The Swift Current Broncos need a new coach and general manager. Dean Chynoweth is leaving the team to join the New York Islanders. He will serve as an assistant coach there to Scott Gordon. An official announcement is expected tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, here's the article....
http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/blog/2009/06/dean_chynoweth_new_isles_assis.html
Bad timing for the Broncos seeing Marc Habscheid just joined the Chilliwack Bruins.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Coming Soon To A Mall Near You
It may be the Southland, it may be the Northgate, it may be the Cornwall Centre, hell it might be the Golden Mile, but after the news of this week, this will be happening in Regina. Mark my words.....
Handing Out The Hardware
The NHL hits the Vegas strip tonite as the league hands out its hardware. Who wins??? Heres my take....
Hart Trophy for MVP: This is a no-brainer. He is the best player in the NHL and he is the face of the league. He is Alexandre Ovechkin and he will win the award for the second year in a row.
Calder Trophy-Top Rookie: Three very good candidates here in Kris Versteeg, Bobby Ryan and Steve Mason. I lean towards the Columbus goalie, who also had stats that were good enough to compete for the Vezina. Mason led the NHL in shutouts and he was one of the big reasons why Columbus got to the playoffs for the first time.
Norris Trophy-Top D'Man: This is the toughest one to call as Zdeno Chara, Mike Green and Nick Lidstrom are your finalists. I still don't think there is a better all around blueliner in this league than the Detroit captain. I take him.
Vezina Trophy-Top Goalie: Another tough choice as the three finalists are Mason, Boston's Tim Thomas and Minnesota's Niklas Backstrom. While Mason arguably had the best numbers, Thomas was on the best team in the Eastern Conference during the regular season. The question is do you take a guy because of where his team finished or because of the numbers he put up. Chances are it will go to the guy whose team finished better so go with Thomas.
Jack Adams Trophy-Top Coach: Todd McLellan would have won this award hands down at Christmas time, but the Sharks struggled in the 2nd half as they were right around 500. Because of that, I will take Boston's Claude Julien although really I think the best coach was Joel Quenneville in Chicago and he didn't make it to the final three.
Selke award-Top Defensive Forward: Mike Richards, Pavel Datsyuk or Ryan Kesler. I don't think there's a better shutdown forward when healthy than Richards. Its because of that that I think he makes the Olympic team in 2010. However, I think when the final vote comes in it will go to Datsyuk.
Lady Byng -Most Sportsmanlike: Tampa's Marty St. Louis had just 14 penalty minutes this season. 14??? That's seven minor penalties in 82 games. Start engraving the trophy with his name.
Lester B Pearson Award--Players MVP: I would have to say Ovechkin here again for the reasons stated above.
Does Don Cherry show up at the NHL awards??? If he does, one can only imagine what he will wear amongst the glitz and glamour of Vegas!!
Hart Trophy for MVP: This is a no-brainer. He is the best player in the NHL and he is the face of the league. He is Alexandre Ovechkin and he will win the award for the second year in a row.
Calder Trophy-Top Rookie: Three very good candidates here in Kris Versteeg, Bobby Ryan and Steve Mason. I lean towards the Columbus goalie, who also had stats that were good enough to compete for the Vezina. Mason led the NHL in shutouts and he was one of the big reasons why Columbus got to the playoffs for the first time.
Norris Trophy-Top D'Man: This is the toughest one to call as Zdeno Chara, Mike Green and Nick Lidstrom are your finalists. I still don't think there is a better all around blueliner in this league than the Detroit captain. I take him.
Vezina Trophy-Top Goalie: Another tough choice as the three finalists are Mason, Boston's Tim Thomas and Minnesota's Niklas Backstrom. While Mason arguably had the best numbers, Thomas was on the best team in the Eastern Conference during the regular season. The question is do you take a guy because of where his team finished or because of the numbers he put up. Chances are it will go to the guy whose team finished better so go with Thomas.
Jack Adams Trophy-Top Coach: Todd McLellan would have won this award hands down at Christmas time, but the Sharks struggled in the 2nd half as they were right around 500. Because of that, I will take Boston's Claude Julien although really I think the best coach was Joel Quenneville in Chicago and he didn't make it to the final three.
Selke award-Top Defensive Forward: Mike Richards, Pavel Datsyuk or Ryan Kesler. I don't think there's a better shutdown forward when healthy than Richards. Its because of that that I think he makes the Olympic team in 2010. However, I think when the final vote comes in it will go to Datsyuk.
