HOUR 1: WITH GLOBAL'S DUKE MEYERS, DURANT, CHAD LANG, BALLSIEhttp://www.mediafire.com/?k5fmur6x5kbb7fa
HOUR 2: WINNIPEG'S SCOTT TAYLOR, CFL.CA MMQB MATT CAUZ, WARRIOR VOICE JAMES GALLO
http://www.mediafire.com/?48z45w6ud0y114f
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
TUESDAY SPORTS CAGE AUDIO
HOUR 1: WITH GLOBAL'S DUKE MEYERS, DURANT, CHAD LANG, BALLSIEhttp://www.mediafire.com/?k5fmur6x5kbb7fa
HOUR 2: WINNIPEG'S SCOTT TAYLOR, CFL.CA MMQB MATT CAUZ, WARRIOR VOICE JAMES GALLO
http://www.mediafire.com/?48z45w6ud0y114f
LABOUR DAY SMACK TALK IS ON
Rider fan Darren Morris sent in some photos of recent championship rings, beginning with the Pittsburgh Steelers above....
World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies...
Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins..
Ozzie Guillen's Chicago White Sox...
AND THE WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS!!!!!
RIDERS SET FOR FAN DAY
RIDERS “SGI Play It Safe” Day!When: Saturday, September 4, 2010
Time: 10 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Mosaic Stadium
Who’s invited: All Saskatchewan Roughrider football fans
It’s an event not to be missed. The Saskatchewan Roughriders are proud to present their annual “SGI Play it Safe” Day on Saturday. Rider players and coaches, Gainer the Gopher and the 620 CKRM Rider Cheerleading Team will all be on hand for pictures, autographs, and games. The Saskatchewan Roughrider Pep Band will also be on-site.
Fans are invited to the barbeque which gets started at 9:30 am on the bricks on the west side of the stadium. Gates will open at 10:00 am and fans can make their way into the stands to watch the Roughriders hit the field for a light workout at 10:30 am. After the conclusion of the workout, the team will be introduced to the crowd and the public autograph session will follow (11:30 am – 12:30 pm). The Roughriders are encouraging everyone to come early as a limited amount of posters and giveaways will be available.
RAMS PREVIEW
THE GAMEThe University of Regina Rams and the Manitoba Bisons will open up the 2010 season the same way the two teams kicked off the 2009 conference schedule - matched up against each other under the lights in Regina. Game time is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium on 620 CKRM radio.
THE HEADLINES
- Neither team was ranked in this week’s CIS Top Ten, but Regina received 26 votes in the poll and Manitoba received two
- The teams will be opening up the Canada West schedule against each other for the fifth consecutive season and for the seventh time since the Rams joined the conference in 1999
- The Rams have a 4-6-1 all-time record in both season-opening games and home openers
- The Rams have a 5-13 record against Manitoba in conference games and are 1-3 against the Bisons in the postseason
- The Rams are 4-5 all-time against Manitoba at Mosaic Stadium
- Friday’s game will be the third consecutive game played between the two teams in Regina
- The Rams return nine of 12 offensive starters, losing only Jordan Sisco, Sheldon Tillotson, and Graham Mosiondz
- The Rams return all five defensive backs from last season, but only one (fifth-year linebacker Bruce Anderson) of the front seven
- Manitoba will have to replace graduated QB Nathan Friesen, but return running back Matt Henry and all-star defensive back Pete Adams
UNIVERSITY OF REGINA RAMS (0-0)
It was a fittingly strange ending to a wild Canada West season last year for the University of Regina Rams. The Rams thought they had suffered a season-ending loss to Saskatchewan in the final week of the regular season, but an eligibility ruling against Manitoba pushed Regina
into the playoffs for a rematch against the Huskies in the conference semifinals.
Saskatchewan prevailed by a 53-23 score in the postseason, but the Rams return several key players on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball and hope that some recruits will be able to make immediate contributions as the team prepares for the 2010 campaign.
The team’s top returner on offence is quarterback Marc Mueller, who led Canada West in both passing yards and completions last season. On defence, look for middle linebacker Bruce Anderson to step up in his final season of CIS eligibility to provide leadership both on and off
the field.
As for the recruits, look no further than defensive lineman Akiem Hicks. Standing 6’6” and weighing in at 305 lbs., Hicks comes to the U of R after stellar seasons in both 2007 and 2008 with Sacramento City College and is expected to be an impact player after adjusting to the
nuances of the Canadian game. He’ll wear No. 99 with the Rams.
UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS (0-0)
After a tough end to the 2009 season, the Manitoba Bisons football seek to regroup and make a run into the playoffs for the first time since winning the Vanier Cup in 2007. In 2009, Manitoba had a 4-4 record on the field but finished with an official Canada West record of 2-5 due to
using an ineligible player.
Heading into the 2010 season, Manitoba had 85 players in training camp with almost half (39) being new players to the program. There are eight of 12 starters on the defence and five of the 12 starters on offence returning to the Bison squad. Three years removed from winning its third
Vanier Cup in team history, the Bisons only have three players left that dressed in that championship game. The Herd looks to bounce back from missing the playoffs for only the fourth time in the last 11 years.
CANADA WEST COACHES PICK RAMS FIFTH
Canada West announced Monday the results of the inaugural coaches’ poll, with Calgary selected as the unanimous favourite to repeat as conference champions. Calgary garnered the maximum five first-place votes to end up with 35 points in the poll, while Saskatchewan was
second with 27 points.
Manitoba was third in the poll with 15 points, while UBC finished in fourth place with 13. Rounding out the poll were Regina (11 points) and Alberta (7).
ABOU-MECHREK ON IN THE HUDDLE
PATRICK NAMED PLAYER OF THE WEEK
DURANT TAKES THE BLAME
The Saskatchewan Roughriders know they'll need to be better this week against Winnipeg than they were in Saturday's 17-14 loss in Edmonton. Rider coach Ken Miller says quarterback Darian Durant is accepting the brunt of the blame for the upset."Darian realizes that he didn't play very well," Miller said upon the Riders' return from Edmonton. "He's taking a lot of responsibility for the loss on him. I think that's fair ... he didn't play very well. In order for us to be consistent on offense, the quarterback has to play at a high level all the time."
Miller met with Durant this morning, then Tweeted "I met with our QB Darian Durant this morning. It is good to have him as our offensive leader."
Meanwhile at today's Winnipeg Blue Bomber annual golf tournament, quarterback Buck Pierce declared himself fit to play against the Riders in Sunday's Labour Day Classic. According to TSN, Bomber coach Paul Lapolice remains cautious but be forced to start Pierce since backup Steven Jyles is nursing broken ribs.
We'll discuss all this on 620 CKRM's Sports Cage this afternoon from 4-6pm. In the first hour I'd like to open the phone lines up and get in as many calls as we can regarding Saturday's game in Edmonton. Also joining us on the program will be Rider slotback Chris Getzlaf, Thunder coach Erwin Klempner and guests from the U of R Rams.
Monday, August 30, 2010
CHILIS BIG MOUTH MONDAY SPORTS CAGE AUDIO
HOUR 1: CALLS, CALLS, CALLS & THUNDER COACH ERWIN KLEMPNER
http://www.mediafire.com/?w01kxa6i6kq2kc3
HOUR 2: RIDER SLOTBACK CHRIS GETZLAF AND MORE CALLS:
http://www.mediafire.com/?n65un2px16o0ww0
PATS ROOKIE GAME UPDATE
Regina, Saskatchewan – The first ever Regina Pats rookie “Blue and White” game held at the new Co-Operators Centre was a great success. The afternoon match was the last chance for rookies to strut their stuff in their own age group. Instead of blue and white, the Pats wend with Team Red against Team Grey with Team Red skating to the 4-1 win.Red goals: Landon Peel, T.J. Reeve, Morgan Klimchuk (2)
Grey goal: Tyler Boyer
Up to Main Camp:
The following players will join the veterans for main camp and prepare for Wednesday’s Prairie Mobile Communications “Blue and White” game: Kyle Burroughs, Tyler Mueller, Landon Peel, Sean Whelan, Colby Williams, Branden Halbgewachs, Demico Hannoun, Dryden Hunt, Morgan Klimchuk, Garret Lockeridge, Alec McCrea, Ty McLean, T.J. Reeve, Chandler Stephenson, Tanner Burghardt.
Practices will continue Monday night with the a rookie practice at 5:45 and a veteran scrimmage at 7:30. Training camp 2010 will culminate with the annual Prairie Mobile Communications Blue and White game on Wednesday, September 1st at 7pm at the Co-Operators Centre. Tickets will be $5 apiece available now at the customer service desk at the Co-Operators Centre.
FEDS SEND MESSAGE
REGINA -- A local MP is hinting that money from Ottawa won't come easily for a new multi-purpose facility for Regina.Ottawa has spent the summer reviewing the province's financial proposal. Regina-Lumsden Member of Parliament Tom Lukiwski says if the application is Roughrider heavy it probably won't be approved.
"They do have to make a solid business case for a project that is not dependent upon, or is not significantly designed for the Saskatchewan Roughriders only because it's the policy of our government not to fund professional sports facilities," Lukiwski told CKRM radio today. "So there's certainly going to be some challenges on the proposal side and the proposal design side for the province."
Ottawa is expected to give an answer on funding early this fall.
"Most of the other commentators in Saskatchewan, whether it be media or a man or woman on the street, are calling it a 'stadium'," Lukiwski continued. "They're saying 'what's happening with the stadium proposal?' and of course if that's the approach the province would take when applying for federal funding, then the chances of funding aren't great."
(620 CKRM News)
CHIEFS UPDATE
SPOKANE, WA -- 35 players remain in Spokane after the Chiefs Annual Fall Camp concluded on Sunday in the Red-White Scrimmage. Spokane is currently carrying four goaltenders, 12 defensemen and 19 forwards.
Included in the 35 players is 1995 born defenseman Tyler Cunningham, the Chiefs first round selection, 17th overall, in this last spring's WHL Bantam Draft. Cunningham will make his Spokane debut this weekend when Spokane travels to Everett to play three exhibition games. The Pilot Butte, SK native scored 14 goals and 43 points in 25 games last year with the Notre Dame Hounds.
Cunningham is joined by three other Spokane first round draft picks; Reid Gow ('09-16th overall), Mitch Holmberg ('08-21st overall) and Mike Betz ('07-12th overall).
