Redemption!

That's the only way to describe the U of R Women's Basketball win over the U of S last night in the Canada West Semi-Final by a 64-58 count.

The Cougars were schllacked by 28 points on their home court just over a month ago and were out for a little justice last night at the Final Four. The Cougars screamed out of the gate and were up by as many as 15 in the second quarter.

Talking with Head Coach Dave Taylor this morning he was pleased with the win, although he did say it got a bit sloppy at times. The Cougars turned the ball over too many times, but as he said "at this time of year the win is all that matters".

All-star Jessica Lynch lead the way for the Lady Cougars with some outstanding play on the defensive side. The fifth year forward lead the whole way for the Cougars with star centre Chelsea Cassano in foul trouble.

Tonight the Cougars are in tough against an offensively potent SFU. Coach Taylor knows that they'll need to play excellent defence and more importantly give SFU different looks on the D-side of the ball. It's not a matter of don't fix what isn't broke, because they'll continually have to switch the D to be successful.

More on the Final tomorrow.

Go West Girls!

The basketball women of the U of R are in Burnaby this weekend for the Canada West Final Four.

Now a person could easily see this as a mere formality as all four teams will compete again in a weeks time for a National title. But for the Cougars there is plenty of motivation in BC.

First up, they play their arch rivals from the U of S tonight in the semi-final. Yeah, that's right, the same team that hammered the Lady Cougs by 28 on their home court in January. "We watched film of that game and it pissed us off" were the words from Gabby Gheyssen. The same girl who dubbed every battle with the Huskies a "blood bath" back in January. Bekki Schmidt offered that the team is going to BC to win a title, but that "revenge" is certainly on the cats mind.

In retrospect, maybe the 'Drubbing at the Den' was the best thing to happen to the U of R women. Assistant Coach Christin Dickenson spoke quietly yesterday of just that fact. If there was already a fire burning in this rivalry, that beat down maybe poured a bit of gas on it.

The gals looked loose at practice yesterday at Campbell. Why they are kicked out of their home gym a week before the big competition here in years is still a mystery to me. The cats look hungry and ready to feast.

Check in here tomorrow where I hope to have some comments from Head Coach Dave Taylor about tonight's game with the Huskies. Might be a bit later, just because of the time change.

What to Call It?

Now I know I said that my first Athlete of the Week blog would be today, and it sort of is. More than just any athlete, I want to go in depth about the type, the how and the what this weekly blog will feature.

Where I am stumped is what should I call the feature? Give me some feedback. Here's an overview of what I plan to do.

I'm going to sit down, chat, bring you the interview, pictures and more. I believe this is a great forum to get to know more about some of your favorite athletes and be introduced to some new ones. More than just the 'how did you win?' questions.

In the coming weeks I hope to bring you up close interviews with women's basketball players, men's hockey players, world champs and the future of sport. Each interview providing an in depth look that can only be captured here. Regina is a city full of athletes deserving of such a title.

Just a quick heads-up...I have arranged for my first athlete of the week interview. Just to wet your taste buds a bit, all I'll say is she is one of my very favorite university athletes that I've had the pleasure to watch over the last few months. A dominant figure in her sport. Next Monday I'll have the exclusive chat with her.

Plan the Route

The Pats won a game. Now that IS news, but hardly worth getting excited for. No disrespect to the Moose Jaw Warriors, but Regina should beat them. And, they should beat them again tonight.



The trouble is, its really all for not. The Pats are clinging to the hope of sneaking into the playoffs by a thread. Even if they are able to mount a comeback in the standings, their prize? The Calgary Hitmen! Yeah, the Oilers did topple the Detroit Red Wings in 06...but they had some desire and a hot goalie. The Pats have shown they have neither.

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Good people deserve recognition. How about Peter Loubardias and Sam Cosentino? Not only do they do a fab job for Sportsnet, but they're just great guys. After Friday's game there were a number of sports media hanging at the Press Box. Both of the aforementioned took the time to come over and chat with me a bit on how things are going in my career. I remember listening to Peter call Estevan Bruins games when I was a kid. For him to show a genuine interest in me and take 20 minutes to just gab on about stuff was awesome. It's nice to meet the good guys and they're two of the best.

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The new TSN2 is a huge pain in my rump (cue jokes about my HUGE rump)...Last night in typical confusing fashion, TSN is scheduled to have the curling. But lone behold a Nascar race (Nationwide, not Sprint Cup) runs long. Big shock. So, they run a crawl saying curling will be on TSN2. Then a short time later, the curling is arbitrarily switched back over to TSN. Luckily I was waiting for such a foul up. I'm sure the people taping the curling last night were pumped! Thanks for that one TSN.

