No Crying In Football

First off, I really don't care who wins the CIS football championship, but in the aftermath of Saturday's Dinos/Huskies game, I'm kinda glad it isn't going to be the U of S.

Grant Shaw had a chance to put the Huskies up a couple with under 20 to play when he lined up a 35 yard field goal. The kicker had gone 5 for 5 on the day, but his sixth kick was not to be. The miss cost the U of S a chance to chase down their Vanier Cup dream, and that is too bad. But in sport there must be a winner and a loser, that's just the way it is.

Now, I have nothing against Grant Shaw, in fact, I've never met him. There's a good chance his a real nice guy and a great teammate. And let's face it, the entire play didn't go right from the beginning. The holder mishandled the snap (probably throwing Shaw's timing off) and the kick may have been deflected by the Dinos at the line. All tough breaks.

No....My beef is with none of this...These things happen. There were dozens of other plays that one could point to that would have contributed to the Huskies narrowly losing...No, No. The reason I am sour is because of what Shaw did after the game.

"Grant Shaw declined comment." Are you kidding me? A University kicker declined comment? I know my colleagues in Saskatoon and how hard they cover this team all year and now, the key player in the key play of the season won't talk. Shame on you Mr. Shaw. Have some guts. Be a man for goodness sake.

In March I had the good fortune of covering the CIS Women's National Basketball Championship. Player of the year Kelsey Hodgson was shut down in her first game of the tournament and felt she let her team down...Tears flowing from her eyes, she came to do an interview. The young girl composed herself for 5 minutes to speak with us, but as soon as the cameras were off...on came the tears. Classy move by her to speak with us.

Same tournament. Sunday final. The U of R Cougars had just lost the National title on their home floor. Several 5th year players, eyes red with tears came forward to do interviews. Chelsea Cassano, Jessica Lynch and Meghan Cherkas all stood and talked while the tapes rolled. Do you think it was an easier on them than it would be on Grant Shaw?

Its a tough break for the young U of S kicker and I hope he bounces back, but I also hope he realizes that there is "No crying in football, " at least when its time to do an interview.

Rainy Days

At least it isn't snowing. But amid the raindrops I had a startling revelation. The Riders are only 2 home wins away from the Grey Cup.

Wild, I know. But with a win at home versus Calgary the Green & White will host the West Final. Win that, and they are in!

I haven't had the chance to ask Coach Miller about this, but I have to think that the club would have taken this situation in a second back on July 3rd when the season kicked off.

Mosaic is a tough place for visitors to come to, so the chance to win 2 in a row to get to the big dance has to an exciting proposition!

Esks Could Be in Cold...Again

Danny Maciocia is good at one thing...In fact he may be the best at it since Matt Millen was running the Detroit Lions. That's keeping his job.

Let's take a look at the Maciocia era in Edmonton. After inheriting a team, Maciocia did manage to win a Grey Cup in 2005, but since then...not so much.

First went the longest streak in North American Pro sports streak missing the playoffs for the first time in 35 years when the Green and Gold missed in 2006 by finishing 4th in the West. The Maciocia led Eskies promptly followed that campaign with a dismal 4th place finish in 2007, missing the post-season for the second straight year.

2008 must be considered a bounce back year. the team won 10 games, but finished 4th in the West for a third consecutive year. The only reason they were allowed into the playoffs is because of the pitiful teams in the East and the CFL's generous allowance of 75% of its clubs into the post season.

Now, 2009 and all the optimism it started with as Maciocia had stepped down as Coach and turned the ropes over to Richie Hall. The team brought in free-agents, kept their core on offence and seemed to be poised to return to glory. NOT. The team continues to underachieve and after last night's thrashing at the hands of the Stampeders, they look destined fr their fourth-fourth place finish in a row.

To see just how the once proud franchise has fallen to such depths, one need not look any further than the man at the top of the Football Operations depth chart: Danny Maciocia,
General Manager & Director of Football Operations.
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At what point do we stop calling Ricky Ray an 'elite quarterback' in this league? In a huge matchup against a divisional rival late in the season. Ray managed to drive his team to ZERO TD's. Sure, I understand he has almost all the stats to back up the argument that he is one of the best. But in the last 4 years he's missing the main number that matters. WINS.

Tough Call

Taking a step back and reading the rules and yeah, maybe it was a foul. But the penalty called on John Chick is a tough pill to swallow for the RiderNation.

Taken in the context of the game, Henry Burris had been able to escape what appeared to be sure tackles on a few occasions. In fact, one could argue maybe the whistle should have been blown on those plays. So after seeing this for four quarters, one can hardly blame John Chick for his actions.

This is football right? You do still play to the whistle right? Henry was rolling around and trying to get up right?

Turn the tables. If that was Darian Durant flailing around on the turf and somebody landed on him, Rider supports would scream bloody murder for a flag. But the referee is not a fan and must separate between colors.

The magnitude of the call was so massive because of the result...Almost 30 yards in field position and some hope for the Stamps. Enough hope to allow them to pretty much move the ball at will on a deflated defence.

Check out Rob Vanstone of the Leader Post. He maybe sums up this situation better than anyone. As he usually does!
http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/football/roughriders-football/VANSTONE+Unnecessary+roughness+against+Roughriders+necessary+call/2116071/story.html#
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Enough negative, let's hit the positive. DD was A+. Durant once again fashioned together a 4th quarter scoring drive that gave his team a chance. Then he made the plays he needed to in OT to have his team come home in first place. Its getting harder and harder to be a Durant detractor. Sure, they still make up stuff about his arm strength and his interception numbers, but when it comes down to it, the only number that matters is in the 'W' column and he has as many as anybody in the West.
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The Pats are showing life. The Blue & White took 3 of a possible 4 points at home this weekend and looked much improved doing it. There is still a long ways to go, but if the get decent goaltending, they have a chance every night with Jordan Eberle dominating the way he does.
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If you are bored one night and looking for some good action, check the schedule and see if the Warriors are playing. I'm not wrong very often, but these guys look to be making a fool out of me. I said the Tribe would make the playoffs this year, but the way they are believing in themselves and playing right now, they might quickly become a contender for the league. I know, its a long season, but Hunchak et al are really looking good and I'm not just talking about Dave's suits.
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Too bad for my fantasy opponent this weekend who started Eli Manning over Tom Brady. As Tom Vernon told me, "Stick with your horses"...I did, and won!
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Cougar Tracks on Global Wednesday on News Final promises to be fun. A special guest interviewer spoke to the U of R Cougars Women's BBall Coach Dave Taylor....This team is easily my favorite in town.
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Speaking of the U of R. I'm working on a special feature that you are going to want to check out. Its coming in a couple of weeks and trust me, there will be lots of pub for it. Its going to be fun.
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Trino's Men's Wear is my favorite shop in the city. They have their own line of shirts in right now that are absolutely awesome...My wardrobe is growing because of them. No doubt that soon when you see me, I'll be wearing something from this great store on Quance.
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Press Box sports bar has Buffalo Ranch wings that are amazing! Rod Pedersen and Tom Vernon combined to convince me of the non-breaded version. So good!
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Did Chris Szarka ask Ken Miller to help him in his campaign for City Council? Lol...He sure saw the ball alot and likewise the endzone. Lots of free pub this weekend. Great game for the vet.
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Cheers

Thems the Breaks

Bad news. I'm sure you've all heard by now that Weston Dressler is out for awhile, possibly the season with a broken fibula. Tough loss in a game the Riders won, but its not the end of the world.

Yes, Dressler was headed for his 2nd straight 1,000 yard season in receiving, the first time a Rider pass catcher would accomplish that since Don Narcisse did it in the mid 90's. And sure, #7 was probably going to be in the discussion for the Riders MOP (along with John Chick & Stevie Baggs). But this is football and it takes 12 guys pulling in the same direction to be successful.

So, what are the options? How about this theory. Slide Gerran Walker into Dressler's spot and put Chris Jones back on the roster. Simple, no ratio problems, just a 1 for 1 switch. And Walker has shown good speed and great elusiveness in recent games, he may not be the same as Dressler, but he's the closest thing the Riders have.

In Jones, the Riders are convinced there is some shine if they can just get to it under the dust. In fact, he was thought of highly enough to start the season at the wide out spot, so he mustn't be bad.
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I'm tired of receivers asking for a flag every time that a ball is thrown in their direction and they don't make a catch. BRUTAL...This is football, not figure skating. Suck it up. Maybe the leagues should look into throwing a flag for these whiners when they try and influence the call. Really, they are showing up the officials when they do this. In hockey if you pulled a stunt like that you'd get "T'ed" up for a pair.
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ATTN: Scott Moore @ CBC. Please get rid of Don Cherry.
I've been a huge supporter of Coach's Corner over the years, but the time has come to send Grapes out to pasture. This weekend I caught him saying that a player who had his thumb bitten by another player should just suck it up and quit crying. Sorry Don, but even the WWE doesn't allow biting anymore, nor should the NHL.
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I may have been wrong about the Moose Jaw Warriors. They might not just make the playoffs, they may contend for the East Division title. The Tribe took down the #1 Calgary Hitmen twice in a week. Jason Bast is sick. This kid may not have the most talent, but there is no doubt that there is not a more determined player in the league. Unreal! He outworks even the concession people! In fact, if I catch him serving burgers at intermission before going back on the ice to score another goal I wouldn't be shocked! His leadership is spreading thru the team like and mad disease. The result. Wins!
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I'm already excited about USC/ND this weekend.