The Chiefs will begin their seven game pre-season schedule with three contests this week in Everett at the Silvertips Pre-Season Classic. Spokane will play Tri-City, Seattle and Portland on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
"We're going to practice and implement some systems so we look like a team over there, but we're still also in the evaluation phase," Chiefs Head Coach Don Nachbaur said.
After taking Monday off as a team, the Chiefs will practice in the Spokane Arena on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Spokane will travel to Everett on Friday for their 3:00 date with the Americans. Saturday and Sunday's games will be played at 11:30 am (PT).
Included in the 35 players is 1995 born defenseman Tyler Cunningham, the Chiefs first round selection, 17th overall, in this last spring's WHL Bantam Draft. Cunningham will make his Spokane debut this weekend when Spokane travels to Everett to play three exhibition games. The Pilot Butte, SK native scored 14 goals and 43 points in 25 games last year with the Notre Dame Hounds.
Cunningham is joined by three other Spokane first round draft picks; Reid Gow ('09-16th overall), Mitch Holmberg ('08-21st overall) and Mike Betz ('07-12th overall).
The Chiefs will begin their seven game pre-season schedule with three contests this week in Everett at the Silvertips Pre-Season Classic. Spokane will play Tri-City, Seattle and Portland on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
"We're going to practice and implement some systems so we look like a team over there, but we're still also in the evaluation phase," Chiefs Head Coach Don Nachbaur said.
After taking Monday off as a team, the Chiefs will practice in the Spokane Arena on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Spokane will travel to Everett on Friday for their 3:00 date with the Americans. Saturday and Sunday's games will be played at 11:30 am (PT).
RIVER KINGS SIGN EX-COUGAR
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. – The Mississippi RiverKings of the Central Hockey League announced Monday that they have signed former University of Regina goaltender Brant Hilton.
Hilton spent three seasons in a Cougar uniform, breaking the school record for lowest goals-against average in a career (2.70) and holding a .903 save percentage in 51 conference games played.
He broke onto the scene with a stellar rookie season in 2007-08, establishing a University of Regina single-season record with a 2.26 goals-against average and being named to both the Canada West All-Rookie Team and the CIS All-Rookie Team.
“Brant came in with something to prove and he played exceptional for us for three seasons,” Cougars head coach Blaine Sautner said. “He thought it was time to turn pro and we wish him the best of luck with Mississippi.”
Hilton, who was also part of Team Canada’s entry at the 2009 Winter Universiade in China, ended up with a 19-30 career record and recorded five shutouts for the Cougars.
Hilton spent three seasons in a Cougar uniform, breaking the school record for lowest goals-against average in a career (2.70) and holding a .903 save percentage in 51 conference games played.
He broke onto the scene with a stellar rookie season in 2007-08, establishing a University of Regina single-season record with a 2.26 goals-against average and being named to both the Canada West All-Rookie Team and the CIS All-Rookie Team.
“Brant came in with something to prove and he played exceptional for us for three seasons,” Cougars head coach Blaine Sautner said. “He thought it was time to turn pro and we wish him the best of luck with Mississippi.”
Hilton, who was also part of Team Canada’s entry at the 2009 Winter Universiade in China, ended up with a 19-30 career record and recorded five shutouts for the Cougars.
THUNDER 59 COLTS 10
The finale of the PFC's Sunday triple-header featured two of the league's best outfits slugging it out at Mosaic Stadium. This slugfest turned out to be a very one-sided bout as the Thunder scored a shockingly easy win in Regina's home opener.The home side owned quarter leads of 14-0, 28-2 & 52-2. The Thunder held Calgary passers Jeremy Long, Brett Serhyenko & Clayton Masikewich to a combined 177 yards passing and intercepted 5 passes on the afternoon.
Reid Quest threw for 282 yards, completing 15 of 22 with 5 TD'S and an INT. Kolten Solomon reeled in a 75-yard bomb, his 3rd TD grab and 4th major of the season. Jay Smith would get his first 2 TD's of the year. Newcomer Brandon Sieber would get in on the fun with a TD snag.
Clay Cooke & Jon Probe also tallied touchdowns as Wyatt Catley would throw for a major score. The Thunder would amass 520 yards in net offense. Jake Harty scored on a 20-yard 4th quarter run for the lone Colt touchdown dash; he would run for 93 yards. Coung Thai Lieu would end up a yard short of 100 on 18 carries.
INTERVIEW WITH MARC MUELLER
Had a chat with U of Regina Rams QB Marc Mueller (grandson of Ron Lancaster) this morning for the Sports Cage. This is what Marc (pictured above with his father Larry) had to say:CKRM: You open the season Friday at home to Manitoba. Would you have prefered to have a preseason game to tune up?
MUELLER: We would have rather had one because it's more game-like, rather than playing your own guys. But with the big steroid scandal at Waterloo, we couldn't bring a team in so we did what we had to. Out of my four years here, we've only had one preseason game. One of the years we didn't, we went to the Hardy Cup so hopefully we'll have some success.
CKRM: How was training camp?
MUELLER: It was the best training camp I've ever been a part of, on both sides of the ball. Our O-line is all back and they've grown physically, mentally and as a unit. Our D-line will be one of the best in the conference, if not the country.
CKRM: People are raving about DT Akim Hicks, the LSU recruit who ended up here due to NCAA recruiting violations. What's he all about?
MUELLER: He's one of the best players I've ever played with. He's a playmaker, on the defensive side of the ball that the Rams have been missing for quite awhile. He's going to blow up a lot plays. He's going to be an absolute dominating force, and will make everyone better.
CKRM: How about Adrian Charles in your backfield?
MUELLER: Flashes of brilliance. The thing about Adrian is that he can break a big run all the time. Adrian Charles can make the first one or two guys miss and he always falls forward, gaining and extra three or four yards every time. With him, on first down, teams can't drop 9 guys into coverage and expect us to pass.
CKRM: You were 3-5 last year. What's the outlook for this year?
MUELLER: I think we have a chance to win Canada West. That sounds odd coming off a 3-5 season but we have everyone in place. Last year we returned eight starters but this year it's 18 or 19. It makes a big difference and a lot of us have grown together on and off the field.
CKRM: Compare where you are this year to where you were last year at this time..
CKRM: How was training camp?
MUELLER: It was the best training camp I've ever been a part of, on both sides of the ball. Our O-line is all back and they've grown physically, mentally and as a unit. Our D-line will be one of the best in the conference, if not the country.
CKRM: People are raving about DT Akim Hicks, the LSU recruit who ended up here due to NCAA recruiting violations. What's he all about?
MUELLER: He's one of the best players I've ever played with. He's a playmaker, on the defensive side of the ball that the Rams have been missing for quite awhile. He's going to blow up a lot plays. He's going to be an absolute dominating force, and will make everyone better.
CKRM: How about Adrian Charles in your backfield?
MUELLER: Flashes of brilliance. The thing about Adrian is that he can break a big run all the time. Adrian Charles can make the first one or two guys miss and he always falls forward, gaining and extra three or four yards every time. With him, on first down, teams can't drop 9 guys into coverage and expect us to pass.
CKRM: You were 3-5 last year. What's the outlook for this year?
MUELLER: I think we have a chance to win Canada West. That sounds odd coming off a 3-5 season but we have everyone in place. Last year we returned eight starters but this year it's 18 or 19. It makes a big difference and a lot of us have grown together on and off the field.
CKRM: Compare where you are this year to where you were last year at this time..
MUELLER: I'm WAY ahead of last year at this time. Getting hit is great! Last year I hadn't been hit yet. I'm a lot tougher and I can make reads faster. I'm way better.
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The Rams open the CIS season Friday night at home to the Manitoba Bisons at 7:00 at Mosaic Stadium on 620 CKRM.
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The Rams open the CIS season Friday night at home to the Manitoba Bisons at 7:00 at Mosaic Stadium on 620 CKRM.
P.A. RAIDER UPDATE
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – The Prince Albert Raiders will begin the Western Hockey League exhibition season this week with 32 players still on their roster after completing training camp yesterday afternoon at the Art Hauser Centre. They currently have 3 goaltenders, 11 defencemen and 18 forwards still on their pre-season roster.19 year-old Jamie Tucker is joined by two rookies, 17 year-old Eric Williams and 16 year old Brenden Fiebelkorn among goalies.
On defence, 20 year-old’s Nathan Deck and Jordan Rowley lead a strong contingent. 19 year-old James Bettauer, 18 year-old Austin Bourhis and 17 year-olds Matt Waseylenko and Mathew Berry-Lamontagna are also still in camp. 15 year-old Josh Morrissey, the Raiders 1st round selection in the 2010 Bantam Draft will see some exhibition action.
Other returnees include: 19 year-old Ryan Button, 18 year-olds Emerson Hrynyk and Tyler Yaworski and 17 year-old Harrison Ruopp.
On the forward lines, 20 year-olds Colin Reddin and Igor Revenko are the veterans. Other returnees include 19 year-olds Andrew Herle, Brandon Herrod, Jonathon Parker, Justin Maylan and Sebastian Svendsen. The lone 18 year-old is newcomer Tyler Paslawski. 17 year-old forward Mark McNeill is the lone returnee among the younger forwards which includes other 17 year-olds Brock Balson, Marc MacKenzie, Todd Fiddler and TJ Constant along with 16 year-olds Chance Braid, Mike Winther, Shane Danyluk and Brent Lashuk. 15 year-old Luke Mahura, the Raiders 2nd round selection in 2010 also will see exhibition action.
Lashuk and Danyluk are both injured while Revenko is expected to arrive from Belarus later this week.
Players reassigned after the inter squad game yesterday were: goaltender Jacob Edwards (18), defencemen Connor Sutton (16), Sawyer Lange (16), Arvin Atwal (15) and Tyler Dea (15) and forwards Matt Dochylo (19), Tyson Dallman (17), Allen Kilback (17), Justin Lund (16), Colby Daniels (16), Jeff Kennedy (16), Regan Yew (15), Sebastian Auray (15), Braeden Farge (15) and Michael Lorange (15).
The Raiders open their pre-season hosting the Saskatoon Blades Wednesday at 7:00 PM at the Art Hauser Centre before taking on the Blades in Martensville Friday at 7:00PM. All pre-season games are broadcast live on Today’s Country 900 CKBI.
THE MONDAY MORNING GOALIE
GULP!
The Saskatchewan Roughriders were forced to swallow their pride Saturday night after coughing up a 14-0 lead and losing 17-14 to the cellar-dwelling Edmonton Eskimos before a CFL season-high crowd of 47,829 fans.
The stands were pretty much split 50/50 between Rider and Eskimo fans however ALL were shocked at the dramatic comeback win by the Green & Gold and the collapse of the Green & White.
