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!

Questions in Vancouver?

As the horn sounds in Chicago, the questions begin in Vancouver.

The first and many of the next number of queries must be directed at Roberto Luongo. This guy was touted as the hero, the goalie in 2010, arguably the top goalie in the game...Well, I'll argue. Sorry 'Bobby Lu' but giving up 7 (including 4 on 9 shots in the 3rd) is far from the best in the world. Luongo and Co. gave up three separate leads in game 6, but it doesn't end there. The Vancouver goalie and his teammates continually blew leads in this series. I know that the Canucks D had more holes than the a screen door, but if you're the supposed 'Best in the West' then make a save, hold a lead. Luongo has one-year left on his contract at 7.5 million. Hmmm.

Next question...Is that the end of Mats Sundin? Oh wait, he looked to be retired since he pulled on the jersey on the coast. He is now an unrestricted free agent. Bye Bye.

Next question...The Sendins. Often touted as dominant, they continue to be unable to lift their game and their team. No doubt they have their moments, but it always seems to just be a pair. The Canucks have struggled to find a winger to line up and be a good fit with the twins. Well, isn't that what great players do, make other players better? These two don't include the third member of their line, so when the going gets tough in the playoffs, they play shorthanded most of the time. Oh, by the way, they are unrestricted free agents. But that's an expensive package deal.

So while the players clean out their lockers, maybe some of them for good, what and when will the answers come to where this team went wrong.

What Do You Want To See?

Busy weekend on the Regina scene, albeit, under the radar.

Team Saskatchewan selected the swimmers that will represent the green & yellow at this fall's Canada Games. I have to say that from a media perspective, this event was a dream.

Marj coordinated everything for, called back promptly, the times of the events were accurate and the kids were easily accessible and excited to talk. I will certainly be back to the pool sometime soon to catch up with these wake-makers.

The Canadian Junior Team Handball Championships were also going on at the fieldhouse and although the coordination might not have been that of the swimmers, the event was still cool. I caught a good chunk of the Girl's final between Alberta & Quebec and wow, handball can be a fairly vicious sport at times...Don't try and penetrate that defensive wall.

Now while I enjoyed my time at both of these events, I really wonder sometimes how much viewers at home get amped up about seeing Global cover it. My feelings have always been local first, but I'm not 100% sure that's what people are looking to see when they tune in to us.

I hope that's the way it goes, because its truly one of the great perks of my job, meeting these young athletes and then trying to convey their story to everybody. I truly believe all these people have great tales to tell and they're worth hearing.

But there is the school of thought that most people just care about NHL, CFL and MLB...Maybe, but then wouldn't they tune into Sportsnet or TSN?

Let me know what you think and what you'd like to see more of on Global Sports, cause in the media business, the customer is ALWAYS right and I certainly aim to please.

Dale Derkatch Talks

I had the good fortune of running into Dale Derkatch today. To say it was good fortune might even be an understatement.

In the short time I've known the Pats legendary sniper, its truly been a treat every time I get to speak with him. And today was no exception, although its only been days his dismissal.

Derkatch very politely guarded his words when speaking about his one year at the helm of the Pats. He seems far to distinguished to try and sewer his former employers. He did however express that he doesn't believe that the Pats demise this season was solely his fault.

He says, "I only know one way" and "I've had success wherever I've been". Now, no question Dale is a determined individual who has one focus, to win. He did although allude to the fact that when things started to go south for the Queen City kids there may have been a difference in philosophy between he and some others in the organization.

Derkatch seemed as though he may not be all that disappointed about his dismissal considering that he maybe wasn't seeing eye to eye on the plan for the club with others. Of course he wouldn't name names as to who he was referring, he remains above slinging mud.

In the short time he's been unemployed he says that he has already been approached by a few different people about 'things'...He wouldn't commit to where and when he may resurface but did sound optimistic that it would involve hockey at some level.

Derkatch also mentioned how he was proud of Notre Dame and their Telus Cup victory, a tournament that he himself attended in Selkirk to soak in a couple of games.

A real treat to my day to run into one of the good guys that no matter how good it was going for the Pats this year, would also make himself available for a chat.

NHL Team In Regina?

So with the musings that the Phoenix Coyotes are nearing extinction in the desert, comes the typical rumors. Now while it seems Jim Balsille is hell-bent on moving the Desert Dogs to the Golden Horseshoe, that hasn't stopped those in Winnipeg from hoping their beloved Jets might complete the round trip and fly home.

Now just because the Peg once had a team doesn't mean they're entitled to one again. In fact, if you are to consider Winnipeg, why not put the franchise here in Regina? Mayor Fiacco commented on it today saying 'why not'?

Combine the population of the surrounding areas and they are comparable once you take in Saskatoon and Moose Jaw. And while Winnipeg's MTS Centre isn't big enough to house an NHL club, the proposed new Dome in Regina would fit more than enough people.

Now maybe these are just idle dreams, but people believed in Bill Hunter when he almost snagged the St. Louis Blues for Toon-town.

I just think that if Winnipeg feels they can have a team, why couldn't we?? Let's face it, if they can do it, we can do it better!

Terrible Timing By The Pats

The Regina Pats have officially announced what many have thought for weeks. Dale Derkatch is no longer the coach of the Queen City's WHL team.

The announcement didn't come as a shock, but the timing did. GM Brent Parker has said all along that he would make a decision after the bantam draft (last Thursday). It obviously didn't take a whole lot of time for him to make up his mind. So why then could he not have done it anytime in the last 7 weeks?

