Perhaps the 2nd best WWE pay per view of the year went Sunday night in Atlanta. The Royal Rumble pits 30 superstars in the ring. The one that survives gets a title shot at Wrestlemania. Its a PPV that my neanderthal friends and I enjoy because we can bet on it.
Yes, we put money in and then take a number. At the end, whoever had the winning competitor gets the coin. Alas, it wasn't me---and I had number 30. I needed 29. After being out of the WWE for the last many months recovering from what I think was a torn achilles, Edge came back to win the Rumble and earn the title shot. Who will he choose? I'm sure we will find out tonight on RAW.
All in all, I was disappointed with the entire PPV. I thought feuds would be set up for Wrestlemania, but they didn't. The dirt sheets say Randy Orton and Ted Dibiase are going to start a program---that didn't start last night. It was one of many questions left unanswered. Another was Shawn Michaels not being able to secure another chance at the Undertaker. I'm guessing he will find that chance before WM rolls around.
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The Flames and Leafs certainly have the hockey world buzzing. It was expected that the Flames were going to trade Dion Phaneuf. Philly had apparently shown interest as had the Kings, Thrashers and Stars, but it is Brian Burke that wins out. When I look at this deal, I think its short term advantage for Calgary as they get some offence in Hagman and Stajan and they maintain a guy who can quarterback the power play in White. Mayers just adds some toughness. Long term, the Leafs could be big winners. He is signed for a while, (unlike Stajan and Hagman who are UFA's at season's end)he still has potential and when he is on, he is one of the better blueliners in the game. He might have been a guy that needed a new start. Keith Aulie may also turn out to be a steal. Phaneuf, Aulie and Schenn are three pretty good former Western leaguers back there.
As for the Giguere trade, Burke gets rid of Toskala who was a disaster along with Jason Blake who also needed another home. Giguere comes with an expensive salary so the question is whether or not his best days are behind him. We will find out soon.
If anything this means Toronto won't be giving Boston Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin. Toronto fans would never have forgiven Burke if he had traded the number one pick overall for Phil Kessel. Who's kidding who, the Oilers have a lock on that number one pick. In fact, they play Carolina tonight in a battle of 28 vs 30. A Hurricanes win and you can pretty much remove them from the equation.
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While the Leafs pulled off a couple of big deals, rumour has it the Flames are ready to pull the trigger on another big one today. TSN reports Chris Higgins and Ales Kotalik will come to Calgary with Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust going to the Rangers. Is it just me or have the Flames pushed the panic button? Did they really need this big of an overhaul? Yes, Calgary has been disappointing this year but I don't think they had to make that big of a change.
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The CFL schedule comes out today, but we already know who the Argos will play in Moncton. It will be the Eskimos. Why? I'm not sure. I'm guessing the Argo brass checked the numbers and saw Edmonton isn't a big draw for them. I'm guessing that is why the Riders aren't headed to the Maritimes. This should make the many Rider fans that want to party with Kim--the melon-bra girl--that Rod has made famous on his blog happy. I'm thinking RP wants to meet her too! He is a man isn't he!!!
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No surprise to see Jennifer Jones and Krista McCarville on top at the Scotties. The two were favourites to meet in the final and both go into Monday riding a 3-0 mark.. The other two expected to challenge were Kelly Scott of BC and Amber Holland. The foursome from the Kronau Curling Club is 1-2 after Sunday's play. Scott and her rink are 2-1. Amber can do herself a favour today by knocking off McCarville's Ontario foursome in the morning draw. Will TSN have that game? I'm thinking they should.
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I had no interest in the Pro Bowl! I saw the final. Yay! Are you now ready for the Super Bowl hype to swing into action? Get ready to hear over the next seven days why Indy will beat New Orleans or vice-versa from every angle possible.
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Are the Grammys even relevant anymore? When I see Lady Gaga come on, its time to reach for the remote. Did Kanye West make an ass of himself again!
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Johnny Damon is apparently interested in playing for the Blue Jays. OH BOY!
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The NFL announced its all-decade team on Sunday. Did the CFL do something like that? If they didn't they should have. Who would have been on your all-decade team?
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If one of Team Canada's defencemen should go down in the next couple of weeks, I wouldn't look Mike Green's way, but I would look in the direction of Tyler Myers. The Sabres defenceman and Kelowna Rockets grad might be the best rookie in the NHL this year!
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A pulled muscle in the lower back can be very, very painful. Correction, it is!
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Who's going to light the cauldron at the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver Olympics? Personally, I think Wayne Gretzky should hand the torch to Rick Hansen who gives it to Betty Fox to get the games officially underway.
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Who do the Argos turn to now as their head coach seeing Montreal offensive co-ordinator Scott Milanovich said no. What does that tell you!
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Why wasn't Santino Morella given a chance to redeem himself at this year's Rumble after lasting all of one second last year?
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As you start your Monday, remember this....
If you're going through Hell . . . keep going. Throwing it in reverse doesn't do you any good now!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Phaneuf Is A Leaf
TSN alert: The Calgary Flames have traded Dion Phaneuf to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Flames also send forward Fredrik Sjostrom and defenceman Keith Aulie (Rouleau product) to Toronto for 4 players--Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman, Ian White and Jamal Mayers.
The Fan 590 in Toronto is also reporting the Leafs have sent goalie Vesa Toskala to Anaheim for J-S Giguere and a first round draft pick.
Meanwhile, can it get any worse for the Oilers. The team thought they could likely trade Sheldon Souray and get something of value back. Forget it! Souray broke his wrist last night when he fell to the ice during a fight with Jarome Iginla. He is done for 6-8 weeks meaning his trade value will be severely diminished. Ironically, its the 2nd time this season Iggy has gotten Souray. Sheldon missed several games with a concussion when he was checked from behind into the boards by Iginla during a game in Edmonton early this year.
The Flames also send forward Fredrik Sjostrom and defenceman Keith Aulie (Rouleau product) to Toronto for 4 players--Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman, Ian White and Jamal Mayers.
The Fan 590 in Toronto is also reporting the Leafs have sent goalie Vesa Toskala to Anaheim for J-S Giguere and a first round draft pick.
Meanwhile, can it get any worse for the Oilers. The team thought they could likely trade Sheldon Souray and get something of value back. Forget it! Souray broke his wrist last night when he fell to the ice during a fight with Jarome Iginla. He is done for 6-8 weeks meaning his trade value will be severely diminished. Ironically, its the 2nd time this season Iggy has gotten Souray. Sheldon missed several games with a concussion when he was checked from behind into the boards by Iginla during a game in Edmonton early this year.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
A Day At The Crushed Can
Its not the prettiest building. Many will be glad when they don't have to go there for hockey anymore, and many will be sad because the old girl does have some character. With the Moose Jaw Civic Centre's days with the Warriors starting to dwindle as the new multiplex gets built, it played host to its last ever Trans-Canada Clash Saturday afternoon and once again it was a success, unless of course you are the Warriors alumni.
After a quick start in which the home side(wearing great new sweaters) jumped out into a 2-0 lead, the Pats alumni stormed back to win the 3rd edition of the game by a score of 7-4. It means the Pats have now won the three TC Clashes that have been played. Some of the Warriors who have played in this game all three years were said to be a little upset when all was said and done knowing they had been bettered by the Pats alumni for the third straight time. Tell me again how this game doesn't mean anything for those involved.
Nevin Markwart was the star of the game as he registered two goals including a beauty on a great pass from Kyle Deck as Pats of two different generations combined on the marker.
Those that were on hand didn't see a classic, but they did see a good hockey game and they gave the proper salute to the players of old when all was said and done. There is no doubt there should be a TC 4. You can bet the Warriors will be looking for guys that can help get them into the win column. Troy Edwards telling CTV's Lee Jones after the game "Its a best of 7!"
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As for the game between the two teams of today, the Warriors rebounded from Friday's tough loss at the Brandt Centre as they beat the Pats 4-1. Combine that with a Prince Albert win over Lethbridge and Regina is seven back of the Raiders and the last playoff spot in the East. Regina didn't have the jump they had Friday night and whenever they had a chance, Jeff Bosch was there to shut the door. Kootenay visits the Dome on Monday.
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In between games, I was sitting in the Warriors media room with Rod Pedersen and Curtis Hunt. I excused myself to head to the can and when I came back, the guy that runs the Warrior room asked if I was supposed to be in there. I said, "Yeah, I'm with Rod" to which the guy responds "Are you the bus driver?!" Thanks! Uh No! Huntsy got a kick out of it. Just before the game started, I saw him in the hallway and said "Good Luck". His response "Thanks bussy!!!" followed by a grin. I'm thinking Curtis may be ditching calling me "Scruffy" for "Bussy" in the near future.
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Amber Holland lost her first game at the Scotties dropping a 10-3 decision to Prince Edward Island, but the Saskatchewan skip is already a winner. Amber won the Ford Hot Shots competition. She gets a two year lease on a 2010 Taurus. One tip for Amber---don't let Murray McCormick ride in it with you!
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How was Hockey Day in Canada? Did CBC live up to its standards. I saw Ron McLean and Don Cherry at center ice of the Stratford arena. Ron must have been heading to an "ugly sweater" gathering after. What was that!
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Are the Oilers ever going to win again?
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As you start your Sunday, remember this....
If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving isn't for you.
Friday, January 29, 2010
That's Hockey!
The Pats-Warriors rivalry doesn't have the intensity it used to have, but the two teams gave us a glimpse of the past on Friday night in what was the best WHL game of the year at the Brandt Centre this year. There was an edge in the building as 65-hundred showed up to watch the home side beat the Warriors 3-2 in a nailbiter.
Regina outshot their opponents 31-9 in the first, but they were up by only one as it was 2-1. The 2nd goal by Andrew Reider was one of the nicest if not the nicest goal of the year for the Pats. It stayed 2-1 until less than five minutes to go when Jason Bast tied it. With it starting to look like overtime was on the agenda, Carter Ashton sent the majority of those in attendance home happy when he put one past Brandon Glover with just a buck 34 to play.
Those at the game and watching it from the comforts of their living room on SHAW and Access saw an outstanding game by two teams who weren't willing to give up a lot. Great hits, good scoring chances, a few tussles, a contest that wasn't decided until the waning moments. It had it all!
Regina is now five points back of the 8th place Raiders and Broncos. Swift Current picked up a big two points in Saskatoon with an overtime win. P-A lost to Kootenay 4-1.
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Kim Flaman was running the music at the game last night and I applaud her selection of tunes(although I could really do without "Sexy Chick" when the ice girls come on to do their thing as I hate that tune). She reminded many that Motley Crue had been in town by playing a little Crue and at one point, she even went way back and played some retro as a little Platinum Blonde echoed through the Brandt Centre. Who's kidding who, I loved this tune back in the 80's.....
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There's a lot of excitement for the Trans-Canada clash that goes later today in Moose Jaw. I'm looking forward to it as well. I saw Kelly Remple at last nite's game and he looked a little nervous. I don't know if he was just caught up in the great game that was unfolding or if he was thinking about tomorrow. I'm positive TC 3 will be as successful as the first two. The Civic Centre will be sold out for the game. Rob Carnie is going to do play by play on Country 100 (C'mon Carns---break out the Brother Love suit for this one!!) and I will have play-by-play of the contest for Sasktel Max Local on Demand. It will be up for broadcast midweek. I've often heard its challenging doing a game from the Crushed Can. I guess I'm about to find out. Going to the Civic Centre means having the best rinkburger in Saskatchewan. I don't know what they do to make their cheezeburgers so good there, but they are.
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Its a busy Saturday. Hockey Night in Canada will bring its annual Hockey Day in Canada presentation from Stratford, Ontario. Do you know that is where Wayne Gretzky scored his first goal? The first game will have the Canucks in Toronto. It will be interesting to see how the Canucks treat the HNIC personnel. They are still choked over Ron McLean's "hatchet" job on Alex Burrows a couple of weeks ago. I hope it doesn't take away from the HDIC festivities. I still put down that Saturday in Shaunavon when Ron and Don showed up for the Hockey Day in Canada there. Its an event I will always fondly remember. I'll never forget the scene when Don Cherry pulled up in front of the Shaunavon rink in an RCMP van. You would think it was Mick Jagger!
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The Scotties Tournament of Hearts begins in Sault Ste. Marie. Amber Holland is carrying Saskatchewan's colours and she is considered as one of the favourites. She will be in tough though as Kelly Scott, Krista McCarville and defending champ Jennifer Jones will all be right in there. The winner goes to the worlds in Swift Current.
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An interesting day in the CFL. The Ti-Cats cut Nick Setta. I don't know the reasoning behind that. The Lions give Brent Johnson a contract extension. Johnson is one of my favourites. He's a modern day Bobby Jurasin in my opinion. BC also cut Jason Jimenez and Javier Glatt. I wonder if the Riders might be interested in Glatt's services. He got in Wally's doghouse last year and never got out of it. If the Riders lose Tad Kornegay to free agency, (and for some reason I think they will)could Glatt be a replacement. He won't bring the versatility that Kornegay brought, but he will bring some other things. He's a great special teams player as well and he's a friend of Jason Clermont so maybe JC can convince him to come if there is some interest. Meanwhile, the Argos have apparently offered their head coaching job to Montreal offensive co-ordinator Scott Milanovich.
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Rider fans and CFL fans will be waiting for the official release of the schedule. I love the fact that the Alouettes will be here to open the 2010 season on Canada Day. I was hoping that would happen and it has. Usually when Montreal comes to town, the fans aren't into it as much as they are when a Western rival is here. I don't think it will be that way this year! Is that one already sold out? It won't take long!
We will also find out Monday what team is going to Moncton to play the Argos. I thought it might be the Riders and that the Rider Nation could help the CFL set up base in the Maritimes, but now I'm thinking it won't be. Word would have leaked out by now. I'll put my money on the Alouettes.
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Graham DeLaet will get the weekend off. The Weyburn golfer did not make the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open at the Torrey Pines course near San Diego. He had a rough day shooting a four over 74 for a two day total of four over 144. No problem though as Graham has shown he is more than capable of playing with the big boys.
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Kurt Warner has had enough(unless he has gone to the Brett Favre school of waffling). The Cardinals quarterback called it a career after a dozen years. I hated this guy when he played for the Rams, but I also respected him because he was damn good. One has to wonder if this guy would have ever seen the field had it not been for Trent Green suffering a season-ending knee injury in the Rams first pre-season game in 1999. I remember a St. Louis columnist declaring the season was over because this nobody was coming in to quarterback the team. I wonder if that columnist(I don't remember his name) still has that column. I wonder if Warner autographed it for him. He went from stocking grocery shelves to becoming one of the top quarterbacks in NFL history. He had a renaissance in Arizona getting them to the Super Bowl last year and he showed this year he can still get the job done. There is no doubt that his bust will one day reside in Canton.
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As you go into the weekend, ask yourself this....
Why don't you ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?
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Regina outshot their opponents 31-9 in the first, but they were up by only one as it was 2-1. The 2nd goal by Andrew Reider was one of the nicest if not the nicest goal of the year for the Pats. It stayed 2-1 until less than five minutes to go when Jason Bast tied it. With it starting to look like overtime was on the agenda, Carter Ashton sent the majority of those in attendance home happy when he put one past Brandon Glover with just a buck 34 to play.
Those at the game and watching it from the comforts of their living room on SHAW and Access saw an outstanding game by two teams who weren't willing to give up a lot. Great hits, good scoring chances, a few tussles, a contest that wasn't decided until the waning moments. It had it all!
Regina is now five points back of the 8th place Raiders and Broncos. Swift Current picked up a big two points in Saskatoon with an overtime win. P-A lost to Kootenay 4-1.
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Kim Flaman was running the music at the game last night and I applaud her selection of tunes(although I could really do without "Sexy Chick" when the ice girls come on to do their thing as I hate that tune). She reminded many that Motley Crue had been in town by playing a little Crue and at one point, she even went way back and played some retro as a little Platinum Blonde echoed through the Brandt Centre. Who's kidding who, I loved this tune back in the 80's.....
