Jordan Eberle Interview

Pats Game Day In Edmonton

EDMONTON -- How lucky are we?? Tonight in the home of the Edmonton Oilers, the Regina Pats (23-24-1-5) take on the Edmonton Oil Kings (22-26-2-4) at Rexall Place. And we're on hand for it, along with a fanbus of 54 Pats supporters. Check out this ad below from the Oil Kings' website:

You can add another 1,000 or so tickets sold meaning well over 12,000 fans will be on hand tonight for this gigantic WHL East Conference showdown. The Pats and P.A. Raiders are tied for the WHL's final playoff spot with 52 points while the Oil Kings are only two behind.

Last night at the Oilers-Wild game, Jordan Eberle was interviewed live on the jumbotron illiciting a roar from the sellout crowd of Oiler fans. Then, on his way out of the arena, he was swarmed by a mob of Oiler fans wanting "autties" (as the players say).

So, with 12,000 tickets sold as of Friday, it's reasonable to assume at least a thousand more were sold last night and today after all the Eberle hype.

We're lucky because we're here, and tonight's game will be monumental.

Opening faceoff on 620 CKRM is at 8:00pm Regina time (7:35 Press Box Sports Bar Pats Pregame show). The Oil Kings broadcast is at http://www.theteam1260.com/.
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Speaking of, the Press Box Sports Bar wants to be your Super Bowl XLIII headquarters. Of course tomorrow the Arizona Cardinals take on the Pittsburgh Steelers for the NFL championship in Tampa Bay, FL.

Doors to the Press Box swing open at 11:00am and don't close until 2:00am. The Super Bowl Party is sponsored by Molson Canadian, with all Molson products just $4.00, and $0.25 chicken wings all day. Plus, there's plenty of prizes from Molson

Across down at the Four Seasons Sports Palace, owner/operator George Yannitsos tells us the weekend starts with UFC 94 tonight, with no cover, buckets specials.

On Super Bowl Sunday, the 4Seasons offers great prizes including a beer fridge, 2 lounge chairs, buckets specials, pizza and nacho specials.

I offer this info because Super Bowl is like Christmas to me, and it is to these two places as well...
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I was with some members of the Edmonton Eskimos last night, and they were asking how I thought Richie Hall will do as their new head coach. The answer of course, was obvious, and then I cursed them for stealing him.

They said he marvelled at the media attention the Eskimos get, and how it's at least double what the Roughriders attract in Regina. That's the way it goes.

And I was a little put out to see this morning where an Edmonton newspaper football writer lifted some Maurice Lloyd quotes from my blog without attribution. The story is below, and if you read this blog daily, you'll remember the day I blogged Maurice's comments on CKRM:

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/football/edmonton-eskimos/Will+Riders+trio+follow+Hall/1238681/story.html

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Time to get ready for the game. Hope you tune in tonight! It's a huge one..



Talk to you tonight!

Blogging From Edmonton

EDMONTON - It was a great time down at Rexall Place this morning. As promised, a horde of media showed up to get to know Pats star and Oilers' first round pick Jordan Eberle a little better. Here are some photos:

Here's a look at a few of the assembled media. Good friends include Dean Millard and Dave Mitchell, a pair of former Regina TV reporters. Also in the bunch is Sportsnet's Jamie Thomas and CHED's Dan Tensor.

When we got there, it appeared as though we were going to have an informal scrum but then someone said "The Oilers have offered Craig MacTavish's interview room for Jordan" and that's when we knew it was going to be a pretty big deal. As always, Ebs handled it in stride. He doesn't get too rattled about much. He's certainly someone Regina can be proud of.

Here's a shot from our hotel room. It looks cold, but it's not. It's plus-5 degrees here in the Alberta capital.
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The Edmonton Oilers take on the Minnesota Wild at Rexall Place tonight and the entire Regina Pats team will take it in.

A chatted with former Pat Josh Harding, who will be the back-up goalie for the Wild tonight but will start tomorrow night in Vancouver. He asked if I could get the Pats down to the Wild's dressing room after the game, and that he'd like to introduce them to his Minnesota teammates.

We also discussed his Pats career shutout record being broken by Linden Rowat a couple weeks back. He doesn't seem too broken up about it.
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A Rider note: I was one of the reporters who placed a call to Rider GM Eric Tillman regarding Thursday's rumour that the Riders had acquired quarterback Casey Printers from Hamilton.

"There is ZEEE-ROH chance of that happening," replied Tillman. "In fact there's a better chance of me being named to Barack Obama's cabinet than there is of us getting Casey Printers."

I hate chasing down these types of rumours, but I got the tip from a credible source in Vancouver.

Oh well ... that was the rumour du jour.
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New Blue Bomber coach Mike Kelly wrote a 1,100-word statement on the team's official website explaining/apologizing for the swipe he took off former Winnipeg GM Brendan Taman this week.

He then stated the Bomber players won't be allowed to give their cel numbers to reporters anymore.

I hope that doesn't happen in Regina!
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The Bombers must be looking for a new PR guy. While out for supper last night I saw Arash Madani hosted the Leafs-Avalanche game on Sportsnet from Denver.

I almost choked on my chicken wing! Good for Arash. That guy's kicked around for years - and been kicked around - but he looks truly happy on TV.
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Within about six hours of being cut by the Eskimos, Canadian linebacker Augustin Barranechea signed with Hamilton. He started his career with the Ticats.

Will you put faith in Hamilton this year? They're sure talking a lot over there about challenging for a Grey Cup in 2009. For their sake, I hope they do.
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They're also talking about a new 27,000 seat stadium in Hamilton in time for the PanAm Games.
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This city leads the league in sirens. Omg, it seems every five minutes there's a cop, ambulance for fire truck blazing by.

The last time we were here (with the Pats), our hotel was evacuated due to a fire alarm. Which turned out to be a false alarm.
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The Oil Kings are the talk of the town. Plaster and I are in Starbucks wearing Pats coats and a guy just stopped to ask us about tomorrow's Pats-Oil Kings game. "Gonna be a big crowd," he said.

Indeed. Over 12-thou will be on hand.

And it's a HUGE game.
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CFL COMMISH PASSING ON SUPER BOWL
The Globe and Mail
Byline: David Naylor

Tampa -- The CFL commissioner traditionally makes an appearance in the days leading up to the Super Bowl, shakes hands with the NFL's power brokers and then speaks to the Canadian news media on the state of relations between the two football leagues.

Not this year.

For the first time in memory, the CFL commissioner will not show up during Super Bowl week, as Mark Cohon is taking a pass on this one.

"The commissioner was invited to attend this year's Super Bowl, but while he has a good relationship with [NFL] commissioner [Roger] Goodell, he remains focused on our league and, building our business during the off-season," CFL communications manager Jamie Dykstra said.

While cost may be an issue, a trip to the Super Bowl for Cohon might be tough to justify when the two leagues are locked in a Cold War-style relationship with no working agreements or shared ventures, unlike in the past.

The chill between the leagues was triggered by the Buffalo Bills' decision to play eight games in Toronto over five years and the subsequent failure of the CFL to get the NFL to provide any sort of guarantees about its intent toward the Toronto market.

Talks about a new working relationship between the CFL and NFL broke off last June.
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Hope you're having a great day. Have a great weekend!
RP

Ebs Ready For Media Circus

EDMONTON -- The Regina Pats arrived in the City of Champions Thursday at 4:00am after their 3-2 victory in Lethbridge Wednesday night. They've got two days off before their next challenge, Saturday night against the Edmonton Oil Kings at Rexall Place.

Regina Pats star Jordan Eberle will be honoured with a pregame feature prior to the Edmonton Oilers-Minnesota Wild contest Friday night, but Friday morning he'll entertain questions from a throng of Edmonton media down at the rink. I sat down with THE REGINA PRODUCT Thursday afternoon for a visit:

RP: They say there could be up to 30 media members lined up to see you Friday morning at Rexall Place. What do you expect it will be like?

EBERLE: (laughs) It's going to be about the same questions ... probably the world juniors. You know what, it's exciting to be back in Edmonton. It's great to have people excited for how it went and to have people in Edmonton want to talk to me.

RP: It's fun to come to Edmonton...

EBERLE: Yah it's awesome. It was where I wanted to be drafted and ever since I was drafted here, it's a great city to be in. Everyone loves their hockey here and it's a great atmosphere.

RP: They're saying over 12,000 will be on hand for the Pats game Saturday night against the Oil Kings and they tell us it's all because you're here. That must feel nice..

EBERLE: It's a little different actually. In Kootenay the other night there was a big cheer when they introduced me and it's kind of neat to be cheered in the other barns. It's awesome and they're passionate about their hockey here and one day hopefully it'll be great to put on an Oiler uniform in the regular season and playoffs. The fans here seem to like me so that's great.

RP: Changing topics, what did you like about your team's play in Lethbridge the other night?

EBERLE: For us, the biggest thing was that we played 60 minutes. Our offence hasn't been a problem but our defence and our D-zone coverage has been awful so to limit them to two goals was great. I thought we took a step forward in our defensive play that night.

RP: 19 games are left. What will it take to bring that type of game every night?

EBERLE: I think the biggest thing is that our offence is great, and we can score goals. Even on the road we can score goals but it's our defence. We can't let in 7 goals a night. Our defensive play has to be better. We're working hard but not working smart. I think if we make defence our focus, we'll be fine.

