Wednesday, August 31, 2011
FLAMES STATEMENT ON WADE BELAK
WEDNESDAY SPORTS CAGE PODCAST
We had big fun on Wednesday's show. Our guests were Rider LB coach Alex Smith and former Blue Bomber coach Mike Kelly. You can listen to it here:
SportsCage 8-31-2011 5;10;36 PM by ridervoice
SportsCage 8-31-2011 5;10;36 PM by ridervoice
WEDNESDAY RIDER REPORT
The Riders practiced in the rain on Day 1 of their practice week. Here are some notes from the workout.
- 24 hours after being cut by the Blue Bombers, receiver Scott McHenry was picked up by the Riders and may take Jordan Sisco's spot on the roster for Labour Day Classic XLV Sunday at Mosaic Stadium. McHenry was asked if the Rider coaches will pick his brain for info on the Bombers.
"I'm sure they're gonna ask me," McHenry smiled. "I'll tell 'em whatever I got. I'm sure on special teams Winnipeg will change their lingo and all the words that they have but whatever I can do to help us here, that's why I'm here."
- WR Dallas Baker, who came over from Montreal in the Mullinder trade, will replace Terrence Nunn on the roster. Rider head coach Ken Miller expects big things.
"I think he's a guy who can be an impact player," Miller said. "I think he'll catch some balls. He and Darian are developing a good relationship and I expect him to contribute in a big way."
- There will be a couple of changes on defense. Rookie Chris Graham will replace the injured Barrin Simpson at middle linebacker while safety James Patrick is moving to Sean Lucas's outside linebacker position while rookie Craig Butler will line up at safety. Miller explained the move with Patrick.
"We had struggled at that position," Miller explained. "The dime position requires someone with a lot of abilities. You have to be able to play in the box and defend two back runs and you have to be able to play like a D-B. There aren't a lot of guys who can do that, but James can. What's enable us to do that is we've had great play from our rookie safety Craig Butler."
- The Riders have the element of surprise on their side on Sunday. Bomber DC Tim Burke told the Winnipeg Sun he's not sure what Ken Miller and Darian Durant have up their sleeve and Darian says that's a bonus.
"We're gonna bring back some things that we did well a couple of years ago," Darian winked. "Coach Miller is always an innovative guy and he comes with new things all the time. It'll enable us to keep them off balance and always wonder what we're gonna do. It's gonna be fun.
"Most of the guys on offense were here when Coach Miller or Lapo were the O.C's. It's not that hard. It's not new things but it's different terminology. It's good that they don't have film on us and it should be a good game for us."
Coming up on the Sports Cage today on 620 CKRM, we'll be joined by Rider linebackers coach Alex Smith at 5:10 pm and former Blue Bombers coach Mike Kelly will be with us at 6:10 pm. You won't want to miss that!
RP
www.twitter.com/sportscage
PATS HOST THE WARRIORS FRIDAY
Tickets for this game are on sale now at the Brandt Centre box office. The charge is $10 for adults and seniors and $8 for students plus service charges. This game is not included in the season ticket package, so season ticket holders will have a $2 charge at the door.
For more ticket information, call the Brandt Centre box office at 543-7800.
TUCKER CLEARS WAIVERS
20-year-old Tucker, a native of Victoria B.C. split three seasons in the WHL between the Vancouver Giants and the Prince Albert Raiders. In 51 games with the Raiders from 2009-2011, Tucker went 18-24-1-2 and had a 3.60 GAA to go along with a 0.890 save percentage.
"We would like to thank Jamie for his time with the Raiders," said Raiders Head Coach and General Manager Bruno Campese. "We wish Jamie the best of luck in his future hockey endeavours."
WIN A SIGNED DURANT JERSEY!
RIDERS ADD MCHENRY
McHenry (6'2 – 217 lbs) was most recently a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In 2010, the Saskatchewan product played in 10 games for the Bombers after attending training camp with the Roughriders. The 24-year old was originally drafted by the Calgary Stampeders in the fourth round (32nd overall) of the 2009 CFL Canadian Draft.
Over the course of his college career at the University of Saskatchewan, McHenry tallied 125 receptions for 2,104 yards and was named to back-to-back East West Bowls in 2007 and 2008.
RAMS TOP POLL
(Courtesy saskatoonhomepage.ca)
MADANI: TICATS RELEASE TWO VETS
• While many veteran salaries become guaranteed after Week 9, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have cut a pair of experienced players, but not because they will be salary cap hits.
Sportsnet first reported Wednesday that wide receiver Marquay McDaniel and defensive back Daniel Francis were released by the Tabbies.
McDaniel, who has battled injuries this season, was deemed expendable with the return of Maurice Mann to the line-up. Francis, meanwhile, who began his career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, did not have the body type to fit in Corey Chamblin's secondary.
Also Wednesday, the Calgary Stampeders announced the signing of Canadian linebacker Justin Conn.
Conn, a recent cut of the Montreal Alouettes, played his university football with the Bishop's Gaiters.
PLAYERS OF THE MONTH
TORONTO -- Henry Burris, Solomon Elimimian, Sean Whyte and Johnny Forzani were named the Gibson's Finest CFL Players of the Month for August of the 2011 season.
SCOUTING THE ENEMY
- The Blue and Gold hit the practice field on Tuesday for a brief workout. It was essentially a way to get the blood flowing again after most of the players spent Monday on the golf course. Justin Goltz and Brandon Summers got all the reps at quarterback. The heavy lifting for the 49th Labour Day Classic will begin on Wednesday. Here's what's happening …
• Cornerback Jovon Johnson (ankle), defensive tackle Doug Brown (toe) and linebacker Marcellus Bowman (foot) watched the practice. They will be evaluated as the week progresses. Head coach Paul LaPolice has no idea if they'll be ready to play or not.