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There's a lot of excitement for the Trans-Canada clash that goes later today in Moose Jaw. I'm looking forward to it as well. I saw Kelly Remple at last nite's game and he looked a little nervous. I don't know if he was just caught up in the great game that was unfolding or if he was thinking about tomorrow. I'm positive TC 3 will be as successful as the first two. The Civic Centre will be sold out for the game. Rob Carnie is going to do play by play on Country 100 (C'mon Carns---break out the Brother Love suit for this one!!) and I will have play-by-play of the contest for Sasktel Max Local on Demand. It will be up for broadcast midweek. I've often heard its challenging doing a game from the Crushed Can. I guess I'm about to find out. Going to the Civic Centre means having the best rinkburger in Saskatchewan. I don't know what they do to make their cheezeburgers so good there, but they are.
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Its a busy Saturday. Hockey Night in Canada will bring its annual Hockey Day in Canada presentation from Stratford, Ontario. Do you know that is where Wayne Gretzky scored his first goal? The first game will have the Canucks in Toronto. It will be interesting to see how the Canucks treat the HNIC personnel. They are still choked over Ron McLean's "hatchet" job on Alex Burrows a couple of weeks ago. I hope it doesn't take away from the HDIC festivities. I still put down that Saturday in Shaunavon when Ron and Don showed up for the Hockey Day in Canada there. Its an event I will always fondly remember. I'll never forget the scene when Don Cherry pulled up in front of the Shaunavon rink in an RCMP van. You would think it was Mick Jagger!
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The Scotties Tournament of Hearts begins in Sault Ste. Marie. Amber Holland is carrying Saskatchewan's colours and she is considered as one of the favourites. She will be in tough though as Kelly Scott, Krista McCarville and defending champ Jennifer Jones will all be right in there. The winner goes to the worlds in Swift Current.
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An interesting day in the CFL. The Ti-Cats cut Nick Setta. I don't know the reasoning behind that. The Lions give Brent Johnson a contract extension. Johnson is one of my favourites. He's a modern day Bobby Jurasin in my opinion. BC also cut Jason Jimenez and Javier Glatt. I wonder if the Riders might be interested in Glatt's services. He got in Wally's doghouse last year and never got out of it. If the Riders lose Tad Kornegay to free agency, (and for some reason I think they will)could Glatt be a replacement. He won't bring the versatility that Kornegay brought, but he will bring some other things. He's a great special teams player as well and he's a friend of Jason Clermont so maybe JC can convince him to come if there is some interest. Meanwhile, the Argos have apparently offered their head coaching job to Montreal offensive co-ordinator Scott Milanovich.
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Rider fans and CFL fans will be waiting for the official release of the schedule. I love the fact that the Alouettes will be here to open the 2010 season on Canada Day. I was hoping that would happen and it has. Usually when Montreal comes to town, the fans aren't into it as much as they are when a Western rival is here. I don't think it will be that way this year! Is that one already sold out? It won't take long!
We will also find out Monday what team is going to Moncton to play the Argos. I thought it might be the Riders and that the Rider Nation could help the CFL set up base in the Maritimes, but now I'm thinking it won't be. Word would have leaked out by now. I'll put my money on the Alouettes.
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Graham DeLaet will get the weekend off. The Weyburn golfer did not make the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open at the Torrey Pines course near San Diego. He had a rough day shooting a four over 74 for a two day total of four over 144. No problem though as Graham has shown he is more than capable of playing with the big boys.
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Kurt Warner has had enough(unless he has gone to the Brett Favre school of waffling). The Cardinals quarterback called it a career after a dozen years. I hated this guy when he played for the Rams, but I also respected him because he was damn good. One has to wonder if this guy would have ever seen the field had it not been for Trent Green suffering a season-ending knee injury in the Rams first pre-season game in 1999. I remember a St. Louis columnist declaring the season was over because this nobody was coming in to quarterback the team. I wonder if that columnist(I don't remember his name) still has that column. I wonder if Warner autographed it for him. He went from stocking grocery shelves to becoming one of the top quarterbacks in NFL history. He had a renaissance in Arizona getting them to the Super Bowl last year and he showed this year he can still get the job done. There is no doubt that his bust will one day reside in Canton.
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As you go into the weekend, ask yourself this....
Why don't you ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?
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Grey Cup Rematch On Canada Day
Screw the fireworks and Canada Day celebrations in Wascana Park! The CFL has announced that the 2010 schedule will be released Monday, but they are giving fans a look at who plays who in Week 1. As it was last year, the season will open with a Grey Cup rematch. Anthony Calvillo and the Alouettes will be at Mosaic July 1 to take on the Riders in a 7 o'clock Eastern (will that be 5 or 6 our time) start. It will be the first half of a July 1 doubleheader. The 2nd game will have Toronto at Calgary. The first week continues July 2 with the Bombers home to Hamilton and winds up July 4 with BC in Edmonton.
Canada's Movers and Shakers--Sports Style
The Globe has come out with its sports Power 50 for 2010. This is a good read. Did anyone get missed?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/the-globes-power50/article1448393/
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/the-globes-power50/article1448393/
Clash Is A Must-See For Me
I don't know how my good friend Kelly Remple thought of this idea, I don't know how much work he puts into it, but I do know Kelly has done something that is tremendous and that is organize the Trans-Canada Clash for a 3rd straight year. The rivalry might not be the same as it was years ago, but games between the Regina Pats and Moose Jaw Warriors are always something special.
When the first "Clash" happened in January of 2007, I thought this will be cool seeing the alumni of both teams go against one another. I had no idea what was about to happen. When I walked into the Civic Centre that Saturday afternoon, the place was full. The game turned out to be great---it was better than great. Moose Jaw led the game 8-5 going into the 3rd period. I was watching the game with Rob Vanstone and just after the 3rd period started, I looked at him and said "Is it just me or have the Pats turned the intensity up?". He responded by saying he thought the Pats had shortened up their bench. They had! Regina stormed back to win the game by a count of 10-9. After the game, I went into both dressing rooms. You would think both teams had been involved in the Memorial Cup final. The Pat players were celebrating---many of them still wearing the jersey they once wore so proudly. In the other room, the Warriors were so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. It meant something to each and every one of those players who battled that Saturday afternoon. The game that night between the Pats and Warriors paled in comparison and many in the crowd that night were still buzzing about what they had seen earlier that day.
Fast forward to 2008. (picture courtesy rodpedersen.com)
That was the Brandt Centre on what was the coldest Saturday of the winter. Where as you could easily pack the Civic Centre, this was the Brandt Centre. Regina had bought into this event just as much as Moose Jaw had and they wanted to be there to see the players of yesteryear including Theoren Fleury. Theo just about got into a scrap with Doug Trapp that afternoon as the Pats alumni once again squeaked out a one goal victory.
Clash 3 goes tomorrow and the headliners are Mike Sillinger and Jamie Heward. The recently retired NHL'ers will join Frank Kovacs as the Pats reunite "The Pup Line". I remember going to games at the Dome and watching these three 16 year olds light it up. Kovacs saying after the first Clash that he e-mailed both of his former linemates to say what a great time it was and that they had to play when the chance first came around. That chance comes tomorrow and once again the game will be sold out.
There's no way I'm missing this. In fact, I will do play-by-play of the game along with Dustin Dion of Country 100 in Moose Jaw for Sasktel Max. It will be on local on demand by Wednesday I am told. Thus, if you are a Pats or Warriors fan and you aren't making the trip to the Civic Centre, you can catch it if you are a Max subscriber.
If you are going and tomorrow is your first Clash, your expectations will be met and then some. That is a promise. I would love to see a game of this magnitude one day featuring NHL'ers from both teams that played in this rivalry(Brad Stuart, Josh Harding, Jeff Friesen, Dustin Boyd, Troy Brouwer, Ryan Smyth, etc. etc.) Alas, that day will probably never happen for a variety of reasons but seeing guys that I grew up watching in both buildings will be a blast from the past.
By the way, where are Dustin Slade and Sean O'Connor?
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thumbs Up To Cohon
I think CFL commissioner Marc Cohon is the best commissioner amongst the major leagues that Canadians watch. There's no doubt that he's better at his post than what Gary Bettman and Bud Selig are at theirs and I think he has a firmer grasp on his sport than David Stern and Roger Goodell.
Cohon gets it. He understands. He knows his product is fan-friendly and he wants the fans to help him produce the product that is his league each and every week.
Once again, Cohon is asking all of us how we can improve the game. His focus is overtime. Does it need to be changed and if so, how?
The CFL's overtime format is better than that of the NFL and the NCAA. If there was one thing I would do to tweak it though it would be this. Instead of scrimmaging the ball at the oppositions 35 yard line, I would like to see teams take the ball at their own 45 or 35. I think a team needs to record a couple of first downs before attempting a field goal instead of running it into the line twice if they so choose before kicking a 40 yard field goal.
Wouldn't it be nice if other commissioners would listen to the fans? We could tell Bud Selig if we want the designated hitter in both leagues or if the DH should be scrapped. We could tell Gary Bettman how to improve his game(suggestions way too many to write down), the same goes for Stern and Goodell. Cohon knows the fans are the key to his league and he wants them to be happy with the game they watch every week. Why can't the others be like this!
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What is it with Patrick Kane and vehicles that aren't his own? There was the heavily publicized incident involving the Blackhawks forward and the cab driver in Buffalo during the off-season, now pictures have surfaced of him not wearing a shirt in a limo with two girls in Vancouver. This won't end with an apology, but should the Blackhawks be concerned about the behaviour of their young superstar. His game isn't being affected any, at least it doesn't seem to be. He doesn't appear to have done anything wrong in this situation. Do we chalk this up to Kane being a 21 year old? I think that's where I'm going to leave it unless we hear what was going on inside the limo and whether or not Kane has some problems relating to the incident. The other question that has to be asked is who is leaking these pictures to the Vancouver media. Someone obviously had some ill-fated intentions when they brought the camera out.
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Are we going to see Chris Jericho on WWE TV anytime soon. Seems as if the pride of Winnipeg had a little too much the other night after a house show in Cincinnati. He took a cab with Matt Hardy and Greg "The Hurricane" Helms when a fight broke out. Hardy took off, but Jericho and Helms were arrested at a gas station and booked on charges of public intoxication. I wonder how Vince will react to this. Could Jericho miss the Royal Rumble or have a short afternoon and get eliminated early. Rumours persist that Jericho could be winning a belt at Wrestlemania. This may alter those plans. I don't know about you, but I love Jericho's shtick. He's one of the best guys out there with a mike in his hands.
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Should we start taking notice of the Toronto Raptors? This team seems to be a playoff team and they are playing quite well over the past few weeks. It seems to me that Saskatchewan isn't a basketball province (which is odd considering the great basketball programs at both the U of R and U of S and the programs that Regina and Saskatoon have for up and coming players) and that not many care about the NBA or the Raptors. TSN is starting to give the Raptors more and more air time. The Leafs aren't going to get replaced by the Raptors on TSN but as both the NHL and NBA seasons start to wind down, don't be surprised if the NBA gets its fair share if not more of time on Sportscenter.
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Graham DeLaet continues to impress. Playing for the 3rd week in a row in this his first year on the PGA Tour, DeLaet fired a two under 70 on the much tougher South course at the Torrey Pines layout near San Diego in the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open. He is six back of the leader and gets a chance to play on the easier North course today before heading back to the South course for the weekend if he should make the cut.
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Good for Josh Harding. The former Pats goalie gets the shutout as his Minnesota Wild beat the Avalanche 1-0. You know that I think Harding's talent is wasted in the Twin Cities as he sits behind Nick Backstrom. I would love to see Harding get traded to a team where he can be a starter. Yes, he could wear Oiler colours.
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If I ask you who Dustin Diamond is, do you know? Those that remember the 80's TV show "Saved By The Bell" knows that Diamond played the geeky "Screech". Yes, he could do nothing but watch friends Zack and Slater get it on with Kelly Kapowski (the oh so gorgeous Tiffani Amber Thiessen) and Jessie (Elizabeth Berkley from Showgirls fame)whatever her last name was. Well, if Screech's book is any indication, it would seem as if sex and drugs ran rampant on the set of the show. Take a read.....
http://www.11points.com/TV/11_Most_Scandalous_Saved_by_the_Bell_Revelations_in_Screech%27s_Autobiography
I'll let you leave your comments in the comments section.
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As you head into Friday, I leave you with this.....
Always borrow money from a pessimist. They don't expect to be paid back.
Cohon gets it. He understands. He knows his product is fan-friendly and he wants the fans to help him produce the product that is his league each and every week.
Once again, Cohon is asking all of us how we can improve the game. His focus is overtime. Does it need to be changed and if so, how?
The CFL's overtime format is better than that of the NFL and the NCAA. If there was one thing I would do to tweak it though it would be this. Instead of scrimmaging the ball at the oppositions 35 yard line, I would like to see teams take the ball at their own 45 or 35. I think a team needs to record a couple of first downs before attempting a field goal instead of running it into the line twice if they so choose before kicking a 40 yard field goal.
Wouldn't it be nice if other commissioners would listen to the fans? We could tell Bud Selig if we want the designated hitter in both leagues or if the DH should be scrapped. We could tell Gary Bettman how to improve his game(suggestions way too many to write down), the same goes for Stern and Goodell. Cohon knows the fans are the key to his league and he wants them to be happy with the game they watch every week. Why can't the others be like this!
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What is it with Patrick Kane and vehicles that aren't his own? There was the heavily publicized incident involving the Blackhawks forward and the cab driver in Buffalo during the off-season, now pictures have surfaced of him not wearing a shirt in a limo with two girls in Vancouver. This won't end with an apology, but should the Blackhawks be concerned about the behaviour of their young superstar. His game isn't being affected any, at least it doesn't seem to be. He doesn't appear to have done anything wrong in this situation. Do we chalk this up to Kane being a 21 year old? I think that's where I'm going to leave it unless we hear what was going on inside the limo and whether or not Kane has some problems relating to the incident. The other question that has to be asked is who is leaking these pictures to the Vancouver media. Someone obviously had some ill-fated intentions when they brought the camera out.
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Are we going to see Chris Jericho on WWE TV anytime soon. Seems as if the pride of Winnipeg had a little too much the other night after a house show in Cincinnati. He took a cab with Matt Hardy and Greg "The Hurricane" Helms when a fight broke out. Hardy took off, but Jericho and Helms were arrested at a gas station and booked on charges of public intoxication. I wonder how Vince will react to this. Could Jericho miss the Royal Rumble or have a short afternoon and get eliminated early. Rumours persist that Jericho could be winning a belt at Wrestlemania. This may alter those plans. I don't know about you, but I love Jericho's shtick. He's one of the best guys out there with a mike in his hands.
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Should we start taking notice of the Toronto Raptors? This team seems to be a playoff team and they are playing quite well over the past few weeks. It seems to me that Saskatchewan isn't a basketball province (which is odd considering the great basketball programs at both the U of R and U of S and the programs that Regina and Saskatoon have for up and coming players) and that not many care about the NBA or the Raptors. TSN is starting to give the Raptors more and more air time. The Leafs aren't going to get replaced by the Raptors on TSN but as both the NHL and NBA seasons start to wind down, don't be surprised if the NBA gets its fair share if not more of time on Sportscenter.
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Graham DeLaet continues to impress. Playing for the 3rd week in a row in this his first year on the PGA Tour, DeLaet fired a two under 70 on the much tougher South course at the Torrey Pines layout near San Diego in the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open. He is six back of the leader and gets a chance to play on the easier North course today before heading back to the South course for the weekend if he should make the cut.
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Good for Josh Harding. The former Pats goalie gets the shutout as his Minnesota Wild beat the Avalanche 1-0. You know that I think Harding's talent is wasted in the Twin Cities as he sits behind Nick Backstrom. I would love to see Harding get traded to a team where he can be a starter. Yes, he could wear Oiler colours.
