Saskatchewan Roughrider President/CEO Jim Hopson announced today a partnership between the team and the Host Organizing Committee for the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship. The Host Organizing Committee has designated special sections in both the Brandt Centre in Regina and Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon as Riderville, allowing the Rider Nation to be there to cheer on Team Canada in their quest for a sixth straight Gold Medal.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the Roughrider organization and we are very thankful and excited to become involved,” stated Hopson. “The province of Saskatchewan and its people have always proved themselves when thrust in the international spotlight and I know this year’s World Junior Hockey Championship will be a remarkable success. The magnitude of this event and the province’s support of the Roughriders make this opportunity a natural fit.”
As part of this special offer, every Rider season ticket holder, flex pack holder, Club Seating patron or share Owner who purchases a World Junior ticket package will receive a day pass to Riderville at the 2009 Grey Cup, front of the line ticket purchase for selected events at the Brandt Centre and an entry in a draw for a chance to win one of the following:
· One of 10 pairs of 2009 VIP Grey Cup Riderville passes
· Saskatchewan Roughrider autograph jersey
· Team Canada 2010 World Junior autographed jersey
· Trip for two to the 2009 Grey Cup game, three nights accommodation, return airfare for two to Calgary and two tickets to the game
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The No-Trade Clause
This is San Diego Padres pitcher Jake Peavy. He should be Chicago White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy. The two clubs agreed on a trade that would see four prospects go to the Padres for the pitcher who would improve their club. One problem!! Peavy is invoking his no-trade clause so the trade is dead.
The no-trade clause is something that in my mind kills sports. The Padres aren't going anywhere this year and they have a great chance at improving their team by making this deal with a team that feels Peavy can turn them into a pennant contender if not winner. However, Peavy isn't buying that and decides to stay with one of the worst teams in the majors or go to a team that he finds more attractive. Since when did the athlete become more powerful than the organization.
This isn't the first time a no-trade clause has been invoked and it won't be the last. I can't understand how owners can't ask the players association in the various leagues to scrap this clause from contracts thus making everyone fair game.
I'm sure the Blue Jays could have made an offer for Peavy and getting him would give the team that much needed number two starter behind Roy Halladay, but I'm sure the Jakester has no desire to play in Canada. It leaves Toronto behind the 8 ball and that's not fair. A player should not have the right to say where he will and where he won't play. It ties the hands of the organization that is trying to better themselves and I'm sure the relationship is now damaged perhaps beyond repair. Teams should have the right to be able to trade guys or do whatever without something this stupid standing in their way.
-----
I don't think the last three games are a sign that the great start by the Jays is about to crumble, but Toronto baseball fans have to be shaking their head after seeing their team get owned by the Red Sox. Boston completing the three game sweep of Toronto with a 5-1 win. Toronto is good this year but they have a ways to go and the more experienced Red Sox brought them down to earth a little bit.
-------
I don't think Chicago can beat Detroit four times in the next five games and I don't think Carolina can beat Pittsburgh four out of five either. Yes, you can say all the Wings and Penguins have done is hold serve by winning at home, but you have to think we are getting a rematch of last year's Cup final. Cam Ward picked a fine time to soil the linen as he played his worst game of these playoffs resulting in a 7-4 Penguins win and a 2-0 series lead. I really thought the Hurricanes could win this series, but now it doesn't look like that will happen. Nothing against Sid, but I'm hoping he's not meeting Gary Bettman at centre ice in a few weeks time if you know what I mean. There is just something about Pittsburgh that I don't like. I can't put my finger on it, but I just can't cheer for these guys. I'm not a Sid hater...I'm not the biggest Malkin fan but I just don't like Pittsburgh as a whole. Maybe it has something to do with the Steelers. I'm just not sure.
------
I'm hearing more and more that Curtis Hunt will be the new coach of the Pats. In fact, I've been told something has already been done and the only thing left is to have the newser to make it official. Could that happen today or do we wait until next week or the first week of June??