NHL Drops Puck

Wow, hockey season is already here in the bigs! Last night I only got a chance to tune into the second game of HNIC's double header.

First thoughts were "Really, Kevin Weeks?" Now while the former goalie really didn't add any insight into the part of the game that I watched, he at least seemed to realize his limitations and played it between the lines. I'll certainly give the guy a while to get comfortable to his new role before passing any judgement. I thought he was ok and no doubt nervous, but he didn't come off as a know it all, and I liked that.
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Could the NHL please talk to its officials and clarify to them that ans and spectators aren't their to watch them. Since when did lifting a guy's stick constitute a hooking call? Honestly, I had to turn the channel in the first period after being forced to watch the refs decide the game in the first 15 minutes by handing Calgary PP after PP. Credit the Flames for capitalizing, wait a sec, I'll never credit the Flames for anything.
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Was that Hakan Loob wearing the 'C' for Calgary last night? I hated those jerseys in the 80's and I still hate them today.
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Let's see if the Pats can ride the momentum of Eberle being back in town this weekend. A couple of home wins and the Blue & White are back to 500.
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Warriors take their first long trip of the year to Alberta this weekend. The Tribe will face a real test in the number 1 team in the country on Sunday in Calgary. Nice for Hunchak et al to have an early season measuring stick like that.
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Hard to believe I'm this far into this blog and this is the first Rider talk I have. I just figure that most people who come here are passing by after reading Roddy's blog, and they've got all the best dirt on the Green & White already. However, I will say to watch Global this week for a potentially big story and another edition of OTF.

Bits & Bites

Mark it down. The Moose Jaw Warriors are a playoff team.

I know they've only played 5 games, but the way they are playing is real impressive. Last year's dismal record is long forgotten by this group of kids ho hit the ice every shift with dogged determination.

Look no further than co-captain Jason Bast for the motor of this squad. The 20 year old doesn't take a stride let alone a shift off. He just keeps coming at you and the rest of the squad follows suit.

Contrary to popular belief, this team can score goals. In fact one of the most impressive aspects of this squad is the depth that they are rolling out. The Tribe boast three hard working lines that can all put the biscuit in the basket.

And their backend in Moose Jaw, well it looks better than Megan Fox's. Hamonic & Stanton anchor a solid 6 that are certainly in the top 5 in the conference.
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Red Sox & Yankees are both officially in the playoffs. Now I actually care about baseball.
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No NHL team in Hamilton. I'm shocked.
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This weather sucks. Bye bye summer. Hello NHL season.
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Congrats to Amber Holland and her rink in their big win at the Schmirler. Just add one more Saskatchewan women's team to that of the best in the World. This event featured teams that will represent China (current World Champs), Japan, Russia and the US at the 2010 games and Holland was the cream of the crop!
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Lastly today. This sportscaster is leading the fantasy football league that is comprised of various sports reporters and personalities in and around town. I'm 3-0 and go up against some team name the Fury who are 0-3 and managed by a dude named Fox.

Reminds Me of Good Times

Got to check this out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT2XyIBMWUY

If this doesn't remind you of a story that you have that starts, "One time at a Rider game..."

Fans in this province and of the Green and White are some of the most passionate, but this one may take the cake.

Weekend Notes

First up, is Dave Hunchak not one of the best? The Warriors Coach is always willing to chat, be frank and talk a little bit about how to look good in a suit. Oh yeah, and he's got one heck of a hockey team. This guy has the Tribe making the playoffs.

The Pats let out a collective sigh of relief after last night's game as it was released that Jordan Eberle is coming back to the club. Not a second too soon either. This team barely has one scoring line and the 19 year olds skill and work ethic should give the club a boost. But each and every player on the squad must improve their compete level and that is especially true of a couple of vets.

I don't know if there are better people in the world than curlers. Really! Once again it is just fantastic to be able to hang around this group. On Friday I spoke to Sheri Singler and she informed me of the dark circumstances following Stefanie Lawton and sister Marliese Kasner. She didn't have to talk about it, but she did. Why? Because she understands and wants others to understand. All my best to the girls in this trying time for the family, but maybe now there can be some peace for them.

Funny how life works. With Lawton and Kasner at home with their mother who ultimately lost her battle with cancer on Saturday morning, the team played on with subs. Who stepped up? Jan Betker and Joan McCusker. Members of Sandra Schmirler's team. Ironic, but it just shows what kind of people these are. They never forget and will always help out.

The Riders win! It was kinda one of those keep the lights off victories, but hey, it still counts in the W column. I just get a kick out of all those people that still bang on Darian Durant. He threw 3 interceptions...so what...He won! Who is the all-time leader in interception passes in the NFL? Brett Favre is the answer and people seem to think he's ok.

Speaking of Favre. If you haven't seen the game winning touchdown pass he threw yesterday, watch it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un3B7Og-FS0

That's it for now..Got to get ready for the Monday Nighter...Starts in like 8 hours.

That's Pats

Last night was only the third game of the year and the Pats first win, but its a tone setter for the club.

With the return of Colten Teubert and Matt Delahey, the Pats looked like the gritty hard hitting team they will need to be for the year.

Players not usually known for their physical play were stepping into Saskatoon Blades players all over the ice. Hrcina, Strueby and Metz all delivered body blows, but the tone was set early when Colten Teubert delivered a knockout like blow early on with a bone rattling hit.

Teubert was a physical presence all night long and looked like the 1st rounder he is. If he plays like this all year, opposition forwards will be taking a couple looks up when they're coming towards the Pats blueline.

Brett Leffler demonstrated what I thought was not only leadership, but a strong message to his team. With Garrett Mitchell trying to get off the ice in obvious pain from blocking a shot with his hand, one gutless Blades player thought it'd be a good idea to ram him into the boards. Leffler responded with an attack. The flurry of blows that he pulverized his opponent with may have cost the Pats a few minutes in penalties, but his team responded behind him and everybody with a red helmet on grew about 3 inches behind his actions.

Oh, by the way. Did you know Leffler clinched the game in the shootout and didn't even raise his stick. No big deal. Put the 'C' on #24 right now!

This is the Pats team that Regina has been waiting to see. Now let's see if they can keep it up.

Game Great - Extras Not

At least the Tampa Bay Lightning had NHL jerseys on, even if many of the players in them may not skate in the show this year.

The caliber of hockey displayed on the Brandt Centre ice last night was nothing short of very good, too bad the same couldn't be said for the ice itself.

Preseason is a time for teams to evaluate what they have. Even the Pats failed to ice any of their stars in their Blue and White game in Lumsden, leaving many fans there to watch a lot of kids that will be in the SJHL this year.

I don't blame Tampa Bay for fielding a squad that they wanted to look at, but I do fault GM Brian Lawton and Head Coach Rick Tocchet for saying that their stars would be on the ice when the game was announced.

The NHL is a massive business and production. I doubt very much that the Tampa brass are concerned whether or not fans in the QC get to see their favorite player or not. To the Lightning, they need to use this game to see what they have. And as a horrible unit last year, they need all the looks they can get and I'm quite sure Vinny or Marty or Victor aren't the guys they need to evaluate.

Speaking of evaluations, here's one for the operation that hosted the event. Poor. This was supposed to be Regina's big league game, but it was quite evident that its was run by a small town group that has never been to a Pats game little lone an NHL matchup.

First off, thanks for the pre-game meal and media room. Oh, that's right, it didn't exist. Seriously. It was also nice of them to not really enforce any of their 'strict' security rules that they had in place. It looked like a rock concert downstairs after the game with all kinds of people milling around.

The press area was so stellar that minutes before the game, print reporters were trying to switch seats with TV reporters so that they could access the one extension cord provided for their laptops.

How about the 3 TV timeouts a period, or the 2 intermissions. Where was the entertainment that often accompanies such a game. Anything would have been better than the privilege of listening to Poker Face. Good song, but come on. No T-shirts shot into the crowd? Not even some kind of goofy blind folded game at the break? Nope, Nothing, Nada. And by the way, thanks for paying 'Big League' prices for a 'Little League' production. All that people seem to want to talk about is who wasn't on the ice, but I say maybe more chat should be directed at what wasn't even at the game.

It's a good thing that the Game Ops staff had a few of the fine Pats people backing them up and bailing them out. Otherwise this would have been nothing less than a complete disaster from where I sat, which was exactly in front of the drunk guy who was standing on the concourse asking me who was playing!

After all that ranting, it must be noted. The quality of the game was excellent as Kovalev, Fisher and Spezza dazzled with their speed and skill. The level the game was played at won't be rivaled until the WJHC gets here. Hopefully the level of the Operations is raised by that time.

