Hodgson strikes it rich

Cody Hodgson signed a big-league deal.

Selected 10th overall in June’s National Hockey League entry draft by the Vancouver Canucks, the Markham resident’s signing was announced Sunday by Canucks general manager Mike Gillis.

Hodgson received a three-year rookie contract of $875,000 per season.

It’s expected Hodgson will be sent back to his junior team the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League this week before the Canucks open their regular season.

Hodgson, 18, played in three Canuck pre-season games this year, recording one assist and six penalty minutes.

He had 85 points, including 40 goals, in 68 games with Brampton last season.

The six-foot, 185-pound centre was captain of Canada’s under-18 squad that won gold at the 2008 IIHF World Championships. Hodgson had 12 points in the tourney and led all skaters in assists, with 10.

Hodgson, who played minor hockey in the Markham Waxers organization with fellow 2008 first-round picks Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay) and Michael Del Zotto (New York Rangers), graduated from Unionville High School in June.

Waxers midgets still unbeaten

The Markham Waxers midgets won their fourth Ontario Minor Hockey Association regular season contest in as many outings Monday with a 3-1 decision over previously unbeaten York Simcoe Express at the Angus Glen Community Centre.

Braeden Goebel and Connor Fitzsimmons each scored a goal and added one assist while Tyler Sikura added the other marker. Michael Donaghey and Rick Czapka each earned one assist.

The Waxers will take to the ice at the Angus Glen Community Friday for the Markham Majors Tournament. The Waxers will play the West Seneca Wings in their first game at 4:50 p.m.

Rugby men downed by Peterborough

The Markham Rugby Football Club men’s firsts did not get off to a good start in their Ontario Rugby Union Intermediate Cup play schedule last Saturday after dropping a 25-15 decision to host Peterborough.

Mario Listro, Tony Felix and Mick Schaer each scored one try for Markham.

The firsts hope to turn their fortunes around Oct. 18 when they play host to Barrie.

As of press time, the game is scheduled to be played at Mount Joy field at 3 p.m. due to an irrigation system being installed at the Austin Drive field.

For more on the Markham Rugby Football Club, log on to www.markhamrugbyclub.com

Table tennis, anyone?

The Canadian Chinese Table Tennis Association hosts an open tournament at the Pacific Mall (Kennedy and Steeles Avenues) Oct. 26 starting at 2 p.m.

The event is open to anyone and there are no age restrictions.

Registration deadline is Oct. 24.

For further information, call 905-475-8899 or call Peter at 905-948-9881.