Leschyshyn Looking For Leadership Role In VGK System

Jake Leschyshyn has been with the Golden Knights from the start.

The fifth-ever NHL draftee selected by the team in 2017 has learned the ropes over the past three years and said he's ready to take on more leadership responsibilities with the team. Leschyshyn is part of a Vegas Born prospect pool and he wants to take the next step as a professional hockey player.

"I remember being one of the first-year guys at camp and really looking up to older guys," said Leschyshyn at the Vegas Golden Knights 2019 development camp. "I think now that I'm in that position I've got to take advantage of it."

Given the season he had last year, Leschyshyn is well-equipped to give advice to his younger teammates. He started out the season with the WHL's Regina Pats but was traded in November to the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

"That was something I learned a lot from. I knew at some point that a trade might happen in my year, and at some point in my career, so I'm lucky it happened now because now I know how to deal with it," said Leschyshyn. "If it ever happens in the future, I'll be comfortable with it. It was good to go and see a new city and become a part of a new team."

While with the Pats, he collected 32 points (16 G, 16 A) in 24 games. He finished out the regular season with an additional 49 points (24 G, 25 A) with the Hurricanes. In seven playoff games, he notched another 10 points (6 G, 4 A).

"That new group really pushed me to become better, I think," said Leschyshyn. "There's a lot of good players on that team and great coaches. I was very fortunate."

With his WHL season in the history books, Leschyshyn boarded a plane destined for Chicago, where he met up with Wolves teammates Nic Hague, Cody Glass, Ben Jones and Jake Bischoff for playoffs. While he didn't tally any points, he got the invaluable experience of two AHL playoff games under his belt.

"It was good. I finished the year off there and I was fortunate to get a few games in. I was happy with how things went," said Leschyshyn. "They're a great group of guys there and it's unfortunate that we lost in the finals, but the team played the best they could and nobody left any regrets."

(Golden Knights/NHL.com)

Riders Depth Chart/Game Day Tidbits

--The Riders come in on a 4-game win streak and look their first 5-game run since midway through 2014. 

--Ottawa has dominated Saskatchewan having won the last 4 games, the most recent 3 by margins of at least 12 points. 

--Cody Fajardo has a current streak of 93 pass attempts without an Interception and his 4 in total came in just 2 games. 

--The REDBLACKS have just 3 Offensive TDs in their last 79 possessions over the last 6 games. 

--The Riders have had 28 two-and-outs this season.  That is the lowest in the CFL.  Edmonton went into the week 2nd in this category with 35. 

This And That

--After seeing what happened in Winnipeg Thursday night, is there anyone out there who is still ticked the Packers and Raiders didn't play at Mosaic.  What a s**tshow that was.  Field problems meant they played on an 80 yard field with no kickoffs and second-stringers starting while the guys you wanted to see like Aaron Rodgers stood on the sidelines with a ballcap on.  Very Winnipegish!  How did this problem suddenly come up at the last minute.  They didn't think this would happen and they didn't find it when the field was created to NFL dimensions. 

Thanks Winnipeg! Winnipeg, Alberta that is!

--The Calgary Stampeders aren't happy with CFL officiating after their overtime loss to Montreal.  Don't let the fact you blew a large lead late play into the equation at all.  It is laughable to hear the Stampeders talk about officiating after the many breaks they have been given over the years. If someone can truly show me evidence Vernon Adams Junior was not over the goal-line late in the 4th quarter than we can talk.

Still with the Stamps, after spending a few days in Calgary if there are billboards or anything advertising them or the Flames for that matter, they weren't in areas where I was.  Marketing 101 people...marketing 101.  I saw some ads on Global Calgary but that was it!

--With Matt Nichols now going down, could those two games between the Eskimos and Riders at the end of the season be games that determine who finish first.

--I have nothing against Roy Shivers, but I am tired of this constant campaign to get him in the Plaza of Honour.  Just do it so we can stop talking about it.  Roy did start the turn-around that this team has experienced back in the day. There is no denying that though and even the Roy-haters must admit that.  He was perhaps an infamous Paul McCallum shank from being the GM of a Grey Cup winning team.

--With the way the Alouettes are playing, could we see another Montreal-Saskatchewan Grey Cup at MacMahon Stadium on the 10 year anniversary of ------well you know the rest of the story.  By the way, the CFL was nice enough to let us know in game notes that leading up to last Saturday's game in Calgary, the Alouettes had not won at MacMahon since that game.  SIGHHHH

--The Riders will have caught another break by not playing Matt Nichols in the Labour Day Classic and Banjo Bowl.  They have not had to take on Jeremiah Masoli, Adams or Nichols this year due to injury.  Injuries are a part of the game.

