It's getting around to that time again! I don't know who these girls are or where they're from, but I got the pic from Molson Mike.
This is from Carlee and Dallas Luebke in Avonlea ... That town is going over the top in the Riderville contest...
REGINA, Sask. – University of Regina men’s hockey head coach Blaine Sautner announced Monday that forwards Brett Leffler and Cody Esposito have both committed to the Cougars.We've almost made it! After a long, cold off-season, this is the last MMG before the start of football season. The countdown timer above shows we're just over five days away from the start of Rider training camp but in truth, things begin Wednesday with the start of rookie camp and we'll be all over it. Congratulations! We're almost there...
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We'll start with hockey today however and people are still buzzing about the Regina Pats' hiring of Chad Lang as their new General Manager on Friday. Lang appeared in The Sports Cage on 620 CKRM Friday afternoon and John Lynch asked him if he'd have complete authority over making a coaching change if he felt that was necessary.
"As far as anything in hockey operations, as of today I have the autonomy to make the decisions I feel are in the best interests of the organization," Lang explained. "In saying that, I will definitely sit down with Curtis Hunt and the scouting staff and give them an opportunity to say their piece. I think it's an important to give those guys an opportunity to voice their opinions. They've been involved the past few years, and then I'll put in my two cents."
"I have a good understanding of the organization from an outsider looking in but to have success there are so many factors that go into it. Sometimes it's tough to evaluate them from the outside. But in fairness to the process, everyone has to be able to voice their opinions. Then if I feel there are any gaps, I'll make the necessary changes. I'm comfortable doing that."
Lang says he's up to speed on the Pats' roster, and those of other WHL teams as he attended as many games in Regina and Moose Jaw as he could since being relieved by the Moose Jaw Warriors in May of 2009.
"Maybe having the year off was the best thing for me. I'm fresh and excited to get back at it but it also allowed me to evaluate all the teams from a neutral perspective. There's definitely some assets within this organization - personnel on the ice - but we need to upgrade in a few areas. But that'll be a process as well. I don't proclaim to be a miracle worker and things won't change overnight."
"The biggest thing I want to get across to the fans is that my hockey clubs need to compete every night and when you do that you give yourselves a chance. If you don't, you shoot yourself in the foot. That will be the message and the mandate from day one with this hockey club but in saying that, there will be changes down the road."
So what do you think those changes should/will be?
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The Regina Pats are proud to announce that they have signed their first round pick from the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft to a WHL Standard Players Agreement.
Morgan Klimchuk was taken by the Pats 5th overall in the recent 2010 WHL Bantam Draft. He was the Captain of a Calgary Bison squad that won the silver medal at the Western Canadian Bantam Championships. In 28 games with the Bisons this season, Klimchuk scored 33 times and collected 19 assists for 52 points while adding 44 minutes in penalties. He was also a 2009-2010 South Division AMBHL All-Star.
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Who predicted Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals would produce 11 goals with Chicago winning 6-5? The purists love low-scoring, defensive struggles but the majority of the public wants to see GOALS and they're raving about the game south of the border because of the offense. Sadly I was vastly outvoted Saturday night at the Tsakas family barbecue and had to watch the Lakers-Suns Game 6 instead, making me settle for the hockey highlights later.
Which leads me to wonder why the NHL would want to go up against the NBA playoffs in the States? There were only two games going on this weekend in sports and they started at the exact same time. Something's wrong with that picture.
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Now to the football. You'll notice a poll at the top left of the page regarding Roughrider training camp and what position you feel will be the most interesting to watch come Sunday. For me, it's the defensive end positions vacated by John Chick and Stevie Baggs. Rider great Scott Schultz discussed that in the Sports Cage Friday afternoon.
"No question those two guys were tremendous players and candidates for player of the year," Schultz explained. "The funny thing was when Chick showed up in town, nobody expected anything from him. It was like 'who is this goofy looking guy?' but over the course of time he really arrived. Those players will always present themselves and you have to have faith in the GM to recruit players."
"I look at it as a player and as a fan I can't wrap my head around it. I'm just becoming a fan. But as a player, guys now get a chance. Luc Mullinder should be licking his chops and this new guy, the #1 pick (Shomari Williams) will prove whether he's worth his salt to be a back-up."
We asked Schultz if he understands why fans are a little nervous at the prospect of replacing those two bookends.
"Well sure but that comes down to a fan's football IQ and some fans have higher ones than others. The sexy names like Baggs and Chick are going to give way to two new guys who are just as good and popular. It's just a matter of who will they be and when will they present themselves?"
