Pages

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Stefanies Scotties Is Over

Team Saskatchewan will not capture the 2009 Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Stefanie Lawton and her rink out of Saskatoon took it right to the end before losing to Jennifer Jones and her Team Canada foursome from Winnipeg. Trailing by one going into the final end, Lawton had a chance to win as she was laying two with Jones throwing last rock. That last stone stopped just in time thanks to some backing to count one and win 8-6. It means Jones will play Marie France Larouche of Quebec in Saturday night's semi-final. The winner of that game plays BC's Marla Mallett in Sunday's final.
-------
BOOOOOO to Hockey Night in Canada. We could get either the Sharks-Habs or the Leafs-Senators. San Jose-Montreal is a far more attractive matchup than Toronto-Ottawa but you know what game we are going to see tonight. SIGGHHHHHH!!!!!

Big NFL Trade



Matt Cassel is no longer a Patriot. The man who took over once Tom Brady went down and had a great season for New England is off to Kansas City. Patriots defensive lineman Mike Vrabel is also Kansas City bound. All Kansas City gives up for Cassel and Vrabel is a 2nd round draft pick. Will Cassel be able to do in Kansas City what he did in New England?? He won't have the same type of talent to work with that's for sure.

Good News, Bad News

First the good news. The Tigers and Broncos did the Pats a favour tonight by beating Edmonton and Prince Albert respectively. The bad news was Regina couldn’t take advantage as they lost 5-3 in Cranbrook to the Kootenay Ice. The Ice were up 2-0 by the midway mark of the first and while Regina did cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 2nd they couldn’t even it up meaning yet another nail has been driven into their playoff coffin. It means Edmonton—which actually gets a point for losing in Swift Current—is now six up on Regina with the Pats having seven games left. Who’s kidding who, they must or should I say they MUST beat Lethbridge Sunday and follow that up with more W’s or they are officially done. Chances are they are done now but until they are officially eliminated this team can not give up. By the way in that Tigers-Raiders game, Medicine Hat forward Tyler Ennis scored his 36th, 37th, 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st. That’s right kids…he had all six goals for the Tigers. WOW!!
-------
When I was looking at the rosters for the Scotties, I must admit I had no idea who Marla Mallett was. I’m guessing I wasn’t the only one saying that. Canadian curling fans know who Mallett is now because she is one win away from being the 2009 Canadian champ. Mallett beating Quebec’s Marie France Larouche in the 1 vs 2 game Friday night to move into Sundays final. Larouche waits for the winner of the Stefanie Lawton-Jennifer Jones game which goes this afternoon at what I think is 130 our time. Check your listings.
---------
CBC’s “The 5th Estate” ran a piece on fighting in hockey and “The Code”. I missed it. Does anyone know if its airing again---perhaps on Newsworld. I did read a story Friday on the CBC website saying there were more than 900 fights in the NHL last year which was a 40 percent rise from the year before and that the league is on task for more than 1000 fights this year. What happened to Don Sanderson was tragic and I don’t argue that but I also don’t argue that it was a freak incident. I remember one person saying it wasn’t the punch that killed him it was the fall because he wasn’t wearing his helmet. You can’t argue that. I have seen a lot more guys in the NHL not take the helmet off as they would normally do in the past couple of weeks. If enough people try hard enough, they will in the words of Mike Milbury complete the “pansification” of the sport. If people want the NHL to look like its all-star game every year then so be it but if that happens, count this guy out. Next they will go after football because its too violent. It is only a matter of time before a professional athlete gets killed whether in a hockey game, a football game or a baseball game. If it happens in football or baseball, there won’t be a dramatic call for the game to be changed like there is in hockey. Just leave the game alone.
--------
Heres something to think about. What Toronto sports franchise is the worst right now. Leafs, Raptors, Jays or Argos. Theres nothing to be excited about with all four of these teams right now is there. It must be tough being a supporter of teams in the T dot O dot. For what its worth, I say the Raptors because that team shows no sign of being competitive on a nightly basis anytime soon. Shaq had 45 on them last night...he hasn't had a game like that since playing for the Lakers.
-------
UFC fans…it looks like the Natural will be back in the octagon for UFC 101. Randy Couture will apparently fight Antonio Noguiera. The bout will apparently go in Portland, Oregon. Couture’s last appearance was his loss to Brock Lesnar at UFC 91.
------
That’s all I got for now. Have a good Saturday and whatever you do especially if you are reading this in Saskatchewan---STAY WARM!!!! Spring is coming isn’t it???? Then again when it does, god only knows what the snow has covered up in my backyard.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Lawton To Play Defending Champs

It looked like we were going to have a new Canadian and world womens curling champion but Jennifer Jones found a way to stay alive as she stole one in the 10th and the 11th to eliminate Prince Edward Island to move into the 3 vs 4 game. That game will be tomorrow against Saskatoon's Stefanie Lawton. BC's Marla Mallett and Quebec's Marie-France Larouche will meet in the 1 vs 2 game tonight. They will be hard-pressed to match the excitement in the Jones-McPhee game.
------
Is it too late for the Pats to use this guy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et5OFJ2o7P4

I love this ad. Sorry, I LOVE this ad!!!! Too funny!!

Another Rider FA Re-signs

Saskatchewan Roughrider head coach Ken Miller announced today they have re-signed non-import linebacker Mike McCullough to a one-year and an option contract. Financial details of the signing were not released.

McCullough is heading into his seventh season with the Green and White. He was originally selected by the team in the third round (23rd overall) in the 2003 CFL Canadian Draft. The St. Francis Xavier product dressed in all 18 regular season games last year. In his time with the Riders, McCullough has tallied 80 defensive tackles, 70 special teams tackles, three quarterback sacks and four tackles for a loss in 104 regular season games.

“Re-signing Mike was very important for our football club,” stated Riders head coach Ken Miller. “On the field, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge as both a linebacker and special teams player. Off the field, Mike is a leader in the locker room. His character and work ethic is a tremendous influence on the younger players.”

Down To The Nitty Gritty In Victoria

Its playoff time at the Scotties. Stefanie Lawton and her Saskatoon rink doesn’t know who her playoff opponent is yet. That’s because when everything ended there were four rinks at 7-4. Besides Lawton, who split her games on the last day, Quebec, Prince Edward Island and Team Canada were also 7-4 with BC’s Marla Mallett finishing first at 8-3. So here’s the way it shakes down. Jennifer Jones and her Team Canada rink meet PEI’s Rebecca McPhee this afternoon at 3. The winner of that game meets Lawton in the 3 vs 4 game. The 1 vs 2 game has Mallett against Marie-France Larouche of Quebec. Both of those games will go tonight and the winner of the BC-Quebec goes right through to Sunday’s final. This is déjà vu for Jones. It’s the same path she had to go through to win the Scotties in Regina last year.

------
Marty Brodeur sure showed he was rusty didn’t he. After being out since November when he had elbow surgery, the Devils goalie who I still think is the best in the world got back into the New Jersey lineup. When the final buzzer sounded, Brodeur had stopped all 24 shots he saw for his 99th career shutout in a 4-0 win over Colorado. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. With Brodeur being well-rested, don’t be surprised to see the Devils make some noise come playoff time!
------
What’s going on in the NBA?? The league has lined up $200 million to distribute to teams interested in additional cash, which the league considers a sign it remains strong in a slumping economy.Between $13 million and $20 million will be available to each of 12 teams that have expressed interest in the funds, commissioner David Stern said Thursday. The money can be used for any purpose, including helping teams deal with operating losses incurred because of the economy.It should not, Stern said, be construed as a bailout. At a time when credit markets have been frozen, investors saw the NBA as a safe bet."It's exactly the opposite" of a bailout, Stern told The Associated Press "This was a show of strength in the creditworthiness of the NBA's teams." This sounds a little fishy to me. Methinks there might be some problems within the “Association”.
------
I’ve been waiting for Georges St. Pierre to respond to the cheating allegations made against him by BJ Penn. If you are a UFC fan and I know many of you are, you saw GSP make Penn his bitch at UFC 94. Penn then bitched and moaned that GSP was too “greasy”. Heres the story from the Canadian Press…..

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gcVgFFRJJ_EYVvk_AFmFUAHL_AxA

Hey if Penn wants to step into the octagon for the 3rd time against the Canadian, I’m sure GSP is more than ready. More than ready to wipe the mat with his Hawaiian ass again!!!
-------
NFL free agency has started and former Titans defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth is cashing in. He signs a 7 year, 100 million dollar deal with the Redskins. 100 million for an interior defensive lineman. Wonder what Schultzy thinks of that!!!
------
Sugar Ray Leonard is coming to Regina. COOL!!!! How about an exhibition bout between Leonard and Mayor Pat???
-------
The weather network says plus 3 on Monday. I’ll believe it when it gets here.
------
It will be a great night at the German Club. Why is that??? Its because another High Impact Wrestling card takes place. It makes for an entertaining couple of hours and say what you will about the guys in the ring….they aren’t afraid to go out and do their thing and for the most part they do leave the crowd thoroughly entertained. All of Regina’s finest will be in attendance and if they’re not they simply don’t know what they are missing.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Vancouver Gets 2011 Grey Cup

Here's the story from the Vancouver Sun's Mike Beamish....

A Grey Cup festival culminating with the CFL championship game in 2011 will be the next feature event at a refurbished B.C. Place Stadium following the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Premier Gordon Campbell and B.C. Lions owner David Braley will make the announcement at a joint press conference Friday morning in downtown Vancouver.
The Lions last played host to Grey Cup festival in 2005, when the Vancouver economy received a $40-million jolt from visitor spending, according to Tourism Vancouver.
Vancouver's successful 2011 application represents the third straight year the Grey Cup game has been awarded to a city in Western Canada.
Edmonton was just named host of the 2010 Grey Cup, and Calgary is the site of this year’s game.

