This has got to be the best time of year if you are a sports fan---especially a football fan. The CFL is approaching the midway mark, the CIS season is about to start and the junior football season is underway. South of the border, NCAA Football started Thursday night and we are less than a week away from the start of the NFL season.
Add to that that WHL training camps are going on and Major League Baseball is into its last month with a lot to be determined and its a great time of year. I can't forget about golf either which has a little more signifance in these parts right now because Graham DeLaet of Weyburn is performing quite well in the Fed Ex Cup playoffs and has an outside shot at being in the Top 30 and competing in The Tour Championship in a couple of weeks time.
It was great just to sit down on the couch and watch six hours of football--college and NFL and with college ball really getting going on Saturday highlighted by a Michigan (Mitchigan) vs Alabama game, things are fine. Of course, the big game as it always is on the first Sunday in September is at Mosaic Stadium as the Labour Day Classic is here and the tables are turned somewhat. Last year, the Riders had a new head coach going into the game as Greg Marshall had been let go and replaced by Ken Miller while this year as you know Tim Burke now guides the Bombers after the questionable firing of Paul LaPolice last weekend. Will the Bombers be a different team under Burke? They can't make any radical changes to what they do in just a week so I don't expect to see a different Winnipeg team, but I do expect to see a more focussed Winnipeg team. As for the Riders, they can't lose six in a row can they??? Labour Day has usually been pretty kind to the home team so lets hope it is this year too.
I love being at Mosaic for any Rider home game, but it is extra special on Labour Day, The thing I love the most is the fact that no other team travels here like Winnipeg does so its nice to see the blue and gold mixed in with the green and white. Like the Rider fans on the road, the Winnipeggers have fun coming here cheering on their team and its great to see them most years come here, spend their money in our businesses and then going home without a win.
Needless to say I am thrilled knowing the Oilers have now locked up both Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle to long term contracts. These two will be the cornerstones of that franchise over the next few years as they try to get back to a level of Stanley Cup contender. There is still some work to do, but the team is on the right track. If we have hockey this year, I think the Oilers could have what it takes to squeak into the playoffs. Lets just say I don't think they will be a lottery team this year and if they are, well then I don't know what to do.
The story of the old Canadian senator and his little hottie trophy wife amuses me. You have to think Senator Zimmer was smiling like a butchers dog when he married that 21 year old a year ago. I'm guessing when he slipped that ring on her finger he didn't think he would be celebrating his first anniversary in a courtroom after she went bonkers on a plane. With this guy having Saskatchewan roots, how did we not know about this? I also find it hard to believe that this story isn't getting a little more national attention considering it is a Senator.
The one story that does not amuse me is the tragic story of the young highway worker killed this week near Midale because of some idiot who couldn't bother to slow down. I don't care what you say, this guy is guilty of vehicular manslaughter and needs to spend some time behind bars and not just a year or two either. There is simply no excuse for what he did. The outrage surrounding this story is justified. What's sad is that he isn't the only person not following the rules of the orange zone. Is it that important to get to where you are going by not following the rules of the road. Hey, I know we will all speed from time to time and perhaps pass a car on a single lane highway when its unsafe to do so, but when there are people on the road and there is a lot of notification to slow down, why aren't you doing it? If this guy doesn't go to jail, I will be some kinda choked and I don't think I'll be the only one.
A lot of people have been taking pictures of the Civic Center in its various stages of teardown. As someone who went to many games in that building---even before the Warriors started up in the WHL---its sad to see.
Rod Pedersen and Kelly Remple discussed the notion oh so briefly on Thursday about a 12 hole golf course. I have just one word for that idea. DUMB!!!!! Play 9 or 18 if you want, but not 12. If we are going to have 12 hole golf courses, lets cut football fields to 90 yards and have hockey periods be 14 minutes instead of 20.
I haven't got Madden 13 yet, but I've played the demo. It looks good! NHL 13 is supposedly better than it has been in recent years. It comes out in a few weeks and will likely be the only NHL action on my TV screen for a couple of months.
The Paralympic games have started in London. You have to admire the Paralympians for competing in a sport that they love when life hasn't given them a fair shake for whatever reason. Its too bad more attention wasn't paid to this event, but I guess you gotta take what you can and there has been more exposure over the last couple of years. Remember, you can help cheer on our Canadian athletes by hitting the cheer button on the right hand side of this page. One of the Canadian paralympians sponsored by VISA has already received gold as swimmer Benoit Huot finished first in the 200 meter individual medley. Some people who cheer will win a 250 dollar pre-paid VISA card so give it a shot and maybe you will have a card coming to you. Who's kidding who, a 250 dollar pre-paid VISA card can come in handy with the kids going back to school.
Thumbs up to TSN for showing games from the 1987 Canada Cup. Those three games against Russia in the final that all finished 6-5 were three great hockey games. If you have never seen them, watch it. If you do remember those games, watch it again. The one thing you will notice though is that the hockey of 1987 could never be duplicated today because of the hook and grab tendencies and the amount of interference that players got away with. If you watch the game winner by Mario Lemieux, you will see that in today's NHL Dale Hawerchuk would have been called for interference.
Lets hope the warm temperatures continue through the end of September and into October. I haven't heard anything about what the winter forecast is for Saskatchewan. Is it supposed to be a normal winter, a colder winter or a warmer winter?
Life is too short, smile while you still have teeth.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
OH NOOOOOO!!!!
The US College Football season has started and it started with a rather bizarre play in one game. Check it out....
OOPS!!! I wonder if he knows who Jim Marshall is. If you don't, check this out as this was the original...
OOPS!!! I wonder if he knows who Jim Marshall is. If you don't, check this out as this was the original...
Eberle Staying In Edmonton
Jordan Eberle will remain an Edmonton Oilers for the foreseeable future. The former Regina Pat has signed a contract extension with the club that will see him get 36 million over the next 6 years. In 147 games, Eberle has 52 goals and 67 assists for 119 points.
CFL Players Of The Month
Montreal Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo, who guided his team to three straight wins, was named the CFL's offensive player for August on Thursday.
Calvillo completed 64-of-97 passes for 1,024 yards and seven TDs over that span, throwing for at least 300 yards in each contest.
Edmonton linebacker J.C. Sherritt was named the league's top defensive player of the month for the second straight month. Sherritt had 29 tackles, three interceptions and forced one fumble in leading the Eskimos to wins in two of their three games.
While Sherritt was the defensive player of the month for the second straight month, Hamilton's Chris Williams alsp captured special teams honours for the second month in a row. The Tiger-Cats' speedy receiver returned 15 punts for 246 yards and two touchdowns in three games.
Williams has registered five kick-return TDs this season, tying him with Henry (Gizmo) Williams, Bashir Levingston and Keith Stokes for the single-season league record.
Calgary Stampeders tailback Jon Cornish was named the top Canadian. The native of New Westminster, B.C., ran for 372 yards on 56 carries and added eight catches for 75 yards in three games.
The awards are sponsored by Gibson's Finest.
Calvillo completed 64-of-97 passes for 1,024 yards and seven TDs over that span, throwing for at least 300 yards in each contest.
Edmonton linebacker J.C. Sherritt was named the league's top defensive player of the month for the second straight month. Sherritt had 29 tackles, three interceptions and forced one fumble in leading the Eskimos to wins in two of their three games.
While Sherritt was the defensive player of the month for the second straight month, Hamilton's Chris Williams alsp captured special teams honours for the second month in a row. The Tiger-Cats' speedy receiver returned 15 punts for 246 yards and two touchdowns in three games.
Williams has registered five kick-return TDs this season, tying him with Henry (Gizmo) Williams, Bashir Levingston and Keith Stokes for the single-season league record.
Calgary Stampeders tailback Jon Cornish was named the top Canadian. The native of New Westminster, B.C., ran for 372 yards on 56 carries and added eight catches for 75 yards in three games.
The awards are sponsored by Gibson's Finest.
Sportsnet Gets Back Into Curling
Sportsnet today announced it has purchased the Grand Slam of Curling and will be establishing a new events division. This purchase marks a significant milestone for Sportsnet, as the multiplatform media brand expands its diverse portfolio into the sports events category, furthering its commitment to providing fans with premium sports experiences and content across multiple platforms.
Sportsnet will now wholly own and operate the Grand Slam of Curling, which is part of the World Curling Tour. The elite series of men's and women's curling events features the best teams from across Canada and around the world. The Grand Slam of Curling was acquired by Sportsnet from Insight Sports Ltd.
"Curling is an essential part of our Canadian sports fabric, and the Grand Slam of Curling is the cream of the crop in international curling events," said Scott Moore, President, Broadcasting, Rogers Media. "We are proud to own and operate the Grand Slam of Curling, as it furthers Sportsnet's commitment to producing world-class content, anyplace, anyhow and anywhere and allows us to integrate and engage the sports fan in innovative ways through our new events division. Sportsnet intends to grow the Grand Slam of Curling like never before."
"On behalf of the Grand Slam players, we are thrilled to welcome Sportsnet as the new owners of the Grand Slam of Curling," said Pierre Charette, President, World Competitive Curlers Association. "This is great news for the Canadian curling community as a whole. Sportsnet will operate events that are second-to-none, broadcast more games and take the Grand Slam of Curling to another level."
The 2012-13 Grand Slam of Curling series kicks off with The Masters, taking place in Brantford, ON from November 14 to 18. The series will air on Sportsnet and CBC, through a sub-licensing agreement. Additional details regarding the full 2012-13 Grand Slam of Curling schedule and broadcast details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Sportsnet has a long history of producing and televising curling. The network's curling coverage began with the inaugural season of the World Curling Tour when the network launched in 1988, and has continued with various curling events including the Grand Slam of Curling between 2001 and 2006.
Sportsnet will now wholly own and operate the Grand Slam of Curling, which is part of the World Curling Tour. The elite series of men's and women's curling events features the best teams from across Canada and around the world. The Grand Slam of Curling was acquired by Sportsnet from Insight Sports Ltd.
"Curling is an essential part of our Canadian sports fabric, and the Grand Slam of Curling is the cream of the crop in international curling events," said Scott Moore, President, Broadcasting, Rogers Media. "We are proud to own and operate the Grand Slam of Curling, as it furthers Sportsnet's commitment to producing world-class content, anyplace, anyhow and anywhere and allows us to integrate and engage the sports fan in innovative ways through our new events division. Sportsnet intends to grow the Grand Slam of Curling like never before."
"On behalf of the Grand Slam players, we are thrilled to welcome Sportsnet as the new owners of the Grand Slam of Curling," said Pierre Charette, President, World Competitive Curlers Association. "This is great news for the Canadian curling community as a whole. Sportsnet will operate events that are second-to-none, broadcast more games and take the Grand Slam of Curling to another level."
