This And That

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

--Chris Jones will never say it with the cameras rolling and the microphones on, but he must be so excited at seeing what his defence will do Sunday in Montreal against Johnny Manziel.  I am sure Jones is ready to throw things at Manziel that will give him nightmares.  I have no idea what looks Jones is going to have for Johnny Football, but I think its safe to say Manziel could have a rough afternoon. At the end of the day, I see the Riders winning this by a lot.

--There's a lot of talk in football circles about Mark Chapman deciding to sign a contract with the new Alliance of American Football instead of signing one to play in the CFL after a failed attempt to be in the NFL.  At the end of the day, money is the main issue.  Chapman can get more playing south of the border than he can in the CFL.  Whether or not the talent level is greater than the CFL is something we can't discuss at this time because we don't know, but what we do know is he is not the only player to decide on a career in the AAF than the CFL.   Some believe the AAF and XFL 2.0 won't survive which is understandable.  As it stands right now though, the CFL must be very wary of what is happening.  Players need to be making more money which will be just one of the issues in what I think will be a very contentious off-season as the league and the PA try to hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement.  I still think it would be suicidal for the CFL to have a labour stoppage, but I also think we might get one. If it does, some won't even notice while others may need therapy.  I don't think I have to tell you what group Rider Nation will be in.

--Is it just me or has CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie disappeared? Has he been to a game in Regina this year? If he has, I missed it.  While I haven't seen all CFL games this year, I don't recall seeing him at many.

--I'm not sure how we got on the topic, but the one of a new arena in downtown Regina resurfaced on the Sportscage.  If you are going to build one, how big is it going to be?  Unless you have grand plans for said building, why bother.   Regina doesn't need a 15-20,000 seat hockey arena that will perhaps lure concerts away from SaskTel Centre.  The business model isn't there.  Regina has Mosaic Stadium, Saskatoon has SaskTel Centre.  Reginans will ask why Mosaic isn't domed.  What would the cost have that been? Who would have that cost downloaded on them? The same people who complain event prices are too high now--that's who.

The Brandt Centre is old, but it still serves a purpose and the renovations done inside the building for the Memorial Cup show there is still a lot of hockey to be played under the orange-top.  Some more things could be done inside, but I don't know if you can realistically do some of the improvements desired like an elevator.   The Brandt Centre isn't perfect, but it does the trick.

--NFL Lock of The Week ---- Chargers over 49ers
--NFL Upset of The Week ----Browns over Raiders

--Who in their right mind looked at the Flyers new mascot "Gritty" and said I love this!   Those persons don't care about the small Flyer fans who will have sleepless nights after seeing the lovechild of Youppi and Grimace who is recovering from a meth addiction or perhaps still on it.  Can't wait until those fabulous "warm-loving" Philly fans who are famous for booing Santa Claus take their wrath out on this creature some Wednesday night when the Flyers lose to the Rangers in overtime after being up two going into the third.

--The last weekend of the baseball season should send me to the drugstore for heart medication.  Yes, the Cubs are going to the playoffs, but having a one game lead over Milwaukee when you play the Cardinals and the Brewers play Detroit make me think a Game 163 may be needed to determine the National League Central and best record.  The baseball playoffs are going to be outstanding again this year. Can not wait!

--Looking forward to calling what I expect to be history on Saturday in Winnipeg.  Noah Picton goes in less than 300 yards away from being the all-time passer in Canadian University football.  Addison Richards and I will have the call of what should be a pretty good football game between a pair of 2-2 teams.  I think both teams are better than their record shows.  If Regina can keep their hands on the football and not turn it over, they should be OK, but the Bisons will give them a battle. If Regina has any chance at hosting a home playoff game, a win is a must.

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