Lady Byng -Most Sportsmanlike: Tampa's Marty St. Louis had just 14 penalty minutes this season. 14??? That's seven minor penalties in 82 games. Start engraving the trophy with his name.
Lester B Pearson Award--Players MVP: I would have to say Ovechkin here again for the reasons stated above.
Does Don Cherry show up at the NHL awards??? If he does, one can only imagine what he will wear amongst the glitz and glamour of Vegas!!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Ouch!!!!
I don't think that's what Ken Miller and the rest of the Rider coaching staff were hoping for Wednesday night. Here's your recap of what took place on the Commonwealth Stadium grass....
http://www.riderville.com/news/press_releases/3244/
Its hard to make an evaluation when you don't see what is going on, but one has to give credit to Steven Jyles. I didn't think he had a good first week of practice, and I thought Juan Joseph might give him a battle when it comes to who holds the clipboard. However, the performance of Jyles and the disappointing night by Dalton Bell who was 2 for 10 with an interception may have vaulted Jyles into the number 2 spot. Stevie Baggs might also have won one of the defensive end spots as he forced a couple of fumbles and was named the Riders top defensive player by Rod and Carm.
When it comes right down to it, the game was an exhibition encounter and I couldn't care less if the Riders were on the top end of a 33 point beatdown or the back end of it. The only thing that choked me a little was why the Eskimos waited so long until they played Jesse Lumsden. Why wouldn't they want him in there against the Riders main defence? Each team goes in ---especially in the first pre-season game--wanting to take a look at a lot of players. If this was Week 1 of the regular season there would be some concern, but its not. Just remember, the Detroit Lions went 4-0 in the pre-season last year and look how they ended up.
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Are you taking today off??? If you're a golf fan, I can't blame you. The US Open starts today with TSN's coverage beginning at 8 AM and going all day. It will be hard to live up to the drama of last year's Open won in the 18 hole playoff by Tiger who had a broken leg and screwed up knee, but all eyes will once again be on Mr. Woods.
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How many pitchers do the Jays have on the disabled list? Roy Halladay and Scott Downs are on it now. Considering the way this team has played this year, its hard for Blue Jay fans to digest on where they might be if Dustin McGowan, Shaun Marcum and Jesse Litsch were in the mix as well. I truly believe its imperative for GM JP Ricciardi to go out and find himself a number 2 starter that can keep this team's pennant hopes alive. If it means trading a Travis Snider or one of the young arms that has already pitched for Toronto this year like a David Purcey or a Brett Cecil, than so be it. Maybe that famous no-trade clause would play a factor, but a guy like Houston's Roy Oswalt, Arizona's Dan Haren or Seattle's Erik Bedard(a Canadian) would look good wearing a Toronto jersey. So would Pedro Martinez or Tom Glavine. C'mon JP!!!!!
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Its good to see Dale Derkatch land on his feet. He is now getting a paycheque from the Prince Albert Raiders as they name him head of player personnel. There is no doubt Dale knows his hockey and its good to know that his reputation didn't take a large hit after a less than stellar year behind the bench in Regina.
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I wish CTV would stop those damn humane society stories saying they are overcrowded. I know why they do it and one of these times, the wife is just going to look at me and it will be off to the society to get a cat. We'd already have a bunch of them if it wasn't for the fact that everyone except for Tracey would be sneezing their life away. I guess this means the neighbourhood squirrel will have to remain as the only four legged creature entering my backyard. Speaking of which, CTV is just breaking the MC Hammer news now. CMON!!!!! Its old news now!!!!I can't imagine the scene at the Molson Canadian Grandstand on that final night of the ex. Then again, do I really want to know????
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There's no Youtube of it...at least not so far, so watch TSN for this one. Red Sox outfielder Jason Bay had a visitor last night during Boston's game at Fenway against Florida. Hiding in the Green Monster waiting for his chance to come out and say hi to the Canadian born Bay was none other than Bobby Orr. How cool would that be to be standing there in left and be called over by Bobby Orr. It was hard to see who was thrilled more by the encounter.
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Seeing the Stampeders won last night, have they already proclaimed themselves as the 2009 Grey Cup champs????
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I have become Facebook friends with High Impact Wrestling's Principal Richard Pound. I am already a member of his honor roll and now this. Can life be any better??????? Speaking of which, another HIW show goes Friday at the German Club. You really can't miss these things. It is a cultural experience!!!!!
