FROM WILD CARD TO SUPER BOWL: Winners in the Wild Card round have won the Super Bowl six times, and at least one Super Bowl participant in each of the past four years played a Wild Card game.
Last year, the NFC No. 4 seed Arizona Cardinals won three games en route to a berth in Super Bowl XLIII. Two years ago, the NFC No. 5 seed New York Giants won three road games and en route to a Super Bowl XLII victory. Three years ago, AFC No. 3 seed Indianapolis won Super Bowl XLI. And four years ago, Pittsburgh became the first No. 6 seed to win a Super Bowl, defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL.
The Wild Card participants to win the Super Bowl:
SEASON
TEAM
SUPER BOWL RESULT
1980
Oakland
Defeated Philadelphia in Super Bowl XV, 27-10
1997
Denver
Defeated Green Bay in Super Bowl XXXII, 31-24
2000
Baltimore
Defeated New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV, 34-7
2005
Pittsburgh
Defeated Seattle in Super Bowl XL, 21-10
2006
Indianapolis
Defeated Chicago in Super Bowl XLI, 29-17
2007
New York Giants
Defeated New England in Super Bowl XLII, 17-14
-- NFL --
SEE YOU SOON: Three of the four Wild Card matchups will be rematches of Week 17 games.
Since 1990, when the current playoff format was adopted, there have been nine instances when two teams have played in the final week of the regular season and again the next week to start the postseason.
The losing team in Week 17 has won five of the nine playoff games.
YEAR
TEAM
TEAM
WEEK 17 WINNER
PLAYOFF WINNER
1991
Kansas City
Los Angeles Raiders
Kansas City
Kansas City
1992
Buffalo
Houston
Houston
Buffalo
1993
Denver
Los Angeles Raiders
Los Angeles Raiders
Los Angeles Raiders
1993
Detroit
Green Bay
Detroit
Green Bay
1997
Miami
New England
New England
New England
2000
New Orleans
St. Louis
St. Louis
New Orleans
2001
New York Jets
Oakland
New York Jets
Oakland
2001
Philadelphia
Tampa Bay
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
2004
Denver
Indianapolis
Denver
Indianapolis
2009
Arizona
Green Bay
Green Bay
???
2009
Cincinnati
New York Jets
New York Jets
???
2009
Dallas
Philadelphia
Dallas
???
-- NFL --
THIRD TIME’S A CHARM: The Dallas Cowboys will host the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday night after sweeping them in the regular season. Since 1970, 19 teams have gone 2-0 against an opponent in the regular season and then faced that club in the playoffs. The sweeping team has won the postseason meeting 12 times (63.2 percent). Most recently, Pittsburgh beat Baltimore for a third time in last year’s AFC Championship Game. The last time a team swept an opponent and then lost to them in the playoffs was 2007, when the New York Giants defeated the Cowboys in the Divisional round after Dallas had defeated them twice in the regular season.
The 12 teams that have swept an opponent in the regular-season and defeated them in the playoffs:
YEAR
WINNING TEAM
OPPONENT
YEAR
WINNING TEAM
OPPONENT
1982
Miami
New York Jets
1997
Green Bay
Tampa Bay
1986
New York Giants
Washington
1999
Tennessee
Jacksonville
1991
Kansas City
Los Angeles Raiders
2000
New York Giants
Philadelphia
1993
Los Angeles Raiders
Denver
2002
Pittsburgh
Cleveland
1994
Pittsburgh
Cleveland
2004
St. Louis
Seattle
1997
New England
Miami
2008
Pittsburgh
Baltimore
A POSTSEASON PRO: New England quarterback TOM BRADY will line up under center for the 18th time in the playoffs when the Patriots face the Ravens on Sunday. With 46 passing yards, Brady will reach 4,000 in the postseason, a feat accomplished by only five quarterbacks in history.
With 255 yards, Brady will move into fifth place all-time in postseason passing yards, passing PEYTON MANNING (who is idle on Wild Card Weekend) and his 4,208 yards. In addition, with one touchdown pass, Brady will extend his streak of consecutive postseason games with a touchdown pass to 16, second all-time (BRETT FAVRE, 18).