Rider News And Multiplex Facts

I said earlier this week that it looked to me as if all the Riders had in the 2009 draft was a 2nd and a 3rd round pick. Scratch that 2nd round pick off the board. The green and white have given a 2nd rounder in 2009 and 2010 to Montreal for Canadian defensive back Donovan Alexander. He was a teammate of Weston Dressler's at the University of North Dakota. The Winnipeg native is 5 foot 11 185 pounds. He also tried out for the Seahawks. The football team also announcing import receiver/returner Casey McGahee has signed with the team. He spent the latter portion of last season with the Bombers. Receiver Dave McKoy has also signed a new deal. He missed all of last year with a knee injury.
------
I also received this from the unofficial mayor of Moose Jaw--Kelly Remple. Kelly is likely walking around with an ear-to-ear grin today after last night's result that showed 60 percent of people in Moose Jaw have voted in favour of the Multiplex project.

WE WON! After countless hours of serving on various Multiplex committees trying to spread the positive word regarding this worthwhile Moose Jaw project, I am officially "spent". Much to our delight, the good people of Moose Jaw have spoken. 12,725 citizens flocked to polling stations yesterday and favoured a 60% - 40% vote in favour of the Multiplex project. That is almost 3000 more people than voted in Moose Jaw's 2006 civic election. It is worth noting that even though 60-40 doesn't sound overwhelming, consider this... Every single one of the 11 polling stations voted "Yes"... THAT, is positive support! Even the most skeptical critic of the $61,000,000 project would have trouble ackowledging that the people of the "Friendly City" have spoken. Nobody can argue that a certain demographic won the referendum, or that a certain region of Moose Jaw won or lost the referendum... When you win 11 out of 11 polls, and tallied 50% more votes than your opponent... You KICKED ASS!

Don't be too spent Kelly. You've got to be back at 100 percent for your gig with me Sunday from the Brandt Centre!

More Homer On Tap---WOO-HOO!!!!




TV's best dad isn't going anywhere for a while yet.

Viewers will get to enjoy several more seasons of FOX's "The Simpsons" in its pristine new high-definition incarnation.On Thursday (Feb. 26), FOX announced that "The Simpsons" has been renewed for two addition seasons.
The 44-episode pickup will see "The Simpsons" through its 22nd season and will bring Matt Groening's animated family through to their 493rd episode.
It's been a busy year for "The Simpsons," winner of 24 Emmys, 23 Annies and a Peabody Award.
In May of 2008, "The Simpsons Ride" opened at Universal Studios in both Orlando and Hollywood. The next month, the show's vocal talent signed a new four-year contract, avoiding the sort of unrest that characterized 2004 and 1998 negotiations.
This January, "The Simpsons" began its year-long "Best. 20 Years. Ever." celebration, which will culminate on Jan. 14, 2010 with the 20th anniversary of the series' debut. And on February 15, the show premiered in high-def with a brand-new opening credits sequence.

Speaking of "The Simpsons". Have you ever seen this??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brh6KRvQHBc

Kunitz Heads To Pittsburgh

The Anaheim Ducks have sent Regina born forward Chris Kunitz to the Pittsburgh Penguins with defenceman Ryan Whitney going the other way. Rumours suggested Oilers forward Erik Cole would be on his way to Pittsburgh soon. I can't see that happening now. With Whitney going to the Ducks, this will only intensify the Chris Pronger being traded by the deadline story.
------

The Jesse Dudas experiment didn't last long in Regina. The 20 year old defenceman acquired by the Pats at the trade deadline from Swift Current was released by the club this morning. Dudas did play last night in the loss against Calgary. One can only guess something happened after that game that resulted in today's move.

Hitmen Show Why They Are The Best

How do you beat the Calgary Hitmen??? That is a question I seriously don’t know if anyone can answer. I fully expect the Hitmen to be hoisting the Memorial Cup in May. They once again showed their dominance last night as they beat the Pats 6-3. Regina got off to a quick start as they got a goal from Mitch Czibere in the first two minutes but after Calgary tied it, Alex Pym gave Regina a 2-1 lead but again Calgary came back and this time Regina wouldn’t as the Hitmen took control and then took it to their opponents like they have so many times this season. With guys like Brett Sonne, Brandon Kozun, Joel Broda, etc. etc. etc they just keep coming at you and they don’t take their foot off the gas pedal. They are strong from top to bottom and while it won’t be easy, I do expect them to win the Ed Chynoweth Cup and then follow that up in Rimouski, Quebec with a Memorial Cup victory. To make matters worse for the Pats, both Prince Albert and Edmonton won Wednesday meaning they are now 5 points out of that final playoff spot in the East.
------
Stefanie Lawton continues to be the hottest rink in Victoria at the Scotties. Lawton and her Saskatoon crew made it six straight wins with a victory over New Brunswick last nite. It means she is now tied for 2nd at 6-3 going into the last day of round-robin play. The host province leads the way as BC’s Marla Mallett is 8-1. Lawton will play Quebec this afternoon and Manitoba tonight.
------
The Sasksport Hall of Fame announced its class of 2009 yesterday. Regina soccer player Kevin Holness leads the athletes category. Others going in are lawn bowler Laura Dewald, Paralympic shooter Heather Kuttai and Saskatoon gymnast James Rozon. The late Ed Chynoweth heads the builders category with others going in in that category being Moose Jaw’s Marnie Eistetter for synchronized swimming, longtime Saskatoon Hilltops president Donald McDonald and long time Rider supporter and president of the club when they won the 89 Cup Tom Shepherd. Two teams will also go in, they are the 1957 Memorial Cup champion Flin Flon Bombers and the 1996 Vanier Cup champion U of S Huskies. Congrats to all. The induction ceremony will be June 13 in Regina. By the way, if you have never been to the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, you should take some time out of your day and visit the facility. Its located in downtown Regina on Victoria Avenue just down the street from the Hotel Saskatchewan.
-------
Alex Rodriguez was booed as he made his first spring training at-bat during a game against the Blue Jays Wednesday. I would think many would boo him irregardless of his steroids situation because of who he is. It will be an interesting year for the Yankees 3rd baseman and it will be very interesting to hear the response he gets at brand new Yankee Stadium when he is introduced Opening Day. Opening day….just a few more weeks before the Cubs start to make me think that this could be the year. SIGGHHHHH!!!!
----------
Congratulations again to the people of Moose Jaw for voting in favour of the multiplex. It certainly wasn’t an overwhelming yes and I’m sure bitter feelings will linger for a long time but in the end this is good news for all involved. Having a Multiplex will make life better in the long run for Moose Jaw. It will bring events and other things that otherwise would never ever come to the city. It also means the Warriors will be around for years and years. The Civic Centre has its “charm” but so did Regina’s Exhibition Stadium. I just hope the double cheeseburgers at the new facility are as good as they are at the Civic Center because there may be no better “rinkburger” in Saskatchewan or in Canada then the ones at the Crushed can.
-------
It doesn’t look like Kevin Glenn is going anywhere…..at least not yet if this story from the Canadian Press is accurate.

Quarterback Kevin Glenn will pocket a hefty cheque Sunday and remain a Winnipeg Blue Bomber.The big question is for how long.
''People are sitting on their hands waiting for us to release Kevin and I believe he has more value than that,'' Winnipeg head coach Mike Kelly said Wednesday. ''He will remain property of the Winnipeg Football Club until such time we have consummated a trade for his services or he has competed for a position on the roster.''
The eight-year CFL veteran, who's spent the past 4 1/2 seasons as Winnipeg's starter, is due a reported $50,000 bonus Sunday.
The 29-year-old's future with the team became murky when Kelly acquired quarterback Stefan LeFors from Edmonton last month and said Glenn might be better off establishing a new beginning somewhere else.
Kelly gave the Hamilton Tiger-Cats permission to talk to Glenn about a potential trade earlier this month, but nothing came of it. No other team approached the Bombers about Glenn.
The prevailing sentiment was if Winnipeg couldn't deal Glenn to Hamilton, the club would release him before the bonus was due. The feeling was that would make Glenn more attractive as a free agent because his new team also wouldn't be on the hook for the bonus and could re-negotiate his reported $250,000 annual salary.
However, it will be a surprise if Glenn isn't traded before training camp, considering the controversy that would erupt with a competition between him and the 27-year-old LeFors, who spent the past two seasons with the Eskimos.
-------
That’s all I’ve got for now. Thanks for reading as always. If you missed your NHL or NBA scores, just page down to the bottom. Have a great Thursday!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

YES!!!

The people of Moose Jaw have voted and 60 percent of them have voted Yes for the Multiplex. I'm not sure what exactly is going through the minds of 40 percent of Moose Javians but the right move has been made not just to ensure the viability of the Warriors but many other aspects of life as well. Congratulations Moose Jaw...now get that thing built in to honour my good friend the unofficial mayor of Moose Jaw Kelly Remple. Name it the Remple Temple!!! (I gotta give CTV's Lee Jones credit for that because he came up with it!!)

