NHL Three Stars Of Week

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, Winnipeg Jets right wing Blake Wheeler and Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week ending March 3.

 FIRST STAR – MARC-ANDRE FLEURY, G, VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS

 Fleury went 3-0-0 with a 0.33 goals-against average, .987 save percentage and two shutouts as the Golden Knights (36-26-5, 77 points) improved their overall winning streak to four contests to sit third in the Pacific Division. Fleury began the week by making 23 saves in a 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars Feb. 26. He then posted back-to-back shutouts stopping 34 shots in a 3-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks on March 1 and making 19 saves in a 3-0 victory over the Vancouver Canucks March 3. The 34-year-old native of Sorel, Que., leads all NHL goaltenders in wins (32) and shutouts (8) this season. He became the fifth goaltender in NHL history to record nine or more campaigns with at least 30 wins and his eight shutouts are two shy of his career high of 10 set in 2014-15.

SECOND STAR – BLAKE WHEELER, RW, WINNIPEG JETS

 Wheeler finished the week tied for first among scorers with 5-3—8 in three games as the Central Division-leading Jets (39-22-4, 82 points) won two of three contests. Wheeler opened the week by notching one assist in a 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild Feb. 26. On March 1 he recorded one goal and two assists in a 5-3 win over the Nashville Predators. Wheeler closed out the week with a four-goal effort in a 5-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 3, the second four-goal game by a player last week (also Arizona’s Brad Richardson on Feb. 28). The 32-year-old native of Plymouth, Minn., leads all Jets skaters with 17-63—80 in 65 games this season. Only Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov (75) has recorded more assists in 2018-19.

 THIRD STAR – SIDNEY CROSBY, C, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

 Crosby tied for the League lead in scoring last week with eight points (3-5—8 in 3 GP) as the Penguins (34-22-9, 77 points) gained five of a possible six points to hold the first Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference. Crosby opened the week by notching one goal and one assist in a 5-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Feb. 26. On March 1, he recorded one goal and one assist in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Crosby finished the week with one goal and three assists in a 5-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on March 2. In doing so, Crosby passed Alex Ovechkin to move into 48th on the NHL’s all-time points list. The 31-year-old native of Cole Harbour, N.S., ranks tied for fourth in the NHL with 29-54—83 in 62 games this season. 

(NHL Media)

Something To "Mitch" About

--John Tavares received a standing ovation from those at Scotiabank Place on Saturday night.  The Toronto media gushed all over it as if it was a move that united the country.  It was a move that made me and some others just barf.

 Yes, Tavares was roundly booed in his first game back in Uniondale after he bolted the Islanders for the Leafs in free agency.  Islander fans have every right to do so much like Rider fans had the right to boo Henry Burris every time he walked onto Taylor Field.  Tavares is  a big boy. I think he can take it. His skin isn't that thin is it?

However, Toronto had to show their love for Tavares Saturday while belitting the Islander fan base for what they had done.  Where was this on opening night when Tavares was introduced to the crowd?   Did they have to wait until the 3/4 mark of the season to show "Johnny Toronto" as Joe Bowen called him how much he was revered amongst their fan base?   What a laugh!  When is the standing ovation coming for Jake Gardiner?   I said last week I would like to see a Leafs-Islanders first round playoff matchup.  Can I double down on that?

--Still with the Toronto media and laughs. The Toronto media is obsessed with Connor McDavid wanting to tell the Oilers to move him.  They love the fact that McDavid is once again going to miss the playoffs and that this will be three of four years he has done so.

Do we remember when Mario Lemieux didn't make the playoffs in four of his first five years in the league?  How did Lemieux's career turn out?  Oh yeah!

The Toronto media should stick to making sure John Tavares goes to bed a happy boy and isn't picked on anymore by those nasty, nasty Islander fans!  By the way, what do you think happens if and when one of the Leafs top players leaves via free agency.  I am guessing he won't get a key to the city in his first game back in Toronto.  Then the narrative will be how the Toronto hockey fan "deservedly" stuck it to said player for deserting them.    Wait for it!

--Rider fans continue to feel uneasy about their team.  I understand that.  They feel as if the other teams are passing them by.  I see what has gone on in the off-season and I understand that.  Jeremy O'Day tried to get Bo Levi Mitchell in Saskatchewan colours and when he couldn't do that, he reached out and brought Zach Collaros back seeing Mike Reilly and Trevor Harris went elsewhere.  What else was he to do?  I still say O'Day has something up his sleeve when it comes to quarterback that we will see before camp.