------
I don't think he meant to, but Rod Pedersen started quite the little battle on his blog yesterday. RP was talking about Dan Farthing's release from the football team and said it would be like Eric Tillman giving Andy Fantuz his release today. It started the who's better argument--Farthing or Fantuz. Take nothing away from 83, but at this point in time I would take Farthing. I think Andy is still scratching the surface as to what he can do. His third season as a pro was basically washed out due to injury. He has hopefully many years left in a Rider uniform. As for Farthing, I always wondered what type of accolades he may have been given if it wasn't for the fact he played on many bad teams. Despite having guys like Reggie Slack and Kevin Mason throwing to him, he still managed to haul in close to 400 balls. If he was playing on this team now, he would get a lot more attention than he did. I think if Andy played in Dan's era, he would have gone un-noticed as well because of the record the team was putting up. In the end, I don't think you can have this argument until Fantuz's days are done and even then this argument would end much the same way as a Gene Makowsky vs Roger Aldag argument. There really wouldn't be a winner.
The one comment I did laugh at though was someone saying Fantuz is the premiere Canadian receiver in the CFL today. As someone else told Rod in the comments section, he would put guys like Ben Cahoon and Paris Jackson ahead of Fantuz. I would maybe add Kamau Peterson to that list as well. Andy has a chance at being the best Canadian receiver in the CFL, but he's not the best one now.
By the way if the provincial government can give us numbers on top baby names each year, they should be able to tell us how many people in the province have the last name "anonymous". That anonymous family sure loves making comments.
-----
The Windsor Spitfires have woke up. After losing their first two games at the Memorial Cup, the Spitfires have gotten their act together and are now in the semi-final after eliminating the host team with a 6-4 win. The Spitfires will meet Drummondville in that semi-final with the winner taking on Kelowna. Personally, I would like to see a Spitfires-Rockets final.
------
I'm not a big NBA fan but the first two games of the Denver-Lakers West final and Game 1 of the Orlando-Cleveland East final have been outstanding games.
------
I've said it once and I'll say it again. You will not find me on Twitter. At least not yet.
-----
Have a great Friday!
Riders Give "State Of The Team" Address
All eight CFL teams are giving their "state of the franchise" press conferences before training camp arrives. The Riders had theirs today. The Leader-Post's Ian Hamilton (a fellow Seahawks fan meaning he is a fine, fine individual) gives you the low-down as to what was said.....
http://communities.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/blogs/roughriders/archive/2009/05/22/chatting-it-up.aspx
http://communities.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/blogs/roughriders/archive/2009/05/22/chatting-it-up.aspx
Is the Coyotes Situation Similar To That of Saskatoon's NHL Dream
The Toronto Star's Damien Cox finds some parallels between Jim Balsillie's desire to bring the Phoenix Coyotes to Southern Ontario and Bill Hunter's desire to bring the Blues to Saskatoon.
http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/637352
http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/637352
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
What Will It Be Like??
The NFL Network had a great program on Wednesday. In two one hour specials, they showed an NFL films presentation called "The Lost Ballparks". It looked back at the history of Baltimore's Memorial Stadium, Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Foxboro Stadium just outside of Boston and Denver's Mile High Stadium. All four facilities were replaced by newer models, but the tradition of the old park still lives with many---players and fans. The shows talked with members and fans of the various organizations discussing how great the old stadium was. A lot if the interviews were done with the rubble of the old park in the background. One Steelers fan got visibly emotional when talking about the history of Three Rivers Stadium and how he cried when the building was imploded.
