Monday musings

Idle thoughts while I sit here waiting for my newspaper (two hours late, and counting):

• Have you caught any of the action at the World Junior Hockey tournament yet? If not, you really should!
• I've had the pleasure (misfortune?) of calling a couple games with Mitchell Blair for an internet broadcasting outfit from Boston. Mitch and I have become fans of the plucky Austrian team.
• Team Austria is 0-2, doesn't have a single NHL draft pick on its roster, yet is winning fans over with spirited play and a "never say die" attitude. Well done, boys!
• Russia and Sweden both look good. Swedish defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson is the real deal. Phoenix did very well to select him with the 6th pick of last year's draft. He skates like Orr and shoots like Hull. He's a keeper.
• I can see why Russian captain Nikita Filatov causes so much angst in Columbus. The Blue Jackets prospect is exceptionally talented, but his work ethic leaves a LOT to be desired.
• Meantime, Team Canada opens the tournament with a 16-0 shellacking of Latvia.
  
• Hands-up everyone outside of Quebec who had heard of Gabriel Bourque before that game. After his seven point performance, everyone is starting to think the Nashville Predators got a heck of a player with their 5th round selection in this year's draft.

In other news...

• Despite soiling the sheets against Pittsburgh last week, the Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff berth with a 48-10 victory over Seattle yesterday.
• What the heck has happened to the Seahawks? Weren't they in the Super Bowl just four years ago? Yikes.
• The Toronto Maple Leafs lose in overtime to the godless Canadians one night, then beat the defending Cup champs the next night. Go figure.
• Only two more days, and Canadians can start second guessing the picks Steve Yzerman and friends made for the Canadian Olympic hockey team.
• After watching him play a couple of times, I think Kings defenceman Drew Doughty deserves to be on that team. But he'll be in tough to crack what should be a very deep and talented blueline corps.
• Time to get back on the treadmill. All those perogies over the past week are catching up to me!
  

SportZone lineup for December 22

Here's the lineup for the Christmas Extravaganza edition of the show, which airs tonight at 9 p.m., tomorrow at 3 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m., and probably a few more times between now and January 12th - when we tape our first show of 2010. Enjoy!

SportZone Guests for December 22/09
Community Co-Host: Corey Matthews

1. (ENG segment) A profile of the University of Regina women’s volleyball team. Reporter: Brendan Pawliw.

2. (Sport/Leisure segment) A profile of the Regina Speed Skating Club. Guest: Alexandra Sutter (Club President).

3. (Media panel) A review of the past year in Regina sports, and a look ahead to 2010. Guests: Murray McCormick (Regina Leader-Post) & Mitchell Blair (Freelance broadcaster/blogger).

4. (Athlete profile) A Regina athlete celebrates a Grey Cup championship, at the expense of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Guest: Paul Woldu (DB, Montreal Alouettes).

SportZone trivia: Who was the MVP of last year's World Junior Hockey Championship tournament in Ottawa? Send us your answer for a chance to win a free medium pizza from Panago!

Friday thoughts

Only a few hours to go until a two week holiday. Bring it on!

• I'd like to thank Peyton Manning and Dallas Clark for combining for 57 fantasy points last night, pretty much guaranteeing my 8 game fantasy football winning steak will come to a crashing halt in the league semi-final. Damn!


• Honestly, I don't know if anyone in the AFC can touch the Colts. San Diego, maybe?


• In the NFC, I'd love to see a conference championship shootout between Drew Brees and Brett Favre. That would be some great football!


• Yes, I realize that would mean the Packers would have to watch their former quarterback in the NFC final, instead of being there themselves. I can live with that.


• The Regina Red Sox are taking registrations for their winter baseball camp. The camp, for players aged 8-14, runs December 28/29 at the Credit Union Eventplex in Regina. It's $75 for six hours of instruction, and a free Red Sox cap. Heck of a deal! Get on it though, the registration deadline is Monday.


• What are the odds that Sasktel's Blackberry service would crash and burn on the exact same day I finally get a blackberry? Actually, considering it's me - I'd say the odds were at least 50/50!


• Are you checking out some of the action at the World Junior Hockey Championships? So far the J-man and I have tickets for two games. And of course we'll be watching Canada on TSN from S'toon.


• So who will wear the "C" for Team Canada? Jordan Eberle and Colten Teubert of the Pats have to merit some consideration. Still, I believe the honour will probably go to defenceman Alex Pietrangelo of the St. Louis Blues.


• However, I fully expect Eberle and/or Teubert to be named assistant captains.


• Meantime, the Pats continue to lurch around on their extended road trip. They take a five game losing skid into Calgary tonight. The Hitmen are a mere 17 points ahead of Regina in the standings right now. Good luck with that, I guess.


• I've decided to see what all the fuss is about, and start watching Dexter. My mom is geting me (although she doesn't know it yet) the first three seasons on dvd as a Christmas present. This should be interesting!

I imagine the blogging will be sporadic over the next couple of weeks. I'll make sure to post the lineup for the Christmas Extravaganza episode of SportZone (scroll down and answer the trivia question for this week, please!) and assorted other goodies between now and January 1st. Later!

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

Holy crap, is it really Thursday already? Time flies at this time of year. Let's see who deserves a little pre-Christmas salute, or a perhaps a one-fingered one?

Cheers

• Jersey City (Cornwall Centre). Helped me decide on the last couple of presents for the J-man. Always great service.
• Prairie Mobile Communications. Shea Paisley and company gave me some outstanding service yesterday, as I finally entered the world of Blackberry users.
• Capital Ford. Their Fastlane service was....fast. Just the way I like it.
• Innovation Auto Sports. They fixed whatever was wrong with my car alarm in seconds flat! I'm impressed.

Jeers

• Canadian Tire (latest in a series). I needed a replacement gas cap for my vehicle. I had to serve myself, as per usual, and the gas cap the manual said was right for my vehicle wasn't even close. Nice.

Alright, let's see your lists!

Eberle and Teubert make the grade

No huge surprises this morning, as Hockey Canada announced the final 22 player roster for Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships. Both Regina Pats veterans made the squad for a second straight year, and will help Canada shoot for a record sixth straight gold medal.

Here's the story from TSN.ca:


Canada's junior hockey team made its final roster cuts on Wednesday morning, releasing forwards Philippe Cornet, Cody Eakin, Scott Glennie and Louis Leblanc, defencemen Tyler Cuma, Shawn Lalonde and Dylan Olsen and goaltenders Matt Hackett and Olivier Roy.
With Wednesday's final releases, the official 22-player roster is now set for the 2010 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, which begins Dec. 26.

The cuts at forward mean that Windsor's Taylor Hall, Greg Nemisz and Adam Henrique will be wearing red and white over the holidays, with the likelihood of all three Spitfires playing on the same line. Hall, 17, is considered by many as a front-runner as the first overall pick at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

London Knights centre Nazem Kadri, selected seventh overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in June, is also on the roster and is expected to be the team's second-line centre, skating with Regina's Jordan Eberle.

SportZone lineup for December 15

Behold! Below is the lineup for this week's show, airing tomorrow (Wednesday) at 3 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. on Access channel 7. Oh, and for chrissake, would somebody please answer last week's trivia question (scroll down)? Who the hell doesn't like free pizza?

SportZone Guests for December 15/09
Community Co-Host: Corey Matthews

1. (High school segment) A profile of the Luther Lions senior boys basketball team. Guests: Drew Hunter (Head Coach) & Andrew Henry (Player).

2. (Event preview) The final countdown is on to the World Junior Hockey Championships in Regina and Saskatoon. Guest: Al Ford (Assistant General Manager, 2010 WJHC).

