SportZone lineup for May 28

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

SportZone Guests for May 28/08
Community Co-Host: Carlo Palazzo

1. Rugby Canada hires a new national senior men’s coach. Guests: Kieran Crowley (National team coach) & Geraint John (Rugby Canada High Performance Director).

2. The Prairie Junior Hockey League (Junior B) takes on two new franchises, bringing the league total to 12 teams. Guest: Rory Hoffman (League President).

3. Campbell Collegiate celebrates its first city high school track and field team championship. Guests: Darren Peters (Head Coach) & Nigel Sharp (Athlete).

4. Saskatchewan Roughrider training camp opens this weekend. How will the defending champs do in 2008? Guest: John Lynch (Rider broadcaster).

A step closer to a Saskatchewan nurses strike

This is not good news. On the surface, a 35% wage hike over four years looks pretty damn good. So, what's really going on here?

Friday thoughts

Various thoughts on the eve of a rainy weekend:

• Three job interviews next week. When it rains, it pours!
• Hopefully the anticipated showers materialize tomorrow, so young Jacob and I can hit the big Walking with Dinosaurs show in Saskatoon without me having to drive like a maniac to get there ( 2 p.m. Little League game).
• My tennis game is slowly climbing back to mediocrity. Awesome!
• Are the Stanley Cup playoffs still on? Surely they've crowned a champ by now?
• My baseball fantasy league pitchers suck. Trade offers?
• Physio, chiro and massage have not fixed my aching neck. Any suggestions?
• I just received my copy of the 1982 Wimbledon men's final on dvd. Sure hope Jimmy Connors wins again!
• I'm a proud member, but the Regina Court & Fitness Club is getting really, really dingy.
  
• How did people, including me, survive before EDOs were invented?
  
• Work is coming along nicely on the new set for SportZone. Surely they can't be thinking of canceling the show, can they?
  

SportZone lineup for May 20

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

SportZone Guests for May 20/08
Community Co-Host: Tim Hubic

1. The Prairie Fire rugby club travels to B.C. this week, to open defense of their Rugby Canada Super League championship. Guests: Darren Kapene & Chris Young (Players).

2. A Regina Rams alumnus calls it a career after 11 years in the CFL and two Grey Cup rings. Guest: Mike Maurer (CFL fullback).

3. Harness racing is coming back to Regina, in time for the 2009 racing season. Guest: Glenn LeDrew (West Meadows Raceway).

4. A profile of the Wascana Racing Canoe Club, and its new head coach. Guests: Stephanie Robertson (Head Coach) & Kia Byers (Pan Am Games gold medallist/Olympic hopeful).

5. A preview of the 2008 season at King’s Park Speedway. Guests: Jim “Sharkey” Braden & Greg Wagner (Racers).

6. A preview of the 2008 Saskatchewan Roughriders training camp, and other interesting sports………stuff. Guest: Rob Vanstone (Leader-Post Sports Coordinator).

Monday musings

I suppose this beats doing yardwork on a holiday Monday:

• You've gotta love a Little League coach that calls to cancel a game ONE HOUR before the scheduled start time. Oh well, at least the munchkins had a good practice yesterday.
• Is there a streakier team in professional sports than the 2008 Toronto Blue Jays?
• Anyone else looking forward to catching a Regina Red Sox game at Currie Field?
• June 13th (Riders home exhibition game) can't get here soon enough.
  
• Let's not forget - Regina was home to TWO national champions in 2007. The Prairie Fire rugby team starts defense of its Super League title next weekend.
• I'll be 43 in eight days. Do the aches and pains increase exponentially after you hit 40? Seems that way.
• I think I've spent enough time on the computer today - time to enjoy what's left of the long weekend!
  

Friday thoughts

Idle thoughts on a day when it's way too nice outside to be indoors:

• Whoever came up with the concept of "Have lunch with your kids day" for parents of elementary school kids is a genius. What a fun time!
• The schools constantly ask parents not to park in the spots reserved for school buses, but lunk-head parents still do. Why?
• What's with the "Yeah, I know it's a rule. But it doesn't apply to me" mentality these days?
• I assume, and hope, Brent Parker will be well enough to resume his general manager's duties with the Pats. But if not, who takes over? Todd Ripplinger? Curtis Hunt?
• I haven't watched a single (entire) game of the Stanley Cup playoffs. That may change if Pittsburgh/Detroit meet in the final.
• I have to go to Saskatoon on the 30/31st for a football coaching clinic. Know any good park benches I can crash on?
• I have to rein in my expenses, because my term position expires on May 28 - still no luck landing another job. Grrrr!
• Rod Pedersen is toying with the idea of shutting down his blog. Say it ain't so, Roddy!
• Who's going to the Mike Staffen Day fundraiser at the Regina Rugby Club on Sunday? See you there, hopefully!

