Puckin' Eh!

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2010-01-23T18:55:00.000-08:00

http://communities.canada.com/globaltv/blogs/kevinjesus/default.aspx

New blog - updated on a regular basis

Stop by and leave some comments and feedback!

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Huskies Football

2009-09-03T23:22:00.000-07:00

It's time to "Prove It" - the road to the Vanier Cup starts in less than 19-hours as the University of Saskatchewan Huskies take to the field against the defending Hardy Cup Champion Calgary Dinos.

With an expected sellout, members from the 1959 Huskies Football team, a dynamic fireworks display, a pep band and of course those crazy singing cows with "Sweet Caroline" - it'll be an experience like no other in the Canada West.

I'll talk more about the Huskies in the coming days, weeks and months but for now, here's a series of stories I did for the Shark Club Huskies Training Camp Report.

Before I get to that, here's a quick little video the Huskies put together with help from Five Stones Films. Fantastic! Just proves once again that the Huskies are the class of the CIS.

Tuesday's Thoughts

2009-08-25T11:32:00.001-07:00

I'll admit I've been slacking in the ole blog department - but with that out of the way, there's lots to talk about on this fine Tuesday Afternoon.

So I'm flipping through the channels and what do I see? A dude eating a placenta. Yes... you just read that right. A dude eating a placenta. He said it tasted pretty good but it was a bit "leathery" (is that even a word?). Honestly - who does that?!?!

Still on "The Doctors" - they showed people getting stung by bees for acupuncture, eating sushi off a naked woman, and a device that allows women to pee standing up. It was like watching a car wreck, I couldn't take my eyes off the TV.

***

Still with TV, we all know that there are some trashy programs but wow, there are some pretty crazy shows out there.

16 and Pregnant: Exploiting sixteen year old pregnant girls is bad enough but some of the crap on this show just makes you shake your head. Like it's the White Trash of White Trash. So this one chick was preggers and credit to her, she decided to put the child up for adoption because she couldn't provide a stable home for it. She came from a home with a cracked out mother, and at one point had to live with her grandparents for seven months because it was "unsafe" to live at home with her mom. Yep - riviting television at its finest. If anything it reinforces the idea that we need more birth control in this country and people should have to write tests before they can have kids or something.

Hoarders: The whole act of hoarding fascinates me. It boggles my mind that someone could live in such filthy conditions and be perfectly ok with it. This one guy was beyond dirty though - they went into his room and lifted his bed... from under the bed to about half of the room - there was a small mountain of 2L bottles of pop. Like I'm pretty sure there was more in that room than some supermarkets have on their shelves. It was shocking yet sad at the same time. Though let's be honest, is it really that difficult to walk two steps and throw that bottle into the garbage or recycle bin? Lazy!

So You Think You Can Dance Canada: I watched this show only because I was told that I had to see Emanuel Sandhu (3x Canadian Figure Skating Champion). I only have one thing to say ... Emanuel, please eat a sandwich. Even half a sandwich would be a start.

***

Let's talk sports... rapid fire style...

- Dany Heatley's news conference was a joke. Saying it's nothing against Edmonton but that he knows there are other options out there make things worse in my opinion. It's like being asked out to Grad and telling the person "Thanks for the offer, but I know there are other options out there. But if no one wants me and I'm desperate enough, I'll take you up on the offer". Tool.

- Fred Reid set a single game rushing record for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers - 260 yards! Unreal. I never thought I'd see that in the CFL. Well done.

- In all likelyhood, Jim Balsillie will fail in his bid to purchase and re-locate the Phoenix Coyotes. It's a shame in the sense that I think Balsillie would be good for the league with his money and business sense. The NHL needs to end this silly "old boys club" and become more progressive. A new Commissioner would be a great start in that direction.

- Let the debate begin... Who should be Captain Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics? I'll tell you who it shouldn't be - Sidney Crosby. I like Sid the Kid but he's not ready to Captain this team. Jarome Iginla would be my choice.

- The U of S Huskies Football Team opened Training Camp on Friday. The team is looking pretty good and maybe it's just me, but there seems to be a different feel to this team. There's renewed confidence and a determination to "Prove It". It has me thinking of their magical run to the Vanier Cup in 2006.

- Sporting will have their hands full on Wednesday when they visit Fiorentina in the 2nd Leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff. The first leg finished in a 2-2 draw, giving the Violas the "away goal" advantage of two goals. In other words...

Sporting Win: Sporting advances to Champions League, Fiorentina drops to Europa League
Fiorentina Win: Fiorentina advances to Champions League, Sporting drops to Europa League
0-0 or 1-1 Draw: Fiorentina advances to Champions League, Sporting drops to Europa League
2-2 Draw: They play extra time and possibly penalty shots.
3-3 or more Draw: Sporting advances to Champions League, Fiorentina drops to Europa League

The game will be broadcast LIVE on Rogers Sportsnet East.

- The Rise and Fall of WCW is out on DVD. I really want to pick that up - it'll be interesting to see how the WWE portrays their once mighty competitor.

- And finally... Brett Favre, get over yourself. You've so tarnished your legacy.

Random Thoughts

2009-08-17T08:15:00.001-07:00

I've been away for a week (as you can tell by the lack of updates) so here's some of the things on my mind on this beautiful Monday Morning in the City of Champions.

Edmonton may be the City of Champions but if there was a championship for stellar customer service that award would have to go to the City of Calgary. From the Hose and Hound, to the Bear Kilt Pub and some bar on 17th (can't remember the name) the customer service was wicked awesome. Friendly staff who gave quick service, liked to make conversation and were just pleasant to deal with. Well done Calgary - finally something to be proud of haha.

***

Speaking of Calgary, what the heck is up with all the one way streets in downtown? Trying to navigatge through there, especially during rush hour, is quite the experience. Wow.

***

How long until we hear "Who let the dogs out" during a Philadelphia Eagles game this year? In all seriousness, it's a great move by the Eagles to pick up Michael Vick. It doesn't take a scientist to realize what he did was wrong. He paid his duty to society by spending 18-months in prison and now is ready to redeem himself and start a new and hopefully positive chapter in his life.

Some people are up in arms over the signing - they're still so angry over the fact he killed some dogs. Again, what he did was wrong - but where's all the uproar when sexual predators or drunk drivers who have killed people are out on the streets in no time - only to re-offend time and time again. That, to me, is the biggest tragedy in society.

***

Is that not one of the best commercials on TV right now? And honestly, who wouldn't want a walk in closet filled with beer... though I'd perfer Alexander Keith's or Corona.

***

Can someone please tell me what's wrong with the Saskatchewan Roughriders? How is it possible that this team can play so well in the first half but stink up the joint in the second half? Is it a conditioning problem? Lack of motivation? Youth? Whatever the answer, they need to figure it out and fix it if they hope to hoist the Grey Cup high above their heads in Calgary this November.

***

A busy week in Saskatoon - the Blades open training camp Thursday while the University of Saskatchewan Huskies open training camp on Friday. It's a sure sign that summer is coming to an end, though wouldn't that mean summer would have had to arrive first? This was probably one of the worst summers I can remember here in Canada.

That's all I got for now... so while I enjoy the final couple days of my mini-vacation, here's some TJ to listen to and enjoy. Cheers!

Canada's World Jr. Development Camp: Wrap

2009-08-10T00:19:00.000-07:00

Forty Four Players, Five days, Ten Practices, Two Games... An early glimpse at what Team Canada may look like come December. The World Junior Summer Development Camp is officially in the books and by all accounts it was a huge success.

The players were split into two groups: Red and White. The focus was mainly on Team White, which had a stacked team that featured six of the eight returning players from last year's Gold Medal winning team. So it came as no surprise when Team White got past Team Red in Saturday's Red vs. White Game. But it was a much different story on Sunday Night... thanks to three goals in 4:18, the Red team got its revenge with a hard fought 5-3 win.

Shawn Lalonde was named player of the game after two goals in 43-seconds - both of which were tremendous slapshots from close range. Lalonde was rewarded by wearing a watermelon and even got some shaving cream in the face.

"You just bond with the guys, you get to know them really well. There's a lot of good guys here, I had a lot of fun here as you can tell." When asked if it was shaving cream, he responded "Yea it is shaving cream, it's actually burning my eyes right now." A great sport for finishing post game interviews.

I'll put the scoring summary at the bottom of this entry - but right now, let's focus on the camp as a whole. I'm no hockey expert so I'll let Head Coach, Willie Desjardins, break down the camp.

"I was quite impressed. I thought we had a good five days, I thought guys battled hard, I thought we we wanted to make sure we had intensity in camp and we did have that. I thought we wanted to get a good look at guys in different situations and I thought we had the opportunity to do that as well."

He hopes that everyone at the camp gave it their all and left nothing behind, giving the coaching staff and scouts everything they need for their evaluations. When asked who most impressed him during the camp, he didn't want to single any one player in particular saying hockey is a team game. Though there was one guy who stood out throughout the five days - Ryan O'Reilly. He's a guy who can score, he's a solid set up man, and isn't afraid to get his nose dirty.

"I thought he had a really good weekend. He's a guy that came in that was maybe a little under the radar but he certainly moved himself up in the lineup."

O'Reilly, Saturday's Player of the Game, was happy with his efforts. He came into camp with lots to prove.

" I didn't play here last year. I missed that - I didn't really have a good year last year. So coming to camp I knew that I needed to perform if I had any shot of making this so I just gotta give it everything I had. I got a little lucky, I had some bounces go my way, and capitalize on that. I thought I did well."

Nazem Kadri is another player who certainly left an impression. He was out to prove he belongs after missing last year's cut due to a broken jaw. His speed and soft hands should make him a lock for this year's squad.

"I think so, I've been working pretty hard this summer and I think I got a good crack at making this team. I'm pretty happy with how I've played here this camp and unfortunately last year I didn't really get the shot I wanted from the injury. I'm just trying to regroup this year and try my best."

Saskatoon's Brayden Schenn also missed out last year. He had a decent weekend and should definitely earn an invite to December's main camp.

"I think you always feel you could do a little bit more. For me, it's just mid-august - still got a lot of time to regroup before camp and hopefully I get an invite back to the Christmas camp and take it from there."

I did expect a bit more from Schenn but let's face it, it's the beginning of August so let's cut him some slack. Let's also remember that Jordan Eberle was ranked last after last year's summer camp and look how well he turned out for Canada. Let's reserve any judgement on Schenn until we see how he does with the Brandon Wheat Kings or the LA Kings.

I do wonder if there has even been a time where a player who made Team Canada the year before, was cut the following year. They say there's a first for everything so maybe Evander Kane will be that guy. He had tons of turnovers and seemed to just be floating out on the ice over the five days. If I were picking this team based solely on this camp, Kane would be on the outside looking in.

Goaltending wise, I think Jake Allen is by far the best netminder on Team Canada's radar. He was head and shoulders above the other three. I'd put Martin Jones behind him... and have Matt Hackett and Olivier Bellavance-Roy fight for the third spot.

Guys I was most impressed with...

1. Ryan O'Reilly
2. Colten Teubert
3. Nazem Kadri

Guys I was disappointed with...

1. Evander Kane
2. Matt Duchene
3. Brayden Schenn

With Matt Duchene, I'll admit I don't know much about the guy other than he was drafted third overall this year by the Colorado Avalanche. I just wasn't impressed - he didn't stand out to me in the camp. Sure he had fancy stick work but he just didn't seem very effective in game situations. Just my two cents.

So that's about it. It was an awesome experience covering the camp and the players really looked good out there. Disappointing to see Cody Hodgson and Jordan Caron leave with injury but such is the nature of the beast. Props to Colten Teubert who really played hard and let's just say if he plays like that for the Regina Pats this season - watch out!

TEAM RED VS. TEAM WHITE
Credit Union Centre - Sunday, August 9, 2009
Attendance: 2400+

1st Period

(1-0) 19:40 WHITE Ryan O’Reilly (Dylan Olsen, Tyler Myers) PP

2nd Period

(2-0) 03:02 WHITE Cameron Gaunce (Ryan O’Reilly, Louis Leblanc)
(2-1) 05:15 RED Brandon Kozun (Adam Henrique, Patrick Wiercioch)
(3-1) 06:51 WHITE Luke Adam (Alex Pietrangelo, Kelsey Tessier)
(3-2) 12:17 RED Cody Eakin (Charles-Olivier Roussel)
(3-3) 15:52 RED Shawn Lalonde (Patrice Cormier, Brandon Kozun)
(3-4) 16:35 RED Shawn Lalonde (T.J. Brodie, Josh Brittain)

3rd Period

(3-5) 19:58 RED Joe Colborne EN

Caron Update

2009-08-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

I wasn't able to hit the morning practices but according to TSN (who by the way, have done a stellar job covering this development camp) Jordan Caron has suffered a broken collarbone after that vicious open ice hit by Colten Teubert.

I'll have a recap of tonight's Red vs. White Game later tonight.

Canada's WJHC Development Camp: Red vs. White Game 1

2009-08-08T23:31:00.000-07:00

A glorified intra-squad scrimmage turned ugly tonight as Jordan Caron was taken to hospital with what's being called an "upper body" injury.

Minutes into tonight's Red vs. White Game, Regina Pats defenceman Colton Teubert laid out Caron with a bone jarring open ice hit at centre ice. A check that was very much like one that Scott Stevens used to dish out. From my vantage point in the press box it looked clean but I've been unable to see film on it so I can't say for certain.

To no one's surprise, the hit dominated the post game interviews and here's what Head Coach Willie Desjardins had to say.

"I think he caught him with a tough check. Caron didn't see him coming at all which is the hard part. If he would have saw him, he wouldn't have been hit that hard for sure. It is something - we all play physical but it's disappointing that he got hurt on the play."

Meanwhile, Colton Teubert had no regrets over the hit.

"It's unfortunate but it's part of the game right? I'm just doing my job and that's what I do. It sucks for him but hopefully he has a quick recovery." He went on to say, "We're Canadians. We're all going to compete out there. It just shows how competitive we all are and everybody's trying to make the team. Everyone's trying to make the most of their opportunity."

There's no word on Caron's condition - we hope to hear something from Hockey Canada officials sometime Sunday morning.

Speaking of opportunity, Ryan O'Reilly made the most of his tonight. The 18-year old (Erie - OHL), a 2009 second round draft pick of the Colorado Avalanche, wasn't afraid to get his nosy dirty in the corners and worked really hard around the net. His efforts were rewarded when he stormed the back of the net, took the puck away from the d-man, came back out to the front of the net to beat Martin Jones. For his efforts, O'Reilly was named "Player of the Game" and in true Saskatchewan fashion wore a watermelon on his head following the game.

Louis LeBlanc is another player that caught my eye. He was speedy and always a threat when around the net. He scored a beauty of a goal - soft hands, nice deke, nice goal - let's just say Montréal Canadiens fans will be happy with his performance. LeBlanc will be attending Harvard next year and while he knows some people aren't happy with his decision, all that matters is that he is happy with it - and he is. If LeBlanc makes Team Canada, he'll be the first non-Major Jr Canadian Player to crack the roster since Paul Kariya in 1992.

All four goaltenders looked decent tonight but if we were choosing Team Canada based on the summer camp, I think the hands on favorite to be the starter would be Jake Allen (Montréal - QMJHL). He looked really good in between the pipes, coming up with some stellar saves including two in rapid fire succession with Team Red on the powerplay.

The two teams hit the ice Sunday morning for their final practices of this development camp before one last shot to impress the coaching staff in the Red vs. White Game at 6pm.

TEAM RED VS. TEAM WHITE
Credit Union Centre - Saturday, August 8, 2009
Attendance: 2635

1st Period

(1-0) 00:48 RED Patrice Cormier (Calvin de Haan, Travis Hamonic)
(1-1) 15:13 WHITE Ryan O’Reilly (Gabriel Bourque)
(1-2) 18:08 WHITE Alex Petrangelo (Kelsey Tessier, Ryan O’Reilly)

2nd Period

(1-3) 13:21 WHITE Louis Leblanc (Luke Adam)

3rd Period

(1-4) 08:53 WHITE Jordan Eberle (Eric O’Dell)
(2-4) 14:20 RED T.J. Brodie (Greg Nemisz) PP
(2-5) 19:30 WHITE Evander Kane (Jordan Eberle) – empty net.

Riders Struggle in BC

2009-08-07T23:11:00.000-07:00

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are in trouble and this isn't an over-reaction to tonight's 35-20 loss in B.C.. Things looked to be going right for the Green and White as they forced four Lions turnovers in BC's first four possessions - one of which led to Rob Bagg's first career touchdown. From there, however, it turned into a comedy of errors and once again Darian Durant failed to step up to the plate.

In this Province it's normal for fans to jump on a quarterback after a poor performance and a lot of times it's more of a knee jerk reaction. This time - there's no doubt about it - Durant just will not get the job done and as long as he's the starting pivot, the Riders hopes for a Grey Cup will diminish.

Darian Durant: 10/19, 189 yards, 2 Touchdowns, 2 Interceptions
Steven Jyles: 7/13, 96 yards, 1 Interception

I sure can't wait for Graham Harrell to get off the nine game injured list - learn the Canadian game - and come in as the saviour for this club.

The other glaring problem is their lack of production in the second half. I'm not sure if it's poor conditioning or lack of motivation or the fact that the Riders just aren't good enough - but the fact is, their offence is firing blanks once halftime rolls around. Through six weeks of this CFL season, the Riders have scored ten points in the second half just once (Week 5 in a 24-23 win in Calgary). That's pathetic.

Week 1: 28-24 win vs BC --- 3 second half points
Week 2: 46-36 win at Tor --- 9 second half points
Week 3: 43-13 loss vs Mtl --- 2 second half points
Week 4: 38-33 loss vs Edm --- 8 second half points
Week 5: 24-23 win at Cgy --- 10 second half points
Week 6: 35-20 loss at BC --- 6 second half points

That's an average of 6.3 points in the second half per game. You're not going to win very many football games with a stat like that.

They'll have over a week to go over film and work on their mistakes before hosting the Hamilton Tiger-Cats next Sunday.

Off Day at Canada's World Junior Development Camp

2009-08-07T14:45:00.001-07:00

An off day at Canada's World Junior Development Camp as both the players and coaching staff left the rink to hit the links.

So instead of having nothing to write about, let's talk about Jordan Eberle. Oh yes, Canada's Golden Child - the guy who scored that infamous game tying goal with 5.6 seconds left in last year's World Junior Semi Final against Russia.

He's seen "The Goal" countless of times, and he's asked about it so much that it's become an instant conversation starter with him.

And while he admits it's the biggest goal of his career, the 19-year old is now ready to move on and create new memories. He has that opportunity this winter, and while no spot is guarenteed with Team Canada, he's a virtual lock for this year's team. No complacency on his part though, he'll be fighting for a spot like everyone else.

"What happened in the past, happened in the past. Obviously it affects the future a bit but like I said earlier, it's good to get on the ice with the guys like this and as a hockey player competing is a really big thing and you wanna be the best guy out there. As far as that goes, all these guys are competing as hard as they can, including the vets and you know we're tryin to get ready for camp and leave an impression"

Willie Desjardins, Canada's Head Coach, tends to agree.

"You gotta respect guys that have been with the program before. We certainly know what he can do and that's the hard part too. What you do in summer camp is one thing, what you do in a game is another, but what you do under pressure is the third thing and Eberle showed what he can do under pressure and that certainly gives him an advantage over the other guys."

But as good as Eberle is, he may not be at the World Junior Hockey Championships this December. If he has it his way, instead of the Red and White of Team Canada, he'll be in the Copper and Blue of the Edmonton Oilers.

"Obviously I'd like to play in the NHL - that's definitely the goal. I'm going to go into camp and try and make that team but you gotta look at it as a win-win situation. I wanna be in Edmonton but there's a great back up plan. I get to go and try and win another Memorial Cup - one of the hardest trophies to win - and also probably see another shot here, hopefully, with the World Juniors in Saskatoon. Not many kids get to play in their home province let alone play twice with Canada in Canada."

The NHL or helping Canada in its quest for six straight Gold Medals - it'll be another winter Jordan Eberle won't soon forget.

Day Two: Canada's World Jr. Development Camp

2009-08-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

A bit of excitement in the morning portion of Canada's World Junior Development Camp today as it was revealed that Cody Hodgson - the 2009 WJHC Tournament Leading Scorer - is listed as day to day with an "upper body injury". Hodgson will be replaced by Eric O'Dell of the OHL's Sudbury Wolves. O'Dell was at the rink late this morning, but I didn't get a chance to speak with him.

Al Murray, Canada's Head Scout, had this to say about O'dell...

"He played for us previously at the Under-18 tournament and he came in last summer for the evaluation camp and was there last year. He's a highly skilled player who plays with a lot of energy and a lot of complete. He did a great job at the World U18 when we won Gold. His season this year wasn't quite as strong and didn't get invited initially to the camp. But like Cody Eakin, as soon as we had an opportunity to fill a spot, they were brought right in. I think if you've seen Cody out there, he hasn't missed a beat and I'm sure Eric will do a fine job for us."

As for Hodgson, he's played a lot of hockey this year. He was part of the Manitoba Moose's Calder Cup run and has recently tweaked a pre-existing "upper body injury". It's no secret what Hodgson brings to this team so the coaching staff felt there was no need to risk further injury and will let him sit out the on-ice portion of camp.

I spoke with Jordan Eberle and will have a pretty sweet story tomorrow night on Global Sports - Eberle talks about being in a "win-win" situation where he either plays in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers or returns to the Regina Pats to chase after the Memorial Cup and hopefully represent Canada in their quest for an unprecidented sixth straight Gold Medal.

I'll discuss Eberle tomorrow on the blog.

Tonight on Global Sports... Esther Madziya has a great story on Moose Jaw Warriors Defenceman, Travis Hamonic, who hopes to crack Team Canada's roster. I'll have the Dylan Olsen story, who is trying to become the first "Junior A" player to represent Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships since Paul Kariya in 1992.

Canada's WJHC Development Camp: Day One

2009-08-05T22:26:00.000-07:00

Canada's "Drive for Five" was a success and now it's time for an even greater goal - becoming the first team in the history of the World Junior Hockey Championships to win six straight Gold Medals. The quest for six began tonight in Saskatoon, as the Bridge City plays host to the summer development camp.

It's an opportunity for the coaching staff to get an early glimpse at just who deserves a shot to wear the Red and White.

46 players are at camp, with two unable to participate in on-ice acitivites due to injury. Sitting out are Jared Cowan and Stefan Della Rovere.

Here's the roster breakdowns...

TEAM RED

Goaltenders:

Matt Hackett
Martin Jones

Defence:

Calvin De Haan - Travis Hamonic
Tyler Cuma - Ryan Ellis
T.J. Brodie - Shawn Lalonde
Patrick Wiercioch - Charle-Olivier Roussel

Forwards:

Cody Eakin - Patrice Cormier - Jordan Caron
Taylor Hall - Nazem Kadri - Brandon Kozun
Josh Brittain - Joe Colborne - Greg Nemisz
Philippe Cornet - Adam Henrique - Zack Kassian

Observations:

- Nazem Kadri is small (5'11'' 174lbs) but speedy
- Shawn Lalonde has soft hands; slipping pucks past Matt Hackett quite a bit
- Scary moment when Travis Hamonic and Cody Eakin collided in the corner. Hamonic stayed down for a bit but got up and was ok.
- In between the pipes, Martin Jones definitely looked stronger than Matt Hackett, who gave up a ton of rebounds
- Defence played really well. All four pairings were clicking and frustrated the offence.
- Best line: Hall / Kadri / Kozun

TEAM WHITE

Goaltenders:

Jake Allen
Olivier Bellavance-Roy

Defence:

Marco Scandella - Colten Teubert
Dylan Olsen - Tyler Myers
Cameron Gaunce - Matt Clark
Colby Robak - Alex Pietrangelo

Forwards:

Evander Kane - Cody Hodgson - Jordan Eberle
Brandon McMillan - Brayden Schenn - Scott Glennie
Gabriel Bourque - Matt Duchene - Louis LeBlanc
Luke Adam - Ryan O'Reilly - Kelsey Tessier

Observations:

- Jordan Eberle, in my opinion, was by far the best player on the ice for either team. He was quick, had great hands, scored some nice goals and just looked right at home on the ice.
- Team White had a much more physical practice than Team Red
- Best Line: Kane / Hodgson / Eberle

I spoke with Brayden Schenn following practice and he was pretty happy with how day one went. While it was the first practice and more of an opportunity for the guys to find their legs before things really start to intensify, Schenn took it as serious as possible.

Failing to make last year's team left a bit of a sour taste in Schenn's mouth. Admittedly, he was under a ton of pressure last year - a slow start with the Brandon Wheat Kings, trying to make Team Canada and the possibility of being drafted into the NHL. Skip ahead a few months - he was drafted in the first round, ninth overall by the LA Kings and it's as if a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders.

That's not to say that there's no pressure for the youngster. Being the "hometown boy", Schenn would love nothing more than to realize a dream and play for Canada's World Junior Team and do so in front of family and friends in Saskatoon. Needless to say, he's focused and will do everything in his power to crack this roster.

Some other tidbits...

- Only eight players from last year's Gold Medal winning squad are at camp: Tyler Myers, Alex Pietrangelo, Colten Teubert, Jordan Eberle, Cody Hodgson, Evander Kane, Ryan Ellis and Patrice Cormier.

- Of all the players only two do not play Major Junior or College Hockey: Dylan Olsen (AJHL) and Louis LeBlanc (USHL) *note: USHL is the highest level after college in the US but widely considered to be somewhere between Jr. A and Major Jr in Canada*

While speaking with Dylan Olsen, he made it clear that while he may play at a lower calibre of hockey than most of the other guys at this camp - he's just as deserving to be here. He's the same age and plays just as well - afterall, why else would he be drafted in the first round, 28th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks. Watch Global Sports tomorrow night for an in-depth story with Dylan Olsen.

