The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today that Steve Buratto will join the Green and White coaching staff and take over as Offensive Line Coach for 2011 CFL season.
Buratto has three decades of CFL coaching experience to his credit in a career which began with the Riders in 1980 when he was named Offensive Line Coach for two seasons. Since then the University of Idaho product has spent time in a variety of coaching roles across the league.
Most recently Buratto served as the Offensive Line Coach with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for one season. Before joining the Ti-Cats Buratto worked as Offensive Coordinator, and then Special Teams Coordinator and Running Backs Coach over a period of three seasons with the Toronto Argonauts. He also served as an Offensive Coordinator with the Calgary Stampeders in 2005-06 and with the B.C. Lions in 2003-04.
Buratto has been named a head coach twice over the course of his career. First with the Stampeders in 1984 and then he helped lead the Lions to a Grey Cup title in 2000 after taking over the reins mid-season.
In addition, Buratto helped the Baltimore Stallions reach back-to-back Grey Cup appearances in 1994 and 1995 as their offensive coordinator. In 1995, the Stallions successfully claimed the championship title. Prior to joining the expansion squad, Buratto made his second stop in Saskatchewan in 1993 where he once again served as Offensive Line Coach for the Green and White.
His first taste of CFL coaching came in 1977 and 1978 when he served as a guest coach with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Roughriders, respectively.
Buratto was the starting centre for Idaho and was teammates with CFL legends Jerry “Soupy” Campbell and Don Matthews.
*The Riders also announced today that Mike Scheper will not be returning to the team’s coaching staff for the 2011 season.
Friday, February 4, 2011
The Whitney Forum
Back at Casa De Blair after a couple of 18 hour days. I started yesterday leaving Flin Flon at 6 AM and returned just before 1 AM--yes I was exhausted. One of the highlights of the three day jaunt to La Ronge, Flin Flon and Humboldt was a trip to the historic Whitney Forum. A building that truly was built before its time. What a fantastic rink to watch a hockey game in. When you mention the word "Flin Flon", the word "Bombers" is usually the first thing that people respond with.
The town and the team are synonomous with one another. Here are some pix of the rink.
This is pretty much self-explanatory. It is a wall of pictures of players that have gone on to the bigs after playing for the Bombers. I don't remember all the names on there, but I remember many.
It shouldn't be hard remembering this guy....perhaps the greatest Bomber of all....
Yes, his number has been retired. I thought he wore 16 in Flin Flon though--not 11.
While it wasn't "zoo-like" Wednesday night, I hear it can be. In fact, I am told they through moose legs onto the ice some nights when the Bombers score. Moose Legs??? Those suckers must be big. I love this sign. I think they should put it up in the Victoria Club on High Impact Wrestling nights...
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I don't know how many of you that read this have ever been there for a game, but I'm guessing not many. It is a building that just smells of history. It truly is one of the best buildings I have ever been in big or small. I'm glad I had a chance to see it. If you have been there, you know what I'm talking about.
The town and the team are synonomous with one another. Here are some pix of the rink.
This is pretty much self-explanatory. It is a wall of pictures of players that have gone on to the bigs after playing for the Bombers. I don't remember all the names on there, but I remember many.
It shouldn't be hard remembering this guy....perhaps the greatest Bomber of all....
Yes, his number has been retired. I thought he wore 16 in Flin Flon though--not 11.
While it wasn't "zoo-like" Wednesday night, I hear it can be. In fact, I am told they through moose legs onto the ice some nights when the Bombers score. Moose Legs??? Those suckers must be big. I love this sign. I think they should put it up in the Victoria Club on High Impact Wrestling nights...
-----
I don't know how many of you that read this have ever been there for a game, but I'm guessing not many. It is a building that just smells of history. It truly is one of the best buildings I have ever been in big or small. I'm glad I had a chance to see it. If you have been there, you know what I'm talking about.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Hughes Stays In Green
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today they have signed non-import fullback Neal Hughes to a new contract. The financial details of the contract were not released.
Hughes has played his entire CFL career with the Green and White after being signed as a free agent in April, 2004. Since then the Regina Rams product has played in 89 regular season games and had 39 carries for 148 yards and five touchdowns, 20 receptions for 218 yards and four touchdowns, 17 kick-off returns for 232 yards and 81 special team tackles.
