Toronto Bound

Here's a shot from the Regina Airport prior to our departure.

Don't forget the Press Box Sports Bar Friday buffet today:

Southern Style Crab Cakes
Rice
Mixed Veggies
Thai-Style Tossed Salad
Spring Rolls over Vermicelli
Deep Fried Mushrooms
Bacon Wrapped Prawns
Thai Chicken Stir Fry

Pizza Buffet:
Pepperoni and mushroom Ham  and Pineapple
Veggie

Back By Popular Demand

Durant Update

You be the judge of what Darian Durant's comments after Thursday's Rider practice mean. At least he was back out throwing for the first time since knocking his right thumb off a teammate's helmet on Tuesday....

DURANT: Right now, it's got a long way to go. But it's better than it was yesterday and that's the main thing. As long as it keeps progressing by (Saturday's game in Toronto), everything should be fine.

REPORTER: That doesn't sound too positive??

DURANT: Not much doubt. At the end of the day, I'm still going to play. The better it feels, the better the ball feels in my hand. We're going to go aggressive on this thing and hopefully we'll get it as close to 100% as possible.

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Today was the Riders' last practice of the week before Saturday's game at Toronto (11:00am kickoff Saskatchewan time on TSN and CKRM Rider Radio Network).

Talk to you from Toronto!
RP

A Note From The Blue Jays For Rider Fans in Toronto

"Roddy, just a quick note for any Rider fans coming to Rogers Centre this weekend. If they purchase a Blue Jays gift card, which may be used to purchase souvenirs at Rogers Centre or anything at Rogers Video across Canada, they'll receive as a bonus a free Tony Fernandez retro t-shirt when they register their gift card at http://www.bluejays.com/.

Scott M. Clark
Toronto Blue Jays"

Clermont Draws A Crowd / Durant Discusses Injury

Fullback Chris Szarka has some serious competition as the most beloved Roughrider with Jason Clermont in town. Yesterday #82 did a launch for his "Clermont's Corner" column in the Leader Post and it was hosted at my favourite grocery store, the Southland Mall Safeway.

Here are some pics forwarded by manager Brent Kaminski and his family.

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Check out an amazing video blog Darian Durant posted to his personal website last night at http://www.dariandurant.com/. He discusses his thumb injury, facing Kerry Joseph this week and more.

I could post the video here, but let's send Darian the traffic. And good work on the video D.D.! It's on the left side of the page under "Highlights".

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Rod,
For your blog

We call it the Southwest Rider bus. Leaves Swift Current about 4 hours before kickoff for Regina on Gamedays. Holds 20. We get all sort of honks and waves from other motorists everywhere.

Sheldon Paulhus
Swift Current, SK


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New stadium news courtesy the Leader Post:

A government-sponsored consultant's report on the future of Mosaic Stadium will not be released publicly.

The $70,000 report was completed in late May, and Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff says discussions are ongoing with all interested parties, including the federal government.

Cheveldayoff says the government does not have a timeline for when more the report might be released.

A more extensive study will be required if a stadium project were to proceed to the next step.

Premier Brad Wall has suggested in the past that a multi-purpose entertainment facility would make more sense than an open air facility focused on football.

Recent speculation has suggested that serious consideration is being given to a site close to Casino Regina, with gaming revenue being a major source of the funding that would be necessary.

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For those who have kids playing in the Canada Cup of Football in Saskatoon:

Morning Roddy...

Thought I would send you a quick message to let you know that I have been, and will continue to broadcast the 2009 Football Canada Cup here in Saskatoon. The audio broadcast can be found at http:// http://www.footballcanadacup.ca/

I know there a lot of Saskatchewan born players on the time that many will be interested in listening in to; as well, players from all across the country, including teams from coast-to-coast representing their provincial colours in the Under-17 and Under-19 Divisions.

Tonight I'll have the broadcasts of both Saskatchewan games starting at 4:30pm (Saskatchewan time), their second game will be at 7pm, with a game squeezed in between.

The Under-17 final games will be played on Friday - I'll be broadcasting every game from 9am until 9pm.

The Under-19 final games will be played Saturday - I'll be starting the broadcasts after the Rider game at 2pm with the Championship starting at 7pm.

The skill level at this Championship is unreal! Be sure to tune in because these are the next Clermont's, Fantuz, Congi's etc.

Devin Heroux

CKRM Week 2 Picks

Carteri 2/4: MTL - CGY - BC - SK
Hadesbeck 3/4: MTL - CGY - BC - SK
Currie 3/4: MTL - CGY - BC - SK
Lynch 3/4: MTL - WPG - BC - SK
Johnson 1/4: MTL - CGY - BC - SK
Pedersen 2/4: MTL - CGY - BC - SK

Durant Photo

This is from today's practice, before the rain. See, no bandage!
Photo courtesy CKRM's Joe Hadesbeck.