--Methinks we are finally going to see if Chris Streveler is capable of running a CFL offence or not. For someone who is going to be a free agent at year's end, this will be his chance to sink or swim.

--The Leader-Post's Rob Vanstone asked a great question this week.  How on earth did the Ottawa REDBLACKS score 44 against the Riders earlier this year.  What a putrid squad they are in the Nation's Capital.  That being said in what has been a weird year in the CFL, I wouldn't walk into Mosaic Saturday night thinking you are going to see a one-sided contest.  The Riders should win, but I'll say it's by 10 or less.

--To no one's surprise, the Pats are going to get in the outdoor fun in August by playing the Calgary Hitmen on the day after the Heritage Classic.  It will be a great afternoon and weekend at Mosaic, but I can't be the only one asking why the Pats aren't playing another Saskatchewan-based team.  I think we all knew this was going to happen so why didn't or couldn't the schedule makers have Moose Jaw, P-A or Saskatoon here.  At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter, but its a question to be asked,

--MLB's Little League Classic where a major league game is played in Williamsport, Pennsylvania in front of a small crowd consisting of those participating at the Little League World Series is a great idea.  It reconnects the youth with the present-day.  It will never happen, but would I love to see the Riders play an exhibition game at Leibel Field with kids and parents of Regina Minor Football being the beneficiaries.  One can dream though!

--Antonio Brown might be worse than Terrell Owens and that is saying a lot. How many players have played over the years with different helmets.  They can, but he can't.  Yeesh!

--Many of you have been to Banff and Canmore so I won't talk about time spent there and how great it is.  It is fascinating for this prairie kid to drive into and spend time in the mountains though when all you normally see is flat-land.  I can't imagine being a full-time resident in those places though trying to hammer out a living when the "touristy" prices are in effect for everyone.  Perhaps the pay is better than one would think, but it is expensive for items when there.  It is a beautiful spot to spend time in though and it is a great place to people-watch.

--The Regina Red Sox fell short to Okotoks in the WCBL Final.  Some questioned the fact they put out someone on the mound to start Game 1 who hadn't started a game all season, but at the end of the day, Okotoks was the better team.  With the league having to make sure all of its players get back to their schools and some having to leave early, it puts a damper on things when some of both teams best players weren't around for the final, but what can you do.  There have been many suggestions, but the fact remains you only have so long to play so many games.

--We're less than two weeks from NFL season starting.  Have you had your fantasy draft yet? Are you in a Survivor pool?

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

This Week In The CFL

Just like that, we are nearly done the first half of the season.

Friday night football kicks off Week 11 with the Blue Bombers in Edmonton playing for first place in the West Division. Edmonton is undefeated at home this season (4-0) and is looking to make it three straight wins following victories over Ottawa and Toronto. Winnipeg is similarly hoping to extend a three-game winning streak after defeating Calgary and BC. With Matt Nichols sidelined, the Blue Bombers turn to Chris Streveler to continue the momentum. Kick off is at 9 p.m. ET.

Saturday features a double-header with a pair of interdivision games. First at 7 p.m. ET, Ottawa travels to Regina to take on the Roughriders. The REDBLACKS are in pursuit of a season series sweep of Saskatchewan after a Week 2, 44-41 win, but the team is 1-6 since and have lost two in a row. The Roughriders however, are 5-1 over that same stretch and are riding a four-game winning streak.

The 10 p.m. ET game takes us to Vancouver where the Lions will host the East Division-leading Tiger-Cats. BC will look to avenge a one-point loss to Hamilton in Week 9, while collecting its first home victory this season. Dane Evans is in search of his third victory as a starter, which would push the Tiger-Cats’ win streak to three.

Sunday bring us to Moncton, N.B., for the 2019 edition of Touchdown Atlantic between the Montreal Alouettes and Toronto Argonauts. The game marks the fourth regular season contest game to take place in Moncton and the first since 2013. The surging Alouettes are coming off their first victory at McMahon Stadium since 2009 – a thrilling come-from-behind, double-overtime affair which is already garnering consideration as the Game of the Year. Toronto will be facing its first East Division since Week 2 when they played host to Hamilton. Kickoff is at 12 p.m. ET.

