Wednesday, January 30, 2008

SportZone lineup for Jan 29

A big thank you to the folks who came out for last night's taping on a bitterly cold evening in this part of the world. As per usual, the show airs Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Thursday at 3 p.m. on Access channel 7.

SportZone Guests for January 29/08
Community Co-Host – Corey Matthews


1. A profile of the Campbell Tartans senior girls basketball team. Guests: Sarah Hudson & Steph Kaczmer (players).

2. A preview of the 2008 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, being held in Regina February 16-24. Guest: Cathy Trowell (Event Co-Chair).

3. A profile of the Regina Multisport Club, home to hard-core marathoners, triathletes and friends. Guests: Mark Gibson (Club President) & Milos Kostic (2006 Saskatchewan Master Athlete of the Year).

4. A profile of the University of Regina women’s hockey team. Guests: Karissa Swan & Kelsey Lifeson (Players).

5. A University of Regina Ram signs with the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos. Guest: Mat Nesbitt (Linebacker).

Monday, January 28, 2008

A bump in the road

Something funny happened on the way to an easy Regina Pats victory over Saskatoon last night - the Pats forgot to show up for the third period! Regina notched a 5-4 overtime victory, thanks to Scott Doucet's second o-t marker in three games. The Pats actually held a 4-1 lead late in the 2nd period, before the Blades made a game of it with three unanswered goals.

Last night's game confirmed it, Blades (ex-Giants/Pats, etc...) pest Mike Reich really is a miscreant. Reich got into two scraps last night, getting the decision over Kirt Hill in the first, and then battling rookie Garrett Mitchell to a draw in the 2nd. Although, to his credit (sarcasm on) Reich did get in several good (cheap) shots after the officials moved in and were holding Mitchell's arms. What happened to calling a minor penalty when that happens?

The same thing happened in a subsequent fight involving Saskatoon's Teagan Zahn, who also could only throw punches when Regina's Colten Teubert was restrained. Hey zebras, look it up - that's a penalty. Real classy bunch they've got in Saskatoon this year.

The win keeps the Pats three points back of Calgary for top spot in the Eastern Conference. The Pats and Blades go at it again Friday night at the Brandt Centre. Should be entertaining.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Crime and punishment in the WHL

These two stories are "borrowed" from Gregg Drinnan's "Taking Note" blog. I had always heard Prince George was a rough town, but a mid-afternoon shooting outside of a Moxie's? Aye carumba!

CRIME BEAT I: WHL referees Trevor Hrycuik and Graham Skilliter were in a Prince George restaurant Thursday afternoon when a 21-year-old man was shot to death in what RCMP spokesman Const. Gary Goodwin said was “a targetted shooting.” The shooting took place outside Moxie’s Classic Grill at about 3:45 p.m. "All of the shootings that we've had recently have been drug related and we are presuming this one is as well,” Goodwin told thme Prince George Citizen. One witness told the newspaper that five shots were fired, but the police hadn’t confirmed that. . . . Hrycuik and Skilliter were in Prince George to officate Thursday’s game between the Cougars and Everett Silvertips. . . .

THE CRIME BEAT II: According to the Red Deer Advocate, three Rebels players put the stops to a robbery on Wednesday afternoon. Brandon Sutter, Luke Egener and Brennen Wray, according to the paper, “were in a vehicle following a team practice when they noticed a person fleeing on foot from Visions in south Red Deer. The Rebels followed the thief in their truck and helped recover an iPod Touch — which they returned to the store manager — after cornering the thief in a parking lot. The robber, however, eluded their capture.” . . .

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

SportZone lineup for Jan 22

Here's the lineup for this week's show, airing Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Thursday at 3 p.m. on Access channel 7:

SportZone Guests for January 22/08
Community Co-Host – Carlo Palazzo

1. A preview of the 2008 Trans-Canada Clash, a fundraising hockey game between alumni members of the Regina Pats and Moose Jaw Warriors. Guest: Kelly Rempel (Organizing Committee Chair).

2. The revamped Regina Pats are on a roll in the 2nd half of the WHL season. Guest: Logan Pyett (Pats captain).

3. A profile of the University of Regina wrestling team. Guests: Alex McStay, Jarret Coels & Aaron Frombach (Wrestlers).

4. A preview of the 2008 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, being held in Regina February 16-24. Guest: Marcia Gudereit (Event Ambassador).