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This afternoon the Winnipeg Blue Bombers released receiver Derek Armstrong.

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How awesome are the good ol' boys (and gals) on this float? Haha

"Here's a pic for you Roddie,

Every small town parade has to have at least one float showing its Rider Pride! This was taken last weekend at Dysart's 100 year anniversary.

Cam "

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VANDALS IN KELOWNA

"Hi, Rod. Took our bbq to a staff farewell party last Friday and as you can see, serious vandalism occurred. "


"Seriously, it was all in good fun and had to hand it to the guy, he did a great job of his paper BC logo. Ross (left) and Jim share a good laugh over it all in the second shot.

Your Uncle is in his glory these days with CFL back on the screen!

Aunt Lynette "

Rain Cancels Rider Practice

A massive thunderstorm in the Regina area forced the cancellation of today's Roughrider practice. The team was on the field for about 30 minutes before calling it a day. Coach Ken Miller told the media afterwards they were prepared for this and will spend the rest of the day in meetings.

Quarterback Darian Durant joined the team on-field intially, but then left as he recovers from the knock on the hand he took in yesterday's practice. Coach Miller said the injury is not serious and fully expects Durant to play this Saturday in Toronto.

And DON'T FORGET 620 CKRM's Belmont Tire Rider Coaches Show tonight at 6:05 live from the Press Box Sports Bar. I heard we'll be joined by Rider assistant coach Jamie Barressi, recap Week 1 and make our Week 2 predictions! http://www.620ckrm.com/

Thanks to Global's Derek Meyers for his assistance in this update!
RP

Message From Our Molson Friends / Rider Sked

Just in time for Craven!

Pilsner Rider Nation 30 Can Pack
· Collect all 3 Grey Cup commemorative cans inside. ’89 is in the current can inside with the ’07 & ’66 cans to follow throughout the summer

· ONLY Available in our fine province for the ONLY fans that deserve it…….THE RIDER NATION!


Pilsner 13th Man Flag
· Free with purchase of 24 pk cans of Pilsner
· At participating retailers, while supplies last. And I can tell you there aren’t many left!


Also wondering if you can post this ticket on your blog. It’s a ticket for tomorrow (Thurs) only to Craven Country Jamboree. It’s sold out therefore it’s the only ticket that will get you in! I have a few left so can you put the following on your blog with the attachment that would be great!

A few tickets remain for Thurs Night @ Craven. Come down to the Molson Sales office @ 395 Park St. to request yours. While supplies last. Hours you can come are:

Wed: 1pm – 4:30pm

Thursday: 8:30am – noon & 1pm – 3pm

While Supplies last! Don’t bother coming any other time as we are not open!



Thanks!

Mike Tate
Molson Canada

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SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDER PRACTICE TIMES

THURSDAY, JULY 9TH
11:00 am Riders practice
12:45 pm

SATURDAY, JULY 11TH
11:00 am SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS @ TORONTO ARGONAUTS

SUNDAY, JULY 12TH
8:55 am Depart Toronto for Regina

MONDAY, JULY 13TH
DAY OFF – NO MEDIA AVAILABILITY

TUESDAY, JULY 14TH
11:00 am Riders practice
1:00 pm

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15TH
11:00 am Riders practice
1:00 pm

THURSDAY, JULY 16TH
11:00 am Riders practice
12:45 pm

Nice

Somebody plowed the streetlight at the corner of Sask Drive and Elphinstone. I snapped this one while leaving the Fieldhouse.

Murph On In The Huddle / Durant Update

Indianapolis Colts scout Cal Murphy was our in-studio analyst on In The Huddle on Access 7 last night. Our chat was very insightful. The program airs again Thursday night at 7:00pm.

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We'll know more today about the status of Rider quarterback Darian Durant, who left practice early Tuesday favouring his throwing hand.

"Well he was throwing the ball and he hit a helmet with his hand," said Rider coach Ken Miller. "I think it was a bit of a bruise. We take strong precautions so, he went in to put some ice on it. I don't think it's serious."

A source close to Durant said the quarterback reported the injury as "crazy", and that he'll know more today once the swelling/bruising subsides.

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Let's see if we can't help Rider DE Stevie Baggs out!

I was really impressed with the guy when he dropped in on Sportsline Monday night. He's more than a football player -- he's trying to make a difference in the world. Check out his foundation's website on the link below:
http://www.cetafoundation.org/

Ever since Stevie got here late last year he's been dogging me about giving him a radio show because he had one in Winnipeg. It wasn't on Blue Bomber rightsholder CJOB, but rather the University of Manitoba campus radio station.