It made me wonder about what the scene will be like when Mosaic Stadium plays host to its final Rider game. Its inevitable that will happen. How will the old girl be ushered out?? How big of an event will that game and what happens after be?? How will fans react?? How many tears will be shed?? Will they want to take a piece of the place with them? Make no doubt about it, it will be an emotional evening when the Riders play their last ever home game. The team could be ofer the season and the place would be packed for it. I don't think the fans would leave. As much as they have criticized the place, they won't want to leave, because they know they will never be back. Many will reminisce about great times shared watching the football team do their thing win or lose. I also wonder how the stadium would be erased from the city skyline. Would it be by explosion or would a quick implosion bring years of history crumbling down. I don't know how I or other fans would react seeing a wrecking ball bring the place down. Driving down Saskatchewan Drive and seeing the stadium in shambles would surely be emotional would it not??? Then again, an implosion wouldn't be the easiest thing either. There would have to be a massive tailgating party for that.
I guess the main thing is as we would tearfully say goodbye to a place that brought so many memories for football fans young and old in this province, we would cheerfully say hello to a new stadium. One that Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan football fans deserve. In all four cases in the NFL, while one stadium left, a bigger and better one emerged. One that has created its own memories. It will happen here too. It will be a very emotional time though for many when that final home game does happen.....no offence, but I hope it happens soon. I still love Mosaic Stadium, but I yearn for the day when I can see the team play in a new modern facility. As Vanstone says, driving down George Reed Avenue and walking into Lancaster Stadium will be a tremendous experience.
------
Still with the Riders, I wholeheartedly applaud the Plaza of Honor committee for their 2009 inductees--especially the decision to enshrine Norm Fong as one of the all-time greats. The long-time equipment manager is someone who is synonymous with the organization. When I think of everything Normie has seen over his 34 years on the job, I just wonder if he put pen to paper just what kind of bestselling book he would have. The stories he must have. The players he has seen, the regimes he has gone through, the highs of a championship and the lows of those two win seasons. Dealing with everyone from Lancaster to Joseph.... Reed to Cates...Abendschan to Makowsky....Kosid to Davis, Normie has dealt with many players and many coaches. There is no better than the guy Ridgway affectionately refers to as "The Chinaman". He is an outstanding choice and I'm sure it will be very emotional and very humourous when he is inducted in September. Tom Burgess is the latest member of the 89 team to go into the Plaza and his induction is likely overdue. Dan Farthing is just and was just a classy individual on and off the field. I often wondered how many accolades Farthing could have received if the teams he had played on were better. When you consider the less than stellar way Dan was released by the organization this makes this selection even better. Congratulations to all three.
------
Once again the only hockey to look at Wednesday was the Memorial Cup. The two Quebec teams went at it with Drummondville beating host Rimouski 3-2 in overtime. Rimouski will now play Windsor in a tiebreaker with the winner meeting the Voltigeurs in the semi-final. The winner of that game plays Kelowna in the final.
------
I think everyone in the golf world has Phil Mickleson on their mind. "Lefty" is leaving the Tour for an indefinite time after learning his wife, Amy has breast cancer. Golf is obviously not first and foremost on the mind of Mickleson as he helps his wife take on the biggest fight of her life---one I hope she wins. Before I leave this earth, I really, really hope to hear that a cure has been found for a disease that has simply taken too many good people. I think each and every one of you that is reading this knows someone who has been affected by cancer so you know what the Micklesons are going through. Here's hoping for a happy ending!
------
Are the Jays and their young arms crashing to earth. The Red Sox winning the first two meetings of the year against the young Toronto team. Is it too early to say tomorrow's finale between the two teams is a must win for Cito's crew??? Just one win in five tries against the Yankees and Boston this year certainly puts a damper on what has been a great first six weeks of the season.
-----
Someone in Edmonton has won 50 million on 6/49. I know many, many people in Edmonton. Do I know someone who has 50 million to burn today???? I can't imagine what my first reaction would be if I found out I had a winning lottery ticket worth 50 million....or 1 million for that matter. If you won one million dollars, would that be enough to call it a career. Would you ever work again???
-----
What QB soap opera down south will be more nauseating? Michael Vick's or Brett Favre's.
