Tuesday, September 29, 2009

SportZone lineup for September 29

Here's the lineup for the show, airing Tuesday at 9 pm and Wednesday at 3 pm for the next couple of weeks on Access channel 7 in Regina:

SportZone Guests for September 29/09
Community Co-Host: Corey Matthews

1. (Team profile) An update on the trials and tribulations of the Regina Thunder junior football team. Guests: Jay Smith (Slotback) & Tyler Hogan (Linebacker).

2. (Team profile) An update on the early season struggles of the Regina Pats. Guest: Garrett Mitchell (Pats forward).

3. (U of R segment) A profile of the University of Regina men’s and women’s wrestling teams. Guest: Leo McGee (Head Coach).

4. (Event profile) A preview of a wheelchair rugby tournament being held in Regina October 17/18. Guests: Chris Pearson & Miranda Biletski (Regina Wheelchair Rugby Club).

5. (High school segment - ENG) A profile of the Balfour Redmen high school football team. Reporter: Brendan Pawliw.

6. (U of R segment) A profile of the University of Regina cross country team. Guests: Bruce McCannel (Head Coach) & Wyatt Baiton (Cougar runner).

SportZone trivia: In what year did the University of Regina last win a CIS team championship in wrestling? Email us your answer, and your contact info, for a chance at fame, fortune and fabulous prizes!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Monday musings

A variety of scattered thoughts, on a scattered Monday:

  • All hail the Cougars! I'm delighted to report the RMF atom Cougars scored a convincing 34-13 victory over the Cardinals in the year-end Audio Warehouse Bowl.
  • It'll be nice to have a little more spare time, but I'm really going to miss those kids. They worked their tails off this year.
  • A special thanks to the assistant coaches and the parent volunteers who helped everything run so smoothly this season.
  • Depending on how many players move up to Pee Wee next season, I could be in the market for a couple of assistant coaches. So, if you know anybody...
  • The Riders capped off an ultimate football Saturday by downing Edmonton 23-20.
  • Wes Cates had an excellent game, and if not for a few penalties would have rushed for close to 120 yards.
  • Jamie Boreham may have had his best game as a Rider. Kavis Reed may have had his worst.
  • Ricky Ray should sue his receiving corps for a lack of support. Those guys can't catch a cold!
  • The Regina Pats are now 1-4 on the season. Here's hoping Jordan Eberle's return sparks a moribund offence.
  • If I assume correctly, the Pats top six forwards should be Eberle, Jordan Weal, Brett Leffler, Matt Strueby, Braydon Metz and (when he's back from injury) Garrett Mitchell. That sextet should be able to generate some offence.
  • Linden Rowat was the top goaltender in the WHL's Eastern Conference two years ago, and all the Pats could get for him is a conditional 5th round pick? Sad.
  • Did I mention the atom Cougars won big this weekend?

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

So, who has impressed and/or disappointed you in your local business/retail community this week? I'll start:

Cheers:
  • Novia Cafe. Great food at a great price. What more do you want at lunch time?
  • Lakeview Fine Foods. Surprisingly good selection for such a small grocery store. And excellent customer service. A little pricey, though.

Jeers

  • Concessions at Mosaic Stadium. The J-man and I invested in a burger and a slice of pizza at last Sunday's Rider game. The burger was cold and the pizza was lukewarm. Call me crazy, but I expect a little more for $6 each!
  • Level Corp. Two emails asking when they plan to complete my job went unanswered this week. The next email is to the Better Business Bureau.

Okay, your turn. Let 'er rip!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

SportZone lineup for September 23

Here's the lineup for this week's show, airing on Access 7 in Regina. Only in Regina, you say? Pity!

SportZone Guests for September 23/09
Community Co-Host: Corey Matthews


1. (High school segment) A preview of the 2009/10 Regina high school athletics season. Guest: Greg Johnson (RHSAA Commissioner).

2. (U of R segment) An update on the 2009 season for the University of Regina Rams. ENG segment. Reporter: Brendan Pawliw.