Scott Schultz Retires

2009-08-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

He fulfilled a boyhood dream of suiting up for the Green and White. A dream where he'd hoist the Grey Cup high above his head, bringing glory to the Province of Saskatchewan. A dream that has now come to an end.

After nine years with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Scott Schultz is calling it a career - announcing his retirement this morning in Regina. The Defensive Lineman says he'll miss running out on Labour Day this year and that it will be weird to see the boys play on Friday in BC while he's sitting at home in Regina.

Schutlz went on to say that while this chapter of his life may be over, it isn't the end of his being a "Roughrider". He was a Rider even before he played for the team and is thrilled to have not only suited up for the Green and White but to have won the Grey Cup in 2007. A dream come true for a boy from Moose Jaw.

At the age of 31, he was beginning to move past the prime of his career. Add in a wife and child and certainly one can understand that there's more to life than football. So when a "major business opportunity" presented itself, he took advantage and did what's best for both himself and his family. He retired mid-way through this season to concentrate on his newly acquired insurance company in Regina.

I'm thankful for everything that Schultz has brought to the Riders organization. No one will ever question his pride, talent, passion, and desire to succeed. From a media perspective, he was great for a quote and always had something interesting to say.

With that said, I must admit I'm not happy with his decision. (cue the Rider fans chasing me with a pitchfork for saying such a thing)

I realize there may be more to this story than is publically revealed (rumors are flying that he was about to be cut or see his playing time reduced) but just concentrating on the facts - I'm disappointed.

I'm disappointed because he clearly was thinking about this acquisition prior to the start of the CFL season. He was preparing for life after football - and there's nothing wrong with that. What bothers me is that he must have known that there was a very good chance the acquisition of this business would go through before the end of the year. Given that he decided he'd quit playing football as soon as the deal was approved - I question his decision to even play this season.

Would it not have been better for the team if he retired prior to the start of the season? It would give the Riders a chance to shop around for a replacement or help prepare his backup for a starting role.

It's not like Scott Schultz was a minor piece to the Riders puzzle. He was focal point of this club - a natural and outspoken leader - one that leads by example both on and off the field. Losing a guy like that at any point is difficult, but to lose him midway through the season is a tough pill to swallow.
I must stress that I have no problem with him putting both himself and his family first - in fact, I admire him for that. I just think he should have considered that maybe he should have retired before Week 1 in the best interest of the club.

Then again, maybe I'm just way off the mark.

Thanks anyways Schultzy - you were great and I wouldn't be surprised to see your name on the Plaza of Honor one day. And if you're as good in the insurance field as you were on the grid iron, there's no doubt you'll see a ton of success.

Saskatoon Coyotes

2009-07-27T21:01:00.000-07:00

It's been called the "Volunteer Capital of the World", the "City of Bridges", the "City that really does Shine", and now Saskatoon may be called part-time home of the Phoenix Coyotes.

That's right - Saskatoon... Phoenix Coyotes.

As first reported by the Globe and Mail, a group of Canadian and American businessmen have formed a group called "Ice Edge Holdings LLC" that want to place a bid to purchase the Phoenix Coyotes. Reports say the group's bid will be $150 Million - $2 Million more than the only other bid by Jerry Reinsdorf.

As part of their deal, the group would be looking to do the following...

1. A new lease deal with the City of Glendale for the Jobing.com Arena

2. Increase ticket prices in Phoenix

3. Introduce paid parking for all Coyote home games in Glendale

4. Play five regular season games in a "Canadian Sister-City" which would be Saskatoon or Halifax.

Of course the fourth point is the big one and would need NHL approval, something I just don't see happening.

Let's face it, the NHL - whether they're right or wrong - is committed to making the Coyotes work in Arizona. They haven't given up just yet and will do everything they can to make it work in this last kick at the can.

So why would they possibly agree to having five home games played in another Country let alone another city?

From the "Ice Edge" perspective, it's all about the bottom line. Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon will soon hold just under 15,000 seats once renovations for the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championships are complete. Add in over 40 luxury suites, and it's a decent sized rink for an AHL team and perfect for the WHL.

As for the NHL, considering two NHL pre-season games sold out in half an hour - there's no question five regular season games would be the hottest ticket in town. In fact, they could start tickets at $80 and go up to $150 and the place would sell out in seconds. Guarenteed Money for "Ice Edge".

So there's no question that Saskatoon would be a great choice to host five regular season games but it just doesn't make sense in the big picture for keeping the Coyotes in Phoenix.

Whomever buys the team needs to work hard on building a solid fan base in Glendale. While there are a small group of passionate fans - there is still much work to be done. This club has lost hundreds of millions of dollars since re-locating from Winnipeg so it won't be an easy task to turn things around.

The last thing you want to do is alienate your fan base even more by taking away five games and playing them in Canada. Sure they'll sell out, sure they'll make money, but at what expense? One that could be the fatal blow to this team that's already more than three quarters of the way in the grave.

Let's say the NHL agrees to this proposal. Let's also say that the bankruptcy judge accepts the bid and this goes ahead. So five games are played in Saskatoon and it's a huge success. The club makes a ton of money from those games and there are smiles all around. What next? If five was so successful, why not make it ten? That would give them even more money! After ten, let's go to fifteen... you get my drift. At some point there will be no point in having a team in Phoenix and the team would be better off re-locating - something the NHL does not want to do at this time.

So to all my Saskatchewan friends and followers of this blog, I have this to say...

Don't get excited. This idea will never fly. Chris Pronger has a better chance of being named Mayor of Edmonton than this move ever happening.

Sad day for Local News

2009-07-22T22:16:00.001-07:00

A dark day for local news in Canada, as two long time television stations will fade to black on August 31st, 2009.

CHCA Red Deer and CHEK Victoria have both been told that they will be shutdown after its parent company, Canwest Global Communications Corp., failed to find a buyer and were unwilling to keep them afloat.

Two communities will now be without local news, one of which is the Capital City of the Province of British Columbia.

For some it may not be a big deal. Those living in Red Deer may watch Global Edmonton or Global Calgary instead of CHCA - or maybe they just get their news from the newspaper or by spending some time online.

While I agree that there are many ways to get your news fix, people will soon feel the void of not having a local station around. Where will you get in-depth news, information, highlights and post game reaction from the WHL's Red Deer Rebels? What about the Red Deer College athletic teams? What about sports at the grassroots level - local athletes who are training hard to get into major junior hockey or chasing after an Olympic dream. Stories that will go unheard.

While Global BC (based out of Vancouver) does a great job at covering local politics, there's a huge void in not having a base out of the Capital City. Should there be breaking news at the legislature, it will take longer for crews to get out there as opposed to now when you have CHEK situated in the City.

From a sports perspective, let's be honest - Global BC spends a great deal of coverage, and rightfully so, on the Vancouver Canucks and BC Lions. Add in the Vancouver Whitecaps (who will soon join MLS) and a mix of national and international sports - there's not much room for anything else. So how exactly will the local sports community of Victoria be served? Where will we get our information about the CJFL's Vancouver Island Raiders or Victoria Rebels? What about the Victoria Grizzlies of the BCJHL? Heck the RBC Cup was held in Victoria this past year - where would fans unable to attend the games get their hilites? The answer - no where.

Aside from news and sports, these stations did a lot to support the local community. From sponsoring major events to the station personnel donating their valuable time and efforts for various charities throughout the years. It's that community involvement that will also be missed.

As a child, I would watch RDTV (now CHCA) regularly. They'd air Hockey Night in Canada, NFL Football, and even WWF (now WWE) - I believe "Superstars". But the one thing I'll never forget was being so happy to join the RDTV "Toon Crew".

If memory serves me correct, I got a little membership card once I joined and some coupons for local places (I believe DQ was one of them). They also had a phone number that you could call where you'd get the "Joke of the Day" and other cool information like that.

The sad part is that now a days, you don't see TV Stations doing things like that anymore. Due to cutbacks and stations being run by "number crunchers" as opposed to people who actually care about the business, you start to lose sight of things that matter and what helped set stations apart from others.

It's a sad day for local news and for two communities in our great country. It's also a sad day for the 80 or so people who will soon be out of a job - in a highly competitive industry that continues to downsize.

It may be too late for Red Deer and Victoria - but to anyone who reads this blog, make sure you support your local TV Stations and local newscasts. The people that work there put their heart and soul into providing some of the best local coverage possible under sometimes difficult and frustrating conditions. Don't let your city become another victim.

Save local news.

RIP CHEK Victoria: December 1, 1956 - August 31, 2009
RIP CHCA Red Deer: December 11, 1957 - August 31, 2009

Blame Beckham?

2009-07-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

Blame Beckham? Fans of the LA Galaxy sure seem to think so, as some supporters groups clearly have a problem with one of the world's best soccer players.

In his first home game after returning from a loan spell with AC Milan, Beckham was booed mercilessly from the home crowd and at one point got into a verbal confrontation with one fan - who then decided to jump onto the field and was promptly taken away by security. (For the record, Beckham says that fan crossed the line with his insults - I'm willing to bet it had to do with family).

Why all the hate?

Beckham crossed the pond to join the MLS in 2007, signing a five year deal with the LA Galaxy for a contract that could reach up to $250 Million. It was a deal that was going to increase the exposure of the MLS and allow Beckham to play out the rest of his career.

There's no denying he has a ton of skill and is incredibly talented. His expertise from dead ball situations is second to none. Over time, age started to creep up on him and began to inch past the prime of his career.

When Sven-Goran Eriksson left the English National Team, his replacement was Steve McClaren. A man who's ego got the best of him and who went on a massive power trip as soon as he began his short tenure as manager. David Beckham was no longer in the picture for England - which absolutely devastated him. It was that decision that led to his move to America.

After a disasterous campaign which saw the team fail to qualify for Euro 2008, the McClaren era was brought to an end and replaced with a terrific manager in Fabio Capello. A man who instantly realized that there was still room on his squad for a man of Beckham's stature. With that said, he was concerned with Beckham playing in the MLS - a league far inferior to the likes of the English Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Serie A.

With his country first in his heart, Beckham knew that he had to leave the U.S. and return to Europe if he had any desire of playing in one last World Cup in 2010. That led to his loan with AC Milan and the bitter feelings LA Galaxy fans have towards him.

In their view, Beckham has been nothing more than a cancer to the team and the sport. He came here only for the money and is now turning his back on them by stating that this will be his last season in the MLS.

To say I disagree completely with their view, would be a massive understatement.

Beckham's love for his country and the national team has never been in doubt. Everyone knows that he'd do anything to slip on that jersey one more time and thanks to Fabio Capello he has that opportunity. But to do so, he needs to play with top-notch competition. That's not a slight against the MLS - but let's be honest, for a league that's only 13 years old, they have a long way to go before being remotely close to the best leagues in the world. Why blame a guy for doing what is best for him and his country?

In fact, fans should be thanking David Beckham for all that he's done for both the team and the sport in the United States.

Since joining the LA Galaxy...

- The team sold out every game in the first year of his arrival
- Attendance is up 20% from the pre-Beckham era
- The team has gone on overseas tours (without Beckham, this would NEVER happen)

Over 80,000 fans packed a stadium in Sydney, Australia to watch David Beckham and the LA Galaxy in action. You can bet the team made a ton of cash from that tour and as I said before, there's no way even a quarter of those people would watch the Galaxy if it wasn't for Beckham.

The team has quickly become a "name brand" around the world and you can find at least one Beckham Galaxy jersey almost anywhere you go. Hundreds of Thousands of jerseys have been sold with Beckham's name on it (I believe it was 300,000 in the first year alone).

TV Ratings increase when he's on, media exposure has increased exponentially and new fans have been introduced to both the sport and the league.

None of this would have been possible without David Beckham's arrival. He's a class act who has done all he can to help market the sport and the league both domestically and internationally.

It's just too bad some fans don't realize that.

Hall of Fame

2009-07-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

He's a man that has accomplished a lot in Major League Baseball.

All-Time Leader: Hits (4,256)
All-Time Leader: Games Played (3,562)
All-Time Leader: At-Bats (14,053)
All-Time Leader: Outs (10,328)

He's won 3 World Series Championships, 3 Batting Titles, 2 Gold Gloves, 1 MVP, Rookie of the Year and 17 All-Star Appearances.

His only blemish? He bet on baseball.

For that reason, Pete Rose has not and probably will not be inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame and that my friends, is a crying shame.

He has done too much to be ignored year after year by the "powers that be" in the MLB. He agreed to a permanent ban from baseball in 1989 - with the understanding that after a year they would review his case. Twenty years later, his ban is still under review.

Let's be honest, what Pete Rose did was wrong. He knew that as long as he was involved in the game, he could not gamble on Major League Baseball games. He violated that rule by betting FOR (never against) the Cincinnati Reds - the team he played and managed. So yes, he does deserve to be punished but I think the time has come for forgiveness.

There are murderers and rapists who get out of jail in less than twenty years - and yes I realize it's comparing apples to oranges but I just wanted to make a case that there's more important things in life than holding a vendetta against a man who made a mistake.

If he had bet against the Reds, I could see a case being made that he tainted the sport. He could have tried to throw games in order to make money. But by betting on his team to win - what's the problem?

So here we are in 2009, and "Charlie Hustle" is still banned from baseball and unable to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Talk about hypocrisy.

We're living in an era where the truth is coming out - many players who have held records or were once considered sure bets to enter the Hall of Fame - have been found to be playing with performance enhancing drugs.

Those who test positive face some stiff suspensions.

1st Positive Result: 50 Game suspension
2nd Positive Result: 100 Game suspension
3rd Positive Result: Lifetime Ban

So let me get this straight. A player uses performance enhancing drugs - it not only improves his game but arguably changes the outcome of games and/or seasons. Yet they need to be caught three times before getting a lifetime ban.

Pete Rose bets on his own team - which has no effect on how he manages or plays a game - and is banned for life.

Where's the sense in this?

Again, if he had bet against his team I wouldn't be so quick to defend him, but I think it's time that we forgive him and let him enter the hall where he deserves to be honoured.

As a player, he was one of the all-time greats and for that he should be in the Hall of Fame. So make the right decision - put Pete Rose in the Hall.

Lance Armstrong

2009-07-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

Lance Armstrong is one of the greatest athletes in the world.

He survived a fight with testicular cancer, which had spread to lungs and brain. The cancer was so advanced that he was given less than a fifty percent chance at survival - but he did it!

He's also the only man to have won the legendary Tour de France a record seven consecutive times.

Instead of celebrating and embracing a man who has dominated the most gruelling race and most difficult championships to win in all of sports - most people look at him as a cheat and fraud.

Not me.

Let's get one thing perfectly clear - LANCE ARMSTRONG HAS NEVER TESTED POSITIVE FOR PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS. He has been dubbed "the most tested athlete in sports" and each and every time the results come back clean.

So why the rumors? Why the factually incorrect allegations of Armstrong being a cheat and fraud?

The majority of this witch hunt is headed by L'Equipe - a French sports newspaper that has been after Armstrong since he started to dominate the Tour de France. My theory - and it's only a theory - is that deep rooted anti-american sentiment is polluting their minds and the way they report. They can not stand the fact that an American cyclist is better than the rest and can so easily dominate their Championship event and one of their biggest sports. So they will do anything in their power to taint his victories by suggesting and accusing him of taking performance enhancing drugs - which again, he's never tested positive for.

With all the drug cheats in Major League Baseball, Track and Field, and yes - the many drug cheats in the Tour de France - I guess it's natural for people to question the validity of a dominant victory. But let's look at the facts.

First and foremost, Lance Armstrong is blessed with amazing genes. He has a lung capacity of about 8L - the average is 6. He has a Vo2 max of 83 ml/kg/min (Vo2 max is the highest volume of oxygen a person can consume during exercise). Anything over 70 is considered "Elite".

Armstrong is also addicted to training hard year round. While others may take months to just relax, vacation or get away from the sport, Armstrong would be in the mountains training at his maximum capacity. He was training his body to survive the rigors of the Tour and to develop resistance to the pain and muscles aches that come with it. He's dominant in the mountains because he's trained so much harder than anyone else in that region. He's dedicated and committed to being the best and that means training as hard as he can.

He's also surrounded by some amazing teammates. Teammates who are not only talented but know their role - protect him at all costs from other riders, the wind and all other elements. He has a sophisticated training staff that look for ways to improve his training to cut down even a second from his rides.

Combine the three elements and you can see why Lance Armstrong is so strong and dominate at the Tour de France.

So instead of cutting down a guy who has proven time and time again that he's clean and not on drugs, why not enjoy the fact that he's accomplishing something that we may never again see in our lifetime.

Lance Armstrong - 7x Tour de France Champion.

“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” - Lance Armstrong.

Grid Iron Glory

2009-07-12T00:07:00.000-07:00

Saskatchewan - National Champions!!!

For the first time in history, Saskatchewan has won the U19 Football Canada Cup and they did it by playing typical Saskatchewan football.

It may be cliché but in this province, it may as well be law - Defence wins Championships. You saw it with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2007, you see it with junior teams across the province and tonight you saw it with the U19's.

Saskatchewan took on Alberta for Gold and quite frankly, it was one of the worst starts for the Green and White. On the very first offensive play, Jake McGeough threw an awful interception. After the game he told me that he was a little disappointed but the coaching staff quickly relaxed him and told him to forget about it. And quite frankly, it's easy to forget about it when you have such a stellar "D". Led by Seamus Neary, Luke Theil and Levi Steinhaur - this defence put up a wall that was virtually unbreakable.

They frustrated Alberta's offence and held them to just four points - FOUR POINTS!!!

So again, a big congratulations to Ryan Hall and the rest of his coaching staff and of course all the players from every corner of the province who have once again put us on the map.

SASKATCHEWAN - 2009 U19 FOOTBALL CANADA CUP CHAMPIONS!!!!

Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are proving just why they're one of the elite in the Canadian Football League. Heading into the season, there was an uneasy feeling in Riderville and why not...

- GM Eric Tillman is charged with sexual assault on a minor
- Longtime Defensive Coordinator, Richie Hall, becomes Head Coach of the Eskimos
- Some key pieces to the Riders "D" leave town: Maurice Lloyd, Anton McKenzie
- Questions surrounding the ability of starting QB Darian Durant

In Week One, the Riders survived a late scare and edge past the BC Lions 28-24. It was a thrilling game at Mosaic Stadium but let's face it, the Riders had nothing to smile after a comedy of errors and too many mental mistakes.

A much different story in Week Two. The Riders were down 10-0 to the Toronto Argonauts when the pendulum of momentum swung towards the Green and White. They took advantage of inexcusable penalties and undisciplined play by the Argos, who racked up 14 penalties for 131 yards in the first half alone!

The Riders humiliated them at the Rogers Centre in the second quarter, scoring 30-unanswered points.

Darian Durant didn't throw for over 300 yards but he was effective - 18/28, 205 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT.

The defence - led by Stevie Baggs - is proving that they're still as powerful if not better than they were with Lloyd, McKenzie and Richie Hall.

So with that, the Riders are a perfect 2-0 to start the year and are in sole possession of first in the West Division. The real test comes this weekend when the Riders host the only other undefeated team in the CFL, Anthony Calvillo and the Montréal Alouettes.

It's a battle of two great defences and two high powered offences. It should be a classic!

Michael Jackson Memorial

2009-07-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

The King of Pop was remembered as an icon, innovator, genius, legend and above all else - a father, brother, son, and friend.

A memorial service was held at Staples Center this morning in honour of the late Michael Jackson. Fans from around the world travelled to Los Angeles to be a part of this memorable moment - one filled with celebrities, worldwide media, and those who were inspired by a musical icon.

In true Michael Jackson fashion, the King of Pop arrived at the Staples Center in a stunning Gold-plated casket worth an estimated $25,000. It was the same type of casket that was used to bury James Brown. CNN's Anderson Cooper said it best - it was a moment that kind of took everyone by surprise. The moment reality set in - Michael Jackson is indeed gone.

But while he may be gone physically, his spirit lives on in his music and the memories of fans, friends and family.

From a tearful speech by longtime friend, Brooke Shields, to Usher's emotional performance of "Gone too Soon" - it was clear that Michael Jackson left quite the impression and touched the lives of so many.

One of the standout moments for me was when 12-year old Shaheen Jafargholi sang "Who's Loving You". The kid was made famous from "Britain's Got Talent" and was scheduled to perform with Michael Jackson in his comeback tour in London. His voice was stunning - especially given his young age - and I can only imagine the thrill it must have been to have taken part in such an event.

The memorial service came to end with everyone, including the family, gathering on stage to sing "We Are the World". CNN would cut to shots around the US of fans holding hands and singing the song. It didn't matter if they were black or white, gay or straight, American or Foreign, young or old - they... scratch that... WE were all united for a brief moment. Just think about that. Our world coming to a stop and uniting on one front. Surreal.

During the singing of that song, they showed Michael's daughter Paris singing along next to Janet Jackson. An emotional sight to say the least, but by far the most heartwrenching moment came when young Paris came to the microphone.

"I just wanted to say... ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say that I love him... so much"

Anyone who didn't feel a tug on their heart strings, a lump in their throat, or even fight back tears - must have a heart of stone. It was so real... it was such raw, heartfelt emotion... you could feel and see the pain. You could feel and see the love they all had for Michael. You could see the love that he had for his family and children.

I realize that in the last number of years, his reputation has taken a beating. There have been allegations, rumors, and even lawsuits of possible child molestation - but it's so important to remember that while some may see him as guilty in the court of public opinion, in the eyes of the law - the justice system that holds a nation together - he was NOT GUILTY of any wrongdoing.

Instead of speculating on what may or may not have happened, it's best that we all remember Michael Jackson for what he was and forever will be - The King of Pop. A man who loved music, who united so many, and gave so much back to the community.

So whether you loved him or not, take one message away from this moment...

Heal the world, make it a better place for you and for me and the entire human race.

Savard Screwed

2009-07-02T23:32:00.001-07:00

I'm going to be blunt.

Marc Savard has been screwed by Hockey Canada.

There's no other way to describe it. Marc Savard is one of the top players in the National Hockey League yet for some reason is consistantly overlooked by Hockey Canada. Did he piss them off years ago? Does someone at Hockey Canada hold some unknown grudge against him? Surely there is some sort of explanation.

Is it simply a numbers game? Perhaps he's just not that good statistically...

(Post Lockout Stats)

05/06: 28 Goals, 69 Assists - 97 Points - 100 Penalty Minutes
06/07: 22 Goals, 74 Assists - 96 Points - 96 Penalty Minutes
07/08: 15 Goals, 63 Assists - 78 Points - 66 Penalty Minutes
08/09: 25 Goals, 63 Assists - 88 Points - 70 Penalty Minutes

Those look like pretty good numbers to me. He can score, he can set up goals and he can be physical when needed. What more do they want?

Hockey Canada released its 46-man roster for the 2010 Olympic Orientation Camp. While they stress that you don't necessarily need to be at the camp to earn a spot on the Olympic team, every player that made the 2006 team was on the list four years ago.

So while Marc Savard is left off the list, Hockey Canada somehow feels that Andy McDonald is more deserving.

Nothing against McDonald, but in the post-lockout era his stats have been on the decline and in my opinion and statistically, is no where near the level of Marc Savard.

I realize that there is a ton of great talent in the "Great White North" but to ignore a player of Savard's calibre is simply inexcusable.

Why not put him on a line with Milan Lucic and Shane Doan? It would be a tough, gritty line that could also put the puck in the net.

Instead Savard will be left watching Team Canada go for Gold on television like the rest of us. It's a shame and I hope a decision that doesn't burn Canada in the long run.

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen

2009-06-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

TRANSFORMERS 2: Revenge of the Fallen

It's been said that Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen will be the first $400 Million movie to have an overwhelming negative review by critics. After watching the movie, I can honestly say that I think these critics need to learn to see a movie for what it is and stop thinking that if it's not an Oscar-type film, it's worthless.

If you're expecting an oscar nominated film then I don't suggest you watch this movie. But if you're like the typical Transformers fan - you'll love it. From robots to action to comedy and a decent storyline, this is one movie that won't disappoint.

The first movie was pretty funny but it was as if the producers went out of their way to make this one even funnier. This first hour was virtually all comedy while slowly introducing the storyline. Understandably, this is where most of the criticism comes in. The movie was two and a half hours long and for some people it's just too long. I agree that they could have shortened it quite a bit but honestly, I thought it flowed well and kept me entertained the entire time.

I was intrigued by how the producers would incorporate Shia LaBeouf's arm injury. During the filming of the movie, he was involved in a pretty nasty car accident and injured his arm. I thought producers did a bang up job in working that into the storyline.

If you liked the first movie, you'll most likely enjoy this one as well. Just remember that when you go in to see it - expect explosions, action, and fighting robots. If you're cool with that, you're cool with this movie.

Mixed Bag of Tricks

2009-06-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

A mixed bag of tricks today...

I was face to face with three of my biggest pet peeves today while on a quick trip to Wal*Mart. Let me be clear that I'm not a fan of the store and I only go there when I NEED to get something. The lineups are crazy and quite frankly, I hate stupid people - and oddly enough, there's tons of them that shop there.

Upon entering the parking lot, I saw a few open parking spaces but once I got near I realized that someone left their shopping cart right in the middle of it. Insert said "stupid people" who clearly think a shopping cart is a motor vehicle thus needs to be parked in a parking stall. Is it too difficult to walk fifteen steps and put the cart in its proper place? It's 15-steps!!! Then again, I'm sure they won't think twice to walk double that amount for a Big Mac.