TSN’s Live Mic game will be Hamilton vs. BC this week.
All four games this week will be on ESPN+

WARD’S STREAK ENDS

• On Saturday, Lewis Ward’s streak of consecutive made field goals ended at 69 – a pro football record.
• Week 10’s miss came from 31 yards. Ward’s only other miss was from 48 yards in his first career game. He is a career 74-of-76 (97.4%) with a personal best of 53 yards.
• Ward’s streak began on June 28, 2018 in Calgary and lasted until August 17, 2019 in Ottawa – a streak of 27 games spanning 415 days.
• A breakdown of his field goals:
  • < 40 yards: 47
  • 40+ yards: 22
  • 50+ yards: 4
  • Average: 32 yards
• Last season, Ward was named Most Outstanding Rookie and Most Outstanding Special Teams Player.

REACHING FOR 1,000

• Through 10 weeks of the season, a dozen receivers are on pace for 1,000+ yards, including five with the potential to reach 1,400+ yards: Brandon Banks (1,522), Bryan Burnham (1,486), Ricky Collins (1,482), Greg Ellingson (1,466) and Reggie Begelton (1,408).

• The remaining receivers on pace for 1,000+ yards include:
  • Shaq Evans (1,366)
  • Derel Walker (1,213)
  • Kyran Moore (1,107)
  • Bralon Addison (1,088)
  • Armanti Edwards (1,059)
  • Dominique Rhymes (1,052)
  • Lemar Durant (1,038)
• Five teams are on pace to have two 1,000+ yard receivers:
  • BC Lions (Burnham and Durant)
  • Edmonton Eskimos (Collins and Ellingson)
  • Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Banks and Addison)
  • Saskatchewan Roughriders (Evans and Moore)
  • Toronto Argonauts (Walker and Edwards)
• At this pace, Winnipeg and Montreal will not have a receiver with 1,000+ yards.
• Last season, nine receivers topped the 1,000-yard mark.
• On the rushing side, six players are on pace for 1,000+ yard seasons:
  • Andrew Harris (1,638)
  • William Stanback (1,579)
  • C.J. Gable (1,417)
  • William Powell (1,186)
  • John Crockett (1,103)
  • John White (1,012)
• Last season, only three backs eclipsed 1,000 yards.

TOUCHDOWN ATLANTIC

• Sunday’s game will be the fourth installment of Touchdown Atlantic and the first since 2013.
• The previous three Touchdown Atlantic games:

DATE	SCORE
September 26, 2010	EDM 24 – TOR 6
September 25, 2011	CGY 36 – HAM 55
September 21, 2013	MTL 26 – HAM 28

• Three players in the 2019 edition of Touchdown Atlantic took part in the 2013 affair: Montreal’s John Bowman and Toronto’s S.J. Green and Bear Woods – all were members of the Alouettes at the time.
• Montreal has two players who attended St. Francis Xavier in Antigonish, N.S.: Henoc Muamba and 2019 CFL Draft second-rounder Kaion Julien-Grant.
• Notable past performances at Touchdown Atlantic:
  • Passing: Kevin Glenn 16-of-23, 276 yards, 3 TDS (2011); Josh Neiswander 26-of-36, 294 yards, 2 TDs (2013)
  • Rushing: Jon Cornish 9 car, 84 yards (2011); Avon Cobourne 15 car, 84 yards, TD (2011), Calvin McCarty 10 car, 84 yards, 2 TDs (2010)
  • Receiving:  Marcus Thigpen 6 rec, 139 yards, 2 TDs (2011); Duron Carter 9 rec, 112 yards (2013); Nik Lewis 8 rec, 95 yards (2011)
  • Defence: Elliot Richardson 4 DT, 2 INTs, 1 FF (2010); Chip Cox 8 DT, 2 sacks, 1 INT (2013); Kevin Eiben 9 DT (2010)