3. (High school segment) A profile of the Riffel Royals 4A high school football team. Guests: Jens Johnson (Running back) & Julius Landry (Offensive lineman).

4. (Event profile) A preview of the 2009 BMO Boo-la-thon bowling fundraiser in support of Kids Help Phone. Guest: Carlo Palazzo (Kids Help Phone Saskatchewan).

5. (Event profile) A preview of the 2009 Regina Sports Hall of Fame awards night. Guests: Tom Shepherd (RSHF Board President) & Frank Kovacs (2009 inductee).

SportZone trivia: How many city (4A and 3A) high school football championships have the Riffel Royals won since 2000? Email us your answer, and your contact information, to claim the title of this week's smartest viewer!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Monday musings

Let's wring out a water-logged noggin, shall we?

  • Ouch. The Riders dropped a 31-27 heartbreaker to the Edmonton Eskimos before a full house at Mosaic Stadium yesterday afternoon.
  • Ricky Ray was absolutely unconscious at quarterback. If his receivers didn't drop a number of balls in the second half, the Eskies would have won in a walk.
  • Kinda scary when Stevie Baggs admits on the post-game show that the defence wasn't ready for the short passing attack the Eskimos threw (literally) at them yesterday.
  • It's interesting to see all the keen football minds on the message boards are blasting the Rider coaching staff for yesterday's loss, criticizing the offensive play calling in the 4th quarter.
  • It's especially interesting when the critics believe they are qualified to critique professional football coaches on the basis of their (critics) many hours playing Madden football in their mom's basement.
  • For instance, one of the reasons the Riders were stuffed trying to run the ball late in the game is because the running back (Cates) ran the wrong play. Watch the replay, as all the blocking went right, and Cates (after Durant had to spin around to get him the ball) ran left. Please don't blame the coaching staff for that.
  • On the flip side, the atom Cougars roared to a 40-6 win over the Bisons in our regular season finale yesterday. The J-man notched five tackles and two forced fumbles. Nice!
  • Next up, a yet to be determined opponent in our lone bowl (playoff) game next weekend. Bring 'em on!
  • Hey, I forget. Have I advised you not to deal with Level Corp? Because you really shouldn't. Glad to help.
  • The '03 Escape needs new tires. Who can set me up with a sweet deal? Anyone?
  • Carlo Palazzo returns to the SportZone airwaves this week. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
  • I'd like to thank the Cowboys' Marion Barber for pulling up lame on his way to a fourth quarter touchdown last night. That cost me my fantasy football league matchup this week, thank you very much!
  • Colten Teubert and Matt Delahey will be back in the Pats' lineup Wednesday night when Regina visits Saskatoon. That will help immensely, providing both players are 100% motivated.
  • So with Delahey back, that leaves the Pats with four 20 year old players. The others are Brett Leffler, Matt Strueby and Mitch Czibere. Which one sits and/or gets sent packing? I'd say it's a choice between Strueby and Czibere right now. Tough call.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Pats drop home opener

The Regina Pats dropped a 3-0 decision to Brandon in Regina's home opener tonight. Quite frankly, the Pats were lucky the score wasn't more lopsided.

The defence needs Colten Teubert and Matt Delahey back yesterday. The kiddie corps was game, but was clearly outmatched in this one. There were at least a couple of defencemen in the lineup tonight who are clearly not ready for prime time viewing.

Up front, Jordan Eberle is also desperately needed. There might be some potential there, but getting a top-six forward by trading Linden Rowat would really help. And at this point, the race for the final 20-year old roster spot (between Matt Strueby and Mitch Czibere, I think) is too close to call.

