What Did You Miss Friday?

--The Regina Rams were outscored 49-35 by Calgary to open up the Canada West football season.  The Dinos jumped out to a 21-0 lead, but Regina led the game at halftime by a score of 29-23. In the loss, Rams QB Noah Picton became the 1st in Canada West to hit 10000 career yards. He also moved into 5th in USports Canada career passing.

--The Montreal Alouettes won their 2nd straight game as they walked into Ottawa and bounced the REDBLACKS 21-11.  Antonio Pipkin had another solid game at quarterback for the Als throwing for 242 yards and running for one touchdown.

--The Pats got three assists from defenceman Marco Creta in a 4-1 win over Swift Current as they opened up the pre-season.. The regular season starts September 21.

--Josh Donaldson's days as a Blue Jay are over. He was traded late Friday to the Cleveland Indians. It ends a four year stay in Toronto that saw him win American League MVP once. . Across the 2013-17 seasons between stints with the A's and Blue Jays, Donaldson hit .282 with a .901 OPS, averaging 33 homers, 32 doubles, 98 RBIs and 98 runs scored per season.  The Jays also sent outfielder Curtis Granderson to Milwaukee

--The Los Angeles Rams and superstar defensive tackle Aaron Donald have finalized a six-year contract extension reportedly worth $135 million, including $87 million guaranteed. The Rams confirmed the length of the agreement, but not the financial terms. Donald's reported average annual salary of $22.5 million would be the largest for a defensive player in NFL history. His $87-million guarantee would be tied for the fourth-highest of any current contract.

CFL or NFL?

August 31, 2018 – As the Canadian Football League’s Labour Day tradition with four games across the country continues this weekend, and as the National Football League season kicks off September 6, a new study from the Angus Reid Institute continues to find generational dynamics are at play in the battle for gridiron supremacy between the CFL and the NFL.

When it comes to Canadians’ pigskin preferences, one-in-five say they follow action on both sides of the border.

While each league has the attention of three-in-ten Canadian men and one-in-ten women, it is men over the age of 55 are most likely to prefer the CFL, while male viewers under that age have a preference for American football.

Further, more than half of Canadians (55%) say they would rather watch the NFL spectacle in February over the Canadian clash for the Grey Cup in Edmonton this November.

More Key Findings:

• Saskatchewan residents lead the country by a wide margin in their CFL interest. Half of residents (50%) say they follow Canadian football, more than twice the national average and 22 percentage points higher than second place BC and Alberta (28% respectively)

• Among those who watch the CFL, one-in-three across each age group say it has become more exciting over the past five years, while half say the product is about the same

• Overall, 56 per cent of Canadians show at least some interest in watching football. Among these, 39 per cent prefer the CFL, 39 per sent prefer the NFL and one-in-five (22%) enjoy both equally

INDEX:

• Canadian football: An old man’s game?
• Room for both leagues in Canada
• Younger fans would watch the Super Bowl, older the Grey Cup

Canadian football: An old man’s game?

Canadian football fans have become accustomed to “should the Canadian Football League be worried” articles over recent decades. The league, with its nine teams spread across the country, has looked for ways to market the game to younger viewers.

Unfortunately, from the CFL’s perspective, new data from the Angus Reid Institute shows that – if anything – recent years have only hardened its base among male viewers 55 and older, while younger viewers continue to lean toward for the National Football League for their gridiron content. While the CFL has the benefit of a season that starts in June – and thus, no competition with the NFL for attention until the first week of September – the later weeks of the season risk being ignored by younger football fans.

At the outset, each league has a similar profile in terms of viewership. About one-in-five Canadians follow each keenly, while one-quarter are less engaged but still in the football universe. Half say they largely ignore both:

Perhaps unsurprising to most, men carry the lion’s share of football viewing in Canada. Four-in-ten men over the age of 55 (39%) say they follow the CFL. This drops to three-in-ten for those between the ages 35 and 54, and just 16 per cent among Millennials. Meanwhile, those two younger age groups are more likely to follow the NFL than the CFL.

 

While one-in-five Canadians follow each league, it is worth noting a trend. Since the Angus Reid Institute asked Canadians about their football favourites in 2014, the proportion of Canadians following the NFL has increased across each age group among men, while the number who say the same of the CFL has shrunk among men under the age of 55:

One thing the CFL doesn’t have to worry about is the health of the team playing in Regina. Half of Saskatchewan residents – Rider Nation – say they follow the CFL. This is well over double the national average by province:

Notably for the league, in 2014, close to half of CFL fans said that the league was more exciting then than it was in the five years previous. In 2018, one-third of fans (33%) say this, while more than half say the entertainment value has remained basically the same:

Room for both leagues in Canada

The ability for the CFL to thrive long term will certainly depend on its ability to connect with younger fans. In addition to the difficulty the league faces in competing with the NFL for this demographic’s attention, it faces arguably greater existential challenges.

The impact of head injuries on players from concussive and sub-concussive impacts, leading to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), have caused some in the football community to worry about the future of the sport. Dwindling youth participation numbers lend real evidence to this hypothesis.

Related: Canadian experiences with concussion and sport

For now, however, Canadian fans have not lost their enthusiasm. The four-year trend shows that the number who watch the game overall, either American or Canadian, has held and even slightly increased.

While these first questions have focused on whether or not they watch each league individually, those who watch either form of football were then asked which league they prefer, or whether they like both equally. Exactly 39 per cent choose the NFL and CFL, respectively, while one-in-five would be happy if either game was on.

Regional variances are pronounced. Ontario and Quebec football fans are much more likely to prefer the NFL, while the prairies lean massively in the other direction:

Here, the generational story is perhaps most pronounced. Half of football fans under age 35 prefer the NFL (53%) while half of football fans 55 and over prefer the CFL (47%). The questions for the CFL then appear to be: Will the next generation grow into the league? And how can it best draw them to it?

Younger fans would watch the Super Bowl, older fans, the Grey Cup 

Each league provides quite a spectacle when it comes to the championship celebration. Both the CFL and NFL have numerous interested cities vying to host their final game, and each has a week of events leading up to game itself.

While the Super Bowl is unquestionably the bigger event, that doesn’t mean all Canadians would rather watch that game rather than the battle for Canadian supremacy in Edmonton this November. In fact, 45 per cent of Canadians say they would rather watch the Grey Cup than the Super Bowl.

The same age and regional trends are at play in responses to this question, so here is a slightly different angle: Past Conservative voters lean toward the Grey Cup, while six-in-ten Liberal and NDP supporters prefer the Super Bowl. This, likely a product of the heavy CFL support among Albertan and Saskatchewanian football fans:

While the Super Bowl’s expensive commercials and the halftime show are a big draw for many Canadians, it’s worth noting that three artists have played both the Grey Cup and Super Bowl halftime shows – Shania Twain, Black Eyed Peas, and Lenny Kravitz.