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Stevie Baggs faces long odds to make that Cardinals team which has him listed at the bottom of their depth chart at outside linebacker. He was on The Sports Cage Friday as well and had a message to Rider fans, and a tip about who might replace him at defensive end.
"I just want to tell all the Rider fans that I appreciate their past and current support," Baggs said from Phoenix. "Keep me in your prayers as I do you guys. I spread peace, blessings and love to all of Rider Nation. I'm looking forward to seeing coach Miller and coach Etcheverry do a great job this year. And look out for Joe Sykes, man. He's a beast and he'll do a great job replacing me."
Even if Baggs IS cut, don't expect him back in Green & White unless GM Brendan Taman opens up his wallet. Stevie has made it known that he expects to go to the highest bidder in that eventuality.
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I'd suggest you get to a bookstore ASAP and pick up a copy of Perseverance, Life Lessons on Leadership and Teamwork, a motivational biography written by Montreal Alouettes coach Marc Trestman in which he collaborated with Minneapolis-based sports author and motivational speaker Ross Bernstein.
Trestman is a highly impressive individual.
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Former Roughrider, Blue Bomber, Alouette and Renegade Jason Armstead will be playing pro football in 2010. The wide receiver/kick returner has signed with Jim Fassel's Las Vegas team in the United Football League.
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Don't expect Kenton Keith in Green & White anytime soon. I'd heard a rumour the Riders were interested in signing the bad boy running back, but GM Brendan Taman told me Sunday "not as of now."
Keith has turned down interview requests.
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Great news for football fans from border to border! In The Huddle makes its season premiere tomorrow night at 7:00 PROVINCE-WIDE! That's right, new Access VP of Marketing Trevor
Derksen reached an agreement with Shaw last week to carry our weekly one hour Roughrider magazine show. So Rider fans in such places as Saskatoon, Swift Current, Moose Jaw and P.A. will now get the show.
We've got some big news on tomorrow's show as well, but I'll wait a day to preview it.
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A couple of Sports Cage notes, listeners were under the mistaken impression that Mitchell "Scruffy" Blair was under the full-time employ of Harvard Broadcasting when we launched the show two weeks ago. The truth is we were just floating him a handsome stipend for doing two hours on air with us on Tuesdays and Thursdays. So when he was hired to oversee Capital Automotive's online division last week, nobody could figure out why he'd choose that over the radio. The hours of his new job aren't conducive to playing radio with us twice a week, but we're working on it. Scruffy did such a bang up job and the reviews have been so tremendous that Harvard's trying to find a way to keep him on air.
As a matter of fact, Leader Post hockey writer Greg Harder dropped this on his blog on Friday:
"As a sports fan, it's a nice change of pace. And keep that Scruffy guy around too. The local airwaves wouldn't be the same without him."
Also tomorrow is the 3rd Annual Rider Players Golf Tournament at Deer Valley, organized by the Riders' Jeremy O'Day and Mike McCullough. We plan to broadcast The Sports Cage live from the golf course from 4:00 - 6:00pm and plan to have the golfers/celebrities come on the air with us as they make the turn after the ninth hole by the pro shop
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If you listened to Friday's show, you'll remember we mentioned the deaths of celebrities Art Linkletter and Gary Coleman last week and since these things always come in three's, we asked for predictions on who third one might be. I had a feeling it would be David Hasselhoff while Lynch predicted Lawrence Fishburne.
Sure enough on Saturday we received the news that Dennis Hopper died at the age of 74. Turns out I had the initials correct, just not the right celebrity.
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I unloaded the Eberle Oilers jersey on Friday. A gentleman in Wetaskiwin, Alberta stepped up to the plate to purchase the priceless piece of sports memorabilia. His name his Clarke Compton, and has ties to Regina. Perhaps some of you know him.
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The Regina Red Sox' season-opening game at Yorkton was rained out and will be made up tomorrow night. The Sox' home opener is this Friday night against the Cardinals at 7:00pm at Currie Field...
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HAVE A GREAT WEEK!
RP
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Rashad Evans dominated the first round and survived Rampage Jackson's vicious third-round flurry to win their light heavyweight bout by unanimous decision at UFC 114 in Las Vegas Saturday night.
Among those in attendance at the soldout MGM Grand Garden Arena were the Spurs' Tim Duncan, Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis, David Spade and Snoop Dogg.
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Roy Halladay joined the ranks of perfection. The Philadelphia Phillies' pitcher threw the 20th perfect game in major league history, striking out 11 en route to a 1-0 victory over Florida. Halladay said a perfect game is never something you think is possible. But after getting the first two batters in the ninth, the ex-Blue Jay said he felt he had a good chance.