The bottom line: the lineup the Pats iced tonight isn't going to scare anyone. However, with a few key additions, things could improve significantly.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Friday thoughts

100% original, sleep and exercise deprived thoughts:

  • The Regina Pats open their 2009/10 WHL season tonight in Saskatoon. I hope the Pats do well this year under the coaching tandem of Curtis Hunt and Shaun Sutter.
  • I like to use the number of 20 goal scorers as a gauge of how potent a team's offence is. Here are the potential 20 goal men for the Pats, as I see it: Jordan Eberle, Jordan Weal, Brett Leffler, Matt Strueby, and possibly Garrett Mitchell.
  • Former Pats assistant coach Terry Perkins is the new director of WHL scouting with the Chilliwack Bruins. "Perk" will scout the Eastern Conference teams, and squads in the SJHL. I'm glad to see he landed on his feet after being dismissed by the Pats in the offseason.
  • Is Theo Fleury going to make the Calgary Flames? Wow.
  • Would that be a testament to Fleury's determination and "never say die" attitude, or an indication of how bad the Flames' forwards are?
  • It's been a tough week for the University of Regina Rams. I'm sure the Rams are anxious to get on the field tonight against Calgary, and concentrate solely on football for a couple of hours.
  • I wish I could get the atom Cougars to concentrate for that long! We wrap up our regular season Sunday morning against Gary "Chop" Bresch and the Bisons.
  • If the Riders are for real, they will dispose of Edmonton fairly easily Sunday afternoon.
  • I wonder if Kitwana Jones will be pumped for that game at all?
  • Level Corp. Don't waste your money, folks.
  • I think we'll keep the Thursday Cheers and Jeers segment going for awhile. Your contributions are welcome.
  • So I understand it's not uncommon to hear of elementary school students in some Regina schools physically accosting teachers. What the hell is going on in our schools? Thankfully I haven't heard any stories like that from J-man's school, but still.
  • Once again proving prospective parents should have to take an IQ test at the very least.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Rat bites back

I found the following quote very interesting, in a piece Greg Harder did for today's Regina Pats season preview in the Leader-Post. Greg interviewed former Pats star Dale (The Rat) Derkatch, who was fired in the offseason after one year as Regina's head coach. He was quickly hired by the Prince Albert Raiders, as their Director of Player Personnel. Very interesting stuff, especially the highlighted line:

“Around this time last year I thought there was something else that was a good fit for me,” he said in reference to the Pats’ head-coaching post. “Who knows (if this is the right choice)? But I like the way things are structured in Prince Albert. I have a little more responsibility and along with that I have a little more say in what goes on than I did last year. You have responsibilities and pressure, but I like it because if things don’t go as they should that’s my fault. I enjoy working with the people that I’m working with. (Raiders head coach/GM) Bruno (Campese) and I talk every day — minimum once, usually two, three, four times. It’s good communication. I think that helps to make good decisions and move the organization in the right direction.”

Cheers and Jeers

I'm thinking of instituting a new Thursday feature here on the "big blog". Cheers and Jeers can be an opportunity to salute local businesses for providing excellent services, and to alert other readers to the antics of businesses that........uh......suck.

I'll start:

Cheers
  • Novia Cafe. Miserable waitress, but awesome food.
  • Radio Centre. Tim and Joe and the gang have mastered the art of customer service.
  • Capital Ford's Fastlane department. Not cheap, but usually very good service. Alex is a star.

Jeers

  • Level Corp. Brutal, just brutal. I really can't emphasize that enough.
  • 99% of local general contractors. Customer service is a completely foreign concept to these guys.
  • Canadian Tire. Several people have advised me to steer clear of the automotive service department at the south Regina location.
  • Carpet Superstore. Another to steer clear of, according to several readers.

Let's see if we can turn Cheers and Jeers into a regular feature. Is it something you'd be interested in reading/contributing to?

I think it could provide some valuable information, so pass along your tips in the comments section. And it doesn't have to be restricted to Regina and area!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

SportZone lineup for September 16

SportZone returns from summer hiatus, and here's the lineup for this week's show:

SportZone Guests for September 16/09
Community Co-Host: Corey Matthews

1. (Athlete/team profile) An update on the 2009 season for the Regina Thunder junior football club. Guests: Erwin Klempner (Head Coach) & Kolten Solomon (Thunder Receiver).

