The Calgary Stampeders clinched a home playoff game on Saturday night with a 28-26 win over the BC Lions in Vancouver.
With a 10-6-1 record, the Stamps are guaranteed at least second place in the Canadian Football League West Division.
As a result, they are assured a home berth in the West Division Semi-Final on Sunday, Nov. 15.
The Riders are assured at least second as well, as the third-place Lions are three points behind with one game to play in the regular season.
However, the Stamps face the Saskatchewan Roughriders next Saturday in Regina in a game that will determine first place in the West Division.
The winner of the Calgary-Saskatchewan clash will claim first place in the West and a bye to the Division Final, which will be played on Sunday, Nov. 22.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Ticats 24 Riders 6
The Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-6-1) paid a visit to the Hamilton TigerCats (7-9) Saturday afternoon at Ivor Wynne Stadium in another pivotal Canadian Football League late-season encounter.
The situation for the Riders was simple; they needed a win to clinch at least second place in the West Division and homefield in a western semifinal. The Ticats were in a battle of their own, entering the game tied with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for second place in the East. It was must-win for the Tabbies as the third place team in the East probably won’t make the playoffs.
Here’s the summary of the game from the broadcast booth:
PREGAME NOTES: Rider DB Lance Frazier was a last minute scratch due to the flu. He was replaced in the secondary by LB Tad Kornegay. The initial plan was to move MLB Rey Williams to Kornegay’s outside spot and LB Mike McCullough would start in the middle. … There was a wind warning in effect for the Hamilton area leading up to kickoff, and it was blowing from the southwest at 60 km/h gusting to 80 km/h and it was cloudy and 11 degrees … The attendance of 24, 586 was the highest
crowd of the year in Hamilton.
FIRST QUARTER: The Ticats won the coin toss and deferred to the second half, however they ended up with the ball and the wind to open the game. Hamilton started their opening drive at their 39-yard line and went 2-and-out. The Riders started their first possession on their 15, going into the wind, and went 2-and-out as well. Hamilton’s second drive started at the Rider 31-yard line and they promptly turned it into a 34-yard Nick Setta field goal to go up 3-0. Ticats DT Garrett McIntyre then recovered a Darian Durant fumble at the Hamilton 51-yard line for the game’s first turnover. They later recovered another Durant fumble at their own 54. DE Justin Hickman came up with the gift. His Ticats turned it into a 12-yard touchdown pass from Kevin Glenn to Arland Bruce to make it 10-0. It was a six play, 53-yard drive.
The Riders’ early struggles continued on their next series when Darian Durant was sacked for a five-yard loss at the Saskatchewan 23-yard line, and they were forced to punt again. Hamilton made it 11-0 on a 63 yard Setta punt single. A third Rider turnover came on the next Rider possession when Durant was intercepted by U of S Huskie grad Dylan Barker of the Ticats. The first quarter ended 11-0 for Hamilton and the Riders did not record a single first down.
SECOND QUARTER: Hamilton went up 18-0 with a 24-yard Deandra Cobb rushing touchdown on the second play of the quarter. Saskatchewan finally got on the board courtesy of a 57-yard punt single by Louie Sakoda with 11:35 to go in the half. Rider safety James Patrick then recovered a Kevin Glenn fumble at the Ticats 45 yard line for the first Rider takeaway of the day, but again the team went 2-and-out. The Ticats gave up a safety with 7:59 to go to make it an 18-3 game. They then marched the ball from their 33-yard line and ate 6:02 off the clock before Setta hit a 10-yard field goal to make it 21-3. The Riders got three more from a 33-yard yard Congi field goal on the final play of the first half to make it 21-6 Hamilton going into the break.
THIRD QUARTER: The Riders got the ball and the wind to open the second half. They lined up a 55-yard field goal attempt but Congi hit the crossbar and the Riders came away with no points. On the next Saskatchewan drive, Congi missed a 50-yard field goal attempt to the right, and it was returned out of the endzone by Hamilton’s Marquay McDaniel. The score remained 21-6 and in fact, the was the score after 45 minutes of play. Backup QB Steven Jyles started to warm up on the Rider bench at that point.
FOURTH QUARTER: Jyles started the first Rider drive of the fourth, from their 28-yard line 2:08 in but was unable to generate any points. The Ticats looked to seal the game with a Nick Setta 47-yard field goal with 5:38 left to make it 24-6. Jyles led the Riders on a late rally with 2:41 to go before the team turned it over on downs. Kevin Glenn mounted a drive long enough to grind the clock out and the Ticats took away the victory.
GAME OVER: Hamilton 24 Saskatchewan 6.
The Riders drop to 9-7-1 with the loss and face the possibility of finishing third while the Ticats take over second place in the East and have to wait for the outcome of this weekend’s Winnipeg at Montreal game.
The Riders’ final game of the regular season is next Saturday at Mosaic Stadium against the Calgary Stampeders in a 6:00 kickoff.
POSTGAME QUOTES:
HEAD COACH KEN MILLER
“It was a game we felt like we were gonna win going in. But we didn’t do anything on offense and hung our defense out there way too long. We had some good kicking plays but we really didn’t play consistently the way we need to.”
“The early turnovers really was a sign of how the offense was going to be all day. The wind was a factor but it blew both ways right? We didn’t do a good job of handling the windy situation.”
“Early on we were able to get a lot of pressure on Glenn but our defense was on for extended times early. They were on for 40 snaps in the first half. I don’t know how many in the second half but definitely way too many.”
“We know what lies before us now. We don’t need to change our focus. We need to get this game behind us and get ready for the next game.”
“I won’t make excuses about time or travel. We just didn’t play the way we’re capable of playing and the way we’re used to playing. The men are up for the challenge next week.”
KOR JASON ARMSTEAD
“It was a tough loss. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. They’re a new revived team and a team to be reckoned with. We have to tip our hats to them. We didn’t play as well as we could and sometimes it goes that way. We didn’t put enough points on the board.”
“The guys are blocking for me. They’re doing a great job. My job is to just use my legs and find the holes and combined with everybody’s talent, we’re doing a lot of great things on special teams.”
“It was one of those situations where it was all packaged up. We played well in spurts but we just didn’t get the rhythm going that we needed. We’ll regroup and play the way we’re supposed to as Riders.”
DT KEITH SHOLOGAN
“It was big time disappointing. You never like losing a game where you work your butt off which we did on defense, offense too. You have to put the turnovers out of your mind. It hurts your heart a bit when it happens, especially back to back, but we have to stop them on defense.”
“They’re a great offensive line. They work well together, all five of them, and they’re probably the best in the league. They’re big strong boys.”
“7:25 on the wakeup call doesn’t look bad on the itinerary but when it comes and it’s 5:25 back home it’s tough. But you have to get ready to go. That’s football.”
“The wind affected us in the back-end but not at all in the front end. We’re just up there knocking heads and trying to push ‘em back.”
“I don’t know who to cheer for tonight (Calgary at B.C.). I suppose it’ll be best if B.C. loses but we just have to get ready for Calgary next week and it’ll all take care of itself.”
The situation for the Riders was simple; they needed a win to clinch at least second place in the West Division and homefield in a western semifinal. The Ticats were in a battle of their own, entering the game tied with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for second place in the East. It was must-win for the Tabbies as the third place team in the East probably won’t make the playoffs.
Here’s the summary of the game from the broadcast booth:
PREGAME NOTES: Rider DB Lance Frazier was a last minute scratch due to the flu. He was replaced in the secondary by LB Tad Kornegay. The initial plan was to move MLB Rey Williams to Kornegay’s outside spot and LB Mike McCullough would start in the middle. … There was a wind warning in effect for the Hamilton area leading up to kickoff, and it was blowing from the southwest at 60 km/h gusting to 80 km/h and it was cloudy and 11 degrees … The attendance of 24, 586 was the highest
crowd of the year in Hamilton.
FIRST QUARTER: The Ticats won the coin toss and deferred to the second half, however they ended up with the ball and the wind to open the game. Hamilton started their opening drive at their 39-yard line and went 2-and-out. The Riders started their first possession on their 15, going into the wind, and went 2-and-out as well. Hamilton’s second drive started at the Rider 31-yard line and they promptly turned it into a 34-yard Nick Setta field goal to go up 3-0. Ticats DT Garrett McIntyre then recovered a Darian Durant fumble at the Hamilton 51-yard line for the game’s first turnover. They later recovered another Durant fumble at their own 54. DE Justin Hickman came up with the gift. His Ticats turned it into a 12-yard touchdown pass from Kevin Glenn to Arland Bruce to make it 10-0. It was a six play, 53-yard drive.
The Riders’ early struggles continued on their next series when Darian Durant was sacked for a five-yard loss at the Saskatchewan 23-yard line, and they were forced to punt again. Hamilton made it 11-0 on a 63 yard Setta punt single. A third Rider turnover came on the next Rider possession when Durant was intercepted by U of S Huskie grad Dylan Barker of the Ticats. The first quarter ended 11-0 for Hamilton and the Riders did not record a single first down.
SECOND QUARTER: Hamilton went up 18-0 with a 24-yard Deandra Cobb rushing touchdown on the second play of the quarter. Saskatchewan finally got on the board courtesy of a 57-yard punt single by Louie Sakoda with 11:35 to go in the half. Rider safety James Patrick then recovered a Kevin Glenn fumble at the Ticats 45 yard line for the first Rider takeaway of the day, but again the team went 2-and-out. The Ticats gave up a safety with 7:59 to go to make it an 18-3 game. They then marched the ball from their 33-yard line and ate 6:02 off the clock before Setta hit a 10-yard field goal to make it 21-3. The Riders got three more from a 33-yard yard Congi field goal on the final play of the first half to make it 21-6 Hamilton going into the break.
THIRD QUARTER: The Riders got the ball and the wind to open the second half. They lined up a 55-yard field goal attempt but Congi hit the crossbar and the Riders came away with no points. On the next Saskatchewan drive, Congi missed a 50-yard field goal attempt to the right, and it was returned out of the endzone by Hamilton’s Marquay McDaniel. The score remained 21-6 and in fact, the was the score after 45 minutes of play. Backup QB Steven Jyles started to warm up on the Rider bench at that point.
FOURTH QUARTER: Jyles started the first Rider drive of the fourth, from their 28-yard line 2:08 in but was unable to generate any points. The Ticats looked to seal the game with a Nick Setta 47-yard field goal with 5:38 left to make it 24-6. Jyles led the Riders on a late rally with 2:41 to go before the team turned it over on downs. Kevin Glenn mounted a drive long enough to grind the clock out and the Ticats took away the victory.
GAME OVER: Hamilton 24 Saskatchewan 6.
The Riders drop to 9-7-1 with the loss and face the possibility of finishing third while the Ticats take over second place in the East and have to wait for the outcome of this weekend’s Winnipeg at Montreal game.
The Riders’ final game of the regular season is next Saturday at Mosaic Stadium against the Calgary Stampeders in a 6:00 kickoff.
POSTGAME QUOTES:
HEAD COACH KEN MILLER
“It was a game we felt like we were gonna win going in. But we didn’t do anything on offense and hung our defense out there way too long. We had some good kicking plays but we really didn’t play consistently the way we need to.”
“The early turnovers really was a sign of how the offense was going to be all day. The wind was a factor but it blew both ways right? We didn’t do a good job of handling the windy situation.”
“Early on we were able to get a lot of pressure on Glenn but our defense was on for extended times early. They were on for 40 snaps in the first half. I don’t know how many in the second half but definitely way too many.”
“We know what lies before us now. We don’t need to change our focus. We need to get this game behind us and get ready for the next game.”
“I won’t make excuses about time or travel. We just didn’t play the way we’re capable of playing and the way we’re used to playing. The men are up for the challenge next week.”