• The Bombers officially signed offensive lineman Justin Sorensen on Tuesday and released backup fullback Scott McHenry to make room for Sorensen on the practice roster. Sorensen spent the last two seasons with the B.C. Lions.
• The release of McHenry makes it look like rookie receiver Kito Poblah will be going on the roster this week. There's a Canadian spot open, it's on offence, and Poblah has been practising for the last couple weeks. Now it's just a matter of keeping the knee pain at bay. Said LaPolice: "Hopefully he can go all week."
• Middle linebacker Joe Lobendahn was named the CFL's defensive player of the week for the second time this season. Not too shabby for a guy whose agent said he was as good as gone in the off-season. The Bombers are probably counting their lucky stars they were able to keep the free agent. Anyone know what Rico McCoy is up to these days?
• In case you lost count, the Bombers have lost six Labour Day Classic in a row by an average score of 32-18. Coincidentally, Saskatchewan leads the Labour Day Classic series 30-18.
• If you've never been and you're a Bomber fan, you have to go to Labour Day. It's the best weekend of the season. There is nothing like it in the CFL.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
TUESDAY SPORTS CAGE PODCAST
In this podcast you'll hear from Rider great George Reed, Bomber fan Trevor from Winnipeg, the voice of the Bombers Bob Irving and Sportsnet's Arash Madani.
SportsCage 8-30-2011 5;09;39 PM by ridervoice
SportsCage 8-30-2011 5;09;39 PM by ridervoice
ABOU-MECHREK ON IN THE HUDDLE
Former Roughrider and Blue Bomber offensive lineman Mike Abou-Mechrek is our in-studio analyst on Access 7's In The Huddle tonight at 7:00 as we continue Labour Day Classic week on our TV and radio shows. Abou was on the Rider 2007 Grey Cup team as well as the 2001 Blue Bomber team which lost the Grey Cup to Calgary. Also on tonight's program is a feature length one-on-one with Rider head coach Ken Miller. Join us tonight!
RP (www.twitter.com/sportscage)
LEASE FINALIZED
"We are pleased that we are able to announce a longer term lease agreement with Evraz Place. The process has been long and at times frustrating for both parties but with the help of our legal counsel Neil Tulloch and the cooperation of Neil Donnelly from Evraz we were able to find some common ground." Commented Pats President Brent Parker
Negotiations had started over 14 months ago and The Pats and Evraz have been without a lease since May 31, 2011 when the past three year agreement had expired.
"We are extremely pleased to enter the season with a new long-term agreement in place" said Neil Donnelly, Vice President Events and Entertainment for Evraz Place. "Although the process took longer that both parties had hoped, some very good dialogue took place that we believe will be beneficial in our joint effort to provide a great fan experience"
Added Pats President Brent Parker "It is important to put the negotiations behind us and focus on working together to put people in the seats. We need to improve the fan experience at the Brandt Centre and make it an enjoyable place for our fans. The only way we achieve this is with a strong partnership between us and our building."
ESKIMOS GET TUFF
A four year starter at the University of Montana, Harris set school records for longest punt return and most return yards in a game.
Signed as an undrafted free agent by Miami in 2007, Harris appeared in 1 regular season game for the Dolphins in '07 and six for the Tennessee Titans in 2008. He's also spent time on the practice rosters of the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers.
A member of the Crow Nation, Harris's given native name is "Chaawagiichish", meaning Rejoice in Prayers.
WEEK 9 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
The four players were chosen by a panel of judges including: former Canadian Football League players Matt Dunigan (@MattDuniganTSN) and Duane Forde (@DuaneFordeTSN), now of TSN, and Pierre Vercheval of RDS.
Gibson's Finest CFL Offensive Player of the Week
Henry Burris (@HenryBurris)
QB - Calgary Stampeders
Calgary Stampeders quarterback Henry Burris has been named Gibson's Finest CFL Offensive Player of the Week. On Saturday afternoon, Burris completed 26 of 42 attempted passes for a career-high 422 yards and three touchdowns. Burris also had three carries for 29 yards and ran in the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Stamps 38-31 victory over the Montreal Alouettes allowed them to overtake the Edmonton Eskimos as West Division leaders with a 6-2 record.
Gibson's Finest CFL Defensive Player of the Week
Joe Lobendahn
LB - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Winnipeg Blue Bombers linebacker Joe Lobendahn has been named Gibson's Finest CFL Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season. In the Bombers' fifth straight win in 2011, Lobendahn registered seven tackles and one forced fumble. With the game tied 17-17 early in the third, Lobendahn prevented a Tiger-Cats touchdown, punching the ball out of wide receiver Chris Williams' hands just before he reached the goal line. With their 30-27 win over the Ticats on Friday night, the Bombers continue to lead the East Division with a 7-1 record.
Gibson's Finest CFL Special Teams Player of the Week
Sean Whyte (@SeanWhyte6)
P/K - Montreal Alouettes
For the second time this season, Montreal Alouettes punter/kicker Sean Whyte has been named Gibson's Finest CFL Special Teams Player of the Week. In the Als' 38-31 loss to the Calgary Stampeders, Whyte connected on all three field goal attempts, from 37, 43 and 42 yards out, and three converts. Whyte also registered seven punts for 321 yards, with an average of 45.6, and a single. His longest punt was 53 yards.
Gibson's Finest CFL Canadian Player of the Week
Johnny Forzani ( @j4zani)
WR - Calgary Stampeders
Calgary Stampeders wide receiver Johnny Forzani has been named Gibson's Finest CFL Canadian Player of the Week for his strong offensive performance in the Stamps 38-31 win over the Montreal Alouettes. On Saturday afternoon, Forzani caught six passes for a career-high 101 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The first touchdown of this Calgary native's CFL career came in the second quarter on a 15-yard pass from Henry Burris. His second touchdown came in the fourth quarter on a 37-yard pass.