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The LA Lakers are going to get another shot at Boston in the NBA Finals. The Lakers earned the right to seek their 16th NBA title by eliminating Phoenix in six games, 111-103. This will be the 11th time since moving to LA that the Lakers will meet Boston for the NBA championship. The Celtics hold an 8-2 record over the Lakers in the finals, beating LA most recently two years ago for
their 17th title.
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The Toronto Blue Jays banged out four home runs, including two by Lyle Overbay, in a 5-2 victory over Baltimore. Vernon Wells and Aaron Hill also went deep for the Blue Jays, who lead the majors with 85 home runs.
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A walkoff grand slam in the 10th inning turned into a carted-off the field blast for the Angels' Kenrdy Morales. The Los Angeles first baseman broke his left ankle in the celebrations at home plate following a 5-1 win over Seattle. Morales was placed on the 15-day disabled list and will undergo surgery today.
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Men's top seed Roger Federer and number four Andy Murray play their fourth round matches today at the French Open. On the women's side, second-seed Venus Williams and number-five Elena Dementieva are in action.
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The U.S. weather service forecasts a 30 per cent chance of rain and a high of 31 Celsius for today's Indianapolis 500. Helio Castroneves has the pole, while Canada's Alex Tagliani starts fifth on the grid. And, Red Bull's Mark Webber goes for his third straight F-1 victory when he starts from the pole at the Turkish Grand Prix.
Place: Victoria School 639 Broadway Avenue
Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.
Why Participate: To help JDRF find the cause and cure of Type 1 Diabetes. In Saskatchewan there are over 65,000 residents impacted by Diabetes.
How to Register: On-line Registration and Fundraising:
306-955 - 2284
Paul Charbonneau will be working with Tom Freeman and the offensive line. Charbonneau comes from the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux where he is an assistant coach and works with tight ends. He originally joined the Fighting Sioux in 2005. This marks the second year Charbonneau is a guest coach with the Green and White.
Jerry Friesen is the head coach for the University of Alberta Golden Bears. The Rosthern native played linebacker for the Saskatoon Hilltops before moving on to play for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.
Friesen entered the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes in 1978 where he spent three seasons before moving back to Saskatchewan and signing with the Roughriders were he played six seasons. He was honoured with the CFL's Tom Pate Award for contributions to the team and the community in 1986 and later became the defensive coordinator with the Huskies in 1988, sharing in a Vanier Cup national title in 1990. Friesen will be working with Jim Daley.
Rob Harley is an assistant coach at Evangel University in Missouri. He has also coached at Eastern Oregon University, Azusa Pacific University and the University of Redlands. He will be working with Marcus Crandell during this year's training camp.
Don Lawrence has over 45 years coaching experience. He was the offensive coordinator for the Berlin Thunder in NFL Europe and won two World Bowl rings with Amsterdam and Frankfurt. He also served as the tight ends coach for the Buffalo Bills and helped take them to four consecutive Super Bowls.
Lawrence also coached at the collegiate level with Notre Dame, Kansas State, Cincinnati, Texas Christian, Missouri and was the head coach at the University of Virginia. He played three seasons in the NFL for the Washington Redskins. Lawrence will be working alongside Ken Miller during this years camp.
Former CFL kicker Gerry McGrath will be brought in to work with the Rider kickers for the fourth straight training camp. McGrath spent seven seasons in the CFL with Saskatchewan, Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal. After serving as offensive coordinator with the University of Concordia for eight seasons he was named head coach in 2000.
Also attending training camp to assistant in a variety of coaching areas are Ted Bilderbeck - a retired football coach who spent most of his time coaching at Imperial Valley in Southern California and Darrick Yray – an assistant in the Fresno State football program.
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I was going to start off by asking how was the Premier's Dinner last night for anyone who was in attendance?
However Rams linebackers coach and all-around good guy Larry Mueller took notes and forwarded them to me from "Premier Brad Wall's Night". Here's what he emailed:
• Lukas Makowsky great intro of Brad. Lukas suggests Brad wear a skin suit for a picture.
• We hear the great Chris Cuthbert's voice from Gold Game.
• Brad relates Olympic Hockey Gold Game to provincial upswing.
• Says sex drive comes from Potash!
• Gets excited about bill 80?
• Tells us about all stuff they have done.
• Global Hub - $3-billion investment to be attracted by the Hub (Saskatchewan)!
• Thus space for a stadium when tracks move to our to perimeter.