The top five passing yards leaders in playoff history:
PLAYER
PLAYOFF GAMES
PASSING YARDS
Joe Montana
23
5,772
Brett Favre*
22
5,311
John Elway
22
4,964
Dan Marino
18
4,510
Peyton Manning*
15
4,208
Tom Brady*
17
3,954
* Active
The most consecutive games with a touchdown pass in playoff history:
PLAYER
PLAYOFF GAMES
YEARS
Brett Favre
18
1995-present
Tom Brady
15
2001-present
Dan Marino
13
1983-95
Brady has won each of his first eight home playoff games and can pass Pro Football Hall of Famer JIM KELLY (eight) to become the first player to win his first nine home playoff games.
-- NFL --
KURT’S PLAYGROUND: Arizona Cardinals quarterback KURT WARNER has taken his game to the next level in the postseason, setting numerous records in taking two different teams to the Super Bowl. Warner’s 98.9 postseason passer rating is the second highest in NFL history (BART STARR, 104.8) and he averages 306.2 yards per playoff game, the best mark in league annals (min. five games). Warner passed for 1,147 yards in last year’s playoffs, the most ever in a single postseason, giving him the top two marks in history (1,063 in 1999 with St. Louis). Warner’s 64.8 playoff completion percentage is tops among quarterbacks with at least 250 attempts.
On Sunday against Green Bay, Warner can reach the top of another postseason list – the most career 300-yard games. Warner has five career 300-yard games, with all of them over 365 yards, the most all-time.
The most 300-yard passing games in NFL postseason history:
PLAYER
300-YARD PASSING GAMES
Peyton Manning*
6
Joe Montana
6
Dan Fouts
5
Kurt Warner*
5
Many tied
4
* Active
In addition, Warner is tied with Tom Brady with 26 postseason touchdown passes, one shy of fifth-place on the all-time list (27, JOHN ELWAY). Both aim to climb the charts on Wild Card Weekend.
The most touchdown passes in NFL playoff history:
PLAYER
TOUCHDOWN PASSES
Joe Montana
45
Brett Favre*
39
Dan Marino
32
Terry Bradshaw
30
John Elway
27
Tom Brady*
26
Kurt Warner*
26
* Active
-- NFL --
ROOKIE QB IN AGAIN: On Saturday, the New York Jets’ MARK SANCHEZ will become just the ninth rookie quarterback to start a playoff game in the Super Bowl era. It will be the first time since 1985-86 (BERNIE KOSAR, 1985 and JIM EVERETT, 1986) that a rookie quarterback has started a playoff game in consecutive postseasons.
Last year, Atlanta’s MATT RYAN and Baltimore’s JOE FLACCO took the field marking the first time in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) that two rookie quarterbacks started a playoff game in the same year. Three of the past four rookies to start in the playoffs led their teams to the Conference Championship Game.
The eight rookie quarterbacks to start a playoff game (since 1966):
QUARTERBACK
SEASON
TEAM
PLAYOFF RESULT
Dan Marino
1983
Miami Dolphins
Advanced to Divisional
Bernie Kosar
1985
Cleveland Browns
Advanced to Divisional
Jim Everett
1986
L.A. Rams
Advanced to Wild Card
Todd Marinovich
1991
L.A. Raiders
Advanced to Wild Card
Shaun King
1999
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Advanced to NFC Championship
Ben Roethlisberger
2004
Pittsburgh Steelers
Advanced to AFC Championship
Joe Flacco
2008
Baltimore Ravens
Advanced to AFC Championship
Matt Ryan
2008
Atlanta Falcons
Advanced to Wild Card
Mark Sanchez
2009
New York Jets
???
Flacco is the first quarterback in NFL history to start 16 games in each of his first two seasons and lead his team to the playoffs in both years.
VERSATILE JETS: The New York Jets led the NFL with 172.3 rushing yards per game on offense and allowed an NFL-low 252.3 total yards per game on defense. The Jets became the eighth team since 1970 to lead the NFL in both rushing offense and total defense.