QUICK SLANTS

• Only two weeks have not featured a kick return TD: Weeks 3 and 10.
• Last week ended a streak of six consecutive weeks of kick return TDs with 15 in that span.
• The Lions are on pace to allow 72 sacks – that total has only been surpassed once in the last 26 years: in 2005, BC allowed 74 sacks. Through nine games, Mike Reilly has already been sacked 36 times – the third most in a single season of his career.
• Last week, Greg Ellingson posted his second game of the season with 170+ yards. Of his 10 catches, six converted second downs, giving him 19 on the season to lead the league.
• Ottawa’s DeVonte Dedmon owns the highest punt return average (15.4 yards) and kickoff return average (33.1 yards). He has 1,216 all-purpose yards on the season.
• Reggie Begelton had four TD receptions last week against Montreal. Milt Stegal last accomplished the feat in 2005.
• Montreal came back from an 11-point deficit last week to beat the Calgary Stampeders. It marked their largest comeback since 2014 when the Alouettes overcame a 14-point deficit against Hamilton.
• Toronto rushed for 139 yards against Edmonton last week – it was their first game with more than 100 rushing yards as a team, led by Brandon Burks’ 43. The Argonauts have yet to score a rushing major this season.
• Saskatchewan is coming off a bye this week. In the past two seasons, the Roughriders are 3-0 following a bye week.
• With Matt Nichols injured, Chris Streveler will start for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Last year, Streveler started against the Edmonton Eskimos in the season-opener and finale, going 0-2 while passing for four TDs. He is 1-3 in four career starts.
• Trevor Harris currently has the lowest interception percentage in CFL history at 2-in-361 attempts (0.55%); the record is (0.8%). His TD to Interception ratio is 6.5:1 – also the highest in CFL history.
• Brandon Banks and Vernon Adams lead the league with eight touchdowns followed by William Powell at seven.
• Jon Ryan leads the league with an average of 49.9 yards per punt, which would sit third all-time. He holds the record for highest punting average over a season with 50.6 in 2005.
• Justin Medlock leads the league with six punts inside the 10-yard line.
• Boris Bede is averaging 69.4 yards per kickoff, which would surpass his own record of 69.0 in 2017.
• Tre Roberson and Winston Rose each have 6 interceptions, 109 return yards and one TD.

CFL and CFLPA Discuss Weather Protocol

– The Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) met to discuss the new weather protocol that was put into effect when an electrical storm forced a delay and, ultimately, the stoppage of last weekend’s Montreal- Saskatchewan game. We agreed the result of the game was the proper outcome according to the protocol, which is part of our new collective bargaining agreement.

However, the CFL fully acknowledged that communication with the players association should have been better during the process, and those communication issues were fully discussed and resolved between the parties. 

Finally, we discussed whether we should now revisit and possibly amend the protocol. It was agreed that the most prudent course of action is to assemble all the relevant stakeholders — team and league executives, players association representatives, general managers, coaches and officials - in the off-season to reassess the protocol. Therefore, no change to the protocol is anticipated for the remainder of the 2019 season.

Randy Ambrosie Commissioner, CFL

Brian Ramsay Executive Director, CFLPA

CFL, PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION CANADA BRING FOOTBALL TO SCHOOLS

The Canadian Football League (CFL) and Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) have announced a new five-year partnership which will help introduce the game to thousands of schools and millions of students from coast-to-coast-to-coast. The collaboration supports the CFL’s ongoing #TryFootball initiative which aims to encourage youth to discover the game.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to work closely with PHE Canada to share our great game with young people throughout the country,” said CFL Commissioner, Randy Ambrosie. “Whether it’s with boys, girls, new Canadians, football fans or those new to the game, the schoolyard is the perfect place to bring kids together to learn, play and have fun.”

In addition to expanding the reach of the game, the partnership will enhance theMove Think Learn: Football in Focus teaching resource to incorporate new skill practice games and instructional methodology, to assist educators in adding football to their schools’ physical education programming. The enhanced resource has been developed in collaboration with Football Canada and the first edition, available this fall, will target Grades 4-6, while subsequent editions will focus on Grades 7-9 (Fall 2020) and Kindergarten to Grade 3 (Fall 2021).

“Sports like football have the incredible ability to teach young people some of life’s most important lessons – leadership, teamwork, responsibility and so much more,” said Melanie Davis, Executive Director and CEO of PHE Canada. “By working together and developing this resource, we will empower educators with the knowledge to teach kids how to run, throw, catch and kick their way towards a more healthy, fun and active lifestyle.”

The availability of football teaching resources will not only help diversify educators’ programming, but also extend a new bridge for young Canadians to connect with their communities.

“Canadian football plays such a big role in the nation’s sporting landscape, but not every teacher has the tools and the background to share the game,” added Ambrosie. “We’re trying to eliminate that barrier and support all educators – to give kids the chance to learn and play football with their friends and throw the ball around with their families.”

Educators are invited to learn more about PHE Canada and Move Think Learn atwww.phecanada.ca. For additional information regarding the CFL’s #TryFootball campaign, please visit TryFootball.ca.

This and That

--Welcome to Friday!  Here are the usual assortment of thoughts running through my muddled mind and as always, they come in no particular order

--This is what they sold in Winnipeg last night as an attempt to get some more fans into Investors Group Stadium.  It is a Walbyburger.  For $45, you could have had this monstrosity which features 6 hamburger patties, six chicken fingers, six hot dogs, cheese and well....you can see it and if you haven't vomited already go ahead!  Actually, your old pal Dalby from the WOLF 104.9 said if you were taking your family to the game, you could buy one of these things and feed the family at the same time. Some get chicken fingers, some get a hamburger patty...etc. etc. and it would likely be cheaper in the long run. 