Cue the start of DOWN WEEK.
Lordy, Lordy what a week ahead this is going to be. The Riders looked stunned in this game and the fans could see it. What gives? The only positive out of this is the radio talk shows and blogs will be jumping all week. Fortunately for me, I have both a talk show AND a blog. Callers and hits go up after losses. I don't like it, but it's true.
What's next?
Well, maybe just what the doctor ordered. The 2-6 Winnipeg Blue Bombers appear to be in disarray as they and the Riders get set for a two game showdown in games we affectionately call the Labour Day Classic and the Banjo Bowl.
So the question(s) is this; are the Riders a superior team who overlooked the lowly Eskimos? Could that happen again in the next two weeks? Or are the Roughriders simply not as good as we thought as their 5-3 record is third-best in the CFL, just a scant bit above Toronto (the Argos are 5-3 as well but have scored fewer points and allowed more). Fourth-place is the cutoff line between the penthouse and the outhouse.
Th3se questions folks, are what we'll find out the answers to in September.
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The Regina Thunder are 2-0 to start the PFC season after a 59-10 blowout victory over the Calgary Colts Sunday at Mosaic Stadium.
---
Okay, some Edmontonservations beginning with Friday's Lady Gaga concert:
- As I stated Friday morning, I was very jacked to see Lady Gaga that night at Edmonton's Rexall Place. After all, she's currently the world's #1 pop star and anytime you get a chance to see that live, you should take it.
- Her opening act, Semi-Precious Weapons, was nothing short of awful. They were a band of misfits who were friends with Lady Gaga before she became famous and she takes them on tour wherever she goes. They came on stage and screamed, "EDMONTON ... W T F ???????"
(I abbreviated it, they didn't).
It was all downhill from the there.
- We love Lady Gaga's songs, so the music was great.
- I just don't get why she needs to drop all the F-bombs on-stage. There were tons of little kids there, mostly girls, under the age of 10 who obviously idolize Lady Gaga but probably went home thinking she's a little too hardcore because of her language. I just don't get why she couldn't run a clean show.
- The Edmonton Sun, reviewing Thursday's concert, said it was clearly an adult show. I envisioned a Madonna-type concert with people simulating sex on stage, but obviously the writer was referring to the language instead.
- I get that Lada Gaga idolizes Madonna, but she doesn't have to mimic everything she does. Be your own person.
- There's a rumour out there Lady Gaga is a hermaphrodite. If she is, I don't know where she hides her stem. Those outfits are pretty tight.
- I DID fall asleep in my chair in the Molson box while she was doing her piano solo 90 minutes into the show. Possibly I was done in by the afternoon beers at Hooters. I only dozed off for a few minutes though.
- I bet Lady Gaga could attract 40,000 to Mosaic Stadium. Let's try it.
- All in all, it was a great night. Well done Lady Gaga. By my rough ticket count, she raked in $1.5-million per night for her two shows in Edmonton. She could give a rat's a$$ what anybody thinks of her.
And I admire that.
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More thoughts from the City of Champions:
- They sure don't like the Roughriders in Edmonton. On CISN 103.9 FM, the country station, they were running a contest all weekend called "Are You Smarter Than a Roughrider?". The first person to call in and count to 12 successfully won tickets to the World Chuckwagon Races.
- We'll never get over the 13th man thing, or stop being bugged about it. So let's just go with it.
- Eskimos public announcer Al Stafford yelled "Hey Rider fans! This is OUR HOUSE!!!" when the Eskimos came onto the field to start the game.
- There's a movement afoot in Edmonton to get season tickets for the parents of coach Richie Hall. The Eskimos are 2-0 when Mr. and Mrs. Hall are in attendance.
- There is someone impersonating Ricky Ray on Facebook. Scary stuff.
- Edmonton Oilers radio colour commentator Bob Stauffer called Friday afternoon and we had a 20-minute chat about the team's play-by-play job. More than anything, he was calling to visit about the decision to hire an American announcer. Let's just say that I was blown away by the things Bob said, and told him it was a very class move. He certainly didn't need to call and discuss my place in that whole process. Then on Saturday, Bob stopped by the broadcast booth at Commonwealth Stadium to say hi. Like I said, it was a classy gesture and I became a big Bob Stauffer fan because of his efforts on the weekend.
- Speaking of, while on Stauffer's Oilers Lunch program on Team 1260 Friday, he was asked if the Eskimos should hire Eric Tillman as their next GM. He said he'd like to see Eric hired as a consultant, but former Eskimo Blake Dermott should be hired as GM.
- Riders' U.S. scout Joe Womack is hard after the Eskimo GM job.
- Eric Tillman sold his Regina house last week. What's next for him and his family? I don't know.
- I'd say one in every 20 people at West Edmonton Mall on Saturday was wearing a Rider jersey. It was a lot. One lady said to me "are the Roughriders here this weekend?"
"Yes WE are," I replied. It was awesome to be a part of it. Too bad the game sucked.
- Overheard between two waitresses at Boston Pizza in West Ed on Friday was this interesting conversation:
"Are you going to the Rider game tomorrow?" said one.
"Of course!" the other squealed. "The Riders are only here twice this year!"
They must have been Saskatchewan girls. You'd think they'd refer to an Edmonton home game as an "Eskimos game" rather than a "Rider game".
- Gainer the Gopher is on Twitter? I thought he wasn't allowed to speak.
- Some things struck me as odd on the drive up to Edmonton from Regina. For instance, Table Mountain? Isn't that an oxymoron? Tables are flat. Why would you name a mountain after a table?
Also, I was surprised to see Mannville, Alberta doesn't have a "Home of Kyle Calder" sign out front. The former Regina Pat is a veteran of many NHL games.
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And finally .... he bit.
Gregg Drinnan of the Kamloops Daily News got snippy on his blog Saturday regarding the comments I made about his website in Friday's column. At one point, he referred to me as a "fatheaded blogger". I love it!! Here's a delicious excerpt from his Saturday post:
"But why, oh why, would the god of gods, the icon of icons, the cheerleader of cheerleaders fire the first shot? Geez, he hasn’t spoken to me since that night more than 10 years ago when I asked him on the record to explain how he felt about lying to his listeners. (In two preseason games, the Pats had played a player under an assumed name and he, knowing full well what was going on, didn’t let on to his listeners that Connor McRae actually was Konrad McKay. The later-to-be king of bloggers turned his back and walked away without answering. The Pats later were disciplined by the WHL.) "
In truth, if you read closely, I never actually spoke to Drinnan in the above exchange either so I guess I haven't spoken to him and much more than 10 years.
The fact is he's a bully, and I don't care much for bullies. He doesn't scare me anymore although I know he still scares quite a few in the Dub.
Don't forget the Pats Blue & White rookie game tonight at 8:30 at the Cooperators Centre.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK FRIENDS!
RP
Sunday, August 29, 2010
PATS DAY 2 TRAINING CAMP REPORT
Regina, Saskatchewan – Day two saw the rookies combine into two teams, playing each other twice in full 60 minutes games. Team Red won both games. 2010 1st round Bantam pick, Morgan Klimchuk was the star of both games, picking up 5 goals.Rookie Scrimmages:
Team Red 6 Team Grey 2
Klimchuk (3) Bristow
Schofield McLean
Burroughs
Karmazinuk
Team Red 3 Team Grey 1
Klimchuk (2) Hannoun
Schofield
Re-Assignments:
After the day two sessions, 10 players were designated for re-assignment.
Veteran Scrimmage:
In the late veteran scrimmage, Hampus Gustafsson scored the only goal in the first period to give Team White a 1-0 lead. The period was highlighted by a great fight between Dyson Stevenson and Tyler Parker. There was no scoring in the second. Cass Mappin scored twice in the third, while Mitch Spooner scored another for the 4- Team White win. Matt Hewitt and Dawson Guhle combined for the shutout.
Day Three Schedule:
Please make note of the special time for the rookie Blue and White game.
Monday, August 30th:
9:00 – 10:00am Team Blue Veteran Practice
10:15 – 11:15am Team White Veteran Practice
11:30 – 1:45pm Rookie Blue and White game
5:45 – 7:00pm Rookie Practice
7:30 – 9:00pm Team White v/ Team Blue Scrimmage
Training camp 2010 will culminate with the annual Prairie Mobile Communications Blue and White game on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 7pm at the Co-Operators Centre. Tickets will be $5 apiece available now at the customer service desk at the Co-Operators Centre.
SUNDAY SPORTS
The Edmonton Eskimos came out of their bye week with their second, and biggest win of the season. The Eskimos rallied from a 14-0 first-quarter deficit to beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders 17-14. There were ten turnovers in the game - six of them by the Roughriders.---
Brett Favre threw for 187 yards and two interceptions, one that Earl Thomas returned 86 yards for a touchdown in the Minnesota Vikings' 24-13 pre-season victory over Seattle. Trent Edwards seemed to solidify the starting quarterback job with Buffalo, while rookie C-J Spiller ran for two T-D's in the Bills' 35-20 win over Cincinnati. And, Aaron Brown ran for a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns to lift the Detroit Lions over Cleveland 35-27.
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The PFC's Regina Thunder hosts the Calgary Colts today at 1:00 at Regina's Mosaic Stadium in a battle of 1-0 teams.
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It's Day 2 of Regina Pats training camp at the Cooperators Centre. There is a recap of Day 1 in the post below.
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Toronto's Jose Bautista had another big swing, but the major league home run leader had to run this one out. Bautista hit a two-run triple in the first inning, as the Blue Jays took a 3-nothing lead en route to a 5-4 victory over Detroit. Brandon Morrow allowed a run on five hits over six innings to pick up his 10th win of the season.
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The Boston Red Sox lost ground in the American League playoff race with a 3-2, 10-inning setback at Tampa. The Rays and the New York Yankees are tied for the A-L East lead with the best records in baseball. Boston is five-and-a-half back, and must catch one of the two to make the playoffs. The Yankees beat the Chicago White Sox 12-9.
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Martin Laird takes a three-stroke lead over Dustin Johnson and Jason Day into the final round of the Barclays. Tiger Woods and Canadian Stephen Ames are nine shots back in the opening event of the four-tournament FedEx Cup playoffs.
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Michelle Wie and Jiyai Shin hope the mosquitoes aren't out in mass again in today's final round of the CN Canadian Women's Open in Winnipeg. The third-round co-leaders suffered plenty of bites after a rainy round that saw them finish tied at 10 under. Na Yeon Choi, Jee Young Lee and Suzann Pettersen are tied for third at 6 under.