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Did I mention I hate the shootout? Even last night when Mats won it in his return to the ACC, still hate it.

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Trade deadline in 9 days. With the cap destined to go down will we see any big deals? Doubtful. Too much uncertainty and too much seperation between the good teams and the bad.

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Early playoff prediction. Calgary is the only Canadian team to make the second round, but that's where our Nation's hopes end.

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Good luck to Hillis and crew today. It'd be great to have both the Men & Women going to the CanWest final Four.

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A new thing I'm going to start is my Monday Morning Athlete of the Week...Watch for it tomorrow. The first edition will just be a bit of a trial run, but the plan is to do an in depth interview with a local athlete that is deserving of such an honor. Tomorrow will just be a trial, but the plan is to have pictures and more. It came to me last week when I had the pleasure of meeting Kali Christ a young and very accomplished speed skater. I have the best job in the world!

Free Agency Fumble

The CFL is a great product. It is followed by thousands of passionate fans from coast to coast. So why does the league fumble the ball when it comes to trying to capitalize on creating some mid-winter publicity.

The CFL free-agent period opened at 12:01am EST, Monday. Now, while I was excited and actually awake (I was at work), I'm sure I was one of a very select group of people who was hitting the refresh on my computer at an accelerated rate, trying to see who was going where.

The CFL is now found exclusively on TSN and if that network does anything good, its the hype it creates surrounding days like this. The NHL Draft, Free Agency and not to mention Trade Deadline day are all feathers in the cap Canada's #1 sports network. So I don't see why the CFL doesn't change things a bit, have a 3pm start to free agency, thus giving TSN a chance to promote it, have a show, bring in the panel, go live to Edmonton and yadda yadda yadda.

It could easily work as the CFL allows teams to speak to players under contract prior to deadline (that is for another blog), so as is the case now, the floodgates would open and there would be deals breaking fast and furious. It's just that shifting the timing a mere 15 hours, it would be all over cable television when people might actually be watching. Thus creating more buzz around a time when the hive is generally dormant.

This is a great chance for the league to capitalize on some 'free' publicity that its just missing out on. But this is one fumble that the CFL could easily recover itself and set the league up for a big touchdown in the future.

What's the Point?

Where I come from (Midale, SK) you play the game to win. So as I look at all these points being awarded for losses in the NHL, it makes me sick. What a great message the league is sending, its okay to be mediocre.

In a game that is as tightly contested as hockey, I can understand that you would like to reward teams for a tie. I'm fine with that, but then its a tie. How can you honestly justify giving 2 points to a team that wins a skills competition and then award the same amount of points to a team that wins in 60 minutes. It really is a joke and I'm getting awfully sick of teams being satisfied of playing the last ten minutes as if they were on egg-shells not ice.

Players aren't stupid. playoffs mean bonuses and points equal playoffs. Especially playing conference or divisional opponents when the points are doubly important. Why would you risk going for the win if it may cost you the loss? Just play safe and wait for OT where you are guaranteed the point and then take your chances in the shootout for the bonus.

Here is a league and a commissioner hell bent on growing the game in the US of A and yet they do nothing but create situations to bore the game. Sure fans love the shootout...It's the first 65 minutes of paint drying that is the tough part to get past.

The League has to look at adopting a new points awarding system. It's hardly fair that some games are worth a total of 3 points while winning the old-fashioned way only has the league giving out 2 points.

I know this isn't a new argument, but isn't that the problem, this system rewards mediocrity. If its so great, let's celebrate both teams in the Stanley Cup Finals..After all they both made it. Give the top 2/3's of the Cup to the winner and the bottom 1/3 to the losers. That way everyone can win and the League will continue to be the only LOSER!

LIT Up!

Wow...It's the only way to describe the Luther Invitational Tournament of basketball. The setting is really unparalleled. The gymnasium at Luther is more of a cathedral of sport. The first time I stepped in there was on Wednesday, the calm before the storm.

With no ruckus crowd, I was immediately taken by the championship banners posted on the vaulted ceiling, remembering the titans of the years past. The most notable, the 1984 Lions banner, celebrating their amazing win. It was quiet on this day, almost too quiet.