Of course a few stalls over is a very important person driving a very important truck. They can not be bothered to park like the rest of us and insists on parking at an angle to take up two parking spots. They are so much more important than anyone else. People like that are only asking for some pissed off mo-fo to come up and key the crap out of their truck. If you're so concerned about the condition of your truck, why not park as far away from the doors as possible - no one will park near you. Oh wait... that would mean you'd have to walk a few more steps and I'm willing to bet you're one of those that leave their shopping carts in parking stalls. Douchebag.

I finally left Wal*Mart and was happy to be back on the road heading home. I should have realized that all bad things happen in three's and sure enough - another pet peeve. As I come across a free flow lane, the car in front of me comes to a complete stop in order to wait for an open spot in traffic. IT'S A FRIGGIN FREE FLOW LANE!!!!! Let me dumb it down for you - do not stop, pass go and collect $200. As I ride my horn, the driver seems oblivious to what is happening. Clearly this "free flow lane" is a foreign concept to him - so instead of getting angry, I drove around him and continued my journey. Three other cars went around him before he found some "open space" to move into the other lane. I'm sure buddy boy is going home to complain about the "stupid drivers in Saskatoon" and I'm sure everyone will nod their head in agreement though secretly they're ashamed to be associated with him.

Jerks, all of them!

****

With that out of the way... some other random thoughts for the day...

I'm absolutely stoked to see Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen! I've seen the first movie at least a dozen times and am literally jumping off the walls in anticipation for this movie. So far the reviews have been less than stellar but I'm gonna chalk it up to ridiculously high expectations and tons of hype - it's hard to live up to it! I'll be watching it at 11:30am tomorrow so expect my review sometime tomorrow.

****

Picked up a copy of "Saturday Night Main Event" at HMV today. I managed to get through the first disc and so far so good! It's amazing to see how different professional wrestling is from the mid 80's to now. Both eras have their pros and cons but I miss the old school days of wrestling. Days where fueds were built up over months, title changes meant something (not the constant changing of hands like we see today), and where in ring psychology was at its finest.

It also reminded me of just how amazing Jake Roberts was back in the day. From the way he talked, to his mannerisms and his fighting style - it all fit his character to a tee. If only more guys were like him - minus all the drugs and alcohol that eventually screwed up his life.

****

I'm addicted to the UFC video game for PS3. It's one of the best fighting video games that I've ever played. The career mode is in-depth and challenging and as of yet, I don't see how you can get bored with the game.

For anyone who cares... Gainer "Razor Sharp" Gopher is the undisputed UFC Welterweight Champion of the World. I'm on a 10-fight win streak with a record of 25-6. Wicked cool.

****

Speaking of Gainer, his Saskatchewan Roughriders finished the CFL Pre-Season today with a 27-19 loss to the defending Grey Cup Champion Calgary Stampeders. With the loss, the Riders will go into the regular season with an 0-2 pre-season record.

The good news is that starting July 1st, everyone is at 0-0. The good news is that it's pre-season and let's not forget the Detroit Lions were 4-0 last year and we all know how that wound up.

The bad news is that Gene Makowski sprained his MCL and could be out 3-4 weeks. A huge blow to the Offensive Line. As long as they can hang in there, give Darian Durant time to do his thing, I think the Green and White will be ok. But it's shaping up to be one of the most competitive CFL seasons in years. Tons of parity in the league - no clear cut favorites.

****

Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull, Luc Robitaille, and Brian Leetch will enter the Hockey Hall of Fame in November. All four men are highly deserving of the honour and it's probably one of the strongest fields to ever enter the Hall at the same time.

Though I must admit that I hope Pavel Bure eventually gets the call to the hall. He had a tremendous career and if it wasn't for chronic knee injuries, he could have been one of the all-time greats.

That's about all I've got right now... be cool, stay in school and don't forget to stay alert and stay safe.

Chaka Kahn

2009-06-19T17:56:00.001-07:00

As promised - Chaka Kahn's gastly outfit from the 2009 NHL Awards in Las Vegas.

If you ever wanted to know what happens when a Cougar mates with a Dominatrix - meet Chaka Kahn.

Seriously... what is that?

NHL Awards

2009-06-18T22:09:00.000-07:00

I want to apologize for the lack of updates on the blog. From work to a trip to Edmonton to see Dane Cook (great performance by the way) and enjoying the summer, it's been tough to fit in some time.

With that out of the way, let's talk about the NHL Awards ceremony.

LIVE from "Sin City" - the NHL was all glitz and glamour while dishing out the hardware in Las Vegas. The event, as always, broadcast live on CBC... and here's what I thought...

Say what you want about the Junos, but at least they had a wicked opening to their awards show this year with Nickelback's performance. There was pyro, loud music, and created a wicked atmosphere to start the show. (Keep in mind, I hate Nickelback).

Given that the NHL has a ton of young fans, you'd think they'd want to cater to that type of audience - instead, we're treated to a jaw droppingly horrid opening of Chaka Kahn and Robin Thicke.

That's right, 56 year old CHAKA KAHN.

Standing next to Robin Thicke, she looked like a cougar - RAWR! *cough* I think I just puked a little in my mouth.

And seriously what was with all the black she was wearing? I didn't realize she was all into BDSM. I wonder if Robin Thicke had a "Safe word" ... Now how's THAT for an image. (PS - Check back soon, as soon as I find a pic of her dreadful outfit, I'll post it on here)

The performance was lame and the crowd was virtually dead silent. For some reason I just can't picture Alexander Ovechkin, Mike Green, Evgeni Malkin or even Jean Béliveau dancing to that performance.

Here's hoping next year they bring in a young band full of energy and pyro, put some fans near the stage to create an atmosphere - you know anything than the "morgue" like atmosphere at this year's awards.

Was it just me or did anyone else get a bit emotional seeing Vladimir Konstantinov show up to help present the Lester B. Pearson award? Seeing how far he's come since that horrific car accident is inspirational to say the least.

Another emotional moment was when Tim Thomas won the Vezina Trophy. He said it was "humbling to even be mentioned in the same breath as some of the legends that have won". Here's a guy who struggled to make it to the NHL and stick to a roster - and now he's among the best in the league. Great story.

Was it just me or did Alexander Ovechkin seem a little drunk?

Note to the people operating chyron in the broadcast truck, use spell check. I'm pretty sure Pavel Datsyuk doesn't appreciate being called Datsuuk.

I know they're in Vegas, but was it really necessary to use porn music throughout the entire night?

And what kind of awards show doesn't have an actual host? No one was around to crack any jokes and help keep the show rolling along. Michael Bublé was there - he'd be a perfect candidate.

Speaking of jokes... Glenn Anderson. He's one of the all-time greats in Oilers history so I respect the guy, but someone needs to vet his jokes before allowing him near a microphone. "We are at the NHL awards right? For a minute there, I thought we were across the way at the Russian Awards..." Seriously?!?!?! He'd be better off saying "So a baby seal walked into a club..."

As if the awkward silence after that joke wasn't enough, he then introduced the King Clancy award winner, Ethan Moreau by saying... "How about a heave ho for Ethan Moreau"... how about a heave ho off the stage Glenn.

Can someone please tell me how Richard Zednik didn't win the Masterton Trophy? Dude takes a skate to the neck, almost bleeds to death on the ice and comes back the very next season. Yet they give the award to a walking band-aid like Steve Sullivan. The Nashville Predators forward missed 687 days with a back injury that needed two surgeries and almost ended his career. Who cares? Zednik almost freakin died!!!

All in all, the NHL awards show was an epic failure in my eyes. It's cool that they're in Vegas but if they're gonna go all out, then go all out! Bring in some musical acts that people in our generation actually care about and get a host that can make you laugh and for the love of God, keep Glenn Anderson away from a mic.

All Heart!

2009-05-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

I have a new hero and her name is Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Canada's Governor General.

While animal activists and the European Union oppose the Canadian Seal Hunt, our Governor General stood up for the rights of our seal hunters and aboriginal traditions which benefit from the hunt.

How did she do this? It wasn't through a speech or some TV commercial or Newspaper advertisement.

Our Governor General ate the raw heart of a seal.

Brilliant.

***

Speaking of "Heart" or should I say, "Hart". Great to see TJ, Harry and Nattie kicking ass over in the WWE (ECW). There's no doubt in my mind that this new generation will be as successful as those who've come before them - which is some pretty large shoes to fill, but ones that can be with their unbelievable talent.

***

You know Facebook is kind of a big deal when even the Pope is on there. Now before we get all excited at the possibility of "poking the Pope" or hoping that he fills out some survey like "What kind of car are you" - it's more of a "Fan Page" than an actual friend account.

It's about time the Pope and the rest of the Vatican start to embrace new technology to reach the young - the future.

***

When I was in Grade 5, we would have spelling tests every Friday. Anyone who got 100% would get to go into the "prize closet" and pick out a toy (nurf guns, frisbee etc). I got 100% once or twice - I just kept struggling with the word "beautiful".

Now every test we had the same hard word that was a bonus question. If you got it right, you'd get MONEY (I'm pretty sure it was close to one hundred bucks... but I was in Grade Five so I could totally have thought that and instead it was twenty... either way, it was a good dollar amount).

The word?

Antidisestablishmentarianism.

I could barely spell beautiful and together let alone that word.

For years I thought it was the longest word in the English language - it turns out, it's not even close!

The longest word in the Dictionary is...

Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis

Though there's an arguement that the longest word in the world is the full chemical name for the largest known protein...

I can't even type it in this blog because it has 189,819 letters!!! All I can think of is that kid who fainted in the US Spelling Bee... imagine his reaction to trying to spell this word!

***

Every now and then I do an interview with an athlete that simply blows me away. Yesterday afternoon, I sat down with Saskatoon native and Boston Bruins forward, Byron Bitz, and it was phenominal.

As soon as we met and started talking, it was as if we've known each other our whole lives. So easy to talk to, and he was so down to Earth. We discussed his decision to turn down the Regina Pats and instead play in the NCAA. We talked about him fighting Donald Brashear, his first NHL goal, fans chanting his name at the TD Banknorth Garden and losing to Carolina in the Eastern Conference Semi Finals.

What was initially supposed to be one story has turned into a two part series - thanks in part to a 25min sit down interview!

I'll try and post the stories on my blog soon... but for those in Canada, tune into Global Saskatoon tonight at 11pm for Part Two of the Byron Bitz story. (Ch. 236 on Bell)

Champions League

2009-05-26T21:42:00.000-07:00

The 2009 UEFA Champions League Final has the potential to be one of the greatest finals in the history of this glorious tournament.

At one end, Manchester United - looking to win back to back titles and complete another successful year which saw them once again win the Premier League. The Red Devils will be led by the FIFA World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo.

At the other end, FC Barcelona - looking to win their first title since 2005/06 and complete a successful year which saw them win La Liga. They will be led by arguably the greatest player in the world, Lionel Messi.

Messi vs. Ronaldo. Spain vs. England. Barcelona vs. Manchester United.

It doesn't get much better than this.

Which brings up an interesting question... just what was the greatest Champions League Final in the history of the modern era. For our sake, let's start from 1992-93 when the tournament was officially named the "Champions League".

Looking back at the games and having seen most of them - in my opinion, there are only two choices.

1999 UEFA Champions League Final
Manchester United - 2
Bayern Munich - 1

2005 UEFA Champions League Final
Liverpool - 3 (3)
AC Milan - 3 (2) *Penalty Kicks*

So what do you think?

Gas Prices + May Long Weekend

2009-05-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

The May Long Weekend is upon us which means two things here in Canada - poor weather and an increase at the pump.

I woke up this morning to snow on the ground and there's word that gas prices have shot up to 99.9 cents per litre. Mission Accomplished.

For years people have complained about the gas prices increasing on a long weekend but Oil Companies always shrug it off saying it's just a coincidence or what not.

So for the sake of arguement, I present to you Exhibit R. R is for robbed.

May 14, 2008

Price of Oil: Approx. $125
Price of Gas: $1.307 / L

May 14, 2009

Price of Oil: $57.65
Price of Gas: 99.9 cents / L

Now I'm no math expert but doing a quick calculation (and please correct me if I'm wrong...)

There's a 46% drop in the price of Oil from this time last year - if you were to apply a 46% drop in the price of gas that would bring us to 60.28 cents per litre.

So tell me again why we're paying almost $1/L when the price of Oil is no where near the record levels from last year?

Two words...

Greed - Robbery.

PS - Enjoy the May Long Weekend and if you happen to be drinking, please do us all a favor and don't drive.

Puckin' Eh!

2009-05-11T22:32:00.000-07:00

It's been a wild couple of days so let's dive right in...

A "Swiss Miss" at the World Hockey Championships as for the second consecutive year, Team Canada loses in the Gold Medal game to Russia. Canada played well in the tournament but just couldn't find their finishing touch. Late in the game both Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza missed on some pretty big chances - Heatley firing the puck up and over the net, and Spezza tripping on a breakaway - now all of Canada knows why Ottawa didn't make the playoffs this year. I'm just sayin.

***

If Canada wins a medal at the World Hockey Championships but no one is around to watch it, does it still count?

Honestly, does anyone care about the World Hockey Championships?

***

Tough break for the Humboldt Broncos, as their bid to become just the third team to ever win back-to-back National Championships fell short. The Broncos offence dried up as they were shutout 2-0 by the Vernon Vipers in the RBC Cup Final.

Two things caught my eye in that game...

- There were three "checking from behind" ejections. Let's put aside the fact that it's Junior A hockey's equivilant of the Stanley Cup Final, but honestly, have players not learned that checking from behind is not cool? Do we need to go back to those "STOP" sign stickers on the back of players helmets?

- Organizers of the RBC Cup need to fix the post game ceremony. You can award the Championship Trophy and then tell the Captain to leave the trophy alone while they announce the "Players of the Game" awards. That's awful... announce the POG's first and then take a quick picture and let the team celebrate. They've worked so hard all season - let them enjoy it!

***

Colin Campbell may be a great guy and obviously knows a lot about the sport but it's time the NHL put him in a different position. Under his watch the NHL has become a running joke with their lack of consistancy with on-ice discipline. There's favoritism towards star players (see the knee on knee with Ovechkin and Gonchar) and double standards all around the league.

Scott Walker SUCKER PUNCHED Aaron Ward on Sunday Night. Ward was looking at a different player, Walker skated in to get involved... Ward looked at him, had his arms at his side, when Walker punched him square in the face. Gutless, classless and quite frankly, no place for that kind of garbage in the NHL. Under the rules, he was supposed to have a 1-game suspension since he was given an instigator penalty with under five minutes to go in the game. Colin Campbell struck that down and instead made Walker pay a $2500 fine. What a joke.

By the way, you be the judge...

***

Still with Scott Walker... the quote of the night has to be Paul Maurice, Head Coach of the Carolina Hurricanes. When asked about the ramifications of the Scott Walker incident, Maurice looked ahead and without batting an eye said "I think he may have sore knuckles". Awesome Quote!

***

At the risk of letting this drag on, I'll end with a video that will surely haunt Canuck fans for days and weeks to come.

Dijon Mustard

2009-05-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

Forget the recession, H1N1 Flu, housing crisis, poverty, climate change, and wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan... the biggest threat to humanity - at least in the eyes of some people in the United States - is that President Barack Obama had the audacity to order dijon mustard on his hamburger

DIJON MUSTARD!!!!

Thankfully the well respected media members of FOX News have dedicated their time and effort on covering this earth shattering revalation. I can only imagine the heartbreaking conversations that millions of families are having at their dinner table tonight...

"Momma, why can't we use Dijon Mustard on our burgers like President Obama?"

*Fighting back tears*

"We'll just have to settle with plain old regular yellow mustard dear".

Evidently, FOX News believes that "Dijon Mustard" shows that President Obama is an elitist which clearly puts him out of touch with regular everyday Americans.

OH THE HUMANITY!!!!! WON'T SOMEONE PLEASE THINK OF THE CHILDREN?!?!?!?

You'd think they'd have better things to do than to criticize anyone, let alone the President, on what they may like or dislike when it comes to food.Just imagine the outrage if Obama ever eats at Taco Time...

Rapid Fire

2009-05-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

The Carolina Hurricanes are stunning the hockey world after winning three straight against the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Semi Final. So it's time to pick your favorite cliché... they've got their backs up against the wall, it's do or die, there's no room for error... you get the picture. Bottom line, the Boston Bruins - a team that finished first in the Eastern Conference, won the Northeast Division Title, and finished 19-points higher than the Hurricanes are on the verge of elimination.

***

The Hurricanes are playing like they did back in 2006 when they beat the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup. They have that heart, determination, speed, physical presence and of course a stellar netminder.

Cam Ward is a stud in between the pipes and to be honest, I think deserves some strong consideration to fight for one of three spots available for Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

***

We'll soon find out if the NHL provides "special treatment" towards its superstars. There's no doubt Alexander Ovechkin's knee on knee hit on Sergei Gonchar was deliberate and should be worth a one game suspension. Whether or not the league agrees is a different story. Though I can almost guarentee if it was Sean Avery on Ovechkin, Colin Campbell would be up in arms.

***

Don't you hate it when you play "Sport Select" and pick a bunch of sure-fire winners in an effort to win some "easy" money... and then one team screws it up for you? I had Pittsburgh, Boston, Yankees and Red Sox to win tonight... way to blow it for me Bruins. Jerks.

***

Welcome back A-Rod! After missing the first month of the season with a hip injury, Alex Rodriguez returned to the Yankees lineup for the first time this year - and first time since he admitted to using steroids. And honestly, you couldn't have scripted it any better. First game back, first pitch he faces and it's a 3-run homerun. Brilliant!

Leavin on a Jet Plane...

2009-05-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

The showdown between Jim Balsille and the National Hockey League will begin tomorrow in an Arizona court. The League is expected to fight the Chapter 11 filing by saying Jerry Moyes had no authority to make such a decision since the league is virtually in control of the franchise.

I applaud Commissioner Gary Bettman for his determination to make this franchise a success. He's the reason why the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins are still around today. He helped find solutions that would make the franchise succeed in their respective cities. The problem is that all these cities have traditionally had a strong fan base where as the Coyotes have struggled since moving from Winnipeg in 1996.

Bettman will run into two big problems...

1. Bettman was quoted in the Globe and Mail as saying that "...with new ownership and with the accommodations the city of Glendale is prepared to make, we think (the Coyotes) can succeed."

Just who does Gary Bettman believe will want to take over this franchise?

It's been reported that Bettman was rejected by the owner of the Chicago White Sox, the majority owner of the Phoenix Suns and the managing general partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks, when approached about buying the Coyotes.

All three, particularly Jerry Reinsdorf - owner of the White Sox, were interested in the franchise until going through the books. You don't need to be a rocket science to realize that a team that will lose $45 Million this season isn't a good investment.

The Globe and Mail also reports that Bettman is offered the team for NOTHING as long as the buyer covered 100% of the teams liabilities which would be upwards of $50 Million at the very least.

So I ask once again, just who in their right mind would want to purchase this franchise that is losing a ridiculous amount of money?

2. Confidence Vote

Gary Bettman represents the Board of Governors of the National Hockey League. They make the decisions and he's the one that acts on their behalf. Looking at this situation, there's no doubt it would be in their best interest for the Coyotes to move to a stronger market like Southern Ontario. The team would be a "have" franchise instead of a "have not" and thus strengthen the league. And, with a $212.5 Million price tag, it boosts the value of all other franchises across the league. Put up too much resistance and I think Bettman walks a dangerously fine line where he could be asked to step aside as Commissioner.

For as much good as he's done, he's also made many mistakes. One in particular stands out... Bettman failed to accept Jim Balsille's offer for the Nashville Predators and instead accepted an offer worth $50 Million LESS from a man named William "Boots" Del Biaggio. This guy had a stake in the new arena in Kansas City and was believed to want to move the franchise to Kansas City - which oddly enough, the league rejected Balsille because they didn't want him to move the team out of Nashville. And as it turned out, the league once again failed to properly vet a prospective owner and didn't realize that "Boots" was under FBI investigation for fraud.

Here's how I look this entire situation...

The NHL needs to set a firm deadline for any prospective owners for the Phoenix Coyotes. It's believed that this issue needs to be resolved by June 30th for scheduling purposes so make the deadline June 15th. If there are no legitimate owners that step up to keep the franchise in Phoenix, then set your ego aside and sell the team to Jim Balsille.

In the meantime, allow him to negotiate with both the Leafs and Sabres for "territorial rights fees" in the chance that he does gain control and move the franchise to Southern Ontario.

The battle lines have been drawn... who will win? We'll start to get an idea tomorrow.

Random Thoughts

2009-05-05T23:34:00.000-07:00

The Detroit Red Wings were robbed of a game tying goal late in the third period against the Anaheim Ducks in Game Three of the Western Conference Semi Final. With the puck laying in the crease, the referee lost track of the puck and blew the whistle just moments before the puck was knocked into the net. It was clearly a major error by the official and one that cost the Red Wings the game.

Now maybe I've just been watching more NHL games this year, but I've sure noticed a lot of "quick whistles" this year. I think it's something the NHL needs to address with its officials this off season.

***

Expect a long, drawn out and messy court battle involving the National Hockey League, Phoenix Coyotes and Jim Balsille, CEO of Research in Motion (creators of the Blackberry).

Now most of you know the details so here's the jist of it...

- Jerry Moyes, CEO of the Phoenix Coyotes, filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection.

- Jim Balsille made a $212.5 Million offer to purchase the franchise on the condition that the team would relocate to Southern Ontario.

- The City of Glendale, Arizona is disappointed

- NHL Commissioner, Gary Bettman, is believed to be angry and caught by surprise by today's events. They've indicated that they will take this to court.

- The NHL has removed Jerry Moyes from all positions of authority to act for or on behalf of the Phoenix Coyotes organization.

- There's conflicting reports that the NHL took control of the franchise earlier this year, by loaning it money since the owner was struggling financially. The Coyotes have denied the report while the NHL has had no comment.

Now I'm no lawyer but if in the eyes of the legal system the National Hockey League was in fact controlling the Phoenix Coyotes, then logically it would seem to me that they could say that Jerry Moyes acted without their permission and in fact the team would not file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection.

With that said, I do not understand why the NHL refuses to sell to Jim Balsille and allow him to move a struggling franchise to an area where a team would flourish and make the league that much stronger.

As cliché as it sounds, the NHL is only as strong as its weakest link. They'll be better off with a team in a strong financial situation than one where it loses money hand over fist. The Coyotes have never been successful in Phoenix and quite frankly, to try and find a buyer during a recession will be difficult - never mind trying to find one for a market that has never seen success.

By moving the franchise to Southern Ontario, the league would lose a "have not" team and gain a "have" franchise. It's one less team that would rely on revenue sharing and it would only make the league stronger. It's not as if the Coyotes were a dominant team or even had a strong presence in television or media coverage.

Either way, this is going to be a long battle in court and it'll be interesting to see what happens.

***

I watched a documentary tonight on the rise and fall of the World Trade Center. The events of 9/11 still seem surreal and I can still vividly remember the events of that unforgetable day. Hard to imagine that we're coming up to the 8th Anniversary of that terrorist attack.

***

After seeing the trailer for the new Star Trek movie, I have absolutely no interest in seeing it. Then again, I've never been interested in it. It'll break records when it comes out - no doubt about that. I'll save my money for when Transformers 2 comes out this summer... now that's a REAL movie.

***

Manchester United proved today why they are one of the greatest soccer teams in the world. They schooled Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League Semi-Final with a convincing 3-1 win (4-1 on aggregate). As a result, the "Red Devils" are off to Rome for the Champions League final where they look to become the first team to win back-to-back Champions League Titles since the tournament was renamed back in 1992.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a role in all three goals today. The first was a nice pass inside the box to Park Ji-Sung who took advantage of a fallen defender to bulge the twine. The second was a beautiful goal off a free kick - classic Ronaldo! And the third... well I'll let the video do the talking...

It wasn't so much the finish that was beautiful, but the lead up into it. Ronaldo with a nice pass, then sprints down the length of the field, where he takes a picture perfect pass from Wayne Rooney and puts the icing on the cake. Beautiful goal from the World's Greatest Player!

Alex the Great vs. Sid the Kid

2009-05-04T20:28:00.000-07:00

A battle of epic proportions right in front of our eyes. Fans dreamed of seeing Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux go head to head in playoff action but never got the chance. For this generation, however, fans do get that chance albeit with the "New NHL's" version of all-stars.

Sid the Kid and the Pittsburgh Penguins up against Alexander the Great and the Washington Capitals. Crosby versus Ovechkin - it really doesn't get much better than that.

Two of the best players to lace up the skates in recent years, and two guys who at this pace will be automatic locks for the Hockey Hall of Fame in a few decades. And since joining the National Hockey League, these two have had quite the rivalry - both trying to earn sole possession of the arguable distinction of being the "Best Player in the NHL".

Fans and league officials have dreamed of a playoff battle between these two and they've got it with this year's NHL Eastern Conference Semi Final. The hype surrounding this series was at an all-time high and will undoubtedly surpass that of this year's Stanley Cup Finals.

Through two games, the Capitals lead the series 2-0, but the question on everyone's mind... has it lived up to the hype? The simple answer - Hell Yea!

Crosby and Ovechkin have poured their hearts and soul into this series. They've provided some memorable moments and left fans sitting on the edge of their seats with excitement. Then again, it shouldn't come as any surprise since these two are electrifying athletes.

So how do they compare through the first two games...

Game One

Sidney Crosby: 1 Goal, +1
Alexander Ovechkin: 1 Goal, -1

Game Two

Sidney Crosby: 3 Goals, +1
Alexander Ovechkin: 3 Goals, +2

It's unreal to see just how well these two superstars have played and it seems like they've just lifted their game to a whole new level now that they're facing each other. Of course, we have to give the advantage to Ovechkin since his team is up two games to none, though really, that's only because of one man and his name is Simeon Varlamov.