KOR JASON ARMSTEAD
“It was a tough loss. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. They’re a new revived team and a team to be reckoned with. We have to tip our hats to them. We didn’t play as well as we could and sometimes it goes that way. We didn’t put enough points on the board.”
“The guys are blocking for me. They’re doing a great job. My job is to just use my legs and find the holes and combined with everybody’s talent, we’re doing a lot of great things on special teams.”
“It was one of those situations where it was all packaged up. We played well in spurts but we just didn’t get the rhythm going that we needed. We’ll regroup and play the way we’re supposed to as Riders.”
DT KEITH SHOLOGAN
“It was big time disappointing. You never like losing a game where you work your butt off which we did on defense, offense too. You have to put the turnovers out of your mind. It hurts your heart a bit when it happens, especially back to back, but we have to stop them on defense.”
“They’re a great offensive line. They work well together, all five of them, and they’re probably the best in the league. They’re big strong boys.”
“7:25 on the wakeup call doesn’t look bad on the itinerary but when it comes and it’s 5:25 back home it’s tough. But you have to get ready to go. That’s football.”
“The wind affected us in the back-end but not at all in the front end. We’re just up there knocking heads and trying to push ‘em back.”
“I don’t know who to cheer for tonight (Calgary at B.C.). I suppose it’ll be best if B.C. loses but we just have to get ready for Calgary next week and it’ll all take care of itself.”
Friday, October 30, 2009
Raiders 4 Pats 1
The Regina Pats dropped a 4-1 decision at the P.A. Raiders Friday night.
Here is the summary of the game:
1st Period-1, Prince Albert, Harrison (4)
2nd Period-2, Prince Albert, Revenko 11 (Rowley, Hickmott)
3rd Period-3, Prince Albert, McNeill 1 (Maylan, Cameron), 3:56.
Prince Albert, Hickmott 10 (McNeill, Button), 11:07 (pp).
Regina, Teubert 5 (Weal, Eberle), 13:40 (pp)
Shots on Goal-Regina 42 Prince Albert 34.
Power Play Opportunities-Regina 1 of 3; Prince Albert 2 of 7.
Here is the summary of the game:
1st Period-1, Prince Albert, Harrison (4)
2nd Period-2, Prince Albert, Revenko 11 (Rowley, Hickmott)
3rd Period-3, Prince Albert, McNeill 1 (Maylan, Cameron), 3:56.
Prince Albert, Hickmott 10 (McNeill, Button), 11:07 (pp).
Regina, Teubert 5 (Weal, Eberle), 13:40 (pp)
Shots on Goal-Regina 42 Prince Albert 34.
Power Play Opportunities-Regina 1 of 3; Prince Albert 2 of 7.
Saskatchewan scores 42-17 win over Rams; clinch first place in Canada West
REGINA, Sask. – Jeff Hassler had three rushing touchdowns to help the Saskatchewan Huskies clinch first place in Canada West with a 42-17 victory over the Regina Rams on Friday night at Mosaic Stadium.
Hassler, a first-year running back out of Holy Trinity Academy in Okotoks, Alta., came into the game with just 143 rushing yards on the season but exploded for 224 yards in the win. Hassler opened up the scoring with a two-yard touchdown five minutes into the first quarter, added a five-yard major early in the second, and essentially put the game away with a six-yard score midway through the fourth quarter.
The victory gives Saskatchewan home field advantage through the Hardy Cup. The Huskies will host Alberta next weekend, while Calgary will host Manitoba in the other Canada West semifinal contest.
Hassler, a first-year running back out of Holy Trinity Academy in Okotoks, Alta., came into the game with just 143 rushing yards on the season but exploded for 224 yards in the win. Hassler opened up the scoring with a two-yard touchdown five minutes into the first quarter, added a five-yard major early in the second, and essentially put the game away with a six-yard score midway through the fourth quarter.
The victory gives Saskatchewan home field advantage through the Hardy Cup. The Huskies will host Alberta next weekend, while Calgary will host Manitoba in the other Canada West semifinal contest.
Heat @ Bulldogs
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
Another OMG
Last Weekend's TV Ratings
1. NHL, Leafs at Canucks/Rangers at Habs/Bruins at Sens,
Saturday, CBC: 2,306,000
Saturday, CBC: 2,306,000
2. CFL: Lions at Roughriders, Saturday, TSN: 1,202,000
3. NHL: Oilers at Flames, Saturday, CBC: 1,119,000
4. NFL: Early games, Sunday, CTV: 899,000
5. CFL: Eskimos at Stampeders, Friday, TSN: 714,000
CKRM Week 18 CFL Picks
Toronto at Edmonton
Sask at Hamilton
Calgary at BC
Winnipeg at Montreal
Announcer/Record/Picks
CURRIE: 45/60 EDM - SK - BC - MTL
LYNCH: 40/60 EDM - SK - CGY - MTL
CARTERI: 37/60 EDM - SK - CGY - MTL
PEDERSEN: 36/60 EDM - SK - BC - MTL
JOHNSON: 35/60 EDM - HAM - BC - MTL
HADESBECK - 33/60 EDM - SK - CGY - MTL
(Winner gets a $100 Press Box Sports Bar gift card)
Friday Rodservations
We had to kickoff the weekend with a bang! Here's a great photo from blog friend Caesar having a little fun with poor Toronto Maple Leafs fans. This pic was taken in Southampton, Ontario.Actually it hasn't been as good of a week as normal, but we'll get into that further down.
Let's get started with some notes, quotes and hockey stories...
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We have to start with football and the Riders leave for Hamilton mid-morning today and aren't due to arrive in the Steel City until around 5:00pm. That's going to make for a rushed trip, as game time tomorrow is noon Saskatchewan time (TSN, CKRM Rider Radio Network).
This is good though. The initial travel plans, I believe, were to go to Calgary and then back east to Hamilton. Now, we got a direct flight to Toronto and are just faced with a long cab ride to Hamilton.
The forecast calls for 12 degrees and rain at Ivor Wynne Stadium. Rain sucks but it beats the wind and with FieldTurf in every park but Edmonton, we won't have mud-fests anymore.
So what's your prediction for the game?
Our coverage begins with Roughrider Warmup at 11:00am on 620 CKRM.
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The Riders' final practice of the week was indoors at Evraz Place yesterday and the media was prying away at the Riders asking them if they'll be caught looking past the Hamilton game, and ahead to next week's first-place showdown against Calgary in Regina.
"I would say you don't know who the Saskatchewan Roughriders are," scoffed DB Lance Frazier. "We take it game by game week by week. We pride ourselves on preparing for the task at hand and this week it's Hamilton. They have a lot to play for too. This is not a situation for us to blow over because if we lose two in a row, we finish third. It's definitely important we go out there and play our hearts out and focus on Hamilton."
Star Rider slotback Andy Fantuz had similar thoughts.
"Nobody's talking about Calgary," Fantuz explained. "We're all talking about Hamilton. We need this game to lock up second-place. We need to be playing our best football going into the playoffs so nobody's thinking about Calgary. It's all about Hamilton."
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An army of the news media was at Rider practice Thursday to get the thoughts of Regina's newest city councillor, Rider fullback Chris Szarka. CBC's Dean Gutheil asked Chris where he stands on the issue of a new domed stadium in Regina.
"You know what, I have as much information as you do on the dome issue," Szarka answered. "Right now the dome is not going to be here this year. So it's not something I worried about right now. As a Saskatchewan Roughrider I'm worried about winning the Grey Cup and as city councillor I'm worried about serving the people."
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With word this week that the B.C. Lions will be forced out of B.C. Place Stadium next summer because of renovations, we've learned the team will be playing at outdoor Empire Stadium.
Empire Stadium of course, is the site of the 1966 Roughriders' Grey Cup win. But the last time I checked, it's a meadow. A field. A grassy park. A cow pasture. It's definitely NOT a football stadium.
I know this because a few years ago on the Pats bus we were headed out of Vancouver to Chilliwack and Pats trainer Greg Mayer tapped me on the shoulder and said, "that's where Empire Stadium used to be, where the Lions played."
Excuse me for being a little confused, but I suppose that's not new.
CKRM's Roger Currie will look into this further on Roughrider Warmup with legendary Vancouver writer Jim Taylor tomorrow. Supposedly they're going to erect 30,000 temporary seats?
Hopefully it all works out and it'll be interesting to hear that interview..
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Premier Brad Wall has asked to be a guest on In The Huddle, The Roughrider Show.
Watch for that in the coming weeks.
John Lynch bumped into the Premier at The Rooftop the other night as the pair were treating their wives to a night out.
This time, Lynch knew who he was!
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The H1N1 story is getting out of control. So too it seems, is the virus.
The media has ramped up the hysteria into overtime and right now I don't know what to believe. Did you see on TSN this week where Hockey Canada is advising all its teams to shake hands after games with their gloves ON??
That mix-up with the Pats this week created quite a controversy but given the cramped quarters a sports team operates in, I believe a case could be made that teams should be given priority status.
However I also heard from parents of sick kids and those with immune deficiencies this week over the issue, so it's a touchy situation.
We found that out the hard way.
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Somebody ripped me on Mitchell Blair's blog saying "Pedersen's so pro-Parker it's sickening."
To that I say, "Yah, aaannnddd?"
You would expect something else? The Pats blog the other day was written to clear up some misconceptions but also to give our fans some hope. It was also meant to update some fans who may have lost touch with the team during the CFL stretch drive.
People hear enough bad news in the news. They don't need bad news with their favourite sports teams too.
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Everybody's up in arms about officiating these days. It doesn't matter if it's hockey, football or tiddly-winks.
A WHL broadcaster contacted me this week because the league office is coming down VERY hard on him for some comments he made last week on the air. Actually, I've never heard of somebody getting in trouble THIS much.
Maybe it's my advancing years, but I haven't griped about the refs hardly at all for quite some time (except for Zalaski in P.A. last month, but he deserved it :)).
We have to remember without referees, we can't play the games.
I'm sure they're doing their best.
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So, why has it been a DOWN week in some respects?
Well today is the funeral for my Aunt Marj, which I'll have to miss. It's my Dad's sister, and fortunately I was able to be with the family Tuesday evening. It's been a tough week for the many branches of the Pedersen family tree.
Add to that the tragic circumstances of the death of my good friend Perry Folk last week, and it's been trying. People who know I was close to the former Red Wings broadcaster have been calling and emailing asking what I know about it.
The truth is I know very little about it. The more I find out, the less I want to know. But I suppose maybe it's time I look into it. Reading his Facebook wall the other day was like a punch to the gut.
I loved Perry, as everybody did. He was a profilic broadcaster and an even more prolific person. He could've gone places in this business, but he was happiest at home.
It's been a real tough time on his family.
BRUTAL
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Carm says I'm at the age now where whatever news you get is bad.
No kidding.
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What can cheer you up like some good ole hockey stories?
Yesterday at the launch of the book Junior Hockey's Royal Franchise, The Regina Pats, Pats player Colten Teubert was leafing through the book next to me.
"The Puppy Line?" he questioned, somewhat bewildered.
"It's THE PUP LINE!" I growled. "There's a DIFFERENCE!"
He of course was referring to the famed 80's Pats line of Jamie Heward, Mike Sillinger and Frank Kovacs when they were all 16 year olds who had grew up in Regina.
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Speaking of, TransCanada Clash chairman Kelly Remple invited me to coffee to discuss how we could generate a buzz for this year's Pats-Warriors Alumni game in Regina.
I said, "how about we just put a camera on YOU for an hour and you can tell some stories?" I laughed.
Here are a couple stomach-grabbers from our talk:
- Late in the last alumni game in Regina with the Pats up 2-1, Theoren Fleury was set to take the draw in the offensive zone. Warriors coach Greg Kvisle tapped Troy Edwards on the shoulder and said "Eddie, go out and take the draw instead of Theo."
