Regina Rams SB Mitch Picton Makes Top 20 CFL Central Scouting List

University of Regina Rams slotback Mitchell Picton earned the No. 20 ranking on the CFL Scouting Bureau's December list of prospects eligible for the 2017 CFL Draft, which was released on Thursday morning.

Picton was unranked in the Bureau's first list of prospects released in mid-September, but broke into the December rankings after a stellar 2016 season that saw the fourth-year player lead the nation and tie a school single-season record with 11 touchdown catches while earning first-team All-Canadian honours.

"Mitch had a great season and really developed into an elite player at this level, and it was great to see all the hard work he's put in pay off," said Rams offensive coordinator Mark McConkey, who was Picton's teammate on the Rams during the 2013 season. "He's a tough receiver that's always in the right place and doing the right thing on the field, whether that's blocking the right guy or converting his route to specific coverages."

Picton was also first in Canada West and second in the country with 58 receptions, a mark which broke the University of Regina record of 55 set by Addison Richards during the 2014 campaign. Picton was also the conference's leader with 834 receiving yards, a mark which ranks third in U of R single-season history.

The CFL Scouting Bureau will release a third and final ranking of prospects this April. The date for the 2017 CFL Draft has yet to be announced, but has been held the second Tuesday in May each of the previous three years.

CFL Scouting Bureau List – December, 2016
1) OL Justin Senior, Mississippi State
2) TE Antony Auclair, Laval
3) DL Eli Ankou, UCLA
4) REC Rashaun Simonise, Okanagan Sun
5) OL Geoff Gray, Manitoba
6) DL Kwaku Boateng, Wilfrid Laurier
7) REC Danny Vandervoort, McMaster
8) LB Christophe Mulamba, Maine
9) DL Junior Luke, Montreal
10) OL Mason Woods, Idaho
11) DL Faith Ekakitie, Iowa
12) REC Nate Behar, Carleton
13) OL Qadr Spooner, McGill
14) OL Jean-Simon Roy, Laval
15) OL Dariusz Bladek, Bethune-Cookman
16) LB Jordan Herdman, Simon Fraser
17) DB Robert Woodson, Calgary
18) LB Nakas Onyeka, Wilfrid Laurier
19) DL Kay Okafor, St. Francis Xavier
20) REC Mitchell Picton, Regina

Week 14 NFL Capsules

 

Two of the top teams in the NFL meet to kick off Week 14 of the season as MVP candidate Derek Carr and the Oakland Raiders hit the field against Kansas City in an AFC West matchup. For a preview of that game, and all the others this week, just click here

Justin Cox Signs Contract Extension With Riders

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today international defensive back Justin Cox has signed an extension to remain with the team through 2018. As per team policy, financial details of the contract were not released. 

Cox (6’0 – 187) completed his first season in the Green and White after signing with the team in May, 2016. The 23-year-old Mississippi native started the first 15 games before suffering an injury that forced him to miss the final three contests. In his first CFL season, Cox picked up 42 defensive tackles and a team leading four interceptions on his way to being named the Riders Most Outstanding Rookie.    

(Ryan Pollock/Riders PR)

NHL Three Stars Of Week

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Steve Mason, St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko and San Jose Sharks goaltender Martin Jones have been named the NHL's "Three Stars" for the week ending Dec. 4.



FIRST STAR - STEVE MASON, G, PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

Mason led the NHL with four wins in four outings, compiling a 1.71 goals-against average and .945 save percentage to propel the Flyers (14-10-3, 31 points) into the first Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. He made a season-high 45 saves - and turned aside eight-of-nine shootout attempts - in a 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins Nov. 29. Mason then posted 19 saves in a 3-2 overtime win against the Ottawa Senators Dec. 1 before collecting back-to-back weekend victories: 26 saves in a 3-1 triumph over the Chicago Blackhawks Dec. 3 and 30 saves in a 4-2 win over the Nashville Predators Dec. 4. The 28-year-old Oakville, Ont., native owns a 9-8-3 record with a 2.76 goals-against average and .904 save percentage in 21 appearances this season. His four-game winning streak is one shy of his career high, established Dec. 17-30, 2013 (5-0-0).

