All the Things I've Seen

Driving home from the gym (yeah that's right, I went for a run) this morning I was listening to one of my favorite bands, The Killers. The track All the Things I've Done filled my car with its sweet sound and reminded me of the fantastic Nike commercial that played last year during the Olympics.

I got thinking about all the wonderful sporting events I've been to over my years as a spectator. Oilers games, Olympics (Calgary & Salt Lake), Joe Louis Arena for the playoffs, the PGA Championship, an Arsenal soccer match, Seattle Mariners, the Seahawks... But of all the things I've witnessed in the flesh, two events last year resonate in my mind.

2008 US Open. Tiger Woods. Need I say more? That Saturday as Tiger wobbled around Torrey Pines on one leg I was amazed. The eagle putt on 13 from somewhere near Hawaii (70ft) was one of the Tiger moments. It just seemed to take forever to get there, but all along you just had that feeling it might go.

Then on 17, chipping from beside the green, Woods hits it to hard, but the ball simply takes one hop and then just like Dr. J. slams into the hole. If that wasn't enough, Eldrick goes right ahead and sinks a 30 footer for another eagle, just for good measure on 18.

Then came Sunday and anthor epic Tiger moment that will be on hilite reels for years. This time it was only a 12 footer on 18, but just getting it to sneak inside the corner and force a playoff. And while the US Open makes the players square off over 18 holes, that wasn't enough for Rocco Mediate to take Tiger out. Finally, after 91 holes, Woods was got to put his hands on his third US Open trophy. What a weekend? And all the while I was receiving daily updates from the course from my friend Larry Isaac (A great tv sports producer and a bit of an idol of mine).

The other event in 08 that will stick with me for awhile is Michael Phelps. While it was cool to see Usain Bolt dominate the competition with ease in 100m and 200m track events. The way in which Phelps picked up 8 golds is a once in a generation event.

The Men's relay where the Americans came out of nowhere. But that was just the tip of the iceberg. Phelps already had six shiny gold donuts in his bag when he dove into the pool for the final f the Men's 100m butterfly. Four lengths of the pool separating him from tying Mark Spitz and history. Coming down to the wire it appeared as though Phelps' journey towards destiny might fall short. But at the wall, one final, quick stroke and touch of the wall...Phelps beat out his Croatian competitor by 1/100ths of a second. Unreal! The Americans captured the 4x100m Medley the next day and the pages of history needed changing.

Two great moments that will not soon be forgotten in my mind, even among all the things I've seen!.

Fine as Swiss Tennis

Roger Federer is off to the Finals at the Aussie Open after straight setting over-hyped American Andy Roddick. Just appearing in his 19th straight Grand Slam semi is an amazing feat all to itself for the Super Swiss. Think about it, 19 times in a row he's made it to the final four of the four major tournaments. Only Ivan Lendl has appeared in more Grand Slam Finals and he only won 8 to Federer's 13 and counting. Over the last two decades nobody has a longer winning streak than RF's 41 or even his second best run of 35. The Fine Swissman is on the verge of tying Pete Sampras for the most Grand Slam single titles ever with 14 and its only taken him half the time to do it. Ironically, Sampras last won over a half dozen years ago, just when his heir apparent started collecting trophies. He's one of only 6 players to reach the final of every major. He spent 237 consecutive weeks as the #1 player in the world, the longest streak ever. Imagine waking up 1659 straight mornings and knowing you are the indisputable best at what you do. This is a body of work that is indisputably unmatchable by anybody that has set foot on the court. High performance at such a level of consistency like this is borderline impossible. But hey, they make them to last longer and taste sweeter in the land of the Swiss.
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Good thing poster boy Sid Crosby can play with pain. Just for showing up and smiling at the All-Star game, he avoided a one game suspension. He was so injured a couple of days ago that he couldn't risk anything in a game of shinny, but had three points against the Blue Shirts in New York last night. Meanwhile, Detroit fans (and me) still don't know why they're guys had to sit and not the wonderboy in Pittsburgh. Must be a good smile Crosby has. I wonder if the Red Wings would have sent a poster of Lidstrom and datsyuk, if that would been enough.
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The headline reads, "LEGACY ON THE LINE AS ST. PIERRE, PENN PREPARE TO SQUARE OFF"....Legacy? Are you kidding me. How about we all meet on Dewdney Street outside the bar and watch two animals try and prove their testosterone levels to the world. Legacy, ha.
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Finally, the Vancouver Canucks. Nobody likes a guy who says 'I told ya so' but I did. I don't think that many people like me anyway. Kind of like the way Vancouver fans feel about the Canuckle-heads these days. 10 million (pro-rated) to an old Swedish guy who hasn't played in the NHL in forever (I don't consider the Leafs a real big league club the last few years). Okay, so it has been less than a year, but c'mon Mike Gillis (GM Canucks), this almost never works. Trying to plug a big name into your lineup to put you over the top. Let's remember where this team finished last year. Below the playoff cut line. Then the club lost its franchise leader in Markus Naslund to New York. Brendan Morrison caught the first ferry out of town, taking his perennial 20 goals a year with him to Disneyland. To be surprised that the club has drooped 8 in a row at home and 7 straight overall shouldn't necessarily be a shock. What does need the defibrillator is the identity of this team. Now, no doubt Roberto Luongo is the club's best player, but having him as your Captain sends the wrong message. Yeah, I know (and Rod Pedersen let me know it) how important the goalie is, but if he ain't out there blocking shots and taking hits, its hard for any of his teammates to relate and therefore respect him. I've never liked hearing from a tender that we need to cycle the puck better down low. How the hell would he know? And, if one thing is as sure as the sun will come up tomorrow, all goalies are a bit, how shall we say, different (again confirmed by Rod and my Dad. Both goalies). So while the list of reasons why the Canucks continue to be bad is long, their season may end up just being as short as last year.