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Marcos Ambrose says Jacques Villeneuve has been his hero ever since he started racing. The two will start side-by-side on the front row today when NASCAR's Nationwide series moves to Villeneuve's backyard, with the NAPA Auto Parts 200 in Montreal. Ambrose won the pole for the 74-lap race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
DAY 1 PATS CAMP REPORT
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Regina, Saskatchewan – The first day of training camp had a little of everything, great goals, solid battles, and a lot of rust and nerves. The rookies were split into three teams and would each play a pair of games. Two of those games came in the morning with the veteran players, broken up into two teams, each had a morning practice.Rookie Scrimmages:
Team Grey 3 Team Red 2
Whelan Duret
McLean Harris
Bristow
Team Grey 3 (SO) Team Gold 2
McLean Klimchuk
Amantea Taylor Friesen
Rosner (sow)
Team Gold 3 Team Red 5
Rodewald (2) Reeve (3)
Herchak Halbgewachs (2)
Veteran Scrimmage:
In the late veteran game Killian Hutt scored the lone goal in the first period for a 1-0 Team Blue lead. Team White tied it on the power play in the second; Devin Balness passed it to a streaking Mitch Spooner who chipped it past Damien Ketlo. Dane Muench made it 2-1 Blue, then Hutt scored his second of the game to push it 3-1. Mikail Jung took a pass from Hampus Gustafsson for White’s second goal to cut it to 3-2 with Spooner’s 2nd of the night tying it at 3’s. Before the second was done, Devin Balness scored a shorthanded goal for a 4-3 White lead after two. Gustafsson scored in the third to stretch seal it at 5-3 for Team White.
Day Two Schedule
Sunday, August 29th:
9:00am – 3:30pm – On Ice Sessions
6:30pm – 9:30pm – On Ice Sessions
(All on-ice sessions are at the Co-Operators Centre and are open to the public)
Don’t forget the rookie blue and white game on Monday night at 8:30 at the Co-Operators Centre. Training camp 2010 will culminate with the annual Prairie Mobile Communications Blue and White game on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 7pm at the Co-Operators Centre. Tickets will be $5 apiece available now at the customer service desk at the Co-Operators Centre.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
ESKIMOS 17 ROUGHRIDERS 14
EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Eskimos pulled off a remarkable upset over the Saskatchewan Roughriders Saturday night at Commonwealth Stadium, beating them 17-14 before a CFL season-high crowd of 47, 829 fans.
The Riders led 14-0 after the first quarter, but couldn't muster anything after that. Seven points came from a James Patrick 39-yard interception return, and tailback Wes Cates scored his CFL-leading ninth major on a 10-yard run. After that, the offense stalled.
Ricky Ray started at QB for Edmonton, was replaced by Jared Zabransky for the second and third quarters, then returned in the fourth quarter to engineer two drives which led to two Noel Prefontaine field goals to win the game. The decisive points came on a 37-yard field goal with 37 seconds to go.
The Riders turned the ball over six times including three Darian Durant interceptions. The Eskimos gave it up on four occasions including three pickoffs by Rider safety James Patrick.
RIDER COACH KEN MILLER
“First of all I thought our defense played exceptionally well all game and except for the blocked punt, our special teams were good. We just weren’t able to put anything together offensively.”
“The fact that we gave the ball away, we can’t do that and expect to win on a consistent basis. In order to win, you have to keep the ball secure. We just gave it away too much. One is too many, so we have to do a great job of maintaining ball security.”
“We just weren’t able to develop any rhythm on offense. I’m just going to give credit to Edmonton’s defense. They were prepared, kept us off-balance and played really well.”
“The interceptions by James Patrick were great. The one in the endzone was exceptional. The other ones were great too, but that was a tremendous play.”
“I can’t explain why Darian was off. But I expect him to get better. I expect him to be better.”
“The thing is, I told them we had players and units that played exceptionally well but football is the ultimate team game and to win, you have to play well as a team. The responsibility for that falls on my shoulders.”
“If we took them for granted, it wasn’t anybody’s intention to not respect them or take these Eskimos lightly. The players prepared well and practiced hard. We had good game plans, they just weren’t executed well.”
SAFETY JAMES PATRICK
“Basically I’d take the win anyday over the stats. We lost as a team. The plays I made was irrelevant.”
“Obviously I’m never looking to lose. I don’t care how much points we gave up. We have to be better.”
“We never over-look our opponents. We just have to look at our next opponent and be better.”
RUNNING BACK WES CATES
“I don’t if anybody deserves a game star in that one. It’s rough when you make that many mistakes. Something wasn’t right with our team today. We just have to deal with the adversity. Calgary in ‘08 started off 2-3, then ran the table and won the Grey Cup. Some days you just have sub-par games.”
“We’re an explosive offense. We have the weapons and the ability to play much better but things weren’t going right for whatever reason. Balls going off fingers, or their defense making great plays. It got us out of rhythm and it was hard to get rolling again.”
- The Riders drop to 5-3 with the loss, while the Eskimos improve to 2-6. The Riders' next game is the Labour Day Classic at home to Winnipeg next Sunday.
GAME DAY
EDMONTON -- There it is. We're at the most beautiful stadium in the Canadian Football League for today's Week 9 showdown between your 5-2 Saskatchewan Roughriders and the 1-6 Edmonton Eskimos (5:00, TSN, CKRM Rider Radio Network).What's going to happen?
I've predicted all week the Riders will pulverize the Eskimos by a minimum of two touchdowns and nothing's changed my mind on that since we got here. Although, the Edmonton Eskimos seem to be buying into what coach Richie Hall is selling in terms of "this game is the start of our season".
Before this Edmonton team headed home on the bye, after a 56-15 shellacking in Calgary, they seemed demoralized, dejected and downtrodden. However after spending considerable time in their locker room and around their people yesterday, I noticed the club is REALLY upbeat. Heck, I spent more time with the Eskimos yesterday than I did with the Riders.
Richie Hall walked past me in the Esks' locker room and swatted me in the back with a stack of papers. I turned around and he was grinning from ear-to-ear. Later when I saw him at his news conference, I pointed out the grey hair at his temples and he was quick to point out that he's had it for quite some time (even in Regina). On game days he gets his hair trimmed real short to hide it! Regardless, he seems to be in good spirits and for that I'm thankful. He's a Hall of Fame human being.
Maurice Lloyd on the other hand, could be another story in terms of his spirits. I had just finished doing an interview with Global TV Edmonton's Dean Millard and Lloyd came running up and literally jumped on me. I'm surprised I didn't fall over. He was walking off the field from their walk-through, alone.
I said, "alone".
That seems to be a common theme up here. Richie Hall said before the season on that nationwide conference call with the media that as head coach up here, he felt alone, isolated, and almost like he was on an island. I wonder if that's changed since the shakeup of their front office and their coaching staff.
Anyways, back to Mo. I told him that I'd need to interview him for Sportsnet but I wouldn't ask about him being labeled a "cancer" by sportswriter Terry Jones. He just shook his head in disgust. I then told him that in my conversations with Rider players Wes Cates, Scott Schultz and Gene Makowsky, plus the coaches, they all had NOTHING but GREAT things to say about Maurice Lloyd. That included as a player, a person and a leader. Then I swatted him on the butt as he walked in the locker room and told him to keep doing what he's doing. He said thanks, and that it meant a lot.
The Edmonton Eskimos WILL turn it around, but not today. They're a talented team which hasn't come together yet but there are many reasons for that. One is they're an extremely young group and don't have a lot of cohesion. But they're a talented group.
With Richie Hall and Maurice Lloyd in Green & Gold, this team is on the right track to getting back to where they need to be. They simply need to be allowed the time and patience to do their jobs.
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Anyways it's been an awesome weekend so far, as I'd hoped. Cindy and I are traveling with two girls instead of three, and that's okay. One decided she'd rather stay home. It was heart-warming to wakeup this morning and see all three of their green Rider jerseys lined up and ready for today's game. "6 BAGG", "82 CLERMONT" and "24 PILSNER" are what the uniforms say.
These girls love their Riders.
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Okay well it's time to actually GET READY for today's broadcast so I'll bid you adieu. Our pregame show begins at 4:00 today with the Brendan Taman Show on Roughrider Warmup followed by Countdownt to Kickoff at 4:30 and kickoff at 5:00.
ENJOY THE GAME!
RP
STAMPS ROMP
The Calgary Stampeders didn't skip a beat after their bye week, while the BC Lions remain a work in progress. The Stampeders are 7-and-1 after overwhelming the Lions 48-35. B-C is 1-7.
Friday, August 27, 2010
PATS CAMP OPENS TOMORROW
All sessions are at the new Co-operators Centre and are free to the public.
The First Rounder's:
The Pats will have all of their WHL Bantam Draft first round picks from 2007 and on in camp:
2007 – Dominick Favreau (13th)
2008 – Myles Bell (17th)
2009 – Chandler Stephenson (5th)
2010 – Morgan Klimchuk (5th)
American Flavour:
The Pats will have 4 American born players in camp this year:
Rookie: Alec McCrea – El Cajon, CA (San Diego Gulls Jr.)
Veteran: Tyler Parker – Livermore, CA
A.J. Fossen – Maple Grove, MN
Zach Randall – Fridler, MN
Canada Winter Games;
The 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax, NS will be held from February 10-18, and the hockey competition will feature the top U16 players in each province. The current Regina Pat list and camp invitees took part in their province's summer camps:
B.C. – Kyle Burroughs, Nolan DeJong, Brett Harris
Sask. – Ty McLean, Colby Williams, Tanner Burghardt, Terrick Wilderman (invitee)
Alberta – Morgan Klimchuk
Manitoba – Nolan Parrington, Derek Mulvena (invitee)
Pre-Season Action:
The Regina Pats will not waste any time heading into real WHL pre-season action. Friday, September 3rd, the blue and white will host the Moose Jaw Warriors at 7pm at the Co-Operators Centre with the return match 24 hours later at the Moose Jaw Civic Centre.
FRIDAY RODSERVATIONS
EDMONTON, AB -- Our arrival time here in the Alberta capital was 2:00am. And so begins an extremely busy (and hopefully fun) weekend in the City of Champions. And here come some observations of the week that was:
- First and foremost! Don't miss the TCU 150 race at Regina's Kings Park Speedway tomorrow night! Time trials start at 5:00, racing at 6:00 and the main event at 8:00. Tickets are available for $10 at the TCU Financial Group branches on Rochdale Blvd and Quance St. That's a $5 saving from the gate. You won't be disappointed!