Reminds Me of Clermont

If you want to get it from the horse's mouth, here it is.

http://www.kamaupeterson.com/blog.html

This is quite the read on what its like in the CFL, straight from one of its own. I couldn't help but think of the Jason Clermont situation while reading this.

Clermont comes home to play with the Riders, but doesn't have the numbers that fans are accustom to seeing from the Regina product. Why? Are his skills diminishing? Is he miscast in the scheme? Plethora of receivers in Green & White?

I don't think its any one answer, but probably a number of factors for the reduced numbers, but there is one key stat that isn't kept that doesn't show Clermont's contribution to the Riders.

Coach Miller touched on it this week how the veteran receiver has not once made any noise about his role. In fact, he's been quite the opposite. Clermont continues to be a pro, helping the younger receivers and even at times the coaches. His hands are still as good as gold and his determination is second to none.

Players like Derrick Armstrong could maybe look at the 2-Time Most Outstanding Canadian and learn a thing or two. It seems all of the Riders receivers are!

Don't think for a second that Andy Fantuz doesn't look over and notice how Clermont carries himself. It could only help the younger become an even more complete player.

So while the numbers may be down, the contribution appears never to have been higher.

Riders Nuke Bombers/CFL Rule Suggestion

WOW...LMAO...LOL

Yeah, that about sums it up in the new language of 'T-Bombing'. The Riders absolutely thrashing the Bombers 55-10 was about as brutal as I've ever seen.

Winnipeg is so bad that they should consider paying people to come watch them. What a side show, punctuated my Michael Bishop smiling on the sidelines. Seriously, this guy doesn't get it. A week before he flashed that same smug grin at reporters after his PR guy shut down an interview. Kinda like his career is shutting down. How was that 'ass-whooping' you promised SSK? That worked about as well as calling the coin toss. Really, the Coach can't even trust him to call heads or tails!!

The line about this guy is that 'he's athletic, has a great arm and always has potential for a big play'. Great! Potential means you never live up to expectations or talent. No disrespect, but he's brutal.

BUT, not as brutal as the entire team. Was the pigskin greases yesterday? or was that more of a smell of pig barns, kinda reminiscent of the Bombers play. These guys are supposed pros, but they coughed up more than a 90 year old smoker. Embarrassing.
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RULE SUGGESTION
Siddeeq Shabazz. Could you be anymore of a cheap shot artist. How did that guy last the entire game with his list of late hits and shots to the head. Take your beating like a man pal, cause you've got a few more coming this year.

Note to Mark Cohon and CFL officials. How about we amend the rules to disqualify a player that gets two major fouls in a game Soccer does it! Why not keep track of them and suspend a player for a game after he gets 5 in a season? They are brutal plays that are intended to injure. Get losers like that off the field!

BTW. Darian Durant. Anyone questioning the QB now?

Bombs Falling in Winnipeg

Does it get any crazier than what is going on in the Keystone Province this summer?

Last weekend the Bombers were in town and we in the media had the joy of our first media scrum with Mike Kelly. I found him polite, articulate and well mannered. But something smells rotten in Denmark, and it ain't just that usually Portage and Main stink.

Now veteran linebacker Baron Simpson wants out of Bomber-Town. Its remarkable just how many negative stories keep coming out of the Peg this season. They're going thru veterans faster than a newborn goes thru diapers. Spygate, the Lefors incident, bringing in Michael Bishop.

The team is also bunkering in like Hitler in his last few days. Last weekend their media guy intervened during a Michael Bishop interview and apparently Simpson was 'unavailable' for comment in the Bombers' locker room.

Whatever is happening behind closed doors seems to be spilling out onto the field. The team is 3-6 starting the second half of the season and slipping closer and closer to missing a playoff spot if they don't run their plane around.

Stay tuned...No doubt there will be more out of Manitoba any second now, unless ofcourse they slam the doors shut again, in which case, the next story is already happening!

Bishop Checkmates Media

Interesting media scrum today after the Bombers walkthru. First off, media was only allowed to shoot in the first 10 minutes of the Winnipeg onfield session. Too bad for the TV stations that nobody informed us of that little fact. Oh well, not like you get much anyways, but at least we could have shot some visuals then, instead of waiting for some action shots which we quickly found out after 5 seconds, we couldn't use.

Then come the interview. Bishop in rare form, completely avoided the questions, just saying he was "focused on the game"...No sour grapes, no extra motivation, nothing? Yeah right.

During the entire interview the Bombers' PR guy kept edging closer and closer to the scrum with each question. Finally after CJME's Jamie Nye asked "Which parking lot the fight took place in"..Bishop countered that he was once again "focused on the game"...As Nye tried a follow up question he was promptly cut off by the Bombers' PR personnel and told the scrum that Michael had answered the question.

Well, actually he didn't. Not even close. Listen, I understand the job of the PR guy and respect what he's doing, but let us do what we need to as well. Bishop is the one saying he was let go because of a fight in the parking lot, if its true, then lets hear about it. Instead, he gets to walk away with a smile on his face after avoiding dealing with his statements.

Comment of the Day: "If there was a fight you have to know that no punches landed. Bishop couldn't connect with anybody, he overthrew every time." author unknown

Kinda funny, huh?

'Classic' Weekend Coming

This is it, Labour Day!

As if the annual Bombers/Riders clash didn't already have enough fuel, this year's will be explosive. Mike Kelly, Michael Bishop and now, maybe Pacman Jones. Wow!

I've been waiting for this game since Bombers' Coach Mike Kelly made is now infamous 'crotch' comment about the QC. My excitement level rose to new highs when the Derrick Armstrong incident prompted "its a non-issue, we're handling it internally". Now with all the Pacman Jones talk, I can hardly wait for Saturday when the questions "rain" down on the Winnipeg Coach.

To say the least, Kelly has been a polarizing figure in his first year at the helm. You could say he's almost the complete opposite of Riders' Coach Ken Miller. Fans of the Green and White sometimes criticize Miller for being to calm and quiet. Well, be careful what you wish for, cause Kelly is the other end of the rainbow. Which is better or worse? That is in the eye of the beholder.

What will the line of questioning be when Winnipeg touches down in Regina? There are son many places to go. How packed will the Green and White lounge be for Mike Kelly's presser?

Will Kelly say anything controversial or just play it safe? Oh, I can't wait!!

The game is quickly becoming a footnote before the history is even written. Of course the 60 minutes on the field is all that matters, but on this rarest of occasions, I find myself more interested in the frame than the picture.

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There is also a pretty big game going on at Mosaic on Friday. Mark Mueller will be the starting Quarterback for the U of R Rams when they kick off their season on against the Manitoba Bison. Mueller is the grandson of late legend Ron Lancaster, making this a passing of the torch on the hallowed grounds.

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When you add it all up, two great games will be played in Regina this Labour Day weekend, but the stories around the contests will no doubt be 'instant classics'.

Odds & Ends

Michael Vick cheered in Philly, Dany Heatley booed in Calgary. Irony!

The Pats have picked up where they left off, losing. Who cares, its pre-season.

Speaking of pre-season, can we start the NFL already?

Team Canada. Are we really picking the team already? Do we have to know who the Captain will be? My only comment is that Mike Richards better be on the team. He's a winner!

Mark Mueller looks to be more than ready to guide the U of R Rams into the season.

Word has it that Bekki Schmidt has a bum ankle that could keep her out of game action until the season starts. How good does the pick-up of Joanna Zalesiak look now for Dave Taylor's group.

Zalesiak is a 5'9" 20 year old that can play the 1 or 2 position. And more than that, she is a joy to talk to. The "Polish Princess"will be heard from both on the court and on the air-waves this season.

Gabby Gheyssen: Golfs, plays hoops, pours drinks and is studying to be an accountant. WOW!

Finally got down to the 85 mark this week.

Woodsy has had two different players in his foursome hit hole in ones this week. Crazy! He hasn't seen one in 47 years on the course, now two in a week. I'm booking a tee-time as we speak.

What will the Riders look like in the second half? and more importantly, the 2nd half (7 points in 3rd quarter this year)?

Thunder making noise in the PFC. Good chance they are 3-1 and in first place at the midway point of the season.

Could the Blue Jays win in AAA?

The Press Box is the best place to grab a bite on the weekend for this guy!

Trip to Toronto rocked. Great tour of Sportsnet, watch Prime Time Sports and go to a Red Sox Jays game! Does it get better?

Over and Out for now.

Warriors Camp

I ran into Coach Hunchak after the Warriors Balck&White game last night. He flat out told me to keep on top of this blog. Nice to see that he reads.

Speaking of the Warriors, this is a team that should be vastly improved this year. The team doesn't lose any 20 year olds and their returning players have another year under their belt.

Travis Hamonic will anchor the back end and looked smooth last night, not ever getting beat and carrying the puck at will.

Upfront, Quinton Howden is bigger and faster as a 17 and will no doubt be the offensive leader on this squad. Jason Bast is back and after a short chat with him its evident this kid is ready to guide the Tribe towards a playoff spot.

The only question might be in net as to who will be there and how they'll play. Both Jeff Bosch and Devan Dubyk are back and if they play well, I see the Warriors sneaking into a playoff spot.