When Two is Too Many!

Yesterday was the annual 3-ring circus that is Superbowl media day. Much like City Councillors in Regina (according to Tom) the media does its best to get on TV this day with the wackiness that exists. Over 4,500 reporters from 20 Countries take in the annual gong-show that is less about journalism and more about grandstanding. The only thing I learned from it all is that Kurt Warner is close to God. That's good, because I'm not sure if the Cardinals have a snowball's chance in hell of winning.
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I got the chance to speak with a couple of 5th year players from the Lady Cougars Volleyball team yesterday. I know I sound like a broken record and keep saying how wonderful our University athletes are, but it's true. If the record was broken, would it actually play? Shouldn't I sound like a scratched record? Anyways, Tammy Jule and Kelly Cowan both spoke of how the team has committed to defence to start winning games. This group of gals has spent the entire season in the top 10 in the Nation, not bad! They host the #3 Pandas from the U of A this weekend. Could be the best VB played here in awhile!
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The Pats self destruct again? How can a team this loaded up with last year's top Eastern goalie, 1st rounders and solid role players be so consistently inconsistent. Although, they've been regularly bad for awhile now. The only 4 wins they've had since mid December, a comeback in Brandon, Edmonton and Moose Jaw twice.
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The Columbus Blue Jackets won last night. They are tied with 4 teams at 51 points, the playoff cut line right now. No Lidstrom and no Datsyuk in the Red Wings lineup could mean that somebody misses the playoffs by a point because of Gary Bettman's idiotic decision. (Not his only one by the way)
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Oh yeah, speaking of Bettman. Who takes this guy seriously when he says the state of the League is good? My word his got some big brass ones to lie like that.
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I'm living at the CKHS this weekend for Volleyball, Basketball and hopefully even a little wrestling. Of course, everything I see, you'll see on Global @ 6 & 11 this Saturday and Sunday.
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When is two too many? When you're trailing 9-1 with a couple minutes to go, why bother with the second goal? I mean, its over. Take the puck behind your net and just keep it from the other team like they do in soccer. By the way, Man U, 11 straight clean sheets, wowsers!! I'll tell you when two is too many. Two losses on home ice of 7 or more goals! That is too many!!! Maybe the Oilers were watching Regina City Council the other night and just got excited about being on TV and forgot what they were actual there to do!

Tidbits

Some of the 'Global Gang' hit the town Saturday night after the show. First, I hate power tripping doormen and second, standing in line. I suppose I'm just getting old. My entertainment at the bar wasn't paying attention to all the young girls sleazing it up or watching the pathetic boys (I used to be one) schmooze their best to attract said girls. No, it was watching the Roger Federer tennis match on the big screen. The Swiss player mounted a masterful comeback from down 2-0 to take the long match. I truly like watching this guy play. I know he's slipped a bit in the last year, but to me he has the Tiger Woods factor going on. If he's on I'm watching.