------
If I ask you who Dustin Diamond is, do you know? Those that remember the 80's TV show "Saved By The Bell" knows that Diamond played the geeky "Screech". Yes, he could do nothing but watch friends Zack and Slater get it on with Kelly Kapowski (the oh so gorgeous Tiffani Amber Thiessen) and Jessie (Elizabeth Berkley from Showgirls fame)whatever her last name was. Well, if Screech's book is any indication, it would seem as if sex and drugs ran rampant on the set of the show. Take a read.....
http://www.11points.com/TV/11_Most_Scandalous_Saved_by_the_Bell_Revelations_in_Screech%27s_Autobiography
I'll let you leave your comments in the comments section.
-----
As you head into Friday, I leave you with this.....
Always borrow money from a pessimist. They don't expect to be paid back.
Cohon Wants Your Suggestions
Canadian Football League (CFL) fans are being asked to propose rule changes this year with a particular emphasis on how to improve the game's overtime format, says CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon.
"We had a tremendous response last year from fans when we asked for the very first time for their ideas on how to improve our rules," Cohon said.
"So this year, we're inviting their input on possible rules changes across the board, but we're asking them to particularly focus on our overtime format."
Under the current rules, if the score is tied at the end of a game, each team gets an opportunity to scrimmage from its opponent's 35-yard line, until it makes a score or loses possession.
If the score remains tied, the procedure is repeated at the opposite end of the stadium.
If the score is still tied after each team has had two attempts, the game is declared a tie, if it's a regular season game. If the game is a playoff or championship game, the same procedure continues until a winner is finally declared.
Some of the questions fans may want to grapple may include:
• Is the series-of-downs format superior to the old system of extra overtime periods or halves?
• Should teams scrimmage from somewhere other than the 35-yard line?
• Should teams be required to drive for a touchdown instead of settling for a field goal, or should teams be required to attempt a two-point convert following a touchdown?
• Does the overtime format really need changes, or is it already as good as it can be?
"Some of our most exciting games last season, including one of our playoff games, were decided in overtime, and that prompted some discussion among fans about our format," Cohon said in a message to fans posted on the league's website, CFL.ca, and team sites that form the CFL Network.
"We have tremendous respect for the knowledge of our fans, and their dedication to the tradition and future of our league, so we'd like to turn that informal overtime discussion into specific ideas that our league can consider as it looks towards the 2010 season."
Fans are asked to send their proposals, including their overtime ideas, by visiting CFL.ca/rules or by emailing - rules@cfl.ca - by Monday, February 15th. Those proposals will be shared with the members of the league's rules committee as it prepares to meet as part of the annual CFL Congress, this year in Edmonton on March 3rd, 4th and 5th.
Omarr Is Back
OMARR MORGAN RE-SIGNS WITH GREEN AND WHITE
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today import defensive back Omarr Morgan has re-signed with the team. Financial details of the contract were not released.
Morgan is heading into his 10th season with the Green and White and 11th in the CFL. In 2009, the BYU product started all 18 regular season games for the Riders as well as the West Final and Grey Cup game at cornerback. He tallied 50 defensive tackles, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries one of which he returned a CFL record 108 yards for a touchdown, three pass knockdowns and two tackles for a loss, during the regular season.
The 33 year old has played a total of 172 CFL regular season games and has 552 defensive tackles, 35 special team tackles, 28 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries and five touchdowns.
Morgan was set to become a free agent in February 2010.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today import defensive back Omarr Morgan has re-signed with the team. Financial details of the contract were not released.
Morgan is heading into his 10th season with the Green and White and 11th in the CFL. In 2009, the BYU product started all 18 regular season games for the Riders as well as the West Final and Grey Cup game at cornerback. He tallied 50 defensive tackles, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries one of which he returned a CFL record 108 yards for a touchdown, three pass knockdowns and two tackles for a loss, during the regular season.
The 33 year old has played a total of 172 CFL regular season games and has 552 defensive tackles, 35 special team tackles, 28 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries and five touchdowns.
Morgan was set to become a free agent in February 2010.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Thumbs Down To ToonTown
So lemme get this straight. The Saskatoon Blades lead the Eastern Conference with 71 points. They are two points from being the top team in the WHL. The Moose Jaw Warriors come to town in a game that is televised across Western Canada and Credit Union Centre looks like it was "come dressed as a seat" night.
It looked at times as if there was no one in some sections. I'm sorry Saskatoon, but your support of the Blades is unacceptable! What do you want?
There is no reason why this team shouldn't be playing in front of huge crowds. The attendance last night was less than four thousand. That's brutal! Are your roads unpassable because of the storm? Did you stay home because the game was on TV? Were you hanging on President Obama's every word in the "State of the Union" address. Why isn't the Saskatoon hockey fan showing up for Blades games. I could understand the disdain if the Blades had the type of season that the Pats had, but they're not. They may have a legitimate shot at being the first Saskatchewan team in a long time to win the WHL title. They are solid from top to bottom and they deserve a lot more than what they are getting.
Say what you will about the on-ice product of the Pats, but for them to routinely get 4-grand or higher for games tells you what type of job Cliff Mapes, Joel Pickering, Kim Flaman and Dan Plaster amongst others are doing when it comes to marketing this team and having a fan-friendly atmosphere at the Brandt Centre. Its no secret that the best marketing is to have a winning hockey team. They have that in Saskatoon....hopefully the city pays attention to that very soon.
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Speaking of the Pats, I have been asked to tell fans who read this blog that they will want to stick around Tuesday night after their game against Red Deer. It will be Jordan Eberle autograph night as he will sign autographs on the main concourse after the game against the Rebels. Game time is 7 o'clock. I don't have to tell you that Regina is playing its best hockey of the year right now and that game against the Rebels will be a big one so here's hoping for a big crowd. OK, at least one that is bigger than what Saskatoon gets.
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The NFL's decision to hold the Pro Bowl before the Super Bowl instead of after it is getting its fair share of criticism. The league wanted to put its all-star game before the Super Bowl to keep the football train going instead of a one week break. It was the wrong move. Obviously players from the Super Bowl teams won't be playing and many others have pulled out as well meaning the league's best really aren't going to be performing. It only begs the question "Why do we have all-star games?". I really think they are a waste of time. With the exception of the baseball game, the all-star game isn't a showcase of the sport. The hockey game is nothing like what you see because there is no defence. The same with the NBA's all-star game. The Pro Bowl doesn't allow you to blitz or do other things so it too is not the football we love watching. Thus, why do we have them. Its a waste of time. You don't need one afternoon to showcase the skills of Ovechkin, Crosby, A-Rod, Halladay, Lebron, Kobe, etc. etc when their skills are showcased each time they step on to their playing surface. It wouldn't hurt me one bit if all leagues scrapped their all-star games.
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The city is slowly recovering from that massive weekend snowstorm and I will give credit where credit is due. I think the city has done a helluva job in cleaning the streets. I was out and about yesterday and while I didn't have to drive down many residential streets, the roads were fine. I don't know about this school buses not running all week because of the snow as its a major league pain for those who have to have their kids bussed to school, but they have made their decision so parents will have to live with the hassle for one more day.
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Tiger Woods is apparently in a sex rehab clinic in Mississippi. I have to ask---what exactly goes on in a sex rehab clinic? Maybe I don't want the answer to that. I'm guessing they aren't watching any "Girls Gone Wild" videos.
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Weyburn's Graham DeLaet starts play at the Farmers Insurance Open today. After taking the first two weeks off, some of the bigger names on the Tour like Phil Mickleson are in this event. In fact, this used to be Tiger's first event of the year but of course he won't be there. We'll all be watching to see if he can keep up his great play. Meanwhile, there is a good story on Graham in the Globe and Mail. Here it is....
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/delaet-has-bigger-goals-than-just-keeping-card/article1446768/
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This is no joke even though it looks like one. The city of Grand Forks, North Dakota was left with egg on its face after a major mistake so they made a video to tell citizens how to correct the mistake. You gotta watch this and remember this is true. I have had verification from a good citizen of Grand Forks (who has nothing better to do than read this blog every day)that it is.....
I LOVE THAT!
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A couple of people have asked me what I think of Andre Dawson going into the Hall of Fame as an Expo even though he spent his best year in the majors as a Cub. You know what, I have no problem with it. Yes, Dawson did something most don't and that is win an MVP award while playing for a last place club. However, if you are a baseball fan and you hear the name Andre Dawson, you think of the Expos. The same for guys like Gary Carter, Tim Wallach and Tim Raines. The Cubs have many players in the Hall and they will have more---more than the Expos. I'm guessing Ross Bahnsen or Rodney Scott won't be getting the call from Cooperstown.
------
As you start your Thursday, think about this....
If there's a wheelchair-bound comedian, is it still called "stand-up"?
It looked at times as if there was no one in some sections. I'm sorry Saskatoon, but your support of the Blades is unacceptable! What do you want?
There is no reason why this team shouldn't be playing in front of huge crowds. The attendance last night was less than four thousand. That's brutal! Are your roads unpassable because of the storm? Did you stay home because the game was on TV? Were you hanging on President Obama's every word in the "State of the Union" address. Why isn't the Saskatoon hockey fan showing up for Blades games. I could understand the disdain if the Blades had the type of season that the Pats had, but they're not. They may have a legitimate shot at being the first Saskatchewan team in a long time to win the WHL title. They are solid from top to bottom and they deserve a lot more than what they are getting.
Say what you will about the on-ice product of the Pats, but for them to routinely get 4-grand or higher for games tells you what type of job Cliff Mapes, Joel Pickering, Kim Flaman and Dan Plaster amongst others are doing when it comes to marketing this team and having a fan-friendly atmosphere at the Brandt Centre. Its no secret that the best marketing is to have a winning hockey team. They have that in Saskatoon....hopefully the city pays attention to that very soon.
-----
Speaking of the Pats, I have been asked to tell fans who read this blog that they will want to stick around Tuesday night after their game against Red Deer. It will be Jordan Eberle autograph night as he will sign autographs on the main concourse after the game against the Rebels. Game time is 7 o'clock. I don't have to tell you that Regina is playing its best hockey of the year right now and that game against the Rebels will be a big one so here's hoping for a big crowd. OK, at least one that is bigger than what Saskatoon gets.
-----
The NFL's decision to hold the Pro Bowl before the Super Bowl instead of after it is getting its fair share of criticism. The league wanted to put its all-star game before the Super Bowl to keep the football train going instead of a one week break. It was the wrong move. Obviously players from the Super Bowl teams won't be playing and many others have pulled out as well meaning the league's best really aren't going to be performing. It only begs the question "Why do we have all-star games?". I really think they are a waste of time. With the exception of the baseball game, the all-star game isn't a showcase of the sport. The hockey game is nothing like what you see because there is no defence. The same with the NBA's all-star game. The Pro Bowl doesn't allow you to blitz or do other things so it too is not the football we love watching. Thus, why do we have them. Its a waste of time. You don't need one afternoon to showcase the skills of Ovechkin, Crosby, A-Rod, Halladay, Lebron, Kobe, etc. etc when their skills are showcased each time they step on to their playing surface. It wouldn't hurt me one bit if all leagues scrapped their all-star games.
-------
The city is slowly recovering from that massive weekend snowstorm and I will give credit where credit is due. I think the city has done a helluva job in cleaning the streets. I was out and about yesterday and while I didn't have to drive down many residential streets, the roads were fine. I don't know about this school buses not running all week because of the snow as its a major league pain for those who have to have their kids bussed to school, but they have made their decision so parents will have to live with the hassle for one more day.
-------
Tiger Woods is apparently in a sex rehab clinic in Mississippi. I have to ask---what exactly goes on in a sex rehab clinic? Maybe I don't want the answer to that. I'm guessing they aren't watching any "Girls Gone Wild" videos.
-------
Weyburn's Graham DeLaet starts play at the Farmers Insurance Open today. After taking the first two weeks off, some of the bigger names on the Tour like Phil Mickleson are in this event. In fact, this used to be Tiger's first event of the year but of course he won't be there. We'll all be watching to see if he can keep up his great play. Meanwhile, there is a good story on Graham in the Globe and Mail. Here it is....
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/delaet-has-bigger-goals-than-just-keeping-card/article1446768/
------
This is no joke even though it looks like one. The city of Grand Forks, North Dakota was left with egg on its face after a major mistake so they made a video to tell citizens how to correct the mistake. You gotta watch this and remember this is true. I have had verification from a good citizen of Grand Forks (who has nothing better to do than read this blog every day)that it is.....
I LOVE THAT!
-----
A couple of people have asked me what I think of Andre Dawson going into the Hall of Fame as an Expo even though he spent his best year in the majors as a Cub. You know what, I have no problem with it. Yes, Dawson did something most don't and that is win an MVP award while playing for a last place club. However, if you are a baseball fan and you hear the name Andre Dawson, you think of the Expos. The same for guys like Gary Carter, Tim Wallach and Tim Raines. The Cubs have many players in the Hall and they will have more---more than the Expos. I'm guessing Ross Bahnsen or Rodney Scott won't be getting the call from Cooperstown.
------
As you start your Thursday, think about this....
If there's a wheelchair-bound comedian, is it still called "stand-up"?
So Close!
This is self-explanatory. I'm guessing the old bugger had the scissors out with two minutes to go!
http://slanchreport.com/2010-articles/january/vikings-fan-refuses-to-shave-until-they-win-it-all.html
http://slanchreport.com/2010-articles/january/vikings-fan-refuses-to-shave-until-they-win-it-all.html
UFC Goes Outdoors
From the Canadian Press
The UFC is holding its first ever open-air event April 10 in Abu Dhabi, the mixed martial arts organization confirmed Wednesday.
UFC 112 will take place at the Concert Arena at Ferrari World, a theme park on Yas Island, and feature two title fights: lightweight champion B.J. (The Prodigy) Penn against Frankie (The Answer) Edgar and middleweight champion Anderson (The Spider) Silva against Vitor (The Phenom) Belfort.
Also, former welterweight title-holder Matt Hughes takes on Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Renzo Gracie.
"This is one of the biggest and most significant nights in the history of the UFC," UFC president Dana White said in a statement.
The UFC is holding its first ever open-air event April 10 in Abu Dhabi, the mixed martial arts organization confirmed Wednesday.
UFC 112 will take place at the Concert Arena at Ferrari World, a theme park on Yas Island, and feature two title fights: lightweight champion B.J. (The Prodigy) Penn against Frankie (The Answer) Edgar and middleweight champion Anderson (The Spider) Silva against Vitor (The Phenom) Belfort.
Also, former welterweight title-holder Matt Hughes takes on Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Renzo Gracie.
"This is one of the biggest and most significant nights in the history of the UFC," UFC president Dana White said in a statement.
Kevin Lowe To Speak At Pats Dinner
The 7th edition of the Regina Pats Sportsman’s dinner is set and ready to go for Monday, March 8th at The Delta Hotel. Enjoy a night of entertainment and fun, headlined by our guest speaker, Edmonton Oilers President of Hockey Operations, Kevin Lowe.
The Oilers first ever draft pick, Lowe spent 19 seasons in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers, winning 6 Stanley Cups. He is also a 7 time NHL All-Star and won the King Clancy Award in 1990. Since finishing his playing career, Lowe has been both and Assistant and Head Coach of the Oilers before being promoted to General Manager in 2000. He remained the Oilers' Executive Vice President and General Manager until the 2008-09 season when he was promoted to President of Hockey Operations. Lowe now has a trophy named in his honour for the QMJHL’s top defensive defenceman.
All members of the Regina Pats will be present at the dinner with a player seated at each table. There will be more entertainment announced at a later date.
Regina Pats Sportsman’s Dinner
Monday, March 8th, 2010
The Delta Hotel
Cocktails begin at 6pm
Ceremonies begin at 7pm
Tickets: Single - $150.00 Table - $1000.00
Tickets are available at the Regina Pats office located in the West Entrance of the Brandt Centre, or call 522-PATS.
The Oilers first ever draft pick, Lowe spent 19 seasons in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers, winning 6 Stanley Cups. He is also a 7 time NHL All-Star and won the King Clancy Award in 1990. Since finishing his playing career, Lowe has been both and Assistant and Head Coach of the Oilers before being promoted to General Manager in 2000. He remained the Oilers' Executive Vice President and General Manager until the 2008-09 season when he was promoted to President of Hockey Operations. Lowe now has a trophy named in his honour for the QMJHL’s top defensive defenceman.
