Hopson Speaks on Fine

Roughriders President Jim Hopson addressed the media Tuesday afternoon regarding the fine the team received for being over the CFL salary cap in 2008 (see story below).

ON BEING OVER THE CAP:
It did not come as a surprise. We had word from the CFL on the final numbers and we anticipated being in that range. We're happy we're under $100,000 given the injuries and unexpected expenses.

ON BEING FINED TWO STRAIGHT YEARS:
We're in a position where we can afford the fine. We don't like it but financially we can afford it. Last year we had 12 starters out at one time and all the challenges and we're hoping this year will be better.

WHAT ARE THE UNEXPECTED EXPENDITURES:
On the roster side of things. It's purely related to expenditures on players' salaries. As you guys know we had a very challenging year. Our injury list was almost as long as our roster and we worked through that. Our goal this year is to stay within the SMS and that's very important especially these days to have cost certainties.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE PROCESS OF SIGNING PLAYERS MID-SEASON:
The guys come in and if they're on the practice roster, they get certain amount of money. But all money to players counts; signing bonuses and those things. We had to airlift players in, put them on the practice roster or activate them for a game or two. It was a challenging year but all in all we achieved our goal of hosting a playoff game and being one of the top teams. We didn't reach the ultimate goal but it was a successful year.

IS THE CFL SYMPATHETIC TO INJURY SITUATIONS SUCH AS YOURS:
Not very. And understandably so. The league has been great and they work with us. If you have rules they need to apply to everybody. They counted the money and we accept that.

WILL THIS SYSTEM BE LOOKED AT REGARDING CHANGES:
It is a work in progress. There's been some changes. The Riders have advocated changes, including having one player exempt per half seaosn, and the biggest change we would like to see is a 6-game injured list. 9-games are a long time. It has to be supported by all the governors so we'll see how that goes.

WHAT ABOUT THOSE THAT SAY THE PRIVATELY-OWNED CLUBS ARE HIDING SALARIES:
I have a lot of confidence in the CFL and the CFL auditor. There's always that suspicion with privately-owned teams but teams like Edmonton and Winnipeg have the same rules as us community-owned teams and we're fairly comfortable with it. Somebody will always say things but cost-certainty is very important in this league and we're not looking to suggest that that (hiding salaries) has happened.
----

The Rider President also revealed he has NOT fielded any calls from Brendan Taman regarding employment with the team nor has he contacted Taman (the former Winnipeg Blue Bomber GM and Saskatoon product).

Hopson says they are "status quo" and are happy with their management structure as it is while the Eric Tillman situation sorts itself out before the courts.
----

The other news conference I attended this afternoon was regarding the Esso Cup - the national female midget AAA championship - coming to The Cooperators Centre at Evraz Place in Regina in 2010. You can see my bald spot in the front row of this photo. Here's the news release:

REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN TO HOST 2010 ESSO CUP

REGINA, Saskatchewan - Hockey Canada has announced that Regina, Saskatchewan will play host to the 2010 Esso Cup, Canada's National Female Midget Championship in April 2010. The Regina Rebels of the Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA Hockey League will be the host team.

The 2010 Esso Cup will feature at least five teams - one host team and four regional champions (Pacific, West, Ontario, Atlantic). Quebec, which was forced to withdraw from the 2009 Esso Cup due to scheduling conflicts, hopes to make its debut in the tournament in 2010.

The competing teams will play a five-day round robin, followed by semifinals (1st vs. 4th, 2nd vs. 3rd) and bronze and gold medal games. All games will take place at the Evraz Centre in Regina.

"The Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA Hockey League was one of the first leagues at the female Midget AAA level in Canada, and we are excited that it will play host to the national championship," said Julie Healy, director of female hockey for Hockey Canada. "This year's Esso Cup in Calgary is a tremendous step for women's hockey in Canada, and we fully expect that growth to continue in Regina next year."

"We are absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to host this national event in Regina and to utilize the new facilities at Evraz Place," said Lynn Tulloch, chair of the host committee. "Regina and its surrounding area is already a hotbed for female hockey and we're looking forward to creating a memorable week of activities for the entire female hockey community in addition to showcasing some of Canada's top female players."

The 2009 Esso Cup will be held at Max Bell Arena in Calgary, Alta. from April 19-25. Four regional champions will compete with the host Calgary Flyers for the first-ever National Female Midget Championship. The gold medal game can be seen on TSN/RDS, the official broadcasters of Hockey Canada, on Saturday, April 25. Check your local listings for broadcast times in your area.

Riders Fined As Per SMS

Toronto, ON - (March 31, 2009) - The final results of a comprehensive audit and review process show seven of eight teams were under the Canadian Football League's $4.2 million salary cap for 2008, the league announced today.

"The Salary Management System (SMS) continues to work in the best interests of our game and our fans, providing teams with cost certainty at the same time we provide Canadians with great football," said Commissioner Mark Cohon.

"It is ensuring our league operates on a sustainable business model, and that's in the best long term interests of our league and our players."

The Saskatchewan Roughriders exceeded the salary cap by $87,147 and have been fined $87,147.

Under the provisions of the SMS, set by the league's Board of Governors, teams are fined one dollar for every dollar they exceed the cap up to 100,000 dollars, and two dollars for every dollar they exceed the cap between 100,000 and 300,000 dollars, plus the loss of the team's first round draft pick. Teams are fined three dollars for every dollar they exceed the cap beyond $300,000 and they lose their first two draft selections.

The salary cap for the upcoming 2009 season has been set at $4.2 million per team.

As no team exceeded the cap in 2008 by more than 100,000 dollars, the order in the May 2nd 2009 CFL Canadian Draft is not affected. It remains, for the first round:

Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Toronto Argonauts
Hamilton Tiger-Cats via Winnipeg
British Columbia Lions via Toronto via Edmonton
British Columbia Lions
British Columbia Lions via Saskatchewan
Montreal Alouettes
Calgary Stampeders

Blades Force Game 7

LETHBRIDGE -- Needing a win to keep their season alive, the Saskatoon Blades did just that as they beat the Lethbridge Hurricanes 5-1 Monday to force a game 7 showdown on Wednesday night in Saskatoon.

Josh Nicholls scored twice and Jyri Niemi had four assists for Saskatoon. In goal Braden Holtby was superb, stopping 26 of 27 shots he faced en route to his 3rd win of the post season.

Game 7 of this series takes place on Wednesday night, 7PM at the Credit Union Centre. Tickets go on sale at 9AM Tuesday morning at CUC Box Office. Call 938.7800 or visit ticketmaster.ca to get your ticket.

Big $$$$ for the Brodsky's. Good for them. Come on Saskatoon! Sell it out!!

----

It's another Game 7 tonight as the Swift Current Broncos host the Medicine Hat Tigers in the deciding game of their first round WHL series. Broncos colour analyst Tim Tisdale, the former head coach of the Regina Pats, had these thoughts on the series last night on CKRM's Sportsline:

"Now injuries are catching up on the Broncos' side. Eric Doyle's been out the past two games, Matt Tassone's been out the whole series and now Keegan Dansereau missed Game 6 and likely Game 7. That may be the biggest factor going into the Game 7 is that the Broncos are just really short."

Still, if they have to play a Game 7, Tizzy says the Broncos are glad to be at home.

"That's why you play all regular season, to get Game 7 at home and put yourself into that position. They've played well down the stretch at home. They've won 6 of 7 at home and only lost one game in this series here. It should be a great game, hopefully a big crowd or a sellout. They've come short of that in the three previous games but I think this one might do it."
----

New Riders offensive line coach Bob Wylie was an entertaining guest on 620 CKRM's Sportsline last night. If you click on this link and hit refresh a little later this morning, you should be able to listen to the program:
http://www.620ckrm.com/Archives.php

If I had the capability of uploading the show to the CKRM site I would, but I don't know how. There's a bit of a b.s. banter between Joe, John and myself at the start of the show because Wylie forgot to call but we get him after a few minutes.
----

A note from Pats assistant trainer Leigh Fitzpatrick:

Can you put a bit of a call out on the blog for Rider season ticket holders who know they cannot make a game and possibly donate the tickets to the Chris Knox Foundation?? And could you add the website on the Blog?? - http://www.chrisknoxfoundation.com/
----

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the Blue Jays. They lost another in spring training Monday, 3-1 to the NY Yankees. But remember, the 0-16 Detroit Lions of 2008 were 4-0 in the preseason and because of that I will NEVER put stock in preseason outcomes.

But it could be a looooooong season for Cito and the boys.
----

Don't forget Canada's Toughest Mayor, Pat Fiacco, will be on TSN's Off The Record today at 4:00pm MT. Ian Hamilton did a story about it in today's Leader Post sports section, butof course, you heard it here first. ;)
----

Rod is trying to figure out the hoopla over Twitter (http://www.twitter.com) but is having no luck. Still he Tweets anyways because that's what the crowd is doing.
----

That last line is an inside comment for people who Tweet. Will this phenomena catch on? I'm hearing lots about it in the States:

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Twitter has become popular with celebrities. And people pretending to be celebrities. Sometimes it's hard to figure out who's who.