The 2012-13 Grand Slam of Curling series kicks off with The Masters, taking place in Brantford, ON from November 14 to 18. The series will air on Sportsnet and CBC, through a sub-licensing agreement. Additional details regarding the full 2012-13 Grand Slam of Curling schedule and broadcast details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Sportsnet has a long history of producing and televising curling. The network's curling coverage began with the inaugural season of the World Curling Tour when the network launched in 1988, and has continued with various curling events including the Grand Slam of Curling between 2001 and 2006.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
The Concussion Issue - NFL vs CFL
ESPN has a great story talking about the concussion problem in the NFL compared to the CFL. You can check it out right here
CFL POTW
S.J Green, Charleston Hughes, Chris Williams and Jon Cornish were named the Gibson’s Finest CFL Players of the Week for Week Nine, the Canadian Football League announced today.
The four players were chosen by a panel of judges that includes former Canadian Football League players Matt Dunigan and Duane Forde, now of TSN, and Pierre Vercheval of RDS.
For the first time this season, Montreal Alouettes slotback SJ Green earns Offensive Player of the Week honours. Richardson hauled 10 passes for 168 receiving yards and one touchdown, en-route to helping the Als down the Tiger-Cats 31-29 on Thursday night.
Through eight games this season, Richardson leads the CFL in receiving yards with 737 and is on pace to register a career-high 1,658 yards.
The defensive player of the week is Calgary Stampeders defensive lineman Charleston Hughes. The fifth-year veteran was absolutely dominant on Saturday afternoon, collecting a pair of sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception and one tackle, in Calgary's 17-10 win over the Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium.
Hughes' performance vaulted him to the top of Calgary's sacks leaders list with four on the season.
For the third time this season, Hamilton kick returner Chris Williams is the Special Teams Player of the Week. Williams dazzled fans yet again on Thursday night, returning two punts for 76 yards, including a 70-yard return for a touchdown in the early in the second quarter.
Williams’ touchdown tied him with Henry 'Gizmo' Williams, Bashir Levingston and Keith Stokes for the most kick returns for a touchdown in a CFL season with five.
Finally, the Canadian Player of the Week is Calgary running back Jon Cornish.
Cornish put together another fine performance on the ground, registering 159 rushing yards on a whopping 24 carries to lead the Stampeders to their fourth win of the year.
The New Westminster, B.C native was relied upon for the entire game on a windy day at Mosaic Stadium that increased the importance of an effective ground game.
(from CFL.ca)
The four players were chosen by a panel of judges that includes former Canadian Football League players Matt Dunigan and Duane Forde, now of TSN, and Pierre Vercheval of RDS.
For the first time this season, Montreal Alouettes slotback SJ Green earns Offensive Player of the Week honours. Richardson hauled 10 passes for 168 receiving yards and one touchdown, en-route to helping the Als down the Tiger-Cats 31-29 on Thursday night.
Through eight games this season, Richardson leads the CFL in receiving yards with 737 and is on pace to register a career-high 1,658 yards.
The defensive player of the week is Calgary Stampeders defensive lineman Charleston Hughes. The fifth-year veteran was absolutely dominant on Saturday afternoon, collecting a pair of sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception and one tackle, in Calgary's 17-10 win over the Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium.
Hughes' performance vaulted him to the top of Calgary's sacks leaders list with four on the season.
For the third time this season, Hamilton kick returner Chris Williams is the Special Teams Player of the Week. Williams dazzled fans yet again on Thursday night, returning two punts for 76 yards, including a 70-yard return for a touchdown in the early in the second quarter.
Williams’ touchdown tied him with Henry 'Gizmo' Williams, Bashir Levingston and Keith Stokes for the most kick returns for a touchdown in a CFL season with five.
Finally, the Canadian Player of the Week is Calgary running back Jon Cornish.
Cornish put together another fine performance on the ground, registering 159 rushing yards on a whopping 24 carries to lead the Stampeders to their fourth win of the year.
The New Westminster, B.C native was relied upon for the entire game on a windy day at Mosaic Stadium that increased the importance of an effective ground game.
(from CFL.ca)
Riders Add 3, Drop 2
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today they have signed import linebackers Joe Lobendahn and Diamond Ferri as well as import defensive back Alonzo Lawrence. Financial details of the agreements were not released.
Lobendahn (5’11” – 242) originally entered the CFL in 2008 when he signed a free agent contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The four year veteran has appeared in 45 career games recording 180 defensive tackles, seven quarterback sacks and one interception. The Hawaii native most recently attended training camp with the Calgary Stampeders in 2012.
Ferri (5’10” – 204) began his CFL career in 2007 with the Montreal Alouettes. After temporarily joining the Toronto Argonauts practice roster in 2006, the University of Syracuse graduate, signed with Montreal as a free agent in 2007 where he spent the next five seasons. The Stoneham, Massachusetts native appeared in 76 games for the Als, recording 240 defensive tackles, eight quarterback sacks and 5 interceptions while winning the Grey Cup in 2009 and 2010.
Lawrence (6’2” – 215) joins the Riders after signing and attending training camp with the Detroit Lions. The Lucedale, Mississippi native attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College for two seasons after transferring from Southern Mississippi. Prior to his time with the Golden Eagles, Lawrence spent his freshman season at the University of Alabama under the tutelage of head coach Nick Saban.
The Riders have also announced they have released import receiver Efrem Hill and import running back Louis Rankin.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Brent Sutter Back In Charge In Red Deer
Brent Sutter, Owner/President of the Red Deer Rebels Hockey Club, announced today that he will take over the General Manager duties for the team. The coaching staff will remain the same, Jesse Wallin as Head Coach and Bryce Thoma as Assistant Coach.
Brent Sutter was the Red Deer Rebels General Manager/Head Coach of the Rebels from 1999-2007 before leaving to coach in the National Hockey League with the New Jersey Devils (2007-09) and the Calgary Flames (2009-12).
Jesse Wallin played four seasons with the Red Deer Rebels from 1994-98. After a professional hockey career, Wallin joined the coaching staff in 2005 as an assistant. He took over the head coaching job in 2008, and held the dual role of Vice President of Hockey Operations/Head Coach from 2009-2011 and General Manager/Head Coach in 2011-12.
Brent Sutter - “After an evaluation of our hockey operations department throughout the summer, it became evident to me that we needed a separate general manager and head coach. Jesse Wallin will continue to be our head coach. After going through this portion of the evaluation, there were two options: Bring in someone from outside the organization to be the general manager, or I do it myself. With the familiarity I have with the coaching staff, scouting staff, players, and all other personnel inside hockey operations, I made the decision that I was the right person to take over this position at this point in time.”
Brent Sutter was the Red Deer Rebels General Manager/Head Coach of the Rebels from 1999-2007 before leaving to coach in the National Hockey League with the New Jersey Devils (2007-09) and the Calgary Flames (2009-12).
Jesse Wallin played four seasons with the Red Deer Rebels from 1994-98. After a professional hockey career, Wallin joined the coaching staff in 2005 as an assistant. He took over the head coaching job in 2008, and held the dual role of Vice President of Hockey Operations/Head Coach from 2009-2011 and General Manager/Head Coach in 2011-12.
Brent Sutter - “After an evaluation of our hockey operations department throughout the summer, it became evident to me that we needed a separate general manager and head coach. Jesse Wallin will continue to be our head coach. After going through this portion of the evaluation, there were two options: Bring in someone from outside the organization to be the general manager, or I do it myself. With the familiarity I have with the coaching staff, scouting staff, players, and all other personnel inside hockey operations, I made the decision that I was the right person to take over this position at this point in time.”
Riders Release Hill
Nothing official from the Riders, but Efrem Hill has tweeted this afternoon that he is no longer a member of the football team. Hill had 13 catches for 141 yards. The team had today off. They will get back on the field tomorrow to get ready for the Labour Day Classic against Winnipeg.
One other note. Former Rider defensive back Nick Graham is getting another opportunity. He has signed a contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
One other note. Former Rider defensive back Nick Graham is getting another opportunity. He has signed a contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Riders Fan Day
When: Saturday, September 1, 2012
Time: 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Mosaic Stadium
Who’s invited: All Saskatchewan Roughrider football fans
It’s an event not to be missed. The Saskatchewan Roughriders are proud to present their annual “SGI Play it Safe” Day Saturday, September 1st at Mosaic Stadium. Rider players and coaches, Gainer the Gopher and the 620 CKRM Rider Cheer Team will all be on hand for pictures, autographs, and games. The Saskatchewan Roughrider Pep Band will also be on-site.
Gates will open at 10:30 am while a barbeque will be taking place on the bricks on the west side of the stadium. Fans will then be invited to make their way into the stands to watch the Roughriders hit the field for walk-thru at 10:45 am. After the conclusion of the walk-thru, the team will be introduced to the crowd and the public autograph session will follow (approximately 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm). The Roughriders are encouraging everyone to come early as a limited amount of posters and giveaways will be available.
Monday, August 27, 2012
A New Face And Another Meeting
The Riders were back practicing this morning as they get ready for Sunday's showdown against the Bombers at Mosaic Stadium. There was a new face at camp. The team has indeed brought in (as I tweeted yesterday) former Calgary and Winnipeg linebacker Joe Lobendahn.
Head Coach Corey Chamblin had the following statements....
---This is a good football team. There are one or two things that are being done wrong and thats the difference between being 3-5 and 5-3. They have to be disciplined in more areas and that players have to make plays
---I shouldn't have to rip into them to get going. Whether they be a young team or an old team, they have to be self-motivated and that they understand this is a job and not a pre-school playground.
---This players meeting is something that should have been done weeks ago.
---There is no divide between coaches and players.
---Joe Lobendahn is a middle linebacker and Shomari may be better used as an outside linebacker
Chamblin mentioned a players only meeting. That is what was called by Darian Durant once practice was over. Durant would not say what was said in that meeting.
Head Coach Corey Chamblin had the following statements....
---This is a good football team. There are one or two things that are being done wrong and thats the difference between being 3-5 and 5-3. They have to be disciplined in more areas and that players have to make plays
---I shouldn't have to rip into them to get going. Whether they be a young team or an old team, they have to be self-motivated and that they understand this is a job and not a pre-school playground.
---This players meeting is something that should have been done weeks ago.
---There is no divide between coaches and players.
---Joe Lobendahn is a middle linebacker and Shomari may be better used as an outside linebacker
Chamblin mentioned a players only meeting. That is what was called by Darian Durant once practice was over. Durant would not say what was said in that meeting.
LaPolice Issues Statement
I was informed Saturday after reviewing the B.C. game film with the players and coaches that I was being relieved of my duties as Head Coach. I was disappointed because I believe that we were playing our best football to date and our roster was returning to full strength after our early season challenges. I would have liked the opportunity to have been able to be evaluated on our performance over 18 games.
Although I disagree with the timing of this decision, I have to accept it and move on. There are always two sides to every story but I do not believe that defending myself publicly will change anything, so I will not answer questions about the situation at this time.
I want to thank the Bomber organization for giving me my first Head Coaching opportunity. The people in the organization have been great to work with and they all have my thanks. I loved every day that I was the Head Coach of the Blue Bombers.
I especially wanted to thank the coaches and the players that I was able to work with. They helped us bring an East Division Championship and a Grey Cup appearance to Winnipeg. These are great memories that I will cherish. I thank them for all the kind words they have sent in the past two days.
I also want to thank the fans, who have been tremendous to me and my family over the past three years. I feel great pride that we were able to bring back weekly sell-outs to Canad Inns Stadium.