• We have paid off 2 billion in debt off since NDP gone.
• New West Partnership with BC/Alberta/Sask
• Uranium. Oil. Food security.
• Carbon capture. Clean coal Tech Investment. That's the growth agenda.
• Lists what our growth pays for! The stuff needed.
• Prior Manage decline. Now manage growth!
• Ties to before gold medal overtime.
• Canada coach Mike Babcock wrote on bathroom walls "Now is our time!". Same as Sask.
Great speech
Larry
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What's more frustrating than jumping on the treadmill in the morning, turning on Sportscentre, only to find the French Open on TSN? UGH! That's okay, Sportsnet Connected is where it's at.
I got officially welcomed to the Sportsnet team by Jim "Clubber" Lang this week so that's exciting.
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What a great week it's been in The Sports Cage on 620 CKRM and we'll end with a bang. It's FOOTBALL FRIDAY today from 4:00-6:00 pm MT and our guests will include Buffalo Bills QB coach George Cortez, Arizona Cardinals LB Stevie Baggs, Rider great Scott Schultz and more.
Thanks to all for sending in your ideas for guests, show topics and poll questions. It's much appreciated. If we don't use your suggestion, please don't be offended although I think we've used just about all of them so far.
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My world - from a broadcast perspective - is imploding! Rider Radio/In The Huddle analyst Marshall Hamilton accepted a promotion with Evraz and is moving to Portland, Oregon. He's now the VP of Human Resources for Evraz.
And Sports Cage co-host Mitchell "Scruffy" Blair took a job with the Capital Auto Group and starts next week. Congrats to both! We're trying to find a way to keep them both involved.
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John Lynch says there are 840 villages, towns and cities in this province yet we only heard from a handful on Wednesday's show when we asked "why is YOUR town Riderville?"
Perhaps towns were too afraid to reveal their secrets, but so far I'd have to vote for Avonlea because they informed us of their staggering efforts.
The Riders are running a 100-year anniversary contest to find out which Saskatchewan community has the most Rider Pride. Entry deadline is June 15 but so far only 20 communities have entered.
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BATTLE OF THE BLOGS! Gregg Drinnan took a swipe at Mitchell Blair this week for calling the 2010 Memorial Cup "the worst ever". Save me a seat in the front row while I get some popcorn!
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It was great to see former CFL Commissioner Tom Wright hired this week by the UFC to head up their Canadian division.
At his news conference he stated "It's a pleasure to work with an organization which is run so professionally."
That HAD to be a shot at the CFL, which unceremoniously dumped him five years ago for no apparent reason.
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My favourite quote of the week came from Sunday's finale of The Celebrity Apprentice on NBC.
"Are you risking your life by being here?" Donald Trump questioned finalist Bret Michaels, who ignored doctor's orders to travel due to his massive brain hemorrhage.
"Lately just standing up is risking my life," Michaels chuckled.
He won the contest.
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My other favourite quote was from 77-year old Eddie Litzenberger, the Neudorf, Sask product who captained Chicago to the 1961 Stanley Cup. He appeared on The Sports Cage by phone from his hospital bed in Toronto. I asked him if he's following this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs.
"I try to watch the games but I have trouble with my TV in the hospital," Eddie said. "But the boys and I put some money on the games and the series and we bet on the Blackhawks so we're up a few dollars."
His wife Gail told me Eddie's been hospitalized for four years without the use of his legs and that he'd probably tell me he's getting out soon, but not to believe it.
"I'm getting ready to go home a week from Sunday!" Eddie said enthusiastically in the interview.
It was a golden moment.
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Guess who the top four highest-paid coaches in the world are? Here's the list from Forbes Magazine:
1: Phil Jackson - Lakers
2: Bill Belichick - Patriots
3: Mike Shanahan - Redskins
4: Pete Carroll - Seahawks
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In a survey conducted earlier this week, 1,000 American blondes were asked if they would sleep with Tiger Woods. 89% responded "Never again".
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Caught the flick "Letters To Juliet" last night at Galaxy Cinemas. Two thumbs up.
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Sorry for the later-than-normal updates all week. My day doesn't start until around noon now and I've thrown away my alarm clock. It's nice!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND
RP
Click on the links for podcasts of Thursday's Sports Cage on 620 CKRM...
I spoke to Johnny this afternoon and this is what he had to say:
"I didn't see it coming! My focus was to rehab my knee and that's what I was doing. I was able to get an ACL rehab done in five months and three weeks. I was looking forward to training camp, competing and helping the Riders back to the Grey Cup."