Shaquille O'Neal? Yup, his Twitter account is real. That's him.

50 Cent? Not exactly. The rapper hired a guy to tweet for him.

Britney Spears? She's got a whole cadre tweeting for her. So not really.

Christopher Walken? Imposter!

Courtney Love? Oh boy is that her.

In fact, Love just won the distinction of being the first celebrity sued for tweeting.

In Los Angeles Superior Court, clothes designer Dawn Simorangkir, also known as Boudoir Queen, last Thursday filed suit against Love for defamation, invasion of privacy and infliction of emotional distress for "an extensive rant" on Twitter about how she was billed for custom clothing.

It's hard to be extensive when one is limited to just 140 characters. But if anybody can do it, it's Love, who allegedly wrote grammatically challenged comments like "oi vey don't f--- with my wardrobe or you will end up in a circle of corched eaeth hunted til your dead."

"Whether caused by a drug induced psychosis, a warped understanding of reality, or the belief that her money and fame allow her to disregard the law, Love has embarked (o)n what is nothing short of an obsessive and delusional crusade to terrorize and destroy Simorangkir, Simorangkir's reputation and her livelihood," says the complaint.

Love's spokesman declined to comment on the lawsuit.

(Editing by Dean Goodman at Reuters)

Sportsline Tonight

Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive line coach Bob Wylie will be our first guest on 620 CKRM's Sportsline program tonight at 6:05pm Mt. www.620ckrm.com . We'll be taking your calls at 936-6262 and toll free 1-866-767-0620 and emails at sportsline@620ckrm.com.


Then we'll take you inside the remaining two WHL Eastern Conference playoff series with Swift Current Broncos colour commentator Tim Tisdale (pictured above courtesy cbc.ca) and Saskatoon Blades colour commentator Dave Thomas (pictured below courtesy 92.9 The Bull).

Please join us tonight!

The Monday Morning Goalie

Thoughts from a blogger with lots of time to think about things to blog about......

- Yah, the fans in Chicago really hated the fighting in the United Centre last night. Check out the Hawks-Canucks hilites this morning.

- Ryan Holfeld made 22 saves to give his Medicine Hat Tigers a 3-0 win over visiting Swift Current, forcing a Game 7 tomorrow in S.C. in that first round WHL series. This series has already gone on way longer than I thought it would, but now it's down to a one game showdown. Who wins? It's 50/50.

- An impressive crowd of 7480 watched Game 5 of the Blades and Hurricanes Saturday in the Credit Union Centre. Bravo Saskatoon! But now the Blades look to stave off elimination as they visit Lethbridge tonight down 3-2 in the series. Shaw/Access has the broadcast at 7:00pm.

- This is the only time of year you'll hear the word "stave".

- We'll discuss each series tonight on CKRM's Sportsline. We've already got Blades colour guy Dave Thomas and we're hoping to get ahold of Broncos broadcaster Tim Tisdale today. We're also working on a guest from the Roughriders, but not to talk about the WHL playoffs.

- Every team I cheer for loses so I've stopped pulling for the Blades. Go Broncos! Just kidding. I don't want to be the jinx for any of these clubs. May the best teams win.

- Last week on The Monday Morning Goalie, we broke the story that Jordan Eberle was about to sign with the Oilers. This week the scoop is that Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco will be on TSN's Off The Record tomorrow. Some of his handlers asked me for some advice last week and I said "I'm the LAST guy to give advice for that show. Tell him to keep his hands up!"

- It's time to start thinking about your Stanley Cup playoff pool and the contenders. With profuse apologies to our friends in Calgary, I'm passing on the Flames. Kipper's gonna be too pooped for the post-season party. I've got my team(s), but for now, I'm not showing my cards.

- For some insane reason I was reading the fan comments on Greg Harder's Slapshots blog (told you I have too much time on my hands). These idiots say Jordan Eberle had a swollen head when he came back from World Juniors and let his teammates down in the second half. Excuse me? You guys really shouldn't speak. Some guy wrote that he's acting a lot like Jeff Friesen (I assume that's supposed to be bad?). Freeze just wrapped up a 14-year NHL career. We should all be so lucky.

And for the billet who wrote the players were playing for each other, in spite of management, well they did a pi$$ poor job of playing for anybody. Themselves, each other, the fans, whatever. When you play in spite of something, you get your act together and actually accompish something.

What's going to happen now? Beats me. Please don't ask 'cause I don't know.

- I heard Ebs on the radio last week being asked if the Pats will be better next year. "That's up to the players," was his reply. Here, here.

- And that was no shot at Harder by the way. I want to commend him right now for the stellar job he did on covering the Pats this year. He keeps the rest of us on our toes.

- I also want to take this opportunity to apologize to the guy whose meal I accidentally sneezed on Friday at Little Saigon restaurant as I was walking by. Sorry. I was too mortified to say anything at the time.

- The West Conference semifinals are set in the 'Dub. Vancouver vs Spokane, Kelowna vs Tri-City. If the Chiefs meet the Ams again, it may be worth a trip down there.

- We are truly blessed to be able to watch WHL playoff hockey on TV. Thank you Shaw and thank you Access!

- The SJHL needs a P-R guy. They're the only league that doesn't send their scores out nightly. Yah, we're lazy now and probably should go search 'em out but hey, everybody else is spoon-feeding us their results and it's become so easy to put together our sportscasts and blogs. The S-Jay used to send out their scores, but I guess not anymore. **EDIT - The SJHL's Mike Stackhouse got ahold of me and we're up and running with email alerts. My bad. And thanks to GX94 Yorkton's Clark Stork for the Jamie Fiessel audio. We're on top of it.

Melville's up 1-0 on Humboldt in the championship with Game 2 tomorrow in The Vault.

- The provincial Junior B championship is 1-1 between the Pilot Butte Storm and the Saskatoon Royals. Game 3 is tomorrow in Toontown.

- Our statistics show we've got lots of new readers to this blog, so thanks for coming by. Some have asked the definition of the blog. Well, it's short for "weblog" and is described as "an online diary, usually hosted by a third-party and appears in reverse chronological order."

So that's what this is; my online diary. It's morphed into the latest Roughrider and Pats news over the years and a place for Saskatchewan ex-patriate sports fans to gather but it always has been and always will be a place for me to get things off my chest that I can't otherwise do on the radio.

- How do you wash a ball cap? I dropped my Oilers Draft Day special in the muck yesterday and I'm not pleased. Is the dishwasher method for real?

- Did anybody watch Sportsnet Saturday night and see analysts Doug McLean, Mike Brophy and R.J. Broadhead sitting in Boston Pizza with huge schooners of beer and XL pizzas in front of them? Were they working? I was watching with the sound down so I don't know the whole story but man, that didn't look right.

- Why is everyone getting so hot and bothered about Chase Daniel? The college quarterback is on the Riders' neg list but is he NOT supposed to be NFL drafted this year? It doesn't look like he'll be here anytime soon but Rider fans are going nuts over the guy. I'll pay attention when he shows up at Mosaic Stadium. MAYBE that'll be around Labour Day, at the earliest.

- Overheard at my kid's birthday party Saturday: "I wish I had Access so I could go home and watch the Blades game tonight."

Here's a tip: If you don't have Access providing your cable, you're missing out big-time. We've got a strategic planning session for In The Huddle tomorrow. It's going to be large this year on Access 7.

- A quick check of the forecast calls for +2 all week in the Queen City and overnight lows of between minus-6 and minus-10. Not great, but better than what we've had.

- You wonder why we're wired to think negatively. Watch a hockey broadcast on TV. After EVERY goal they show the coach whose team just got scored on. Why not show the happy coach? It's a broadcasting industry staple. Doesn't matter if it's CBC, Shaw, TSN, Sportsnet or NBC. Watch for it.

- We had a 9th birthday party at "Regina's Fun Headquarters", the Best Western Seven Oaks Inn on Albert St. North on Saturday night. We even got a visit in our room from hotel owner Larry Bird. He, of course, is a former Roughrider and a Hall of Famer. It was impressive the Birdman came by. Great service, and the kids were impressed he starred for the Green & White.

- I'm bringing some heavy artillery to Swift Current for Saturday's Telus Cup Regionals banquet. My Dad, the Old Guy, is jumping in the Saturn Vue CKRM sports cruiser with Kenny Miller and me. He doesn't want to get near the mic, but he's up for a road trip. After 20 years in the NHL, he's got some good stories. It's going to be a fun night.

- I've never cracked a marketing book in my life but I've learned a lot in the field the past year or so. Here's an example of shoddy marketing:

Philadelphia Cream Cheese brags on its Onion dip container "20% less fat than the leading brand!"

Hey! I thought THEY were the leading brand? Now I want to go out and find the leading brand, and give it a try.

What a dumb thing to say. How about, "20% less fat than our competitors!"

- Representatives of the P.A. A&W Bears female midget AAA team thought it was a classy gesture by Swift Current Wildcats coach Terry Pavely to provide a game summary for this blog on the Bears' win in S.C. Saturday night, even though his team lost. Terry even wished them well in the female regionals. Nice touch.