--Can Duron Carter last a season in BC? I'd love to say yes, but I can't.  With Mike Reilly throwing him the ball, Carter could have his best season ever if he keeps his head on straight and doesn't alienate himself to teammates.  That's easier  said than done.

--Friday night at the PAC in Saskatoon watching the Cougars and Huskies battle it out for the Canada West title was tremendous and a little revealing as well.  The sad truth of the matter is the U of R should be embarassed after what went down on Friday---at least the student body should be. 

The U of S student body came out to support their club which is something the U of R doesn't do for whatever reason.   The area behind the Cougars bench was a madhouse. It forced Dave Taylor to bring his team onto the court during timeouts so he could get his message across.  Yet when the Cougars are home, there is no or very little activity behind the visitors bench when a basketball game is being played men or women.  Why is that? 

There were members of the U of S football team, the soccer team and the wrestling team there.  How many Cougar athletes are there to show support for the basketball team at their playoff games? How many U of R students are there? Yes, some athletes and students do come but it pales in comparison to what the Huskies athletic roster were doing ---at least on this night it did. I am guessing many more were at the new Merlis Belsher arena cheering the men's hockey  team onto a win over Alberta.  I am also told this was not a one-time thing.

If the Huskies can get a solid homecourt advantage because of loud fans, then Regina should be able to as well shouldn't they?  One would think so!  Its time for the student population in Cougarville to bring their game up a notch or two starting next year. Be proud!

As for the game itself, it was a grind-it out game that the Huskies prevailed in despite the fact I thought Regina played better.  Regina just couldn't hit shots and get key rebounds.  The Huskies made stupid mistake after stupid mistake after stupid mistake but they did enough to win.  If Michaela Kleisinger's short runner with about 12 seconds goes in, we are probably going to overtime and who knows what happens then.  Can these two teams meet again at the nationals as they have the last three years? The two teams are on different sides of the bracket so if we get a rematch, it will be in the title game.  I'd be all for that!  The fact Regina lost Kyanna Giles to what looked like a season-ending knee injury makes it very difficult though.

It was a lot of fun sitting with the parents and supporters of the team watching Dave's squad do their thing while rooting them on albeit unsuccessfully. That chance doesn't come around very often. It was a lot of fun.  Apologies to former Cougar Kehlsie Crone whose sister plays on this year's team.  She was right in front of me and in firing range with yells of encouragement.  Then again, she was screaming too as we looked for at least one "3 in the key" call that didn't come.  Does anyone call that anymore?

--The Pats did it right Saturday.  Midway through the first period, they saluted both Jake Leschyshyn and Nick Henry with a video and yes, both admitted to coming close to tearing up.   Who's kidding who, they probably did.  Leschyshyn and Henry may not have gotten the ink that guys like Adam Brooks, Sam Steel and Connor Hobbs got over the good years, but they were just as instrumental.  Congrats to Nick for signing a deal with the Avalanche on the weekend.  The trade that sent those two to Lethbridge in which numerous assets came back could result in players that get the Pats back to the level they want to be at.

--If you haven't seen the video where Carey Price gives a fan of his a huge hug and some autographed sticks, go find it and go find the story behind it.  You might also then want to dry your eyes.  What a great move by the Habs goalie. 

--Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge told reporters Sunday his team could break the records for homeruns hit in a season breaking last year's mark of 267.  That number broke a record that had stood for two decades. .  He may be right.  That New York lineup is a modern day Murderers Row again with Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Miguel Andujar leading the way.  Boston might still be the class of the AL East, but the Yankees have narrowed the gap and that is bad news for Tampa, the Jays and Baltimore who all should likely be well under 500.

--Say what you will about Bryce Harper, but his decision not to wear 34 in Philadelphia because that was Roy Halladay's number is a classy move. He gets it!

--If the NBA season ended today, the Detroit Pistons would meet the Toronto Raptors in the first round. Dwane Casey would have a chance to hand his old team another early playoff exit.  How delicious would that storyline be!  Detroit beat Toronto in both games this year too.  It just gets better!

--Midget Wrestling is coming to the Press Box in May.  Need I say more!

--That's all I got.  Have a great week!