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http://www.riderville.com/news/press_releases/3244/
Its hard to make an evaluation when you don't see what is going on, but one has to give credit to Steven Jyles. I didn't think he had a good first week of practice, and I thought Juan Joseph might give him a battle when it comes to who holds the clipboard. However, the performance of Jyles and the disappointing night by Dalton Bell who was 2 for 10 with an interception may have vaulted Jyles into the number 2 spot. Stevie Baggs might also have won one of the defensive end spots as he forced a couple of fumbles and was named the Riders top defensive player by Rod and Carm.
When it comes right down to it, the game was an exhibition encounter and I couldn't care less if the Riders were on the top end of a 33 point beatdown or the back end of it. The only thing that choked me a little was why the Eskimos waited so long until they played Jesse Lumsden. Why wouldn't they want him in there against the Riders main defence? Each team goes in ---especially in the first pre-season game--wanting to take a look at a lot of players. If this was Week 1 of the regular season there would be some concern, but its not. Just remember, the Detroit Lions went 4-0 in the pre-season last year and look how they ended up.
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Are you taking today off??? If you're a golf fan, I can't blame you. The US Open starts today with TSN's coverage beginning at 8 AM and going all day. It will be hard to live up to the drama of last year's Open won in the 18 hole playoff by Tiger who had a broken leg and screwed up knee, but all eyes will once again be on Mr. Woods.
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How many pitchers do the Jays have on the disabled list? Roy Halladay and Scott Downs are on it now. Considering the way this team has played this year, its hard for Blue Jay fans to digest on where they might be if Dustin McGowan, Shaun Marcum and Jesse Litsch were in the mix as well. I truly believe its imperative for GM JP Ricciardi to go out and find himself a number 2 starter that can keep this team's pennant hopes alive. If it means trading a Travis Snider or one of the young arms that has already pitched for Toronto this year like a David Purcey or a Brett Cecil, than so be it. Maybe that famous no-trade clause would play a factor, but a guy like Houston's Roy Oswalt, Arizona's Dan Haren or Seattle's Erik Bedard(a Canadian) would look good wearing a Toronto jersey. So would Pedro Martinez or Tom Glavine. C'mon JP!!!!!
------
Its good to see Dale Derkatch land on his feet. He is now getting a paycheque from the Prince Albert Raiders as they name him head of player personnel. There is no doubt Dale knows his hockey and its good to know that his reputation didn't take a large hit after a less than stellar year behind the bench in Regina.
------
I wish CTV would stop those damn humane society stories saying they are overcrowded. I know why they do it and one of these times, the wife is just going to look at me and it will be off to the society to get a cat. We'd already have a bunch of them if it wasn't for the fact that everyone except for Tracey would be sneezing their life away. I guess this means the neighbourhood squirrel will have to remain as the only four legged creature entering my backyard. Speaking of which, CTV is just breaking the MC Hammer news now. CMON!!!!! Its old news now!!!!I can't imagine the scene at the Molson Canadian Grandstand on that final night of the ex. Then again, do I really want to know????
-------
There's no Youtube of it...at least not so far, so watch TSN for this one. Red Sox outfielder Jason Bay had a visitor last night during Boston's game at Fenway against Florida. Hiding in the Green Monster waiting for his chance to come out and say hi to the Canadian born Bay was none other than Bobby Orr. How cool would that be to be standing there in left and be called over by Bobby Orr. It was hard to see who was thrilled more by the encounter.
-----
Seeing the Stampeders won last night, have they already proclaimed themselves as the 2009 Grey Cup champs????
------
I have become Facebook friends with High Impact Wrestling's Principal Richard Pound. I am already a member of his honor roll and now this. Can life be any better??????? Speaking of which, another HIW show goes Friday at the German Club. You really can't miss these things. It is a cultural experience!!!!!
-----
WHL Annual Meeting Concludes
The Western Hockey League concluded its Annual Meeting yesterday in Vancouver by announcing a decision has been made to maintain the current conference playoff format that has been in place for the past two seasons. The WHL Board of Governors agreed that the conference playoff format will remain in place for the next five years, through the 2013-14 season. Prior to adopting the conference format in 2007-08, the WHL first round of playoffs were based on divisional match-ups as opposed to conference seeding.
The WHL Board of Governors also agreed to adopt video replay during the regular season and playoffs commencing with the 2009-10 season. The WHL introduced video replay for the first time during the 2009 WHL Playoffs.