- And lastly, NBC's Celebrity Apprectice hit a new low last night exploiting the alcoholism of Dennis Rodman in the name of ratings. As Donald said, "this is more sad than anything."

Yes, the Worm got fired, because he gets drunk everyday on vodka and cranberry juice. Not just drunk, but belligerent and uncontrollable. Riveting TV yes, but very, very sad as well. They tried to cover their butts by airing an Alcoholics Anonymous PSA at the end of the show.

Perhaps they should've offered him some assistance rather than shoving him in a cab?

Talk to you tonight..
RP

Sunday Sports

SASKATOON -- The Saskatoon Blades dropped their second straight game to the Lethbridge Hurricanes and will now be facing elimination on Monday night in Lethbridge.

The Blades surrendered the first goal of the game 5:44 into the first period when Colton Sceviour banged home a loose puck in the midst of a scramble in Braden Holtby's crease. Derek Hulak replied for the Blades at the 11:46 mark when his shot beat Juha Metsola high on the glove side.

Zach Boychuk scored his 6th goal of the series on a shorthanded effort with only 5 seconds remaining in the second period to give the Canes a 2-1 lead heading into the third period.

Kyle Beach scored his first goal of the series in the third period and the Blades could not find the answer to Metsola. The series now shifts to Lethbridge on Monday with the Hurricanes leading the series 3-2. The Blades, who were the best team on the road this season, will need a win to keep their season alive.
----

Spokane, March 28, 2009 - The Spokane Chiefs defeated the Seattle Thunderbirds 5-3 Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Arena in Game 5 of their first round playoff series.

With the win the Chiefs win the best-of-seven series 4- 1 and advance to the second round of the playoffs to face the Vancouver Giants.
----

KENNEWICK, WA - The Tri-City Americans worked their game plan to perfection on Saturday night in Kennewick, beating Everett 6-1. By doing so, they advanced to the Western Conference Semi-Finals for the second straight year.

With the first round series complete, Tri-City will now turn their attention to the Kelowna Rockets, who swept their opening round series with the Kamloops Blazers 4 games to 0.

Games 1 and 2 are set for this Friday, April 3rd and Saturday, April 4th at Toyota Center. Game times are 7:05 p.m. The Americans and Rockets split their four-game season series, with each team winning both of their games on home ice. Tickets are set to go on sale starting on Monday, March 30th at 10:00 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets, including all Fred Meyer locations, online at ticketmaster.com or at the Toyota Center box office. Those unable to make it to the game can catch all the action live on NewsTalk 870 AM, starting with the Sterling Savings Bank Warm-up Show at 6:45 p.m.
----

"The Prince Albert A & W Bears completed their comeback from a 2-0 series deficit with a 4-1 win over the Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats in the fiftth and deciding game of the SFMAAAHL at the Credit Union iplex.  The large crowd in attendance was treated to an entertaining game that was tied 1-1 with ten minutes left in the final frame.  The Bears scored two goals in a one minute span to take control of the game late in the third period and added an empty netter to seal the deal and punch their ticket to the west regional playoff against the Westman Wildcats in Hartney, Manitoba.  The Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats would like to congratulate the Bears on their championship and wish them good luck in the western regional series.

Terry Pavely"
----

Canada is leaving the world women's curling championship empty-handed. Defending champion Jennifer Jones dropped a 7-6 decision to Denmark's Angelina Jensen in the bronze-medal game, making it the first time since 2005 that a Canadian team has
finished out of the top three.

Calgary goalie Miikka Kiprusoff (KIHP-roo-sawf) didn't have to work very hard to earn his league-leading 43rd win of the season. Kiprusoff was forced to make just 13 saves as the Calgary Flames beat the Minnesota Wild 3-2. Jamie Lundmark had a goal and an assist, while Eric Nystrom notched the game winner for Calgary.

San Jose, with a franchise-record 109 points, jumped two points ahead of Detroit in the race for the Presidents' Trophy. Tom Cavanagh netted his first N-H-L tally, and the Sharks moved back into first place in the league standings with a 3-2 win over the Phoenix Coyotes. Elsewhere, Montreal fell 4-3 in the shootout to Buffalo, Toronto lost 7-5 to Boston, and Ottawa was doubled by Atlanta 6-3.

The No. 4-seeded New Brunswick Varsity Reds will meet No. 3 Western Ontario Mustangs in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport hockey final. The V-Reds defeated the tournament host and No. 6-seeded Lakehead Thunderwolves 3-1 in Pool A to advance to the final. Earlier, the Mustangs scored five unanswered goals in the
third period to stun No. 2 Saint Mary's 7-2 in Pool B.

Villanova defeated Pittsburgh 78-76 and is headed back to the Final Four of the N-C-double-A men's basketball tournament for the first time since its run to the 1985 championship. Scottie Reynolds made a half-court dash for the game-winning shot with a half-second left. Earlier, freshman Kemba Walker scored 23 points as
Connecticut held off Missouri 82-75.

The Phoenix Suns lost ground on their bid for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Deron Williams scored seven of his 21 points in overtime, and the Utah Jazz rallied for a 104-99 victory over the Suns, who slipped to three and a half games behind Dallas for the final playoff spot in the Western standings.

Weekend Classifieds // CFL News

FOR SALE: The former 620 CKRM Sports Mobile. It's a 2007 Suzuki XL7, 7-passenger SUV. It's got only 38,000 KM on it. Thanks to Saturn of Regina, I don't need it anymore. For details, see 639 Auto Sales in Milestone, SK or click here:
http://www.639.ca/639vehicles/SUVs/unitc645.html
----

HELP WANTED: REGINA -- Mechanically inclined person to do detail cleaning work on tanning beds. Position is casual, temporary.
Phone Bob @ 539-0992

----

Check this site out:
http://www.atdhe.net/

You can thank me later! Actually, you can thank Gage Huber. He's the one who got me onto it. It'll be invaluable in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
----

For anybody who was at Lonsdale Boxing Club's Battle of the Prairies V last night at the Conexus Art Centre, what did you think of my co-announcer Johnny Mendonca (pronounced Mendosa)?

What a character this guy is!! He told me before the show he's announced about 5,000 boxing cards in his career and it showed.

A great time was had by all, and all the local Lonsdale boxers won all their bouts.


Photos courtesy my buddy Vinny Goodwin (pictured below).


----

Hey Rod, can you post this weekend's games please.

Provincial Senior A Championship Final - Shellbrook won game one 6-5 last weekend.

Game 2 Tonight - Shellbrook Elks @ Balgonie Bisons - 7:00pm
Game 3 Sunday - Balgonie Bisons @ Shellbrook Elks - 6:00pm (if necessary)

If anyone is still looking to watch some good hockey, come out and see over a dozen ex-WHL/pro players on these two teams.

Thanks Rod,
Chris Pollock
----


Plenty of big holes for Lions to plug; Expected -- and unexpected -- player losses have Leos on the hunt
The Vancouver Province
Byline: Lowell Ullrich

Roy Shivers may be the only 67-year-old CFL personnel guru wearing cornrows who thinks like players less than half his age, but it does not mean he can relate to all aspects of current culture.

The point is made specifically when it comes to rap music and watching hours of audition highlight tapes.

"Some of the tapes come with rap music, and I have to turn it up loud to keep me from going to sleep," Shivers said.

And the Lions director of player personnel is learning a lot a more about Eminem and Jay-Z these days. Shivers left his Las Vegas home Thursday bound for suburban Atlanta and what might arguably be described as the most critical set of tryout camps over the next eight weeks ever staged by the CFL team since Wally Buono's arrival seven seasons ago.

A planned housecleaning combined with key free-agent and option-year losses have left the Lions with significantly more holes than most of their rivals.

So they start the talent search Saturday in Suwanee, Ga., and continue in Dallas, Washington, D.C., Portland and Las Vegas, needing at least five starters before the July 3 regular-season opener.

How they fare will determine their success in the CFL season ahead.

Buono does not buy into such talk; he says the Lions would be competitive if the season started today.

But the Lions coach/GM does admit he must find a wide receiver, two linemen and a linebacker to push the backups that at this point will be thrust into starting spots at training camp June 7 in Abbotsford.

With the loss of Stefan Logan to the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, the Lions also have no clue at present as to who will be the starting tailback. It puts the heat on Shivers, but more so on Buono.

The list of free agents with CFL experience who could fill many of the holes is arguably at least worthy of debate (see chart), just as there is no shortage of players who would like a second chance.

"I would love 2 b a BC lion," wrote one free agent, former Montreal running back Jarrett Payton, in a recent email to The Province.

But the Lions have consistently stayed clear of veterans with potentially high price tags. They found Cam Wake two years ago. They'll find another.

"I said there would be changes in 2009," Buono said. "The only guys we didn't expect to lose were Stefan and Jamall Johnson (to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers). I'm not uncomfortable to change.