I will spend time with family and friends as we take our time to decide what is next for me and until then, will offer no further comment.
Thank you.
Paul LaPolice
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Something To Mitch About
(picture courtesy JC-Fotos)
I will admit I am at a loss for words after what I saw on the Taylor Field turf Saturday afternoon. Darian Durant may not be right when he says the team in the room right now is better collectively than the Grey Cup teams of 2009 and 2010, but he is right when he says the team is better than what they are showing. The talent level is there---not there in all areas, but its there. This team should not be 3-5, but the stark reality is they are and the hotseat is just getting hotter and hotter as the temperatures get cooler and cooler. Here are some thoughts from yours truly in no particular order over what I saw.
--I might not agree with what Durant had to say after the game, but I did like what I saw from him. As soon as we walked into that room, he turned around and asked very nicely if we could just give him a couple of minutes. No one was going to turn away from what he was doing and he was very gracious in answering the questions he didn’t want to answer. What impressed me the most though was two things. 1) He showed some leadership by calling that meeting. I’m not saying he wasn’t a leader before, but he showed us how concerned he is over what is going on. 2) He was pissed off and for good reason. He knows he is better than that and he knows the offence is better than that. He had a look to him after a loss that I haven’t seen before. There should be a lot of guys in that room pissed off over what happened Saturday. The time for play has come to an end. As Coach Chamblin said after the game, "If I have to chew you out to get you going, then that means you’re not self-motivated. They have to get going. They know what our purpose is, and that’s to win football games. Other than that, we’ve just got some guys, and they have to rethink, ‘Is this what they want to do for a living?’ It’s professional football, and you have to be the toughest guy on the block each and every play.’’ Did Chamblin do the right thing in chewing out his defence on the sidelines. YUP!!! It perhaps should have happened before it did.
--The pass rush was again not there.
--Why would I watch that again? Why would any member of the Rider Nation if they didn't have to?
--Why does the team use Kory Sheets at the start of the game, yet seemingly not use him in the 2nd half. Keep giving this guy the football!!!!
--Don’t get on Darian’s back over the interception. That was a helluva play by Charleston Hughes. That being said, Darian takes responsibility for the fumble. When it comes to his overall play, I didn’t think his receivers helped him any. Getzlaf, Smith and Hill all had drops that just can’t be had. It was good to see Durant run the football as he needs to do that to keep defences on their toes.
--For the 2nd straight week, I thought the Riders were victimized by a bad “roughing the passér” call. It didn’t look to me like the hit Odell Willis delivered to Kevin Glenn was bad although some have said he hit him with the crown of the helmet. I have seen d-lineman plow a quarterback in the chest with his head down before and the play has gone on. Once again, its discretionary, but once again, it’s a bad call---at least to me it is.
--Will this team ever find a guy that will be Matt Dominguez like? Brendan Taman has tried and tried with guys like Nunn, Wheelwright, Jarrett, Harper, etc. etc, but its not happening. That being said, I’m not seeing any other team find an outstanding big American receiver that plays outside over the last two years.
--Is it just a coincidence that this team has struggled on offence since Rob Bagg went down?
--It’s a bold statement to make, but I think the o-line really missed Ben Heenan and Patrick Neufeld.
--After not selling out the first couple of games, the fanbase has come through and sold out the last two. To sell out a game under weather conditions that were supposed to be worse remind us once again how much we love our professional football here.
Riders aside….here are some other thoughts
--In the words of Montreal Gazette writer Herb Zurkowsky (arguably the best beat writer in all the CFL), Joe Mack is a moron. How can the Winnipeg GM justify firing Paul Lapolice when it was him that lost Labatte to free agency, him who wouldn’t go out and get a quarterback to replace the constantly injured Buck Pierce, trading Odell Willis and not getting a player in return. The list goes on and on. What is going on in
--The Bombers are now onto their 6th head coach in the last 10 years.
--Former Regina Ram Akiem Hicks is a beast. Did you see him manhandle the o-line of the Houston Texans in the 2nd half of the Texans-New Orleans game Saturday night? He even got a lot of love from CBS announcers Ian Eagle and Phil Simms. Its great to see the Rams have two grads in the NFL in Hicks and Jon Ryan. I hope someone connected with the Rams gets a print of those two when
--The Regina Rage were beaten 41-18 in the Lingerie Football League
--Speaking of the LFL, apparently their TV play by play guy is former WDIV and CNN Headline Sports anchor Van Earl Wright. Do you remember him? He certainly had a schtick in his hey-day.
--I miss WDIV on the Access cable package. For that matter, I miss WCCO out of
--Thumbs up to Weyburn’s Graham DeLaet. He had the round of the day in the final round at the Barclays shooting a 6 under 65 to give him a 72 hole total of 5 under 279 good for a 5th place tie and a payday of 281 thousand dollars. That vaults him way up the FedEx cup leaderboard as he will go into next weekend’s Deutsche Bank Championship sitting in 44th place. It would be outstanding if DeLaet could somehow find his way into the top 30 and play in the Tour Championship.
--It would sure be nice if “The Golf Channel” and “CBS” would perhaps recognize the accomplishments of DeLaet. Sunday morning as TGC was exiting its 4th round coverage, they gave their shot of the day to Tiger for an approach on 2 that came within a couple feet of the cup. This even though moments earlier DeLaet had holed out from 155 yards for eagle on 15. When CBS came on, they blew right over his 65 to tell us how others were doing. I guess if he were American it would be a different story, but still.
--What has happened to Tiger Woods’ game on the weekends? Is conditioning a factor? He just fades on the weekend now and that certainly didn’t use to be the case.
Rage Lose Their Opener
They may be called Angels, but B.C.'s lingerie football team played like demons on Saturday night, dominating on both sides of the ball on the way to a 41-18 thumping of the Regina Rage.
Between 2,000 and 2,500 fans attended the inaugural game of the Canadian Lingerie Football League. The crowd was small, but it was lively, cheering, standing and even doing the wave as the hard-hitting action unfolded.
Fans appeared to enjoy the competitive nature of the game, which caught some spectators by surprise.
"I was expecting some sloppy, soft hitting stuff. But, you know, these girls actually hit pretty hard so good on them. They're athletes. I'll come again," said Matt Baillet, an Abbotsford resident.
He said he'd bring his fiance to the next game.
The Angels were led by runningback Stephanie Manou who scored three touchdowns in the game.
"I was going for four, so I was a little disappointed," she said after the match.
Abbotsford's Darnelle Bernemann only appeared for a few plays at the end of the game.
However, despite limited action, she did have an impact.
"Even just for the last couple of plays, it kind of got a little intense there. I got ejected," she said.
Several altercations broke out on the field between players as the game wore on.
"Just even watching, sitting on the bench with the girls was phenomenal," said Bernemann. "It was intense."
While there has been some controversy surrounding the formation of the league, there were no protesters or altercations in the stands or outside the stadium.
(Courtesy Abbotsford News)
Between 2,000 and 2,500 fans attended the inaugural game of the Canadian Lingerie Football League. The crowd was small, but it was lively, cheering, standing and even doing the wave as the hard-hitting action unfolded.
Fans appeared to enjoy the competitive nature of the game, which caught some spectators by surprise.
"I was expecting some sloppy, soft hitting stuff. But, you know, these girls actually hit pretty hard so good on them. They're athletes. I'll come again," said Matt Baillet, an Abbotsford resident.
He said he'd bring his fiance to the next game.
The Angels were led by runningback Stephanie Manou who scored three touchdowns in the game.
"I was going for four, so I was a little disappointed," she said after the match.
Abbotsford's Darnelle Bernemann only appeared for a few plays at the end of the game.
However, despite limited action, she did have an impact.
"Even just for the last couple of plays, it kind of got a little intense there. I got ejected," she said.
Several altercations broke out on the field between players as the game wore on.
"Just even watching, sitting on the bench with the girls was phenomenal," said Bernemann. "It was intense."
While there has been some controversy surrounding the formation of the league, there were no protesters or altercations in the stands or outside the stadium.
(Courtesy Abbotsford News)
Saturday, August 25, 2012
The Sounds of Silence
Another game, another loss for the Riders. They gave up 14 points in the first quarter and that was too much for them to overcome as another tough effort on offence resulted in just 10 points as they were beaten 17-10. Here are the comments of Head Coach Corey Chamblin, Darian Durant, Keith Shologan and Eddie Russ. The Durant interview is of interest as he makes a couple of statements that I'm sure will fuel debate for a couple of days.
My thoughts on this one will come later. I'm sure you'll be able to cope until then and if not, oh well. Time for a good stiff double if you know what I mean.
Lapolice Fired In Winnipeg
Shocker in Winnipeg. The Bombers have fired Paul Lapolice and replaced him with defensive co-ordinator Tim Burke. Winnipg is 2-6 after last nites loss to BC
The End Is Near For "The Score"
Many, many years ago, a channel popped up on our TV screens. All it was a channel that gave us scores. Today, the Score isn't close to being what TSN and Sportsnet are, but it delivers a niche to Canadian sports fans as things like WWE, NCAA college hockey, basketball and football along with soccer from across Europe could be found on the network. Its most famous moment was perhaps when Elliotte Friedman had his conversation with Indianapolis Colts kicker Mike Vanderjagt who criticized Peyton Manning resulting in Manning calling Vanderjagt "an idiot kicker".
While a distant 3rd, it would appear as if the network has been swallowed up. Reports out of Toronto say Rogers is buying out the network at a cost of around 150 million dollars and that most if not all employees are gone including the on-air talent. I'm sure someone like Renee Paquette (who like Friedman and now Sportsnet's Martine Gaillard) are too talented to be at that network will find work elsewhere, but what isn't known is what will become of "The Score". What plans does Rogers have for it? Will it become another version of Sportsnet somehow. I'm guessing a lot of the soccer that was on the network will be moved to Sportsnet One and Sportsnet World and I'm guessing WWE staples like "RAW" and "Smackdown" will be moved over to Sportsnet One.
Regardless, the Sportsnet empire has grown bigger as they try and compete with TSN. I still think TSN is the premier sports network in this country and that Sportsnet has a lonnnnnnnnnnggg ways to go to change that---especially when it comes to personalities, but what is certain is that the profile of Canadian sports television is about to change. How that will be will be determined very soon I'm guessing.
While a distant 3rd, it would appear as if the network has been swallowed up. Reports out of Toronto say Rogers is buying out the network at a cost of around 150 million dollars and that most if not all employees are gone including the on-air talent. I'm sure someone like Renee Paquette (who like Friedman and now Sportsnet's Martine Gaillard) are too talented to be at that network will find work elsewhere, but what isn't known is what will become of "The Score". What plans does Rogers have for it? Will it become another version of Sportsnet somehow. I'm guessing a lot of the soccer that was on the network will be moved to Sportsnet One and Sportsnet World and I'm guessing WWE staples like "RAW" and "Smackdown" will be moved over to Sportsnet One.