It made me wonder about what the scene will be like when Mosaic Stadium plays host to its final Rider game. Its inevitable that will happen. How will the old girl be ushered out?? How big of an event will that game and what happens after be?? How will fans react?? How many tears will be shed?? Will they want to take a piece of the place with them? Make no doubt about it, it will be an emotional evening when the Riders play their last ever home game. The team could be ofer the season and the place would be packed for it. I don't think the fans would leave. As much as they have criticized the place, they won't want to leave, because they know they will never be back. Many will reminisce about great times shared watching the football team do their thing win or lose. I also wonder how the stadium would be erased from the city skyline. Would it be by explosion or would a quick implosion bring years of history crumbling down. I don't know how I or other fans would react seeing a wrecking ball bring the place down. Driving down Saskatchewan Drive and seeing the stadium in shambles would surely be emotional would it not??? Then again, an implosion wouldn't be the easiest thing either. There would have to be a massive tailgating party for that.
I guess the main thing is as we would tearfully say goodbye to a place that brought so many memories for football fans young and old in this province, we would cheerfully say hello to a new stadium. One that Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan football fans deserve. In all four cases in the NFL, while one stadium left, a bigger and better one emerged. One that has created its own memories. It will happen here too. It will be a very emotional time though for many when that final home game does happen.....no offence, but I hope it happens soon. I still love Mosaic Stadium, but I yearn for the day when I can see the team play in a new modern facility. As Vanstone says, driving down George Reed Avenue and walking into Lancaster Stadium will be a tremendous experience.
------
Still with the Riders, I wholeheartedly applaud the Plaza of Honor committee for their 2009 inductees--especially the decision to enshrine Norm Fong as one of the all-time greats. The long-time equipment manager is someone who is synonymous with the organization. When I think of everything Normie has seen over his 34 years on the job, I just wonder if he put pen to paper just what kind of bestselling book he would have. The stories he must have. The players he has seen, the regimes he has gone through, the highs of a championship and the lows of those two win seasons. Dealing with everyone from Lancaster to Joseph.... Reed to Cates...Abendschan to Makowsky....Kosid to Davis, Normie has dealt with many players and many coaches. There is no better than the guy Ridgway affectionately refers to as "The Chinaman". He is an outstanding choice and I'm sure it will be very emotional and very humourous when he is inducted in September. Tom Burgess is the latest member of the 89 team to go into the Plaza and his induction is likely overdue. Dan Farthing is just and was just a classy individual on and off the field. I often wondered how many accolades Farthing could have received if the teams he had played on were better. When you consider the less than stellar way Dan was released by the organization this makes this selection even better. Congratulations to all three.
------
Once again the only hockey to look at Wednesday was the Memorial Cup. The two Quebec teams went at it with Drummondville beating host Rimouski 3-2 in overtime. Rimouski will now play Windsor in a tiebreaker with the winner meeting the Voltigeurs in the semi-final. The winner of that game plays Kelowna in the final.
------
I think everyone in the golf world has Phil Mickleson on their mind. "Lefty" is leaving the Tour for an indefinite time after learning his wife, Amy has breast cancer. Golf is obviously not first and foremost on the mind of Mickleson as he helps his wife take on the biggest fight of her life---one I hope she wins. Before I leave this earth, I really, really hope to hear that a cure has been found for a disease that has simply taken too many good people. I think each and every one of you that is reading this knows someone who has been affected by cancer so you know what the Micklesons are going through. Here's hoping for a happy ending!
------
Are the Jays and their young arms crashing to earth. The Red Sox winning the first two meetings of the year against the young Toronto team. Is it too early to say tomorrow's finale between the two teams is a must win for Cito's crew??? Just one win in five tries against the Yankees and Boston this year certainly puts a damper on what has been a great first six weeks of the season.