All members of the Regina Pats will be present at the dinner with a player seated at each table. There will be more entertainment announced at a later date.
Regina Pats Sportsman’s Dinner
Monday, March 8th, 2010
The Delta Hotel
Cocktails begin at 6pm
Ceremonies begin at 7pm
Tickets: Single - $150.00 Table - $1000.00
Tickets are available at the Regina Pats office located in the West Entrance of the Brandt Centre, or call 522-PATS.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
This Isn't Surprising
In a world filled with technological distractions, television remains a universal medium but almost no one is watching the ads, a report by advertising agency Bensimon Byrne warns.
A growing number of Canadians are surfing the web or sending text messages on their cellphones while watching television, the agency said in its quarterly Consumerology report.
As well, many more households own personal video recorders and are using them to skip the ads, according to the report, which was being released Tuesday at Advertising Week 2010 in Toronto.
As a result, only one in five Canadians is giving television commercials their full attention, the study concluded.
“The overall learning from this study is that technology is fragmenting our attention spans dramatically,” Jack Bensimon, president of Bensimon Byrne said in a statement released Tuesday. “Advertisers must accept they no longer have a captive audience. Whatever your product, service or message, it needs to be of high interest or it will not sustain awareness.”
From just 9 per cent of households in 2008, the number with PVRs has risen to 29 per cent today and is projected to grow to 42 per cent by the end of this year, Bensimon said. The 9 per cent figure came from the Television Bureau of Canada.
Just over half of PVR owners use them to record the majority of the shows they watch and eight in 10 report that they fast-forward through the commercials, the study found.
The survey found younger people were earlier adopters of new technology. Some of its other findings:
• Half of Canadians under age 34 spend two hours a day online. But 83 per cent of respondents of all ages consider the Internet “essential” to their daily lives. And high speed internet access was cited as the single most important home entertainment device.
Just over half of respondents of all ages consider a cellphone “essential.” However, consumers over 55 were more likely to also own a land line, while those under 35 did not.
• Just over half of Canadians use Facebook, though usage is less likely among consumers over age 55.
• Only 22 per cent of respondents said they use Twitter and usage is concentrated among people under age 30.
The quarterly study commissioned by Bensimon Byrne and conducted by the Gandalf Group was based on a survey of 1,627 Canadians at two different times, early last September and mid-November.
A growing number of Canadians are surfing the web or sending text messages on their cellphones while watching television, the agency said in its quarterly Consumerology report.
As well, many more households own personal video recorders and are using them to skip the ads, according to the report, which was being released Tuesday at Advertising Week 2010 in Toronto.
As a result, only one in five Canadians is giving television commercials their full attention, the study concluded.
“The overall learning from this study is that technology is fragmenting our attention spans dramatically,” Jack Bensimon, president of Bensimon Byrne said in a statement released Tuesday. “Advertisers must accept they no longer have a captive audience. Whatever your product, service or message, it needs to be of high interest or it will not sustain awareness.”
From just 9 per cent of households in 2008, the number with PVRs has risen to 29 per cent today and is projected to grow to 42 per cent by the end of this year, Bensimon said. The 9 per cent figure came from the Television Bureau of Canada.
Just over half of PVR owners use them to record the majority of the shows they watch and eight in 10 report that they fast-forward through the commercials, the study found.
The survey found younger people were earlier adopters of new technology. Some of its other findings:
• Half of Canadians under age 34 spend two hours a day online. But 83 per cent of respondents of all ages consider the Internet “essential” to their daily lives. And high speed internet access was cited as the single most important home entertainment device.
Just over half of respondents of all ages consider a cellphone “essential.” However, consumers over 55 were more likely to also own a land line, while those under 35 did not.
• Just over half of Canadians use Facebook, though usage is less likely among consumers over age 55.
• Only 22 per cent of respondents said they use Twitter and usage is concentrated among people under age 30.
The quarterly study commissioned by Bensimon Byrne and conducted by the Gandalf Group was based on a survey of 1,627 Canadians at two different times, early last September and mid-November.
Austin Changing Schools
Kent Austin is leaving his almamater to become a head coach in Division 1 NCAA football. This comes from the Cornell(upper New York state) newspaper
Cornell to Name Kent Austin as Head Football Coach
January 26, 2010 - 2:05pm
By Keenan Weatherford
Richard Kent Austin will be Cornell's 26th football coach, multiple sources close to the situation confirmed today, replacing Jim Knowles '87 as the Roger J. Weiss '61 Head Coach of Football.
Austin was offensive coordinator at the University of Mississippi for the past two seasons, the same school at which Knowles was defensive coordinator before coming to Cornell.
In 2009, the Rebels were tied for No. 39 in the country in scoring offense with 32.9 points per game.
Austin's 2008 offense ranked No. 28 in the country with 32.1 points per game, up from 20.1 the prior year.
The University will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. tomorrow to announce the signing.
Cornell to Name Kent Austin as Head Football Coach
January 26, 2010 - 2:05pm
By Keenan Weatherford
Richard Kent Austin will be Cornell's 26th football coach, multiple sources close to the situation confirmed today, replacing Jim Knowles '87 as the Roger J. Weiss '61 Head Coach of Football.
Austin was offensive coordinator at the University of Mississippi for the past two seasons, the same school at which Knowles was defensive coordinator before coming to Cornell.
In 2009, the Rebels were tied for No. 39 in the country in scoring offense with 32.9 points per game.
Austin's 2008 offense ranked No. 28 in the country with 32.1 points per game, up from 20.1 the prior year.
The University will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. tomorrow to announce the signing.
A Pop, Pop, Pop Culture Icon Is 50
Wayne Gretzky and Bubble Wrap have the same birthday. Imagine that!
SADDLE BROOK, N.J.–People have walked to the altar dressed in it, protected their garden plants with it, even put it on display at highbrow art museums.
Mostly, they like the sound it makes when they destroy it, piece by piece, which largely explains the appeal of Bubble Wrap, the stress reducer disguised as package cushioning that maintains an inexplicable hold on pop culture.
The product once envisioned as a new type of wallpaper turns 50 this month, and enthusiasts' obsession with it has spawned 250 Facebook pages devoted to Bubble Wrap.
Ken Aurichio, communications director for Sealed Air, the Elmwood Park-based company that manufactures Bubble Wrap, thought he'd witnessed every form of Bubble Wrap mania until he received a wedding invitation last year from a woman in Ohio who said she would wear the product on her trip down the aisle.
"I'd never, never met her before," Aurichio said. "She must have gotten my name off the website." (No, he didn't attend.)
Like many innovations, Bubble Wrap initially was conceived for an entirely different purpose. According to Aurichio, a New York City designer approached inventors Marc Chavannes and Al Fielding in the late 1950s with a proposal for creating textured wallpaper.
That idea stalled, but the product the two men created in a lab in New Jersey found its niche when, according to company lore, Fielding was flying into Newark Airport and noticed the clouds that seemed to cushion the plane's descent.
Fifty years later, Sealed Air has global revenues of more than $4 billion (U.S.) and legions of fans who have come up with myriad uses for Bubble Wrap (It's a wig! It's a mobile home! It's a sleeping bag! It's a flotation device!).
Then there's the true badge of hipness: A bubble-popping application for Apple's iPhone. A piece of Bubble Wrap appears onscreen and you pop as many bubbles as you can in 45 seconds
SADDLE BROOK, N.J.–People have walked to the altar dressed in it, protected their garden plants with it, even put it on display at highbrow art museums.
Mostly, they like the sound it makes when they destroy it, piece by piece, which largely explains the appeal of Bubble Wrap, the stress reducer disguised as package cushioning that maintains an inexplicable hold on pop culture.
The product once envisioned as a new type of wallpaper turns 50 this month, and enthusiasts' obsession with it has spawned 250 Facebook pages devoted to Bubble Wrap.
Ken Aurichio, communications director for Sealed Air, the Elmwood Park-based company that manufactures Bubble Wrap, thought he'd witnessed every form of Bubble Wrap mania until he received a wedding invitation last year from a woman in Ohio who said she would wear the product on her trip down the aisle.
"I'd never, never met her before," Aurichio said. "She must have gotten my name off the website." (No, he didn't attend.)
Like many innovations, Bubble Wrap initially was conceived for an entirely different purpose. According to Aurichio, a New York City designer approached inventors Marc Chavannes and Al Fielding in the late 1950s with a proposal for creating textured wallpaper.
That idea stalled, but the product the two men created in a lab in New Jersey found its niche when, according to company lore, Fielding was flying into Newark Airport and noticed the clouds that seemed to cushion the plane's descent.
Fifty years later, Sealed Air has global revenues of more than $4 billion (U.S.) and legions of fans who have come up with myriad uses for Bubble Wrap (It's a wig! It's a mobile home! It's a sleeping bag! It's a flotation device!).
Then there's the true badge of hipness: A bubble-popping application for Apple's iPhone. A piece of Bubble Wrap appears onscreen and you pop as many bubbles as you can in 45 seconds
Who Is In Worse Shape?
A lot has been made of the Oilers woes this season. Barring some kind of monumental turnaround, this team won't make the playoffs and they will have a top three draft pick unless they screw up the lottery. This is a team that really has no marquee player and has realized it is time to start over. I think many Oiler fans have accepted that albeit begrudingly. I will say this about the Oilers. I would rather be in their shoes right now than that of the Calgary Flames. Who's kidding who folks, the Flames suck just as much as the Oil right now and are maybe in a more perilous position than their neighbours to the north.
Calgary shouldn't be struggling. When you have guys like Iginla, Kiprusoff, Phaneuf, Bouwmeester, etc, etc, you should be sitting at or near the top of your conference. This is a talented hockey team that for some reason is playing far beyond its expectations. They are the lowest scoring team in the West. What surprises me the most is this is happening under the watch of Brent Sutter. I think he is one of the best coaches out there. What are your thoughts Flames fans? Is this just a bump in the road? Is it time to blow this thing up too if this team doesn't make the playoffs. Woe is Alberta.
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I'm waiting for Graham DeLaet to start getting some ink. Another outstanding performance by the Weyburn golfer as he finishes tied for 18th at the Bob Hope Invitational finishing 10 back of the winner. I didn't see what kind of paycheque that gives DeLaet but this is two top 25 finishes in his first two events as a PGA pro. Outstanding! He will try and make it three straight at the famed Torrey Pines course starting Thursday as he plays in the Farmers Insurance Open with many of the big names making their first appearance of the year including Phil Mickleson.
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The controversy rages on over the Saints win over the Vikings. Was it Minnesota's fumbles that cost them the game, was it Favre's ill-timed throw, was it the Saints getting a gift pass interference call and catch in overtime. Bottom line is this....Minnesota gave away 14 points by fumbling twice inside the red zone and they gave New Orleans seven by fumbling inside the New Orleans 10. You get points on any one of those three possessions and they are the ones off to Miami not the Saints. Did New Orleans deserve to win that game---NO! Are they the first team that's happened to in the history of football...NO! They took advantage of their breaks and they won the game---end of story!
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The Pats and Ice will play next Monday night to make up for the game they couldn't play Sunday. A Pats game or PVR'ing Chuck, Big Bang Theory, 24 and RAW. HMMMMMMM!!!
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I took a friendly little dig at Global's Tom Vernon the other day saying he should be the weather guy there seeing CTV and CBC have men doing weather right now. Props to Tom today though. His story on Global last night in which it was just him helping motorists stuck in the snow or helping people shovel was outstanding. I remember one morning at CJME, we had a female reporter who was supposed to go out and do road reports. The only problem was she got stuck--I think in her back alley. We had reports all morning from her though---reports saying she and others were stuck. Finally around 810, there was live coverage of her being towed out of the snowbank she was in. We found it humourous.
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May your street be passable, your driving be stress-free and your driveway be clean.
I leave you with this as you start your Tuesday....
I wish I had a dollar for every time I spent a dollar, because then, Yahoo!, I'd have all my money back.
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Later!
Calgary shouldn't be struggling. When you have guys like Iginla, Kiprusoff, Phaneuf, Bouwmeester, etc, etc, you should be sitting at or near the top of your conference. This is a talented hockey team that for some reason is playing far beyond its expectations. They are the lowest scoring team in the West. What surprises me the most is this is happening under the watch of Brent Sutter. I think he is one of the best coaches out there. What are your thoughts Flames fans? Is this just a bump in the road? Is it time to blow this thing up too if this team doesn't make the playoffs. Woe is Alberta.
-------
I'm waiting for Graham DeLaet to start getting some ink. Another outstanding performance by the Weyburn golfer as he finishes tied for 18th at the Bob Hope Invitational finishing 10 back of the winner. I didn't see what kind of paycheque that gives DeLaet but this is two top 25 finishes in his first two events as a PGA pro. Outstanding! He will try and make it three straight at the famed Torrey Pines course starting Thursday as he plays in the Farmers Insurance Open with many of the big names making their first appearance of the year including Phil Mickleson.
------
The controversy rages on over the Saints win over the Vikings. Was it Minnesota's fumbles that cost them the game, was it Favre's ill-timed throw, was it the Saints getting a gift pass interference call and catch in overtime. Bottom line is this....Minnesota gave away 14 points by fumbling twice inside the red zone and they gave New Orleans seven by fumbling inside the New Orleans 10. You get points on any one of those three possessions and they are the ones off to Miami not the Saints. Did New Orleans deserve to win that game---NO! Are they the first team that's happened to in the history of football...NO! They took advantage of their breaks and they won the game---end of story!
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The Pats and Ice will play next Monday night to make up for the game they couldn't play Sunday. A Pats game or PVR'ing Chuck, Big Bang Theory, 24 and RAW. HMMMMMMM!!!
------
I took a friendly little dig at Global's Tom Vernon the other day saying he should be the weather guy there seeing CTV and CBC have men doing weather right now. Props to Tom today though. His story on Global last night in which it was just him helping motorists stuck in the snow or helping people shovel was outstanding. I remember one morning at CJME, we had a female reporter who was supposed to go out and do road reports. The only problem was she got stuck--I think in her back alley. We had reports all morning from her though---reports saying she and others were stuck. Finally around 810, there was live coverage of her being towed out of the snowbank she was in. We found it humourous.
-----
May your street be passable, your driving be stress-free and your driveway be clean.
I leave you with this as you start your Tuesday....
I wish I had a dollar for every time I spent a dollar, because then, Yahoo!, I'd have all my money back.
------
Later!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Voice Of The Vikings Lets Favre Have It
Paul Allen was not happy with Brett Favre's last pass of the season.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/01/25/paul-allen-lets-favre-have-it/
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/01/25/paul-allen-lets-favre-have-it/
Looking For A Top 10 Finish
Weyburn's Graham DeLaet is wrapping up play at the Bob Hope Classic in La Quinta, California today. He's flirting with a possible top 10 finish. Check out his progress by clicking on the following link....
http://www.pgatour.com/r/leaderboard/
http://www.pgatour.com/r/leaderboard/
Cormier's Suspension Is Announced
From TSN
The verdict is in.
Rouyn-Noranda Huskies forward Patrice Cormier was suspended for the balance of the season and the playoffs by the QMJHL on Monday.
Cormier, 19, created a firestorm of media attention last week when he elbowed Mikael Tam of the Quebec Remparts in the head, sending Tam into convulsions on the ice and causing him to be taken to hospital with brain trauma and broken teeth.
Chief disciplinarian Raymond Bolduc called the hit "dangerous and unacceptable" after laying out the punishment on Monday.
The question now is whether or not Cormier begins his pro career early. That will be up to the New Jersey Devils to decide as they own Cormier's rights.
The verdict is in.
Rouyn-Noranda Huskies forward Patrice Cormier was suspended for the balance of the season and the playoffs by the QMJHL on Monday.
Cormier, 19, created a firestorm of media attention last week when he elbowed Mikael Tam of the Quebec Remparts in the head, sending Tam into convulsions on the ice and causing him to be taken to hospital with brain trauma and broken teeth.
Chief disciplinarian Raymond Bolduc called the hit "dangerous and unacceptable" after laying out the punishment on Monday.
