SportsCage 11-30-2011 5;08;38 PM by ridervoice
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
WEDNESDAY SPORTS CAGE PODCAST
SportsCage 11-30-2011 5;08;38 PM by ridervoice
BELLEFEUILLE OUT
"We would like to thank Coach Bellefeuille for his efforts during his time with our organization. He represented the Tiger-Cats with pride and passion, and has left the organization in a much better place than when he started with us. However, we feel this move is necessary in order to reach our ultimate goal of winning a Grey Cup," said General Manager Bob O'Billovich.
Bellefeuille has served as head coach of the Ticats since September 8, 2008 after originally joining the team as offensive coordinator in December of 2007.
THIS COULD TAKE AWHILE
Sportsnet's Arash Madani was on 620 CKRM's Sports Cage with us on Tuesday, updating the Roughriders' search for a head coach. This is how the conversation went down:
MADANI: This is what I can tell you guys. (Ticats Defensive Coordinator) Corey Chamblin interviewed on Monday and did well. There's still a long ways to go. In addition to (Bomber Defensive Coordinator) Tim Burke and (Lions Defensive Coordinator) Mike Benevides up to interview within the next week, the Riders also have two NCAA guys on their list with some CFL connections. Neither are named Kent Austin. So there are two other NCAA guys on the radar for the Riders. I'm trying to confirm the names. There's miles to go before we sleep on all these things and in Hamilton, they're still waiting to get to coaching evaluations. They're in the midst of player evaluations.
PEDERSEN: At Grey Cup everyone thought Chamblin was a slam dunk. Why do they think that?
MADANI: I think it's just because of the process last year. Chamblin was the finalist to Greg Marshall and now that's up for the position, people think he's the guy. But I can tell you the Riders are at the preliminary interview stage. We talked about this last week; if this gets done by mid-December, that would surprise me. They're going to take their time on this and get it right.
PEDERSEN: How could the Argos land Scott Milanovich so quickly, and the Riders take so long?
MADANI: I just don't know what the Argos' structure will be? Is Jim Barker going to remain the head coach? Is Bob Nicholson still going to be President? Is David Braley going to have a hand in football operations? How much of an influence will the CFL have on football operations? If this Milanovich deal was signed, we would have heard about it by now but there's nothing. I spoke with the Argos just before getting on the phone with you guys and there is no announcement pending. So I'm not sure if he's signed! Don't forget he turned the job down two years ago because they weren't going to pay him enough so you wonder where that situation sits right now.
CFL NEWS
Barresi had just completed his second year as the team's offensive co-ordinator. The move comes only two days after the Bombers lost 34-23 to the B.C. Lions in the 2011 Grey Cup.
The Bombers had the dubious distinction of leading the Canadian Football League in two and outs this season. Most of the Bombers' offence in the Grey Cup came in the fourth quarter, which had Winnipeg trailing 31-9 before making a valiant comeback that fell short.
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The Calgary Sun reports Chris Jones is fleeing to Toronto for the same position under Scott Milanovich, who is expected to be announced as the new head coach in Toronto in the coming days.
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In Montreal the Alouettes are moving ahead with the notion that quarterback Anthony Calvillo will be back behind centre in 2012.
"It's real simple," Alouettes GM Jim Popp told Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette. "Unless Anthony decides he doesn't want to play or can't play consistently, we expect him back, starting and playing every down. Anthony Calvillo's still be the best player in the Canadian Football League -- and I'm taking nothing away from Travis Lulay. In my book, A.C. was the MPV of this league the last two years and didn't win it."BLAZERS/SILVERTIPS DEAL
Caron spent three and a half seasons with the Blazers and played 128 games. He racked up 375 penalty minutes in that time.
"With eight defensemen on the roster, we felt the need to give more ice time to our younger defensemen," General Manager Craig Bonner said. "We'd also like to thank Josh for his time as a Blazer and wish him the best of luck."
The Kamloops Blazers are back on home ice this weekend as they host the Prince George Cougars on Friday night and Victoria Royals on Saturday. Friday night is the annual Teddy Bear / Toque Toss.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
LIONS PLAN THE CELEBRATION
Gates A and H will open to fans beginning at 5:00 pm with the program beginning at 6:00 pm – admission is free and fans coming down for the event should dress warmly. Grey Cup 2011 Festival and BC Lions championship merchandise will be available for purchase on the concourse.
Special player introductions, messages from Lions president and CEO Dennis Skulsky and GM and head coach Wally Buono along with players such as Travis Lulay, Geroy Simon and Paul McCallum will highlight the evening. Two special video presentations on the stadium's massive centre scoreboard will also be part of the show.
"Our fans have been the foundation of our success in 2011 and this event is about celebrating a championship together as one," said Lions president and CEO Dennis Skulsky.
Also in appreciation of outstanding fan support, BC Place and Centreplate will make hotdogs, beverages and chips available at half price. Given the family-oriented nature of the celebration, alcohol will not be served.
Following the completion of the celebration fans will have an opportunity to have their picture taken with the Grey Cup on the concourse near Gate A and a limited number of commemorative posters will be handed out upon exiting BC Place.
We look forward to seeing you at the Celebration of Grey Cup Pride!
Your BC Lions Football Club
TUESDAY SPORTS CAGE PODCAST
SportsCage 11-29-2011 5;34;24 PM by ridervoice
WEAL DISAPPOINTED
"It was tough," Weal said. "I thought I did all I could and it's behind me now. I think we gotta look forward to this month for the Pats. We have three '3 in 3's' in a row so if we can get some big wins it'll be big for us moving forward."
Global's Warren Woods asked if the term "snub" is a correct one to use.
"I don't know," Weal answered. "It's up to them and it seems like they wanted to go in a different direction with their team and there's not much I can do about that. Once again it's something I'll put in the back of my head and when the time comes I'll use that to give myself that extra push."
CBC's Glenn Reid asked Weal if he thought the invite list was pre-determined before the Subway Super Series earlier this month, where Weal was named Player of the Game in Game 5 in Regina.
"I'm not sure," Weal offered. "I thought during the Super Series, I played well and showed them what I can do with elite players in our league but I guess it wasn't enough."
Regina Pats coach Pat Conacher was asked about Weal being left off the roster.
"I talked to him this morning," Conacher explained. "I told him I'm disappointed too. He deserved an invitation I thought. I looked at the list. For everything he's done for this team, the way he competes and the leadership that's he's shown this year, I have a hard time believing he shouldn't be there. At least get an invite. I know he's disappointed but we had a good chat this morning and I know he'll be the same player for us. That's the great thing about Jordan Weal; he'll compete just as hard for the Regina Pats as he would for Team Canada."
The Regina Pats host the Vancouver Giants Friday night at 7:00 pm on 620 CKRM and Access 7.
RAIDERS/WARRIORS TRADE
The Raiders acquired Vanscourt on September 15th in a trade that sent 18-year-old goaltender Luke Lee-Knight to the Spokane Chiefs. In 26 games this season, the Corona, California native scored 7 goals and added 10 assists while collecting 25 penalty minutes.
"With four 1992 born defenceman on our roster, this move allows us to accumulate draft picks and provides more opportunity for the progression of Josh Morrissey and Sawyer Lange", said Raiders General Manager Bruno Campese. "We would like to thank Tyler for his contributions to our organization during his time as a Raider, and wish him all the best in Moose Jaw."
PATCHAT
Tuesday Pats 2 at Portland 5
The Pats and Winterhawks were tied at one heading into the 3rd period at the Rose Garden 24 hours ago, but Portland scored four time in the third (3 on the power play) to pull away 5-2. Chandler Stephenson and Lane Scheidl (shg) scored in the loss while Jordan Weal picked up an assist to extend his scoring streak to 16 games. Specialty teams were the difference on the night as the Winterhawks went 4/10 on the power play with two of the goals coming with a 5-on-3 advantage.
Wednesday Pats 2 at Seattle 5
The Pats got off to a great start as Chandler Stephenson scored the first two goals of the hockey game to stake the Pats to an early 2-0 lead, but Seattle's Branden Trook cut the lead to 2-1 before the first period was done. After that, it was all Seattle as they scored four more times to roll to the 5-2 victory. It's the fourth straight time that the Thunderbirds have defeated the Regina Pats.