The Tribe are off to Edmonton for the pre-season tourney and then back home on the 5th to start their exhibition season.

And peaking into the crystal ball, former GM Chad Lang's final first pick looks to have all the potential in the world. Morgan Reilly played most of the night paired up with Travis Hamonic and I really had to look to see if the 15 year old even made one single mistake. Reilly showed incredible season and vision and doesn't hesitate to jump into the play as well. At first look, this kid appears to be a homerun.

Many Questions Around Riders After Loss

Wow! Where to begin? The Defense couldn't get off the field, the Offence couldn't stay on it and they never should have let the Special teams set foot out there in the first place.

The obvious turning point in this game was the fumbled punt by Gerran Walker that turned into 7 points and gave the Lions the lead after it looked like the Riders were set to go into the half out in front. But that was merely one play that only made it a 5 point game.

Where was the pressure on Buck Pierce? The Riders had 9 sacks in the season opener, but Friday they barely got within shouting distance of the Leo's QB.

Why do the Quarterbacks need to hold the ball so long? Are the Rider receivers not getting open? Or are the pivots simply not getting rid of the ball? If I can predict the play before the snap, you might think the other team is going to figure it out! Why did it take till the 4th quarter to throw a screen pass? Was Chris Getzlaf (last week's hero) even playing in this game? Do we not have a quick hit crossing route in the playbook? Wasn't BC the worst in the league at defending the run?

The game changed on one special teams play, but can be summed up on another. The on-side kick attempt with less than a minute to go, that didn't even have a chance. Kinda like the Riders.

CFL - Predictably Unpredictable

This weekend marks the 1/3 mark of the season and almost nothing is what it seemed.

Sure, the East is almost as pathetic as most years, but with a little twist this year. Hamilton actually looks like a professional football club. I think most would have predicted Montreal being good and Winnipeg being bad, but Hamilton with a winning record? The Cats declawing the Lions, sweeping the season series? Not many would have the stones to have predicted that.

Now, if Hamilton is a shock, then Winnipeg is just what was scripted. Mike Kelly continues to be more abrasive than an S.O.S. pad. The Bombers Coach seems intent on wearing out his welcome in the Keystone province just as fast as he can. Now, the team is hanging their hopes on Michael Bishop? As one former teammate of Bishop's told me, "All the tools, no box." Good luck Winnipeg, but I don't think I'd worry about a late November trip to Calgary, although the Labour Day Classic should be entertaining!

Toronto. Well, KJ is struggling and has nobody to throw to. I can't say too many people in Saskatchewan are feeling bad for Rob Murphy these days, in fact most of the province has Stevie Baggs's spin move around the outspoken O-Lineman as a screen saver on their computers!

In the West, its more like a game of Yahtzee in '09. The Riders look great, 15 minutes at a time. The Esks look like they can't do anything, then beat down on the Als. Calgary is too busy dancing and looking at themselves with pictures of the Grey Cup to remember they have to play football. As for the Lions, did anybody believe Wally when he said that the team didn't lose much with the departure of Wake and Logan? Oh yeah, wins is the only thing they lost.

However, its REAL early in this wild league called the CFL and no doubt every weekend will continue to present the odd head shaking result, and that's why we love it!

Looking at 43-10 Loss

Was it ugly? Oh yeah! But checking the standings today, it still only shows up as one in the loss column.

There always seems to be a knee-jerk reaction when the Riders offence fails to show much life that it must be the quarterback's fault. In fact, it seems that a number of fans are just waiting for the moment when Darian Durant fails so that they can complain. Well, I don't think you can hang the teams inability to move the ball this week around the neck of DD.

Sure, he is in control and maybe didn't have his best game, but I'm not sure a Ron Lancaster or Kent Austin would have been able to do a whole lot more on Saturday. To often the patch work O-line was unable to hold the Als off, forcing Durant to take flight quicker than he'd like.

As for what was going on downfield, the Riders receivers never seemed to be open. The Als thru a blanket over everyone the Green and White ran out there, forcing Durant into looking at second, third and fourth receivers...while running for his life.

Nobody was doing back flips over the running game, although Wes Cates tried something after his touchdown. This was an offence that looked truly outmatched on every level by its opposition at every position. The good news is, the team doesn't seem to have lost confidence, they just seem angry with their performance. As Jeremy O'Day put it, "sometimes you need a little dirt kicked in your face." Too bad it had to be an entire garden worth in front of a packed house.

The offence isn't the only place to blame...Continuing troubles on special teams allowed for another blocked punt and a lack of any return game left the Riders staring at a long field every time the took the ball.

And last, but certainly not least, maybe its the most...Turnovers. This team needs to hold onto the ball. Period. There is no giant playmaker out there, this is a team of solid players that need to work with machine like efficiency, but when they continually cough up the ball, it makes it tough to keep the engine running. Hold onto it boys.

But as I started this column, the good news is, today is Day 1 of practice and a good number of the Riders problems are correctable before this weekends game versus Richie and the Eskimos.

Riders-Lions Post

Well, she ain't pretty, she just looks that way!

The Riders somehow managed to hang on to a 28-24 win over the visiting BC Lions Friday, in the regular season opener. Although this game resembled more mistakes than Grade 1 spelling test.

15 turnovers. Even two on the same play after a blocked punt was promptly coughed up. It was more of "you take it, I got it, its yours" than anything.

The Riders did show flashes on offence and Darian Durant had moments that made you believe. His first incompletion was certainly one of those. After being flushed from the pocket and having his first read covered, Durant heaved the ball long for Jason Clermont. The ball fell incomplete, but the pass was thrown in a manner that it was either Clermont or nobody. Good decision.

However, Durant did fumble twice, get picked three times and got stuffed on a third and inches...Still work to be done, but after the game his comments summed it up, "The win is all that matters." True that.

The defence sparkled, although there still have to be questions about how they will stop the run. Tad Kornegay was flying around the field, but on at least three occasions he was bulled over by a BC running back or QB. Tackling needs to be sharper.

However, the D did spend more time in the backfield last night than maybe all last season. Lions QB Buck Pierce was under constant pressure and was sacked, get this 9 times. The Green & White only had 28 all of last year. WOW!

Omarr Morgan was terrific. Two picks, and a hustle play that resulted in a fumble recovery! The vet totally led by example and showed that nobody should question or challenge him on the corner.

Jason Clermont had a quiet night, although the crowd did come to its feet with a noisy ovation after he made his one and only catch for 9 yards. It appears that just a little more time is needed for he and Durant to be on the same page, but when they click, it'll present Double D with just another sure handed guy to get the ball too. Weston Dressler proved there is no sophmore jinx here and Andy Fantuz looked every bit the All-Canadian. Three great hands guys, all Durant has to do is get them the ball.

So, in the end it was quantity over quality as the Riders pick up the 2 points, even if it looked like one of the ugly step-sisters.

Check out Global sports at 6 & 11 today to see a full wrap of the game. Tomorrow I'll have a story with Commish Mark Cohon.

Not So FREE Agent Frenzy

As I sit here watching the opening day of the CFL season, I feel the need to write about the NHL.  Today is perhaps the day that smart people make dumb moves, just because they have to.

Remember the days back on the playground where you felt the need to always one up another kid (of course I'm speaking to the guys, girls would never be so dumb).  You know, watching some kid jump from the swings and try a spinerama from 10 feet in the air.  You felt compelled to try a double twist from at least a dozen feet.  Stupid huh?  

But its not unlike the opening day of free agency in the NHL as GM's do their best impersonation of a 12 year old boy by trying to make the flashiest jump even if it risks their team's future.

Marian Hossa a 12 year deal?  Serious?  What are the Hawks thinking?  What will they do when Jon Toews has a contract due, or Patrick Kane, or Duncan Keith?  Crazy to say the least.

Now, I'd expect a bonehead move out of the Rangers who have made a habit of grossly overpaying players and they did it again with Marion Gaborik.  No doubt he's one of the most dynamic players in the league, albeit for about 40 games a year he actually suits up for (his average over the last 3 years).  And let's be honest, he's not even a point a game player over his career.

How about the Habs trying to show they're new found owners wealth?  Mike Cammallllerrriiii or should I just call him Mr. $$$.  6 million for a guy who had a career year playing along with Iggy and he still didn't crack the 40 goal mark.  Umm, I figure he'll be worth about $250,000 a goal this year...

The Sedins found out quickly just how much everybody thought of them...They wanted a Hossa deal and in the end got a decent deal.  Good on the Canucks for not caving.  I still think they overpayed a bit, but they did however keep their marquee players.  Too bad they fade like a flower everytime May rolls around.

I hate to say it, but maybe the top two teams during this week might be the Flames and Leafs.  Calgary adds hot young stud D man Jay Bouwmeester without really giving up anything.  Although, wasn't this a team with cap problems last year?  Where do they free up the cash?

As for the Leafs, giving up Kubina and getting Komisarek  to replace him is a huge upgrade and frees up some cash.  Although, the Buds still have a few holes to plug.