Five Straight W's for Lawton

Stefanie Lawton must be wishing she had the weekend back at the Scotties in Vancouver. After losing her first three games, Team Saskatchewan has rolled off 5 straight wins. That 5th win coming in the afternoon draw as she beat Cheryl Bernard's Alberta foursome by a score of 7-6 in a game that took 11 ends. BC's Marla Mallett leads at 7-1 followed by defending champ Jennifer Jones and her Team Canada rink who are 6-3. Lawton and her Saskatoon foursome are tied for Prince Edward Island and Quebec. Team Saskatchewan will meet New Brunswick in the Wednesday night draw.

Eskimos Lose Money in 08

Eskimos take half-million loss for 2008
The Edmonton Journal
Wed 25 Feb 2009
Byline: Mario Annicchiarico
Source: The Edmonton Journal
Revenues were all up, but the bottom line is the economic downfall also took its toll on the Edmonton Eskimos football club in 2008.
The club reported a net loss of $504,049 for the season at its annual general meeting on Tuesday. The loss was incurred from its net loss of investments which came in at a $553,000 hit.
"Like the rest of the world, our stabilization fund was pounded a little bit, resulting in about an $800,000 loss, for net loss of about $500,000," Doug Goss, team treasurer and newly announced chairman of the board, told a large crowd, which also gathered for the announcement of the 2010 Grey Cup.
Operating revenues came in at $14,868,089, up almost $1.1 million from 2007. Operating expenses were also up, however, to $14,523,000, increasing by $893,000.
Among the increased expenses was a $300,000 hit for transit expenses where fans sporting tickets had access to free park and ride. "We think it was well worth the investment," said Goss, of the unique promotion.
Team CEO and president Rick LeLacheur also announced that: "We're going to be zeroing in on 90 per cent of our (season-seat) renewals by this coming Friday, which is end of renewals, which is an exceptional number."
The club did come in $50,000 under the Canadian Football League salary cap of $4.2 million. Commissioner Mark Cohon, on hand for the Grey Cup announcement, was asked how that compared to the remaining CFL teams.
"We haven't announced it yet, we're finishing our audits now. We'll issue the final reports in about 30 days," he said.

The Mayor, Trevis Smith and Something New

A good article on Mayor Pat Fiacco in the Edmonton Sun today. Take a read....

http://www.edmontonsun.com/Sports/OtherSports/2009/02/25/8521326-sun.html
--------

It looks like another chapter--and maybe the final one as far as we're concerned--has been written in the Trevis Smith case.

Former Saskatchewan Roughrider Trevis Smith is expected to become a free man today after serving a sentence for knowingly infecting two women to the virus that causes AIDS.
Smith, 32, is expected to leave the Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert, Sask., today. A deportation order was expected to be executed on Smith, and he's to be sent back to the United States.
The National Parole Board granted Smith full parole last month.
He's served two years of a six-year sentence after being convicted of aggravated sexual assault charges in 2007.
Smith told the parole board he plans to rejoin his wife and two children in Alabama, become a substitute teacher and coach football. (Canadian Press)
-------
Is this a first?????

The Washington Capitals are reaching out to women.
The Capitals have started Club Scarlet, which the team says is the NHL's first female fan club and is free to join.
It has its own website, ScarletCaps.com, which includes a blog — the one posting as of Tuesday was written by "Hockey Mom VA."
"We have a large and passionate female fan base, and like the rest of our audience, it is growing," senior manager of fan development Kim Frank said in a statement released by the team. "Women have been underserved in traditional sports experiences and coverage, and Club Scarlet will provide a customized outlet where our female fans can express their passion for the Caps year round."According to the Capitals, the website will include "content specifically created for Washington Capitals female fans. The site will include hockey instruction, behind-the-scenes videos of Caps players and an outlet for women to discuss the team and hockey on an exclusive message board." (Associated Press)

Yeah, yeah I know exactly what some of you are thinking. Shame!! (OK I thought about it too)I wonder if something like this can catch on with other pro teams.
--------

I Love Regina!!

There are many reasons as to why Regina is one of the best sporting communities in all of Canada. One of those reasons is the way the community gets behind something and that is what happened Tuesday night at the Doug Wickenheiser Arena. The Regina Rebels female hockey team played a benefit game for Mandi Schwartz. She is a Regina girl who was playing hockey at Yale University until she was discovered to have leukemia. Hundreds of people turned up at the contest with over 22 hundred dollars being raised. Nice job to everyone involved.
------
So much for the Pats winning streak. They were beaten 5-2 in Swift Current meaning they remain three back of 8th place Edmonton and Prince Albert. It doesn’t get any easier tonight as Regina heads into Calgary to play the Hitmen in a game that will be nationally televised by Rogers Sportsnet. Regina was outshot in the final two periods of the game 32-14 and they were outscored 3-1 in the 3rd. I don’t have the numbers in front of me but I believe Regina has been outscored badly in the final 20 minutes of a game this year. It just asks the question why this team can’t turn it up a notch in that final 20. I was asked the other day if conditioning has something to do with it. I can’t see that being the case this late into the season.
-------
It’s a big day in Moose Jaw. The city will decide if it wants to be stuck in the stone age or decide that it wants to have a vibrant future. Voters in the city are being asked if they want a multiplex in the City. The question being asked is “That the City of Moose Jaw reaffirm its financial commitment of $34,530,560 toward the construction of a hockey arena, curling and indoor soccer facilities. The answer to this question has to be yes. Not only will hockey, curling and indoor soccer grow if this facility is built but so will Moose Jaw as a whole. Events will come to the city that otherwise wouldn’t. Sporting events, trade shows, concerts…etc. etc. etc. People will have a facility they can be proud of and a facility that will get lots of usage. Saying no will in my mind basically kill off the city. Hockey fans can get ready for visits from the Yorkton Terriers or some other SJHL team. Nothing against that league but its no WHL. You won’t see guys that have gone on to the NHL like Ryan Smyth, Theoren Fleury and Dustin Boyd just to name three ever again. Think of all the players that are in the NHL that have come into the decrepit Civic Center to do their thing. Think of the best rivalry in the Canadian Hockey League which is the Warriors versus the Pats. All of this will be gone if you say no and many other negatives will result as well. Swift Current didn’t build a new facility but they at least upgraded theirs and look at how that community has benefitted early on with events like the provincial womens curling championship and a future World Womens Curling Championship. Moose Jaw could have the same thing happen to them. If you are in Moose Jaw reading this or if you know anyone in Moose Jaw, do me a favour and vote YES or phone your acquaintances in the Band City and tell them to vote YES!! I have confidence in the fine people of Moose Jaw that they will do the right thing. If they don’t, someone please turn off the lights.
---------

Stefanie Lawton has her game together at the Scotties in Victoria. After losing her first three, Lawton has won four straight and is now right in the mix going into Wednesday’s play. The Saskatoon rink from the CN Curling Club—who as Vic Rauter said is now rumbling like a CN freight train-- will meet Alberta’s Cheryl Bernard in the afternoon draw and Andrea Kelly of New Brunswick in the evening draw. As we start Wednesday, the leader is Marla Mallett from BC who is 6-1. By the way, organizers have to be very disappointed with the attendance in Victoria. It doesn’t look like many people are watching the event on a draw to draw basis. Maybe those in the arena are also getting a solid dose of those lame Capital One ads with Kevin Martin and Jennifer Jones. Who approves these things???
-----
Matt Dominguez fans will like this story….

http://communities.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/blogs/roughriders/archive/2009/02/24/encouraging-news-for-matt-dominguez.aspx
--------
The race for the final few playoff spots in the NHL West will likely go right down to the final game. We pretty much know right now that either the Sharks or Wings will finish first in the Conference followed by Calgary in 3rd and Chicago in 4th but after that its anyones guess. There are just over 20 games to play and the gap between 5th place Vancouver and 13th place St. Louis is eight points.
------
Tiger Woods gets back on the golf course today. The last time we saw him was after his playoff win over Rocco Mediate to win the US Open. As you know he has been off the PGA Tour since then after having reconstructive surgery on his left knee but he will be on the tee later today when the Accenture Match Play Championship starts. Tiger telling the world yesterday he feels as if his short game is better than ever. Just what the field needs to hear. One can only imagine what will be said if Tiger gets beat today. One can only imagine what will be said if Tiger wins this event.
--------
Finally, I wouldn’t find this funny if it were my kid but its not so it is. Enjoy!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=470nxnpDND0&eurl=http://www.on205th.com/&feature=player_embedded

OK there you go. Thanks for reading. Get to work!!!!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Back at 500

Say what you will about Stefanie Lawton and Team Saskatchewan's performance at the Scotties but one can't deny that the game is going right down to the last rock. It was another nailbiter in Victoria today in Draw 9 but in the end Lawton stole one in the 10th to beat Team Canada's Jennifer Jones. In the words of Vic Rauter "MAKE THE FINAL 7-6 FOR TEAM SASKATCHEWAN". The win evens Lawton's record at 3-3 which is outstanding considering she started 0-3. The loss for Jones was her first leaving her tied for first with BC at 5-1. Lawton can't relish in the win over Jones as she is back on the ice this afternoon playing the Kerry Galusha rink from the Yukon/Northwest Territories.
------

One other item and it concerns your Saskatchewan Roughriders. I was looking at the draft order which you can find on the league's website or by going to the CFL combine post I had earlier this week. I should have known this but by looking at the draft order, the Riders only have a 2nd and a 3rd round pick in this year's draft. The Riders possess great Canadian talent already but it looks as if they are going to have go through the free agency route to get others instead of the draft as it stands right now because they will only add two Canadians as it stands right now. Hopefully the team can get a couple of picks through trades before draft day rolls around. I'm sure my bud and all around good guy Chris Garton will be discussing this on Riderfans.com ad nauseum over the next few days. Garts is Szarka33 for those of you who aren't informed.