The WHL also announced it will be expanding its officiating development program to include video training centres for referees and additional linesmen training camps throughout Western Canada.
The WHL also adopted a new player recruitment strategy which will include the hiring of a Director of Player Recruitment who will focus on promoting the WHL Scholarship program and the overall benefits of playing in the WHL to top prospects in Western Canada and the United States.
The WHL has also adopted a new facility standard in which all WHL franchises will work toward installing in venue video display boards by the 2011-12 hockey season to further enhance the fan experience.
The WHL also announced that through the support of the WHL Alumni Association and its corporate sponsors the League will be introducing a series of new online post secondary education initiatives commencing with the 2009-10 season. These new initiatives will improve the access players will have to University courses while playing in the WHL.
“This year’s WHL Annual Meeting was very productive in that we have a clear consensus on the direction we are heading in many key areas within the League,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison, “The new initiatives we have adopted will allow us to enhance awareness of our education program and expand our commitment to development for the players and officials.”
The WHL Board of Governors also agreed to adopt video replay during the regular season and playoffs commencing with the 2009-10 season. The WHL introduced video replay for the first time during the 2009 WHL Playoffs.
The WHL also announced it will be expanding its officiating development program to include video training centres for referees and additional linesmen training camps throughout Western Canada.
The WHL also adopted a new player recruitment strategy which will include the hiring of a Director of Player Recruitment who will focus on promoting the WHL Scholarship program and the overall benefits of playing in the WHL to top prospects in Western Canada and the United States.
The WHL has also adopted a new facility standard in which all WHL franchises will work toward installing in venue video display boards by the 2011-12 hockey season to further enhance the fan experience.
The WHL also announced that through the support of the WHL Alumni Association and its corporate sponsors the League will be introducing a series of new online post secondary education initiatives commencing with the 2009-10 season. These new initiatives will improve the access players will have to University courses while playing in the WHL.
“This year’s WHL Annual Meeting was very productive in that we have a clear consensus on the direction we are heading in many key areas within the League,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison, “The new initiatives we have adopted will allow us to enhance awareness of our education program and expand our commitment to development for the players and officials.”
Former Riders Ready For Tonight
All business inside white lines; Roughriders turned Eskimos eager to face former teammates
Edmonton Journal
Wed Jun 17 2009
Sports Byline: Mario Annicchiarico Source: The Edmonton Journal
Edmonton Eskimos fans likely will not see a lot of veterans on the field tonight, at least not for a lengthy period of time.
But they will witness their first look at the new Saskatchewan recruits in Eskimos colours going full bore in the pre-season opener.
Maurice Lloyd, Kitwana Jones and Scott Gordon bring with them veteran savvy, a ferocious brand of football and familiarity with what is now head coach Richie Hall's defence (albeit with a twist). It's ironic that the first taste they get as new members of the Eskimos is against their former teammates -- the nasty Roughriders of Saskatchewan.
"I have a lot of emotions going into this game. I'm anxious and at the same time I kind of have mixed feelings about going against the boys," said Jones. "But I'm ready to go.
"This is the name of the game, this is a business. There is no guarantee that you're going to wear the same colour for your football career. So I'm with the Eskimos.
"I'm ready to go against these Riders and I'm going to go hard." Eskimos fans wouldn't want it any other way, especially when the Green and White venture to town.
"I can't wait," said Jones, who came over in a trade, while the other two signed as free agents. "It's going to be awkward, but hey, that's the name of the game. I'm wearing a different green now, green and yellow not green and white." The same goes for Lloyd, who takes command of a revamped defence.
"To tell you the truth, I don't have any thoughts and feelings. I never have any thoughts and feelings before a game. It's the day of the game that I have thoughts and feelings," stressed a very serious Lloyd.
"The Riders are just another team to me. I have no grief against them. I have no hard feelings towards them. It's business, but my thing is they're not my teammates anymore. They're friends outside the white lines, but when we step inside the white lines, it's all business." Lloyd definitely had his game face on and Esks fans will be happy to know it will be there for quite some time.
"You have to know how to turn on your on/off switch. My on switch has been on since I signed Feb. 16 and it won't stop until the end of November," Lloyd insisted. "It will be full on (Wednesday). How long I play for (tonight against Saskatchewan) I do not know, but as long as I'm playing you're going to get everything Mo Lloyd brings on the field." Gordon, the eldest of the trio at 32, was the most lighthearted of the bunch, but like the others, was excited about the chance to face his former teammates.