Regardless, the Sportsnet empire has grown bigger as they try and compete with TSN. I still think TSN is the premier sports network in this country and that Sportsnet has a lonnnnnnnnnnggg ways to go to change that---especially when it comes to personalities, but what is certain is that the profile of Canadian sports television is about to change. How that will be will be determined very soon I'm guessing.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Sounds From Mosaic
The Riders will meet the Stampeders tomorrow afternoon at what is expected to be a cold, windy and wet Mosaic Stadium. The team has made six lineup changes for the game---the most notable ones coming on the o-line as both Ben Heenan and Patrick Neufeld will sit. Here is what was being said by some of those that will be involved tomorrow afternoon.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
This And That
After the B.C Lions won the Grey Cup in 2006 over the Montreal Alouettes in Winnipeg, I remember how some people thought Anthony Calvillo should call it a career. His time was supposedly up. WRONG!!!
As Calvillo turns 40, he just continues to get the job done. He threw for what I believe was his 7th straight 300 yard game in a win over Hamilton and he threw career touchdown pass 436 to put him 2nd in pro football history behind Brett Favre at 508. The question has already been asked as to whether A-C should be considered a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. I would like to think that he could get in there one day, but until Doug Flutie and Damon Allen get in, I don't think he will. It also sparks another debate and that is where does A-C fit in when it comes to all-time CFL quarterbacks and all-time quarterbacks in general. When you think of all the great quarterbacks that have gone through the NFL (Marino, Montana, Young, Aikman etc. etc) it might be tough, but you would have to put him in the top 25 of all-time.
By the way, I don't know about you but that Montreal-Hamilton game was the best one I have seen this season. It also featured the year's best hit as Kyries Hebert absolutely destroyed Onrea Jones. If you haven't seen it, try to find a highlight of it.
-----
The Riders and the Stamps will battle in what sounds like a soggy Mosaic Stadium on Saturday as the forecast is calling for rain. The game features two 3-4 teams, but teams that got to 3-4 in completely different fashion. I don't think Stampeders fans are calling for heads the way they are here, but then again the Calgary fan base isn't as passionate as the Saskatchewan fan base.
-----
Can we just say Hamilton's Chris Williams is the CFL special teams player of the year. Do we need to really have a vote? Do we really need a finalist from the West?
-----
A couple of weeks ago I told Regina Red Sox play-by-play guy Adam Geiger that his Tampa Bay Rays would not make the playoffs. It would appear I may be wrong on that and the Rays could win the American League East as they are right on the heels of the New York Yankees as are the Baltimore Orioles. I would love to see the Yankees and Red Sox both miss the playoffs. What is sad about the Rays is that no one cares in the Tampa area about them. The team is playing its best baseball of the year and just 99 hundred people showed up for a Monday game against Kansas City. Compare that to Williamsport, Pennsylvania where just over 7-thousand took in a Little League World Series game. That's got to tell you something when a Little League game is just a couple of thousand away from out-drawing a major league team and some have suggested the figure in Tampa may have been inflated somewhat.
----
Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez on Thursday said Toronto manager John Farrell asks his starters to get 21 outs for him. Ricky Romero appears to have listened to that request this year, but he gets 3 outs in one start, 5 in another, 2 in another. Romero has been terrible this year. If he was on his game and the Jays didn't have the injury problems that they had, you have to wonder if they would have been pushing for a pennant spot. You also have to wonder what type of lethal 3-4 combo they will have at the plate next year with Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. Did anyone see him possibly hitting 40 or more homers this year?
-----
Congrats to former Pat and all-around good guy Jamie Heward for accepting an assistant coach job with the Swift Current Broncos. It won't be long until Heward is a head coach in the WHL and I would wager to say that he would be the front runner for the job in Regina when Pat Conacher moves on whenever that will be. Of course, current assistants Malcolm Cameron and Josh Dixon would also get strong consideration.
----
The Moose Jaw Civic Centre is in its final days. Global TV ran a piece Thursday night about the demolition with pictures showing what it looks like inside "The Crushed Can". Many memories were had in that building. I wonder if Pats president Brent Parker has asked someone if he can drive the equipment that is swinging the wrecking ball so he can take one final shot at the rink. Who's kidding who, there are probably a lot of people across the WHL who would like to have one shot with the wrecking ball and there are many others that just watch while a tear rolls down their cheek. The one thing is the fine people of Moose Jaw have a great new building that has done great things for not only the Warriors, but the city in general. Its kind of like what we'll have in Regina in the next few years. Tears will be shed when Mosaic Stadium comes down, but a facility that will work for the Riders and the city in general will be here.
----
There hasn't been a need to complain about mosquitoes in the YQR this year, but I tried spending some time in the backyard after the CFL game last nite and had to come in because of the pests right away. They were nasty!
-----
Try and try as I might, I just don't understand the Fed Ex Cup golf playoffs. I know that the field gets reduced over the next few weeks, but its just too complicated as to how you win the whole thing.
-----
Chad Kroeger and Avril Lavigne??? Who saw that coming?
----
The stars of High Impact Wrestling are back at the Victoria Club Friday night for what I'm sure will be a night of pure entertainment and mayhem. The main event will feature the wannabe cowboy Rex ( I haven't met a bar of soap I liked) Roberts against the man they call Jumpin Joe for championship gold. The bell rings at the Victoria Club at 8 o'clock. Its black tie optional.
-----
Mrs. Scruffy's best friend is getting married next winter and yes, we have been invited. Did I mention the wedding is in Lima, Peru???? I don't know if we'll make this one. The bride has lived and toured the world since leaving Regina about eight years ago. For the longest while, she was residing in Switzerland. I would have highly considered going to Switzerland, but Peru, I dunno.
----
The "Two and a Half Men" episode where Charlie begs Chelsea not to get breast reduction surgery might be one of the funniest half hours of TV ever created. Its not as funny as some of the WKRP's that were on the air, but that episode just makes me howl.
----
Nothing against the Taylor Hall signing or some of the others, but why are NHL owners signing players to big contracts just before a lockout. Is this helping the owners cause any?
----
The Conference Board of Canada says Canada could be home to many more pro franchises and says the CFL could call Saskatoon home in 2035. That's a long ways away so why bother talking about it right now. That report has the CFL in Saskatoon being the only pro league to take up roots in this province. I know the NBA isn't coming and either is major league baseball, but would it hurt Regina or Saskatoon to see what it would take to land a Major League Soccer team here? Would it work here? I don't see why it wouldn't.
----
A radio station in Hamilton has gone to an all-comedy format? HUH????
----
Who throws the wilder parties? Prince Harry or Randy Travis!
----
Is it just me or does the 2nd half of that tank of gas go twice as fast as the first half?
----
Have a good Friday!
As Calvillo turns 40, he just continues to get the job done. He threw for what I believe was his 7th straight 300 yard game in a win over Hamilton and he threw career touchdown pass 436 to put him 2nd in pro football history behind Brett Favre at 508. The question has already been asked as to whether A-C should be considered a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. I would like to think that he could get in there one day, but until Doug Flutie and Damon Allen get in, I don't think he will. It also sparks another debate and that is where does A-C fit in when it comes to all-time CFL quarterbacks and all-time quarterbacks in general. When you think of all the great quarterbacks that have gone through the NFL (Marino, Montana, Young, Aikman etc. etc) it might be tough, but you would have to put him in the top 25 of all-time.
By the way, I don't know about you but that Montreal-Hamilton game was the best one I have seen this season. It also featured the year's best hit as Kyries Hebert absolutely destroyed Onrea Jones. If you haven't seen it, try to find a highlight of it.
-----
The Riders and the Stamps will battle in what sounds like a soggy Mosaic Stadium on Saturday as the forecast is calling for rain. The game features two 3-4 teams, but teams that got to 3-4 in completely different fashion. I don't think Stampeders fans are calling for heads the way they are here, but then again the Calgary fan base isn't as passionate as the Saskatchewan fan base.
-----
Can we just say Hamilton's Chris Williams is the CFL special teams player of the year. Do we need to really have a vote? Do we really need a finalist from the West?
-----
A couple of weeks ago I told Regina Red Sox play-by-play guy Adam Geiger that his Tampa Bay Rays would not make the playoffs. It would appear I may be wrong on that and the Rays could win the American League East as they are right on the heels of the New York Yankees as are the Baltimore Orioles. I would love to see the Yankees and Red Sox both miss the playoffs. What is sad about the Rays is that no one cares in the Tampa area about them. The team is playing its best baseball of the year and just 99 hundred people showed up for a Monday game against Kansas City. Compare that to Williamsport, Pennsylvania where just over 7-thousand took in a Little League World Series game. That's got to tell you something when a Little League game is just a couple of thousand away from out-drawing a major league team and some have suggested the figure in Tampa may have been inflated somewhat.
----
Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez on Thursday said Toronto manager John Farrell asks his starters to get 21 outs for him. Ricky Romero appears to have listened to that request this year, but he gets 3 outs in one start, 5 in another, 2 in another. Romero has been terrible this year. If he was on his game and the Jays didn't have the injury problems that they had, you have to wonder if they would have been pushing for a pennant spot. You also have to wonder what type of lethal 3-4 combo they will have at the plate next year with Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. Did anyone see him possibly hitting 40 or more homers this year?
-----
Congrats to former Pat and all-around good guy Jamie Heward for accepting an assistant coach job with the Swift Current Broncos. It won't be long until Heward is a head coach in the WHL and I would wager to say that he would be the front runner for the job in Regina when Pat Conacher moves on whenever that will be. Of course, current assistants Malcolm Cameron and Josh Dixon would also get strong consideration.
----
The Moose Jaw Civic Centre is in its final days. Global TV ran a piece Thursday night about the demolition with pictures showing what it looks like inside "The Crushed Can". Many memories were had in that building. I wonder if Pats president Brent Parker has asked someone if he can drive the equipment that is swinging the wrecking ball so he can take one final shot at the rink. Who's kidding who, there are probably a lot of people across the WHL who would like to have one shot with the wrecking ball and there are many others that just watch while a tear rolls down their cheek. The one thing is the fine people of Moose Jaw have a great new building that has done great things for not only the Warriors, but the city in general. Its kind of like what we'll have in Regina in the next few years. Tears will be shed when Mosaic Stadium comes down, but a facility that will work for the Riders and the city in general will be here.
----
There hasn't been a need to complain about mosquitoes in the YQR this year, but I tried spending some time in the backyard after the CFL game last nite and had to come in because of the pests right away. They were nasty!
-----
Try and try as I might, I just don't understand the Fed Ex Cup golf playoffs. I know that the field gets reduced over the next few weeks, but its just too complicated as to how you win the whole thing.
-----
Chad Kroeger and Avril Lavigne??? Who saw that coming?
----
The stars of High Impact Wrestling are back at the Victoria Club Friday night for what I'm sure will be a night of pure entertainment and mayhem. The main event will feature the wannabe cowboy Rex ( I haven't met a bar of soap I liked) Roberts against the man they call Jumpin Joe for championship gold. The bell rings at the Victoria Club at 8 o'clock. Its black tie optional.
-----
Mrs. Scruffy's best friend is getting married next winter and yes, we have been invited. Did I mention the wedding is in Lima, Peru???? I don't know if we'll make this one. The bride has lived and toured the world since leaving Regina about eight years ago. For the longest while, she was residing in Switzerland. I would have highly considered going to Switzerland, but Peru, I dunno.