For a visual summary of this report, please view the infographic below.

This And That

--Welcome to Friday and the usual thoughts running through my muddled mind. As always, they come in no particular order.

--I am still not exactly sure why BC Lions president Rick Lelacheur was giving his opinion on how to make CFL games more attractive for millenials, but it was a giant swing and a miss amongst football fans of all ages.  The idea of shortening a football game to 12 minute quarters is somewhat ludicrous. It might be fine for minor football, but not the pros.

No one is suggesting MLB games should be shortened to seven innings, no one is suggesting NHL games should have 15 minute periods etc etc.  As I said on the Sportscage earlier this week, if you are going to shorten the time frame of a game, you had better make a substantial reduction on the cost of tickets.  Perhaps that is the problem.   I don't know what the average CFL ticket costs. I have no idea who has the highest priced tickets and who has the lowest priced ones.  However, it would seem as if some are turning away because of cost.  It is why teams have to be more creative when it comes to ticket sales and marketing.   At the end of the day, winning is the best marketing tool of all and sadly, all nine can't teams can't win.  It is a problem that can be discussed for years, but the right answer won't come because there is no right answer.

--The Rider Nation is excited about Sunday's Labour Day Classic and they should be!  The /=S=/ are playing their best football of the year.  Is it a coincidence that this has happened after the release of Duron Carter?  The Bombers will provide the Riders with a battle on Sunday, but looking at what way the two teams are trending right now and the history of the Bombers in Regina on the first Sunday in September, I see Winnipeg being "Innepeg" again because there will be no "W".

If that should happen, the heat will grow on the Bombers.  There is some talk that perhaps Mike O'Shea's job is in jeopardy should the Riders sweep this series.  It can't be that bad there despite what has happened the last two weeks is it?  Matt Nichols has not helped with his statements over the past two losses that have had people rushing to his defence.   If Nichols should struggle, (and I see him doing that), it could be another long week in the Manitoba capital answering questions.  If the Bombers win, it will be Chris Jones answering the tough questions.  Again, winning cures so much!


--The Duron Carter experiment in Toronto is not going to work.  It may short-term, but there are already signs it is doomed to failure. Carter's first bout with the Toronto media was interesting as you would expect. Carter when asked why he has not been able to stick with a team put it all on the teams saying you would have to ask them and not me.  DC just doesn't understand what a talent he is and how good he could be if he actually worked at it.  If Carter had his head screwed on right, he would be getting ready to play in the NFL where he would be a media's delight.  However, he seemingly refuses to take any blame in why he has gone from team to team to team.  Argos coach Marc Trestman has already sent a message by saying Carter won't play for a while.  I am guessing Trestman sat him down and had a "I talk, you listen" speech in which a number of pre-requisites were laid out.  Pre-requisites that he has to meet over the next two weeks if he wants to play.  Will Duron show the maturity needed to meet what it is asked.  We will find out!

--What do the Regina Rams have in store for us this season? We find out starting tonight at Mosaic Stadium as another Canada West football season starts.  Steve Bryce has gotten his team to the playoffs in his first two years and there is no doubt it should be three in a row, but do they have enough to beat some talented Calgary and UBC squads.  They start it off against Calgary tonight in a 7 o'clock start.

The big question for me going into the season is what will Noah Picton do in his final year?  Believe it or not, his game likely improved over the off-season after going to Argos camp and learning from Marc Trestman, Ricky Ray and Anthony Calvillo.  Picton is already a young man who is very driven, but with this being his last chance to lead the Rams, I think he has a season to remember.  Hoping to see a lot of you at the stadium tonight as everything kicks off.

--Many are still talking about Brooke Henderson's historic win at the CP Womens Open at the Wascana last weekend.  Some are saying its one of top moments in Canadian sporting history. I was asked where that would rank.  I say another Henderson gets that honour and that is Paul for the 1972 Summit Series.  Brooke's win is top 10, but I don't know if I would have it ahead of Mike Weir's win at the Masters.  Where are you on that when it comes to what moment is the biggest in Canadian sports history?

--Publically, Tom Brady will say all the right things when asked about the huge contract Aaron Rodgers signed with the Packers this week.  When he is home and talking to Gisele though, one has to wonder what he is really saying.

--The NFL season begins in one week.  Have you ordered Sunday Ticket yet? Consider that a friendly reminder!

--If you haven't seen the TSN documentary on former Oiler and Red Wing Joe Murphy called "Finding Murph", I would suggest you look for it.  How the mighty have fallen!  It is somewhat sad to see what happens to some when the lights no longer shine on them.

--Summer's not over yet is it?  Can we keep some warm weather until November.   The Farmers Almanac says it will be teeth-chattering cold this winter on the Prairies. Great!

That's all I got. Have a great Labour Day weekend!





--

What Did You Miss Thursday?

--Andrew McCutchen is headed to the New York Yankees as they look to add some depth to their outfield. The 31-year-old McCutchen, a former NL MVP and long the face of the Pirates' franchise, is batting .255 with 15 homers and 55 RBIs in 130 games this season. He was traded to San Francisco for right-hander Kyle Crick, minor league outfielder Bryan Reynolds and cash during the offseason.

--The Houston Astros will have manager A.J. Hinch in their dugout for another four years after extending his contract through 2022 on Thursday, the team announced during a press conference. Hinch, who managed the Astros to the franchise's first World Series title in 2017, has also led them to the best record in the American League West this season.

--Tennessee defensive lineman Jonathan Kongbo was named the top prospect for the 2019 CFL draft Thursday in the league scouting bureau's first top-20 list. The native of Surrey, B.C., has started 12-of-24 games over two seasons with the Volunteers. Kongbo has amassed 40 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks and a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown.  Laval defensive lineman Mathieu Betts, a Montreal native, was the No. 2 prospect. The six-foot-three, 250-pound Betts has appeared in 24 games over three seasons with the Rouge et Or, recording 73 tackles, 26 1/2 sacks and four forced fumbles. Betts was Canadian university football's top rookie in 2015 and twice its outstanding lineman (2016-17). He's the first player ever to capture the rookie and lineman awards over the course of his career.

--Noah Hanifin has a contract.  The Flames defenceman, acquired in a draft-day trade from the Hurricanes, has signed a six year deal worth just under 5 million a season. 

-- Canadian Brooke Henderson is two shots off the lead at the Cambia Portland Classic after an 8-under 64. American Marina Lee shot 62 to lead.  It was Henderson's first round since winning the CP Canadian Women's Open at the Wascana last weekend. 

--

What Did You Miss Wednesday?

--Riders DL Charleston Hughes is one of the top performers of the month in the CFL. In 3 games, Hughes registered 4 sacks for the Riders.  Others named as top performers were Calgary's Kamar Jorden and Edmonton's Mike Reilly. 