Cougar Womens BBall Team Get 5 Seed at Nationals

Picture: Arthur Images 

U SPORTS announced Sunday its bracket for the 2019 U SPORTS Women's Final 8, with the University of Regina Cougars earning the No. 5 seed and matching up against No. 4-seeded Ottawa in the tournament quarterfinals.

Regina and Ottawa will match up on Thursday night (8:00 EST) in what will be the first meeting in history between the two teams on the championship side of the national tournament bracket.

"Ottawa was ranked No. 1 in the last national poll so obviously this is an extremely tough matchup," Cougars head coach Dave Taylor said. "They check all of the boxes - they have a big post, a dynamic point guard, a great stretch-four, and they're a well-coached, experienced group."

The two teams have already met this season. Regina won 63-53 on the road over the Gee-Gees in what was the Cougars' first non-conference game of the year, though Taylor was quick to point out that Ottawa was missing OUA first-team all-star Hilary Hanaka for that contest.

Both teams enter the national tournament after losing in their respective conference finals. The Cougars were edged 53-49 by Saskatchewan on Friday in Saskatoon, while Ottawa suffered a 79-75 home loss to McMaster on Saturday.

The winner of the Regina/Ottawa game will advance to the tournament semifinals on Saturday to face the winner of the Laval/Ryerson quarterfinal. Laval is the top seed, while host Ryerson enters as the No. 8 seed.

On the other side of the bracket, No. 2 McMaster will play No. 7 Concordia in one quarterfinal while No. 3 Saskatchewan will face No. 6 Acadia in the other.

NOTES: The only time Regina and Ottawa have met in a national tournament game was in the 2005 consolation semifinals in Winnipeg, which Ottawa won by a 66-64 score ... the Cougars will be playing in the 4/5 game for the third time in the last four seasons, as they were also seeded No. 5 in 2017 (72-62 loss to McGill) and were the No. 4 seed in 2016 (73-70 loss to Ryerson).

----

No. 1 Laval Rouge et Or

Playoff finish: RSEQ champions
Regular season / playoff records: 15-1 / 2-0
Last U SPORTS championship: Never
Team offence: 74.3 points/game, 14^th
Team defence: 53.5 points allowed/game, 1^st

Team Leaders
Points per game: Jane Gagné, 15.4
Rebounds per game: Khaleann Caron-Goudreau, 9.1
Assists per game: Claudia Emond, 3.9

The Laval Rouge et Or flirted with perfection in 2018-19, as they came close to the first undefeated season of their 48-year history. They lost a close call in their very last game of the season at McGill, to finish the year 15-1, good for first place in the RSEQ for a third year in a row and setting a new team record for points (1187) since the formalization of the 16-game season format in 2003.The Rouge et Or would finish off the season leading the conference in 16 different categories.

The Rouge et Or boast a mature team, led by RSEQ MVP fifth year guard Sarah-Jane Marois, the defensive player of the year and Texas Longhorns transfer Khaléann Caron-Goudreau, and Jane Gagné, the 2017 conference MVP and Laval leading scorer this year. Marois and Gagné were on the 2017 Rouge et Or team that won silver at the U SPORTS Championship.  


No. 2 McMaster Marauders

Playoff finish: OUA champions
Regular season / playoff records: 21-3 / 3-0
Last U SPORTS championship: Never
Team offence: 79.3 points/game, 3^rd
Team defence: 59.0 points allowed/game, 9^th

Team Leaders

Points per game: Sarah Gates, 17.1
Rebounds per game: Linnaea Harper, 8.2
Assists per game: Linnaea Harper, 4.0

The McMaster Marauders finished second in the OUA standings with a 21-3 record. The team would draw much of its success from its offensive dominance, while also demonstrating their ball control leading the nation in assists per game (18.5). The largest loss for the Marauders was just 14 points to Ottawa, who had the best record in the OUA. Subsequently the Marauders would capture a pair of 50-plus point wins in their final three weeks of the season to propel their momentum into the playoffs.

The Marauders would have an extra special end to the season, seeing two of their fifth-year seniors reach the 1,000 point club at the end of their OUA careers: Linnaea Harper and Hilary Hanaka who reached 1,003 and 1,136 points respectively. A third key player to keep an eye out for is Sarah Gates, ranked second in the OUA in points per game and leads the team infield goals/game and free throws/game.

