Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame Announces 2020 Inductees

The Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame has announced its 2020 inductees. Those being honoured will be officially enshrined in Yorkton this summer. 

A list of who is going in can be found here 

Dunstone In Tough at Tim Hortons Brier

Picture: Curling Canada

Calgary’s Kevin Koe will be in the spotlight when the 2020 Tim Hortons Brier, presented by AGI, gets underway on Saturday at the Leon’s Centre in Kingston, Ont.

The 45-year-old Koe, skipping the defending champions Team Canada from The Glencoe Club in Calgary, will be trying to win his fifth Tim Hortons Brier title as a skip, which would break the record he currently shares with Randy Ferbey, Kevin Martin and Ernie Richardson.

And Team Canada’s lead, Ben Hebert, also has a chance to win his fifth Tim Hortons Brier title (his first two came with Martin), and with a win, he and Koe would move into second place for most Tim Hortons Brier championships, behind only Ferbey, who also won twice as a vice-skip.

Team Canada — the team is rounded out by vice-skip B.J. Neufeld, second Colton Flasch, alternate Ted Appelman and coach John Dunn — makes its 2020 Tim Hortons Brier debut on Saturday in the opening draw at 2 p.m. (all times Eastern) with a tantalizing matchup against the host Ontario team from Toronto, skipped by 2018 Tim Hortons Brier bronze-medallist John Epping. It’s a rematch of the 2019 Home Hardware Canada Cup men’s final, in which Epping prevailed 7-4.

While Koe’s (and Hebert’s) drive for five is the main storyline in Kingston, it’s hardly the only one.

Brad Gushue, making his 17th Tim Hortons Brier appearance, and his Newfoundland/Labrador team from St. John’s is seeking a third Tim Hortons Brier title in four years after his wins in 2017 and 2018.

Meanwhile, Brad Jacobs’s Northern Ontario team from Sault Ste. Marie enters the 2020 Tim Hortons Brier as the country’s top team on the Canadian Team Ranking System, with ambitions of winning a second Brier title after winning in 2013. Team Epping is No. 2 on the CTRS, followed by Team Gushue at No. 3.

The No. 5 team is Alberta’s Brendan Bottcher, who is looking to ascend to the top step of the Tim Hortons Brier medal podium after silver medals in 2018 and last year.

Sixteen teams, representing the 14 Curling Canada member associations, Team Canada and the winner of the Wild Card Game, have been seeded based on their CTRS ranking as of Dec. 31, 2019, and separated into two pools. The Wild Card Game winner will automatically go in as the No. 3 seed.

They’ll first play a round robin within their pool, after which the top four in each advance to the Championship Pool for four games against teams from the other pool. Upon completion, the top four teams (best overall won-lost records) proceed to the Page Playoffs on Saturday (1 vs. 2, winner to final, loser to semifinal; 3 vs. 4, winner to semifinal, loser eliminated).

The semifinal is Sunday, March 8, at noon, while the gold-medal game is at 7 p.m.

The winning team will represent Canada at the 2020 LGT World Men’s Curling Championship, presented by BKT Tires, March 28-April 5 in Glasgow, Scotland. The winner will also defend its title as Team Canada in the 2021 Tim Hortons Brier, presented by AGI, in Kelowna, B.C., and earn a direct-entry berth into the 2021 Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings, presented by AGI, in Saskatoon — the event that will decide Canada’s four-player teams for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Here’s a look at how the two pools set up:

(teams listed according to seeding, and listed in order of skip, vice-skip, second, lead, alternate, coach/High Performance Consultant; hometown)

POOL A
1. Northern Ontario, Brad Jacobs (Marc Kennedy, E.J. Harnden, Ryan Harnden, Lee Toner, Rick Lang; Sault Ste. Marie)
4. Alberta, Brendan Bottcher (Darren Moulding, Brad Thiessen, Karrick Martin, Patrick Janssen, Don Bartlett; Edmonton)
5. Newfoundland/Labrador, Brad Gushue (Mark Nichols, Brett Gallant, Geoff Walker, Jeff Thomas, Jules Owchar; St. John’s)
8. Manitoba, Jason Gunnlaugson (Adam Casey [throws second], Alex Forrest [throws third], Connor Njegovan, Garry Van Den Berghe; Morris)
9. Nova Scotia, Jamie Murphy (Paul Flemming, Scott Saccary, Phil Crowell, Kevin Ouellette, Bruce Lohnes; Halifax)
12. Quebec, Alek Bedard (Louis Quevillon, Émile Asselin, Bradley Lequin, Daniel Bedard; Lacolle/Boucherville/Glenmore)
13. Prince Edward Island, Bryan Cochrane (Ian MacAulay, Morgan Currie, Mark O’Rourke, Ken Sullivan; Cornwall)
16. Nunavut, Jake Higgs (Dale Kohlenberg, Christian Smitheram, Ed MacDonald, Sheldon Wettig, Quentin Vanderschaaf; Iqaluit)