3. (ENG segment) A report on the 2010 Balfour Classic high school basketball tournament. Reporter: Brendan Pawliw.

4. (Sport/Leisure segment) It’s time to get a jump start on those New Year’s fitness resolutions. Guest: Tracy Hagan (Owner, Energize Health and Fitness Services).

5. (Sport/Leisure segment) A profile of the Regina Ski Club. Guests: Judy Young & Al Poulton (RSC Executive).

SportZone trivia: Heading into this year's tournament, how many gold medals in a row has Canada won at the World Junior Hockey Championships? Send us your answer, and your contact information, for a chance to win a delicious medium pizza from Panago!

Monday musings

Your weekly dispatch from the frozen flatlands:

• It's getting a little challenging to keep a positive outlook about this place with windchills in the -40's. Definitely not an "I heart Regina" scenario!
• Team Canada is practicing in Regina for the World Junior tournament. The J-man and I will check out Canada vs the Czech Republic in pre-tournament action on the 23rd. It's an early Christmas present for my young associate.
• Nothing against the Pats, but it's going to be tough to go back to watching regular season WHL games after the World Junior tournament. Really tough.
• Hopefully the Pats re-tooled lineup can start posting some wins. They've been outscored 21-8 in their last three games, and visit Red Deer tomorrow night.
• Don't look now, but the Toronto Maple Leafs have won 7 of their last 10 games. Go figure.
• If all it took was for me to dump the Leafs for another team (Hawks), I should have bailed out years ago!
• I wonder if the Riders will announce any more player re-signings before Christmas? The list of potential Rider free agents is down to 14, and you have to expect at least 3-4 of those players won't be back in 2010.
• I can't stop watching Criminal Minds on A&E. It's becoming a borderline obsession.
• I can't wait until Wednesday night, and the annual St. Gregory school Christmas (not holiday, Christmas!) concert. It's one of the highlights of the December social calendar.
• Do you know how long it takes to load almost 200 pictures onto a digital photo frame? Did I mention about half of them had to be scanned first? And then most of the 200 had to be cropped afterwards? Mom better be lovin' her Christmas present this year!
• Is it just me, or is it really tough to get out of bed in the morning when it's minus 2 zillion outside? Bloody hell!

Friday thoughts

The following pass for lucid thoughts at this time of year:

• Half-naked PETA protestors. In December. In Regina. Those young ladies are tougher than I am, that's for sure.
• Thankfully, there's no truth to the rumour the cattle industry is going to respond by trotting out a half-naked Mitchell Blair (and I wait for the inevitable email on that one).
• I would say Brent Parker has put the Jordan Eberle and Colten Teubert trade rumours to rest rather effectively, hasn't he?
• Parker obviously feels the Regina Pats can contend this season. I suspect he may have 1-2 more deals up his sleeve. But if not, he's certainly improved his lineup in the past couple of days.
• Now I can't help but wonder if the goaltending is going to be the weak link on this team? Is the tandem of Damien Ketlo and Dawson Guhle ready to steal a few games down the stretch and - more importantly - in the playoffs?
• Goodbye Stevie Baggs, and thanks for the memories.
• It seems obvious that Baggs is intent on cashing in (literally) on his one (so far) good year in the CFL by testing free agency. That is certainly his prerogative, and I assume the Riders will start the search soon for a replacement at defensive end.
• Unless of course Eric Tillman empties his wallet to re-sign Baggs. But I just can't see that happening.
• Tomorrow night is hockey night in Bethune for the T3 Blackhawks, but the J-man has a "previous commitment". Is that what they're calling it these days?
• Oh well, I guess I'll check out some UFC action at the 4 Seasons instead. Sometimes, the crowd is more entertaining than the fights!
• Have a great weekend, and stay warm!

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

Seasonal salutes, and consumer warnings. It doesn't get much better than that!

Cheers

• Dysart Co-op gas station. Sure, they closed early on a Saturday (for their Christmas party), but then cheerfully re-opened long enough for a "city slicker" to fill up for the trip back home. Small town hospitality. Gotta love it!
• Darrell Davis and Drew Hincks. Who doesn't love SportZone guests that bring along swag for the hosts/viewers? The Regina Pats book and the skateboard will surely go to good homes. Thanks guys!
• Dysart Arena - home of the Big Blue, the tastiest darn rink burger I've ever sampled. And yes, I've sampled a few.

Jeers

• Authors who appear on a tv or radio show to promote their book, and don't provide the hosts with a copy. Fortunately, that almost never happens!
• Sears Canada. I've been trying for a week to obtain an owner's manual for a Sears treadmill that I bought "almost new" from the previous owner. This shouldn't be that difficult.
• LL Bean. Some of their merchandise is incredibly poorly made. Which explains the excellent prices, I suppose.

Alright readers, who or what is on your list this week?

SportZone lineup for December 8

Here's the lineup for this week's show, airing tonight at 9 p.m., tomorrow at 3 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. on Access channel 7 in Regina:

SportZone Guests for December 8/09
Community Co-Host: Corey Matthews

1. (Amateur sport spotlight) A Regina team represented Saskatchewan at the recently completed national mixed curling championships. Guests: Jason and Colleen Ackerman (Team Saskatchewan).

2. (Sport/Leisure segment) Just in time for Christmas shopping! A review of Junior Hockey’s Royal Franchise, a new book on the history of the Regina Pats. Guest: Darrell Davis (Author).

3. (ENG segment) An update on the exploits of the Regina Pat Canadians and Notre Dame Hounds midget AAA hockey clubs. Reporter: Brendan Pawliw.

4. (Event profile) A preview of the 2009 Alpine Saskatchewan provincial Learn to Ski day. Guest: Terry Hooper (Alpine Sask President).

5. (Sport/Leisure segment) A profile of a new indoor skateboarding facility in the city. Guest: Drew Hincks (Owner, 306 Hip Hop SK8 Shop).

SportZone trivia: Who holds the record for the most games played in a Regina Pats uniform? Send us your answer, and your contact info, for a chance to win a free medium pizza from Panago and - this week's special second prize - a custom skateboard from the 306 Hip Hop SK8 Shop!

Monday musings

Why yes, it is actually cold enough for me. Thanks for asking.

• By all standards of measurement, this weekend's atom tier 3 tournament in Dysart was a great success.
• The J-man erupted for three goals in the first two games he's played at forward in two seasons. Nice!
• I did the public address duties for all nine games. I must have done alright, as several people suggested a person with a voice like mine should be on the radio! Oh, how I laughed...
• Been there, done that. Nobody around here pays enough for me to consider doing it again. Or do they? (dum dum dum!)
• The day didn't get off to a great start. I pulled up to a gas station on our way out of town, and my gas cap snapped off in my hand! So, I drove off into the early morning darkness with enough gas to get to my destination, but not enough to get back.
• Thanks to Chad W. for helping me pry the gas cap off in Dysart, and a BIG thank you to the fellow who re-opened the Co-Op gas station in Dysart after the tournament, allowing me to fill up before returning to Regina. Now that's small-town hospitality!
• Oh, and I'm pleased to report the delectable Big Blue at the Dysart arena is one of the finest rink burgers this correspondent has ever devoured!

In other news...

• The Pats' Jordan Eberle notches another five goals in two games this weekend. If this kid isn't the player of the year in the CHL this season, I'd like to know who is!
• If the Pats can post at least a .500 record while Eberle and Colten Teubert are away at the World Juniors, I'd like to see Brent Parker load up for a playoff run.
• If the wheels fall off while those two are gone, deal them and load up for next year.
• In other words, it's up to players NOT named Eberle and Teubert to determine the fate of this year's team.
• Is old man Favre starting to hit the wall in Minnesota?
• Can the Packers still make a run at the division championship in the NFC North? They'll have to beat Baltimore tonight to have any sort of a chance.
• You'll notice I haven't weighed in on the Tiger Woods story yet. That's because I honestly can't bring myself to care.