The Oil do better than break even as they lose Roli, but gain the Bulin Wall.  However, the need to dump some dead weight in the form of #27 and that brings us to the final deal of the day, or shall I say deal in the works.

The Heatley saga.  Sorry Dany, but you can't demand a trade and then try and demand where you go...Doesn't work like that in the new NHL.  You my friend will be playing in Edmonton or Berne...Either way, shut up and score some goals.

In an era where teams are losing money and the economy is in the toilet, the NHL GM's managed to spend in excess of $430 million dollars.  Just a shade more than my gambling losses in Vegas, although, I'm sure I had a better chance of winning.

The last 2 Cup winners, how were they built?  Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Lidstrom all drafted to the Motor City.  Crosby, Malkin and Fleury, yep, they were drafted to the Steel City. 

Maybe GM's should spend a few more bucks on scouting and little less time trying to jump off the swings higher than their peers, in an effort to prove their boyhood.

Viva La NHL

Ahhh...The desert heat on my back and all I could think about is why is the NHL not in Las Vegas?

After spending last weekend in Sin City, I just really can't come up with a good idea as why the league doesn't put one of its failing franchises here.  This is a city designed around outings.  Sure the big money flows thru the casinos, but how many shows play on the average night?  I don't know, but there has to be at least 50 or 60, plus the fountains at Bellagio and the volcano at the Mirage or the Sirens show at TI.

And each and every time the curtain goes up, the places are packed.  Hockey would be just one more outing for people to see.  Sure, there may not be a huge season ticket base, although Vegas is continually one of the faster growing cities in the States, so people isn't an issue.  And the people that do live there are often from out of town, as was my cabbie from Boston (big Bruins guy).

But imagine a hot March afternoon, what better to do than go to Caeser's, throw down a couple of bucks on the game and then grab a few seats and beers and sit in the cool arena to root for your wager.  I like it.  

Its no different than seeing Love or O or Ka.  And in most cases, a pair of NHL tickets would be cheaper.  

You would think the corporate possibilities are endless.  Casinos giving away tickets as a promotion to get you to stay at their hotel.  "Stay here, get a ticket and a beer!"

And really, if the NHL continues to throw good money after bad at a place like Phoenix, why not take a gamble on LVNV?  I for one would bet on it!

Riders Evaluate Offence???

Pre-season...I mean its just pre-season.  Are we talking about pre-season?

After the Riders 45-12 loss on Wednesday, the team touched down in Regina yesterday afternoon, something they only managed once in Edmonton.  But the team is putting on the "its preseason and the score doesn't matter" face.

Coach Miller said the teams had 'different agendas' and the Riders was to evaluate their young talent.  However true that may be, it also seems that things may have gotten away from them on the offensive side of the ball.

The QB position is far from clear.  By all accounts, Steven Jyles looked to be the top pivot on the field while Durant's numbers are very pedestrian.  Ok, it is the first game action and I for one still believe Darian is the number one guy on this roster.

Another player at the top of his respective depth chart, Wes Cates, didn't play because of his lingering shoulder issue.  In fact, nobody has been able to say when he might play.  That would have me looking hard at his fill in replacement.  But the Riders only handed off the ball 11 times.  Stu Foord had 4 carries while Hugh Charles toted the ball 3 times.  

Maybe the team is set to go with these guys, but I would have thought a little more evaluation could have went into what has generally been a big part of the team's offence.

At the receiver position things are just as odd, although it is harder to complete a pass than to hand off to a back.  Now, while I accept that Jason Clermont would be my target in the hurry-up like he was for Steven Jyles, I'm fairly certain the staff has to be comfortable with the 7-year vet.  After his 4 receptions, only 6 other balls were caught by Rider receivers and 4 of those went to Bam Childress.  Johnny Quinn and Chris Getzlaf picking up one each.

Where are all the rest of the receivers?  Chris Jones & Todd Blythe have looked good in camp, but were shadows in this game.  Maybe that is the evaluation, maybe they couldn't get open?  Tough to believe that two receivers catch 80% of the balls.  That will need to be rectified.

I won't talk evaluating the offensive line because these guys will be fine when the season starts, although as a team they did give up 5 sacks.  However, the young guys played a lot in this one.  When July 3rd rolls around, this group will be solid as a rock as always.

So as it goes, the team has alot of evaluating to do and only one game to do it, home against the defending Grey Cup champs from Calgary.  It'll be interesting to see who gets what reps and what the evaluating process might be in that game.

But remember, this is pre-season...Yeah, we're talking about pre-season.

Riders Day 4

Seemingly a real uneventful day during camp, but the one thing I did find interesting was what happened afterwards. Juan Joseph and Dalton Bell staying late to work on some reps with Chris Jones serving as the receiver. Joseph was still on the field after the media horde had finished interviews and left for the day.

Stu Foord left early and was seen with an ice pack on his leg. Coach Miller called it a bruise and nothing serious, he's day-to-day.

The team continued to go thru their second practice without pads on today.

I saw several passes get away on the QB's today, either sailing high or not getting to the back on a screen. Maybe not their best day of camp.

Coach Miller is positive about Bam Childress and Casey McGahee and their punt returning capabilities. The team struggled at the position last year and the Coach is determined to take Weston Dressler out of that roll so that he can focus on his receiver duties.

Only one week until the first pre-season game in Edmonton. Not much time to get everybody reading on the same page considering the new faces around. But Coach feels that the team is progressing nicely and will be ready.

Born Into Riderville

Its our birthright.  Being born in this province allows a person many things.  The options are endless.  But one thing that isn't an option is becoming a Rider fan.

I never grew up cheering for the Riders because they were a great team.  In fact, for the first decade of my life, they stunk.  But that didn't stop my Dad from taking me to a game every year.  I remember the road trips into the 'Big City', the stop at McDonalds and me trying to be big like my Dad, Uncle and their buddy Del.  I'd order a Big Mac and down the whole thing, at 6 years of age!  

Its a ritual, a religion.  A bonding experience that created a fan of the Green and White.  I followed the team as best I could from a farm north of Midale.  These were the days before TSN.  I'd listen to the games on the radio with Dad, living and dying (mostly dying) with each snap.  Always looking forward to that once a year game when Dad and his buds would take me into that cathedral of football.

I remember a rain soaked day in the East stands watching Terry Greer haul in pass after pass for the Argos.  Oh I didn't like him.  How about 'card day' where the fans were given these green and white cards to hold up on command, making a cool picture in the stands.  Soon after the Riders began to be routed, the cards became giant paper airplanes.  The cheers that day were reserved for how far each plane could make it from the upper deck across the field.

Time passes, but the love for the Green only grows stronger.  The memories of watching 'The Kick' in the basement at the farm with my hockey bud Scott Hood is fresh as a daisy.  How about the run in '97.  I froze my butt of in Edmonton watching  Doug Flutie tear us to bits, man it was awesome to see the Riders in the Grey Cup game.

Then there was 2007.  The Riders in the West final in BC...My brother and I in Seattle to catch a Seahawks game.  We couldn't get back to my cousin's fast enough to check if the Riders had won.  They did and we spent the rest of our night in the Emerald City, arranging tickets, flights and a place to stay.  

One week later, my brother, sister and I were taking my Dad to watch our beloved Riders at the Grey Cup.  The life of a Rider fan had come full circle, with the kids sitting second row with the 'old man'.

And now, I have a son of my own.  As he lay sleeping in his little Rider shirt, I can't help but smile and know that he has no choice but to be devoted to the Green and White.  In a couple of days when the sun shines, he'll make his first trip to Mosaic to see the team he will fall in love with.  And so it goes here in Riderville.

Riders Main Camp Notes

Should I be surprised at the amount of fans in the stands, even though it was cold and raining?  Crazy people, but it shows the care and love there is for this team.

The feel on the field was more like a mid-season practice rather than a tryout.  Alex Smith barking out play calls was great to hear.  That to me means Rider football.  

Wes Cates was on the field taking part, but afterward Coach Miller labelled him doubtful for game #1 of the season.  That could mean trouble.  Hopefully the club waits until he's 100% before they run Cates out in game action and not risk him having a lingering shoulder injury all season.

Juan Joseph continues to get stronger as the camp goes on.  I know he's only been on the field a few days, but he has improved each time.

Jason Clermont looked like, well, Jason Clermont.  The ball came his way, he caught it, he turned straight upfield.  Great to see!

Seeing Clermont and Andy Fantuz take a run at the line at the same time is a beautiful thing and is going to be quite a scary sight for opposing teams.

Speaking of Clermont, veteran Eddie Davis is glad he doesn't have to run into him this year!  Davis a longtime vet with the team chuckled when asked if he likes camp.  And while he's excited about football, he says no veteran is excited for two a day workouts.

Gene Makowsky basically said the same thing.  And the weather certainly didn't help matters.  Rain and sleet and cold.  The veteran O-lineman was asked if he is willing to help the young guys, even if they are after his roster spot.  Graciously he says he'll help anyone and if they want his job..more power to them!  I really think his job is one that is pretty safe.