Edwards said, "WHAT??"
Kvisle said, "You heard me, go replace Theo."
So Troy went out, tapped Fleury in the shinpads and said Kvisle wanted him to take the draw instead of Theo. Fleury shook his head and went back to the bench and they had this exchange:
FLEURY: "Quiz, why don't you want me taking the draw?"
KVISLE: "Because Eddie's a better faceoff guy."
FLEURY: "I WAS A 63-PERCENT #$%&ING FACEOFF GUY IN A THOUSAND NHL GAMES, AND I CAN'T TAKE A DRAW IN A &%#ING ALUMNI GAME???"
"YOU'RE AN IDIOT!!!!"
- A friend of mine was recently at a Fleury book signing in Toronto and asked him how it felt to put on the blades for that last TransCanada Clash in Regina.
"It was %$#&ing GREAT!" Fleury smiled. "I got so wound up I cross-checked Doug Trapp in the head! I LOVED it!"
Kelly Remple didn't tell me the date of this year's TransCanada Clash but we know for sure it'll be in the Crushed Can. Fleury has something booked that weekend but he's doing whatever he can to get out of it.
On the Pats' side, rumour is the Pup Line will be reunited for the Clash.
This thing just gets better and better and when you consider we had a sellout in Moose Jaw for year 1 and 5900 in the Brandt Centre for year 2 so I don't think Kelly will need to do much promoting.
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Isn't funny how those who flog autobiographies save their most outlandish stories for the week that their book comes out??
Like Hulk Hogan revealing this week he contemplated suicide over the breakup of his marriage. Oh yeah, you can read about it in his book.
Andre Agassi was on crystal meth in the 90's when he coincidentally slipped to 141st in the world rankings? Why don't you keep that crap to yourself Andre.
I'm sure it'll spur book sales.
What about Theo's book though? He obviously had a story to tell. I still haven't been able to get my hands on it but I'm told the revelations in the book are startling. Evidently those of us in the WHL have had our heads in the sand for quite some time.
Wanna know the worst thing? Fleury told a friend of mine recently that he can't get over the number of people at book-signings who lean over the table to him and whisper "I was a victim too".
1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys.
When more stars like Theo come forward, hopefully it will give others the courage to do the same.
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Random thoughts I've had in my mind this week:
- If I could be anybody else for one day, it would be Keith Urban. How about you?
- People who talk to themselves while out in public freak me out.
- Why are there no anti-drug messages on kids TV programs like we used to see after Popeye and The Smurfs? Remember the "Only Dopes Smoke Dope" and "Just Say No To Drugs" ads? Where ARE they now?
- The TV program Wife Swap has a very misleading title.
- The Leafs-Stars game the other night on TSN was terrible to watch.
- I'd love to get more into the World Series, but too much is going on right now for me to be able to watch it.
- To steal a line from Yogi Berra regarding the new Keg in Regina, "nobody goes there anymore. It's too busy." We tried to get in last night but couldn't get near the place.
- Time to cool it with the workouts. I hit sub-200 lbs officially this week meaning I've gone from 245 lbs to 199 lbs since last spring. My old landlord Ken Daley always said "only real men are over 200 lbs" and I never forgot that.
- The Regina Pats are at the P.A. Raiders tonight at 7:00 on 620 CKRM. Dan Plaster has the call. I would've called the action, but it would be too difficult to get into Hamilton for tomorrow's game. But we've got hockey in the forecast tonight. The Ticats are hooking us up with tickets to watch the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs tonight so that should be good.
- The U of R Rams host the U of S Huskies in a must-win game tonight at Mosaic Stadium. The Rams need a win to clinch a playoff berth but ALSO an Alberta OR Manitoba loss. Kickoff tonight is at 7:00. Michael Ball and Chad Ehman have the broadcast at http://www.620ckrm.com/. Click on SHOWS and a drop-down menu will show "Rams Live Streaming". That's your ticket.
- There were a lot of nice comments from people regarding CKRM's call of the James Patrick interception Saturday night against the Lions. Truth is, that was the most stunning outcome to any game I've called in my career, I think. I truly was stunned, and didn't quite know what to say.
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Today's Press Box Sports Bar Lunch Buffet:
Montreal spiced roast beef
Sweet chili glazed ham
Southwest chicken strips
Breaded Halibut
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Perogies
Mixed veggies
Caesar and tossed salad
Pizza buffet
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Okay, time to go. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!
RP
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Murph On In The Huddle
Our guest analyst is Canadian Football Hall of Famer and Indianapolis Colts scout Cal Murphy.
We've got Week 17 Rider hi-lites, interviews with coach Miller, Rob Bagg and Stevie Baggs and Week 18 CFL predictions!
RP
The Authors of The Pats Book
It's a book about the rich and lively history of the Regina Pats written by former Pats employee Ron "Scoreboard" Johnston and former Leader-Post writer, Darrell Davis.
The book is currently available at The Neutral Zone, Costco, Wall-Mart and major book stores across Regina.
Pats Launch Book
Two Pats Make Subway WHL Roster
CALGARY, AB – The Canadian Hockey League in association with the Western Hockey League and SUBWAY® today announced the rosters for Team WHL competing in the 2009 SUBWAY® Super Series.
The 2009 SUBWAY® Super Series will take place November 16 – 26 and marks the seventh straight year that teams of CHL All-Stars have competed against Team Russia in preparation for the World Junior Hockey Championships. The SUBWAY® Super Series is an integral part of the evaluation process prior to Team Canada’s final selection camp in December. This season, Canada will be competing for a record sixth straight gold medal at the 2010 tournament in Saskatoon and Regina, SK.
The two WHL games will be hosted in the province of British Columbia on Wednesday, November 25th in Victoria, BC and Thursday, November 26th in Kelowna, BC. Game tickets are available at Kelowna’s Prospera Place Box Office (250-762-5050) and at Victoria’s Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre Box Office (250-220-7777) or visit www.selectyourtickets.com .
Team WHL Roster – Victoria, BC – November 25, 2009
*Players competing in both games
Forwards (12): Year: Club: Hometown:
Glennie, Scott (91) Brandon Winnipeg, MB
Schenn, Brayden (91) Brandon Saskatoon, SK
Raedeke, Brent * (90) Edmonton Regina, SK
Froese, Byron (91) Everett Winkler, MB
Hamilton, Wacey* (90) Medicine Hat Cochrane, AB
Vey, Linden* (91) Medicine Hat Wakaw, SK
Eberle, Jordan (90) Regina Regina, SK
Koper, Levko (90) Spokane Edmonton, AB
Dowling, Justin (90) Swift Current Cochrane, AB
Eakin, Cody (91) Swift Current Winnipeg, MB
Shinnimin, Brendan (91) Tri-City Winnipeg, MB
Bouma, Lance (90) Vancouver Provost, AB
Defence (6): Club: Hometown:
Robak, Colby (90) Brandon Gilbert Plains, MB
Pysyk, Mark* (92) Edmonton Sherwood Park, AB
Barrie, Tyson* (91) Kelowna Victoria, BC
Ponich, Brett (91) Portland Beaumont, AB
Teubert, Colten (90) Regina White Rock, BC
Cowen, Jared (91) Spokane Allan, SK
Goaltenders (2): Club: Hometown:
Jones, Martin* (90) Calgary Vancouver, BC
Pickard, Calvin* (92) Seattle Winnipeg, MB
Team WHL Roster – Kelowna, BC – November 26, 2009
Forwards (12): Year: Club: Hometown:
Kozun, Brandon (90) Calgary Calgary, AB
Raedeke, Brent * (90) Edmonton Regina, SK
Shattock, Tyler (90) Kamloops Salmon Arm, BC
McMillan, Brandon (90) Kelowna Delta, BC
Ashton, Carter (91) Lethbridge Saskatoon, SK
Hamilton, Wacey* (90) Medicine Hat Cochrane, AB
Vey, Linden* (91) Medicine Hat Wakaw, SK
Howden, Quinton (92) Moose Jaw Oakbank, MB
Connolly, Brett (92) Prince George Prince George, BC
Coetzee, Willie (90) Red Deer Maple Ridge, BC
Hamilton, Curtis (91) Saskatoon Kelowna, BC
Cunningham, Craig (90) Vancouver Trail, BC
Defence (6): Club: Hometown:
Stone, Michael (90) Calgary Winnipeg, MB
Pysyk, Mark* (92) Edmonton Sherwood Park, AB
Barrie, Tyson* (91) Kelowna Victoria, BC
McNabb, Brayden (91) Kootenay Davidson, SK
Hamonic, Travis (90) Moose Jaw St. Malo, MB
Elliott, Stefan (91) Saskatoon Vancouver, BC
Goaltenders (2): Club: Hometown:
Jones, Martin* (90) Calgary Vancouver, BC
Pickard, Calvin* (92) Seattle Winnipeg, MB
Team WHL Staff:
Willie Desjardins, Head Coach (Medicine Hat Tigers)
Don Hay, Assistant Coach (Vancouver Giants)
Ryan Huska, Assistant Coach (Kelowna Rockets)
Jeff Thorburn, Athletic Therapist (Kelowna Rockets)
Grant Ferguson, Equipment Manager (Vancouver Giants)
For more information about the event and tickets please visit http://www.subwaysuperseries.com/
2009 SUBWAY® Super Series Schedule of Games:
Game 1 – Monday November 16 at Drummondville, QC
Game 2 – Wednesday November 18 at Shawinigan, QC
Game 3 – Thursday November 19 at Barrie, ON
Game 4 – Monday November 23 at Windsor, ON
Game 5 – Wednesday November 25 at Victoria, BC
Game 6 – Thursday November 26 at Kelowna, BC
The Winner And Still Champ....
Pat Fiacco will remain as mayor of Regina until at least 2012. He easily defeated two challengers in Wednesday's Regina civic election.
Fiacco says council still has lots of unfinished business..
"We still have a lot of the things the previous council has started that actually will come to fruition in the next couple of months," Fiacco said after learning the results of the vote. "Those of course are the waste management review, the downtown neighbourhood plan, the transit review, the recreation review. These are all things that are very important to the citizens of Regina."
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The biggest upset of the night was Rider fullback Chris Szarka defeating incumbent Jerry Flegel in Ward 10.
Szarka says managing growth will be council's top challenge.
"Careful planning of infrastructure is a huge part of where the city's going right now and we need to take the time to plan those things out properly," Szarka said.
As for Flegel, he says he'll miss working with Mayor Pat Fiacco.
"He's just a machine moving forward," Flegel told reporters. "He's done a great job for this city and he's been an absolute ambassador for this city."
Patrick Pick Audio
Sorry if this file is a bit huge for you. But here's the audio of the call of James Patrick's interception of Casey Printers to end Saturday's game:
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=d76e6134d4df39870c814df2efeadc50e04e75f6e8ebb871
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=d76e6134d4df39870c814df2efeadc50e04e75f6e8ebb871
Rams Host Huskies In Must-Win
REGINA, Sask. - With their postseason hopes on the line, the University of Regina Rams host the No. 3-ranked Saskatchewan Huskies this Friday at Mosaic Stadium. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast live at 620ckrm.com and on tape delay on both Access7 and Max Local on Demand.
In order to qualify for the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, the Rams (3-4) need to defeat the Huskies and hope that either Calgary wins at Alberta on Saturday, or both Alberta and Simon Fraser win.
The game also means plenty to Saskatchewan, as the Huskies (6-1) can nail down first place in Canada West with a victory over the Rams. A win on Friday would give the Huskies their second consecutive first-place finish and their fourth in the last seven seasons.
The two teams have already met once this season, with Saskatchewan earning a 10-9 victory back on Sept. 11 in what was the lowest-scoring game in U of R history. Though the Rams have won three of their last five games against the Huskies, Saskatchewan holds a 14-6 all-time advantage in the series including the postseason.