2. (Athlete/team profile) A preview of the 2009/10 WHL season for the Regina Pats. Guest: Shaun Sutter (Assistant Coach).

3. (U of R segment) A profile of the University of Regina women’s soccer team. Guests: Michelle Anderson & Randi Schmeichel (Captains).

4. (High school segment) A profile of the Leboldus Golden Suns, the defending city and provincial high school football 4A champs. Guests: Aaron Picton (OL) & Isaiah Hobni (LB).

5. (Sport/Leisure segment) A review of West Riders Best, an account of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ 1966 championship season. Guest: Rob Vanstone (Author/Regina Leader Post Sports Coordinator).

Special thanks to Rob Vanstone for my autographed copies of West Riders Best and Saskatchewan Roughriders - The First 100 Years. I look forward to devouring both books.

SportZone trivia: The best regular season record in Regina Thunder team history is 6-2. In which year did the Thunder record that mark? Email us your answer to earn bragging rights as SportZone's smartest viewer for this week.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Monday musings

My thoughts, for better or worse:

  • What a senseless beating the Riders laid on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers yesterday! Michael Bishop looked lost, as is his custom.
  • It wasn't that long ago the Riders had big problems of their own, so I'm holding off on feeling too sympathetic just yet.
  • Wes Cates is definitely not washed up, despite what some MBMs (message board mutants) thought a couple of weeks ago.
  • Neal Hughes is a difference maker on special teams. I look forward to Hughes contributing on offence as well over the coming weeks.
  • I was at Mosaic Stadium at 8:15 Saturday morning, scouting the atom Cougars' next opponent. I have no life.
  • Speaking of which, we return to the studio tonight to record the first episode of SportZone in more than two months. Can you feel the excitement?
  • So Dany Heatley joins Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau on the underachieving Sharks. Should be interesting.
  • Judging by his point production on the weekend, I no longer feel the need to worry about a sophomore slump for the Regina Pats' Jordan Weal.
  • So which two goalies are getting traded/released by the Pats? The smart money is on 20 year old veteran Linden Rowat being dealt. I suspect Dawson Guhle will beat out Derek Tendler for the right to back up Damien Ketlo.
  • Sincere condolences today to the Borlase family, the Regina Rams and the Riffel Royals. Rams rookie offensive lineman Spencer Borlase (a Riffel grad) was killed in a two vehicle accident Friday night, following the Rams game in Saskatoon.
  • Kanye West. What a piece of work. For those who missed it, West interrupted an acceptance speech by Taylor Swift at the MTV awards to rant about...whatever. What a self-absorbed douche.
  • GMS is looking for a Communications Manager. If you value your sanity, don't apply.
  • Apparently Gerry from Level Corp lied when his voicemail promised a return call within 12 to 24 hours. I've officially crossed over from annoyed to angry. I wonder if they have a head office somewhere...

Friday, September 11, 2009

Friday thoughts

Here's what making the synapses fire today:

  • Eight years later, and I'm still shaken by the events of 9/11.
  • I remember very clearly where I was - in the newsroom at Harvard Broadcasting, doing the morning news run on the former CKCK radio.
  • I had just come out of the newsbooth following the 7 am news when CNN showed the second plane crashing into the WTC. At first I thought it was a cheesy disaster movie, before I realized the tv was tuned to CNN.
  • The following hours were a blur, as we scrambled to bring our listeners the latest news, which was pouring in faster then we could digest it.
  • After work, I picked up the J-man from his babysitter's, and hugged him almost the entire afternoon.
  • Two weeks later my radio career was done, and I entered the world of public relations/communications.
  • On to lighter fare...
  • Actually, I was in a pretty good mood when I posted the "douchebag primer" earlier this week. Sarcasm is very therapeutic, however.
  • Can the Riders make it two wins in a row over Winnipeg this week?
  • The return of Kitwana Jones should be a big boost in the locker room, and on special teams.
  • The atom Cougars have lost three games this year. Twice we blew large halftime leads. Remind of you of any other local football teams?
  • I'm getting an uneasy feeling about the 2009/10 edition of the Regina Pats. Seriously, can you blame anyone for being a bit skeptical?
  • One name has been conspicuously absent from the Pats preseason scoring summaries/highlight packages: Jordan Weal.
  • I'm starting to regret using the services of Level Corp last summer for leveling the foundation of my house. They were supposed to return for some follow-up work in June. I'm still waiting, and my phone calls are not being returned.
  • Suffice to say I won't be providing a glowing recommendation.
  • Feel free to pass along your own "stay away" warnings about local contractors/businesses. We could all benefit from sharing our respective horror stories, I think.
  • And, by all means pass along kudos and recommendations too - fair is fair.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Are you, or aren't you?