Thursday I was back in the very same place, but it seemed like a world away. The utter chaos that I witnessed was that of true passion and pure sport. The teams raced up and down the court like greased lightning, trading shot for shot, mere inches from the crowd. There were literally people jammed into this arena of purism as if they were on the last bus headed towards a resort in Mexico. It seemed like a feeding frenzy as the cheering never stopped, nor did the action on the court. I've been to some remarkable sporting events in my time, but this is something to see.

I now know the appeal of LIT. This cathedral of sport has taken the essence of the game back to its purest form for both athlete and spectator, and I am certainly drinking the coolaid from this religion's chalice.

A-Roid

So Alex Rodriguez has come clean about being dirty. So that pretty much takes care of it. Baseball is a joke.

To interpret this into Canadian terms. Say Wayne Gretzky was under huge speculation that he had used something that helped make him unbelievable. And then yesterday out comes Sid Crosby saying that two years ago, he was using. That's what ball is looking at with two of its best offensive players of all-time in hot water over either lying about steriods (Barry Bonds) or admitting taking something, as A-Rod did.

I think maybe guys in the NHL should start taking something and then purposely get caught. If Gary Bettman had half a brain he'd make sure Alex Ovechkin failed something, maybe that way his dream of selling the game to Americans would work. People in the 50 States love baseball more than ever, despite the cheating that went on for nearly two decades. Seriously, we always talk about hockey players being so tough and sacrificing their bodies to win, well what about taking some PED's? If hockey players truly want to put their bodies in harms way, its the only way! It'll grow their physique and apparently the sport.

Listen, I don't condone what A-Rod did, but I understand it. Here's a guy that had just signed on for a 1/4 Billion dollars, more money than some provinces spend on education. You don't think he felt pressure to perform. And back 6 or 7 years ago when baseball clubhouses could easily be mistaken for a pharmacy, it's no wonder he tried a few things. Hell, it was more Vegas party than sport, ofcourse now the players are enduring a bit of hell.

I say good for Rodriguez for admitting it. Sure, he was basically caught, but he just said enough and fessed up. Maybe Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds should take a note from A-Roid and come clean about their dirtiness.

Pats Problems

From way up high in the Brandt centre press box, things didn't look much better than they did from ice level. I took in different parts of the Oil Kings/Pats game from different areas of the arena and no matter where I was, the pictures were the same. Out of focus.

A person has to feel for the players and coaching staff as they seem to be trying everything to inject some life into a club that has dropped 11 of 15 and now is on the outside looking in at the playoff picture. Coach Derkatch was almost at a complete loss for words after the game. Some of the players we spoke with look as mystified as a Sigfried and Roy audience. The Pats confidence is just like a Vegas illusion act, disappeared.

Last night the Queen City kids looked as if they were thinking about what to do, where to go or when to shoot. Hockey at this level is fast and reactionary and if players take the time to work through the thousands of possible permutations available, they are destined to fail, because it'll be too late.

Too often Pats players were clearly outsmarting themselves, but never so evident than in the final 6 minutes of the game. After a Jesse Dudas slapshot had injured starter Torrie Jung, Cam Lanigan was called upon to hold onto the Oil Kings lead. Over those final minutes the Pats only directed 3 shots on goal. One shot every 2 minutes is not good enough when you have a cold goalie entering the game and you are trying to tie the affair.

Time and time again I saw Pats players pass up a shot because nobody was in front or the angle might not have been the best. That is the sign of a team squeezing the carbon fibre right out their sticks. There was no confidence in just trying to flat out beat a cold goalie with a shot.

There are no simple answers for the Pats. The team needs to walk by a mirror on the way to the ice and take a look in it. These kids are good young players and as a team they can be a strong force. They just need to see it.

BP on the Ice

A tense feeling filled the Brandt Centre air yesterday afternoon as 'the Boss' laced up his skates and went for a twirl. Pats GM Brent Parker observed his floundering team from the trenches. The General Manager says its something he likes to do a couple times a season and its a good way for "a fat GM" to get some exercise.

The small media horde that was there to witness Parker's participation weren't buying his exercise routine, seeing as though he didn't take part in the skating drills when we were there.

Head Coach Dale Derkatch welcomed having the top man on the ice. Derkatch was all smiles, saying that the staff is willing to try anything if it means getting some wins. Only a day earlier Derkatch seemed extremely tired and at wits end after another loss, a 6-2 drubbing at the hands of the Blades.