We simply don't have the space on CKRM but if anybody's reading this from CJTR, the community radio station in Regina, perhaps you can drop me a line at sportsline@620ckrm and I'll forward it to Stevie. Perhaps someone at Rawlco would be interested in speaking with Mr. Baggs?

Stevie also wants to start up a chapter of his foundation for youth here in Regina and is looking for some corporate sponsors. Again, email me and I'll forward it to #90.

Ever since Kerry Joseph left, nobody's really picked up the ball and ran with it regarding getting actively involved with the community's youth and giving them guidance.

Now's the chance!

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And while we're on the topic ....

Rider slotback Jason Clermont will be on hand at the Southland Mall Safeway from 4:00 to 6:00 this afternoon as they launch his Clermont's Corner column in the Leader Post.

I guess all kinds of festivities are planned for the event so stop by if you get a chance. Jason's second column appears in today's Leader Post.

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MORE RIDER PRIDE PHOTOS!

Our 2 year old grandson Talon ready for the season

Cathy

Hi Rod

Here is a picture of me showing my Rider pride at the new Yankee Stadium in May taken in the concourse behind home plate.

Regards,

Don Bergen

Hey Rod,

Here is my son Sebastian showing his Rider Pride at Disney Hollywood Studios in Florida a few weeks ago…he was “The Flashcard Kid” in that Rider commercial last year who rattled off all of the Roger Aldag stats.

Go Riders!

Bill Weir

Hey Rod,

Al and & Cindy Dumba's niece, Landace, gets her Irish Terrier "Keeta" ready for game day! Not sure Keeta shares the same enthusiasm we all do but we know its a sacrifice she is willing to make!



G'morning,

Here's a pic of my daughter Megan Cheering on the Riders from our home in Oil Springs, Ontario (birthplace of commercial oilfield in North America). The Tabby's and Argo's have no chance with my girl! See you in Toronto this weekend!

Jeremy - aka Happy Gapper

Hey Rod,
Here's a pic of my 2 sons and myself taken just prior to the Labour Day game in 2007.
We sit in the front row upper deck between the 50 & 55 yard line. Great view from up there.

Randy Kwiatkowski.

Durant Leaves Rider Practice Early

The Leader Post's Murray McCormick has the story here:
http://communities.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/blogs/roughriders/default.aspx

CFL Power Rankings

SOURCE: Winnipeg Free Press

Here's how we rank the eight CFL teams after Week 1 of the season:

1. MONTREAL ALOUETTES (1-0) -- Waltzed into enemy territory and smacked around the champion Stamps in a dandy performance.

2. SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS (1-0) -- Sure there were wa-a-a-a-y too many turnovers. But Gary Etcheverry's defence is flying around whacking people upside the head.

3. CALGARY STAMPEDERS (0-1) -- Some serious concerns in loss to Als, but they'll get up off the mat.

4. EDMONTON ESKIMOS (1-0) -- Nothing flashy, but a 'W' in Richie Hall's debut.

6. TORONTO ARGONAUTS (1-0) -- Raced to a big start in Hamilton and then fell asleep... just like everyone else trying to watch.

7. B.C. LIONS (0-1) -- A Wally Buono squad doesn't usually look that sloppy. And that was ugly in Regina.

7. WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS (0-1) -- We still like a lot of what we see, even with the Derick Armstrong soap opera.

8. HAMILTON TIGER-CATS (0-1) -- Some things just don't seem to change. Like the Ticats sucking.

More Rider Pride Photos

Hi Rod-
Another Rider Pride photo for you, this one from California where Coach Miller's youngest grandkids Brooklyn and Cameron love watching their Papa's team play via our favorite gadget Slingbox!
Thanks,
Colleen

Roddy,
Hope your day is going well.
Here is my Rider Pride in Mexico in Winter 2008.

Gage

You cannot see it here but my son actually has a green and white cast on his right arm as well

Thanks
Clark

Giants Hire Radio Voice

VANCOUVER GIANTS NAME MORLEY SCOTT AS DIRECTOR, BROADCAST AND MEDIA RELATIONS

VANCOUVER, BC - The Vancouver Giants are pleased to announce the appointment
of Morley Scott to the position of Director, Broadcast and Media Relations.

Scott an Edmonton native will officially assume his role on July 20, 2009
and brings with him an extensive history of media and broadcast experience
within the National Hockey League,

In his most recent role as the Edmonton Oilers play-by-play analyst, Scott
was charged with broadcasting games on radio and television as both
play-by-play and colour analyst for 16 NHL seasons and close to 1500 games.

"We are excited to have Morley Scott on board for the upcoming season," says
Ron Toigo, President, Vancouver Giants. "Morley's extensive experience and
obvious passion for the game is something we feel will be appreciated by our
team, our fans and the entire community."