"I'm going to be talking trash to Darian Durant," laughed Gordon.
"I'm going to have fun with it, but if I get a chance to make a hit ... I expect them to come at me. I'm not going to let up and I don't expect you to let up. That's the game of football." But make no mistake, there will be plenty of kibitzing to go with the clashing.
"Maybe I'll say a few things, get in their heads. I expect them to be talking trash to me. Yeah, this should be a lot of fun," smiled Gordon.
POINT AFTER: Hall is not expected to dress starting quarterback Ricky Ray, who will likely sit out the entire game as the Eskimos focus on the No. 3 spot, a battle between Lester Ricard and Jared Zabransky. One of the two will start. Others not expected to play are OL Greg Wojt and Garrick Jones, LB/DB Lenny Williams, FB Mathieu Bertrand, DL Jim Davis, DBs Bradley Robinson and Jason Goss and SB Dante Luciani.
Edmonton Journal
Wed Jun 17 2009
Sports Byline: Mario Annicchiarico Source: The Edmonton Journal
Edmonton Eskimos fans likely will not see a lot of veterans on the field tonight, at least not for a lengthy period of time.
But they will witness their first look at the new Saskatchewan recruits in Eskimos colours going full bore in the pre-season opener.
Maurice Lloyd, Kitwana Jones and Scott Gordon bring with them veteran savvy, a ferocious brand of football and familiarity with what is now head coach Richie Hall's defence (albeit with a twist). It's ironic that the first taste they get as new members of the Eskimos is against their former teammates -- the nasty Roughriders of Saskatchewan.
"I have a lot of emotions going into this game. I'm anxious and at the same time I kind of have mixed feelings about going against the boys," said Jones. "But I'm ready to go.
"This is the name of the game, this is a business. There is no guarantee that you're going to wear the same colour for your football career. So I'm with the Eskimos.
"I'm ready to go against these Riders and I'm going to go hard." Eskimos fans wouldn't want it any other way, especially when the Green and White venture to town.
"I can't wait," said Jones, who came over in a trade, while the other two signed as free agents. "It's going to be awkward, but hey, that's the name of the game. I'm wearing a different green now, green and yellow not green and white." The same goes for Lloyd, who takes command of a revamped defence.
"To tell you the truth, I don't have any thoughts and feelings. I never have any thoughts and feelings before a game. It's the day of the game that I have thoughts and feelings," stressed a very serious Lloyd.
"The Riders are just another team to me. I have no grief against them. I have no hard feelings towards them. It's business, but my thing is they're not my teammates anymore. They're friends outside the white lines, but when we step inside the white lines, it's all business." Lloyd definitely had his game face on and Esks fans will be happy to know it will be there for quite some time.
"You have to know how to turn on your on/off switch. My on switch has been on since I signed Feb. 16 and it won't stop until the end of November," Lloyd insisted. "It will be full on (Wednesday). How long I play for (tonight against Saskatchewan) I do not know, but as long as I'm playing you're going to get everything Mo Lloyd brings on the field." Gordon, the eldest of the trio at 32, was the most lighthearted of the bunch, but like the others, was excited about the chance to face his former teammates.
"I'm going to be talking trash to Darian Durant," laughed Gordon.
"I'm going to have fun with it, but if I get a chance to make a hit ... I expect them to come at me. I'm not going to let up and I don't expect you to let up. That's the game of football." But make no mistake, there will be plenty of kibitzing to go with the clashing.
"Maybe I'll say a few things, get in their heads. I expect them to be talking trash to me. Yeah, this should be a lot of fun," smiled Gordon.
POINT AFTER: Hall is not expected to dress starting quarterback Ricky Ray, who will likely sit out the entire game as the Eskimos focus on the No. 3 spot, a battle between Lester Ricard and Jared Zabransky. One of the two will start. Others not expected to play are OL Greg Wojt and Garrick Jones, LB/DB Lenny Williams, FB Mathieu Bertrand, DL Jim Davis, DBs Bradley Robinson and Jason Goss and SB Dante Luciani.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Another One Bites The Dust
Baseball has a new whipping boy this morning and it really shouldn't be a surprise to learn its Sammy Sosa. Many knew the former Cubs outfielder was just like McGwire, Canseco, Palmeiro and A-Rod and that is nothing more than a steroid gobbler. The New York Times says Sosa tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug in 2003. This really isn't a surprise and one has to ask why it took so long.