SportZone lineup for December 1

Here's the lineup for this week's show. It airs tomorrow (Wednesday) night at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. on Access channel 7 in Regina.

SportZone Guests for December 1/09
Community Co-Host: Corey Matthews

1. (U of R segment) An update on the University of Regina women’s basketball team. Guest: Dave Taylor (Head Coach).

2. (Event profile) A preview of the annual Balfour Classic high school basketball tournament. Guest: Glen Fekula (Balfour boys Head Coach), Cooper Toppings & Cam Hinchcliffe (Co-Captains).

3. (High school segment) The Winston Knoll Wolverines senior girls celebrate a high school volleyball provincial championship. Guests: Tom Foster (Head Coach), Haley Williams & Dori Lozinski (Wolverines players).

4. (Amateur sport spotlight) A preview of the 2009 World Junior Racquetball championships, and an update on the sport in Regina. Guests: Ross Richardson (Team Canada Head Coach) & Christine Richardson (Competitor).

5. (Amateur sport spotlight) Members of Regina’s rugby community are traveling the world, helping out the less fortunate. Guests: Karl Fix (Dog River Howlers RFC) & Dick Cornish (Prairie Fire RFC).

SportZone trivia: Which team captured the senior boys’ championship at the 2008 Balfour Classic high school basketball tournament? Send us your answer, and your contact information, for a chance to win a free medium pizza from Panago!

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

It must be getting close to Christmas, because I don't have much to complain about! However, we'll give it a shot...

Cheers

• All the local businesses who donated prizes in support of the Atom Tier 3 Blackhawks tournament this weekend in Dysart. Much appreciated!
• Brent Kaminski and his crew at the Southland Mall Safeway for donating snacks and refreshments for all the players taking part in the tournament. Thanks Brent!
• Regina Rugby Club. A great place to hold a meeting or social event.

Jeers

• A couple of local businesses (nameless, for the time being) that promised to donate items for the 'Hawks tournament this weekend, and were never heard from again. That's pretty friggin' weak.
• Regina drivers. Yes, it snowed. Get over it.
• Those "fans" clamouring to know precisely which Saskatchewan Roughrider was the extra player on the field for the life-changing penultimate play of the 2009 Grey Cup. The people that need to know, do. That's good enough for me.

Okay, your turn!

Monday musings

Various thoughts in the aftermath of Grey Cup Sunday:

• Losing the Grey Cup on a last play field goal is heartbreaking. Having that kick come on the heels of a missed kick that should have ended the game is doubly heartbreaking. Having the Als get a second chance to kick the field goal because of an illegal substitution penalty is tragic beyond words.
• The Rider player who failed to come off the field when the coaches called for the field goal "block" unit screwed up. Huge. However, nothing would be gained by the rest of us knowing who that person was/is.
• Quite frankly, there's enough blame to go around for that fourth quarter collapse.
• If the Riders had picked up one (ONE!) first down after Montreal's failed two point conversion, Rider Nation would be celebrating today, instead of mourning.
• Give Anthony Calvillo and the Als credit though. They figured out a way to get it done.
• Darian Durant played better than you would expect a first year starter to, but those two interceptions (one of which was not his fault) he served up were devastating.
• I guess we had to have one final parallel to 1976. The Riders finished first in the West for the first time since that year, hosted the west final for the first time since '76, and lost the Grey Cup in heartbreaking fashion - just like 33 years ago.
• With the abundance of young talent on this team, and the return of a few key injured players (Weston Dressler, Belton Johnson, Wayne Smith), 2010 is shaping up to be a very exciting 100th anniversary year for the green guys.
• Was last night's game the final hurrah for veterans like Gene Makowsky, Jeremy O'Day and Chris Szarka? If so, they should be applauded for their outstanding careers, and major contributions to this year's successes.
• And of course, the big question mark heading into the offseason - will Eric Tillman be back as general manager in 2010?
• In the meantime, I hope lots of fans show up at Mosaic Stadium at 2:30 this afternoon to welcome home the West Division champs, and congratulate them on an outstanding 2009 season.

Ouch. That one will leave a mark

I guess a person should congratulate the Montreal Alouettes for storming back to beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders 28-27 in the Grey Cup. While we're at it, congrats to the Riders on a terrific season, which very nearly ended with the fourth championship in team history. Those are the positives. And now:

• The Rider defence played a great first three quarters, but then couldn't get a stop when it counted the most. Damn!
• Even a high school special teams coordinator would know you did not need a kick returner in the end zone when Damon Duval lined up for the field goal at the end of the game.

Gather 'round, and let me explain why:

• The Riders were winning by two points with five seconds left on the clock.
• Normally, when the opposing team lines up for a field goal, a defensive back drops back into the end zone, in case of a miss.
• In this case, some bright light on the Rider sideline panicked, and sent in Jason Armstead, thinking they needed to return a missed field goal out of the end zone.
• They did not. When Duval missed, all the Rider player in the end zone had to do was catch the ball and take a knee. Saskatchewan would give up one point, and still win the game 27-26.

So, whomever sent Armstead onto the field screwed up. The player that Armstead replaced screwed up by (presumably) not coming off the field. The refs throw their flags, Duval gets a second chance, and the hearts are ripped out of Rider fans - not unlike 1976.

Having vented, I can now thank the Riders for an exciting season. I also hope Rob Bagg isn't injured too severely. Only seven more months until training camp, folks!

Friday thoughts

An assortment, possibly even a potpourri, of thoughts:

• If Darian Durant is on, the Riders have a definite chance against Montreal in Sunday's Grey Cup.
• If he isn't, and Anthony Calvillo is, the score could get pretty lopsided.
• If Wes Cates rushes for 100 yards, the Riders win. No question.
• The last time Cates hit the century mark was on September 26th against Edmonton, when he rushed 17 times for 103 yards. The Riders beat Edmonton 23-20 in that game.
• Defensively, it's pretty simple. If you can make Anthony Calvillo uncomfortable, you have a chance.
• If Calvillo has time, he will pick apart any defence.
• Prediction: Saskatchewan 26 Montreal 21

In other news...

• The Regina Pats have been on a pretty nice roll lately, winning 4 of their last 5.
• With football season about to wrap up, the Pats couldn't pick a better time to get hot. Hopefully that translates into butts in the seats when the team returns to the Brandt Centre for games next weekend against Brandon and Prince Albert.
• Are the Wheat Kings - this year's Memorial Cup hosts - a legitimate contending team? Right now I'd rate them no higher than 5th in the WHL, behind Saskatoon, Calgary, Vancouver and Tri-City.
• Well, I officially joined the board of the Lakeshore Tennis Club last night. Time to shake things up around that place!
• I'm off to the J-man's school this afternoon for the parent-teacher interview. Based on the results of his report card, I'm thinking this encounter should go pretty smoothly!
• Anyone up for lunch? You're buying!

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

The Grey Cup week edition of Cheers and Jeers:

Cheers

• The thousands of Saskatchewanians (past, present and future) who will descend on McMahon Stadium Sunday, giving the Roughriders a home field advantage in the Grey Cup.
• The people all over Regina who've been displaying their Rider Pride by wearing green all week long.
• The J-man. One heck of an impressive first report card of the year! Way to go son!
• Boston Pizza (north Albert). The J-man's choice for his report card celebration supper. The food and service were dandy.
• Chapters. We were crazy enough to hit the store on a Saturday afternoon, and still made it through a massive lineup fairly quickly.
• O'Hanlon's. The garlic cheese fries were garlicky. And cheesy. Just the way I likes 'em!