No. 3 Saskatchewan Huskies

Playoff finish: Canada West champions
Regular season / playoff records: 16-4 / 5-0
Last U SPORTS championship: 2016
Total U SPORTS championships: 1
Team offence: 81.3 points/game, 1st
Team defence: 55.7 points allowed/game, 3^rd

Team Leaders

Points per game: Sabine Dukate, 15.6
Rebounds per game: Summer Masikewich, 8.2
Assists per game: Libby Epoch, 3.9

It was another dominant season for the Saskatchewan Huskies, who earned the Canada West No. 1 seed in the playoffs due to holding the highest RPI in the conference.  After starting the year 4-2, Saskatchewan went on a 12-game winning streak that stretched from Nov.16 – Jan.26. During that streak, Saskatchewan outscored their opponents 1073-594. Saskatchewan is in the U SPORTS Final 8 for the sixth straight season, with two medals from that stretch, including a gold medal in 2016 and second place last year. 

For the Huskies, Final 8 experience runs through the veins of many members of the roster. In particular, returning players Sabine Dukate, Megan Ahlstrom, Vera Crooks and Janaya Brown were all present on the 2016 national championship squad. Among those veterans, Dukate leads the team in field goals/game (5.8/13.9), points/game (15.6), was 3rd in the nation in three-point percentage (42.7) and was named the Canada West Player of the Year.

No. 4 Ottawa Gee-Gees

Playoff finish: OUA finalists
Regular season / playoff records: 21-2 / 2-1
Last U SPORTS championship: Never
Team offence: 77.4 points/game, 7^th
Team defence: 56.1 points allowed/game, 4^th

Team Leaders

Points per game: Brigitte Lefebvre-Okankwu, 14.0
Rebounds per game: Angela Ribarich, 7.2
Assists per game: Brooklyn McAlear-Fanus, 4.9

Turning in their best regular season performance in program history, the Ottawa Gee-Gees women's basketball team ascended to the top of the nation's rankings in the 2018-19 season. Their campaign has had two noteworthy runs – the first was following a two-point heartbreaking loss to Carleton in the first game of the season. The Gee-Gees refocused and reeled off 10 straight wins to close 2018 and kick off the New Year. Signature wins over Lakehead and McMaster highlighted the powerful first semester for the Garnet and Grey. In their second game of 2019, the Gee-Gees suffered their last loss of the regular season in Toronto to Ryerson, to which they responded to with an 11-win tour de force with a revenge win over the Rams and a big-time win at the Capital Hoops Classic against Carleton.

The team has yet to claim a national title but got close in 2012 when they claimed the bronze medal at the Women's Final 8 in Calgary. The offensive talents of Angela Ribarich who finished the regular season fifth in the country in field goal percentage (54.8) and second in blocks (44) will be a key player in Ottawa's hopes to bring home the programs first title.

No. 5 Regina Cougars

Playoff finish: Canada West finalists
Regular season/playoff records: 17-3 / 4-1
Last U SPORTS championship: 2001
Total U SPORTS championships: 1
Team offence: 79.7 points/game, 2^nd
Team defence: 57.1 points allowed/game, 6^th

Team Leaders

Points per game: Kyanna Giles, 18.4
Rebounds per game: Kyanna Giles, 8.8
Assists per game: Michaela Kleisinger, 3.9

The Cougars went to work over the regular season sitting amongst the top in the Canada West standings with a 17-3 record. The Cougars had an eight-game win streak to conclude the regular season, winning five of those contests by 20-plus points. While the team has demonstrated its offensive ability, it's their defensive talents that set them apart from the pack. They lead the nation in rebounds (51.3) and blocks (4.7).

With a similar squad to last year's team that won a bronze medal on home court, the familiar presence of third-year Guard Kyanna Giles' talents have been crucial in the team's success as she leads in six statistical categories. Giles is only the third player from the Cougars to win multiple Canada West First Team all-star selections. The program is no stranger to the women's Final 8, and the Cougars will be looking to build from last year's performance and look to win the their second national title.

No. 6 Acadia Axewomen

Playoff finish: AUS champions
Regular season / playoff records: 13-7 / 3-0
Last U SPORTS championship: Never
Team offence: 78.3 points/game, 5^th
Team defence: 69.8 points allowed/game, 31^st

Team Leaders

Points per game: Haley McDonald, 23.3
Rebounds per game: Sarsha Cadle, 7.5
Assists per game: Haley McDonald, 3.7

The Axewomen finished third in the AUS standings with a 13-7 record and had a seven-game win streak before dropping their final four games of the season to Cape Breton, UPEI and UNB. However, the team finished first in the conference in field goals/game (28.5), rebounds/game (40.8), assists/game (17.1), and steals/game (10.1).