-----


And before I forget. I"VE HAD ENOUGH OF THE SNOW!!!!!



OK maybe its not that bad----BUT ITS CLOSE!! Where are you spring???

Tillman Update--Back In Court Next Month

Here's what happened at the Regina provincial courthouse this morning courtesy of the Canadian Press.

REGINA — The general manager of the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders was not present in a Regina courtroom Tuesday to face a sexual assault accusation against him.
It was to be Eric Tillman's first appearance in court since being charged earlier this month of sexual assault on a 16-year-old girl.
Tillman's lawyer, Aaron Fox, appeared on his behalf, but did not comment on the case.
The Crown said it is pursuing a less severe summary conviction.
That means Tillman would face no more than 18 months in jail if found guilty compared to the maximum of 10 years if the Crown had chose to proceed by indictment.
The case was adjourned to March 17.

E-T Heads To Court

Its going to be an interesting day in these parts. The reason why…that’s simple. Riders GM Eric Tillman could be present at the Regina provincial courthouse as his charge of sexual assault takes center stage. As I have said, I will not comment on the proceedings and won’t until everything is said and done. Needless to say the courthouse will be packed and it will be a gong-show outside the building as media from across the country will be looking for a soundbite or two. I have been part of that gong-show looking for soundbites before. Its much different than wanting to get a soundbite from a player after a game…I don’t think I really have to tell you that.
------
The next what could be star defenceman to wear the jersey of the Regina Pats will be with the team for the rest of the season. The Pats have announced their first round pick in this years bantam draft Myles Bell will play the rest of the year with them after his midget team in Calgary was eliminated from the playoffs on the weekend. Some believe the 15 year old Bell has NHL written all over him and will follow in the path of guys like Stuart, Jackman and Morris. We will see. Speaking of the Pats, they try to make it three wins in a row as they battle the Broncos in Swift Current tonight. Regina needs points and with a date in Calgary on Wednesday, an upset over the Broncos would have Dale Derkatch’s crew feeling good about themselves.
--------
Nice bounceback for Stefanie Lawton. After losing her first three games at the Scotties, Lawton beat Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia on Monday to sit with a record of 2-3. The Saskatoon rink still has some work to do if they are to make the playoffs but at least they are in the middle of the pack and have a chance if they can continue to rack up the W’s. Lawton will meet Team Canada’s Jennifer Jones this morning…it will be on TSN.
--------
The L-P’s Rob Vanstone asked me a few months ago to compile a list of the top 100 Saskatchewan Roughriders for a book he is writing. Let me tell you it is no easy task. Yes, the first 5 are I think a slamdunk but after that one can only imagine where certain players will end up. It is hard grading guys—especially some that I never saw play live but are a huge part of Rider folklore—and it is very hard trying to place this guy here and that guy there. It will be very interesting to see who ends up where and who gets left off the list.
PS: I don’t think Keith Smith will make it.
-------
Why do I get the feeling one of the marquee matches at Wrestlemania 25 will have Chris Jericho against Hulk Hogan.

Monday, February 23, 2009

The CFL Combine

Prospects Set to Showcase Skills in Preparation for 2009 CFL Canadian DraftRottier, Lee, Morencie and Légaré Top List Heading to CFL Evaluation Camp
.

Toronto, ON - (February 23, 2009) - Canada's top football prospects are set to showcase their skills at the CFL's Evaluation Camp scheduled from Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8 in Toronto.
Leading this year's class of Canadian prospects are Alberta offensive lineman Simeon Rottier, Bishop's running back Jamall Lee, Windsor offensive lineman Matt Morencie and Laval defensive lineman Étienne Légaré who were previously named as the top four prospects respectively by the CFL's Scouting Bureau.
Fifty Canadian prospects in total, including all 15 players ranked by the CFL's Scouting Bureau last fall, will be showcasing their skills during the three-day event in front of general managers, coaches and scouts from all teams as they prepare for the 2009 CFL Canadian Draft scheduled for Saturday, May 2.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts currently hold the top four picks in the draft, with Hamilton selecting first overall. Click here for the updated draft order.
Off-field testing gets underway Saturday morning at the InterContinental Yorkville Hotel. On-field testing begins Sunday morning at Varsity Centre. Click here for the full schedule.
To see the full list of Canadian prospects attending this year's Evaluation Camp, click here.

2010 Grey Cup To Edmonton

The Rider Nation won't have to travel far for Grey Cup festivities in 2009 when the big game is played in Calgary. They won't have to travel far in 2010 either as Edmonton will host the game. Official confirmation of that will come tomorrow.
------
The rumour mill is already churning as to who Tom Renney's replacement in New York will be and the big name coming out of talks is former Tampa coach John Tortorella who now works for TSN. Sources say an agreement is already in place but the Lightning haven't granted him permission to do so. The league is apparently now getting involved as they try to rectify the situation. It just begs the question as to what Tampa is up to. When a guy is no longer involved with your organization why do you try and stand in his way when an offer comes up. Its a little sleazy if you ask me.
-------
Stefanie Lawton has finally broken into the win column at the Scotties. She beat Prince Edward Island in a wild one as she steals one in 10 for a 12-11 victory. Team Saskatchewan has the afternoon draw off.....they are 1-3 much to the surprise of many who thought Lawton could prevent Jennifer Jones from repeating as champions.
-------
Some NFL news...stories out of Minneapolis suggest the Vikings are ready to make a trade with the Houston Texans that would see quarterback Sage Rosenfels wearing purple. He would then compete against Tavaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte. So much for those Matt Cassel or Matt Hasselbeck rumours I guess.
-------
The Blue Jays say today Vernon Wells will miss a month after a hamstring injury. Its going to be a long, long year in Toronto. Dare I say it, they could be last in the American League East.

See Ya Tom and CFL Rule Changes

The New York Rangers have fired head coach Tom Renney. This after a losing tailspin that has seen the team drop 10 of their last 12. He is the 5th NHL head coach to get fired this year. No replacement was named.
------
The BC Lions have apparently signed defensive back Korey Banks to a contract extension and are very close to signing quarterback Buck Pierce to one as well.
------
As you know, CFL commissioner Marc Cohon is asking fans to voice their input on possible rule changes to the game. Here are my suggestions

1) Eliminate the single point. Yes to some "the rouge" is unique but to me its stupid. How can you reward someone for failure. If you miss a field goal or you punt the ball in the endzone instead of hemming someone deep in their own end then you get squat.

2) If a team wants to concede a safety when punting deep in their own end, then give the team scoring the points to have the option of A) scrimmaging the ball at midfield or B) have the team giving up the safety kick from their 20. Allowing coaches to have this option is something that takes away from the game in my mind

3)This may be an unpopular idea but the size of the endzones are too big. I don't want NFL sized endzones but I would like to see the endzones reduced by at least 5 yards.

4) A 6 game injury list. Too many teams put guys on a nine game list and then realize he could be back earlier or they know he isn't hurt for 9 weeks but they must put him on that list because of salary cap concerns. A 6 game list would alleviate this somewhat.

5)Too many coaches are I think guilty of trying to challenge something they know they can't. If a coach is guilty of doing this, assess a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty to them.

What are your thoughts on proposed CFL rule changes?? There are some that say the game is fine right now and don't change a thing. Are you one of those saying that??

Is There Light At The End Of The Tunnel

A pessimist would say yeah its two wins but they were against Moose Jaw. An optimist will say the Pats are ready to make one final sprint towards the 8th and final playoff spot in the East. What side are you on? Regina making it two straight wins over the Warriors as they walk into the Civic Centre and get the two points with a 4-1 win. Jordan Eberle had a big night for the winners as he had a goal and three assists. The win means Regina is three points behind Prince Albert and Edmonton for that 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Kootenay has moved into 6th meaning the 7th place team right now are the Lethbridge Hurricanes. They are nine ahead of Regina. Dale Derkatch’s crew must just concentrate now on catching the Raiders and Oil Kings and forget about Lethbridge at this time. Yes, a first round date against Calgary will likely be their reward meaning what probably is a short playoff appearance but getting there will at least avoid a complete disaster of this season. The Pats will be in Swift Current Tuesday night in what will be a big game as are all of the final 10 games on the season.
-----
The NHL’s two biggest stars are feuding. Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby were sniping at one another during yesterday’s game—one that Washington won 5-2. Ovechkin saying after the game Crosby is a good player but he talks too much. Sid responded by talking about Ovechkin’s showmanship saying like it or lump it that’s what he does. Some people like it, some don’t and personally he doesn’t. Sid, I’ve got some news for you. Alex’s showmanship and love for the game is something he does on every shift. He has a genuine love for the game and his attitude on the ice and off of it is the reason why he has surpassed you as the face of the NHL. He is the league’s best player and you Mr. Crosby may be number 3 behind your teammate Evgeni Malkin. You might even be number 4 after Sharks forward Joe Thornton in my books. In fact, there is a question for you. If you had to rank the top 10 players in the NHL today, who would they be. I will go Ovechkin, Malkin, Thornton, Crosby, Iginla, Getzlaf, Datsyuk, Nash, Luongo and Lidstrom.
------
The Cougars mens basketball team lost Game 3 of the GPAC final to Brandon by a score of 78-76. Regina had a 5 point lead going into the final quarter. A complete report on the game which sounds like it had a fantastic finish can be found here….

http://www.brandonu.ca/athletics/News/article.asp?A_ID=556

---------
Stefanie Lawton’s Scotties is turning into a nightmare. The Saskatchewan rink is still looking for its first win after losing 10-7 to Newfoundland’s Heather Strong. Strong scoring 5 in the 8th to take control of the game and drop the Saskatoon foursome to a record of 0-3 which is not what a lot of people were expecting.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Thoughts on Kavis Reed

The Riders are excited to have former CFL defensive back Kavis Reed in the organization. He will serve as the team’s running backs and special teams coach. I have heard nothing but good things about Reed and the team is excited to have him on the payroll. He is said to be a surefire CFL head coach some day. It makes me wonder if perhaps that first head coaching gig could be in Saskatchewan and if being the RB and special teams coach is just the beginning for Reed in Riderville.