Friday Pats 5 at Everett 2
It was another great start for the Regina Pats, this time they were able to pull through with the victory. The blue and white staked themselves out to a 3-0 first period lead on two goals by Jordan Weal and one by Dominik Volek. It was a 4-2 edge by the Pats after 40 minutes of play on goals by Kohl Bauml and Josh Birkholz for Everett and Chandler Stephenson for the Pats. Matt Marantz scored the lone goal of the third for the 5-2 victory. Matt Hewitt was solid for the Pats stopping 23 shots for his 13th win of the season
Saturday Pats 1 at Tri-City 6
The Americans exploded for 3 first period goals and cruised to the 6-1 victory. Ricard Blidstrand picked up his first goal of the season in the loss while Adam Beukeboom stopped 10 of 11 shots in relief in the 3rd period.
Quote of the Week
"You have to play a full 60. We knew we were up against good competition. This is the strongest division in the league. We knew the teams we would face and we didn't want to beat ourselves, but each and every game we shot ourselves in the foot — for 10 minutes or one period. You can't do that."
-Regina Pats Head Coach, Pat Conacher after the 6-1 loss to the Tri-City Americans.
Greg Harder – Slapshots, November 26th. Read the rest of the story here.
THIS WEEK:
Friday, December 2nd – Giants @ Pats 7:00pm Brandt Centre
This will be the first time the Giants have paid a visit to the Brandt Centre since February 24th, 2010. World Junior Selection Camp invitee, Brendan Gallagher leads the Giants in scoring and is a 5th round pick of the Montreal Canadiens. This night is also The Co-operators toque night. The first 500 children in attendance will get a Regina Pats toque courtesy of The Co-Operators
Saturday, December 3rd – Rebels @ Pats 7:00pm Brandt Centre
The Red Deer Rebels will visit Regina for the first time this season. The Rebels are one of the top defensive teams in the WHL led by the strong goaltending or Patrik Bartosak. The rookie Czech goaltender is third in the WHL in goals against average and fourth in save percentage. It's also the 12th annual Toque and Teddy Bear toss night at the Brandt Centre. Bring your new toques and teddy bears to the game and when the Pats score their first goal, toss them on to the ice. The toys and toques will be delivered to local hospitals and charities during the Christmas season.
Community Appearances:
After 10 days away from Regina, the Pats will be busy in the community with a big help to the Regina and area Food Bank with their Christmas Drive. On the some of the days the Pats will be with the Food Bank during the Christmas season, they will be in all of the mall across Regina helping in their Christmas Food Drive.
Tuesday
Regina and Area Food Bank
Food For Learning – Coronation Park
Food for Learning – Al Ritchie Community Centre
Kitchener School (Read to Succeed)
Wednesday
Wascana Rehab Centre
Regina and Area Food Bank
Food For Learning – Coronation Park
St. Jerome School
Thursday
Wascana Rehabilitation Centre
Regina and Area Food Bank (Christmas Food Drive)
In The Locker Room
- Jordan Weal surpassed the 300 point mark for his career during the U.S. Division road trip. He also hit the 200 career assist mark as well on the trip. He is one point back of Dave Michayluk for 13th on the all time list and is now tied for 6th on the all time assist list with Brian Varga.
- Chandler Stephenson had a 4 game goal streak snapped Saturday in Tri-Cities. He had 6 goals over the four games.
Through the Looking Glass
Tanner Burghart:
The Pats 6th round pick, 115th overall in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft is playing with the Prince Albert Mintos of the SMAAAHL. He has a record of 9-1 with a goals against average of 2.64.
His goals against average is good for 7th in the league.
(Courtesy Dan Plaster)
Monday, November 28, 2011
TSN'S GREY CUP RATINGS
Overall, more than 11 million Canadians, or more than 1 in 3 Canadians, tuned in to watch some or all of last night's broadcast on TSN and RDS. In the Vancouver Market, more than half the population watched some of the game, while 65% of people watching television viewed the 99th GREY CUP.
"The GREY CUP is a national celebration like no other and last night's impressive audience is a testament to the impact the game has on Canadians," said Stewart Johnston, President of TSN. "Our CFL team delivered another outstanding broadcast capturing all of the excitement that makes the CFL so special. We can't wait to kick off the 2012 season as we look to the 100th GREY CUP next year in Toronto."
"The 99th GREY CUP in beautifully refurbished BC Place Stadium, captured so magnificently by TSN and RDS, was a special moment for our league," said CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon. "We're thrilled that millions of Canadians shared it with us. That's what the Grey Cup is all about: bringing Canadians together around the great game of Canadian football."
The 99th GREY CUP capped off a full weekend of Canadian football coverage on TSN that included the thrilling 2011 VANIER CUP, which has been widely regarded as one of the most dramatic Canadian football games that has ever been played.
SGI RIDER MONDAY PODCAST
SportsCage 11-28-2011 5;09;37 PM by ridervoice
WEAL NOT INVITED
Among the 41 players invited, 16 are currently playing in the Western Hockey League, including the Moose Jaw Warriors' Quinton Howden who helped Canada earn a Silver Medal at the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo, NY. Other notables include the WHL's current leading scorer Mark Stone (Brandon Wheat Kings), Montreal Canadiens top prospect Brendan Gallagher (Vancouver Giants), first round 2011 NHL Draft picks Mark McNeill (Prince Albert Raiders) and Joseph Morrow (Portland Winterhawks), along with top rated WHL prospects heading into the 2012 NHL Draft Ryan Murray (Everett Silvertips) and Matt Dumba (Red Deer Rebels).
WHL Players invited to Team Canada's National Junior Team Selection Camp:
Tyler Bunz
Mathew Dumba
Brenden Kichton
Joseph Morrow
Ryan Murray
Alex Petrovic
Mark Pysyk
Brett Bulmer
Michael Ferland
Brendan Gallagher
*Quinton Howden
Mark McNeill
Max Reinhart
Ty Rattie
Brad Ross
Mark Stone
THE MONDAY MORNING GOALIE
• That was a fantastic Grey Cup game Sunday with the BC Lions downing the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 34-23. It started slow but the ending had your heart racing and I didn't really care who won! The Lions had as much as a 22-point lead at one point but the final score is a testament to Winnipeg's scrappy nature and the fact they wouldn't quit.
• TSN broke the story late Sunday night that the Argonauts have hired Scott Milanovich as head coach.
And I just heard this morning that a Ticats assistant coach told people this week that Corey Chamblin is coming to Saskatchewan with Rick Worman as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. We'll see.
• I said all weekend the Bombers seemed nervous and on edge while the Lions were cocky but confident. Winnipeg certainly showed some nerves early on and set BC up with many opportunities which the Lions failed to capitalize on.
• Every time we saw Wally Buono all weekend he had a smile on his face. It was like he knew something we didn't. That's the confidence and calmness of knowing you have a darn good team.
• When it was 11-0 in the first quarter I thought it was going to be a laugher. I scrambled to find out how many shutouts there have been in Grey Cups and it turns out there have been six. The Lions really should have been up 20 points at halftime but Winnipeg really changed the game in the second quarter. Temporarily anyways.
• By the way the first quarter took nearly an hour to play. Those timeouts were ridiculous. Necessary yes, but they took all the flow out of the game.
• Funny. I was on the national radio broadcast at halftime and thinking to myself Chad Kroeger of Nickelback doesn't really look like a rock star with that preppy cut. I was telling Graham Kelly of the Medicine Hat News that 15 minutes later and Graham said "so what does a rock star look like?" At that VERY minute Gene Simmons walked by. I am absolutely not kidding you. And I pointed to Gene and said "That!" I've got pictures which I'll post this week.
• Simmons looked like a vampire with a full length leather coat. He must have been sweating buckets.
• Speaking of stars, other celebrities in attendance included Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis.