With minimal research, I've uncovered some signs that may in fact indicate you are a douchebag. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, please get help. Quickly.

  • You use the phrase "those people".
  • You refer to your significant other as "the wife".
  • You use the "f word" extensively in everyday conversation. As a noun, verb, adverb, adjective and possibly even a pronoun.
  • You see a word ending in the letter s, and assume an apostrophe has to be placed in front of the s.
  • You use the phrase "I seen". This one should also be punishable by death.
  • You get really, really wasted at a concert and the next day call it the "best show ever, man!"
  • You scream obscenitities at the officials or opposing players at your child's minor football/hockey/baseball/soccer, etc... game.
  • You anonymously slam professional athletes on internet message boards, despite the fact you are a 300 pound, virtually immobile, sack of crap. Or, if you prefer, message board mutant.
  • Whenever something confuses you - which is often - you refer to that thing, or concept, as "stupid". Ironic, no?
  • You think the shaved head/goatee look is still in fashion.
  • You see no problem with dating an 17 year old girl. You yourself are 32.
  • You turn right at a red light without stopping first. You become seriously annoyed if you have to stop because another car/pedestrian is going through the intersection.
  • You think tennis is gay. You would also have a heart attack if you tried to play it.
  • You go to UFC pay-per-views, and honestly think you're as tough as some of the combatants in the ring. Same for wrestling pay-per-views.
  • You have a barbed wire tattoo on your bicep. It was done within the past five years.
  • You think your child's coach doesn't have a clue what he/she is doing. Oddly, you never volunteer to coach.
  • You stare at an attractive woman in public and think "I'd do her". Yeah, like you can pick and choose!
  • You stopped reading this post after the first two points, because reading is "effin' gay!"

That's just a quick, off the top of my head list. Feel free to contribute other symptoms you've noticed. Let's work together people, and eradicate the scourge known as douchebagitis. Together, we can make a difference.

Friday, September 04, 2009

Friday thoughts

From the desk of someone really looking forward to a long weekend:

  • If this weather continues, we may almost forget the "summer that wasn't" of 2009.
  • Sunny and 32 degrees for the Labour Day Classic on Sunday. Beverage sales should be impressive!
  • Will Jason Armstead be the shot in the arm the Riders' special teams need?
  • How weird did it feel to type the preceeding question? Very!
  • Based on his online video performance this week, it's safe to say that Pacman Jones hasn't learned a blessed thing in his time on his earth.
  • The Marc Mueller era begins tonight for the U of R Rams. I hope the Rams' quarterback lights it up against the Bisons.
  • Manitoba has former quarterback (and Regina product) John Makie on the coaching staff this year.
  • The Atom Cougars also have John Makie (his dad) on the coaching staff this year. Eerie, huh?
  • The Cougars' Labour Day Classic will be played Monday at 11:15 am on the Taylor turf. The kids are suitably excited.
  • The coaches are a little pumped too.
  • Is it sad watching the Toronto Blue Jays' season go down the drain, or have we become used to it by now?
  • Cheer up Toronto sports fans, at least the Leafs and Raptors are still in contention!
  • I'm renewing my call for referrals for a reliable handyman/contractor. Preferably one that returns phone calls!