- You can snicker all you want about the self-given nickname City of Champions, but Edmonton has earned it. However now they're seeing how the other half lives, as the city is currently home to the worst teams in both the NHL and CFL. How long will it last?
- Upon further review, the sign on the outskirts of the city says "Welcome to Edmonton, Alberta's Capital City" so maybe the Champions moniker has been shelved for now.
- We were warned on the radio this week this week that Edmontonians are turning nasty on Saskatchewanians during the Eskimos' current drought and that we should be fearful for our personal safety this weekend. I don't buy it.
- Our buddy George Yannitsos at the Four Seasons Sports Palace at 909 Arcola Avenue East invites you down for a Super Sports Saturday doubleheader: The Riders at Eskimos at 5:00 followed by UFC 118 at 8:00 "The Beatdown In Beantown". It could get wild in there for Ballsie and Lynch, who will broadcast the Rider Roundtable postgame call-in show from the 4Seasons tomorrow night!
- Speaking of Edmonton, a few folks have been waiting to read my comments on the Oilers hiring an American to replace Hockey Hall of Famer Rod Phillips in the radio play-by-play booth. I've got to be real careful here, because I don't want it to be viewed as sour grapes. I likely couldn't have taken the job even if it was offered, however I just wanted to go through the process.
Anyways the deal is this; as a 17-year play-by-play veteran in the WHL, I can speak for Canadian junior hockey broadcasters. 13 years ago an NHL G.M. told me to send a tape and resume to all 30 teams NHL. 24 of them - all the American teams - sent back PFO letters saying their radio play-by-play positions are designated for Americans and they generally will hire their AHL broadcaster if an opportunity becomes available. Hockey's become so big in the States that it's no longer necessary to hire a Canadian for these jobs (i.e. someone who knows the game).
ALL five American WHL teams have American broadcasters too, and they're all top-notch playcallers. But that's the point; Americans can HAVE the jobs that lie below the 49th parallel. We Canadian hockey announcers have long known there are really only six jobs open in the NHL for us - the Canadian teams - but if you consider you have to be bilingual to broadcast Montreal Canadiens games, then the number drops to five. That's FIVE jobs in all of Canada for the 60-some CHL announcers, the hundred or so CJAHL announcers and every other Tom, Dick and Harry in the business who loves this game and wants to crack the NHL.
Soooooooo, it's nothing personal against the newest voice of the Oilers Jack Michaels, a 36-year old product of Pennsylvania who seems like a real swell guy, but sometimes these appointments can be quite political and this is one of them.
And before you get pissy, I've received upwards of 20 calls, emails or texts from fellow Canadian broadcasters who totally agree.
- Can't wait to see Lady Gaga tonight at Rexall Place!!
- Week 9 in the CFL kicks off tonight with Calgary at the B.C. Lions. I've got the Lions to win. C'mon Wally! I need this one for our pick pool.
- Rider coach Ken Miller was asked this week if he "feels sorry" for his colleague Richie Hall, and the situation he's in with the 1-6 Eskimos. "We have three games left with these guys," Miller advised. "Until they're over, not really I don't."
- Rider G.M. Brendan Taman labelled tomorrow's game with the Eskimos as "dangerous" in our pregame chat.
"I don't think we're gonna have a letdown," Taman explained. "But this is a dangerous game for us. We're playing a dangerous team. You always hear people say 'the team's record is not indicative of how good the team is', well, it is. They're 1-6. They're parlaying it to be Week 1 for them. Fortunately we've already had five wins. I want to bury them to be honest. Our practice week has been the best we've had all year and I expect us to play very well."
- Kerry Joseph is twisting in the wind waiting to hear from the Montreal Alouettes. I'm told Alouettes G.M. Jim Popp is strongly considering bringing him in for a look next week, but he has yet to contact Kerry's agent Paul Sheehy. Maybe they're waiting to see how Chris Leak performs.
- Just in case any of you might be interested, the Lingerie Football League (LFL) kicks off its second season tonight when the defending champion Los Angeles Temptation take on the Seattle Mist. You'll be seeing a lot more of the LFL this year, as MTV purchased the rights to broadcast 20 games. The league is growing.
- Former Rider lineman Mike Abou-Mechrek is hosting an online auction to raise funds for Breast Cancer research over at his impressive-looking website http://www.abou67.com/. There are some incredible items including a green Taylor Hall Team Canada jersey, a Rider team-autographed helmet and an IPAD! Please help Mike out if you can. One of our favourite all-time Riders is trying to make a difference.
- Episodes of In The Huddle are now available On Demand for Access cable subscribers. Now if we can just get Rogers Sportsnet One available to us, we'll be all set.
- Watch Rogers Sportsnet tonight however, as I'll have a special feature with CFL Insider Willie Pless on Sportsnet Connected plus a preview story on the game.
- The Roughriders weren't playing last week, which may be the reason the Blue Jays were the most-watched sports broadcast on Canadian television. Even the Blue Jays were surprised. Here's a list of the top six, and it's somewhat surprising:
1. MLB, Blue Jays at Red Sox, Saturday, Sportsnet: 713,000
2. CFL, Tiger-Cats at Argos, Friday, TSN: 650,000
3. MLB, Blue Jays at Red Sox, Friday, Sportsnet: 558,000
4. MLB, Blue Jays at Red Sox, Sunday, Sportsnet: 441,000
5. Auto racing, NASCAR Sprint Cup, Saturday, TSN: 347,000*
6. NFL, Vikings at 49ers, Sunday, TSN: 267,000*
*(Figure does not include viewers of the NFL game on NBC)
- Regina Pats 2010 training camp opens tomorrow at the Cooperators Centre at Evraz Place. They'll be on the ice from 9:30-3:30am, and 6:30-9:30pm.
- WHL blog god Gregg Drinnan was crowing on his website the other day that his page has attracted 2,000,000 all-time hits. I guess since we're talking about it, this website hit 4,000,000 all-time hits on the weekend. Thank you for you continued patronage.
- We had a spike in web hits on Wednesday due to the photos of the nearly-nude PETA girls in downtown Regina. They ALMOST got me convinced to go Vegan, but then I remembered how good the Rod Pedersen burger is at the Press Box Sports Bar. THEN I remembered why you and I are at the top of the food chain. It's ironic too, that the women were objectifying themselves in the name of animal cruelty. Where were the feminist protesters on Wednesday?? All I saw at the corner of 11th and Hamilton were smiling guys.
- Winnipeg sports writer Randy Turner referred to Hall of Famer Bob Cameron as the "Brett Favre of punters" this week. At first it struck me kind of oddly, but upon further review, I can go along with it.
- Way back during the 2007 CFL season, the CFL said they were considering selling the naming rights to the Grey Cup game. Sort of like the "Tostitos Fiesta Bowl" or the "GMAC Bowl". Looking back, I guess they either couldn't find a sponsor or they thought better of it.
- Boy we only spent five minutes on it in The Sports Cage this week but people really got fired up over the Rams 50/50 draw at Rider games and where the funds go. Some people from Saskatoon got right riled-up over the fact the Huskies and Hilltops aren't involved. However a listener wrote in and told me "I know for a fact the Rams have to pay $80,000 for the privilege to sell the 50/50 at Riders games. Also factor in the cost of tickets, shirts, etc and the team isn't in the black till the 4th or 5th game. I'm getting tired of the whining from Saskatoon people how they're so hard done by. I never grew up in Regina but I'm tired of the Regina-bashing by Saskatoon people. Start supporting your own teams before you trash talk."
So there!
- The Rams Green and Gold game goes tonight at Mosaic Stadium at 7:00.
- It's so sad having to watch Tiger at the podium of the Barclay's discussing his divorce and how his kids will deal with it. WHY are they forcing him to talk about it? I've never seen any other athlete have to stand at the microphone and pour his ragged heart out like that.
- I can't get excited about the Molson Canadian World Hockey Summit in Toronto. Sorry, not at all.
- We went to the movie Inception this week. I saw the first 20 minutes and then walked out and into the movie The Other Guys starring Will Ferrell. It was a great decision. I laughed so hard I was snorting. Rider DT Keith Shologan wouldn't believe I walked out of Inception, as he says it's the greatest movie of all-time. Sorry Sholo, but I don't need to sit and think for two hours when I go to a movie.
- I watch these country music videos on CMT while I'm on the treadmill and I can only think one thing: where I come from, cowboys don't wear earrings under their cowboy hats. These singers want to be either a George Strait/Garth Brooks clone or a Keith Urban clone, but you can't be both. I see these guys with earrings and cowboy hats and want to kick my foot through the TV screen.
- The treadmill is a great way to relieve stress. Unfortunately it comes back as soon as you shower and head to work.
- I HATE the Bachelorette but I LOVE the Bachelor Pad. It's naughty.
- This week I realized why I'm sick of America's Got Talent: the acts in the semifinals are too good and too polished. I enjoy it at the start of the season when all the people trying out either suck or are just plain weird and get abused by the judges. That's good entertainment.
RANT/OFF
- Today's Press Box Sports Bar lunch buffet:
Pizza
Roast beef
Mashed potatoes
Baked ham
Perogies with sausage and peppers
Veggies
Caesar salad
Dessert treats
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!
RP
- First and foremost! Don't miss the TCU 150 race at Regina's Kings Park Speedway tomorrow night! Time trials start at 5:00, racing at 6:00 and the main event at 8:00. Tickets are available for $10 at the TCU Financial Group branches on Rochdale Blvd and Quance St. That's a $5 saving from the gate. You won't be disappointed!
- You can snicker all you want about the self-given nickname City of Champions, but Edmonton has earned it. However now they're seeing how the other half lives, as the city is currently home to the worst teams in both the NHL and CFL. How long will it last?
- Upon further review, the sign on the outskirts of the city says "Welcome to Edmonton, Alberta's Capital City" so maybe the Champions moniker has been shelved for now.
- We were warned on the radio this week this week that Edmontonians are turning nasty on Saskatchewanians during the Eskimos' current drought and that we should be fearful for our personal safety this weekend. I don't buy it.
- Our buddy George Yannitsos at the Four Seasons Sports Palace at 909 Arcola Avenue East invites you down for a Super Sports Saturday doubleheader: The Riders at Eskimos at 5:00 followed by UFC 118 at 8:00 "The Beatdown In Beantown". It could get wild in there for Ballsie and Lynch, who will broadcast the Rider Roundtable postgame call-in show from the 4Seasons tomorrow night!