----
The "Two and a Half Men" episode where Charlie begs Chelsea not to get breast reduction surgery might be one of the funniest half hours of TV ever created. Its not as funny as some of the WKRP's that were on the air, but that episode just makes me howl.
----
Nothing against the Taylor Hall signing or some of the others, but why are NHL owners signing players to big contracts just before a lockout. Is this helping the owners cause any?
----
The Conference Board of Canada says Canada could be home to many more pro franchises and says the CFL could call Saskatoon home in 2035. That's a long ways away so why bother talking about it right now. That report has the CFL in Saskatoon being the only pro league to take up roots in this province. I know the NBA isn't coming and either is major league baseball, but would it hurt Regina or Saskatoon to see what it would take to land a Major League Soccer team here? Would it work here? I don't see why it wouldn't.
----
A radio station in Hamilton has gone to an all-comedy format? HUH????
----
Who throws the wilder parties? Prince Harry or Randy Travis!
----
Is it just me or does the 2nd half of that tank of gas go twice as fast as the first half?
----
Have a good Friday!
UFC 151 Cancelled
UFC 151 has been canceled after light heavyweight contender Dan Henderson was sidelined with a knee injury and champion Jon Jones declined a replacement fight with Chael Sonnen.
UFC president Dana White made the announcement Thursday, scrapping a major card for the first time in his 11 years in charge of mixed martial arts' dominant promotion.
UFC 151 was scheduled for Sept. 1 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
White is furious with Jones and his trainer, Greg Jackson, for declining a replacement bout with Sonnen, the former 185-pound contender who agreed to move up in weight with eight days' notice. White says Jones is the first UFC champion ever to turn down a match.
Jones has agreed to fight former champion Lyoto Machida on Sept. 22 in Toronto.
Pats Extend Assistant Coaches
he Regina Pats Hockey Club is pleased to announce Assistant Coaches Malcolm Cameron and Josh Dixon have both agreed to one year contract extensions which will carry them through the 2013-14 season.
“The coaching staff played a significant role in our success last season. I strongly believe we have a coaching staff that is committed to build a program we all will be proud of,” says Pats General Manager, Chad Lang. “The three of them work extremely hard and complement each other very well. It was only right to have their contracts structured to the same length so as a collective group we can continue to focus on building our hockey club and striving for the team success we are all seeking.”
Cameron and Dixon both joined the Pats ahead of the 2011-12 campaign along with Head Coach Pat Conacher. The Pats went on to post their best record in three seasons.
Cameron came to the Pats after nine seasons coaching in the ECHL, missing the playoffs just twice in that period of time.
Cameron on remaining with Regina an extra year, “I am extremely excited and honored to be given this extension, and would like to thank both Brent Parker and general manager Chad Lang for the opportunity to continue on with the organization through 2014. I thoroughly enjoyed my first year in junior hockey, and the great staff I have the chance to work with every day. I look forward to another fun and exciting season.”
Dixon brought a wealth of collegiate experience to the Pats bench, having been an assistant coach in both the CIS and ACAC. The year prior to joining the Pats, Dixon was the Head Coach of the varsity team at the Okanagan Hockey Academy.
Dixon on his extension with the Pats, "I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to remain with this great organization for an additional year. I want to thank the Parker family, Russ, Diane and Brent along with Chad Lang and Pat Conacher for their support and confidence in me. I am passionately proud about being a member of the Regina Pats and look forward to playing a role in building off of last year’s success moving forward into this season and beyond."
Pats Training Camp is nearly here; registration goes August 30th with on ice sessions beginning the next morning.
Conference Board Thinks Canada Could Have A Sports Explosion
A rosy prediction from the Conference Board of Canada on Thursday when it comes to professional sports in Canada.
A report from the board says the country is ripe for major league sports expansion over the next two decades.
The report says economic and demographic trends suggest Canada could support three new NHL teams, major league baseball in Montreal, an NBA franchise in Vancouver and as many as three, new Major League Soccer teams.
It gets better if you are a CFL fan. The study also suggests that by the year 2035, another seven cities could support Canadian Football League franchises.
The report's authors looked at population growth trends in specific markets, the effects of an aging population, the strength of the Canadian dollar and income growth to predict which cities will be able to support big-league sports.
It found that all Canada's existing major league sports teams are on a sound market footing, and suggests that Toronto could support a second National Hockey League team, along with Quebec City and Hamilton
The report states that, "in short, the future is bright for pro sports in Canada."
A report from the board says the country is ripe for major league sports expansion over the next two decades.
The report says economic and demographic trends suggest Canada could support three new NHL teams, major league baseball in Montreal, an NBA franchise in Vancouver and as many as three, new Major League Soccer teams.
It gets better if you are a CFL fan. The study also suggests that by the year 2035, another seven cities could support Canadian Football League franchises.
The report's authors looked at population growth trends in specific markets, the effects of an aging population, the strength of the Canadian dollar and income growth to predict which cities will be able to support big-league sports.
It found that all Canada's existing major league sports teams are on a sound market footing, and suggests that Toronto could support a second National Hockey League team, along with Quebec City and Hamilton
The report states that, "in short, the future is bright for pro sports in Canada."
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Taylor Hall Isn't Going Anywhere
Good news for the Edmonton Oilers today. The Oilers have signed forward Taylor Hall to a seven year contract extension worth 42 million (6 mill a season).Hall was the first pick overall in 2010. Last year, he had 27 goals and 26 assists in 61 games.
CHL Responds To Possible Union
There has been much media speculation in the previous two days surrounding the attempted organization of our 1,300 players by an organization called the Canadian Hockey League Players’ Association.
To date, the league has not received any formal notification on the formation of this association or any intent to organize our players.
The CHL is comprised of the Western Hockey League, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and the Ontario Hockey League. The league is recognized as the number one player development league in the world for the NHL, Canada’s national teams and Canadian Interuniversity Sport hockey.
We are of the opinion that no junior hockey league in the world has made more changes to support the best interest of its players both on and off the ice as the CHL. This is evidenced by our drug education and anti-doping program, our concussion management program, numerous charitable programs and our Respect in Sport program as developed by Sheldon Kennedy in the area of player abuse.
In addition, the CHL provides North America’s best player scholarship program, funded through the league’s ownership.
Our league is comprised of 60 teams, all of which operate as individual corporate entities. Given this structure, any organization drive would be required to be at an individual team level.
Rider Injuries
Bad news for the Riders when it comes to linebacker Abraham Kromah. The rookie, who was leading the team in tackles, has been placed on the nine game injury list with a broken leg. The injury happened in BC on Sunday.
Receiver Jordan Sisco is also on the nine game list after breaking his wrist in the same game.
The team has signed former Winnipeg receiver Aaron Hargreaves.
Receiver Jordan Sisco is also on the nine game list after breaking his wrist in the same game.
The team has signed former Winnipeg receiver Aaron Hargreaves.
WHL Training Camps Opening Up Soon
The 2012-13 Western Hockey League season is approaching as many WHL Clubs officially open training camps this week.
Beginning Wednesday, August 22nd, many Clubs welcome players for registration, while on-ice sessions for 10 Clubs begin on Thursday, August 23rd. By the weekend, almost all WHL Clubs will be putting players through paces on the ice in preparation for the 2012-13 WHL Regular Season, which begins on Thursday, September 20th, with the 2012 WHL Champion Edmonton Oil Kings playing host to the 2011 WHL Champion Kootenay Ice in the stand-alone WHL season opening game, LIVE on Shaw at 7pm.
The 2012 WHL Pre-Season begins on Tuesday, August 28th, with the Moose Jaw Warriors hosting the Swift Current Broncos in an All-Rookie game, and continues through Sunday, September 16th.
The 2011 WHL pre-season schedule again features four pre-season tournaments. The Everett Silvertips Pre-season Classic runs August 31 – September 2 and will feature all five U.S. Division Clubs, the host Everett Silvertips, Portland Winterhawks, Seattle Thunderbirds, Spokane Chiefs and Tri-City Americans. The Edmonton Oil Kings 6th Annual Pre-Season tournament begins Saturday, September 1 and features six WHL Clubs including the host Oil Kings, Calgary Hitmen, Medicine Hat Tigers, Prince George Cougars, Red Deer Rebels and Swift Current Broncos. The games will be played out of the Servus Credit Union Place in St. Albert, AB. The Tri-City Americans Pre-Season Tournament will again feature all five U.S. Division Clubs; the host Americans, Everett Silvertips, Portland Winterhawks, Seattle Thunderbirds and the Spokane Chiefs. The tournament will also include the Kootenay Ice with games starting on September 6. The Thunder Challenge Tournament hosted by the community of Crowsnest, Alberta, runs September 14 - 16 and features the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Kootenay Ice and Calgary Hitmen.
(Courtesy WHL)
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Former NHL Tough Guy To Head Up Possible Junior Hockey Players Union
Former NHL tough guy Georges Laraque has been named to head the fledgling Canadian Hockey League Players Association.
Laraque, who in 2009 represented Montreal Canadiens players with the NHLPA, broke the news in French using his Twitter account, Quebec media reported.
The 35-year-old native of Montreal, who was named deputy leader of the Green Party of Canada two years ago, is poised to become the face of a de facto union to protect the interests of more than 1,300 junior hockey players in the OHL, WHL and QMJHL.
A spokesperson for the association, which is yet to be certified, said earlier this week its priority is improving the educational packages available to junior hockey players, who get a $50-a-week stipend plus room and board.
(Courtesy Toronto Star)
Laraque, who in 2009 represented Montreal Canadiens players with the NHLPA, broke the news in French using his Twitter account, Quebec media reported.
The 35-year-old native of Montreal, who was named deputy leader of the Green Party of Canada two years ago, is poised to become the face of a de facto union to protect the interests of more than 1,300 junior hockey players in the OHL, WHL and QMJHL.
A spokesperson for the association, which is yet to be certified, said earlier this week its priority is improving the educational packages available to junior hockey players, who get a $50-a-week stipend plus room and board.
(Courtesy Toronto Star)
CFL POTW-Wk 8
Joey Elliott, Alex Hall, Chris Williams and Cauchy Muamba were named the Gibson’s Finest CFL Players of the Week for Week Eight, the Canadian Football League announced today.
The four players were chosen by a panel of judges that includes former Canadian Football League players Matt Dunigan and Duane Forde, now of TSN, and Pierre Vercheval of RDS.
Following a breakout performance in Thursday night's win over the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Blue Bombers quarterback Joey Elliott has been named the Offensive Player of the Week.
In his first start since Week 19 of the 2010 season, Elliott completed 33 of his 43 passes for 406 yards and a touchdown, leading the Bombers to a 32-25 victory. The 26-year-old had Bomber fans chanting his name following his 12-yard touchdown strike to receiver Chris Matthews, which gave Winnipeg their largest lead of the season.
Elliott wasn't the only member of the Blue and Gold earning accolades in Week 8, as his teammate, defensive back Alex Hall earns Defensive Player of the Week honours.