I've said it once and I'll say it again.  Why do teams believe that creating food monstrosities like this will be what brings them out.  You could plop one of these things down beside me and I would push it away and go thanks, but no thanks (OK, I might pull two burgers out before doing so).   Going to the game for me is not about ludicrous food options like this.  It is about the game.  Give me a burger, give me a dog, give me nachos, but don't give me this.   Does this interest you? If so, please tell me why? I just don't get the fascination. 

--As Cody Fajardo mania continues to grow in Saskatchewan, I had someone ask me this week "Whatever happened to Brett Smith". I do not know.   This is not to suggest Fajardo is going to end up like Smith, but I remember when many thought he could be the next one. 

Speaking of Cody, 3Down Nation's Justin Dunk got tongues wagging when he said the XFL is looking at Fajardo  I love JD, but I am guessing the XFL is looking at Fajardo and any other player that won't have a contract next year both on this side and the other side of the border.  Its no different than what we saw with the Alliance of American Football.  Whether or not Fajardo bolts for the XFL is something we won't know for a long time, but this is news that should surprise no one. 

Still with Cody, are people really mad that he brings up religion when he speaks.  Really? Who cares? Yeah, it isn't my cup of tea either and I don't think he or anyone else will be thanking Jesus if he throws three interceptions and is pulled at the end of the half, but if he wants to do it because he is religious in nature so be it..  To criticize that is being very petty and nitpicky if you ask me. 

--Let's be honest.  Did anyone of you think the Riders would be the hottest team in the CFL as we approach the midway mark of the season.  I sure didn't, but low and behold they are.  I wondered aloud if the team's first bye of the year came at the right time because there was a Chris Jones-hangover.  Since that first bye week, the team has gone out and won all four of their games.  As they now take their second bye week, I think they see they are a good football team, but one that still needs to show they can beat Calgary and Winnipeg.  They will get that chance against the Bombers soon, 

With Jeremiah Masoli out of the lineup, I would say the Riders are the 3rd best team in the league right now and certainly no lower than 4th. Sorry Edmonton!

--The Riders win in Montreal is still being debated because of the way the game ended.  I ask you this.  What would the reaction be on Labour Day if a big storm hit around 3 o'clock, but all was good and pleasant by 6 and it was a perfect night.  I hope this issue is re-visited during the off-season.

--Who's the MOP right now?

--The Argos have placed Zach Collaros on the six-game injured list.  I am beginning to think we have seen the last of Zach Collaros on a CFL field. 

--The Oilers rookies usually play the University of Alberta in an exhibition game.  That game won't go this year because Oilers owner Daryl Katz is upset with the University over something so he doesn't want the game to go.  Nice job Daryl!  Don't give your rookies some competition in a meaningful game.  Just keep being your petty self Daryl. Let your personal battles be more important than that of your major property which isn't generating much excitement right now.  If it weren't for Eugene Melnyk, the Oilers might have the worst owner in the NHL.

--MY92 afternoon guy Mark Johnston, who might be the best when it comes to radio in this city and is just an all-around great schmuck, asked a great question this week.  Where have all the lemonade stands been this summer?  He hasn't seen them and either have I.  They have to be out there.   Don't tell me that phones and tablets have taken over kids to the point they aren't spending their afternoons making lemonade.  That would be terrible! 

--The Regina Pats sent out a photo this week of the Brandt Centre ice all adorned with logos of advertisers. It was hard not to notice the boards were white. I know advertisers will soon be along the boards as well, but I love the pristine white boards and wish it could be that way.  Alas, some things are gone and never will return.......like the intense hatred between Moose Jaw and Regina.  SIGHHH!

--Has it really been eight years since we lost Rick Rypien?

--Without the work of Gary Brotzel, Bernie Eiswirth and Sharon Clarke, I don't know if Regina baseball fans would be able to enjoy the nights they do at Currie Field watching the Regina Red Sox.  All three are getting inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame this weekend and I think that is fantastic.  Many of those who come to games have no idea how hard those three work whether it be during the short-season or the long off-season to give this city a team that year in and year out is one of the league's best.

Speaking of the Red Sox, what a gorgeous night to watch baseball at Currie Field as Regina opened up the WCBL final against Okotoks.  If a 3rd game is needed, it will be back in Regina on Saturday with Regina needing a win after losing to the Dawgs. 

--That's all I got.  I'm Alberta-bound so be good to yourself and we'll chat next week