RP: Thanks Ebs.

EBERLE: Yah. No problem.
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RIDERS ADD A PAIR ON OFFENCE

Saskatchewan Roughrider General Manager Eric Tillman announced today they have signed import running back Justin Beaver and import receiver Todd Blythe to contracts. Financial details of the signings were not released.

Beaver (5’7 – 190 lbs) had a remarkable college career at Wisconsin Whitewater where he was named the outstanding player in Division III football in his senior season when he rushed for 2,455 yards. He broke both team and conference rushing records for the Warhawks and the WIAC and was awarded with the 2007 Gagliardi Trophy, given to Division III's top student-athlete of the year. Beaver signed as a free agent with the Green Bay Packers in 2008, but was released prior to the season.

"Justin is a terrific young man and player,” stated Tillman. “His life's story, which I'm sure much will be written about at training camp, is just as compelling as his athletic accomplishments. Running back is obviously an area of strength for us, but Justin Beaver is the kind of kid who relishes challenges. He may be short, but there's nothing small about his play. And, he has excellent quickness, too. The Packers staff described him as 'quick as a hiccup.'"

Blythe (6’5 – 214 lbs) played four seasons at Iowa State. He had 52 receptions for 779 yards and five touchdowns in his senior season and had an outstanding sophomore season when he compiled 51 catches for 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. Blythe finished his collegiate career with 176 receptions for 3,096 yards and 31 touchdowns. He was named first-team all-conference as voted on by the Big 12 coaches in his sophomore season. Blythe signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints in 2008, but was released prior to the season.

"Todd is a big target, who runs good routes and has nice hands,” added Tillman. “His size, of course, will present significant matchup problems for opposing defenders, but, even if he were three inches shorter, Todd would be a very good player. We've been pursuing him for months and months, and we're delighted to finally have Todd as a Rider."

Pats 3 Hurricanes 2

LETHBRIDGE, AB - Finally. The Regina Pats snapped a 3-game losing streak with a narrow 3-2 victory over the hometown Hurricanes in front of a sellout crowd in the Enmax Centre Wednesday night.

It was the kind of effort the Pats' coaches and fans have been clamouring for lately, and they finally delivered. Regina jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead on goals by Brett Leffler (28th, powerplay) and Graham Hood (6th, even-strength) and they were outshooting the undermanned 'Canes 19-6 after the opening twenty. Lethbridge was without suspended players Dwight King, Craig Orfino, Kyle Beach and coach Michael Dyck.

The Hurricanes turned the tables in the second period outshooting Regina 14-3, but couldn't beat Regina goalie Linden Rowat. It was 2-0 going into the third period before Pats' defenceman Jesse Dudas scored on a 90-foot slapshot from centre ice on Lethbridge goalie Juha Metsola.

"That was a funny play," recalled Pats' assistant coach Terry Perkins on the CKRM Molson Overtime Show. "Our assistant trainer Leigh Fitzpatrick tipped off Dale Derkatch that Metsola was cheating on the dump-ins, leaving his net early. So Dale told the D-men, and that little tidbit of information wound up leading to the game-winning goal."

Indeed. The Hurricanes staged a third period rally led by Zack Boychuk, who spoiled Rowat's shutout bid at 11:37 with a powerplay goal. Colton Sceviour scored a shorthanded goal with 1:38 to go to make it a 3-2 game. The 'Canes pulled their goalie for a sixth attacker, but couldn't beat Rowat as the Pats skated off with the victory, avoiding a four-game losing streak.

Regina outshot the opposition 29-27 in the game while going 2/5 on the powerplay and 8/9 on the penalty kill.

The Pats have been ripped from pillar to post of late, even being rightfully called on "life support" by L-P writer Greg Harder, but on this night they put it all on the line. Mind you, they never make it easy having allowed the late comeback. But when they play this way, they can beat just about anybody. It's a start but there's a LONG ways to go.

Molson 3-Stars: 1) Rowat 2) Boychuk 3) Dudas. Taylor Toyota Hardest Working Pat (chosen by Alex Pym): Neal Prokop.

The Pats (23-24-1-5) pull to within two points of the Hurricanes (25-23-2-2) for seventh-place in the Eastern Conference and with Brandon's 2-1 win at Edmonton, they've earned sole possession of 8th-place and the final playoff spot with two games in hand over Edmonton and P.A. whom are now two points behind.

The Pats bussed immediately to Edmonton after the game with a 4:30 arrival time. They face the Oil Kings Saturday night at 8:00pm CT on 620 CKRM (Press Box Sports Bar Pats Pregame Show at 7:35pm).
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Jordan Eberle Media Availability
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Oil Kings, on behalf of the Edmonton Oilers and the Regina Pats would like to inform the media of Oilers first round draft pick Jordan Eberle's media availability for the Pats upcoming visit to Edmonton.

Eberle will be made available on Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. at Rexall Place outside the Edmonton Oilers dressing room. He will be available in a scrum and 1-on-1's upon request.

The Pats will then practice at the Kenilworth Arena (8313 - 68A Street) at 11 a.m. Friday morning.

The Edmonton Oil Kings will host the Regina Pats Saturday night in front of the largest crowd in Oil Kings history. Nearly 12,000 tickets have already been sold!

Interesting CFL Notes

Eskimos announce 2009 coaching staff

(Edmonton) Edmonton Eskimo Head Coach Richie Hall today announced his coaching staff for the 2009 CFL season.

"I was looking for individuals, who think creatively, possess CFL experience and above all who are good character people. This staff meets all of those criteria and I'm excited to begin work on the 2009 season," stated Coach Hall.

Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator - Noel Thorpe
Returns for his second season with the Esks to oversee the special team unit and adds the duties of Assistant Head Coach to his portfolio. He spent his first six CFL seasons (2002-07) with the Montreal Alouettes.

Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach - Jim Daley
One of the top defensive strategists in the Canadian game, Daley has been a head coach in Saskatchewan (1996-98) and Winnipeg (2004-05), defensive coordinator for Saskatchewan (1994-95) and an assistant with Calgary (2001) and Ottawa (1991). In 2007, he was the CFL?s senior director of officiating development. The Ottawa native was head coach of the Ottawa Sooners and the University of Ottawa before moving to the pro ranks.

Linebackers - Danny Kepley
Kepley enters his eighth season on the Eskimo staff; fourth as linebackers coach. A member of both the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and the Eskimo Wall of Honour, Kepley had a storied playing career as a linebacker with the Esks, helping to lead the club to five consecutive Grey Cups from 1978-82.

Defensive Backs - Stacey Hairston
He has spent the past 12 seasons at his alma mater Ohio Northern University. Hairston also served as the head coach of the successful women's golf team at ONU for the past seven years. Hairston was a multi-sport collegiate star who was a standout defensive back with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (1990-92) and the NFL's Cleveland Browns (1993-94).

Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks - Rick Worman
Returns for his third season with the Esks; his second overseeing the club?s offence. A former CFL quarterback who played six seasons with Calgary, Edmonton and Saskatchewan, Worman was Winnipeg's offensive coordinator in 2001.

Offensive Line - Jeff Bleamer
A former NFL player who made the jump to a stellar coaching career in the U.S. college ranks, Bleamer joins the Esks after spending 2007-2008 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Bleamer has coached at Colorado (1985-86), the Citadel (1987-1997) where he worked with former CFL coach Charlie Taaffe, East Tennessee State (1997-2002) and Ohio State (2003-04).

Receivers - Jason Tucker
One of the most prolific pass catchers in Eskimo history, Tucker moves to the coaching ranks after suffering a fractured neck last season that cut short his playing career. The four-time CFL and CFL West All-Star and 2003 Grey Cup MVP finished with 7046 yards receiving, fourth on the Eskimo all-time list.

Running Backs - Terry Eisler
Eisler enters his third season with the Esks. Eisler was instrumental in the development of Calvin McCarty who emerged as one of the CFL's top Canadian stars. Before joining the Esks, Eisler was the offensive coordinator at the University of Alberta.                                    
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RIDERS ADD THREE TO DEFENCE
 
Saskatchewan Roughrider General Manager Eric Tillman announced today they have signed import defensive back Derrick Johnson, import linebacker Kye Stewart and import defensive end Trumaine "Joe" Sykes to contracts. Financial details of the signings were not released.
 
Johnson (5'11 – 190 lbs) has spent time with Seattle, Houston and Miami over the past two years. He dressed in five NFL games with Atlanta and Houston in 2006. Johnson was drafted in the 6th round of the 2005 NFL Draft by San Francisco and dressed in 14 regular season games for the 49ers in his rookie season and started in four of those games. Prior to joining the NFL, Johnson was a standout cornerback at the University of Washington.
 
Stewart (5'10 – 210 lbs) spent four seasons at Illinois State. He led his team in his senior season with 131 defensive tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss and three quarterback sacks. He finished his collegiate career with an amazing 380 defensive tackles, along with 20 tackles for a loss.
 
Sykes (6'3 – 275 lbs) spent last season with the AFL2's Green Bay Blizzards and was named the league's Top Defensive Player. He finished last year with a league leading 22 tackles for a loss and 19.5 quarterback sacks, while picking up 49 defensive tackles, eight forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. Sykes spent the 2006 season with the Washington Redskins where he dressed in one regular season game.
 