• What about the choke job by the Mayor of Swaggerville, Odell Willis? I mean REALLY. He dropped a sure-fire pick six and it was a 14-point swing because the Lions marched it downfield and got a touchdown. I'm told that may have been Odell's last game for the Bombers. To me, he didn't even show up until the second half.
• Why didn't the Lions go for the first down with 1:20 to go and were up 31-23? It doesn't matter now and I'm not going to question the Grey Cup winning coach but it seemed odd.
• Watching the game with Vancouver sportscaster Matt Sekeres is an absolute treat. He had SO many funny lines. Regarding the 2007 Grey Cup, Matt said "it was the worst game in the history of football. It may have been the worst game in the history of games!"
• The attendance was 54,313.
• That was a poorly officiated game. I'm sorry.
• When the Lions went up 31-9 with 6:36 to go, Sekeres said "Now it's a party". But not so fast!!
• For those who say marijuana is part of the Lions' game day experience, I beg to differ. I saw a guy ejected from the stadium for doing it.
• Terrence Edwards was four yards offside on his touchdown. It's not a big deal now but last year Andy Fantuz was flagged for being a YARD offside with a minute to go. It put the Riders in 1st-and-15 and Darian was picked the next play. I'm just saying let's be consistent boys. The Riders never cried about the penalty.
• The Bombers will be back. They may even be in the Grey Cup next year in Toronto. Wouldn't a rematch of 2007 be great? They are superbly coached and I may vote for Paul Lapolice for Coach of the Year.
• He was clearly mad at my CFL.ca column and Bomber fans were certainly incensed. There were over 100 comments on the CFL's Facebook page with many of them demanding that I be fired. Here's the funny thing; the CFL loved it and thanked me for the effort. I may even get a raise.
• It sounds like BC defensive linemen Khalif Mitchell and Khreem Smith are off to the NFL. They are monsters.
• Talked to Roy Shivers before the game. He looked absolutely fantastic in his cowboy boots and fedora.
• I was so, so happy for the Lions staff I saw right after the game. Travis Moore, Kelly Bates and Neil McEvoy were beyond elated.
• The Bomber coaches walked out of the press box like they were leaving a funeral. The franchise has had so much heartbreak. But like I said, they'll be back.
• Somebody asked how many Rider fans are here for Grey Cup. I estimated 10,000 but really have no idea.
• So many times I heard the Riders will go hard after free agent lineman Brendan Labatte of the Bombers. But first the Weyburn product is expected to make a stop in the NFL.
• Angelo Mosca will sell a LOT of copies of his autobiography after this Grey Cup. I literally laugh out loud when I think of his fight with Joe Kapp. ESPN and Deadspin are all over it in the States. Carm Carteri was there and said Joe kicked Angie twice when he was down. I saw Mosca Saturday night and he was doing his best to downplay the incident.
• Patrick Kabongo will be a free agent and I'm told would like to play for the Riders. Everybody still wants to play for the Riders.
• Of all the endless hours which TSN dedicated to Grey Cup, it's shocking that they don't broadcast the player awards live. There must be a reason.
• Off topic, but the World Junior training camp invite list will be announced Monday morning at 10:30 am. Hopefully Jordan Weal sees his name included.
THAT'S ENOUGH FOR TODAY. THANKS FOR READING!
RP
Sunday, November 27, 2011
LIONS 34 BOMBERS 23
VANCOUVER - They opened the season with a whimper, but Travis Lulay and the B.C. Lions ended it with a bang Sunday.
Game MVP Travis Lulay threw two second-half touchdown passes to lead B.C. to an exciting 34-23 Grey Cup win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sunday. The victory, before an ear-splitting B.C. Place sellout of 54,313, capped a stunning turnaround for the Lions, who opened the season 0-5.
B.C. became the first team in CFL history to win the Grey Cup after losing its first five regular-season games. The Lions also became the first squad since '94 to capture the league title at home.
B.C. was the last club to accomplish that feat, joining the '72 Hamilton Tiger-Cats and '77 Montreal Alouettes.
Lions tailback Andrew Harris, a Winnipeg native, was named the top Canadian.
(The Canadian Press)
SUNDAY SPORTS
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The Vancouver Canucks won their season-high fourth in a row, all of them coming with Cory Schneider in net, as he made 43 saves in a 3-2 victory at San Jose. Boston is back on the winning track after having its ten-game winning streak end on Friday. Tim Thomas turned back 40 shots in the Bruins 4-2, come-from-behind victory over Winnipeg.
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Edmonton Oilers left winger Taylor Hall injured his left shoulder in the first period of their game at Colorado, and will have an MRI tomorrow. Stefan Elliott scored in his first NHL game as part of a four-goal third period as the Avalanche defeated the Oilers 5-2.
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The Regina Pats concluded their west coast road trip with a 6-1 loss at Tri-City Saturday night. Ricard Blidstrand scored the lone Pats' goal as they were outshot 29-21. The Pats (13-11-1-1) were 0/5 on the powerplay and 3/4 killing penalties. Adam Beukeboom and Matt Hewitt split time in goal. The Pats host Vancouver on Friday.
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The city of Vancouver is looking to celebrate a championship and maybe erase some of the embarrassment after the riot that erupted last June following the Canucks' Game 7 loss in the Stanley Cup final. This time, it's the BC Lions and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers meeting or the Grey Cup. B-C won its last Grey Cup in 2006. The Blue Bombers haven't won it since 1990.
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NBA players always preferred to be on the court, rather than in it, and now they finally have the chance -- starting Christmas Day. The league and players have a handshake agreement on a deal that ends a lockout that began July 1st. If both sides ratify the agreement, training camps and free agency would begin December 9th, and a 66-game season would tip off on the 25th.
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Adrian Peterson didn't make the trip to Atlanta for the Vikings' game against the Falcons. Minnesota downgraded the star running back from doubtful to out, as he rehabs a sprained ankle suffered in
last week's outing. This will be only the fourth game Peterson missed in his five-year NFL career.
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Roger Federer takes on Jo-Wilfried Tsonga today in the final of the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London. Canada's Daniel Nestor and his parter Max Mirnyi are in the doubles final.
(With files from the Canadian Press)
Saturday, November 26, 2011
PATS 5 SILVERTIPS 2
Matt Hewitt made 23 saves in the Pats' net to take the win while Austin Lotz and Kent Simpson split time for the 'Tips. The Pats (13-10-1-1) were 2/7 on the powerplay and 1/2 killing penalties. It was 3-0 Regina after the first period and 4-2 Pats after two.
Regina visits Tri-City (18-6-0) Saturday night at 9:00 on 620 CKRM.
Friday, November 25, 2011
GREY CUP CLASSIC STORY
Forget about the Grey Cup or the Vanier Cup. The big story making the rounds here Friday was a showdown between former CFL foes Joe Kapp and Angelo Mosca.
What happened at a get-together hosted by the CFL Alumni Association goes like this: the attendees and guests were shown a replay of the controversial highlight from the 1963 Grey Cup, Mosca's sideline hit on B.C. Lions' running back Willie Fleming.
The tackle put Fleming out of the game and helped the Hamilton Tiger-Cats win the Cup. Mosca has forever been cast the villain for what many believe was a late hit.
According to various accounts, Kapp, the Lions quarterback in 1963, went to present Mosca with a rose Friday as a peace offering. Mosca brushed it off, Kapp responded and a scuffle broke out. Word was Mosca even used his cane to ward off Kapp, who countered with a punch.
Was this real or a staged scrap? Reports of the fight are being circulated as if was legit, adding a new story to Grey Cup week's many hijinks.
Neither Kapp nor Msoca was available for comment.
TONS OF CFL INFO
VANCOUVER - The Canadian Football League is continuing its renaissance and sees tremendous opportunities ahead, Commissioner Mark Cohon reported today.
"This year, we've seen unprecedented parity, historic records, and amazing turnarounds on the field, higher attendance in the stands, and new records for revenue from league wide sponsorships," Cohon said, at his annual State of the League news conference.
"And there are tremendous opportunities for us as we look ahead. The excitement building towards the historic 100th Grey Cup in 2012 is a chance to connect with millions of new fans. And the new stadium construction happening across the country has the potential to transform the CFL fan experience for generations to come."