The question now is whether or not Cormier begins his pro career early. That will be up to the New Jersey Devils to decide as they own Cormier's rights.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Don't Blame Brett!
Brett Favre isn't going to the Super Bowl. He made a big mistake at a big time and never touched the football again. As a result, the New Orleans Saints are going to the Super Bowl. A too many men in the huddle (does that sound familiar) took the Vikings out of range on what could have been a potential game winning field goal and then Brett makes a mistake that 20 year vets aren't supposed to make. Favre makes the rookie mistake of throwing against his body and having the pass intercepted. It was his last play of the year and like many thought two years ago when he threw a pick on his last play as a Packer in the 2007 NFC championship, it might be his last pass ever.
While Brett will take some heat for his mistake, the truth is the Vikings should be heading to Miami and not New Orleans. The better team did not win the NFC championship. Minnesota controlled this game and would have won walking away had it not been for the fact that they could not hang onto the football. One fumble inside their 10 and one fumble inside the New Orleans 10 is the reason why New Orleans is heading to Miami where they will face the Indianapolis Colts. In fact I'm not sure, but before the game the Vikings had that guy from American Idol that sang "Pants on the Ground' come in to sing the song to them. Adrian Peterson must have thought the guy was singing "Ball on the Ground".
Meanwhile, the Colts had some problems with the New York Jets, but their overall talent just wore down the Cinderella Jets. Peyton Manning showed you can take away his best receivers, but he will just find someone else as Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie did what Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark could not do. Indy is favoured by 3 1/2 to win the Vince in two weeks time. I would take the Colts and the points. Manning will outduel Brees in what should be an aerial circus.
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The questions will start about Favre's future now. Is he going to pull off the same stunt with the Vikings that he pulled off with the Packers for so many years or will he come clean. Personally, I think he comes back without hesitation even though he looks beat up and tired after last nite's loss. He has to see how good a year he had and how much young talent the Vikings have to give it one more run. I don't know if the Vikings can be as good this year as they were last, but he can't go out the way he did knowing that if his offensive teammates had hands that he would have a chance to win his 2nd title.
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I don't have to tell you about the weather. If you had a snowblower, great. If you didn't, it was a day of shovelling and shovelling and shovelling. Yes, put me in the latter category. My street like many others is now extremely snow clogged and its a good job that some of our neighbours had snowblowers to help unplug the street. Of course, that didn't do me any good when I tried to get out only to get stuck. Once again, the neighbours come through. It was so bad out there that people were getting stuck in the Wal-Mart parking lot where I was at. I haven't seen it this bad in quite a while. Mayor Fiacco says the graders are out, but residential streets will have to wait for later in the week. I'm guessing that will have many citizens happy. Like I said earlier, I'll just be happy to see some road equipment go down my street as they haven't the last two winters much to the chagrin of myself and some others on the block. If you didn't have to be out yesterday, I'm guessing you just stayed in. With the two football games on, I wonder how much places like the Press Box and the 4 Seasons struggled. I wonder how many people thought about ordering in only to realize the delivery driver might just get stuck. I'm thinking many potential gatherings were cancelled.
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The Pats-Kootenay game was cancelled. Kootenay couldn't get out of Saskatoon because of the bad highways. It means the two teams must find another date. Kootenay is here on February 6, and with the Super Bowl the next day, they could play a Sunday afternoon game. However, Regina plays Saskatoon on the 5th so you can't really move up the Saturday game. I'm thinking the Ice may have to make a long trip to Regina for just one game. Move the game to a neutral sight and play it in Swift Current I say...(I"M JOKING!!)
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I received an e-mail Sunday night saying a post on riderfans. com had started in which it was said former Rider and current TSN football analyst Glen Suitor was a candidate for the Rider GM job, but he turned it down to stay with the network. Nothing against Suits, I would love to see him have a role in this organization somewhere down the road, but having a guy with no experience coming in to serve as GM might not have been the best thing. I think he probably knew that as well. Would Suitor make a great assistant coach...I think he would. Would he make a good GM.....not right now! Hell if Suitor came back, he'd want to make Henry Burris the starting quarterback again in Riderville.(I"M JOKING!!)
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Speaking of the Riders, I had someone ask me on Saturday if the team should ask Gene Makowsky to retire and take over as offensive line coach in the wake of the Bob Wylie departure. NO! is my answer. Geno still has some good years in that body. Would he make a good o-line coach? Yes! Should he do it now? NO!
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One more thing. I am so tired of phantom "roughing the passer" calls. I'm also against NFL overtime as well and think both need to be fine-tuned. There is no use whining about it though because its not going to happen.
----
As you start your Monday, think about this....
“Snow and adolescence are the only problems that disappear if you ignore them long enough"
While Brett will take some heat for his mistake, the truth is the Vikings should be heading to Miami and not New Orleans. The better team did not win the NFC championship. Minnesota controlled this game and would have won walking away had it not been for the fact that they could not hang onto the football. One fumble inside their 10 and one fumble inside the New Orleans 10 is the reason why New Orleans is heading to Miami where they will face the Indianapolis Colts. In fact I'm not sure, but before the game the Vikings had that guy from American Idol that sang "Pants on the Ground' come in to sing the song to them. Adrian Peterson must have thought the guy was singing "Ball on the Ground".
Meanwhile, the Colts had some problems with the New York Jets, but their overall talent just wore down the Cinderella Jets. Peyton Manning showed you can take away his best receivers, but he will just find someone else as Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie did what Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark could not do. Indy is favoured by 3 1/2 to win the Vince in two weeks time. I would take the Colts and the points. Manning will outduel Brees in what should be an aerial circus.
-----
The questions will start about Favre's future now. Is he going to pull off the same stunt with the Vikings that he pulled off with the Packers for so many years or will he come clean. Personally, I think he comes back without hesitation even though he looks beat up and tired after last nite's loss. He has to see how good a year he had and how much young talent the Vikings have to give it one more run. I don't know if the Vikings can be as good this year as they were last, but he can't go out the way he did knowing that if his offensive teammates had hands that he would have a chance to win his 2nd title.
-----
I don't have to tell you about the weather. If you had a snowblower, great. If you didn't, it was a day of shovelling and shovelling and shovelling. Yes, put me in the latter category. My street like many others is now extremely snow clogged and its a good job that some of our neighbours had snowblowers to help unplug the street. Of course, that didn't do me any good when I tried to get out only to get stuck. Once again, the neighbours come through. It was so bad out there that people were getting stuck in the Wal-Mart parking lot where I was at. I haven't seen it this bad in quite a while. Mayor Fiacco says the graders are out, but residential streets will have to wait for later in the week. I'm guessing that will have many citizens happy. Like I said earlier, I'll just be happy to see some road equipment go down my street as they haven't the last two winters much to the chagrin of myself and some others on the block. If you didn't have to be out yesterday, I'm guessing you just stayed in. With the two football games on, I wonder how much places like the Press Box and the 4 Seasons struggled. I wonder how many people thought about ordering in only to realize the delivery driver might just get stuck. I'm thinking many potential gatherings were cancelled.
-----
The Pats-Kootenay game was cancelled. Kootenay couldn't get out of Saskatoon because of the bad highways. It means the two teams must find another date. Kootenay is here on February 6, and with the Super Bowl the next day, they could play a Sunday afternoon game. However, Regina plays Saskatoon on the 5th so you can't really move up the Saturday game. I'm thinking the Ice may have to make a long trip to Regina for just one game. Move the game to a neutral sight and play it in Swift Current I say...(I"M JOKING!!)
------
I received an e-mail Sunday night saying a post on riderfans. com had started in which it was said former Rider and current TSN football analyst Glen Suitor was a candidate for the Rider GM job, but he turned it down to stay with the network. Nothing against Suits, I would love to see him have a role in this organization somewhere down the road, but having a guy with no experience coming in to serve as GM might not have been the best thing. I think he probably knew that as well. Would Suitor make a great assistant coach...I think he would. Would he make a good GM.....not right now! Hell if Suitor came back, he'd want to make Henry Burris the starting quarterback again in Riderville.(I"M JOKING!!)
-----
Speaking of the Riders, I had someone ask me on Saturday if the team should ask Gene Makowsky to retire and take over as offensive line coach in the wake of the Bob Wylie departure. NO! is my answer. Geno still has some good years in that body. Would he make a good o-line coach? Yes! Should he do it now? NO!
------
One more thing. I am so tired of phantom "roughing the passer" calls. I'm also against NFL overtime as well and think both need to be fine-tuned. There is no use whining about it though because its not going to happen.
----
As you start your Monday, think about this....
“Snow and adolescence are the only problems that disappear if you ignore them long enough"
Pats Game a No-Go
To what should be no one's surprise, the Pats game for tonight against Kootenay has been cancelled.
Pats Push Game Back
The Pats-Kootenay game scheduled to start tonight at the Brandt Centre at 6 has been pushed back to 8 because of the weather. There is still no guarantee the game will even be played tonight because of the conditions.
Worth The Wait
It took a while longer than they thought it would, but the Pats went into Swift Current and beat the Broncos 5-2 to move closer to 9th place in the WHL East standings. Regina led the game 2-1 after two periods, but a power failure hit during the intermission causing a one hour delay.
It looked as if the game was going to be called, but 10 minutes before the deadline, the lights went back on and it was game on. Goals by Cody Carlson and Carter Ashton(who's been a pretty nice addition) after Swift had made it 3-2 gave Regina the win. They are now three back of the Broncos and six back of 8th place Red Deer with P-A and the Warriors one ahead of the Rebels.
In Prince Albert, the Raiders beat the Kootenay Ice 5-2. Kootenay had a 14 game winning streak coming in. They will be at the Brandt Center tonight in a 6 o'clock start. (I'm guessing that's weather permitting)
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I say weather permitting because as of writing this, the Pats are apparently still in Swift Current having stayed the night there. Road conditions are crap, it is snowing and blowing and there really is no reason to be on the road---both city and highway today. I'm guessing the Ice aren't in Regina yet and with Regina not being here, it might be wise to call this one for 24 hours. Then again, I don't know if the Brandt Centre is booked Monday and what time both teams are expected in. RP will keep you updated on his blog----unless he drowned. Check out his blog for explanation of that statement if you haven't already.
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The NFL's final four is today meaning I'm bolted to the couch. Jets-Colts, Saints-Vikings. Can the Jets keep the Cinderella story going. Of course they can. Its funny to hear everyone in the U-S when talking about this game. After New York had upset San Diego, no one was giving the Jets a chance. As the week went on, some started changing their tune and now many believe the Jets can move on to the Super Bowl. It was the Jets who ended Indy's perfect season a few weeks ago and I guarantee you that Indy never thought they would see that team again. In that game, the Jets were down 5 when the Colts pulled their starters. The pressure is on the shoulders of the guy with the horseshoes. Are we going to see an upset? I doubt it, but it will be a good game.
I will say that if the Jets do win, it will make for a good Super Bowl when it comes to quotes thanks to their coach Rex Ryan. Some have questioned this man because of the statements he has made over the past few weeks. Why? Sports needs more coaches like Rex Ryan. Coaches who aren't afraid to speak their mind and avoid all those cliches that sports writers and broadcasters are tired of. Ryan provides that soundbite, he provides that quote. You never know what he is going to say. He isn't as explosive as John Tortorella, but he is the NFL's equivalent. Then again, I don't know if Ryan has a feud going with any New York sportswriters like Tortorella has with Larry Brooks.
As for New Orleans and Minnesota, I think this will be a classic and it will be a case of what team makes the big play in the 4th quarter. Don't be surprised to see this one come right down to the last play. With Brees and Brett guiding two explosive offences, make sure the trip to the fridge or the can isn't a long one or you might miss something.
------
There is a long ways to go in the NHL season, but Canuck fans have to like the way their team is playing. They looked great in beating Chicago last night. San Jose won their 5th straight beating Buffalo but I just can't buy the Sharks after their playoff meltdowns the last few years. I still think they will fall because they don't have what it takes come playoff time---that and many of their players are Olympic bound meaning they don't get a rest.
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My driveway was nice and clean after shovelling yesterday. That was yesterday!! GRRRRR!!!! Conditions are a lot more miserable today. Do I really want to get out there again? SIGHHHHH!!! Then again, just getting off my street again might be a tough task. It is horrible! It appears as if the City of Regina's snow clearing plan for residential streets this year is once again wait for April and it will improve. My street is terrible and one of the entrances to my street is so rutted and so bad that I'm sure there are roads in Afghanistan that are in better shape even after they've been bombed out. YEESH!
------
Its something that is a long time overdue. A story in the Calgary Sun today says famed Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy is planning a trip to Alberta this summer. The stop---a comic book convention in Calgary. However, he is also planning to make a trip to Vulcan. How can Nimoy have not already visited Vulcan?
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Enjoy the football games! If you are a fan of one of the four teams, especially the Jets, Saints and Vikings, this is territory that some of you have never seen or not seen for a long time. A friend of mine (Vikings fan) told me the other day, you must have loved this win or lose when the Seahawks made their run because it was non-stop talk about your team. It was. Of course those Viking fans might be happier if the NFL Network quit showing Minny's last appearance in a conference final----that being the infamous Gary Anderson missed field goal that turned a certain Super Bowl appearance into a monumental upset.
It looked as if the game was going to be called, but 10 minutes before the deadline, the lights went back on and it was game on. Goals by Cody Carlson and Carter Ashton(who's been a pretty nice addition) after Swift had made it 3-2 gave Regina the win. They are now three back of the Broncos and six back of 8th place Red Deer with P-A and the Warriors one ahead of the Rebels.
In Prince Albert, the Raiders beat the Kootenay Ice 5-2. Kootenay had a 14 game winning streak coming in. They will be at the Brandt Center tonight in a 6 o'clock start. (I'm guessing that's weather permitting)
-----
I say weather permitting because as of writing this, the Pats are apparently still in Swift Current having stayed the night there. Road conditions are crap, it is snowing and blowing and there really is no reason to be on the road---both city and highway today. I'm guessing the Ice aren't in Regina yet and with Regina not being here, it might be wise to call this one for 24 hours. Then again, I don't know if the Brandt Centre is booked Monday and what time both teams are expected in. RP will keep you updated on his blog----unless he drowned. Check out his blog for explanation of that statement if you haven't already.
------
The NFL's final four is today meaning I'm bolted to the couch. Jets-Colts, Saints-Vikings. Can the Jets keep the Cinderella story going. Of course they can. Its funny to hear everyone in the U-S when talking about this game. After New York had upset San Diego, no one was giving the Jets a chance. As the week went on, some started changing their tune and now many believe the Jets can move on to the Super Bowl. It was the Jets who ended Indy's perfect season a few weeks ago and I guarantee you that Indy never thought they would see that team again. In that game, the Jets were down 5 when the Colts pulled their starters. The pressure is on the shoulders of the guy with the horseshoes. Are we going to see an upset? I doubt it, but it will be a good game.
I will say that if the Jets do win, it will make for a good Super Bowl when it comes to quotes thanks to their coach Rex Ryan. Some have questioned this man because of the statements he has made over the past few weeks. Why? Sports needs more coaches like Rex Ryan. Coaches who aren't afraid to speak their mind and avoid all those cliches that sports writers and broadcasters are tired of. Ryan provides that soundbite, he provides that quote. You never know what he is going to say. He isn't as explosive as John Tortorella, but he is the NFL's equivalent. Then again, I don't know if Ryan has a feud going with any New York sportswriters like Tortorella has with Larry Brooks.
As for New Orleans and Minnesota, I think this will be a classic and it will be a case of what team makes the big play in the 4th quarter. Don't be surprised to see this one come right down to the last play. With Brees and Brett guiding two explosive offences, make sure the trip to the fridge or the can isn't a long one or you might miss something.
------
There is a long ways to go in the NHL season, but Canuck fans have to like the way their team is playing. They looked great in beating Chicago last night. San Jose won their 5th straight beating Buffalo but I just can't buy the Sharks after their playoff meltdowns the last few years. I still think they will fall because they don't have what it takes come playoff time---that and many of their players are Olympic bound meaning they don't get a rest.