"You're always disappointed. I was very pleased with the team, my teammates, the fan support is unreal up there. You're disappointed when you hear that you're being released but again, it's a part of the game. It's the nasty part of the game. Pro sports is a business and I just have to accept it."
"I've been in constant communication with my agent the past couple of days. It was a positive that I was able to contribute towards the end of the year and I've got some good film not only on offense but on special teams too, as far as helping run down on kickoffs and on punt return units. I'm excited to see where it goes but I'm disappointed I won't be part of the Riders in 2010."
"To all the fans and everybody in the community, my career up there was brief but great. I really, really enjoyed it. Some of the most diehard fans I've ever been around are up there. It's a special place. Riderville is a neat spot and I'm glad I was able to experience it."
This was taken at Wascana Rehab on Wednesday. Thanks for sending this in Colleen!
(Fr left: Cole Bergquist, Todd Reesing, Ryan Dinwiddie, Darian Durant & Kent Smith)
I'm really excited to have those two men signed. Ryan Dinwiddie, he brings some experience with him and I'm looking forward to seeing him on the field. And Todd Reesing was a tremendous player in college so I'm excited to see him throw in the next couple of days.
I wouldn't have seen this coming three years ago! But I'm glad it did. I've been around town a little bit and got to meet some of the players and some people and coaches in the office. I'm excited to be here. It's a class act organization and I'm happy to be a part of it.
Compared to last year at this time, it's night and day. I'm 100% confident now in my situation. My leadership role, my community role, everything has changed for me for the good. I'm just so excited about the obstacles ahead for me and I'm just ready to roll.
Todd Reesing...
Kent Smith..
For those interested in listening to The Sports Cage on 620 CKRM as well as Roughriders, Pats and Rams games, download the free CKRM application to your Iphone or Ipod Touch. Oddly enough, I just did minutes ago as I was just informed of it.Hail to the champions! The Windsor Spitfires scored a resounding 9-1 victory over the host Wheat Kings to claim the 2010 Memorial Cup Sunday in Brandon. The CHL should be happy, as the best team in junior hockey took the trophy home. Nice job.
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One NHL scout felt the layoff from Wednesday to Sunday for Windsor was too long but I countered that after their grueling playoff run, any additional rest would have been welcomed.
They didn't look rusty Sunday.
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Sportsnet allowing us to listen in on the video replay discussion after Windsor's 4th goal was simply outstanding. It was an innovative and incredibly informative bit of television.
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Reports I received through the weekend from those that were there said the Memorial Cup was too long. And this came from high-ranking junior hockey people!
My advice? Count your lucky stars! Millions of hockey fans would give an appendage to enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to the Memorial Cup no matter where it was. You guys were lucky to have been there for it all!
Not to mention there is no other format that could or should be considered. The late, great Ed Chynoweth knew what he was doing as WHL/CHL President. The Memorial Cup is on prime time TV just about every night for 10 days and that is the cat's meow. There is no need to change.
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Memorial Cup memories:
I'll never forget the comment from Pats owner Russ Parker years after the 2001 Memorial Cup. "If Josh Harding was just one year older, we'd all have shiny rings on our hands."
Harding, at the time, was 16 years old. Donald Choukalos started the Memorial Cup for the Pats that May, but Chad Davidson finished. Regina lost the semifinal in overtime to Val D'or who went on to lose in OT to Red Deer in the final.
You know what? Throwing Harding in goal at 16 wouldn't have been such a bad idea but as Curtis Hunt says, "hindsight is 50/50".
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Got a great chuckle the other day from WHL blog god Gregg Drinnan at http://www.gdrinnan.blogspot.com/:
"I ran into former Moose Jaw Warriors GM Chad Lang again.
He says he is not the next play-by-play voice of the Regina
Pats. . . ."
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Here's a name that should make the rounds as the WHL coaching carousel gets a strong heave this week:
Brent Kisio; Calgary Hitmen assistant coach. He's in charge of the Hitties' powerplay and been with the club the past three years in which they've played more playoff games than any other Eastern Conference Dub franchise.
Intangibles? He has worked under Kelly Kisio, Dave Lowry, and Mike Williamson. Has the benefit of watching NHL teams daily being in saddledome. Young coaches seem to be the new trend in the NHL (Davis Payne - St. Louis, Cory Clouston - Ottawa, Joe Sacco - Colorado)
regardless of experience so why not in the WHL?
He's got to lose those cowboy boots first though, unless he wants to be the next Paddy Ginell.
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Hands up if you're already tired of the Phoenix/Winnipeg saga in the NHL. Please just tell me when the Jets/Coyotes are on Sportsnet West next season and we'll tune in. Until then please sort it out amongst yourselves privately..