The league's continued growth can be seen in the fact that attendance, licensing, and fan engagement on CFL.ca and the league's social media platforms are all up, Cohon said.
And despite an uncertain economy in much of Canada, sponsorship revenue is up 16 per cent from a year ago, and it was up 29 per cent in 2010 compared to 2009.
The CFL remains Canada's number one summer sports television property, and is second only to hockey overall.
Over the first two years of a new television ratings system, the CFL on TSN and RDS combined has attracted 789,000 viewers per regular season game.
For the 100th Grey Cup in 2012, the league is planning a special Grey Cup tour, unique events in CFL cities and surrounding communities, and a number of commemorative programs, all culminating in a tremendous festival and game in Toronto one year from now.
"We want to build on the success of 99th Grey Cup here in Vancouver, and celebrate our Cup, our country and what the two have come to mean to each other," Cohon said.
"But we want to do more than share the experience with our current supporters. We want to ignite the passion for our league in a new contingent of CFL fans, and re-ignite it in what some call a lost generation of CFL fans."
But the biggest opportunity facing the league is the boom in stadium construction in Canada, with a beautifully refurbished BC Place opening here this past fall, and new stadiums opening in Winnipeg next year, in Hamilton in 2014, and in Ottawa as early as 2014, if the approvals and legal processes continue to proceed in the national capital, which is eager for the return of CFL football.
"At the same time, we've seen facilities upgraded in Edmonton and Montreal, and there is plenty of discussion about what the future may hold for Regina and Calgary," Cohon said.
"There is tremendous potential here for a leap forward for the live fan experience - and a leap forward for our business."
While the league is on a solid footing, it does recognize that it faces a challenge in southern Ontario, and particularly Toronto, Cohon said.
The CFL Board of Governors recently approved a million dollar investment in research, marketing and community initiatives in Southern Ontario, with the funds contributed by all teams and shared evenly by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts.
"We are united and focused on the importance of doing whatever it takes - particularly with the 100th Grey Cup coming up in Toronto - to turn this challenge into what it is: the biggest opportunity our league has, in Canada's biggest market," Cohon said.
It has been an exciting year for the CFL on the field, he added, with five of the eight teams all tied for the best overall record going into the final week of the season, Anthony Calvillo and Paul McCallum setting new all-time records for passing yardage and consecutive made field goals, respectively, and several teams enjoying turn around seasons.
"It's appropriate that this Sunday's 99th Grey Cup match up features two exciting teams returning to the championship after an absence, and playing in a state of the art facility, because our future is all about great football in a league where anything can happen and fans can count on a great experience," Cohon said.
"All of us who love our game, our league and our cherished Grey Cup, have a lot to look forward to, this weekend, in 2012, and for decades to come."
***
VANCOUVER - Canadian Football League Commissioner Mark Cohon reported on the state of the league this morning at a news conference with the national and local media.
The following backgrounder contains additional information on key aspects of the CFL and its business.
The Game
Parity: An unprecedented five-way tie for the best overall record heading into the final week of the season.
Excitement: Exactly 50 per cent of our regular season games were decided in the final three minutes, proving that it's true that no lead is safe in our league, compared to 49 per cent in 2010 and 40 per cent in 2009.
Turnarounds: Winnipeg and Edmonton contested for first after finishing last the year before, and BC was the hottest team in the league in the second half of the season after starting 0 and 5.
History: Anthony Calvillo became pro football's all-time passing yardage leader (73,412 yards at end of regular season), as well as the CFL's all-time passer. He also broke the completed touchdown passes record and the overall completions mark. Paul McCallum set the record for most consecutive successful field goals attempts at 30 and the highest percentage of successful attempts (94.3%). And Geroy Simon came within a mere 66 yards of setting a new all-time mark for receiving yards by a CFL player (Simon has 15,087 yards while former Bomber great Milt Stegall has 15,153). And Chad Owens had more than 3,000 combined yards for the second consecutive year, making him the first player in pro football to achieve that feat.
There was also what you might describe as enhanced Canadian content: 2011 featured the resurgence of the Canadian running back. Jerome Messam, Jon Cornish and Andrew Harris all had starting assignments with their respective teams. Messam ran for more than 1,000 yards (1,057 total).
Scoring was down slightly, from 53 to 50 points per game.
The pace of our games improved this year. The average length from the advertised game time was 3 hours, 2 minutes and 25 seconds - down two minutes and forty seconds from 2010. The average game time from actual kick off was 2 hours, 53 minutes and 23 seconds - down two minutes and 54 seconds from 2010.
The number of flags per regular season game was down, from 19.3 to 18.2.
Objectionable conduct was up 37 per cent. We flagged it 11 more times this year than in 2010, following a directive from the Commissioner to crack down on taunting and trash talk. Roughing the passer penalties were up 17 per cent. Although we've flagged it six more times in 2011, we've been consistently focused on this in recent years.
No Yards was up 12 per cent, or 16 more flags, this season. That's due to a change in our rules that punishes teams for punting out of bounds to avoid a kick return. Flags for punting out of bounds were down 24 per cent.
Offside was down 10 per cent or 25 flags, procedure was down 17 per cent or 26 flags, and illegal contact was down 47 per cent or 17 flags. These were the result of teams and officials adjusting to standards set by CFL coaches in cooperation with the CFL officiating department.
Stadiums
The biggest long term threat to our league four years ago was crumbling infrastructure in many of our cities, with too many of our teams playing in historic and revered but out-of-date and dilapidated facilities. Today, the opportunities afforded us by new and improved stadiums may be the most exciting part of our bright future.
This breakthrough was highlighted this Fall with the opening of beautifully refurbished BC Place Stadium, a half-billion dollar project complete with retractable roof that will, of course, host this year's Grey Cup game.
Next season, the Blue Bombers will move into a new stadium in Winnipeg. In 2014, the Tiger-Cats launch a new era in a new home. And this year, the CFL group in Ottawa made tremendous progress on their stadium project, winning important decisions at the Ontario Municipal Board and in the courts. If a subsequent appeal results in their favour, construction of a revamped stadium at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa could start this Spring, paving the way for the return of the CFL to the nation's capital as early as 2014.
And all of this is on top of the expansion of McGill Stadium in Montreal, improvements to the facilities in Edmonton and Calgary, and ongoing discussions about a new or improved stadium in Saskatchewan for the Riders.
The potential to improve the live fan experience, the look of our broadcasts, revenue from things such as signage and private boxes, is highly significant.
Attendance
Attendance, which still represents the lion's share of our teams' revenues, was strong. We averaged almost 28,000 (27,799) per regular season game, up 2.4 per cent from a year ago. And more than 2 million Canadians will attend a CFL game again this year.
Attendance for the Eastern Semi-Final in Montreal was 33,051 - up from 27,828 a year ago in Hamilton.
Attendance for the Western Semi-final in Edmonton was 30,183 - up from 29,215 a year ago in Regina.
Attendance for the Western Final in Vancouver was 41,313 - up from 35,650 a year ago in Calgary.
Television Ratings
The CFL continues to be the number one summer television sports property in Canada, and second only to hockey overall.
We consistently draw bigger Canadian television audiences than the NFL, Blue Jays, and MLS, to name just a few.
Over the course of two seasons featuring a new ratings system, we have averaged 789,000 viewers for regular season games for the CFL on TSN and RDS.
The average audience for the CFL on TSN and RDS in 2011 has been 701,000 viewers per game - down from 876,000 a year ago.
The Eastern Semi-Final in Montreal had an average audience of 1.1 million on TSN and 500,000 on RDS for a combined total of 1.6 million. That's up 33 per cent from 2010 when the combined TSN-RDS number for the Semi-Final in Hamilton was 1.2 million (1,075,000 on TSN and 125,000 on RDS).
The Eastern Semi-final audience peaked this year at 3 million viewers, when the Alouettes and Tiger-Cats went into overtime.
The Western Semi-Final in Edmonton had an average audience of 1,253,000 on TSN and 135,000 on RDS for a combined audience of 1.4 million.