The teams that led the NFL in rushing offense and total defense in a season since 1970:
YEAR
TEAM
PLAYOFF RESULT
2009
New York Jets
???
2001
Pittsburgh Steelers
Advanced to AFC Championship
1987
San Francisco 49ers
Advanced to Divisional
1986
Chicago Bears
Advanced to Divisional
1985
Chicago Bears
Won Super Bowl XX
1984
Chicago Bears
Advanced to NFC Championship
1976
Pittsburgh Steelers
Advanced to AFC Championship
1972
Miami Dolphins
Won Super Bowl VII
-- NFL –
FIRST-TIMERS: Green Bay quarterback AARON RODGERS and the Jets’ Sanchez will make their first career postseason start on Wild Card Weekend. Rodgers threw for 4,434 yards, second in a single-season in Packers history (4,458, LYNN DICKEY) and Sanchez threw for 2,444 yards, a Jets rookie-record (topping JOE NAMATH, 2,220 in 1965).
The players with the most passing yards in their first career postseason start:
PLAYER
PASSING YARDS
Kelly Holcomb
429
Randall Cunningham
407
Kurt Warner
391
Neil Lomax
385
Richard Todd
377
# # #
Friday, January 8, 2010
Provincial Scotties Has Come To A Halt
The 2010 provincial womens curling championship has come to an abrupt end. Rinks were on the ice this morning when a fire started in the hockey arena which is connected to the curling rink causing smoke to billow through the curling rink. Everyone got out safe, but questions remain as to what to do with the rest of the event which has currently been suspended. There is talk of postponing the remainder.
Teams were on the ice for the 5th draw when the fire started.
Teams were on the ice for the 5th draw when the fire started.
Rider Update/Chick Gets NFL Tryout
The Riders news conference will be held at 2 o'clock this afternoon.
Meanwhile, from the blog of Rod Pedersen.
John Chick has earned a tryout with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts.
Meanwhile, from the blog of Rod Pedersen.
John Chick has earned a tryout with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Will Texas Fans Act Like Bomber Fans?
From the moment that CFL commissioner Marc Cohon gave Gene Makowsky the Grey Cup in 2007, many fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers said it would have been their team Cohon was giving the trophy to had it not been for the injury to Kevin Glenn. If you remember, Glenn broke his arm in the Eastern final meaning unknown Ryan Dinwiddie got the start. Dinwiddie failed and so did the Bombers. The whining has continued to this day.
Last night in Pasadena, the Alabama Crimson Tide won the NC double A football championship with a 37-21 win over Texas. It was 24-21 until there were two minutes left when Alabama got a couple of late touchdowns to make the final look more lopsided than it was. The story of this game was that Texas quarterback Colt McKoy was lost to the Longhorns on the 2nd series of the game to a shoulder injury meaning freshman Garrett Gilbert had to carry the Longhorns on offence.
Would Texas have won with McKoy? I had taken them to win, but then again I might have taken a lot of schools to beat Alabama simply for the fact I don't like their coach Nick Saban. After leaving LSU for the Miami Dolphins, Saban found out life in the pros wasn't as successful as he thought it would be and he ran for the money when Alabama came calling despite the fact he always denied wanting the job when asked about it. The guy reeks of "smarmyness" if you ask me. Smarmy or not, he is the coach of the national champions so congratulations to him.
------
Does the Eric Tillman story end today or is it just another chapter in what has sadly turned into a very ugly story. The latest is that a source close to Eric(it wouldn't be Eric himself would it?) has told the Leader-Post he may resign as Riders GM because of family reasons. If this is the case, this doesn't surprise me and its something I thought would happen. Yes, he was guilty of sexually assaulting a teenager, and yes, his record will be clean in a years time. However, people don't forget. Not in this province. No matter where Eric goes, there will be people who will taunt him or talk behind his back. It will be very uncomfortable for not only Eric, but for his wife and his two small kids who one day will be old enough to understand what Daddy did. I will not be surprised if Tillman resurfaces in Toronto. This shouldn't surprise anyone. Its what many have been saying.