POOL B
2. Ontario, John Epping (Ryan Fry, Mat Camm, Brent Laing, John Morris, Jim Wilson; Toronto)
3. Team Wild Card:  Mike McEwen (Reid Carruthers, Derek Samagalski, Colin Hodgson; Winnipeg)
6. Team Canada, Kevin Koe (B.J. Neufeld, Colton Flasch, Ben Hebert, Ted Appelman, John Dunn; Calgary)
7. Saskatchewan, Matt Dunstone (Braeden Moskowy, Catlin Schneider, Dustin Kidby, Adam Kingsbury; Regina)
10. British Columbia, Steve Laycock [throws third] (Jim Cotter [throws last], Andrew Nerpin, Rick Sawatsky, Brad Wood; Vernon/Kelowna)
11. New Brunswick, James Grattan (Paul Dobson, Andy McCann, Jamie Brannen, Chris Jeffrey; Oromocto)
14. Yukon, Thomas Scoffin (Trygg Jensen, Brett Winfield, Joe Wallingham, Wade Scoffin; Whitehorse)
15. Northwest Territories, Jamie Koe (David Aho, Shadrach Mcleod, Cole Parsons, Matthew Ng; Yellowknife)

UFC Heading Back To Saskatoon?

It’s not final yet, but there are reports the UFC is heading back to Saskatchewan.

The website “MMAJunkie” says UFC is finalizing a deal which would see the event be staged on June 20 at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon.

The only other UFC appearance in Saskatchewan was in August of 2015 when Fight Night 74 came from Saskatoon with Max Holloway fighting Charles Oliveira in the main event.

It is not known who would be fighting in this card if it comes to fruition.

This And That

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

--At what area do the Riders need to upgrade?   This is a very solid team and one that shouldn't fall too far from its 13-5 campaign last season in what will be a very competitive Western Conference.  Another D-Tackle would be nice with the departure of Micah Johnson, but Mak Henry will have every opportunity to show his time is now.   The o-line depth took a hit with the loss of Dariusz Bladek and Philip Blake, but one has to believe the cupboard will get re-stocked at the draft.

--With Toronto and Ottawa not doing enough at this point in time to be considered for a playoff spot in my mind, what Western team will miss the playoffs.  I would say with the improvements BC has made that the honour might go to Edmonton.  It could be Calgary if BLM's injury woes continues because I don't think they have another Nick Arbuckle ready to go.  BC should be a playoff team this year shouldn't they?

--A lot of people I have spoken to aren't happy with the fact Naaman Roosevelt is  no longer a Rider.  It will be different seeing him in a different uniform this season, but Roosevelt is not the Jenga block that sends this team tumbling.  With Shaq Evans, Jordan Williams-Lambert and Kyran Moore, the team is set when it comes to pass-catchers.  Add Justin McInnis to that list as well.  We'll also see if Paul McRoberts and Carlos Henderson can fit in at a cheaper price.  Its not the end of the world.  Fan favourites can't play in green forever!

--We have gotten a taste of what CFL Commish Randy Ambrosie is saying in his 3rd "Randy's Road Trip" series, but some Rider fans will get a chance to hear first-hand what his thoughts are on Saturday in Regina.  I'm guessing many will have some good questions for the Commish as he outlines his vision for the league.

--Why is Joe Thornton upset with the Sharks for not trading him at the deadline? If Thornton wanted that Cup so bad, why not go somewhere last year in free agency when he had a chance?   How long has Thornton been in San Jose and how long have they had good hockey teams?  Perhaps Joe should look in the mirror and tell his agent to find him a home with a Cup contender next year!

--The Hurricanes, Oilers and Penguins were the big winners at the NHL trade deadline.  Carolina did a great job and will be tough should they get in.  The acquisition of Patrick Marleau by Pittsburgh has the potential to be huge while Ken Holland got what the Oilers needed for the stretch drive and beyond.  The last few weeks of the NHL season are going to be fun.

--Congrats to U of R Cougar mens hockey coach Todd Johnson for being named the Canada West coach of the year.  A strong second half helped Johnson get that honour.  I've often said it is hard for the U of R to compete when teams like the U of A, U of S and U of C have many WHL grads on their team, but Johnson still does what he can to find who he can and field the best team he can.  He may have gotten a huge committment from Pats captain Austin Pratt.  He told me this week that if a pro opportunity doesn't happen, he will likely play at the U of R next year.  That would be a big get for the program.  That being said, Pratt deserves a shot at the next level as does Robbie Holmes.

--Hey Bobby Ryan!  Getting a hat-trick in your first game after being in rehab for alcohol is a pretty solid thing to see.

--Was it really 10 years ago since the Vancouver Olympics?  It was 10 years ago today that Sidney Crosby scored what might be the biggest goal in Canadian history.  Where were you?  FWIW, I say Paul Henderson's goal in 1972 was bigger, but for today's generation, its definitely Sid!

--I just can't see Tom Brady wearing another uniform, but it looks like it may happen. To me, it will take away something from his career if he suits up for another team.  I like the guys that did it all for one team.  Players playing their whole career for one team is something that is becoming few and far between these days.