That's down 33 per cent from 2010 when the combined TSN-RDS number for the semi-final in Regina was 2.1 million (2 million for TSN and 100,000 on RDS).
Overall, more than 7.1 million Canadians tuned in to watch some of the CFL Semi-Finals this year on TSN.
The Eastern Final in Winnipeg had an average audience of 1.4 million on TSN and RDS combined (1.27 million on TSN).
The Western Final in Vancouver had an average audience of 1.9 million on TSN and RDS combined (1.8 million on TSN).
Overall, 7.5 million Canadians tuned in to watch some of the CFL Finals this year on TSN and RDS.
Experts, including our partners at TSN, have told us fluctuations are to be expected in a new ratings system. That's one reason why TSN uses a two year rolling average for ratings when selling advertising. There's no doubt our product remains a very strong one.
The 98th Grey Cup in 2010 boasted an average audience of 6.2 million while the 97th Grey Cup in 2009 boasted an average audience of 6.1 million, making them one of the most watched television programs of any kind in this country.
Partnerships
This has been an excellent year for partnerships, highlighted by the highest partnership revenue in CFL history.
Our revenue from national partnerships is up 16 per cent from a year ago, and it was up 29 per cent in 2010 from 2009.
We added a number of new partners, including Sun Life Financial, Dove for Men and Sears Travel. And we renewed several long-term partnerships, including Molson, MBNA, and Pepsi/Gatorade/Frito-Lay.
RONA, Scotiabank, TELUS, Nissan and Tim Hortons, among others, continued to expand the activation of their partnership with the CFL.
Football Operations and Officiating
Our football operations department has introduced in recent years a number of technical improvements to our game, including video review and quarterback headsets.
It has now shifted its focus to player development and recruitment.
Our annual Evaluation Camp for the top prospects for the CFL Canadian Draft gets bigger and better each year. In 2012, the event will coincide with CFL Congress in Toronto, as executives and staff from all eight teams converge on Toronto to make plans for the upcoming season and the 100th Grey Cup.
2012 will also feature enhanced efforts to market our league to players and coaches in the U.S., with the goal of exposing our product to as many potential CFL import players as possible. Players and coaches from schools big and small will be invited to Discover Our League and visit CFL.ca/tryouts.
We will have a presence at the 2012 American Football Coaches Association convention in San Antonio in January, where we will host a reception for more than 250 U.S. college coaches. Our guest speaker for the evening will be Mike Riley, the former Winnipeg Blue Bomber head coach who is currently Oregon State's head coach and also was a head coach in the NFL.
This year, our officiating department borrowed a page from football teams by introducing the concept of "position coaches". Officials assigned to various spots and responsibilities on the field were each assigned a coach to provide season-long instruction and mentorship tailored to their particular assignment
Every official is evaluated on every play in every game. We cut down the number of officials doing our games after the pre-season and again after Labour Day. The crews that grade out the best, as always, are rewarded with playoff and Grey Cup assignments.
Digital
Our fans engagement with our league online and through social media continues to experience strong growth.
More and more fans are logging onto CFL.ca every month - total unique visitors were up an average of 20 per cent each month this year compared to last.
Investment in more video production is paying off - video views were up 23 per cent this year compared to last.
CFL applications on smart phones and tablets have nearly tripled in audience - they're up 185 per cent.
The @CFL Twitter feed currently had 18,704 followers at the end of the regular season - a 136 per cent increase over a year ago.
CFL Facebook 'likes' have increased this year to a total of 45,017 - an increase of 120 per cent from 2010.
Touchdown Atlantic and Expansion
This year's Scotiabank Touchdown Atlantic in Moncton, New Brunswick, featuring a regular season game between the Calgary Stampeders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, was a success. The accompanying festival was well attended, the game approached a sell out, and the entire event provided us with another opportunity to connect with CFL fans across Atlantic Canada. We continue to assess future opportunities in Moncton. In 2012, the 100th Grey Cup and a number of important initiatives to mark the milestone will consume much of our time, energy and focus. We certainly plan to include Moncton and Atlantic Canada in those 100th Grey Cup celebrations. As well, we continue to evaluate the prospect of a tenth team in the CFL. The Commissioner has struck a special committee of prominent Atlantic Canadians to assist him in determining whether a team in Atlantic Canada can succeed in a way that elevates the region and serves the long term interests of the Canadian Football League and its existing clubs. (We reference a tenth team because we are confident that Ottawa will return to the CFL, with the right owners and in a tremendously refurbished venue, in the near future.)
"This year, we've seen unprecedented parity, historic records, and amazing turnarounds on the field, higher attendance in the stands, and new records for revenue from league wide sponsorships," Cohon said, at his annual State of the League news conference.
"And there are tremendous opportunities for us as we look ahead. The excitement building towards the historic 100th Grey Cup in 2012 is a chance to connect with millions of new fans. And the new stadium construction happening across the country has the potential to transform the CFL fan experience for generations to come."
The league's continued growth can be seen in the fact that attendance, licensing, and fan engagement on CFL.ca and the league's social media platforms are all up, Cohon said.
And despite an uncertain economy in much of Canada, sponsorship revenue is up 16 per cent from a year ago, and it was up 29 per cent in 2010 compared to 2009.
The CFL remains Canada's number one summer sports television property, and is second only to hockey overall.
Over the first two years of a new television ratings system, the CFL on TSN and RDS combined has attracted 789,000 viewers per regular season game.
For the 100th Grey Cup in 2012, the league is planning a special Grey Cup tour, unique events in CFL cities and surrounding communities, and a number of commemorative programs, all culminating in a tremendous festival and game in Toronto one year from now.
"We want to build on the success of 99th Grey Cup here in Vancouver, and celebrate our Cup, our country and what the two have come to mean to each other," Cohon said.
"But we want to do more than share the experience with our current supporters. We want to ignite the passion for our league in a new contingent of CFL fans, and re-ignite it in what some call a lost generation of CFL fans."
But the biggest opportunity facing the league is the boom in stadium construction in Canada, with a beautifully refurbished BC Place opening here this past fall, and new stadiums opening in Winnipeg next year, in Hamilton in 2014, and in Ottawa as early as 2014, if the approvals and legal processes continue to proceed in the national capital, which is eager for the return of CFL football.
"At the same time, we've seen facilities upgraded in Edmonton and Montreal, and there is plenty of discussion about what the future may hold for Regina and Calgary," Cohon said.
"There is tremendous potential here for a leap forward for the live fan experience - and a leap forward for our business."
While the league is on a solid footing, it does recognize that it faces a challenge in southern Ontario, and particularly Toronto, Cohon said.
The CFL Board of Governors recently approved a million dollar investment in research, marketing and community initiatives in Southern Ontario, with the funds contributed by all teams and shared evenly by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts.
"We are united and focused on the importance of doing whatever it takes - particularly with the 100th Grey Cup coming up in Toronto - to turn this challenge into what it is: the biggest opportunity our league has, in Canada's biggest market," Cohon said.
It has been an exciting year for the CFL on the field, he added, with five of the eight teams all tied for the best overall record going into the final week of the season, Anthony Calvillo and Paul McCallum setting new all-time records for passing yardage and consecutive made field goals, respectively, and several teams enjoying turn around seasons.
"It's appropriate that this Sunday's 99th Grey Cup match up features two exciting teams returning to the championship after an absence, and playing in a state of the art facility, because our future is all about great football in a league where anything can happen and fans can count on a great experience," Cohon said.
"All of us who love our game, our league and our cherished Grey Cup, have a lot to look forward to, this weekend, in 2012, and for decades to come."
***
VANCOUVER - Canadian Football League Commissioner Mark Cohon reported on the state of the league this morning at a news conference with the national and local media.
The following backgrounder contains additional information on key aspects of the CFL and its business.
The Game
Parity: An unprecedented five-way tie for the best overall record heading into the final week of the season.
Excitement: Exactly 50 per cent of our regular season games were decided in the final three minutes, proving that it's true that no lead is safe in our league, compared to 49 per cent in 2010 and 40 per cent in 2009.