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The NHL All-Star game went into a shootout. Ask the goalies, the whole game is a shootout. Boy I bet the Tenders have fun! I didn't watch 30 seconds of shinny from Montreal. I'm still angry that Datsyuk and Lidstrom are sitting tomorrow.

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Speaking of sitting...Mitch Czibere and Colten Teubert got to watch yesterday's game from the Saddledome seats. I guess the Pats brass had seen enough of Teubert's lack-luster, uninspired play and decided to send him a message to get better. I must say, gutsy move by the team, but I respect their decision. The Blue & White are in a dogfight fr the playoffs and they need Teubert to play better and be the dominate first rounder that he can be. As for Czibere, he sassed off on Friday and was being punished. N'uff said.

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Lecavalier to the Oilers? I'll comment when Vinny is in Oil Country.

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Great weekend for the gals at the U of R. Women's Basketball sweep. Women's Volleyball sweep. Women's Hockey sweep. Girl Power!!

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Shout out to my boy Martin Weaver. I've been without 'Agent 04' the last couple of weekends, so it was great to get him back. Regina sports fans were treated to some fantastic local coverage this weekend on Global Sports and the 'Great Martinski' is a huge reason why! Thanks bud.

Boo Bettman

So the NHL All-Star 'Game' is this weekend. I use the word 'Game' very loosely because in no way does this on ice display look like hockey. It's more of a Disney on Ice spectacle than it is competition. I'm still trying to figure out why its even played. Sure, its a nice break in the season and marks the unofficial push for the playoffs, but the game itself is a farce. No contact, no goaltending and no intensity. Now, I'll admit that the Skills Competition does have a fighting chance of being attractive, but we all know the black eye that fighting is getting these days. The fastest skater, the hardest shot, the most accurate shooter all have merit. But the relays or the three on none drill, even the NHL version of the Slam Dunk with the creative breakaway thingy are all a bit of a trivial joke. 'A guy steps onto the ice...' you fill in the punchline.

And now, the ultimate punch in the gut. The League has decided in its infinite wisdom that players who aren't hurt but miss the weekend will be forced to miss their next game. What a joke that is, and its Gary Bettman telling it. Nicklas Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings will miss their teams next game on Tuesday due to their absence in Montreal. So let me get my head around this. Two guys who are proven stars want to skip the NHL's big pat on the back weekend because they'd rather opt out and spend it with family. These are guys who are being punished? Family men with morals. Players that barely got two months off this summer and had to get right back to the grind. Two NHL award winning players are the guys the NHL is telling to take a night off.

Here's a hypothetical scenario. Right now, Detroit is only 5 points out of 1st in the entire League. Without its two top players on Tuesday they lose but have a great run towards the playoffs, but miss the President's Trophy by a single point. Along comes Game 7 of the Finals and Detroit, sans home ice advantage, lose. That one game back in late January might be real crucial, huh.

Or here's a more realistic one. Columbus, the team the Wings play on Tuesday, win the game. That victory vaults a Blue Jackets team into a playoff spot in the very tight West. In a Conference where every point counts do you think teams like Edmonton, Vancouver and Minnesota are overly pumped about this. I'm sure the Oil would love to play a Detroit team without the best D-man in the world and one of the top 5 forwards on the planet. If Columbus wins Tuesday's game and goes on to eek into the playoffs by a point, point the finger at Bettman and Co.

This decision has multi-million dollar consequences tied to it. Sure it seems like a simple punishment for not showing up to promote the League, but in Vancouver where they'd sell out a couple of playoff games, not to mention merchandise, beer sales and hell why not take it further and say hotels, restaurants, etc..etc..etc...This one simple little decision could kick a guy right in the pants. Yes in the pocket and the groin.

But hey, if its so important to have a couple of the game's best show up and play shinny for an hour, then so be it. But if Edmonton misses the playoffs based on this decision, Gary Bettman will be about as welcomed in Oil Country as Clarence Campbell was in Montreal. Ironically, where this whole debacle is taking place.

Terrible Toronto

Just finished reading an article about the woes of professional sports in Toronto. With cities that have NHL, NBA, MLB and Football, TO ranks 13th out of 14 in terms of winning percentage over the last year.