"All three of these young men will bring a very high level of competition to our upcoming training camp," stated Tillman. "In fact, each will have a very legitimate shot of earning a spot on a defence which is already very talented."

Road Trip Day 5

CRANBROOK, BC -- I asked roommate Dan Plaster which day of the road trip this is and he replied "800". The Pats were spanked 7-3 last night here against the hometown Kootenay Ice and that's back-to-back embarrassing losses so far on this trip.

After careful examination, I've decided "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." But I can't say nothing, or else folks will think I was too lazy to update the blog. Let's just say I can't ever remember being more disappointed with the Regina Pats than I am right now.

Even during the 12-win season six years back, at least we didn't have any expectations of those guys. There's an abundance of talent on this squad but they play like they don't care. Not all players mind you, but definitely the majority. This is as much off the ice, as on.

I feel like saying more, but I'll wait to see how long this tailspin continues. But right now, I'm not holding out a lot of hope with this bunch.
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And the even sadder thing is that we're leaving this great resort. Check it out for yourself at http://www.steugene.ca/ and consider a summer trip here with the family like we did last summer! (And likely will again in '09)
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Now for something positive. I'm publishing it because I support it wholeheartedly:

The Leader-Post (Regina)
Byline: Adriana Christianson

Young role models from 15 Regina elementary schools learned Monday that conflicts happen everywhere but there are simple ways to resolve them.

Volunteer students in Grades 4 to 8 who are part of the Playground Conflict Management program within their schools had the chance to meet another role model in their community -- Saskatchewan Roughrider Jeremy O'Day. As a guest speaker he congratulated the group of 400 conflict managers gathered at F.W. Johnson Collegiate for a conference, on their efforts to help younger students.

"You guys are the team captains of your schools," O'Day said. "There is always someone who is looking up to you."

In a classroom session with Grade 7 and 8 students, O'Day talked about the types of conflicts that he sees while playing football. He said communicating with other players is important to see how to correct mistakes such as missing blocks or passes, rather than placing the blame on a teammate. On a football team you have to get along with a big group to create a positive environment and that is exactly what playground conflict managers do.

"That helps everyone at the school when (kids) are able to feel comfortable and come to school without feeling like they are going to get bullied or picked on," O'Day said.

During the afternoon conference, the conflict managers from across the city met with each other, participated in leadership activities and got a boost of encouragement for the volunteer work they do at recesses through the school year.

Janne Hislop, a teacher at Elsie Mironuck School helped co-ordinate the 12th annual conference. She said the students who volunteer are enthusiastic leaders who are helpful, caring and generous. She sees the success of the program on the playground at her school. The volunteers act as role models for younger students and are able to help out when common school-yard arguments break out.

"Older students are there to listen to both sides of the story, figure out exactly what happened and make sure that in the end both students are happy," Hislop said.

Bryce Giesbrecht, a Grade 7 conflict manager understood that playgrounds are not always fun places, especially for kids who are not very popular. He said most problems he helps deal with are very simple, but sometimes they can escalate into fist fights where kids get hurt.

"The most common answer (to problems) is to just stay away from each other, but (this) doesn't really help," he said. "We don't make solutions for them, they have to come up with them on their own, but we talk them through it."

Hislop said the mediation training these students receive also gives them the skills to deal with peers their own age. She said the students are empowered to help each other rather than always going to an adult. Meanwhile, a cycle of positive behaviour continues as younger students take on the responsibility and become conflict managers themselves.

Ice 7 Pats 3

CRANBROOK, BC -- The hits keep on coming.

The Regina Pats saw a 3-2 second period lead evaporate and wound up being thumped 7-3 by the hometown Kootenay Ice Tuesday night before 3558 fans in the Cranbrook Recplex.

The Ice scored first, 8:51 into the game on a disputed goal by Ryan Fox. Pats goalie Linden Rowat had it covered for about five seconds but was forced to play it. When he lifted his glove, Fox was right there and poked it between his legs. At 14:44 Andrew Bailey converted a Pats turnover to make it 2-0.

Regina came out smoking in the second frame with three straight goals from Brett Leffler (27), Matt Robertson (20) and Garrett Mitchell (7). That gave the Pats a 3-2 lead and Kootenay starting goalie Nathan Lieuwen was lifted giving way to Todd Mathews. The Pats' lead was shortlived however, as Tylan Stephens scored just over two minutes later to tie the game 3-3 going into the third.

That's when the Pats' back broke. Linden Rowat misplayed a shoot-in and Kootenay's Kevin King banked the puck in off Rowat from below the goal-line for a 4-3 Kootenay lead. It was then the Pats' turn for a goaltending change but back-up Damien Ketlo allowed a similar goal less than three minutes later, this time to Joe Antilla and that made the score 5-3 for the Ice. Kootenay continued to pour it on while the Pats came unravelled. Ryan Fox and Stephens scored subsequent goals to make it 7-3 and although there was 14:15 left to play, Regina couldn't solve Mathews who never allowed a puck past him.

Final score: Kootenay 7 Regina 3

"I probably feel like all the players do right now. It's frustrating," said Pats coach Dale Derkatch on the CKRM postgame show. "You want to come out and give your best which I felt the effort was very good tonight. I know people can't see that on the radio but we were physical. But you can't spot any team 4 or 5 goals and we actually GAVE them 4 or 5 goals. They were plays where pucks were mishandled and they didn't even have to work for their goals. It can be very demoralizing on the bench and when you're in a fragile state as our team has been, things like that really hurt. I don't know if that has guys thinking, but it is a difficult situation when you give up goals the other team doesn't really have to work for."

Final shots were 34-32 Regina. The Molson 3-Stars were 1) Stephens 2) Mathews 3 Fox. Hardest Working Pat: Garrett Mitchell.

The Pats play game 3 of the four game road trip Wednesday night in Lethbridge at 8pm on 620 CKRM (Press Box Sports Bar Pats Pregame Show at 7:35pm).

In the words of the immortal John Lynch, "where do we go from here caller?"

More Pats Road Trip Photos

Tonight's game in Cranbrook is huge. This unidentified Pat knows the importance of it, and readies himself for the contest.........


Brett Leffler fine tunes his weapon...


A face under the helmet -- Dominic Perrault...


Dan Plaster and my home for the night ...

Forward Mitch Czibere philosophizes before the match....
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WHL GM FIRING:
The Chilliwack Bruins announced that General Manager Darrell May has been relieved of his duties effective immediately. The moves comes with the Bruins in ninth place in the Western Conference with a record of 14-31-2-4, six points out of a playoff spot.
Darryl Porter will serve as interim General Manager until a replacement is named.
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This Week in U of R Cougar Athletics

Pink Hoodie Update - Approximately $3000 has been raised for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation through the sales of pink Cougar hoodies by U of R Athletics. Limited quantities of large and extra large hoodies will be available at the U of R Bookstore beginning on Thursday.

On the Airwaves - Friday’s women’s and men’s volleyball matches (both wins by the Cougars) will be aired by Max Local on Demand beginning on Wednesday * Max Local on Demand is available to SaskTel subscribers on Channel 48 * Max Local on Demand will also be broadcasting this weekend’s Cougar Invitational wrestling tournament * Access7 will be broadcasting Saturday’s basketball games on a tape-delayed basis.

Women’s Basketball (CIS Ranking: No. 4) - The Cougars (14-4) clinched first place in the Great Plains Division over the weekend with a two-game road sweep over the No. 8-ranked Winnipeg Wesmen. The Cougars rode a career-high 20 points from Brittany Read during a 71-62 win on Friday, then put together a convincing 68-44 victory on Saturday. The division title is the second in a row for the Cougars and the fourth in the eight seasons since the Great Plains Athletic Conference joined Canada West prior to the 2001-02 season. This weekend, the Cougars will host the Manitoba Bisons on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Centre for Kinesiology, Health & Sport.

Men’s Basketball - The Cougars (9-9) dropped to second place in the Great Plains Division after being swept by Winnipeg over the weekend. The Wesmen scored a 77-64 victory on Friday and followed that up with a nail-biting 64-62 win on Saturday night. Regina was passed in the standings by Brandon (10-8), who recorded a two-game sweep over the Manitoba Bisons. The Cougars will get another crack at a division rival this weekend, as they’ll host the Bisons on Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the CKHS.

Men’s Hockey - Led by second-year forward Dillon Johnstone, the Cougars (8-12-2) got the offence rolling in a two-game home sweep over the Calgary Dinos. Johnstone scored all three goals in a 3-0 win on Saturday afternoon, then added another as the Cougars completed the weekend with a 6-2 victory on Sunday. Adam Ward both wins for the Cougars between the pipes and came up with the first shutout of his CIS career on Saturday. This weekend, the No. 1-ranked Alberta Golden Bears pay a visit to the Sherwood Ice Sports Centre, with game time scheduled for 7 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.

Women’s Volleyball (CIS Ranking: No. 9) - The Cougars (9-7) rolled over the Saskatchewan Huskies during a two-game home sweep over the weekend, winning in straight sets on both Friday (25-23, 25-19, 25-16) and Saturday (25-15, 25-17, 25-11). Beth Clark was close to unstoppable for the Cougars, recording 24 kills and just one error on 36 attempts, giving her a blistering .639 hitting percentage for the weekend. The Cougars, who need one win or one Thompson Rivers loss to clinch a playoff berth, play their last home games of the regular season this weekend against No. 3-ranked Alberta at the CKHS. The women’s team starts at 6 p.m. on Friday and at 8 p.m. on Saturday following the men’s game.