Hall was a force for the Bombers, registering one tackle and one sack, while forcing two fumbles. Hall's two forced fumbles were instrumental in Winnipeg's second win of the season, as his first with 2:07 remaining in the first quarter saved a touchdown and his second came midway through the fourth quarter as the Ticats were threatening to make a late comeback.
For the second time this season, Tiger-Cats kick returner Chris Williams has been named the Special Teams Player of the Week.
Williams returned five punts for 146 yards and one touchdown, a 72-yard return off a 35-yard Mike Renaud offering for his fourth kick return for a TD this season.
He now sits just one return for a touchdown shy of Henry 'Gizmo' Williams, Bashir Levingston and Keith Stokes for the most kick returns for a touchdown in a single CFL season.
The Canadian Player of the Week is BC Lions safety Cauchy Muamba. The former St. Francis Xavier X-Men registered one tackle and had two interceptions in BC's 24-5 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The four players were chosen by a panel of judges that includes former Canadian Football League players Matt Dunigan and Duane Forde, now of TSN, and Pierre Vercheval of RDS.
Following a breakout performance in Thursday night's win over the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Blue Bombers quarterback Joey Elliott has been named the Offensive Player of the Week.
In his first start since Week 19 of the 2010 season, Elliott completed 33 of his 43 passes for 406 yards and a touchdown, leading the Bombers to a 32-25 victory. The 26-year-old had Bomber fans chanting his name following his 12-yard touchdown strike to receiver Chris Matthews, which gave Winnipeg their largest lead of the season.
Elliott wasn't the only member of the Blue and Gold earning accolades in Week 8, as his teammate, defensive back Alex Hall earns Defensive Player of the Week honours.
Hall was a force for the Bombers, registering one tackle and one sack, while forcing two fumbles. Hall's two forced fumbles were instrumental in Winnipeg's second win of the season, as his first with 2:07 remaining in the first quarter saved a touchdown and his second came midway through the fourth quarter as the Ticats were threatening to make a late comeback.
For the second time this season, Tiger-Cats kick returner Chris Williams has been named the Special Teams Player of the Week.
Williams returned five punts for 146 yards and one touchdown, a 72-yard return off a 35-yard Mike Renaud offering for his fourth kick return for a TD this season.
He now sits just one return for a touchdown shy of Henry 'Gizmo' Williams, Bashir Levingston and Keith Stokes for the most kick returns for a touchdown in a single CFL season.
The Canadian Player of the Week is BC Lions safety Cauchy Muamba. The former St. Francis Xavier X-Men registered one tackle and had two interceptions in BC's 24-5 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Hmmmmmm!!!!
Does marriage drive women to drink?
A study suggests the answer is yes. It found married women drink more than single or divorced women — and married men drink less than their single, divorced or widowed counterparts.
The research, led by University of Cincinnati associate sociology professor Corrine Reczek, was presented at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association on Aug. 19 in Denver.
Using data compiled from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study which tracked more than 10,000 men and women over six decades — about half of whom provided information on their alcohol use — the study found:
• men overall consumed more alcohol than women
• married men reported drinking less alcohol than single, divorced and widowed men, in part due to their spouses’ drinking habits.
• married women drank slightly more than divorced or widowed women, mainly because of their spouse’s drinking habits.
• women who were divorced or widowed drank “significantly” less than married women.
• recently divorced men drank “significantly” more than men in long-term marriages.
A study suggests the answer is yes. It found married women drink more than single or divorced women — and married men drink less than their single, divorced or widowed counterparts.
The research, led by University of Cincinnati associate sociology professor Corrine Reczek, was presented at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association on Aug. 19 in Denver.
Using data compiled from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study which tracked more than 10,000 men and women over six decades — about half of whom provided information on their alcohol use — the study found:
• men overall consumed more alcohol than women
• married men reported drinking less alcohol than single, divorced and widowed men, in part due to their spouses’ drinking habits.
• married women drank slightly more than divorced or widowed women, mainly because of their spouse’s drinking habits.
• women who were divorced or widowed drank “significantly” less than married women.
• recently divorced men drank “significantly” more than men in long-term marriages.
DeLaet Headed To FedEx Cup Playoffs
Graham DeLaet of Weyburn insured that he would be in the first leg of the PGA playoffs known as the FedEx cup with a solid showing at the rain delayed Wyndham Championship---the last tournament of the year on the PGA Tour.
DeLaet took home just under 50-thousand dollars for finishing in a tie for 22nd at nine under par.
DeLaet will now head to the Barclays Championship this coming weekend. He goes into the playoffs ranked 106th. He needs to be ranked in the top 100 to continue on to the next tournament so he will need a solid performance at the Barclays to keep going.
After this weekend, DeLaet has now made 734-thousand this year and has had 4 Top 25 finishes in 20 starts.
DeLaet took home just under 50-thousand dollars for finishing in a tie for 22nd at nine under par.
DeLaet will now head to the Barclays Championship this coming weekend. He goes into the playoffs ranked 106th. He needs to be ranked in the top 100 to continue on to the next tournament so he will need a solid performance at the Barclays to keep going.
After this weekend, DeLaet has now made 734-thousand this year and has had 4 Top 25 finishes in 20 starts.
U of R Star To Continue Career In Native Land
Former University of Regina women's basketball player Joanna Zalesiak signed a one-year contract on Monday morning with Energa Torun, a team in Poland's top professional league.
Zalesiak will join an Energa Torun squad that finished with an impressive 17-9 record during the PLKK regular season last year and won a best-of-three quarterfinal series before bowing out in the semifinals of the league playoffs.
“When we recruited Joanna, we made a plan for her to play three years and then go back overseas to play professionally,” Cougars head coach Dave Taylor said. “I'm thrilled it has worked out so well for both our program and for Joanna. She's been one of the top players in our school's history and I look forward to watching her in the next stage of her career.”
Zalesiak was a three-time Canada West all-star and a two-time All-Canadian during her time at the U of R, and was named Canada West's Most Valuable Player during the 2011-12 campaign. Despite playing just three seasons with the Cougars, she finishes her career ranked second in school history with 315 assists and 10th on the U of R's all-time list with 931 career points.
Torun is located in north-central Poland about 275 kilometres east of Zalesiak's hometown of Gorzów Wielkopolski. Energa Torun's season begins on Sept. 29.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Something To Mitch About
Late in the 3rd quarter at Casa de Blair, perhaps the best thing of the night happened. The power went out! When it did, the Riders were down 10-3 and were still in the football game. I obviously missed the worst, but I did see enough to see that the Lions were the better football team Sunday night.
Just some random thoughts
--I don't mind listening to Rod and Carm do a game, but if I am going to sit in my car and listen, I should be driving and not sitting in my driveway. Memo to self----get a new transistor radio. I wonder what the neighbours were thinking. Oh wait, I think one of them was doing the same thing as me.
--I am still of firm belief that Darian Durant is the number one quarterback of this team, but his effort against the Lions was the worst one of the year and it comes after what I thought had been the worst one against Edmonton. One has to wonder where his confidence level is at and one has to wonder how intense the pressure will be to get Drew Willy some meaningful time.
--Willy came in late and completed most of his passes. It was against a BC defence that called off the dogs though. Take nothing from his performance and chalk it up to getting some valuable reps during game time.
--The roughing the passer call on James Patrick was the biggest BS call of the season. How and what was the referee looking at on that one?
--While Durant did not have a good game, either did the offensive line. It was perhaps their worst effort of the season.
--It was a great effort by a much-maligned defence. Odell Willis once again became a force on the d-line. Brent Hawkins and Willis made life miserable for Travis Lulay---especially in the first half.
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Yes, I know they honored Wally Buono before the game, but was it really necessary that Lions coach Mike Benavides wore a Wally t-shirt on the sidelines. None of the other assistants wore one. That just reeks of cheeziness! Two thumbs down on that one! I wonder if the Lions gave Carm a Wally t-shirt?
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While the Riders were doing their thing, so was former Rider Jerrell Freeman on NBC with the Indianapolis Colts...
Anthony Calvillo just continues to astound me. You keep wondering when he will slow down, but he doesn’t. If you ranked QB’s NFL and CFL, where would you have him. Would he be in your top 10? Would Damon Allen be in your top 10? Would Doug Flutie? My number one quarterback all time would have to be Joe Montana.
Anthony Calvillo just continues to astound me. You keep wondering when he will slow down, but he doesn’t. If you ranked QB’s NFL and CFL, where would you have him. Would he be in your top 10? Would Damon Allen be in your top 10? Would Doug Flutie? My number one quarterback all time would have to be Joe Montana.
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I guess the
I think the Stamps miss Smilin Hank.
I don’t know if anyone is doing it in
Am I the only one that misses Bonanza? For that matter, what is being built there right now. What is being built on
The fact that the Cubs have locked up their young shortstop Starlin Castro to a huge contract extension leaves me smiling. If the Cubs are going to make noise in future years, Castro will be one of their leaders.
Try as I might, I could not watch the Canada-Russia junior games this week. It didn’t interest me and its mid-August.
The WWE needs to learn not to schedule big pay per views like Summerslam at the same time as a Riders game. I was going to either A) get the PPV or B) go to the Galaxy to check it out with some buds until it was learned that it would be on at the same time as the football game. BLOGGER NOTE: Summerslam may have been more entertaining
Memo to Sportsnet. I understand you have the NFL Thursday night package on your network, but do not tell me that Thursday is the new Monday. Thursday is one day closer to the weekend while Monday isn’t. Get a new slogan!
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Tough one for the Regina Thunder as they lose 52-35 to Calgary. The Thunder are 1-1 on the season.
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I get the feeling it could be a long week around here.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Trevis Smith Fired From Football Job In Alabama
A thanks to the eagle eyes of Leader-Post sports editor Rob Vanstone for finding this gem. Trevis Smith was back in football until his past caught up to him. The story can be found right here
Friday, August 17, 2012
Off To Vancouver
The Riders will leave for Vancouver tomorrow as they take on the Lions in a 5 o'clock kickoff. The game can be seen on TSN with CKRM starting with "The Touchdown Club" at 230. Here are some comments today from James Patrick, Brendan Labatte, Darian Durant and Corey Chamblin going in.....
Thursday, August 16, 2012
This And That
Just a random collection of thoughts whirring through the brain...
--I can't figure out the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. They can look very good one week and very bad the next. I don't think I have to tell you what Tiger-Cats showed up in Winnipeg. Hamilton had problems getting over the hump when Marcel Bellefeuille was the head coach and I don't see it being any better with George Cortez at the helm.
--Where is Marcel Bellefeuille now?
--I have said it before. I think the best QB the Bombers have on their roster is Joey Elliott and it showed on Thursday night.
--I am so sick of the negative talk surrounding Rider quarterback Darian Durant. Durant is not the reason this football team is 3-3. Has he been perfect in the first six games? No. Has he made some mistakes? Yes! Durant did enough for this team to win five of six games played this year. The expectations amongst some members of the fan base when it comes to the starting Saskatchewan quarterback is just a little extreme. What do you want from the starting quarterback whether it be Durant or not because it seems that some members of the Rider Nation just aren't happy with whoever is under centre. They booed Lancaster, they booed Austin, they have criticized every starter. I laughed aloud on Wednesday when John Lynch informed me that on the call-in show after the 07 Grey Cup, some had to voice that Kerry Joseph had played bad. THEY WON THE CUP!!!! What more do you want!!