- Speaking of Edmonton, a few folks have been waiting to read my comments on the Oilers hiring an American to replace Hockey Hall of Famer Rod Phillips in the radio play-by-play booth. I've got to be real careful here, because I don't want it to be viewed as sour grapes. I likely couldn't have taken the job even if it was offered, however I just wanted to go through the process.
Anyways the deal is this; as a 17-year play-by-play veteran in the WHL, I can speak for Canadian junior hockey broadcasters. 13 years ago an NHL G.M. told me to send a tape and resume to all 30 teams NHL. 24 of them - all the American teams - sent back PFO letters saying their radio play-by-play positions are designated for Americans and they generally will hire their AHL broadcaster if an opportunity becomes available. Hockey's become so big in the States that it's no longer necessary to hire a Canadian for these jobs (i.e. someone who knows the game).
ALL five American WHL teams have American broadcasters too, and they're all top-notch playcallers. But that's the point; Americans can HAVE the jobs that lie below the 49th parallel. We Canadian hockey announcers have long known there are really only six jobs open in the NHL for us - the Canadian teams - but if you consider you have to be bilingual to broadcast Montreal Canadiens games, then the number drops to five. That's FIVE jobs in all of Canada for the 60-some CHL announcers, the hundred or so CJAHL announcers and every other Tom, Dick and Harry in the business who loves this game and wants to crack the NHL.
Soooooooo, it's nothing personal against the newest voice of the Oilers Jack Michaels, a 36-year old product of Pennsylvania who seems like a real swell guy, but sometimes these appointments can be quite political and this is one of them.
And before you get pissy, I've received upwards of 20 calls, emails or texts from fellow Canadian broadcasters who totally agree.
- Can't wait to see Lady Gaga tonight at Rexall Place!!
- Week 9 in the CFL kicks off tonight with Calgary at the B.C. Lions. I've got the Lions to win. C'mon Wally! I need this one for our pick pool.
- Rider coach Ken Miller was asked this week if he "feels sorry" for his colleague Richie Hall, and the situation he's in with the 1-6 Eskimos. "We have three games left with these guys," Miller advised. "Until they're over, not really I don't."
- Rider G.M. Brendan Taman labelled tomorrow's game with the Eskimos as "dangerous" in our pregame chat.
"I don't think we're gonna have a letdown," Taman explained. "But this is a dangerous game for us. We're playing a dangerous team. You always hear people say 'the team's record is not indicative of how good the team is', well, it is. They're 1-6. They're parlaying it to be Week 1 for them. Fortunately we've already had five wins. I want to bury them to be honest. Our practice week has been the best we've had all year and I expect us to play very well."
- Kerry Joseph is twisting in the wind waiting to hear from the Montreal Alouettes. I'm told Alouettes G.M. Jim Popp is strongly considering bringing him in for a look next week, but he has yet to contact Kerry's agent Paul Sheehy. Maybe they're waiting to see how Chris Leak performs.
- Just in case any of you might be interested, the Lingerie Football League (LFL) kicks off its second season tonight when the defending champion Los Angeles Temptation take on the Seattle Mist. You'll be seeing a lot more of the LFL this year, as MTV purchased the rights to broadcast 20 games. The league is growing.
- Former Rider lineman Mike Abou-Mechrek is hosting an online auction to raise funds for Breast Cancer research over at his impressive-looking website http://www.abou67.com/. There are some incredible items including a green Taylor Hall Team Canada jersey, a Rider team-autographed helmet and an IPAD! Please help Mike out if you can. One of our favourite all-time Riders is trying to make a difference.
- Episodes of In The Huddle are now available On Demand for Access cable subscribers. Now if we can just get Rogers Sportsnet One available to us, we'll be all set.
- Watch Rogers Sportsnet tonight however, as I'll have a special feature with CFL Insider Willie Pless on Sportsnet Connected plus a preview story on the game.
- The Roughriders weren't playing last week, which may be the reason the Blue Jays were the most-watched sports broadcast on Canadian television. Even the Blue Jays were surprised. Here's a list of the top six, and it's somewhat surprising:
1. MLB, Blue Jays at Red Sox, Saturday, Sportsnet: 713,000
2. CFL, Tiger-Cats at Argos, Friday, TSN: 650,000
3. MLB, Blue Jays at Red Sox, Friday, Sportsnet: 558,000
4. MLB, Blue Jays at Red Sox, Sunday, Sportsnet: 441,000
5. Auto racing, NASCAR Sprint Cup, Saturday, TSN: 347,000*
6. NFL, Vikings at 49ers, Sunday, TSN: 267,000*
*(Figure does not include viewers of the NFL game on NBC)
- Regina Pats 2010 training camp opens tomorrow at the Cooperators Centre at Evraz Place. They'll be on the ice from 9:30-3:30am, and 6:30-9:30pm.
- WHL blog god Gregg Drinnan was crowing on his website the other day that his page has attracted 2,000,000 all-time hits. I guess since we're talking about it, this website hit 4,000,000 all-time hits on the weekend. Thank you for you continued patronage.
- We had a spike in web hits on Wednesday due to the photos of the nearly-nude PETA girls in downtown Regina. They ALMOST got me convinced to go Vegan, but then I remembered how good the Rod Pedersen burger is at the Press Box Sports Bar. THEN I remembered why you and I are at the top of the food chain. It's ironic too, that the women were objectifying themselves in the name of animal cruelty. Where were the feminist protesters on Wednesday?? All I saw at the corner of 11th and Hamilton were smiling guys.
- Winnipeg sports writer Randy Turner referred to Hall of Famer Bob Cameron as the "Brett Favre of punters" this week. At first it struck me kind of oddly, but upon further review, I can go along with it.
- Way back during the 2007 CFL season, the CFL said they were considering selling the naming rights to the Grey Cup game. Sort of like the "Tostitos Fiesta Bowl" or the "GMAC Bowl". Looking back, I guess they either couldn't find a sponsor or they thought better of it.
- Boy we only spent five minutes on it in The Sports Cage this week but people really got fired up over the Rams 50/50 draw at Rider games and where the funds go. Some people from Saskatoon got right riled-up over the fact the Huskies and Hilltops aren't involved. However a listener wrote in and told me "I know for a fact the Rams have to pay $80,000 for the privilege to sell the 50/50 at Riders games. Also factor in the cost of tickets, shirts, etc and the team isn't in the black till the 4th or 5th game. I'm getting tired of the whining from Saskatoon people how they're so hard done by. I never grew up in Regina but I'm tired of the Regina-bashing by Saskatoon people. Start supporting your own teams before you trash talk."
So there!
- The Rams Green and Gold game goes tonight at Mosaic Stadium at 7:00.
- It's so sad having to watch Tiger at the podium of the Barclay's discussing his divorce and how his kids will deal with it. WHY are they forcing him to talk about it? I've never seen any other athlete have to stand at the microphone and pour his ragged heart out like that.
- I can't get excited about the Molson Canadian World Hockey Summit in Toronto. Sorry, not at all.
- We went to the movie Inception this week. I saw the first 20 minutes and then walked out and into the movie The Other Guys starring Will Ferrell. It was a great decision. I laughed so hard I was snorting. Rider DT Keith Shologan wouldn't believe I walked out of Inception, as he says it's the greatest movie of all-time. Sorry Sholo, but I don't need to sit and think for two hours when I go to a movie.
- I watch these country music videos on CMT while I'm on the treadmill and I can only think one thing: where I come from, cowboys don't wear earrings under their cowboy hats. These singers want to be either a George Strait/Garth Brooks clone or a Keith Urban clone, but you can't be both. I see these guys with earrings and cowboy hats and want to kick my foot through the TV screen.
- The treadmill is a great way to relieve stress. Unfortunately it comes back as soon as you shower and head to work.
- I HATE the Bachelorette but I LOVE the Bachelor Pad. It's naughty.
- This week I realized why I'm sick of America's Got Talent: the acts in the semifinals are too good and too polished. I enjoy it at the start of the season when all the people trying out either suck or are just plain weird and get abused by the judges. That's good entertainment.
RANT/OFF
- Today's Press Box Sports Bar lunch buffet:
Pizza
Roast beef
Mashed potatoes
Baked ham
Perogies with sausage and peppers
Veggies
Caesar salad
Dessert treats
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!
RP
Thursday, August 26, 2010
CLERMONT SPEAKS
Tune into Global TV Regina's supper newscast tonight at 6:00 for a great story from sportscaster Warren Woods on Rider slotback Jason Clermont. Woodsy did a great interview with J.C. at Thursday's practice and it will air on 620 CKRM's Sports Cage this afternoon after 4:30. Woodsy will join us live at that point as well. Here's their discussion:WOODS: Jason how would you define your role within the Riders' offense this year?
CLERMONT: Honestly I've primarily just been a tightend, doing a lot of blocking and waiting for an opportunity to play.
WOODS: Darian says your veteran leadership is invaluable. Is that something you take pride in and try to do?
CLERMONT: No. To be honest with you, I don't try to be a leader. I think that if somebody's trying too hard to do something like that, it's not going to come over anyways. I think my leadership comes in that I'm working and I work hard everyday. I try to do things right so I can get an opportunity when it comes my way.
WOODS: I've been following you since high school and you've always been the go-to guy and the past few years it hasn't been that way. How hard is that for you?
CLERMONT: People don't even realize how tough it is. It's extremely frustrating but you just work at it. The silver lining is you're on a great team and you're winning and we hope to get back to the big game and claim that prize in the end.
WOODS: You've still got something left in the tank do you not? You can still play this game at a high level can't you?
CLERMONT: I feel like I can. I think my teammates feel like I can. I'd like to go out and prove it in a game. If you're doubting, come out to practice one day and see us work. Come see me after practice and tell me I can't play.
WOODS: Darian says he'd like to see you out there. Do you ever tell him to throw you the ball?
CLERMONT: No. I don't try to force myself on anyone. They say the squeaky wheel gets the grease but that's not my style. I'm a team guy and I'm trying the best I can to help my team and not be a distraction. One day my opportunity will come and I'll be ready for it.
WOODS: The salary deadline is coming up September 1st to cut veterans. Are you worred about that?
CLERMONT: No not at all. We restructured my deal in the off-season and I don't think I'm a heavy burden on the salary cap. I think that I contribute when I'm asked you and I'm valuable and if this team doesn't think so, another team would and this club realizes that.
WOODS: Do veterans get nervous this time of year with the deadline?
CLERMONT: No, I don't think here. I think typically that sort of mindset happens when teams are losing and guys will feel a little uneasy in other cities. But I have to be careful what I say so I don't curse myself here.