--Calgary Stampeders defensive co-ordinator Devone Claybrooks is out of hospital. He spent a few days in hospital after suffering a diabetic reaction. Whether or not he is on the sidelines for Monday's game against Edmonton is not known. 

--Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has signed an extension with the Green Bay Packers, general manager Brian Gutekunst announced Wednesday. The record-breaking four-year, $134 million extension could be worth up to $180 million in total money with incentives and bonuses.  Rodgers will be 40 years old when the deal expires after the 2023 season.

--If the Toronto Blue Jays are serious about moving Josh Donaldson, a major bump in the road might have derailed things. The third baseman, who was on a rehab assignment with Single-A Dunedin, wasn't in the lineup Wednesday because of soreness in his calves and legs. As a result, Toronto will likely have to pull Donaldson back off waivers because the club can no longer certify he's healthy and able to play at the MLB level, Donaldson has only played 36 games this season. 

--If President Trump invites the Washington Capitals around the corner to pose for photographs with the Stanley Cup, don’t expect full attendance. Multiple members of the Capitals have already decided they won’t go.

“Personally, I don’t think I’m going to go,” forward Brett Connolly said. Wednesday. “There’s a few guys. It has nothing to do with politics. “For me, I just don’t think it’s the right thing to do. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I think there’ll be a few guys not going, too. Like I said, it has nothing to do with politics. It’s about what’s right and wrong. And we’ll leave it at that.”

What Did You Miss Tuesday?

--Alouettes head coach Mike Sherman expects quarterback Johnny Manziel to be cleared for game action ahead of Friday's contest against the Ottawa Redblacks. Manzie, who has missed the team's past two games after incurring a concussion, was to meet with team doctors Tuesday to see if he can be removed from the CFL’s concussion protocol. Sherman added that, if cleared, Manziel will speak to media Wednesday after being unavailable since incurring the injury.

--Toronto third baseman Josh Donaldson began his rehab assignment on Tuesday with the Class A Dunedin Blue Jays _ just days ahead of the Aug. 31 waiver trade deadline. Donaldson batted second in the lineup and went 1 for 2 with a walk and RBI single in three plate appearances with Dunedin before being replaced at third base after five innings against the Palm Beach Cardinals. The 2015 American League MVP, who has been sidelined with left calf tightness, walked in his first at-bat, followed with an RBI single in the third and flew out to centre in his final appearance.
Donaldson has been out since May 29 in an injury-plagued 2018 season, preventing the Blue Jays from trading him if they wanted to do so.

--Thrilled with the results, the St. Louis Cardinals thanked Mike Shildt. The Cardinals took off the interim tag from Shildt's title and promoted him to full-time manager today, a reward for steering the team back into post-season contention after taking over for the fired Mike Matheny. The Cardinals have gone 26-and-12 under Shildt and now holds top spot in the N-L wild-card standings.

--The Edmonton Oilers have signed defenceman Jason Garrison to a professional tryout.  Garrison, who played in Vegas last year, has played 538 games over a 10 year career.

--Jerry Jones is among those who've seen enough of subpar preseason football. During a radio interview in Dallas on Tuesday, the Cowboys owner says he remains in favor of implementing an 18-game regular season and cutting the preseason in half, arguing "it's probably better physically for players" and that it would "create a safer game,"

What Did You Miss Monday?

--Bad news for the BC Lions. They have placed receiver Manny Arceneaux on the six-game injury list with a torn knee ligament.  Arceneaux has played in all nine Lions games this year and leads the team in receptions with 32 catches for 553 yards and one touchdown. He suffered the injury Saturday in a three point loss to the Riders.

--Duron Carter says he wants to prove himself to his coaches and new teammates in Toronto. Argos head coach Marc Trestman says it will be a while before Carter plays as he won't suit up for the back-to-back against Hamilton meaning his debut will likely come against the Riders.  Trestman says "I know his background, I know what he's done and I've had a couple of conversations with him," Trestman said. "It remains to be seen. "Will he come in and work? Will he get acclimated in a way that our team is comfortable with? We've got high expectations.

--Odell Beckham Jr. has agreed to a five-year extension with the New York Giants that makes him the highest-paid wide receiver in football. The three-time Pro Bowler can receive a maximum $95 million over the course of the deal, with $65 million in guaranteed money. The 25 year old had at least 90 catches, 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns in each of his first three professional seasons. The No. 12 overall pick in the 2014 draft was quickest to 200 receptions and 3,000 yards in NFL history, needing just 30 games to accomplish both feats.

--Blue Jays first baseman/DH Kendrys Morales had his home run streak snapped at seven games by the Baltimore Orioles, who ended an eight-game skid by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 7-0 on Monday night. Striving to tie the major league record of homering in eight straight games, Morales went 0 for 3 with a walk and did not hit the ball out of the infield.

--Brooke Henderson's win at the CP Canadian Open moved her up six spots in the world rankings.  Henderson is now #8 

Something To "Mitch" About

--Thank you Brooke Henderson!

 As I was driving to the Wascana Golf Club on Sunday morning, I was thinking if Regina sports fans were in for another tough day.  After all, we have seen the Seattle Thunderbirds and Acadie Bathurst-Titan skate around the Brandt Centre with hardware we had hoped the Pats would have in their possesion.

We saw the Cougar womens basketball team lose to the Huskies in the U Sports women's basketball championship and Steve Laycock couldn't end the Saskatchewan drought at the Brier.  Brooke Henderson couldn't let us down on Sunday could she? The script would end the right way this time right?  As we found out, the 20-year-old from Ontario with the million dollar smile wasn't going to let us down.

Henderson wasn't going to allow the chance to make Canadian sports history slip through her golf gloves.  She grabbed the Wascana Golf Club by the throat---especially on the back nine--and won the CP Canadian Womens Open in convincing fashion punctuating it with an approach shot that she just about jarred.  What an afternoon! What a week!

Greg Dukart and everyone at the Wascana along with the 1100 or so volunteers that pitched in in one capacity or another came through.  Some were working on the course, some were working for the Golf Channel.  I don't know if some knew what they were doing when given the assignment, but they did it and they did it well.  The tournament and the course looked great on TV.  It was great to be there.

Now what when it comes to Henderson? If she wasn't a superstar before in this country for what she has done on the fairways, she has to be now doesn't she? I'm shocked corporate Canada hasn't come calling.  You can't tell me Henderson couldn't sign on the dotted line and be a spokesperson for a couple of companies.  That smile alone should have her hawking Crest Whitestrips or something.    While some athletes are not what they appear to be, I didn't hear one bad word about Henderson leading into this event and during it.  What you saw is what you get.  I'll be interested to see what residual effects her win means for her.