--Athlonsports.com has come up with a list of the best names in US College Football this year. You have to take a look at some of these beauts....one or two who perhaps could be coming to a CFL stadium near you.
--If you look to your right, you see a button from VISA Canada to cheer on our Paralympians at the upcoming London Paralympics. VISA is giving away to some who cheer a 250 dollar pre-paid card. Give it a whirl. You just never know if you might win. Our paralympians certainly deserve your support and they will see it by clicking on the button and wishing them luck. As great as it is to see our Olympians do their thing, it perhaps is greater to see paralympians taking part in the sports they love because they have had to battle just to have a chance to play a sport of any kind.
--The Hockey News has been running season previews on one team in each conference for the last few days with what team will be last in each conference, what team will be 14th in each conference, etc. etc. etc. From what I'm hearing and seeing out of Toronto, I don't think it will really matter for a few months.
--Could the Regina Pats get Jordan Weal and Martin Marincin back if there is a lockout? If they do, how much better are they especially when you consider that other teams will get their players back as well like Quinton Howden, Emerson Etem, etc. etc.
--TSN's Chris Cuthbert had the following tweet this week. "Is 50 Shades of Grey" a story on the first 50 years of the Grey Cup or the 2nd 50. Thats GOLD!
--The movie "Extreme Rush" looks to be one of those movies where its 90 or so minutes of your life that you wish you could get back but won't. A courier cyclist is biking for his life in NYC? No thanks!
--I was in an NFL fantasy draft this week with some members of the Harvard Broadcasting crew. He wasn't the first quarterback I took, but yes, I did take Seahawks QB Matt Flynn. No, I did not take Terrell Owens however Phil "The Thrill" Andrews did. If I would have known, I would have went and made some microwave popcorn for him. Thanks for the donation Phil and remember there are two "L"'s in Mitchell when writing that first place cheque. By the way, the first QB I took was Matt Ryan although I was a pick or two away from adding Matt Stafford to my first pick of Calvin Johnson. That would have been a sweet double.
--If you didn't hear Thursday's "Sportscage", it was a dandy. Rod and his gang of cronies (Derek Meyers, Trevor Secundiak) were in Yorkton for Jarrett Stoll's day with the Stanley Cup. Amongst the guests Roddie had were two LA King season ticket holders who said they wanted to go somewhere to be with a King who had the Cup for a day to see what it was all about and they decided with Stoll. You gotta wonder what these two guys who live in LA thought about Yorkton and Saskatchewan---you know it would be somewhat of a culture shock. Seeing the pics on TV, it looks like a great day was had by all and that's the main thing. I wonder if Locker Talk movie correspondent and Kings fan Carlo Palazzo went to get his pic taken with the Cup.
--If Aaron Rodgers goes down this year or the Packers sit him because they are comfortably in front or woefully behind, the man under center will be Graham Harrell. The guy that couldn't see the field in Saskatchewan in one year here after a successful college career will be backing up perhaps the best offence in football. Its funny how the game works isn't it.
--Just a couple of more weeks until the kids head back to school. How do ya feel about that Mom and Dad?
--Once again, a huge congratulations to the Regina Red Sox for winning the WMBL title for a 2nd straight year. Gary Brotzel, Bernie Eiswirth, Justin Eiswirth and Rob Cherepuschak along with many others deserve a huge pat on the back for another season well done. These four are committed to bringing Reginans a good brand of baseball and an entertaining brand of baseball and I think more and more Reginans are starting to see that. There are a lot of outstanding individuals that put in a lot of hard work with that team and their efforts are now being rewarded. Here's hoping the momentum of this year can carry over into next when "Mission Threepeat" takes over.
--Still with the Red Sox, a tip of the hat goes to their play-by-play guy Adam Geiger or Vin Scully Junior as I call him. Working with limited resources, Adam does a fantastic job on the Red Sox games and the webcasts including Wednesdays series-clincher in Medicine Hat. I think a lot of people were watching the final few outs and hearing Adam's call not just in Regina, but around North America. He does these games by himself and that's not easy when there is a lot of dead time. If there is someone doing a better job in independent or minor league baseball that isn't affiliated with a radio station, I'd like to see him do his thing.
--Its been one year since former Pats captain Rick Rypien tragically left us. I still find that hard to fathom some days. As I said a year ago, I will never meet someone like Rypien again. He was one of a kind and he was the toughest SOB I know. It was a privilege to cover his Pats career.
--I've taken the Lions to beat the Riders this week. I hope I'm wrong.
--Have a great Friday and a great weekend!
--I can't figure out the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. They can look very good one week and very bad the next. I don't think I have to tell you what Tiger-Cats showed up in Winnipeg. Hamilton had problems getting over the hump when Marcel Bellefeuille was the head coach and I don't see it being any better with George Cortez at the helm.
--Where is Marcel Bellefeuille now?
--I have said it before. I think the best QB the Bombers have on their roster is Joey Elliott and it showed on Thursday night.
--I am so sick of the negative talk surrounding Rider quarterback Darian Durant. Durant is not the reason this football team is 3-3. Has he been perfect in the first six games? No. Has he made some mistakes? Yes! Durant did enough for this team to win five of six games played this year. The expectations amongst some members of the fan base when it comes to the starting Saskatchewan quarterback is just a little extreme. What do you want from the starting quarterback whether it be Durant or not because it seems that some members of the Rider Nation just aren't happy with whoever is under centre. They booed Lancaster, they booed Austin, they have criticized every starter. I laughed aloud on Wednesday when John Lynch informed me that on the call-in show after the 07 Grey Cup, some had to voice that Kerry Joseph had played bad. THEY WON THE CUP!!!! What more do you want!!
--Athlonsports.com has come up with a list of the best names in US College Football this year. You have to take a look at some of these beauts....one or two who perhaps could be coming to a CFL stadium near you.
--If you look to your right, you see a button from VISA Canada to cheer on our Paralympians at the upcoming London Paralympics. VISA is giving away to some who cheer a 250 dollar pre-paid card. Give it a whirl. You just never know if you might win. Our paralympians certainly deserve your support and they will see it by clicking on the button and wishing them luck. As great as it is to see our Olympians do their thing, it perhaps is greater to see paralympians taking part in the sports they love because they have had to battle just to have a chance to play a sport of any kind.
--The Hockey News has been running season previews on one team in each conference for the last few days with what team will be last in each conference, what team will be 14th in each conference, etc. etc. etc. From what I'm hearing and seeing out of Toronto, I don't think it will really matter for a few months.
--Could the Regina Pats get Jordan Weal and Martin Marincin back if there is a lockout? If they do, how much better are they especially when you consider that other teams will get their players back as well like Quinton Howden, Emerson Etem, etc. etc.
--TSN's Chris Cuthbert had the following tweet this week. "Is 50 Shades of Grey" a story on the first 50 years of the Grey Cup or the 2nd 50. Thats GOLD!
--The movie "Extreme Rush" looks to be one of those movies where its 90 or so minutes of your life that you wish you could get back but won't. A courier cyclist is biking for his life in NYC? No thanks!
--I was in an NFL fantasy draft this week with some members of the Harvard Broadcasting crew. He wasn't the first quarterback I took, but yes, I did take Seahawks QB Matt Flynn. No, I did not take Terrell Owens however Phil "The Thrill" Andrews did. If I would have known, I would have went and made some microwave popcorn for him. Thanks for the donation Phil and remember there are two "L"'s in Mitchell when writing that first place cheque. By the way, the first QB I took was Matt Ryan although I was a pick or two away from adding Matt Stafford to my first pick of Calvin Johnson. That would have been a sweet double.
--If you didn't hear Thursday's "Sportscage", it was a dandy. Rod and his gang of cronies (Derek Meyers, Trevor Secundiak) were in Yorkton for Jarrett Stoll's day with the Stanley Cup. Amongst the guests Roddie had were two LA King season ticket holders who said they wanted to go somewhere to be with a King who had the Cup for a day to see what it was all about and they decided with Stoll. You gotta wonder what these two guys who live in LA thought about Yorkton and Saskatchewan---you know it would be somewhat of a culture shock. Seeing the pics on TV, it looks like a great day was had by all and that's the main thing. I wonder if Locker Talk movie correspondent and Kings fan Carlo Palazzo went to get his pic taken with the Cup.
--If Aaron Rodgers goes down this year or the Packers sit him because they are comfortably in front or woefully behind, the man under center will be Graham Harrell. The guy that couldn't see the field in Saskatchewan in one year here after a successful college career will be backing up perhaps the best offence in football. Its funny how the game works isn't it.
--Just a couple of more weeks until the kids head back to school. How do ya feel about that Mom and Dad?
--Once again, a huge congratulations to the Regina Red Sox for winning the WMBL title for a 2nd straight year. Gary Brotzel, Bernie Eiswirth, Justin Eiswirth and Rob Cherepuschak along with many others deserve a huge pat on the back for another season well done. These four are committed to bringing Reginans a good brand of baseball and an entertaining brand of baseball and I think more and more Reginans are starting to see that. There are a lot of outstanding individuals that put in a lot of hard work with that team and their efforts are now being rewarded. Here's hoping the momentum of this year can carry over into next when "Mission Threepeat" takes over.
--Still with the Red Sox, a tip of the hat goes to their play-by-play guy Adam Geiger or Vin Scully Junior as I call him. Working with limited resources, Adam does a fantastic job on the Red Sox games and the webcasts including Wednesdays series-clincher in Medicine Hat. I think a lot of people were watching the final few outs and hearing Adam's call not just in Regina, but around North America. He does these games by himself and that's not easy when there is a lot of dead time. If there is someone doing a better job in independent or minor league baseball that isn't affiliated with a radio station, I'd like to see him do his thing.
--Its been one year since former Pats captain Rick Rypien tragically left us. I still find that hard to fathom some days. As I said a year ago, I will never meet someone like Rypien again. He was one of a kind and he was the toughest SOB I know. It was a privilege to cover his Pats career.
--I've taken the Lions to beat the Riders this week. I hope I'm wrong.
--Have a great Friday and a great weekend!
Rider Roster Moves
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today they have added import defensive back Milt Collins to the team’s practice roster.
Collins (6’1” – 182) is a five year CFL veteran. The Mississippi product originally signed with Calgary as a free agent in 2008. Collins spent the next four years with the Stampeders before being traded to Hamilton during the 2011 season. For his career, the New Orleans native, has recorded 87 defensive tackles, three quarterback sacks and 8 interceptions.
· The Riders also announced today they have released import defensive back Nick Graham and import offensive lineman Chris Patrick.
Collins (6’1” – 182) is a five year CFL veteran. The Mississippi product originally signed with Calgary as a free agent in 2008. Collins spent the next four years with the Stampeders before being traded to Hamilton during the 2011 season. For his career, the New Orleans native, has recorded 87 defensive tackles, three quarterback sacks and 8 interceptions.