SportZone lineup for May 14

Here's the lineup for this week's show, airing Wednesday at 6 p.m., Thursday at 3 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. on Access channel 7:

SportZone Guests for May 13/08
Community Co-Host: Alynn Brischuk

1. A profile of Level 10 fitness, “the” training facility for elite-level athletes in Regina. Guest: Jeff Petryna (Trainer, Level 10 Fitness).

2. A preview of the 2008 season for the Regina Red Sox baseball club. Guest: Gary Brotzel (Team President).

3. A preview of the annual Cal Murphy charity golf tournament. And maybe a little football discussion too! Guest: Cal Murphy (Indianapolis Colts scout).

4. A preview of the Mike Staffen Day fundraiser, in support of a seriously ill Regina athlete. Guests: Karl Fix & Jeff Russell (Event Organizers).

5. A Regina athlete gets to compete for his dream job – quarterback of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Guest: Teale Orban (Saskatchewan Roughrider draft pick).

6. A preview of the 2008 Saskatchewan Roughriders training camp, and a discussion about the Regina Pats as well. Guest: Rod Pedersen (Voice of the Riders/Pats).

(Pictured: Rod Pedersen, Co-host Allyn Brischuk and some guy. Photo courtesy rodpedersen.com)

Parker battling cancer

This blogger's thoughts and prayers are with Regina Pats General Manager Brent Parker and his family today. The following is a statement issued by the Pats this afternoon:

General Manager Addresses Health Issue

Regina, SK – Regina Pats General Manager Brent Parker has issued the following statement in response to the numerous rumors and questions that have been circulating regarding his health:

“Over the past couple of weeks there have been numerous inquiries pertaining to the state of my health. My family and I had hoped to keep this matter private but understand that the nature of my business does not always allow for that to happen. I have recently been diagnosed with a form of soft tissue cancer that was located in my upper back and shoulder. To this point I have undergone one procedure and will undergo further tests and procedures in the coming days and weeks that will determine the full extent of what lies ahead. I have received tremendous care and encouragement from the doctors here in Regina as well as those at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary and I am confident that while I do have some challenges ahead my condition is treatable."

"I appreciate the concern that has been shown regarding my health, and I’m sure you can all understand what my family and I are going through has been tough on us all. On this note I would appreciate you respecting our family’s privacy as we deal with this matter.”

Monday musings

A random collection of thoughts on a dreary Monday morning:

• Are the Penguins and Wings actually getting better as the playoffs go on? The Cup final has the makings of a classic!
• Would anyone be sad to see the Flyers swept? Couldn't happen to a nicer team.
• How does a kid standing over 5'6", and weighing over 130 lbs qualify for the Minor (age 9/10) division in Little League?
• How are the kids on Jacob's ball team expected to get a hit off that kid when he's pitching?
• Are the Kiwanis Park fries the best of any sports facility in town?
• If I buy one of those new Saskatchewan Roughrider jersey barbeque covers, how long before it's stolen?
• Anyone else think John Hufnagel might just be the guy to take Henry Burris' game to the next (top) level?
• Who'd you rather have as a back-up quarterback? Dave Dickenson or Darian Durant/Steven Jyles/Drew Tate?
• Dare me to grill Cal Murphy about Kenton Keith's future with the Colts on this week's episode of SportZone? That's okay, no need to dare.

Friday thoughts

In the spirit of garage sale season, it's time to clear out some junk from the "upstairs attic":

• The Spokane Chiefs disposed of Lethbridge surprisingly easily in the WHL final. They'll find the Kitchener Rangers to be a much tougher opponent at the Memorial Cup.
• It's been 24 years since the Regina Pats played in a WHL final. Here's hoping they don't celebrate a silver anniversary next year.
• The last time the Pats played in a league final, the Footloose soundtrack topped the Billboard album charts. Phil Collins sat atop the singles charts with "Against All Odds (Take a Look At Me Now)". And, a fresh-faced newcomer named Madonna was also emerging on the scene at that time.
• 23 days until Roughrider training camp. Don't suppose anyone's excited about that?
• Getting a laptop serviced at Future Shop? Not an experience I'd recommend.
• The next general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs will be................Cliff Fletcher.
• The last time the Leafs played in a league final - and this is too perfect to be a coincidence - the top song on the Billboard charts was "Somethin' Stupid" by Frank and Nancy Sinatra.
• It's been 41 years and counting of "somethin' stupid" for Leafs fans.
• The 2008 Toronto Blue Jays: great arms, impotent bats.
• Boy do Regina radio newscasters who can't pronounce "nuclear" sound stupid. Sort of like a U.S. politician we all know.

And the band played on...