FACT—Gary Etcheverry has said he would like to be a CIS coach at some time in the future. If this is indeed still the case, the Riders have an heir apparent to Etcheverry should his opportunity in Canadian College Football come up. Reed has served as a defensive co-ordinator with both the Argos and Ti-Cats.

FACT--To be a head coach, you have to have experience on both sides of the football. Coaching the running backs gives Reed his first opportunity to see the game from the offensive side of the ball. With running backs like Wes Cates, Chris Szarka, Neal Hughes and Stu Foord around it is safe to say he will be working with a very solid unit.

FACT—Reed has been said by many to have the pedigree to be a CFL head coach. When I say this I am in no means denigrating current head coach Ken Miller. I think Miller has done a tremendous job in the one year that he has been the bossman. In fact as I have argued in a previous posting, I believe firmly that Miller should be the coach of the year for doing what he did with the limited resources he had week after week due to injury. One can not ignore though that Miller is not a young man. I can’t see him being the Roughriders head coach for as long as Danny Barrett was even if he continues to produce positive results because of his age. Learning from someone like Miller will benefit Reed to the point that perhaps in two or three years he becomes the heir apparent.

I will be very interested to see how Reed’s coaching career grows in Saskatchewan. I also won’t be surprised if one day he is occupying the head coach’s office. However, I don’t think Reed will be moving into that office anytime soon.

Two Games, Two Tough Losses


(Stefanie Lawton picture courtesy of saskcurl.com)




Stefanie Lawton and her Saskatoon rink are now 0-2 at the Scotties after losing her 2nd straight game by a score of 8-7. Ontario's Krista McCarville performed a delicate little tap-back with last shot in the 10th to get the win and improve to 2-0. Lawton tries to get into the win column tonight when Team Saskatchewan exchanges granite with Heather Strong of Newfoundland.

Sunday, Sunday

Like many of you I'm sure, I was hoping to strike it big time courtesy of Lotto 6-49 but that won't be happening. Heres the story from CTV.ca

Saturday's massive Lotto 6-49 draw has produced four winners, an Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation spokesperson said Saturday.
OLGC spokesperson Teresa Roncon said three winning tickets were purchased in Ontario, including two in the Greater Toronto Area and another in Sudbury, Ont.
A fourth winning ticket was purchased in Quebec.
The winning numbers were 11, 20, 33, 34, 37 and 39. The bonus number was 22.
Each winner will be entitled to a $12,574,733 share of the $50.3 million prize, said Trevor Miller of the B.C. Lottery Corp.
While Miller said he did not yet know how many people had bought tickets in advance of the Saturday night draw, he said he "would imagine people would be eager to come in and claim their prize."
The winners have up to a year to claim their share of the jackpot.
The $50.3 million prize was the second-largest lottery jackpot in Canadian history.

-----


I don't know if your Sunday plans involve taking in the Pats-Warriors game in Moose Jaw tonight but if you are headed to the Civic Centre, I ask one thing of you whether you support Regina or Moose Jaw. Band together tonight and unify by wearing white. It is White Out Night in support of the Multiplex in Moose Jaw. The first 2-thousand fans will get a white T-shirt indicating their support of the project---one that is needed if the Warriors are to stay in Moose Jaw. No Multiplex means no Warriors and as a Pats fan and a Western Hockey League fan, I want the Warriors to thrive and survive. Of course a Regina win would be nice tonight as well especially after Moose Jaw did them a favour by beating Prince Albert. Edmonton got a point in a shootout loss to Prince George meaning the Oil Kings have the 8th and final playoff spot right now with 59 points, the Raiders have 58 with Regina sitting at 54. Game time is 7.

-----


Rebecca McPhee and her Prince Edward Island rink along with Quebec's Marie France Larouche are atop the leaderboard at the Scotties in Victoria after both rinks won their two games on the opening day of competition. Stefanie Lawton and her Saskatoon foursome are back on the ice this morning meeting Ontario's Krista McCarville. Lawton is 0-1 after giving up a steal of two in the 10th end losing to BC. She will play Newfoundland's Heather Strong tonight. By the way if you are watching morning coverage from the Scotties, you will see a new face on the TSN broadcasts. Bryan Mudryk and Russ Howard take over for Vic, Linda and Ray. Nothing against Bryan Mudryk but if I can't hear Vic then I want to hear Global Regina's Warren Woods.

-----


Regina isn't the only CFL city talking about a new stadium. Discussions are also going on in Hamilton.

Hamilton at the crossroads
Hamilton Spectator Sat 21 Feb 2009
Byline: Robert Howard Source: The Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton needs -- and deserves -- to be excited about itself, to be optimistic about its future and to be confident about its place as one of Canada's great places to live, work and play.
Full participation in the 2015 Pan American Games, and the infrastructure legacy it would leave here -- a multi-use stadium, Olympic-size pool and a velodrome -- would generate that. To have more than half the cost paid by senior levels of government is a huge bonus.
Hamilton is at a crossroads. In one direction is the city's past, epitomized by Ivor Wynne Stadium, a crumbling symbol of Hamilton's past greatness, such as the 1930 Empire Games for which it was built.
In the other direction is Hamilton's future, symbolized by a new stadium near Hamilton's west harbour, invigorating a neighbourhood and within strolling distance of the waterfront trails, GO and Via trains, Copps Coliseum and possibly a light-rail transit line. Here is a neon-bright signal that Hamilton lives in the here-and-now, engaged in the present and confident about the future.
* * *
Risk? Of course there's risk in investing $60 million in a stadium.
But risk exists in inertia more than in action. A child kept indoors all his or her life has little risk of being hit by a car, but heightened risk of becoming an antisocial, isolated adult.
If Hamilton council decides to "play it safe" and reject the stadium proposal and Games funding for it, it risks this city's future. It would send a message that Hamilton is not interested in boldness or initiative. It would hang a "Closed" sign on our front door.
There is no doubt that Hamilton needs to spend a lot of money on its streets and sewage system. But the stadium project will take less than 60 per cent of the assets of Hamilton's Future Fund. There will be more than $40 million still in the fund by 2015 that council can allocate as it sees fit. And the stadium project would be a wonderfully suitable use of the big-project Future Fund money.
There are legitimate concerns about Hamilton's debt load. But the city's crushing financial issues will not be dealt with by doing the same thing over and over again -- as we've been doing since business and industry started leaving the city in the '70s -- and hoping for a different result. We need new money coming into this city.
Hamilton is not supporting itself on its current tax base. This city MUST attract new business and new residents. Investment in public infrastructure -- the stadium being an excellent example -- is crucial to that. The Pan-Am Games would give Hamilton a chance to show itself as a place different from its industrial-era stereotype, while the legacy of new athletic and entertainment facilities would give visitors another reason to consider Hamilton as a place to live or work.
The alternatives are unpalatable. What is "Plan B" for Ivor Wynne? The city's $20 million will just buy it some time; a rebuild will cost $94 million. How much money should taxpayers continue to sink into it?
* * *
The proposal going to Hamilton council on Monday has several key points that make it worthy of support.
One is the location. Development of the west harbour waterfront has already revolutionized how Hamiltonians view their city; thousands flock to the trails and parks. Locating a stadium where it can link to, but not overpower, the waterfront is inspired. The location would also replace derelict and empty space with a people magnet.
Another is the financing through phased construction: 15,000 seats for the 2015 Games, with the option of another 10,000 seats or so as funding is obtained. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are a future prime tenant, so partnership with that organization for the second phase is almost a given. But just as this stadium is not only about the Ticats, so there are numerous other opportunities to fund and operate it. This can be a venue for music, festivals and a wide range of athletic events, and those -- and rights to them -- can all be revenue sources.
We believe the Pan-Am Games bid is a financial, social and infrastructure opportunity for Hamilton that may not be repeated in our lifetimes. To pass on full participation would be a huge mistake and a disservice to Hamilton and its citizens.



Like Hamilton, Regina is in desperate need of a new stadium and I do believe even though the economy is in a downturn right now that one is coming. The Leader-Post's Ian Hamilton(a fellow Seahawks fan which shows he's a good man!!!) is doing a big piece on that that started with Saturday's edition. It is must read material.