Men’s Volleyball - The Cougars (2-14) recorded their second consecutive weekend split after defeating the Saskatchewan Huskies in four sets on Friday. The Huskies responded with a four-set victory of their own on Saturday night. Blake Wheler was the story for the Cougars on Friday night, as his .833 hitting percentage was the highest in a Canada West match since November of 2006. This weekend, the Cougars will host No. 1-ranked Alberta, which enters the weekend with a perfect 16-0 conference record. Match time is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Friday night and 6 p.m. on Saturday night at the CKHS.

Men’s Wrestling - The Cougars travelled to Jamestown, N.D. to compete in the Jamestown Open on Saturday. Rookie Kirk Ackerman finished in sixth place at 133 lbs., while Peter De La Cruz placed sixth at 157 lbs. The team will be back in action this weekend in its only home event of the season, as the U of R hosts the Cougar Invitational this Saturday in the Centre for Kinseiology, Health & Sport’s Gym 1.

Women’s Wrestling - Four members of the U of R’s women’s wrestling team travelled to Guelph over the weekend to compete at the Guelph Open. Jasmine Slinn came up with the team’s top performance, placing third in the 48-kilogram division. Meghan King (59 kg) and Inga Van Vliet (67 kg) both finished in sixth place in their respective class. The Cougars will host the Cougar Invitational this Saturday at the CKHS beginning at 10 a.m.

Women’s Hockey - The Cougars (6-13-1) had a spectacular weekend at the Sherwood Ice Sports Centre, treating their home fans to 6-3 and 4-2 victories over the UBC Thunderbirds to jump back into the playoff race. Trailing 3-1 on Friday after two periods and with their season on the line, the Cougars pumped five goals past the UBC goalie in the third to record the victory. Regina is now just two points back of UBC with four games left in the regular season. The Cougars will have this weekend off before finishing off the season with a home-and-home series against Saskatchewan and a two-game home series against Alberta.

Men's and Women's Swimming - Linda Duarte led the way for the University of Regina’s swimming teams at the 2009 Canada West Championships in Saanich, B.C. over the weekend. Duarte scored a total of 28 team points for the Cougars, with her top finishes in the 100-metre butterfly (fifth place) and in the 200-metre butterfly (sixth place). Andrew Malawski scored 24 team points for the U of R’s men’s team, half of which came courtesy of his seventh-place finish in the 100-metre freestyle. Both Duarte and Malawski will compete next at the 2009 CIS Championships, which begin on Feb. 19 in Vancouver.

Women’s Track & Field (CIS Ranking: No. 5) - The U of R’s women’s track & field team sent its distance runners and throwers to the Sled Dog Meet in Saskatoon. The Cougars were led by Portia Barker, who placed first in the 3000-metre run with a time of 10:47.07. Caitlin Fowler placed second in the shot put with a toss of 12.25 metres. This weekend, the Cougars will send a full contingent of athletes to the Cargill Games in Winnipeg.

Men’s Track & Field (CIS Ranking: No. 10) - Like the women’s team, the U of R’s men’s team sent its middle distance and distance runners to the University of Saskatchewan’s Sled Dog Meet. Miguel Potosme (600-metre run) and Scott Mitchell (1500-metre run) both recorded second-place finishes in the event. Codey Pakula, the lone thrower representing the men’s team, recorded a toss of 11.25 metres in the weight throw to finish in second place. The men’s team will participate in this Saturday’s Cargill Games in Winnipeg.

WHL Suspension

The Western Hockey League has informed the Prince Albert Raiders that 19 year-old defenceman Garrett Thiessen has been suspended for one game as a result of the game misconduct he received Sunday in Swift Current.

Pats Game Day **UPDATED**

CRANBROOK, BC -- A road trip to the Kootenays is always welcome. Not only because I get to visit my relatives in these parts, but we also get to stay in the nicest hotel/resort that I've ever visited. Here are a few shots. Check out their website at http://www.steugene.ca/. It truly is an oasis in the Rockies. One of these years it would be tremendous to see a Pats-Ice playoff series..

The Regina Pats play Game 2 of a four-game road trip here tonight. They're coming off a 7-4 setback in Calgary on Sunday which has left the club tied for the final playoff spot in the WHL's East Conference with P.A. and Edmonton with 50 points. They also stand just three points behind the Ice for 7th place. These two clubs met Friday in the Brandt Centre with the Ice skating off with a 5-4 shootout victory after the Pats battled back from a 4-0 deficit, their largest comeback of the year.

This trip also includes a visit to Lethbridge Wednesday and Edmonton on Saturday. I fully expect the club to win them all, and then we'll see where they stand once they get home.

Here are some of Dan Plaster's game notes for tonight's contest (8:00pm CT on 620 CKRM, Press Box Sports Bar Pats Pregame Show at 7:35pm).

Streaking:
*Jordan Eberle has 10 points over his last 7 games over the month of January.
*Jordan Weal has 10 points in his last 6 games (4g 6a).
*Brett Leffler has 12 points during the month of January.
*Victor Bartley and Garrett Mitchell are the only two Pats to play in all 51 games this season
*Jesse Dudas has 5(2g 3a) points in his first five games as a Pat.
*Victor Bartley has 11 (4g 7a) points in his last 7 games
*Linden Rowat has played in 18 of the Pats last 20 games.
*Matt Robertson has six (4g 2a) points in his first six games as a Regina Pat

Milestones:
*Jordan Eberle is 18 points from hitting the 200 mark for his WHL career he is also the current active Pat career leader in goals (95), assists (86), points (182), game winning goals (22), and power play goals (35).
*Linden Rowat is now the all-time Pat leader in shut-outs with 11, passing Josh Harding for top spot.
*Brett Leffler is 6 away from 100 career WHL points.
*Matt Strueby is 2 goals away from 30 career WHL markers

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Here's the update, but nothing more than some game day observations......

- Anonymous comments taking shots at the Pats won't be published. I get that you're upset with the club's recent stretch of play, but you can't "jersey them" either. At least not without taking your mask off.

- The Rock Star status of Pats' star Jordan Eberle is becoming legendary. There was enough of a circus of Calgary media following Sunday's game against the Hitmen, but we've been tipped off that Saturday's game in Edmonton is going to be a three-ringer. Apparently the Oilers have requested a pregame ceremony to honour their budding star. Truthfully, it couldn't happen to a nicer guy but I'd bet he's getting a little overwhelmed.

- The comment on Sportsnet this morning that Regina, Winnipeg and Hamilton won't get another Grey Cup with the current state of our football stadiums is disturbing. But I wouldn't put too much stock into it until the CFL itself makes that statement.

- In the St. Eugene Mission gym, I watched over an hour of Super Bowl coverage on The Score. So far, the only guy worth listening to is Cardinals' quarterback Kurt Warner. His answers were thoughtful and insightful. When quizzed on the topic of religion, he said he mentions his saviour Jesus Christ because that's when he has the biggest platform. He reasoned that perhaps being a devout Christian isn't for everybody, but it is for him. Good stuff.

- There are 4,589 reporters at Media Day at Super Bowl today representing 20 countries. It's become a circus to see who can ask the dumbest question. Methinks it's time for the NFL to rethink this annual date.

- I had planned to write a blog on "The CFL's Influence At Super Bowl", but was rebuffed on the basis that the NFL and CFL still aren't partners. I can respect that stance, but I'm becoming of the belief that football is football. The real enemy to the gridiron game, north and south of the border, is hockey. Wish it wasn't, but it is.

- A crazy fact I was informed of last night while visiting with my cousins is that the only menswear store here in Cranbrook is Walmart. I wonder where the Kootenay Ice players and staff buy their clothes? Walmart I guess.

- Ironically, after taking heat for that ambigous "six-pack" comment Monday (my bad by the way, and should've clarified it earlier. I've learned from it), I've been asked to be a celebrity roaster of Tom Shepherd at the Regina Thunder annual fund-raising banquet. Now I don't usually say yes to these things because I loathe public speaking but this one is a slam dunk. Heck, that material will write itself! And I welcome any opportunity to support junior football in the Queen City. Depending on the date of the dinner and my schedule, I'll be there.

- Please consider making Prairie Mobile Communications your family's cell phone choice. We signed a deal today for them to be the official wireless provider of 620 CKRM Sports (i.e. me). They sponsor the nightly Ask The Broadcaster promotion on Pats broadcasts. Listen in tonight, and get your question ready for the chance to win great prizes from Prairie Mobile.

- I must've needed the extra rest on this road trip. Roommate Dan Plaster reports there's been no sleep-walking. In fact, last night he was worried that I was dead.

- Time to get ready for tonight's game. We're excited about it!

Riders Make It Official

The Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club announced today Gary Etcheverry has been named the team’s defensive coordinator.

“We are extremely pleased to name Coach Etcheverry as our defensive coordinator,” stated Riders head coach Ken Miller. “He brings a wealth of experience, wisdom, and creative insight to our team. We are very confident that Coach Etcheverry and his defensive staff will ensure the Riders continue to have one of the top defences in the CFL.”