If Eric leaves, and it certainly looks like that is happening, the one thing I hope is this. I hope that if for some reason this football team slides somewhat that everyone doesn't hop on the "They should have kept Tillman" bandwagon that will be created. Yes, the Riders were one play away from winning two GC's in Eric's 3 years which is a feat that should be saluted, but teams move on, personnel moves on. Many thought this team was doomed when Kent Austin left, they weren't. This team will be fine under Ken Miller, Jim Hopson and whoever. Have faith!
------
The Pats are back on home ice tonight for the first time in a long time and its Jordan Eberle bobblehead night with 500 fans going home with one of the valued treasures. This is how it will work. When you walk into the Brandt Centre, you will be handed a card with a colour on it. In the first intermission, Eberle will pick a card out and if it matches the colour you have on your card then a bobblehead is yours. I have said it before, but I will say it again. After what Eberle did for Team Canada over the past two weeks, you owe it to this young man to be at the Brandt Centre tomorrow and congratulate him for what he has done. A player of Eberle's calibre is one that will not be back on Brandt Centre ice wearing a Pats jersey for a long time. You must go out and see this guy perform live while you can because next year you won't. There is no way the Oilers will send him back as a 20 year old so enjoy him over these last couple of months. On a side note, I can only wonder what type of season he would have as a 20 year old here. It could be a record-breaker. It won't happen though.
------
Thumbs up to Mayor Fiacco for proclaiming tomorrow as Jordan Eberle and Colten Teubert Day in Regina. Its nice to see both young men getting some props for being part of the silver medal squad that kept Canada on pins and needles Tuesday night. Its nice to see that Teubert isn't being forgotten. Everyone is talking about Eberle and I understand that because of his roots to Regina, but I thought Teubert was considered an afterthought last year when the team won gold because of Jordan's heroics in the semi-final game against Russia. He certainly wasn't as far as I was concerned. Lets not forget that Travis Hamonic will be here tomorrow too as part of the Warriors team that comes in. Hamonic won't play because of the separated shoulder he suffered against Switzerland, but he is also deserving of your applause tonight as well.
------
Why I did this on a day when it was 30 below I don't know, but I watched some of the PGA's opening tournament of the year from Hawaii on the Golf Channel. Funny how no one mentioned one certain golfer during the time I watched. Has a gag order been placed on the announcers when it comes to talking about one Mr. Woods?
------
These airport scanners are creating quite a lot of debate and I ask why? Here's the question people. If you want to fly, would you rather have someone take a quick look at your junk or risk being blown up. I know what my decision is.
-----
I was wondering what the h-e double hockey sticks was going on with my female Facebook friends on Thursday. Their status report was just a colour. It was later when I found out it had something to do with what colour is their bra. Was it something for breast cancer awareness or not. That is something I don't know. All I ask is this--and yes, some status updates from men asked the same thing. A) Should we as men for prostate cancer announce what colour underwear we are wearing today and B) While these women are telling us what colour their bra is, should we as men not ask for pictures just for verification? (insert whistling noise here followed by a wry and mischievous smile) WHAT???
-----
The Oilers lose again. Is the slogan for the 2nd half "Take a fall for Hall"?
-----
It is going to warm up isn't it!
Last night in Pasadena, the Alabama Crimson Tide won the NC double A football championship with a 37-21 win over Texas. It was 24-21 until there were two minutes left when Alabama got a couple of late touchdowns to make the final look more lopsided than it was. The story of this game was that Texas quarterback Colt McKoy was lost to the Longhorns on the 2nd series of the game to a shoulder injury meaning freshman Garrett Gilbert had to carry the Longhorns on offence.
Would Texas have won with McKoy? I had taken them to win, but then again I might have taken a lot of schools to beat Alabama simply for the fact I don't like their coach Nick Saban. After leaving LSU for the Miami Dolphins, Saban found out life in the pros wasn't as successful as he thought it would be and he ran for the money when Alabama came calling despite the fact he always denied wanting the job when asked about it. The guy reeks of "smarmyness" if you ask me. Smarmy or not, he is the coach of the national champions so congratulations to him.