--The Brier starts tonight.  Matt Dunstone will be in tough to end the Saskatchewan drought, but he is more than up to the challenge.  If Dunstone can get into the final four it will be an accomplishment with the likes of Koe, Jacobs, Gushue, Epping and either Howard or McEwen though.  All you need is a break or two.  At the end of the day, I see Brad Jacobs and his Northern Ontario rink getting their hands on the Brier Tankard.

--All Elite Wrestling is crazy!

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

CFLPA Announces New Executive

Las Vegas, NV – During it’s 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Canadian Football League Players’ Association today elected its new executive team, including a new CFLPA president. The executive team is elected biannually by player representatives.

“On behalf of the CFLPA, I would like to thank our outgoing executive team for their tireless work and commitment toward advancing issues that impact CFL players,” said Brian Ramsay, CFLPA Executive Director. “I would also like to welcome and congratulate the incoming executive team that will lead our Association and serve our members over the next two years. I am confident this team can provide strong leadership and represent the needs of our membership.”

“This new executive is made up of a majority of active players interested in the membership’s input and guidance to work together in moving our agenda forward in a positive way. I am excited for the opportunity to work with this talented group of individuals to work together in adding value to the players and grow the game we all love,” said Solomon Elimimian, CFLPA President.

We would like to additionally thank our outgoing; President Jeff Keeping, and 1st Vice President Marwan Hage, and 3rd Vice President Rolly Lumbala for all of the work they did as longstanding executive members of the CFLPA.

The new CFL Players’ Association Executive Team:

President:                            SOLOMON ELIMIMIAN
1st Vice President:             JOHN BOWMAN
2nd Vice President:            CHAD REMPEL
3rd Vice President:             RYAN KING
Treasurer:                            PETER DYAKOWSKI
Executive Director:             BRIAN RAMSAY

Alouettes Make Roosevelt Signing Official

The Montreal Alouettes announced on Wednesday that it has come to an agreement with four American players, the star receiver Naaman Roosevelt, the defensive back Davante Davis, the defensive lineman Elijah Norris as well as the half Dominick Bragalone.

Roosevelt (5'11 ", 195 lbs.) Spent five seasons in the CFL, all with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. In 2019, the 32-year-old managed 77 catches for 946 yards and a touchdown. In career, the Buffalo, New York, native catcher played 67 games, catching 301 balls for 4134 yards and 20 touchdowns.

The former University of Buffalo Bulls was named to the CFL all-star team in 2017 and has had two seasons of over 1,000 yards on receipt. Before playing in the CFL, Roosevelt fielded for the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions .

NHL Three Stars Of Week

NEW YORK (Feb. 24, 2020) – Colorado Avalanche goaltender Pavel Francouz, New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad and Calgary Flames left wing Andrew Mangiapane have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week ending Feb. 23.

FIRST STAR – PAVEL FRANCOUZ, G, COLORADO AVALANCHE

Francouz went 3-0-1 with a 1.46 goals-against average, .941 save percentage and one shutout to help the Central Division’s second-place Avalanche (36-18-7, 79 points) gain seven of a possible eight standings points for the week. Francouz opened the week making 23 saves in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning Feb. 17 and followed it up by stopping 27 of 28 shots in a 3-1 victory over the New York Islanders Feb. 19. He closed the week by stopping all 26 shots to earn his first career shutout in a 1-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks Feb. 21 and then one day later registered a 20-save performance in a 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings Feb. 22. A 29-year-old native of Plzen, Czech Republic, Francouz is in his first full NHL season with the Avalanche where he has gone 16-5-3 in 26 appearances while ranking in the top five in goals-against average (5th; 2.27) and save percentage (t-4th; .927).

SECOND STAR – MIKA ZIBANEJAD, C, NEW YORK RANGERS

Zibanejad tied for the League lead with eight points in three games (3-5—8) to help the Rangers (33-24-4, 70 points) win all three outings on the week and move within four points of the second Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference. Zibanejad opened the week by matching a career high with four points (1-3—4) in a 6-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks Feb. 19 and followed it up with a 1-2—3 performance in a 5-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes Feb. 21. He closed the week by scoring the game-tying goal in an eventual 3-2 triumph over the San Jose Sharks Feb. 22. Zibanejad, a 26-year-old native of Huddinge, Sweden, ranks second on the Rangers with 28-32—60 in 48 games this season – his 1.25 points per game in 2019-20 rank tied for eighth among all skaters with at least 25 appearances.

THIRD STAR – ANDREW MANGIAPANE, LW, CALGARY FLAMES

Mangiapane led all skaters with five goals in three games (5-1—6 in 3 GP) to help the Flames (32-25-6, 70 points), who occupy the first Wild Card position in the Western Conference, earn two wins in three contests. Mangiapane opened the week with a career-high four-point outing (3-1—4), including his first career hat trick, in a 6-4 win over the Anaheim Ducks Feb. 17. He was held off the scoresheet in a 4-3 loss to the Boston Bruins Feb. 21 before closing the week with a pair of goals, including the game-winning tally, in a 4-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings Feb. 23. Mangiapane, a 23-year-old native of Toronto, Ont., has appeared in a career-high 61 games this season ranking fifth on the Flames in goals with 15-12—27.