--I don't know what happened Saturday afternoon, but good on TSN, Golf Canada and the Golf Channel for coming to an agreement so that the country could see Henderson win.  There was some backlash issued towards the three-letter and Sportsnet for not showing the event and it was criticism that was deserved.  Canada's national championship should be on one of Canada's sports channels but it wasn't.  If Henderson isn't the equation, golf fans don't see any of it, but many realized this was a wrong that needed to be made right. I don't know how it came together, but it did and all deserve congrats for making sure it got on.

From Henderson to the Riders and yes, the green-and-white go into the annual back-to-back against the Bombers on a two-game win streak.  I thought at half-time we were in for a shootout as BC came back to get into a game that frankly I didn't think they had a chance in midway through the 2nd.  I thought the Riders were owning them, but BC made a game of it. I thought the 2nd half would be great.  What a swing and a miss that was!  I like defensive football, but this wasn't defensive football in the second half, it was two offences stumbling along.  It was bad. It was real bad.  I literally don't know how I stayed awake to watch it all.

In the end, the debate is should Wally Buono have gambled on 3rd and a yard-and-a half or let Ty Long kick a long field goal.  He made the wrong choice.  With no weather in play, I probably kick it, but a 53 yarder is a long one.  In the end, it was a Riders win.  Just some thoughts

• When do we start discussing Charleston Hughes as the league's top defensive player or has that chat already started? What a first half he has had.  If he even comes close to doing what he did in the first half of the season in the final nine games, he is a shoo-in isn't he?  You might already give him the sack title!
• Is there any better rookie out there than Jordan Williams-Lambert?   Once again, we are finding out why Bakari Grant was let go by the looks of it.  He had a bad drop, but he had another solid game
• Crezdon Butler made not one, but two touchdown saving and maybe game-winning plays, His tackle on Chris Rainey in the first half on a kickoff return kept BC out of the endzone and while the Lions scored on what I think is the next play, he also ripped the ball out of Bryan Burnham's hands to prevent another Lions touchdown.  His hustle was noticed. 
• The offensive line was once again a major force and Brendan Labatte toughed out another one. I wonder what some of the new blood in that room are learning from "Blue".  What a beast!
• What do the Riders do next season when Tyler Crapigna is healthy? Brett Lauther continues to be one of the best stories of the season.  His tweet after the game about his cramp injury was one of brilliance as well.  He said they ran out of Pilsner on the sideline thus the cramp  Nice!

With the Bombers struggling and Calgary playing Edmonton twice in two games I am looking forward to, the Western Division picture could have a different look to it in the next couple of weeks.  The fun starts now folks!

--What is up with Matt Nichols?  First, he didn't like being booed even though the boos weren't directed at him. Everyone came to his defence and they're doing so again this week after post-game comments about his receivers.  The debate is on as to whether or not he threw his receivers under the bus during a post-game interview.  The TSN panel roasted Nichols for his statements, but on Sunday, the Bombers were defending their QB again saying the statements being made are being overblown and that Nichols was crediting the Calgary secondary for the fact his receivers weren't getting open.  

Ryan Lankford was open on some trickery on a Chris Streveler pass.  Just sayin!  I think the Bombers are a very fragile team right now.  I wonder if Nichols should get a participation medal just for playing Sunday.  I am sure Rider Nation will be making his life very difficult on Sunday. I would expect nothing less. 

--The Montreal Alouettes won a game and Antonio Pipkin threw for over 300 yards.  Quarterback controversy??? Hmmmmm!! By the way, I couldn't have been the only one in these parts happy to see Montreal win so that we no longer have to wonder if the Riders gave the Alouettes their only win of the year. 

--Did Eric Lindros really call for less contact in hockey? Is Cam Neely the next to do so? 

--With the likes of Steel, Mahura, Hebig, Halbgewachs, Steenburgen, Heponiemi and Gawdin gone, who is the best player in the WHL's Eastern Division.  Is it Kirby Dach? Cole Fonstad? Justin Almeida? Is it someone else? 

--When a trade is finally made, what will the Ottawa Senators get for Erik Karlsson and who is willing to pony up what they want?  Would Darnell Nurse, a prospect not named Yamamoto or Puljijarvi and a first next year be enough? I think Edmonton getting him would be a pipe-dream, but can you imagine the stretch passes he would give to McDavid and Draisiatl. 

--I am guessing because of name alone, there will be some interest in the big 9 million dollar showdown between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickleson.  I'd be more interested in seeing Woods vs Dustin Johnson or Johnson vs Jordan Spieth or Spieth versus Brooks Koepka.  

--When does basketball season at the U of R start? 

--That's all I got.  Have a great week!

What Did You Miss Sunday?

Picture: Golf Canada

--Brooke Henderson wasn't letting anyone take the lead from her at the CP Canadian Womens Open. The 20-year-old became the first Canadian to win the event in 45 years and just the 4th to win a pro event on Canadian soil as she shot a final round 7 under 65 to take the event by four strokes.  Henderson earned $337,500 for her second victory of the season and seventh of her LPGA Tour career.

--Duron Carter has CFL employment.  Two weeks after being released by the Riders, Carter has signed with the Toronto Argonauts.  It is thought he will be in the lineup for the Argos when they play Hamilton at Tim Hortons Field one week from today. 

--Former Regina Rams offensive lineman Brett Jones has been traded.  The New York Giants sent Jones to the Minnesota Vikings for an undisclosed draft pick.  Jones started 14 games for the Giants last year, but appeared to have lost his job during training camp. 

--Blue Jays DH Kendrys Morales homered for the seventh straight game as Toronto lost 8-3 to Philadelphia. Morales is one game short of tying a major league record.

-- The NHL says Slava Voynov still has not been cleared to play in the league. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly says Voynov’s return is contingent on completing a process with the league to review his case that would determine the parameters for his eligibility. A judge dismissed a misdemeanour domestic abuse conviction against former Los Angeles Kings defenceman last month. The Kings terminated Voynov’s $25 million contract in 2015, but with his conviction overturned he can request a hearing with Commissioner Gary Bettman to apply for reinstatement. 

What Did You Miss Saturday?

-- Brooke Henderson shot a 2-under-par 70 on Saturday for a one-shot lead after three rounds of play at the CP Women's Open. Henderson had three straight birdies on the back nine at the Wascana Country Club but bogeyed the 17th hole after missing a short putt. She had a par on the final hole to finish at 14-under 202.  15 players are within 5 shots of the lead.  Henderson will get her final round going at 9:01 Sunday morning.  The early tee times is due to rain in the forecast for late Sunday afternoon.

--The Riders beat BC 24-21 to move to 5-4 on the season.  Jordan Williams-Lambert caught a seven yard touchdown pass from Zach Collaros while Nick Marshall ran one in with Brett Lauther kicking three field goals. The defence came up big at the end stopping Cody Fajardo on a 3rd down sneak at the Riders 46 in the last minute with the Lions driving for a possible game-tying field goal.