------
Does the Eric Tillman story end today or is it just another chapter in what has sadly turned into a very ugly story. The latest is that a source close to Eric(it wouldn't be Eric himself would it?) has told the Leader-Post he may resign as Riders GM because of family reasons. If this is the case, this doesn't surprise me and its something I thought would happen. Yes, he was guilty of sexually assaulting a teenager, and yes, his record will be clean in a years time. However, people don't forget. Not in this province. No matter where Eric goes, there will be people who will taunt him or talk behind his back. It will be very uncomfortable for not only Eric, but for his wife and his two small kids who one day will be old enough to understand what Daddy did. I will not be surprised if Tillman resurfaces in Toronto. This shouldn't surprise anyone. Its what many have been saying.
If Eric leaves, and it certainly looks like that is happening, the one thing I hope is this. I hope that if for some reason this football team slides somewhat that everyone doesn't hop on the "They should have kept Tillman" bandwagon that will be created. Yes, the Riders were one play away from winning two GC's in Eric's 3 years which is a feat that should be saluted, but teams move on, personnel moves on. Many thought this team was doomed when Kent Austin left, they weren't. This team will be fine under Ken Miller, Jim Hopson and whoever. Have faith!
------
The Pats are back on home ice tonight for the first time in a long time and its Jordan Eberle bobblehead night with 500 fans going home with one of the valued treasures. This is how it will work. When you walk into the Brandt Centre, you will be handed a card with a colour on it. In the first intermission, Eberle will pick a card out and if it matches the colour you have on your card then a bobblehead is yours. I have said it before, but I will say it again. After what Eberle did for Team Canada over the past two weeks, you owe it to this young man to be at the Brandt Centre tomorrow and congratulate him for what he has done. A player of Eberle's calibre is one that will not be back on Brandt Centre ice wearing a Pats jersey for a long time. You must go out and see this guy perform live while you can because next year you won't. There is no way the Oilers will send him back as a 20 year old so enjoy him over these last couple of months. On a side note, I can only wonder what type of season he would have as a 20 year old here. It could be a record-breaker. It won't happen though.
------
Thumbs up to Mayor Fiacco for proclaiming tomorrow as Jordan Eberle and Colten Teubert Day in Regina. Its nice to see both young men getting some props for being part of the silver medal squad that kept Canada on pins and needles Tuesday night. Its nice to see that Teubert isn't being forgotten. Everyone is talking about Eberle and I understand that because of his roots to Regina, but I thought Teubert was considered an afterthought last year when the team won gold because of Jordan's heroics in the semi-final game against Russia. He certainly wasn't as far as I was concerned. Lets not forget that Travis Hamonic will be here tomorrow too as part of the Warriors team that comes in. Hamonic won't play because of the separated shoulder he suffered against Switzerland, but he is also deserving of your applause tonight as well.
------
Why I did this on a day when it was 30 below I don't know, but I watched some of the PGA's opening tournament of the year from Hawaii on the Golf Channel. Funny how no one mentioned one certain golfer during the time I watched. Has a gag order been placed on the announcers when it comes to talking about one Mr. Woods?
------
These airport scanners are creating quite a lot of debate and I ask why? Here's the question people. If you want to fly, would you rather have someone take a quick look at your junk or risk being blown up. I know what my decision is.
-----
I was wondering what the h-e double hockey sticks was going on with my female Facebook friends on Thursday. Their status report was just a colour. It was later when I found out it had something to do with what colour is their bra. Was it something for breast cancer awareness or not. That is something I don't know. All I ask is this--and yes, some status updates from men asked the same thing. A) Should we as men for prostate cancer announce what colour underwear we are wearing today and B) While these women are telling us what colour their bra is, should we as men not ask for pictures just for verification? (insert whistling noise here followed by a wry and mischievous smile) WHAT???
-----
The Oilers lose again. Is the slogan for the 2nd half "Take a fall for Hall"?
-----
It is going to warm up isn't it!
It Ends Tomorrow
Eric Tillman's future will be determined tomorrow. The Riders will be holding a press conference. The time and location of that press conference will be announced tomorrow.
A Global World Series
I think I like this idea....
