What's The Fascination?

I hate camping! I can't stand it! Some find fun camping in the great outdoors a real thrill, but I am not one of them. My idea of camping is an air conditioned hotel room with cable TV. I don't want to sleep in a tent and a motorhome just isn't for me. It is for some people though. While I have seen it many, many times, it never fails to baffle me as to why many decide to use Wal-Mart parking lots as a campground. Does Tourism Regina know about this? Are their pamphlets out somewhere? Why would people abandon the campground and the surrounding wilderness to park their camper in the middle of a parking lot to hunker down for the night. What is the thrill? As you can see, there were four groups of people from this picture that were getting set to crash in the East Walmart parking lot Tuesday night. There were a few more though---I think I counted seven motorhomes in all. I know the Walmart on Rochdale has campers stay for the night and I'm guessing some do at the new one in south Regina because they did at the Southland. Its one of those things I guess I'll never understand.
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CNNSI's Peter King has made his Super Bowl pick. He is taking the Steelers to beat the Packers. The Steelers? They won't have Ben Roethlisberger to start the season and they are in a division with a team that could be the AFC rep in the Super Bowl---the Baltimore Ravens. I am not a Steelers fan, but I'm guessing even the most loyal of Pittsburgh fans would be very surprised to see their team playing for the Vince in February.
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What is the NHL going to do now that Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin has been found guilty of drunk driving? What are the Oilers going to do? If they were smart, they would find a way to make Khabibulin's contract void thus giving themselves some room to sign a young goalie and perhaps a big forward. If the Oilers do keep him, how long will be suspended by the NHL? You have to think they will punish Khabibulin in some manner---especially after Mark Bell of the Sharks was suspended for being involved in a hit and run when he was over the limit.
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Operation "Iraqi Freedom" is over. Was it worth it?
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Why doesn't anyone question Wally Buono with his team at 1-7?
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Is it really September?
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I forgot how much afternoon TV sucks!
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One month to go in the baseball season and I think it is going to be a September to remember. A lot of races are a long ways from being decided.
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How many fantasy football drafts are you in this year? I'm in 3 of them.
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Congrats to TSN's Jay Onrait who was nominated for a Gemini award as one of Canada's top sportscasters. Onrait did very well for himself in Vancouver at the Olympics, but I think there are many in Eastern Canada and the Maritimes who don't see Onrait's schtick every night because of how late he comes on. Nothing against Rod Smith, but I think Onrait should take his spot on the late afternoon Sportscentre.
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Magicians must be angry at the crowd all the time, because all I see them do is pull their hare out of their hat!

Huskies Preview

SASKATOON -- After a disappointing and heartbreaking loss on the last play of the game in the Hardy Cup final in 2009, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies enter the new season with just one goal in mind – to be playing on November 27 in Quebec City.

Once again the Huskies, who finished 7-1 in 2009, look to be strong on both sides of the ball. In 2009, the Huskies finished with the best defence in the conference during the regular season allowing their eight opponents to average just 14 points per game, nabbed 17 interceptions and had a conference best 21 sacks. On offence the Huskies scored 211 points with 30 or more in their final six games including playoffs.

Fifth-year veteran quarterback Laurence Nixon, who will look to connect with receivers Travis Gorski, Rory Kohlert and Braeden George, will once again lead the 2010 version of the Huskies offensively. Nixon completed a career high 157-of-251 pass attempts for 1,933 yards. Gorski and George combined for 74 receptions and 888 yards. Second-year running back Jeff Hassler will look to see what he can do with a full season. After injury in fall camp, Hassler returned to play just four regular season games scoring five touchdowns. Returning after a two-year absence from the team will be running back Ben Coakwell. Coakwell had the fastest time in the 40-yard dash out of training camp.

Defensively, the team is led by linebacker Peter Thiel and a very strong secondary. Defensive back Bryce McCall, who has 12 interceptions in two seasons, looks to add to his tally. Zach Hart will continue to be a pain in opposing quarterback’s sides after six sacks last season.

“The coaching staff and players have great anticipation for this season. In my 27 years of coaching, I can’t recall being this excited for a season,” said Huskies head coach Brian Towriss.

“This group of players have worked so hard in the offseason. We all know about our heartbreaking loss at the end of last season. Had we been able to execute one more play in the Hardy Cup, we may have had the chance to compete for a Vanier Cup.”

“We return the nucleus of the 2009 team and we have some other players returning or recruits who will really help us this year. We are fitter and stronger than we have ever been before and I think we have a really solid roster from top to bottom. We expect to do well. We have a tough schedule so we are taking it one game at a time. We certainly think we will be in the mix and I know our players are determined. It’s going to be a good year.”

2009 in review:
2009 regular season record: 7-1
2009 regular season standings: First, Canada West
2009 playoff record: 1-1
2009 playoff finish: Lost to Calgary 39-38 in Hardy Cup Final

Head Coach - Brian Towriss

- Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2010): 27
- Number of seasons as head coach in CIS (including 2010): 27
- Career regular season record with team: 131-75-1
- Career regular season record in CIS: 131-75-1
- Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 163-89-1
- Career overall record in CIS (reg. season & playoffs only): 163-89-1

OFFENCE

Key returning players:

QB Laurence Nixon enters his final year of eligibility. In 2009, Nixon finished completing 157 of 251 passes for 1933 yards and five touchdowns. He has play in the East- West Bowl for the last two years.

R Travis Gorski, a fifth year receiver looks to make an impact in 2010. In 2008, the Medicine Hat native was the team’s MVP. In 2009, he led the Huskies with 467 yards on 43 receptions.

RB Jeff Hassler, after injury in training camp in 2009 Tassler made his first appearance in the Canada West with a bang against UBC. The Edmonton native ended the season with five touchdowns and 367 yards in just four regular season games.

OL Patrick Neufeld, an All-Star on the offensive line in 2009 and 2010 CFL draftee, will become the leader top rotect the quarterback.

Key recruits:

RB Dexter Janke was the leading rusher in Edmonton High School football in 2009. He was also the league’s MVP.

QB Jahlani Gilbert-Knorren is an outstanding athlete and will look to learn the lessons that will help him make an impact in the near future.

R Mitch Stevens will enter the CIS after playing junior football with the Saskatoon Hilltops. Stevens, 6-0, 180 pound, finished the 2009 with 34 receptions on 524 yards and five touchdowns.

Key losses:

R Scott McHenry now finds himself snaring balls for the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers after five seasons with the Huskies. He finishes his career in the Top 10 in Huskie receiving yards.

OL Hubert Buydens a big presence and a leader on the offensive line last year is lost to graduation.

RB Tyler O’Gorman leaves the team after graduation. The 2009 starter finished the season with 76 carries for 352 yards and five touchdowns. O’Gorman knew how to step up in big games being named the MVP for both the 2006 Hardy Cup and 2006 Mitchell Bowl.

DEFENCE

Key returning players:

S Bryce McCall continued to make an impact in the Canada West in his second season. The safety from Regina led the Huskies with 45.5 tackles, seven interceptions and two breakups.

LB Peter Thiel will look to fill any holes in the middle the opposition tries to break through. The third year from Regina will be looked to provide leadership on the defence.

DE Joel Suetter, the team’s rookie of the year will continue his strong play on the defensive line. Starting in all games for the Huskies in 2009, Suetter, who also competed at the World Football Championship, finished with 18.5 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

DE Zach Hart In his first season in the CIS, the former junior football player had a team high six sacks. He also finished the season fifth in tackles with 29.5

Key recruits:

CB Gregg Woytowich, a Saskatoon Hilltops transfer won the 2007 Paul Kirk Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Defensive Player in the Canadian Bowl.

LB Dane Bishop enters the Canada West considered one of the best defensive players in Alberta. The Edmonton native captained Team Alberta to a gold medal at the 2009 Football Canada Cup.

Key losses:

LB Taylor Wallace Canada West Defensive Player of the Year leaves the team as a fifth-year. He tallied 38 tackles in 2009.

K/CB Grant Shaw leaves the team after two seasons moving on to the CFL with Toronto Argonauts. The 2009 CIS Second Team All-Canadian set a Huskie record and tied the Canada West record with a field goal from 55-yards.

Happy 40th Debbie! I Still Love Ya!!

My 80's crush was Debbie Gibson. She still looks great on this her 40th birthday. Happy B'day Debbie and nice jersey!!

Derek Meyers---Just Your Ordinary Everyday Hero

Look at what Global's Derek (just call me Duke) Meyers was doing today. You wouldn't catch me doing that. Then again, you wouldn't catch me doing a lot of what Derek does.

Good job Duke!! Kudos to Nancy Carlson as well.

Here Comes The Rider Loonie!

ROYAL CANADIAN MINT SET TO LAUNCH ONE-DOLLAR CIRCULATION COIN COMMEMORATING SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS’ CENTENNIAL



In celebration of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ 100th anniversary, the Royal Canadian Mint is proud to join Saskatchewan Roughriders and Federal Government representatives in officially unveiling a new commemorative one-dollar circulation coin honouring this legendary team and its generations of loyal fans.



The coin will enter general circulation beginning September 2, 2010, following the public

unveiling of the coin at Regina’s Northgate Mall. A public coin exchange will immediately follow the unveiling. The Mint is delighted to give the many supporters of Rider Nation a unique means of celebrating their team’s Centennial and the great traditions of Canadian football.

The Roughriders will also be making the coin available to the public through coin exchanges at their team stores in Regina and Saskatoon at the following locations, subsequent to the unveiling:



Northgate Mall

489 Albert Street North

Regina, Saskatchewan

(as of 4:00 pm, September 2, 2010)



Circle Centre Mall

3510 8th Street East

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

(as of 3:00 pm, September 2, 2010)

Patrick Gets POTW Honor

Saskatchewan Roughrider safety James Patrick has been named the CFL’s Gibson’s Finest Defensive Player of the Week.



Patrick led the Rider defence on Saturday in Edmonton with three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. The 28-year-old also had three defensive tackles and three special team tackles in the Riders 17-14 loss to the Eskimos.