My first thought was, who cares? With all due respect to Leafs fans (Woodsy), its been a couple of generations since they had a shot. Isn't it just a cultural thing to make fun of the Buds? 1967 was a long time ago, so its not like they've just been bad recently. Nor is it all John Jr.'s fault...He didn't screw them up for the 3 decades before he was there. Nor will it be Brian Burke's fault when the Leafs fail to win a Cup in the next decade.

Moving along but staying in the ACC. The Raptors. Well, their first mistake was to name themselves after an extinct species. Although, the Toronto Dodo Birds does seem to fit. Over a dozen years into their existence and the only thing they've won worth note is Vince Carter in the slam dunk contest. Bryan Colangelo may be one hell of a basketball executive, but he can't put the ball in the hoop.

The Blue Jays haven't soared very high since their back to back World Series titles, almost 20 years ago. Oh sure they tried to rekindle things with Cito Gaston. They've even upped the payroll to compete with the superpowers. Now correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't Tampa Bay in the World Series this year? Wonder what their payroll is? J.P. does not fall into the 'one hell of a good executive' category, unless you say that he's on the hot seat in the next year.

Last but not least lets not forget about the Argos. (I'm leaving Toronto FC out of this because they are just too new to be counted as losers, yet) The Boatmen have pulled some doozies lately. The great way with which they handled Damon Allen, the CFL's All-Time QB. Oh, then there was the way overpaying of Kerry Joseph and a defence that is looking older than Mary's Joseph. Ummm, did the Double Blue win a game in the last 3 months of the season? How about unthawing 'The Don' to turn the ship around! It's a good thing Pinball is the guy he is or can you imagine the revolt.

Now why do all these teams do their fair share of sucking. Because in Toronto its about the CA$H....MLSE wants to make money before it wins championships. Rogers wants the Jays to be competitive, but not at a loss (see recent State of the Jays speech by Paul Beeston). And the Argos can't be taken seriously by anyone as they wait for the Buffalo Bills to move into their home.

Whether its recent or distant, the sports scene in Toronto has been bad. So if they are bad and have been for so long, why do we still here so much about them? Well, T-Dot is like that kid in the playground who tells you how great he is, only to have no game at all...We all love reminding him that he is brutal. And as long as there is media and sports in Toronto, there will be someone kicking dirt on the CN Tower.

Tillman Talks

I had the good fortune of speaking with Riders GM Eric Tillman yesterday on a wide range of topics. Always accommodating and candid, it is generally a good time to sit down with the General Manager.

First I asked about the holes in the Coaching staff. Tillman assured me that there will be an announcement within the week on some if not all of the open positions. The only thing possibly holding up one or two of the official unveilings is the possibility of these men being under contract somewhere else until the end of the month. Tillman basically said that the team will let someone else pick up the tab on these guys for the next couple of weeks.

Tillman also stands by his word that the hiring of coaches is virtually all Head Coach Ken Miller's to make. Tillman says he has had input, but that he is very confident in "Kenny" and ultimately it is up to him who comes on board the staff. One comment that I found interesting is one that may or may not mean much. When I suggested that giving Coach Miller the reins like this would suggest the team is prepared to move forward with Miller for 'years and years to come', Tillman chuckled and responded that Miller is in his mid 60's and may only do this (coach) for a couple more years. Nothing definite, but just an interesting tidbit.

The next area of discussion focused on free agents and one specifically, Maurice Lloyd. Tillman has spoke with the all-star as recently as Tuesday night. They have had good and open dialogue and of course the Riders have suggested they would like to have 'Mo' back in Saskatchewan. But, he is eligible to test the free agent waters in a few weeks and you get the vibe that this is the direction Lloyd may be leaning. That doesn't mean he won't resign with the Green & White. Tillman remains optimistic that they can have the middle linebacker here, but he is also a realist and knows that there may a number of teams lining up to woo number 47 to their team with some "stupid money".

When asked about the Riders salary cap position, Tillman went Tillman and brought out the metaphors. This is why I get a kick out him and love to interview him. He related the Riders salary cap position to that of a middle income family on a budget. Paraphrasing: 'If you want to take a trip or buy a big screen TV, you can, but you'll have to sacrifice somewhere else.' That's too funny, but too true. The Riders have some wiggle room, but its doubtful they could sign all their big name linebackers to the contracts that they'll probably command elsewhere.