TOKYO -- The United States and Japanese baseball champions could meet in a Global World Series, Japanese daily Nikkan Sports reported Thursday.
Nippon Professional Baseball commissioner Ryozo Kato was quoted as saying his Major League Baseball counterpart, Bud Selig, had agreed the winners of the two countries' professional leagues should play each other.
"I was surprised, Mr. Selig said he wants to realize the plan before his tenure ends," Kato told the Nikkan Sports.
Selig is set to retire in 2012.
When he took office in 2008, Kato -- a former Japanese ambassador to the United States -- said one of his goals was an international series between the world's two biggest baseball nations.
Japan is the two-time defending champion of the World Baseball Classic, a tournament of national teams that includes professional players from leagues around the world that is played during spring training. The next WBC will be played in 2013.
TOKYO -- The United States and Japanese baseball champions could meet in a Global World Series, Japanese daily Nikkan Sports reported Thursday.
Nippon Professional Baseball commissioner Ryozo Kato was quoted as saying his Major League Baseball counterpart, Bud Selig, had agreed the winners of the two countries' professional leagues should play each other.
"I was surprised, Mr. Selig said he wants to realize the plan before his tenure ends," Kato told the Nikkan Sports.
Selig is set to retire in 2012.
When he took office in 2008, Kato -- a former Japanese ambassador to the United States -- said one of his goals was an international series between the world's two biggest baseball nations.
Japan is the two-time defending champion of the World Baseball Classic, a tournament of national teams that includes professional players from leagues around the world that is played during spring training. The next WBC will be played in 2013.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The Waiting Game Continues
As you have seen in the post below, Sportsnet is reporting Eric Tillman is done as Rider GM. TSN is also suggesting this. I'm guessing where there's smoke, there's fire. Communications man extraordinaire Ryan Whippler says a meeting has been held and a decision has not been made. I would probably go with that story for now. I get the feeling though this won't last much longer and then the debate will begin---one that may not end until the 2010 season is over.
BTW: Yes, I did see the Leader-Post editorial (thanks to the few that sent me the link), and I do agree with many of you and what you said. However, those comments are not going to be published because some of them aren't fair and while an author was not on that editorial, it was not the work of Rob Vanstone. Of that I am 100 percent certain, so taking potshots at him is the wrong thing to do.
----
.jpg)
I said last night that the Brandt Centre should be full on Friday night when the Pats play the Moose Jaw Warriors. Its a chance for Regina hockey fans to salute Jordan Eberle for his performance at the World Juniors. The same goes for Colten Teubert. With all apologies to Teubert, Eberle is a hometown boy and like I have said before, he is the best player to have played for this team for a long time. Another player of his skill and calibre won't be here for years. Regina hockey fans should be flocking to the Brandt Centre to see Eberle play live because he won't be here next year. Those going to the BC on Friday could go home with a Jordan Eberle bobblehead(pictured above). 500 of these will be given away when the Warriors come to town in what will be Jordan's first game since last nite's heartbreaking overtime loss to the U-S in the gold medal game at the World Juniors. A game in which he cemented his legacy as perhaps the greatest Canadian to ever play at the WJ's. If for some reason, the team decides to trade him before Sunday's deadline, it means Friday could be his last game in a Pats uniform. Regina hockey fans need to push their feelings towards Brent Parker away for one night and get to the rink to give this guy the salute he deserves.
-----
Speaking of trading for Eberle, (something that I selfishly hopes does not happen) the voice of the Swift Current Broncos brings up a very interesting thought on his blog. Jon Keen asks what the Pats could get for him if they decide to deal for him at a time when his stock has never been higher. Keen asks "Is he worth two first round picks in consecutive years plus a 16 year-old top prospect already playing in the WHL? Perhaps it's a 1st round pick in 2010, a 3rd round in 2011, a 16 year-old prospect and an 18 year-old depth forward/defenseman?" What will teams be willing to offer and will Parker listen? We'll know by Sunday night. I have stated that I would not like to see Eberle go to Brandon because I'm not a huge fan of the Wheat Kings and I don't want to see him come in here this year and play against the Pats the way Josh Harding did a few years ago. I would rather see him go to a team in the Western Conference---someplace like a Tri-Cities, a Portland or a Vancouver. How about this?