--Wide receiver Kamar Jorden caught touchdown and finished with 249 yards on 10 receptions to set a Stampeders' club record for most receiving yards in a single game to lead Calgary to a 39-26 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The previous record was held by Herm Harrison back in 1968.

--The Regina Thunder are 1-1, They beat the Winnipeg Rifles 29-21 at Leibel Field.

--Noah Hanifin expects to sign a contract with the Calgary Flames before players are scheduled to report for training camp Sept. 9. The 21-year-old defenceman, who is a restricted free agent, was traded to Calgary from Carolina at the NHL draft.

What Did You Miss Friday?

--Amy Yang is the leader after 36 holes of the LPGA CP Canadian Womens Open, but Canada's Brooke Henderson is on her tail.  The 20-year-old shot her second straight 66 to put her at 12 under--one back of Yang.  Henderson is in the final group of the day Saturday.  She tees off at 10:50.  The leaderboard can be found here. 

--Duron Carter's next CFL stop will be Toronto. Reports say the free-agent receiver will be signing with the Toronto Argonauts before the weekend was over.  Toronto was beaten 25-22 by Montreal in CFL play on Friday.

--Cameron Marshall is on the Rider roster for tonight's game in BC.  He is taking the place of the injured Marcus Thigpen. Kyran Moore starts at receiver in place of the injured Caleb Holley. Game time from Vancouver is 8 on TSN/CKRM.

--The Stanley Cup stopped off at the site of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash Friday morning.  The iconic trophy then went to Humboldt courtesy of Washington Capitals forward Chandler Stephenson. He was joined by NHL'ers like Brayden Schenn, Brayden McNabb and Mark Jankowski at the Elgar Petersen arena for a day of festivities as Stephenson honoured the 16 who lost their lives in April and the 13 who were injured.

--Vince Carter won't say his 21st N-B-A season will be his last. At least not yet. The former Raptor signed a one-year veteran minimum contract with the rebuilding Atlanta Hawks. It'll be his eighth team. At 42 Carter is the league's oldest active player.

This And That

--Welcome to Friday and the usual thoughts running through my muddled mind. As always, they come in no particular order.

--The LPGA Canadian Womens Open has been a huge success so far.  Hopefully, Tiffany Lizee and JC Garden (or whoever is doing the 6 o'clock weather on CTV these days) can keep the rain away this weekend.  Actually, if it wants to rain Saturday night around 7 and Sunday night around 7 that's fine, but keep the rain away while the tournament is going on.  It is going to be a great weekend at the Wascana.  This is something that may never come to Regina again and if it does, it won't be for a  long time so come out and check things out.

--Before word got out that Regina was hosting the CP Canadian Womens Open, I knew who Brooke Henderson was and what she was doing.  Having met her at the media day a couple of months ago, you could see how engaging, friendly and personable she was.  There was no "aura" attached to her whatsoever.   That hasn't changed.  The 20-year-old from Smiths Falls, Ontario has a smile that could light up a room and she could be that "girl next door". She is arguably one of Canada's top athletes, but because ladies golf doesn't really move the needle, she doesn't get a lot of attention outside the game. That probably suits her just fine.   Regina would hold a special place in Brooke's heart if she won Sunday with a few-thousand people cheering her on.  The sight of people who had been watching her Thursday streaming down the cartpath on the 18th fairway  towards our Sportscage location was a great sight to see. She even acknowledged that she didn't think that many fans would be following her.  Once again, Regina sets the bar!

--What is Henderson doing for golf in Canada? Well, Weyburn's Graham DeLaet says she is doing for this generation what Mike Weir did back when DeLaet was growing up.  He couldn't be more accurate.  Many saw Weir win a green jacket and they took up the sport.  Many are seeing Henderson do what she does and they want to take it up.  A win at the Wascana would do wonders for not only golf in Saskatchewan, but golf across the country.

--Have the waters calmed down in Rider Nation after their impressive win at home against Calgary? I guess we will find out Saturday night.  The bottom line going into this contest is everything that went right and the good feelings that came out of the victory against Calgary mean nothing if the team can't put distance between themselves and the Lions.  A win isn't imperative, but it would have the team feeling great heading into the Labour Day Classic and the Banjo Bowl.

--It is somewhat sad to have many people discussing whether or not Chris Jones should continue wearing green after donning a "Diversity is Strength" shirt against the Stamps meaning he wasn't in his traditional black.  It's fun to discuss Jones' wardrobe and its light-hearted, but there are some who actually believe he should now wear green with some conducting polls!!!  Please!  What a coach wears means nothing when it comes to whether said team wins or loses.  For what its worth, Jones will be back in black when you see him Saturday night.

--Stamps coach Dave Dickenson can clearly be heard trying to rattle Riders kicker Brett Lauther on one of his field goal attempts thanks to the CFL live mic games they are doing.  Like it or not, Dickenson is free to do what he chooses. His actions seemed to have slipped away with no one giving a you know what about it.  I can only imagine the outrage if it had been Chris Jones doing that with Rene Paredes.  We would still be hearing about it.

--Bomber fans are choked after their loss to Ottawa and the subsequent criticism they are getting for booing Matt Nichols (although we all know it was Mike O'Shea).  I just have this to say to Bombers fans.  Jets training camp starts soon.

--Good on the CFL for allowing players to celebrate touchdowns and putting some fun back into the game.  Whether it is against your team or not, there is nothing wrong with celebrating a TD as long as it is done the right way and you don't go overboard.  I'm sure that will happen at some point.  I love the creativity.  Let's hope the Rider receiving group has something planned for Saturday.

--Thanks to the Ti-Cats, a Rider win on Saturday means both they and the Eskimos would have four losses. The ball has definitely bounced the way of the green-and-white the last couple of weeks and one has to think Calgary beats the Bombers at MacMahon so getting a "W" at BC Place would certainly improve the overall picture of the team as we get ready for Labour Day.

--Did anyone truly think Jon Ryan had kicked his last ball in the NFL? Not this guy.  He still has some good years left.  It won't surprise me if he is a Buffalo Bill for a couple of seasons.  Some have said and hoped he will finish his football career as a Rider.  I just don't see that happening anymore.

--5 teams will make the playoffs in the National League.  8 teams could finish with identical records. That is just about impossible, but in the same sense it would be amazing.  While everyone believes Boston is the front-runner to win considering what they have done this season, I get the feeling they get bounced and don't even win the American League. What a final six weeks it will be.

--Its not too early to think about NFL Fantasy Football, but it is a little too early to start thinking about Fantasy Hockey and pools isn't it? Isn't it?

--There is talk after one season of the god-awful orange jersey, the Edmonton Oilers are bringing back the royal blues.  I approve of this.  It may not get them back into the playoffs, but at least it won't look as ugly as it did last year.