SINGLE-SEASON RECORDS TO FALL AGAINST HUSKIES?
- Marc Mueller’s total of 149 pass completions this season ranks fourth in U of R history, trailing only Teale Orban’s 2008 (158), 2006 (162), and 2007 (177) totals.
- Mueller’s total of 264 pass attempts this season ranks fifth in U of R history behind Orban (272 in 2008), Mark Anderson (282 in 2003), Orban (285 in 2006), and Orban (294 in 2007).
- Mueller has 1960 passing yards this year, which trails Anderson (2161 in 2003), Orban (2273 in 2007), Darryl Leason (2277 in 2000), and Orban (2616 in 2006).
- Jordan Sisco has 44 pass receptions this year, which trails only Chad Goldie’s 54 in 2007 on the U of R’s all-time list.
- Perri Scarcelli’s total of 17 field goals this season is a U of R record, breaking his own mark of 14 set last season. If he hits at least three on Friday, he will become the first Canada West kicker not named Jamie Boreham to hit 20 in a single season.
In order to qualify for the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, the Rams (3-4) need to defeat the Huskies and hope that either Calgary wins at Alberta on Saturday, or both Alberta and Simon Fraser win.
The game also means plenty to Saskatchewan, as the Huskies (6-1) can nail down first place in Canada West with a victory over the Rams. A win on Friday would give the Huskies their second consecutive first-place finish and their fourth in the last seven seasons.
The two teams have already met once this season, with Saskatchewan earning a 10-9 victory back on Sept. 11 in what was the lowest-scoring game in U of R history. Though the Rams have won three of their last five games against the Huskies, Saskatchewan holds a 14-6 all-time advantage in the series including the postseason.
SINGLE-SEASON RECORDS TO FALL AGAINST HUSKIES?
- Marc Mueller’s total of 149 pass completions this season ranks fourth in U of R history, trailing only Teale Orban’s 2008 (158), 2006 (162), and 2007 (177) totals.
- Mueller’s total of 264 pass attempts this season ranks fifth in U of R history behind Orban (272 in 2008), Mark Anderson (282 in 2003), Orban (285 in 2006), and Orban (294 in 2007).
- Mueller has 1960 passing yards this year, which trails Anderson (2161 in 2003), Orban (2273 in 2007), Darryl Leason (2277 in 2000), and Orban (2616 in 2006).
- Jordan Sisco has 44 pass receptions this year, which trails only Chad Goldie’s 54 in 2007 on the U of R’s all-time list.
- Perri Scarcelli’s total of 17 field goals this season is a U of R record, breaking his own mark of 14 set last season. If he hits at least three on Friday, he will become the first Canada West kicker not named Jamie Boreham to hit 20 in a single season.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Coaches Show Tonight / Rider Sked
The guest is Rider defensive line coach Mike Scheper.
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Rider Schedule
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH
11:00 am Riders practice
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30TH
Travel day to Hamilton
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31ST
12:00 pm Sask time Riders vs Ticats
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER
Return from Hamilton
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND
DAY OFF – NO MEDIA AVAILABILITY
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD
11:00 am Riders practice
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH
11:00 am Riders practice
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH
11:00 am
H1N1 Hysteria Reaches Riderville
Here's the Q & A with Rider coach Ken Miller following Wednesday's workout:
Q. You've had players missing from practice this week with the flu, now most notably Luca Congi?
MILLER: It's the illness that's going around. He came in not feeling well so we sent him home.
Q. Are you keeping him quarantined so to speak, to seperate him from the team?
MILLER: It's been going around. It's been going around for some time. When we have someone who's not feeling up to par, we do our best to send them home.
Q. Any fears of H1N1?
MILLER: We know that it's around. We know that it's in the province. We know there are possibilities for that. Right now we're pretty sure we don't have it.
Q. What precautions are you taking to prevent the spread of the flu bug?
MILLER: What we do is what, I think and hope, most people do in the regular workplace. Just encourage people to be really good with their hygiene, wash their hands with soap and water, cough into your sleeve, and do things that you normally do to avoid getting a cold or flu.
Q. Have you had discussions with the team about avoiding H1N1?
MILLER: Absolutely. As late as yesterday, I talked to them about it. I talked about hydration because when you get the flu, or just this time of year in general, none of us are inclined to take in as many fluids as we need. If we don't take in fluids, we set ourselves up for more serious illness but also muscle pulls and cramps. Anyway, I talked with them about proper hygiene yesterday after doing it a couple of weeks ago. It's been a constant reminder.
Q. Do you worry about it all with a sports team, particularly with the young hockey player dying from it on Monday?
MILLER: Certainly that is an unfortunate situation. I guess we're all at risk, whether it's you or me. We all have risk. Maybe me less than others but we all have concerns for that.
CHL Week 7 Top 10
1 Calgary Hitmen (12-3-0-0)
2 Drummondville Voltigeurs (13-2-0-1)
3 Windsor Spitfires (12-3-0-1)
4 Kitchener Rangers (9-1-1-2)
5 Tri-City Americans (11-2-0-0)
6 Gatineau Olympiques (12-4-0-0)
7 Saint John Sea Dogs (13-4-1-0)
8 London Knights (10-4-0-0)
9 Vancouver Giants (10-3-1-2)
10 Mississauga St. Michael's Majors (10-3-0-0)
2 Drummondville Voltigeurs (13-2-0-1)
3 Windsor Spitfires (12-3-0-1)
4 Kitchener Rangers (9-1-1-2)
5 Tri-City Americans (11-2-0-0)
6 Gatineau Olympiques (12-4-0-0)
7 Saint John Sea Dogs (13-4-1-0)
8 London Knights (10-4-0-0)
9 Vancouver Giants (10-3-1-2)
10 Mississauga St. Michael's Majors (10-3-0-0)
Honourable Mention:
Quebec Remparts (11-3-2-1)
Saskatoon Blades (10-3-0-2)
Barrie Colts (9-4-0-1)
First & Goal
Another guest column from one of the CFL's top beat writers, Ed Tait, of the Winnipeg Free Press. I especially love NUMBER 4 of his weekly "First & Goal" column:
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Five storylines that jumped out while observing the past week of Canadian Football League action:
1: THERE are still two games left in the Toronto Argonauts' season so, officially, the heart hasn't stopped beating on the 2009 campaign just yet.
That won't stop us, however, from grabbing a scalpel and conducting our own autopsy on a squad that is about to miss the playoffs for the second year running.
The gruesome truth: The Argos are 3-21 since last September and a lot of folks across the CFL map will now be watching intently for what happens in the Big Smoke this off-season.
Do owners Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon return? Does head coach Bart Andrus get another crack? What about personnel men Adam Rita and Greg Mohns?
Whatever happens in the corporate offices, a major overhaul is needed -- again -- on the on-field product. Simply put, it's a shame for an outfit in the CFL's biggest market to be so dreadful, but it's an absolute sin to stink AND be long in the tooth.
Really, take a look at the Argos' roster and some of their 'marquee' players:
QB Kerry Joseph is 36, starting running back Jamal Robertson is 32, left tackle Rob Murphy -- one of their big free agent splashes -- is 32, starting middle linebacker Zeke Moreno is 31 as is defensive back Jordan Younger while end Jonathan Brown is 33.
As well, several key Canadians are in their 30s: Adriano Belli (32), Kevin Eiben (30), Andre Talbot (31) and Jeff Johnson (32).
If there is a change up top, it would be mighty tempting to blow this thing up for the new owner/GM/head coach. What fans they have left will be demanding it.
2: I'M not saying, I'm just saying...
So governments are on board for a $458- million upgrade to B.C. Place that includes a retractable roof and the group in Quebec City is after an NHL team and the Winter Olympics wants the three levels of governments to pony up $400 million toward a new arena in the provincial capital.
And the Bombers and prospective owner David Asper had to fight and scratch just to get $35 million from the policy-makers for their new building? Hmmmmm...
3: ALLOW me, please, to weigh in on Casey Printers' return to the B.C. Lions and the CFL...
First off, let's all recognize that Printers probably doesn't step on the field unless the Lions' QB depth is destroyed by injuries to Jarious Jackson, Buck Pierce and Travis Lulay.
And let's all acknowledge that Wally Buono deserves a ton of credit for bringing out the best in Printers when every other team in this league took a pass on taking a look at the 28-year-old former CFL Most Outstanding Player.
Now, while he was rusty in the OT loss to Saskatchewan on the weekend, it was hard not to be impressed by the physical skills that saw him pass for 339 yards and two touchdowns. But the interception he threw in the end zone in overtime was inexcusable and his comments to TSN before the game left many doubters convinced his time away from the game hasn't changed his attitude.
Said Printers: "I really don't buy into what people say, because it's just something to sell something. They're usually trying to sell a paper or trying to do something for their own gain. In the locker-room, we call those haters. And we need haters, though. We need the haters, because you need people to try to bring you down. That's what gives you the sense of urgency to get better."
4: FURTHER to the Lions... you'd figure they'd had enough of all this gesture stuff after the controversy the crotch chop at the Blue Bombers' bench drew twice this season.
But, oh no, there were the Lions in Saturday's loss to the Riders apparently ticking off another team and its fan base.
"They were out there telling the crowd that it's over and slitting their throats and things like that," Rider QB Darian Durant told the Regina Leader- Post after rallying the Riders to victory. "We see things like that. It was definitely good to have that happen."
5: AND, finally, thanks for the many, many loyal readers who emailed with their picks for the Bomber Most Outstanding Player Award nominees.
Based on our very informal poll, the majority of the fans' picks would go like this:
Most Outstanding: Fred Reid; Defence: (dead-heat tie) Jovon Johnson and Doug Brown; Canadian: Doug Brown; rookie: Jonathan Hefney and special teams: Jovon Johnson.
The official votes should be tallied and released early next week.
Watch The Riders At Lunch Today
Come on down on your lunch break and watch the Riders practice indoors today. They'll be in the Eventplex at Evraz Place from 11 - 1.
A Pats Blog
As promised, a blog about the Regina Pats today.They've been quietly flying under the radar, habitually buried by the Riders in the newscasts, headlines and blogs around here until the end of November.
Somebody wrote into the Monday Morning Goalie wondering why I was perplexed at the low attendance at Pats games. He said it's NFL and CFL season, and that's to be expected. But to be honest, we've seen far greater Pats attendance figures in years past in the fall. Even last year the team was drawing big numbers because, I think, people were curious about the Dale Derkatch Factor. At the time, the fans were being rewarded with entertaining games.
However we all know how that turned out.
Of course I'm out of touch with the ticket-buying public. I've been fortunate to not have to buy a ticket to a sporting event for years so I don't chastise those who have to. If you have to decide between the Pats and Riders at this time of year, than it's no surprise what you'll choose. However to me, they're completely different entertain options. But that's a story for another time.
I'm just saying it's keenly interesting to follow the evolution of a team thoughout its season and several people are missing out on what (hopefully) is something special being built in the Brandt Centre.
It's been like an extended two month training camp for the Regina Pats as they continue to mix and match and juggle their lineup. Heck, in the past few weeks alone we've seen several new faces make their team debuts in Killian Hutt (who was a point a game guy till he got the flu), Cody Carlson (who's on the top PP unit) and Hampus Gustafsson (who scored his first Pats goal Sunday playing with Weal and Eberle).
Curiously, GM Brent Parker has received no credit for basically stealing all three of those players and not giving up much in return.
It's been a complete roller coaster so far as the team started on a low in the opening week, got Eberle back and went on a high, then another low with a losing streak, and now hopefully things are stabilizing as evidenced by the club's 5-2 home win over Swift Current on Sunday.