So far this season the Stillman product has tallied 35 defensive tackles, seven special team tackles, six interceptions, one fumble recovery and one pass knockdown.



Patrick joins teammates Jerrell Freeman, Brent Hawkins, Luca Congi, Darian Durant and Andy Fantuz as weekly award winners this season.

Defending Darian

The target is firmly on the back of Riders quarterback Darian Durant after his less than stellar performance Saturday in Edmonton. There's no sugarcoating the fact that he was horrible. It was probably the worst game he has played in a Riders uniform. The performance has brought the knives out and those knives have been sharp as the Rider Nation starts to criticize the play of their starting QB. Its gotten so bad that some are calling for Ryan Dinwiddie to start Sunday against the Bombers.
Rob Vanstone has written a tremendous column on Durant in today's L-P and I can't argue a lot with what he says. You can read that column here.

I don't think I have to tell you that I firmly in Durant's corner. If I have ever had any one criticism of head coach Ken Miller during his time here, I hated the way he handled the quarterbacks in 2008 and how Durant was made to be an after-thought after he suffered that rib injury at the hands of Argos linebacker Willie Pile. I really think that had Durant been able to step back in as the starting quarterback and Michael Bishop was never a part of the equation that 2008 would have ended better and Durant's career might be more escalated today than it already is.

Durant can't be compared to the likes of Lancaster and Austin yet, but if he can lead this team to a Grey Cup championship---which I still think he can, he will have to be talked about as one of the Riders all-time best at the position. You have to when only three men have taken this team to the title.

I also ask this of Rider fans. You all hate Henry Burris because of what he did many years ago. Take a look at where Burris was back in his 2nd year as a starter and where Durant is in his 2nd year. Take a look at Burris now. Has he gotten much better? Durant will be a much better quarterback and have much better numbers than Smilin Hank as the years go on.
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Will Head and Shoulders get upset if Troy Polamulu gets flagged for clipping this season. The shampoo company has insured the Pittsburgh Steelers safety's hair for one million dollars. ?????? What's the parameters of this policy? If Troy loses some of his long hair during a game what happens? I'm guessing he isn't going out and getting a hair-cut anytime soon because of this.

As the NFL season starts and we start seeing more and more commercials involving NFL'ers, it only makes me wonder again why corporate Canada doesn't embrace CFL stars. Why aren't the advertisers on TSN like RONA and Wendy's involving CFL players in advertising campaigns. There are enough marketable players in this league to make it happen. Are you going to tell me you couldn't do something with Anthony Calvillo or Burris or Geroy Simon or Durant. If we can see Sidney Crosby doing Tim Hortons ads during the NHL season, why can't we see a CFL player doing something with Tims during the CFL season. Someone has dropped the ball here. Is it the league? Is it the players association? Is it corporate Canada? The profile of the CFL couldn't be higher right now so start involving the players in some advertising campaigns. It can't be that tough!
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The new "Dancing with the Stars" cast has been revealed. "The Hoff" will be on as will be Kurt Warner and former "Dirty Dancing" star Jennifer Grey. While I will not watch "DWTS", because like most other reality TV shows, its not worth my time. However, if CTV can drag out a "So You Think You Can Dance Canada", why can't it drag out a Canadian "Dancing With the Stars". Oh wait, CBC beat them to the punch with that stupid hockey player-figure skating thing.
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Our coffeemaker broke at home and it hasn't been replaced yet. That must change. This guy needs coffee first thing in the morning, not about an hour to 90 minutes after when I grab one after taking my daughter to school. Speaking of which, it was her first day yesterday and its always interesting to watch your kids on the first day of school. She was quite excited to get back to school and see some of her friends. The smile on her face as she reunited with some of her friends and classmates makes you know there are going to be no problems---at least not yet.
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GSP vs Koscheck will happen in Canada. but not in Toronto. UFC president Dana White says those two will be the headliner at UFC 124 on December 11 at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
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Colten Teubert Update

I wondered in a previous blog posting if there was any chance of Colten Teubert coming back to the WHL as a 20 year old. It would appear as if Teubert won't be playing any hockey for a bit. The following is from a Sportsnet article that came out last week that was just brought to my attention.

TEUBERT HAND INJURY
LA Kings Insider indicates that Kings GM Dean Lombardi was a guest on "Oilers Lunch" on Team 1260 in Edmonton yesterday, talking about a variety of issues. Lombardi said he met with Colten Teubert that morning and learned that Teubert has a bone injury in his hand and will be out for perhaps the next three months.

The same blog actually had an interview Teubert back at the end of June, where he talked about the injury. At the time he believed he'd be ready for training camp, although he wasn't 100 percent sure.

There were a few particularly interesting notes from that Q&A...

Question: When there are so many defensive prospects in the system, is that motivating to you, or challenging, or both?

TEUBERT: "I think it's both. I think it's motivating and challenging. You look at the quality players they have in the defence corps, with us just drafting a first-round D-man too, and we're definitely looking to build defence first. With the success that Manchester had last year, it just shows that drafting D-men and having good, solid D really helps both teams, especially with the Kings."

Question: When you see them draft a defenceman, does it concern you about where you stand with the team?

TEUBERT: "I mean, that's their decision to make. I'm going to do whatever it takes to stay up on top. I know we're all a team in this organization here, but individually, I want to be the best and I want to play in the NHL one day, so I'm going to do whatever it takes to do that. With that, with them drafting other players, it just sets a real challenging environment and it makes it really competitive to play on this team in the future."

A Compromise In Hamilton?

It would appear as if another location has been proposed in the on-going fight between Ti-Cats owner Bob Young and the city. Its one that all sides seem to like. Check out the story by clicking here.

Happy or Sad?

Summer is over! A sure sign of that is not the fact that WHL training camps have started with SJHL ones getting ready to go. Its not the fact that its getting quite cooler. Its the fact the school bell rings for the first time today as another school year begins. For some parents, they are quite happy to see their little guy or gal head back as its been two months of trying to keep them entertained. For some, it is an emotional time as its their little ones first day and for others, it means their daily routine which gets thrown out of whack in the summer returns. Whatever it is, just make sure you remember to be watching for the kids today and remember to adhere to all school zones. I'd like to say Regina's finest will be out watching for those going over 40 in school zones, but I'm guessing they won't seeing I rarely see them by my kids school which is on a busy street in which many seem to not care that they are ripping through a school zone.
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It might be one of my biggest pet peeves and it happened again Sunday. I was at a department store looking for some clothing. I got to where I wanted to be only to be stopped by two old men having a conversation with one another. I stood there patiently for a couple of seconds waiting for the pair to move off, but NO! They were too embroiled in conversation to move. Is it just people are oblivious to everything around them or are they just too ignorant? I have no problem with a conversation, but if you see someone wanting to get into the area that you are blocking then MOVE!!! When I finally invaded their space thus disrupting their conversation, I was met with a dirty glance--one suggesting "How dare you interrupt our chat!". Yes, I should abandon my quest for the goods I seek just because you can't do the correct thing and move. Its something that really, really gets under my skin.
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Something that has gotten under the skin of many is the performance of the Riders on Saturday. I still don't understand just how that team could lose Saturday night in Edmonton. They didn't deserve to win the game even though they played a great game defensively. There are questions that have to be asked about this team, but those thinking there is no chance of them getting back to the Grey Cup are simply delusional as far as I'm concerned. Those calling for Ryan Dinwiddie to start the Labour Day game are simply clueless. Those calling for Dominique Dorsey to be replaced aren't wrong though. Dorsey has proven to be a free-agent bust. Something must be done to improve the return game. If Stefan Logan gets cut in Pittsburgh, would the Riders be interested. They would have to part ways with Dorsey first and admit a mistake was made.
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The Regina Thunder rolled the Calgary Colts on Sunday. The Thunder are 2-0 after demolishing the Colts 59-10.
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Am I wrong to think that with Quinton Howden, Dylan McIlrath, newly acquired Colin Bowman, Anton Honejsek and some talented 20 year olds that the Warriors are the class of the Eastern Division if not the Eastern Conference? If not this year, then certainly next as the Warriors move into their new digs.
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What are the L-A Kings going to do with Colten Teubert? Is there a chance that he comes back to the WHL as a 20 year old. If he does, it won't be with the Pats. I am sure Chad Lang will send Teubert somewhere to make his hockey team a better one.
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With SJHL camps starting, there is tremendous optimism in several centres about their team hoisting the Credit Union Cup. Methinks its going to be a very exciting season watching the best Junior A league in Canada.
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I might have watched the Emmys had it not been for Jimmy Fallon. His Springsteen imitation at the start of the show had me reaching for the remote. I'm not a Fallon fan.
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Sounds like I missed a great HIW Friday night. DAMN!!!
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With it being the first day of school, I give you this. "You know how to tell if the teacher is hung over? Movie Day."

U of R Rams Season Preview

From CFL.ca

REGINA -- It was a fittingly strange ending to a wild Canada West season last year for the University of Regina Rams. The Rams thought they had suffered a season-ending loss to Saskatchewan in the final week of the regular season, but an eligibility ruling against Manitoba pushed Regina into the playoffs for a rematch against the Huskies in the conference semifinals.

Saskatchewan prevailed by a 53-23 score in the postseason, but the Rams return several key players on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball and hope that some recruits will be able to make immediate contributions as the team prepares for the 2010 campaign.

The team’s top returner on offence is quarterback Marc Mueller, who led Canada West in both passing yards and completions last season. On defence, look for middle linebacker Bruce Anderson to step up in his final season of CIS eligibility to provide leadership both on and off the field.

As for the recruits, look no further than defensive lineman Akiem Hicks. Standing 6’6” and weighing in at 305 lbs., Hicks, who will wear No. 99 with the Rams, comes to the U of R after stellar seasons in both 2007 and 2008 with Sacramento City College and is expected to be an impact player after adjusting to the nuances of the Canadian game.

For the second consecutive season, the Rams will kick off the year at Mosaic Stadium against the Manitoba Bisons. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 3.

“One thing I’ve recognized through the first couple of days of training camp is that the guys have trained hard and come into camp extremely fit and very strong,” said head coach Frank McCrystal.