I don't have to tell you how good this kid has been in between the pipes for the Caps. He's been lightning in a bottle for this franchise since replacing Jose Theodore for the start of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarter Final. He's played much better than Marc-Andre Fleury this series and there's that save that I posted a few blog entries down that just sums that all up.

The series now shifts to Pittsburgh and I can't wait to see what Sid the Kid and Alex the Great will have up their sleeve for Games Three and Four.

Super Saturday

2009-05-02T23:25:00.001-07:00

"Super Saturday" was a ginormous success, so without further adeu let's break it all down...

A big congratulations to both Scott McHenry and Ivan Brown, two members of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, who have been drafted into the Canadian Football League. There were some tense moments for the two guys as they waited for a phone call while doing drills at Spring Camp. The crowd erupted when word spread that they'd been drafted. Both guys are class acts and I hope they see a ton of success in the CFL.

***

Spring Camp isn't even officially over yet I already can't wait for Training Camp and the beginning of the CIS Season. The Huskies could have a really good season but there's a big question mark surrounding their running game if Dathan Thomas misses the year due to last season's knee injury. The poor guy tore all his ligaments in the knee and is doubtful for the upcoming year. The only good news is that he won't lose a year of eligibility as he'd be a "red shirt".

***

Across town the Saskatoon Hilltops has undergone a bit of a roster turnover due to both graduation and players moving up to the CIS. Quarterback Jordan Penner returns for a 6th Season and there's definitely no questioning the depth in that position. Their run game will also be interesting to see, as they have this rookie who has stepped into the spotlight during Spring Camp. Andre Lalonde is a pretty big guy and has certainly impressed the Blue & Gold coaching staff. His first big test is Sunday's Blue & Gold scrimmage.

***

I bet you wish you had bet $1,000 on "Mine That Bird" at the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby. In the second biggest upset in derby history, "Mine That Bird" stunned the crowd at Churchill Downs to win the "Run for the Roses" and made our country proud as its a Canadian-bred horse!

All eyes will be on "Mine That Bird" as it heads to "The Preakness Stakes" en route towards the "Triple Crown".

***

Sid the Kid took on Alexander the Great in Game One of the Eastern Conference Semi Final. To no one's surprise the game lived up to its hype and both guys were a factor for their teams. Crosby had a goal and was a plus one while Ovechkin had a powerplay goal and was a minus one.

The story of the game, however, was the unbelievable save by Simeon Varlamov late in the second period. It is quite possibly the save of the playoffs.

***

Over on the West Coast, for the second time in their series, the Vancouver Canucks blew a 2-goal lead against the Chicago Blackhawks. Up 2-0, the Canucks seemed to get a little too comfortable and with Sami Salo having left the game with injury the young Blackhawks took over and stunned the Canucks with a 6-3 win.

As my buddy Jaye put it, the Blackhawks are playing "with no fear" and that's a scary thought for the Canucks. This is shaping up to be a great series and could very well go the distance.

***

I'm not a big tennis fan but the emergance of Rafael Nadal and the intense rivalry between Nadal and Roger Federer is something that simply can not be ignored. Their unforgettable battle at Wimbledon last year was an instant classic and one for the ages - it's also available on DVD at HMV. Believe it or not, I'm seriously considering picking it up.

***

And finally tonight, it's amazing - scratch that - a miracle that no one was killed in Dallas this afternoon. A wicked storm blew through the Dallas area and with winds of 105 km/h, the roof of the Dallas Cowboys practice facility collapsed during a rookie mini-camp. 12-staff members were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Check out this amazing video shot during the collapse.

2009 CFL Draft

2009-05-02T08:33:00.000-07:00

The 2009 CFL Draft is underway and for the first time in league history, the first two rounds are being shown live on TSN.

I love the fact the draft is being shown on television as it helps legitimize the CIS - which, in my opinion, is an under appreciated league. The quality of football is top notch and it amazes me that more people aren't into it and TV / Media coverage lacks in many markets (with the exception of Saskatoon).

So as the draft progresses, here are some random thoughts / draft results...

1st Round, 1st Overall: Hamilton Tiger-Cats - Simeon Rottier (OL - Alberta Golden Bears)

1st Round, 2nd Overall: Toronto Argonauts - Etienne Legare (DL - Laval Rouge et Or)

TRADE

To Hamilton: 6th Overall Draft Pick, 13th Overall Draft Pick

To BC: 3rd Overall Draft Pick

1st Round, 3rd Overall: BC Lions - Jamall Lee (RB - Bishop's Gaiters)

No surprise with this pick, as the Lions really wanted Lee despite the fact he signed with the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. It's a high risk that could be a big reward should Lee ever play in the CFL.

1st Round, 4th Overall: BC Lions - James Yurichuk (LB - Bishop's Gaiters)

I've spoken to a few people who share the same thoughts, isn't it a bit weird to see so many analysts and hosts on TSN for this draft? None of the athletes are in studio, neither of the teams are there. It's just Commissioner Marc Cohon who's reading out the picks as they arrive.

I won't complain too much as we should be thankful that this is even on TV, but hopefully they jazz this up next year.

1st Round, 5th Overall: BC Lions - Matt Carter (WR - Acadia Axemen)

The CFL has just announced that they want to host a regular season game in Moncton, New Brunswick in the 2010 Season. A great idea!!! It'll be nice if the league could expand to ten teams...
1st Round, 6th Overall: Hamilton Tiger-Cats - Darcy Brown (WR - St. Mary's Huskies)

1st Round, 7th Overall: Montréal Alouettes - Dylan Steenbergen (OT - Calgary Dinos)

We're getting closer to Scott McHenry's projected draft selection. The Saskatchewan Huskies receiver was once ranked 6th but has since dropped down to 11th. I'd expect to see him go in the next few picks here...

1st Round, 8th Overall: Calgary Stampeders - Eric Fraser (DB - Central Michigan)

And that's the end of the first round. The second round begins with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and wouldn't it be something to see the Green and White select McHenry... fingers crossed!

2nd Round, 9th Overall: Saskatchewan Roughriders - Tamon George (DB - Regina Rams)

Well the Riders didn't look too far for their first pick of the draft. So with that out of the way, the only thing left to wonder is where Scott McHenry goes... pegged at 11th, it appears he'll be wearing the Green and Gold of the Edmonton Eskimos.

2nd Round, 10th Overall: Toronto Argonauts - Matt Lambros (WR - Liberty University)

Two straight picks from the Edmonton Eskimos coming up... you can sense McHenry will be heading to Alberta. Either that, or he'll join former teammate Dylan Barker with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats with the 13th Overall Pick.

2nd Round, 11th Overall: Edmonton Eskimos - Gord Hinse (OL - Alberta Golden Bears)

2nd Round, 12th Overall: Edmonton Eskimos - Dedrick Sterling (DL - Queen's Golden Gaels)

So McHenry is dropping down the draft list... one has to wonder if it's due to his numbers. Doesn't get the ball as much as he should because the Huskies have so many options. Will the Ti-Cats once again look to the Huskies as they have in previous years???

2nd Round, 13th Overall: Hamilton Tiger-Cats - Ryan Hinds (DB - New Hampshire)

2nd Round, 14th Overall: Montréal Alouettes - Martin Bedard (TE - Connecticut)

2nd Round, 15th Overall: Montréal Alouettes - Matt Singer (OL - Manitoba Bisons)

2nd Round, 16th Overall: Calgary Stampeders - Tristan Black (LB - Wayne State)

A stunning turn of events. I really thought Scott McHenry would go in the first two rounds but he's been dropping down this draft - dare I say the "Brady Quinn" of the CFL Draft? Something to keep in mind... former Huskie, Kelly Bates, was drafted in the 4th Round, 32nd Overall in 2001 and he's since had a tremendous career with the BC Lions including a Grey Cup Championship.

The TV Coverage is done...so I'll update the Rider results, and any Huskie that gets drafted. I'll be heading to Huskies Spring camp here pretty quick to speak with Scott McHenry so I may be a little slow with results. In the meantime, keep an eye on CFL.ca

3rd Round, 17th Overall: Saskatchewan Roughriders - Nick Hutchins (OL - Regina Rams)

4th Round, 31st Overall: Montréal Alouettes - Ivan Brown (DL - Saskatchewan Huskies)

4th Round, 32nd Overall: Calgary Stampeders - Scott McHenry (SB - Saskatchewan Huskies)

So the wait is finally over, two members of the Saskatchewan Huskies are heading to the Canadian Football League.

Ivan Brown will join former teammate Paul Woldu with the Montréal Alouettes. He got the call while on the field at spring camp this morning and was all smiles during our interview. He's in his final year of eligibility with the Huskies and could return should the Als feel he'll gain more by finishing off with the U of S than riding the pine in La Belle Province.

Scott McHenry dropped quite a bit from his initial projections but it was worth it, as he joins the defending Grey Cup Champions Calgary Stampeders. The nice thing about the CFL Draft is that it really doesn't matter where you get drafted, it's a foot in the door and as long as you're willing to put in the time and effort you'll land on your feet. Kelly Bates is a prime example... in 2001, he was drafted in the 4th Round, 32nd Overall (just like McHenry) by the BC Lions. He's since won a Grey Cup and is a highly regarded Offensive Lineman and an all-star in 2007.

We'll hear from McHenry, Brown and Bates tonight on the Evening News at 6pm and News Final at 11pm.

WHL Outdoor Game

2009-04-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

There's word today that the Western Hockey League wants to hold an outdoor game at Mosaic Stadium in Regina. The game would feature the Saskatoon Blades and Regina Pats, followed by an exhibition game between Canada and Sweden in the lead up to the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships.

Details to come as they become available.

Saskatchewan Huskies 2009 Canada West Schedule

2009-04-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

Three signs that "Old Man Winter" is gone for good...

1. The CIS releases its Canada West Football schedule
2. Dog's Breakfast
3. Huskies Spring Camp

It all happens this week and it began today with the release of the Canada West Schedule. The first thing you'll notice is that this season will be "Friday Night Lights" as the Huskies play all home games on Friday Night. A good move considering the team now has use of pyro which just adds to the game day experience.

PRE-SEASON

Saturday, August 29 vs. Alberta Golden Bears

REGULAR SEASON

Friday, September 4 vs. Calgary Dinos
Friday, September 11 vs. Regina Rams
BYE WEEK
Saturday, September 26 at. Alberta Golden Bears
Friday, October 2 at. Simon Fraser Clan
Friday, October 9 vs. UBC Thunderbirds
Saturday, October 17 at. Manitoba Bisons
Friday, October 23 vs. Alberta Golden Bears
Friday, October 30 at. Regina Rams

PLAYOFFS

Saturday November 7 - Canada West Semi Finals
Saturday November 14 - Canada West Final (Hardy Cup)
Saturday November 21 - Uteck Bowl (at Atlantic Conference Winner)
Saturday November 28 - 2009 VANIER CUP at Laval, PQ

The Huskies will open the regular season at home against the defending Hardy Cup Champion, Calgary Dinos. It should be a good game as both clubs will contend for top spot in the division this year. Calgary made a big off-season splash by acquiring Hec Crighton Award winning Quarterback Eric Glavic from the Saint Mary's Huskies. The good news for the Huskies is that by week one he may not have had the time to build up chemistry with his receivers.

Counting the pre-season, the Huskies will face Alberta at least three times this year. I wonder if they would consider creating some sort of cup to spice up this "Best of Three". Maybe the "Global Cup" ????

Looking at the schedule has me stoked for Spring Camp this weekend. Can't wait to see the new recruits and how this team is shaping up.

Here's the rest of the 2009 Canada West Schedule.

Week 1
Simon Fraser at UBC

Week 2
Calgary at Saskatchewan
Manitoba at Regina
UBC at Alberta

Week 3
Regina at Saskatchewan
Manitoba at Simon Fraser
Alberta at Calgary

Week 4
Alberta at Simon Fraser
Calgary at Regina
UBC at Manitoba

Week 5
Saskatchewan at Alberta
Regina at UBC
Simon Fraser at Calgary

Week 6
Saskatchewan at Simon Fraser
Calgary at UBC
Alberta at Manitoba

Week 7
UBC at Saskatchewan
Simon Fraser at Regina
Manitoba at Calgary

Week 8
UBC at Simon Fraser
Regina at Alberta
Saskatchewan at Manitoba

Week 9
Alberta at Saskatchewan
Manitoba at UBC
Regina at Calgary

Week 10
Saskatchewan at Regina
Simon Fraser at Manitoba
Calgary at Alberta

Paul Maurice & the Brass Bonanza

2009-04-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

On the brink of elimination, the Carolina Hurricanes stormed out with their best performance of these playoffs, earning an impressive 4-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils. With the win, the Hurricanes have forced a seventh and deciding game in their Eastern Conference Quarter Final.

It's been quite the season for the Hurricanes who find themselves back in the playoffs for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup in 2006. The man responsible for their turnaround? Paul Maurice.

Before bringing Maurice back to Raleigh, the Hurricanes were a mediocre 12-11-2 and faced yet another year without playoff hockey. They re-hired Paul Maurice and suddenly the team finished the year with a 33-19-5 record, and are one win away from eliminating the New Jersey Devils.

It shouldn't come as a surprise either as Paul Maurice, in my opinion, is one of the best young coaches in the National Hockey League. Here's a guy who was quite consistant with a subpar Hartford Whalers / Carolina Hurricanes squad yet managed to take them to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2002. He would end up in Toronto and to be honest, I thought with Maurice behind the bench the Leafs could actually make a run at a Stanley Cup down the road. Instead they kept an incompetant General Manager in John Ferguson Jr. (whether or not he had much choice with MLSE is a whole other topic) who didn't really give Maurice much to work with. Despite this, he was able to get the most out of his young players - in particular, Jiri Tlusty who thrived under his guidance.

Unfortunately two years without making the playoffs led the axe to fall and put Paul Maurice on the unemployment line. A big mistake in my opinion, as given the right circumstances there's no doubt in my mind that he can lead a team to glory.

So he's now back in Carolina where he's working his magic yet again. I only hope that they can upset the Devils and give the Bruins a scare (assuming the Rangers lose to Washington) - proving to all his critics that he's not just another coach, he's one of the bright stars in the league.

Now in honour of Carolina's impressive victory tonight, I think we should all sit back and enjoy an all-time classic...

It envokes memories of the Hartford Whalers and is one of the more unique songs in hockey - my friends, I introduce to you ... The Brass Bonanza.

WWE returns to Saskatchewan

2009-04-25T17:07:00.000-07:00

My 50th post could be something more profound or thought provoking, instead it'll be short and simple.

The WWE returns to Saskatchewan in August!!!

Friday, August 7th - Saskatoon
Saturday, August 8th - Regina

Both shows are the RAW Summerslam Tour. Here's hoping that somehow TJ Wilson (aka Tyson Kidd), Harry and Nattie will find their way onto the RAW brand.

For those interested in actual TV Tapings...

Monday, August 10th - RAW in Calgary
Tuesday, August 11th - Smackdown / ECW in Edmonton

41 Million reasons to dislike the NFL Draft

2009-04-25T10:07:00.001-07:00

It seems most football fans will be glued to their TV's this afternoon as the NFL holds its ridiculously long Entry Draft. Only the NFL could make the first round last four hours!!! But I'm not here to talk about the draft length...

Fresh off becoming just the second team in NFL history to finish a season without a single win, the Detroit Lions are on a mission to turn their franchise around. It started with the unveiling of a new logo (the lion apparently looks scarier).

And now with the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Entry Draft, the Detroit Lions will select QB Matthew Stafford from the University of Georgia. It's a good pick but it's the contract that they gave him that both boggles my mind and makes the NFL Draft look ridiculous.

The Lions have signed Stafford to a six year deal worth $78 Million, with $41.7 Million GUARENTEED!!!

Are you kidding me?!?!?!?

This kid has never played a single down of NFL Football and he's guarenteed $41.7 Million! Who's to say that he doesn't become the next "Ryan Leaf"? Who's to say he just doesn't mesh with the Lions offensive system?

I realize there's a ton of potential associated with the kid but at what point does the NFL step in and tell teams that enough is enough? You can't be giving kids straight out of college this amount of money if they haven't earned it. And yes, if he turns out to be the second coming of Joe Montana, the Lions will look smart but it's the Detroit Lions we're talking about here, I'm sure they'll find a way to screw this up.

I'm not one to give credit to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman but he deserves a standing ovation for the agreement he put in place with the NHLPA during the lockout. Entry Level Contracts for all rookies - 3 years with a maximum of $750,000 per season. Then, if you've proven that you can play with the big boys and are deserving of a big contract you will be rewarded.

Alexander Ovechkin is a prime example. Just as his 3-year entry level contract was expiring, he signed a 13-year extension worth $124 Million. That's a hell of a lot of money but he's proven that he deserves every last penny of it.

With the NFL's CBA about to expire, this would be a great time for the league and players association to sit down and put an end to this nonsense. Have players go out and prove their worth and while you're at it, look into the length of the draft as well. Four hours for 32 picks... I'm sorry, I've got better things to do.

And on that note, TSN will broadcast the first two rounds of the CFL's College Draft a week from today at 9am MST. A number of Saskatchewan Huskies are eligible to be drafted including Scott McHenry.

Sharks Struggle

2009-04-23T23:26:00.000-07:00

The San Jose Sharks are one loss away from an early off-season. Some say it's no surprise given their underacheiving history in the playoffs, but I'm stunned at their lack of success on the ice. Here's a team that had one of the best regular seasons in NHL History! They got off to the best start in league history at the quarter point of the season, they won the President's Trophy for the first time in franchise history, and finished 26-points ahead of the Anaheim Ducks to win the Pacific Division Championship.

Skip ahead to the playoffs and the Sharks are down three games to one to those very same Ducks and are poised to become just the third team since the President's Trophy was first awarded in 1985/86 to lose in the first round.

They just can't seem to win in the playoffs. Since losing in the Western Conference Final in 2003/04, the Sharks have lost in the Western Conference Semi Final three consecutive years - throw in this year's Western Conference Quarter Final loss, and that's four straight years of utter disappointment.

So who's to blame?

The team felt that Ron Wilson had run his course and let him go at the end of last season. They replaced him with Todd McLellan who saw great success in the regular season but is seeing his team collapse much like Wilson did for all those years. Needless to say, coaching isn't the issue here - the players are.

Six players had 20+ goals this season, seven players had 50+ points so they can certainly get the job done offensivly.

Let's take a closer look at some of their "Star Players"...

Regular Season

Joe Thornton: 25 Goals, 61 Assists - 86 Points
Patrick Marleau: 38 Goals, 33 Assists - 71 Points
Devin Setoguchi: 31 Goals, 34 Assists - 65 Points

Playoffs (Through 4 Games)

Joe Thornton: 2 Assists, -4
Patrick Marleau: 1 Goal
Devin Setoguchi: 1 Assist, -2

If you're going to win in the playoffs, you need your star players to step up to the plate and quite frankly they're invisible in this Conference Quarter Final.

Joe Thornton has taken a lot of heat over the years for his subpar performances in the playoffs, and at this point I'd have to agree. He's the Alex Rodriguez of the National Hockey League. Dominant in the Regular Season but nothing more than a dud in the playoffs.

Thornton has averaged about 97 Points per Season with the Sharks which breaks down to about 1.3 Points per Game. It's a much different story in the playoffs where he's scored just 32 Points and is averaging about 0.82 Points per Playoff Game. But it's not just his offensive skills - he's becoming a liability to his team. He was a MINUS THREE tonight in Game Four - simply unacceptable at this stage of the game. On two goals in particular he either turned the puck over or was just standing around watching the play. I'd expect that from an inexperienced player, not from a first overall draft pick (1997) and Hart Trophy Winner (05/06).

And that's not to say that he should absorb all the finger pointing. Patrick Marleau and even Jonathan Cheechoo have a lot of explaining to do.

So what's my solution?

1. Fire Doug Wilson. As General Manager, he has failed to address certain issues on this club. He thought it was coaching but it's clearly about the players. He needed to make some moves last year and instead he's stuck watching another early exit. With that said, I'd be willing to give him one more year - but that's all.

2. Trade one or two of the "Big Three" in Marleau, Cheechoo, and Thornton. At this point, I think they'd be able to get a bigger return from Thornton so that's the route I'd go. Yes he's a big help in the regular season but the only thing that matters is who's lifting Lord Stanley's Cup in June and that doesn't look likely with the group of guys in the Shark Tank.

Something needs to be done and it needs to start as soon as the Sharks hit the golf course.

Battle of the Blades

2009-04-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

Figure Skating has seen a decrease in popularity since the likes of Stojko, Browning, Orser, Chouinard, Eisler / Brasseur and Bourne / Kraatz all hanged up the skates for good.

And while there are some incredibly talented Canadian Figure Skaters, the public just doesn't seem to buy into the sport anymore. Whether it was disgust over the 2002 Olympic judging scandal or the fact that Nationals are broadcast on an obscure channel (CBC Bold) and at terrible times on the main network (CBC). Either way, the sport has seen a decrease in both viewership and enrollment - particularly among male skaters.

Skate Canada, for its part, is spearheading a new "tough" campaign that emphasises the danger, speed, risk and difficulty involved for figure skaters.

So maybe the CBC is playing into this campaign with its new reality show that will roll out this fall.

According to a news release, "Battle of the Blades" will have Canada's top skaters teaming up with some of Canada's top hockey players in an elimination-style competition. In their words, it'll be a "glitzy pairs figure skating performance".

Just picture Georges Laraque and Joannie Rochette skating together... whether you enjoy figure skating or not, I think this show will definitely be worth a look.

Random Thoughts

2009-04-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

We'll get to the sports talk in a bit, but first I just want everyone to stop for a moment and think about the 13 innocent victims that lost their lives a decade ago. It was on this day, back in 1999, that two teen gunmen entered Columbine High School and terrorized hundreds of teaches, students and staff members. A day that shattered our very innocence, as school was no longer that "safe place" where we could all have fun and learn and leave the outside world behind.

April 20, 1999 - a day we'll never forget.

***

By now I'm sure you've heard about Susan Boyle, the 47-year old who stole the hearts of millions of people after a stunning performance in "Britain's Got Talent". It's not so much that she sings great, but that she's living proof that you can't judge a book by its cover.

The second she walked on stage, you could hear people starting to laugh and bracing themselves for a comedy of errors in her performance. She's far from beautiful (in a superficial way), had unique mannerisms and admitted that she had never been kissed before in her life - a lethal combination that led to everyone's first thought... she's a nerd.

But once those first notes came out of her mouth, you just knew you were watching something special... something magical. It's sad that thanks to pop culture and various forms of media, we're programmed to believe that if you're not beautiful, you're not talented.

It works that way in relationships too. Some people place too much of an emphasis on looks rather than what's on the inside - which sometimes leads to unhappiness. Maybe we should all use Susan Boyle's rise to fame as a guide to view life just a little different from how we normally look at it.

***

NHL Playoffs in full swing and already there's a lot to talk about...

- NBC began its playoff coverage with Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarter Final between the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers. During the pre-game show, Darren Pang interviewed Alexander Ovechkin near the bench and asked quite possibly one of the dumbest questions I've heard in a long time. Pang looked at Ovechkin and asked something along the lines of "just how big is game two". Well considering it's a best of seven series, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the fact that Washington entered the game trailing 1-0, I'm pretty sure that Game Two is a "big" game. In fact, all games in the playoffs are "big" games.

I realize he was trying to get him to open up about the importance of not leaving Washington down two games, but maybe word the question along the lines of "Still early in the series, but down 1-0 do you guys now shift to desperation hockey or do you stick to the same game plan while addressing some of the mistakes made in Game One".

***

- Milan Lucic has quickly become one of my favorite players. His intensity, enthusiasm, fearlessness, skill and ruthless aggression is a welcome sight in the NHL. He's a big part of the Boston Bruins organization and there's no doubt he'll have a long and successful career. Reminds me a lot of Cam Neely.

***

- The Montréal Canadiens are done. I'm not just saying that because they're down 2-0 in their series with the Bruins but you can just see it in the way they play. I was stunned while watching them go through the motions on Saturday Night. There was no sense of urgency and it seemed like no one cared enough about the game to put in an effort.

You've gotta dig deep and use up every last bit of energy in order to make that run towards Lord Stanley's Cup and quite frankly, the Habs are running on empty.

Want proof? Game Two, second period and under ten seconds to go. Michael Ryder with the puck and Mathieu Schneider seems to stop skating, assuming that Ryder won't get off a chance as the seconds tick down towards the intermission. Instead, Ryder takes advantage of Schneider's mental lapse and beats Carey Price to put the Bruins up 5-1. Inexcusable on Schneider's part and a perfect example of why the Habs just don't "want" it.

***

- A few days into the post season and already we're seeing some goaltending controversy. In Montréal it's a no brainer - Carey Price has struggled so Bob Gainey has no choice but to put in Jaroslav Halak. By the way, Bob Gainey may be a good guy and decent General Manager but he made a HUGE mistake last year in trading away Cristobal Huet and thrusting Carey Price into the spotlight and starting position with the Habs. Goalies are unique in that they tend to have fragile confidence. You shatter that and you can really hurt their careers.

In Washington, Jose Theodore struggled in Game One and was promptly benched for Game Two. His replacement? 20-year old Simeon Varlamov - a rookie who had made only FIVE NHL Starts prior to Game Two. Now Varlamov played very well and I suspect he'll start again tonight, but that takes a lot of guts to pull off a move like that. Either way, I think we've seen the last of Jose Theodore in Washington.

***

- The Chicago Blackhawks have got to be the "feel good story" of this year's NHL Playoffs. A once proud "Original Six" franchise that has struggled from the mid-90's until now. They've got a great crop of young players, a renewed sense of pride, their fans have returned and are showing why Chicago was once a scary place to play, and seem to have the right mix to be Stanley Cup contenders during the next five years.