-----
My driveway was nice and clean after shovelling yesterday. That was yesterday!! GRRRRR!!!! Conditions are a lot more miserable today. Do I really want to get out there again? SIGHHHHH!!! Then again, just getting off my street again might be a tough task. It is horrible! It appears as if the City of Regina's snow clearing plan for residential streets this year is once again wait for April and it will improve. My street is terrible and one of the entrances to my street is so rutted and so bad that I'm sure there are roads in Afghanistan that are in better shape even after they've been bombed out. YEESH!
------
Its something that is a long time overdue. A story in the Calgary Sun today says famed Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy is planning a trip to Alberta this summer. The stop---a comic book convention in Calgary. However, he is also planning to make a trip to Vulcan. How can Nimoy have not already visited Vulcan?
-----
Enjoy the football games! If you are a fan of one of the four teams, especially the Jets, Saints and Vikings, this is territory that some of you have never seen or not seen for a long time. A friend of mine (Vikings fan) told me the other day, you must have loved this win or lose when the Seahawks made their run because it was non-stop talk about your team. It was. Of course those Viking fans might be happier if the NFL Network quit showing Minny's last appearance in a conference final----that being the infamous Gary Anderson missed field goal that turned a certain Super Bowl appearance into a monumental upset.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Pats Keep Playoffs In Sight
They are not making it easy, but the Pats are winning and that's the main thing. After falling behind early 2-0, the home side responded Friday night to come back and beat the Swift Current Broncos 6-5 in a shootout. Goals by two of the newest Pats--Mitch McColm and Cass Mappin in the 3rd tied it as Regina gained a measure of revenge for losing to Swift Current at the Brandt Center last Saturday night after being up 3-0.
I had to question the decision of Bronco coach Mark Lamb to start Mark Friesen in goal. Friesen was in net last Saturday when the Pats jumped out to their 3-0 lead. After that 3rd goal, Lamb removed Friesen for Morgan Clark and he barred the door. However, Lamb went right back to Friesen for this one. I would have given the Clark the start.
The result leaves Regina five back of the 9th place Broncos with the 8th place Red Deer Rebels six back. The two teams will meet in Swift Current Saturday night---that is if the weather allows them to. Yes, after a relatively warm January Mother Nature has decided to visit us with a wallop this weekend as we are supposed to get a helluva lot of snow. Where's that shovel again?
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Did you watch any of the concerts for Haitian earthquake relief? It was weird seeing performers like Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, Christina Aguilera and Sting do their thing without any applause or anything. Hollywood certainly brought out the heavyweights for the two hour show as people like Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks were answering phones. We also got a chance to see Brad Pitt looking like a homeless person. C'mon Brad, shape up a little. The Canadian concert paled in comparison, but what can you expect? It was cool seeing people from the 3 Canadian TV networks getting together, but having people like MuchMusic's Devon Soltendieck and Hockey Night in Canada's P-J Stock standing in behind Cheryl Hickey, George Stromboulopoulos and Ben Mulroney having this "I'm totally serious" look on their face was a little much. Whatever you thought about it, the bottom line is that Canada and North America came through with money that the Haitians need as they start to rebuild and recover from the devastating earthquake that has torn the nation apart.
-----
Reginans, do you remember Captain Scott's fish and chips? I used to love that place. The food was outstanding. I know Regina has a couple of Joey's outlets, but I would love to have some place like Captain Scott's around. A place that was just fish and chips. There isn't a place like that anymore around here is there? If so, its one of those neighbourhood diamonds in the rough that only those in the immediate area know about.
------
I'm guessing NBC executives were smiling once "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" had signed off for the last time. Conan pulled no punches in taking shots at the Peacock network over the last couple of weeks and deservedly so. NBC botched this situation up entirely. I'm thinking Conan will be on Letterman in the not too distant future and I'm thinking you will see him on FOX belittling NBC very soon as well. If you get a chance, see if you can find the segment involving Conan and Steve Carell posing as an NBC employee during an exit interview with Conan.
------
As you head into the weekend, remember this....
The difference between try and triumph is a little umph
I had to question the decision of Bronco coach Mark Lamb to start Mark Friesen in goal. Friesen was in net last Saturday when the Pats jumped out to their 3-0 lead. After that 3rd goal, Lamb removed Friesen for Morgan Clark and he barred the door. However, Lamb went right back to Friesen for this one. I would have given the Clark the start.
The result leaves Regina five back of the 9th place Broncos with the 8th place Red Deer Rebels six back. The two teams will meet in Swift Current Saturday night---that is if the weather allows them to. Yes, after a relatively warm January Mother Nature has decided to visit us with a wallop this weekend as we are supposed to get a helluva lot of snow. Where's that shovel again?
-----
Did you watch any of the concerts for Haitian earthquake relief? It was weird seeing performers like Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, Christina Aguilera and Sting do their thing without any applause or anything. Hollywood certainly brought out the heavyweights for the two hour show as people like Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks were answering phones. We also got a chance to see Brad Pitt looking like a homeless person. C'mon Brad, shape up a little. The Canadian concert paled in comparison, but what can you expect? It was cool seeing people from the 3 Canadian TV networks getting together, but having people like MuchMusic's Devon Soltendieck and Hockey Night in Canada's P-J Stock standing in behind Cheryl Hickey, George Stromboulopoulos and Ben Mulroney having this "I'm totally serious" look on their face was a little much. Whatever you thought about it, the bottom line is that Canada and North America came through with money that the Haitians need as they start to rebuild and recover from the devastating earthquake that has torn the nation apart.
-----
Reginans, do you remember Captain Scott's fish and chips? I used to love that place. The food was outstanding. I know Regina has a couple of Joey's outlets, but I would love to have some place like Captain Scott's around. A place that was just fish and chips. There isn't a place like that anymore around here is there? If so, its one of those neighbourhood diamonds in the rough that only those in the immediate area know about.
------
I'm guessing NBC executives were smiling once "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" had signed off for the last time. Conan pulled no punches in taking shots at the Peacock network over the last couple of weeks and deservedly so. NBC botched this situation up entirely. I'm thinking Conan will be on Letterman in the not too distant future and I'm thinking you will see him on FOX belittling NBC very soon as well. If you get a chance, see if you can find the segment involving Conan and Steve Carell posing as an NBC employee during an exit interview with Conan.
------
As you head into the weekend, remember this....
The difference between try and triumph is a little umph
TC Clash Just About A Sell-Out
Regina, SK---The Moose Jaw Warriors and the Regina Pats Hockey Clubs' have
announced that fewer than 300 tickets remain for the upcoming Trans-CanadaClash. The game is set for Saturday January 30th with the puck dropping at1:30 pm. Alumni from the Moose Jaw Warriors and Regina Pats will battle atthe Civic Center in front of a packed house.
"This is very exciting. To be over a week away from face-off, and have only a few hundred seats left to sell is unbelievable," said Clash Chairman Kelly Remple. "It is unusual for Alumni games to attract this kind of hype and attention, but then again, there is only one Moose Jaw vs. Regina rivalry"."Seeing a full house at the Crushed Can will be a thrill for these playersand their families," added Remple.
Warriors Reed Low, Kevin Smyth, Troy Edwards, David Bararuk and Blair Atcheynum will take on the Pats line up of Mike Sillinger, Jamie Heward,Frank Kovacs and goaltender Rod Houk for an afternoon of alumni action in the last alumni game to ever be played in the legendary Crushed Can.
Fans can still get their tickets for only $10.00-- but should not wait long.In combination with the Clash game, the current Regina Pats and Moose Jaw Warriors will face off in a home & home series beginning at the BrandtCentre on Friday January 29th at 7:00 pm. The second game of the home and home starts at 7:00 pm following the Alumni game on Saturday.
To end the Clash weekend, fans can take part in the Trans-Canada Bash-- held at the Silo (1590 Main Street North). Tickets are $10.00 in advance or $15.00 at the door. All proceeds from the both the Clash & Bash will directly benefit both teams' education funds.
Tickets for the Trans Canada Clash and the Trans-Canada Bash are available for purchase by calling the Warrior office at 1-306-694-5711 ext 22 or by visiting www.mjwarriors.ca. For tickets to the regular season games on the 29th or 30th contact the Pats Box Office at 543-7800 or visit www.ticketmaster.ca or call the Warriors Office at 694-5711 ext 22.
Harrell Is Still Coming To Camp
It appeared as if Graham Harrell was putting his pro football aspirations on hold to become an assistant coach with Oklahoma State. However, it appears Harrell will be coming back to Rider camp in June if this story from Harrell's almamater--Texas Tech--is accurate.
http://www.redraiders.com/2010/01/21/newsok-graham-harrell-joining-coaching-staff-at-oklahoma-state/
http://www.redraiders.com/2010/01/21/newsok-graham-harrell-joining-coaching-staff-at-oklahoma-state/
NFL Championship Sunday Preview
NFL’S “FANTASTIC FOUR” READY FOR CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND
“It’s the playoffs,” says New York Jets rookie head coach REX RYAN. “Anything can happen”
And in the Divisional Playoffs, “anything” did happen, setting the stage for what is certain to be a memorable Championship Weekend:
Visitor
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Time
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3:00 p.m. ET
CBS
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New Orleans Saints
6:40 p.m. ET
FOX
Ryan became the sixth rookie head coach in the Super Bowl era to win at least two playoff games as he led the Jets to the AFC Championship Game after a 17-14 victory over the San Diego Chargers in the Divisional Playoffs. New York, the No. 5 seed in the AFC, knocked off the red-hot Chargers, who had won 11 games in a row.
“It’s a big win for our franchise,” says Jets rookie quarterback MARK SANCHEZ. “And we’re not done.”
Up next for the surging Jets, who have won five consecutive road games, is a rematch with the top-seeded Indianapolis Colts, this time for the Lamar Hunt Trophy and the AFC title. New York defeated Indianapolis 29-15 in Week 16, ending the Colts’ NFL-record 23-game regular-season winning streak.
The Colts defeated the Baltimore Ravens 20-3 in the Divisional Round, holding the Ravens without a touchdown in a postseason game for the second time in the past four years. The three points are the fewest allowed by the Colts in the postseason since the 1971 Divisional Playoffs (three vs. Cleveland).
“Our defense did a tremendous job,” says Colts rookie head coach JIM CALDWELL. “Our defense played hard, they tackled well and they were opportunistic. It was a heck of a performance.”
The AFC Championship Game will mark the first conference title game in NFL history to match rookie head coaches.
On the NFC side, the top-seeded New Orleans Saints defeated the Arizona Cardinals 45-14 to advance to their second Championship Game in franchise history (2006). With the Saints and Colts both advancing, 2009 marks the first time both No. 1 seeds have advanced to the Championship Games since 2004.
“We’re excited to get the win,” says New Orleans head coach SEAN PAYTON, who has guided the Saints to their only two NFC Championship Game appearances. “We knew we were playing a good team coming in here with postseason experience. I was encouraged with the overall team effort.”
The Saints’ REGGIE BUSH totaled 217 combined yards and scored on a 46-yard touchdown run and 83-yard punt return. He joined Pro Football Hall of Famer CHARLEY TRIPPI (1947 NFL Championship) as the only players in NFL postseason history to scored a rushing and punt-return touchdown in the same game. Bush also became just the second player in NFL playoff history to score touchdowns of 80 and 40 yards in the same game, joining Washington’s RICKY SANDERS (Super Bowl XXII).
“I knew I was going to get a lot of opportunities to make plays and just be a difference-maker for my team,” says Bush. “I just tried to make the most of it every time I had the ball.”
The Minnesota Vikings will travel to the Superdome this weekend to face the Saints as the NFC Championship Game will feature the conference’s top two seeds. The Vikings defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-3 to advance to the club’s first Championship Game since 2000.
“This is what I came back for,” says Minnesota quarterback BRETT FAVRE, who threw a postseason career-high four touchdowns passes. “I feel like I’m playing the same way and with the same enthusiasm I’ve always had. And I know the guys feed off of that. Fans enjoy that because it is real and genuine.”
Vikings wide receiver SIDNEY RICE caught a franchise postseason-record three touchdowns and credited his veteran quarterback.
“Same old Brett,” says Rice. “He’s been doing that since he first came into the league. Moving around, getting the ball out, breaking tackles and even running down field and throwing blocks. It just shows how big a heart he has.”
A closer look at the AFC and NFC Championship Games:
NEW YORK JETS (11-7) at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (15-2) (Sunday, CBS, 3:00 PM ET)
For the first time in NFL history, a Championship Game will feature two rookie head coaches: New York’s REX RYAN and Indianapolis’ JIM CALDWELL. The winner will be just the fifth rookie head coach to reach the Super Bowl.
For the Jets, rookies have played a big role during the team’s impressive postseason run. Quarterback MARK SANCHEZ is 2-0 in the postseason and aims to become the first rookie QB to start a Super Bowl and running back SHONN GREENE has posted back-to-back 100-yard games in the playoffs (135 vs. CIN, 128 vs. SD), becoming just the third rookie in NFL history to gain at least 100 rushing yards in each of his first two playoff games.
With the Jets leading 10-7 in the fourth quarter last week against San Diego, Greene extended the lead with a 53-yard touchdown run, the second-longest in franchise postseason history.
“The offensive line executed well,” says Greene. “I got through the first level and once I got to the second level, I had to beat a safety. I made him miss and then it was green in front of me and the end zone was clear.”
New York’s defense, which led the NFL this season allowing 14.8 points per game, held the powerful San Diego offense to 14 points, ending the Chargers’ streak of 22 consecutive games (including playoffs) with at least 20 points.
“That’s the best defense I’ve played all year,” says Chargers running back LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON. “Against the run and against the pass. They’re really prepared.”
The Jets will need a strong defensive performance this weekend against the Colts and Associated Press NFL MVP PEYTON MANNING. In the Divisional Playoff victory, Manning passed for 246 yards and two touchdowns against a tough Baltimore defense.
“I thought we had good preparation coming into that game,” says Manning. “We came out sharp and kind of set the tempo from the get-go.”
Defensively, the Colts shut down the Ravens’ powerful running game. Indianapolis will need another strong performance this weekend against the Jets’ top-ranked ground attack (172.3 yards per game).
“Our defense did not allow them to move the ball and get in a position to score,” says Caldwell. They just did a great job overall.”
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (13-4) at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (14-3) (Sunday, FOX, 6:40 PM ET)
For the first time in franchise history, the New Orleans Saints will host the NFC Championship Game. The NFC’s top seed knocked off the Arizona Cardinals 45-14 in the Divisional Round as quarterback DREW BREES tossed three touchdown passes and running back REGGIE BUSH scored twice.
“There’s no fan base that deserves a championship more than New Orleans and the ‘Who Dat’ nation,” says Brees. “Just the bond that we have with them is special. They give us strength. They give us motivation. We want to do it for them.”
Bush, who became just the second player in NFL postseason history to score a touchdown on a rush and punt return in the same game, electrified the crowd as he amassed 217 total yards.
“He’s a guy who can change the game,” says Saints head coach SEAN PAYTON.
Another guy who can change the game is Minnesota’s 40-year old quarterback BRETT FAVRE, who threw a career postseason-high four touchdown passes in the Vikings’ 34-3 win over Dallas. Favre’s four touchdown passes are twice as many as all other 40-year old quarterbacks have thrown in NFL postseason history combined.
“He’s playing his heart out,” says Minnesota defensive end JARED ALLEN, who had a sack and forced fumble versus the Cowboys.
Vikings wide receiver SIDNEY RICE continued his impressive Pro Bowl season as he had six catches for 141 yards and three touchdowns, tying the NFL postseason record. Rice is just the third player in the past 25 seasons to catch three touchdown passes in his first career playoff start (STERLING SHARPE and WILLIE JACKSON).
“There are faster guys,” says Favre. “There are taller guys. There are quicker guys. But the thing about Sidney is that he wants to be good. It matters to him.”