Jeers

• I don't have any this week! Either that, or I'm refusing to let anyone rain on my personal Grey Cup parade.

Go ahead, let 'em rip!

Show me a sign Lord! Just one sign!

Aha!

I always knew the Riders had fans in high places!

Even these guys are getting in on the act!

Who says there's nothing good on the internet?

I need to meet the woman who writes the following blog. She's my kind of funny!

http://humbugbistro.blogspot.com/


And she cooks!

SportZone lineup for November 24

Here's the lineup for this week's show, airing tonight at 9 p.m. and tomorrow at 3 p.m. on Access channel 7:

SportZone Guests for November 24/09
Community Co-Host: Corey Matthews

1. (U of R segment) An update on the University of Regina men’s basketball team. Guest: James Hillis (Head Coach).

2. (Team profile) An update on preparations for the 2010 season for Regina’s Prairie Fire rugby squad. Guest: Jered Kirkland (Head Coach/Captain).

3. (Elementary school segment - ENG) A report on the city public elementary school volleyball finals. Reporter: Brendan Pawliw

4. (U of R segment) An update on the University of Regina men’s volleyball team. Guest: Greg Barthel (Head Coach).

5. (CFL segment) A preview of the 2009 Grey Cup, featuring the Riders and Montreal Alouettes. Guest: John Lynch (Rider broadcaster).

SportZone trivia: The Montreal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders have never met in the Grey Cup. However, the Montreal Winged Wheelers beat the Regina Roughriders 22-0 to win the Grey Cup in which year? Answer: 1931.

Congratulations to Eileen Roles of Regina, who won a free medium pizza from Panago for sending in the first correct answer!

Holy sour grapes!

Okay Rick, you know how I know that you're a loser?

http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=415e130f-ea70-4462-9b92-08cf6e39cf40

Sometimes it's better just to be thought an idiot, than to start typing and remove all doubt!

GO RIDERS!

Monday musings

Green is the colour around here this week!

• Congrats to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who spotted Calgary a 10-0 lead, then roared back to beat the Stamps 27-17 in the CFL West final.
• Who would have thought the Riders would go undefeated in four games against the defending champs this season? I did not.
• Who would have thought Darian Durant would completely outplay Henry Burris in the biggest game of the season (so far)? I did not.
• Darian Durant threw three touchdown passes last night. All of them were caught by Canadian receivers. When's the last time THAT happened in a conference championship game?
• Did you notice how much better the Riders' secondary was with Eddie Davis back in the lineup? Welcome back, ED!
• Next up (gulp), the Montreal Alouettes.
• Let's face it, the Als are scary good.
• However, I'm not ready to count the Riders out against anybody anymore!
• How exactly are any of us supposed to get any work done this week? We have Grey Cup parties to plan, damnit!

In other news...

• Don't look now, but the Regina Pats have won three in a row, including 2-2 on their six game road trip.
• I officially made the transition to part-time Toronto Maple Leaf fan on the weekend. It feels.....liberating!
• My new team, the Chicago Blackhawks, has won seven games in a row. I'm not sure how to react to that level of success.
• Of course you know that if the Leafs manage to string together 2-3 wins in a row, I'll be right back in their evil clutches, don't you?

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

First off, a thumbs up for the following folks, who have donated (or are going to donate) raffle prizes for the Atom Tier 3 Blackhawks hockey tournament in December:

• SaskPower
• Regina Pats
• Regina Thunder
• Regina Red Sox
• Capital Pontiac
• Prairie Fire Rugby
• U of R Cougars
• Gus Giannoutsos, Massage Therapist
• SaskEnergy

If you, or your company, can lend a hand - let me know! We're especially hoping to find someone to sponsor the cost of prizes for all the players at the end of the tournament. It's a write off for you, and a great treat for about 75 kids.

Now, the usual Thursday stuff:

Cheers

• Classic Landscape Company - not cheap, but they do good work.
• Lakeview Fine Foods - also not cheap, but a great choice for a quick grocery run.
• Hill Avenue Drugs - friendly staff, and they'll fill your prescription on the spot!
• Press Box Sports Bar - a great place for before or after the big game.
• Jersey City (Cornwall Centre) - great selection, and if they don't have it, they'll get it for you.

Jeers

• Walmart (Southland Mall) - two tills open at 6 pm on a Saturday? TWO!
• Eddie Bauer (Cornwall Centre) - it gets a little frustrating to see lots of good stuff on the Eddie Bauer website, only to find the local store never has any of that good stuff in stock!

That's my list. Who made yours this week?

SportZone lineup for November 17

Here's the lineup for this week's show, which aired last night and again this afternoon at 3 p.m. on Access channel 7:

SportZone Guests for November 17/09
Community Co-Host: Corey Matthews

1. (Event Profile) A preview of the upcoming Regina Golden Cup boxing event, to be held at the New Line Boxing Academy. Guest: Moses Ali (NLBA President).

2. (U of R segment) An update on the University of Regina women’s hockey team. Guest: Sarah Howald (Head Coach).

3. (U of R segment) A post-mortem on the 2009 season for the University of Regina Rams. Guests: Bjorn Person (Defensive lineman), Marc Mueller (Rams quarterback) & Perri Scarcelli (Kicker).

4. (High school segment - ENG) A report on the city 5A high school volleyball finals. Reporter: Brendan Pawliw.

5. (U of R segment) The University of Regina cross country team celebrates a successful conclusion to the 2009 season. Guests: Dale Wig & Eric Benjamin (Cougar runners).

6. (Event profile) A preview of the 2010 World Junior hockey championships, coming up next month in Regina and Saskatoon. Guest: Al Ford (WJHC Assistant G.M.)

SportZone trivia: When were the World Junior Hockey Championships last held in Saskatchewan?

Answer: 1991. Congratulations to Devin Malakoff, who correctly answered this week's question and scored himself a free medium pizza from Panago. It's just that easy, folks!

Monday musings

Really? It's Monday already? Damn!

• A good time was had at the Pats game Friday night, despite the outcome of the game (4-3 win by Moose Jaw).
• The Warriors - trailing 2-1 at the time - called a timeout about halfway through the second period, and kicked their game into a higher gear after that. The Pats did not.
• Good times at the Press Box afterwards with local legends Mitch Blair and Kelly Remple, the Access Comm Pats broadcast team.
• So, it's the Calgary Stampeders again, is it?
• Sunday's CFL west final matchup between the Riders and Stamps has the makings of a classic.
• Can the Riders hold off Reynolds, Burris, Copeland et al one more time?
• How loud will the stadium be? Let's hope the fans kick their game up a notch too!
• I may bring earplugs for the J-man, as it could (hell, it should) get that loud.
• That New England vs Indianapolis game last night was amazing. How can you not enjoy watching Tom Brady duel Peyton Manning for four quarters?
• Bill Belichek's arrogance cost his team that win. Going for it on 4th and two with over two minutes left in the game was a ridiculous decision, and a slap in the face to his defence.
• If you had to pick the NFL MVP right now, who would it be? Manning? Drew Brees? (this one hurts) Brett Favre?
• Attention Toronto Maple Leafs: It's just not working out between us right now. I think we need to see other people for a while. Go Blackhawks!