Turnarounds: Winnipeg and Edmonton contested for first after finishing last the year before, and BC was the hottest team in the league in the second half of the season after starting 0 and 5.
History: Anthony Calvillo became pro football's all-time passing yardage leader (73,412 yards at end of regular season), as well as the CFL's all-time passer. He also broke the completed touchdown passes record and the overall completions mark. Paul McCallum set the record for most consecutive successful field goals attempts at 30 and the highest percentage of successful attempts (94.3%). And Geroy Simon came within a mere 66 yards of setting a new all-time mark for receiving yards by a CFL player (Simon has 15,087 yards while former Bomber great Milt Stegall has 15,153). And Chad Owens had more than 3,000 combined yards for the second consecutive year, making him the first player in pro football to achieve that feat.
There was also what you might describe as enhanced Canadian content: 2011 featured the resurgence of the Canadian running back. Jerome Messam, Jon Cornish and Andrew Harris all had starting assignments with their respective teams. Messam ran for more than 1,000 yards (1,057 total).
Scoring was down slightly, from 53 to 50 points per game.
The pace of our games improved this year. The average length from the advertised game time was 3 hours, 2 minutes and 25 seconds - down two minutes and forty seconds from 2010. The average game time from actual kick off was 2 hours, 53 minutes and 23 seconds - down two minutes and 54 seconds from 2010.
The number of flags per regular season game was down, from 19.3 to 18.2.
Objectionable conduct was up 37 per cent. We flagged it 11 more times this year than in 2010, following a directive from the Commissioner to crack down on taunting and trash talk. Roughing the passer penalties were up 17 per cent. Although we've flagged it six more times in 2011, we've been consistently focused on this in recent years.
No Yards was up 12 per cent, or 16 more flags, this season. That's due to a change in our rules that punishes teams for punting out of bounds to avoid a kick return. Flags for punting out of bounds were down 24 per cent.
Offside was down 10 per cent or 25 flags, procedure was down 17 per cent or 26 flags, and illegal contact was down 47 per cent or 17 flags. These were the result of teams and officials adjusting to standards set by CFL coaches in cooperation with the CFL officiating department.
Stadiums
The biggest long term threat to our league four years ago was crumbling infrastructure in many of our cities, with too many of our teams playing in historic and revered but out-of-date and dilapidated facilities. Today, the opportunities afforded us by new and improved stadiums may be the most exciting part of our bright future.
This breakthrough was highlighted this Fall with the opening of beautifully refurbished BC Place Stadium, a half-billion dollar project complete with retractable roof that will, of course, host this year's Grey Cup game.
Next season, the Blue Bombers will move into a new stadium in Winnipeg. In 2014, the Tiger-Cats launch a new era in a new home. And this year, the CFL group in Ottawa made tremendous progress on their stadium project, winning important decisions at the Ontario Municipal Board and in the courts. If a subsequent appeal results in their favour, construction of a revamped stadium at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa could start this Spring, paving the way for the return of the CFL to the nation's capital as early as 2014.
And all of this is on top of the expansion of McGill Stadium in Montreal, improvements to the facilities in Edmonton and Calgary, and ongoing discussions about a new or improved stadium in Saskatchewan for the Riders.
The potential to improve the live fan experience, the look of our broadcasts, revenue from things such as signage and private boxes, is highly significant.
Attendance
Attendance, which still represents the lion's share of our teams' revenues, was strong. We averaged almost 28,000 (27,799) per regular season game, up 2.4 per cent from a year ago. And more than 2 million Canadians will attend a CFL game again this year.
Attendance for the Eastern Semi-Final in Montreal was 33,051 - up from 27,828 a year ago in Hamilton.
Attendance for the Western Semi-final in Edmonton was 30,183 - up from 29,215 a year ago in Regina.
Attendance for the Western Final in Vancouver was 41,313 - up from 35,650 a year ago in Calgary.
Television Ratings
The CFL continues to be the number one summer television sports property in Canada, and second only to hockey overall.
We consistently draw bigger Canadian television audiences than the NFL, Blue Jays, and MLS, to name just a few.
Over the course of two seasons featuring a new ratings system, we have averaged 789,000 viewers for regular season games for the CFL on TSN and RDS.
The average audience for the CFL on TSN and RDS in 2011 has been 701,000 viewers per game - down from 876,000 a year ago.
The Eastern Semi-Final in Montreal had an average audience of 1.1 million on TSN and 500,000 on RDS for a combined total of 1.6 million. That's up 33 per cent from 2010 when the combined TSN-RDS number for the Semi-Final in Hamilton was 1.2 million (1,075,000 on TSN and 125,000 on RDS).
The Eastern Semi-final audience peaked this year at 3 million viewers, when the Alouettes and Tiger-Cats went into overtime.
The Western Semi-Final in Edmonton had an average audience of 1,253,000 on TSN and 135,000 on RDS for a combined audience of 1.4 million.
That's down 33 per cent from 2010 when the combined TSN-RDS number for the semi-final in Regina was 2.1 million (2 million for TSN and 100,000 on RDS).
Overall, more than 7.1 million Canadians tuned in to watch some of the CFL Semi-Finals this year on TSN.
The Eastern Final in Winnipeg had an average audience of 1.4 million on TSN and RDS combined (1.27 million on TSN).
The Western Final in Vancouver had an average audience of 1.9 million on TSN and RDS combined (1.8 million on TSN).
Overall, 7.5 million Canadians tuned in to watch some of the CFL Finals this year on TSN and RDS.
Experts, including our partners at TSN, have told us fluctuations are to be expected in a new ratings system. That's one reason why TSN uses a two year rolling average for ratings when selling advertising. There's no doubt our product remains a very strong one.
The 98th Grey Cup in 2010 boasted an average audience of 6.2 million while the 97th Grey Cup in 2009 boasted an average audience of 6.1 million, making them one of the most watched television programs of any kind in this country.
Partnerships
This has been an excellent year for partnerships, highlighted by the highest partnership revenue in CFL history.
Our revenue from national partnerships is up 16 per cent from a year ago, and it was up 29 per cent in 2010 from 2009.
We added a number of new partners, including Sun Life Financial, Dove for Men and Sears Travel. And we renewed several long-term partnerships, including Molson, MBNA, and Pepsi/Gatorade/Frito-Lay.
RONA, Scotiabank, TELUS, Nissan and Tim Hortons, among others, continued to expand the activation of their partnership with the CFL.
Football Operations and Officiating
Our football operations department has introduced in recent years a number of technical improvements to our game, including video review and quarterback headsets.
It has now shifted its focus to player development and recruitment.
Our annual Evaluation Camp for the top prospects for the CFL Canadian Draft gets bigger and better each year. In 2012, the event will coincide with CFL Congress in Toronto, as executives and staff from all eight teams converge on Toronto to make plans for the upcoming season and the 100th Grey Cup.
2012 will also feature enhanced efforts to market our league to players and coaches in the U.S., with the goal of exposing our product to as many potential CFL import players as possible. Players and coaches from schools big and small will be invited to Discover Our League and visit CFL.ca/tryouts.
We will have a presence at the 2012 American Football Coaches Association convention in San Antonio in January, where we will host a reception for more than 250 U.S. college coaches. Our guest speaker for the evening will be Mike Riley, the former Winnipeg Blue Bomber head coach who is currently Oregon State's head coach and also was a head coach in the NFL.
This year, our officiating department borrowed a page from football teams by introducing the concept of "position coaches". Officials assigned to various spots and responsibilities on the field were each assigned a coach to provide season-long instruction and mentorship tailored to their particular assignment
Every official is evaluated on every play in every game. We cut down the number of officials doing our games after the pre-season and again after Labour Day. The crews that grade out the best, as always, are rewarded with playoff and Grey Cup assignments.
Digital
Our fans engagement with our league online and through social media continues to experience strong growth.
More and more fans are logging onto CFL.ca every month - total unique visitors were up an average of 20 per cent each month this year compared to last.
Investment in more video production is paying off - video views were up 23 per cent this year compared to last.
CFL applications on smart phones and tablets have nearly tripled in audience - they're up 185 per cent.