WOODS: You've still got something left in the tank do you not? You can still play this game at a high level can't you?
CLERMONT: I feel like I can. I think my teammates feel like I can. I'd like to go out and prove it in a game. If you're doubting, come out to practice one day and see us work. Come see me after practice and tell me I can't play.
WOODS: Darian says he'd like to see you out there. Do you ever tell him to throw you the ball?
CLERMONT: No. I don't try to force myself on anyone. They say the squeaky wheel gets the grease but that's not my style. I'm a team guy and I'm trying the best I can to help my team and not be a distraction. One day my opportunity will come and I'll be ready for it.
WOODS: The salary deadline is coming up September 1st to cut veterans. Are you worred about that?
CLERMONT: No not at all. We restructured my deal in the off-season and I don't think I'm a heavy burden on the salary cap. I think that I contribute when I'm asked you and I'm valuable and if this team doesn't think so, another team would and this club realizes that.
WOODS: Do veterans get nervous this time of year with the deadline?
CLERMONT: No, I don't think here. I think typically that sort of mindset happens when teams are losing and guys will feel a little uneasy in other cities. But I have to be careful what I say so I don't curse myself here.
CFL TO OSHAWA??
OSHAWA, ON --OSHAWA -- A special Oshawa council meeting has been called for Friday to discuss the possibility of building a stadium for use by a Canadian Football League (CFL) team.“The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the opportunity to bring the Toronto 2015 Pan Am soccer events along with a new 25,000 seat stadium to the City as well as a Canadian Football League team,” said a release sent out by the city late Wednesday afternoon.
The meeting takes place on Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 50 Centre St. S. in Oshawa.
WHL TRAINING CAMPS SET TO OPEN
Calgary, AB -- The 2010-11 Western Hockey League season is quickly approaching as many WHL Clubs officially open training camps this week.
By the weekend, almost all WHL Clubs will be putting players through paces on the ice in preparation for the 2010-11 WHL regular season, which begins on Friday, September 24th.
The 2010 WHL pre-season begins on Wednesday, September 1st, with two games on the schedule including the Moose Jaw Warriors welcoming the Swift Current Broncos and the Prince Albert Raiders playing host to the Saskatoon Blades.
The 2010 WHL exhibition schedule again features three pre-season tournaments. The Everett Silvertips host their annual pre-season tournament on the first weekend of September that will include U.S. Division rivals Seattle, Spokane, Portland and Tri-City along with the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. The Edmonton Oil Kings will also host a pre-season tournament on the first weekend of September that will include the Medicine Hat Tigers, Prince George Cougars and Swift Current Broncos. The following weekend, the Tri-City Americans will host their annual pre-season tournament that will include Division foes Spokane, Everett, Seattle and Portland along with the Kootenay Ice and the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
For the complete 2010 WHL pre-season schedule, click here:
http://www.whl.ca/2010-pre-season-schedule-p143600
By the weekend, almost all WHL Clubs will be putting players through paces on the ice in preparation for the 2010-11 WHL regular season, which begins on Friday, September 24th.
The 2010 WHL pre-season begins on Wednesday, September 1st, with two games on the schedule including the Moose Jaw Warriors welcoming the Swift Current Broncos and the Prince Albert Raiders playing host to the Saskatoon Blades.
The 2010 WHL exhibition schedule again features three pre-season tournaments. The Everett Silvertips host their annual pre-season tournament on the first weekend of September that will include U.S. Division rivals Seattle, Spokane, Portland and Tri-City along with the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. The Edmonton Oil Kings will also host a pre-season tournament on the first weekend of September that will include the Medicine Hat Tigers, Prince George Cougars and Swift Current Broncos. The following weekend, the Tri-City Americans will host their annual pre-season tournament that will include Division foes Spokane, Everett, Seattle and Portland along with the Kootenay Ice and the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
For the complete 2010 WHL pre-season schedule, click here:
http://www.whl.ca/2010-pre-season-schedule-p143600
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
WEDNESDAY SPORTS CAGE AUDIO
HOUR 1: Eskimos PBP Voice Morley Scott, SJHL Pres. Laury Ryan, Ticats safety Dylan Barker:http://www.mediafire.com/?wz0b6u5e5wf7jgn
HOUR 2: Rider Coaches Show with DL coach Mike Scheper:
http://www.mediafire.com/?g5wsz6x53a4yxpl
WES TALKS ABOUT MO
Rider tailback Wes Cates spoke Wednesday about lining up against Eskimos middle linebacker Maurice Lloyd on Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium.CATES: It's always fun playing against Mo. He's always been a talker, I like that, and I think every defense needs someone who runs their mouth. Obviously he's been doing too much of it lately but that's neither here nor there. I enjoy playing against him, I enjoyed playing with him. Mo's a competitor and he always shows up to play so it should be fun.
ME: Mo's been called a "cancer". Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't he a leader on defense on that 2007 Grey Cup team?
CATES: I always appreciated Mo. A guy that talks, well there's going to be times that people want him to shut-up. You know you need vocal leaders and guys that jaw a little bit and get guys going. I guess maybe he's over-stepped his bounds a little bit, but whatever. He's been cool with me, so whatever.
IT HAPPENED
A WEDNESDAY COLUMN
As you know, I generally save my columns for Mondays and Fridays and they are the most-read features on this website. However today, for some unknown reason, I felt the urge to write a hump-day blog so here goes:
- Get ready to say your good-byes to summer. As I sat on our front step this morning with a coffee, doing a radio interview with Edmonton's Team 1260 Radio, I could see my breath as I spoke. Yah, I know I'm full of hot air at the best of times but it was a clear signal that fall is RIGHT around the corner. Enjoy what's left of August.
- The radio hosts in Edmonton were abuzzing with Saturday's Rider-Eskimo game and the fact 45,000 tickets have already been sold out of the 62,000 capacity. Come on Rider fans! Snatch up the remaining 17,000 tickets and LET'S TAKE OVER THE PLACE!! It will be one last summer road trip for the family and the tickets aren't all that expensive. Get 'er done!
- Eskimos marketing manager Dave Jamieson said this to the Edmonton Sun: "Every visit by the Riders is a hot ticket, regardless where either team sits in the standings. I call it the 'Yankees Effect' where the brand is so strong it pulls even casual fans or marginal fans out to the park."
"The rivalry is as strong as it has ever been, and we're counting on Eskimos fans to be out in full force to counteract the Saskatchewan effect ... and be wearing our shade of green."
- Cindy and I are taking our crew up to Edmonton for one last summer trip, back-to-school shopping, the Rider game, the Lady Gaga concert Friday and West Edmonton Mall. It should be a great weekend.
- It sounds like these lovely ladies will be back in Regina today:
- Get ready to say your good-byes to summer. As I sat on our front step this morning with a coffee, doing a radio interview with Edmonton's Team 1260 Radio, I could see my breath as I spoke. Yah, I know I'm full of hot air at the best of times but it was a clear signal that fall is RIGHT around the corner. Enjoy what's left of August.
- The radio hosts in Edmonton were abuzzing with Saturday's Rider-Eskimo game and the fact 45,000 tickets have already been sold out of the 62,000 capacity. Come on Rider fans! Snatch up the remaining 17,000 tickets and LET'S TAKE OVER THE PLACE!! It will be one last summer road trip for the family and the tickets aren't all that expensive. Get 'er done!
- Eskimos marketing manager Dave Jamieson said this to the Edmonton Sun: "Every visit by the Riders is a hot ticket, regardless where either team sits in the standings. I call it the 'Yankees Effect' where the brand is so strong it pulls even casual fans or marginal fans out to the park."
"The rivalry is as strong as it has ever been, and we're counting on Eskimos fans to be out in full force to counteract the Saskatchewan effect ... and be wearing our shade of green."
- Cindy and I are taking our crew up to Edmonton for one last summer trip, back-to-school shopping, the Rider game, the Lady Gaga concert Friday and West Edmonton Mall. It should be a great weekend.
- It sounds like these lovely ladies will be back in Regina today:
Remember them? They are the PETA protesters who bared -45 degree temperatures last December in downtown Regina to get their message out. Yesterday on the Sports Cage on 620 CKRM I read the news release from PETA saying two protesters (clad only in G-strings) will be picketing at the corner of 11th Ave and Hamilton Street in downtown Regina today at noon. It got plenty of reaction from our Sports Cage texters and listeners. Soooooo, I'll be headed down there at noon today to interview the protesters and bring their comments to our rabid listeners on this afternoon's show.- Also on the Sports Cage today are Hamilton Ticats safety Dylan Barker (of Moose Jaw, SK), SJHL President Laury Ryan from the World Hockey Summit and Rider defensive line coach Mike Scheper.
- This whole "Maurice Lloyd is a cancer" story out of Edmonton has really got me thinking. I don't remember anybody saying that about him during his time with the Riders, although Edmonton Sun columnist Terry Jones alluded to that last week. My thoughts? Do you seriously think Richie Hall would sign the guy to a $160,000/season deal if he actually thought he would ruin the Eskimos' locker room?
I always say "only judge someone by the way they treat you" so to take my own advice, I have absolutely no problems nor qualms with one Maurice Lloyd. Methinks he's being unfairly made out to be a scapegoat by the Edmonton media.
- The more I think about an American being hired as radio play-by-play voice of the Edmonton Oilers, the more I burn. I'll post my thoughts on that in Friday Rodservations.
- That reminds me, we're heading out to the City of Champions right after my Thursday show so Friday Rodservations will be a little delayed. You wouldn't want me blogging and driving would you?!
HAVE A GREAT DAY!
RP
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
RIDER PRIDE IN MONTREAL
Blog mailbag:Hi Rod,
I'm a transplanted Saskatchewanian living on the south shore of Montreal. My son Tommy plays minor football (mosquito) for the Greenfield Park Packers and this is what he proudly wore to practice today. 77 has always been his number so we put it on his new Rider jersey.
Great blog.
Thanks,
Greg Braun
TUESDAY SPORTS CAGE AUDIO
HOUR ONE - RIDER TALK, GARRETT MITCHELL, TAD KORNEGAY:http://www.mediafire.com/?oc6ekyvp8b2rkzt
HOUR TWO - STOCK CAR RACER KEN CAMPBELL, ROB BAGG, COACH MILLER:
http://www.mediafire.com/?z7pyhbfu2gpva6w
MITCHELL NAMED CAPTAIN
In 194 games with the blue and white the past four seasons, Mitchell has collected 33 goals and 27 assists for 60 points while amassing 325 minutes in penalties. Garrett was a 6th round pick, 175th overall of the Washington Capitals in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and played a game with the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears last season.