SGI PLAY IT SAFE DAY SATURDAY
Time: 10:00 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 this Saturday at Mosaic Stadium. 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.
Gates will open at 10:00 am while a barbeque will be taking place on the bricks on the west side of the stadium. Fans will then be invited to make their way into the stands to watch the Roughriders hit the field for walk-thru at 10:30 am. After the conclusion of the walk-thru, the team will be introduced to the crowd and the public autograph session will follow (approximately 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.
BLUE BOMBER TRANSACTIONS
Sorensen(6-7, 312, South Carolina, DOB: June 6, 1986 in Parksville, BC) was drafted in the first round (5th overall) by the BC Lions in the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft and went on to see considerable action at both guard and tackle in every game over the past two years, including three starts during the season and two starts in the playoffs. Sorensen enjoyed a successful career at South Carolina University, appearing in 41 games over four years, the final 31 of which at the staring right tackle position.
CBC.CA CFL POWER RATINGS WEEK 9
Compiled by Malcolm Kelly
1. WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
Overall record: 7-1
Streak: Five wins
When you are suddenly running with the big boys, the paradigm changes. Minnows are all about winning regular season games, no matter how badly they might have played. The big boys are about winning Grey Cups, and this Bomber team can do that. So let’s get to work on why the Cats were able to hold the defence to just one sack and throw for 350 yards. Bombers should have lost this one, and they know it. Coach Paul LaPolice was grumpy this weekend after beating Hamilton. That’s good. Winning coaches are grumpy coaches.
2. CALGARY STAMPEDERS
Overall record: 6-2
Streak: Four wins
Great game between two excellent teams as the Stamps beat the Als. When you are old enough to remember Tom Forzani as a rookie (1973), it’s a little chagrining to see his son Johnny grab his first two touchdown passes in the CFL. How about defensive end Robert McCune, formerly employed by the United States Army, giving a half time speech that sent the White Stallions galloping out to dominate the second 30 minutes? The last three of those were spine tingling as the Stamps eventually forced Anthony Calvillo into a rare interception to wrap things up.
3. MONTREAL ALOUETTES
Overall record: 5-3
Streak: One loss
For the first time in a while it’s possible the East final may not be in the Olympic Stadium at Montreal. The Als are now four points back of upstart Winnipeg in the race to the regular-season wire and home field advantage. Calvillo’s late interception is what happens sometimes when a Hall of Fame QB meets a hard-charging defence, so no long-term worries there. Injuries, however, continue to be a concern. Cornerback Mark Estelle looks to be out for quite a while with an injury, and that makes a vulnerable pass defence even more so. Corners are darn hard to replace and the Als have lost two of them.
4. HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
Overall record: 4-4
Streak: One loss
Well, well, didn’t those kitties show up with their claws sharpened and ready for a back alley brawl with the Blue Bombers? Didn’t win, but they sure showed they can compete. Next goal is a little consistency, especially on defence where the secondary just has to be strengthened. Fortunately, NFL cuts begin in earnest this week, so bodies can be found. Cats lost to the Bombers due to a couple of really dumb errors, but that can be fixed. Hamilton goes back-to-back with Montreal now and needs a split.
5. EDMONTON ESKIMOS
Overall record: 5-3
Streak: Three losses
Here’s the recipe moving forward. Get healthy, especially in the receiving corps and the offensive line. Don’t get your shorts in a knot about the three losses that should really have been four. Keep rebuilding properly. Shoot for a surprise playoff appearance. No team in the CFL is in a better spot than the Esks, who shocked everyone with five straight wins to start the season and bought a lot of good will. Worry about taking care of longer term business, especially increasing the depth and Canadian content. Back-to-back with red-hot Calgary is daunting, yes, but don’t forget the goal is to be a contender every year for seasons to come.
6. B.C. LIONS
Overall record: 2-6
Streak: One win
Last season at this very moment the Lions took off on a hot run that turned a 1-7 start into an eight-win season, plus playoff spot. Doing it again means the Leos must continue the outstanding defensive effort shown against Edmonton. Coach and GM Wally Buono has to straighten this thing out because he may be gone, his hand-picked successor Mike Benevides will be gone as defensive boss, offensive coordinator Jacques Chapdelaine will be gone (that would make a lot of Lions’ fans happy) and so would a bunch of the players. Now or never.
7. TORONTO ARGONAUTS
Overall record: 2-6
Streak: One win
While everyone else disappeared for the bye week, Orlondo Steinauer came back early to begin working on new schemes for the defence. The just-promoted coordinator can become an instant local hero if he can get the defence back to where it was last season (excellent) and give Toronto a chance at a playoff spot. Argos actually are just a point behind the final post-season berth in the West, if you can believe it, and play two-win B.C. back-to-back followed by a game in Saskatchewan against a club they’ve just beaten.
8. SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
Overall record: 1-7
Streak: Four losses
Can you just see the first chat between new/old coach Ken Miller and his team? “OK folks, there’s no need to panic now …” Of course not, management’s already panicked for you by firing Greg Marshall after just eight games in his first year. There were 11 guys who caught passes for the Chicago Bears in a Saturday NFL exhibition game, and none of them were Andy Fantuz, so there might be some good news on the horizon. Back-to-back with the red-hot Winnipeg Blue Bombers will show right away if the Riders’ problem is the coaching, or the roster.
Monday, August 29, 2011
MONDAY RIDER UPDATE
The Roughriders held a short workout Monday morning and will take a day off Tuesday before resuming preparations for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Sunday's Labour Day Classic at Mosaic Stadium (2:00 pm kickoff on TSN and the CKRM Rider Radio Network). Here are some notes:
- Veteran RB Wes Cates participated lightly in drills however after practice he declared himself fit to play on Sunday. He has missed four straight games with a lower body injury which coincides with the Riders' four game losing streak.