All the big hitters of today are seemingly on performance-enhancers which has damaged the sport of baseball---perhaps beyond repair, but it is MLB commissioner Bud Selig who endorsed this by doing nothing but watch the sport gain popularity when McGwire and Sosa staged their classic home run battle.
It just makes you wonder these days who is clean. Anyone that has a surge in power is instantly fingered and you can't help but ask if his performance is genuine or artificial. It would seem right now as if the only hero in this mess is Ken Griffey Junior. Had he stayed healthy, I wonder what type of numbers he would have put up. If Griffey is said to have someday been juiced, it will just further tarnish the sport.
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The CFL was quick to do damage control after the David Braley financing the Argonauts story came out. I was listening to my old sports-talk partner Drew Remenda last night and he came up with a conspiracy theory....one that I think is a little bit out there considering who won the game, but that was interesting. Drew noted that the Argos played BC in the 2004 Grey Cup with the Argos winning in what was a controversial game because Lions coach Wally Buono benched CFL MVP Casey Printers in that game to go with Dave Dickenson. He didn't come right out and say it, but he did put that seed out there as to whether or not Braley would have told Buono to start Dickenson and not Printers in order to give Toronto a better chance at winning and garnering some much-needed fan support. I'm not really buying that as I would think if Braley had a choice between what team won he would take the Lions, but it is an interesting theory.
I don't think what Braley did hurt the competitive integrity of the league, but it does spark an interesting debate.
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Its not the regular season, but for the first time since the Steelers beat the Cardinals, there is football tonight as the CFL pre-season opens. As you know, the Riders are in Edmonton. It would be nice if this one was on TV, but its not so you're going to have do what I'll be doing and that is listen to Rod and Carm. Hey Rod, is Ryan Johnston suiting up tonight???? That's an inside joke and I know RP is reading this.
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It is sure strange turning off of Saskatchewan Drive onto Elphinstone Street and not seeing the old building at Evraz Place that was destroyed by fire. It will even be weirder when the rubble is cleared away and there is a vacant space there.
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A confession from 83 year old Hugh Hefner. He says he can't tell his two new lovers apart. Did I mention those ladies were 19!!!!!!!Really guys, do we not all wish we could be "The Hef" for a week or even just an afternoon. How much Viagra does the old boy swallow back in a week???? All we can do gents is just salute the man. 19??!!!
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You gotta be hating life right now if you are a Denver Broncos fan. First, it was Jay Cutler demanding a trade and now receiver Brandon Marshall. There's no doubting Marshall is one of the league leaders in douchebaggery, but he's also one of the best at his position. I'm thinking the Broncos won't be very good this year. I'm thinking I'll have to remind Vanstone of this periodically once the NFL season hits.
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Former Detroit Lions GM Matt Millen has startled one and all by making this statement. Millen admitting "his tenure wasn't so good". NOOOOOO!!!!! Next, I'll be told the NFL didn't screw the Seahawks out of a Super Bowl by giving call after call after call to Pittsburgh in Super Bowl 40. (that still touches a raw nerve you know!!)The Lions finished 0-16 during Millen's final season as team president. He was fired in September. The Lions went 31-97 overall since hiring Millen in 2001. He made the statement when it was announced he would be working NFL network games with Bob Papa. Apparently, Joe Mama wasn't available again this year.
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Heard this on XM Radio's Home Ice last night. What free agent defenceman would you rather have--Mike Komisarek or Matthias Ohlund. Personally, I would rather have Jay Bouwmeester, but I think I would go with Komisarek strictly because of his age and the fact he is more rugged(although he did play like a big MEOW against Boston in the first round). A good question though!
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And from the National Post....
Tennis's grunting era may be over.
The Daily Mail in England reports the International Tennis Federation is considering a ban on grunting that would be part of the ITF's code of conduct. The violation for breaking the code? A player could forfeit a game, or even a whole match because of his/her noise.
Currently, a player's noise level is left up to the umpire to determine what is acceptable. An opposing player can complain that the noise is distracting them and the offending player may lose a point because of it.
Maria Sharapova is reportedly the loudest grunter, at 101 decibels. In order to prevent hearing loss, it is suggested that you should only be around something emitting that type of noise for fifteen minutes per day (tennis matches can run hours long). Former world No. 1 Monica Seles' grunts reached 93.2 decibels at times. (You can insert your own joke on this story here)
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Later!!!!