Apparently Paul Maurice has been fired as Head Coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. It would seem the powers-that-be in Leafland have overlooked the fact that Maurice had ZERO talent to work with! And, I thought the incoming General Manager was supposed to decide Maurice's fate?

I'm beginning to think that Cliff Fletcher - originally hired as a short-term GM after John Ferguson Jr. was fired - is going to stay on through next season. After that, Brian Burke's contract with Anaheim expires and the folks at MLSE will offer Burke whatever he wants to take over. Or not. Logic doesn't usually factor into too many decisions surrounding that hockey club.

SportZone lineup for May 7

Here's the lineup for this week's show, airing tonight at 6 p.m., Thursday at 3 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. on Access channel 7. Thanks to Brandon Brooks for taking on the co-hosting duties as a last-minute substitution.

SportZone Guests for May 6/08
Community Co-Host: Brandon Brooks

1. A review of the Regina Thunder junior football club’s spring camp. Guest: Erwin Klempner (Head Coach).

2. SportZone’s resident golf expert returns to update us on his business (Proactive Golf and Rec) and his new stomping groups (Deer Valley Golf Club). Guest: Brad Herridge (CPGA Pro).

3. A review of the WCP mini World Cup soccer tournament. Guests: Kevin Holness (Tournament Director ) & Ben Leung (Team England Head Coach).

4. A preview of the Regina Lawn Bowling Club’s annual open house. Guests: Keith Roney & Jonathan Pituley (Regina Lawn Bowling Club).

5. A University of Regina Ram is selected in the first round (6th overall) of the 2008 CFL draft. Guest: Brendon LaBatte (Rams offensive lineman).

6. A preview of a youth football clinic being run by the North Central Lakers on May 10. Guest: Brandon Brooks (North Central Lakers).

Monday musings

Here's the way the world looks from this corner on a Monday morning:

• Jacob's baseball team opened the season with an 8-0 victory Saturday, thanks in part to a 2/2 performance at the plate for my offspring.
• Apologies to the Stars fans I know, but I think a Pittsburgh/Detroit Stanley Cup final would be darn entertaining. Heck, Americans might even watch the thing!
• Johan Franzen of the Wings has to be the early front-runner for the Conn Smythe trophy.
• Hey Habs fans - rioting after winning one series sure seems pretty stupid right now, huh?
• The weather's great, my racquets are restrung, time to hit a few balls at the Lakeshore Tennis Club.
• The Green Bay Packers have signed a free agent punter to compete with Regina's Jon Ryan. Jon will win that battle, hands-down.
• Training camp opens in 27 days for the Riders, the reigning Grey Cup champs (damn, that has a nice ring to it!).
• If you could go back in time and attend just one sporting event from the past, what would it be? Mine would be the final game of the '72 Summit Series ("Henderson scores!"), Super Bowl I (Packers beat Chiefs), or the 1982 Wimbledon final between Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe.

Friday thoughts

Time to empty the cranial storage container of some random thoughts and opinions:

• I don't care if Teale Orban makes the Saskatchewan Roughriders or not. I hope he does, but I'm impressed as hell that he's made it as far as he has.
• Thumbs-up to Orban's Rams teammate Brendon LaBatte for being selected in the first round. This kid defined "long-term project" when he first arrived at the U of R.
• Regina's Paul Woldu meets the Montreal night life. This can NOT turn out well!
• Myles Bell = big, strong defenceman with offensive upside and a mean streak. Obviously the Pats are hoping he turns into Colten Teubert, the sequel.
• Are the Stanley Cup playoffs still on? How are the Leafs doing?
• Access Communications is looking at launching a province-wide CFL show (including phone-in segment). Could be interesting!
• Rod Pedersen must be in line for a job with the CBC. Good luck Roddy!
• Jacob's baseball team plays it's first game tomorrow. Go get 'em son!
• Repeated treatments of physio, chiro and massage, and my neck still aches like crazy. WTH?
• My contract with the government expires in 26 days, and I have only one interview lined up so far. Cutting it a little close, aren't we?
• Then again, if the weather keeps improving, a little (emphasis on the LITTLE) time off might not be so bad!

Pats ring the Bell

As reported here last week, the Regina Pats have selected a defenceman with their first pick (17th overall) in today's WHL bantam draft. The Pats picked up 15-year blueliner Myles Bell, a product of Calgary. Bell checks in at 6'0", 170 lbs and notched 32 points (including 17 goals) and 87 penalty minutes in 31 games with his bantam AAA team in Calgary this season.

The Red Deer Rebels used the first pick in the draft to select centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of Burnaby, B.C.

Three Saskatchewan players were selected in the first round. The Saskatoon Blades took Weyburn centre Brett Benson with the 4th pick, Everett selected defenceman Ryan Murray of White City 9th, and Prince George took Waldheim defenceman Jesse Forsberg with the 11th overall pick.