The Hawks have the longest Stanley Cup drought in the NHL - they haven't won since 1961 - but their window of opportunity is now wide open. With the likes of Toews, Sharp, and Kane you can basically call this team the "Pittsburgh Penguins" of the West. Here's hoping they can end their drought sooner rather than later. They deserve it.

***

- And finally, is there anything better in the playoffs than Kate Smith?

NHL Playoff Predictions

2009-04-15T14:11:00.000-07:00

The journey towards Lord Stanley's Cup begins tonight and here's how I think things will pan out.

WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS

(1) San Jose def. (8) Anaheim - 5 Games
(2) Detroit def. (7) Columbus - 5 Games
(3) Vancouver def. (6) St. Louis - 7 Games
(4) Chicago def. (5) Calgary - 6 Games

WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMI FINALS

(1) San Jose def. (4) Chicago - 5 Games
(2) Detroit def. (3) Vancouver - 7 Games

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

(1) San Jose def. (2) Detroit - 6 Games

EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS

(1) Boston def. (8) Montréal - 5 Games
(2) Washington def. (7) NY Rangers - 6 Games
(6) Carolina def. (3) New Jersey - 7 Games
(4) Pittsburgh def. (5) Philadelphia - 7 Games

EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMI FINALS

(1) Boston def. (6) Carolina - 4 Games
(4) Pittsburgh def. (2) Washington - 6 Games

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

(1) Boston def. (4) Pittsburgh - 6 Games

STANLEY CUP FINALS

(1) San Jose def. (1) Boston - 6 Games

Happy Easter

2009-04-09T23:15:00.001-07:00

For some it's a time where we go on the hunt for Chocolate Eggs and await the visit of the Easter Bunny. For others, it's a time for reflection - thinking about Jesus' sacrifice for mankind. And I'm sure others just treat it as another long weekend.

Regardless of how you spend the next few days, I just hope you have a safe and Happy Easter and that you spend it with friends, family and loved ones. Enjoy the nice weather, maybe watch The Masters, and get in some much needed relaxation.

Happy Easter!!!

The Masters

2009-04-08T22:52:00.000-07:00

Breathtaking, Classic, Legendary and Beautiful. Just some of the words that help describe an event that captures the majestic beauty of Augusta National Golf Club. A four day tournament where Legends are born and heroes are made. Simply put, there's nothing better than "The Masters".

There is no truer sign of spring than the opening round to "The Masters". Nature is at its finest during the broadcast and the music is soothing and relaxing - capturing the spirit of golf's greatest tournament. A tournament where the entire world stops for four days to shift their attention to Augusta, Georgia, watching the first of four majors and inevitably the beginning of a run towards the "Grand Slam".

No one has ever won the "Grand Slam" - winning "The Masters", "US Open", "British Open" and "PGA Championship" all in one calender year. To no one's surprise, the closest was Tiger Woods who won four straight majors but over two calender years. Needless to say, all eyes will be on Tiger who begins his yearly quest on Thursday morning.

The 73rd Masters is once again filled with storylines and drama...

Will Tiger win his 5th Green Jacket?
Will Padraig Harrington win his 3rd straight Major?
Will a young up and coming star be vaulted into the spotlight - someone like Camillo Villegas?
Will we see another Canadian bring home the Green Jacket?

And most importantly, what will the lasting image of the 73rd Masters be? There have been so many great memories at this tournament, but the one I'll never forget was back in 2005. Tiger Woods on the 16th Hole... It was a moment that made me get up from my seat and cheer in the middle of my living room, a moment that I'll never forget... one of those "Where were you when..."

The 73rd Masters could be one for the ages and I can't wait!

PS - For all you golf poolies out there, here are my top five picks for "The Masters". I didn't pick Tiger because he has a +12 handicap in the pool that I'm involved with so it's too risky to pick him.
Geoff Ogilvy, Camillo Villegas, Phil Mickelson, Padraig Harrington, Mike Weir.

Edmonton Oilers: The Future is Now

2009-04-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

Another year, another disappointment for the Edmonton Oilers. For the third consecutive year, the Copper and Blue will not be in the post season. In fact, not since coming within one win of their 6th Stanley Cup, have the Oilers tasted post season action. It's heartbreaking to see but at the same time, I look forward to the future.

The winds of change are brewing in the City of Champions and there's no doubt in my mind that it'll begin as early as Monday. I suspect that Craig MacTavish will resign effective immediately on Monday Afternoon which paves the way for a new beginning for the Edmonton Oilers.

Daryl Katz, owner of the Edmonton Oilers, will want to see a highly competitive team on the ice next year and will want success. He didn't purchase this franchise to see it miss the playoffs year after year after year. So I expect lots of change this off season and it begins behind the bench.

With so many young players, the Oilers need a coach that can work well with them while motivating the vets. I also believe that this would be a good opportunity for the Oilers to get beyond the "Old Boys Club" image that they have and hire outside the organization. So here are my two suggestions...

1. Pat Quinn

Pat Quinn has done virtually everything there is to do in hockey with the exception of winning the Stanley Cup. He's like King Midas - everything he touches turns into gold and I would expect nothing less with the Copper and Blue. He can get the most out of his young players and will not tolerate any bullshit in the dressing room.

Now given his age, 66, I would suggest that if the Oilers hire Pat Quinn, they do so with a 3-5 year plan in mind. Under the conditions of his employment, I'd suggest that they work with Pat to bring in a young coach or former player as his assistant coach. He'd then be able to mentor this youngster and eventually step back and let him take over the bench. A guy like Rob Daum instantly comes to mind or, as far fetched as this may sound, why not Don Hay?

Don Hay has had tremendous success at the junior level and mixed results in a short stint in the National Hockey League. I'd suspect that under Pat Quinn's leadership, he'd be able to bridge that gap from Junior to NHL and carry that success over. Whether or not he'd want to give the NHL another try, I don't know... but I'd love to see it happen.

2. Brent Sutter

There are rumors flying around that Sutter wants out of New Jersey to be closer to home in Alberta. He comes from the famous Sutter family, was a highly successful coach for Canada's World Jr Teams (back to back Gold), and has done very well in the NHL. Players like Sam Gagner and Andrew Cogliano would benefit greatly with Sutter behind the bench. It would also add more fuel to the fire in the Battle of Alberta rivalry - with his brother Darryl in charge of the Flames.

Notables...

Paul Maurice - I think he's a brilliant coach who will one day win a Stanley Cup. The biggest mistake the Toronto Maple Leafs did was getting rid of him. He's doing well in Carolina and while I'd love to see him in Edmonton, I don't forsee the Hurricanes getting rid of him anytime soon.

Bob Hartley - He's won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche (lots of talent on that team) and did well with Atlanta. He didn't finish up strong with the Trashers which would make me uneasy with him as coach but he's demonstrated that he can get the job done.

Outside of coaching, the Oilers will need to make a splash in free agency. There's word that they'll once again be aggressive in trying to land Marian Hossa or maybe even Jaromir Jagr. Either way, they need to get someone to help solidify that top line. We need a consistant goal scoring threat and until one arrives, the Oilers will never be contenders.

They also need to address goaltending. Dwayne Roloson played well down the stretch but we need to start looking farther down the road. Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers has been carefully moulded to carry the torch but thus far doesn't look like he's quite ready. A solid year as a backup would be helpful which means we'll need a good starter - my suggestion is that we go after either Cristobal Huet or Nikolai Khabibulin as there's no way Chicago will be able to keep both of them under contract.

It'll be an interesting off-season and one that I hope is full of positive change.

Random Thoughts

2009-04-06T23:47:00.000-07:00

I watched "The Mist" tonight and I have no shame in saying that I'm now scanning my room looking for killer spiders. That movie was ubber scary and had a lot of suspense - but quite possibly one of the most bizarre endings for a movie. I won't ruin it incase you intend to watch it, but ya it's definitely a head scratcher. I'll give it three stars out of five.

***
From the "What were they thinking" file, a Turkish man who recently became a Canadian, allegedly stole a single engine plane in Thunder Bay, Ontario and flew it into the United States. While in US Airspace, two F-16s attempted to make communication with him and get him to follow them - which he allegedly ignored. Running out of fuel, the guy allegedly landed the plane on a rural road and fled on foot - he was later captured and faces numerous charges.

What the hell was he thinking?!?! Stealing the plane was the first mistake and obviously shows that this guy isn't all that bright, but ignoring not one but TWO F-16's?!?!? Dude was asking for a death wish. Something tells me he'll be able to think long and hard about his actions behind bars.

***
According to the Associated Press, researchers completed a study that shows almost one in five American four-year-olds is obese.

Now I shouldn't be one to point fingers since I'm a bigger guy and quite frankly was never a skinny kid. But can someone please tell me where the parents are in all of this? Why are they not teaching proper eating habits? Why aren't they putting their kids in sports?

And for those who say that sports can be expensive - while true, there are organizations like KidSport that help those less fortunate. We need to open our eyes to this growing issue on both sides of the border before it really starts to hurt our Health Care system and more importantly, before it takes the lives of our future generation sooner rather than later.

***
By now I'm sure most of you have seen the disturbing picture of Rihanna's face after Chris Brown allegedly beat the crap out of her in their car. Today, Brown pleaded "Not Guilty" though it's expected that he'll cut some sort of plea deal and that this case won't go to trial.

There are two things that irritate me about this...

1. Rihanna is back in a relationship with Chris Brown.
2. Chris Brown is pleading "Not Guilty"

Aside from murder or rape or some other disturbing stuff like that, there is NOTHING that Rihanna could have done that would have made her deserve that alleged beating. So to have her go back to him is shocking. How she can forgive him for what he allegedly did is beyond comprehension. She can and deserves so much better.

As for his "Not Guilty" plea, I just wish that he would have stood up and been a man about it. Admit that what you did was wrong and move on. It's obviously something he regrets and if there's any way to right this ship, it's to use his star power (or whatever is left of it) to speak out against abuse. Let's turn this negative situation into a positive!

***
A couple of sports notes here...

- Congrats to the University of North Carolina on an impressive run at the NCAA March Madness Tournament. They cleaned house and were deserving winners of the Championship. Props to Michigan State for advancing to the finals, and giving the state of Michigan and City of Detroit something to cheer about during these rough economic times.

- An impressive start to the MLB season by the Toronto Blue Jays, it's just too bad some "fans" decided to ruin the moment. Some jerks threw stuff on the field, including a baseball, which prompted the Detroit Tigers to retreat to their dugout while security moved into place and the PA Announcer warned that any further violations could lead to a forefit. It's fine to be all into a game and goin nuts with cheering and booing and so forth, but let's leave the hooliganism out of sports.

- Congratulations to the Saskatoon Royals who will represent Saskatchewan at the Junior B Keystone Cup.

- And finally, we're two and a half weeks away from Spring Camp for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football team. I can't wait!!! Here's hoping this is the beginning of the a long and glorious run to a Vanier Cup.

Wrestlemania XXV

2009-04-05T10:11:00.001-07:00

Wrestlemania is celebrating a milestone anniversary tonight, with its 25th show which actually makes it the 24th Anniversary but hey, the WWE can make up anything they want. So before the big four hour event kicks off, here are my predictions for Wrestlemania XXV.

The event has just wrapped up, I didn't get a chance to watch it but I'll put in the results in "red" and see how I fared...

LEGENDS MATCH:
Chris Jericho x Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat

The build up to this match has been tremendous. Y2J has been cutting some of the best promos I've seen him do since his first go-round with the 'dub. I anticipate a lot of old school moves (here's hopin for a backrake!) and Y2J will also go to town on these old men. If this is elimination style, I figure it'll be down to Jericho and Steamboat which would be pretty sweet. Jericho should win but with Ric Flair at ringside, you know there will be some old school cheating. They'll teach him a good lesson...after he wins of course.

Prediction: Chris Jericho
Actual: Chris Jericho (1-0)

25 DIVA BATTLE ROYAL

Every Wrestlemania has one match where you get up to hit the washroom, get some food, and take a break from watching four hours of wrestling. This would be that match. The only purpose it serves is to prevent two stellar matches from going back to back. Granted, it'll be nice to see some of the old Divas return like Molly Holly and Victoria and who are we kidding, no one is watching this for the "Wrestling". While I want Nattie..err... Natalya Neidhart to win, I think they'll go with a returning Diva...

Prediction: Gail Kim
Actual: "Santina" Marella (1-1)

MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH
CM Punk x Mark Henry x Kane x Shelton Benjamin x Christian x Finlay x MVP x Kofi Kingston

There's no denying that this will be the match that features all the big high spots and "Holy Shit" moments. This match has quickly turned into a career launcher and I'd expect much of the same this time around. Looking at the guys who are in it, I think there's only one clear winner in this - which also tells me the WWE will probably pull out a swerve to outsmart the fans. But hey, I'll go with what I think...

Prediction: Christian (which sets up a future fued with his former partner Edge)
Actual: CM Punk (1-2)

EXTREME RULES MATCH
Jeff Hardy x Matt Hardy

I have no doubt these two guys can pull off a pretty stellar match. They'll put their bodies on the line and give fans a match they'll remember. I'm not a fan of the storyline building up to this fued, with Matt Hardy "taking responsibility" for the actual house fire that killed Jeff's dog and gutted his home. I'm all for mixing real life into storylines but there's a line and I think this kinda crossed it. People like dogs and they'll be hoping Jeff wins it for his mutt.

Prediction: Jeff Hardy
Actual: Matt Hardy (1-3)

"THE STREAK"
Shawn Michaels x Undertaker

You can't have a Wrestlemania without talking about "The Streak". The Undertaker will walk into Houston with a 16-0 record at the "Grand Daddy of them All". Needless to say, it's obvious that he'll extend that to 17, as there's no way the WWE is going to end this streak - especially not to another legend like HBK. If they're ever going to snap this streak it'll be against a young up and coming star in order to vault him into the spotlight and pass the torch onto the next generation. To their credit, the WWE is adding intrigue to the match by saying the Undertaker has never defeated Shawn Michaels. Well THAT streak ends tonight.

Prediction: Undertaker (17-0)
Actual: Undertaker (2-3)

TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION MATCH (Lumberjack Rules)
The Miz / John Morrison x Carlito / Primo

It's about time the WWE decides to merge the two Tag Team Championships. The whole separate titles for separate shows has been pointless and only degrades the Championship history. Here's hoping this match will revive the struggling Tag Team division and bring it back to its old glory - days where Demolition, Strike Force, The British Bulldogs, The Hart Foundation, The Rockers, The Orient Express... now that was Tag Team wrestling! As for the match, it has the potential to be "Match of the Night" as odd as that sounds. These are talented guys who will deliver on this worldwide stage. I'd like to see Carlito / Primo pull out the "W" but I just don't see it happening.

Prediction: New Unified Tag Team Champions, The Miz / John Morrison
Actual: Carlito / Primo (2-4)

INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) JBL x Rey Mysterio Jr.

JBL says history will be made tonight - and to be honest, I really don't know what he has in store. It's got me intrigued for a match that otherwise bores me. JBL retains and makes some sort of announcement.

Prediction: Still IC Champ, JBL
Actual: New Champion, Rey Mysterio Jr. (2-5)

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

(c) Edge x John Cena x Big Show

Seriously... the Big Show? Who's bright idea was it to put Big Show in the Semi Main Event? This match has no interest for me whatsoever. I also hear that John Cena is off to do another movie so you can scratch him off the list for winning the title and well I can't see them putting the World Title on Big Show... so with my earlier pick of Christian winning the MITB, I'll go with his former tag partner in this match.

Prediction: Still World Champion, Edge
Actual: New World Champion, John Cena (2-6)

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) HHH x Randy Orton

The build up for this match has been epic. Orton has an in-ring presence that I haven't seen in quite some time. It's almost Jake the Snake Roberts like in that his facial expressions and mannerisms sell his story. Now Orton has the edge going into this match after giving Stephanie McMahon the DDT right in front of HHH - but HHH is the fan favorite and to have two heels win in the main event could be bad for business. Then again, Orton is kind of that "cool heel" so that could give him the advantage too. I'm absolutely torn between these two... but I'm gonna go with the guy I said would be a star back in 2002 during "The Whole Damn Show on NR92" (now THAT's an Old School reference... Randy? Who names their kid Randy?)...

Prediction: New WWE Champion, Randy Orton.
Actual: Still WWE Champion, HHH (2-7)

So overall a pretty shitty performance by my picks haha... I'm intrigued by some of these results... looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.

Saskatoon Blades: A Season to Remember

2009-04-02T20:02:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy Saskatoon Blades)

As the seconds ticked down, realization set in - the season was over for the East Division Champion, Saskatoon Blades.

Fighting back tears, Blades Goaltender Braden Holtby summed up the feeling after the game, "It's pretty sad. We're kinda shocked right now but you know, I guess it wasn't meant to be."

Blades Captain, Derek Hulak chimed in, "There's something missing there whenever you lose out. You know it's really tough right now and hopefully one day we can look back on this and realize how it feels and hopefully we don't get put in this situation again."

But through tragedy comes triumph as the Blades have made great strides towards the future. "We have a lot to be proud of this season. We've made leaps and bounds from the last few years here - we'll always be the Division Champs!" Hulak also said, "Although our playoff run didn't go the way we wanted it to go, I think someday we'll be able to look at that and be able to remember the guys and group we had."

The guys said goodbye after Game Seven and on Thursday morning cleaned out their lockers and went their separate ways. While the season is done, some junior careers over, for others - it's off to the next step in their lifelong dreams.

"Growing up I had two dreams. Basically one was to play for the Saskatoon Blades and the other was to win the Stanley Cup. And I guess I've accomplished one of them and it's on to the next now." That next step for Holtby is joining the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League - the farm team to the Washington Capitals. He's not expected to return to the WHL next season, etiher cracking the Caps roster or spending the year with the Bears.

Also saying goodbye next year will be the two 20-year olds in Colin Joe and Adam Chorneyko. The team will see more changes as they're stockpiled with 19-year olds and will have to trim that down sooner rather than later.

It's been a season that won't soon be forgotten and one that we all wish could have lasted just a bit longer.

2008/09 SASKATOON BLADES

- 49 Wins, 18 Losses, 3 OT Losses, 2 Shootout Losses
- WHL East Division Champions (first since 1994)
- 28 Road Wins (tied WHL Record)

Holtby off to AHL

2009-04-02T16:23:00.000-07:00

Braden Holtby, the Capitals 4th Round Draft Pick (93rd Overall), has been called up to the AHL's Hershey Bears.

Holtby's season with the WHL's East Division Champion Saskatoon Blades, came to an early exit last night as the "Boys in Blue" fell 4-3 to the Lethbridge Hurricanes in Game 7 of the WHL Eastern Conference Quarter Finals.

Holtby was 40-16-4 this season with the Blades with 6 Shutouts.

He helped backstop the Blades to their first East Division Championship since 1994, and helped them tie a WHL record for most road wins in a single season (28).

Big props to Holtby!!!

Game 7: Sceviour the Saviour

2009-04-01T23:08:00.000-07:00

EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS
Game 7

Lethbridge Hurricanes - 4
Sceviour 2 (3), Boychuk (7), Sbisa (1)
Metsola: 24 Saves

Saskatoon Blades - 3
Langkow (2), Gallimore (1), Hulak (3)
Holtby: 22 Saves

Lethbridge Hurricanes win Eastern Conference Quarter Final 4-3

Perhaps it's fitting that on April Fools Day, the Saskatoon Blades were victims of the crulest of jokes as a promising season filled with an East Division Championship and WHL Record for most road wins came to an early end.

In front of 10,248 fans, the Blades just weren't able to carry over their success on the road into Credit Union Centre. They came out nervous and for the first twenty minutes failed to get any quality scoring opportunities. Another slow start for the Boys in Blue and one that would hurt them in the end, as the Hurricanes took advantage and Colton Sceviour put the visitors on the scoresheet 14:30 into the game.

Then just 85-seconds into the second period, the Hurricanes went up by a pair of goals as Sceviour got his second of the game, third of the post season. Down 2-0 the Blades faced an uphill battle but as the old saying goes, the worst lead in hockey is a 2-0 lead. Saskatoon fought back and cut the deficit in half as Chris Langkow banged in a powerplay marker halfway throught the period.

You could feel the tension build inside Credit Union Centre. Some fans ready to write off the Blades, others hoping and praying for a miracle. Down by one anything is possible, until the "Zack Attack" struck again. On the powerplay, Zack Boychuk's shot took a weird bounce that hopped over Braden Holtby and into the back of the net. It was 3-1 for the Hurricanes but more importantly, whenever Boychuk scores the Hurricanes win.

Faced with early elimination the Blades poured their heart and soul into the final 15-minutes. Burke Gallimore was rewarded with his first goal of the series. But just two minutes later, the dagger to their hearts as Luca Sbisa put the biscuit in the basket to regain the two goal lead. The Captain, Derek Hulak, would pull the Blades back to within one but it just wasn't enough as the Blades fell short and begin their offseason.

On paper you could call this a "stunning upset" as the 7th seed beat the 2nd seed. And while 28-points separated the two teams, the Hurricanes were a much better squad than their record showed. The line of Sceviour - Boychuk - King was a major threat this entire series. Sceviour "The Saviour" tonight with his two goals to give Lethbridge that early momentum. And of course there's Juha Metsola who came back from a concussion and neck strain to help win this series for his team. The Finnish star was unreal in between the pipes and will certainly give the Calgary Hitmen a run for their money in the East Semi Finals.

As for the Blades, it was a disappointing end to a great year. Full credit to the boys who proved their critics wrong and gave this city some lasting memories. And while there were a couple of goals that he'd like back, Braden Holtby deserves nothing less than a standing ovation for all he's done this year and in the playoffs. He single-handedly won games for the Blades at times, and was always there when they needed him most. If it wasn't for his heroics tonight, the Blades would have lost 7-3 as opposed to 4-3.

I'll wrap up the Blades season in the next few days, but for now I'll say this...

Thanks for one hell of a memorable ride boys and Congratulations to the Lethbridge Hurricanes who will now take on the top ranked team in the nation, the Calgary Hitmen. Game One of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals is Friday Night at the Pengrowth Saddledome.

Fire Mac-T

2009-03-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

Craig MacTavish was a good hockey player and did an admirable job over the years as Head Coach of the Edmonton Oilers. His leadership and inspiration in that magical Stanley Cup run in 2006 will never be forgotten. With that said, however, it is time for him to either resign or be fired from the Edmonton Oilers organization.

First let's look at the stats...

Craig MacTavish Coaching Record

2000 / 2001
39-28-15 --- 93 Points --- 6th Place --- Lost in Western Quarter Final

2001 / 2002
38-28-16 --- 92 Points --- 9th Place --- Missed Playoffs

2002 / 2003
36-26-20 --- 92 Points --- 8th Place --- Lost in Western Quarter Final

2003 / 2004
36-29-17 --- 89 Points --- 9th Place --- Missed Playoffs

2004 / 2005
NO SEASON DUE TO LOCKOUT

2005 / 2006
41-28-13 --- 95 Points --- 8th Place --- Lost in Stanley Cup Finals

2006 / 2007
32-43-7 --- 71 Points --- 12th Place --- Missed Playoffs

2007 / 2008
41-35-6 --- 88 Points --- 9th Place --- Missed Playoffs

So in seven seasons as Head Coach of the Edmonton Oilers, the Copper and Blue have missed the playoffs four times (57%), lost in the opening round twice (28%), and lost in Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals (14%)

Aside from his first season as Head Coach, the Oilers have not finished higher than 8th in the standings since Craig MacTavish took over as bench boss. To his credit, the Oilers have had a winning record (over .500) in six of his seven seasons as Head Coach.

The Oilers are averaging 37.5 Wins per Season under Craig MacTavish.

Now with five games left in this season, the Oilers have a 36-32-9 record which is right on par with Mac-T's average. They have 81 points and are three points back of the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

But that's just one reason why I feel it's necessary to send Mac-T packing. The other was what happened during tonight's game against the Anaheim Ducks.

Down 4-1 to the Ducks late in the third period, the Oilers score two goals in a span of 1:16. Momentum is on their side, the Ducks have already wasted their timeout and instead of goin all out for the final 2:11 of the game, Craig MacTavish makes a boneheaded decision. He asks the referees for a measurement of Teemu Selanne's stick. If it's deemed illegal, they'd have a powerplay but if it's legal they'd be shorthanded for essentially the rest of the game. I realize that given the tight playoff race, teams need to gamble but the risks FAR outweighed the rewards here and in the end it bit the Copper and Blue in the ass. The team was given a bench minor, and wound up losing the game 5-3.

WAY TO GIVE UP MOMENTUM!!!

The Oilers were full of confidence, the Ducks were reeling and out of timeouts, so there was absolutely no need to make such a risky decision.

It already appears that his message is falling on deaf ears in the dressing room and now, after this debacle, it's clear that it's time for Craig MacTavish to go.

Who do you think should be his replacement? Let me know in the comments... I'll post my ideal replacement later in the week.

Game 6: Seventh Heaven

2009-03-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS
Game 6

Saskatoon Blades - 5
Kytnar (3), Zahn (1), Nicholls 2 (2), Chorneyko (2)
Holtby: 26 Saves

Lethbridge Hurricanes - 1
Hoff (1)
Metsola: 29 Saves

Eastern Conference Quarter Final Series tied 3-3

The day started with a closed door meeting and ended with the first of their two part mission successfully completed.

They outplayed, outworked, outshot and outscored the Lethbridge Hurricanes en route to a convincing 5-1 win and forcing a seventh and deciding game in this Eastern Conference Quarter Final.

Once again, the Blades were "Road Warriors" taking all the energy out of Enmax Centre with simple yet effective play. They got help from all four lines, Jyri Niemi had a terrific game with four assists, and to no one's surprise Braden Holtby had one of his finest performances of the post season. After Game Five, Holtby told me that in order to win this team needed guys to step up and have the "game of their lives" - I'm pretty sure that message was heard loud and clear tonight.