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Congratulations to my buddy Doug Odnokon for being inducted into the P.A. Sports Hall of Fame on the weekend. Son of legendary P.A. hockey man John Odnokon, Doug is going in for his exploits with the Jr. B P.A. North Stars.
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It's time for the Regina Pats to retire Jordan Eberle's #7. Yes, I have done a flip-flop on the idea and have come to that conclusion. After being named CHL Player of the Year Saturday, it's time.
Staniowski and Wickenheiser are the only Pats to accomplish that feat and their numbers hang proudly on the west wall. Mind you, they both led the Pats to championship seasons yet Eberle didn't. However, that's not Jordan's fault.
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A text from Jordan Eberle Saturday afternoon:
"I'm in a restaurant in paris called the great canadian watching the hockey game and there is a huge rider flag here"
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By the way that Eberle #14 Oilers jersey is for sale by rodpedersen.com for the bargain basement price of $800.
I asked Ebs if he knew of anybody I could sell it to and this was the response:
"Haha why did u pay that much. Haha no I don't know any maybe if u look in edmonton"
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Next time you see Pats VP of Sales/Marketing Cliff Mapes, congratulate him. He's leading the 15th Annual Pats Playoff Draft with 98 points and will not be caught. And he did it with a combination of my formula, a lot of luck and a lot of guts.
He took 10 Philadelphia Flyers like he does every year and it finally paid off. HE picked the correct darkhorse and as I've noted previously, when you do that you don't even have to get to the Cup Finals or win the Stanley Cup in order to take your pool.
No, I didn't correctly pick the right darkhorse but who else did beside Cliff? That's why it's called gambling folks.
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My favourite hockey player, Mike Modano, was honoured Saturday by the National Italian American Foundation with a special achievement award in sports as part of the Texas Gala at the Adolphus hotel in Dallas.
"To be the first hockey player to be honored like this is cool," Modano said. "There are some great Italian athletes like [Dan] Marino, [Joe] DiMaggio and [Yogi] Berra who have been honored. Just to be in that same category or group of those guys is neat."
Modano reiterated that he hasn't made any decision on his future and that he's likely to do that in July or August.
"I want to see how the team looks then and what moves they've made and just see how I feel," Modano said.
How do you tell if someone's Italian? Generally their name ends in a vowel.
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For a REAL Monday morning football fix, check out my column at the Canadian Football League's official website which was just posted here:
http://www.cfl.ca/article/pedersen-what-you-need-to-know-for-2010
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Good on star Rider slotback Andy Fantuz for putting on a youth football camp at his alma mater the University of Western Ontario in London this weekend.
Way to go Andy!
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The Toronto Argonauts Football Club added some strength to its defence and special teams, inking a deal with 2010 draft pick Grant Shaw through the 2012 season. Shaw was selected in the 2nd round, 11th overall, by the Argos and hails from Edmonton, AB.
A 2009 Canada West All-Star for the Saskatchewan Huskies, Shaw is known for his explosive leg as a kicker, an impact special teams player and a talented defensive back.
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People think CKRM analyst and football maven John Lynch fabricates all those statistics he rattles off on air. He doesn't. He habitually comes into the studio with all those notes written down. I tell him in the morning what we'll be discussing, and he gets the info online. It's a great tandem.
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A tip of the cap to Leader Post columnist Rob Vanstone for this excerpt from his Friday "Robservations" column:
"Local sports fans are the winners now that CKRM has launched The Sports Cage, which is hosted by Rod Pedersen on weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. That, combined with Rawlco Radio's Sports Night (6-8 p.m.), provides listeners with four consecutive hours of sports talk radio."
I don't see it as a competition between us and CJME (although the station owners may disagree). As I told Sportsnight host Jamie Nye two weeks ago "our shows should compliment each other". That's how I look at it anyways and Rob Vanstone's right, the winners are you the listeners.
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Manitoba Moose (AHL) broadcaster Brian Munz was a winner, catching the full two hours of The Sports Cage Friday on the TransCanada Highway before catching the Wheat Kings/Hitmen on 880 CKLQ Brandon with the Golden Throat, Bruce Luebke.
The more sports talk on the air on the prairies, the better for people like you and me. That's the way it's going on the AM band folks.
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And lastly I must say how much I enjoyed sitting at a table with CFL Reporters Hall of Famer Darrell Davis at the Rotary Club Dinner last week. I'm not much of an arguer but GOOD GOD DO I LOVE ARGUING WITH DARRELL DAVIS!!