Friday thoughts

No animals were harmed during the testing of these thoughts:

• It's time to see for myself how much the Regina Pats have improved in the past few weeks. I'll see if I can squeeze in with Rod and Al in the CKRM booth tonight.
• How can you not get psyched for a home-and-home set with Moose Jaw?
• I guarantee the Moose Javians in attendance will be loud and proud tonight. It'd be nice if the Pats fans drowned them out for once!
• Is it too early to put up a few Christmas decorations this weekend? Not the tree, just a few smaller things around the house. Or is it too soon?
• It sounds like there are only single tickets left for the CFL western final next weekend in Regina.
• Would you go to a football game alone? I've done it, when the J-man bailed out (well, it wasn't actually him who bailed, but I digress) at the last minute. It's not the best scenario, that's for sure.
• I think I'll be cheering for the Eskimos this weekend. They've already beaten the Riders twice at Mosaic Stadium this season. NO WAY are they gonna go three-for-three!
• Seriously, can anyone stop the Montreal Alouettes?
• Hurray for Regina's Paul Woldu, who scored his first CFL touchdown last week. Paul plays defensive back for the Als.
• Well, it doesn't look like Toronto's NBA team will be a championship contender this year. Add the Raptors to the list with the Leafs, Blue Jays and Argos.
• With the Rider playoff game still not a sellout, and plenty of tickets still available for the World Junior hockey tournament, I've been wondering: Should Regina be considered a great sports town?
• Sure, the Riders do very well at the gate. But the Pats rarely fill the Brandt Centre, the Rams are lucky to get 2000 people to one of their games, and the other U of R teams average crowds in the dozens.
• Maybe this is strictly a CFL city. Which would be too bad, actually.
• Does every quarterback automatically suck as soon as they slip on a Chicago Bears jersey? Add Jay Cutler to the list.
• As a diehard Packers fan, I want to hate Brett Favre. He's a Minnesota Viking, so I should hate Brett Favre. But, yet...part of me wonders if he has one more magical run left in him. I may even hope he does. Damn, I'm conflicted.
• I hate Friday the 13th. I'm just sayin'.

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

Yes, it's another installment of the ridiculously popular Cheers and Jeers!

Cheers

• Campbell and Haliburton Insurance. Mel is always looking to save me a buck or two.
• 4 Seasons Sports Palace. I'm liking the new screens!
• Airport Health Professionals. They'll crack your back, and crack you up!

Jeers

• Applebee's (south Regina). A dishsoap aftertaste with my ginger ale tainted an otherwise enjoyable dining experience.
• Everyone who cast ballots in the RMF coach of the year popularity contest. No mercy for you next year!

It's been kind of a slow week. Got anything to add to the list?

SportZone lineup for November 11

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

SportZone Guests for November 11/09
Community Co-Host: Corey Matthews


1. (Team profile) A profile of the Pilot Butte Storm, defending south division champions in the Prairie Junior B Hockey League. Guests: Chris Lewgood (Head Coach) & Garrett Ferguson (Captain)

2. (Team profile) A look back at the 2009 season for the Regina Thunder junior football club. Guests: Reid Quest (Quarterback) & Jordy Kyle (Offensive lineman).

3. (Event profile) A preview of the 2009 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season. Guest: Laury Ryan (SJHLPresident).

4. (High school segment) The Winston Knoll Wolverines celebrate a city 4A high school football championship. Guests: Kelly Adams (Head Coach), Landon Bessel (Quarterback) & Mitchell Thompson (Receiver).

5. (Event profile) A preview of the 2009/10 Hockey Regina season. Guest: Blair Watson (HRI Executive Director).

SportZone trivia: Prior to Erwin Klempner in 2009, who was the only Regina Thunder coach to win coach of the year in the Prairie Football Conference? And in which year? Send us your answer, and your contact information. The first correct response scores a delicious medium pizza from Panago!

Monday musings

Out, damn thoughts! (never thought you'd get a Shakespeare reference here, did ya?)

• Congrats to the Riders for finishing first in the CFL's west division for the first time in 33 years.
• Can Darian Durant bounce back from a lousy game or what? Durant and Andy Fantuz were huge against the Stamps Saturday night.
• Before the season started, I predicted the Riders would go 10-8 this year. 10-7-1 is pretty close, isn't it?
• Somebody ought to tell a local radio sportscaster that Ryan Getzlaf plays for the Anaheim Ducks, and his brother Chris catches passes for the Riders.
• I hate it when Rider fans feel the need to find fault with the performance of their team after a win. ie: "Sure we won, but the offence didn't score any points in the third quarter again."
• Guess what? The Riders didn't play a perfect game in either the '07 or '89 Grey Cups, and those games still turned out pretty well.
• This province and many of its football fans seem to really have a hard time dealing with success. It's as if they're always waiting for something to go horribly wrong.
• Oh, and it would be good if some fans (and some radio hosts) educated themselves on what is, and what isn't, a horse collar tackle. Lesson #1 - grabbing a ball carrier by the back of his jersey does not necessarily mean it's a horse collar tackle.
• CFL refs make enough mistakes, let's not crucify them for the calls they actually get right!
• Hey, the Regina Pats are starting to win a few games. Come see for yourself, you might be pleasantly surprised.
• Is it too soon to start the campaign to have Jordan Eberle named the CHL Player of the Year? He has to be considered an early contender.
• Thud. That's the sound of the University of Regina Rams' season coming to a sudden stop in Saskatoon on Saturday. The Rams just weren't in the same league as the Huskies and Calgary Dinos this year. Mind you, neither were any other teams in Canada West.
• Checked out the new Applebees in the south end last night. The food and service were quite acceptable, although the dish soap aftertaste with my ginger ale was not!

Riders secondary DOESN'T take another hit

EDIT: Fortunately, the following rumour turned out to be false. Or at least not entirely accurate. So much for impeccable sources!


The Saskatchewan Roughriders may be without the services of veteran cornerback Omarr Morgan for tomorrow night's regular season finale against the Calgary Stampeders. A source very close to the situation says Morgan is heading home to California to be with his ill mother and will miss the first place showdown with the Stamps.

If that's the case, that creates a very big hole in a defensive secondary already missing halfback Eddie Davis, who is out at least another week with a knee injury.

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

Back by popular demand, our weekly look at the stars and the duds in the world of customer service. I'll start:

Cheers

• WestJet. They get you where you need to go, and treat you like your business actually matters to them. Imagine!
• Tumblers. If it's not the best pizza in town, it's certainly in the top three.
• Regina Dental Group (Pasqua south location). As pleasant an experience as going to the dentist can be.

Jeers

• Level Corp (again). Gee, it only took an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau to get their attention!
• Tumblers. Love the pie, but $30 for a large pizza? That's kinda steep.
• Sandman Hotel (downtown Vancouver). First they "misplaced" our reservation, then - despite advertising their fitness facility on their website - tell us it's a private gym, and it'll cost us an extra $8 a day to work out there. Oh, and the gym sucked.

Feel free to add your cheers and jeers to the list!

Oh, the hilarity!

I just had to share this rib-tickler from earlier today...

So, I'm listening to a morning sportscast on the local news/talk station. A report comes on, previewing the upcoming "winner take first" matchup between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Calgary Stampeders. Pretty straightforward stuff.

Now, as all hardcore Rider fans know, Saskatchewan is the only CFL team without a 1000 yard rusher this season. Riders tailback Wes Cates has 876 yards on the ground, with one game left. Again, pretty straightforward.

But, I just about gagged on my toothpaste when the reporter told the world that Cates is "124 yards away from the century mark on the season". Excuse me? Pardon? Let me see if I have this right - Cates is 124 yards away from 100? He has -24 yards so far this season? Oh, I see.

I'm just sayin'...

SportZone lineup for November 3

Here's the lineup for this week's show. It aired last night at 9 p.m. and repeats today at 3 p.m. It may hit the airwaves a third time for all I know. Check the Access listings, if you're so inclined!