- Rookie WR Terrence Nunn left practice Sunday with what appeared to be an ankle injury and did not perform Monday. Coach Ken Miller said it looked innocent at the time, but it has turned out to be a painful injury. He's questionable for the LDC.
- MLB Barrin Simpson is also questionable for the game due to a cartilage problem in his ribs.
- The first team receivers were 86 Dallas Baker, 3 James Robinson, 7 Weston Dressler, 89 Chris Getzlaf and 80 Efrem Hill. Hugh Charles lined up at RB in Cates' absence.
- WR Cary Koch and K Luca Congi participated at 100% in drills but still have one game left on the nine-game injured list and will not be taken off early.
- The practice was noticeably more boisterous under Miller. There was plenty of energy, hustle and enthusiasm. The offense was fluent with several highlight-reel catches.
RP
MONDAY SPORTS CAGE PODCAST
Here's the trimmed down podcast of Monday's show. John Lynch and I heard from Rider quarterback Darian Durant and Winnipeg media personality Scott Taylor as we gear up for Labour Day Classic XLV:
SportsCage 8-29-2011 5;09;11 PM by ridervoice
SportsCage 8-29-2011 5;09;11 PM by ridervoice
FANTUZ SURVIVES FIRST CUT
The Bears had to cut five players by Tuesday to make the mandatory roster deadline and they made that move Monday morning.
The Bears still have to trim their roster by another 27 players by Saturday to make the 53-man limit.
(Courtesy Global Saskatoon)
THE MONDAY MORNING GOALIE
Hope the last weekend of summer was an enjoyable one for you. Perhaps it doesn't have to be the final weekend of summer but the calendar certainly says it is, and many kids head back to school today. This summer should get a ticket for going so fast! Anyways here's our weekly collection of local sports notes:
• We spent the weekend in Moose Jaw and here are a few observations from the Band City:
* Parking will be a problem for Mosaic Place, the new home of the Warriors. Some say there are 70 parking spots downtown and some say there are 700. Either way it's too few for the 4500 fans who will be at the games. They had better get creative with transportation.
* "You should be watching the Montreal-Calgary football game," a lady said Saturday while I was wading through the mineral spa. If I could have dunked her, I would have.
* We did as many 'Moose Jaw' things as we could including supper at NIT's, shopping in the downtown shops (while I met my manager Joe Gunnis at Champs), and strolled the park. It's a great little city.
* I saw many guys who could pass for Larry The Cable Guy.
* Two teenaged hockey players from Warriors camp were in the hot tub Saturday afternoon. I was going to tell them to get out until after their sessions are over because it will zap their energy, but decided it was none of my business. Don't parents teach their kids anything these days?
* You're really going to see Moose Jaw take off now that they have the spa, the casino, the arena and many other beautiful new things. Our province is exploding! And the new entertainment facility in downtown Regina will be the granddaddy of 'em all, the only indoor structure of its kind between Vancouver and Toronto. We'll be the entertainment mecca.
---
• Back to business. My cousin Wyatt Catley, quarterback of the Regina Thunder, was 33 of 59 in passing Sunday against the Winnipeg Rifles. His 59 attempts are the 2nd most in PFC and CJFL history, and his 33 completions tie him for 3rd in the PFC and CJFL all-time.
Wyatt and Ryan Marsch, QB, Winnipeg Rifles, both had 400+ yards in passing, only the 2nd time in CJFL history that that has been done.
• Headline in the Winnipeg Free Press this weekend: "WILL FANTUZ COME BACK TO SAVE RIDER PRIDE?". Newsflash: if the Rider Nation thinks the simple return of Andy Fantuz will turn things around, they're sadly mistaken. However the fortune of this franchise DOES rest on the slender shoulders of Ken Miller who now holds the titles of VP of Football Operations, Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator. An equal amount of onus is on the players, yet they all say they're ready for it.
• From Steve Simmons' popular weekend Toronto Sun column:
COME BACK TO THE CFL WHERE YOU BELONG, FANTUZ
Why don't the Chicago Bears do the decent thing and just release Andy Fantuz? It's not as if they're using him in any meaningful way.
It's not like they're giving the former CFL star a real opportunity to make their team — or even that they believe in him.
On Monday night, in a one-sided pre-season loss against the New York Giants, Fantuz entered the game in the fourth quarter with three minutes to play. He ran a few patterns, caught one short pass and, when the Bears got into the red zone, they removed him from the lineup.
By any definition, in any sport, that's garbage time. If the CFL all-star Fantuz isn't considered good enough to get considerable second-half playing time, then he's wasting his time with the Bears as they are they wasting his.
Best thing for Fantuz: A return to the CFL, where he can — and does — make a difference.
• Globe & Mail writer Matt Sekeres reported on Saturday Andy Fantuz makes $9000 per game with the Roughriders. Matt also reported Fantuz's signing bonus with the Bears was $5000. I heard it was double that, but still meagre.
• He also reports the B.C. Lions are interested in signing John Chick. Buzz off Wally!
• Ed Willes of the Vancouver Province wrote on the weekend that it's time for the BC Lions' annual Save-The-Season-Push. Unfortunately the Riders are starting their first such push in a long, long time. Lord I hope it's not the start of an annual trend. The good times can't be over, can they?
• It's gonna be Winnipeg week on our radio and TV shows. For instance former Rider AND Blue Bomber Mike Abou-Mechrek will be our analyst on In The Huddle tomorrow night. Each day on the Sports Cage we'll feature someone with Bomber ties. The next two weeks are so exciting to me!! It's like a mini-Grey Cup.
• A challenge from Winnipeg sportswriter Gary Lawless: "Nothing is forever, Regina, and it may be time to move over for a while as Winnipeg takes its place as the home of the CFL's most fervent followers."
• So we are back to people kicking sand in our face. That is, unless Rider fans show they are reluctant to give up their title as the greatest fans in Canada. Oh, and three words to the Bombers AND their fans: 2007 GREY CUP.