“We’re going to be able to challenge in this conference this year. We are big, athletic, and have a good deal of experience. I think that we’ve addressed our defensive deficiencies through recruiting, and we’re confident that we’ll be much better in that aspect this year.”

2009 review:

2009 regular season record: 3-5
2009 regular season standings: 4th, Canada West
2009 playoff record: 0-1
2009 playoff finish: Lost 53-23 to Saskatchewan in Canada West semifinals

Head Coach - Frank McCrystal

- Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2010): 12
- Number of seasons as head coach in CIS (including 2010): 12
- Career regular season record with team: 39-48-1
- Career regular season record in CIS: 39-48-1
- Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 45-56-1
- Career overall record in CIS (reg. season & playoffs only): 45-56-1

OFFENCE

Key returning players:

QB Marc Mueller enters his fourth year of eligibility and his second as the Rams’ starting quarterback. Mueller controlled Regina’s pass-heavy offence last season, leading Canada West in passing yards (2308) and completions (176) and finishing second in the conference with nine touchdown passes.

SB Brenden Owens With slotback Jordan Sisco not expected to return, look for the fourth-year receiver to play an even bigger role in the team’s offence. Five of Mueller’s nine touchdown passes last season were caught by Owens, who finished second on the Rams in receiving yards (472) and third on the team with 28 receptions.

WR Mark McConkey had another solid season in 2009 as a second-year player. McConkey finished second on the Rams and sixth in Canada West with 36 receptions and third on the team in receiving yards (464).

OL John Hashem has started at right tackle for the Rams in each of the last three seasons. Hashem, who was selected by the Calgary Stampeders in the third round of the 2009 CFL Draft, is just a few classes shy of his degree in software systems engineering and will return this season for his final year of CIS eligibility. He is expected to again be a cornerstone of the team’s offensive line.

Key recruits (newcomers or transfers):

SB Jared Janotta redshirted last season but is expected to develop into one of Mueller’s targets this season. Janotta, who checks in at 6’3” and 195 lbs., graduated from Regina’s Michael A. Riffel HS in 2009 and is also a member of the U of R’s men’s basketball team.

RB Adrian Charles - With running back Graham Mosiondz not returning, expect Charles to have a large number of rushes this season. Charles hasn’t played since the 2008 season, when he had a record-setting year with the Saskatoon Hilltops, but he’s expected to play a significant role in offensive coordinator Bernie Schmidt’s offence this season.

Key losses:

SB Jordan Sisco is not expected to return for his final season of eligibility after attending training camp with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts and then being signed to the Saskatchewan Roughriders practice roster. Sisco was named a Canada West all-star last season after leading the conference with 52 receptions. He ends his four seasons with the Rams ranked second on the school’s all-time list with 141 career pass receptions and third in career receiving yards with 2051.

K/P Perri Scarcelli exhausted his CIS eligibility after completing his fifth season with the Rams in 2009. Scarcelli earned first-team All-Canadian honours after a spectacular season in which he was successful in 20 of his 23 field goal attempts, including hitting a 36-yard field goal into an icy wind to give the Rams a win over Simon Fraser on Oct. 9. Scarcelli ends his career ranked third on Canada West’s all-time list with 56 field goals made.

RB Graham Mosiondz, who led the team in rushing last season, will not return for his fifth season with the Rams. Mosiondz missed the entire 2008 season due to injury, but returned last year to record 404 rushing yards on 77 carries. He ends his career ranked second on the U of R’s all-time list in both rushes (371) and rushing yards (1927).

FB Sheldon Tillotson, always a key part of the offensive game plan as a pass-catching fullback, graduated last year after playing 40 consecutive conference games from 2005 to 2009. Tillotson established himself as one of Canada West’s top receiving fullbacks, ending his five-season career with 91 catches for 822 yards.

DEFENCE

Key returning players:

LB Bruce Anderson returns for his final season of eligibility with the Rams after transferring from Butte College following the 2007 season. Anderson had 46½ tackles last season to go along with two sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick.

CB Jamir Walker - though only in his second year of eligibility last season Walker continued to develop into one of the conference’s top cornerbacks. He tied for fourth in Canada West with four interceptions and also had seven pass breakups and 24 total tackles.

S Kirby Kezama like Walker will enter his third season of eligibililty in 2010. After seeing plenty of playing time as a first-year player in 2008, Kezama was strong for the Rams again last season. He was fourth on the team with 32 tackles and had an interception, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery.

Key recruits (newcomers or transfers):

DL Akiem Hicks is expected to make an immediate and significant impact on the line for the Rams. Hicks, listed at 6-6 and 301 lbs., was ranked as the No. 4 defensive tackle in the 2009 junior college recruiting class by rivals.com after two stellar seasons with the Sacramento City College Panthers.

DL Stefan Charles comes to the U of R after helping the Big Kahuna Rams to a second-place finish in the BCFC last season and an appearance in the league final. Charles ended up with 14 tackles, three sacks, and a fumble recovery for the Rams in 2009.

DL Jas Dhillon a teammate of Charles with the Big Kahuna Rams, had 13 tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery last season. Dhillon will have four seasons of CIS eligibility, as he accumulated 32 tackles, three sacks, two fumble recoveries, and a blocked kick over his three-season career with Big Kahuna.

Key losses:

DT Bjorn Person will be missed on the interior line after finishing up his five-season Rams career. He was named a Canada West all-star at defensive tackle last year after registering 10 solo tackles, 11 assisted tackles, 3½ tackles for loss, a sack, and a pass breakup.

LB Brandon Ganne was a mainstay for the Rams throughout his five seasons with the team. Ganne had his best statistical season in 2008 with a conference-leading 58 tackles and followed that up with a 48-tackle performance last season. Ganne also forced two fumbles and had 2½ tackles for loss.

LB Thomas Irving, who came to the Rams in 2008 after five seasons of junior football with the Saskatoon Hilltops, finished up his CIS eligibility last season. He was third on the team with 39 total tackles (24 solo, 30 assisted) and had two tackles for loss.

Inexcusable

I don't think I have seen the Riders put in a more putrid display offensively since Danny Barrett coached this team. WTF? When Wes Cates went into the endzone to make it 14-0 in the first quarter, I don't think anyone thought that was it as far as points for this team goes. They were horrid. Cates even told Carm Carteri after the game that no one deserved a game star after that outing. Did they take the Eskimos too lightly? Ken Miller says they didn't, but you know everyone is saying they did today. This was just beyond comprehension. Darian Durant wasn't on the same page as his receivers. His deep balls weren't connecting. He threw 2 bad INT's...I'll give him a pardon on the one that went off Rodriguez's hands. Cates dropped a ball at the end of the game and missed a couple of blocks. It was baffling to watch and it was agonizing to watch. I knew that somehow Edmonton would pull this one out and they did. The thing is they were brutal too. It might have been one of the worst CFL games I have ever seen. If fans were upset after the Calgary loss, I can only imagine what its like after this one. I didn't even listen to Michael Ball and John Lynch because even though I;m sure it was entertaining, I didn't want to hear what some of the mouthbreathers had to say. I'm guessing Rod can't wait for Monday's edition of the Sportscage. Do you think it will be humming? I'm guessing Jamie Nye can't wait either. An effort like that makes the job of sports talk radio hosts SO much easier. It will be interesting to hear what is said when the team lands at the airport.
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If there was any good news on Saturday, it was the fact BJ Penn got beat by Frankie Edgar at UFC 118. Edgar dominated the whiny little (rhymes with my first name) that is Penn. It looks good on him. Randy Couture also did a lot for MMA as he sent a message to James Toney and other boxers looking to enter the octagon. Couture destroyed Toney in their much-talked about match as he choked him out three minutes in. He owned Toney almost right from the get-go. I don't even know if Toney got a good punch in.
One other fight of note, Nate Diaz pummelled Marcus Davis. I don't know what was uglier on this Saturday, Davis' face when it was over or the Riders offence.
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Brandon Morrow was an outstanding pickup by Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos. If Morrow stays healthy, he might win 15-20 next year. His last month has been a definite break-through moment.
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Those that thought Tiger were back are back-tracking. Tiger has shown us that he is no better than everyone else on Tour right now. He has the ability to shoot a low number one day, but it seems he can't back it up with another one. At least not right now.
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I hate giving them credit, but I have to when they make good moves. I like the Leafs signing of Clarke McArthur. Slowly, but surely Brian Burke is putting together a good group of gritty forwards.
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By looking at the forecast Sunday, are we sure its not going to snow?
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The Thunder are home to the Colts at Mosaic on Sunday. Game time is 1. With the Thunder being a threat to perhaps be the PFC champs this year, will this translate into bigger crowds for the team. I'm guessing the weather will keep many away. I've always said that there aren't football fans in this province, just Rider fans. If we were as rabid a football fan as some believe, we would have bigger crowds for the Thunder, the Hilltops, the Huskies, the Rams and high school ball.
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Lebanon beat Canada at the World Basketball Championships. Lebanon??? A war-torn country is beating us in basketball. Oy vay! Perhaps our national soccer program isn't the only program that is in need of a complete overhaul or something. Lebanon??!!
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Riders Century on CBC

CBC Saskatchewan is putting on its party hat to celebrate the Saskatchewan Roughriders centennial. On Monday, August 30, CBC is rolling out its new Rider Century series across radio, TV and website.

Rider Century takes a look behind the scenes and at historic moments through the eyes of some of the team’s most celebrated players, coaches, staff, cheerleaders, trainers, fans and members of the Rider family. Tune in for 25 of your favourite Rider stories and learn interesting insights, reflections and memories from some of the most famous faces in Roughrider history.

The Rider Century vignettes will broadcast daily on CBC Radio One’s The Morning Edition with Sheila Coles between 6:30 am and 8:30am and will follow on CBC News Saskatchewan with sports host Glenn Reid at 5:30pm. Fans can visit cbc.ca/sask to view an archive of the vignettes throughout the rest of the CFL season.

“CBC is delighted to be in a position to celebrate the Roughriders’ centennial across radio, TV and online,” said Jill Spelliscy, managing director for CBC Saskatchewan. “CBC’s Rider Century allows us the opportunity to recognize the achievements of the team over the past 100 years and to acknowledge the Riders’ role in contributing to the spirit of Saskatchewan.”