We rarely agree on anything but we respect each other enough to have a civil, yet animated discussion. Regarding blogging, Darrell said "I was told nothing profound was ever written by your thumbs."
I disagree. And that's why our discussions are great. For the record, Darrell looks and sounds great.
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TSN should seriously consider opening a string of sports bars across the country, a la ESPN Sportszone in the USA. Every time I go to the U.S. establishments, they're packed and it would be no different here.
Think about; you visit a city and want to find a sports bar. Rather than ask somebody, you would immediately go to TSN Sportszone because you're familiar with it and you know the menu, the decor and that they'll always have your game on.
I already know of a few establishments who would consider it. TSN already has the clothing line so this is the next natural step. Come on TSN, do the right thing.
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Enjoy the holiday Monday and remember there is no Sports Cage on 620 CKRM today.
NOW GO TAKE ON THE DAY!
RP
CFL digital media mgr Jamie Stein (left) at a conference on sports and twitter
(Riders' D-line coach Mike Scheper with Rush Lake's Michelle Steinley)
The Chicago Blackhawks can book their ticket today to their first Stanley Cup since 1992. The Blackhawks take a three-games-to-nothing lead over the Sharks into this afternoon's Game Four of the Western Conference final in San Jose.
Blog reader Caesar has fun with Megan Fox and Rider Pride...
Scott from the Blue Jays points out we were correct with our assessment of Mrs. Hrudey in Friday Rodservations (see below).
Proud Grandpa Glen Trafford shows off his new granddaughter Dacota, just 12 hours old being watched over by Gainer this week...
- A hearty thank you to Bruce Rogers of the Conexus Credit Union South Branch for inviting us to the Rotary Club Dinner 2010 featuring keynote speaker Rider GM Brendan Taman last night. Wouldn't you know it, out of 350 people, I'd be the only guy there in jeans. Hey it's 2010! I thought you could wear jeans to anything? Apparently not. Does it matter that they're True Religion?
- Said Rider President Jim Hopson, "Thanks for dressing up Rod". Taman jumped in as well saying "I had a scoop for you but you're not dressed well enough for it!"
- Turns out Brendan had a couple scoops including the fact SB Weston Dressler won't be ready to start training camp in 17 days. He WILL be ready for Week 1 though. And the club will be signing two QBs in the next little bit but one won't be Kerry Joseph. Quotes from Brendan's speech are at the bottom of the post.
- We're almost a week into The Sports Cage on 620 CKRM, my new late day talkshow. Any initial comments on it? Here are some things I took away from the first week:
• Kelly Hrudey told us Monday his wife is a Rider fan from Coronach, Sask. How hot do you think she is? I say that not just because she's a good Sask girl, but also because Hrudey makes women's hearts flutter from coast to coast. I'm sure he got his pick of the litter.
• Stampeders lineman Dan Comiskey is all for a new stadium in Regina. "Just build the stands as far away from the visitors' sidelines as possible," Commy quipped.
• CFL Director of Officiating Tom Higgins has advice for members of the Rider Pep Band still mad that Damon Allen got them flagged for excessive noise 15 years ago. "My advice to you would be to get over it!" Tom said in the Sports Cage Wednesday.
• CJME talkhost Drew Remenda called to congratulate me on the new show. It was unexpected, but incredibly classy.
• Some TSN talent is charging for radio appearances. I don't blame them one bit.
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Manitoba Moose coach Scott Arniel has interviewed for head coaching jobs in Atlanta and Columbus. Curtis Hunt's name has been mentioned as a possible replacement if he leaves Winnipeg.
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Chad Lang met with Pats President Brent Parker on Monday regarding the club's GM position. I also heard Chad's been offered a great opportunity OUTSIDE of hockey. The plot thickens.
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A name which has surfaced in connection to the Pats' job as well as the Edmonton Oil Kings' vacant head coaching job; Montreal Canadiens assistant coach Perry Pearn.
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The Edmonton Oilers have named their new AHL affiliate in Oklahoma City the "Barons".
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Anybody want to buy an autographed Jordan Eberle Oilers #14 jersey? I'll give it to you for a bargain of $800. What was I thinking buying that thing last week at Ken Goff Boxing?
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Pats forward Garrett Mitchell told us yesterday Jordan Eberle had a rash on his arm this season and called it his "Arash Madani" (named after the Sportsnet reporter).
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I'll miss Bryan Hall as Voice of the Eskimos this season. CKRM ran his voice on a Tony Roma's commercial yesterday and it brought back a flood of memories.