Whatever the case, Tillman feels the Riders are shaping up nicely for '09. There are still a few signings to come, but the GM is quite confident that the club will be a contender for 1st in the West and looks to play on the Final Sunday of November.

ALES IN WONDERLAND

Some guys just never cease to amaze me and frustrate me all in the same moment. Ales Hemsky of the Oilers is one of these guys. Last night's performance against Columbus was nothing short of a masterpiece; 2 Goals, 2 Assists in an Oilers 4-3 victory. Now we've all seen 4 point games before, but it was the manner in which this was done. It was Gretzkyesque the way he single handily took the game on his back and carried his team to victory. It's not the first time Oil Country witnessed such an act in the dying moments of a game. How about the coast to coast job in 06 that vaulted Edmonton into the playoffs. What about those playoffs? Game 6 vs Detroit wasn't too bad, or how about Game 1 of the Cup final. After his team blew a 3 goal lead to be down one in the 3rd, there is Hemsky scoring a hilite reel goal to pull his squad even. The frustration comes in when you don't see it night in and night out. Here is maybe the only guy on the planet that can rival Alex Ovechkin for hilite of the night honors on a regular basis, but unfortunately he is about as irregular as a constipated baby. You never know when its coming, but when it does, wowie!! It'd be nice to have Ales peer into the looking glass and see what is really beyond it, cause that could put us all in wonder!!

PLEASE SWAT THIS FLY

He's back. The most annoying player in NHL history. You know, the guy who reminds you of that fly buzzing around your room at night, keeping you from getting to sleep. It's hot and uncomfortable and that damn fly just won't quit. Then you finally get up, turn on the light and that little bugger is nowhere to be found. Yeah, I'm talking about Claude Lemieux. He's 43 and hasn't played in the NHL since 2003. Now, he's back in The Show with San Jose. Yes, the same Sharks who are leading the entire league! Is there nobody else in the farm system (Worcester) that is better than this? For crying out loud, Lemieux had already won a Stanley Cup before San Jose forward Devin Setoguchi was even born! Now, I know that Lemieux had a knack of getting under people's skin and sometimes playing with an 'ehem' edge (see Kris Draper hit). He also semed to be a guy that ended up on Cup winning teams (Montreal, New Jersey, Colorado). But do you really think that the stars on the Detroit Red Wings are going to give to steaming piles of dog dung that this guy is on the ice? Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg already play against an annoying idiot six times a year (Clue: He plays for Nashville, his number is the same as his name, 22). So if they can handle this guy a half dozen times, I'm sure they'll just laugh at the old man with the cane that's trying to get them off their game. It's obvious that Doug Wilson (Sharks GM) thinks that the road to the Cup runs through Detroit and he is trying to get his constantly under achieving playoff squad the edge they need to get over the hump which is Mowtown. Good news for Detroit. This annoying, buzzing fly will be slow moving and easy to swat.

TEARS OF JOY

I happened to have the good fortune of being able to watch some of the Women's Southerns over the weekend at the Highland Curling Club. Here's a group of gals out on the ice for the love of the game. Sure, its uber competitive on the pebbled surface, but not so much that the teams don't exchange the odd chuckle with each other. But it was the smiles that turned to tears that made me stand up and take notice. In a game between Sherrilee Orsted and Mandy Selzer you had two rinks looking to get to the Provincial Scott for the first time ever. The nerves were there on both sides throughout the game but in the end it was Orsted's 4 in the 9th that sealed her trip to Swift Current. Selzer (former World Jr. Silver Medalist) was gracious in defeat. Orsted having clinched the biggest victory in her 25 years of curling was humble in victory. And then the Estevan foursome came together and the tears began to flow. The true reaction of jubilation could be measured in ounces as the salty clear liquid rolled down their cheeks. Witnessing the true joy that sport can give is nothing short of a miracle. On the next sheet of ice Cathy Trowell had just put the finishing touches on her win that would grant passage to Speedy Creek. Her celebration was a little more reserved, discussing a shot from earlier in the end. You see, for Trowell this is old hat and her cheers are for a much bigger prize. But for Sherrilee Orsted, Candace Newkirk, Christine Massier and Kristen Schlamp, this is as new as the skin on a baby's bum. And the four left the ice weeping like newborns!