Schultzie was curiously serious in an exclusive interview with GlobalTV.  Although he is pumped about the number of local players on the team, not just because they are from the 306, but because they are good players.

Coach Miller continues to be a treat to be around.  He's honest and accommodating.  The Coach stood by in the rain, waiting for the interviews to finish so that he could do his media scrum.  On a brutal day, Miller stood and chatted with reporters for nearly 10 minutes while the rain came down and while his wife patiently stood by.  

Glad Miller is nothing like those folks in Winnipeg who only allow the media to shoot during the first 15 minutes of practice.  Wow, Winnipeg seems to be blowing up from the inside out, and now there going to have the media dropping 'bomb'ers on them.

The boys back on the field today and Tuesday morning, before a later go on Wednesday.

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Tiger and Roger...Really?  

I think Roger has now proved he is the best all-time.  No disrespect to Pistol Pete, but they both have 14 majors but Roger has the Slam.  Incredible stuff.  Not even some jokester could rattle RF.

Then there is Tiger.  Oh yeah, how good was his back nine?  The chip for eagle.  The birdie on 17.  Oh and that approach to seal the deal on 18.  

In his 6 stroke play tournaments since returning from his hiatus all Woods has done is finish in the Top 10 every time out and win 2 of those events.  

Right now is a great time to be a sports fan, because two of the greatest atheletes of all-time are in their prime and we get to witness it.

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Lakers!  Doc Halladay!  Hopefully Game 7!

Riders Ready For Main Camp

One more sleep.  That's all that separates the misery of the off-season from the joys of a new year.  It's been over 210 days since the Riders last scrimmaged in a game and oh how things have happened since that fateful Saturday afternoon in November.

Unfortunately for the Green and White, most of the off-season news has been bad.  Despite signing hometown star Jason Clermont,the team has been followed by a black cloud at virtually every other turn.

The Tillman case, the departure of Richie Hall, the exodus of defensive players (Jones, Lloyd, McKenzie, Gordon...) are all stories the team would probably rather not put press releases out about.

But, all that is in the past and with the start of camp, hope springs eternal.  Coach Miller has a little bounce in his step.  D-Coordinator Etcheverry smiled briefly on Friday.  Alex Smith gave a wink and a nod.  Despite everything that's gone on off the field, this team looks as if they're ready to get down to business on it.

As the players try and construct a game on the field, the heavy construction to add new seats on the south side of the west stands is ongoing.  Just one sign that things are good in the land of the green.  But in many ways, the two acts are mirroring each other.

The Riders go into camp with some serious questions at the Quarterback & Linebacking positions.  Only time will tell if the team has the right answers for these spots, but it will take that time.  The Riders coaches, players and fans all need to show the patience of a surgeon on this one.  

The team is headed into camp with 68+ hopefuls and really only a few starters spots up for grabs.  Hopefully the key positions sort themselves out in a clear manner. Hopefully the skies stay clear for the next couple of weeks. 

We'll see in a few weeks first hand when the team hosts its pre-season game on the 23rd.  But until then, it'd be to quick to crown or clobber anyone at any position.

Riders Rookie Camp Day 2

Well, if the coaches were hoping to see what the rookies could do on a typical Saskatchewan day, they got it! A cool, breezy, rainy morning awaited the young guns as they tried to impress.

Day 1 standout Todd Blythe continued to catch virtually everything that came his way. At 6'5" the Iowa State product is a big target that has drawn comparisons to former Denver Broncos standout, Ed McCaffrey.(No doubt Rob Vanstone from the LP is drooling). "We're both tall and white" quipped back Blythe. Great stuff. Tall, good hands and funny! He's a keeper.

Justin Beaver made the catch of the day doing his best Weston Dressler imitation by laying out for a pass.

Chris McKenzie was one of the players singled out by Coach Miller as being impressive. The Arizona State DB shows tremendous closing speed on the ball and even though he's only 5'9" he was able to defend the tall Blythe on an under thrown ball.

The Riders first pick in this year's draft, Tamon George continued to look just a little bit out of place. The rookie corner is just a half step behind at this point in camp. Although he did say he was feeling more comfortable by the end of today.

Overall the drills today seemed to run a bit smoother as it appeared most of the players had become a little more comfortable with their surroundings and the nerves had wore off.

Eberle Talks Coaches

There has been a lot of turnover in the coaching ranks both in the WHL and the NHL recently. Last week both the Regina Pats and Edmonton Oilers hired their new coaches, one of which will have the pleasure of having young star Jordan Eberle on their team.

Eberle was picked in the first round by the Oilers at last year's entry draft, so he'll head to camp this fall and tryout for his old World Jr. Coach Pat Quinn. If the Oilers choose to season their budding talent for another year, he'll return to the Pats who are now back under the guidance of Curtis Hunt. Here's some of the things Eberle had to say about his coaches:

Q) What do you think about the Pats bringing Curtis Hunt back?
EBERLE: It's tough to see Dale (Derkatch) go but, Huntsy, obviously the records we had with him here was tremendous. He's a great coach and everyone respects him.

Q) Is it exciting to know Hunt spent a year coaching in the NHL? Will it help you?
EBERLE: He's going to be a guy that's learned a lot in the last year. He's seen the Spezza's and Heatley's. The thing for me going into the season, I want to win.

Q) What kind of coach is Curtis Hunt?
EBERLE: He's not a big screamer and yeller but he's got this look that you know if he's not happy and he looks at you. In that way, he portrays himself, it's awesome. He credits guys, but when you're not playing well, he'll definitely let you know.

Q) What do you think about Edmonton hiring Pat Quinn?
EBERLE: (Laughing) I was pretty excited when I heard that. I've had him for two tournaments now. He's one of the better coaches I've ever had. He has that respect level with him. He's done so well with Hockey Canada and obviously being an NHL coach for a long time.

Q) Do you think its a big benefit that you've left an impression on Quinn already?
EBERLE: For him being familiar with me, I think that's something I'm excited about. I'm glad he got the job and its good to see a familiar face.

Eberle is in Calgary, working out and playing some golf for the short summer. He'll be back on the ice at the Oilers spring camp in late June, then to the World Jr. summer camp in August.

Dominguez Defines Class

"The Riders don't owe me anything, in fact, I probably owe them."

Those are the words from #88 on the morning he found out that he wouldn't be invited to Riders training camp.  

After several knee injuries in the last couple of years, the team and the veteran receiver have parted ways, but maybe only temporarily.

Ken Miller would not say that the door is definitely closed on Dominguez's career with the Green & White.  The Coach did say that after evaluating the young talent coming into camp, given the right circumstances, Dominguez could be considered.

Given the Riders woes at keeping receivers healthy the last couple of years, it seems probable that there will be a need at some point during the season to fill a spot.  And really, who better than a guy that has been in the offence for 6 years, is in shape and lives on the north end of town.

For his part, Dominguez says that a move to another team would be unlikely, given his family situation (3 kids under the age of 5) and his business ventures with Exit Fusion Realty.  Dominguez laughs saying that you have to prepare for the end of your career some time and he's had to do it several times, so he is ready if this is it.  But, the 6'3" wideout is very optimistic about a return to Mosaic Stadium.

There are a number of signs that could point to the veteran's return and although out of respect to the Dominguez, I'll leave those out there to the conspiracy theorists to bring up and discuss, but trust me,they are there.

Dominguez was nothing but a pro and an average guy yesterday, which makes him great to chat with.  Matt D stood with me for a 1/2 hour just yakking about his situation in both football and life.  And while its clear that his #1 passion is football, nothing can take the place of his #1 love, his family.  He remains confident he can meld the two and have his family be a part of the Riders family once again this season.

Sports Media 101

Wow...Reading Rod Pedersen's blog and the attached comments over the last 12 hours has presented some interesting insight into the mind of some sports fans.  Or should I say a lack of their minds.

Folks, I'm not here to beat Rod's drum, nor am I here to bring anybody down, but there is a few simple facts about the sports media scene here in Regina and I'm sure its the same in most markets.

The media here all get along with each other fairly well.  Hell, I golf with some of my competitors.  Why?  Aren't we suppose to all be enemies outdoing each other?  Maybe.  But I think the main reason that we get along is that we are all genuinely in the biz for the same reasons, we love it.  That's a common bond that can't be broken.

I think back to the night the Warriors and Pats were the feature game on Sportsnet this year.  After the game a media horde met at the Press Box including members of Rogers Sportsnet, Global, CTV, Leader Post, CBC, CKRM and other freelancers.  No fights.  No arguments.  Simply people laughing and sharing a common passion.

That being said, it does hurt my soul when I see other media outlets getting a story before I do.  I think we all have that desire to be first and best.  If we didn't, we wouldn't be any good.  And I think the level of sports coverage in this city is outstanding, no matter what form of media is distributing it.  We're friends off the ice, but work hard to outdo each other on it.

But people also need to understand, just cause we get along or this guy does that for a living, sometimes there is a code.  Rod Pedersen is privy to a lot of info because of his job, but if he wants to keep his job, he can't let every Tom, Dick and KENT know the details.  Imagine the stories Rod could tell about players and coaches on the road.  I'm sure it would be great for his blog and its readers, but I'm fairly certain it might not be good for his career.