Another One Goes Down

In my posting last nite, I talked about Stampede Wrestling and how I loved going to Exhibition Auditorium in the early 80's. It prompted an e-mail exchange with a good friend of mine today---a friend that I didn't know at the time used to go to the Tuesday night performances as well. We got talking about how many of the wrestlers--Davey Boy Smith, Brian Pillman, Chris Benoit, etc. etc. --have died and how others have basically treated their body like a car wreck. We wondered who might be next. In an eerie coincidence, we got our answer as a couple of hours later he texted me just as I was starting the Sportscage saying Luna Vachon had died. There is no cause of death as of writing this. One needs to read Bret Hart's book just to see what these guys do to themselves. "The Wrestler" does not exaggerate what these guys do on a night to night basis. They may entertain many, and they may get some good coin for it when hitting the big time, but is it really worth it? It makes me wonder just why the guys at High Impact Wrestling and other small time outfits do what they do.
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Try as they might, the BC Lions just couldn't keep up with Calgary. I didn't see a lot of the game, but it just looked as if Calgary was one step ahead. I did see the freak injury that BC's Darius Passmore sustained. That corrugated cardboard can do some damage. When will someone come out and say those signs should be removed from the field area. You can bet its coming.
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If the Riders don't beat the Eskimos by at least 14, I will be disappointed.
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Graham DeLaet did not make the cut at the Barclays so his rookie season on the PGA tour is over as he will not advance to next week's event. All in all, it was a great first year for the Weyburn product. I would say he has a better chance than Mike Weir or Stephen Ames at being the next Canadian to win a PGA event.
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I could care less where Ilya Kovalchuk plays next year.
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WHL camps are starting up and SJHL camps are right around the corner. Hockey time has arrived.
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The Notre Dame Hounds have a new assistant coach. You can check that story out by going here
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I'm guessing the Oilers need to find a goalie after Nikolai Khabibulin is found guilty of drunk driving. He could be spending 30 days in jail. Is this solid enough ground to void his big contract and set him free. It could give Edmonton a chance to go out and perhaps
sign a yet un-signed Antti Niemi or maybe trade for someone like a Josh Harding.
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UFC 118 is tonight. I am hoping Frankie Edgar destroys BJ Penn. Alas, I don't think that will happen. I am interested to see how James Toney performs against Randy Couture. If Toney wins, will this open MMA up to other boxers?
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Would You Pop Down $5 For This

Not me! In fact, this just turns my stomach a little. Read on

Who Made It?

I was cleaning out some crap in the basement Thursday night while watching John Chick and the Colts go up against Graham Harrell and the Packers when I came across some stuff I had while doing my thing at CJME. One of the things I came across was a program from the World Under 17 challenge when it was in Regina from December of 05 to January of 06. I started scanning through the rosters to see who was recognizable today. I was surprised that there weren't many.

Canadian world junior captain Patrice Cormier was on Team Atlantic. I don't remember if he did anything gutless in that tourney like he did at the World Jrs and for his Quebec junior team. PK Subban, Drew Doughty, Sam Gagner and John Tavares played for Team Ontario, Brandon Sutter, Kyle Turris and Tyler Ennis played for Team Pacific, Angelo Esposito was on Team Quebec, James Van Riemsdyk was on Team USA (I thought Patrick Kane was too, but no) and Luke Schenn was on Team Western. I was surprised that no one from Finland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic have made their way to the show. I still don't know why Sweden and Russia weren't represented at that event.
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Maybe all Tiger needed was to be set free. Just days after his divorce is announced, Tiger Woods goes out and shoots his best round in a year. I'll let you make your own comment on that one.
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I will be hosting the Sportscage Friday afternoon on 620 CKRM. Saskatchewan's 2nd best (hey, the other guys say they're the best so who are Rod and I to argue that claim---we leave it to you the peeps to speak) daily sports talk show will feature the aforementioned Mr. Pedersen live from Edmonton. Do you think Scott Schultz and I should rag on him because he is going to the Lady Gaga concert?
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High Impact Wrestling takes centre stage tonight at the Victoria Club. Alas, I will not be in attendance as I have some SJHL business to take care of this weekend so I will be on the road. I will leave it for Mr. Vanstone and some of my other wrasslin watchin buds to inform me of what happened. I hope someone tells me Rex Roberts was thrown out into traffic. I hate that dimestore cowboy. I don't know why, but I do! I think the feeling is mutual!
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How good did the Packers look? How good did Aaron Rodgers look? If there is any team in the NFC that is going to challenge New Orleans this year, I would put my money on Green Bay.
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So some guy that tried out for Canadian Idol has now been discovered to be a terrorist. I think I speak for most of Canada when I ask why this guy just didn't do us a favour and remove Ben Mulroney from the equation!!!
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The NHL is said to be throwing womens hockey a lifeline and setting up a league very similar to the NBA and the WNBA. The article can be found right here. Nothing against women's hockey, but is this a smart idea? This is an idea that the NHL might want to reconsider.
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Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols and Cincinnati first baseman Joey Votto are battling one another for the Triple Crown. No major leaguer has done that since 1964. The Triple Crown is the same thing that Regina Red Sox first baseman Mitch MacDonald accomplished this year. It tells you how rare this is and how special of a season it was for MacDonald. I know 2011 is a long ways away, but just watching him play should be a reason to watch the Red Sox next year.
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Did anyone see ABC's Nightline discussing the Chris Benoit murder/suicide and how brain damage was basically to blame. That story still gives me shivers. People ask me why I still watch wrestling the way I do. Its simple! I grew up watching that stuff every Tuesday night at Exhibition Auditorium. I loved it then and I still love it now.
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Remember that growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional. Have a good Friday!!!

Thursday's Rider Practice

--Notes from Thursday's Rider practice

--Rod Pedersen was there so I'm guessing there were no naked women on the Scarth Street Mall.

--Derek Meyers, Lee Jones and Jamie Nye were all absent due to their "team" being in the Press Box golf tournament. (A good event I may add). How Meyers could involve Nye on this team and not near scratch golfer Justin Blackwell is beyond me. I guess when they win those Molson Canadian glasses or worse instead of a new TV, Blackwell will just sit back and say "I told you so!"

--Omarr Morgan was back on the practice field after missing the last two days with a stomach ailment

--Prechae Rodriguez was slowed by a lower back injury. Coach Miller believes he will make the trip to Edmonton.

--Luca Congi and Eddie Johnson got involved in a long distance field goal contest. Congi nailed his last one from 60 yards out.

--Head coach Ken Miller emphasized that no veteran player needs to worry about being released prior to September 1 in order to save money under the salary cap. Some believe that Jason Clermont could be in that position.

CMA Needs To Do Some Homework

The Canadian Medical Association is calling for a ban on mixed martial arts. The group says MMA should be outlawed because they are barbaric spectacles that pose a high risk of brain injury. I have a question for the CMA. Where is your call for a ban to boxing? How about a ban on football or hockey? Has the CMA not seen where football players and hockey players have had brain injuries (ex: Keith Primeau).
Mixed martial arts has regulations in it just like other sports, regulations aimed at competitors safety. I would gather to say that there aren't as many concussions suffered in MMA as there are in football or hockey. In fact, I think one would say football is much more violent than MMA. For the CMA to come out against MMA and not call for sanctions on other sports---in particular boxing is simply ludicrous.
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What have we learned from the World Hockey Summit?
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Access 7 now has episodes of "In the Huddle" on demand. Will this be the case when Pete Paczko's new sports show hits the airwaves this September. I certainly hope so!!!
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From looking at the NHL on TSN sked (see post below) and adding it to the Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada sked, how many nights will Canadians be hockey-free this winter.
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"The Other Guys" with Will Ferrell is worth a see. Ferrell's character is once again outstanding.
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Global had a story on the construction of the Moose Jaw multiplex on Wednesday night. I didn't realize that an indoor soccer facility was being built as well. Looking at that facility, I wonder if a movement might be made in Moose Jaw to get Rider training camp there one year. Why not?
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I'm OK with an 18 game NFL regular season.
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Remember to check out Graham DeLaet's performance at the first event in the PGA playoffs as the Barclays starts today. DeLaet is the first threesome of the day off the tee on the number 10 hole. Follow his day by going to www.pgatour.com
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If you are looking for some great Rider memorabilia, go check out former Rider Mike Abou-Mechrek's site at www.abou67.com. He has things like a team autographed Rider helmet, a Taylor Hall autographed jersey and other items. Check it out and make a bid for one of the items. Money goes to help fight breast cancer.
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TSN's Hockey Sked

Get comfy with the couch now....



Toronto, ON (August 25, 2010) – Hockey lives here! With the most nationally-televised NHL regular season games in Canada, TSN and TSN2 deliver Canada’s favourite pastime to fans from coast to coast with its 124-game NHL ON TSN broadcast schedule for the 2010-11 regular season. All games are available nationally in High Definition. Games and highlights are also available on demand on TSN.ca.

This year’s combined 124-game national broadcast package is part of TSN and TSN2’s multi-year broadcast and digital rights agreement with the NHL. A total of 76 regular season games will air on TSN, with 70 games featuring at least one Canadian team. TSN also retains exclusivity of WEDNESDAY NIGHT HOCKEY, during which there are no other national or local NHL telecasts.

TSN2’s regular season schedule features 48 live NHL games showcasing non-Canadian teams. In addition, TSN and TSN2 have pre-season action featuring all six Canadian clubs.

“As we saw with our regular season audiences last year, Canadian fans are watching the NHL more than ever. With 124 games this year, TSN and TSN2 will ensure fans across the country are well-served with a broadcast package that has the most nationally-televised NHL regular season games in Canada,” said Stewart Johnston, President, TSN. “In addition to live games, Canadian hockey fans also receive all-encompassing coverage of their favourite NHL teams on all of TSN’s broadcast, digital, online and mobile platforms.”