· The Riders also announced today they have released import defensive back Nick Graham and import offensive lineman Chris Patrick.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Mission Accomplished - Red Sox Repeat As WMBL Champs
The Regina Red Sox celebrate at home plate as in the words of play-by-play man Adam Geiger "Mission Repeat is Complete". The Red Sox won the WMBL championship for the second straight season on Wednesday night with a 7-3 win to beat the Medicine Hat Mavericks to take the final series in 4 games. Congrats to Gary Brotzel, Bernie Eiswirth, Justin Eiswirth, Rob Cherepuschak and everyone on and off the field that helped make Red Sox baseball a success this season.
(Photo courtesy Regina Red Sox)
CFL Upholds Mitchell's Suspension
The Canadian Football League announced today that an arbitrator has upheld BC Lions DT Khalif Mitchell’s two game suspension levied by CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon.
Mitchell will serve the suspension over the course of the next two Lions’ games.
Mitchell was issued the two game suspension for a play in which he performed an unnecessary, reckless act on Edmonton Eskimo offensive lineman Simeon Rottier on Friday, July 20.
“We welcome this decision and will continue to work with our players and their association to safeguard player health and safety,” said Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League.
Mitchell will serve the suspension over the course of the next two Lions’ games.
Mitchell was issued the two game suspension for a play in which he performed an unnecessary, reckless act on Edmonton Eskimo offensive lineman Simeon Rottier on Friday, July 20.
“We welcome this decision and will continue to work with our players and their association to safeguard player health and safety,” said Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League.
Rage Show Off Their Uniforms
The Regina Rage, Regina's team in the Lingerie Football League, play their first game later this month in Vancouver. Here is what the "uniform" looks like.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Rain Disrupts WMBL Final
"Mission Repeat" is on hold for one night. The Regina Red Sox and Medicine Hat Mavericks were to play Game 4 of the WMBL final tonight in Medicine Hat, but heavy rains just prior to the first pitch forced a postponement. It means the two teams will play tomorrow in Medicine Hat. If the Mavericks win, the 5th and deciding game would go at Currie Field Thursday night at 7:05.
If you're wondering, the forecast is calling for sunny skies in Regina on Thursday with a high of 23, but a low of 5.
If you're wondering, the forecast is calling for sunny skies in Regina on Thursday with a high of 23, but a low of 5.
CFL POTW--Week 7
Jon Cornish, J.C Sherritt and Larry Taylor were named the Gibson’s Finest CFL Players of the Week for Week 7, the Canadian Football League announced today.
The three players were chosen by a panel of judges that includes former Canadian Football League players Matt Dunigan and Duane Forde, now of TSN, and Pierre Vercheval of RDS.
Calgary Stampeders tailback Jon Cornish double dipped in Week 7, earning the Offensive and Canadian Player of the Week awards. Cornish rebounded nicely from a sub-par performance in Week 5, registering a combined 217 yards, en-route to leading the Stampeders to a 31-20 road win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The New Westminster, B.C. native racked up 170 rushing yards and a touchdown on 20 attempts, also registering 47 yards on six receptions.
It's the second time this season that Cornish has been named the Canadian Player of the Week, and the first time since Week 14 of last season that he has earned the Offensive Player of the Week.
J.C. Sherritt continued his strong start to the season in Week 7, collecting his third Defensive Player of the Week award for his performance in Edmonton's 28-20 win over the Roughriders.
Sherritt registered a game-high seven tackles on Friday night, and also had a key interception with 1:45 remaining in the fourth quarter to seal Edmonton's fourth win of the year.
The 2011 Most Outstanding Rookie nominee currently leads the CFL in tackles with 48.
Finally, Stampeders kick returner Larry Taylor is the Special Teams Player of the Week. Taylor racked up 172 combined return yards in Week 7, adding to his already league-leading total.
The five-year CFL veteran returned four kickoffs for 84 yards, in addition to his eight punt returns for 88 yards.
It's the second time this season he has been named Special Teams Player of the Week.
Pats Extend Chad Lang's Contract
The Regina Pats Hockey Club is pleased to announce the signing of General Manager Chad Lang to a one-year contract extension through the 2013-14 Western Hockey League season.
“We feel that under Chad’s direction we have made strong strides in all aspects of our hockey department and the extension speaks volumes about the work he has done,” comments Pats President Brent Parker.
In his second year with the Pats, Lang restructured the team’s coaching staff by hiring Head Coach Pat Conacher along with assistants Malcolm Cameron, Josh Dixon and goaltending coach Rob Muntain ahead of the 2011-12 season. The scouting department has also seen change with the hiring of Dale McMullin as Head Scout in the same off-season.
The Pats roster went through a major evolution in the past two seasons with Lang acquiring players such as Colton Jobke, Lane Scheidl and Martin Marincin.
The 2011-12 squad went on to post a 37-27-6-2 record and gained a berth in the playoffs.
“I would like to thank Russ and Diane Parker, and especially Brent for all his support and the confidence he has shown in me over the past two years,” says Lang, "it has been a privilege to have the opportunity to lead this organization and would like to thank all the staff I have worked with these past two years. I am excited and look forward to having the opportunity to continue to build a program we all can be proud of."
Monday, August 13, 2012
Mavericks Stay Alive
The WMBL final will go 4 games. The Regina Red Sox sent their ace Daniel Jones to the hill looking for a series sweep in Medicine Hat, but the Mavericks had other ideas they scored 3 in the 8th enroute to a 7-3 win. Game 4 is in Medicine Hat Tuesday with Game 5 back in Regina if needed Wednesday night.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Something To Mitch About
If it was the last Regina Red Sox home game of the year, it was one to remember. The Red Sox tied it in the 8th inning before Josh Young crushed a homer in the 11th for a walk-off 3-2 win over Medicine Hat and a 2-0 lead in the best of 5 WMBL final. The Red Sox look to complete "Mission Repeat" in Medicine Hat tomorrow. Game 4 if needed would go Tuesday and Game 5 if it should come to that will be back at Currie Field Wednesday. Over 12-hundred people packed the park for Sunday's contest and I would have to think they will jam even more in there if there is one more game to play. If you were at Currie Sunday night, you know what type of game you saw and if you weren't, too bad because you missed a great one as the Red Sox and Mavericks showed how entertaining the WMBL can be.
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What the hell is going on in Toronto? Cory Boyd released just like that? Is anyone believing the Argos explanation of Boyd not being a good enough blocking back thus they are letting the CFL's leading rusher hit the road. I'm not! Credit Eric Tillman for wanting to make his team better, but in signing with the Eskimos, one has to wonder how Edmonton fits Hugh Charles and Boyd into the scheme and what happens if Jerome Messam returns from the NFL's Miami Dolphins. Somehow you have to think Charles will be the odd man out which is too bad because he has played well this year.
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Rob Murphy----class act! That is all.
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Chad Johnson---class act! That is all. I just hope the Seahawks don't decide to take a gamble on him now like they have Terrell Owens.
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Rory McIlroy made the final round of the PGA championship anti-climactic. He ran away with that baby! Weren't people saying a short while ago that Rory's game was gone? Guess again! Tiger once again faded. He has become a better starter than a finisher it would seem. I don't mind that one bit. You had to feel sorry for Carl Pettersson though as he was penalized two strokes because a leaf moved as he took back his club to hit a shot in the rough on the 1st hole. That's worth a two stroke penalty? Really? That's a little harsh and a little inane if you ask me. Some of golf's rules are just stupid---that's one of them.
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Overheard at the Red Sox game. If Richie Hall was McIlroy's caddy on 18, he would have lost the tournament. THATS COLD!!
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The Olympics are over and daytime television goes back to normal after two weeks. Canada had the same amount of medals as Beijing, but there was only one gold. Did our athletes meet your expectations as a whole? I guess for all the tough luck stories there were good stories so it was a lot of give and take. I do know that Canada's Team VISA athletes came away from London with medals as both Brent Hayden and Emilie Heymans got a nice little souvenir from the Olympics for their hard work. There are other Canadian athletes sponsored by VISA who haven't had a chance yet to strut their stuff but they will at the Paralympic games in a couple of weeks.
With the Olympics being over, a huge tip of the cap to the Bell Media consortium of TSN. Sportsnet and CTV for doing an outstanding job. They certainly did better than NBC in my books.
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Good on the US mens basketball for celebrating their basketball title the way they would if they won the NBA championship, but was there anyone out there who DIDN"T think the Americans would win the gold. That was the biggest sure bet of the games.
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The Lakers may have Dwight Howard, but they also still have to contend with Oklahoma City. Those anointing the Lakers as NBA champs may want to re-think their stance.
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The Blue Jays starting lineup on opening day was Adam Lind (1B), Kelly Johnson (2B), Yunel Escobar (SS), Brett Lawrie (3B), Eric Thames, Colby Rasmus, Jose Bautista (OF), JP Arencibia (C) and Edwin Encarnacion (DH). Fast forward to their starting lineup against the Yankees on Sunday....
David Cooper (1B), Mike McCoy (2B), Adenny Hechevarria (SS), Yan Gomes (3B), Rajai Davis,, Anthony Gose, Moises Sierra (OF), Jeff Mathis (C), Encarnacion. Edwin is the only guy to be in the opening day lineup, other than that it was eight different starters. Why have the Jays fallen out of contention?????? I think we know now.
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Congrats to the Regina Thunder as they opened the season with a win over the Edmonton Huskies 23-7. They lost quarterback Asher Hastings to a broken collarbone though. Hastings was invited to Rider camp and he worked hard learning from Darian Durant and the other quarterbacks along with QB's coach Khari Jones. That's a tough break (no pun intended) for him and the team. Hopefully the Thunder don't have the same problems at QB that the Rams did last year, but its off to an ominous start.
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Yes, the Riders are confusing me. This team is better than its 3-3 record indicates, but they regressed in my mind bigtime Friday night. Corey Chamblin has definitely improved the talent on this team and I realize there are some youngsters on that squad, but there are some problems that need to be cleaned up. I also thought Chamblin would be a little more angry with his squad, but he seems to calm and collected in front of the camera unlike a guy like Kavis Reed. I am not going to compare Chamblin to Reed because I think Corey is ten times the coach Kavis is, but I'm not seeing any fire. Should I be worried about that? Corey's coaching idol is Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. He could stare a hole through an iceberg. I keep waiting to see that from Corey and I don't. That isn't a knock against him because I think he's a good coach, its just an observation. Perhaps that will change at practice this week.
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I didn't see the Colts-Rams game. How did Jerrell Freeman look? Did he play?
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Perhaps it was because of the Olympics, but I had no interest in the two Canada-Russia games this week from Yaroslavl. The only thing that interested me was a tremendous piece from TSN's Mark Masters on the father of Brad McCrimmon going to Yaroslavl to get closure on his son's tragic death. During the story, it was revealed that the elder McCrimmon was given Brad's coaching whistle. The story left me with a lump in my throat. If you can find it on www.TSN.ca, do so.
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That's all for me! Have a good week! I've got a strange feeling that it might be for yours truly. I'm hopin at least!
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