Eberle goes to Portland for Weyburn defenceman Derrick Pouliot (taken by Portland with the first overall pick in this year's bantam draft), Portland's 1st round pick in this year's draft and maybe a player like 17 year old Brad Ross(Nick's little brother). A deal like that would give Portland a good shot at winning it all this year and would definitely improve the Pats.
------
In the wake of Tuesday's loss in the WJ final, I wonder if the pressure is greater on Canada now to win Olympic gold? That pressure is already high, but with Canada losing its grip as kings of junior hockey, can Hockey Canada afford to not have Canada win gold in Vancouver?
------
Back to the CFL and the Ti-Cats have signed quarterbacks Kevin Glenn and Quinton Porter to new contracts. Does this mean another year of a QB controversy in Hamilton or does this signify that one of the two will be traded. I might lean towards the latter at this time. I'm guessing they would welcome Glenn back with open arms in Winnipeg.
-------
NBA commissioner David Stern has suspended Washington Wizard player Gilbert Arenas after he allegedly brought guns into his team's locker-room. What were you waiting for Dave? This move was long overdue. Is this what the NBA has come to. Its no wonder many have suggested the NBA is nothing but a league for thugs.
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I've seen sanders and graders on the road this winter(although not on my street), but I have to ask what is up with Regina roads. Even though I have seen equipment on the roads, I think they have been terrible this winter. I could understand this if I wasn't seeing equipment doing their thing, but I have been. Is it just me or do you think Regina roads have been a little less than adequate this winter?
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A good friend of mine is outraged over the fact Robbie Alomar was not selected to baseball's hall of fame yesterday. He says Alomar was the best middle infielder of his lifetime---a lifetime that includes former Cub Ryne Sandberg. To steal Bret Hart's catch phrase, there is no better 2nd baseman than Sandberg, there was no better 2nd baseman than Sandberg and there never will be a better 2nd baseman than Sandberg as far as I'm concerned. While Alomar, who arguably might be the greatest player to ever don a Blue Jays uniform (sorry to all of you Garth Iorg fans)did not get the call this year, he will. As for the only player who is going to the Hall, congratulations to "The Hawk" Andre Dawson. He was one of many stars on the Expos when they came oh-so-close to beating the Dodgers (thank you again Rick Monday), but his best years were with the Cubs. He became the first, and I think only, player to win an MVP on a last place team. He did that in 1987, In 20 years, he clubbed over 400 homers and nearly 16oo RBI's. He did that while clean. He is one of the greats!
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Reports say the UFC will be in Vancouver this summer. The story says UFC 115 will go in June at GM Place. I've said it once and I'll say it again. Could a UFC bout go at Credit Union Centre or the Brandt Centre? MMA is legal in Saskatchewan isn't it? There is no doubt in my mind that it would sell out. Who needs to be on board to make that happen?
------
That's it for now. Its time for my nightly snack of rice cakes and vodka and then off to bed! Later!
BTW: Yes, I did see the Leader-Post editorial (thanks to the few that sent me the link), and I do agree with many of you and what you said. However, those comments are not going to be published because some of them aren't fair and while an author was not on that editorial, it was not the work of Rob Vanstone. Of that I am 100 percent certain, so taking potshots at him is the wrong thing to do.
----
.jpg)
I said last night that the Brandt Centre should be full on Friday night when the Pats play the Moose Jaw Warriors. Its a chance for Regina hockey fans to salute Jordan Eberle for his performance at the World Juniors. The same goes for Colten Teubert. With all apologies to Teubert, Eberle is a hometown boy and like I have said before, he is the best player to have played for this team for a long time. Another player of his skill and calibre won't be here for years. Regina hockey fans should be flocking to the Brandt Centre to see Eberle play live because he won't be here next year. Those going to the BC on Friday could go home with a Jordan Eberle bobblehead(pictured above). 500 of these will be given away when the Warriors come to town in what will be Jordan's first game since last nite's heartbreaking overtime loss to the U-S in the gold medal game at the World Juniors. A game in which he cemented his legacy as perhaps the greatest Canadian to ever play at the WJ's. If for some reason, the team decides to trade him before Sunday's deadline, it means Friday could be his last game in a Pats uniform. Regina hockey fans need to push their feelings towards Brent Parker away for one night and get to the rink to give this guy the salute he deserves.