Regular season coverage on TSN gets underway on Thursday, Oct. 7 – opening day – with an NHL Premiere game from Europe, as the Carolina Hurricanes take on the Minnesota Wild at 12 noon ET in Helsinki, Finland. In total, TSN has four NHL games from Europe to kick off the regular season.

TSN then hits the ice closer to home with its first WEDNESDAY NIGHT HOCKEY broadcast of the year featuring doubleheader action on October 13 with Toronto @ Pittsburgh at 7:30 p.m. ET immediately followed by Vancouver @ Anaheim at 10 p.m. ET.

TSN2 has NHL action on Tuesday, Oct. 12 with Colorado @ Detroit at 7:30 p.m. ET. (See broadcast schedule below.)

Highlights of the NHL ON TSN schedule include three all-Canadian match-ups featuring Edmonton @ Montreal and Vancouver @ Calgary on December 1, and Ottawa @ Montreal on December 7. Headlining the NHL ON TSN’s Canadian team coverage during the regular season is Toronto with 17 appearances, followed by Montreal with 16, Ottawa with 12, and 10 appearances each for Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton featuring #1 overall draft pick Taylor Hall.

Additional highlights of the NHL ON TSN regular season schedule include:
• 12 Original Six match-ups
• 10 games featuring Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks
• 14 games featuring Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals
• 10 doubleheaders on TSN
• Dany Heatley’s highly-anticipated return to Ottawa with the San Jose Sharks on December 2
• Continued exclusivity of WEDNESDAY NIGHT HOCKEY, during which there are no other national or local NHL telecasts

TSN delivered impressive audiences for the NHL during the 2009-10 regular season. With 71 games featuring Canadian teams, TSN averaged 714,000 viewers – the highest average audience ever recorded for NHL regular season games on TSN.† Audience levels also increased in all key advertising demographics for TSN compared to the 2008-09 NHL regular season.

As part of its broadcast rights agreement with the league, TSN has exclusive Canadian specialty television rights for national English-language broadcast and digital coverage of NHL games. Once again, TSN has coverage of the first three rounds of the STANLEY CUP® PLAYOFFS, exclusive Canadian coverage of the NHL DRAFT LOTTERY and NHL ENTRY DRAFT, and a suite of broadband, wireless and video-on-demand rights for NHL ON TSN telecasts.

2010-11 NHL ON TSN Broadcast Schedule*

Pre-Season
September
• Wednesday, Sept. 22 - Ottawa @ Toronto 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Thursday, Sept. 23 - Tampa Bay @ Edmonton 9 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Tuesday, Sept. 28 - Buffalo vs. Ottawa 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Tuesday, Sept. 28 - Phoenix @ Calgary 9:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Wednesday, Sept. 29 - Vancouver @ San Jose 10:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Thursday, Sept. 30 - Buffalo @ Montreal 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)

Regular Season
October
• Thursday, Oct. 7 - Carolina vs. Minnesota 12 noon ET (TSN)**
• Friday, Oct. 8 - Minnesota vs. Carolina 12 noon ET (TSN)**
• Friday, Oct. 8 - Columbus vs. San Jose 3 p.m. ET (TSN)***
• Saturday, Oct. 9 - Phoenix vs. Boston 12 noon ET (TSN)****
• Tuesday, Oct. 12 - Colorado @ Detroit 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Wednesday, Oct. 13 - Toronto @ Pittsburgh 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Wednesday, Oct. 13 - Vancouver @ Anaheim 10 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Thursday, Oct. 14 - Carolina @ Ottawa 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, Oct. 18 - Colorado @ NY Rangers 7 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, Oct. 19 - Boston @ Washington 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Wednesday, Oct. 20 - Vancouver @ Chicago 9 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Thursday, Oct. 21 - NY Rangers @ Toronto 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, Oct. 25 - Los Angeles @ Minnesota 8 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, Oct. 26 - Buffalo @ Philadelphia 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Wednesday, Oct. 27 - NY Islanders @ Montreal 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Thursday, Oct. 28 - Colorado @ Calgary 9:30 p.m. ET (TSN)

November
• Tuesday, Nov. 2 - San Jose @ Minnesota 8 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Wednesday, Nov. 3 - Toronto @ Washington 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Wednesday, Nov. 3 - Detroit @ Calgary 9:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Thursday, Nov. 4 - NY Islanders @ Ottawa 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, Nov. 8 - Phoenix @ Detroit 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, Nov. 9 - Washington @ NY Rangers 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Wednesday, Nov. 10 - Toronto @ Florida 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Thursday, Nov. 11 - Montreal @ Boston 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Friday, Nov. 12 - Calgary @ Phoenix 9 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, Nov. 15 - St. Louis @ Colorado 8 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Wednesday, Nov. 17 - Vancouver @ Pittsburgh 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Wednesday, Nov. 17 - Ottawa @ Carolina 7 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Friday, Nov. 19 - Chicago @ Calgary 9:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, Nov. 22 - Boston @ Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, Nov. 23 - Edmonton @ Phoenix 9 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Wednesday, Nov. 24 - Calgary @ New Jersey 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Wednesday, Nov. 24 - Dallas @ Ottawa 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Thursday, Nov. 25 - Colorado @ Edmonton 9 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Friday, Nov. 26 - Toronto @ Buffalo 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Friday, Nov. 26 - San Jose @ Vancouver 10 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, Nov. 29 - Dallas @ Carolina 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, Nov. 30 - St. Louis @ Chicago 8 p.m. ET (TSN2)

December
• Wednesday, Dec. 1 - Edmonton @ Montreal 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Wednesday, Dec. 1 - Vancouver @ Calgary 9:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Thursday, Dec. 2 - San Jose @ Ottawa 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Friday, Dec. 3 - Vancouver @ Chicago 8:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, Dec. 6 - San Jose @ Detroit 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, Dec. 7 - Ottawa @ Montreal 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Tuesday, Dec. 7 - Buffalo @ Boston 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, Dec. 7 - Anaheim @ Edmonton 9:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Wednesday, Dec. 8 - Toronto @ Pittsburgh 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Thursday, Dec. 9 - Philadelphia @ Toronto 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, Dec. 13 - Los Angeles @ Detroit 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, Dec. 14 - Pittsburgh @ Philadelphia 7 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Wednesday, Dec. 15 - Philadelphia @ Montreal 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, Dec. 20 - Anaheim @ Boston 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, Dec. 21 - New Jersey @ Washington 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Wednesday, Dec. 22 - Vancouver @ Detroit 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Thursday, Dec. 23 - Montreal @ Carolina 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, Dec. 27 - Minnesota @ Columbus 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, Dec. 28 - Boston @ Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, Dec. 28 - Philadelphia @ Vancouver 10 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Thursday, Dec. 30 - Colorado @ Edmonton 9:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Friday, Dec. 31 - Phoenix @ St. Louis 8:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)

January
• Tuesday, Jan. 4 - Detroit @ Edmonton 9 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Thursday, Jan. 6 - St. Louis @ Toronto 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, Jan. 10 - Boston @ Pittsburgh 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, Jan. 11 - Montreal @ NY Rangers 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Tuesday, Jan. 11 - Philadelphia @ Buffalo 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Wednesday, Jan. 12 - Pittsburgh @ Montreal 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Thursday, Jan. 13 - Ottawa @ NY Islanders 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, Jan. 17 - Los Angeles @ Dallas 8:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, Jan. 18 - Montreal @ Buffalo 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Wednesday, Jan. 19 - Toronto @ NY Rangers 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Wednesday, Jan. 19 - Minnesota @ Calgary 9:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, Jan. 24 - NY Rangers @ Washington 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, Jan. 25 - Toronto @ Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Wednesday, Jan. 26 - Edmonton @ Dallas 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)

February
• Tuesday, Feb. 1 - Montreal @ Washington 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Tuesday, Feb. 1 - Pittsburgh @ NY Rangers 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Wednesday, Feb. 2 - Detroit @ Ottawa 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Thursday, Feb. 3 - Carolina @ Toronto 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Friday, Feb. 4 - Chicago @ Vancouver 10 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Sunday, Feb. 6 - Pittsburgh @ Washington 12:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Monday, Feb. 7 - NY Rangers @ Detroit 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, Feb. 8 - Buffalo @ Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Wednesday, Feb. 9 - Montreal @ Boston 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Thursday, Feb. 10 - New Jersey @ Toronto 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, Feb. 14 - Washington @ Phoenix 8 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Wednesday, Feb. 16 - Toronto @ Buffalo 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Wednesday, Feb. 16 - Dallas @ Calgary 9:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Friday, Feb. 18 - Boston @ Ottawa 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, Feb. 21 - Washington @ Pittsburgh 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, Feb. 22 - New Jersey @ Dallas 8:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Wednesday, Feb. 23 - Edmonton @ Colorado 9:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, Feb. 28 - Chicago @ Minnesota 8 p.m. ET (TSN2)

March
• Tuesday, March 1 - Buffalo @ NY Rangers 7 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, March. 1 - Boston @ Ottawa 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Wednesday, March 2 - Pittsburgh @ Toronto 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Friday, March 4 - NY Rangers @ Ottawa 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, March 7 - Washington @ Tampa Bay 7 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, March 8 - Colorado @ Minnesota 8 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Wednesday, March 9 - Edmonton @ Washington 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, March 14 - San Jose @ Chicago 8 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, March 15 - Washington @ Montreal 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Tuesday, March 15 - Buffalo @ Carolina 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, March 15 - Phoenix @ Calgary 9:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Wednesday, March 16 - Toronto @ Carolina 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Friday, March 18 - Montreal @ NY Rangers 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Sunday, March 20 - TBD 12:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Monday, March 21 - Pittsburgh @ Detroit 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, March 22 - Buffalo @ Montreal 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Tuesday, March 22 - Washington @ Philadelphia 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Wednesday, March 23 - Vancouver @ Detroit 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Thursday, March 24 - Montreal @ Boston 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Friday, March 25 - Washington @ Ottawa 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Monday, March 28 - Chicago @ Detroit 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, March 29 - Los Angeles @ Edmonton 9:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Tuesday, March 29 - Chicago @ Boston 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Wednesday, March 30 - Montreal @ Carolina 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Wednesday, March 30 - Anaheim @ Calgary 9:30 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Thursday, March 31 - Toronto @ Boston 7 p.m. ET (TSN)

April
• Monday, April 4 - Boston @ NY Rangers 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Tuesday, April 5 - New Jersey @ Pittsburgh 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)
• Wednesday, April 6 - Toronto @ New Jersey 7 p.m. ET (TSN)
• Sunday, April 10 - TBD 12:30 p.m. ET (TSN2)

*All games available in High Definition
**Live from Helsinki, Finland
***Live from Stockholm, Sweden
****Live from Prague, Czech Republic

The Hockey Night in Canada sked is also out. Here it is

Just Some Light Reading

I told you I had a story about Prechae Rodriguez up on Riderville.com. It got picked up by CFL.ca, so if interested, here it is.