NFL WRAP
Well, are you shocked? For the second straight year an NFC team is seemingly catching the proverbial 'Lightning in a Bottle' and making a run (or pass in the Cardinals case) to the Superbowl. Last year the Giants came out of nowhere to win the whole damn thing over the favoured patriots. So don't be blown away when Arizona is lifting the Lombardi trophy. Why not? The Steel Curtain? Maybe. But isn't Jim Johnson (Eagles D Coordinator) supposed to be the best in the world? Maybe he should have checked out some old Rams hilites of Kurt Warner. Maybe he should have checked the media guide and read a thing or two about Larry Fitzgerald. Quick tip for Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin. DON'T BLITZ...DON'T PLAY MAN TO MAN! Just a thought.

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Is Donovan McNabb this generation's Jim Kelly? Just wondering.

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CASH FOR OIL
Nice of the Edmonton Oilers to put the Glenn Anderson jersey retirement on Pay Per View so that we had to shell out cash to honor a hockey idol. The money grubbing has gone far enough. Oh yeah, that's right, I idolized Andy back in the day. Newsflash Oil: I'm a die hard like no other, but your team has been inconsistent and a bunch of under achievers since they over achieved in 2006. When the schedule comes out, maybe try and give me a reason to watch, not a reason to roll my eyes at your latest attempt to make a dollar. Brutal. Do I recall the Messier retirement on Sportsnet?

And another thing. The league needs to step in on this one. How often does Gretzky and the Coyotes have to go through this? It seems that every time the Desert Dogs head to the Big Onion that the team is subjected to some ritual to honor one of the Great One's old buds. Shane Doan must be getting sick and tired of standing their watching Paul Coffee or Anderson take a victory lap. Good news is that really only Kevin Lowe's #4 is the only one left to hoist to the rafters.

BAD BALL

It really was the 'blood bath' that was predicted, but in the end it was the U of R Cougars who played like a bloody mess.

One night after hammering the #4 Pandas on their home court, the Lady Cougs were embarrassed, shellacked, beat down...pick any phrase, but anyway you spell it they got their butts kicked. In a game the Cougars should have been ready to play, they clearly looked like they had forgotten how to. The first half wasn't quite a stinker, although there was a foul odour starting tho creep in as the Cougars were down a half-dozen...It was the 3rd quarter that reeked of rotten grain as the Cougars turned the ball over time and time again and were outscored 26-13. If that weren't bad enough, it seemed as though the team thought it was curling and could quit after a few ends as the U of R didn't even reach double digits in the 4th Q. Coach Dave Taylor was one of the least happy campers at the park last night, saying (and I'm paraphrasing) it was the worst effort he's seen in his 16 years at the university. When asked if there were any positives on the floor, his reply was simply "No".

It was a humiliating loss that the girls should learn from, because having your pants pulled down and your butt slapped in front of a full house probably shouldn't happen again. And seeing Nationals are here in just 6 weeks time, that might just be a good thing.

On a high note, the Basketball teams played in front of a packed house at the CKHS. Great to see such wonderful support!

NFL PICKS
I'm not going to give reasons for my picks, because I think they are likely to be wrong, but I don't like any Pro Sports teams in Pennsylvania, so I refuse to pick them. So I'm going with my heart and lining up a CARDINALS vs RAVENS Superbowl!

For the record...Kayla Hounsell (GlobalTV Weekend anchor) is 7-1 with her picks in the playoffs and is going with the Cardinals and Eagles to win today. No word to the logic, she now refuses to share trade secrets!

TERRIFIC 20'S

The Regina Pats didn't exactly look like a Memorial Cup contender in their 4-1 victory over the lowly Moose Jaw Warriors last night, but a win is a win. What may have Pats fans more excited than beating their arch rivals from the west is the key players that were involved in the victory. Just a week after the trade deadline it certainly seems that Brent Parker should be smiling from ear to ear. His pick-ups of Matt Robertson and Jesse Dudas look like million dollar deals, considering the Pats only gave up Michael McAngus and a couple of 4th rounders. Last night it was Dudas scoring a shorthanded goal to tie the game, then Robertson bulging the twine for the eventual game winner. But even as impressive as their contributions have been in their first week with the Blue & White, the potential they bring down the stretch may have Pats fans frothing with excitement. Robertson has already displayed a great quick release snap shot that is lethal. Just having a guy like that on the powerplay draws attention and should free up room for some kid called Jordan Eberle. With two bonafide snipers on the man advantage the Pats PP should get better. Dudas represents the Queen City's need for a top 4 puck moving D-man. Even though he's been out all season, Dudas looks comfortable on the point and is a great fit to quarterback the PP. Dudas also seems to bring that intangible that calms down a scrum. He's a hulking presence that players on the other team seem to shy away from when the whistle blows. If he ever has to come to blows, it might be interesting. The Pats have tread water just hard enough to get their heads above the surface. Now, with their new 20 year olds, the club should make the playoffs, quite swimmingly.