Here are some notes on the team:
- At 6-8-2 they are a notch below .500 with 14 points earned out of a possible 32.
- They are tied for 5th in the East Division with the P.A. Raiders
- They are 5-4-1 at home, and have played the most home games in the division.
- They are 1-4-1 on the road, and have played the least road games in the division.
- They lead the division with 306 team penalty minutes.
- They have the WHL's SIXTH rated powerplay at a whopping 25.7%.
- They have the WHL's 12th rated penalty-kill at 78.7%.
- Jordan Eberle is second in league scoring (11 GP, 12-12-24) but has played the fewest games of anybody in the Top 5 in WHL scoring.
- If you stack up the East Conference, the Pats are tied for the final playoff spot with P.A. and Edmonton. WHL play-by-play men predicted the Pats will finish 8th in a preseason poll.
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Admittedly, Curtis Hunt is a different coach since his return from the NHL. We're still figuring out how exactly but it's generally agreed upon it's for the positive. 20-year old forward Brett Leffler said on Sportsline last week that everybody in the dressing room is "intimidated" by Hunt. That's fair. He's an intimidating guy. But he's much bigger on communication now, and his methods seem to have been given a makeover.
Curtis and I had an extended discussion prior to Sunday's game against Swift Current. As far as the on-air portion goes, this is what he had to say about the club's lack of offensive production of late:
"We need more from our depth players in terms of generating and creating offense. We go back to the tape and day in and day out it's the same guys. If Eberle or Weal gets snakebit, then we've been strapped a little bit to say the least. When they're scoring, we're fine. So we've tried to balance the lines. That being said, we've done a lot of real good things in the offensive zone except at the last moment when you need that skill, that poise and that shot. So it's an area we've talked about."
"The flip side to all that is our play without the puck has been very good. We figure we should be able to score three to four goals a night, so if we take care of our own end, we should be in good shape."
All in all Hunt is happy with where the team has been, and where it's going:
"We're not displeased. The problem is we go to Saskatoon and our top line is on the ice for all four of their goals. So our top line against their top line is a saw-off. You get any kind of secondary scoring and you win. I'm not displeased with our games. It's little things within our game that we continue to talk about and show our players on video. We've gotten a little bit better each game and as the year goes along we'll be in great shape."
As far as the off-air portion of the chat went, I told Curtis that I was buying into what he was selling in the interview. The key is for the players not to buy into what could be a negative vibe around town since the club's below .500. I mentioned the Riders don't listen to anyone outside their locker room and they believe only in themselves and their coaches. The Pats could benefit from the same strategy.
Curtis said that's what he's stressing and keeps telling the players "don't beat yourselves up".
The message has to continue to be positive.
They're a work in progress. In the interview Curtis admits he's new to the scene and a lot of his philosophies are new.
They say the season's a marathon and that's not a cliche. Last year the Pats saw a playoff spot slip out of their hands within the space of three weeks to a month.
The team's being built now, and has lots of time to get their game together.
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G.M. Brent Parker was on Sportsline Monday night and echoed many of the same thoughts as Curtis regarding the team's three game road jaunt last week through P.A. (3-2 OT loss), Saskatoon (4-3 loss) and Swift Current (2-1 loss).
"It was not as productive as we would have liked it to have been but our game is getting close to where we'd like it to be. We only gave up nine goals in three road games and we managed to get a point (OT loss in P.A.). We've played pretty well. Defensively we've been good, our goaltending's been real good. Now it's time to get the timely goals which we got against Swift Current Sunday."
Do you need more scoring than just Weal and Eberle?
"It's that, and it's timely scoring. Getting that big goal at the right time. We had opportunities in all those games last week to get a big goal at a key time, and it didn't happen. Some of that was us not bearing down, or the goalie coming up with a big save. We could use some more depth probably, but it comes down to when goals are scored as much as how many."
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So basically what I'm saying is it's fun to watch a team evolve and the 2500 - 3000 that are there every night know what I'm talking about.
If the tickets are too expensive, then I don't understand why those Safeway $10 tickets aren't soldout every game. A family of five for $50?? You can't get one Rider ticket for that I don't think.
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And as far as trading Eberle and Teubert go, the team's got a couple of months before they even have to make that decision. There's a lot of games between now and then.
If this team comes together, and the newcomers like Carlson, Gustafsson and Hutt continue to make an impact and the youngsters like Hood, Mulder, Bell, Borstmayer, Davidson, etc. step up to their potential, then this team could upset somebody in Round 1 and go a ways.
They say the first round of the playoffs is the hardest to win. How the hell would I know? It's only happened three times since I got here in 1995.
But that's a million miles away. Right now, it's day by day and watching this team is fun and fascinating.
I wish more people felt that way!!
RP
"The flip side to all that is our play without the puck has been very good. We figure we should be able to score three to four goals a night, so if we take care of our own end, we should be in good shape."
All in all Hunt is happy with where the team has been, and where it's going:
"We're not displeased. The problem is we go to Saskatoon and our top line is on the ice for all four of their goals. So our top line against their top line is a saw-off. You get any kind of secondary scoring and you win. I'm not displeased with our games. It's little things within our game that we continue to talk about and show our players on video. We've gotten a little bit better each game and as the year goes along we'll be in great shape."
As far as the off-air portion of the chat went, I told Curtis that I was buying into what he was selling in the interview. The key is for the players not to buy into what could be a negative vibe around town since the club's below .500. I mentioned the Riders don't listen to anyone outside their locker room and they believe only in themselves and their coaches. The Pats could benefit from the same strategy.
Curtis said that's what he's stressing and keeps telling the players "don't beat yourselves up".
The message has to continue to be positive.
They're a work in progress. In the interview Curtis admits he's new to the scene and a lot of his philosophies are new.
They say the season's a marathon and that's not a cliche. Last year the Pats saw a playoff spot slip out of their hands within the space of three weeks to a month.
The team's being built now, and has lots of time to get their game together.
----
G.M. Brent Parker was on Sportsline Monday night and echoed many of the same thoughts as Curtis regarding the team's three game road jaunt last week through P.A. (3-2 OT loss), Saskatoon (4-3 loss) and Swift Current (2-1 loss).
"It was not as productive as we would have liked it to have been but our game is getting close to where we'd like it to be. We only gave up nine goals in three road games and we managed to get a point (OT loss in P.A.). We've played pretty well. Defensively we've been good, our goaltending's been real good. Now it's time to get the timely goals which we got against Swift Current Sunday."
Do you need more scoring than just Weal and Eberle?
"It's that, and it's timely scoring. Getting that big goal at the right time. We had opportunities in all those games last week to get a big goal at a key time, and it didn't happen. Some of that was us not bearing down, or the goalie coming up with a big save. We could use some more depth probably, but it comes down to when goals are scored as much as how many."
----
So basically what I'm saying is it's fun to watch a team evolve and the 2500 - 3000 that are there every night know what I'm talking about.
If the tickets are too expensive, then I don't understand why those Safeway $10 tickets aren't soldout every game. A family of five for $50?? You can't get one Rider ticket for that I don't think.
----
And as far as trading Eberle and Teubert go, the team's got a couple of months before they even have to make that decision. There's a lot of games between now and then.
If this team comes together, and the newcomers like Carlson, Gustafsson and Hutt continue to make an impact and the youngsters like Hood, Mulder, Bell, Borstmayer, Davidson, etc. step up to their potential, then this team could upset somebody in Round 1 and go a ways.
They say the first round of the playoffs is the hardest to win. How the hell would I know? It's only happened three times since I got here in 1995.
But that's a million miles away. Right now, it's day by day and watching this team is fun and fascinating.
I wish more people felt that way!!
RP
This Week In Cougar Athletics
Rams Football – The Rams (3-4) are faced with a must-win situation against Saskatchewan on Friday after losing 47-29 to the Calgary Dinos over the weekend. To qualify for the postseason, the Rams must defeat the Huskies and hope that either Calgary defeats Alberta, or that both Alberta and Simon Fraser win on Saturday. The Rams and the Huskies will meet at 7 p.m. on Friday night at Mosaic Stadium on www.620ckrm.com.Women’s Hockey – The Cougars (1-2-1) play their home opener this weekend against Canada West-leading and No. 3-ranked Alberta (6-0-0). The teams will be playing for the third and fourth times this month, as Alberta recorded 4-0 and 3-2 victories in Edmonton earlier in October. The Cougars and the Pandas will meet at 7 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday night at the Sherwood Ice Sports Centre.
Women’s Soccer – The Cougars (2-10-0) delivered a serious blow to Manitoba’s postseason hopes after splitting the weekend series with the Bisons. After losing 1-0 to the Bisons on Saturday, the Cougars responded with a 1-0 win over their own on Sunday to record their second victory of the season. Jessica Meyer scored the game’s lone goal for the Cougars, while Linsay Barbier had the shutout. The Cougars finish up their 2009 season this weekend with games against Lethbridge and
Calgary.
Women’s Basketball – The Cougars won their second consecutive non-conference tournament over the weekend after defeating UQAM, Calgary, and McMaster to take the UC Invitational crown. Now sporting a 9-2 non-conference record and riding a seven-game winning streak, Regina will host Concordia this weekend in what will be the team’s final action before the Canada West schedule begins. The Cougars and the
Stingers will tip off at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Women’s Volleyball (CIS Ranking: No. 7) – The Cougars (1-1) opened up their Canada West schedule over the weekend against Manitoba, which entered the weekend ranked No. 3 in the CIS. The Bisons took the first match by a 3-0 score, but the Cougars responded on Saturday night with a straight-sets win of their own. The Cougars continue Canada West play this weekend with a pair of matches against Saskatchewan.
Men’s Volleyball – The Cougars (0-2) battled hard throughout the weekend, but ended up losing two matches to No. 5-ranked Manitoba. The Bisons won 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-20) in the first match and 3-1 (25-13, 25-11, 23-25, 30-28) on Saturday. The Cougars will travel for a pair of matches against Saskatchewan this weekend in Saskatoon.
Men’s Hockey – After a weekend off following a two-game split with Saskatchewan, the Cougars (2-4-0) return to the ice with two road games against Calgary (3-1-2). Games are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at Father David Bauer Arena in Calgary. After this weekend, the Cougars return home for a pair of games against Lethbridge on Nov. 6 and 7.
Men’s Basketball – The Cougars finished in second place with a 2-1 record over the weekend at the non-conference Graham Construction Shootout in Saskatoon. The U of R defeated McGill and Thompson Rivers, but lost to host Saskatchewan on Friday night. The Cougars will play at Minot State on Friday, the team’s final non-conference game before the Canada West schedule begins on Nov. 6 and 7 at Lethbridge.
Cross Country (Men’s CIS Ranking: No. 6) – The U of R’s cross country team returns to action this weekend at the Stewart Cup in Calgary. Despite running just once in the past three weekends, the men’s team holds steady at No. 6 in this week’s CIS poll. With last year’s top runner Kelly Wiebe now back from injury, the Cougars will
look to make a charge on Saturday afternoon in Edmonton.
Swimming – Linda Duarte placed first in both the 50-metre (30.66 s) and 100-metre (1:07.14) butterfly to lead the Cougars at the Goldfins Invitational over the weekend in Saskatoon. Duarte also finished second in the 50-metre (37.55 s) and 100-metre (1:20.16) breast stroke, and her times in the 100 breast and both butterfly races met the Canada West standard. Maggi Pettit hit Canada West standards in the 50-metre
freestyle (28.20 s) and the 100-metre freestyle (1:02.57), while Robert Ennis scored Canada West standards and second-place finishes in both the 50-metre (27.54 s) and 100-metre (1:00.30) butterfly.