University of Connecticut Recruits Former SJHL'er

The University of Connecticut hockey program has accomplished a first. One of the seven players it has recruited to the school is Brant Harris. The Estevan product, who played for the Bruins and Melfort, is the first Saskatchewan born player to be a part of the Husky hockey program.

Captain Mitchell

Regina Pats are proud to announce 19 year old forward, Garrett Mitchell as captain of the 2010-11 Regina Pats.

A home-grown Regina boy, Mitchell has been with the Pats since being a 2nd round WHL Bantam Draft pick in 2006. In 194 games with the blue and white the past four seasons, Mitchell has collected 33 goals and 27 assists for 60 points while amassing 325 minutes in penalties.

Garrett was a 6th round pick, 175th overall of the Washington Capitals in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and played a game with the American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears last season.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Garrett’s commitment, determination and his compete level. Through my discussions with Brent, the coaching staff and his teammates it was obvious how well respected he is,” commented Regina Pats General Manager, Chad Lang. “Garrett has all the qualities, characteristics and values we feel are needed to lead our organization.”

Regina Pats Head Coach, Curtis Hunt, “Garrett has epitomized the work ethic, desire, and passion that defines a Regina Pat. I know it is a proud day for him, as well as our organization-past, present and future.”

It’s a tremendous honour, growing up living in Regina seeing all the amazing captains that have worn a Pats jersey,” said Regina Pats Captain, Garrett Mitchell. “It’s amazing to follow the likes of former Pat greats like Jason Smith, Barret Jackman, Rick Rypien, Garth Murray just to name a few.”

Too see Garrett Mitchell and the rest of the Regina Pats, training camp 2010 kicks off this Saturday morning at 9am. All practice sessions are at the Co-Operators Centre and are free of charge.

***Garrett Mitchell will be on with Rod and I on the Sportscage on 620 CKRM at 430.

Box Office Gold

From Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun


This is getting goofy.

It’s looking like the Edmonton Eskimos may play to a Commonwealth Stadium crowd close to capacity Saturday.

Imagine that.

Despite being so bad that they haven’t managed a regular-season crowd to match their preseason game attendance of 33,708, the Eskimos are going to get something close to a sellout crowd because this time Saskatchewan Roughriders fans aren’t going to save a section.

That was what was plastered on the Stadium Road billboard before the Roughriders came here last year, remember?

“Hey Eskies fans. We’ll save a section for you!”

That game drew a CFL regular-season attendance record of 62,517.

On Monday morning, when the 1-6 Eskimos returned to the practice field from their bye week break following a 56-15 loss to the Calgary Stampeders, the staff returned from their break to find out they might be dealing with another ticket stampede similar to the one which sold out the Grey Cup game back in early June.

With a full week before Saturday’s 5 p.m. fixture, a total of 45,000 tickets had been sold!

It seems that’s roughly the magic number at Commonwealth Stadium, the number where the tough-ticket syndrome kicks in, when fans start scrambling for seat location and stop holding back, waiting to find out what the weather is going to be.

Is this a stupid season or what?

It began with Edmonton selling out the Grey Cup when training camps were opening, when the game has never before been sold out before Labour Day. Then the Eskimos play so poorly they can’t match their pre-season crowd. Now …

Well, who knows?

But 45,000 and counting …

Coming off a game that featured a record-equalling most points ever given up by the Eskimos and the biggest margin of defeat against the Stampeders, it’s logical to assume it’s not Edmonton fans buying up all those tickets.

Is it possible there are enough Saskatchewan fans out there to buy the rest?

It’s the Roughriders’ centennial season, and the celebration of 100 years of Saskatchewan football will be undertaken twice here this year (three times if they return for the Grey Cup) by the fans who (another billboard) “Walk Among You” and drive from flatland locales near and far.

“Every visit by the Riders is a hot ticket, regardless where either team sits in the standings,” said Eskimos marketing manager Dave Jamieson.

“I call it the ‘Yankees effect,’ where the brand is so strong that it pulls even casual or marginal fans out to the park.

“The rivalry is as strong as it has ever been, and we’re counting on Eskimos fans to be out in force to counteract the Saskatchewan effect … and be wearing our shade of green.”

Despite sharing the indignity of having the worst record in the CFL with the B.C. Lions in a year when there were relatively high hopes of the Eskimos returning to being a team which could, at least, contemplate the idea of getting to their own Grey Cup game, Edmonton could still end up leading the league in attendance — as always.

Despite a healthy increase in season-ticket sales because of the Grey Cup, the average attendance sits at a less-than-impressive 31,763 through the first four games of the Esks’ so-far shabby season.

In Edmonton, a number like 31,763 definitely represents a stadium half empty, not a stadium half full.

Around the rest of the league, that’s a pretty good number — and it still leads the league. Calgary sits second with an average of 31,345. Saskatchewan is third at 30,047, followed by Winnipeg at 27,046, B.C. at 26,518, Montreal at 25,012, Hamilton at 23,434 and Toronto at 21,689.

But Saturday really could be one for the books.

The Eskimos drew 31,888 in a loss against the Argos, go to Calgary and get their butts kicked 56-15, fire a coach and have another one resign and come home and maybe double the size of their crowd?

Only in the CFL, and only because of all those green people wearing watermelons on their heads.
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Just a quick item from Rider practice today. Neither Tad Kornegay or Omarr Morgan were practicing. Morgan has a stomach ailment (no, I don't think he's been eating at the same places Darian Durant has been) and Tad Kornegay had some muscle soreness.

I'm working on a Prechae Rodriguez story for Riderville. Hopefully that will be up later today or early tomorrow. Chances are its the latter because I'll will be Rod in the Cage at 4.

Who?

I guess its probably not fair to start judging someone after just hearing his name, but I was shocked this morning when I got an e-mail from the Edmonton Oilers announcing who their replacement for long time hall-of-fame broadcaster Rod Phillips would be. Many names have been thrown about over the past few months. Names that included Rod Pedersen, Kelowna Rockets play by play man Regan Bartel, TSN's Ryan Rishaug and Edmonton native and current San Jose Shark TV broadcaster Randy Hahn. It won't be any of those four though. The team announced today Jack Michaels is the new guy. Who? Jack Michaels comes to Edmonton after doing hockey for the Alaska Aces of the East Coast Hockey League. (How is a team based in Alaska in a league called the East Coast Hockey League anyhow?). The committee making this decision didn't get Jack confused with Al did they? Perhaps they he's going to be known as the heart-break kid Jack Michaels.
As I said, I know its not fair to get on the guy's case without hearing him do one second of play-by-play, but I think the Oilers needed a more recognizable voice. He's got his chance though and its up to him to make the most of it. I'm guessing though that there are many out there who are scratching their head.
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I look at the front page of the paper today and see the Premier giving the outgoing governor general a jersey with "27" on the back. Pretty cruel trick for Mr. Wall to give Michaelle Jean a "Dominique Dorsey" jersey considering he has taken the bullets from Rider fans this year. In all seriousness, the "27" symbolizes the number of governor generals that we have had with Jean being the 27th. It still looks odd though.
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Jose Bautista continues to knock the cover off the baseball. How about that game last nite? Who in their right mind knew the Toronto outfielder/third baseman would hit 40 plus homers this year. Certainly not I. Brandon Morrow had another strong outing on the mound and some people were in the stands at Rogers Centre last night. I'm guessing an appearance by the Yankees inflates the attendance somewhat, but you gotta think Toronto baseball fans are really waiting for next year to see if this team can stay together and contend. I think they can. Alex Anthopoulos has done some tremendous work in his short time as Toronto GM. He's already done more than J-P Ricciardi.
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Is there any reason to think Stevie Baggs will make the Cardinals?
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When are we going to find out how much money the former Mrs. Tiger got in her divorce settlement. I laughed yesterday when I saw the release in which it said "each wishes the other well". Sure they do!!
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Here's an interesting story on Canadians and the CFL. I find this to be a little surprising. Then again, not if I'm living in Southern Ontario.
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Did you catch TSN's Kraft Celebration Tour from Pinawa, Manitoba yesterday. Jay Onrait and Dan O'Toole came on and all you saw was "/=S=/ in the crowd. Three big signs with the Rider logo on it front and centre in good old Manitoba. LOVE IT!! You know it will be a nuthouse in Outlook tomorrow when the Tour stops there. I would have been in Indian Head tomorrow had they won, but they didn't. Oh well! TSN really has to find a way to get Onrait and O'Toole into a better spot than the midnight edition. Nothing against Rod Smith because he is solid, but I would love to see those two performing their schtick on the late afternoon "Sportscentre". I know Onrait has his detractors, but I find the guy to be extremely hilarious. His work in Vancouver at the Olympics alongside Canada AM's Beverly Thomson was outstanding.
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You know how I said school begins in a week. If that isn't one sign that fall is around the corner, then how about this. My neighbour received her "Christmas Wish Book" from Sears. YIKES!!!

Sell-Out!!

All of these seats will be sold for the September 17 game against Calgary. The football team announcing today that the game is sold out. Does this really surprise anyone?

G'Bye Lou!