------

The Cougars mens basketball team will play Brandon in Game 3 of the GPAC final today in the Manitoba city. The Bobcats staying alive with an 89-70 win.
------
By the way if you haven't noticed yet, if you page down to the bottom of the blog you will find a sports scoreboard courtesy of CBS Sports. For Pro-line fans, it will give you NHL, NBA and US College Basketball scores. It would be great if a Canadian network could provide this service so I could get CFL and maybe WHL scores on there but there's not so I can't. Have a good Sunday and thanks for reading!! By the way, someone has been reading this blog from Danbury, Connecticut. Isn't that where Maurice Lloyd is from?? Mo if it indeed is you good luck in Edmonton but you should have stayed here.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Oops!! Stefanie Snatches Defeat From the Jaws of Victory

VICTORIA, February 21, 2009... B.C.'s Marla Mallett kicked off the Scotties Tournament of Hearts Canadian women's curling championship in dramatic style Saturday afternoon at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria.
Mallett, backed up by third Grace MacInnes, second Diane Gushulak and lead Jacalyn Brown, came back from a 7-3 deficit after seven ends to beat Saskatchewan's Stefanie Lawton 8-7 in Draw 1 action.
Mallett, playing out of the Vancouver Curling Club, started the comeback with two in the eighth, stole one in the ninth, and then watched Lawton come up wide and heavy with her outturn draw to backing in the four-foot to steal the winning deuce.
In other first-draw action, P.E.I.'s Rebecca Jean MacPhee forced extra ends with a 10th-end deuce, then stole the winning point in the 11th to beat Kerry Galusha of the Northwest Territories/Yukon 8-7.
Ontario's Krista McCarville put three on the board in the 10th end to knock off Newfoundland/Labrador's Heather Strong.
And in the other Draw 1 game, Quebec's Marie-France Larouche scored a 7-5 triumph over Andrea Kelly of New Brunswick.
Defending champ Jennifer Jones and Team Canada, Alberta's Cheryl Bernard, Manitoba's Barb Spencer and Nova Scotia's Nancy McConnery all had byes in Draw 1. They'll be in action when play at the Scotties resumes Saturday night with a 10 p.m. (all times Eastern) draw, to be televised by TSN.
On Sunday, draws are scheduled for 11:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., all live on TSN.

(Courtesy Canadian Curling Association)

No Room For Casey

The Globe's Dave Naylor is one of the top sportswriters if not the top sportswriter in this country. He authored this article today on the future of Casey Printers. I can't really disagree with what he writes. Who's kidding who, Finnegan has a better future in the CFL than Casey!!!!

http://sports.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090220.wspt-cfl-printers-20/GSStory/GlobeSportsFootball/home

A Busy Saturday

A late start to the day but I once again found myself at the Press Box after last night's Pats-Warriors game doing what I did Thursday night and once again thoroughly enjoying myself. Add that to the fact its Saturday and well one can't blame me for sleeping in a little can they.

If you are a hockey fan, today is a day to celebrate our game. Why is that????



Its the annual Hockey day in Canada with the home base being Campbellton, New Brunswick this year. I think its great that Tim Hortons has gotten on board with this day because really...is there a bigger piece of Canadiana than hockey parents sipping on Tim Hortons while watching their kids. There are not enough superlatives to describe the way CBC brings this day to us taking us from the grassroots of the game to the superstars we love watching on TV every night. One of my best days at my former employer was when Hockey Day in Canada came to Shaunavon. The little southwest Saskatchewan town had an "electric" feel to it that Saturday and there are many fond memories that come flooding back when I think of that day.




In fact, there is me besides the trophy that we all love to get our picture with. Looking at that picture I see it was exactly five years ago and I still have that winter jacket. Memo to self---time to buy a new winter jacket!!!

One of the games you will see on Hockey Night in Canada today is Vancouver at Toronto. It marks the return of Mats Sundin to Toronto. OH BOY!!! The Sundin saga was so overblown by everyone. If Sundin hadn't been a Maple Leaf that story would never have had the legs it did.


If hockey isn't your thing then maybe this is.....


That is Jennifer Jones being interviewed after winning last year's Scotties Tournament of Hearts at the Brandt Centre in that nail-biting final against Shannon Kleibrink of Calgary. Jones is back wearing Team Canada colours as the 2009 Scotties begins in Victoria today. Who's kidding who...there's nothing wrong with seeing Jennifer slide out of the hack. She will be in tough to repeat though with Saskatoons Stefanie Lawton one of the favourites. TSN will be all over the Scotties once again this year with over 60 hours of coverage including the finals. Lawton's first game is in the first draw. She will be up against the host province as she exchanges granite with Marla Mallett. That first draw goes at 2. Jones doesn't play in that first draw so maybe Vic, Linda, Ray and the gang will show Stefanie. Here's hopin'!!

OK lets get to last night and the Pats played what I think was their best game since Christmas as they beat the Warriors 5-2 thus ending their seven game losing streak. Brett Leffler was all over the ice for the Pats while Tomas Hricina led the offence with a pair. Regina remains four points behind Edmonton and Prince Albert for that final playoff spot in the East. They are in Moose Jaw tomorrow. Here's hoping the play of last night can translate into something positive.

The U of R Cougar basketball teams are both in a happy mood today and for good reason. The womens team wrapped up the GPAC title with a 60-59 win over Winnipeg. The Cougars will now prepare for the Canada West Final Four, which will be hosted by the division champion with the best league record. Regina could conceivably host the Final Four for the first time since 2004 if both Saskatchewan and Simon Fraser are upset in their division final series. Of course, the Cougs are hosting the CIS Nationals. As for the mens team, James Hillis' squad walked into Brandon and beat the Bobcats 84-76 in overtime to take a 1-0 lead in the best of three. At one time, the Cougars trailed by 16. Game 2 is tonight.

That's all I got for now. More later today including my suggestions for CFL commissioner Marc Cohon when it comes to rule changes. Have a great Saturday!

Friday, February 20, 2009

GSP-Penn 3. Look For It

BJ Penn has done nothing but whine and complain since being dominated by Montreal's Georges St. Pierre at UFC 94 last month. Penn saying St. Pierre was greased up thus he couldn't do what he wanted. UFC boss Dana White apparently agrees with Penn but he won't say the Canadian is guilty of cheating.....

http://www.tsn.ca/mma/story/?id=267945&lid=sublink09&lpos=headlines_main

This leads to a Penn-St.Pierre 3. Bank on it!!! Hey BJ, get prepared to have your tail kicked again! Bank on it!!

If there are any Hilary Duff fans in Ottawa, you might get a sighting of the singer/actress. Her man Mike Comrie is going back to the Senators as he gets traded there along with Chris Campoli from the Islanders for Dean McAmmond and a first round pick that belongs to San Jose.

Over a month after the Super Bowl, the NFL has decided to fine Pittsburgh receiver Santonio Holmes for using the ball as a prop following his game-winning catch. This means the Steelers should have penalized 15 yards which would have given Arizona a more realistic shot at perhaps coming back in the final seconds. Don't tell me the guys in the striped shirts have made it possible for the Steelers to win yet another Super Bowl!!!!!! Welcome to a Seahawk fans pain Cardinal fans....Welcome!

The SJHL playoffs begin tonight. It all leads up to someone winning the Credential Cup in late March-early April with perhaps a Royal Bank Cup to follow.

Firing Back

Regina hockey fans are upset with the play of the Pats and for good reason. The talent they have combined with the wins they have just don't equal up. For defenceman Colton Teubert, he has gone from a World Junior gold medallist and hero to a whipping boy. The L-A Kings draft pick has not had a good time of it in a Pats uniform since returning from Ottawa and Pats fans are letting him know about it. Teubert fires back today in an article done by the Leader-Post's Greg Harder. I'm not sure if getting into a pissing match with the fans through the media is the right step to take for the 18 year old as it only opens him up for more criticism but he is getting things off his chest and is not resorting to cliches.

Teubert knows he is struggling right now. He knows it, the Pats know it, the L-A Kings know it. When Colton is on, he reminds me of Chris Pronger. He is a clone of the Anaheim defenceman in my mind. In fact in the Pats calendar, I refer to him as Chris Pronger Junior. I think Teubert's problem right now is he feels he has to do it all because he is a first rounder. He just has to get back to playing his game and let Victor Bartley, Jesse Dudas, Matt Delahey and the other blueliners do their job.

As for the fans, when they pay their money they do have every right to voice some complaints. However lets remember these kids and I emphasize the word kids are not professionals like the guys across the street that take up our sporting attention in the summer time. I don't care if you are an NHL first rounder or a 16 year old in his rookie season, you are still learning the game hoping you get good enough to get a shot. I have a very tough time ripping a guy who isn't getting any serious $$$$$. Teubert knows if his play continues that he won't playing for the Kings or any other NHL team and that he won't get a shot at playing for Canada in the World Juniors next year. I don't know if the Pats can shake themselves out of whats been bothering them but I fully expect Teubert to get back to his game and try and lead them out of the wilderness. I know Pats fans are upset but being extra abusive to one of the "star" players isn't going to help any.

The Riders have made some news today. They have announced former CFL defensive back Kavis Reed will be their special teams coach and they have also announced the time of the Labour Day Classic will be at 200 and not 530. This is good, It means the vermin from Winnipeg that invade our city each and every Labour Day will get out sooner with their tails tucked between their legs------yet again!!!!! :)

Good Times, Good Times Indeed!!!

Who’s kidding who.... Good times is not the way to describe last night. How about great times!!!Tonight’s game between the Warriors and Pats will be on Sportsnet and that means the voice of junior hockey in this country pays a visit home. I speak of Peter Loubardias who is one of my nearest and dearest friends. Little known fact----at one time the two of us were roommates and the stories that could be told during that time are ones that might only be told at a roast….MIGHT! We have shared some good times together and last night was no exception. Peter, his colour man Sam Cosentino, CTV’s Lee Jones, the decadent and degenerate Kelly Remple, Rob Vanstone and myself sat and discussed many things like the state of the Pats while rehashing great stories of the past. It was simply an outstanding evening at an outstanding location---that being "The Press Box Sports Bar". It is the home of Regina's best nachos but even a guy like me can't scarf down an order of those babies because they are huge. C'mon Kevin---a half order needs to be on that menu!!!