But his replacement, Morley Scott at 630 CHED, will be excellent. We spent 40 minutes on the phone Wednesday going over things.
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Taman was refreshing in his speech last night and the emcee, Leader Post publisher Marty Klyne, was smooth as silk.
"Brendan has a string of leaving teams just before they went to the Grey Cup," Klyne mused. "It happened twice in Saskatchewan and once in BC. We're stopping the string here. Fat chance Winnipeg will go to the Grey Cup this year!"
Brendan was open, honest and downright funny in his address. Here are some notes and quotes:
• "(Rams assistant coach) Larry Mueller got me into this speaking job. Thanks a lot Larry. Jerk!"
"I honestly could not stand Winnipeg growing up in Saskatoon. When I was young I hated the Bombers. I hated Cal Murphy and I even hated their colours. When I was there I hated the colours. I tried to get them changed but it didn't work. But it was a real honour to be replaced by Mike Kelly."
• Lost three Grey Cups. 2001 (Winnipeg), 2007 (Winnipeg), 2009 (Saskatchewan).
• "They tried to blame me for being the 13th Man but it didn't stick!"
• 2008 Labour Day Game - went to the game with Charles Roberts. His pregame meal was a Red Bull and a Snickers bar. Two days later they traded him to B.C.
• Dexter Manley signed his contract in Ottawa three different ways (3 different signatures). He didn't know how to read or write. He was Loni Glieberman's favourite player, and that's why they signed him.
• "When Troy Westwood started calling down Saskatchewan people, that was crossing the line for me :)"
• "One of the best trades we ever pulled off in Winnipeg was for Kevin Glenn. Danny Barrett told us he wasn't available so I got Adam Rita to get him to Toronto and then we sent a first round pick to the Argos for Kevin. I saw Danny a week later and said 'I thought Kevin wasn't available'. Danny said 'he wasn't'. I said, 'yes he was. He's playing for our team now.'"
• "Walking out onto the field against the Riders in the Grey Cup in 07, Doug Berry turned to me and said 'Looks like we're the road team' and I said 'Yep.'"
• "We're not guaranteed of being in the Grey Cup again. But by far we have the greatest coaching staff in the league. Ken Miller is a fantastic human being and a fantastic football coach."
• "I want to thank you for your support and it's a huge advantage for us. I've been in places where we didn't have that. You ARE a factor for the Roughriders."
• "Weston Dressler will be held out of the start of training camp but he'll be ready for Week 1."
• "The ratio number will not change. Don't worry about that too much".
• "QBs are a popular topic! We're going to have two guys come up to Regina soon. Kerry Joseph won't be one of them. Darian's our guy. Specific names we don't have yet."
• "I don't expect to get John Chick (Colts) back. Rey Williams (Steelers) is hit and miss. Stevie Baggs (Cardinals) is a free agent if he gets cut that could be tough to get him."
• "Talks are going on about the new stadium. I'm just a football guy. I want to present a Grey Cup in the old stadium first."
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Former Milestonian Dave Wilson spoke on behalf of the Rotary Club after B.T.'s address. The interesting note about him is at the 1991 Plaza of Honour Dinner, a bunch of us from Milestone came in in a van with a designated driver and Dave was with us.
John Gregory went into the Plaza that year. Afterwards we went to Checkers for awhile, and then got in the van and went home. Trouble is we left Dave in the bathroom at Checkers!
Last night he informed me he walked home. I was stunned thinking about the 30 mile venture, then he laughed and said he had moved into Regina six months later and his house was a 10-minute walk away!
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Today's Press Box Friday Lunch Buffet:
BUILD YOUR OWN BURGERS!!
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Need a realtor? Call Devin Stubel at 536-6479.
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That's it for now. It's Football Friday on The Sports Cage today. Check back later for details.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
RP
Today, 4:00 - 6:00pm on The Sports Cage on 620 CKRM we'll be joined by contributor Mitchell Blair with special guests Garrett Mitchell and Shaun Sutter from the Regina Pats, Regina Red Sox GM Bernie Eiswirth and Manitoba Moose broadcaster Brian Munz.
These are from last week's fundraising celebrity game in Moose Jaw at Peacock High School. Proceeds went to getting a new gym floor. Photos are courtesy Joe Gunnis...
Signing autties for the little ones...
From left: Wes Cates, Seante Williams and Country 100.7's Dustin Dion...
Dustin Dion. Not to be confused with Dustin Diamond, star of Saved By The Bell.
Wes Cates..
Luc Mullinder...
SGA Rule of the Week – When can you clean your golf ball?