The Chicago Cubs have been dreadful this year. Perhaps that should read one or two levels beyond dreadful. I knew the team would have a new manager in 2011 because Lou Piniella had said he was going to retire. So it surprised me somewhat this morning when I woke up to find today would be Lou's last day on the job. After 48 years in the game, Piniella was retiring because of his mother's ill health.
If Lou would have been smart, he would have had one of his trademark arguments with an umpire and got tossed in the 7th. What the Cubs did today in Lou's last game was beyond pathetic. It was an absolute embarassment. The Cubbies got smoked 16-5 by Atlanta and they looked terrible in doing so. They allowed five homers, they had three errors and on one play that broke the game open in the 7th, Alfonso Soriano couldn't field a lazy fly ball to left with the bases loaded and three runs ended up scoring. That's inexplicable in itself.
When Piniella took over the Cubs in 2006, I thought he could get this team over the hurdle--that now 102 year old hurdle that gets bigger and bigger each day. Two playoff berths were met with no playoff wins. No Bartman to blame this time around.
Who's next? It won't be bench coach Alan Trammell. The team says the former great Tigers shortstop won't be offered the job. There is talk former Cub and current Yankee manager Joe Girardi might be the guy, but I can't see that. I really see this team going into its past and selecting my all time favourite major leaguer Ryne Sandberg to be the new skipper. Sandberg has been slowly working his way through the organization and is currently managing the Cubs Triple A team in Iowa. He knows the guys that will be coming up to the big team. He knows the pressure associated with Cubs baseball. He knows Chicago. He is the perfect candidate. I just hope that him taking the job doesn't tarnish his good name.
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Brett Favre was back---for four plays. Why bother? The Viking quarterback didn't even work up a sweat as his team lost to the Niners in NFL exhibition play. I'm sure he'll play much more at home next weekend against Seattle.
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Speaking of the Seahawks, Jon Ryan's performance against the Packers in Saturday's pre-season game has media that follow the Packers acknowleding Green Bay made the wrong move when they released Ryan. Here's a blog posting from a Milwaukee newspaper writer that wonders what if.
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Congrats to Graham DeLaet. Even though he didn't make the cut this weekend at the Wyndhams, he still had enough to qualify in the top 125 for the Fed Ex Cup playoffs that will begin Thursday. Here's what you need to know as he starts play at the Barclays.

EVENTS: There are four events in the Playoffs, with a progressive cut after each of the first three events in order to reduce the field to the top 30 in FedExCup points going into the Playoffs finale, THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola. Here's a look at each event and the size of the field.


Tournament Competition dates Course Field size
The Barclays Aug. 26-29 Ridgewood CC,
Paramus, N.J. Top 125 and ties
in FedExCup points

Deutsche Bank Championship Sept. 3-6 TPC Boston
Norton, Mass. Top 100 and ties
in FedExCup points

BMW Championship Sept. 9-12 Cog Hill (Dubsdread)
Lemont, Ill. Top 70 and ties
in FedExCup points

THE TOUR Championship
presented by Coca-Cola Sept. 23-26 East Lake CC
Atlanta, Ga. Top 30 and ties
in FedExCup points

POINTS: Players carry over their accumulated FedExCup points from the regular season, but points in the Playoffs are worth five times as much as points distributed at the majority of TOUR events. For instance, the winner of each event will receive 2,500 points, not 500. That means players who perform well in the Playoffs can move up quickly in the standings. Last year, Heath Slocum began the Playoffs next-to-last in points, but thanks to his 2,500 points in winning The Barclays, he moved up to third in the standings and eventually finished eighth.

RESET: At the conclusion of the BMW Championship, the top 30 players in points will be eligible for THE TOUR Championship and will have their points adjusted based on their position. As a result, the top five players going into East Lake will control their own fates -- win THE TOUR Championship and you win the FedExCup. Players ranked 6-15 will have a reasonable chance of winning the FedExCup, based on how others perform, and all players are at least guaranteed a mathematical chance of winning.

DeLaet finishes his first year on the Tour with just under 600-thousand dollars won. Four of his 23 events saw him finish in the top 25 and he had one top 3 finish which was the Houston Open. The chances of him moving on past this week are slim, but if you get hot at the right time, you can just keep going so many around here will be hoping he can put four good rounds together next week.
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If Old Spice guy was a comic character, he would be Cleveland Brown (Family Guy).
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The NHL is getting smart. It sounds as if they are going to change its regular season tiebreaker rule.The first tiebreaker will be a combination of regulation time and overtime victories, with shootout wins excluded, according to the online report. In the past, the first tiebreaker had been total wins of any kind.The league is making the adjustment to give more weight to victories gained in some form of team play, rather than by shootout. Personally, I've grown tired of the shootout because I see it too often. I'm not big on the 3 on 3 idea (see poll question) because now you are radically changing the game. I say 3 points for a win, 2 points for a shootout win, 1 point for a shootout loss and zero points for a loss whether it happens in overtime or not.
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Keep rooting for Mandi Schwartz. She needs every little bit of support that can be given.
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What is the exact meaning of this World Hockey Summit. Here's the bottom line. We are Olympic mens and womens champs and we were one shot away from winning the World Junior title for what the umpteenth year in a row. As far as I see it, everything is fine in Canada. OK, an Oilers resurgence and the rebirth of the Jets in Winnipeg is needed, but other than that why are people constantly screwing around with what is a great game. Is there a world baseball summit? A world football summit? A world poker summit? Exactly!
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Rider punter(and man with perhaps the best stache in sports today) Eddie Johnson came back to the CFL after working as a bartender in California. Here is the website to the bar Johnson was working at. Why as a red blooded male would Eddie want to leave this lifestyle in California to play football on the what will soon be cold Canadian prairie? Then again, he'll be back there bartending in December, January and February when we are freezing our tails off. Talk about having the best of both worlds.
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Parents, its the last week of summer holiday for your munchkin or munchkins. At this time next week, its back to school!!!!
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If practice makes perfect and there is no such thing as perfect then why practice?

Thunder Take Opener

The Regina Prairie Thunder have taken their opening game of the Prairie Football Conference season. They beat the Edmonton Wildcats 32-14. The Hilltops also won their opener as they routed the Winnipeg Rifles 51-14.

An Interesting Turn In The Ti-Cats Saga

It would seem as if Hamilton mayor Fred Eisenberger hasn't been giving his fellow councillors all the information when it comes to the stadium debate. So much so, that Eisenberger might be getting into some hot water. Read on.

Back To Work

If all goes well, the Riders are back at work and they won't have another bye week until the Western final. Coach Miller put them through a light workout on Saturday afternoon. Some of the guys stayed home, but many others went home and the main reason for that was families. I can't imagine how tough it must be for these guys to leave the wife and kids (especially if small ones) for an extended period of time. I know it was tough on my former talk show host Drew Remenda to leave his wife and kids in Saskatoon while he was doing thing in San Jose, but at least he got the opportunity to come up for a couple of days during the season at various times. CFL players don't get that chance. I think that is part of the game that many fans don't think about.


I found it interesting that head coach Ken Miller said there is a wall in the Rider room where players have pictures of their families on it. Some didn't have pictures up there and Miller told the guys before they left that that should be rectified.
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Here's a pic of Regina born NFL'er Jon Ryan warming up before last night's Packers-Seahawks game in Seattle. I watched almost the entire first half of the game before turning away. I was informed that Ryan had a tremendous 2nd half in which he was booming punts and hemming the Packers inside the 5 a couple of times thus drawing rave reviews from Curt Menefee and Warren Moon. Yes, that would be the same Curt Menefee that hosts the NFL on FOX. He really should get out of the studio and do more play-by-play. Bring Chris Rose into the studio. Bring Charissa Thompson into the studio!!


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How the mighty have fallen! Motley Crue lead singer Vince Neil is going to be performing at the Bear Claw Casino. From arenas and stadiums to casinos for Vince. He's not the first and he won't be the last. The thing is is the place will likely be packed. If Kelly Remple is reading this, he will probably be buying tickets immediately.
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I've come to the conclusion that this blog is one for the office readers. The readership on the weekend takes a tremendous downwards turn. That's OK though. I still appreciate each and every visit. As I've said from the beginning, I also wonder just why your lives are so meagre that you keep checking in. KIDDING! It is funny to see the readership graph though and see the huge disparity on the weekend.
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Don Cherry said yesterday that this is the year the Leafs get back into the playoffs. OK, its official, Grapes has gone senile. Its time to replace him. Truthfully, I think the Leafs are on the right track, but I think they need one more year of being on the outside looking in. As much as I blow the Oilers horn, I think they need one more year of being a non-playoff team before they start making noise as well. the non-playoff team that will make noise this year---Tampa Bay!
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When am I going to start looking at my upcoming fantasy football drafts? Rod Pedersen told me the other day he's never gotten into fantasy football. I had one word for him--DON"T. Its like the Hotel California --you can check out any time you want, but you can never leave.
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Speaking of checking out, that's what I'm doing. The forecast sounds like its going to be a steamy one...one of those days where you could make your own gravy. If thats your kind of day, enjoy it. If its not, I'm sure there's enough on TV to keep you occupied.

Shoulda Known Better

I shoulda known better. Yes, it was a great song by Richard Marx in the 80s, but its also the way I'm feeling when I think about the Toronto Argonauts.

I started to believe in them. I thought Jim Barker had turned the fortunes of this team around. While the Argos are still improved, they are still a long ways away from a good football team. In what was an absolutely terrible football game, the Hamilton/Moncton/Quebec City Tiger-Cats beat Toronto 16-12. The win puts the Ti-Cats within a game of Toronto and those two teams will meet again in two weeks after the bye in Steeltown. It might be Hamilton yet that provides Montreal its stiffest competition in the East.

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With last night's game, it means there is no weekend CFL action. No Saturday or Sunday games to enjoy. I don't like that. I don't like it one bit. Thank god for the NFL Network.

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The bye week is over for the Riders. They will gather as a unit later this morning at Mosaic Stadium after having a week off to start getting ready for Saturdays game in Edmonton. I'm sure Coach Miller will be reminding his guys that even though the Eskimos are playing like it, they are no free spot on the bingo card.

