This And That

The weekly collection of thoughts running through my muddled mind in no particular order,....

  --The Rider Nation wanted George Cortez's head on a platter and they got it Thursday as the football club confirmed his contract would not be renewed. Its funny how no one had a problem with the offense and what it was doing until the 3rd quarter of the Banjo Bowl. Yes, I think Cortez had to be a little more flexible and create a different game plan under Tino Sunseri and Seth Doege, but he was stubborn, but to pin the blame on him or anyone for the second half collapse is a little extreme.  Like it or not, this season ended when Durant got hurt. In fact, the guy whom this will have the biggest effect on is Durant as he now has to learn another offence when the one he had was pretty damn effective. Many names will surface, but I am going to put my chips onto Khari Jones' square.  The only reason I don't put it on Paul Lapolice's square is I believe he will be a head coach next season or resuming his role on TSN.

 --Marc Cohon's end date is right around the corner. The league said Thursday Cohon will leave his post early and say goodbye to the CFL in early January.  He either has something or the chasm between himself and the league has grown tremendously.

  --The Edmonton Eskimos had seven all-stars to lead the CFL all-star parade while Calgary only had 5. This again makes me wonder if Calgary had gotten to the top playing both Durant and a healthy Mike Reilly. I don't think so.

  --I can't believe the amount of people who are saying lay off Brandon Banks for not returning to the field after having his punt return called back due to penalty. If a Rider had done that, you would want him crucified at the 55 yard line and run him out of town. After all, some fans did dump manure on a certain kicker's lawn for missing a chip shot field goal didn't they? There's a reason why the 13th man hasn't been made public---although really now it could be.

 --On the day one 41 year old retired from the NHL, another returned. Daniel Alfredsson said goodbye to the game after a great career mainly with the Senators while Martin Brodeur played his first game for a team other than the Devils when he started for St. Louis. Alfie still has goals in his stick and Brodeur still has saves in his glove, but Marty should have done the same thing Alfie did and hang them up.

  --Is it safe to say the Vancouver Canucks made the right move by hiring Willie Desjardins as head coach? The Canucks are near the top of the NHL standings and a lot of it has to do with Desjardins has brought to the table. He's a proven winner.

 --Craig MacTavish will finally speak on Friday as to why the Oilers are so abysmal this season. I want to hear what Kevin Lowe thinks and I want to hear from owner Daryl Katz as well. I like MacT, but with the exception of Bob Nicholson, this team needs a complete overhaul starting with Lowe. Why he hasn't been gassed a long time ago remains a mystery. It is nauseating watching the Oilers play and even when they are winning as was the case in Winnipeg Wednesday night, you know its not going to last.......which it didn't.   SIGHHHHHH!!!!

--The stars of High Impact Wrestling turn the Hungarian Club in Regina to "Gronkville" Friday night as the "King's Challenge' is held. Its a unique 16 man tournament which will end with someone holding the belt. A great night is in store. Methinks the place will be packed as well. That's not a bad thing!

--Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos has basically said goodbye to re-signing Melky Cabrera by trading for Seattle outfielder Michael Saunders. Is Anthopoulos looking for a closer? He should be and perhaps an 8th inning guy as well.

--The pictures coming out of Regina Beach this week are incredible after that house explosion. Thank god no one was inside that house when it went BOOM!!! Thank god it happened December 3 and not July 3 as well.

--The stories of one senior after another being improperly cared for and being brought out by the NDP is not great and it does leave one with questions to be asked, but here's one. How many families are satisfied with the care their mom and dad are getting in a seniors home? It would seem to me as if there are more who are satisfied than more who aren't.  The Saskparty won't get these people to come forth and why should they. In the end, when health minister Duncan and Premier Wall talk about the rural hospitals being closed by the NDP and what the opposition did to healthcare while Mr. Romanow and Calvert were in power they mean it because that set us back a long ways. Are you going to tell me the Plains Hospital wouldn't be better served for what it was supposed to be than a Saskatchewan Polytechnic Campus? I don't agree with everything the government does, but the healthcare issue goes right back onto the party that is complaining about it in my books.

--Off the political soapbox now and back to sports.  The Canadian Curling Association must be giddy with the fact ESPN3 will pick up TSN'S "Season of Champions" coverage thus giving Americans a great look at the game. Its tremendous news for the sport as it keeps growing.  One other curling note and that is with Linda Moore gone from TSN and her replacement coming from other curlers, will we be graced with an appearance by Dwayne Mihalicz this year? CMON!!!!

 --Get ready for a solid dose of yours truly on the Sportscage. Rod and a caravan of 57 are off on the annual Sportscage trip to Southern California and when he gets back, he gets his much deserved vacation so it will be me hosting the proceedings into early January. We'll have some fun!!!

  --I can't help but wonder where Marc Trestman's Bears would be if they had a real quarterback. I can't see Jay Cutler with that team next year and I can't see him being a starter anywhere either. OK, maybe the Jets. That defence is horrible as well.

 --Week 14 NFL Lock Of The Week--- Rams over Redskins
    Week 14 NFL Upset Of The Week ---Chiefs over Cardinals

--Gas at well below a dollar a litre in Regina? I didn't think I would ever see that again.

--Have a great weekend!