Men’s Wrestling – Led by gold medals from Connor Malloy and Kirk Ackerman, the men’s wrestling team placed second on Saturday at the Dinos Invitational in Calgary. Malloy, last season’s Canada West Male Rookie of the Year, placed first in the 76-kilogram class while Ackerman won gold at 61 kilograms. Gaelan Malloy won silver at 68 kilograms, while Chad Bates won bronze at 65. The Cougars finished behind only
Simon Fraser at the tournament. Alberta, Calgary, Brock, and Saskatchewan rounded out the team standings.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
From Greg Harder's Blog...
http://communities.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/blogs/slapshots/default.aspx
PATS DEALING WITH FLU-GATE SCANDAL
The Pats’ players and staff members were slated to receive their regularly scheduled flu shots following Tuesday’s practice. The confusion stemmed from the fact that the team had been informed that the shots would be for the H1N1 virus.
Here’s what happened: Long-time Pats doctor Ian Hill was trying to be proactive when he ordered the shots early this summer in anticipation of the H1N1 vaccinations being ready by this fall. Hill was left with the impression that his order went through, when in fact the shots that arrived were actually of the regular flu variety.
No big deal, right? Wrong.
According to GM Brent Parker, a minor controversy erupted when Pats broadcaster Rod Pedersen made an innocent comment on his blog about heading to the Brandt Centre this afternoon to receive an H1N1 shot along with the rest of the team.
The Pats subsequently received numerous inquires and complaints from people who assumed they were receiving preferential treatment. They even heard from government health officials who wanted answers, since the H1N1 shots aren’t slated to be available to the general public until early next month.
In the end, it was all a mix-up.
So, for the record, the Pats went ahead and received their regular flu shots on Tuesday. They’re slated to get the H1N1 shots after their West Coast road trip in late-November, early December.
Ironically, before all this hubbub, I had planned to do a story for Wednesday’s Leader-Post on what the Pats were doing to reduce the risks of contracting H1N1. After a couple of twists and turns, that story will now run as scheduled.
Tuesday Coach Comments
Please don't forget to register your answer on the poll on the left side of this page!
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Rider coach Ken Miller's Tuesday post-practice media scrum transcript:
Q. Injuries in the secondary ... DB Daniel Francis went down in practice. Is there concern there?
MILLER: I came in shortly after he was injured and it seems like he'll be okay. It was more scared-anger than I think injury.
Q. How much of a concern is that with Lance Frazier (dehydration) and Eddie Davis (knee) not in the B.C. game?
MILLER: I think Lance is gonna be back with no problems. We're awaiting results of blood tests. It seems he's going the right direction. But it looks like Eddie Davis will miss this game.
Q. What's the story on Eddie Davis?
MILLER: I think it's a torn miniscus. So they'll probably do a procedure in the very near future and I think there's an outside chance he'll be ready for the Calgary game. But the playoffs will be a more realistic time frame. It's a really big concern because he's such a leader in our secondary. So much of what we do revolves around the communication that he makes with other players. Part of the success on the shortside of the field with him and Omarr Morgan is from their ability to work together.
Q. How happy were with you with the play of DB Chris McKenzie?
MILLER: I was really ecstatic because it's the first time he's played in a meaningful situation in quite some time. He did a tremendous job of playing that field halfback spot.
Q. Belton Johnson?
MILLER: He's getting much better, quickly, but I believe he'll be gone for the remainder of the season.
Q. Wayne Smith?
MILLER: I think that there is a possibility that somebody could play him at the end of the year but if he re-injures that achilles you wouldn't look very smart. So we would probably not entertain that possibility.
Q. OT is not out of the realm of possibility again. Is there a rule about how you'll approach it?
MILLER: I have to give some thought to that. A tie in another game and a B.C. win would throw a monkey wrench into some of our plans. I haven't thought through all of those alternatives yet but certainly we don't want to have a tie.
Q. In the playoffs you have to have a winner so would you change you gameplan in overtime?
MILLER: In a playoff game for the most part you'd take a conservative approach and play to win.
Q. You wouldn't go for 2 points on a convert or anything like that?
MILLER: I'll research those possibilities and have a better answer for that.
Q. Would you change your defensive strategy? Sacks would take a team out of field goal range...
MILLER: We like sacks but we'd rather do is strip the ball away from the QB. We say we don't like sacks but we'd like to get the football in that situation. But we'll take sacks.
Q. Rob Bagg was named Top Canadian for the week. Can you talk about him?
MILLER: He's played tremendously all year and really just the fact he shows the flexibility to do multiple things and to play Weston's spot, he's done really well.
Q. Where would he be if he hadn't gone back to school in 2007?
MILLER: He might be a bit ahead but maturity is a part of it and how he's developed. Maybe his maturation matches his opportunity.
Q. The status of LB's Freeman and McCullough?
MILLER: They're feeling a bit under the weather and we're just being precautious with them.
Q. Will you use K Louie Sakoda more extensively?
MILLER: Right now he will be our kickoff person and Luca will be our field goal, PAT guy. There's a small chance Louie could be used on punting if we can get him used to the rhythm of punting for us.
Q. How did he play Saturday?
MILLER: He did a nice job. He kicked the ball a long ways. He didn't have quite the trajectory we would like, but that's one of things we're working on; distance and hang time.
Q. Durant's first career start was in Hamilton ... what have you seen of him in his maturation?
MILLER: He's growing as a quarterback and a leader. It doesn't matter what side of the ball it is, this whole team has tremendous confidence in him. You can tell as he plays, that he sees the defense better. He sees the 2nd, 3rd and sometimes the 4th read and is making plays.
Q. You've had to rely on 2-point converts to come back in games. Is the team lacking intensity up until those points?
MILLER: I don't think it's a lack of intensity. Football games are not an exact science. Every game has an ebb and flow and we've been able to come back and tie or win so I don't think it's a lack of effort at any point in the games.
Q. What are the comebacks and finishes doing for your heart?
MILLER: I'd much rather win by 50!
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Rider coach Ken Miller's Tuesday post-practice media scrum transcript:
Q. Injuries in the secondary ... DB Daniel Francis went down in practice. Is there concern there?
MILLER: I came in shortly after he was injured and it seems like he'll be okay. It was more scared-anger than I think injury.
Q. How much of a concern is that with Lance Frazier (dehydration) and Eddie Davis (knee) not in the B.C. game?
MILLER: I think Lance is gonna be back with no problems. We're awaiting results of blood tests. It seems he's going the right direction. But it looks like Eddie Davis will miss this game.
Q. What's the story on Eddie Davis?
MILLER: I think it's a torn miniscus. So they'll probably do a procedure in the very near future and I think there's an outside chance he'll be ready for the Calgary game. But the playoffs will be a more realistic time frame. It's a really big concern because he's such a leader in our secondary. So much of what we do revolves around the communication that he makes with other players. Part of the success on the shortside of the field with him and Omarr Morgan is from their ability to work together.
Q. How happy were with you with the play of DB Chris McKenzie?
MILLER: I was really ecstatic because it's the first time he's played in a meaningful situation in quite some time. He did a tremendous job of playing that field halfback spot.
Q. Belton Johnson?
MILLER: He's getting much better, quickly, but I believe he'll be gone for the remainder of the season.
Q. Wayne Smith?
MILLER: I think that there is a possibility that somebody could play him at the end of the year but if he re-injures that achilles you wouldn't look very smart. So we would probably not entertain that possibility.
Q. OT is not out of the realm of possibility again. Is there a rule about how you'll approach it?
MILLER: I have to give some thought to that. A tie in another game and a B.C. win would throw a monkey wrench into some of our plans. I haven't thought through all of those alternatives yet but certainly we don't want to have a tie.
Q. In the playoffs you have to have a winner so would you change you gameplan in overtime?
MILLER: In a playoff game for the most part you'd take a conservative approach and play to win.
Q. You wouldn't go for 2 points on a convert or anything like that?
MILLER: I'll research those possibilities and have a better answer for that.
Q. Would you change your defensive strategy? Sacks would take a team out of field goal range...
MILLER: We like sacks but we'd rather do is strip the ball away from the QB. We say we don't like sacks but we'd like to get the football in that situation. But we'll take sacks.
Q. Rob Bagg was named Top Canadian for the week. Can you talk about him?
MILLER: He's played tremendously all year and really just the fact he shows the flexibility to do multiple things and to play Weston's spot, he's done really well.
Q. Where would he be if he hadn't gone back to school in 2007?
MILLER: He might be a bit ahead but maturity is a part of it and how he's developed. Maybe his maturation matches his opportunity.
Q. The status of LB's Freeman and McCullough?
MILLER: They're feeling a bit under the weather and we're just being precautious with them.
Q. Will you use K Louie Sakoda more extensively?
MILLER: Right now he will be our kickoff person and Luca will be our field goal, PAT guy. There's a small chance Louie could be used on punting if we can get him used to the rhythm of punting for us.
Q. How did he play Saturday?
MILLER: He did a nice job. He kicked the ball a long ways. He didn't have quite the trajectory we would like, but that's one of things we're working on; distance and hang time.
Q. Durant's first career start was in Hamilton ... what have you seen of him in his maturation?
MILLER: He's growing as a quarterback and a leader. It doesn't matter what side of the ball it is, this whole team has tremendous confidence in him. You can tell as he plays, that he sees the defense better. He sees the 2nd, 3rd and sometimes the 4th read and is making plays.
Q. You've had to rely on 2-point converts to come back in games. Is the team lacking intensity up until those points?
MILLER: I don't think it's a lack of intensity. Football games are not an exact science. Every game has an ebb and flow and we've been able to come back and tie or win so I don't think it's a lack of effort at any point in the games.
Q. What are the comebacks and finishes doing for your heart?
MILLER: I'd much rather win by 50!
BAGG NAMED TOP CANADIAN OF THE WEEK
Saskatchewan Roughrider receiver Rob Bagg has been named the CFL's Gibson's Finest Canadian Player of the Week.
Bagg was the Riders' top receiver in their 33-30 overtime win over the B.C. Lions on Saturday afternoon at Mosaic Stadium. The Queen's product had eight catches for 124 yards and one touchdown.
So far this season, the second year Rider has 56 catches for 760 yards and four touchdowns.
Bagg joins teammates Jason Armstead, Mike McCullough Andy Fantuz, Luca Congi, Stevie Baggs, John Chick and Chris Getzlaf as Rider weekly award winners this season.
Bagg was the Riders' top receiver in their 33-30 overtime win over the B.C. Lions on Saturday afternoon at Mosaic Stadium. The Queen's product had eight catches for 124 yards and one touchdown.
So far this season, the second year Rider has 56 catches for 760 yards and four touchdowns.
Bagg joins teammates Jason Armstead, Mike McCullough Andy Fantuz, Luca Congi, Stevie Baggs, John Chick and Chris Getzlaf as Rider weekly award winners this season.
Quinn and Harrell On Sportsline **Updated**
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PLEASE do me a small favour and click one of the options in the poll at the top left of the page. It would help me out greatly to get a demographic for the site which will be very useful.
THANK YOU!!
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Check back tomorrow for a somewhat in-depth Regina Pats blog. I've been meaning to do it for awhile but with everybody going ape about the Riders around here, the Green & White rightfully are top dogs on the blog.
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Jason Clermont Twittered yesterday that he's having a tough time deciding whether or not to get his nine month old son an H1N1 shot.
Does anyone have information on this?
Please let us know, and if you have any info for J.C., I'll pass it along.
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Rider President Jim Hopson was on Sportsline last night. He outlined the team's playoff ticket procedure:
"Right now we're guaranteed to be in the playoffs but we're not guranteed a home playoff game. Win in Hamilton, and we cement homefield in the West Semifinal and then a win at home over Calgary in the final game gives us the big apple -- the whole thing -- first place for the first time since 1976 and home field in the West Final."