Special Teams also a factor as the Blades looked impressive with the man advantage, going 2/9 on the night. Lorne Molleken was concerned after Game Five - saying the team just didn't get enough shots on net, and struggled to get through traffic. None of that tonight, as the Blades passed the puck well - got tons of opportunities and made life hell for Juha Metsola. The stats don't lie as the Blades outshot the Hurricanes 12-4 in the second period.

So it all comes down to one game. On Wednesday Night - April Fool's Day - the Saskatoon Blades will play host to the Lethbridge Hurricanes in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals. Both teams deserve to advance but like all competitions only one will survive.

If the Blades are to win, they need to do exactly what they did tonight. Keep it simple, work hard, and don't get too nervous or uptight. Most importantly, they need to once again shut down Zack Boychuk. He has six goals this post season and it's no coincidence that they came in all Hurricane's victories. In other words, keep him off the scoresheet and there's a really good chance at victory.

The Hurricanes will go into Credit Union Centre determined to upset the East Division Champions. They have two things working in their favor... the Blades tend to lose focus and make many errors when playing in front of a large hometown crowd. They also have the advantage of having played in the WHL Finals last season, so they'll be able to draw upon that experience to reach deep down inside and do what's necessary to pull out a win.

It doesn't get much closer than this. Blades... Hurricanes... flip a coin... the winner is off to the Eastern Conference Semi Finals.

SOS: Save Our Soccer

2009-03-30T18:43:00.001-07:00

I think it's no secret that the Canadian National Soccer Team is in crisis. We seem to slam into the same iceberg every couple of years, and watch as yet another decent ship sinks to the bottom of the ocean.

It's time to throw up an SOS - it's time to Save Our Soccer.

When Canada's Men's Hockey Team lost to the Czech Republic in the Semi Finals of the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, this country was outraged. The lasting image of Wayne Gretzky sitting alone on the bench with his head down, has been burned into the minds of hockey fans from coast to coast. Fans questioned whether or not Canada had slipped off its perch as the best hockey nation in the world. In a poll after the '98 Games, 85% of Canadians felt that change was needed to develop better players and compete with the likes of Sergei Federov and Jaromir Jagr.

So Hockey Canada stepped up and created an "Open Ice Summit" where past and present coaches, players, officials, and management got together to examine the state of the game in Canada. For three days they brainstromed how to fix some problems and how to get us back on top. They came up with short term and long term goals and did everything in their power to fix it. Not only did it work, but it was quite possibly the greatest idea Hockey Canada has ever come up with.

So why can't the Canadian Soccer Association do the same? I realize that they don't have access to the vast amount of money hockey can generate. The thing is, we've hit the iceberg already and water is starting to enter our ship. We have two choices... sit around and watch as our pride and glory sinks again or we can do everything in our power to develop a plan that will help us get past our stumbling block.

With interest in soccer at its highest - just look at the 55,571 fans who packed the Olympic Stadium in Montréal to watch the Impact battle Santos Laguna in the CONCACAF Champions League Quarter Final. Toronto FC has a huge season tickets waiting list and the Vancouver Whitecaps are the latest Canadian team to join the MLS. The time is NOW to bring this nation together and work towards building a World Cup squad.

It's time for the SOS Summit and what better time than the present.

Game 5: Zack Attack

2009-03-28T23:45:00.000-07:00

EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINAL
Game 5

Lethbridge Hurricanes - 3
Sceviour (1), Boychuk (6), Beach (1)
Metsola: 31 Saves

Saskatoon Blades - 1
Hulak (2)
Holtby: 28 Saves

Lethbridge Hurricanes lead the Eastern Conference Quarter Final 3-2

The "Zack Attack" is back, and once again burns the Blades and puts a dent in their Championship dreams. In a stunning turn of events, Zack Boychuk scored with just 4.5 seconds to go in the second period to give the Hurricanes a 2-1 lead thru forty minutes and some much needed momentum.

Saskatoon dominated the second period, peppering Juha Metsola with shots and applying an incredible amount of pressure inside the Hurricanes zone. Their only problem was their lack of finish - as Metsola stood on his head and did everything he could to keep the game tied up at one, including a sensational shoulder save on Gaelan Patterson. As their offence struggled, frustration set in with Boychuk's goal that was like a dagger to their hearts. The puck skipped over a stick, which allowed Boychuk to drive to the net and score what turned out to be a Shorthanded Game Winning Goal.

With the win, the Hurricanes with a 3-2 lead in the best of seven series meaning there's simply no room for error for the Boys in Blue.

Lethbridge has three things going for them, that could give them the advantage heading into Game Six.

1. Goaltending
The Goaltending Duel between Braden Holtby and Juha Metsola has been one for the ages. Both have been stellar in between the pipes, but it's Metsola who gets the edge in this category. He's come up with the big saves when needed most, while Holtby has looked uncharacteristically shakey in goal. It's as if he's carrying the weight of the team on his shoulders - and that's far too much pressure for one player to handle.

2. Sceviour - Boychuk - King
We all know about the "Zack Attack" but quite frankly, he wouldn't be as much of a factor if it wasn't for his linemates Colton Sceviour and Meadow Lake's Dwight King. They do all the hard work, find the open space, and get the puck over to Boychuk for the finish. They don't get half the credit they deserve but they certainly don't mind. All they want is a Championship, and with a dynamic line like that - they'll certainly have a chance to go far.

3. Momentum
There's nothing more deflating than allowing a goal with 4.5 seconds to go in a period. A goal that turned Game Five around and led to the Hurricanes win. The pendulum of momentum has shifted towards Lethbridge and with home ice advantage on Monday Night, there's a good chance Lethbridge will be booking a trip to Calgary for the Eastern Conference Semi Finals.

With that said, we can't write off the Blades just yet. They're East Division Champions and have had the best road record in league history. Desperate times often bring out the best in players - their passion, energy and desire to succeed is out in the open, which could easily sway momentum back in their corner.

Game Six will be played Monday Night in Lethbridge. If necessary, the teams return to Credit Union Centre for a seventh and deciding game on Wednesday, April 1st - and that's no joke.

World Cup Qualifying: Portugal x Sweden

2009-03-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

2010 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
Saturday, March 28, 2009

Sweden at Portugal

Here's what you need to know...

- This will be the 15th meeting between these two countries. Portugal has only defeated Sweden three times - their last was in a Friendly in October 2002.

- Sweden's last win over Portugal was in 1984 in a World Cup Qualifier

- Sweden has never lost a game in Portugal

STANDINGS

Denmark 3GP 2W 1D 0L 7Pts
Hungary 4GP 2W 1D 1L 7Pts
Albania 5GP 1W 3D 1L 6Pts
Portugal 4GP 1W 2D 1L 5Pts
Sweden 3GP 1W 2D 0L 5Pts
Malta 5GP 0W 1D 4L 1Pts

*Group Winner automatically advances to 2010 World Cup
*Top Eight Runner-Ups advance to a Home & Away Playoff - Winners advance

It's time to dust off the old cliché book as Portugal is stuck behind the eight ball, have their backs up against the wall, and are facing a "do or die" situation against Sweden. As they hit the halfway point of their qualifying campaign, there is simply no room for error as the Portuguese must avoid both defeat and a draw in order to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Portugal sits tied for fourth in their qualifying group with Sweden - both with five points. Sweden has a slight advantage having played three games, as opposed to Portugal's four. Denmark sits first with seven points from just three games played. Needless to say, the Danes are carrying a huge target on their backs.

A win is so important against Sweden. Forget the obvious in that it keeps their World Cup hopes alive, but a win would give them some much needed confidence going into the game that will decide their fate. On September 5th, the Portuguese will travel to Denmark in a game that could likely determine a berth at the World Cup. Keep in mind, Denmark will be coming off a game on June 6th against Sweden. In other words, there are three big games in a matter of months that will clear up a muddy picture in Group 1 of Qualifying.

Portugal has struggled to find any sort of consistancy in their previous four games. Their offence has dried up under new Head Coach Carlos Queiroz - who now finds himself under the gun to produce a solid performance against Sweden or face the axe.

With the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, and Deco, there is no excuse for this team to fail to put the ball into the onion bag. Time is of the essence and if Portugal expects to qualify for their 5th World Cup, they'll need a performance of a lifetime in less than 24-hours.

FORCA!

WHL Video Review

2009-03-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

The Western Hockey League admits an "error" was made in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarter Final series between the Saskatoon Blades and Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Three minutes into the third period, down 1-0, the Hurricanes were in desperate search of the equalizer. The puck was played back to the point where it looked like the puck crossed the blueline, which would be an offside and the play should have been whistled dead. That play would lead to the game tying goal, which gave the Hurricanes some much needed momentum. Shaw TV's replay clearly showed that the puck crossed the blueline.

The WHL admits that the play in question was "offside" but that it is not reviewable under the WHL Video Replay rules.

In other words - tough break for the Saskatoon Blades.

Here are the rules for Video Replay.

Situations Subject to Video Review - The following situations are subject to review by the Video Goal Judge:

1. Puck crossing the goal line.

2. Puck in the net prior to the goal frame being dislodged.

3. Puck in the net prior to, or after expiration of time at the end of the period.

4. Puck directed or batted into the net by a hand or foot or deliberately batted with any part of the attacking player's body. With the use of a foot/skate, was a distinct kicking motion evident? If so, the apparent goal must be disallowed. A DISTINCT KICKING MOTION is one which, with a pendulum motion, the player propels the puck with his skate into the net. If the Video Goal Judge determines that it was put into the net by an attacking player using a distinct kicking motion, it must be ruled NO GOAL. This would also be true even if the puck, after being kicked, deflects off any other player of either team and then into the net. This is still NO GOAL.

5. Puck deflected directly into the net off an Official.

6. Puck struck with a high-stick, above the height of the crossbar, by an attacking player prior to entering the goal. The determining factor is where the puck makes contact with the stick in relation to the crossbar. If the puck makes contact with the portion of the stick that is at or below the level of the crossbar and enters the goal, this goal shall be allowed.

7. To establish the correct time on the official game clock, provided the game time is visible on the Video Goal Judge's monitors.

8. The video review process shall be permitted to assist the referees in determining the legitimacy of all potential goals (e.g. to ensure they are "good hockey goals"). For example (but not limited to), pucks that enter the net by going through the net meshing, pucks that enter the net from underneath the net frame, etc.

Game 4: Goaltender Duel

2009-03-25T22:36:00.000-07:00

EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS
Game 4

Saskatoon Blades - 1
Patterson (1)
Holtby: 22 Saves

Lethbridge Hurricanes - 2
Boychuk 2 (5)
Metsola: 22 Saves

Eastern Conference Quarter Final Series tied 2-2

Zack Boychuk did it again. For the second time this series, a multi-point game leads to a win for the Lethbridge Hurricanes as the boys from Southern Alberta get past the Saskatoon Blades 2-1.

In Games 1 and 3, Boychuk rarely factored into any plays and was largely invisible out on the ice. Things changed in Game 2 when it was the Boychuk show at Credit Union Centre where he finished with three goals and one assist. Much of the same in Game 4 as Boychuk was a force throughout the entire game and was rewarded with a pair of goals.

There was, however, some controversy surrounding one of the Boychuk's goals. As the puck came back to the point, it was clear that it had crossed the blueline and as such the refs should have blown the play dead for an offside. Instead play continued and a goal was scored. Given that the play led to a goal, you'd think that the WHL would review it from upstairs but they didn't. Needless to say, I'll put a call into the WHL tomorrow to see what that was all about.

It was a tough loss for the Blades as they played a solid sixty minutes. They slowed the game down, kept it simple, played the body, and had quality scoring chances throughout the game. In the end, it was little defensive lapses that the Hurricanes were able to take advantage of and squeak out a hard fought victory.

We're all getting the hint that this will be a long series and you can credit both Braden Holtby and Juha Metsola for that. These two guys are unreal in between the pipes and are the reason why their teams are marching towards a Championship. With a series as tight as this one and with two quality goaltenders it'll be the team that makes less mistakes that moves on to the Eastern Conference Semi Finals. One little mistake will be the difference between a long playoff run and an early golf season. You can just imagine the type of pressure both Metsola and Holtby must have on their shoulders. You see it after every game with Holtby... he'll take the blame for every loss and share the glory with every win - a true testiment to his character.

So with the series tied up at two, Saturday's game at Credit Union Centre becomes a "must win" for both teams. No one wants to head back to Lethbridge on Monday down three games to two with their playoff lives in the balance. And if the first four games were any indication - fans in Saskatoon will be in for one hell of a game.

Game 3: Road Warriors

2009-03-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS
Game 3

Saskatoon Blades - 3
Kytnar (2), Hulak (1), Chorneyko (1)
Holtby: 27 Saves

Lethbridge Hurricanes - 1
Fyten (1)
Metsola: 16 Saves

Saskatoon Blades lead the Eastern Conference Quarter Final Series 2-1

The "Road Warriors" are alive and well. Fresh off a record tying 28 road wins (most in a single season), the Saskatoon Blades carried over their success away from Credit Union Centre with a hard fought 3-1 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes. It certainly wasn't pretty but as the Blades coaching staff said after Game 2, all they needed to do was simplify their game and use their speed to their advantage in order to get the "W" - but it wasn't easy.

For the third straight game, the Blades were caught snoozing as the gates burst open at the Enmax Centre and allowed a goal about five minutes into the game. For those keeping count, the Hurricanes have scored the first goal in each game within the first minutes. Undisciplined hockey and maybe some nerves put the boys in blue behind the eight ball as Austin Fyten slid one past Braden Holtby on the powerplay. Lethbridge was incredibly dominant in the first period - the stats don't lie as they outshot the Blades 9-2 and had three Powerplay's as opposed to one for the Blades.

I'm not sure what Lorne Molleken, Head Coach & General Manager, told the boys in the locker room but it was a completely different team that came out in the second period. They took their own advice and started taking the body a bit more, started forechecking, and took advantage of their speed - and it worked. The Blades controlled the game for the final forty minutes and thanks to goals from Milan Kytnar, Derek Hulak and the former Hurricane, Adam Chorneyko, they pulled out a 3-1 win to take a 2-1 lead in this Best of Seven series.

The Blades wouldn't have won this game without stellar goaltending in Braden Holtby. Drafted by the Washington Capitals, Holtby showing yet again why he's arguably the best goaltender in the WHL. He stood on his head in the opening twenty minutes and came up with some spectacular saves in the third to preserve the win. There's no doubt that he's the bread and butter for this franchise and you just know that his future will be bright.

Jyri Niemi's return from a one game suspension was noticable. In Game Two, the Blades struggled in their own zone without Niemi's presence as if they were trying to hard to step up and fill his void. In Game Three - Niemi helped keep things in control on the blueline and helped make their Powerplay look decent as opposed to that horrific effort on Saturday Night.

With a win tomorrow night at the Enmax Centre, the Saskatoon Blades would take a commanding 3-1 series lead with a chance to wrap things up on home ice on Saturday. It'll be another tight battle but the Blades are "Road Warriors" for a reason, so there's no reason to doubt them.

A quick side note...

Just 3,051 fans were in attendance for tonight's game. Huge pockets of empty seats were visable on the TV Broadcast and very few wore white for the Hurricanes' infamous "White Out". It really makes me wonder - are people losing interest in junior hockey or would they rather just watch it on TV? Your thoughts...

Stand up for Canada

2009-03-23T09:57:00.001-07:00

Oh! Canada. We stand on guard for thee...

I'm going to be honest with you, I don't want to write this blog entry. By voicing my opinion I will be falling right into the "trap" by giving a poorly informed program some publicity. The problem is, the more I thought about it, the angrier I became as this ignorance is beyond tolerable.

Now let's be clear about one thing - "Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld" - is meant to be a late night talk-show / panel discussion on Fox News. It's not their main newscast or a program that tackles issues seriously. With that said, I think as an on-air personality and as Americans, those people should hang their heads in shame.

Poking fun at Canadian stereotypes isn't a problem - just a sign of their ignorance. Insulting our Canadian Military, however, was not only ignorant but ungrateful and downright hurtful.

Perhaps someone should remind these people that the Canadian Military has been in Afghanistan since 2002 in a war against the Taliban. Yes, the Taliban - the group that spearheaded the September 11 attacks on the United States. I could sit here and say we're fighting the Americans war, but 9/11 also took the lives of many Canadians and was an attack on democracy as well. We're also a proud member of NATO and an attack on one NATO country is an attack on all NATO countries.

So I take great issue when they say that Canada "relies on the USA" - it's the other way around. The Americans abandoned Afghanistan so they could take down Saddam Hussein and fight a war in Iraq - a war created on false information. That left Canada taking the bulk of the work in Afghanistan and that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Since 2002, great strides have been made in that war-torn country. But years of fighting and a small military compared to that south of our border have taken a toll on our mission.

116 of our brave men and women came home in a casket. They paid the ultimate sacrifice to stand up for democracy and give the people of Afghanistan a chance at a better life.

Is this the thanks they get? Is that how the Americans view our sacrifice? I'd like to think that these on-air personalities are in the minority when it comes to how our friends south of the border think of our duty in Afghanistan.

So Canada, we will stand on guard for thee - we will not allow these people to disgrace our brave soldiers and military personnel. We will not allow these people to attack the integrity and honour of our country. Oh Canada, we will stand on guard for thee.

Game 2: Boychuk Beats Blades

2009-03-21T23:28:00.000-07:00

EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS
Game 2

Lethbridge Hurricanes - 5
Boychuk 3 (3), Sutter (1), King (1)
Metsola: 21 Saves

Saskatoon Blades - 2
Kytnar (1), Wintoneak (2)
Holtby: 17 Saves

Eastern Conference Quarter Final Series tied 1-1

In a 24-hour span, the Saskatoon Blades went from celebrating their first post season win in over two years to crashing down to reality and seeing this Best of Seven series turn into a Best of Five.

Zack Boychuk almost single-handedly beat the Blades in front of 5,617 fans to even this series up at one. Boychuk, a Carolina Hurricanes draft pick, scored three goals and added an assist in the 5-2 win. In the process, he had 11 shots on net, which was exactly half of the 22 the ENTIRE Hurricanes team got on Braden Holtby.

For the second straight night, the Blades came out flat to start the game. Just under three minutes in, Boychuk took advantage of a poor defensive line change to skate in all alone and beat Braden Holtby for the 1-0 lead. Still in the first, one of the Blades fell (I believe it was Travis Toomey) which created a 3-on-1 situation led by Boychuk - who held the puck and got it to just trickle past Holtby and into the back of the net. He would add his hat-trick goal on the Powerplay in the third period.

Special Teams was once again in the spotlight tonight at Credit Union Centre. After Game One, Hurricanes Head Coach Michael Dyck said that his team needed to come out with a better effort. They certainly listened by going 2-for-8 with the man advantage, with tons of quality chances, and a shorthanded goal into an empty net. The Blades were 0-for-8 on the powerplay.

Now both teams were without key players for the game. Hurricanes forward, Kyle Beach, was suspended for one game after cross checking Jyri Niemi in the face. Niemi was also suspended one game for an "inappropriate gesture" towards the Hurricanes bench. It was clear that without Niemi, the Blades were really hurting with the man advantage and certainly missed his powerful shot.

The game also saw the return of Hurricanes netminder, Juha Metsola, who missed Game One with a neck strain. He wasn't tested much early but as the game progressed he definitely didn't show any signs of rust. It really makes you wonder if Metsola's return is the turning point of this series. After the game, he admitted that he's not 100% but he's pretty close to it. He also says that having two days off before Game Three will help him even more.

I asked Braden Holtby what was the biggest difference in their effort from Game One and Two and he had an interesting response. He said that the team was on such a high from that impressive win in Game One that they may have underestimated or taken the Lethbridge Hurricanes for granted. Let's just say... Lesson Learned.

So with this series tied up at one, we now shift to Lethbridge for Games Three and Four on Tuesday and Wednesday Night. The Hurricanes will be playing in front of a rowdy crowd, but the Blades are "Road Warriors" having tied the WHL record for most road wins in a single season (28). It should make for one hell of a hockey game.

Puckin' Eh!

Game 1: Blades beat Hurricanes

2009-03-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS
Game One

Lethbridge Hurricanes - 1
Braes (1)
Anderson: 21 Saves

Saskatoon Blades - 5
Wintoneak (1), Niemi (1), Hamilton (1), Elliott (1), Langkow (1)
Holtby: 22 Saves

Blades lead the Eastern Conference Quarter Final series 1-0

The East Division Champion, Saskatoon Blades, had the "perfect game" with a convincing 5-1 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals.

If Lethbridge was going to have any chance of winning this game, they needed to come flying out of the gates and silence the 5,358 fans in attendance (more on that later). Sure enough, 2:10 into the game the Hurricanes get on the scoresheet courtesy Cam Braes. Braden Holtby was way out of position after the puck took a funny bounce off the end boards.

With starting netminder, Juha Metsola, out with a neck strain the Hurricanes turned to third string goaltender Brandon Anderson to start in between the pipes. Anderson had only played five WHL games coming into tonight's tilt at Credit Union Centre - and it showed.

Just six minutes after Cam Braes goal, the Blades got the equalizer with help from former Lethbridge Hurricane Adam Chorneyko. The 20-year old found Walker Wintoneak in the slot who one timed the puck past Anderson for the 1-1 tie.

Four minutes later, it was the "Finnish Flash" (no offence to Teemu Selanne) Jyri Niemi went coast to coast like butter on toast to put the Blades in front by one thru twenty minutes of play.

From that point on, it was all Saskatoon as they piled on the pressure and were rewarded in the end. Curtis Hamilton, Stefan Elliott and Chris Langkow all get on the scoresheet as the Blades defeat the Hurricanes 5-1.

Special Teams a big difference in this game. The Blades were 2-for-5 with the man advantage while the Hurricanes were 0-for-3. Saskatoon also had a glorious shorthanded chance, where Ryan Funk was denied on the breakaway by Anderson.

Aside from that odd goal in the opening two minutes of the game, Braden Holtby showing why he's nominated for WHL Goaltender of the Year. The Washington Capitals draft pick was stellar in between the pipes - making 22 saves including a beautiful glove save late in the third.

Jyri Niemi left tonight's game after being cross-checked in the face in the third period. He was slow to get up and did not return. No word yet on his status for game two.

Saskatoon will look to take a commanding two games to none lead tomorrow night, in Game Two at Credit Union Centre.

Here's hoping more fans take in the game. It was incredibly disappointing to see just 5,358 fans at Credit Union Centre for this game. It was the first WHL Playoff game played in the "Bridge City" since 2006! This is a team that is coming off its first East Division Championship since 1994! Yet for some reason the fans can't seem to get behind these boys.

I understand that they went through years of heartache - including a 7-win season. But that's all in the past and things have changed. The Blades are the real deal and will make a serious run at a Championship. They deserve the support of this city and it's time Saskatoon proved that we can support our local teams and aren't just bandwagon supporters of "big events". I guess we'll see what happens tomorrow night.

Ovechkin's Celebration: Hot or Not?

2009-03-20T10:14:00.000-07:00

A night of celebration as Alexander Ovechkin cemented his spot as the best player in today's NHL. For the third time in his four year career, "Alexander the Great" scored 50 goals in a season. Yet no one is talking about his accomplishments, instead focusing on his celebration.

Ovechkin's 50th Goal

I love Ovechkin and I think his personality is exactly what the NHL's marketing team needs when trying to attract fans in the United States. He has an infectious smile and his love and passion for the game is evident every time he hits the ice. His goals bring fans to their feet and he celebrates in style.

Don Cherry has said that he doesn't like Ovechkin's antics as it's too similar to soccer celebrations. I couldn't disagree more.

What's wrong with a player showing how excited he is to score a goal? What's wrong with a player wanting to scream and yell and be pumped that they just helped their team? We need more of that in sports - we need to see that these athletes are more than just high-priced robots who go through the motions to entertain us all season long.

I don't seem to recall critics, members of the media or fans getting all over Theo Fleury with his famous celebration after scoring in Game Six against the Edmonton Oilers.

I also don't remember anyone criticizing Teemu Selanne when he broke the NHL's record for most goals in a single season by a rookie.

So why all the hate for Ovechkin? Let a guy celebrate, let him have fun. While I could live without the planned celebration (aka Ovie's 50th Goal) I hope he never stops celebrating like he's won the Stanley Cup with each and every goal.

WHL Playoff Predictions

2009-03-18T22:15:00.000-07:00

The Road to the 2009 WHL Ed Chynoweth Cup begins Thursday Night at the Pengrowth Saddledome, as the Calgary Hitmen battle the Edmonton Oil Kings.

So it's time to look into my crystal ball and come up with some predictions

EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS

(1) Calgary x (8) Edmonton Oil Kings

For the first time since 1989-90, the WHL held a tiebreaker between the Edmonton Oil Kings and Prince Albert Raiders. The OK Kids pulled out an Overtime winner to advance to the playoffs for the first time in modern team history. Their reward? A date with the Calgary Hitmen.

Yes it'll be the first "Battle of Alberta" in Junior Hockey but this one won't even be close.

HITMEN IN FOUR

(2) Saskatoon x (7) Lethbridge

There are questions in Lethbridge as star netminder Juha Metsola left Saturday's game on a stretcher. Early word is that it's a neck strain and he's questionable for Game One. As long as Braden Holtby stands on his head, I think the Blades will pull this one out

BLADES IN SIX

(3) Brandon x (6) Kootenay

The first big upset of the first round will be courtesy the Kootenay Ice. I know a lot of people are writing them off, and I realize they're a young squad. But they just seem to be a "playoff team" - one that will give the Wheaties some major headaches.