“It’s the playoffs,” says New York Jets rookie head coach REX RYAN. “Anything can happen”
And in the Divisional Playoffs, “anything” did happen, setting the stage for what is certain to be a memorable Championship Weekend:
Visitor
Home
Time
Network
AFC Championship Game
New York Jets
Indianapolis Colts
3:00 p.m. ET
CBS
NFC Championship Game
Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans Saints
6:40 p.m. ET
FOX
Ryan became the sixth rookie head coach in the Super Bowl era to win at least two playoff games as he led the Jets to the AFC Championship Game after a 17-14 victory over the San Diego Chargers in the Divisional Playoffs. New York, the No. 5 seed in the AFC, knocked off the red-hot Chargers, who had won 11 games in a row.
“It’s a big win for our franchise,” says Jets rookie quarterback MARK SANCHEZ. “And we’re not done.”
Up next for the surging Jets, who have won five consecutive road games, is a rematch with the top-seeded Indianapolis Colts, this time for the Lamar Hunt Trophy and the AFC title. New York defeated Indianapolis 29-15 in Week 16, ending the Colts’ NFL-record 23-game regular-season winning streak.
The Colts defeated the Baltimore Ravens 20-3 in the Divisional Round, holding the Ravens without a touchdown in a postseason game for the second time in the past four years. The three points are the fewest allowed by the Colts in the postseason since the 1971 Divisional Playoffs (three vs. Cleveland).
“Our defense did a tremendous job,” says Colts rookie head coach JIM CALDWELL. “Our defense played hard, they tackled well and they were opportunistic. It was a heck of a performance.”
The AFC Championship Game will mark the first conference title game in NFL history to match rookie head coaches.
On the NFC side, the top-seeded New Orleans Saints defeated the Arizona Cardinals 45-14 to advance to their second Championship Game in franchise history (2006). With the Saints and Colts both advancing, 2009 marks the first time both No. 1 seeds have advanced to the Championship Games since 2004.
“We’re excited to get the win,” says New Orleans head coach SEAN PAYTON, who has guided the Saints to their only two NFC Championship Game appearances. “We knew we were playing a good team coming in here with postseason experience. I was encouraged with the overall team effort.”
The Saints’ REGGIE BUSH totaled 217 combined yards and scored on a 46-yard touchdown run and 83-yard punt return. He joined Pro Football Hall of Famer CHARLEY TRIPPI (1947 NFL Championship) as the only players in NFL postseason history to scored a rushing and punt-return touchdown in the same game. Bush also became just the second player in NFL playoff history to score touchdowns of 80 and 40 yards in the same game, joining Washington’s RICKY SANDERS (Super Bowl XXII).
“I knew I was going to get a lot of opportunities to make plays and just be a difference-maker for my team,” says Bush. “I just tried to make the most of it every time I had the ball.”
The Minnesota Vikings will travel to the Superdome this weekend to face the Saints as the NFC Championship Game will feature the conference’s top two seeds. The Vikings defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-3 to advance to the club’s first Championship Game since 2000.
“This is what I came back for,” says Minnesota quarterback BRETT FAVRE, who threw a postseason career-high four touchdowns passes. “I feel like I’m playing the same way and with the same enthusiasm I’ve always had. And I know the guys feed off of that. Fans enjoy that because it is real and genuine.”
Vikings wide receiver SIDNEY RICE caught a franchise postseason-record three touchdowns and credited his veteran quarterback.
“Same old Brett,” says Rice. “He’s been doing that since he first came into the league. Moving around, getting the ball out, breaking tackles and even running down field and throwing blocks. It just shows how big a heart he has.”
A closer look at the AFC and NFC Championship Games:
NEW YORK JETS (11-7) at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (15-2) (Sunday, CBS, 3:00 PM ET)
For the first time in NFL history, a Championship Game will feature two rookie head coaches: New York’s REX RYAN and Indianapolis’ JIM CALDWELL. The winner will be just the fifth rookie head coach to reach the Super Bowl.
For the Jets, rookies have played a big role during the team’s impressive postseason run. Quarterback MARK SANCHEZ is 2-0 in the postseason and aims to become the first rookie QB to start a Super Bowl and running back SHONN GREENE has posted back-to-back 100-yard games in the playoffs (135 vs. CIN, 128 vs. SD), becoming just the third rookie in NFL history to gain at least 100 rushing yards in each of his first two playoff games.
With the Jets leading 10-7 in the fourth quarter last week against San Diego, Greene extended the lead with a 53-yard touchdown run, the second-longest in franchise postseason history.
“The offensive line executed well,” says Greene. “I got through the first level and once I got to the second level, I had to beat a safety. I made him miss and then it was green in front of me and the end zone was clear.”
New York’s defense, which led the NFL this season allowing 14.8 points per game, held the powerful San Diego offense to 14 points, ending the Chargers’ streak of 22 consecutive games (including playoffs) with at least 20 points.
“That’s the best defense I’ve played all year,” says Chargers running back LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON. “Against the run and against the pass. They’re really prepared.”
The Jets will need a strong defensive performance this weekend against the Colts and Associated Press NFL MVP PEYTON MANNING. In the Divisional Playoff victory, Manning passed for 246 yards and two touchdowns against a tough Baltimore defense.
“I thought we had good preparation coming into that game,” says Manning. “We came out sharp and kind of set the tempo from the get-go.”
Defensively, the Colts shut down the Ravens’ powerful running game. Indianapolis will need another strong performance this weekend against the Jets’ top-ranked ground attack (172.3 yards per game).
“Our defense did not allow them to move the ball and get in a position to score,” says Caldwell. They just did a great job overall.”
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (13-4) at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (14-3) (Sunday, FOX, 6:40 PM ET)
For the first time in franchise history, the New Orleans Saints will host the NFC Championship Game. The NFC’s top seed knocked off the Arizona Cardinals 45-14 in the Divisional Round as quarterback DREW BREES tossed three touchdown passes and running back REGGIE BUSH scored twice.
“There’s no fan base that deserves a championship more than New Orleans and the ‘Who Dat’ nation,” says Brees. “Just the bond that we have with them is special. They give us strength. They give us motivation. We want to do it for them.”
Bush, who became just the second player in NFL postseason history to score a touchdown on a rush and punt return in the same game, electrified the crowd as he amassed 217 total yards.
“He’s a guy who can change the game,” says Saints head coach SEAN PAYTON.
Another guy who can change the game is Minnesota’s 40-year old quarterback BRETT FAVRE, who threw a career postseason-high four touchdown passes in the Vikings’ 34-3 win over Dallas. Favre’s four touchdown passes are twice as many as all other 40-year old quarterbacks have thrown in NFL postseason history combined.
“He’s playing his heart out,” says Minnesota defensive end JARED ALLEN, who had a sack and forced fumble versus the Cowboys.
Vikings wide receiver SIDNEY RICE continued his impressive Pro Bowl season as he had six catches for 141 yards and three touchdowns, tying the NFL postseason record. Rice is just the third player in the past 25 seasons to catch three touchdown passes in his first career playoff start (STERLING SHARPE and WILLIE JACKSON).
“There are faster guys,” says Favre. “There are taller guys. There are quicker guys. But the thing about Sidney is that he wants to be good. It matters to him.”
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Hopson Continues To Work His Magic
Rider president and CEO Jim Hopson said Thursday the bar has been raised when it comes to the football team that he looks over on a day to day basis. Being competitive isn't good enough anymore. Being a threat to win the Grey Cup each year should now be considered the norm. Hopson knew the football team had a hole to fill with the departure of Eric Tillman. He knew had a guy in place in Brendan Taman. He saw that in the six months Taman was here that he worked well with Ken Miller. He also knew Miller would not be around as coach forever, yet he wanted to somehow find a way to keep Miller involved in the organization. He has done both. Hopson is shuffling the deck. In making Miller the vice president of football operations and Taman the general manager, he has strengthened what was already a very strong organization. Joe Womack is not to be forgotten. He is also an integral part of the organization and if what we heard yesterday is correct, he will be offered a position with the club very soon. I would expect Womack to take that position and the team can carry on the way it did in 2009 when it came one play from winning its 2nd Grey Cup in three years. Yes, Brendan Taman has big shoes to fill, but with the help of Ken Miller, it can be done.
The only problem I see is what this football team does at the end of the 2010 season. Hopson has indicated he will step down. Replacing him might be the toughest task of all. I have said it once and I will say it a thousand more times if I have to. This football club would not be where it is today were it not for the vision of Hopson. What he has done to change the culture of this organization has been tremendous. One can't argue this team's fortunes have changed since the day he was hired. Those who criticize him truly in my mind don't have a clue.
----
I hope Jon Ryan wasn't watching the NFL Network yesterday morning. The 2007 NFC championship between the Packers (his team at the time) and the Giants was on. It was the contest the Giants won at a very cold Lambeau to go on to the Super Bowl where they would beat the Patriots. It was a game some thought might have been Brett Favre's last---as it was it did turn out to be his last game as a Packer. I remember speaking to Jon after that tough loss and he said it was one that would take a while to get over. He was one step away from being in the Super Bowl. While I hope he gets that chance to play in the big game with the Seahawks, I can't see it happening anytime soon. That's a tough statement to write considering Seattle is my team, but I'm just being realistic. I hope I'm proven wrong.
I love those classic games on the NFL Network, but I wish we could see more of them. I would love to see what I think was the best NFL game I have ever seen which was the Dolphins/Chargers playoff game that San Diego won in overtime. I think that was 1981. I would love to see the Monday Night game where the Dolphins put an end to the Bears unbeaten streak. I would love to see the Music City Miracle game. There are so many great NFL games that I would love to watch again---or just watch. Super Bowl 3(Jets-Colts) is on Saturday night. I will watch that one.
-----
Speaking of Favre, it would seem as if many want to see him in the Super Bowl against Peyton Manning and the Colts. My thoughts on Favre are well documented. I (and many others) have become sick and tired of his retiring, no I'm not stance that he has now performed for the past umpteen years. Make no doubt about it, the Green Bay Packers did not do themselves any favours by getting rid of Favre in the way he did, but Brett didn't help himself either by taking the woe is me approach. The guy can still play and he has proven that. Do I think his Vikings can win the Super Bowl? No I don't, but if Sunday is his team's last game this season, I would just ask him to shut up and come back to camp next July to give it another shot. He has proven to everyone he still has what it takes. Don't put the Vikings on the emotional roller coaster that you got away with for way too long in Green Bay. If you don't want to play, then call it quits, but don't come back again because you will just further tarnish your legacy---one that you have rebuilt this year.
By the way, if you are a Packers fan(and I know many of them), I just ask you this. Do you hope Favre wins the Super Bowl or do you want to see him fall flat on his ass. If you want him to win the Super Bowl, ask yourself this......are you a Packers fan or a Favre fan?
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The Pats have a busy weekend with three games in three nights. Two of them against Swift Current. Even though it happened on Saturday, I'm sure the Pats are still bitter when it comes to the 4-3 shootout loss in a game they led 3-0 at one point. Regina needs to take both ends of the home and home, but they simply can't afford to lose both ends. If they do, it might be lights out.
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Watch Sportscentre if you get a chance. Ranger coach John Tortorella got into it again with New York sports writer Larry Brooks. Its not the first time the two have yipped at one another. Its very entertaining!
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TNA wrestling is hoping to challenge the WWE by bringing Hulk Hogan back. Since Hogan has come back, several old relics have also returned...Ric Flair, Scott Hall, the Nasty Boys, Eric Bischoff. In the main event of their weekly show last night, Kurt Angle was fighting champion AJ Styles. Styles turned what was an ankle lock on him into an ankle lock. It was at that moment that referee Earl Hebner called for the bell to be rung sending Angle into an explosive rage. It forced Hogan to come down and resulted in Hulk getting spit on by Angle. Wait a minute, I've seen this before. It was 13 years ago in Montreal with Bret Hart and Vince McMahon. Is this the best TNA can do? Obviously, there is no originality here! Seriously, the guys at High Impact Wrestling have better script-writers than what TNA has. That's a joke!
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Congratulations to a former co-worker. Andrew Rathwell was officially sworn in as the president of the Regina Chamber of Commerce on Thursday night. Andrew is a good man who has succeeded at every level of life. This will be no different.
----
As you go into your Friday, ask yourself this.....
The only problem I see is what this football team does at the end of the 2010 season. Hopson has indicated he will step down. Replacing him might be the toughest task of all. I have said it once and I will say it a thousand more times if I have to. This football club would not be where it is today were it not for the vision of Hopson. What he has done to change the culture of this organization has been tremendous. One can't argue this team's fortunes have changed since the day he was hired. Those who criticize him truly in my mind don't have a clue.
----
I hope Jon Ryan wasn't watching the NFL Network yesterday morning. The 2007 NFC championship between the Packers (his team at the time) and the Giants was on. It was the contest the Giants won at a very cold Lambeau to go on to the Super Bowl where they would beat the Patriots. It was a game some thought might have been Brett Favre's last---as it was it did turn out to be his last game as a Packer. I remember speaking to Jon after that tough loss and he said it was one that would take a while to get over. He was one step away from being in the Super Bowl. While I hope he gets that chance to play in the big game with the Seahawks, I can't see it happening anytime soon. That's a tough statement to write considering Seattle is my team, but I'm just being realistic. I hope I'm proven wrong.
I love those classic games on the NFL Network, but I wish we could see more of them. I would love to see what I think was the best NFL game I have ever seen which was the Dolphins/Chargers playoff game that San Diego won in overtime. I think that was 1981. I would love to see the Monday Night game where the Dolphins put an end to the Bears unbeaten streak. I would love to see the Music City Miracle game. There are so many great NFL games that I would love to watch again---or just watch. Super Bowl 3(Jets-Colts) is on Saturday night. I will watch that one.
-----
Speaking of Favre, it would seem as if many want to see him in the Super Bowl against Peyton Manning and the Colts. My thoughts on Favre are well documented. I (and many others) have become sick and tired of his retiring, no I'm not stance that he has now performed for the past umpteen years. Make no doubt about it, the Green Bay Packers did not do themselves any favours by getting rid of Favre in the way he did, but Brett didn't help himself either by taking the woe is me approach. The guy can still play and he has proven that. Do I think his Vikings can win the Super Bowl? No I don't, but if Sunday is his team's last game this season, I would just ask him to shut up and come back to camp next July to give it another shot. He has proven to everyone he still has what it takes. Don't put the Vikings on the emotional roller coaster that you got away with for way too long in Green Bay. If you don't want to play, then call it quits, but don't come back again because you will just further tarnish your legacy---one that you have rebuilt this year.
By the way, if you are a Packers fan(and I know many of them), I just ask you this. Do you hope Favre wins the Super Bowl or do you want to see him fall flat on his ass. If you want him to win the Super Bowl, ask yourself this......are you a Packers fan or a Favre fan?
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The Pats have a busy weekend with three games in three nights. Two of them against Swift Current. Even though it happened on Saturday, I'm sure the Pats are still bitter when it comes to the 4-3 shootout loss in a game they led 3-0 at one point. Regina needs to take both ends of the home and home, but they simply can't afford to lose both ends. If they do, it might be lights out.
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Watch Sportscentre if you get a chance. Ranger coach John Tortorella got into it again with New York sports writer Larry Brooks. Its not the first time the two have yipped at one another. Its very entertaining!
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TNA wrestling is hoping to challenge the WWE by bringing Hulk Hogan back. Since Hogan has come back, several old relics have also returned...Ric Flair, Scott Hall, the Nasty Boys, Eric Bischoff. In the main event of their weekly show last night, Kurt Angle was fighting champion AJ Styles. Styles turned what was an ankle lock on him into an ankle lock. It was at that moment that referee Earl Hebner called for the bell to be rung sending Angle into an explosive rage. It forced Hogan to come down and resulted in Hulk getting spit on by Angle. Wait a minute, I've seen this before. It was 13 years ago in Montreal with Bret Hart and Vince McMahon. Is this the best TNA can do? Obviously, there is no originality here! Seriously, the guys at High Impact Wrestling have better script-writers than what TNA has. That's a joke!
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Congratulations to a former co-worker. Andrew Rathwell was officially sworn in as the president of the Regina Chamber of Commerce on Thursday night. Andrew is a good man who has succeeded at every level of life. This will be no different.
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As you go into your Friday, ask yourself this.....
Why does toilet bowl cleaner only come in the colour blue?