"There's still a lot of work to be done. We want to be in the playoffs but we really want to secure first place for our fans, and the revenue opportunities. Our season ticket holders have had the opportunity to secure their tickets and most have done that. We had a campaign running there for awhile. We're now in the second leg of that where shareholders and flexpack owners have until October 31 to secure their playoff tickets."
"On November 4, all remaining tickets go on sale to the public. We've sold just over 20,000 tickets to date so there's been a real good up-take. But there's some room there so there will be some tickets available come November 4."
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Hopson on the green jerseys for Team Canada at the WJHC:
"I think it's tremendous and it does speak about our team and our fans. I don't think this has happened anywhere else. For Team Canada to come in here and do a Rider jersey, and then to wear it twice, is great. I got goosebumps seeing it the other night and I can't wait to see the team out there playing in them."
Those jerseys will have a Rider logo on the shoulder.
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Hopson on the brand new Rider Store in Saskatoon:
"Wild. Saskatoon people have been tremendous and it's exceeded our expectations. Hopefully we keep that ball rolling."
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Things are going so great for the Riders and Darian Durant is playing so well, let's start a quarterback controversy!!
(I'M KIDDING)
There isn't one person in this province or the Rider Nation clamouring for any other quarterback other than Durant as the Riders head down the stretch.
HOWEVER, Graham Harrell had a tough time hiding the fact he wants to play. I asked the Texas Tech star last night when he's going to get his chance:
"That's a great question and I don't know if it's one I can answer. Darian's playing great obviously and has been all year. There's not going to be a change or anything like that. Like Johnny said earlier, everybody on the team has confidence in him."
"Like I said it's been a great year to learn. It's been an opportunity to see the Canadian game, see how a successful offense works and I've learned from it. Whenever I get my shot I hope I make the most of it. I don't know when that will be. Hopefully it's sooner than later for me."
"Right now we're on a roll and we need to keep doing that. Hopefully I get my chance sooner than later but right now it's a learning experience."
The Riders have five quality quarterbacks in town; Durant, Steve Jyles, Dalton Bell, Graham Harrell and Cole Bergquist.
They will NOT be able to keep them all long-term, but they'll have them at least till the end of this year.
All the team's concerned about right now is chasing the Grey Cup and the rest will sort itself out down the line.
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Have a great day.
RP
Monday, October 26, 2009
Roughrider Baby Seat
----From Ticats P.R.:
TICATS HOST RIDERS ON HALLOWEEN
Hamilton, Ontario - This year's Halloween activities will begin at Ivor Wynne Stadium this Saturday, October 31 as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats host the Saskatchewan Roughriders at 2:00 p.m. (presented by AM 900 CHML and Y108) in a game that will have significant implications on the Ticats playoff run.
Families are encouraged to come down to Ivor Wynne Stadium to kick off Halloween as the Ticats are offering a free youth ticket* with the purchase of an adult ticket. Kids can visit candy stations located at Ivor Wynne Stadium from 12:30-1:30pm to receive a treat from Ticats alumni and cheerleaders and the first 20,000 fans inside the gates at Ivor Wynne will receive a Halloween treat bag courtesy of Zellers. Pepsi prizes will be awarded to fans wearing the best costumes and a special halftime 'Thriller' routine will be performed by Stripes and the Ticats cheerleaders presented by AMJ Campbell Van Lines.
The team will also pay tribute to its proud history on Saturday. Former Hamilton Flying Wildcat/Tiger-Cat Vince Scott's name will be added to the Wall of Honour and the Ticats will recognize the 1999 Grey Cup championship team. Danny McManus, Rob Hitchcock, Paul Osbaldiston and several other members of the 1999 team will be on hand to help celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Black and Gold's most recent Grey Cup victory.
The Cats are coming off a crucial win against the Toronto Argonauts last week and need the help of all TigerTown citizens in their final regular season home game. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting Ticats.ca or calling 905-547-CATS (2287).
Dub News
McNaught Gets Five-Game Suspension
Saskatoon Blades forward Randy McNaught has been handed a five-game suspension from the Western Hockey League for a hit on October 23rd versus the Swift Current Broncos.
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The Kamloops Blazers have fired coach Barry Smith.
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The Boston Pizza WHL Player of the Week is Calgary Hitmen forward Brandon Kozun.
Reply From R. Vanstone
This from the sports editor of the Leader Post regarding this morning's comment in The Monday Morning Goalie:
"Hi Rod,
I just saw on your blog the item about the Riders history book.
I'm not sure what gave you the notion that I might be displeased with the history book coming out so soon after 1966, because nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, the 1966 book and the history book were sold as a package to begin with. Not only that, I am one of the authors of the history book and am delighted that it has been published — adding to a list of Riders books that includes yours.
Moreover, I even did a book-signing when the history book was launched at Book & Brier Patch earlier this month, tearing apart an evening to ensure I was there. I am very proud and privileged to have been part of the history book and have NO problems whatsoever with its publication or the timing of its issuance.
I would appreciate it if you could mention this on the blog, because I'm getting several e-mails about this topic from people who seem to think that I'm in a snit about the history book.
I'm working with the publisher (Printwest) on a book about the 1989 Roughriders and I don't need Dan Marce thinking that I am displeased. In fact, the exact opposite is true.
Thanks for your time, Rod.
Cheers,
Rob"
BLOGGER NOTE: Rob's right, I shouldn't have spoken for him. I know I MYSELF would wonder about it, because people are faced with the decision of buying one or the other. Hopefully people pick up BOTH because they're both tremendous chronicles of Rider history.
"Hi Rod,
I just saw on your blog the item about the Riders history book.
I'm not sure what gave you the notion that I might be displeased with the history book coming out so soon after 1966, because nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, the 1966 book and the history book were sold as a package to begin with. Not only that, I am one of the authors of the history book and am delighted that it has been published — adding to a list of Riders books that includes yours.
Moreover, I even did a book-signing when the history book was launched at Book & Brier Patch earlier this month, tearing apart an evening to ensure I was there. I am very proud and privileged to have been part of the history book and have NO problems whatsoever with its publication or the timing of its issuance.
I would appreciate it if you could mention this on the blog, because I'm getting several e-mails about this topic from people who seem to think that I'm in a snit about the history book.
I'm working with the publisher (Printwest) on a book about the 1989 Roughriders and I don't need Dan Marce thinking that I am displeased. In fact, the exact opposite is true.
Thanks for your time, Rod.
Cheers,
Rob"
BLOGGER NOTE: Rob's right, I shouldn't have spoken for him. I know I MYSELF would wonder about it, because people are faced with the decision of buying one or the other. Hopefully people pick up BOTH because they're both tremendous chronicles of Rider history.
The Monday Morning Goalie
Welcome to a brand new week!
Here we go with our weekly collection of news, notes and quotes, otherwise known as the Monday Morning Goalie...
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Starting off with football, I can assure you I have NEVER seen the Rider Nation so delirious with joy as I did after James Patrick's interception in overtime of the Riders' 33-30 victory over the B.C. Lions Saturday night at Mosaic Stadium.
We've had some great moments in the Grand Ol' Lady, but the scene on the weekend was of over the top euphoria. Fans were running up to the broadcast booth and I must've swatted high fives with 50 of them. In fact I thought I was going to fall out of the press box.
Just when we thought it couldn't get better after the OT thriller in Calgary, the Riders top it. We even watched the TSN broadcast again once we got home. Truthfully I don't think the TV cameras fully captured the depth of the celebration.
It was wild!
Oh yeah, welcome to Up Week.
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When the CFL schedule came out in the spring, football maven John Lynch pointed to the Week 19 home game against Calgary and said it would be for all the marbles. Well, the old boy was right.
Pats owner Russ Parker is among those who feel the Riders were "lucky" the other night. He even offered a $1,000 wager that his Stampeders will beat the Riders by 15 points on that November 7 evening. I'd have taken the bet, if I had $1,000. Honestly, I don't want to steal Russ's money.
Pats coach Curtis Hunt countered that the Riders were a touch unlucky the other night because Luca Congi hit the upright on a late field goal which would've given the Riders the win in regulation.
Here we go with our weekly collection of news, notes and quotes, otherwise known as the Monday Morning Goalie...
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Starting off with football, I can assure you I have NEVER seen the Rider Nation so delirious with joy as I did after James Patrick's interception in overtime of the Riders' 33-30 victory over the B.C. Lions Saturday night at Mosaic Stadium.
We've had some great moments in the Grand Ol' Lady, but the scene on the weekend was of over the top euphoria. Fans were running up to the broadcast booth and I must've swatted high fives with 50 of them. In fact I thought I was going to fall out of the press box.
Just when we thought it couldn't get better after the OT thriller in Calgary, the Riders top it. We even watched the TSN broadcast again once we got home. Truthfully I don't think the TV cameras fully captured the depth of the celebration.
It was wild!
Oh yeah, welcome to Up Week.
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When the CFL schedule came out in the spring, football maven John Lynch pointed to the Week 19 home game against Calgary and said it would be for all the marbles. Well, the old boy was right.
Pats owner Russ Parker is among those who feel the Riders were "lucky" the other night. He even offered a $1,000 wager that his Stampeders will beat the Riders by 15 points on that November 7 evening. I'd have taken the bet, if I had $1,000. Honestly, I don't want to steal Russ's money.
Pats coach Curtis Hunt countered that the Riders were a touch unlucky the other night because Luca Congi hit the upright on a late field goal which would've given the Riders the win in regulation.
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So are we even now?
The officials let blatant pass interference by Omarr Morgan on Geroy Simon slide, and it led to Patrick's interception of Casey Printers.
Said Simon on Twitter:
@geroysimon: Man this one stings! I guess I should do my offseason training with a dummy hanging off me so I"m used to all the db's who can't cover!
Said Simon on Twitter:
@geroysimon: Man this one stings! I guess I should do my offseason training with a dummy hanging off me so I"m used to all the db's who can't cover!
Geroy's got a legitimate beef. It looked like he and Omarr were engaged in hand to hand combat. Heck if it would've happened 50 feet north of that spot, out in the street, Omarr would've been charged with assault!
Lions supporters say the refs were intimidated by the crowd in Regina.
Whatever. I'd say we're even (going back to the botched call in B.C. on the dribble kick in August, or the Chick call last week).
Let's move on...
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The Lions were staying at the Hotel Saskatchewan and I was down there seemingly all weekend; for the Lions media session Friday afternoon, the CKRM client appreciation reception Friday evening, and coffee with a friend there Saturday morning.
I said to a Lions staffer "You must get sick of seeing everybody in green and white wherever you go, huh?"
He replied, "No I just wish we had fans like that."
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I promised a comment on the World Juniors and the green jerseys honouring the Roughriders.
Probably, I should bite my tongue on this one. BUT, you came here to get an opinion so here goes:
I think it's ridiculous.
What exactly is the reason? I can only go by the news release (posted here Sunday) which states they're honouring the Roughriders and the province.
IT'S A HOCKEY TOURNAMENT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD! Initially I heard the jerseys would just be worn for one of the pre-competition games but now it appears they'll be worn for one round robin game as well.
Hey, there are much more important things in the world to worry about than this. But I just wish they'd let this tournament stand-up and be supported on its own merit rather than trying to capitalize -- and exploit -- the Riders' popularity.
There's a poll on this on the top left corner of the page and it's split 50/50. As I write this, there are 26 comments on the subject on yesterday's blog post about it.
From a pure P.R. standpoint, the move is genius because it has everybody talking. But it's not all positive.
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There are going to be more polls this week on the blog including a gender poll because a female commenter wrote in and guessed 25% of our readers are female.
Please take the time to vote on the polls because the more opinions and answers we get, the better.
Polls are fun..
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To capitalize on the Riders' popularity.
10 years ago I would've laughed at that phrase. A decade ago the Riders were about as welcome as the Swine Flu.