All the big hitters of today are seemingly on performance-enhancers which has damaged the sport of baseball---perhaps beyond repair, but it is MLB commissioner Bud Selig who endorsed this by doing nothing but watch the sport gain popularity when McGwire and Sosa staged their classic home run battle.
It just makes you wonder these days who is clean. Anyone that has a surge in power is instantly fingered and you can't help but ask if his performance is genuine or artificial. It would seem right now as if the only hero in this mess is Ken Griffey Junior. Had he stayed healthy, I wonder what type of numbers he would have put up. If Griffey is said to have someday been juiced, it will just further tarnish the sport.
------
The CFL was quick to do damage control after the David Braley financing the Argonauts story came out. I was listening to my old sports-talk partner Drew Remenda last night and he came up with a conspiracy theory....one that I think is a little bit out there considering who won the game, but that was interesting. Drew noted that the Argos played BC in the 2004 Grey Cup with the Argos winning in what was a controversial game because Lions coach Wally Buono benched CFL MVP Casey Printers in that game to go with Dave Dickenson. He didn't come right out and say it, but he did put that seed out there as to whether or not Braley would have told Buono to start Dickenson and not Printers in order to give Toronto a better chance at winning and garnering some much-needed fan support. I'm not really buying that as I would think if Braley had a choice between what team won he would take the Lions, but it is an interesting theory.
I don't think what Braley did hurt the competitive integrity of the league, but it does spark an interesting debate.
------
Its not the regular season, but for the first time since the Steelers beat the Cardinals, there is football tonight as the CFL pre-season opens. As you know, the Riders are in Edmonton. It would be nice if this one was on TV, but its not so you're going to have do what I'll be doing and that is listen to Rod and Carm. Hey Rod, is Ryan Johnston suiting up tonight???? That's an inside joke and I know RP is reading this.
------
It is sure strange turning off of Saskatchewan Drive onto Elphinstone Street and not seeing the old building at Evraz Place that was destroyed by fire. It will even be weirder when the rubble is cleared away and there is a vacant space there.
------
A confession from 83 year old Hugh Hefner. He says he can't tell his two new lovers apart. Did I mention those ladies were 19!!!!!!!Really guys, do we not all wish we could be "The Hef" for a week or even just an afternoon. How much Viagra does the old boy swallow back in a week???? All we can do gents is just salute the man. 19??!!!
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You gotta be hating life right now if you are a Denver Broncos fan. First, it was Jay Cutler demanding a trade and now receiver Brandon Marshall. There's no doubting Marshall is one of the league leaders in douchebaggery, but he's also one of the best at his position. I'm thinking the Broncos won't be very good this year. I'm thinking I'll have to remind Vanstone of this periodically once the NFL season hits.
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Former Detroit Lions GM Matt Millen has startled one and all by making this statement. Millen admitting "his tenure wasn't so good". NOOOOOO!!!!! Next, I'll be told the NFL didn't screw the Seahawks out of a Super Bowl by giving call after call after call to Pittsburgh in Super Bowl 40. (that still touches a raw nerve you know!!)The Lions finished 0-16 during Millen's final season as team president. He was fired in September. The Lions went 31-97 overall since hiring Millen in 2001. He made the statement when it was announced he would be working NFL network games with Bob Papa. Apparently, Joe Mama wasn't available again this year.
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Heard this on XM Radio's Home Ice last night. What free agent defenceman would you rather have--Mike Komisarek or Matthias Ohlund. Personally, I would rather have Jay Bouwmeester, but I think I would go with Komisarek strictly because of his age and the fact he is more rugged(although he did play like a big MEOW against Boston in the first round). A good question though!
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And from the National Post....
Tennis's grunting era may be over.
The Daily Mail in England reports the International Tennis Federation is considering a ban on grunting that would be part of the ITF's code of conduct. The violation for breaking the code? A player could forfeit a game, or even a whole match because of his/her noise.
Currently, a player's noise level is left up to the umpire to determine what is acceptable. An opposing player can complain that the noise is distracting them and the offending player may lose a point because of it.
Maria Sharapova is reportedly the loudest grunter, at 101 decibels. In order to prevent hearing loss, it is suggested that you should only be around something emitting that type of noise for fifteen minutes per day (tennis matches can run hours long). Former world No. 1 Monica Seles' grunts reached 93.2 decibels at times. (You can insert your own joke on this story here)
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Later!!!!
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