Tune into Global Regina (Ch 5) tonight at 6pm for a wrap of last night's game and at 11pm catch hilites of the back end of the home and home as the Pats visit the Crushed Can this evening.

QC Updates

DELAHEY INJURY
Pats D-man Matt Delahey skated on Wednesday after practice and was in full gear yesterday albeit, because it was team pictures. The top 4 defenceman said he is still having trouble passing and shooting and is still a little ways from returning to the lineup. The 19 year old hopes to return at the end of the month during the team's trip thru Alberta.

HOOPS ACTION
Is there a greater group of gals in town than the U of R Basketball team? Fun, charismatic and most of all accommodating. Stacey Walker declined and interview, not because she wanted to, but jokingly said, "I've got a zit." Too funny! Instead I spoke with Megan Cherkas and Gabby Gheyssen, to very enthusiastic young gals. Cherkas is coming back after missing the first half of the season from having the meniscus in her knee repaired. The 5th year guard says the knee is great, the lungs? Not so much, yet. Both girls eyes lit up when discussing this weekend's big games against the #4 ranked U of A Pandas (tonight 6:15) and the #3 ranked U of S Huskies(tomorrow 6:15). The pair were especially pumped for the provincial rivalry game tomorrow, prompting Gheyssen to call it "a blood-bath". Wow. Don't miss it!!

SOUTHERN CURLING
The Women's Southerns Playdowns are on at the Highland. Don't miss a chance to catch former Provincial winners like Cindy Ricci (nee. Street) and a former National Junior winner in Mandy Selzer throw stones. Although numbers have dropped off slightly in the rinks competing for a Provincial Title, the competition in Saskatchewan still proves to be some of the stiffest around the country. It proves for a high calibre of curling that s great to watch in a close up setting.

Catch Pats-Warriors hilites and full post-game coverage tonight on Global (Channel 5). Also catch our casts this weekend at 6 & 11 as I'll be on the desk keeping you up to date on the latest happenings with the Curling, U of R and the Pats. See you there!!

Crying Babies at Rink

It's early morning and all is quiet, the baby isn't crying. Not like last night at a hockey game I attended.

It's been awhile since I have had the great pleasure of getting to a Midget AAA hockey game, so last night I headed down to take in the action. What I saw on the ice was nothing short of what I remembered. This brand of hockey has always been one of my favorite to watch. These 15, 16 and 17 year olds hit the ice every shift and go flat out for 40 seconds no matter what the situation. Hard hits, great passing and stellar team play hilite the game. But while the players are doing their best on the ice, unfortunately it was the fans in the stands that soon became the show.

Time and time again obscenities floated from the seats, generally directed at the officials. And time and time again fans were yelling commands to the players. "Fire" was my personal favorite that one man kept yelling to the kids on his team. Even before they had entered the attacking zone he wanted them to shoot. This guy was obviously a hockey Einstein, rethinking how the game might be won. Newsflash buddy, the boys either don't hear you or aren't listening. Then there was the lady sitting near our supposed Scottie Bowman. She had a personal vendetta with the referees, blaming them at the game end for the demise of her club. I guess it was his fault that her team couldn't score on a 5 on 3 advantage that lasted over a minute. Or was it the referee that allowed that soft goal just 8 seconds into the third. I didn't think so. These fans (and others) also seemed to have super human vision, as they were able to more accurately see than an official standing right by the net if the puck had crossed the goal line prior to the net being knocked off, at the FAR end of the rink!! Crazy.

I thought hockey fans had taken a turn for the better in local rinks in the last few years, but last night's episode proved otherwise. Too bad these so-called supporters couldn't shut up and see the game for what it was. Fast, skilled, hard-hitting hockey.

Oh oh, my baby just woke up and is crying. Kinda sounds like a hockey game I was at.

Empty Seats?