Coach Etcheverry joined the Roughriders coaching staff last season as a defensive assistant and assumed the role of defensive line coach midway through the season.

Prior to joining the Riders last year, Etcheverry last coached in the CFL in 2004 when he was the defensive coordinator with the Ottawa Renegades. In 2002, he spent the year as the head coach of the Toronto Argonauts.

In 2001, he was the defensive coordinator for the B.C. Lions and held the same position with the Roughriders in 2000. Etcheverry joined the CFL in 1997 as a defensive line coach with the Toronto Argonauts. He spent two seasons as the defensive line coach in Toronto before being promoted to the defensive coordinator position in 1999.

Prior to joining the CFL, Etcheverry spent 16 years coaching in the U.S. college ranks, including stints at the University of San Diego, University of Redlands, San Francisco State, Occidental University and Macalaster College where he served as the head coach. He also held coaching positions in Germany and in the NFL, where he served as a special assistant on the Los Angeles Rams staff in 1998.

Pats In Cranbrook, BC

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Joe Hadesbeck and John Lynch host 620 CKRM's Sportsline tonight at 6:05pm CT www.620ckrm.com. Their guest will be Saskatchewan Roughriders RB Neal Hughes..

Leaving Invermere

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

The Monday Morning Goalie

INVERMERE, BC -- I know, some of you are wondering how the heck we got here. Well as it turns out, immediately after the Pats game in Calgary, Regina GM Brent Parker, PR man/colour commentator Dan Plaster and I hopped in the Pats cruiser and headed here to Invermere while the team went to Cranbrook. The mission? To check on the Parkers' spacious cabin here in this BC resort in the dead of winter, and then hook back up with the team Monday morning in Cranny.

I don't know the road we took to get here, nor for how long we travelled. But we had a six-pack of soda and an XL pizza, and a winding road through the mountains. ** YES I DID AMEND THAT TO CLARIFY IT WASN'T BEER!** Sheesh, lighten up folks.

So here are some thoughts spawned from a hot tub in the Rockies Sunday night and a few cold ones:

- We're told to expect some fines and/or suspensions from the broohaha which ocurred in Swift Current between the Broncos and Raiders Sunday night. From the looks of the scoresheet, it appeared to be quite the donnybrook. Or melee. Regardless, we found ourselves cheering for the Broncos who gladly did the Pats a favour by beating the Raiders 6-3. That leaves the Pats, Raiders and Edmonton Oil Kings all tied for the final playoff spot in the WHL's East Conference with 50 points. Regina has three games in hand on P.A. and two on Edmonton.

- The East Conference beat the West 12-11 in a shootout to win the NHL All-Star Game in Montreal on Sunday. My boy Kovy won the MVP, scoring the shootout winner. Dale Derkatch and I fight tooth and nail over who's the best player in the NHL. I say it's Alexei Kovalev while Dale says it's Jarome Iginla. Brent Parker just chimed in saying it's Alex Ovechkin. Plaster agrees that it's Ovie.

- Here's a Rider note for fans of the Green and White. Bobby Jurasin will NOT be joining the club as defensive line coach. At least not this year. Something went down after he was released by the club in 1998 and some old wounds remain. I don't know the story, nor do I feel it's my place to dig around and find out.

- Back to the All-Star festivities. It's about time the WHL goes back to an East vs West format, and scrap the ADT Challenge. Remember this?:

"Prince George Cougars forward Quinn Hancock was the hero of the 1998 SaskTel Western Hockey League ALL-Star Classic in Regina. The 20-year old from Rock Creek, B.C. scored in
Round 2 of an overtime shootout, to hand the West Conference a 7-6 victory over the East. Ronald Petrovicky
of Regina and Greg Leeb of Spokane lit the lamp in Round 1, but a sudden death format was needed to decide the winner. 6,050 fans packed Regina's Agridome for the event.

One night earlier, 5,021 fans poured in to watch the first ever Sports Select Skills Competition. It too was won by the West, but it also came down to a shootout. Portland's Todd Robinson won it on a penalty shot, beating Swift Current goalie Terry Friesen."

That was a game recap stolen from the WHL website courtesy a quick Google search of "1998 WHL All Star Game". I think I was the one who wrote it. Do any of you remember that event? Was that outstanding or what?

I MC'd that skills competition and it was fantastic. I wore my goalie skates and suffered endless abuse from Swift Current coach Todd McClelland for wearing them. Good times.

It's time. Let's do it. And I nominate Derek Zalaski and Ryan Agar to officiate the game.

One quick question; whatever happened to all of those players?

- Free, unsolicited advice for the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championships committee. Does anyone remember the attractive scenery handing out the player-of-the-game awards at the '08 WJHC in the Czeck Republic? What would be wrong with having some of Saskatchewan's finest wearing LBD's and performing a similar function at our games? Just a thought from three guys in a hot tub.

- The WHL Governors' annual pre-playoff meetings will be held in Las Vegas February 1-3. Will there be a stink raised about this? Why not hold them at the new Casino in Swift Current....

- Remarkable story about Jordan Eberle. The Team Canada World Junior star used the stick that scored the game-tying goal against Russia in the semifinal in his next two games (the gold medal final and a Pats game against Swift Current). He actually scored a shorthanded goal with it while it was cracked. He then handed it to Pats trainer Greg Mayer thinking he may want it for posterity. Greg asked him if he was crazy, and gave it back to him. Is it just me, or is it odd the Hockey Hall of Fame asked for Jon Tavares' gloves from that historic tournament but not Ebs' stick??

- Former Pat J.D. Watt is playing for the ECHL's Las Vegas Wranglers and has offered to be a tour guide for WHL Governors next week. Two words: Gong Show.

- Banning fighting in hockey will completely ruin the game. It's not about entertainment. It's about policing what goes on within the boards. Just a thought from three guys in a hot tub. Seated spaciously.

MEDIA RELEASE Broncos Welcome Sheldon Ferguson as Assistant GM

(Swift Current SK)-- The Swift Current Broncos are pleased to announce that Sheldon Ferguson has been named as the Assistant General Manager to replace Elden Moberg. The organization had many interested and qualified applicants for the position and chose to hire a person with an extremely strong background in both professional and junior level hockey.
 
General Manager and Head Coach Dean Chynoweth comments on the decision: "I am very excited about Sheldon joining the Broncos organization. It is not often you can hire a person in junior hockey with Sheldon's credentials and accomplishments. He will be a welcomed addition to our staff and we look forward to him getting started."
 
Mr. Ferguson most recently was the Director of Player Personnel/Director of Amateur Scouting for the Carolina Hurricanes from 1995-2007 where he achieved the ultimate hockey goal of winning a Stanley Cup in 2006. From 1991-95 he was Director of Scouting for the Canadian Hockey Association's National Team and National Under 18 Teams. There he won 3 consecutive World Junior Championship Gold Medals and two Gold Medals with the Under 18 teams.
He has worked with numerous WHL teams in many capacities from scouting to coaching and managing.
 
 "I could not be more thrilled or excited to have the opportunity to work with Dean Chynoweth and the Swift Current Broncos," said Ferguson, "I have known Dean for many years, and hold him in very high regard as a man who carries on a legacy of excellence in the game of hockey. A goal in my life that has yet to be achieved is winning a Western Hockey League championship, and I can hardly wait to get to Swift Current to work together with Dean toward that end."
 
Mr. Ferguson will be arriving from Kitchener, ON and joining the organization this week.
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ISLANDERS 2009 TRAINING CAMP
 
Two NHL Pre-Season Games SOLD OUT
 
Saskatoon, SK, January 24, 2009 – Today - The New York Islanders two NHL pre-season games featuring the Islanders vs. the Calgary Flames on September 19th followed by the Islanders taking on the Edmonton Oilers on September 20th to be held at Credit Union Centre have both sold out.
 
"We always knew Saskatchewan has a rich hockey tradition, and today's sell outs reinforces that passion, we look forward to September and being a part of this great hockey community" said New York Islanders General Manager Garth Snow. 
 
"Both games sold out in approximately 30 minutes." said Scott Ford Director of Marketing for Credit Union Centre. "What a great year for Hockey in Credit Union Centre" said Ford. "Hosting the NY Islanders training camp with two sold out pre-season NHL games, the Saskatoon Blades are one of the hottest teams in the WHL, and hosting the 2010 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships – it doesn't get any better than this."
 
2009 New York IslandersTraining Camp Schedule
 
September 12 – 20:   Training Camp at Credit Union Centre
 
September 15:            New York Islanders Rookie Game vs. U of S Huskies in Prince Albert (Art Hauser Centre)
 
September 18:            New York Islanders Alumni/Celebrity Golf Tournament (Proceeds benefit Saskatoon Sports Tourism)          
Saskatoon Blades Home Opener (Meet past and present NY Islanders)
 
September 19:            New York Islanders vs. Calgary Flames (Credit Union Centre) – SOLD OUT
 
September 20:            New York Islanders vs. Edmonton Oilers (Credit Union Centre) – SOLD OUT

Hitmen 7 Pats 4

Here are a few more photos from the Regina Pats road trip photo diary. In this one, the iron lung pulls up to the Pengrowth Saddledome.

The Saddledome, according to Pats trainer Greg Mayer, was modelled after the Moose Jaw Civic Centre! It opened in 1983.


