Monday musings

Reflections on a rainy weekend:

• I think Chad Lang will do a fine job as the general manager of the Regina Pats. And yes, I suspect changes are on the way in the hockey operations department.
• The people reacting negatively to Lang's hiring are likely the same ones who panned the hirings of Kent Austin, Ken Miller and Jim Hopson by the Riders. So, there goes the credibility of those critics.
• Rider training camp is only a few short days away. Most the attention will focus on the competition to replace John Chick and Stevie Baggs at defensive end.
• I honestly don't know which quarterback will emerge from training camp as #2 on the depth chart.
• If I had to guess, I'd say Ryan Dinwiddie, based on his previous CFL experience and his previous working relationship with new offensive coordinator Doug Berry in Winnipeg.
• If I've learned one thing in the previous two weeks, it is that I know nothing about dogs! A big thank you to blog reader Bev for her guidance and support - it is very much appreciated!
• Having said that, it doesn't appear that Dexter the dog will die of starvation or loneliness anytime soon! He's been quite a fine addition to our little Paczko clan. Not, if he would only stop confusing the area rug for a toilet...
• The J-man's baseball season hopefully resumes tonight, with a tilt against the Tigers.
• Thankfully the lousy weather prevented me from having to temporarily take on the head coaching duties on Saturday. Nothing good would have come from that!
• You know, if the Chicago Blackhawks keep playing like this, I may have to consider permanently moving them ahead of the Leafs on my personal pecking order.
• Who would you pick as the Conn Smythe (playoff MVP) winner on the Hawks? I'd have to think Toews is the front-runner, but a case could also be made for Byfuglien, Keith or even Niemi (but not if he keeps giving up five goals a game!).
• Java Express on south Albert. Nice place, but loud!

Lang handed the reins

Apparently "not too much longer" (see below) means this afternoon! The Regina Pats have called a news conference for 3 p.m., at which time it's expected the team will introduce former Moose Jaw Warrior general manager Chad Lang as the Pats new GM.

Friday thoughts

Another rainy weekend? Oh joy!

• No Cheers and Jeers yesterday. I thought it might be bad karma to trash anyone on my birthday.
• A thumbs up for Speedy Auto Glass on south Albert. They fixed the stone chip in my windshield quickly and very effectively. And SGI was kind enough to pay for it!
• Every trip to Saskatoon (in spite of the chipped windshield) is made better by a stop at Fuddruckers. You just can't go wrong with two kinds of melted cheese.
• Other than using the area rug in the living room as a toilet, Dexter the dog is adapting to life at the Paczko estate nicely.
• At last count, he's done #2 once outside and inside the house three times since he's been with us. This is not a good ratio.
• I thought Johnny Quinn was a pretty decent receiver for the Riders last year. Apparently the Riders thought differently!
• Nine days until training camp starts. Can't wait!
• It shouldn't be too much longer until the Regina Pats name their new general manager. No offense to ex-Warriors boss Chad Lang, who is still considered the front-runner, but I'm intriqued by the mention of Al Murray as a candidate.
• The Major A Twins have an interim head coach (me) and a doubleheader tomorrow. Pray for rain!
• Perhaps I should stop mixing laxatives in with the dog's food...

CFL season will start on time

Labour peace in the CFL, as the league and the player's union have reached a tentative contract agreement. Here's the story from the Canadian Press:


TORONTO -- The CFL and its players' association have reached a tentative deal on a new collective bargaining agreement, avoiding a potential lockout this season.

The deal still needs to be ratified by the players and the league's board of governors.
The current deal expires at the end of the month. With negotiations not going well, there had been talk in the off-season of a possible lockout.

According to a statement from the CFL on Wednesday, the new agreement includes a drug testing policy but no details will be released until the deal is ratified. No other details from the agreement were released in the statement.

Labour issues are rare in the CFL. In years when the two sides couldn't get a deal done before the expiration of the previous one, they've operated under the terms of the old CBA until a new one was reached.

SportZone lineup for May 25

Here is how this week's show has shaped up. SportZone airs tonight at 9 p.m., Thursday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. on Access channel 7 in Regina. Possibly even Emerald Park. Yes, the empire is expanding!

Trust me, the segment with the Muellers (Marc and Larry) is must-see tv! Those two should be on stage somewhere!

SportZone Guests for May 25/10
Community Co-Host: Carlo Palazzo

1. The Commissioner of Regina high school athletics gets set to call it a career. Guest: Greg Johnson (RHSAA Commissioner).

2. The 2010 edition of the University of Regina Rams features a father/son tandem. Guests: Larry Mueller (Rams Assistant Coach) & Marc Mueller (Rams quarterback).

3. A report on the U16 boys national water polo championships. Reporter: Brendan Pawliw.

4. A U of R Rams alumnus gets set for another CFL season. Guest: Brendon Labatte (Winnipeg Blue Bomber offensive lineman).

5. A Regina family returns from a rugby missionary mission to Cuba. Guest: Dick Cornish (Prairie Fire rugby club).

6. The Blair Necessities. Our weekly sports commentary by local sports raconteur Mitchell Blair.

SportZone trivia: Who preceded Greg Johnson as Commissioner of the RHSAA? Send us your answer, for a chance at fame and fortune!