Would this franchise, who will now see a different Head Coach behind the bench for the third year in a row (unless Curtis Hunt comes back), not benefit from having some sort of stability. Parker admitted that part of Derkatch's downfall may be attributed to getting such a late start last summer.

Would it not be beneficial to have your new top man involved in the draft? It could help to know which style of play your team is going to go with so as to draft a player that may help achieve those goals.

This is a fragile bunch of players right now and its going to take some time for whoever the new coach is to rebuild all that was lost over the last year. Getting the new guy in here sooner rather than later could help with that. Athletes are creatures of habit and need familiarity around them to feel comfortable and thus productive.

So while Derkatch is gone, GM Brent Parker must now bare the cross alone. The turn-around must be quick as Parker himself has said the 'talent is there'. There should be no excuses when it comes to getting a top coach and fielding a top team next year.

As for Derkatch, his departure was quiet. In a brief phone conversation yesterday he basically just said that he has 'said his piece' (not a direct quote) and would rather not get into things. Classy.

Dale never seemed to mind stopping by with a comment or two whether it was at practice or before a game. I really enjoyed having a chance to meet and interview him several times this year. It didn't matter whether it was the first or the last game of the year, you could just see on his face that he loved being at the rink. It's too bad it ended this way for 'The Rat', but no doubt he'll be at a rink soon enough with a smile back on his face.

What? No!

Really? Ovie nets 3...Sid bulges thrice...What a special game. If you didn't catch the Pens & Caps game 2. Sorry.
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Just dropped of a DVD for the Cougar Women's Basketball Team's annual breakfast. Is Coach Taylor one f the best or what? I could totally see going on a road trip with that guy to Fenway! By the way, I hope to post that video on here soon.
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The Kelowna Rockets have a 3-0 series lead on Calgary. My bad. I thought the Hitmen might go 16-0 in the playoffs. Whoops.
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Got my first 18 of the season in yesterday with CTV's Lee Jones. I played pretty well, almost as good as Phil Mickelson...Oh wait, that was my shot off the clubhouse. Seriously!
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Thom Vernon's blog features a section on Saturday night at the PB. "The Oilers goal, his 3rd of the season...." I agree Thom, we need more of those nights telling old stories and laughing over a pint of Rickards White. Although she could have smiled more!
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Varlamov save on Crosby in game one. Yeah.
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Five Rams players selected in the CFL Draft, most of any University. Does anybody think that Frank is getting it right? He's maybe the only guy that could possibly give Mayor Pat a run for his money in the election.
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Speaking of the Mayor, the 16th Annual Ken Goff Memorial Boxing event was awesome to watch. And kudos to Access for doing a fine job and bringing it to us live, that rocks!
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Two months until the Great White North Triathlon...better go and get my ass in shape!

Wild Weekend

In the words of Randy Jackson "Check it out Dog"...

I wanted to use this line on air, but found it in real poor taste...'No confirmed cases of swine flu in Saskatchewan yet, but pigskin fever is set to hit the Queen City this weekend!' I know, lame.

The U of R Rams and the Junior Thunder will both hold their spring camps starting today and wrapping up on Sunday. As well, Matt Dominguez is holding his skills camp on Saturday and Sunday at Mosaic. Oh yeah, there's also a little thing called the CFL Draft tomorrow too. There's a god chance at least 2 and maybe more Rams players get selected. Riders only have a couple of picks.

For complete coverage on all of the above and the WCP Soccer Finals...GlobalTV, Ch5.

Oh yeah, there's some horse race in Kentucky that I'll also wrap on!
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Does anybody actually watch the weekend News at 6 & 11? It's honestly one of the best places to check out local sports, cause that's when they happen, on the weekend!! Just because its the weekend doesn't mean its any less quality. The Saturday-Sunday crew pour their hearts into those casts, yet people don't tune in. Funny thing is in this time of economic cutbacks, if people aren't watching, advertisers aren't paying. And let's face it, if we aren't making money, those shows are going to get cut and there goes the look at the local scene. I for one would hate to see that happen. I love doing stories on the young athletes!
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Is it me or has the officiating in the NHL become brutal. Last night during the Hawks/Canucks game it was terrible. On two separate occasions all 4 officials missed obvious Too-Many Men penalties on the Canucks as clearly pointed out by Craig Simpson of HNIC (I thought there was a third.) How about the hooking call on Toews? He had one hand on his stick! C'mon. Even the referee's motion for the call indicates two hands! Oh, and what is the difference between chopping a guys stick out of his hand or chopping his stick and breaking it? Apparently there is one! I don't think either should be called, but it seems the refs only call a penalty if those tough as steel sticks (insert eye roll) shatter!!
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Crosby vs Ovechkin?

How about Malkin vs Backstrom?
Too bad it's in the second round.
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Good to see Rod Pedersen at the Thunder presser yesterday. Its been awhile but it always livens my day to see him. In fact, he put a little heat on me to get off my backside and update this blog. Thanks Rod.

Speaking of exciting, Dan Plaster chasing tornadoes? Love that guy!
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Ken Goff Boxing tonight. Woodsy is doing the broadcast for Access! It'll be a beaut. If you can't make it, check out the Mayor's Cup on Sunday. These two events are no doubt the best boxing that comes through town!
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Adam is a shoe in on Idol. I can't even get my shoe on.
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Watch Global (Voted Prairie Dog's Best Sports) for all the best on the Riders draft this weekend, including a preview tonight at 6pm. Cheers!