Peter has his critics as does everyone but he has reached the top of the mountain as far as I’m concerned. This hockey fanatic has accomplished really everything I think he wants. He has had the opportunity to call several Memorial Cups, he did the Canada-Russia Super Series a couple of years ago, he currently calls Calgary Flames games and he will do his thing in Vancouver a year from now. Perhaps the only thing he hasn’t done is get an opportunity to call the World Juniors. I can’t see him doing that unless he moves to TSN but you just never know. Many phoned me after the several month long “Oust Mitch” project had been completed but he was one of the first once he learned of the news. Come to think of it, he was the only guy I know connected with the NHL to phone or e-mail or text…………………..

I am proud to call Peter a friend and I am very proud knowing one of my friends who has even more passion and zest for sports than what I do has succeeded. I just wish he was doing the Oilers games on Sportsnet instead of the Flames because then I would watch him more often! :)


It seems these days when you read the paper or watch the news that another sector is getting a bailout and the latest to get that is the PGA Tour. Tiger Woods has announced he is ready to get back on Tour and he will do next week at the WGC-Accenture Match Play event. Many are already asking “Is he ready??”. I’m just wondering if the guy in charge of those big cheques has already started writing his name. If Tiger is coming back now, one can bet that he will likely be atop the leaderboard or very close to the top once the 72nd hole of the Masters is over.

The Ti-Cats released Casey Printers last nite. His time in the CFL after returning from Kansas City was like Pamela Anderson…..a huge bust and nothing else. Much like Michael Bishop, methinks the CFL has seen the last of Mr. Printers. I really can’t see any team picking him up and that includes your Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Could this 100th anniversary season of the Montreal Canadiens get any worse. First the team has gone to one of the NHL’s best to perhaps not being a playoff team if they don’t pick it up, then they deal with the Alexei Kovalev situation and now word this morning that the Kostitsyn brothers have reportedly been linked to a suspected member of organized crime recently arrested under the police operation Axe.According to La Presse, 38-year-old Mangiola Pasquale made a number of services available to the two young players at bars, including girls and luxury cars. During the investigation, police allegedly recorded secret phone conversations between the Kostitsyns and Pasquale, referred to as a big friend of the brothers.

One last thing and it’s a message for the lovely Angel Blair at CTV(without a doubt the best looking person in the history of Regina media with the last name Blair—then again the competition is pretty weak and if you disagree you are a very troubled individual) and the equally lovely Kyla Dean at Global. I know you have no control over the subject that you speak of on a daily basis but I think I speak for many when I say NO MORE SNOW!!!!! Thank you!!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

I MUST Have A Pair Of These!!!!!!



Believe it or not, NIKE is making a running shoe patterned after the great Glen Quagmire of "Family Guy" fame. Heres part of the release....

Next month the Glen Quagmire NIKE SB Dunk High will officially hit select Nike SB retailers. The SB Dunks inspired by the deviant Family Guy character feature an upper constructed of blue nubuck and blue canvas to represent Quagmires jeans, and red nubuck with gold stars to represent Glens button up shirt. Furthermore theres yellow stitching used on the mid-sole while white contrast stitching is used on the blue nubuck Nike Swoosh.
The Glen Quagmire Nike SB Dunks will be a Quickstrike which you will only find at select Nike SB retailers in March.

I'm not kidding!!! I must have a pair of these. GIGGITY GIGGITY!!! ALL RIGHT!!!!!

Rider news this afternoon. The team has signed defensive back Leron Mitchell. Does he become the starting safety now that Scott Gordon is in Edmonton with the chances of Tristan Clovis returning one would think are slim. He could also start on the corner now that James Johnson is in Winnipeg. If I read correctly, head coach Ken Miller said he would contemplate starting a Canadian at the other corner spot. I don't know if I like that idea or not. Nothing against Ken Miller because I think he is as good a coach as he is a man but when I think Canadian corner, I like you think Patrick Burke.

I forgot to mention this morning that the CKHS will be busy tonight as the University of Regina Cougar womens basketball team plays Winnipeg tonight in Game 1 of the best of three GPAC final. Injuries are hurting the Cougars but they know if they don't win this series, its a long wait until they get back on the court for the Nationals which they are hosting. Dave Taylor is too good a coach not to have his girls ready. In fact who's kidding who....Dave Taylor is just too good of a person period. I haven't spoken to Dave in quite a while which is probably good for him but he is one of the good people when it comes to the Regina sports community. Here's hoping for a short series that goes Regina's way and here's hoping for a good showing by the Cougars at the Nationals as they try and bring the "Bronze Baby" back to the University. Organizers are hoping for a sellout at the CIS championships and knowing Regina sports fans the way I do, I am sure they will get it.

As I mentioned earlier today, CFL commissioner Marc Cohon wants to know what rule changes YOU would like to implement. I can't tell you how much I love this idea. I really hope the commissioner now listens to what fans tell him when it comes to possible rule changes and acts on them. I've got a list, but I will disclose that in a posting later this week.

Finally I'm quite surprised Rod Pedersen hasn't mentioned this in his what now has to be world-famous blog but the first event at the new mammoth Dallas Cowboys stadium will be a concert by country legend George Strait. George is without a doubt one of the best and you know Craven will welcome him with open arms when he wraps everything up this year. I'm guessing RP will be looking for a photo op there. I'm also guessing if he didn't know about this concert in Dallas that he might be looking up his contacts with the Stars to see if he can get tix. Good luck Roddy!

Still on the topic of country music, I heard the Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Crystal Shawanda show in Regina last nite was outstanding. They are in Saskatoon tonight so if you are going, enjoy yourself. Then again, you are likely already on the way to the show now instead of getting caught in the traffic jam.

Now where do I find me a pair of those shoes??!!!

Tragedy Averted

I mentioned earlier today about an accident involving the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League. Their bus rolled while heading home from a game in Lowell last night. The Leader-Post has more details on that story including the fact that two members of the team are from Regina. Here's that story...

http://www.leaderpost.com/Sports/Regina+hockey+players+after+team+crashes+Mass/1306470/story.html

It doesn't matter what league you play in or what level of hockey you are in. Stories like this must bring a chill to everyone from management to coaches to players to families to billets to fans. Thankfully, it appears this story will not have a tragic ending to it.

Thumbs Up For Commissioner Cohon

Here is a release from the CFL I received today. This is an outstanding idea and should have football fans from coast-to-coast talking. It will be interesting to hear what comes out of this and if any ideas are adopted. Here's one for you Mr. Cohon. GET RID OF THE SINGLE POINT!!!


CFL INVITES CANADIANS TO PROVIDE INPUT TO OUR RULES COMMITTEE
This is Our League means "it belongs to every Canadian who cares about the CFL and supports it"

Toronto, ON (February 19, 2009) -- For the first time, Canadian Football League (CFL) fans are being asked to propose rules changes that can "make our great game even better," says Commissioner Mark Cohon.

"We know our fans have the best interests of our game at heart, that they cherish its traditions, understand what makes it unique, and yet want to make it even stronger," Cohon said yesterday after inviting fans to submit their suggestions to the league's rules committee.

"So it makes perfect sense to include them in our annual discussion of rule changes. It's part of what we mean when we say This is Our League: it belongs to every Canadian who cares about the CFL, and supports it."

Fans are asked to send their ideas by visiting CFL.ca/rules or by emailing -- rules@cfl.ca -- by Friday, February 27. They will be shared with the members of the league's rules committee as it prepares to meet as part of the annual CFL Congress, this year in Hamilton on March 3rd and 4th.

"Our fast-paced, wide-open, three-down game is a great game, and that was never clearer than last season, when scoring was up, games were close, and exciting finishes were the order of the day. But everything can be improved," Cohon said in a message to fans posted on the league's website, CFL.ca.

"That's the spirit in which our rules committee gathers each year during CFL Congress. A collection of team presidents, general managers, coaches and officials, along with a representative of the players' association, it meets to discuss which rules should be replaced, changed or tweaked to make our game even better," he said.

"This year, we're asking you to provide input to the committee. We want your ideas and suggestions. We can't promise the committee will accept them all. But we will make sure your ideas are shared with its members."

Tom Higgins, the CFL's director of officiating, said it's impossible to predict the outcome of this year's meeting.

"The committee takes its task very seriously, and has tremendous respect for the game and its place in our country," Higgins said.

"The changes it has brought forward over the years to the Board of Governors have ranged from significant innovations, such as our overtime format, to subtle changes in how we interpret existing rules. Sometimes, new ideas make their way into our rule book, sometimes they fall by the wayside because of a lack of consensus, and sometimes they're tabled for further research and refinement," he said.

"What we can say without a doubt about this year's discussion is that it can only be strengthened by including input from our fans."

Is Milt Stegall The Greatest Receiver The CFL Has Seen

The tributes are flowing in for the now-retired Milt Stegall and he deserves the accolades being heaped on him-----or is he??? Some say Stegall was the best receiver in the history of the CFL. Was he better than Allan Pitts?? Was he better than Brian Kelly?? Was he better than Terry Greer??? I don’t think he was better than Ray Elgaard?? Yes, you can’t ignore the numbers Stegall put up over his 14 years but to call him the best ever----I don’t know.
One other thing when it comes to Milt. He was asked about that now famous last play 100 yard touchdown against the Eskimos and he responded by saying that is perhaps the number one play in the history of the CFL. On that one, I think I agree because nothing else stands out at this time.

So much for the Zeke Moreno to Saskatchewan rumour. The Bombers sent the linebacker to Toronto last night for defensive lineman Riall Johnson. It doesn’t sound like Humboldt’s Kelly Bates will be wearing Rider green either. Bates is a good guy and I’ve shot the breeze with him a number of times. He would look good playing for the team from his home province but there just isn’t room for him on the roster right now.