"Having the opportunity to work with a club like the Vancouver Giants is a
great honour," says Scott "They are an organization that brings the kind
of teamwork and professionalism you always hope you get to work with and I
am looking forward to being a part of the team this season."

Listen for the voice of Morley Scott on AM 650 All-Time Favourites and
local sports programming as he begins previewing another exciting season of
Vancouver Giants Hockey!

Here They Come - More Rider Pride!

From Glen Erickson in Kelowna.....

This pic was taken from a place called Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Cheers,
Jeffrey Perreaux

This couple from Bloomington, Minnesota, Michelle Cook and Jes Johnson, attended the Friday night game while in town for a wedding.
They both loved the CFL and really enjoyed the atmosphere at the game.

Dale Pollock

Taken last summer

Fast asleep in the mall in Minot. We sat in the hotel room that night
and listened to the game on my laptop

And I can't just send a Rider one.. have to send a Pats one as well.

Bakes

Saskatoon radio personality Jeremy Dodge and his 5-month old son.

Rider Pride's Alive!

People have been voluntarily sending their Rider Pride photos to me so I figured it's about time we get Show Your Rider Pride going for this 2009 season. Above is my gorgeous niece Jordyn Pedersen in her brand new Rider jersey......

LOVE this one! This is Courtney Klassen of B.C. showing Rider Pride at Chichen Itza in south Mexico..

That's the home of my boy John Meissner. He's a former Portland, Oregon broadcaster who now lives in Florida but listens to every Rider game online if he can't get it on TV. You should be able to see the Florida license plate on his car.

This is little Jimmy Meissner showing his Rider Pride....

This one I took myself, in the parking lot of the Press Box Sports Bar.....

This is one of the construction workers who erected the temporary stands at Mosaic Stadium.

This is a Rider fan in Victoria, showing his Rider Pride and passing it on....

My uncle Ross Nicholas after a big Rider win at B.C. Place......

A Rider fan and his daughter catch up with Pinner in an airport........

The new line of Corby's Distiller's Rider bobbleheads, sent in by blog regular Caesar...

This is the Estevan office of our good friend Murray Fischer.....

Send your Rider Pride pics to sportsline@620ckrm.com and I'll do my best to get them on the blog! I'm sure you've got some good ones from Friday's game??
RP

CFL Players Of The Week

Toronto, ON - (July 7, 2009) -  Toronto Argonauts Jamal Robertson and Adriano Belli, Saskatchewan Roughrider Stevie Baggs, and Montreal Alouette Damon Duval are the Gibson's Finest CFL Players of the Week for Week One.

The four players were chosen by a panel of judges - former Canadian Football League players Matt Dunigan and Duane Forde, now of TSN, and Pierre Vercheval of RDS - after they led their respective teams to victories in their 2009 regular season openers.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
RB - Jamal Robertson - Toronto Argonauts

Toronto Argonauts 30 @ Hamilton Tiger-Cats 17

Highlights / Key Stats:Jamal Robertson had a huge game as the Argos starting running back. He rushed for 124 yards on 14 carries, including more than 100 yards in the first half alone. Robertson scored on a 5-yard TD dive that helped put the Argos up 20-0 at the end of the first quarter.Robertson also had 3 catches for 53 yards to bolster a potent Argos passing game.

Runner Up
Weston Dressler - Saskatchewan Roughriders

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
DE - Stevie Baggs - Saskatchewan Roughriders

B.C. Lions 24 @ Saskatchewan Roughriders 28

Highlights / Key Stats: Stevie Baggs led the Riders defence with an impressive effort against the B.C. Lions on Friday night. He forced a fumble, which he recovered, and tallied two sacks to help the Riders defeat their division rivals.Baggs rounded out his stellar play with two defensive tackles and one pass deflection.- Unanimous Selection -

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Damon Duval

Montreal Alouettes 40 @ Calgary Stampeders
27

Highlights / Key Stats: In a rematch of last year's Grey Cup, Duval was a perfect six-for-for six on field goal attempts, equaling his career high for field goals made in a game. He also hit two converts and nailed two punts for singles. Duval's 22 points accounted for more than half of Montreal's scoring.

Runner Up
Titus Ryan - Calgary Stampeders

CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK

DT - Adriano Belli

Toronto Argonauts 30 @ Hamilton Tiger-Cats 17

Highlights / Key Stats: Adriano Belli's two sacks and three tackles helped the Argonauts beat their archrivals, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, on Canada Day.  Belli led the charge from an Argos defensive line that hounded Hamilton QB Quinton Porter.

Runner Up
Andrew Nowacki - Edmonton Eskimo