2024 Staff Bio
Pit
Hi! My name is Gab-Riel but at Aikens, people call me Pit.
2024 marks my 35th season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m no longer coaching hockey next winter because Marty has graduated high school... so I don't really know what I'm going to be doing haha! But I'm sure I'll be watching hockey and playing hockey a lot anyways.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be… Season 1 would be “Timber” by Pitbull, no doubt about it. Season 2 would be “Home for a Rest” by Spirit of the West, an old song that used to get the crowd swinging at a bar I used to bartend at. If I stuck around long enough for a 3rd season, maybe it would “Let Me Clear My Throat?!” We'll just take it a few seasons at a time for now, but either way I want the crowd jumping when I tuck a biscuit in the basket!
The best trip I've ever taken is my first trip overseas with Julie was to Spain and it was a super memorable experience. We didn't plan much in advance other than hotels and we spent the first part in Madrid, the second chapter in Sevilla, and then ended it off in Barcelona. Every day we set out for a new adventure... we never knew where the day would take us when we would wake up. Just living for the moment in a foreign land and it was perfect!
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is… First of all I would sleep in haha! Then I would go out in the boat and find some of my old finned friends in the lake, if they're biting. After shorelunch I would spend the afternoon on the Lone Coyote Beach (hopefully the sun is shining the lake is calm and Jus brings his margarita machine out!). Spend happy hour on the beach. Finally I would end the day in Big Molly's Bar for some laughs and tales of glory.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! Yes, Gibson is the chocolate lab in camp. He helps keep the bears away and loves his summers at the lodge.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? It's funny to say because it wasn't a huge concert, but during the Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg one year, Julie and I went out with no particular plans for Valentine's Day. We ended up in the Sugar Shack and discovered a band called the Dead South. They were goofy but the music was great. We ended up running into a bunch of old friends in the crowd and had an epic night of fun! I still love listening to their songs and in fact we are going to see them play in Winnipeg again this fall... although their tour is much larger than the first time we saw them LOL.
Julie
Hi! My name is Julie but at Aikens, people call me Julie, I don’t really have a nickname..
2024 marks my 25th season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m in Winnipeg planning all the logistics for your trip next year...and hopefully traveling a little.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “Fireworks” by the Tragically Hip.
The best trip I've ever taken is… That’s difficult, I enjoy them all! I would have to say either Portugal or Spain.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is relaxing on the beach with the family.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! We have a new little golden retriever named Brigden. Can’t wait for you to meet him and watch him grown to be a camp protector!
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? That would have to be my first Tragically Hip concert.
Patrick
Hi! My name is Patrick but at Aikens, people call me Pat.
2024 marks my 25th season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m doing whatever Janelle says...
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be "Money City Maniacs" by Sloan.
The best trip I've ever taken is Disney World with my family.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is park at the Saddle.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! Enzo, Mojo, Oscar & Arthur.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? Another Roadside Attraction tour with the Tragically Hip.
Janelle
Hi! My name is Janelle but at Aikens, people call me Jans.
2024 marks my 19th season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m a hockey mom.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “Hey Ya!” by Outkast.
The best trip I've ever taken is a three-month backpacking trip through South East Asia with my BFF.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is sleeping in, coffee on the porch, a hike and a beach afternoon with the kids.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! Two lovely dogs, Enzo & Mojo.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? N*Sync in the early 2000’s.
Kurt
Head Guide
Hi! My name is Kurt but at Aikens, people call me Kurnbuckle.
2024 marks my 7th season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m travelling, hunting and bartending!
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “Riverboat Fantasy” by David Wilcox.
The best trip I've ever taken is backpacking in Vietnam.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is sleeping in and betting on video games with a buddy.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! I have an extremely talented 5 year old tabby cat, named Bella. She loves belly rubs, climbing trees and doing advanced tricks for our guests.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? The North Star Rave Night.
Cam
Guide
Josh
Guide
Hi! My name is Josh but at Aikens, people call me Kid Rock.
2024 marks my 4th season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m globe trotting.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be "I Was on a Boat That Day" by Old Dominion.