--Good on Regina police for ticketing someone for driving too slow on the Ring Road.  I have said it once and I will say it a thousand times.  If you can't go 100 on the Ring Road, then don't get on it.  Of course, some like to go 130 on the Ring Road which is not advised either.  Those who are too slow are as big as a pain as those going too fast.  They're a menace out there and we're fortunate there aren't more accidents  I wonder if these slowpokes use their turn signal.

--Back to golf. Regina needs a mini-golf course or two again. If there is one in this town today, I don't know where it is.

That's all I got.  Have a great weekend. Maybe we will see you at the Wascana!

What Did You Miss Thursday?

--Brooke Henderson got off to a rough start with a bogey on her first hole, but the 20-year-old rebounded to shoot a 6 under 66 in Round 1 action at the LPGA CP Canadian Womens Open at the Wascana.  She is two shots off the lead. A complete leaderboard can be found here

--After missing practice Wednesday due to a family issue back in the U-S, Zach Collaros was back at Riders practice Thursday.  The team leaves Friday afternoon for Vancouver as they will battle the Lions Saturday at 8 on TSN/CKRM.

-- Lirim Hajrullahu hit a 29-yard field goal on the game's final play to rally the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to an improbable 25-24 home win over the Edmonton Eskimos on Thursday. Edmonton (6-4) used a 24-point second quarter to take a 14-point half-time advantage. And the Eskimos led 24-13 lead heading into the fourth.

--The CFL is relaxing its stance regarding the use of props during touchdown celebrations.

The league announced Thursday that effective immediately, players can use props in TD celebrations provided they aren't hidden in their uniform or the goal-post assembly. The items also can't be demeaning or discriminatory, simulate the firing of a weapon and can't unduly delay the game.

``The stakes in our league are very high and the intensity level is second to none,'' CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement. ``But at the end of the day, football is a game and it should be fun for players and fun for fans.''

--An injury scare for Browns quarterback Tyrod Taylor. After throwing an incomplete pass in the first quarter against the Eagles, Taylor fell out of bounds and landed on his left side with his arm pinned under his body. Taylor got up holding his left wrist and ran to the sideline. Baker Mayfield replaced Taylor for two series before the 29-year-old came back into the game following treatment from the team's medical staff.

What Did You Miss Wednesday?

--The U of R Rams beat Manitoba 32-27 in a Canada West pre-season football game.  5th year quarterback Noah Picton did not see a lot of time under centre, but he did take the team down the field to score two touchdowns in the first quarter.   Regina opens the season August 31 at home versus Calgary. 

--A new receiver in Riderville.  Former REDBLACK Kenny Shaw joins the green-and-white.  The Riders are down a import receiver after Caleb Holley was placed on the six-game injured list with a knee injury that was suffered in Sunday's win over Calgary.


--It's time to get the LPGA's CP Canadian Women's Open underway. The first balls of the event will be hit at 7 AM Thursday morning to get the 72-hole event started at the Wascana.  16 Canadians are in the field including Saskatoon's Bobbi Brandon and Anna Young and Smith Falls, Ontario's Brooke Henderson. She comes in ranked 14th in the world.

--A strange incident has kept Blue Jays starter Aaron Sanchez sidelined for two months. The right-hander has come clean that he bruised his right index finger when it got caught in a falling suitcase. The incident happened June 21st, hours before Sanchez took the mound in Los Angeles against the Angels. He lasted one inning, giving up two hits, a walk and two earned runs in the start.

--Major League Baseball says all 30 teams will play on March 28th, the earliest opening day in history, excluding international openers. The previous earliest opening day was March 29th of this year. The Blue Jays will open at home against visiting Detroit. The 2019 schedule will begin with the Japan opening series between the Seattle Mariners and host Oakland Athletics at the Tokyo Dome on March 20th to 21st.

What Did You Miss Tuesday?

--Brooke Henderson has her own bobblehead and she knows she will have many fans cheering her on when the CP Canadian Womens Open hits the Wascana starting Thursday. Henderson, who is coming off a nine-under 63 in the final round of a tournament last weekend of Indianapolis, says her game is in a really good place right now.   Henderson is one of 16 Canadians, including 2 Saskatoon golfers--Anna Young and Bobbi Brandon, in the field.

--Jon Ryan wasn't unemployed for long.  One day after being released by the Seattle Seahawks, Ryan signed a deal with the Buffalo Bills. He will compete with Colton Schmidt for the punters job in Buffalo.

--Edmonton quarterback Mike Reilly and Saskatchewan defensive back Nick Marshall and receiver Jordan Williams-Lambert are the CFL's top performers for Week 10. Reilly had 424 passing yards while completing 88.5 per cent of his passes in the Eskimos' 40-24 win over visiting Montreal on Saturday. Marshall scored two touchdowns as Saskatchewan beat Calgary 40-27 Sunday to hand the visiting Stampeders their first loss of the season while Williams-Lambert had over 150 yards in receiving in that game.

--The University of Regina Rams have an exhibition game Wednesday night.  They play Manitoba in a 6 o'clock start at Leibel Field.

--The Washington Nationals appear to be giving up on the season by dealing second baseman Daniel Murphy to the Chicago Cubs and sending first baseman Matt Adams to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Nats received Class-A infielder Andruw Monasterio and a player to be named or cash from the Cubs, and came away with just $50,000 U-S from the Cards. Murphy is hitting .300 since his return from knee surgery, and Adams has 18 home runs in 94 games.

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What Did You Miss Monday?

--The Riders made a small trade with Toronto. The green-and-white acquired receiver Brian Jones from the Argos for a 7th round selection in the 2019 draft.  Jones was taken with the 4th overall pick in the 2016 draft.

--The Pats made a small trade with Kootenay.  The Pats send a conditional 8th round pick in next year's bantam draft to the Ice for 17 year old goalie Carter Woodside.  The Asquith, Saskatchewan native was with the Prince Albert Mintos of the Saskatchewan Midget Triple A league last season.  Pats rookie camp starts Tuesday at the Brandt Centre with main camp starting on the weekend.  The first pre-season game is August 31 vs Swift Current at the Brandt Centre.

--A tough break for the Moose Jaw Warriors. 20 year old goalie Brody Willms will not play this season due to a hip injury. Willms won 37 games for the Warriors last season with four shutouts.

--Saskatoon's Bobbi Brandon will join another Saskatoon golfer, Anna Young, as locals in the field at the CP Canadian Womens Open.  Brandon was one of four to qualify in an 18 hole event at the Royal Regina Monday.  The CPWO starts Thursday at the Wascana.

--The Edmonton Oilers signed free-agent defenceman and recent Stanley Cup champion Jakub Jerabek to a one-year contract on Monday. Jerabek, 26, appeared in 36 games last season with the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals, recording two goals and six assists. He also played in two playoff games in Capitals' run to the Stanley Cup title. Jerabek appeared in 17 games with the American Hockey League's Laval Rocket, posting 11 points with one goal and 10 assists.