Last night I was sitting in bed in my hotel room in Minot watching ESPN (jealous?). All that was plastered on the top sports network south of the 49th was college basketball, both men's and women's. The seats at th games were packed, unlike here in Canada. It got me wondering, why do we not follow our collegiate athletes with such vigor north of the border? You rarely catch a CIS game of any kind outside of the National Championship games on either of the big networks in Canada. Why? Not only that, but the attendance at the actual games is sparse at best. I realize that this is the Great White North and that hockey rules, but there is some fantastic amateur sport right under our noses and most people don't even have a sniff. There is something cool about going to a Pats game and watching the likes of Jordan Eberle and knowing that one Saturday night in a few years you'll be watching him on the Mother Network (CBC) and I will never take anything away from that. But consider names like Schmidt or Williams or Urban or Ross or Jule or Knoop.... Then consider a Tuesday morning in the future when you are getting physio or meeting with your accountant or financial planner and realizing that the person who is helping shape your future or helping with your health is that same kid you saw on the court just a few years ago. Kinda cool!

So next Saturday night when you are sitting at home staring at the 'boob tube' watching guys who once played here...Get up, shuffle on down to the University gym and pick a seat close to the court and take in the action from some kids that you may need to see in a few years.

Catch Cougar Tracks tonight at 11pm on Global Regina (ch. 5)

Giant Mistake

Does anyone remember what Tom Coughlin's status was with the New York Giants 16 months ago. I bet Tiki Barber does. Barber had retired and was running his beaming white mouthful of teeth about his former boss and his downfalls. The team was in disarray and the Big Apple media, well, need I say more. But suddenly the G-Men righted their ship and the rest as they say is history and Coughlin was anointed a genius for getting his team a ring.

But yesterday it may have been his decision late in the 2nd quarter that cost his team a shot at a repeat.

With score 7-5 Eagles, the clock winding down with 1:45 to go in the half and the Giants in scoring position facing a 4th and 1 on the Eagle 17, Coughlin sent out the field goal team to take the lead. The kick was good, 8-7 Giants.

Now while taking the lead at any point is hard to argue, this decision in my mind was an easy one to make at the time, he should have gone for it. First off, you are at home so there is no crowd noise to contend with. Next, you have 6'4", 264 Brandon Jacobs, you'd think he can get the job done for 1 yard. Third, with the weather conditins on Sunday, who knows when you might get a chance like this again. Finally, it IS the playoffs! It's do or die, and by playing it so safe Coughlin sent a number of messages to his team, none bigger than the fact that all 11 players on offence now thought that their coach had no confidence in them.

Joe Buck and Troy Aikman of FOX both applauded the decision to kick the three points at the same time I was saying this will bite the Giants right in the butt.

Instead of giving Big Blue momentum, it showed the Eagles that they could stop Eli and his boys. The sense of fear was in the air when Donovan McNabb drove 67 yards in 1:20 to set up a Philly field goal that gave the Boys from Brothery Love the lead, 10-8. Talk about demoralizing!

The Giants scored only 3 more points the rest of the way. And coincidentally their fragile offensive psyche was stuffed on two 4th and 1 tries by an Eagles defence that was given all the confidence in the world by Coughlin's second quarter decision.

I wonder if Tiki Barber is smiling today?

Blog Virgin No More

This is it, the innaugral blog. First up, thanks to Rod Pedersen & Thom Vernon for getting me into this.

First up, what in the world is going on in the world when my co-worker and weekend co-anchor (Kayla) is now 6 for 6 in picking winners in the NFL playoffs? Her random "my junior high team was the Ravens" logic is defying convention. Although, it should be noted, she picked the Detroit Lions in week 17. But her recent string of success has men in the QC clamouring to hear who she'll pick today. Eagles & Chargers. I'm not so sure that it won't be the Giants & Steelers.

The Regina Pats are back in action tonight at the Brandt. Although the team wasn't blaming their terrible stretch of losses on the fact that they were playing without many of the team's stars, it was obvious that coach Derkatch just didn't have the horses. Well, he had plow horses, but now that his thoroubreds are back, we in the media can't be making the excuses anymore. The team needs to get it together by tonight at 6pm when they take on the now ahead of them in the standings Edmonton Oil Kings.

The 'O' key on my computer isn't working very good.

Check out Global Sports tonight at 6 & 11. The late show will have in depth coverage of the Pats game, including post-game comments from the coaches and players.