A view from Dan Plaster and my broadcast booth in the Ed Whalen Press Box..
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CALGARY -- The Regina Pats opened a four game road trip with a 7-4 loss to the hometown Hitmen in front of a crowd of over 11,000 in the Pengrowth Saddledome Sunday afternoon. Six Calgary powerplay goals on a whopping 12 opportunities did the Queen City Kids in this one. Regina went into the game undermanned, due to the decision to make veterans Mitch Czibere and Colten Teubert healthy scratches.

"In the case of Czibere, it was a coach's decision and we'll leave it at that," reported Pats coach Dale Derkatch. "In the case of Teubert, it was a staff decision involving Brent Parker, coach Perkins and myself. We just need to get Colten back to being the player we need and perhaps missing this game will allow him to get his thoughts together and maybe observe things from another perspective."

The Pats came out flying and Tomas Hricina put Regina up 1-0 with his ninth goal of the year at 5:22 of the opening frame, tapping a rebound behind Calgary goalie Martin Jones. The Hitmen though, would tie it up with the first of four powerplay goals. Keith Seabrook scored at 10:20 of the first to tie it up. The period ended 1-1, with Calgary out front 13-9 in shots on goal.

Regina was assessed six consecutive minor penalties from late in the first period until midway through the second including three 5-on-3's. Calgary made the visitors pay with back-to-back 5-on-3 powerplay goals from Michael Stone at 2:20 and 3:14 to put them up 3-1. That prompted a Pats' staffer to wave a white flag in the broadcast booth (no, it wasn't me). Paul Postma made it 4-1 with another powerplay goal at 10:22. Regina then experienced a powerplay of their own and Matt Robertson converted his 18th goal of the campaign at 11:50 to make it 4-2. The Hitmen were outshooting Regina 36-13 after forty minutes.

Regina made it a one goal game with Robertson's second of the day just 1:06 into the third and it was 4-3. The teams traded goals up and down throughout the final frame, but the Pats continued to be sent to the penalty box time after time thanks to questionable and seemingly one-sided officiating. And let's remember, we've barely had to make a mention of that all season here on the blog or on the radio but on Sunday it was, quite frankly, disturbing. Regina was assessed another four consecutive minors over the final 20 minutes and Calgary struck twice more with the man advantage late in the game. The Pats battled back to make it a 5-4 game thanks to Jordan Eberle's 26th tally of the year but the late powerplays afforded the homeside gave the Blueshirts no chance.

Final score: Calgary 7 Regina 4

"You can't give a team like Calgary 12 powerplays," said Pats GM Brent Parker on the CKRM Molson Overtime Show. "Maybe it's not a case of us giving them that, but they got them. There were some interesting calls, but we need to find a way to stay out of the box. Our powerplay was good too. We came out of the first 1-1, but we were down 5-on-3 for five minutes in the second and that's where they took control. I liked our resilisiency after that, but their powerplays in the third finished it off."

Parker discussed the decisions to scratch Teubert and Czibere.

"Plain and simple we need everyone pulling in the same direction. This was the best thing for Colten and the hockey club and he'll be back in the lineup on Tuesday in Kootenay. We felt strongly about this, and it's about our team and not an individual and hopefully Colten comes out of this the better for it."

Calgary (42-7-2-1) outshot Regina (22-23-1-5) 51-18 in this one, and went 6/12 on the powerplay. Regina was 3/7 on their own man advantage. Rookie Pat goalie Damien Ketlo made 44 saves in taking the loss, dropping his personal record to 5-5-0.

Molson 3-Stars: 1) Stone 2) Seabrook 3) Dudas (3 assists). Taylor Toyota Hardest Working Pat: Dominick Perrault.

The Pats continue the road trip Tuesday night in Cranbrook at 8pm Regina time (7:35 Press Box Sports Bar Pats Pregame Show). They bussed to Cranbrook immediately after the Calgary game.

Pats Game Day

CALGARY - That's the view of outside from the lobby of our downtown Calgary hotel. The Pats arrived here at 4:30pm yesterday, set to begin a four game road trip. It begins today against the WHL's #1 team, the Calgary Hitmen. The last time I checked, the Hitmen are roughly 30 points ahead of the Pats in the standings so it's a tremendous test for the Queen City Kids. The two clubs have met only once so far this season, with Calgary coming out on top 6-2. The Pats failed that particular test miserably.

Here's hoping for better results this time around. Rookie Damien Ketlo will get the nod in goal for Regina, so that's an interesting note. Game time is 3:00pm Regina time (6:35 Press Box Sports Bar Pats Pregame Show on 620 CKRM). http://www.620ckrm.com/

Here are a couple of other photos from the lobby. So far, I'm the only one up save for coach Dale Derkatch:


The boys are impressed. This is where the Roughriders stay as well, and it's right in the heart of downtown Calgary. The Calgary Tower is right across the street...



This makes me a happy camper.. :) The game notes are at the bottom of this post.
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Here is an interesting story from an Edmonton newspaper regarding the troubles new Eskimo coach Richie Hall is having in assembling his coaching staff:

Esks To Ponder Another Option
Personal, family reasons force Kevin Strasser to turn down offensive co-ordinator job offer
By Mario Annicchiarico, The Edmonton Journal
January 24, 2009

Kevin Strasser has turned down an offer to become the Edmonton Eskimos offensive co-ordinator, forcing the team into Plan B.

The former Eskimos assistant and current receivers coach with Portland State confirmed the job offer to The Journal.

"Yes, they did," said Strasser when confronted with the query. "It came last week.

"It was probably the toughest professional decision I've had to make in my life," added Strasser, whose name also came up for the Eskimos head coaching position that eventually went to Richie Hall.

Strasser had extensive discussion with not only Hall, but general manager and director of football operations Danny Maciocia and scout Ed Hervey, who Strasser tutored back in 2000 and 2001 as Eskimos receivers coach.

"They treated me with tremendous professionalism and respect. The reasons that I didn't take it were personal for my wife and I, and our family," said Strasser. "It was an incredibly tough decision. Unfortunately, the timing just wasn't right."

Hall is expected to get down to the task of finalizing his coaching staff next week. The new Eskimos head coach -- in Regina on Friday for a celebratory roast -- will interview for open positions and the organization is still not letting on who stays and who goes.

Plan B for the offensive co-ordinator job, says a source close to the action, is to turn to former Winnipeg head coach Doug Berry for that position, if he works out a buyout on his remaining terms with the Blue Bombers.

Berry and Maciocia are very close friends, with Berry long rumoured to eventually land in Edmonton. That move would eventually force Rick Worman into the position of quarterbacks coach, if he elects to stay.

According to the source, Berry -- fired by the Blue Bombers after, ironically, losing the East semifinal to Edmonton -- would take on the Esks' O-line coaching as well as the offensive co-ordinator's job.

Plenty of other names have floated around of late, including that of Jim Daley, who currently works as a senior advisor with the Canadian Football League. Daley worked with Hall in Saskatchewan in 1994 and actually brought both Hall and Greg Marshall in as defensive assistants when he worked as defensive co-ordinator in Regina.

"Richie did call, we have talked, but that's all I can say right now," said Daley, who did confirm he would return to coaching, "in the right situation, with the right people."

Sources say Hall has spoken to Daley regarding two different scenarios, which may be as a defensive co-ordinator to replace Rick Campbell, or a special teams coach if Noel Thorpe is bumped up into the defensive co-ordinator position.

Don't be surprised to see Campbell land in Winnipeg with new Blue Bombers head man Mike Kelly. Esks offensive line coach Ronnie Vinklarek is also set to join Kelly in Winnipeg.

Kelly has hinted to Winnipeg media that his special teams coach will be one with plenty of experience and if Campbell is indeed let go by the Esks, he may take his 10 years of experience with him eastward.

Other coaches, including current staff, are set to discuss positions with Hall and Co. in the coming week.

"I think you may hear something in the next little while, a week to 10 days, maybe," Maciocia said earlier in the week. "Richie was obviously out here (at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.) with me. He's talked to a lot of people and he's just being careful with how he's going about it. He wants to make sure he surrounds himself with the right people."
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Regina Pats at Calgary Hitmen, Today, Pengrowth Saddledome Calgary, 3:00pm CT 620 CKRM

Head To Head:
This is the second of four meetings this season between the Regina Pats and the Calgary Hitmen. The first came back in November with a 6-2 Hitmen win. It was a dominant performance on the ice and on the stats sheet, as the Pats gave up 47 shots (still the most this season) and a season high 22 shots in the third period. Victor Bartley and Michael MacAngus scored the Pat goals, while Linden Rowat stopped 41 shots in the loss.

Last Action:
It was a matter of too little too late this past Friday night against the Kootenay Ice. The Pats trailed 4-0 heading into the third period, only to storm back to tie the game at four. Things came to a crashing to a halt with Andrew Bailey scoring the winner in the shoot-out for the 5-4 win. Scoring in the loss for the Blue and White were Neal Prokop, Jordan Eberle, Jordan Weal and Victor Bartley, while Linden Rowat took the shoot-out loss.

Pats Injuries:
Matt Delahey (Shoulder) – 3-4 Weeks
The Pats have lost 72 man games due to injury.
 