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Jon Ryan Released By Seahawks

Jon Ryan's tenure as a Seattle Seahawk has come to an end after a decade.   The Seahawks, at the request of the 36 year old, released the Regina-born punter today.

The complete story can be found right here 

Something To "Mitch" About

Courtesy CFL,ca

--I just want to make sure I have this right.  Seven days ago, Rider Nation (or at least a majority of them) wanted Chris Jones to hop on a railcar and go back to Tennessee never to be heard from again after telling Duron Carter he was no longer needed and working out Terrell Owens.  Some decried they would never be back until Jones was gone because he is killing the football team.  One week later, the Riders play in front of a sold-out crowd and play their best game of the year by downing the undefeated Stampeders 40-27.  It would seem as if the one most want to hate knew exactly what was going on.

The return of Zach Collaros has meant an end to the offensive struggles that we saw when number 17 was not in the lineup.  You just can't be successful in this league if your starting quarterback is down and with Collaros back, the team has moved the ball. Yes, the team has to start scoring touchdowns instead of relying on Mr. Automatic (Brett Lauther) to kick field goals, but it would seem that hatred towards OC Stephen MacAdoo has been silenced ----at least for this week.

An offensive line that was much maligned at the start of the season has picked up their socks  They kept Collaros clean on Sunday which is a feat in itself.

The defence was the defence with the usual culprits coming through and special teams came up huge.   This is the team you wanted coming out of camp and now that they are relatively healthy, this is a team that like last year around this time seems ready to turn the corner and make a run.

--During the 3rd quarter, I received a text from a friend saying Jordan Williams-Lambert is why Bakari Grant isn't here anymore. I can't disagree. The coaching staff saw what they had in JWL and he had a breakout game catching 9 for 150 plus yards.  While that was good news, it was tough to see Caleb Holley go down with what is unofficially said to be a season-ending knee injury.

After it was over, Chris Jones said don't go anointing them as Grey Cup champions because a week ago some thought they were the worst club in the league.  One win over the CFL's elite franchise is a nice two points, but there is still a lot of work to do.  The good news is the second half of the season should be a lot better than the first half if things continue on this path.

Elsewhere.....


--Holy boohoo Matt Nichols.  As the parody Twitter account @dustinjunk said Saturday, the Bombers have placed him on the six-game injured list due to hurt feelings.  What was that?  Nichols didn't like the fact he was booed after going back into the game after suffering an arm injury in a game they were going to lose. I'm not even sure those boos were directed at you as it seemed like they were aimed at Mike O'Shea.  Good on Matt for expressing his feelings, but one has to think he wouldn't survive two months wearing the green-and-white.  As we know around here, booing and criticizing the quarterback is one of the top jobs for the fanbase.

--Consistency is the number one problem with officiating. It doesn't matter what the sport is.  What one person sees is not what another person sees and it frustrates the fans terribly.  However, when a rule is a rule and it is ignored, questions have to be asked.   Edmonton's Duke Williams received a penalty earlier this year for using a towel as a prop.  Fast forward to the Bombers-Ottawa game and Darvin Adams uses a camera as a prop and gets away with it.  ?????   How is that missed?  The same goes for the Derel Walker throat slash after scoring a TD against the Riders? While maddening, I can understand this call not being made or that call not being made because an official sees it differently, but this is as black and white as can be and it is ignored.  Why? If the league is going to have a Twitter account to explain decisions on the field, then they need to start explaining why calls aren't made as well.  The Williams/towel incident is apparently going to be discussed in a video this week.  Why are we waiting for so long? How about providing the explanation right away?

--It was soooooo good to get out to the Rams practice field this weekend and see the team getting ready for a Wednesday night exhibition game at Leibel Field against Manitoba followed by the season-opener August 31 against Calgary.  I am expecting big things from the "Horns" this season in what will be the last year for Noah Picton.   Canada West will be an extremely competitive conference again with everything having to go right for whatever team hoists the Hardy Cup,  Like all other teams in the conference, the Rams do have some question marks going in, but it should be an exciting season. Steve Bryce and staff are ready.

--I am guessing it was not a good night's sleep for Scott McAulay and the Thunder.  The Saskatoon Hilltops came in and blew the doors off their provincial rival winning 41-7. One week does not make a season.  The Hilltops are good as they traditionally are, but I don't think the next game between the two will be a 34 point blowout win either.

--The Pats start training camp Tuesday.  Let me repeat that, the Pats start training camp Tuesday.  That was a short summer!  Why do I get the feeling this could be a year to remember for the Prince Albert Raiders?  I have to think they are the class of the Eastern Division as it stands right now.  I think it is pretty safe to say that the excitement generated in the second half of the season in Moose Jaw, Swift Current and Regina won't be repeated this year.  A lot of good hockey players have left the division.  Players that called southern Saskatchewan home.

--The last six weeks of the baseball season are going to be great. Solid races in many divisions and both wild-cards.  Sign me up!

--After months of planning, its time for the Wascana to start showing itself off to a world-wide audience.  The LPGA Canadian Womens Open begins today with events leading up to the start of Thursday's tournament. This should be a great week in Regina.  I hope you get out there and enjoy part of it.

What Did You Miss Sunday?

Courtesy: Arthur Ward/CFL

--The Riders are 4-4. They handed the Stampeders their first loss of the season with a 40-27 win in front of a sold-out crowd at Mosaic Stadium.  Brett Lauther kicked six field goals while Nick Marshall returned an interception for a TD while running one in as well. 

-- The Edmonton Oilers signed free agent forward Scottie Upshall to a professional tryout on Sunday.

Upshall, 34, appeared in 63 games for St. Louis last season, registering 19 points with seven goals.

The native of Fort McMurray, Alta., has played 759 career NHL games over 15 seasons with Nashville, Philadelphia, Arizona, Columbus, Florida and St. Louis.

--The best women's golfers in the world are heading to Regina.  While the LPGA Canadian Womens Open doesn't start until Thursday, events leading up to the tournament start Monday at the Wascana and Royal Regina. 

--Canadian IndyCar driver Robert Wickens has been admitted to hospital with ``orthopedic injuries'' sustained in a violent wreck early in the A-B-C Supply 500. The 29-year-old was awake and alert as he was airlifted from the track and he was still being evaluated. The native of Guelph, Ontario was attempting to pass Ryan Hunter-Reay when the two cars slightly touched, sending the former's car spinning through the air into the fence.

--The Washington Redskins will host free-agent running back Adrian Peterson on Monday. The Redskins are looking for some running back help after draft pick Derrius Guice was lost for the season due to injury. Peterson, 33, made seven Pro Bowls in 10 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, but the team made him a free agent when it declined to exercise an option in his contract last year. Peterson signed a two-year deal with New Orleans, but he was traded to Arizona on Oct. 10. The Cardinals released him after the season.