While the team had its ups and down this season, it proved a monumental one for third-year guard, Haley McDonald, who now owns the team record for points scored in a single season record (465). The team will look to McDonald to build from last year's Final 8 experience after bowing out in the quarterfinals to Saskatchewan.

No. 7 Concordia Stingers

Playoff finish: RSEQ finalists / at-large berth
Regular season / playoff records: 10-6 / 1-1
Last U SPORTS championship: Never
Team offence: 65.6 points/game, 27^th
Team defence: 60.4 points allowed/game, 10^th

Team Leaders

Points per game: Myriam Leclerc, 18.8
Rebounds per game: Lodanna Lamonth, 9.2
Assists per game: Myriam Leclerc, 4.6

The Concordia Stingers makes its first appearance at the national championship since 1999.
Under the guidance of head coach Tenicha Gittens, Concordia finished second in the Quebec conference with a 10-6 record. The Stingers were ranked in the Top 10 for 12 of 13 weeks this season and peaked at No. 2 for three weeks. They wrapped up the regular season in the No. 10 spot. 

Concordia has a good balance of youth and experience. They have depended on RSEQ Rookie of the Year and first team all-star Myriam Leclerc, a five-foot-10 guard, to lead them alongside third-year guard Caroline Task, also a first team all-star. They finished first and third in conference scoring, averaging 18.8 and 15.6 points a game, respectively. 

A never-say-die team that plays aggressively and emphasizes defence, Concordia should not be underestimated

No. 8 Ryerson Rams

Playoff finish: OUA quarterfinalists / Hosts
Regular season / playoff records: 17-6 / 1-1
Last U SPORTS championship: Never
Team offence: 73.0 points/game, 17^th
Team defence: 57.1 points allowed/game, 5^th

Team Leaders

Points per game: Sofia Paska, 13.3
Rebounds per game: Sofia Paska, 7.8
Assists per game: Hayley Robertson, 4.3

The Ryerson Rams had a tough final weekend of their regular season dropping two straight games to York and Queen's to finish 17-6. The Rams began the season off strong on a nine-game win streak demonstrating their depth of an offence which finished third in the conference in field goal percentage (40.6). The Rams would dominate the first round of playoffs with an 85-40 win over Laurentian before losing to the Carleton Ravens in the OUA quarterfinals.

This will be the last season for three veteran superstars on the Rams: Sofia Paska, Katherine Follis and Cara Tiemens who were all part of the 2016-17 team that won the team's first OUA title and placed second at the National Championship.

(U of |R Athletics/USports Canada)

Nick Henry Signs Pro Contract With Avalanche

Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Nick Henry works towards the net during a game against his former team at the Brandt Centre on March 2, 2019.  Photo: Courtesy Keith Hershmiller

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club have  announced the team has signed forward Nick Henry to a three-year, entry-level contract through the 2021-22 season.

Henry, 19, has split the 2018-19 season between the Western Hockey League's Regina Pats and Lethbridge Hurricanes. He recorded 40 points (15g, 25a) in 25 games for the Pats before being traded to Lethbridge, where he's tallied 43 points (9g, 34a) in 37 contests for the Hurricanes. Henry's combined 83 points (24g, 59a) this season are tied for seventh in the league, and he ranks third in the WHL in assists.

The Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, native has totaled 193 points (73g, 120a) in 187 career WHL games for Lethbridge and Regina, where he spent his first two full campaigns in the league and served as an alternate captain this season prior to the trade.

Colorado's fourth-round selection (94th overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft, Henry registered 81 points (35g, 46a) in 72 games in his rookie campaign with the Pats in 2016-17, ranking second among league rookies in all three statistical categories. The 5-foot-11, 186-pound right wing finished with a +32 plus-minus rating, which was tops among all first-year players.

Henry has 16 points (7g, 9a) in 29 career WHL postseason appearances and helped the Pats advance to the finals of the WHL playoffs in 2017. In 2018, he notched seven points (5g, 2a) in five games of the Memorial Cup, helping Regina advance to the final.