Streaking:
*Jordan Eberle has 15 points over his last 11 games.
*Jordan Weal has 12 points in his last 13 games (4g 8a).
*Brett Leffler has 12 points (7g 5a) in his last 9 games.
*Victor Bartley and Garrett Mitchell are the only two Pats to play in all 50 games this season
*Jesse Dudas has 5(2g 3a) points in his first five games as a Pat.
*Mitch Czibere has points (2g 5a) in 7 of his last 9 games
*Victor Bartley has 9 (4g 5a) points in his last 6 games
*Linden Rowat has played in 18 of the Pats last 19 games and. *Matt Robertson has four (2g 2a) points in his first five games as a Regina Pat.
 
Milestones:
*Jordan Eberle is 21 points from hitting the 200 mark for his WHL career he is also the current active Pat career leader in goals (95), points (176), game winning goals (22), and power play goals (34).
*Linden Rowat is now the all-time Pat leader in shut-outs with 11, passing Josh Harding for top spot.
*Brett Leffler hit the 50 goal plateau with his two goals on Sunday night and 8 from 100 career points.
*Matt Strueby is 2 goals away from 30 career WHL markers
*Mitch Czibere hit the 50 career assist mark a week ago Friday Warriors.
 
Leffler on Fire:
Brett Leffler’s breakout season has continued through January. In 9 games this month, he has 7 goals and 5 assists, and has taken over the team lead in goals with 26. This past Sunday against the Moose Jaw Warriors, Leffler took over the game over the last 1:09, scoring both the tying and game winning goals.
 
Under the Radar:
After an injury plagued start to the season, Mitch Czibere is starting to hit his stride. The 19 year old forward has points in 6 of his last 8 games and is just 3 away from matching a career high in points.
               
The return of the scoring touch:
Early in the season, the Pats were one of the top scoring teams in the WHL, that scoring touch has returned. The blue and white have averaged 4 goals per game over their past 4 match-ups. This has translated in the Pats winning 3 of their past 5 games.           

Calgary Jacks Up Grey Cup Tickets

Courtesy CBC.ca News:

Canadian football fans will have to dig deeper if they want to attend this year's Grey Cup in Calgary.

Ticket prices for the 2009 CFL championship game at McMahon Stadium will range from $195 to $370, according to notices sent out this week to Stampeders season ticket holders. That's up from the $87 to $274 charged for the 2008 contest in Montreal.
Stampeders season ticket holders will get a break, as they'll pay between $119 and $295.

"We've created a two-tier system in that season ticket holders are entitled to one price, and public seats are entitled to a separate price," said Greg Albrecht, president of the 2009 Grey Cup Festival.
"Obviously, we want to see our season ticket holders get the benefit of their commitment with the Stampeders."

Stampeders president Scott Ackles said one reason for the price increase is a relative lack of seating at McMahon Stadium, which typically holds 35,650 fans for football games.

An announced crowd of 66,308 at Olympic Stadium saw the Stampeders defeat the Montreal Alouettes in last year's Grey Cup game, the second-largest attendance figure ever.

At last year's CFL championship in Montreal, fans shelled out between $87 and $277, while tickets ranged from $94 to $560 in 2007 in Toronto. The previous year in Winnipeg, fans paid between $141 and $275.

"The Grey Cups the last three years have all been in 55,000-to 60,000-seat stadiums, and the most we can seat is about 45,000," Stampeders part-owner Ted Hellard told the Calgary Herald earlier this month.
"Obviously, with less tickets out there, you're going to have a stronger demand. But only time will tell."

In November, CFL commissioner Mark Cohon said he wasn't in favour of cutting ticket prices in light of the current economic slowdown.
He said the problem with lowering ticket prices is that it gets difficult to bring them back up again.

Cohon said he would prefer teams in his league explore ticket packages and incentives rather than reducing prices.

"Our games are very affordable, and I believe we would be better served to take an aggressive approach to tickets," he said, adding aggressive companies are the ones that tend to survive tough economic times.

The CFL is in good shape, Cohon added, pointing to league attendance that topped two million for the seventh year in a row in 2008 and a salary cap that will remain at $4.2 million for 2009.

Pack Your Bags

......'Cause you're coming with us. The Regina Pats left the Brandt Centre at 9:10am Saturday bound for Calgary. It's the first of an 8-day, four game road trip. We'll post a photo diary as we go. This should be interesting...

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Ice 5 Pats 4 SO

REGINA -- The Regina Pats narrowly managed to hang onto the final playoff spot in the WHL's East Conference from the single point earned from Friday's 5-4 shootout loss to the visiting Kootenay Ice Friday night.

The 5376 fans in attendance were generally stunned and dismayed at the team's lacklustre opening 40 minutes where they fell down 4-0 to the Ice. They outshot their opponents 15-8 over the opening 20 but were outshot 16-3 in the middle frame. Their uninspired start was described as "unforgiveable" by assistant coach Terry Perkins on the CKRM Molson Overtime Show.

But the Blueshirts caught fire in the third when Jordan Eberle torched Ice goalie Todd Mathews for his 25th goal of the season to make it 4-1. Neal Prokop scored his first as a Pat to make it 4-2 and then back-to-back powerplay goals from Victor Bartley and Jordan Weal miraculously tied the game up at 4-4 and sent it to overtime.

Kootenay outshot the Pats 5-0 in the extra session but couldn't beat Linden Rowat. In the shootout, Ice captain Andrew Bailey notched the winner for the victory.

The single point puts the Pats at 50 on the season, same as Edmonton after the Oil Kings' win at P.A.

I'd love to write more but I've got to get home and pack for this 8-day road trip. We leave the Brandt Centre at 9:00am Saturday.
RP

What Do You Make Of This??

Kelowna Rockets broadcaster Regan Bartel had this take on his blog at www.reganbartel.blogspot.com:

I will admit I was embarrassed when watching the YouTube video of a line brawl that erupted following Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Kyle Beach scoring an empty netter against the Medicine Hat Tigers Wednesday night.
I wasn't so much embarrassed by the on-ice conduct, but more so by what was being said on the audio portion of that video.
To hear what was coming out of the color analyst's mouth during that altercation made me feel ill. Where was the professionalism? Where was the control? Where was the analytical side of what was happening out on the ice other than becoming 'a fan' and firing verbal barbs at the opposition?
I can only imagine if my color analyst Gord McGarva went off in such a manner. I would have no other choice than to look for a replacement. I would be embarrassed for him, me, and the Rockets organization if those words came out of his mouth.
I am all about having an energy filled - emotionally charged broadcast, but calling out the opposition team in that manner on the air-waves is waaaaaaaaaaay over the line.
The Western Hockey League sets a high standard of conduct for its players and coaches, so shouldn't it's broadcasters fall under that same umbrella of professional conduct?
Let this be a reference tool for broadcasters/color analysts across the league, that it's best to take a step back in situations like these. It looks like a color analyst learned a lesson the hard way, by losing his seat in the press box at Lethbridge home games.

Seperated At Birth??

You be the judge, former Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick and Saskatchewan NDP leadership hopeful Dwain Lingenfelter.

Uncanny!!
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Don't look now, but 19-year old right winger Brett Leffler from Wynyard, SK is the hottest member of the Regina Pats these days. The Washington Capitals' fifth-round pick has 4-3-7 over his past four games.

Leffler will be relied upon heavily, as usual, tonight when the Regina Pats (22-22-1-4) host the Kootenay Ice (22-20-2-4) tonight at 7:00pm in the Brandt Centre (6:35pm Press Box Sports Bar Pats Pregame Show on 620 CKRM).

It's not a secret that Leffler's been one of my favourite Pats since he first walked through the dressing room doors four years ago as a first-round bantam pick. Everybody else will need to pick up the slack tonight as the Pats face a Kootenay team which stands one point up on Regina for 7th-place in the WHL's East Conference.

"We've obviously got to play with some more consistency," Leffler told CKRM Radio this week. "At the same time, it has to start from our older guys. Give a little more. Whether it's dropping the mitts or blocking shots or whatever. Showing character. Showing the young guys who to follow. But we've got a good group of people in the dressing room which is always a positive."

The Pats and Ice have had some serious rodeos over the past few years, going back to Nick Ross' lights-out hit on Kootenay's John Negrin. It was quite possibly the hardest hit I've ever seen live. Wasn't Negrin carried off the ice on a stretcher?

Both of those personalities are gone now, but tonight we'll find out if any hard feelings linger between the clubs.
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"We'll find out tonight."

That was Dale Derkatch's response when asked if his hockey club has finally turned the corner after a disastrous stretch over Christmas where they slipped from 3rd in the conference to 10th. They've worked their way up to 8th, and don't plan on slipping out of a playoff spot again.

"Let's hope," Derkatch told CKRM. "I think like anything, I've said this before, confidence is something you lose very quickly but it takes awhile to build. I don't think we're there yet. We have to play a couple more teams with good records, like Kootenay, and maybe if we beat them the confidence will move up on a notch or two."
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After tonight's game, the Pats board the bus Saturday morning for an 8-day road trip. We're headed for Calgary, where Sunday afternoon at 3:00pm (Regina time) they face the WHL's #1 team, the Hitmen.
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If you get a chance, check out TSN's Sportscentre this morning for the incredible story of Brandon Wheat Kings defenceman Keith Aullie saving the life of his great father Bill.