People trust Rod and others like him with info.  The second that trust is betrayed, the relationship is over.  

I'm still fairly new in this town when you compare the longevity of some of the sportscasters here and I can tell you that the relationship between athletes and reporters takes time to build, but only an instant to destroy.  

Last night I felt completely helpless, trying desperately to get someone to confirm to me that Curtis Hunt is the new Head Coach of the Pats.  Now, while I exhausted every possibility I had at my resources and had sources lead me to believe it was true, I couldn't get them to give me a firm 'yes'.  And you know what, I respect them for that.  

Its all about trust, and while I'm working on building mine, people like Rod have spent a decade growing theirs and I'm sure they aren't going to just through it away!!!  

So next time you see a story break about the Riders or the Pats, recognize that their are a lot of good reporters in this town hot on the trail.  And TRUST that we are doing the best we can, without torching every bridge we cross.  Because trust is a very precious thing. 

Class dismissed.

Shultz Makes A Splash

Nobody ever accuses interior D-Linemen of great athleticism, but Scott Shultz proved the big men can make some waves.

The Regina Optimist Dolphin Swim Club holding their 3rd annual Queen City Swim Challenge on Sunday. The feature event was certainly the Cannonball Competition, loaded up with local athletes, including Shultz.

"I was the chubby kid with the shirt on," Shultz told me about his days at the pool in Moose Jaw where her perfected the "Gain-Knife". A reverse flip off the springboard into a jack-knife can-opener that creates a huge splash and an even bigger roar from the crowd.

The entire even is run as a fundraiser for the swim club along with a portion of the money raised going to Jesse's Journey. So while the entire day is based on fun, Shultz sees the use of this 'training' as a benefit to his job. "If you see me doing backflips over offensive linemen this year, you'll know where it came from."

In the land of the Green and White, Shultz is truly a colorful character when it comes to embracing the community. What a guy and what a flip!!!

If you want to catch Shultz's 'Gain-Knife", tune into Global Sports Sunday at 6 & 11, or catch it on the Plays of The Week, Tuesday night at 11pm.

Wings Loss Costs NHL

So when will the owners of the NHL's 30 teams get it (29 if you take out Phoenix)?  Gary Bettman and his regime just aren't getting any smarter.

In the latest bonehead move by the League, unless both Conference finals ended in sweeps (the Wings lost last night), the Stanley Cup Finals won't begin until June 5th.  This is being done to appease NBC who has a weak schedule on Friday and Saturday nights, so they can broadcast Games 1 & 2 on back to back nights.  Well, why shouldn't the League cater to a network that pays nothing for its TV rights?  

If the Pens sweep the Canes, they'll have over a week off, then go twice in two nights...Brilliant scheduling!!  Even if Detroit and Chicago go seven, the winner will still have 4 days off.  Genius scenario!!!

C'mon Gary, wake up, the dream is over.  The US of A doesn't care about hockey.  I mean, sure Detroit and Chicago, even Pittsburgh are good markets, but I am talking about the television viewing public in large part.  Trust me, early June and I'm sure that people in LA or New York or Las Vegas or anywhere in Florida are going to have something better to do than watch a game they don't give a rat's behind about.

With all the lying Bettman has done with respect to franchises and their economic states coupled with his utter failure to deliver on his vision of selling the game in the South.  Maybe its time the owners crawl out of bed, make a cup of coffee and smell it.  Bettman is bad for your League.

Even the wonderful salary cap that Gary managed to scrap a season of hockey for is a bust.  Teams in economic peril being forced to meet a minimum salary cap, even though they are losing millions of dollars a year.  

I can't really think of one feather to put in Gary's cap,and I for one think its time the owners ask him to hang up his hat, for good.

Keenan Iced

He went from chewing ice, to being iced!

Mike Keenan has been fired as the Head Coach of the Calgary Flames.  I don't think that this was completely unexpected.  Somebody had to take the fall for a team that grossly underachieved in the playoffs.

But wait a tick.  Is it really that shocking?

This is a team that has only made it passed the first round once since winning the Cup in 89.  Only one time in the last twenty years have Flames fans had a reason to stay interested past the end of April.  I would say that Calgary supporters should be more surprised if the team actually won a round.

Keenan's firing is certainly justified.  It was under Iron Mike's watch that Miikka Kiprusoff played in 76 games in back to back regular seasons.  The Finnish goalie barely cracked a save percentage of .900 in either year.  Obviously showing the wear and tear forced upon him.  This season the Flames found themselves in the bottom third of the league in goals against, despite having the perennial Vezina candidate in between the iron.

The blame however should not be totally laid at Keenan's feet.  GM Darryl Sutter must also have a finger pointed directly at him.  I remember saying at the trade deadline that the Olli Jokinen trade would end up haunting the team.  Trading a gritty player like Matthew Lombardi who can kill penalties and be disruptive on the forecheck for an unproven playoff entity like Jokinen was a bad decision.

Sutter's utter failure as a GM pushed his team up against the wall so bad in the final weeks of the season where they were up against the cap so hard that they could not field a full roster also hurt them.  The Flames flickered to the finish, gave up home ice in the 1st round, which ultimately cost them as they quickly fell behind in their series and ran out of gas trying to fight back.

So while Keenan is being painted as the bad guy, the real villain may still be in place.  For Flames fans, they hope there isn't a sequel in which to find out, but two decades of history is there to say it may be so.

Riders Prepare

RIDERS PRESIDENT JIM HOPSON AND HEAD COACH KEN MILLER FIELDED CALLS YESTERDAY FROM MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL AND NATIONAL MEDIA...AS EXPECTED, MANY OF THE QUESTIONS PERTAINED TO THE QUARTERBACKING SITUATION IN SASKATCHEWAN...

COACH MILLER WOULDN'T COMMIT TO WHO THE STARTER COMING OUT OF CAMP WOULD BE, BUT THAT HE HAS CONFIDENCE IN THE TEAM'S PIVOTS...MANY BELIEVE THE JOB IS DARIAN DURANT'S TO LOSE AND HIS HEAD COACH TOUCHED ON HOW HE'S LOOKING TO THE INEXPERIENCED PIVOT TO TAKE CONTROL OF EVERY SITUATION AND BE MORE DEMONSTRATIVE AND TO DEMAND THE RESPECT OF THE TEAM.

ANOTHER OFFENSIVE ISSUE RAISED INVOLVED THE UNKNOWN STATUS OF MATT DOMINGUEZ...MILLER REFERRED TO IT AS A "WAIT AND SEE" SITUATION...THE VETERAN RECEIVER WILL HAVE ANOTHER PHYSICAL BEFORE TRAINING CAMP AT WHICH TIME A DECISION ON HIS FUTURE WILL BE MADE.

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BALL, QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LOSSES OF MAURICE LLOYD, ANTON MCKENZIE, KITWANA JONES AND COORDINATOR RICHIE HALL PROMPTED THE COACH TO DEFEND HIS 'D'...MILLER IS HIGH ON REY WILLIAMS FILLING THE MIDDLE LINEBACKER SPOT AND LOOKS TO VETERANS LIKE OMARR MORGAN AND EDDIE DAVIS TO LEAD A DEFENCE THAT HEAD COACH FEELS WILL PLAY WITH AS HE CALLED IT "POISE AND EFFORT"

AS FOR THE BUSINESS SIDE OF THINGS...PRESIDENT HOPSON ADDRESSED THE SITUATION SURROUNDING THE TEAMS GENERAL MANAGER ERIC TILLMAN AND HIS ONGOING COURT CASE, CALLING IT AN "AWKWARD SITUATION"...BUT SAID THE TEAM IS VERY COMFORTABLE WITH KEN MILLER AND HIS LEADERSHIP AND THERE ARE NO PLANS TO FILL THE GM SPOT ON AN INTERM BASIS.

HOPSON ALSO ADDRESSED THE POSSIBILITY OF REGINA HOSTING A GREY CUP IN THE FUTURE, THE PRESIDENT SAID THE TEAM DOES SEE THEMSELVES IN THE CYCLE, BUT MENTIONED THE SERIOUS DISCUSSION AND POSITIVE TALKS ABOUT A NEW STADIUM IS WHY THE TEAM IS HOLDING OFF FOR NOW.

HEAD COACH MILLER SAYS THE COACHING STAFF IS ANXIOUS TO GET ON THE FIELD...CURRENTLY THEY ARE PUTTING THE FINAL TOUCHES ON THE PLAYBOOK, BUT ADDED THEY ARE TIRED OF MEETING AND READY TO START TAKING ACTION.

D-Day For Bettman

So today is the day we may learn more about the fate of the Phoenix Coyotes, but stay or go, there is a bigger issue coming out of this proceeding. Is Gary Bettman ruining the game?

Now I'm sure most Canadians will just jump on board and say yes, but its not that simple. Remember, this is a guy that worked hard to keep Edmonton from ending up in Houston just over a decade ago. But in a 'what have you done for me lately world' people are trying to figure out why the Commissioner is set on keeping Jim Balsille from sitting at the owner's table.