"I'm not going to be pressured into signing players just so it shows I'm doing my job; that's just succumbing to the pressure. If it costs me my job, fine, it served me well for 20 years. The guys that will make this team win are still here."

Still, even though the process of picking players literally off the street has served the Lions well, there's an element of risk. This year, that is mixed in with a sense of anticipation that is higher than years past.

A partial list of players the Lions have either ID'd, placed on their negotiation list or signed for training camp pending good showings in the weeks ahead is varied, according to league and club sources.

- Though they have lined up plenty of competition for Wake's rush end spot, the club is interested in looking at 6-foot-1, 230-pound Gary Butler of NCAA Division II California (Pa.)

- Martell Mallett, a 5-foot-11, 212-pounder who played collegiately at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, might join Amos Allen to contend for Logan's spot, but must first go through the NFL draft next month.

- At a massive 6-foot-6 and 355 pounds, four-year NFL veteran Qasim Mitchell would push Walter Stith as the replacement for departed left tackle Rob Murphy provided the Lions like his fitness.

To the Lions, it is proof they will survive the machete job done by Buono to nearly one-quarter of his starting lineup.

"We've got some people to replace but it's not as bad as you think," said Shivers, who admitted an increased resistance to sign some imports willing to wait for the likely 2010 return of the Arena League and startup United League this year.
"We've got to replace [Murphy] and Logan and we'll be able to come close." With that, it was back to the musical tapes.

- - -

ON THE MARKET
A list of holes on the Lions roster and free agents with CFL experience who could fill them:
Position - ex-Starter - Available
Running back - Stefan Logan - Jarrett Payton
Receiver - Jason Clermont - D.J. Flick, Pat Woodcock, Tony Miles, Matt Dominguez.
Defensive tackle - Tyrone Williams - Eddie Freeman, Devone Claybrooks
Defensive end - Cam Wake - Tom Canada
Linebacker - Jamall Johnson - Adrian Mayes, Michael Fletcher
O. Lineman - Rob Murphy - Mike Abou-Mechrek, Jude St. John
Special teams - Ian Smart - Keith Stokes
x-Lions plan to fill Clermont's spot with Paris Jackson and look for an outside receiver; y-Lions would need returner if Smart takes over for Logan.

WESTON DRESSLER: No. 2 retired by Bismarck

By STEVE THOMAS
Bismarck Tribune

A year out of college, Weston Dressler has been all-something or other in football at three different levels - high school, college and pro.

Monday night he moved into faster company still, joining Greg Eslinger. Eslinger, Bismarck High Class of 2001, became the first Demon to have his football number retired. Dressler, Class of 2003, became the second. His No. 2 will join Eslinger's "61" on display outside the BHS Karlgaard gym.

"I got to play with Greg. He had an amazing work ethic. ... He's the guy I looked up to. He worked so hard every day and in games he never gave up," Dressler said as the remnants of a crowd of about 150 milled about the Knaak Center.

Dressler is coming off a rookie of the year season in the Canadian Football League. Eslinger was drafted by the Denver Broncos of the NFL. They were teammates and all-state players on Bismarck's 2001 state championship team.

"We had two pro football players on the team when we won in 2001," BHS assistant football coach Dale Colby said. "That's phenomenal. ... Name another (high school) team that had two pro players."

Athletic director Jim Haussler started off the evening by reading a host of accolades by Dressler's former BHS coaches. Then he tacked on one of his own.

"How can you be that good and that humble?" Haussler asked. "It's a product of good parenting (with a nod to Rick and Val Dressler) ... hard work, perseverance and commitment."

"Weston has had a huge impact on Bismarck athletics well beyond the time he spent here," Haussler added.

A film presentation filled with touchdowns and eye-popping catches followed. Dressler took the podium for that last one-third of the 50-minute number retirement ceremony.

"I can't tell you how much this means to me," Dressler said as he acknowledged a standing ovation.

Dressler was a three-time all-stater in high school. He scored 40 touchdowns and rushed for 2,139 yards as a senior.

He recalled his sophomore year - "having the opportunity to win a state championship" - and his state runner-up senior year "we'd come together and were able to win a lot of games. ... Being part of that was something special."

Dressler's UND career was equally spectacular. He won All-American recognition 14 times over and left campus in possession of 19 school records. He was twice a finalist for the Harlon Hill Award.

Ironically, his star-studded college career was followed by the low point of his football career.

"On testing day I thought things went really well, and I expected a call (at the conclusion of the NFL draft)," Dressler said.

The call, and its accompanying free agent offer, never came.

"That was one of the hardest days of my career on a personal level," he said. "... I sat there and waited and the phone never rang."

However, when that door closed, another opened.

"I was fortunate enough to go to the Canadian Football League. ... I had a blast up there last year," Dressler said.

That blast consisted of 56 catches for 1,123 yards and six touchdowns. Dressler became the first Saskatchewan Roughrider rookie ever to surpass 1,000 yards in receiving, and the first rookie to be voted most popular player by the team's fans.

Dressler closed out the evening by passing out some accolades of his own.

Among the recipients were his parents: "They've done everything for me. ... I can't express how thankful I am for that they've done for me."

His brothers, Travis and Ryan: "The greatest supporters a person can have."

His high school linemen: "I accept this (honor) on behalf of our offensive line ... on behalf of the whole team," he said, spotting former BHS linemen Randy Danielson and Josh Obrigewitch in the crowd.

UND assistant coach Tim Belmore, also in attendance:"I owe him everything I know about being a receiver."

Dressler's number may be retired, but he's looking ahead to bigger and better things. He said he'd love to present the Saskatchewan fans with a Grey Cup championship.

If the opportunity presents itself, Dressler said he'd relish the opportunity to prove himself in the NFL. If not, there will be no tears.

"From what I experienced last year (in Canada) I would be content with that as long as I play football," he said.

The Knaak Center may not be a track, basketball court or stadium, but Dressler said Monday night was one for the books, regardless.

"It was a great night," he said.

Pats Blowout Sale

Check out the Regina Pats Neutral Zone Store this weekend for excellent deals on Pats merchandise. Such as:

- Game worn jerseys as low as $50
- Replica jerseys at or below cost
- Reebok hats $10
- Up to 50% off apparel
- Enter to win great prizes

Hours are 12:00 - 6:00pm on the East end concourse at the Brandt Centre!

Champions

The Notre Dame Hounds have become good friends of this blog and have forwarded another photo of their SMAAAHL championship team from last night.....

And more champs:

"Hi Rod...would you mind mentioning the team photo that Karissa Hanson took of the Novice Tier I championship game at Emerald Park Communiskate Rink (30 out of 37 in her album). The PS Lightning won the B-side, then defeated the PS Thunder in 2 games for the A-side.
Over the next 6-8 years or so, there's a good chance that these boys will be teammates many times. To see them all pose for a photo after the chamionship game shows great friendship and sportmanship among the players, coaches and parents.

Congratulations to them all.

Kelly Markwart"

Friday Rodservations

The testosterone will be flowing here in the Queen City tonight...

I'll be announcing the Lonsdale Boxing Club's Battle of the Prairies V, Olympic-style boxing, at the Conexus Art Centre tonight at 8:00pm. Tickets are still available at the CAC box office.

And tonight at the Turvey Centre, there's an Ultimate Martial Arts Championship cage-fight with an impressive lineup of fighters.

I see in the newspaper that the City of Vancouver has outlawed these types of events (MMA, UMA, UFC), but hey, here in Regina we'll gladly pay to watch you beat somebody's brain in. Or vice versa.

It's surprising that Lonsdale Boxing Club guru Frank Fiacco invited me back to be the ring announcer after my gaaffe at last year's Canada-France event at Conexus. Remember that one? They stopped the first bout early, but I'd been visiting with the guys in the front row and didn't see who won. I climbed into the ring and announced the WRONG winner! Frank was even the ref of that match and looked like he was going to kill me.

Fortunately they've forgiven and forgotten and the Fiacco family continues to treat me like gold.

Should be good times tonight.
----

That was embarrassing, but one of the most tenous moments in my broadcasting career came during a soldout pro boxing card at a jam-packed Agridome back in 1998. It was something like the "Thunder On The Prairies" or "Thunder In The Dome" event and it was a card of all First Nations Canadians against all-caucasian Americans.

The racial tension in the building was dangerously electric and it was an uneasy feeling sitting at ringside calling the blow-by-blow with my colour commentator, former heavyweight champ Ken Lakusta.

We got through the first five fights okay but during a live segment at the intermission, Lakusta and I were doing a wrap of the first half when a plastic spotlight filter caught fire directly over my head. I was trying to do the commentary, but hot melting plastic was dripping from the spotlight and scalded my hand and burned holes in the pants of my tuxedo. I've still got the scars.

Finally I couldn't take it anymore and jumped up and screamed "WHAT THE????????" all on live television.

Then in the heavyweight main event, I'll never forget the native Canadian guy's name, Albert Shingoose. He was about 275 lbs with his hair shaved in a mohawk (long before that was in style). He was jumping around the ring screaming racial slurs at his opponent, a pro boxer from Las Vegas, prior to the bell. I was beginning to think none of us were going to make it out alive -- like Mr. Shingoose was going to kill everything in his path.