The 30-year-old was set to become a free agent in February.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
A Interesting End To A Long Day
Welcome from Flin Flon (otherwise known as the land of Rob Hart). I am a long ways from home and for a while I was starting to wonder if I might ever see home again. After a drive from Prince Albert to La Ronge to visit the Ice Wolves on the SJHL's Presidents Tour, it was decided we would drive to Flin Flon to get a later start on the day and catch up on some Z's. We travelled down a grid road for an hour with virtually no other traffic on it. It made me think at some point and ask jokingly to SJHL president Laury Ryan if the aliens were going to swoop down and take us away. What an eerie drive that is.
Many fine hockey players have been on the Hanson Lake Road to Flin Flon to continue their hockey career. I had my first trip on it last night and I will take the entire route tomorrow when we head to Humboldt.
As we checked into our hotel, the woman gave me my card for the room. Laury was supposed to be in the room right beside me, but we had to change that. Why is that? As I opened up the door to my room, I was greeted by a rather loud "What The F##k". I looked up to see I had awakened someone who was obviously quite startled. I looked to see if I was in the wrong room, but no. The hotel had checked me into a room already occupied. OOPS! I went down and informed the girl at the front desk. She was quite surprised saying her records had no one in that room---NO KIDDING! All was good though as about 15 minutes later, head hit pillow and all was good. Has that ever happened to you? A friend of mine had it happen to him at the Grey Cup in Toronto back in 07. It was 3 in the morning and two girls were coming into his room. I kept bugging him that it could have been a magical moment, but he claims he was too tired and too hungover to see if they were hot or not. Boom-chicka-wah-wah!
------
Here's a quick snapshot of the Mel Hegland Arena in La Ronge as the Bombers and Ice Wolves go at it. The Wolves are the defending champs andHa are a good bet to perhaps repeat this year as they have the number one team in the SJHL. One of their playters--Travis Eggum--is now two goals away from reaching 50 which is something that hasn't happened in the SJHL since the 02-03 season. We were led through La Ronge yesterday by a gentleman named Sean Hallett who is the team's vice-president. I've met a lot of great people around the league, but I don't think I have met anyone as passionate for his team and as dedicated to them as Sean. Many people across this league do a lot of things to make their team a success around the league, but Sean gets it and knows what has to be done. If the league (or any league for that matter) had more guys in it like him, there would be fewer problems to deal with. It was a great time in LaR. As I've said earlier, I'm looking forward to seeing the historic Whitney Forum today. I will take some pics.
-----
Before last night's game, I was introduced to a 7 year old girl who has cancer of the eyes. She performed a ceremonial puck drop. This little girl was extremely cute and she didn't seem to be bothered about what has for some unknown reason strickened her. I could only think about my own 7 year old back in Regina and how she doesn't have those problems and fingers crossed---never will. I don't know how I would react if I found out one of my kids had cancer or something else that would prevent them from living a complete life. I hope someday whether it be in my lifetime or not that we find a cure for cancer. It affects everyone in some manner and its something that somehow we must eradicate.
------
The Phil Kessel being named the last all-star in the fantasy draft last weekend story is now just starting to get annoying. If Phil Kessel or Brian Burke or anyone else is ticked off about it, I don't care. Phil Kessel is making millions playing the game he loves and he was one of what 40 players at the all-star game. I'm sure there are many who would have gladly traded spots with Phil. He's considered as one of the best in the game. If Kessel was on any other team but the Leafs this wouldn't be a story, but that's why it is a story. If Paul Stastny had been the last pick, would anyone care.
------
CBC says 2 and a half million people watched the All-Star Game in Canada. Really? There is all this talk about people hating the all-star game (me included), yet a solid audience comes through. What is the normal audience for HNIC on a Saturday night? Did people just leave it on CBC after curling?
-----
Watching the Super Bowl coverage from Dallas makes me feel so bad for those having to get through a snowstorm. Deal with it!
-----
If its snowing in Dallas, maybe the NHL Winter Classic can go in Jerryworld? That would be cool. How many people could they get in there for an all-star game? I would watch that one.
------
That storm meant pathetic crowds in a few NHL towns including Dallas. There is no way that more than 1500 watched that game live.
------
Gotta run. Later!
Many fine hockey players have been on the Hanson Lake Road to Flin Flon to continue their hockey career. I had my first trip on it last night and I will take the entire route tomorrow when we head to Humboldt.