The best trip I've ever taken is to BonAventure with the boys.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is hiding from the sun.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! Wall Geckos of all the tropical places I have visited.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? Tim Hicks tickets I won on the radio!
Brenden
Guide
Tyson
Guide
Hi! My name is Tyson but at Aikens, people call me… still don’t have nickname..
2024 marks my 2nd season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m probably still fishing.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “Haters Wanna be me” by Froggie Fresh.
The best trip I've ever taken is coming to Aikens.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is to fish.
Do you have any pets? Nope!
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? NHL game.
Joey
Guide
Kieran
Guide
Hi! My name is Kieran but at Aikens, people call me K-Cup or KDawg.
2024 marks my 2nd season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m fishing and farming.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “La Bamba”.
The best trip I've ever taken is…I went to Africa. It was cool.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is swimin’, fishin’ and soaking up the sun.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! I have a dog named Brian. He is 6.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? Big Molly’s Bar Porch.
Simon
Guide
Hi! My name is Simon but at Aikens, people call me Simon.
2024 marks my 1st season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m fixing cars at a Chevy dealership.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “Passacaglia” (piano version).
The best trip I've ever taken is B.C. Kelowna and Osoyoos Valley.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is catching big fish.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! Some dogs and cats…
Corrin
Guide
Hi! My name is Corrin but at Aikens, people call me Corrin.
2024 marks my first season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m taking care of my acreage, spending time with my 2 children. And fishing every chance we get.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be…
The best trip I've ever taken is to Banff National Park.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is cliff jumping or fishing.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! I have 2 dogs one golden retriever named Kai and 1 black lab named Callie. There both water hogs, dirty 24/7.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? Calgary Stampede.
Tyler
Guide
Hi! My name is Tyler but at Aikens, people call me Squirrel.
2024 marks my 1st season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m Fishing or fishing on the dock best spot on the lake!
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “Cowboy” by Kid Rock.
The best trip I've ever taken is going to Aikens.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is fishing or sitting on the porch.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! Night Hawk, best turtle ever.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? Alice in chains live - best thing I've ever seen!
Ben
Guide
Eric
Guide
Hi! My name is Eric but at Aikens, people call me Sal.
2024 marks my 1st season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m out golfing with friends or gone to the lake with the family and in the winter it’s hockey and lots of ice fishing.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “Hey Baby” by DJ Ötzi.
The best trip I've ever taken is the time I went to British Columbia to visit a friend I met at a hockey camp was probably one of the best weeks of vacation I’ve had yet.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is being able to sleep in and spend the day out on the water.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! I have a dog named Titan he’s a Great Dane very annoying and steals every piece of food he can find.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? Never been to a concert, but when I do get to go, it will be Eminem. My favourite live event I’ve been to would be Monster Jam.
Aiden
Guide
Hi! My name is Aiden but at Aikens, people call me Ferg..
2024 marks my 2nd season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m fishin’.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “Sabotage” by the Beastie Boys.
The best trip I've ever taken is Quebec City.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is going fishing for trout.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! Trout.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? Tragically hip concert at 5 years old.
Marty
Guide
Hi! My name is Martin but at Aikens, people call me Buckwheat.
2024 marks my 18th season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m a full time student at USB and in my spare time I’m playing golf or hockey.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “On the road again” by Willie Nelson.
The best trip I've ever taken is Honolulu, an island that’s a part Hawaii.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is fishing and cliff jumping.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! I have one puppy named Brigden, he is a golden retriever and he doesn’t know it yet but he won the lottery.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? Winnipeg jets vs Ottawa Senators, when Dustin Byfuglien hit Mark Stone.
Joel
Guide
Hi! My name is Joel but at Aikens, people call me Shuga Plum, Joseph or Dumpy.
2024 marks my 3rd season at Aikens
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m playing chess at university.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “Tu Tut Tu Tu” by Max Verstappen.
The best trip I've ever taken is Niagara Falls/Toronto.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is fishing and sleeping.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! My cat Earl is a little devious monster who loves to attack me in my sleep.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? Les G String au Festival du Voyageur.
Colin
Chef
Hi! My name is Colin but at Aikens, people call me Chef C.