But we got through it. My heart's racing just thinking of it.
----

The Western Hockey League may be regretting its decision to implement video replay and have Shaw TV televise its playoff games.

The league has issued an apology to Saskatoon Blades coach and GM Lorne Molleken for blowing an offside Wednesday night which led to the tying goal by Lethbridge's Zack Boychuk. The Hurricanes went on to win 2-1 and tie the series up 2-2 heading back to Saskatoon for Saturday's Game 5 at the Credit Union Centre.

According to Saskatoon Star Phoenix writer Corey Wolfe, the missed call came to light after Shaw TV showed five or six replays of the blown call. Mooner didn't know about it until he was called by friends after the game.

Maybe the league would have liked it better when all the missed-calls were in fact missed because there's no video or television replay? Everybody in Saskatoon saw this one courtesy Shaw TV. Back in the day, fans listening on the radio only could take the radio broadcasters' word for it and then we'd wind up being called whiners and homers EVEN THOUGH WE WERE RIGHT.

Speaking of, I spoke to folks in Saskatoon today who said the Blades have requested the media stop talking about the blown call for fear the team will be made to look like whiners.

What if the series changes and the Hurricanes come out on top because of that turning point?

I suppose it can be chalked up to human error. Clearly the linesman wouldn't have made the call on purpose. Or would he? Who was he? Where's he from?

Funny how the officiating doesn't matter as much to you when you don't care who wins.

----

Swift Current hosts Medicine Hat tonight in Game 5 with that series tied up 2-2.

I've still got the Broncos to win the series. I predicted the Blades would win too, but the officials may end up muddling that prognostication up.
----

The Notre Dame Hounds have repeated as Saskatchewan Midget AAA champions. They completed a sweep of the Beardy's Blackhawks with an 8-1 rout last night in Game 3 of the best-of-5.

Next up for the Hounds is the Telus Cup Regionals in Swift Current next weekend where they will join the Winnipeg Wild, Thunder Bay and the host Swift Current Legionnaires for the right to go to the Telus Cup National Championship.

I'll be in Swift Current next weekend too, along with Rider coach Ken Miller as we've been asked to come speak at the Regionals banquet. Kenny's going to give his Good to Great presentation while I'll give my Finish The Job address. Both are motivational speeches.

I'm looking forward to talking to those AAA teams and I know Kenny is too.
----

And speaking of that speaking engagement in Swift, my dancecard for the spring is now full.

With tonight's boxing event, a luncheon next week, the Ducks Unlimited fundraising dinner in May, and a few others I can't remember now, I've got my fill of public speaking events for the year.
----

Several of you are clamouring for CFL news and are coming here for it.

Sorry to say, there just isn't anything going on right now.
----

However the 2009 Rider pocket schedules are out. That's exciting. You can get yours at Mosaic Stadium.

----

Rumour has it the new Gold's Gym opens today on Pasqua St., the former home of Carm Carteri's Regina Court & Fitness.

Someone from Gold's got a message to me yesterday saying, "ditch the Lawson and come over to Gold's!"

They're going to have to come to the table to make that happen. Since I'm one Big Mac away from being obese, I like working out with senior citizens rather than the hip, young, toned crowd.

But hey, I can be convinced otherwise. Let's talk.
----

Here are some interesting sports notes courtesy The Canadian Press:

Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau is accusing the media of blowing Alex Ovechkin's 50th goal celebration out of proportion. Ovechkin celebrated by putting his stick on the ice and pretending it was too hot to touch. The Capitals host Tampa Bay tonight -- the first meeting between the clubs since Ovechkin's milestone goal.

N-H-L commissioner Gary Bettman says moving the Phoenix Coyotes is not on the table. The team is actively seeking investors or possibly new ownership, after losing a reported 200-million dollars U-S since 2001. The Coyotes are expected to lose another 30-million this season. Bettman says they're talking to a number of people, but there's no sense of urgency.

It's third place in the round robin for Canada's Jennifer Jones at the women's world curling championships. She'll face Sweden in the three-four Page playoff match Saturday.

Houston Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada is the first high-profile player convicted of a crime stemming from baseball's steroids era. Tejada was sentenced to one year of probation and 100 hours of community service for misleading U-S Congress about the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
----

I've got the green light from the Canadian Press to publish full Sportsbreaks like the one above on this blog three or four times daily. Would any readers be interested in me doing that?
----

Have a sensational weekend,
RP

/=S=/ Deals!

Spring sale at the Rider Store!

Get up to 65% off on your favourite merchandise. Don’t let these great deals pass you by.

The Rider Store is preparing for the upcoming season, and now is your last chance to save big on great 2008 merchandise.

While supplies last the Rider Store has Mens and Ladies clothing, including tee shirts, rugby shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and much more! All at low sale prices. Youth and kids clothing are also on sale.

With something for everyone, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect gift for the Rider fan in the family!

Visit the Rider Store at Mosaic Stadium and the Northgate Mall Locations.

Funny

Simply The Best

TSN's Brian Williams, the dean of Olympic broadcasting, wowed the crowd at last night's U of R Cougar fundraising dinner at Queensbury Centre in Regina.

I've been in this business coming up on 20 years and in that time I've met a lot of quality broadcasters but last night it was reaffirmed; Brian Williams is the best, bar none.

There's not enough "O's" in smooth to describe this lifelong Torontonian. Below are some photos from the night. That Cougar dinner is easily the finest sports dinner in Regina annually, in terms of entertainment.

Brian Williams this year, Brian Burke last year, Ron MacLean the year before that. They all end up telling Don Cherry stories so maybe next year the U of R should look at bringing in Grapes himself?? That would be great.

Thanks for coming to Regina Brian, and thanks for the kind words.

Caesar, a regular poster on this blog, poses with Brian. Sorry about the blurry photo CZR!

Brian and me... Man do I ever look like Shrek here.

My table crew: Team Molson.

The evening started with the rodpedersen.com blog party at the Press Box. Can you spot who's who??

----

WHL Conference Quarter-finals Wednesday Scoreboard

East
Calgary 4 Edmonton 1
(Calgary wins series 4-0)

Lethbridge 2 Saskatoon 1
(Series tied 2-2)

Brandon 4 Kootenay 3
(Brandon wins series 4-0)

Medicine Hat 5 Swift Current 3
(Series tied 2-2)

West
Vancouver 3 Prince George 2
(Vancouver wins series 4-0)

Tri-City 4 Everett 2
(Tri-City leads series 2-1)

Kelowna 5 Kamloops 3
(Kelowna wins series 4-0)

Spokane 3 Seattle 2
(Spokane leads series 3-1)
----

The total number of crimes reported in Regina last year was the lowest in a decade.

Criminal code offences totalled just under 22,000 -- almost 27% lower than the total in 1999.

Overall, crime in the city has been decreasing steadily each year since 2004.

Numbers last year were down in many categories including car theft, residential burglary, assaults and sexual assaults

Figures were higher for business break and enters, and mischief.

So far this year, Regina Police have been dealing with an increase in crimes relating to prostitution.

Police Chief Troy Hagen said prostitution is being given a higher priority when it comes to enforcement.
(620 CKRM News)
----

The Prince Albert Bears beat the Swift Current Wildcats 4-1 last night in Prince Albert to force a fifth game in the best of five series to decide the SFMAAAHL champion. The Bears scored two powerplay goals and sealed the deal with an empty-net goal with just over a minute remaining. Game five will go Saturday night in Swift Current at the Credit Union iplex. Puck drop is 7:30pm.
----

PJHL CHAMPIONSHIP SKED

Pilot Butte Storm Vs. Saskatoon Royals

Best of Seven Series

Game 1
Friday, March 27, 2009
8:00 PM
Pilot Butte Rec Centre

Game 2
Sunday, March 29, 2009
6:00 PM
Pilot Butte Rec Centre

Game 3
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
7:30 PM
Latrace Arena – Saskatoon

Game 4
Thursday, April 2, 2009
8:15 PM
Schroh Arena – Saskatoon

Game 5
Sunday, April 5, 2009
7:30 PM
Communiplex – White City

Game 6
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
7:30 PM
Latrace Arena – Saskatoon

Game 7
Friday, April 10, 2009
8:15 PM
Communipex – White City
----

VANCOUVER - The B.C. Lions signed all-star linebacker Javier Glatt to a contract extension through the 2010 season Wednesday.

"I am very excited to see Javier at training camp this year, "Lions head coach/GM Wally Buono said in a statement. "I know he has been working very hard on his quickness and conditioning which will help his game tremendously."

B.C. selected Glatt in the second round, 15th overall, in the 2003 CFL Canadian college draft. Last season, he posted a club-high 88 tackles that left him fourth overall among CFL defenders.

He also had two interceptions, a fumble recovery and two sacks en route to being named a CFL all-star.

"I am pleased to get this deal done," said Glatt. "I know from a personal standpoint I have a very large chip on my shoulder as do my teammates.