SportZone Guests for November 3/09
Community Co-Host: Carlo Palazzo

1. (Sports/Leisure segment) The Jaleta Pacers running club launches a charity fundraising calendar. Guests: Ted Jaleta & Nicole Filteau (Jaleta Pacers).

2. (Regina sport spotlight) A look at the different sports programs run in Regina public schools. Guest: Kevin Gabel (RPS Elementary Sports Coordinator).

3. (High school segment - ENG) A report on the 2009 Regina high school 3A boys and girls soccer finals. Reporter: Brendan Pawliw.

4. (Event profile) A preview of the 2009 Saskatchewan amateur boxing championships, hosted by the Lonsdale Boxing Club. Guest: Frank Fiacco (LBC President).

5. (U of R segment) A profile of the University of Regina women’s softball team. Guests: Kevin Holmes (Assistant Coach).

SportZone trivia: How many times has Regina's Ted Jaleta won the Echo Valley 20km road race? Send us your answer, and your contact information, for a chance to win a medium pizza from Panago!

Rams in, Eberle honoured

A couple of news releases to pass along:


Rams in postseason after Manitoba forfeits wins

The University of Manitoba’s football team forfeited three victories on Tuesday because of the use of an ineligible player, moving the Regina Rams into the fourth and final playoff position in Canada West.

Manitoba used an ineligible student-athlete for its first five games of the season. As per Canada West bylaws, the use of an ineligible player results in forfeiture of games in which the student-athlete was deemed ineligible. The two games won by Manitoba over UBC and Alberta have been changed to losses and wins for the two opponents. The third game, Manitoba at Simon Fraser has been declared "no contest" because both teams used an ineligible player. The final scores for the two forfeited games are recorded as 1-0 forfeits by Manitoba. All statistics for the three games will remain intact.

The Rams (3-5) will now play the Saskatchewan Huskies (7-1) in the conference semifinals on Saturday. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon. The winner of the game will advance to the Hardy Cup, where they’ll take on either Alberta or No. 2-ranked Calgary in the Canada West championship game.

The Rams held a film session on Monday evening. The team will return to practice on Tuesday, and is scheduled to be on the field at 7 p.m.


PATS’ JORDAN EBERLE NAMED HUSKY WHL PLAYER OF THE MONTH

CALGARY, AB. – The Western Hockey League announced today that forward Jordan Eberle, of the Regina Pats, has been named the HUSKY WHL Player of the Month for September/October.

Since his return from the Edmonton Oilers on September 29th, the 19 year-old forward has made an immediate impact with the Pats recording 25 points in 12 games through September/October. Eberle has found the net 12 times and has assisted on 13 others all while maintaining a plus minus rating of +5. He is currently on a seven game point streak and has recorded a point in 11 of 12 games played since his return, including four multi-goal and eight multi-point games; Eberle also leads the WHL in the points per game category averaging 2.08 Pt/G.

Eberle’s consistent play has helped the Regina Pats achieve a .500 record (5-5-2-0) since his return and his efforts have also earned him a Three Star selection in six of his 12 games played, with two being 1st Stars.

Eberle, originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, was a first round – 22nd overall selection of the Edmonton Oilers at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Monday musings

Thoughts. Just the thoughts, ma'am:

• Wow, the Saskatchewan Roughriders looked awful in Saturday's 24-6 loss in Hamilton.
• However, the Riders still clinched a home playoff game, thanks to Calgary's win over the B.C. Lions.
• If Saskatchewan can knock off Calgary in Saturday's regular-season finale, the green guys finish in first for the first time since 1976.
• At some point, the Riders are really going to have to run the ball with someone other than Darian Durant.
• Run blocking and pass protection have to improve. Immediately.
• Offensive lineman Chris Best doesn't look like he's ready for prime time.
• The defensive secondary misses Eddie Davis. A lot.
• Darian Durant has to get rid of the football quicker.
• In other news...
• The Green Bay Packers can't seem to beat the Brett Favre-led Minnesota Vikings.
• I keep waiting for Favre to run out of gas, as he did last year with the Jets. Still waiting...
• Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a player, but he also has to learn to get rid of the ball faster.
• Even if the University of Regina Rams sneak into the Canada West playoffs on a technicality, doesn't that just mean they'll get stomped by the U of S two weeks in a row?
• The New York Yankees are on the verge of another World Series title. Which is another reason why I rarely watch baseball anymore.
• Damned if I know why, but I've become hooked on the show Criminal Minds on A&E.
• It's no SportZone on Access 7, but it's pretty good.
• For anyone attending the RMF coaches appreciation night on November 10th: You could do a lot worse than casting a ballot for the Cougars in the atom Coach of the Year competition! I'm just sayin'...

Friday thoughts

Let's get right to it, shall we?

• It was a crazy busy week, so I had to neglect my semi-occasional blogging duties. Sorry about that!
• The U2 concert in Vancouver was amazing. And hats off to the Black Eyed Peas who did a terrific job of opening for Bono and the boys.
• The previous night, we attended the Canucks/Red Wings game at GM Place.
• Having seen Roberto Luongo play in person, I can say he definitely deserves a shot at starting for Canada in the Olympics.
• Bobby Lou, as the Canucks fans call their captain, was sensational in a 5-4 loss to the Red Wings.
• Pavel Datsyuk is the softest player I have seen in a long, long time. I believe he may actually be allergic to back checking.
• The Riders are saying all the right things, but let's hope they truly aren't looking past the Hamilton Tiger Cats to next week's matchup with Calgary.
• A win over Hamilton tomorrow guarantees the green guys a home playoff game. That should be all the inspiration they need.
• It will be very interesting to see how the secondary responds to the loss of Eddie Davis. The cagey veteran usually matches up against the opposition's best receiver, and also acts as an assistant coach on the field.
• Oh, by the way - Level Corp still sucks. They couldn't even be bothered to respond to a Better Business Bureau complaint about them. Nice.
• Time to go to the doctor to see about this nasty chest cold I've acquired. No, it's not H1N1! Sure hope not, anyway!

Friday thoughts

Lots of ground to cover, so let's begin!

• The 2009-10 season opens tonight for the Hockey Regina atom Hawks. The J-man will be patrolling the blueline against. . . whomever we're playing.
• I think it would be beneficial to have the schedule completed, with the season starting this weekend. Or is that too much to ask?
• Didn't football season just end?
• I polished off most of my Christmas shopping yesterday on Amazon.ca. Free shipping, no crowds and no lineups. What's not to love?
• Casey Printers will start for B.C. against the Riders tomorrow at Mosaic Stadium.
• B.C. has a former league MOP as their 4th string quarterback. That's not such a bad deal.
• Here's hoping he plays as badly as he did in Hamilton last year. But, somehow I don't think he will.
• Another week, another first place showdown for the Riders. No lack of drama this season!
• Chris Jones will start in place of Gerran Walker at wideout for the Riders. Mr. Jones, this would be your last opportunity to make an impression, I'm guessing.
• The Regina Pats look to snap a two game road losing skid in Swift Current tomorrow night. The rematch goes Sunday night at the Brandt Centre.
• It's a little early to be writing the Pats off just yet, but I can certainly understand why some fans are skeptical. I'll wait until closer to Christmas before passing judgment.
• My 48 hour liquid diet starts tomorrow morning. I think that means post-game pizza tonight?
• Four days from now I'll be boarding a plane for a mini vacation in Van city. I'm kind of looking forward to that!

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

And we're back with another spine-tingling edition of Thursday Jeers and Cheers, where we salute providers of exceptional service, and draw attention to those who..........well, suck. I'll start:

Cheers

• Provincial Auto Body. They do excellent work, and Laurie is a great guy (who just might show you the bullet hole in the ceiling if you ask nicely).
• Venice Tailors. Again, excellent work at a good price. Manuel is close to becoming the official clothier of SportZone on Access 7.
• Adrenaline: Regina Sports. It's the new local sports magazine/website launched by Regina's Julie Folk. I'll always support any efforts to profile local sports, teams and athletes.