The @CFL Twitter feed currently had 18,704 followers at the end of the regular season - a 136 per cent increase over a year ago.
CFL Facebook 'likes' have increased this year to a total of 45,017 - an increase of 120 per cent from 2010.
Touchdown Atlantic and Expansion
This year's Scotiabank Touchdown Atlantic in Moncton, New Brunswick, featuring a regular season game between the Calgary Stampeders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, was a success. The accompanying festival was well attended, the game approached a sell out, and the entire event provided us with another opportunity to connect with CFL fans across Atlantic Canada. We continue to assess future opportunities in Moncton. In 2012, the 100th Grey Cup and a number of important initiatives to mark the milestone will consume much of our time, energy and focus. We certainly plan to include Moncton and Atlantic Canada in those 100th Grey Cup celebrations. As well, we continue to evaluate the prospect of a tenth team in the CFL. The Commissioner has struck a special committee of prominent Atlantic Canadians to assist him in determining whether a team in Atlantic Canada can succeed in a way that elevates the region and serves the long term interests of the Canadian Football League and its existing clubs. (We reference a tenth team because we are confident that Ottawa will return to the CFL, with the right owners and in a tremendously refurbished venue, in the near future.)
FRIDAY RODSERVATIONS
VANCOUVER -- I'll do my best to make you feel like you're here with plenty of photos this weekend.
• So far, Vancouver gets an "A" for its Grey Cup hospitality and we're just getting started. There are signs EVERYWHERE and things don't even get rolling until today. If you live in Vancouver and don't know the Grey Cup's going on, you're stoned.
• There are Rider fans all over the place. They're not as far as the eye can see (like last year in Edmonton) but it could end up that way by tomorrow.
• There is a conspiratory theory afoot. Carm Carteri wonders why Wally Buono is promoting Lions defensive coordinator Mike Benevides to be the next coach of the Riders. Why does Wally seem to willing to give him up?
• I've been watching the news out here. Remember when Vancouver liquor stores closed early on the day of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals? That worked out real well didn't it? Liqour stores will remain open on Sunday, but there will be no downtown venues to watch the Grey Cup outdoors.
• Four former Vancouver Mayors are advocating the legalization of marijuana. Of all the great things about this city, unfortunately there's also that.
• The forecast for Grey Cup Sunday is rain and 10 degrees Celsius. Not that it matters.
• The BC Lions are favoured by 7.5 points over the Blue Bombers on Sunday. I'd like to see them score 7.5 points.
• Carm brought up a great point: Bomber QB Buck Pierce will play with wreckless abandon on Sunday. There's nothing to save it for. That could make the Bombers extra dangerous.
• Don't forget the Vanier Cup Friday night. It's Laval vs McMaster on TSN.
• Whatever happened to the CHL's Summit Series?
• The 6:55am Westjet flight to Vancouver on Thursday was jammed. Absolutely packed. Most were wearing Rider green. Among the honoured guests were Larry Mueller, Jason Clermont, Jason Huschi, Greg Fieger and Doug Molleken.
• Just before departure, I receive an email from John Lynch who writes that he was up all night Wednesday tossing and turning about the Rider coaching situation. His wife is ready to kick him out.
• I was up all night Wednesday cleaning up from an 11-year old who tossed her cookies all over the bathroom. We are at different stages in our lives, Lynch and me.
• From Calgary to Vancouver I flew beside Lyle Bates, the father of Lions assistant coach Kelly Bates. What a treat the Dalmeny, Saskatchewan resident is! WOW!! The flight seemed to take only five minutes. We'd been waiting to meet for a long time. Buck Pierce flashed across the TV screen on the plane and Lyle yelled "Hey that's Buck! I like him!" What a TREAT Lyle Bates is.
• Driving through downtown Vancouver makes me think about all the addicts and junkies I interviewed for the Regina Pats/RCMP Project First Goal Drug Prevention video. I wonder if they're still alive. I'm embarrassed to say this is the first time I've wondered that.
• I still can't believe the hostile reaction I got from Bomber fans regarding my CFL.ca column which predicted the BC Lions will win the Grey Cup in a rout. I even heard from the Bomber head coach's wife! Truth be told, I'd prefer it if the Bombers won. I just don't think it will happen.
• How can you not be excited for the 2011 Grey Cup even if the Riders aren't in the game? I've heard that lots at home this week and that is SUCH a joke. Rider fans certainly have been spoiled for the last number of years. Some of them need a lesson in being a CFL fan. I was brought up to watch the Grey Cup EVERY year, and the Riders were rarely in it back then.
• That brings me to the marketing slogan I thought of for the Riders in 2012. BE A FAN. I saw that on a sign at an NFL game recently and thought 'what a great statement'. It encompasses so much but mostly it says 'cheer for your team and don't be a whiny little suck just because they might happen to lose'. BE A FAN!
• The Conference Board of Canada report that six cities - not including Saskatoon - could support a CFL team, was an interesting one this week. I'm all for the CFL in Saskatoon. I'm all for the CFL expanding to 12 or 14 teams. If the league waits for every team in the league currently to make money before expansion, we'll never expand. And show me a league, other than the NFL, where every team is making money. It just doesn't happen.
• Speaking of Saskatoon, this Roughrider season begins and ends with GM Brendan Taman. Whomever the Saskatoon product hires as head coach will have a mighty task ahead of him but the fortunes of this time ultimately hang on Taman's shoulders. He seems willing to assume the pressure.
• Ran into Montreal Alouettes cornerback Paul Woldu at Gold's Gym this week. You think it's weird not to have the Riders in the Grey Cup this year? Imagine being Woldu. He just completed his fourth CFL season and this is the first time he hasn't been in the Grey Cup.
• The 2009 Grey Cup is coming up a lot in Vancouver as the biggest blunder in CFL championship history. It may be the biggest blunder in sports history. If there's a bigger one, please let me know what it is.
• For those who say that game didn't come down to the 13th man, they're wrong. When the clock read 0:00, the Riders were up 27-26. It DID come down to that play.
• The 2007 Grey Cup will never be shown on ESPN Classics. Unless they feature "Insomnia Week".
• But the Riders won the game. For those who say "you only won because Kevin Glenn broke his arm", then they'd better say to Montreal "you only won because the Riders had 13 men on the field." It works both ways.
• It's nice to see Roy Shivers has his team in the Grey Cup (BC). No one ever said Roy can't find talent. Although, if memory serves, Bob O'Billiovich found Travis Lulay for the Lions. I have to make that correction because earlier this week I said on air that Shiv did.
• Sportsnet is on 24/7 in my hotel's lounge, NOT TSN. I notice these things. Do you? Sportsnet is very big out here.
• I learned this week Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall has 4200 Twitter followers. The last I looked, Darian Durant has over 10,000. Saskatoon entrepreneur Brett Wilson has over 33,000 which I believe would be the most for a Saskatchewan resident. That's IF Brett Wilson still lives here.
• Interesting quote from ESPN Radio's Colin Cowherd this week regarding Gretzky's trade to L.A.: "Edmonton is irrelevant by CANADIAN standards. They're invisible by ours."
• Press Box Sports Bar Friday Buffet lineup: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots and gravy, lasagna and garlic bread, BBQ chicken wings, pork cutlets with a mushroom cream sauce and Caesar salad.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND! TALK TO YOU AT 5
RP
• So far, Vancouver gets an "A" for its Grey Cup hospitality and we're just getting started. There are signs EVERYWHERE and things don't even get rolling until today. If you live in Vancouver and don't know the Grey Cup's going on, you're stoned.
• There are Rider fans all over the place. They're not as far as the eye can see (like last year in Edmonton) but it could end up that way by tomorrow.
• There is a conspiratory theory afoot. Carm Carteri wonders why Wally Buono is promoting Lions defensive coordinator Mike Benevides to be the next coach of the Riders. Why does Wally seem to willing to give him up?
• I've been watching the news out here. Remember when Vancouver liquor stores closed early on the day of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals? That worked out real well didn't it? Liqour stores will remain open on Sunday, but there will be no downtown venues to watch the Grey Cup outdoors.