• The UFL's Las Vegas Locomotives opened training camp on Friday and will open the season Sept. 17 at Sacramento. Former Rider Joel Bell is in camp with the Locos, after being chosen in the first round of the 2011 UFL Draft.
"He is," Locomotives coach Jim Fassel told the Las Vegas Review-Journal, "what our team and league are all about. We work hard at finding guys -- really hard."
Read the whole article here:
http://www.lvrj.com/sports/worldly-bell-eager-to-put-down-roots-with-locos-128550848.html
• If you've noticed I rarely criticize officiating anymore but something occured in the Rider-Argo game which irked me. Darian Durant threw an interception, but then drew a Roughing The Passer penalty by absorbing a late hit. However the Argos were allowed to keep the ball! The same thing happened in the Cleveland-Philadelphia NFL preseason game last Thursday, but the offense got to keep the ball which to me, was the correct conclusion. It's also the opposite of what the CFL officials called.
• I am exactly half way through Marc Trestman's book Perserverance. I am learning a lot and would highly recommend it to anyone. For instance, did you know Trestman was college teammates and roommates in Minnesota with Tony Dungy? Trestman also converted from quarterback to defensive back and played for the Vikings. Marc said he liked school, but didn't love it. Still, he graduated with a law degree. One phrase which sticks out the most from the book is: "People plan and God laughs".
• It's always this way; first the coaching carousel goes round and round, then the broadcaster carousel gets a spin. Dennis Beyak is leaving Leafs radio to take over the Winnipeg Jets TV and radio while our buddy Brian Munz is leaving CJOB to call 56 Jets games on radio on Sportsradio 1290 (the games which Beyak will call on TV). And Toronto Marlies broadcaster John Bartlett has apparently landed the Montreal Canadiens radio job.
In other broadcasting news, one of Rogers Sportsnet's head honchos, Scott Moore, tells the Globe & Mail that his network has NO interest in landing CFL broadcast rights once the current deal with TSN is done. That means the Globemedia monopoly will continue because the CBC is not expected to be in the running the next time around.
• When was the last time a WHL team featured a pair of twins? From the Stettler (AB) Independent:
"Stettler twins Adam and Scott Ternes are visiting Victoria, B.C., with their family this week, but it's not exactly a summer vacation.
The 15-year-old forwards are participating in the inaugural training camp of the newest Western Hockey League team, the Victoria Royals. Linemates last season with the bantam AAA Camrose Kodiaks, the Ternes brothers wanted to stick together when they selected the Royals from a list of summertime suitors."
• The Brandon Wheat Kings are expected to lose five of their top eight scorers from last year. They'll still make the playoffs.
• The Vancouver Giants, in my opinion, lead the league in cool "themed nights". For instance take this item from Jeff Paterson's http://www.straight.com/ blog:
"The Vancouver Giants have unveiled a list of special themed nights planned for home games during the upcoming Western Hockey League schedule.
Among them, the Giants will hold Guy Lafleur Night on January 7. Lafleur and his Montreal Canadiens teammates had many memorable nights padding their stats against the Vancouver Canucks at the Coliseum in the 1970s. The Giants will give the Flower an opportunity to relive some of that past glory when they celebrate his legendary hockey career before and during a game against Portland.
The Giants will also salute co-owner Gordie Howe with an annual tribute to Mr. Hockey on February 3 against Kamloops.
Other featured nights on the Giants 2011-12 schedule include Heroes of Hastings night on November 12. That's when the team will honour past greats who starred at Pacific Coliseum, Empire Stadium, and Hastings Park.
The club will induct two more alumni into the Giants Ring of Honour:Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Cody Franson will be added on February 17 and Winnipeg Jets forward Evander Kane will be saluted on March 7."
*I'd like to see the Pats do these types of things.
• The Calgary Hitmen had a 20-47-3-2 record last year and missed the post-season for the first time in 14 years. Coach Mike Williamson told the Calgary Herald that a lot of their players would be the first to admit they had bad seasons. They vow to turn it around.
• My favourite all-time NHLer Mike Modano will decide by mid-September if he'll retire. He's considering doing TV with Fox Sportsnet, perhaps even on Dallas Stars broadcasts.
• Speaking of TV, 83-year old Vin Scully plans to keep working. The Hall of Fame announcer told television viewers he will return to the Los Angeles Dodgers' broadcast booth for his record 63rd year in 2012. Scully made the announcement during the Dodgers 6-1 win over Colorado.
• And finally Mondays are always exciting at the Press Box Sports Bar. At lunch it's All-You-Can-Eat soup & salad for $7.99 and tonight you can watch Monday Night Football featuring the Jets and Giants while enjoying a full rib dinner for just $5.99! Take advantage!
THAT'S IT ... SEE YOU IN THE CAGE AT 5:00
RP
Sunday, August 28, 2011
PATS BLUE & WHITE RESULTS
Dyson Stevenson picked up a goal and an assist as well as the shootout winner while Conner Gay and Ty McLean had a goal and an assist in the loss for Team White. 620 CKRM morning show co-host Gloria Evans coached Team Blue along with Jordan Weal and Artem Bidlevskii while 104.9 The Wolf morning show co-host Chad McDonald along with Garrett Mitchell and Brandon Davidson coached Team White.
After the game, the following players were designated for reassignment:
Patrick Gora,
Nathan Churchill,
Griffin Mumby,
Nikolas Koberstein,
Kenny Nordstrom,
Erik Donald,
Keinan Scott,
Bryar Ortynski,
Tristan Reimer,
Brett Harris,
TJ Reeve,
Adam Brooks,
Dane Schioler,
Ty McLean,
Conner Gay
This completes Training Camp 2011 and the Pats will now take the remaining 29 players and use the week to prepare for the first preseason games of 2011. It begins Friday night at 7pm as the Pats will host the Moose Jaw Warrior at the Co-operators Centre. The two teams will play again 24 hours later, this time at the brand new Mosaic Place in Moose Jaw.