What Did You Miss Saturday?

--A late one yard touchdown run from James Franklin lifted the Argonauts to a 24-23 win over BC in Saturday CFL play,  The win leaves both teams at 3-5 on the season. 

--Another big offensive night for Mike Reilly.  The Edmonton quarterback threw for over 400 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-24 victory over Montreal.  The Eskimos are 6-3 while the Alouettes are 1-8.

--The Regina Thunder did not have a good opening night experience.  They were beaten at home 41-7 by the Saskatoon Hilltops. Running back Ben Abrook had three touchdowns for the winners. 

--On June 18, the Houston Astros lead the Oakland Athletics by 12 games in the AL West. They are now tied. The Athletics pulled into a tie with the defending World Series champs with a 7-1 win on Saturday. 

--A spectator was injured and required stitches after player Kevin Stadler's club head came loose and flew into the gallery Friday at a Web.com Tour event near Portland, Oregon. Stadler, the son of former Masters champion Craig Stadler, was playing in the WinCo Foods Portland Open when he slammed his club to the turf in anger and up against his foot on the 15th hole of the second round. The club broke somewhere near the bottom of the shaft and hit a spectator in the head, causing injuries that required six stitches according to Tour officials. 

Pats Training Camp Starts Tuesday

Regina, Saskatchewan – The Regina Pats Hockey Club is pleased to announce the 2018 Training Camp presented by Sleek Signs will begin on Tuesday at the Brandt Centre.

Rookies will be on the ice from Tuesday to Friday, and then the veterans will report and begin on-ice sessions on Saturday. Camp will culminate with the annual Blue and White intrasquad game on Monday, August 27. Rookie camp will be split into two separate teams, named for Pats alumni Chandler  Stephenson and Jordan Weal. Main Camp will be split between Team Garth Murray and Team Boyd Kane.

Here is the full camp schedule:

Tuesday August 21, 2018

- 6:00pm – 7:00pm – Team Weal Practice

- 7:15pm – 8:15pm – Team Stephenson Practice

Wednesday August 22, 2018

- 10:00am – 11:00am – Team Weal Practice

- 11:15am – 12:15pm – Team Stephenson Practice

- 12:30pm – 1:30pm – Goalie Session

- 7:00pm – 9:00pm –Team Weal vs Team Stephenson Scrimmage

Thursday August 23, 2018

- 8:45am – 9:45am – Open Skate for Veterans

- 10:00am – 11:00am – Team Stephenson Practice

- 11:15am – 12:15pm – Team Weal Practice

- 12:30pm – 1:30pm – Goalie Session

- 7:00pm – 9:00pm –Team Weal vs Team Stephenson Scrimmage

Friday August 24, 2018

-11:00am – 1:00pm – Team Weal vs Team Stephenson Scrimmage

Saturday August 25, 2018

-10:00am – 11:00am – Rookie Camp Holdovers’ Practice

-7:00pm – 9:00pm –Team Kane vs Team Murray Scrimmage

Sunday August 26, 2018

-10:00am – 10:45am – Team Kane Practice

-11:00am – 11:45am – Team Murray Practice

-7:00pm – 9:00pm –Team Kane vs Team Murray Scrimmage

Monday August 27, 2018

-10:00am – 10:45am – Team White Practice

-11:00am – 11:45am – Team Blue Practice

-7:00pm – 9:00pm – Blue vs White Game

Players will be available to the media at the conclusion of each of the on-ice sessions.

There will be 42 players at the Pats rookie camp and an additional 34 at main camp. Here is a look at the rookie camp roster.

Name	Position	Birth Year	Name	Position	Birth Year
Cole Dubinsky	C	2002	Jared Miller	LW	2002
Jake Snashall	RW	2003	Easton Armstrong	LW	2003
Aidan Bangs	C	2002	Colby Bear	RW	2003
Trenton Penner	LW	2003	Colby Wotton	C	2003
Cale Sanders	RW	2002	Bryce Howard	LW	2003
Adam Grenier	C	2003	Jack McKeown	RW	2003
Josh Romanyk	LW	2002	Kayden Tocher	C	2003
Shaw Cathcart	RW	2003	Rhett Gibson	LW	2002
Austin Reschny	C	2003	Cole Gordon	LW	2002
Dawson Good	LW	2002	Cooper Chisholm	C	2003
Kylen Taphorn	RW	2003	Coleton Panowyk	D	2002
Samuel McGinley	D	2002	Parker Berge	D	2003
Brayden Koch	D	2002	Jake Johnson	D	2003
Makai Mitchell	D	2002	Marcus Taylor	D	2003
Daylan Weigel	D	2003	Jace Ticknor	D	2003
Tegan Skehar	D	2003	Hunter Harwood	D	2003
Trevor Hunt	D	2003	Alex Liskowich	D	2002
Ryan Redekopp	D	2003	Ben Bygrove	D	2002
Jackson Dylla	G	2002	Jared Thompson	G	2002
Andy Vlaha	G	2003	Tristan Martin	G	2002
Levi Hall	G	2003	Carson Ironside	G	2003

The Regina Pats 2018 Main Camp Roster:

Name	Position	Birth Year	Name	Position	Birth Year
Bryce Platt	LW	1998	Jake Leschyshyn	C	1999
Nick Henry	RW	1999	Koby Morrisseau	C	2000
Robbie Holmes	LW	1999	Austin Pratt	RW	1999
Scott Mahovlich	RW	1999	Logan Nijhoff	C	2001
Garrett Wright	C	2001	Justyn Gurney	LW	2000
Riley Krane	LW	2000	Carter Massier	RW	2001
Sergei Alkhimov	RW	2000	Duncan Pierce	C	2000
Kishaun Gervais	LW	2001	Reid Robertson	LW	2000
Max Gudnason	C	2001	Callum Fortin	RW	2001
Cale Fleury	D	1998	Brady Pouteau	D	1998
Aaron Hyman	D	1998	Liam Schioler	D	1998
Parker Gavlas	D	1999	Marco Creta	D	2000
Jonas Harkins	D	2000	Nikita Sedov	D	2000
Kevin Bachul	D	2001	Ryker Evans	D`	2001
Kyle Boudreau	D	2001	Steven Zonneveld	D	2001
Max Paddock	G	2000	Sebastian Eger	D	2001
Kyle Dumba	G	1998	Matthew Pesenti	G	2001

The Pats will kick off the 2018 pre-season on August 31 against the Swift Current Broncos at 7 p.m. at the Brandt Centre. Season tickets and 17-game packages for the 2018-19 season are available now by visiting reginapats.com.

(Jake Leschyshyn Photo: Courtesy Keith Hershmiller

(Phil Andrews/Regina Pats)