Kirk Muyres Carries Saskatchewan Hopes Into The Brier

A Prairie rivalry will be renewed when the 2019 Tim Hortons Brier, presented by AGI, kicks off Saturday at Westoba Place in Brandon, Man.

The host Manitoba team, skipped by Brandon-born Mike McEwen, will take on Saskatchewan’s Kirk Muyres of Saskatoon in the opening draw Saturday at 2 p.m. (all times Central) of the Canadian Men’s Curling Championship.

Later Saturday, Brad Gushue’s Team Canada squad from St. John’s begins its quest for a Tim Hortons Brier three-peat, taking on Brier rookie Scott McDonald of Ontario (Kingston).

With a gold medal in Brandon, Gushue, with the same team that prevailed in 2017 at St. John’s and last year in Regina (vice-skip Mark Nichols, second Brett Gallant, lead Geoff Walker, alternate Tom Sallows, coach Jules Owchar) would join the Randy Ferbey Alberta team (2001, 2002, 2003) as the only teams ever to win three straight Tim Hortons Brier championships

Sixteen teams, representing the 14 Curling Canada member associations, Team Canada and the winner of the Wild Card game on Friday at 7 p.m. (Team Brendan Bottcher of Edmonton vs. Team John Epping of Toronto) have been seeded (by the CTRS standings, as of Dec. 31, 2018) and separated into two pools. The Wild Card Game winner will automatically go in as the No. 3 seed.

They’ll first play a round robin within their pool, after which the top four in each advance to the Championship Pool for four games against teams from the other pool. Upon completion, the top four teams (best overall won-lost records) proceed to the Page Playoffs on Saturday (1 vs. 2, winner to final, loser to semifinal; 3 vs. 4, winner to semifinal, loser eliminated).

The semifinal is Sunday, March 10, at 1 p.m., while the gold-medal game is at 7 p.m.

But before the round-robin games begin on Saturday, the Wild Card game Friday night between Team Bottcher and Team Epping — a rematch of the 2018 Tim Hortons Brier semifinal (won by Team Bottcher) — will get Brier Fever stoked in Brandon. Admission is free, with donations to the Curling Canada Foundation in support of junior curling being accepted at the door.

Gushue will be making his 16th Brier appearance, but won’t be the only skip chasing a spot in the record books in Brandon. Alberta’s Kevin Koe — whom Gushue defeated in the 2017 final — has a chance to win his fourth Tim Hortons Brier title, which would make him just the fourth skip ever to win four Canadian men’s championships; Ferbey, Kevin Martin and Ernie Richardson are the others.

Saturday’s Opening Ceremony (free with a Draw 1 ticket) is at 12:30 p.m.

The winning team will represent Canada at the 2019 Pioneer Hi-Bred World Men’s Curling Championship, presented by Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing, March 30-April 7 in Lethbridge, Alta. The winner will also defend its title as Team Canada in the 2020 Tim Hortons Brier, presented by AGI, in Kingston, Ont.

Here’s a look at how the two pools in Brandon set up:

(teams listed according to seeding, and listed in order of skip, vice-skip, second, lead, alternate, coach; hometown and CTRS ranking as of Dec. 31)

Pool A
2. Northern Ontario, Brad Jacobs (Ryan Fry, E.J. Harnden, Ryan Harnden, Lee Toner, Adam Kingsbury; Sault Ste. Marie, 3)
3. Team Wild Card, Brendan Bottcher (Darren Moulding, Brad Thiessen, Karrick Martin  Edmonton)
6. Manitoba, Mike McEwen (Reid Carruthers, Derek Samagalski, Colin Hodgson; Rob Meakin; West St. Paul, 11)
7. Saskatchewan, Kirk Muyres (Kevin Marsh, Daniel Marsh, Dallan Muyres, Lyle Muyres; Saskatoon, 12)
10. Quebec, Martin Crête (Philippe Lemay, Éric Sylvain, Philippe Ménard, Philippe Brassard, Robert Ménard; Saint-Romuald, 58)
11. Newfoundland/Labrador, Andrew Symonds (Chris Ford, Adam Boland, Keith Jewer, Craig Jewer; St. John’s, 141)
14. Prince Edward Island, John Likely (Anson Carmody, Steve Burgess, Robbie Doherty, Matt Nabuurs; Alberton/Charlottetown, NR)
15. Yukon, Jon Solberg (Bob Smallwood, Clinton Abel, Scott Odian; Whitehorse, NR)