SECOND STAR - VLADIMIR TARASENKO, RW, ST. LOUIS BLUES

Tarasenko shared the League lead with four goals in three outings (4-1-5), and also paced the NHL with two game-winning tallies, as the Blues (14-7-4, 32 points) earned five of a possible six standings points to maintain second place in the Central Division and Western Conference. He scored his sixth career overtime goal - and second of the campaign - in a 4-3 triumph against the Dallas Stars Nov. 28. Tarasenko (3-1-4) then registered his third career hat trick, including the winning goal, and matched a career high with four points in a 5-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning Dec. 1 before being held off the scoresheet in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets Dec. 3. The 24-year-old Yaroslavl, Russia, native ranks third in the NHL with 13-14-27 in 25 contests this season.



THIRD STAR - MARTIN JONES, G, SAN JOSE SHARKS

Jones went 3-0-0 with a 1.01 goals-against average and .962 save percentage, yielding only one goal in each of his three appearances, to guide the Sharks (15-9-1, 31 points) into first place in the Pacific Division. He made 18 saves in a 2-1 overtime win against the Arizona Coyotes Nov. 29, 26 saves in a 4-1 triumph over the Los Angeles Kings Nov. 30 and 31 saves in a 2-1 victory over the League-leading Montreal Canadiens Dec. 2. The 26-year-old North Vancouver, B.C., native shares second place in the NHL with 13 wins in 22 outings this season (13-8-1). He also ranks fifth in goals-against average (1.99) and tied for seventh in shutouts (2).

Something To "Mitch" About

--The first weekend without CFL action. How did you cope? The first weekend of December meaning many were out and about doing Christmas shopping. How did you cope?  It's nice to know that whether it be December, March or July, Regina drivers seem to forget they have signal lights in their car.  Driving about on Saturday in the east and north end, I saw many incidents where we were very close to seeing a fender-bender.

--I realize the Prince Albert Raiders aren't a very good hockey team this season, but holy jeezus did the Pats lay a dirty beating on them Saturday night. 12-2!! They scored four goals in each period on Dale Derkatch bobblehead night.  They should have played a 4th period to get "16" to properly commemorate "The Rat"! I'm sure some are probably bemoaning the fact Tyler Brown let in 2 though because they have to have something to complain about.  They are not going to get 12 every night, but I don't know how you effectively shut this team down.

--Now that the Pats ownership and the Regina Exhibition Association have a new lease in place, is there any reason to think Regina won't be getting the Memorial Cup in 2018. You have to think John Paddock believes that he will be guiding the host team in that tournament with the acquisition of 17 year old blueliner Jonathan Smart this past week. Smart is an up and comer and will be a mainstay of that blueline for a couple of seasons. What else does Paddock have up his sleeve? We'll find out.

--I said a couple of weeks ago the MLS season seemingly never ends. Why after TFC's win over Montreal last week do they have to wait until December 10 to play the final?

--A tip of the hat to Ian Hamilton. The long-time Leader-Post sportswriter "retired" Friday night with his last assignment being the Cougar basketball games against the U of S.  This is a huge loss for the Regina sports community especially the University. There are a lot of good guys in this business who know what they are doing and Ian was one of them. He had a tradition of handing out Dubble Bubbles or some other kind of chewing gum before Rider games. Who does that now at the new stadium? I should also recognize reporters Will Chabun and Bruce Johnstone along with photographers Don Healy and Bryan Schlosser who also "retired".. All of those individuals were also very instrumental in the day-to-day operation of a newspaper which is slowly dying not just here but across Canada.  The L-P product bas been diminishing and will look even worse starting with today's edition.

--This past April, former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith was shot in a road rage accident in New Orleans. The man accused in that shooting has been in custody since and will go on trial on a charge of second degree murder this week.  Meanwhile, the man who shot Joe McKnight is lounging at home with no charges being issued as of the time of this being written. What is the difference?  Do a Google search on the people accused in both crimes and take a look at what they look like. It shouldn't be that hard to figure out.  It is still inexplicable to me as to what happened to McKnight.  Original reports stating the accused stood over the Riders running back as he fired his weapon have turned out to be false, but the sheriff's department says McKnight was standing outside the car on the passenger side when he was shot.  Was there really a need for this? There is no indication McKnight was trying to get in the car and it sounds like the passenger door was locked. Again, you can make your own conclusions on this.