-----
Someone in Edmonton has won 50 million on 6/49. I know many, many people in Edmonton. Do I know someone who has 50 million to burn today???? I can't imagine what my first reaction would be if I found out I had a winning lottery ticket worth 50 million....or 1 million for that matter. If you won one million dollars, would that be enough to call it a career. Would you ever work again???
-----
What QB soap opera down south will be more nauseating? Michael Vick's or Brett Favre's.
The 2009 Plaza Of Honor Inductees Are
Today the Saskatchewan Roughrider Plaza of Honor Committee announced three new members will be inducted into the Plaza of Honor. This year Tom Burgess, Dan Farthing and Norm Fong will have their names forever etched into Saskatchewan Roughrider history.
Besides being Saskatchewan’s most prestigious sporting dinner, the Plaza of Honor Dinner has contributed over $5.4 million to the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club.
The Plaza of Honor Dinner presented by SaskTel has inducted 107 individuals who have made major contributions to the proud tradition of the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club. The cairn honouring the Plaza of Honor Inductees is situated outside the main gates on the west side of Mosaic Stadium. The Plaza of Honor cairn is sponsored by SaskTel, SASK SPORT INC. and the City of Regina.
This year’s dinner is set for Friday, September 18th at the Queensbury Centre at Evraz Place. For information on tickets or corporate tables, contact the Saskatchewan Roughrider Ticket Office at 525-1281 or 1-888-474-3377 or any committee member.
Besides being Saskatchewan’s most prestigious sporting dinner, the Plaza of Honor Dinner has contributed over $5.4 million to the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club.
The Plaza of Honor Dinner presented by SaskTel has inducted 107 individuals who have made major contributions to the proud tradition of the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club. The cairn honouring the Plaza of Honor Inductees is situated outside the main gates on the west side of Mosaic Stadium. The Plaza of Honor cairn is sponsored by SaskTel, SASK SPORT INC. and the City of Regina.
This year’s dinner is set for Friday, September 18th at the Queensbury Centre at Evraz Place. For information on tickets or corporate tables, contact the Saskatchewan Roughrider Ticket Office at 525-1281 or 1-888-474-3377 or any committee member.
Riders Add A Trio of D-Backs
Saskatchewan Roughrider head coach Ken Miller announced today the Roughriders have signed import defensive backs Daniel Francis and Jerron Wishom, along with non-import defensive back Joel Lipinski. Financial details were not released.
Francis (5’11 – 175 lbs) signed as a free agent with the Washington Redskins following his four seasons at Louisiana State. He finished his collegiate career with 76 total tackles and 3.5 sacks and was a standout returner on special teams. Francis was selected to play in the 2007 East-West Shrine game in Houston.
Wishom (6’0 – 197 lbs) spent time with the Montreal Alouettes and in Cologne of NFL Europe last season. Wishom has been a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans over the past four seasons.
Lipinski (5’10 – 195 lbs) spent last season with Saint Mary’s and was named an AUFC all-star. Prior to spending the 2007 season with the Vancouver Island Raiders, Lipinski played three seasons for the University of Regina. He was named a 2005 Canada West All-Star and a 2005 Second Team All-Canadian.
Francis (5’11 – 175 lbs) signed as a free agent with the Washington Redskins following his four seasons at Louisiana State. He finished his collegiate career with 76 total tackles and 3.5 sacks and was a standout returner on special teams. Francis was selected to play in the 2007 East-West Shrine game in Houston.
Wishom (6’0 – 197 lbs) spent time with the Montreal Alouettes and in Cologne of NFL Europe last season. Wishom has been a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans over the past four seasons.
Lipinski (5’10 – 195 lbs) spent last season with Saint Mary’s and was named an AUFC all-star. Prior to spending the 2007 season with the Vancouver Island Raiders, Lipinski played three seasons for the University of Regina. He was named a 2005 Canada West All-Star and a 2005 Second Team All-Canadian.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)