Pool B
1. Alberta, Kevin Koe (B.J. Neufeld, Colton Flasch, Ben Hebert, John Dunn; Calgary, 1)
4. Team Canada, Brad Gushue (Mark Nichols, Brett Gallant, Geoff Walker, Tom Sallows, Jules Owchar; St. John’s, 4)
5. Ontario, Scott McDonald (Jonathan Beuk, Wesley Forget, Scott Chadwick, Jeff Grant, Sean Turriff; Kingston, 8)
8. Nova Scotia, Stuart Thompson (Colten Steele, Travis Colter, Taylor Ardiel, Bill MacPhee, Kevin Patterson; Dartmouth, 25)
9. British Columbia, Jim Cotter (Steve Laycock, Tyrel Griffith, Rick Sawatsky, Brad Wood; Vernon, 39)
12. Northwest Territories, Jamie Koe (David Aho, Matthew Ng, Cole Parson; Yellowknife, NR)
13. New Brunswick, Terry Odishaw (Jordan Pinder, Marc Lecoq, Grant Odishaw, Jamie Brannen; Moncton, NR)
16. Nunavut, Dave St. Louis (Peter Mackey, Jeff Nadeau, Lloyd Kendall, Barry Westman; Iqaluit, NR)

Cougars Drop CanWest WBB Championship Game

The University of Regina's women's basketball team settled for Canada West silver after a 53-49 loss to the Saskatchewan Huskies on Friday night at the Physical Activity Complex on the U of S campus.

Both teams will move on to next weekend's U SPORTS Women's Final 8, which Ryerson will host starting next Thursday in Toronto.

"I said before the game that whoever won the rebounding battle would likely win the game, and unfortunately that was true," Cougars head coach Dave Taylor said. "I thought we did a good job battling some adversity and through a rough start, but we just couldn't get enough rebounds when we needed them."

The Cougars had a chance to tie it up with under 20 seconds to go, but a runner by Michaela Kleisinger in the lane didn't fall. Saskatchewan's Summer Masikewich grabbed the rebound, was fouled, and hit a pair of free throws to seal the win for the Huskies.

Sabine Dukate and Masikewich combined for 41 of Saskatchewan's 53 points. Dukate had 23, while Masikewich had 18 points and 14 boards as she helped the Huskies to a 45-33 rebounding advantage.

Kleisinger led Regina with nine points, while Angela Bongomin scored eight including a huge three-point play in the final minute that brought the Cougars to within two points. Kyanna Giles added seven points for the U of R, but suffered an injury late in the third quarter and didn't return.

Macaela Crone, Carolina Goncalves, and Christina McCusker all added six points for the Cougars, who had won 12 consecutive games heading into Friday.

The two teams will now await Sunday's announcement of the seeding for the U SPORTS Women's Final 8. Regina and Saskatchewan will represent Canada West at the tournament, McMaster and Ottawa will join host Ryerson from the OUA, the RSEQ bid will go to either Concordia or Laval, and the AUS and wildcard berths will both be decided on Sunday.

NOTES: Friday's game marked the fourth consecutive season that Regina and Saskatchewan have faced each other in the Canada West championship game ... the home team has won all four of those contests, with Saskatchewan also winning in 2016 and 2017 in Saskatoon and the Cougars replying last year in Regina ... Regina has advanced to the conference championship game in 13 of its 18 years as a member of Canada West, winning in 2004, 2013, and 2018.

(Braden Konschuh/U of R Athletics)

This And That

--Welcome to Friday  and the usual thoughts running through my muddled mind. As always, they are in no particular order.

--Johnny, Johnny, Johnny!

Are we really surprised that Johnny Manziel has been told his services are no longer needed in the CFL after he broke the rules he was to abide by?  There is a lot of speculation as to what Manziel did to get himself a one-way ticket out of town.  I would just say there was a reason why Manziel had "the flu" so often over the past few months.  What he said and what he did may have been two different things and if that is the case, it is too bad. 

One has to think this is it for Manziel when it comes to football.  I can't see the AAF wanting him and while the XFL might, will he basically be playing because Vince MacMahon wants to use his name.  If he does, it won't help the demons Johnny is fighting.

He needs help and one can only hope he gets it.   In the meantime as predicted, his tenure in the CFL was like the rest of his pro football career---a failure.