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Great hearing from John Chick on "The Sportscage" Friday afternoon. There is no doubt Chick is going to crack the Colts lineup. I found it amazing that he goes through everything he does with the Colts (which is a heckuva lot more than he did here) yet he still finds time to find out how his old team is making out. I wonder if he reads those stories on Riderville?? I had to ask the question because I didn't know. If John was to win a Vince this year or any year that he plays for the Colts, would he be the first to have both a Grey Cup and a Super Bowl ring. Rod says there's about 10 guys who have that distinction. Really? I'm not a huge Colts fan, but I would be very glad for Chick if he could pull that feat off.

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Guys, you gotta give this ballboy a gold star. You just have to. Read on!!!

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The Colorado Rockies have put outfielder Brad Hawpe on waivers. Why aren't the Blue Jays hopping all over this guy. Put him in right, move Jose Bautista to 3rd and add another very good bat to your lineup. Speaking of Jose Bautista, he is in position to break George Bell's club mark for most homers in one season. I wonder what the odds of that happening at the start of the season were. Does anyone think Bautista will do what he is doing this year again next?

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The Jays had more runs than the Argos had points on Friday.

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I heard a rumour that the Broncos and Pats were talking about a trade involving 20 year old forward Justin Dowling. I can't see that one happening. What would the Pats give up to get someone of Dowling's ilk. He would be a great 20 for this team, but at what cost.

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Mike Weir misses the cut at the Wyndhams Championship meaning he doesnt get into the Fed Ex Cup playoffs. Hang on to that glory Mike, hang on!!! Graham DeLaet probably blew a chance at getting into the FedEx Cup playoffs by missing the cut as well. He needs some guys to blow up this weekend to keep his chances alive.

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Rider fans, take note of this. Two gentlemen (Rod Nasewich and Sheldon Green) have written a very informative book called "The Rider Book of Lists". It has a lot of info in there including 13 things you may not have known about Gainer the Gopher. One of the items is that Gainer is an anagram of Regina. I never even thought about that. Anyhow, its a great read. Its hoped the book will be on sale at the Rider store before the Labour Day Classic. If you send an e-mail to riderbookoflists@hotmail.com, you might be able to get an advance copy. Speaking of books, when is Vanstone's much anticipated book on the 89 Riders coming out. I know that will be a must-have book. I also know RV will be giving me a couple of freebies since I helped him out on that project. Then again, he does pay tribute to my contribution in the opening pages which was something that was definitely not expected, but is very much appreciated
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I hate trying to break in a new pair of runners
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This smoke can go away anytime soon.
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Have a gooder!!!

Congrats to Jon Keen

One of what in my mind is the top play by play guys in the WHL is moving on----but he's not getting into the show, at least not yet. Jon Keen is leaving as the voice of the Swift Current Broncos to take the play by play job with the Kamloops Blazers.

I offered him my congrats today and he tells me he's currently outside Wrigley Field where the Cubs play the Braves today and that he's sitting in the left field bleachers. SIGGHHHHHH!!!! One day I will get to Wrigley. If all goes to plan, it will be next year.

So who takes over for Jon in SC? A decision has to be made and made very quickly. I'm sure the people of Swift Current would gladly embrace Rod Pedersen seeing he has been public enemy #1 there in the winter time at times---especially after Vaseline-gate. (By the way, that is one of the all time great stories as far as I'm concerned and I know many of you that read this know what I'm talking about) Whoever it is has some big shoes to fill, but like I say, you throw the shoes out and buy your own.

As for Rod, he needs to either become Eberle's roomy in Edmonton (think about that one for a second) or move down Highway 2 and take over for the legendary Peter Maher when he decides to hang up the microphone. I just don't know as an Oiler fan if I could take two good friends of mine (Rod and Peter Loubardias) calling Flames games. That might be too much!!

Update on A-C

From Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette


Injured quarterback Anthony Calvillo has a bruised sternum, according to head coach Marc Trestman, who addressed the media Friday morning at Olympic Stadium.

Although Calvillo was expected to be released from Montreal General Hospital Friday morning, Trestman said he would continue to remain there, for precautionary reasons, but had suffered no structural damage.

Trestman was going to visit Calvillo, after going to the dentist, and before flying home to Raleigh, N.C. for the bye week in the schedule. Players won’t practice until next Friday, and the Als don’t play again until Sept. 3, at home, against British Columbia.

Calvillo was injured with 4:52 remaining in the second quarter of Thursday’s game, against Winnipeg, after being sacked by Odell Willis. Calvillo, who turns 38 on Monday, has sustained more hits and damage than usual this season, and was already playing with a dislocated index finger on his throwing hand.

He passed for 164 yards and two touchdowns against the Blue Bombers before departing. Montreal, leading 24-0 at the time, held on for a 32-17 victory, improving its record to 6-2.

Calvillo was replaced by Chris Leak, who led the Als to two fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Has The CFL Landscape Changed?

All it takes is one play for a season to possibly go up in smoke. Dreams of a Grey Cup rematch between the Alouettes and Roughriders may not be fulfilled. If you missed it, the Alouettes throttled the Bombers in CFL play Wednesday night, but the big story was that Anthony Calvillo had to be taken off the field on a cart and was taken to hospital after what seemingly was an innocent-looking play.
As of the time I write this, there is no official report on to how serious Calvillo's injury is. It is believed to be a rib injury, and TSN's Matt Dunigan said by looking at Calvillo, it may be a broken sternum. If that is the case, Calvillo may be out for the season. If that is the case, the race for the East all of a sudden becomes an interesting one and the Grey Cup could very well be the Western final between the Stamps and Riders.
There is no denying the Alouettes are a much different looking team if A-C isn't at the controls. Chris Leak can't come close to doing what Calvillo can with the Montreal offence. With a bye week, the Alouettes might not miss their hall of fame quarterback, but they may also be without him for the rest of '10 and that would be disastrous for not only the Als, but the entire CFL.
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John Chick had one tackle for the Colts in their 34-21 loss to Buffalo at Rogers Centre. Almost 40-thousand were there for that one. If they get 40-thousand for a meaningless exhibition game, why aren't they drawing for the Argos? I'm guessing the Argos won't come close to 30-thousand for their game tonight against Hamilton. Speaking of Mr. Chick, I believe I heard Rod Pedersen say he will be on "The Sportscage" Friday afternoon. I believe I am also co-hosting with Rod (where's Schultzie??) so I will get a chance to speak with the former Rider about life in the NFL.
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Can someone please explain how A)Stampeder Mike Labinjo did not get suspended for at least one game for his actions against the Eskimos. He basically assaulted Andre Talbot and B) Why does Talbot get fined for being a punching bag? What did he do? Why do I think no suspensions came because there was fear they wouldn't hold up (ie: the Jason Jimenez suspension).
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Training camps are right around the corner for WHL and SJHL teams. I can't wait!
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I fully endorse Roger Clemens being charged with perjury, but if that is happening then why haven't Mark McGwire or Rafael Palmeiro been charged?
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The Big Bang Theory is going to be coming on 5 days a week starting in September. That is good news!!!
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Its great seeing Lindsey Hoemsen back on the air doing the 1130 news at CTV as she is back from maternity leave. Lindsey and I worked many a weekend and evening shift together at CJME and she is one of my faves. Some didn't think she would amount to much in that blue building, but I knew she would make it and she has. I could tell stories, but as I said she's one of my faves and I wouldn't and couldn't do that to her. By the way, where's Manny?
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Tell me you wouldn't be looking for some clean underwear if this happened in front of you. WOW!!!!!!
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Three people that I wish would have been in that crowd----Old Spice Guy, Budd Light and Worksafe Bob!!!
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Have a good Friday and remember....."The greatest revenge is to accomplish what others say you cannot do."

I Have No Problem With This!

Buffalo Wild Wings(R) Announces Canadian Expansion Plans
In response to Canadian consumer demand, top U.S. grill & bar is heading north



Buffalo Wild Wings today announced its intention to expand into the Canadian marketplace with a five-year plan that will see more than 50 company-owned and franchised restaurants open across the country. Southern Ontario will be home to the first two locations slated for spring 2011, including the corner of Taunten Road and Harmony Road in Oshawa, and a second location in Mississauga.


An additional 30 sites in Ontario are planned and locations are currently being scouted. If the thought of wings with 14 boldly flavored sauces has your mouth watering already, don't worry because a Buffalo Wild Wings may be heading your way. Canadians across the country will have the opportunity to compete in the Company's exclusive "Blazin' Challenge" soon enough. The Company is looking to expand in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan as part of its five-year plan. Following this, Buffalo Wild Wings says it will head east toward Quebec and the Maritimes.

"The Buffalo Wild Wings experience is truly unique - from our always fresh, never frozen wings to our signature sauces and our true passion for sports. We believe Canadians' passion for sports and chicken wings is a great fit for us and is ideal for our first international location," said Sally Smith, Buffalo Wild Wings President and CEO. "We have significant growth plans for this market and feel that Canadians are ready for the great food and fun, social atmosphere that we offer."

The U.S. operation of Buffalo Wild Wings has experienced incredible growth increasing its footprint from 35 to 680 stores in the last 12 years. Smith and her leadership team are confident that Canada offers a similar environment for success.

The expansion will add over 3,500 jobs to Canada with each restaurant looking to hire between 50 to 75 employees. Recruitment for restaurant managers is already underway and a job fair is expected to be announced in the coming months.

Like sports? The restaurants have become the place to watch sporting events in the U.S. From kick-off, tip-off or the first drop of the puck through overtime, Guests enjoy great food and a wide selection of beers surrounded by an extensive multi-media system with more than 40 large high definition televisions and eight big screens. Each Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant is a neighborhood destination with a unique design in 5,700 sq. ft. that seats approximately 300 Guests, and is typically a free-standing building.

All locations will offer the restaurant's namesake; true Buffalo, New York-style chicken wings. Buffalo Wild Wings offers the highest quality, fresh, never frozen wings; 14 flavorful signature sauces, four dry wing seasonings and a full menu of burgers, appetizers and flatbreads, all designed to easily share with friends. As a tribute to its new Canadian hosts, the company will serve Canadian beers, including local craft brews, and a honey garlic sauce, an option not currently available in the U.S. operations