5. A look at the some of the opportunities for disabled skiers at the Regina Ski Club, through the adapted alpine program. Guest: Craig Abernethy & Gord Poulton (RSC Executive).

6. January’s almost over – how are those New Year’s “get in shape” resolutions coming? Guest: Dan Yaskowich (Regina Court & Fitness Club Fitness Director).

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Fergie's out, Fletcher's in

The Toronto Maple Leafs have done the expected, and fired General Manager John Ferguson Jr. The Leafs will hold a news conference this afternoon to make it official. Sliding into the GM's chair is Cliff Fletcher, the 72-year old former Toronto, Phoenix and Calgary GM. Fletcher will run the show for about six months, then move into another executive position with Toronto, likely as team president.

So, will Fletcher convince Mats Sundin to waive the no-trade clause in his contract? The Leafs captain would be a highly sought-after addition to any contending team's roster.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Damn!

A perfectly fine weekend of hibernating with the munchkin was spoiled last night by the Green Bay Packers' 23-20 overtime loss to the New York Giants in the NFC championship game. The Pack had the homefield advantage, brutally cold weather (which they're allegedly used to in Green Bay) on their side, and the "other" Manning (Eli) at quarterback for the Giants.

However, the Giants - and especially Manning and receiver Plaxico Burress - outplayed the Pack on the frozen tundra. In fact, if it weren't for a couple of field goal misses from ex-CFLer Lawrence Tynes, this game wouldn't have even gone to overtime. And, although I don't want to, you have to give Tynes credit for rebounding to kick the winning 47-yard field goal in those conditions.

I'm not sure who calls the offensive plays for the Pack. Is it head coach Mike McCarthy? His offensive coordinator? Whomever it is should have that responsibility taken away from him. Throwing a wide-side out in overtime when your quarterback has frozen hands? That's a mistake not even a high school coach would make! And losing seven and ten yards on completed passes? Screen passes repeatedly stuffed? Brutal.

Stupid, stupid playcalling did the Packers in. That and four penalties on a Giants scoring drive. Chalk it up to inexperience, I guess. Either way, New England should have a fairly easy time with the NFC champs in the Super Bowl. Still, it would have been nice to watch Favre, Jon Ryan and crew in the big dance with the Pats. Next year, perhaps?

On the bright side, the Regina Pats have won six in a row, after sweeping a three game tour of Central Division clubs this weekend. The Pats only trail Calgary by two points for top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Obviously, his kid is defective

This story gives all of us Packer parents something to think about! Fortunately, young Jacob has no qualms about wearing Green Bay gear to cheer on our squad. What was this dad thinking? Everyone knows velcro is the way to go...

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

One and out

Saskatchewan Roughrider Head Coach Kent Austin has resigned, after accepting the offensive coordinator's position at the University of Mississippi. Austin starred at quarterback for Ole Miss in the early 80's, before launching his CFL career.

Austin only coached in Regina for one year, but what an impact he made! Austin led the Riders to only the third Grey Cup in franchise history. Thanks for the memories, Kent. Best wishes as you return home.

So, who's next? Richie Hall? Mike Gibson? Greg Marshall? Tom Higgins?

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

A broken record

Here's a big surprise! Seriously, is there a stupider professional athlete walking the earth than Adam "Pacman" Jones?

Monday, January 14, 2008

Weekend in review

It was a most-enjoyable sports viewing weekend, if I do say so myself. The Regina Pats notched a pair of victories, as their new-look lineup continues to develop into a cohesive unit. I was particularly impressed with Friday night's 5-2 victory over the defending Memorial Cup champion Vancouver Giants. The Pats were up 5-0 before the Giants scored a couple of late goals - both on 5-on-3 power plays. If Regina continues to play like that (tough, hard-working and smart), we could be in for an exciting spring around here.

Young Jacob had a hockey game of his own Sunday afternoon in Gray, Saskatchewan. I was pleased to be there, at least until I realized HE was not! Give me strength...

And then there's the matter of the Green Bay Packers. The Pack spotted Mitchell Blair's Seahawks a 14-0 advantage before roaring back to take a 42-20 victory. Green Bay will host the New York Giants in next Sunday's NFC Championship game. Welcome to the frozen tundra, Eli Manning! We trust you won't be enjoying your stay.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Pats add a forward

No, it's not Robin Figren from Edmonton. Actually, this one is a bit of a head-scratcher. Jagow has 9 goals. DePape has 7. Granted, he did score 25 last year.