Jeers

• City of Regina. I'm all for doing some long overdue road work, but it's now almost impossible to get from the Normandy Heights area to downtown. And getting back is even worse!
• Regina Pat Canadians. The expression "gong show" comes to mind.
• Mosaic Stadium concessions. The pre-Rider game burgers and pizza were quite tasty at the start of the year. The quality has slipped considerably since then.

And here's one that fits in both categories: Bon Jovi will play in Regina next July 28th (cool, in a kitschy way), which will be right in the middle of our annual trip to Ontario (darn). Oh well, life will somehow have to go on!

Okay, your turn!

SportZone lineup for October 20

Here's the lineup of guests for the latest edition of SportZone, airing Tuesday at 9 p.m. and Wednesday at 3 p.m. this week and next on Access channel 7:

SportZone Guests for October 20/09
Community Co-Host: Corey Matthews

1. (High school segment - ENG) A profile of the O’Neill Titans high school football team. Reporter: Brendan Pawliw.

2. (Team profile) A profile of the Regina Capitals junior B hockey club. Guests: Rob Dowie (Co-Coach) & Ryan Husband (Capitals forward).

3. (Team profile) An update on the early season exploits of the Regina Rebels female midget AAA hockey team. Guests: Doug Folk (Head Coach) & Kelsa Duffy (Rebels Co-Captain).

4. (Sports/Leisure segment) An introduction to Adrenaline: Regina Sports, a new local sports magazine. Guest: Julie Folk (Editor).

5. (U of R segment) A profile of the University of Regina men’s hockey team. Guests: Blaine Sautner (Head Coach) & Craig Cuthbert (Cougars forward).

SportZone trivia: When did the Regina Capitals last win the Keystone Cup, the western Canadian junior B hockey championship? Send us your answer, and your contact information, for your shot at "smartest viewer" bragging rights!

Pats pick up blueliner

I'm thinking this acquisition could bump Alex Pym down another notch on the depth chart. News release from the Regina Pats below.

Regina, Saskatchewan – Regina Pats General Manager (Brent Parker, perhaps?) is proud to announce the acquisition of defenceman Cody Carlson from the Medicine Hat Tigers in exchange for a 3rd round bantam pick in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft.

The 18 year old power play specialist from Victoria, B.C., has spent the past two seasons with the Tigers, accumulating 16 points in each season. In 7 games this season, Carlson has a goal and 3 assists.

Carlson will be at Pats practice this afternoon, and be in the lineup tomorrow night against Prince Albert.

Monday musings

Various and sundry, from the mind of a recovering flu victim:

• Football players are taught to play to the whistle. Henry Burris was trying to get up, the whistle had not blown, and therefore the unnecessary roughness call against the Riders' John Chick was ridiculous.
• That's the kind of call you might expect from someone who had never played the game, quite frankly.
• Between that game and Montreal's 41-38 victory over Hamilton, CFL fans were very well entertained this weekend.
• Don't look now, but the B.C. Lions are only a point back of Saskatchewan and Calgary in the race for top spot in the west.
• Which makes Saturday's Mosaic Stadium matchup between the Riders and Lions another first place showdown. This thing is going right down to the wire, folks!
• It was a good weekend for the Regina Pats, capturing three of a possible four points.
• If not for some shaky defensive play (and netminding) against Kamloops Friday night, it would have been a perfect weekend for the Pats.
• Ho hum, Jordan Eberle notches three points as the Pats roll past Lethbridge 4-1 on Saturday night. Is this kid money or what?
• My decision to keep starting Randy Moss in fantasy football turned out to be a pretty good one this week. Moss collected three touchdown passes in a 59-0 rout of Tennessee.
• Are the Patriots that good, or are the Titans that bad? I think it's a little from column A and a little from column B.
• The Toronto Maple Leafs are still searching for their first win of the year. Can you imagine if they finish at the bottom of the standings and have to turn over the first overall pick to the Boston Bruins?
• Would that mark the end of Brian Burke's brief tenure in Toronto? I suspect so.
• Eight days until the Canucks and Red Wings at GM Place. That is a very good thing.

Friday thoughts

Let's see what pours out today:

• Having the flu sucks. Today is my first day out of bed since Tuesday. Consciousness is highly overrated, though.
• I think I'll take in the Pats game tonight. Hopefully the week off will have the Pats firing on all cylinders against Kamloops.
• Here's hoping Henry Burris' mini-slump continues for at least one more game. If the Riders win in Calgary tomorrow, first place becomes a very real possibility.
• Great news about Andy Fantuz re-upping with the Riders. Assuming he doesn't get an offer from an NFL club, of course.
• I can't see Tuz heading south, personally. His blocking isn't tight end calibre, and his speed isn't at a par with NFL wide receivers. However, he's just right as a CFL slotback.
• Jeers and Cheers was preempted this week, but here's a quick plug for Quality Tire on McDonald. They set me up with good tires at a good price. That's about all a guy can ask for!
• The J-man will suit up for the Atom Tier 3 Blackhawks this winter. Practices start this weekend. Good times to follow.
• I was actually going to register for the Running Room's Learn to Run program, starting tomorrow. But apparently this flu bug has other plans for my lungs. I guess running will have to wait for a while.
• Does anyone have a new Blackberry Tour? Do you recommend them?
• Eleven days until my west coast mini-vacation. The Canucks/Red Wings, followed by U2 and the Black Eyed Peas. Bring it on!

(Day after) Monday musings

A day late, and probably even a dollar short:

• How does four days with the J-man seem like only four hours, the way it flies by so fast?
• A serious cardio workout is needed tonight, to help negate the effects of that four day food binge!
• I'm still a bit sore from Saturday's Krav Maga workout. I'd like to trade this body in for a newer model, please.
• The Riders are tied for first in the west, with four games left in the regular season. Sure didn't see that one coming!
• It's interested to note how critical some "fans" are in the wake of Saskatchewan's 32-22 win over Toronto Saturday night.
• Let's try to keep this in perspective. The Riders went 3-15 in 1999. Ten years later we're criticizing the way they play when they win? Really?
• Darian Durant has outplayed Henry Burris the last few weeks. What are the odds of that?
• Let's hope that trend continues Saturday afternoon in Calgary.
• The Regina Pats kick off a four games in six nights stretch Friday night against Kamloops.
• Hopefully they learned what it takes to compete against the elite teams during Friday night's 5-0 loss to Calgary.
• The Moose Jaw Warriors lead the WHL's east division. What?
• The Toronto Maple Leafs are still searching for their first win of the NHL season. Is it too early to talk about firing Brian Burke?
• Let me guess, Burke is telling folks to "just wait" until sniper Phil Kessel is available for active duty next month? Great, and who exactly is supposed to get Kessel the puck?
• Which export from the Boston are is more overrated - Burke or Kessel?
• I'm getting sick of my Motorola Q randomly deleting emails. Any recommendations on a smartphone? It has to be a SaskTel phone, that's really the only restriction.
• Oh pumpkin pie - why must you tempt me so with your delicious yumminess? You are a cruel mistress!

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

We're back with another installment of Cheers and Jeers, a weekly look at the best and the worst in customer service over the past week - or in general. Here's mine:

Cheers

• Gus Giannoutsos at Courtside Sports Medicine - a darn fine massage therapist, and a sparkling conversationalist. What more do you want?
• Venice Tailors - for all your alterations and formal wear, I heartily recommend Venice Tailors on south Albert St.
• Italian Star Deli - Carlo makes a damn fine sandwich, and is a terrific guy to boot!