ICE IN SEVEN

(4) Swift Current x (5) Medicine Hat

A very evenly matched series but I give the edge to Medicine Hat because their barn is one of the hardest to play in, in the WHL.

TIGERS IN SIX

WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS

(1) Vancouver x (8) Prince George

Not even close...

GIANTS IN FOUR

(2) Tri-City x (7) Everett

Tri-City will win this series... I mean, this is the same Everett team that just lost 10-0 to Seattle over the weekend.

AMERICANS IN FIVE

(3) Kelowna x (6) Kamloops

The Rockets are on a hot streak, having won seven straight and nine of their last ten games. It should be one hell of a series.

ROCKETS IN SIX

(4) Spokane x (5) Seattle

Spokane is coming off a wicked bout of food poisoning that affected 3/4's of their team. That will affect them in the playoffs.

THUNDERBIRDS IN SIX

Brodeur Record... Tainted?

2009-03-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

Martin Brodeur is unarguably one of the greatest goaltenders to play the sport, let alone in the National Hockey League. His stats tell the story...

4 Vezina Trophies
3 Stanley Cups
1 Calder Cup
1 World Cup
1 Olympic Gold Medal

And how fitting, on St. Patrick's Day, Brodeur passes Patrick Roy on the all-time wins list with 552. It's an unbelievable record and one that many are celebrating tonight, except for me.

I have nothing against Martin Brodeur but in my eyes, he has yet to pass Patrick Roy on that list.

After losing an entire season due to a lockout, the NHL wanted to inject some excitement into the game of hockey. Starting in the 2005/06 season, they brought in the "shootout" - where if a game was still tied after Overtime, they would go into a shootout to determine the winner. It's a great concept but one that is flawed - and has led me to view Brodeur's "record" as flawed.

You see the NHL fails to use shootout goals towards a players stats yet they credit a goaltender with a win in a shootout. It's a double standard and one that comes into play when arguing the merits of Brodeur's "record".

Since the shootout was implemented in 2005/06, Brodeur has "won" 27 games via the shootout. If goals aren't used for stats, then wins shouldn't either which would put Brodeur at 525 wins which is still good for second on the all-time list.

Now I realize that the game has changed over the years. Overtime was discontinued in 1942-43 and didn't return until the 1983-84 season. So yes, goaltenders from 1983-present have had a 5 minute advantage over other goaltenders.

It's not that I have a problem with shootout wins, it's the fact that the NHL has such a blatent double standard in the shootout. What's good for one should be good for all. As such, either the NHL allows goals in a shootout to be used towards a players stats or they do not credit a goalie with a win.

So until Martin Brodeur wins 27 more games in regulation, I still consider Patrick Roy the all-time leader in wins for an NHL Goaltender.

And quite frankly, the win record isn't as impressive as the next one that Brodeur will get... he's four shutouts away from breaking Terry Sawchuk's once "unbreakable" record of 103 career shutouts. Now THAT's a record, and one that won't have any flaws.

Rock you like a Hurricane

2009-03-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

For the first time since 2006, the Saskatoon Blades are off to the WHL's Post Season. Starting Friday Night at Credit Union Centre, the East Division Champions will battle the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals.

We'll break down this series later in the week, but for now, here's the first round schedule.

2009 EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS
(2) Saskatoon Blades vs. (7) Lethbridge Hurricanes

Game 1: Lethbridge @ Saskatoon Friday, March 20 @ 7:05pm
Game 2: Lethbridge @ Saskatoon Saturday, March 21 @ 7:05pm
Game 3: Saskatoon @ Lethbridge Tuesday, March 24 @ 7pm
Game 4: Saskatoon @ Lethbridge Wednesday, March 25 @ 7pm
*Game 5: Lethbridge @ Saskatoon Saturday, March 28 @ 7:05pm
*Game 6: Saskatoon @ Lethbridge Monday, March 30 @ 7pm
*Game 7: Lethbridge @ Saskatoon Wednesday, April 1 @ 7:05pm
*if necessary

All games will be broadcast on ShawTV - but I urge fans in both cities to come out and pack the rinks for what will be an intense series. And as always, you can catch all the hilites on Global News.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

2009-03-12T22:42:00.000-07:00

Most people aren't big fans of going to the doctor's office. Throw in an embarrassing symptom, and many would rather be like an ostrich and put their heads in the sand - if they ignore the problem, it doesn't exist. The sad reality is that not only does the problem not go away, but it can actually kill you.

21,500 Canadians will be diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer this year. 8,900 of them will lose their fight against this deadly disease. A disease that is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in our nation. A disease that is often diagnosed far too late. Believe me, I know first hand. My father was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in 2006 - by the time he finally went to the doctor it was too late and he never stood a chance. Two weeks later, I watched him take his final breath.

Don't become a statistic, be aware of your body and the symptoms associated with Colon Cancer because 1 in 14 men will be diagnosed with this disease in their lifetime. And it's not just men who suffer from it, women do too. 1 in 16 women will be diagnosed with Colon Cancer in their lifetime.

Symptoms:

Change in bowel habits - diarrhea or constipation or both, that lasts more than a few days.

Blood in the stool. (Red new blood from lower down in the colon. Black stools can signify old blood from higher up in the colon)

Narrower than normal stools consistently.

Feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.

Rectal bleeding.

Persistent abdominal bloating, feelings of fullness, and cramps.

Unexplained weight loss.

Constant tiredness and unexplained anemia.

Early detection is so important in combating this disease. The Province of Saskatchewan has recently introduced a new Screening Program for Colorectal Cancer that will be phased in province-wide over the next three years.

Phase One will begin this spring in the Moose Jaw area. Men and Women between the ages of 50 and 74, who reside in the area, will be invited to participate in the program. Following an evaluation of the first phase, the program will be expanded to include more health regions and will be offered province-wide by 2012.

Adults between the ages of 50-74 are encouraged to use a stool blood test every two years. Abnormal test results would be followed up by a colonoscopy. 90% of new colorectal cancer cases and deaths affect people over the age of 50.

It's important to note, however, that young people can develop this disease as well - especially those who are deemed "high risk" - Which are those who have a family history of the disease or have other risk factors associated with the disease.

As a person who is a "high risk" to develop this disease, I wrote to Saskatchean's Health Minister the Hon. Don McMorris to discuss the issue and ask whether or not younger people who are "high risk" would be eligible for this new screening test. He responded by saying, "Such individuals will not be eligible to receive test kits from the screening program, but will be encouraged to discuss their risk factors with their family doctor to determine the most appropriate screening options."

In other words, make an effort to speak to your doctor and develop a plan of action.

Risk Factors:

Being 50 years of age or older.

Having a previous history of colorectal polyps.

Having an inflammatory bowel disease such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Having a poor diet, notably one high in red meat consumption and low in fibre, fruits and vegetables.

Having a family history of colorectal cancer. (see more on hereditary syndromes associated to colorectal and other cancers)

Having a personal history of ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer.

Little or no exercise.

Now the good news for those who have been diagnosed with Colon Cancer, is that SEVEN Provinces in our Country have approved coverage for the drug "Avastin".

Avastin is considered the first line of treatment for mestastic colorectal cancer. While it's not a cure, it does extend lives and helps to alleviate suffering.

Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Quebec, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia and most recently, Alberta have all approved coverage of this drug - a drug that has forced patients to pay upwards of $4,000 per month.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. For those of you who do not live in one of the seven Provinces that approve "Avastin", I urge you to write to your local MP's and MLA's and ask them to look into this issue. I also ask you to urge them to incorporate an early detection program similar to what Saskatchewan is about to implement.

Colon Cancer doesn't have to be a death sentance - it can be defeated.

For more information regarding Colorectal Cancer, visit their website at http://www.colorectal-cancer.ca/

Greatest Athlete of our Generation

2009-03-07T09:27:00.000-08:00

It's a question that has no definitive answer - "Who is the Greatest Athlete of our Generation"?

But what defines a "Great Athlete"? It has to be someone who's gifted, rises above the rest in their sport, is physically dominant, and is a great promoter of the sport.

Tiger Woods fits all the criteria. He single handedly took the PGA to levels never seen before. Television ratings sky rocket when he's on the hunt for another trophy. They plummet when he either skips the event or is injured. He has inspired many to take up the sport and is a role model around the world. But is he the "Greatest Athlete" - not on my list.

Much like Tiger Woods, Wayne Gretzky, was the face of hockey around the world. His trade to Los Angeles in 1988 put the sport in the spotlight in California and helped pave the way for American expansion. He's unarguably the greatest player in NHL history but again, like Tiger, he's not on the top of my list for "Greatest Athlete".

Bo Jackson had such talent that he was able to play in both the NFL and MLB! In fact, he's the first person to ever be named an "All-Star" in both leagues. He was a marketing machine - his own shoes, the "Bo Knows" campaign, video games and even cartoons. He was well known around the world but like Tiger and Gretzky, he doesn't top my list of "Greatest Athlete of our Generation".

The man who tops my list is one who is a legend in his sport. A man who has overcome many obstacles to achieve greatness. A man who may be just as famous away from his sport as he was in the sport.

The Greatest Athlete in Our Generation is the seven time Tour de France champion, Lance Armstrong.

The Tour de France is one of the most gruelling sporting events in the world. Over 150 cyclists take part in the 3-week, 3500km race that takes riders through France and other bordering countries. Winning this prestigious event is difficult - now imagine doing it for seven consecutive years. It's an accomplishment that no one could have ever believed possible.

What made this feat even more amazing is that Lance Armstrong won all seven races after surviving testicular cancer - which had spread to both his lungs and brain. Armstrong literally went from his death bed to cycling legend. He became an inspiration for both cyclists and those battling cancer. He helped make the Tour de France a bigger deal in North American media and has spearheaded a campaign to fight Cancer with his "Livestrong" products and company.

Due to his story and legendary results at the Tour de France, many have accused him of using performance enhancing drugs - which admittedly, does taint my selection of "Greatest Athlete of our Generation". With that said, we must remember that Lance Armstrong has NEVER tested positive for any performance enhancing drugs. He is probably the most tested athlete in athletics history and not once has he tested positive.

An unprecedented seven straight Tour de France Championships - a cancer survivor - an inspiration to millions around the world.

Lance Armstrong... The Greatest Athlete of Our Generation.

Backstrom's "Wild" Rumor

2009-02-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

Washington Capitals forward, Nicklas Backstrom, is heading to the Minnesota Wild.

Ok - maybe not. I'm no insider nor do I have any "top secret" information about possible trades between the two clubs, but maybe "Yahoo! Sports" knows something that we don't???

So it's clearly a glitch in Yahoo! Sports... but wouldn't it be funny if it actually happened?

UEFA Champions League: Round of 16

2009-02-23T20:06:00.001-08:00

On the eve of the UEFA Champions League: Round of 16, I've decided to give my input and make some bold predictions. Let's see how close I can get...

SPORTING C.P. x BAYERN MUNICH

Sporting: 3rd in Liga Sagres (37 Points)
Bayern: 4th in German Bundesliga (38 Points)

For the first time in their 103-year history, "Os Leões", have qualified for the Round of Sixteen in Champions League. Their reward - a battle against traditionally one of the better teams in Europe, Bayern Munich. The Germans have struggled in the last few weeks, which could provide Sporting an opportunity to pull out an epic upset.

If Sporting is to win, and I hope and pray they do, they'll need to hold Bayern to without a goal in Wednesday's game and then go all-out for an "away" goal when they meet in two weeks in Munich.

My heart says Sporting but I'll go with the favorite...

PREDICTION: Bayern Munich

ATLÉTICO MADRID x FC PORTO

Atlético Madrid: 7th in Spanish Primera División (36 Points)
FC Porto: 1st in Liga Sagres (41 Points)

This game came at a perfect time for FC Porto. The 2004 Champions League winners are going up against a club that has just three wins in their last ten league games. They're ripe for the picking and there's no doubt in my mind that "Os Dragões" will pull out the win.

PREDICTION: FC Porto

VILLARREAL x PANATHINAIKOS

Villarreal: 4th in Spanish Primera División (41 Points)
Panathinaikos: 2nd in Greek Super League (46 Points)

To be honest, this is the one game that I don't know too much about either squad. The Greeks are always dangerous - just ask any Portuguese fan about Euro 2004 - but things are much more competitive in Spain than they are in Greece. So I'll give the edge to the Spaniards.

PREDICTION: Villarreal

LYON x BARCELONA

Olympique Lyonnais: 1st in French Ligue 1 (52 Points)
FC Barcelona: 1st in Spanish Primera División (60 Points)

Lyon has proven that they can play with the "big boys" of Europe and are all in contention. But I highly doubt they will be able to contain Lionel Messi and the rest of the Barcelona squad. Barcelona is just too strong - and while they may be held to a draw in France, they'll rip them apart at Nou Camp.

PREDICTION: FC Barcelona

ARSENAL x AS ROMA

Arsenal: 5th in English Premier League (45 Points)
AS Roma: 6th in Serie A (43 Points)

This should be an intense battle that could easily be decided via penalty kicks in two weeks. Both teams are strong, and I'd say very evenly matched. I will, however, give the slight edge to Arsenal because of their most recent signing of Andrei Arshavin. He could very well be the difference and take "The Gunners" into the Champions League Quarter Finals.

PREDICTION: Arsenal

CHELSEA x JUVENTUS

Chelsea: 3rd in English Premier League (52 Points)
Juventus: 2nd in Serie A (50 Points)

The second of three "Italian / English" battles in the Round of 16. I'll come right out and say it - Juve is the better team and should have no problems getting past Chelsea. But this battle was dealt a "wild card" as Chelsea has recently hired Guus Hiddink as their manager. Hiddink, who also manages the Russian National Team, is one of the greatest managers of all-time. He sees success where ever he goes and that should be no different with Chelsea. The only question is whether or not he's had enough time to put his tactics in place. My heart says Juventus but I'm going to disagree...

PREDICTION: Chelsea

REAL MADRID x LIVERPOOL

Real Madrid: 2nd in Spanish Primera División (53 Points)
Liverpool: 2nd in English Premier League (55 Points)

Another high profile, intense battle that could very well go the distance. Two powerhouses will collide and it starts at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid have many weapons at their disposal but Liverpool is a team built for Europe. Rafael Benítez has carefully moulded this team to be a consistant "Final Four" in Champions League. They won in stunning fashion back in 2005 in what many consider the greatest Champions League Final of all-time. They were a runner-up in 2007... and I believe they'll be Quarter Finalists in 2009.

PREDICTION: Liverpool

INTER MILAN x MANCHESTER UNITED

Inter: 1st in Serie A (59 Points)
Manchester United: 1st in English Premier League (62 Points)

The Main Event of the Champions League: Round of 16 - Manchester United taking on Inter Milan. It's Sir Alex Ferguson meeting up with his long time rival "The Special One" Jose Mourinho.

It doesn't get much closer than this... Inter is on a six game unbeaten streak in Italy. Man Utd are on a 15-game unbeaten streak which included 14-straight games without conceding a goal (a British Record).

While Inter has a lethal weapon in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, it's hard to go against the "Red Devils" with their dynamic duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

But all eyes will be on the coaches. Rarely does Sir Alex Ferguson get outcoached or outmatched on the pitch. But if anyone can do it - it's Jose Mourinho. He has a tendancy to get under the oppositions skin and there's no doubt the mind games will be in full swing once the game kicks off tomorrow afternoon.

On paper, Manchester United is the heavy favorite to win this game. But you can not underestimate a team coached by Mourinho.

So my prediction...

It'll be close but I think Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney will be the difference.

PREDICTION: Manchester United.

End of the Road for CKX-TV Brandon

2009-02-19T13:28:00.000-08:00

For the last 54-years, CKX-TV has provided viewers in and around Brandon, Manitoba with local news and programming. Unfortunately, that tradition of excellence may soon be coming to an end.

CTV announced today that it will not renew the licence for CKX-TV Brandon when it expires on August 31, 2009. It's also on that day that CKX-TV's affiliation with CBC comes to an end as well.

CBC was given an opportunity to purchase the station be declined saying that they could not financially afford to do so.

If there are no buyers within the next 30 business days, CKX-TV will officially shut down at the end of the day on August 31, 2009.

It's another sign of the decline of local television here in our country. It's another sign of the weakening economy in our country. And it's a very dark day in the television industry.

A-Rod: Respect or Punish?

2009-02-17T14:29:00.000-08:00

He's a three time AL MVP, a two time Gold Glove winner, the youngest player to ever hit 500 HR's, considered by many to be the best all-around player in MLB History, and by far the highest paid player in the majors.

Yet in the last few days Alex Rodriguez has gone from A-Rod to A-Fraud or A-Roid. Alex Rodriguez has admitted to using banned drugs between 2001-2003, while a member of the Texas Rangers. He has since admitted to using emphatamines while with the Seattle Mariners but it's important to note that those were not banned while he took them, and it's only recently that it was put under the "banned substance" list.

A-Rod apologized to both his teammates and fans this afternoon at a news conference outside their Spring Training facility. He fought back tears when addressing his teammates, only able to muster the words "Thank You".

So how do we deal with this situation?

"Big Papi" David Ortiz believes that steroid users should be banned for an entire season. Roy Oswalt wants baseball to erase all statistics from admitted or convicted steroid users.

As it pertains to Alex Rodriguez, I don't believe a suspension is warranted since his drug use happened before MLB had any drug testing program in place or any punishment for drug users. The question surrounding statistics, however, is an interesting one.

If MLB decides to erase all of A-Rod's statistics from 2001-2003, they'd have to change the statistics surrounding all the pitchers he faced - it would be a monsterous job that would take hundreds of hours.

It also punishes those who come clean and admit that they made a mistake. It would encourage others to hide and deny like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa - who are all believed to have taken performance enhancing drugs throughout their careers.

Then again, should a guy like Barry Bonds be considered the all-time Home Run leader if he's proven to have taken drugs? And if we take away his stats - how do we know that the all-time greats from years past weren't on drugs either? How do we know their records are clean as well?

I think there's only one logical solution to this problem...

Put an asterisk next to the names of those who have used performance enhancing drugs in the record books. And let each individual fan decide if they choose to recognize that person for their accomplishments. Afterall, despite banning Pete Rose for life, they still kept his stats in the record books.

Which brings me to the second point of this column.

Does Alex Rodriguez belong in the Hall of Fame?

Prior to this whole drug scandal, there was no question that A-Rod would be a first ballot entry into Cooperstown. He's a phenominal baseball player and his stats speak for themselves. But with banned drugs hanging over his head, does he belong with the likes of Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Frank Robinson, Hank Aaron?

In my opinion, there's no question about it - A-Rod should be in the Hall of Fame as soon as he retires. Yes he's made a mistake but you take away those three years and he still has phenominal numbers. He was also man enough to admit his error instead of hiding from it - granted, it took a report in Sports Illustrated to force him to confess, but none the less he tackled this head on. I think it's also important to note that baseball did nothing to prevent players from taking drugs and have turned a blind eye to a glaring problem in the sport.

So yes, Alex Rodriguez, does deserve to be in the Hall of Fame. And Alex Rodriguez does get my respect for being straight forward and honest about his past mistakes and for going on a national "anti-steroid" campaign.

Should he be punished? If this were after MLB introduced anti-drug rules, then yes I'd be all for it. But since it happened before any of this was considered "wrong" by MLB, then I don't believe he should be punished.

BREAKING NEWS: Charges Dropped against Adrian Charles

2009-02-13T14:18:00.001-08:00

Charges have been dropped against Adrian Charles.

The former Saskatoon Hilltops Running Back was charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count of conspiracy to commit murder against a material crown witness of the Province of Ontario.

His lawyer, Daniel Kayfetz, says that Crown came to the decision that their evidence didn't lead to their conclussion and rather than taking a shot at it, they decided to withdraw the charges.

Charles was a star running back with the "Blue and Gold" having set the team's all-time single season rushing record at 1,236 yards. He's also the only Hilltop to ever record two one thousand yard rushing seasons.

Some people passed judgement on this youngster once word of the charges came to light. If anything, today's news reminds us all that we must presume people are innocent until proven guilty.

SaskTel Tankard Final

2009-02-08T11:52:00.000-08:00

The 2009 SaskTel Provincial Men's Tankard Final
Pat Simmons vs. Joel Jordison
Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan

They entered the SaskTel Tankard ranked 1-2, so it's fitting that it's down to these two men in this afternoon's Tankard Final. Davidson's Pat Simmons in search of a record 5th straight Tankard Trophy, while Moose Jaw's Joel Jordison looks for his first.

1:54pm: Pat Simmons will have the hammer in this Championship game. This is the third meeting this weekend between these two teams. Simmons with a thrilling 7-6 win in 11 Ends in the "A" Final. Then last night in the Page 1-2 Playoff, Team Simmons pulled out an 8-6 win to advance to today's Final.

2:10pm: A slow start to this game - they blank the first end. A great crowd on hand here at the Meadow Lake Arena - I'd say close to 60% full. Impressive to say the least.

2:30pm: Action picks up in the second end. Jordison's final rock, hits and rolls onto the four foot - just biting a bit of the button. Simmons needs a good shot to avoid the steal. Trying a come around draw to the button... comes up just short, and gives up a steal of one. Jordison with a 1-0 lead thru two ends of play.

2:42pm: Third End... Simmons takes his first lead of the day. With Simmons sitting front 12-foot, Jordison needed to get full 12-foot in order to force Simmons to one. Instead, he came up short of the house, allowing Simmons to hit and stick to score a deuce taking a 2-1 lead thru three ends of play.

2:57pm: Fourth End... Simmons' final shot, looking for a double take out... doesn't quite get it, shooter rolls out, but one bites, which allows Jordison an open draw to score two and regain the one point lead. Talk about an intense see-saw battle between these two curling warriors in Saskatchewan!

3:05pm: Lots of media on hand for this Tankard Final. A shout out to Newcap Television from Lloydminster, which made the trek up to Meadow Lake to cover this final. Nice to see familiar faces.

3:08pm: Three more shots to go in the fifth end, but it appears they're going to blank it. So going into the fifth end break, Joel Jordison with a slim 3-2 lead over the four time defending Tankard Champion, Pat Simmons.

3:10pm: A big shout out to all of the volunteers here in Meadow Lake who have made this Tankard experience that much better. The patch has been fun, the food today was excellent (perogies with sausage on a bun and some corn) and the music hasn't been too bad either. I should also mention that if you're ever in Meadow Lake and need a place to stay, I highly reccomend the "Woodland Inn" - very comfortable, and great service. And when it comes to a place to eat, I reccomend the bowling alley which is actually pretty classy. They even have a pond with REAL fish!!! There's pool tables and even a golf simulator. Needless to say, we're pretty much regulars there.

3:20pm: You're at a Championship Curling event where a trip to the Tim Hortons' Brier awaits the winner. Why would you not turn your cell phone off or at the very least put it on vibrate??? Some people will just never learn.

3:37pm: Pat Simmons not too happy with a certain spot on the ice - in fact both teams have mentioned this as this game progresses. So while he could attempt a risky triple takeout to score three, he plays it safe and hits and rolls into the eight foot to score one and tie this game up at three.

3:47pm: Pat Simmons struggling from the hack. Attempting a double takeout, he hit and rolls his way past the back one... allowing Joel Jordison to draw to the eight foot for a deuce and a 5-3 lead after seven ends.

3:57pm: It's becoming clear that the fans in Meadow Lake want a new champion in Saskatchewan. They are behind Joel Jordison and want him to pull out the "W" and put an end to an impressive four year streak. I wonder if Jordison is starting to get nervous as he realizes that he's just a few ends away from a trip to Calgary.

4:05pm: Team Simmons blanks the 8th End... still down 5-3 going into the 9th.

4:07pm: Joel Jordison's third is Scott Bitz who won the Tankard back in 2002. The 2002 Brier was held in Calgary and take a guess where the 2009 Brier will be... you guessed it, Calgary! Perhaps fate is in Jordison's corner with Bitz as his third?

4:16pm: Ice is really becoming an issue here in the Tankard Final. Both teams struggling with it - so there certainly won't be an excuse for either team. But it's just too bad considering the overall consensus earlier in the week is that the ice was great.

4:20pm: There's a growing sense that this just isn't Pat Simmons day... nothing going right, and the pendulum of momentum is stuck with Joel Jordison.

4:22pm: Jordison laying three - Simmons with hammer. His final shot. Needs a draw to the full four foot to score one. Looks good... and he bites the button, scores one... Simmons trails 5-4 going into the tenth end, where Jordison has the hammer. Simply put, Simmons needs to steal in order to keep his streak alive.

4:40pm: THE STREAK IS OVER!!!!! MOOSE JAW'S JOEL JORDISON WINS THE SASKTEL PROVINCIAL MEN'S TANKARD!!! He draws to the four foot, and wins 6-4 over Pat Simmons.

Team Jordison off to the Tim Hortons' Brier in Calgary.

SaskTel Tankard

2009-02-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

The drive for five is alive for Pat Simmons, Jeff Sharp, Gerry Adam, and Steve Laycock. Saskatchewan's top curling team is one win away from doing something no other team has done before in this province - win five consecutive Tankard Championships.

Bob "Peewee" Pickering is the only man who came close, winning four straight between 1968 and 1971.

As a four time defending champion, Team Simmons was clearly one of the favorites coming into this weekend's tournament in Meadow Lake. His biggest competition - a guy who grew up just a block and a half away from him in Moose Jaw, Joel Jordison.

Jordison, making his 6th Tankard appearance, came into the tournament as the top seed following a very strong season on the World Curling Tour where he's ranked 11th on the Money List.

A trip to the Tim Hortons' Brier in Calgary would be a dream come true, but to get there he'll have to find a way to get past Pat Simmons.