(Courtesy Dan Plaster)
RIFLES 52 THUNDER 31
A 21-point third quarter propelled the Rifles to the victory as they improved to 2-1 while Regina fell to 1-2. Winnipeg led 10-7, 24-15 and 45-22 by quarter.
Thunder receiver Kolten Solomon led the team with nine receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Regina quarterback Wyatt Catley was Catley 33/59 for 466 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for another.
MILLER TIME
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| Ken Miller Addresses The Team On Sunday |
QB DARIAN DURANT
A pretty good day. I'm glad and it's good to see Coach back out there. You can tell he's been itching to get back out there. He's having fun and the team's having fun. It's a new beginning so to speak.
ON THE 10 GAMES AHEAD
We recognize what we have to do. There have been changes made but the game doesn't change. We still have to execute, make plays and get wins by any means necessary. That's our goal. Guys are excited to be back and we're just ready to get back to work.
ON THE ADJUSTMENT
It's a little different. A different approach. Whoever your head guy is, I don't think any of them are the same. He's different from Coach Marshall. The new guys need to get used to him, but for those of us who were around before, we know what Coach Miller likes to do.
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| Miller Works With The QBs |
You notice I'm smiling right now. It's a different vibe right now. Coach Miller is like your grandfather and we call him Grandpa. It's just that fatherly touch, the looseness about him and his sense of humour. He gave a wonderful speech before the practice about what the Riders mean. You can feel the looseness in the locker room and there's a momentum swing already. He said the past is in the past and it's time to look forward.
ON THE CHANGE
Any time there's a change that affects someone and their family, Coach Marshall worked his butt off but for whatever reason it didn't workout for us. The axe was gonna fall on somebody, you just cross your fingers and hope it's not you. Some people are happy about it and some aren't and it's just something we have to deal with.
ON THE ONUS BEING ON THE PLAYERS
It's always on the players. We're the ones between the lines. Coaches can only do so much. The difference now is the way we're motivated. It was different styles. Coach Miller brings one we're familiar with. We didn't make excuses. We just have to execute.
ON MILLER'S RETURN TO THE ROOM
It was great. It was like someone who went on a long vacation and returned. You could see the excitement in him. He was still here but you couldn't see him or interact with him as much.
HEAD COACH KEN MILLER
It was a good day at practice and it was a good day in the locker room. To be honest I enjoyed the interaction with them.
ON THE NEW HIERARCHY
We don't need to categorize. I'm the head coach, we have guys who are really skilled at coaching football, skilled at the run game and the pass game. If I do a little organizing that, I don't need to say I'm the coordinator. We don't have the traditional hierarchy.
ON WHO WILL CALL PLAYS
Me.
ON HIS MESSAGE TO THE PLAYERS
First of all to establish direction from this point forward. We're not accustomed to being in the position we're in. Just to take some steps to lay some groundwork for taking the first step today and looking forward to tomorrow.
ON THE TEAM'S GOAL
I told the men in the locker room what our goal is. We have a decal of the Grey Cup in the locker room as a reminder of what our goal is.
SUNDAY SPORTS
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| Taken on my Prairie Mobile BlackBerry Torch |
Sunday Sports comes to you live from the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa in Moose Jaw, my family's bye week respite. Please enjoy the sports coverage:
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Happy birthday to Global TV's Warren Woods!
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Henry Burris passed for three touchdowns, and an interception by Keon Raymond set up his game-winning six-yard touchdown run in the final minute, as the Calgary Stampeders defeated Montreal 38-31. Calvillo also threw three touchdown passes for the Alouettes.
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The U of R Rams scored a 15-7 preseason win over the Manitoba Bisons Saturday at Mosaic Stadium. The game summary is below.
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The Regina Thunder visit Winnipeg today in PFC action. Both teams are 1-1. There is a game preview below.
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The Regina Pats Blue & White Intrasquad Game runs today at the Cooperators Centre. There is a camp report below.
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Justin Verlander says he couldn't find a single pitch that was working for him, but he still managed to do just enough to become the majors' first 20-game winner this season. Verlander worked a gruelling six innings in Detroit's 6-4 win over Minnesota. He's the first American Leaguer to 20 win games before September since Roger Clemens did it with Toronto in 1997.
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B-J Upton barely missed a home run in the sixth inning, then hit a three-run shot in the seventh that broke open the game as the Tampa Bay Rays beat Toronto 6-5. The Blue Jays have lost three straight. Boston swept a day-night twinbill from Oakland by scores of 9-3 and 4-0, to increase their A-L East lead to two games over the idle New York Yankees.
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Michelle Wie is in position to become the first player to win back-to-back titles at the Canadian Women's Open since Pat Bradley did it in 1985 and '86. Wie shares the lead with Ai Miyazato and Tiffany Joh after three rounds at the CN Women's Open near Montreal.
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The expansion Vancouver Whitecaps have matched Toronto F-C in the win column. Vancouver won for the fourth time this season, when Shea Salinas scored in the 86th minute in a 1-0 victory over Houston. Toronto was minutes away from its fifth win of the MLS season, until Chris Wondolowski scored in the 87th minute to lift San Jose to a 1-1 draw.
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Anderson Silva beat Yushin Okami by knockout at 2:04 of the second round, winning his 15th straight fight and successfully defending his middleweight title at UFC 134 in Rio de Janeiro. Silva sent Okami to the ground with a right-handed shot to the jaw, then pounded him with strikes to the head to force the fight to be stopped.
(With files from the Canadian Press)
THUNDER AT RIFLES PREVIEW
The Thunder offense shook off the rust from their opening night loss to Saskatoon and put up 44 points on the Wildcats last Sunday. Quarterback Wyatt Catley looked good in his 2nd start of 2011, as he went 15 of 21 for 221 yards and 3 touchdowns. Veteran receiver Kolten Solomon had 5 catches on the day; one of those was a 7-yard TD grab. He also scored a touchdown along the ground, running 23 yards to paydirt in the third quarter.