The fight now is over who owned control of the Coyotes this season. Bettman is arguing its him (NHL), and if that's the case, man does he do a crappy job of running his business. $30million in losses. Oh, let's look at the deal that he personally brokered in Nashville. Yeah, that guy (Boots) will be cooling his heals in jail right away for fraud.

And how about not wanting another team in Southern Ontario, but tease those poor Winnipeg fans that actually believe there is any chance in hell they'll get a team back. Wake up Winnipeg, its a ploy and you are a pawn. Why not put a team in Red Deer, hey hear Dawson Creek has a new rink, try there Gary!

I do however appreciate that Gary is now set on keeping teams where they are for some stability. Too bad he didn't figure that out in time to save the Jets and the Nordiques. Oh wait, that involved moving south and securing a legacy of taking the game to American fans, all 200 f them!

If I'm an owner in the NHL I am starting to ask a lot more questions of the man I have in charge. I'm really starting to wonder who he has in mind. And today we'll find out a little more about the ongoing saga of Bettman. Stay tuned, because I'm sure this isn't a series finale yet.

Predictions & Observations

I really don't think I'm going out on a limb by saying I think the NHL Finals will be a repeat of last year. Detroit is just too savvy for the young Hawks and Pittsburgh is just to talented for the Canes.

Its been fun watching the resurgent Hawks this year ad nobody is happier than my Uncle Dave. I personally am pulling for them. They did me a favour and knocked out both Calgary and Vancouver. And I like any good Oilers fan love seeing those two teams fall on their face.

But all good things come to an end and Detroit just seems prepared to take on anybody and any kind of style. The Hawks have that speed and talent, but if they don't get to touch the puck, what's it worth?

As for the Canes/Pens. I don't know if you've been watching, but Sid the Kid is playing like a possessed giant. Nothing is going to stop this guy and his team from advancing. Cam Ward has again been a superstar, out duelling Marty Brodeur and Vezina candidate Tim Thomas. But this one might just be too much for the Carolina tender.
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Lakers and Celtics win their game 7's....
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Ed Henick Senior Bowl goes tomorrow at Mosaic. Preview tonight on Global Sports!
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Speaking of Global Sports, its been a riot this weekend and today will be no different. Football, NHL, Bball, and Mem Cup!! See ya at 6 & 11.

Riders Trade Jones for 'The Juan'

The trading of Kitwanna Jones will seem like a giveaway to many fans. In return, the Green & White get Juan Johnson. Who? I mean, we in the media don't even know how to say the poor guy's name.

In fairness to the Riders they had a very good defense last season, but they didn't seem to instill fear into the hearts of opposing QB's. Saskatchewan had just 28 sacks, only two better than the league worst Ti-Cats. So maybe a retooling up front in an effort to wreak a bit of havoc in the backfield isn't a bad idea.

Jones was one of two Rider players to have 5 sacks last year. The other? Mo Lloyd, who is also in Edmonton this year after signing as a free agent. Hmmm, seems like Richie is taking our D with him to the Big Onion.

Now Coach Miller indicated that Jones is a good player, although he may have had a difficult time being a starter here this year. Many believe that Jones is a bit undersized to play the DE position and with a new Defensive Coordinator this year (Gary Etcheverry) it seems obvious that #46 was not #1 on the end.

The Riders go to camp looking to have a Defence with at least 5 new starters, not a worry to the Skipper who feels they are 'talented' on that side of the ball.

Miller lists players like Seante Williams, John Chick and Stevie Baggs as players who will compete for the position.

In Juan Joseph the Riders get two things, well maybe three. A guy nobody has really heard of. A kid according to Coach Miller with a 'live arm'...although I think Michael Bishop was described to have a 'live arm'. Lastly the club gets a QB with the last name Joseph. And if memory serves, last time we had that, we won a Grey Cup. That's it, he really is the "Juan" to take us to Calgary this November. Book the parade, because this trade has sealed the Riders 4th Grey Cup.

Ward Olympics Starter?

I hate to, but I told ya. Canes and Wings. There just wasn't going to be anyway that Cam Ward was going to lose this one. The kid born in Saskatoon is once again proving he's a big time goalie. After Martin Brodeur and Roberto Luongo both showed signs of being human, maybe its time to start talking about Ward being Team Canada's goalie in Vancouver.

Serious. Ward's won a Cup, a Conne Smythe and is proving again that his rate rate barely cracks 70, even in OT of Game 7. Ward will be a fresh faced 25 years old at the Olympics. Oh, take a look at his stats...Something happens to them when the playoffs roll around, they get better. Always have. This guy is a big time performer and the biggest of times. Right now he's the guy I want in between the pipes in Vancouver.
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Riders with a couple of announcements. Wayne Smith is done for the year with a ruptured achilles. Too bad for both player and team....Also, late last night Roddy reported on his blog that Kitwanna Jones is hooking back up with his buddy Mo Lloyd in Edmonton. The Riders get back a QB that I've never heard of. I'm hoping for a press conference today and will bring the details here.
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Penguins Fly

Well, it was over long before it was over. 2 goals in the same time it takes Tanner Girletz to post a score on a bull called Afro Man.

Who could have thought this was coming? After Crosby yet again wowed with his skate to stick move that resulted in the game opening goal, fans hadn't even stopped high fiving each other when Craig Adam feathered a shot between Simeon Varlamov's legs. THE END.

It was suppose to be the ultimate battle between the two most deft gladiators. Instead it was more Christians and lions. A slaughter. By early in the second it was academic at 5-0.

Now while Game 7 maybe didn't live up to the Everest high expectations heaped on it, the series was truly a memorable one. Ovie had 14 points, Crosby 13. Both showing off tremendous skill at every turn. Truly a dazzling array of spinning, shooting, passing and celebrating. In the end, the Kid will live to play another day, while Alex the Great has been defeated.

And wasn't it great to hear Bob Cole belting out their names. I remember Cole calling the Oilers first Cup in the early 80's and now to hear his booming voice call out the heroes of a new generation, well, it's nothing short of awesome. Just like the series on the ice.
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Garrett Mitchell of the Pats is working out hard this summer. He's a humble kid who has just as much energy off the ice as he has on it, lots. I got a chance to bend his ear about the possibility of pulling on the Maple Leaf in December. While the 17 year old is not looking that far ahead, his eyes lit up at even the possibility of it.

Mitchell played on the U-18 team this spring and while he may be a bit of a long shot, don't count him out. The Pats forward was consistently one of the hardest working players every night and can be a bit of a thorn in the side of other teams. Steve Ott ring a bell??
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Story on Global Regina tonight about Tammy Jule. The Regina Beach product is off to tryout for the Senior National Women's Volleyball team next week in Winnipeg.
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The Moose Jaw Warriors have been quiet these days, but have a presser called for tomorrow. Watch Global Sports tomorrow for news out of the 'Friendly City' or whatever they're calling the 'Band Capital' these days.
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Wings and Canes get it done tonight. Nothing like having a little experience in the cage in the big game.
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Shout outs: My old floor hockey team from a decade ago including the likes of Cliff Mapes, Fred Lowenberger, Murray Kittelson, Doug, Deion, Glenda, Ces...There were others, but it was early Sunday mornings and I was usually in a bit of a fog.

Odds & Ends

No secret that Medicine Hat Tigers' coach Willie Desjardins will be named the coach of the 2010 World Jr. team. Really its a great pick considering that he was an assistant under pat Quinn last time around. I've never had the pleasure of meeting Willie, but in the short time I've been around the Dub, all I've heard is good things about him. And his record really speaks for itself.
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Organizers of the WJHC announced Monday that the Queen City will host a couple of Canada's exhibition games at the Brandt. A move no doubt made to help bolster sluggish ticket sales in Regina. But I thought we were getting those games anyway? Ticket packs are only 50% sold here in the Capital city. Maybe that's because a lot of spectators would be coming from out of town and don't want to buy for every game. I'm sure when the single game tickets are made available, sales will really move along.
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And yeah, I'd love for Canada to play some games here, but let's face it...This tournament is about ca$h as much as anything and the CUC holds more people than the Brandt.
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Lucky 7's...Looks like Gary Bettman's dream is now reality. Three of the four conference semi's going the distance. It's been real exciting watching a couple of these series, especially Washington/Pittsburgh. This is the way hockey was supposed to be played.
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No word yet if Regina is in the running for a relocated NHL team.
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Riders round out their coaching staff yesterday. By my math that gives Brent Parker another 3 months to get his hiring done. Although, the promotion of Cliff Mapes is a great move. Cliffy is one of the good ones. He cares about the product both on and off the ice and works tirelessly to provide a great evening for the patrons who come through the doors.
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I haven't heard from Plaster. I assume he's "not in Kansas anymore!" Actually I don't know if he ever was.
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I don't know if 'I Love Regina' when I go golfing one afternoon and then need to shovel the driveway the next morning.
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On my way out the door I just have to say that tonight is must see stuff with Pittsburgh trying to steal it on the road in Washington. This could be one of those moments you don't want to miss!