"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Garrett's commitment, determination and his compete level. Through my discussions with Brent, the coaching staff and his teammates it was obvious how well respected he is," commented Regina Pats General Manager, Chad Lang.
"Garrett has all the qualities, characteristics and values we feel are needed to lead our organization." Regina Pats Head Coach, Curtis Hunt, "Garrett has epitomized the work ethic, desire, and passion that defines a Regina Pat. I know it is a proud day for him, as well as our organization-past, present and future."
"It's a tremendous honour, growing up living in Regina seeing all the amazing captains that have worn a Pats jersey," said Regina Pats Captain, Garrett Mitchell. "It's amazing to follow the likes of former Pat greats like Jason Smith, Barret Jackman, Rick Rypien, Garth Murray just to name a few."
CFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Gibson's Finest CFL OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
RB - Brandon Whitaker - Montreal Alouettes
Runner Up:
RB - Fred Reid - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Gibson's Finest CFL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
LB - Chip Cox - Montreal Alouettes
*Unanimous selection
Gibson's Finest CFL SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
KR - Jovon Johnson - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
*Unanimous selection
Gibson's Finest CFL CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
RB/SB - Andre Durie - Toronto Argonauts
Runner Up:
LB - Kevin Eiben - Toronto Argonauts
RB - Brandon Whitaker - Montreal Alouettes
Runner Up:
RB - Fred Reid - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Gibson's Finest CFL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
LB - Chip Cox - Montreal Alouettes
*Unanimous selection
Gibson's Finest CFL SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
KR - Jovon Johnson - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
*Unanimous selection
Gibson's Finest CFL CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
RB/SB - Andre Durie - Toronto Argonauts
Runner Up:
LB - Kevin Eiben - Toronto Argonauts
VIDSWAP.COM PFC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
OFFENSE - REID QUEST, Regina Thunder
- The pivot who threw for the most yards in the 2009 campaign was back at it again on Sunday afternoon, as the Thunder rolled into Clarke Park and came out with a very impressive 32-14 win over the reigning PFC titleholders Edmonton Wildcats. Quest would complete 21 of 29 passes for 304 yards on the day, with 3 TD’s and 1 INT.
DEFENSE - KEVAN HAFICHUK, Calgary Colts
- Hafichuk and his defensive mates stymied the Edmonton Huskies offense time and again in the first half of the Colts 33-7 road victory on Saturday night, holding Edmonton to a mere 21 yards net offense. The Colts ended up one play away from recording a shutout. The 6’1, 185 sophomore from the Stampede City recorded 20 Defensive Points courtesy of 8 solo tackles and a 27-yard interception return.
SPECIAL TEAMS - KOLTEN SOLOMON, Regina Thunder
- The fourth year veteran receiver had scored a pair of touchdowns on connections from Thunder pivot & PFC Offensive Player of the Week Reid Quest. Solomon’s hat-trick score would come on an electrifying 105-yard kickoff return 15 seconds after the Wildcats had gotten on the scoreboard early in the fourth quarter of Regina’s 32-14 victory.
- The pivot who threw for the most yards in the 2009 campaign was back at it again on Sunday afternoon, as the Thunder rolled into Clarke Park and came out with a very impressive 32-14 win over the reigning PFC titleholders Edmonton Wildcats. Quest would complete 21 of 29 passes for 304 yards on the day, with 3 TD’s and 1 INT.
DEFENSE - KEVAN HAFICHUK, Calgary Colts
- Hafichuk and his defensive mates stymied the Edmonton Huskies offense time and again in the first half of the Colts 33-7 road victory on Saturday night, holding Edmonton to a mere 21 yards net offense. The Colts ended up one play away from recording a shutout. The 6’1, 185 sophomore from the Stampede City recorded 20 Defensive Points courtesy of 8 solo tackles and a 27-yard interception return.
SPECIAL TEAMS - KOLTEN SOLOMON, Regina Thunder
- The fourth year veteran receiver had scored a pair of touchdowns on connections from Thunder pivot & PFC Offensive Player of the Week Reid Quest. Solomon’s hat-trick score would come on an electrifying 105-yard kickoff return 15 seconds after the Wildcats had gotten on the scoreboard early in the fourth quarter of Regina’s 32-14 victory.
CLOSE TO 45,000 SOLD FOR SATURDAY
"This is a great rivalry that gets better every year. Rider fans are passionate but we know the Eskimo Empire will be out in force to give us a true home field advantage," says Dave Jamieson, Eskimo Director of Communications & Marketing.
September 26, 2009, these two teams drew 62,517 fans to Commonwealth Stadium, a CFL regular season single game attendance record. Saskatchewan will make their second and final regular visit to Edmonton this season on Saturday, October 23.
MICHAELS REPLACES ROD PHILLIPS
The Edmonton Oilers today announced that Jack Michaels has been named to the position of radio play-by-play voice of the Edmonton Oilers. Michaels will partner with host and colour commentator Bob Stauffer in delivering all Oilers games via the Oilers Radio Network and flagship station 630 CHED.
Michaels, a veteran of over 800 hockey broadcasts, joins the Oilers after eight seasons as the radio and television voice of the ECHL's Alaska Aces. While with the Aces, Michaels was honoured as the ECHL Broadcaster of the Year in 2004 and was selected by the ECHL to broadcast their annual All Star Game on five separate occasions.
Michaels, a veteran of over 800 hockey broadcasts, joins the Oilers after eight seasons as the radio and television voice of the ECHL's Alaska Aces. While with the Aces, Michaels was honoured as the ECHL Broadcaster of the Year in 2004 and was selected by the ECHL to broadcast their annual All Star Game on five separate occasions.
GOLF WITH THE PRESS BOX
The Press Box Sports Bar has two last-minute openings for their golf tournament on Thursday. For details or to register, call 924-0111 or email pressbox@sasktel.net.
STARTLING SURVEY
This is our league.
That's the bold statement made by the Canadian Football League. It's splashed on their website, marketing materials and on their fields and across television screens.
But do Canadians really care?
Fewer than one in five (16%) of those taking part in a country-wide Leger Marketing poll commissioned by QMI Agency punched in an "interested" rating from eight to 10 on a scale of one to 10.
More than half (52%) of the sample of 1,500 Canadian men and women 18 or older who participated from Aug. 2-4 clicked "not interested" numbers from one to three.
At first glance, the results are obviously disappointing. Upon further review, however, it seems the uniquely Canadian brand is pretty healthy.
Another 32% of those polled came in from the four- to seven range in rating their interest in the CFL.
Consider them the casual fans.
"Those are the people that may be interested when it comes time for the Grey Cup," said Leger vice-president Dave Scholz. "Go to a Grey Cup party, maybe keep track once in a while, watch some highlights, but not necessarily go to a game or watch the game on television."
If you combine the casual fan with the die-hards who rated high on the Leger poll, the results are strikingly similar to what the league's own research department has come up with and they're plenty happy with the state of our game.
"What our research shows is there's very strong interest among Canadians," said Rob Assimakopolous, the CFL's senior vice-president of marketing and commercial assets. "About 50% of Canadians consider themselves either a huge fan or a casual fan. That's about half of Canadians 18 years and older.
"The strength of the CFL is really good."
Nowhere is that more evident than the prairie provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba where the QMI Agency poll returned an incredible response of 44% on the high end of the scale.
That jumps to a whopping 75% when you include the casual fans.
"I'm not surprised by the results. You see it when you go out to the prairies," Scholz said. "When you're walking down the streets of Regina and it's game day, you see nothing but a sea of green walking around. Everyone's wearing their jersey. Everyone's into the game.
"In a lot of ways, it's similar in Manitoba with the Blue Bombers there."
The CFL is the biggest ticket in town in the prairies, with no National Hockey League teams in either province.
Alberta home of the Calgary Stampeders and Edmonton Eskimos as well as the NHL's Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers follows the prairie provinces in celebrating Canadian football with 22% of the high-interest variety responses and another 32% considered casual fans. Quebec edges B.C. by a hair, and Ontario a province with as many options as a Canadian sports fan can ask for comes in well ahead of Atlantic Canada.
Time zone differences for TV viewership, and the lack of a team to root for in the region is the obvious cause for the Maritimes pulling up the rear. Hopes are high that will improve, though, with the league scheduling a regular-season game in Moncton, NB, this season.
Tickets for the Sept. 26 game between the Edmonton Eskimos and Toronto Argonauts at the University of Moncton's new stadium were sold out in just 32 hours in March.
"The incredible demand for football is actually there," Assimakopolous said. "It's our job now to understand it better, prove it out and determine whether or not potentially (adding a team in Atlantic Canada) could be something we do in the future."
The future appears strong for a league that Assimakopolous says is seeing TV audiences of more than 880,000 tune in this season, and an average of about 28,000 coming through the turnstiles per game comparable to the what's considered the gate-driven CFL's heyday in the 1980s.
By the time the 100th Grey Cup contest is played in 2012, maybe a few more fans will be clicking in the eights, nines or 10s to rank their interest in the CFL.
"We're looking forward to the day we can look at those numbers with even more pride," said Assimakopolous. "Especially with the momentum we're seeing now with the brand."
All poll results are considered accurate to plus or minus 2.5 points.
(Courtesy the Toronto Sun)
Monday, August 23, 2010
CHILIS BIG MOUTH MONDAY AUDIO
HOUR ONE: COACH MILLER, THUNDER COACH ERWIN KLEMPER, PATS COACH CURTIS HUNT:
http://www.mediafire.com/?zbn294h9izsbmdx
HOUR TWO: RIDER PUNTER EDDIE JOHNSON, AUTHORS OF RIDER BOOK OF LISTS:
http://www.mediafire.com/?k9q8basfq9zttf9
RICKY RAY UPDATE
Veteran quarterback Ricky Ray took part in the first-team offense at Edmonton Eskimos' practice today, nine days after being knocked out of the Eskimos' last game with injury.Eskimos colour commentator Dave Campbell reported on Twitter today that Ray took first team reps, but so too did back-ups Jared Zabransky and Jason Maas. Ray declared himself fit and healthy enough to play Saturday against the Riders at Commonwealth Stadium, however head coach Richie Hall has not yet named him the starter.
We'll discuss this today on 620 CKRM's Sports Cage program from 4-6pm MT. Also on the show today are Rider punter Eddie Johnson, Regina Thunder coach Erwin Klempner and authors Sheldon Green and Rod Nasewich.
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