The story's not new, but it's legendary. What a great family.
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If you look below, I got the tip on Ron Estay's retirement from football while walking out of the movie "Gran Torino" last night at Galaxy Cinemas. I blogged it in the Galaxy parking lot from my Blackberry and by the time we drove to Gordon Road, it had already hit the message boards and had attracted seven comments.

Sheesh. What a world we live in. Information travels at the speed of light.
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Also, we now live in a world where the President of the United States works out out every morning while listening to Jay-Z on his Ipod.

Can you imagine?

I also read in Best Life magazine that Barack Obama is 6'2", 180lbs. His wife must be a giant, because they look each other eye-to-eye.

George W. Bush is a health nut too, with a resting heart rate of 43 which is lower than most elite athletes.
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A question about this season's new "The Bachelor" series...

Who's watching this guy's kid while he's out making time with all these girls, acting like Trevis Smith?

The basis of that show is disturbing.
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Watched two movies this week: Gran Torino (Clint Eastwood) and Last Chance Harvey (Dustin Hoffman).

They each get one thumb up.

I already have Superbad packed into my suit bag for the road trip tomorrow. I can already give it two thumbs waaaaaaaay up..
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Community Billboard:

(Cut & Paste Job here....)

"WHO: REGINA MINOR HOCKEY - PW TIER 1 CAPITALS
WHAT: CABARET & SILENT AUCTION
WHERE: CONEXUS ARTS CENTRE
WHEN: SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2009
WHY: FUNDRAISER - TICKETS $25.00 EACH

COCKTAILS - 8:00PM
DANCE - 9:00PM
LUNCH - MIDNIGHT
MUSIC BY OFFBEAT

***I HAVE HEARD FROM MANY PEOPLE THAT THIS CABARET IS ONE YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS. A GREAT TIME IS HAD BY ALL WHO ATTEND. SIX HOCKEY REGINA TEAMS COMBINE AND USE THIS AS A TEAM FUNDRAISER AND IT'S A GREAT TIME TO CATCH UP WITH THE HOCKEY CROWD AND FRIENDS. WE HAVE LIMITED TICKETS SO IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
majones@accesscomm.ca"
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Don't forget Richie Hall's farewell party tonight at The Exchange, hosted by CKRM's Joe Hadesbeck. Tickets are available for $10 at the door. Festivities start at 7:00..
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Time to work. Have a great weekend!!
RP

Estay Retires From Football

Just got off the phone with a reliable source .... Hall of Fame Saskatchewan Roughrider defensive line coach Ron Estay has resigned from the Riders to take a job as a hunting and fishing tour guide in his native Louisiana .... More to follow ....

RP
(Estay photo courtesy canada.com)

No MJ-REG Alumni Clash In '09

"Hi Rod…just passing along a note to remind folks that there is no scheduled "TransCanada Clash 3" between the Regina Pats Alumni and the MJ Warriors Alumni for this year.

The previous two years had been very successfully organized between the two main WHL clubs and their staff, and the feeling was that we'll work together soon to organize something for next season.
These two events have stoked the interests of many of the Pats Alumni from all over, and was the impetus to create the Regina Pats Alumni Association Inc.  The real fun is the time spent with some of our hockey idols growing up in Regina, and having a few Molson products afterwards.  The kids got a chance to meet guys like Stu Grimson, Dale Derkatch, and Theo Fleury. 
I have included a photo of one of the rare times I have been in a Pats jersey with my cousin, Nevin.

Our website is <http://www.reginapatsalumni.com> www.reginapatsalumni.com and we look forward to helping grow our hockey community.

Kelly Markwart
REGINA PATS ALUMNI"

Fiacco Talks Stadium ... Sort Of

Popular Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco mentioned in passing the possibility of a new stadium project today at his annual State of the City address in Regina. Here's the quote:

"Is there big projects out there? Of course. We've heard all the ones about, 'what about a new stadium?' and all of those things. Of course we'd like to see all of that happen. And if the timing is right for it and if the resources are made available, we'll do that. But I think what citizens want during these uncertain times right now is to make sure that their orders of government, in our particular case the municipal order of government, have a pretty plan good in place that's financially sound, that makes sense, that is going to be affordable but is going to allow them to live the great quality of life that they're so used to in Regina."

There you go, for what it's worth......

(Fiacco-Wall photo courtesy ctv.ca, quote courtesy CKRM News)

5 BURNING QUESTIONS

The Canadian Football League has been in the news lots lately, in these dog days of winter. Dominating the headlines was the Toronto Argonauts' search for a new head coach, which concluded Friday with the hiring of longtime NFL assistant and NFL Europe head coach Bart Andrus.

However with the CFL free agency deadline looming at midnight February 16, and still plenty of openings for assistant coaching positions across the league left to be filled, plenty of questions remain. Here are some the most glaring:

1. Will Anthony Calvillo re-sign with the East Division Alouettes?

- You would have to agree the 36-year old quarterback is the biggest fish in the current sea of free agents. His 5,624 yards passing and mind-boggling 43 touchdowns earned him the league's Most Outstanding Player Award in 2008 so by voting standards, he's the league's top player. The extension he signed in October of 2007 will run out in mid-February and barring a new deal with the Alouettes, he'll be free to listen to offers.

However sources in Montreal say if Calvillo plays anywhere in 2009, it'll be with the Alouettes. The only thing standing in the way is his wife Alexia's ongoing battle with B-cell lymphoma. Calvillo hinted at retirement near the end of the 2008 campaign, but has yet to make his future known. Given the fact the Als lost the Grey Cup championship in their own park in November, it would be reasonable to expect A-C to return for some unfinished business.

2. Where will free agent non-import RB Jesse Lumsden sign, if not with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats?

- It's hard to believe Lumsden is already entering his fifth CFL campaign. It seemed like only yesterday he burst onto the Ticats' scene as their first round, 6th overall pick in the 2005 Canadian College Draft after a stellar career at McMaster University. However injuries have hampered his promising career mightily, limiting his rushing yards to just 307, 163, 743 and 584 respectively over the past four seasons.

Now 26 years of age, the 6'2", 226 lb back finds himself at a crossroads. The Ticats have reportedly put a deal on the table which would make Lumsden one of the highest-paid Canadians in the game. However sources in Edmonton say the Eskimos made a strong play to land Lumsden at last season's trade deadline but were rebuffed. Might they be putting together a solid financial offer in hopes of attracting him once the deadline hits? It would seem like a natural fit, as Lumsden was born in Edmonton during his father Neil's glory days with the powerhouse Eskimos. But don't expect the Tabbies to let him slip through their fingers easily. He has become the face of their franchise.

3. Whom will the Saskatchewan Roughriders look to to replace defensive coordinator Richie Hall, who left to become the head coach in Edmonton?

Roughrider General Manager Eric Tillman says an announcement on this very topic may be made by the end of this week. Tillman also pointed out on Wednesday that an offer to the new DC has been made, and in turn, has been accepted. All that's left is the official announcement. The smart money is on former Argo coach Gary Etcheverry, who spent the 2008 season as a defensive consultant in Saskatchewan. He has worked with Miller in prior football incarnations and clearly there's a welcome familiarity there. However the names of Dave Ritchie and Kavis Reed have entered the mix.

There's a very real possibility all three may be hired and share the role with Etcheverry as the top dog. Ritchie left the BC Lions as their defensive coordinator after the 2007 season, citing retirement, but it's clear the coaching bug hasn't left him. Does it ever really? With Ritchie's advanced age and Etcheverry's stated desire to be a head coach at the CIS level, Reed could enter the equation as a defensive backs coach with a succession plan where he may one day become the D.C. With the departure of Hall, the Riders lost a coordinator AND a DBs coach.

4. What are the B.C. Lions going to do with all of their cap space?

With the release of high profile veterans such as SB Jason Clermont, LB Otis Floyd and DT Tyrone Williams, the departure of free agent DE Cameron Wake to the NFL's Miami Dolphins and their decision not to pick up the option on RB Charles Roberts' contract, Lions coach and GM Wally Buono is sitting on reportedly $500,000 in extra salary to throw around.

Rumours persist the Lions are lining their ducks in a row to put forth an offer in the neighbourhood of $150,000 per season for Saskatchewan Roughriders' linebacker Maurice Lloyd, who is poised to become a free agent. Lloyd would have to be considered the top defensive free agent on the market, coming off an All-Star season where he was also named Saskatchewan's defensive MVP. Although he's made it known his preference is to remain in Saskatchewan, Tillman may not be prepared to match the Lions' offer. The Eskimos may join the party as well, creating a bidding war.

5. Who will new Argonauts coach Bart Andrus hire to fill out his coaching staff?

This may be the most intriguing question of them all. Only offensive coordinator Steve Burratto will be retained from the staff employed by Toronto head coaches Don Mathews and Rich Stubler during the 2008 season. Andrus brings an offensive mind to Toronto, so the retention of Burratto is something of a head-scratcher. Perhaps it's for continuity and guidance.

Andrus' first hire (other than Burratto) was journeyman Peter Kuharchek as defensive coordinator. Kuharchek's 40-plus years in the coaching ranks have included stops in NFL Europe with the Rhein Fire, the Arena Football League and the B.C. Lions back in 1991. Kuharchek told the media upon his hiring Wednesday, that he has lots of homework to do in order to catch up to speed with the new CFL.