The Rifles saw their slate evened at 1-1 with the loss in Saskatoon. Ryan Marsch had a career day as he completed 27 of 44 passes for 426 yards, 4 of those for touchdowns. The Hilltops stymied tailback Martin Hovi, holding him to only 51 yards after gaining 122 the previous week.
At the moment, head coach Greg Graceffo's main concern would be the play of the defense as they conceded 621 yards of offense to the Hilltops after giving up 512 to the Edmonton Huskies in the season's first week. Defensive back Chad Okumura had a 58-yard interception return to set up a major score against Saskatoon.
The 2010 season set was swept by the Thunder who scored 51-16 & 57-15 wins.
DAY 3 PATS CAMP UPDATE
The second game turned into a defensive struggle with Team Red facing Team Blue. Dyson Stevenson continued his great camp with a tip in goal in the first, while Team Red teammate Chandler Stephenson scored in the second for the 2-0 lead. Morgan Klimchuk picked up the lone Team Blue goal late in the second as they came up short in a 2-1 loss to Team Red.
NIGHT SESSION: The first night scrimmage was tight after two periods with Team Grey getting markers from Tristan Reimer and Tayler Clark for a 2-0 lead only to see Dominik Volek cut the score in half before the second was over. Team Red found their stride in the third getting goals from Brett Harris, Ricard Blidstrand and Dyson Stevenson while Team Grey's only goal came from Michael Sagen as Team Red went on to the 4-3 win.
In the final scrimmage of Training Camp 2011, Team White looked to finish 6-0 as they faced Team Blue. It was Team Blue that ramped up the offence picking up goals from Bryar Ortynski (2), Brody Luhning, Morgan Klimchuk and Colby Williams for the 5-3 win. In their only loss in Training Camp Lyndon Martell, Adam Brooks and Eric Donald scored for Team White
PRAIRIE MOBILE BLUE & WHITE: Training Camp will conclude Sunday afternoon with of the annual Prairie Mobile Blue and White game. The puck is set to drop at 2pm at the Co-operators Centre. It's just $2 at the door to get in and watch the 2011-12 Regina Pats for the first time in action.
REASSIGNMENTS: After the final scrimmages, the following players were designated for reassignment:
Tyler Boyer
Jonathan Carkeek
Tayler Clark
Cody Fiala
Karsten Hohen
Dylan Hykawy
Yannis Mamais
Justin Toomey
Brody Anthony
Clay Carson
Drake DeBerry
Matt Gamblin
Jared Martin
Dylan Ostertag
Dayton Picard
Paul Soubry
Mitch VanTeeling
Nicholas Wilton
Tanner Burgardt
Tyler Oswald
Rylan Toth
QUOTE FROM CAMP: 18 year old forward, Dyson Stevenson on playing in his hometown (Shaunavon, SK) on Friday, September 9th against the Medicine Hat Tigers.
"It's gonna be pretty exciting, it's a real nice rink and it's supposed to be sold out so it's going to be real exciting for me. Lots of my friends, family will be there and I'm playing my buddy Kale Kessy from the Tigers."
THE NEUTRAL ZONE: You can pick up some great Regina Pats gear during the Prairie Mobile Blue and White Game at the Neutral Zone kiosk that is set up in the lobby of the Co-operators Centre. You can get a great deal on last season's merchandise that includes: hats, t-shirts, golf shirts and even practice jersey's. For a complete catalogue of Regina Pats gear, head to www.reginapats.com and click on the Neutral Zone on the bottom right of the front page.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
STAMPS 38 ALS 31
RAMS 15 BISONS 7
First-year running back Michael Kiapway scored on a nice 13-yard run just past the 10-minute mark of the fourth quarter, giving the Rams their first major of the game and extending their lead to eight.
Manitoba's Anthony Coombs scored the lone major of the first half, hauling in a 10-yard pass from Khaleal Williams five minutes into the second quarter. The Bisons took a 7-5 lead into halftime, as the Rams got an 18-yard chip shot field goal from Chris Bodnar in the first quarter and added a pair of points on a conceded Bisons safety in the second.
Bodnar's second field goal of the contest – a 39-yard effort – gave the Rams an 8-7 advantage early in the third quarter. Neither team scored again until Kiapway's major late in the contest.
Kiapway ended up with a game-high 77 yards on 10 rushes for Regina, while newcomer Jay Smith led all players with 44 receiving yards. Quarterback Marc Mueller played the first half for the Rams and was 9-for-18 with 79 yards. Adam Grilj, Jamir Walker, and Joey Dwyer all registered interceptions for the Rams, while Justin Edralin and Zach Gorski tied for the team lead with 3.5 tackles.
Coombs led the Bisons with 64 rushing yards, while Williams completed seven of his 13 pass attempts for 112 yards and a touchdown. Stu Schollaardt had three catches for 39 yards for Manitoba, which was led defensively by Evan Gill's 5.5 tackles and a sack. The Bisons also had three interceptions, as David Berg, David Ferrier, and Riley Coates all had picks.
The Rams open up the Canada West schedule at home next Friday at 7 p.m. against UBC. Manitoba will entertain the Calgary Dinos on Saturday in Winnipeg.
(Courtesy Cougar Athletics)
PATS MAKE A DEAL
A native of Calgary, Elynuik played 28 games in an injury shortened season with Everett in 2010-11, but was able to pick up 3 goals and 2 assists and 54 minutes in penalties. His play garnered him an invite to the Philadelphia Flyers prospect camp this past summer and will also attend Flyers training camp.
Regina Pats General Manager Chad Lang, "Campbell will add size, experience and a physical presence to our group of forwards. He will be a solid addition and should provide a spark as we move forward towards the beginning of the regular season."