Another fresh face on the ice yesterday was Midget Pat C's goalie Derek Tendler. His appearance seemed to come as a bit of a surprise to veteran goaltender Linden Rowat, who would only say that he didn't know anything about that situation but that it was going to motivate him to work harder. Rowat is generally an upbeat kid who is good for a clip, but yesterday he seemed visibly annoyed.

So what do these two guest appearances mean? Maybe Parker just wanted to shoot some pucks. And maybe Tendler was brought out to just stop a couple pucks. But I don't think its a stretch to read between the lines and see that the GM and Coaches are trying everything they can to motivate their team in front of a huge weekend.

With Edmonton in town tonight and PA tomorrow, both teams the Pats are tied with for the 8th and final playoff spot, the Queen City kids better grow up fast or they'll find themselves in the express lane, out of the post season.

Tillman Charged

By now most everybody in the 306 knows about Riders GM Eric Tillman being charged with sexual assault. The alleged incident took place last summer and Regina, the 16 year old female complainant reported it to police three days later and charges were laid on January 27th.

In our justice system one is innocent until proven guilty and I will follow by those standards in this case as well. I am not a lawyer or a legal junkie, so I won't delve into that arena, but what I do know is sports.

Despite Riders President Jim Hopsin stating that the team will be fine with Tillman on administrative leave, one has to think that Riderville may see a few speed bumps ahead. The CFL Free Agency period is set to kickoff in less than two weeks time. I have to think it might be hard to convince prospective players to come to Regina when the GM is caught up in some serious legal matters. Players want to know where the team is at and where it is heading before they sign on. Tillman is a great orator and can be quite the salesman for the Green and White. But with his voice being muted, players may flip through the station to listen to something else they like.

The word out of Mosaic is that the team will look to the senior members of its staff, lead by Ken Miller will assume the GM role. No disrespect to Coach Miller, but he is just that, the Coach. This is a league of salary caps and long term planning. Its just scary to think that the man with a plan is now on the sidelines while the guy who is used to being on the sidelines is making the plans. The good news for Rider Nation is that Tillman has already all but locked up the majority of the teams needs before his charges.

Two questions still out there are Linebackers Maurice Lloyd and Anton McKenzie. Both All-stars and both due a raise, but at what price. Ultimately the choice is theirs whether or not to return to Saskatchewan and I wonder if this issue may just sway them.

It's a difficult situation and in time it will all play out. The truth and the answers will start to come forward in the court room in just a few weeks, but there will continue to be questions on the field until the season starts.

Super'Duper'Bowl

What more is there to say that hasn't already been said. After a relatively so-so first three quarters, their was an explosion in Tampa Bay and it wasn't the Pirate ship firing off its canons.

First Pittsburgh seemingly avoids disaster on a 3rd & 10 from their one, only to be called on a hold and give up the safety. Next the Fitzgerald play which had it not been for 'Big Ben' and his drive for the ages, would have erased any memory of David what's his name from the NYG.

Then along comes "Thee Ohio State University" and what may simply be known as 'The Catch' for this generation. Hard to believe last year's Superbowl could be topped, but get out the cherry and the whip cream, cause its been done.
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Michael Phelps has been having a real 'hoot' since the Olympics. Who cares? If he can smoke pot and still win 8 gold medals, what does that say for the rest of the guys in the pool?
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What a great weekend around town for CIS action. Tim Switzer from the Leader Post ran the gauntlet on Saturday hitting every single event. Congrats to him. Don't look now, but the Women's Basketball team is starting to get comfy at the CKHS, can't wait for Nationals next month!!

Who is God Picking?

Football is a religion. Maybe that's why they play on a Sunday? On this particular Sunday, the Christmas of sport, the Superbowl will be played. Both teams are looking for a little help 'from above' in order to be crowned kings of the gridiron.

But who is the 'Big Guy' roting for? Well, through careful deduction I have figured out that God must have a place in Arizona. Think about it. Phoenix is in the desert. Isn't there something in the Bible about where the Jews were forced to go? Yeah something like 40 years. Roughly as long as the Cardinals waited to get into the playoffs. Then there is the team name, Cardinals. There is an obvious reference to the 12 men of the Catholic church who serve under the Pope.

What about the Ten Commandments? It says 'Thou Shall Not Steal'...Ok, not a direct translation, but the negative connotation around the word steal (at least in rhymes with Steel) gives me a bad vibe about what the 'Man Upstairs' thinks about Pittsburgh.

So far me, I've seen the signs (no, there wasn't 7 of them) but they all point towards a Lombardi Trophy for Arizona.