`This is going to be an exciting season for our club and our fans."
(The Canadian Press)
----

The blogger.com host website will be down for maintenance Thursday afternoon, so there will be no new updates from this blog until Friday.

Cheers,
RP

It's Eb-Err-LEE! // Stars Make A Sask Kid's Day

It drove me up the wall TWICE yesterday. Two seperate sports announcers - on Sportsnet and on Shaw - referred to Regina Pats/Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle as Jordan "Eberlay."

Come on guys! Didn't you watch the World Juniors?? Gord Miller and Pierre McGuire got it right the whole tournament.

One more time ... it's EB-ERR-LEE.

I don't want him to go through his career being called the wrong name like other guys have. Did you know Joe Sakic is actually Joe Sack-itch?
----

WHL Conference Quarterfinal Scores from Tuesday:
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Saskatoon 3 Lethbridge 1
(Saskatoon leads series 2-1)

Brandon 4 Kootenay 3 (OT)
(Brandon leads series 3-0)

Swift Current 5 Medicine Hat 2
(Swift Current leads series 2-1)

Western Conference
Vancouver 3 Prince George 2 (OT)
(Vancouver leads series 3-0)

Kelowna 3 Kamloops 2 (OT)
(Kelowna leads series 3-0)

Spokane 5 Seattle 1
(Spokane leads series 2-1)
----

Lynch, I know you're reading this. Starbucks at 9:15am today?

See you there.
----

Vancouver 5 Dallas 2.

It looks like the Stars are bound to miss the playoffs. Grrrrrroannnnnnn. And so goes the winter of 2009.

Blah.
----

The Stars may be struggling without their top stars but they still made a Saskatchewan kid's day.

Last week in Calgary the Stars hosted a friend of mine's little cousin, Walker, at their game against the Flames. Walker lost his Dad here locally this winter. They were both huge Stars fans. Here's a note from my friend Dustin, and a few photos from the Saddledome:

Hi Rod,

If you have a minute take a peek at the album I posted from the Calgary trip with my cousin and her son Walker. You played a vital part in making the day very special for everyone. That jersey he got was from you getting the story to the right people (GM Les Jackson!)!

Dave Tippett himself phoned my cousin on game day to offer his condolences on the loss of her husband and vowed to make it a night to remember for Walker. After the game he got to go into the dressing room and get autographs, pictures with the players, and Mike Modano gave him an autographed stick that he had used the previous night in Vancouver. Such a tremendous amount of compassion and generosity shown by the Stars organization, it was truly one of those moments in life that makes you realize dreams can come true.

Thanks again from myself, my family, and of course my cousin and her son for chipping in to make the day extra special for him!

Dustin

That's the autographed jersey from the Stars Walker will have to grow into....

Walker and his Mom wait for the Stars after the game..........

What a thrill! Walker meets Stars captain Brendan Morrow outside the Stars' locker room.

Glad you guys had a good time! And thanks to the Stars. That's why I love 'em.
RP
----

TSN's Brian Williams is the keynote speaker at tonight's U of R Cougar Athletic Awards at Queensbury.

50 bucks to anybody who jumps up and yells "Brian! What time is it in Newfoundland??!!" in the middle of his speech!

Just kidding. I don't have $50.

There's a rumour we'll be congregating at the Press Box before the dinner for a warmup.
----

CALGARY - The Calgary Stampeders have signed non-import punter Burke Dales, the club announced Tuesday.

Dales initially joined the Stampeders in 2005 and spent four seasons with the club before becoming a free agent after Calgary's 2008 championship season.

VANCOUVER - All-star defensive lineman Aaron Hunt has signed a contract extension with the B.C. Lions that will keep him with the CFL club through the 2011 season.

In 53 games career games, he has recorded 28 sacks and 89 defensive tackles. His 11 sacks last season was the second-best total in the CFL, trailing only former teammate Cam Wake.
(Canadian Press)
----

And lastly, and I do mean lastly, there's word of a trash talking male figure skater.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/090324/sports/fskate_world_can_fra_chan_joubert_1

Ohhhhh-kay. Whatever you say.
----

Have a great day,
RP

Printers to Bombers? Yes or No?

I'm trying to figure out new Blue Bomber coach Mike Kelly, but am having some difficulty. Check out this article in today's Winnipeg Free Press:

Winnipeg Free Press
Byline: Ed Tait

He's been labelled a clubhouse cancer and a prima donna. And if you were to paint a picture to best describe quarterback Casey Printers' days with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, it would almost certainly involve a mushroom cloud, an enormous crater and several kilometres of scorched earth.

And now, just a few weeks after vehemently denying any interest in his services, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are tap-dancing around weekend reports emanating from a Vancouver radio station that Printers is suddenly in their plans.
"It's beyond me how this story has taken on a life of its own," head coach Mike Kelly said from San Diego, where the Bombers conducted a free-agent tryout camp on the weekend. "Right now, we're just looking for good players (the club has two more camps scheduled in the next month). These are open tryouts. Joe Montana might walk out and say, 'Hey, I want to throw the ball around' and we'll say, 'OK, let's see what you got.'
"I can't turn anybody away from these workouts."

That may be true, but despite his considerable skill set and his glowing credentials -- Printers was the CFL's Most Outstanding Player in 2004 -- the Bombers have until this point repeatedly spit out a polite "no thanks" when his name popped up in recent weeks. They vehemently denied interest in him in January when rumours surfaced that Printers would be traded to the Bombers for Kevin Glenn. And last month, when Printers was cut adrift by the Ticats, the Bombers took a pass on him as well.

But asked Monday if Printers could be in the Bombers' future, Kelly said:
"I don't know how to answer that. But circumstances have changed. We can use Kevin Glenn as an example. Hamilton wasn't willing to accept the contract Kevin already had. So, once a trade agreement was not able to be reached, we cut him free (and he subsequently signed in Hamilton). Now we're in a situation where I think Casey would be more attractive to the other seven teams in the league because he doesn't have the contract anymore."

"I've never coached Casey, I've never spoken with Casey, I don't know Casey. If Casey comes out to our camp, well, I'd be cheating myself, I'd be cheating Casey and I'd be cheating the organization by not at least keeping an open mind about guys."

"There has not been one word of negotiation with Casey. I've never talked to his agent," Kelly said. "If he shows up (at a free-agent camp), I'll toss him a ball that says 'CFL' on the side of it and I'll say, 'Throw it to that guy.' And if he throws it to the wrong guy, then maybe he's not what we're looking for."

Pressed further for an acknowledgment that Printers at least appears to be a bigger blip on the Bombers' radar screen, Kelly soft-shoed around that question with: "I'm not even ready to go there yet. I would say if we're on the field and the gate is open, he's welcome to walk through the gate and come out on the field with us. After that, it's pure speculation."

"I just find it bizarre we're even having this long a conversation about it."

Big D On Sportsline

As usual, wide receiver Matt Dominguez was an engaging and insightful guest on 620 CKRM's Sportsline program last night.

The Austin, Texas product was released by the Saskatchewan Roughriders this off-season but continues to workout and make community appearances on behalf of the team in the hopes he'll be signed to a contract for lesser money prior to the 2009 season.

As it stands however, Dominguez hasn't spoken with the club in some time.

"Not since the day I was released," Dominguez told us. "I had a conversation with (head coach) Ken Miller and there's some things I have to go through in regards to physical testing and route-running and things like that. It will be an evaluation period."

Dominguez has battled serious knee injuries in his time in the NFL and CFL, but he says he feels better now than he has in years.

"I took the last six weeks of the year off and it was probably the best thing that I've done football-wise in terms of rehab. I just let myself rest. And now I feel no pain, no twinges, no catching, none of those things. And it really just took me not to push it. You're taught to play through it, play through it, play through it but once the season was over and I let it rest, and now it feels great."

Dominguez is optimistic for the Green & White heading into 2009 with Darian Durant at quarterback. He says things changed significantly last year when Michael Bishop was brought in just prior to Labour Day.

"I don't think the playbook changed, it was the guy throwing the ball. It's harder to completely change everything on the fly so you try to do things to suit people's abilities. But you can only tell a guy so many times 'if this is the coverage, then this is where the ball goes'. If he doesn't do it, he doesn't do it. I told (wide receiver) Weston Dressler before he left after the season, 'look, you're not going to have a guy just throw the ball as far as he can anymore. You're gonna have to run some routes next year'."

The complete Dominguez interview, which lasts 45 minutes, will be available for download later today at http://www.620ckrm.com/Archives.php.
----

The Roughriders have sold 1,000 season tickets over the past week, since they went on sale to the public. That brings the club's total to 18,000 season tickets which does not include corporate sales or flexpacks.

That is ahead of last year's pace at this time.
----

Dear Abby,

I have never written to you before, but I really need your advice.

I have suspected for some time now that my wife has been cheating on me. The usual signs; phone rings but if I answer, the caller hangs up.

My wife has been going out with 'the girls' a lot recently although when I ask their names she always says, just some friends from work, you don't know them.