Twice this weekend they've met and both times, Simmons has walked away victorious. Simmons won a thrilling "A" Final 7-6 in 11 Ends. That placed Simmons directly into the Page 1-2 Playoff, where these two rivals would meet yet again. After winning the "B" Final, Jordison would clash with Simmons for a spot in today's Tankard Final - and once again, fell short - losing 8-6 in 9 Ends.

So Pat Simmons is into his 5th Straight Tankard Final - and awaits the winner of this morning's semi final between Joel Jordison and Brad Heidt. As I type this, Jordison with a 4-1 lead midway through the 6th End. Assuming Jordison wins, will the third meeting between Jordison and Simmons be the charm? Will we see a new Provincial Tankard Champion? Or will the drive for five be a success?

Catch all the hilites and post game reaction tonight on Global Television on the "Evening News" at Six and "News Final" at Eleven. You can also watch the games on SaskTel Max "Local on Demand".

BREAKING NEWS: A-Rod tests Positive

2009-02-07T08:45:00.000-08:00

Breaking News coming out of Major League Baseball... Sports Illustrated is reporting that New York Yankees All-Star Alex Rodriguez has tested positive for steroids in 2003. They received the information from various sources.

Stunning news to say the least! I'll post more thoughts on this in the next few days. For more, check out CNN's website or I'm sure TSN, Sportsnet, The Score, ESPN, Fox Sports, and SI.com.

BREAKING NEWS: Tillman Charged

2009-02-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

Stunning news out of the Canadian Football League today, as Saskatchewan Roughriders General Manager Eric Tillman, has been charged with Sexual Assault against a 16-year old girl.

Tillman was charged last week, but it was not revealed until this afternoon when the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix and Regina Leader-Post picked up the story. He is not in jail and will appear in court on February 24th.

According to Jim Hopson, President and C.E.O. of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, police have been investigating the alleged incident since September.

The club has since placed Tillman on administrative leave, with Senior Football officials - led by Head Coach Ken Miller, taking over the day to day operations.

Hopson says Tillman is doing remarkably well given the circumstances, and is now at home, in Regina, dealing with it the best he can.

He stresses that they have an obligation to the franchise and fans to put forth a good team this year and will not let this become a distraction. When asked to give a message to the fans, Hopson replied, "We need to be respectful of the process."

Having met Eric on numerous occasions, I can say that he's a genuine man who takes great pride in his family - his wife and kids. As Jim Hopson pointed out, we need to respect the process before jumping to any conclussions. It's important to remember that here in Canada, people are presumed innocent until proven guilty. So time will tell what happens as this case progresses but one thing is for certain, it comes at a terrible time for the organization.

The Riders have worked hard to move away from their much publicized "off-field distractions" - from Kenton Keith to Trevis Smith - and now it appears they're right back in the spotlight.

Random Thoughts

2009-02-02T20:22:00.000-08:00

Rafael Nadal is a God. You don't have to be a tennis fan to appreciate his skill and unrivaled determination to win. His matches with Roger Federer will go down in history as some of the best all time. Who can foget that epic battle in the Wimbledon Final in July 2008? And now we have a four hour 23min thriller in the Australian Open Final. It's simply phenominal.

***

I keep getting angry every time I see the replay from the final 15 seconds of Superbowl XLIII. What's the point of having video review, if the officials fail to use it in a pivotal moment in the biggest game of the year? Kurt Warner did NOT fumble the ball - it was an INCOMPLETE pass which should have given the Cardinals one last shot at the endzone.

***
It appears three Liberal MP's from Newfoundland and Labrador will go against the party line and vote down the budget in tomorrow's vote. While some are pointing to a lack of solidarity in the Liberal Party, I'm applauding the decision by these three men. They are doing what all MP's are supposed to do - represent the wishes of the people of their constituency - the people who voted them in!

May I remind you that we live in a DEMOCRACY - a word that stems from the words DEMOS KRATOS - PEOPLE POWER. Too often we forget about that.

***
The Oscars are right around the corner, and normally I'm not a big fan of the event but there are some good movies and actors/actresses up for some awards.

I haven't seen any of the movies up for "Best Picture" but I would like to see three of them for sure. "Frost/Nixon", "MILK", and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". If you've seen any of these three, I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

***
I love Monday's. They're my Saturday's and quite frankly I'm addicted to both "24" and "Paranormal State". Two great shows that leave me on the edge of my seat each and every week.

***
Finally, I leave you with a question that I'd like you to comment on... I may use it for a future blog entry.

If you could sit down and have dinner / conversation with anyone in the world (dead or alive, past or present) who would it be and why?

Until next time my friends, in the words of Bert and Gert... Stay Alert, Stay Safe!

Superbowl XLIII

2009-02-01T15:13:00.001-08:00

SUPERBOWL XLIII
Raymond James Stadium - Tampa Bay, Florida

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals

5:14pm: Both teams looked jacked up and ready to roll for tonight's big game. I'm still standing by my prediction of a 27-21 win by the Steelers.

5:15pm: Kurt Warner wins the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award!!! The first of many awards tonight, I'm sure.

5:20pm: Did you see the look on Kurt Warner's face? He's focused and determined to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Calm, cool and collected - a true leader!

5:22pm: WOW! Jennifer Hudson's performance of the US National Anthem was probably one of the best I've heard in a long time. How awesome would it be to actually be in Tampa watching this game live?

5:27pm: John Elway isn't exactly aging well... he looks ancient! Hard to believe he was playing in the Superbowl 10 years ago. Oh... here comes the coin toss... ARIZONA WINS THE TOSS!!!!

5:30pm: Arizona will kick off to start the game.

5:32pm: SUPERBOWL XLIII IS UNDERWAY!!! Gary Russell back to receive for the Steelers and takes it up to about the 27 yard line. I call a 3 and out.

5:33pm: And that's why I'm not a football expert. Ben Roethlisberger with a bootleg, hooks up with Heinz Ward - 38 yard gain for the big first down. Steelers marching down field...

5:36pm: The Cardinals have to be second guessing their decision to kick off as the Steelers looking awesome on this drive. Ben Roethlisberger under pressure finds the TE Heath Miller over the middle - Steelers with a first and goal.

5:39pm: Cardinals "D" coming up big but not big enough... Steelers with a third and goal from the one... Roethlisberger calls his own number... rolls out... finds some room and just crosses the line for the major! TOUCHDOWN STEELERS ... 7-0

5:43pm: Not so fast... Cardinals throw out the challenge flag... and it turns out Roethlisberger's knee is down just short of the goal line. The Touchdown is reversed which puts the Steelers at a 4th and Goal from the One. Personally, I'd gamble - why not - it's the freakin Superbowl, you gotta take risks! Instead, they play it safe and split the uprights from 19-yards out... 3-0 Steelers and I have a feeling that this will come back to haunt them. FIELD GOAL STEELERS... 3-0

5:46pm: Here comes the Man, the Myth, the Legend... KURT WARNER!!!

5:48pm: HA! Holding #69

5:49pm: Kurt Warner looks a little shakey but don't worry, he's just trying to give the Steelers a false sense of security. All part of his master plan. Don't doubt a Superbowl MVP.

6:03pm: The Steelers Offence is picking apart the Cardinals Defence... to steal a cliché, it's like stealing candy from a baby. Steelers down inside the redzone yet again... END OF FIRST QUARTER: Steelers - 3, Cardinals - 0

6:09pm: Pittsburgh's first two drives result in two straight trips into the redzone. Gary Russell capped off an 11-play, 69-yard drive... TOUCHDOWN STEELERS!!! ... 10-0

6:30pm: Alright, while I was gone the Arizona Cardinals offence got rolling... Kurt Warner hooked up with Ben Patrick in the fun zone... TOUCHDOWN CARDINALS!!!!... 10-7

6:34pm: Kurt Warner was just sacked but luckily Jesus is on his side and was no doubt craddling him in his arms, protecting him from yet another concussion.

6:41pm: The pendulum of momentum has now shifted and swinging towards Arizona... BIG INTERCEPTION!!!

6:45pm: Kurt Warner is not handling pressure well. He looks nervous in the pocket, but again, he's a Superbowl MVP for a reason so no need to doubt this soon to be Hall of Fame Quarterback.

6:49pm: Ben Roethlisberger looks nervous on the sideline. He knows what's about to happen... Cardinals inside the red zone with time ticking down in the half. 18 seconds left in the half, first and goal from the two for the Cardinals.

6:51pm: Here it is, the Superbowl Turning Point... Kurt Warner picked off by James Harrison... runs it back 100-yards for a Touchdown and sets the record for the longest play in Superbowl history. There was a penalty on the play, but it's against the offence... a stunning turn of events and let me be the first to say it... The Cardinals are Done! TOUCHDOWN STEELERS... 17-7

6:58pm: We're at the half and the Pittsburgh Steelers experience is starting to show. They've managed to rattle Kurt Warner and offensivly they're putting together some nice long drives which eats away at the clock and makes it harder for the Cards to come back. The Cardinals will receive to start the second half, but after ending the first with that INT TD, there's no doubt in my mind that Arizona is officially done.

7:30pm: Welcome back to Superbowl XLIII. Second half action and the Cardinals are down by ten with 30min to go.

7:34pm: Kurt Warner is leading a slow methodical drive down field with a nice mix of the pass and running game.

7:35pm: TERRIBLE CALL BY THE REFEREES!!! That's an incomplete pass, no way that's a turnover.

7:39pm: I'm glad they challenged it, and I'm glad the refs got it right. It was clearly an incomplete pass.

7:49pm: No surprise, the Steelers are marching down field after the Cardinals punted on their first possession of the half. It's obvious who the better team is and it's only a matter of time before Pittsburgh celebrates their sixth Superbowl Championship.

7:53pm: Pittsburgh attempting a 27-yard FG... Jeff Reed splits the uprights... but a penalty is called against the Cardinals, giving Pittsburgh some new life and another chance at the endzone. Arizona is now beating themselves and making it easy for the Steelers. Brutal!

7:56pm: Credit the Arizona Cardinals "D" - they are making life difficult for the Steelers inside the redzone, more specifically inside the ten. They keep this a two possession game, and keeping the Cardinals slim championship hopes alive.

7:57pm: FIELD GOAL STEELERS... 20-7

8:01pm: If the Cardinals have any chance of winning this game, they absolutely NEED to score on this drive.

8:05pm: END OF THE THIRD QUARTER: Pittsburgh - 20, Arizona - 7

8:11pm: John Madden said it best, the Cardinals need BIG PLAYS if they want to win this one as they now battle the clock. Watch for the Steelers to keep the ball on the ground and just kill the clock. Typical Steelers play.

8:12pm: At this point we gotta start thinking about possible MVP candidates. James Harrison gets consideration for his record breaking INT return for a TD to end the first half. Heinz Ward has played really well. I'd personally lean towards either Harrison or Heath Miller. Miller has played well, made some great catches, and some key blocks as well.

8:19pm: Cardinals get the ball back and FINALLY a big play - Warner airs one over the middle, big first down. 10min to go in the game... time is of the essence.

8:20pm: J.J. Arrington with a nice catch and run to pick up a big first down... and as I write this, Larry Fitzgerald picks up a first down, and is down inside the red zone. This is probably the best drive of the game for the Cardinals. The real Cardinals have finally showed up!

8:25pm: Third and Goal... Kurt Warner floats it up to Larry Fitzgerald inside the house... TOUCHDOWN CARDINALS... 20-14

8:26pm: Al Michaels reminds us all "No Cheering in the Press Box"

8:30pm: The Cardinals are coming alive! Down goes Roethlisberger! Arizona down by just six... their defence has come up big time and time again this game.

8:33pm: If Arizona completes this miracle comeback, I wish they could give the MVP award to the entire Cardinals Defence. They've been able to make life difficult for the Steelers inside the red zone, and when needed most, they've gotten the job done. Selfishly, however, I want Kurt Warner to win his 2nd MVP. But let's not get ahead of ourselves here... down by six... Cardinals with the ball at about their own 30... just over five minutes left. Doesn't get much better than this!

8:36pm: Kurt Warner looks like his MVP-self... he's leading quite the drive down field. Sensational!

8:39pm: Evidently, I may have just jinxed Warner... since writing about his MVP-style, he's thrown two almost interceptions.

8:41pm: Cardinals punt... it's great... pins the Steelers down at the 1.

8:44pm: What an unbelievable turn of events... Steelers get a first down... but a penalty is called against the Steelers inside the endzone... that's a SAFETY!!!! 20-16

8:48pm: UNFUCKINBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!! Kurt Warner up the middle to Larry Fitzgerald... runs into the endzone, untouched... TOUCHDOWN CARDINALS... 20-23... CAN YOU BELIEVE WHAT WE JUST SAW?!?!?!?!

8:49pm: Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald should share the MVP trophy if this record holds true.

8:51pm: Steelers imploding... penalties... and they just look rattled... what an unbelievable game.

8:56pm: 1:01 to go in the game... Steelers down to one timeout... down by three... there has never been Overtime in Superbowl history. The tension is mounting... what a finish to a great Superbowl.

8:58pm: Cardinals Collapse!!! The Defence gives up a big play to Santonio Holmes... takes the Steelers to inside the ten! If Pittsburgh wins this game, I'd give Santonio Holmes the MVP.

9:00pm: WHAT A DRIVE BY THE STEELERS!!!... 8 plays, 78 yards.. Santonio Holmes with the major... TOUCHDOWN STEELERS!!!... 27-23

9:09pm: Kurt Warner fumbles the ball with five seconds to go...

9:10pm: THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS ARE SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS... They win their 6th Superbowl in Franchise History.

FINAL SCORE

Pittsburgh Steelers: 27
Arizona Cardinals: 23

It was one hell of a game. The better team did win, and say what you want about Kurt Warner but the old man proved that he's still got game.

My choice for MVP... Santonio Holmes.

9:25pm: Santonio Holmes named Superbowl MVP.

Hope you've enjoyed my thoughts throughout Superbowl XLIII.

BREAKING NEWS: GSP's Corner Cheats

2009-02-01T12:33:00.000-08:00

Stunning news out of Las Vegas as UFC Welterweight Champion Georges "Rush" St. Pierre's corner has been accused of cheating during last night's fight against BJ Penn.

Long story short, his corner rubbed vaseline on his back and shoulders which would give him a major advantage in the fight. There's no word yet on what, if any, disciplanary actions will come down against GSP and/or his corner.

You can follow this story on Rear Naked News a great website for news in and around the MMA World.

UPDATE:

According to MMA Frezy Georges St. Pierre has said that one of his trainers applied vaseline to his face between the first and second rounds and then rubbed his back with the same hand between the second and third rounds - accidentally applying some remaining vaseline to his back.

Lightning Round

2009-01-31T16:44:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the "Lightning Round" ...

* UFC 94 tonight from Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event features Georges "Rush" St. Pierre defending his Welterweight Championship against BJ Penn.

Prediction: GSP by TKO in 3rd Round.

* Superbowl 43 tomorrow from Tampa, Florida. Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers will battle Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals.

Prediction: Pittsburgh wins 27-21 (though I really wanna see Warner win his 2nd MVP)

* Denis Gauthier should be suspended for 20-25 games for his blatent hit to the head on Josh Gorges. He left his feet and drove his elbow into Gorges head - the NHL needs to eliminate head shots.

* The Saskatoon Blades have outscored the Moose Jaw Warriors 34-7 in their last four games. Something tells me the Blades will extend their winning streak to 11 tonight.

That's all for today's "Lightning Round" ... enjoy!

Rutherford Rink

2009-01-28T21:49:00.000-08:00

A stock market crash coupled with a recession sent the world spinning out of control. It was 1929 - the beginning of the "Great Depression". Skip ahead eighty years to 2009 and our economy seems to be heading in the same direction but from a sports perspective, the only thing depressing is that Rutherford Rink is still standing and still in use.

In 1929, the University of Saskatchewan built Rutherford Rink for a price of $47,000! In 80-years, this rink has gone from a military training ground during World War II, to the home of a successful hockey program in the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. Since then, the rink is a shell of its former self. It's old, falling apart, and it amazes me that it has yet to be condemned.

In April of 2006, a "Huskie Athletics Review" was released which among 26-reccomendations, said that the University needs to replace the rink. They called it an "archaic" facility that's considered "unsafe" and not in keeping with the image of the University.

The fact is, this rink needs to be shut down sooner rather than later. My biggest fear is that someone will get seriously hurt in this building. I realize that there are other priorities for the University to spend money on. I realize that building a new rink would cost significantly more than the $47,000 it took to build it in 1929. I also realize that it's hurting the recruitment process for both the Men and Women's Huskie Hockey programs, and is quite frankly a joke on campus when compared to The PAC and Griffiths Stadium. I'll admit that in order for a shovel to break ground on a new rink, they'll need help from the private sector - similar to how the renovations were handled for Griffiths Stadium. In other words, they'll be needing help from alumni and other passionate hockey fans.

They should look at Clare Drake Arena in Edmonton as an example of what a real hockey rink should look like. It fits a decent amount of people, it has a track, and is more than appropriate for the University of Alberta. With a lack of facilities in Saskatoon, the University could rent out the place when the Huskies aren't using it - and maybe in the summer use it for lacrosse or inline hockey. Either way, they could make more money than what they're getting with Rutherford.

Rutherford Rink holds memories to last a lifetime, but at 80-years old, it's time to let this old rink ride into the sunset and create something that the University of Saskatchewan can be proud of.

To Suspend or Not Suspend... that is the Question

2009-01-27T13:31:00.001-08:00

Suspended!

Nik Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings, will miss tonight's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Crime: Failing to appear at the NHL's All-Star game in Montréal.

The Punishment: One game suspension.

My good friend, Joe McFarland - News / Sports Director at CJCY 102.1 The Lounge in Medicine Hat - has a great write up on this very issue on his blog Rants in his Pants

As for my thoughts...

Unless the player risks a physical setback to their rehab or would see an adverse affect on their health by attending the All-Star game and festivities, then there's no excuse for a player to miss such an event.

The issue here isn't that they didn't play in the games. The problem is that they didn't bother to show up for this event. The fans are there to celebrate the game and see some of their favorite players and in some cases, their heroes. These players need to remember that without the fans, they'd be out of a job - so it's important to give back. Granted, they do spend a lot of time in their communities and doing countless charity events, but this is a big event and they should have been there.

So I agree with Commissioner Gary Bettman in his suspension of both Datsyuk and Lidstrom. And I hope that this will become common practice in the future.

Now, I understand the whole point of an "All-Star" game but I wonder if the NHL couldn't do something different.

With the success of the "Winter Classic" - why not turn that into the "All-Star" week. Have players showing up in the city and taking part in different activities much like the All-Star week. If Quebec City can transform downtown into a giant "Red Bull Crashed Ice" course, then there should be no problem with the NHL turning a major downtown square or popular tourist place into a decent skating rink to hold a "skills competition". Have some concerts going and make it a genuine winter festival!

The next day, have the "Winter Classic" between two NHL teams in a game that will count towards the regular season standings.

This way you're still celebrating the game, you're seeing the "Stars" of the NHL, and you're getting a meaningful game on top of it.

The unknown factor would be the weather. It would be a PR nightmare to have a skills competition or even a "Winter Classic" postponed due to poor weather conditions. But I think it would be the best way to solve the issue of an "All-Star Game" that quite frankly no one cares about. It would only bring the game back to its roots of shiny on a pond or backyard rink.

Kaka rejects record offer

2009-01-22T14:51:00.000-08:00

There's no denying that Kaka is one of the greatest soccer players in the world. In 2007 he was crowned the FIFA World Player of the Year and won the Ballon d'Or for European Footballer of the Year. He's one of the reasons why AC Milan is a major threat in European competitions and Serie A. So it's no secret that teams around the world would love to lure him away from the San Siro, which is exactly what Manchester City tried to do.

Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the Abu Dhabi United Group that owns Manchester City, made a world record transfer offer to AC Milan for Kaka's services.

The offer? A reported £100 Million ($173 Million Cdn) and an additional £28 Million ($50 Million Cdn) per year for his salary.

ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME?!?!

The world is in the middle of an economic crisis, people are losing their jobs, soccer teams are losing sponsorships (AIG just left Manchester United), and there are questions surrounding the stability of certain sports franchises because of the economic turmoil. Yet the Abu Dhabi United Group thinks it's perfectly ok to offer a ridiculous amount of money to sign Kaka. Give me a break!

I realize that he would be a major asset for the club and would help in their chase of Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal. But would they not be better off to spend that money solidifying their youth academy? Perhaps using that money to sign two star players instead of one?

The ONLY good thing that would come out of this, is that Kaka gives 10% of his income to his church, so I'm sure they were praying to God that he'd take that offer.

For his part, Kaka decided against the move as he's perfectly content staying in Italy playing for the Rossoneri. Though according to various Online Reports, it appears he'll be looking for a better contract than what he has now - €9 Million ($14 Million Cdn).

I realize that the shelf life of an athlete is short and that their performances and personalities help generate millions of dollars for their clubs in merchandise and ticket sales, so they do deserve a piece of the pie. With that said, when you're making a record transfer offer of £100 Million ($173 Million Cdn) - which is more than the Gross Domestic Product of some countries (Kiribati - $108 Million Cdn - according to The World Bank) then there's something seriously wrong!

The question now... should FIFA institute some sort of Salary Cap? Granted it would have to be more of a "Transfer Cap" as it's not that the salaries are outrageous, but moreso the transfer fees. If anything, it would force players to honour contracts with their clubs - but it would also lead players to sign short term contracts rather than long term ones.

Now incase you're wondering... here's the top three transfers in history.

1. Zinedine Zidane (2001) - £46 Million - Juventus to Real Madrid

2. Luis Figo (2001) - £38.7 Million - Barcelona to Real Madrid

3. Hernan Crespo (2000) - £35.5 Million - Parma to Lazio

Random Thoughts

2009-01-21T08:27:00.000-08:00

Barack Obama is now officially President of the United States of America. He's the 44th President in US History, and the first African-American President. He has inspired change in millions of people with some thought provoking speeches and desire to inject some new life into Washington. The hype surrounding President Obama is at an all-time high and one must wonder if he can sustain it.

To those who hope changes happens quickly, I remind you that Rome wasn't built in a Day. It will take time and I hope people judge him once his four year term is up and not before.

***

It's odd to see so many Canadians interested in the US Election and Presidential Inauguration but could care less about our own politics.

The Conservatives will table a budget next week that is expected to contain a deficit. It could also lead to the collapse of the Government should the opposition decide to try and go ahead with a coalition (pending approval of the Governor General, who could also call a general election instead). Yet it seems no one in Canada cares.

Could it be that we have the "same old same old" in politics up here in Canada? We have leaders that don't really inspire the public and quite frankly, neither of the parties really seem to target the youth (with an exception to the NDP who tend to get a lot of young supporters).

We need some young blood with fresh new ideas. A good speaker and someone that can get the youth and others to be involved in the political process and take an interest in national issues. A quick glance from coast to coast and there's only one name that really comes to mind, in my opinion, and that's Premier Danny Williams of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Danny Williams will do anything and everything in his power to ensure the people of his Province are taken care of and will come out on top. I mean, do you remember in 2004 when he removed Canadian Flags from all Provincial buildings as a sign of protest over equalization payments? It takes a lot of courage to do that. I suggest we need more of that here in Canada.

***

If the NHL plays an All-Star game this weekend in Montéal and no one cares, did it really exist?

It's a pointless weekend, boring game, and thanks to automated / fixed voting we have players starting in Sunday's game that shouldn't be there. I'm sorry but when Alexander Ovechkin is NOT in the starting lineup, there's a serious problem.

***

The Saskatoon Blades are on a five game winning streak going into tonight's game with the Brandon Wheat Kings. Oddly enough, the last loss the Blades faced was against that same Wheat Kings team - a 4-3 Overtime decision in Brandon.

The Blades sit second in the Eastern Conference with 68 points, six points up on Brandon. Should be a great game. For you Saskatchewan readers, make sure you head out to Credit Union Centre and support the Blades. They have a great team this year, they deserve the support.

***

And finally, it's been announced that Portugal and Spain have put together a joint bid to host the 2018 World Cup. They'll be in tough against England but can certainly pull it off. Fingers crossed.

Fanatical Fans

2009-01-20T11:54:00.000-08:00

Sports fans can get pretty passionate about their favorite teams and players. They win and lose with each game played, and put their heart and soul into supporting that franchise. But there comes a point, where some transform from being a "fan" into being a "fanatic" - and not in the good sense.

Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback, Donovan McNabb, is a victim of some of those "fanatics". Prior to the NFC Championship game between the Eagles and Arizona Cardinals, some Cardinal "fans" - and I use that term loosely - allegedly burned "Go Cards" into the front lawn of McNabb's home in Chandler, Arizona.

These Cardinal Fanatics are seriously disturbed. They have every right to yell and scream at opposing players during the game, but the second you mix their professional life with their personal life, the line has been crossed.

Sadly, this isn't the first time that this has happened.

Rider Fanatics - you know, the ones that give Rider Nation a bad name - dumped manure on Paul McCallum's driveway after he missed an 18-yard Field Goal in the 2004 West Final against the BC Lions.

Andrés Escobar was shot and killed when he returned home to Columbia. The reason? He scored on his own net at the 1994 World Cup in a game against the United States. Columbia would fail to advance past the opening round.

And while it's unfortunate that these incidents still happen, at least it's a rarity. The majority of fans will support their teams through the good and bad. They'll cheer against the opposition, but still show them respect off the field.

Remember that word. Respect.

Welcome!

2009-01-20T11:45:00.000-08:00

The winds of change are blowing on this historic day, as our friends south of the border have made a giant leap forward by declaring Barack Obama the first African-American President of the United States of America.

So perhaps it's fitting that we begin this new chapter of change with a new blog in an ever growing universe of people's opinions.

From sports to news, issues of the day to random thoughts - I'll always have something to say. Stick around, relax, and enjoy the ride. And please feel free to comment and let me know what you think.

Enjoy!