Campbell will join his new Pats teammates immediately as they prepare for the beginning of the exhibition schedule next weekend with a home and home series against the Moose Jaw Warriors. It begins Friday night at the Co-operators Centre at 7pm with the return meeting 24 hours later at Mosaic Place in Moose Jaw.
Before the exhibition season can open, Training Camp 2011 will wind up on Sunday with the annual Prairie Mobile Blue and White game which is set for 2pm at the Co-Operators Centre. Cost for the game is just $2 at the door.
LIONS TRANSACTIONS
Rajon Henley – DL – Texas Tech (returning from surgery)
Kyle Burkhart – OT – Southern Mississippi
The Lions have released:
Kamau Peterson – SB
Nick Hennessey – OT (requested release)
The next BC Lions home game is Saturday, September 10th versus the Toronto Argonauts at 1:00 pm presented by Tim Hortons. Fans can catch all the action on the home of BC Lions football, TEAM1410 beginning the pre-game show at 5:00 pm.
DAY 2 PATS CAMP REPORT
It was the final time that the combined 95 and 96 age groups had their scrimmage and 16 year old Morgan Klimchuk and his Team Red defeated Team Grey 6-5, which prompted this tweet from Morgan:
@morganklimchuk: Camps going well. Rookie series tied, had 3 goals 2 assists in this mornings game!
The final vet scrimmage had a bit of a chippy feel as players picked up the competitive level. Jordan Weal led Team White and Garrett Mitchell led Team Blue
Night Session
For the first time, all 70 players were combined to make 4 teams with the first scrimmage featuring Lane Scheidl and Chandler Stephenson with Team Red against Brandon Davidson and Jordan Weal's Team White.
The first saw the teams exchange goals back and forth with the second period turning into an offensive explosion. For Team Red, Dyson Stevenson, Keinan Scott and Dylan Hykawy scored as Jordan Weal and Landon Peel replied for Team White. The highlight of the third was a great pass from Lyndon Martell to Dryden Hunt for a breakaway goal.
Pats fans came out in the final scrimmage of the day and saw Team Blue pick up three goals in the first (2 by Conner Gay and one by Dayton Picard) all assisted by Braden Cristoffer. Picard and Garrett Mitchell scored again for Team Blue in the second. The goaltending of Matt Hewitt and Rylan Toth did the rest for the Team Blue win over Team Grey.
Quote from Camp
17 year old forward, Chandler Stephenson on Training Camp
"Camp helps us (the veteran players) get your feet under yourself. The off-season is about getting ready for the season, you try to stay on the ice but it's not all there. Playing against some good players out here definitely helps a lot."
Saturday, August 27th
9:00am-10:30am Team White vs. Team Grey
10:45am-11:45am Goalie Session
12:00pm-1:30pm Team Blue vs. Team Red
Break
5:30pm-7:00pm Team Red vs. Team Grey
7:15pm-8:45pm Team Blue vs. Team White
All practices are at the Co-operators Centre and are open to the public
Prairie Mobile Blue and White Game
Training Camp will run Saturday with multiple sessions. Camp will conclude with a Sunday afternoon edition of the annual Prairie Mobile Blue and White game. The puck is set to drop at 2pm at the Co-operators Centre.
The Neutral Zone
You can pick up some great Regina Pats gear during Training Camp 2011 at the Neutral Zone kiosk that is set up in the lobby of the Co-operators Centre. You can get a great deal on last season's merchandise that includes: hats, t-shirts, golf shirts and even practice jersey's. For a complete catalogue of Regina Pats gear, head to http://www.reginapats.com/ and click on the Neutral Zone on the bottom right of the front page.
(Courtesy Dan Plaster)
Friday, August 26, 2011
BOMBERS 30 TICATS 27
RIDER SCHEDULE
11:00 am Practice at Mosaic Stadium
MONDAY AUGUST 29th
10:00 am Practice at Mosaic Stadium
TUESDAY AUGUST 30th
DAY OFF – NO MEDIA AVAILABILITY
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 31st
11:00 am Practice at Mosaic Stadium
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 1st
11:00 am Practice at Mosaic Stadium
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2nd
11:00 am Practice at Mosaic Stadium
FOUR SEASONS FOOTBALL FRIDAY AUDIO
HOUR ONE: Includes the Riders' Gene Makowsky
SportsCage 8-26-2011 5;08;45 PM by ridervoice
HOUR TWO: Includes the LP's Rob Vanstone and Rams QB Marc Mueller
SportsCage 8-26-2011 6;08;27 PM by ridervoice
THANK YOU ESTEVAN!!!!
Here are some photos from a spectacular day in Estevan, Saskatchewan for TSN's Kraft Celebration Tour stop. TSN's Jay Onrait and Dan O'Toole televised Sportscentre live from the Energy City and we did the Sports Cage live from the Taphouse Brewpub.
Onrait HAD to be hopped up on Red Bull for the day. He went through a couple of suits because he was sweating so bad...
In breaks the hosts entertained the crowd with thumping rock music like AC/DC and Journey...
Onrait and O'Toole stopped by the Cage, joining Kelly Remple and me...
Afternoon CKRM deejay Ryan Schultz did his show live from the Taphouse as well...
It was a massive crowd on Main Street, and they produced ear-splitting noise....
The boys did get down to business for the show...
The Roughriders were on hand, led by their handler Andrew "Shadow" Craig...
The Matt D Show and Rob Vanstone were on hand...
Onrait and O'Toole were nice enough to sign this hat for me with some personal messages. Long story...
The crowd was into it at the Taphouse...
City of Estevan Events Manager Garth Forster was nice enough to give Remps and I a tour of the brand new Spectra Place, home of the Estevan Bruins...
Thank you for the hospitality Estevan, and for having us on Thursday!
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