Jeers

• Level Corp., as per usual.
• A Jack of All Trades Handyman Service - apparently "all trades" doesn't apply to returning phone calls.

That's my list for this week. Do you have any cheers or jeers to add?

Monday musings

Maybe not the most lucid thoughts, but they're all mine!

• Yes, Darian Durant had a bad game against the B.C. Lions. These are the growing pains you get when developing a young quarterback.
• Durant's ability to march the team down the field for the game-tying touchdown is not to be underestimated though. That was impressive.
• What to make of the Regina Pats? Are they as good as they've played the last three games, or as bad as they looked the first five games of the season? Likely somewhere in between.
• Jordan Eberle will play maybe sixty games for the Pats this year, given his World Junior Championship commitments. Pencil him in for 40 goals.
• Do you think Brett Leffler smiles when he looks at the lineup and sees himself on a line with Eberle and Jordan Weal every night? He should!
• Reason #1 to be thankful this Thanksgiving weekend: four straight days with the J-man.
• Reason #2: A four day break from speechwriting!
• Hey Brian Burke! How's that big, bad blueline corps working out for you so far?
• Watching Alex Ovechkin and friends play against the Leafs defence was like watching bantam kids skate against a novice team.
• Thumbs up for the Regina Thunder, who finished the PFC regular season at 5-3. That's the second-best regular season mark in team history. Next up, a playoff showdown with the Saskatoon Hilltops.
• The J-man has hockey evaluations tonight. And so it begins, again!

Pats make the Rebels yell

Was the Billy Idol reference too obscure? Sorry about that.

Anyway, the Regina Pats hammered the visiting Red Deer Rebels 7-3 tonight at the Brandt Centre. Defenceman Matt Delahey led the offensive onslaught with two goals and an assist. Super sophomore Jordan Weal had a goal and three helpers.

It's amazing how much better the Pats looked since the last time I saw them - which was two weeks ago. The return of Jordan Eberle in particular has provided an incredible spark for the offence - as evidenced by the Pats' 22 goals scored in the three games that Eberle has been back in the lineup.

The first line of Eberle, Weal and Brett Leffler caused havoc all night. And, the second line of Brayden Metz, Matt Strueby and Tomas Hrcina (likely only until Garrett Mitchell is back from injury) has some potential too. The blueline is considerably better too, thanks to the return of Delahey and Colten Teubert from their respective NHL camps. Young Brandon Davidson looks like a keeper on defence.

All in all, a very entertaining night at the rink. Hopefully there will be plenty more nights like that this winter.

Putting it all in perspective

People (including this blogger) that are inclined to wail and gnash their teeth over the Saskatchewan Roughriders' loss to the B.C. Lions need to pause and look at the bigger picture. Sure it was a tough loss, but I was saddened last night to hear of an even bigger loss.

I logged onto Facebook last night after the game only to learn that Barry Davies had died. For those of you who don't know, Barry was a long-time morning man on CKCK (62 Kool) radio in Regina. He was also my friend.

Barry and I actually worked together twice during our radio careers. He was the morning man/sales manager at the first radio station I worked at in Saskatchewan, the WKRP-esque (and long gone) SUN 102FM in Saskatoon. I arrived in 1992, and was the morning sportscaster and morning show sidekick. We worked hard and occasionally played even harder in those days.

We reunited in the late 1990's when Harvard Broadcasting took over the operation of CKCK radio, and brought Barry in for a second stint as the morning show host. He and I became the morning show team and worked hard to restore the once-dominant station to some small measure of its past greatness. Again, we worked hard and had some fun doing it.

As much as I enjoyed working with Barry, I enjoyed his friendship even more. He and and his then-wife Randene opened their home to me and were among the most supportive people in my life during the darkest days of my divorce in the early part of this decade. I will never forget their kindness, or the way they welcomed me and a very young J-man into their home and their lives.

I left the radio business exactly two weeks before CKCK disappeared from the airwaves. True to his nature, Barry was there right up until the bitter end. Unfortunately, our paths seldom crossed after that, as we went our separate ways in our professional and personal lives.

Having heard of Barry's passing, I'm kicking myself now for not keeping in touch these last few years. I only hope wherever he is today he knows how grateful I am to have known him. Rest well, old friend. Your struggle is over.

How the heck did that happen?

A few thoughts on the Saskatchewan Roughriders' 19-16 loss to the B.C. Lions tonight:

• Sorry, but this was a game a team with championship aspirations has to win.
  
• Is Glen Suitor on crack? Was he serious when he said (twice) that Riders quarterback Darian Durant was emerging as a league MVP candidate?
• Seriously?
• I'm sorry but Durant played like crap for the first 56 minutes of this game.
  
• He had some company, however.
• It's kind of sad when an offensive line can't open any holes against the worst run defence in the CFL.
• Andy Fantuz is a stud. The Riders desperately need to get him re-signed.
• While they're at it, they should extend Weston Dressler's contract.
  
• The defence couldn't cover Geroy Simon and Paris Jackson tonight. At all.
• Buck Pierce has heart, I'll give him that.
• Could the Riders blitz packages be any less effective?
  
• I wish the CFL officials would grow some nuts and flag Wally Buono for wandering onto the playing field ALL THE TIME!
• Do you think Jason Clermont will ask for his release in the offseason? He should.
• Am I the only person who knew WITHOUT A DOUBT that Travis Lulay was going to throw a play action pass on second and one? He was pretty well bouncing in the huddle.
  
• Quite frankly, if the Lions could convert on short yardage, they would have won this game easily.
  

Friday thoughts

Here's what passes for independant thought today:

• Okay, that should be enough rain for now. Thanks!
• So, Brian Burke's way of dragging the Maple Leafs back to respectabilty is to go with a no-name forward corps and glacial defencemen? And how did that work out last night?
• Ian White is not an NHL calibre defenceman. Sorry Swift Current fans.
• If the Leafs make Mike Komisarek the team captain, it would be....well, pretty much typical for the Leafs, actually.
• There's a fine line between being aggressive and being stupid. Somebody should show the Buds blueliners where that line is.
• What sort of goofy officiating and/or timekeeping will the Riders encounter at B.C. Place tonight?
• It shouldn't matter. The Riders should win this one by ten points. The operative word being should.
• I have to laugh at the mouth-breathers who described Wes Cates' 100-yard performance last week as "unimpressive".
• Unfortunately, when your fan base grows, so too does the number of knuckle-draggers who jump on board the bandwagon. Such is the price of success, I suppose.
• I'm starting to really dislike speechwriting.
• Given the weather the past week, I'm actually feeling pretty good about the atom Cougars' season coming to an end last Saturday.
• Hockey evaluations are on Sunday and Monday. And so it begins...
• Personally, I'd be just fine if David Letterman never discussed his sexual exploits on tv again. Ever. Yuck.

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

So, who has impressed or disappointed you this week? Here's my list:

Cheers

• Laser Quest Regina - especially the patience of their staff in dealing with 28 wild young football players (and a few coaches) at our team wind-up.
• Good Earth coffee shop in Hill Tower #2. Good coffee, and reasonably priced.

Jeers

• Level Corp. Latest in a series. I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau this week. Let's see where that gets us!
• Laser Quest Regina. Why the hell would you put a light standard right behind a parking stall? Suffice to say, my rear bumper found one while leaving our team wind-up. Bloody hell.
• Walmart (Southland Mall). They won't replace your watch battery unless it's for one of their (crappy) watches. Okay, I'll walk down the hall to the jewelry store with my business then.

Okay, your turn!

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 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 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!

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 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.

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 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.

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!

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 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 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.
  

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.