As we checked into our hotel, the woman gave me my card for the room. Laury was supposed to be in the room right beside me, but we had to change that. Why is that? As I opened up the door to my room, I was greeted by a rather loud "What The F##k". I looked up to see I had awakened someone who was obviously quite startled. I looked to see if I was in the wrong room, but no. The hotel had checked me into a room already occupied. OOPS! I went down and informed the girl at the front desk. She was quite surprised saying her records had no one in that room---NO KIDDING! All was good though as about 15 minutes later, head hit pillow and all was good. Has that ever happened to you? A friend of mine had it happen to him at the Grey Cup in Toronto back in 07. It was 3 in the morning and two girls were coming into his room. I kept bugging him that it could have been a magical moment, but he claims he was too tired and too hungover to see if they were hot or not. Boom-chicka-wah-wah!
------
Here's a quick snapshot of the Mel Hegland Arena in La Ronge as the Bombers and Ice Wolves go at it. The Wolves are the defending champs andHa are a good bet to perhaps repeat this year as they have the number one team in the SJHL. One of their playters--Travis Eggum--is now two goals away from reaching 50 which is something that hasn't happened in the SJHL since the 02-03 season. We were led through La Ronge yesterday by a gentleman named Sean Hallett who is the team's vice-president. I've met a lot of great people around the league, but I don't think I have met anyone as passionate for his team and as dedicated to them as Sean. Many people across this league do a lot of things to make their team a success around the league, but Sean gets it and knows what has to be done. If the league (or any league for that matter) had more guys in it like him, there would be fewer problems to deal with. It was a great time in LaR. As I've said earlier, I'm looking forward to seeing the historic Whitney Forum today. I will take some pics.
-----
Before last night's game, I was introduced to a 7 year old girl who has cancer of the eyes. She performed a ceremonial puck drop. This little girl was extremely cute and she didn't seem to be bothered about what has for some unknown reason strickened her. I could only think about my own 7 year old back in Regina and how she doesn't have those problems and fingers crossed---never will. I don't know how I would react if I found out one of my kids had cancer or something else that would prevent them from living a complete life. I hope someday whether it be in my lifetime or not that we find a cure for cancer. It affects everyone in some manner and its something that somehow we must eradicate.
------
The Phil Kessel being named the last all-star in the fantasy draft last weekend story is now just starting to get annoying. If Phil Kessel or Brian Burke or anyone else is ticked off about it, I don't care. Phil Kessel is making millions playing the game he loves and he was one of what 40 players at the all-star game. I'm sure there are many who would have gladly traded spots with Phil. He's considered as one of the best in the game. If Kessel was on any other team but the Leafs this wouldn't be a story, but that's why it is a story. If Paul Stastny had been the last pick, would anyone care.
------
CBC says 2 and a half million people watched the All-Star Game in Canada. Really? There is all this talk about people hating the all-star game (me included), yet a solid audience comes through. What is the normal audience for HNIC on a Saturday night? Did people just leave it on CBC after curling?
-----
Watching the Super Bowl coverage from Dallas makes me feel so bad for those having to get through a snowstorm. Deal with it!
-----
If its snowing in Dallas, maybe the NHL Winter Classic can go in Jerryworld? That would be cool. How many people could they get in there for an all-star game? I would watch that one.
------
That storm meant pathetic crowds in a few NHL towns including Dallas. There is no way that more than 1500 watched that game live.
------
Gotta run. Later!
Frazier Re-Signs
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today they have signed import defensive back Lance Frazier to a new contract. The financial details were not released.
Frazier is heading into his sixth season with the Green and White and was scheduled to become a free agent this month. In 2010, the halfback had 34 defensive tackles, four interceptions for 151 yards, one quarterback sack, one pass knockdown and one special teams tackle in 18 regular season games. The 29-year-old was named CFL Defensive Player of the Week after the West Semi-Final where he had six defensive tackles and two quarterback sacks. Frazier also had seven defensive tackles in the Grey Cup game.
Since signing as a free agent with the Riders in 2006, Frazier has played in 61 regular season games and has tallied 169 defensive tackles, 15 interceptions for 413 yards and one touchdown, eight pass knockdowns, three special team tackles and one quarterback sack.
*The Riders also announced today they have released non-import defensive back Donovon Alexander.