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Speaking of trading for Eberle, (something that I selfishly hopes does not happen) the voice of the Swift Current Broncos brings up a very interesting thought on his blog. Jon Keen asks what the Pats could get for him if they decide to deal for him at a time when his stock has never been higher. Keen asks "Is he worth two first round picks in consecutive years plus a 16 year-old top prospect already playing in the WHL? Perhaps it's a 1st round pick in 2010, a 3rd round in 2011, a 16 year-old prospect and an 18 year-old depth forward/defenseman?" What will teams be willing to offer and will Parker listen? We'll know by Sunday night. I have stated that I would not like to see Eberle go to Brandon because I'm not a huge fan of the Wheat Kings and I don't want to see him come in here this year and play against the Pats the way Josh Harding did a few years ago. I would rather see him go to a team in the Western Conference---someplace like a Tri-Cities, a Portland or a Vancouver. How about this?
Eberle goes to Portland for Weyburn defenceman Derrick Pouliot (taken by Portland with the first overall pick in this year's bantam draft), Portland's 1st round pick in this year's draft and maybe a player like 17 year old Brad Ross(Nick's little brother). A deal like that would give Portland a good shot at winning it all this year and would definitely improve the Pats.
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In the wake of Tuesday's loss in the WJ final, I wonder if the pressure is greater on Canada now to win Olympic gold? That pressure is already high, but with Canada losing its grip as kings of junior hockey, can Hockey Canada afford to not have Canada win gold in Vancouver?
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Back to the CFL and the Ti-Cats have signed quarterbacks Kevin Glenn and Quinton Porter to new contracts. Does this mean another year of a QB controversy in Hamilton or does this signify that one of the two will be traded. I might lean towards the latter at this time. I'm guessing they would welcome Glenn back with open arms in Winnipeg.
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NBA commissioner David Stern has suspended Washington Wizard player Gilbert Arenas after he allegedly brought guns into his team's locker-room. What were you waiting for Dave? This move was long overdue. Is this what the NBA has come to. Its no wonder many have suggested the NBA is nothing but a league for thugs.
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I've seen sanders and graders on the road this winter(although not on my street), but I have to ask what is up with Regina roads. Even though I have seen equipment on the roads, I think they have been terrible this winter. I could understand this if I wasn't seeing equipment doing their thing, but I have been. Is it just me or do you think Regina roads have been a little less than adequate this winter?
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A good friend of mine is outraged over the fact Robbie Alomar was not selected to baseball's hall of fame yesterday. He says Alomar was the best middle infielder of his lifetime---a lifetime that includes former Cub Ryne Sandberg. To steal Bret Hart's catch phrase, there is no better 2nd baseman than Sandberg, there was no better 2nd baseman than Sandberg and there never will be a better 2nd baseman than Sandberg as far as I'm concerned. While Alomar, who arguably might be the greatest player to ever don a Blue Jays uniform (sorry to all of you Garth Iorg fans)did not get the call this year, he will. As for the only player who is going to the Hall, congratulations to "The Hawk" Andre Dawson. He was one of many stars on the Expos when they came oh-so-close to beating the Dodgers (thank you again Rick Monday), but his best years were with the Cubs. He became the first, and I think only, player to win an MVP on a last place team. He did that in 1987, In 20 years, he clubbed over 400 homers and nearly 16oo RBI's. He did that while clean. He is one of the greats!
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Reports say the UFC will be in Vancouver this summer. The story says UFC 115 will go in June at GM Place. I've said it once and I'll say it again. Could a UFC bout go at Credit Union Centre or the Brandt Centre? MMA is legal in Saskatchewan isn't it? There is no doubt in my mind that it would sell out. Who needs to be on board to make that happen?
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That's it for now. Its time for my nightly snack of rice cakes and vodka and then off to bed! Later!
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