PATS ACQUIRE DEPAPE FROM PRINCE ALBERT

Regina, Saskatchewan –The Regina Pats announced this afternoon that they have made a two player trade with the Prince Albert Raiders. The Pats are acquiring 19 year old forward Ryan DePape, in exchange the Pats are shipping 19 year old forward Jared Jagow and a 3rd round bantam pick in 2008 to the Raiders.

DePape, the native of Winnipeg, MB, was the Raiders 1st Round Bantam Draft pick in 2003 when he was taken 3rd overall. So far this season DePape (6’2”, 214Ib) has scored 7 goals and added 12 assists for 19 points. Last season DePape scored 25 goals and added 31 assists to go along with 79 penalty minutes, in 43 games.

Jagow, the native of Rosetown, SK, has appeared in 35 games with the Pats this season, and has accumulated 9 goals and added 6 assists. Jagow (5’11”, 180lb) came to the Pats as a listed player in 2006, after a strong career with the Moose Jaw AAA Warriors.

“It’s hard to see Jared go, but we believe we have upgraded our team in terms of both offence and size. Ryan will be a good fit for our team and should provide us with additional character and grit down the stretch and in the play-offs.” commented Brent Parker, General Manager of the Regina Pats.

Lineup announced for Top Prospects Game

Forward Jordan Eberle and defenceman Colten Teubert of the Regina Pats will take part in the annual CHL Top Prospects game in Edmonton later this month. The lineups for the annual showcase of the top draft-eligible junior players were announced today by the CHL.

Teubert and Eberle will skate for Team Red, which will be coached by Calgary Hitmen bench boss Kelly Kisio, with help from Lanny McDonald and Mike Vernon. The coaches for Team White are Don Nachbaur (Tri-Cities), Grant Fuhr and Glenn Anderson.

Austin garners NCAA interest

Saskatchewan Roughriders Head Coach Kent Austin is in demand. Funny how winning a Grey Cup in your first year as a CFL bench boss will do that. Anyway, this newspaper report has Austin interviewing today for the offensive coordinator's job at his alma mater, the University of Mississippi. If Austin has aspirations of becoming a head coach down south - and really, why wouldn't he? - this job at Ole Miss would be a giant leap in that direction.

And, to lend a little more credibility to the story, this blog was visited yesterday by somebody from Mississippi (perhaps the reporter who wrote the story), who did a Google search under the terms "Kent Austin's offense". Interesting stuff.

SportZone lineup for Jan 9

It's the first show of 2008! What thrills, chills and spills will we serve up? Guess you'll have to tune in to find out. The show airs Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Thursday at 3 p.m. this week and next week on Access channel 7. Here's the lineup:

SportZone Guests for January 8/08
Community Co-Host – Carlo Palazzo

1. A University of Regina Rams player gets set to take part in the annual East-West Shrine Bowl game in the U.S. Guest: Brendon LaBatte (Rams O-Lineman).

2. An update on goings-on at Regina’s Lonsdale Boxing Club. Guests: Frank Fiacco (Club President) & Morgan Williams (Boxing Coach).

3. An update on the Pilot Butte Storm junior B hockey club. Guests: Jim Jasper (Assistant Coach) & Garrett Ferguson (Defenceman).

4. A profile of the Sheldon-Williams Spartans, considered one of the top senior boys basketball teams in western Canada. Guests: Austin Bates, Addison Docherty & Will Tallman (Players).

5. A profile of Triple Play Sports, Regina’s year-round indoor sports training facility. Guest: Ken Geber (Owner).

6. An update on preparations for the 2009 CIS women’s basketball championships, to be held in Regina. Guest: Twyla Meredith (Host Committee Chair).

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

It's on! Again!

REGINA, SK – The Regina Pats Hockey Club and the Moose Jaw Warriors Hockey Club are pleased to announce the Trans-Canada Clash will once again be taking place this February.

On Saturday, February 9th, members of the Regina Pats alumni will face off against the Moose Jaw Warriors alumni at the Brandt Centre at 1:30 p.m. Funds generated from the event will go towards both team’s education funds.

The Regina Pats and Moose Jaw Warriors are known for having the biggest rivalry in junior hockey, and like last year’s Trans-Canada Clash, this year is shaping up to be a game to remember! Some returning alumni include Dale Derkatch, Stu Grimson and Rod Houk of the Pats and Theoren Fleury, Darryl LaPlante and Pat Beauschene of the Warriors.