Some news that no one wants to hear out of Massachusetts. The bus containing the American Hockey League’s Albany River Rats crashed early this morning leaving three with serious injuries. The coach of the team says the injuries don’t appear to be life-threatening. As soon as I saw that story, my thoughts immediately harken back to that late December day in 1986 when four members of the Swift Current Broncos were killed while heading to Regina to play when their bus left the road. Thankfully, it looks like this story won’t have the same ending.

South of the border, the head of the NFL’s competition committee admits changes may be needed when it comes to overtime. HOORAY!!! I hate NFL overtime because half the time—well ok the numbers show more than half the time, the team that wins the coin flip wins the game. That isn’t fair. Its like saying a ball game ends in the top of the 10th if the visiting team scores a run. I like the way US College Football and the CFL treat overtime and that the NFL should adopt it. Both teams need to touch the ball in overtime…there simply can’t be an argument on that.

Ken Griffey Junior will likely end his baseball career where it started. Junior has signed a one year deal to play with the Seattle Mariners. One wonders if he could have surpassed Barry Bonds as the home run king had it not been for injuries. This guy has one of the sweetest swings in baseball. I hope the “S” word is never ever linked to him. Speaking of that “S” word, ESPN Radio asked an interesting question yesterday. Who is the face of baseball in the steroid era….is it Bonds, McGwire, Sosa, Clemens or A-Rod. I will go with Barry on that one.

If you didn’t see the Capitals-Habs game on TSN last nite, make sure you catch the highlight of Alex Ovechkins goal. It will be one of the goals of the year when all is said and done this year.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

My Number One Milt Stegall Memory!

I still laugh when I see this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKLVJiD5w1I

Feel free to leave your Stegall memories.

An Eastern Conference Final Preview???

If you are wondering what to watch on TV tonight, here's some advice. Rogers Sportsnet will have the game between the Saskatoon Blades and the Calgary Hitmen. With all apologies to fans of the Brandon Wheat Kings, this is a battle of the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. Calgary has only been beaten seven times this year but the Blades have handed Calgary two of those seven losses and one of the wins was in Calgary making Lorne Molleken's men just one of two teams to do that this season. Calgary goes in having won 8 games in a row while the Blades are coming off a 3-0 win in Red Deer last night which was their 25th road win of the season. One of these two teams will likely win the Eastern Conference and take on Vancouver (or perhaps Spokane) in the league final.

Here's hoping the Blades can give Saskatchewan WHL fans a good playoff showing. Its been far too long since a team from our province captured the league championship. The last one being the Swift Current Broncos way back in 1993. Moose Jaw gave it a shot in 2006 before losing to Vancouver in four straight. It is long overdue that a Saskatchewan team is in possession of the Ed Chynoweth Cup. Every team in the Central Division with the exception of the 2nd year Edmonton Oil Kings have won the trophy since the Broncos did it in 1993. Give the Tigers, Hitmen, Hurricanes and Rebels their due in the seasons that they won but also ask the question why the Saskatchewan teams can't get to the top of the mountain more often then what they have.

Goodbye Milt!!! Hello Kelly???? Hello Zeke???



STEGALL OFFICIALLY CALLING IT QUITS
The Globe and Mail Wed 18 Feb 2009
Sports Byline: David Naylor
After 17 years of professional football, the player considered by many to be the greatest receiver in CFL history is calling it quits.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers called a news conference for today at which Milt Stegall will announce his retirement after 14 years. The news comes three weeks after his 39th birthday.
The Miami (Ohio) University product did not get drafted into the NFL but spent three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals before coming to Winnipeg midway through the 1995 season. He went on to become the CFL's career leader in receiving yards and touchdown receptions.
Stegall retires without a Grey Cup ring, having played on the losing side in 2001 and 2007.


Bates on the shopping block;
B.C. said to be dangling veteran hoggie as trade bait
The Vancouver Province Wed 18 Feb 2009
Sports Byline: Lowell Ullrich


The man responsible for splitting the Grey Cup apart could be on the verge of a break-up with the Lions.
Three league sources said Tuesday the CFL team is actively shopping veteran Lions offensive lineman Kelly Bates, possibly in the hopes of snaring another defensive upgrade. So far, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders have reportedly shown the most interest, and of those two clubs, the Bombers have by far the most to give.
New Winnipeg coach Mike Kelly inherited a roster which includes middle linebacker Zeke Moreno, and with Barrin Simpson and recently re-signed defender Joe Lobendahn capable of filling the position, the Bombers wouldn't suffer drastically on their depth chart.
Moreno led the CFL last season with 97 tackles while splitting his time between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Winnipeg, which acquired him when Simpson was lost to injury for the season. A source said Moreno is also drawing interest from Saskatchewan and the Toronto Argonauts.
Bates --a product of Humboldt, Saskatchewan, has heard the suggestions he may be on the move.
"It's a surprise to me that a guy who has been good in the community and been a long member of the Lions is being shopped around???" said Bates, an eight-year Lions veteran who was a 2007 league all-star.
"I want to reserve judgment on the situation. But I understand the business."

Is Don Cherry a Hall of Famer??



There's been a lot of debate over the past couple of months as to whether or not perhaps Canadas most familiar face when it comes to hockey should be a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Count me in as one who says yes he should be. Hockey is a piece of Canadiana and so is Don Cherry. Like him or hate him, he has done a lot for the sport through his weekly appearances on Coach's Corner and his rock-em, sock-em videos and one could argue that Hockey Night in Canada gets the viewers it does in the first game of the doubleheader because they want to know what Don is going to do or say and is this the night perhaps that he suffers the meltdown of meltdowns. Say what you will about him but he is a rockstar. Just ask the people of Shaunavon about that when he appeared there a few years for "Hockey Day in Canada". When word came out Cherry was on his way to the rink, I think the whole town showed up and when he emerged from the RCMP cruiser that took him there, the place exploded with everyone wanting one touch or one photo of "Grapes". To this generation, Don Cherry isn't a hockey coach, he is someone who spouts off his views. He could be compared to John Madden. Many who watch the NFL now realize he was a coach but they associate his name with the wildly popular video game named after him. Don Cherry's contribution to hockey is one that should not be ignored. He should most definitely in my mind be a future Hockey Hall of Famer. One can only imagine what kind of jacket he would bring out for that ceremony.

Elsewhere, the Rider Nation is still moaning about the loss of Anton McKenzie and Maurice Lloyd. Like I said yesterday, money was the key issue and both men got more elsewhere than they were going to get here. You would probably do the same thing so stop it and lets move on.

The Tampa Bay Lightning may be calling the Habs and other teams today to talk about Vinnie Lecavalier after the performance of Steven Stamkos last nite. The number one draft pick this year had a breakout game last night as he recorded his first pro hat-trick in a loss to Chicago. Speaking of the Habs, a lot of debate over the benching of Alexei Kovalev. It doesn't take long in Montreal for the swords to be sharpened and one has to think his days as a member of "Les Habitants" are short.

How bout this from the Florida Panthers......

DAVID SHOALTS
From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

The Florida Panthers are giving away tickets again — with a twist.
The Panthers, long the NHL's most generous franchise when it comes to handing out free tickets, are tying their latest giveaway to their performance. Anyone who buys four tickets from now through the end of the regular season will get tickets to four games next season if the Panthers do not make the playoffs.
The promotion is called the Panthers Promise Plan. If the Panthers do make the playoffs, those buying tickets will get priority for playoff tickets.At this point, thanks to a good run since January, the Panthers are in decent shape. Before last night's games, the Panthers had a 28-20-8 record and were tied for seventh place in the Eastern Conference with the Buffalo Sabres.

Would you call this a good marketing idea or not??? I'm not sure.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

This Ones For You RP!!!

My good friend Rod Pedersen is the biggest Starbucks guy I know. I saw this and immediately thought of him. I wonder if he was able to find a Starbucks while on his tropical vacation. Knowing RP I'm sure the answer is yes.

http://blogs.moneycentral.msn.com/topstocks/?fpn=starbucks%20goes%20down%20market?GT1=33009

UFC fans won't like this little story I came across today....

http://sportsbybrooks.com/ufcs-owners-in-bankruptcy-white-in-jeopardy-22374

I watched parts of the Ottawa-Nashville game on TSN last night but I didn't see this rather humourous episode. Apparently Carrie Underwood didn't want to be seen at the game watching her man Senators forward Mike Fisher. C'mon Carrie!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsIslnig9pQ

No Surprise Here

The Edmonton Eskimos have added free-agent running back Jesse Lumsden to their stable. This means the oft-injured running back will now play for the team his father Neal played for for a number of years. When healthy Lumsden is one of the best RB's in the CFL but his durability is a major question mark. I wonder if Rider fans will get a chance to see Jesse play live in 2009....he has been injured when the Ti-Cats have come to Regina the past two years.

Are You A Hockey Card Collector??

If so, you will love this!!!!

http://www.upperdeck.com/marketing/news_article.aspx?aid=5257

I don't know how kids can afford to be card collectors today when I see the price for a various pack of cards. I think we all remember paying 25 cents for a package and having one card in the pack smeared with the flour from that terrible pink stick of gum.

One CFL item. The Eskimos have signed former U of S Husky Graeme Bell. I think CFL fans--especially those in Saskatchewan--know the battle Bell went through to get back on the football field after he was assaulted outside a Saskatoon bar suffering a terrible head injury just before the start of the 2007 season. Family is apparently the reason for the move.