• Four former Vancouver Mayors are advocating the legalization of marijuana. Of all the great things about this city, unfortunately there's also that.
• The forecast for Grey Cup Sunday is rain and 10 degrees Celsius. Not that it matters.
• The BC Lions are favoured by 7.5 points over the Blue Bombers on Sunday. I'd like to see them score 7.5 points.
• Carm brought up a great point: Bomber QB Buck Pierce will play with wreckless abandon on Sunday. There's nothing to save it for. That could make the Bombers extra dangerous.
• Don't forget the Vanier Cup Friday night. It's Laval vs McMaster on TSN.
• Whatever happened to the CHL's Summit Series?
• The 6:55am Westjet flight to Vancouver on Thursday was jammed. Absolutely packed. Most were wearing Rider green. Among the honoured guests were Larry Mueller, Jason Clermont, Jason Huschi, Greg Fieger and Doug Molleken.
• Just before departure, I receive an email from John Lynch who writes that he was up all night Wednesday tossing and turning about the Rider coaching situation. His wife is ready to kick him out.
• I was up all night Wednesday cleaning up from an 11-year old who tossed her cookies all over the bathroom. We are at different stages in our lives, Lynch and me.
• From Calgary to Vancouver I flew beside Lyle Bates, the father of Lions assistant coach Kelly Bates. What a treat the Dalmeny, Saskatchewan resident is! WOW!! The flight seemed to take only five minutes. We'd been waiting to meet for a long time. Buck Pierce flashed across the TV screen on the plane and Lyle yelled "Hey that's Buck! I like him!" What a TREAT Lyle Bates is.
• Driving through downtown Vancouver makes me think about all the addicts and junkies I interviewed for the Regina Pats/RCMP Project First Goal Drug Prevention video. I wonder if they're still alive. I'm embarrassed to say this is the first time I've wondered that.
• I still can't believe the hostile reaction I got from Bomber fans regarding my CFL.ca column which predicted the BC Lions will win the Grey Cup in a rout. I even heard from the Bomber head coach's wife! Truth be told, I'd prefer it if the Bombers won. I just don't think it will happen.
• How can you not be excited for the 2011 Grey Cup even if the Riders aren't in the game? I've heard that lots at home this week and that is SUCH a joke. Rider fans certainly have been spoiled for the last number of years. Some of them need a lesson in being a CFL fan. I was brought up to watch the Grey Cup EVERY year, and the Riders were rarely in it back then.
• That brings me to the marketing slogan I thought of for the Riders in 2012. BE A FAN. I saw that on a sign at an NFL game recently and thought 'what a great statement'. It encompasses so much but mostly it says 'cheer for your team and don't be a whiny little suck just because they might happen to lose'. BE A FAN!
• The Conference Board of Canada report that six cities - not including Saskatoon - could support a CFL team, was an interesting one this week. I'm all for the CFL in Saskatoon. I'm all for the CFL expanding to 12 or 14 teams. If the league waits for every team in the league currently to make money before expansion, we'll never expand. And show me a league, other than the NFL, where every team is making money. It just doesn't happen.
• Speaking of Saskatoon, this Roughrider season begins and ends with GM Brendan Taman. Whomever the Saskatoon product hires as head coach will have a mighty task ahead of him but the fortunes of this time ultimately hang on Taman's shoulders. He seems willing to assume the pressure.
• Ran into Montreal Alouettes cornerback Paul Woldu at Gold's Gym this week. You think it's weird not to have the Riders in the Grey Cup this year? Imagine being Woldu. He just completed his fourth CFL season and this is the first time he hasn't been in the Grey Cup.
• The 2009 Grey Cup is coming up a lot in Vancouver as the biggest blunder in CFL championship history. It may be the biggest blunder in sports history. If there's a bigger one, please let me know what it is.
• For those who say that game didn't come down to the 13th man, they're wrong. When the clock read 0:00, the Riders were up 27-26. It DID come down to that play.
• The 2007 Grey Cup will never be shown on ESPN Classics. Unless they feature "Insomnia Week".
• But the Riders won the game. For those who say "you only won because Kevin Glenn broke his arm", then they'd better say to Montreal "you only won because the Riders had 13 men on the field." It works both ways.
• It's nice to see Roy Shivers has his team in the Grey Cup (BC). No one ever said Roy can't find talent. Although, if memory serves, Bob O'Billiovich found Travis Lulay for the Lions. I have to make that correction because earlier this week I said on air that Shiv did.
• Sportsnet is on 24/7 in my hotel's lounge, NOT TSN. I notice these things. Do you? Sportsnet is very big out here.
• I learned this week Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall has 4200 Twitter followers. The last I looked, Darian Durant has over 10,000. Saskatoon entrepreneur Brett Wilson has over 33,000 which I believe would be the most for a Saskatchewan resident. That's IF Brett Wilson still lives here.
• Interesting quote from ESPN Radio's Colin Cowherd this week regarding Gretzky's trade to L.A.: "Edmonton is irrelevant by CANADIAN standards. They're invisible by ours."
• Press Box Sports Bar Friday Buffet lineup: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots and gravy, lasagna and garlic bread, BBQ chicken wings, pork cutlets with a mushroom cream sauce and Caesar salad.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND! TALK TO YOU AT 5
RP
Thursday, November 24, 2011
TSN'S GREY CUP BY THE NUMBERS
5 million – Number of viewers for last year's Grey Cup broadcast on TSN
52,511– Projected attendance at BC Place on Sunday
9,750 – Metres of camera cable needed for the Grey Cup broadcast (equal to nearly 100 CFL football fields)
1,050– Combined weight in pounds of the CFL on TSN panel (1000 lbs without Dave Randorf)
160 – Number of technical and production staff working on TSN's Grey Cup broadcast
150 – Number of microphones TSN will use on Grey Cup Sunday
120 – Projected number of tweets from TSN's Football Insider Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) during Grey Cup weekend
55 – Estimated number of times "Swaggerville" will be mentioned during TSN's two-day Grey Cup coverage
42 – Percentage of the country's populationwho tuned in to watch some or all of last year's Grey Cup broadcast on TSN and RDS
37 – Number of cameras that will be used during the Grey Cup broadcast – includes a "cable cam" and helicopter camera
23 – Number of hours of football programming on TSN during Grey Cup Weekend
16 – Number of Grey Cup games in which members of the CFL on TSN panel have played
15 – Estimated number of times Brian Williams will tell viewers what time it is during the broadcast
13 – Number of times TSN broadcaster Chris Cuthbert has called the Grey Cup game
6 – Ways fans can tune in to the live Grey Cup broadcast – TSN, TSN.ca, TSN Mobile TV, TSN Radio, Team 1410 Vancouver and in French on RDS
3 – Number of songs half-time performer Nickelback will perform during the Pepsi Max Halftime Show
2 – Men in the driver's seat on Sunday. Producer Jon Hynes and director Paul Hemming have worked together on four Grey Cup broadcasts
1 – Grey Cup champion
The 99th GREY CUP airs on Sunday, Nov. 27 on TSN – coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET.
THE VIEW FROM OUR HOTEL
GREY CUP OFFICIALS NAMED
2011 Grey Cup Officials
Referee #28 Andre Proulx
Umpire #24 Bill Hagans
Head Linesman #35 Don Cousens
Line Judge #33 Michel Pinsonneault
Side Judge #75 Dave Gatza
Back Judge #21 Don Carmichael
Field Judge #51 Bryan Taylor
Alternate #27 Jeff Harbin
Alternate #72 Al Bradbury
Replay Official - Jake Ireland
Replay Official - Alan McColman
OIL KINGS/TIPS TRADE
Maxwell is a four year WHL veteran and last season posted 41 goals and 25 assists with the Tips. This season, he totaled 14 points and 11 goals in 19 games and over the course of his career the native of Manhattan Beach, California has amassed 107 goals, 88 assists for 195 points and 150 PIMs.
"We're very happy to acquire a player of Tyler's calibre." said Oil Kings GM Bob Green "He's a gifted goal scorer, he improves our team speed and we think he can add some offense and depth to a forward group that is already very strong."
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