Monday, January 07, 2008

Cruising for a bruising

Want to read some really bizarre stuff about Tom Cruise? Check this out. Tempting, but I don't think I'll be buying this book. And what's with that picture? Is Cruise channeling the Beatles these days?

Saturday, January 05, 2008

Watt was that?

The Regina Pats, on the strength of Jordan Eberle's shootout marker, edged the Lethbridge Hurricanes 2-1 tonight. It was a good result for the Pats, especially considering the makeover the lineup has received in the past few days. It will take a while for the team to develop into a cohesive unit, given the numerous players both leaving and arriving.

The newcomers all had an impact of some sort tonight. Ryan Bender was a rock on defence. Fellow blueliner Dallas Jackson showed some skills, especially on the powerplay, where he scored the Pats only goal in regulation time. Scott Doucet brought a solid work ethic, and created a couple of decent scoring opportunities.

That leaves J.D. Watt. I can only hope Watt was too eager to impress his new team, and that caused him to make some poor decisions. Lethbridge scored their only regulation time goal while Watt was serving one of his three penalties on the night - two minors and a major for elbowing, with the accompanying game misconduct. Let's hope that's not a sign of things to come!

Wheeling and dealing!

Oh my, the flood gates are open now! Two more trades by the Pats today, and I don't think they're done yet! Details below:

PATS DEAL ROSS; ACQUIRE BENDER

Regina, Saskatchewan –The Regina Pats announced this morning that they have made a four player trade with the Kamloops Blazers. The Pats are shipping defencemen Nick Ross, Spencer Fraipont and a 4th round pick in 2008 to Blazers in exchange for 20 year old defencemen Ryan Bender and 19 year old defencemen Victor Bartley.

Ross, the native of Lethbridge, AB, has appeared in 41 games with the Pats this season, and has accumulated 3 goals and added 25 assists. Ross (6’1”, 194lb) the 18 year old defencemen was drafted in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, 30th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes. Ross was originally picked up by the Pats in the 2nd round of Bantam Draft, 37th overall.

Fraipont, is in his 2nd season a member of the Regina Pats. Fraipont (6’4, 205Ib) the native of Kelowna, BC has played in 24 games so far this season scoring one goal and adding one assist.

In exchange, the Pats receive two defencemen in Bender and Bartley. With the move, the Pats will fill their 3rd 20 year old roster spot by bringing in Ryan Bender. The 20 year-old Bender (6’2”, 215 lb) is playing in his 5th campaign in the WHL, having played the first four and half seasons in Kamloops. Bender, will be returning to his hometown to finish his WHL career and will be in the line-up tonight as the Pats take on the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Bartley (6’1”, 205 Ib) is in his fourth season in the WHL. The native of Maple Ridge, BC will be playing on his 2nd team in the WHL. So far this season Bartley has scored 3 goals and added 15 assists for 18 points for the Blazers.

“We are very pleased with the addition of Ryan and Victor. Both kids compete very hard and should make us more difficult to play against. It is tough giving up players like Nick and Spencer but we felt that this would be a good deal for everyone involved, we wish the two of them all the best” – Commented Pats General Manager Brent Parker.

PATS & REBELS MAKE 2nd TRADE OF THE WEEK


Regina, Saskatchewan –The Regina Pats announced their second trade this week with the Red Deer Rebels. The Pats are shipping 20 year old forward Troy Ofukany and defencemen Juraj Valach to the Rebels in exchange the Pats will receive 18 year old defencemen Dallas Jackson.

The two teams will also be reversing one part of the trade made earlier this week as the two teams will once again swap draft picks as the Pats will regain their 3rd round pick in 2009 and the Rebels will regain their 4th round pick from 2009.

Ofukany, the native of Kamloops, BC, has appeared in 27games with the Pats this season, and has accumulated 6 goals and added 10 assists. Ofukany (6’0”, 195lb) came to the Pats last season in a 6 player trade with the Kelowna Rockets.

Valach, the native of Zvolen, Slovakia was acquired earlier this season from the Vancouver Giants. Valach (6’6”, 210Ib) has put up good numbers so far this season scoring 7 goals and 14 assists in 41 games for the Pats and Giants.

In exchange, the Pats receive defencemen Dallas Jackson. Jackson (6’2”, 188Ib) is in his first full season in the WHL and has scored 4 goals and added 9 assists in 41 games. The native of Edson, AB was named Top Defencemen in the Albert Midget AAA Hockey League last season scoring 16 goals and adding 18 assists in 32 games for the St. Albert Source for Sport Raiders.