I admire you Rider fans. When I had to sit in the middle of a row of section 41 at ACDC and I was crammed in there, unable to get to the washroom nor get near the beer stand, it was TORTURE!
You guys deserve a medal for packing that park every home game.
You also deserve a brand new stadium with all the amenities that fans in other stadiums enjoy.
I spoke with a mover-and-a-shaker with deep political connections at the Harvard client night who said on a scale of 1 to 10, the chances of a new stadium are a 9.
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Some more notes:
It was Jordan Eberle to the rescue again last night as the Pats star netted a goal and two assists in a 5-2 Regina victory over Swift Current.
It's upsetting that as I write this, there's just one fan comment on my postgame blog but after a loss there's 20 or more and they're all negative.
Brutal.
Regardless, the Pats felt they deserved better than three one-goal losses on their just-completed road trip and they looked pretty sharp last night.
"Yah it's great for our players," said Pats assistant coach Shaun Sutter on CKRM. "Hats off to 'em. They've been working their tail off the past few games. We've deserved a better fate than the outcomes we've got. We just continued doing tonight what we did in Swift Current last night and it's going to pay off in the long term and the short term. It's a simple game. All we need to do is outwork our opponent."
Graham Hood scored twice for Regina while Hampus Gustafsson scored his first as a Pat while Damien Ketlo picked up the win in goal.
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The Pats announced earlier that Gustafsson is the first player in Regina Pats history to wear #13.
Not true.
Pats scorekeeper Gary Renner points out Dave Michayluk wore #13 in the early 80s and his teammate Bob "Buffa" Lowes confirmed that last night when Gary pointed it out.
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Attendance last night was weak.
In this blogger's opinion, all WHL games should be soldout. SJHL too probably.
Seriously, what else are you doing?? In the States, fans have a connection to their teams (all sports) and support them.
There's no good reason why these arenas in the Dub are half-full. Especially the small and medium markets.
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Through emails last week I conversed back and forth with former Moose Jaw Warriors broadcaster Rob Carnie. He IS the Moose Jaw Warriors like some feel John Lynch IS the Saskatchewan Roughriders. I told Carns I miss him in the Dub.
"Don't miss me because I don't miss it!" Carns wrote in an email. "I love Sunday mornings and getting up, making coffee and eggs and watching the NFL from my couch."
So, I guess, good for Carns.
But I couldn't live without the Pats and Riders and being with them home and away.
I need to be where the action is. I had this discussion with Broncos broadcaster Jon Keen last night and his comment was, "I don't know what I'd do without hockey all winter."
Different strokes for different folks.
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Speaking of the NFL, the CFL had a doubleheader Friday and a doubleheader Saturday this past weekend which worked great to avoid Sunday's NFL match-ups. Trouble is, they were up against 15 NHL games Saturday involving all 30 NHL teams.
It'll be interesting to see what the TV ratings are once they come out this week.
It would appear the CFL is lost in the shuffle but that's not so. They finished narrowly behind the NHL last weekend, but AHEAD of the NFL (it's in my Friday Rodservations post).
I carelessly blogged last year at this time that there's room enough in the national sportscasts and the daily newspapers for BOTH the NHL and the CFL but I've discovered that's not the case. The CFL feels like the forgotten child.
More on this at a later date.
However TSN's Wray Morrison reports TSN led all Sportscentre all weekend because the CFL is their property so that's good for the league.
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Okay now onto some other stuff:
In The Huddle, the Roughrider Show on Access 7, has taken another giant step this year and is getting some pretty solid reviews. Trouble is we're getting criticized because it's not available outside Saskatchewan, nor is it available to every Saskatchewan citizen.
Here's the deal; Access Communications is in a dogfight with SaskTel Max for subscribers, not to mention Bell ExpressVu and StarChoice.
In The Huddle is the flagship program on Access and therefore is their "hook" to attract subscribers. If they put the show online, then what incentive is there to get Access? (which quite frankly is the best option out there, but I digress).
Yah, there was a notion at the start of the year to make it available on SCN so people could watch it nationally on satellite but that only hurts Access in the longrun.
Unfortunately we didn't get onto Shaw this year which eliminates communities such as Moose Jaw, Swift Current and Saskatoon but I'm told an unpreventable problem occurred at Shaw this spring which roadblocked us from working out a partnership.
In The Huddle producers plan to be on Shaw with the show next year, as well as the new 113 communities Access has acquired in another new partnership.
Thanks for your support of the show.
The show's website is at http://www.inthehuddle.ca/.
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Out of curiousity on the weekend, I popped by Chapters to see if Theoren Fleury's book Playing With Fire was available.
"Nope we're soldout," said the girl in the black apron. "And I don't know when we'll get more."
Good for Theo. I'll get a copy at some point. Although the excerpt I read in the Leader Post was particularly disturbing and haunting.
I wonder if the whole book is like that?
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Speaking of books, I can't imagine Rob Vanstone's too pleased that a month after his book West Riders Best went on sale, the publisher came out with the 100 Year Rider History Book.
And this week we'll hear details of Darrell Davis's Regina Pats history book. I can't wait to get my hands on that one.
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The Nobex Radio Companion on the BlackBerry is addicting and I'm listening a lot to Team 1260 Edmonton and their Oilers coverage.
Somebody asked last week if Craig MacTavish feels slighted or jealous of the Oilers' success and afternoon host Jason Gregor made an excellent point.
"MacTavish is still an Oiler," Gregor pointed out. "And you know he's happy for the team and knows things just didn't work out for him. But he had a good run."
That's a great observation.
I'm listening to the Oiler games too on CHED over my phone and the broadcast crew of Rod Phillips and Bob Stauffer feel Dustin Penner should be considered for the Canadian Mens Olympic Hockey team.
In my opinion, a strong month does not make a career.
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If this play-by-play thing doesn't work out, I could find a job as I.T. specialist for Paul Hill.
The bazillionaire was in Regina this weekend for the CKRM client night as well as Saturday's Rider game and had me download the Nobex Radio Companion and Score Mobile to his BlackBerry.
I had to take his phone from him for awhile and had the urge to rifle through his address book and copy down Barrack Obama's cel phone number or George W. Bush's email address.
I don't doubt for a second he has them.
Was it dumb of me to ask Paul if he was concerned about data and airtime charges?
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Nobex is great but it needs more stations. If I could make a suggestion, those new stations would be Fan 960 Calgary, CHQR 770 Calgary, Team 1060 Vancouver and Fan 590 Toronto.
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You wonder why some Rider coaches don't want the media present at practice. I don't.
When Rob Bagg left practice two weeks ago with back spasms, the media was all over it. Perhaps the Riders wanted to surprise B.C. with Kitwana Jones at defensive tackle, but the media sniffed it out.
If reporters were locked out like they are in the NFL, the Riders would have much better secrets. But, the CFL wants and needs the extra exposure so the media is allowed to watch practice.
I had a dream last week I was in an NFL media workroom at an NFL team facility and got to meet legendary reporter Peter King.
Didn't want to wake up from that one.
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There's been a tradition of parties for CFL and media personnel annually at the home of the owner of the team in the host city.
The one in Toronto hosted by David Cynamon was apparently off the rails but I skipped it.
"You were the only one who WASN'T there," said general manager of The Score Dave Rutherford to me later that night.
So is it Party At Ted's this year in Calgary? Ted Hellard?
C'mon Ted! I'll bring the beer.
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Do you ever watch those reality shows on TV and look to see if you know someone??
Well that happened to me last week while running on the treadmill. It was the show Till Debt Do Us Part and I was pounding away watching the couple and it dawned on me "I KNOW THAT GUY!"
It was Greg Strong, whom I got to know when he was a sports reporter for The Canadian Press/Broadcast News.
Little wonder he had to be a contestant on the show where a financial specialist comes on to help a young couple and their kids find a way to make ends meet because they're vastly in debt.
Yep, another media person barely able to feed his family.
Great job. Crappy paycheque.
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Okay two last things;
The Monday Morning Goalie greatly enjoyed the Brooks & Dunn concert Saturday night but agrees with those who complained it was too short.
The legendary duo wasn't even on stage for 90 minutes and they acted like they couldn't wait to get out of there. Lead singer Ronnie Dunn acted as if the concert was an inconvenience for him. His partner Kix Brooks though, sang like he'd never sang before.
They mentioned this was their last ever show in Canada and that the group will be breaking up before long. They acted like that couldn't happen soon enough.
Like my Mom said, "we paid as much money as the first people on the tour who saw them so we deserved just as good of a show".
Right on Mom!
The music was great. There just wasn't enough of it.
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And lastly, the Regina Motorcycle Association collected $51,500 for their Toy Drive at the Argonauts-Roughriders game two weeks ago. That's the word from RMA spokesman Greg Gusway.
They fell short of their goal of $60,000 which means not EVERY child in Regina's going to get a gift this Christmas. It is however $10,000 more than they raised last year so well done Saskatchewan!
I heard people grumble that they weren't going to donate because these families are in a disastrous financial situation because of alcohol and substance abuse.
Guess what? IT'S NOT THE KIDS' FAULT!
So thanks to all of you who made an effort to make every Regina child's Christmas a decent one.
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THAT'S ALL -- HAVE A GREAT WEEK!
RP
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Pats 5 Broncos 2
REGINA -- The Pats were out to snap a four-game slide Sunday night when they hosted the Swift Current Broncos in the Brandt Centre. It was the first home game for Regina after three straight on the road, all of which were one goal losses. The game was also the finale of a home-and-home series which saw Swift Current win 2-1 on Saturday. Here's the game recap:
FIRST PERIOD: The Broncos were the top home team in the WHL coming in, but were winless on the road (0-4-0-1). Regina's Graham Hood opened the scoring with his third of the year just 1:48 into the game. Linemate Brett Leffler's shot went wide but the rebound came out front and Hood calmly slid it past Bronco goalie Morgan Clark.
Swift Current sniper Cody Eakin tied the game on a 4-on-3 powerplay at 11:34 with his league-leading 14th goal of the season. He had the winner with 17 seconds left in Saturday's game in the Broncos' building. However the Pats got it back with a powerplay goal of their own in the dying minutes of the period. Jordan Weal rocked the water bottle off the net with a shot barely two feet away from the cage to make it 2-1. Jordan Eberle set it up. The Pats outshot Swift 14-5 after the opening period.
SECOND PERIOD: Regina kept it up in the second period and their special teams were special. The top line connected again as Hampus Gustafsson notched his first as a Pat with a powerplay goal at 6:46. Weal and Eberle drew the assists and it was 3-1. Then Eberle pounced on a Bronco giveaway at the Regina blue line on a Swift Current powerplay and beat Clark on a breakaway to make it 4-1. That was the score after two periods and the Pats were outshooting their archrivals 28-13.
THIRD PERIOD: Cody Eakin made it a 4-2 game with his second goal of the night at 6:53 of the third but the Pats restored their three goal cushion less than a minute later as Graham Hood potted his second of the game to make it 5-2. The Broncos never really threatened to get closer after that, and the Pats kicked their four game losing skid to the curb.
Game over: Regina 5 Swift Current 2
STATS: Pats outshot the Broncos 38-23 while going 2/6 on the powerplay and 4/5 killing penalties.
MOLSON 3-STARS: 1) Hood 2) Eberle 3) Eakin. Taylor Toyota Hardest Working Pat: Hampus Gustafsson.
WHAT IT MEANS: The teams split the home and home series with the home team winning each time ... The Pats lead the season series 2-1 ... With the win the Pats (6-8-2) pull into a tie for fifth in the East Division with P.A. while the Broncos remain winless on the road, and are still just a point back of front-running Moose Jaw and Saskatoon.
WHAT'S NEXT: The Pats don't play again until Friday, October 30 at P.A. and their next home game is November 4 against Medicine Hat.
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