--How does Jeff Fisher keep his job? The guy has been under 500 with a Rams team that is going nowhere yet he manages to get a two year extension. I don't understand!

--Earl Thomas is in the prime of his career and the Seahawks safety is considering retirement after a broken leg. I don't understand that one.

--Its time the Oilers sent 1st round draft pick Jesse Puljujarvi down to the minors, The 4th overall pick can't get any footing as a pro when it comes to his role unlike his friend Patrik Laine in Winnipeg. Sending him down would be a plus for both him and the Oilers.

--The Winnipeg Jets still confuse me. If they confuse me, they must really be doing a number on their fans.

I saw this on the weekend while out and about. How long has this been for sale? Perhaps its time it was taken down. 

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

Pats Have New Lease With R.E.A.L

The Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) and Regina Pats ownership group Queen City Sports and Entertainment Group (QCSEG) are pleased to announce a new lease arrangement has been signed for the Brandt Centre at Evraz Place.

“We’re pleased to see this positive step forward and look forward to building our partnership with the Pats ownership group,” said Mark Allan, REAL President and CEO. “We will continue to work in partnership with the Pats to enhance guest experience, while supporting the team in their efforts to grow and engage the fan base.”

“We are pleased that a new lease arrangement has been struck,” said Regina Pats Governor, Anthony
Marquart. “We’re looking forward to playing the balance of this season, given it’s been a huge success so far.  We are also looking forward to making our 2018 MasterCard Memorial Cup bid presentation led by the Chairperson, Shaun Semple. The prospects of celebrating our 100th birthday and the 100th Memorial Cup in the same year is indeed a momentous occasion for hockey fans.”

Although details are confidential, the new agreement is based on WHL mid-market guidelines.

Statement From Regina Pats President Todd Lumbard

“Both parties are pleased with where we are today. Achieving a new lease arrangement is positive for our organization.  We continue to move forward and focus on the future. Since purchasing the hockey team, the ownership group has been committed to building a championship team on and off the ice. Since laying a strong foundation through the hiring of John Paddock as our Head Coach and General Manger, we have all witnessed the results on ice. The addition of our centre-hung, high definition score clock has elevated the in-game fan experience to a whole new level for the Pats Regiment.  Now the Regina Pats Hockey Club is looking forward to working with Evraz Place to continue improving the fan experience.  We are equally excited to have our organizing committee, led by Chairperson Shaun Semple, bid on the 2018 MasterCard Memorial Cup. I cannot think of a better way to cap off the hockey club's 100th birthday next season than by hosting the Memorial Cup and celebrating that across the country.”

 

Latest on Joe McKnight Shooting

There are still more questions than answers in the Joe McKnight murder. One that has rocked the Saskatchewan Roughriders. While 54 year old Ronald Gasser has not been charged yet, there were some new developments Friday. To get the latest from New Orleans, click here

Meanwhile in Regina, Riders president and CEO Craig Reynolds was emotional and visibly shaken speaking with reporters Friday morning less than 24 hours after news of the death broke.

“It’s a very emotional time for our organization,’’ Reynolds said. “It’s shocking, it’s sad and it’s devastating. It’s senseless because you just feel for Joe and his family. He had a young son and I feel for that. I feel for his teammates, our team and our coaches. As an organization we are just devastated.”

Head Coach and General Manager Chris Jones is in Florida at a mini-camp, but his voice was full of emotion as well as he described someone whom he had kept an eye on for a long time.

 “I don’t think Joe had reached his potential,’’ Jones said. “We had some talks and he had a little trouble staying healthy. We talked about different things that he needed to do in the off-season to let him play at least 15 ball games next year. We had plans to have him back and every talk I had with him was he wanted to be back.’’

When asked to describe the goings-on, Jones said it was "unsettling", and that Greg Knox Junior and Greg Morris have taken the death extremely hard.

Reynolds said the team will make counsellors available if needed, and the team's pastor is reaching out to any player in need as well.