I try to stay awake and look out for her when she comes home, but I usually fall asleep. Anyway, I have never broached the subject with my wife. I think deep down I just did not want to know the truth, but last night she went out again and I decided to finally check on her. Around midnight, I hid in the garage behind my hockey equipment so I could get a good view of the whole street when she arrived home from
a night out with 'the girls.'

When she got out of the car she was buttoning up her blouse, and she took her panties out of her purse and slipped them on.

It was at that moment, crouching behind my hockey gear, that I noticed a hairline crack where the blade meets the graphite shaft on my new graphite one piece hockey stick.

Is this something I can fix myself or should I take it back to the pro-shop where I bought it?

Mike

Champions!

The Regina Grade 7 Girls Hornets -- champions of the Jeff Jurgens Memorial Tournament in Glasgow, MT this weekend!

CFL.ca Survey

Have you filled this out yet?

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=MoltMqF8Y9yc0s84Ax5Uew_3d_3d

Pats Weekly

Eberle Signs:
The Edmonton Oilers were pleased to announce today that they have signed their 1st round pick from the 2008 NHL Entry draft, Jordan Eberle. The 22nd overall pick inked a standard entry level 3-year contract and will report to the Oilers American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Falcons this week. Eberle lead the Pats this season in goals (35), points (74), power play goals (12), shorthanded goals (3) and game winning goals (9).

California Dreamin’:
Colten Teubert and Linden Rowat have spent the past week with the Ontario Reign of the ECHL. The California team is an affiliate of Los Angeles Kings for which both Rowat and Teubert are drafted by. In three games, Teubert has picked up and assist, and in his first ever professional start, Rowat let in four goals in a 4-2 loss to the Phoenix Roadrunners. They are teammates of former Pat Tim Kraus.

Bartley in Providence:
Regina Pats captain, Victor Bartley signed a tryout contract with the Providence Bruins and has played three games with the American Hockey League club is a -1 and has 2 minutes in penalties.

Guhle still going:
Regina Pats prospect, goaltender Dawson Guhle, had helped the Sherwood Park J. Ennis Kings to the AMHL final where they are currently tied at 1 game apiece with the Calgary Buffaloes. Guhle was the top goaltender in the AMHL during the regular season with 14 wins and a 2.02 GAA.

Hounds in the final.....again:
A couple of Pat prospects are currently playing with the Notre Dame Hounds in the SMAAAHL final. Drew George has 10 points in 7 playoff games, while Lucas Froese has 9 points in 7 playoff games. The Hounds opponents in the finals are the Beardy’s Blackhawks which has another Pat prospect in defenceman Matt Hildebrandt.

Weal up for rookie of the year honours:
It began with the WHL's player of the week award in the first week of the season, and from there Jordan Weal turned his freshman campaign into one of the top rookie seasons in the league this year. Weal was tops on the Pats in assists and second in scoring. He was also 2nd in the WHL in rookie scoring and tied for 1st in rookie assists.

Upcoming Schedule:
April 2 – 19 World U-18 Hockey Championships Fargo/Moorhead N.D.
April 29th WHL Awards luncheon Edmonton
April 30th WHL Bantam Draft Edmonton
----

CALGARY, AB – The Western Hockey League announced today that former General Manager of the Kamloops Blazers, Bob Brown, is the recipient of the 2008-09 WHL Governors Award.

The WHL Governors Award is presented annually to individuals who, though their outstanding service as a builder of the League and achievements in the game, have contributed to the growth and development of the WHL.

In 10 years as General Manager from 1986 to 1995, Bob Brown developed the Kamloops Blazers into one of the most successful franchises in Western Hockey League history. In just 10 WHL seasons, Brown led the Blazers to seven WHL Division titles; four WHL Championships and three Memorial Cup Championships (1992, 1994 and 1995). During his tenure with Kamloops Brown was responsible for appointing some of the most successful Head Coaches in WHL history in Tom Renney and Don Hay. Brown also assembled a strong scouting staff that saw the Kamloops Blazers acquire players such as Jarome Iginla, Darryl Sydor, Darcy Tucker and Scott Niedermayer just to name a few.

A two time recipient of the WHL Executive of the Year Award in 1990-91 and 1993-94, Bob Brown built the Kamloops Blazers into a major junior hockey powerhouse in the 1990’s and he is regarded by his peers as one of the most successful General Managers in Canadian Hockey League history. Bob Brown is currently in his seventh season as a scout with the Edmonton Oilers.

“Bob Brown will always be regarded as one of the most successful General Managers in WHL history,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “Bob was responsible for building a dynasty in the 1990’s with the Kamloops Blazers and his record of three Memorial Cup Championships in four seasons may never be matched again in the WHL.”

The WHL Governors Award, first awarded by the WHL in 2004-05, is the highest honour bestowed on an individual by the WHL Board of Governors. Previous recipients were: Bill Hunter, Scotty Munro and Jim Piggott (2007-08); Bob Cornell (2006-07); Jack McLeod (2005-06); Pat Ginnell, Ernie McLean, Bill Hicke and Del Wilson (2004-05).

Eberle On Sportsline Tonight

The Edmonton Oilers made it official today, signing Jordan Eberle to an entry level contract.

We'll discuss it with Jordan tonight on 620 CKRM's Sportsline at 6:05pm MT www.620ckrm.com.

Some quotes from Jordan courtesy 620 CKRM's Tom Vernon and Craig Wallebeck:

"It's a little bit of work paid off, but you know, it's just a step to where I want to be, and obviously it's a big step."
 
"It's tough to say, a guy my size I need to get bigger and stronger, and it's something I'm focussed on.  Obviously I think my goal is gonna be to be there next year, but if that doesn't happen, it's not going to be a disappointment because I have a great thing to fall back on with another year with the Pats, and hopefully another World Juniors."
 
"It's funny as it sounds, but you've got to give a lot of credit to those guys too.  I mean, obviously, a lot of the guys, you know Teubert, Rowat, Leffler, guys who have been there for a while, Delahay, you know that's I've played with.  A lot of the hard work I've put in, they've contributed too."

The Monday Morning Goalie

The Edmonton Oilers will hold a news conference this morning at Rexall Place in Edmonton at which time it's expected the team will announce the signing of first round pick Jordan Eberle.

Eberle's been sitting in Edmonton since the Pats season ended, working out the details of his contract before joining the Oilers' AHL affiliate in Springfield.

The signing of the contract will allow Ebs to turn pro and it also will fuel speculation of whether or not the proud Reginan will be back with the Pats next season.

Please discuss...
----

Yesterday on the blog we posed the question, "do Reginans care about the WHL playoffs since the Pats are out?"

A few blog readers weighed in on the discussion and left comments. Personally, I never thought for a second people might NOT be interested. Maybe they are, maybe they aren't.

But this blog will continue to follow the 'Dub playoffs because that's what we're interested in and as far as CKRM radio goes, it's the only station giving all the results in town and somebody has to.

Plus we're in ratings and we're airing a WHL Playoff Report sponsored by Double T Grocers in Qu'Appelle every day at 5:09 pm so I have to keep my head in the game.

----

Speaking of:

CALGARY - Carson McMillan scored eight minutes into overtime to lead the Calgary Hitmen to a 2-1 win over the Edmonton Oil Kings in Western Hockey League playoff action Sunday afternoon.

McMillan tipped Paul Postma's point shot past Edmonton goalie Torrie Jung, who finished the game with 54 saves, including nine in overtime.

With the win, the Hitmen took a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarter-final series against the Oil Kings, who will host the next three games in Edmonton tonight, Wednesday and Friday.
(The Canadian Press)
----

Don't worry, we'll still have our CFL coverage.

The Riders' Matt Dominguez will be on 620 CKRM's Sportsline tonight at 6:05pm live at Capital Ford Lincoln. http://www.620ckrm.com/ to listen live if you're out of the range of our signal.

----

One more from CKRM:

Newsman Roger Currie spoke with Brendan Taman last week and as of Friday, "The Beav" had yet to speak with Rider President Jim Hopson about potential employment with the /=S=/.

----

Happy birthday today to Willy Cole, Elaine Poley, Cassie Dumba, and the youngest Pedersen in our house!

Some very special people were born on this date over the years.

----

In case you were wondering, Pats coach Dale Derkatch owns the following WHL playoff records:

Most career assists - 73
Most career points - 103
Most assists in one season's playoff - 41
Most points in one season's playoff - 53
Most assists in one playoff game - 7
And his 7 points in one playoff game are one behind record-holders Dave Chartier and Alfie Turcotte.

And you wonder how much it's killing the Rat to be out of the WHL post-season this year?

----

14 people were killed, seven children, in Sunday's plane crash near Butte, Montana.

Hasn't the start of 2009 been just absolutely dreadful? Plane crashes, bus crashes, helicopter crashes, boat overturns, all of them fatal.

Enough already!

Same goes for the weather. Folks across the prairies woke up to snow again today, and minus-temperatures.

Couple that with the woes of the Pats and the Riders, and it's been almost unbearable around here.