“To make room for Ryan and Victor we had to move a 20 year old and another defencemen. We felt we needed to keep our young guys and get them more ice and we are able to do that and get a good depth defencemen in Jackson and get our 3rd round Bantam pick in 2009 back as well.” – Commented Pats General Manager Brent Parker.

Mega hockey weekend

So, when I looked at the Hockey Regina schedule, I was excited to see young Jacob had no games this weekend. It's been a busy couple of months, so a weekend to rest and relax sounded pretty good. But alas, the Bullets have decided to hold two practices - including one during the gold medal game of the world junior tournament. Nice.

Anyway, that's life in the fast lane of novice rec hockey I suppose. In between practices, I'll take the munchkin and his little buddy to tonight's Pats game. It'll be interesting to see what impact newly acquired J.D. Watt and Scott Doucet have. They might just provide the jump-start this team needs.

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Pats deal with Rebels

Here's the first of what should be a couple of deals made by Pats GM Brent Parker between now and the WHL trade deadline of January 10th. Details below.

Regina, Saskatchewan –The Regina Pats announced this afternoon that they have made a four player trade with the Red Deer Rebels. The Pats are shipping forward Cody Gross, prospect Brett Miller and their 3rd round pick in 2009 to Rebels in exchange for 20 year old forward J.D Watt, Scott Doucet and the Rebels 4th round pick in 2009.

Gross, the native of Winnipeg MB, has appeared in 37 games with the Pats this season, and has accumulated 3 goals and added 6assists. Gross (6’0”, 177lb) suited up for 55 games with the Prince Albert Raiders last season, collecting 6 goals and 5 assists.

Miller, the native of North Battleford, SK, has been playing this season with the Saskatoon Blazers of the SMAAAHL. Miller (6’2”, 190Ib) the 1st round Bantam draft pick of the Pats in 2006 has put up good numbers so far this season at the midget level scoring 13 goals and 19 assists in 25 games.

In exchange, the Pats receive two forwards in Watt and Doucet. With the move, the Pats will fill their 3rd 20 year old roster spot by bringing in J.D Watt. The 20 year-old Watt (6’2”, 203 lb) is playing in his fourth campaign in the WHL, having collected 34 goals and 19 assists in 70 games, last season with the Memorial Cup Champion Vancouver Giants. So far this season, Watt has 7 goals and 8 assists in 29 games played with the Rebels.

Doucet (6’0”, 200 Ib) is also in his fourth season in the WHL. The native of Coquitlam, BC will be playing on his 3rd team as he started his career in Prince Albert with the Raiders. So far this season the 19 year old forward has scored 10 goals and added 9 assists in 40 games.

“We felt that we needed to add depth and secondary scoring to our lineup and this deal addresses that. We have also added some grit and playoff experience which will be valuable to us down the stretch. You have to give up something to make these deals happen and it was tough to give up Cody and Brett, we wish them nothing but success in Red Deer” – Commented Pats General Manager Brent Parker.

Welcome to 2008!

Happy New Year everybody! I hope your New Year's Eve was fun, and safe. I rang in the year in my favourite way, with a cute little blonde by my side. Okay, so the blonde was my 8-year old son. Got a problem with that? I certainly don't!

Did you make any resolutions? Young Jacob made two - to help out around the house (including picking up his stuff without being asked), and to work on raising the puck in hockey. Mine include one popular favourite (dropping a few pounds) and to also find a full-time, permanent job. My contract with the government runs out at the end of March. No panic, but I do need to land something by April.

I also thought it might be worthwhile to suggest a few resolutions for local sports teams/folks:

  1. Regina Pats - Find the passion. Trade for it, if necessary.
  2. Saskatchewan Roughriders - a repeat of 2007, and (on a selfish note) send me the occasional guest for my show.
  3. University of Regina - hoist another championship banner this year. Wrestling, perhaps?
  4. U of R Rams - overcome some key graduations, and earn a Vanier Cup berth.
  5. Rod Pedersen - get some rest.
  6. Rob Vanstone - give up on the Broncos. Plenty of room on the Packers bandwagon!
  7. Jon Ryan - A trip to the Super Bowl, with your kicking cleats included.

Got any other suggestions? Let me know!

In the meantime, I hope 2008 gives 110%, comes together as a team, takes it to another level and overcomes all the obstacles en route to a championship season for you!