--How do you feel about Saturday CFL playoff games? I love it! I have said before the Grey Cup game should be played on a Saturday night, but the league doesn't want to go that far.  Sunday eliminates you from going head-to-head against the NFL which is something the league is doing after the NFL season starts.   I think a Grey Cup on a Saturday night would be tremendous as well.  A 5 o'clock kickoff would leave many in a party mood. Would it really be any different than the usual festivities on a Grey Cup Saturday.  It would mean some could get home for Monday as well and their head wouldn't be pounding as they boarded their plane or got in their car as the case may be after Grey Cup Sunday.   I say try it!

--Without Access Communications covering the Regina Pats, we wouldn't be seeing a lot of WHL Hockey on our TV screen.  The Pats aren't making the playoffs so does that mean the TV coverage stops.  I would hope not, but I can't see Access going to Saskatoon, Moose Jaw or Prince Albert---maybe Moose Jaw but that would be it.

While Access has done games from all those venues, they have done it to showcase the Pats. That is great, but WHL fans deserve to see more than one team especially come playoff time.  I hope WHL fans aren't shut out at playoff time just because Regina is not involved.  If we are, its something you can pin on the league and not Access.  One of the things the WHL needs to do is establish its own TV network.  If Canada West can do it, the WHL can!

--As the NHL season starts to wind down, there is a solid chance we could have an all-Canadian Western final with the Jets and Flames going at it.  How much would the NHL love that?  If that isn't a drawing card for the Winnipeg-Calgary game at Mosaic Stadium in October I don't know what is.  When do tickets go on sale for that event anyway?

--We will know when the Stanley Cup is handed out who the winner and who the loser was at the NHL trade deadline   Right now, you might say the Columbus Blue Jackets are in the running for both.  The Jackets definitely made a splash at the deadline, but if they don't win some series or even make the playoffs it may not bode well.  I love the fact Winnipeg got Kevin Hayes and some depth players and didn't have to give up any of their solid prospects.   Nashville literally stole Wayne Simmonds and the fact Calgary did nothing makes me wonder if they have enough when push comes to shove.  We'll start getting answers soon.

--There are many good guys (and gals) in the Saskatchewan curling community.  That's something many of us know.  One of those guys at the top of the list is Kirk Muyres.  His new rink has shown they can curl with the big boys in this country and that is what he will do starting Saturday in Brandon.  I am sure much like Robyn Silvernagle no one is giving Saskatchewan a chance to be in the playoffs with the likes of Gushue, Koe, McEwen and Jacobs in the field.  I understand that, but don't be surprised to see Team Saskatchewan make a run at the Brier.

--During this week's taping of Locker Talk, we had Len Antonini from Regina Minor Football on as they start preparing for spring league.  How can RMF not be the best minor football program in all of Canada? If there is one better, I would like to see it.  What Len, Kelly Hamilton and many others have done to make that organization what it is tremendous. That statement really shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who has had any involvement with RMF at all.

--Bryce Harper will make 330 million over the next 13 years in Philadelphia.  If Harper is getting that, where does the bidding start for Mike Trout?

--Don't look for the WMBL to me calling Grande Prairie home anytime soon.  A group was looking at putting a team there, but that project has been put on hold.  Those Grande Prairie to Fort McMurray trips would have been fun.....NOT!

--Former Pats goalie Damien Ketlo is going to be on Canada Big Brother 7.   Tell me how it ends up.  As I have said before, reality TV is sports and not the crap that gets spewed across our TV screens like Survivor, the Bachelor and Big Brother.  How many bars put on the Bachelor or other reality TV shows?  Imagine walking into your favourite sports bar and seeing "Survivor" on all of the TV's.  No thanks!

--It isn't Toronto-Montreal, Riders-Stampeders or Canada-USA in womens hockey, but there might not be a better rivalry in Canadian university sports than the Cougars and Huskies in women's basketball.  They will go at it tonight in Saskatoon for the Canada West title for the 4th straight year. Should be a great night in Saskatoon.  See ya there!

--I want to see the Leafs play the Islanders in the first round!

--Good riddance February!! Signs of spring will come in March right? Right?

--Now that Jason Witten is leaving the broadcast booth to go back to the Cowboys, can we expect Cowboys fan Luc Mullinder to do the same?  Cmon big man, give us the scoop on the Cage Monday?  :)

--That's all I got.  Have a great week!