE Sports Canada Staff Picks from 2015

As the year comes to a close, we compiled a list of ten of our top stories at VICE Sports Canada from 2015. From VICE Sports Meets with P.K. Subban to a profile on Blue Jays manager John Gibbons, and Q&A with Raptors GM Masai Ujiri, there's a little something for everyone.

How a Brawl and Sleazy Owner Killed the Halifax Rainmen

Last season's National Basketball League of Canada final turned out to be a nightmare. The Halifax Rainmen forfeited the championship after refusing to play a decisive winner-take-all Game 7, following a pregame brawl with the Windsor Express that resulted in one player getting hit in the head with a steel chair. Not long after, owner Andre Levingston declared bankruptcy and the Rainmen folded. We take you inside the team's crazy story, and Levingston's shady ways.

A Weekend with P.K. Subban: VICE Sports Meets

We met up with P.K. Subban for a weekend and tapped into the part of his life that doesn't involve being a superstar defenceman for the Montreal Canadiens. Subban, a Norris Trophy winner and two-time All-Star, is a philanthropist who cares deeply about his family and community, as we learn in this VICE Sports exclusive.

Why I Stopped Caring about My Favourite Team

Sports fans are passionate about their favourite teams. That used to be the case for Dave Lozo, who was an avid New Jersey Devils fan growing up. Dave takes us through the pinnacle moments of his obsession with the Devils and how it ultimately slipped away. It's a piece most sports fans can relate to (even if they didn't talk to Marty Brodeur drunk on the phone after the Devils won the 2003 Stanley Cup).

Under the Bucket with Deaner

The man you may know as Deaner from Fubar has been sharing his outside-the-box takes on hockey at VICE Sports this season. When he's not taking down the Oilers, he's thinking of ways to improve the game by hiring trained dogs and how scoring can be increased by having goalies shotgun beers if their teammates take a penalty. You can read all entries from his Under the Bucket series here.

How Thatcher Demko Overcame Pain and Tragedy to Become One of Hockey's Top Goalie Prospects

Vancouver Canucks prospect and Boston College star Thatcher Demko has been turning heads with his exceptional play this season, beginning the 2015-16 campaign by recording six shutouts in nine games. Demko's path to stardom, however, has been anything but easy, as he's had to overcome the tragic loss of his friend and battle back from hip surgery.

Meet John Gibbons, the Family Man

John Gibbons is a witty, laid-back baseball lifer chock full of one-liners. Married for over 25 years, he's also a loving father of three who's both loyal and passionate about his family and baseball brethren.

VICE Sports Q&A: Masai Ujiri

We spoke to Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri about everything from the Raps and his Giants of Africa basketball program to Drake and Blackberrys.

Hockey Star to Country Singer: Music Has Helped Theo Fleury Battle His Demons

Life as an NHL star wasn't easy for Theo Fleury, a victim of sexual abuse who battled alcohol and drug addiction throughout his playing career. Now a country singer, music—which has always been in his blood—has helped the former Stanley Cup and Olympic gold medal winner fight his demons head on.

From the Streets to the Homeless World Cup: How Soccer Is Changing Lives

We profiled 42-year-old Harold Smoke, a former addict living on the streets when he wasn't behind bars, who used sport to help turn his life around. Smoke travelled to Europe for the first time this summer to represent Canada at the Homeless World Cup.

A Guide to Jumping on the Blue Jays' Bandwagon

The Toronto Blue Jays took Canada by storm with a magical 2015 season that included the club's first postseason run in over 20 years. Attendance skyrocketed and the Blue Jays became the hottest topic in the country. It was something new for many Toronto fans who had never seen the Blue Jays in the playoffs, and a relief for those waiting since 1993 for October baseball. In mid-August, we put out a bandwagon guide for the swath of latecomers jumping on board.