One Less QB In Rider Stable
Graham Harrell is no longer a part of the Rider equation as he is becoming a coach. Here's that story....
http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/OSU/article.aspx?subjectid=93&articleid=20100121_93_0_During942945&allcom=1
Barring any changes, it means Darian Durant, Steven Jyles, Dalton Bell and Cole Bergquist will be the QB's coming to camp.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/OSU/article.aspx?subjectid=93&articleid=20100121_93_0_During942945&allcom=1
Barring any changes, it means Darian Durant, Steven Jyles, Dalton Bell and Cole Bergquist will be the QB's coming to camp.
Taman And Miller Get New Titles
KEN MILLER NAMED RIDERS VICE PRESIDENT OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS
Saskatchewan Roughrider President/CEO Jim Hopson announced today that Ken Miller has been elevated to the position of Vice President of Football Operations/head coach.
Miller will remain as the Riders head coach through the 2010 season, but will also oversee the football operations department. Miller will work closely with General Manager Brendan Taman on scouting, recruiting, drafting, salary cap and all other facets of the football operations department.
“I am very pleased that we were able to promote Ken into this role,” stated Riders President/CEO Jim Hopson. “Ken has a wealth of football knowledge and has played a major role in our success over the past few years.”
“I am very grateful for this opportunity,” stated Miller. “We have enjoyed our three years in Saskatchewan immensely and look forward to continuing it. This is a first-class organization with a very strong compliment of players and coaches. I believe we have all the pieces in place to be successful for years to come.”
Miller is entering his third season as head coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He joined the Green and White as the team’s offensive coordinator in 2007 and was instrumental in a Rider offence that led the CFL in touchdowns before moving on to win the Grey Cup.
Prior to joining the Riders, Miller spent his previous five seasons coaching with the Toronto Argonauts. In 2006 Miller was moved to the defensive side of the ball where he handled the defensive line. From 2003-2005, Miller was in charge of the Argo’s offensive line which enabled Damon Allen to have a career season where he was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2004. The team also went on to win the Grey Cup in that same season. Miller started his CFL coaching career when he was in charge of the Argonaut quarterbacks in 2002.
BRENDAN TAMAN NAMED RIDERS GENERAL MANAGER
Saskatchewan Roughrider President/CEO Jim Hopson announced today that Brendan Taman has signed a new deal to become the General Manager of the club.
Taman will work with Ken Miller on player negotiations and the salary management system. He will also oversee the scouting, recruiting and drafting of personnel.
“Brendan’s experience and knowledge of the CFL made him the perfect fit for this position,” stated Riders President/CEO Jim Hopson. “Brendan has a long track record of bringing tremendous talent into this league and we look forward to him continuing in that role with the organization where he started.”
“Taking over as the General Manager of a team I grew up watching is a dream come true,” stated Taman. “The passion and dedication this province has towards this team makes it a special place for everyone involved. We have a very talented team and coaching staff and I look forward to working with Ken Miller on continuing this success.”
Taman returned to the Riders during the 2009 season as the team’s Director of Football Administration. Prior to returning to his home province of Saskatchewan to work for the Green and White, Taman spent ten years working in the Winnipeg Blue Bomber organization, the last five of which were as the team’s General Manager and Vice-President of Football Operations.
Taman, a native of Saskatoon brings forth a wealth of football knowledge to the Roughriders after being a part of the CFL for over 20 years. He spent the 1997 and 1998 seasons as the Director of Player Personnel with the B.C. Lions. Before that, he spent four seasons (1993-1996) as Assistant Director of Player Personnel with the Roughriders. From 1989-1992, Taman was Operations Manager for Football with the Ottawa Rough Riders. His first stint in the CFL was with the Green and White in 1987 when he was hired as a player personnel assistant.
Over the course of his career, Taman has brought a number of noteworthy players into the CFL, including five finalists for CFL Rookie of the Year and (Gavin Walls - 2005 winner, Charles Roberts - 2001 runner up, Albert Johnson – 2000 winner, Steve Muhammad - 1998 winner, and BJ Gallis – 1997 runner up). Other notable players Dan Goodspeed, Arland Bruce, Geroy Simon, Romby Bryant, Tom Canada and Fred Reid.
Saskatchewan Roughrider President/CEO Jim Hopson announced today that Ken Miller has been elevated to the position of Vice President of Football Operations/head coach.
Miller will remain as the Riders head coach through the 2010 season, but will also oversee the football operations department. Miller will work closely with General Manager Brendan Taman on scouting, recruiting, drafting, salary cap and all other facets of the football operations department.
“I am very pleased that we were able to promote Ken into this role,” stated Riders President/CEO Jim Hopson. “Ken has a wealth of football knowledge and has played a major role in our success over the past few years.”
“I am very grateful for this opportunity,” stated Miller. “We have enjoyed our three years in Saskatchewan immensely and look forward to continuing it. This is a first-class organization with a very strong compliment of players and coaches. I believe we have all the pieces in place to be successful for years to come.”
Miller is entering his third season as head coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He joined the Green and White as the team’s offensive coordinator in 2007 and was instrumental in a Rider offence that led the CFL in touchdowns before moving on to win the Grey Cup.
Prior to joining the Riders, Miller spent his previous five seasons coaching with the Toronto Argonauts. In 2006 Miller was moved to the defensive side of the ball where he handled the defensive line. From 2003-2005, Miller was in charge of the Argo’s offensive line which enabled Damon Allen to have a career season where he was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2004. The team also went on to win the Grey Cup in that same season. Miller started his CFL coaching career when he was in charge of the Argonaut quarterbacks in 2002.
BRENDAN TAMAN NAMED RIDERS GENERAL MANAGER
Saskatchewan Roughrider President/CEO Jim Hopson announced today that Brendan Taman has signed a new deal to become the General Manager of the club.
Taman will work with Ken Miller on player negotiations and the salary management system. He will also oversee the scouting, recruiting and drafting of personnel.
“Brendan’s experience and knowledge of the CFL made him the perfect fit for this position,” stated Riders President/CEO Jim Hopson. “Brendan has a long track record of bringing tremendous talent into this league and we look forward to him continuing in that role with the organization where he started.”
“Taking over as the General Manager of a team I grew up watching is a dream come true,” stated Taman. “The passion and dedication this province has towards this team makes it a special place for everyone involved. We have a very talented team and coaching staff and I look forward to working with Ken Miller on continuing this success.”
Taman returned to the Riders during the 2009 season as the team’s Director of Football Administration. Prior to returning to his home province of Saskatchewan to work for the Green and White, Taman spent ten years working in the Winnipeg Blue Bomber organization, the last five of which were as the team’s General Manager and Vice-President of Football Operations.
Taman, a native of Saskatoon brings forth a wealth of football knowledge to the Roughriders after being a part of the CFL for over 20 years. He spent the 1997 and 1998 seasons as the Director of Player Personnel with the B.C. Lions. Before that, he spent four seasons (1993-1996) as Assistant Director of Player Personnel with the Roughriders. From 1989-1992, Taman was Operations Manager for Football with the Ottawa Rough Riders. His first stint in the CFL was with the Green and White in 1987 when he was hired as a player personnel assistant.
Over the course of his career, Taman has brought a number of noteworthy players into the CFL, including five finalists for CFL Rookie of the Year and (Gavin Walls - 2005 winner, Charles Roberts - 2001 runner up, Albert Johnson – 2000 winner, Steve Muhammad - 1998 winner, and BJ Gallis – 1997 runner up). Other notable players Dan Goodspeed, Arland Bruce, Geroy Simon, Romby Bryant, Tom Canada and Fred Reid.
Trans-Canada Clash Fan Bus
This will be a great day of hockey in Moose Jaw between the Pats and Warriors of yesterday and today. Make the trip!
The 3rd annual Trans-Canada Clash is set to go on Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at the Moose Jaw Civic Centre. The Regina Pats alumni will face the Moose Jaw alumni at 1:30 with the current versions of the Pats and Warriors to renew their rivalry at 7pm.
The Regina Pats have tickets available for both games, as well as a bus package for the whole day of great hockey.
Trans-Canada Clash game tickets are $10, while Pats and Warriors’ game tickets are $15. There is also a bus package, with transportation to and from Moose Jaw with tickets to both the Clash and WHL game for $45.
The bus will leave the Brandt Centre at noon on Saturday, January 30th, and will return directly after the Pats and Warriors game at night.
To purchase your tickets, or for more information, head to the Pats office located in the west entrance of the Brandt Centre, or call 522-PATS.
The 3rd annual Trans-Canada Clash is set to go on Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at the Moose Jaw Civic Centre. The Regina Pats alumni will face the Moose Jaw alumni at 1:30 with the current versions of the Pats and Warriors to renew their rivalry at 7pm.
The Regina Pats have tickets available for both games, as well as a bus package for the whole day of great hockey.
Trans-Canada Clash game tickets are $10, while Pats and Warriors’ game tickets are $15. There is also a bus package, with transportation to and from Moose Jaw with tickets to both the Clash and WHL game for $45.
The bus will leave the Brandt Centre at noon on Saturday, January 30th, and will return directly after the Pats and Warriors game at night.
To purchase your tickets, or for more information, head to the Pats office located in the west entrance of the Brandt Centre, or call 522-PATS.
Rider News Conference
What is expected to be the Brendan Taman as GM announcement will happen at 2 this afternoon. CKRM will have live coverage of the press conference.
4 Hours Down, 20 To Go
OK, I admit I'm a little behind, but I have just finished watching the first four hours of what is the best show on television in my mind bar none. I don't think I have ever been addicted to a TV show like I have to "24". I have never missed an episode, and Jack Bauer may be the coolest individual I have ever seen.(Don't worry Rod, you're a close 2nd).
Anyhoo, Season 8 is underway and once again Jack is at the center of the storm. It looked as if he was about to live a life of peace as he was just moments away from boarding a plane to Los Angeles to spend time with his daughter and grand-daughter. Our opening glimpse of Jack this year shows his cute grand-daughter waking him up. I'm surprised Jack didn't take out a pistol and pump bullets into the room for getting surprised like that. Could you blame him after what he's gone through? He is packing for his departure when the door knocks. Oh Jack, if you just would have ignored the knock things would be fine, but NOOOOO, you had to answer it. Its an old informant saying he has plans on the assassination of a world leader that is going to happen before the day is over. And away we go. Its time to embark on another 24 hours of hell.
Four hours into the latest show, here are my thoughts.
--I'm glad this show is happening in New York. Everything else has happened in California. Its good to switch things up. I'm guessing those who still have 9/11 still burned in their memory is a little uncomfy with the terrorist actions happening in their city, but it wouldn't be the same if the plot was based in Omaha, Nebraska or Billings, Montana.
--Is it just me or does Jack's faithful sidekick--Chloe O'Brian--ever smile. Chloe has been with Jack right from the get go. There is something about her! C'mon 24 fans, you aren't going to tell me you wouldn't want the chance to tame this hellcat. I don't know what the future holds for Chloe in Season 8, but I'm hoping she survives. I think it would be very sad if she bit the bullet at some point after being with Jack through so much. If she does die, I hope its in Jack's arms as his twisted soul is ravaged even more. I wanted Chloe to kick the ass of Janeane Garofalo's character in Season 7 just for the fact that A) we all know she could and B) I'm not a big fan of Garofalo.
--Speaking of characters who kick ass, it looks like former FBI agent Renee Walker is a changed individual from the last time we saw her. She was just an innocent thing when she got involved with Jack in fighting the bad guys in Season 7. She learned how to be a tough bitch from Mr. Bauer and it looks like she could be a female Jack this time around. Her scene with a Russian contact in which she saws off the guy's thumb to get a bracelet off of him is surprising, and shocking in the same way. I don't know why, but I'm thinking before this season is over that Jack and Renee are going to have a "moment".
--I can't buy Freddie Prinze Junior as a secret agent. Nothing against FPJ, he has to have something going for him since he is Mr. Sarah Michelle Gellar, but the guy who played Alan in the Scooby Doo movies can't be a guy on a top-notch American security service. He goes by the name of Cole Ortiz in 24. When I think of Cole Ortiz, I wonder if he's starting for the Blue Jays tonight in the back half of a doubleheader against Cleveland. Then again, Freddie was a baseball pitcher in the movie "Summer Catch". That might be baseball's version of "Youngblood", but it was a movie that had Jessica Biel parading around in a tight one piece bathing suit that got the blood of Freddie and many others bubbling.
--Mykelti Williamson is the head of CTU New York. He plays a man called Brian Hastings. He may be in charge, but he has no clue. One question....why is this man always scrunching down? Oh how I wish Bill Buchanan would have survived that terrorist attack at the White House last year!
--Anil Kapoor is President Omar Hassan of Kamistan. (I looked on a Risk board and while I can find Irkutsk and Yakutsk, I can not find Kamistan) As I have stated earlier, Kapoor was the game show host on Slumdog Millionaire. The man has the best hair of any presidential leader real or fictional. However, when he survives a bomb blast and he emerges from the car with not one hair out of place, I have to ask what type of hair spray they have in Kamistan or if he has just stolen it from Steve Armitage.
--Four hours in and Jack has only killed three people---however one was with an axe as he took out some guy about a half hour after patting his granddaughter on the head saying he would see her soon. Jack has also just about been blown up and beaten up by a member of the NYPD, but you wouldn't know it because his skin is like teflon. There are no bruises, no scrapes, no nothing. I'm guessing if there is a scene where Jack has to remove his shirt that the scars from his time in a Chinese prison will have disappeared.
--So far Season 8 has not disappointed. I'm sure it will hit a lull at some point, but the action and drama and the unpredictability remains high. You just never know what is going to happen next and if one of the major characters is going to be eliminated. There will be many twists and turns before Jack gets to go to sleep or go to the bathroom or head to Starbucks or whatever.
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Did you watch the Prospects game from Windsor last night? That was a great hockey game! I loved it when Peter Loubardias said in the third period with a sarcastic tone "It would be nice if this game was entertaining in any way." Those taking part were doing their best to impress the many scouts on hand in Windsor and many of them did including Regina's Jordan Weal who had a goal and an assist in his team's (Team Cherry) 4-2 win over Team Orr. One could argue Weal was maybe the player of the game. Warriors blueliner Dylan McIlrath showed some teams that he is the guy if they are looking for toughness as he clobbered Red Deer's Alex Petrovic late in the 2nd. McIlrath's teammate Quinton Howden left the game after blocking a shot with his hand in the 2nd period. I didn't see him come back. If he did, I didn't notice him in the 3rd. For Moose Jaw's sake, here's hoping Howden did not suffer any kind of serious injury and that he won't miss any time.
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Saskatchewan showed once again yesterday why our people are the best. Golden West radio(Moose Jaw, Weyburn, Estevan, Swift Current) raised 161-thousand dollars for Haitian earthquake relief while CJME and CKOM managed to collect over 600-thousand dollars. I do believe Big Dog did something with their partner radio stations across Canada as well, but I don't know what their total was. I'm sure the fine folks at CKRM are also doing something or have done something, but again I don't know what their total is. The TV stations are getting involved Friday with a major worldwide concert so the money will continue to flow in from here and across the world.
By the way, I saw Dave Arnold talking about the Haitian relief efforts on the news last night. I haven't seen Dave since leaving ME. I always bugged him about being Canada's Dick Clark because the guy never ages. That's still the story. Perhaps the old tower on the Plains should be our version of Times Square on New Year's Eve with the ball coming down the tower and Dave hosting the festivities.
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The Oilers lose again, but is this really news?
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UFC heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar is slamming the Canadian healthcare system. Lesnar got sick while on a hunting trip in Western Canada and was rushed to a hospital before being taken out by his wife (former WWE diva Sable if you didn't know) and taken to Bismarck, North Dakota. It only asks the question as to whether or not Lesnar was in Saskatchewan. A Sask Health official says no and I would guess that someone would come forth with the info saying yeah, he was in our health centre or hospital, but that hasn't happened. Then again, it hasn't happened in Manitoba either.
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As you continue on with your Wednesday, I ask you this....
Why is it you point to your wrist when you want to know what time it is, but you don't point to your crotch when you want to know where the bathroom is?
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