Frazier is heading into his sixth season with the Green and White and was scheduled to become a free agent this month. In 2010, the halfback had 34 defensive tackles, four interceptions for 151 yards, one quarterback sack, one pass knockdown and one special teams tackle in 18 regular season games. The 29-year-old was named CFL Defensive Player of the Week after the West Semi-Final where he had six defensive tackles and two quarterback sacks. Frazier also had seven defensive tackles in the Grey Cup game.
Since signing as a free agent with the Riders in 2006, Frazier has played in 61 regular season games and has tallied 169 defensive tackles, 15 interceptions for 413 yards and one touchdown, eight pass knockdowns, three special team tackles and one quarterback sack.
*The Riders also announced today they have released non-import defensive back Donovon Alexander.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Dickenson Comes To Riders----Not That Dickenson
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today that Craig Dickenson will join the Green and White coaching staff and take over as Special Teams Coordinator.
Dickenson spent last season with the NFL’s Oakland Raiders as assistant special teams coordinator. This was Dickenson’s second stint in the NFL as he spent two years in San Diego as a special teams assistant for the Chargers starting in 2000.
Highly regarded for his special team schemes, Dickenson spent seven seasons with the Calgary Stampeders where he served as their special teams coordinator for five and worked with the running backs and receivers in his first two years with the team. He also spent one season with the Montreal Alouettes as running backs coach in 2003 before returning to the Stamps.
Dickenson’s coaching career began at his alma mater – the University of Montana in 1995 when the Grizzlies captured the NCAA Division 1-AA National Championship. His work with kickers and running backs earned him a position with Utah State where he coached before making the move to the NFL.
The former kicker and punter lettered at Montana and graduated with a degree in history and later went on to earn a Master’s Degree in education leadership.
Dickenson spent last season with the NFL’s Oakland Raiders as assistant special teams coordinator. This was Dickenson’s second stint in the NFL as he spent two years in San Diego as a special teams assistant for the Chargers starting in 2000.
Highly regarded for his special team schemes, Dickenson spent seven seasons with the Calgary Stampeders where he served as their special teams coordinator for five and worked with the running backs and receivers in his first two years with the team. He also spent one season with the Montreal Alouettes as running backs coach in 2003 before returning to the Stamps.
Dickenson’s coaching career began at his alma mater – the University of Montana in 1995 when the Grizzlies captured the NCAA Division 1-AA National Championship. His work with kickers and running backs earned him a position with Utah State where he coached before making the move to the NFL.
The former kicker and punter lettered at Montana and graduated with a degree in history and later went on to earn a Master’s Degree in education leadership.
Richie Has Returned To Riderville
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today that Richie Hall is returning to Saskatchewan and will re-join the team’s coaching staff as Defensive Coordinator.
Hall was a part of the Green and White coaching staff for 15 seasons, eight as defensive coordinator, before leaving in 2009 to serve as the head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos for two seasons as well as Defensive Coordinator this past season.
Before moving into his coaching role, Hall spent nine years playing in the CFL including four seasons with the Roughriders from 1988-1991. He was also a key member of the Roughriders' 1989 Grey Cup Championship team. During his nine year career, Hall saw action in 153 regular season CFL games. He was a member of the Western Division All-Star Team on four occasions, 1983 and 1986 with the Calgary Stampeders and 1988 and 1990 in Saskatchewan. Hall was also named All-CFL for outstanding rookie performance in 1983 with the Stampeders. In 1990, Roughrider fans voted Hall the Roughriders' Most Popular Player. He was named as the Club's nominee for Outstanding Defensive Player in 1988.
Hall was a part of the Green and White coaching staff for 15 seasons, eight as defensive coordinator, before leaving in 2009 to serve as the head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos for two seasons as well as Defensive Coordinator this past season.
Before moving into his coaching role, Hall spent nine years playing in the CFL including four seasons with the Roughriders from 1988-1991. He was also a key member of the Roughriders' 1989 Grey Cup Championship team. During his nine year career, Hall saw action in 153 regular season CFL games. He was a member of the Western Division All-Star Team on four occasions, 1983 and 1986 with the Calgary Stampeders and 1988 and 1990 in Saskatchewan. Hall was also named All-CFL for outstanding rookie performance in 1983 with the Stampeders. In 1990, Roughrider fans voted Hall the Roughriders' Most Popular Player. He was named as the Club's nominee for Outstanding Defensive Player in 1988.
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