----

Weird. Glasgow, Montana is the same distance from Regina as Prince Albert and yet it seems like it's a whole other world away.

Their accents sound like they're from Texas, they write checks for everything from a pack of gum to a case of beer (30 for $19.99), but they are almost unfailingly friendly.

But we were warned to stay out of the Montana Bar. The boys there like to pick fights with out-of-towners. I wasn't too confident with Darren Szabo watching my back.

The Hornets Grade 7 girls won by the way, 43-18 over the host Glasgow Scotties. Pictures to come.

----

The Milky Way opened on Saturday.

----

The Ottawa Senators have won nine of their past 10 games.

What exactly did Cory Clouston do?

----

Results from Sunday's Game 1 of the Sask Midget AAA Championship Series

Notre Dame Hounds 11
Beardys Blackhawks 0

Game 2 Tuesday March 24 7:30 pm at Beardys
Game 3 Thursday March 26 7:30 pm at Notre Dame
----

The Swift Current Wildcats lost 4-3 in overtime to the Prince Albert Bears Sunday night in the Credit Union Iplex in Swift Current. The Wildcats still lead the SFMAAAHL final 2-1 with game four being played Wednesday night in Prince Albert.

----

Watching Corner Gas last week, something struck me.

Do they never have winter there? Cripes, it's only 20 miles south of Regina.

----

I tuned into The Fan 960 Calgary this morning hoping to "borrow" some audio from the Hitmen for my morning sportscasts. I noticed they're running Fox Sports Radio's Steve Czaban show rather than ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike In The Morning.

Good call. FSR is kicking ESPN's behind on the radio side.

At 7:00am, Dan Patrick takes over on Fox. Then Chris Myers in the afternoon.

Golden.

----

Juvenile Diabetes Corporate Walk Luncheon.

Friday April 3rd
12:00 noon - 1:15 pm Conexus Arts Centre No admission fee

Guest Speakers
1. John Chick from the Saskatchewan Roughriders and

2. Sebastien Sasseville Type 1 Diabetic who climbed and reached the summit of Mount Everest on May 25, 2008

Note: Sebastien is from Montreal and a Type 1 Diabetic - insulin doesn't work when its -60 and you're at 26,000 feet - he has an amazing story to share - great opportunity to hear about leadership skills, motivation, goal setting and being a team player.

RSVP by March 27 to regina@jdrf.ca or 543 – 5451

PS: If you can’t attend the Corporate Luncheon - this same evening April 3rd beginning at 7:00 pm at the Conexus Arts Centre is a JDRF Family Nite – please join us. (same speakers and program)

American Blogging

GLASGOW, MT USA -- As I feared, there's no data service to the Blackberry down here, so staying connected has been difficult. That's okay though, because the break has been welcome. The Regina Hornets play in the championship final today at 5:00pm, and then we're homeward bound.

The weekend's been awesome. Regina Pats PA announcer Darren Szabo is down here, watching his nephew Matt Erichsen. That was a surprise to both of us, and we've had lots of laughs. He has fallen in and out of love at least five times. We ran into Big Sky Country's biggest Rider fan "Mike from Scobey" in a lounge the other night. Oddly enough, he read on this blog that we were going to be in the USA this weekend and had a hunch it was going to be Glasgow. Mike's the guy in the CKRM sports promo that says, "It's amazing, the coverage you guys give the Roughriders."

You're right Mike from Scobey!!!

Anyways, the people have been nice, the beer costs $0.65 per can, and our team keeps winning so we've quite enjoyed ourselves. But one more big game to go.
----

Somebody said to me the other day -- at home -- does anybody in Regina care about the WHL playoffs since the Pats are out?

I was somewhat stunned at the question because I thought everybody was into the 'Dub playoffs no matter what. But maybe they're not.

Are you? Please let me know in the comments section.

It's true, someone else said to me this week that they'll enjoy the blog a lot more now that the Pats are done and they won't have to read all the negative comments from the fans.

Guess what?? YOU DON'T HAVE TO READ THEM.

This blog is like a newspaper. Read what you want, and ignore what you don't want.
----

Anyways, I'm tremendously interested in what's going on in the WHL playoffs so here's an update for what's gone on up to today:

WHL Playoff Round-up

BOYCHUK’S HAT TRICK LEADS ‘CANES PAST BLADES – Zach Boychuk scored three goals and added an assist to lead the visiting Lethbridge Hurricanes to a 5-2 win over the Saskatoon Blades in Game 2 of their Husky WHL Eastern Conference quarter-final series on Saturday, March 21st.

The Hurricanes host Games 3 and 4 of the best-of-seven series on Tuesday and Wednesday in Lethbridge, AB.

Best-of-seven series tied 1-1.

WHEAT KINGS 4, ICE 1
Matt Lowry and Andrew Clark each netted a goal and an assist to lead the Brandon Wheat Kings to a 4-1 win over the visiting Kootenay Ice in Game 2 of their Husky WHL quarter-final series on Saturday night.

The Ice host Games 3 and 4 of the series on Tuesday and Wednesday in Cranbrook, B.C.

Brandon leads best-of-seven series 2-0.

TIGERS 6, BRONCOS 2
Brennan Bosch scored two goals and Mark Isherwood chipped in three assists to lead the visiting Medicine Hat Tigers to a 6-2 win over the Swift Current Broncos in Game 2 of their Husky WHL Eastern Conference quarter-final series on Saturday.

The Tigers host Games 3 and 4 of the best-of-seven series on Tuesday and Wednesday in Medicine Hat, AB.

Best-of-seven series tied 1-1.

KAL TIRE WHL WESTERN CONFERENCE

GIANTS 9, COUGARS 1
Casey Pierro-Zabotel notched two goals and an assist while Lance Bouma, Craig Cunningham and Garry Nunn each chipped in a goal and two assists as the Vancouver Giants blasted the visiting Prince George Cougars 9-1 in Game 2 of their Kal Tire WHL Western Conference quarter-final series on Saturday.

The Cougars host Games 3 and 4 of the best-of-seven series on Tuesday and Wednesday in Prince George, B.C.

Vancouver leads best-of-seven series 2-0.

ROCKETS 5, BLAZERS 1
Ryley Grantham scored two goals and Jamie Benn notched a goal and an assist to lead the Kelowna Rockets to a 5-1 victory over the visiting Kamloops Blazers in Game 2 of their Kal Tire WHL Western Conference quarter-final series on Saturday night.

The Blazers host Games 3 and 4 of the best-of-seven series on Tuesday and Wednesday in Kamloops, B.C.

Kelowna leads best-of-seven series 2-0.

SILVERTIPS 3, AMERICANS 2
Tyler Maxwell scored all three goals to lead the visiting Everett Silvertips to a 3-2 win over the Tri-City Americans in Game 2 of their Kal Tire WHL Western Conference quarter-final series on Saturday.

The Silvertips host Games 3 and 4 of the best-of-seven series on Wednesday and Friday in Everett,WA.

Best-of-seven series tied 1-1

THUNDERBIRDS 2, CHIEFS 1
Sena Acolatse’s first goal of the post-season 5:11 into the third period was the winner as the visiting Seattle Thunderbirds edged the Spokane Chiefs 2-1 in Game 2 of their Kal Tire WHL Western Conference quarter-final series on Saturday.

The Thunderbirds host Games 3 and 4 of the best-of-seven series on Tuesday and Wednesday in Kent, WA.

Best-of-seven series tied 1-1.
----

JOEL BRODA AND THE CALGARY HITMEN HOST BRENDEN DOWD AND THE EDMONTON OIL KINGS – Joel Broda and the Calgary Hitmen welcome Brenden Dowd and the Edmonton Oil Kings for Game 2 of their Husky WHL Eastern Conference quarter-final series on Sunday, March 22nd.

The Hitmen find themselves up 1-0 in the best-of-seven series after posting a 5-0 victory over the Oil Kings in Game 1 on Thursday night in Calgary. Broda notched two goals and added an assist in Thursday’s Game 1 victory. The Hitmen are 33-3-1 on home ice this season, including the regular-season.

The Oil Kings dropped the series opener in Calgary to find themselves down 0-1 in the best-of-seven series. Edmonton will need to win at least one game in Calgary if they want to advance to the second round of the post-season. The Oil Kings went 0-for-8 on the power play in Thursday’s Game 1 defeat.

The Oil Kings will host Games 3, 4 and 5, if necessary, of the best-of-seven series on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Edmonton, AB.

Have A Great Weekend

We're headed to the States for the weekend to catch some basketball. Yes, in my SATURN VUE!
In the meantime, check this out.....

The Inaugural Press Box Sports Bar 2009 NHL Playoff Draft goes Monday April 13th on the draft floor at the Press Box. They're looking for 20 teams, eight members per team, with an entry fee of $400. That night, a steak dinner is included, 50/50, door prizes and a silent auction. Payout is $2500 for the winner, based on a sellout. Already eight teams are entered!

The deadline to enter your squad is Monday, April 6th. Email your entry to pressbox@sasktel.net or call Trevor at 550-2200.