2024 marks my 1st season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m Working at Canada Life Centre as the chef in the premium lounge where I cater various events and musicians that come through the doors, skateboarding and making music.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “Battery” by Metallica.
The best trip I've ever taken is Europe. I travelled to Amsterdam, Belgium & Paris.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is fishing and listening to the waves and birds sing.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! I have a fat white and black cat I call Moo Moo, but her name is Lilly.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? Chris Stapleton and World Gymnaestrada in Amsterdam.
Annick
Baker
Annika
Head of Housekeeping
Hi! My name is Annika but at Aikens, people call me Anni.
2024 marks my 3rd season at Aikens
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m reading, playing games and going to university.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “Crocodile Rock” by Elton John.
The best trip I've ever taken is my family ski trip in Collingwood or our trip to Disney World.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is spending time outside and sleeping.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! Gibson is my favourite diabetic dog. He is a diva who won’t move out of the way, he chases bears, he loves fires and he is the finest dog you’ll ever meet.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? G-strings et les Trois Accords au Festival du Voyageur.
Alex
GGO Hostess & Housekeeping
Rachel
Housekeeping
Hi! My name is Rachel but at Aikens, people still call me Rachel..
2024 marks my 2nd season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m travelling or going to school.
The best trip I've ever taken is backpacking Southeast Asia with long-distance friends.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is sleep in, go for a walk, hop in a boat, repeatt.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! One grumpy cat, one overly friendly cat, and a dog who kills everything he sees.
Abby
Housekeeping
Chloe
Housekeeping
Kayla
Housekeeping
Lorraine
Organization Expert
Jus
Carpentry & Maintenance
Hi! My name is Justin but at Aikens, people call me Jus.
2024 marks my 10th season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m waiting to come back to Aikens
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be Amos Moses. “Here comes Amos!”.
The best trip I've ever taken is… Road 16,000 km trip from the Yukon to California.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is exploring the lake and hanging out with the boys!
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! I have a cat named Zircon, we didnt name him..
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? Phat Dank and the Bean Boys album release party.
Danic
GGO Host
Hi! My name is Danic but at Aikens, people call me Danny or Red.
2024 marks my 3rd season at Aikens
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m working as an EA at the DSFM.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar or “Heave Away” by the Fables.
The best trip I've ever taken is Argentina, especially Iguazú Falls.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is sleep in and fish.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! Yes, a mutt named Domi.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? Any Bomber game ever!! Or Festival du Voyageur!!
Manu
Lost Lake Host
Hi! My name is Manu but at Aikens, people call me Emmanuel.
2024 marks my 2nd season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m working in tech.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “Learn to Fly” by Foo Fighters.
The best trip I've ever taken is going to the beaches down in Florida.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is fishing and eating. Always better with company!
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! We have a curious mid-sized bear in our backyard from times to times.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? K’naan at Festival du Voyageur in 2024
Jody
B&T
Sam
Dockhand
Rico
Maintenance
Hayden
Labour Team
Mario
Labour Team
Hi! My name is Mario but at Aikens, people call me Ampoule.
2024 marks my 1st season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m a hockey player.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “Call me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepson.
The best trip I've ever taken is to Aikens Lake.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is to go fishing with buddies.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! Non.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? Montréal Canadiens vs Winnipeg Jets.
Noah
Labour Team
Hi! My name is Noah but at Aikens, people call me Poptart.
2024 marks my 1st season at Aikens
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m playing hockey.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “Burn it to the Ground” by Nickelback.
The best trip I've ever taken is Mexico.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is go fishing with the boys.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! Nope!
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? Jon Pardi concert with friends.
Justin
Labour Team
Hi! My name is Justin but at Aikens, people call me Tommy.
2024 marks my first season at Aikens.
When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m fishing.
If I was in the NHL, my "goal song" would be “Chelsea Dagger” by the Fratellis.
The best trip I've ever taken is Skiing trip with my family to Lake Louise.
My favourite way to spend a day off at Aikens is relax, fish and have a shorelunch.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! I have a dog named Barclay, he’s an Australian labradoodle. He barks a lot.
What's the most memorable concert or live event you've ever attended? Seeing the Lumineers in concert.
Natasha
Oscar
