Locker Talk Lineup for October 30

Behold! It's the frightful lineup for the special Halloween edition of Locker Talk on Access 7! This macabre offering airs tonight at 9 pm and Saturday at noon on Access channel 7 in Regina. You've been warned.

Locker Talk Guests for October 30/12
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair

1. The head coach of the Regina Thunder retires, after a 35 year football coaching career. Guest: Erwin Klempner (Thunder head coach - retired).

2. The Raiders capture the Regina Minor Football bantam division championship. Guests: Darren Finkeldey (Head Coach) & Kai Finkeldey (LB).

3. Regina gets set to host the 2013 Canadian Masters Track and Field Championships. Guests: Terry Mountjoy & Selina Coward (Organizing Committee).

4. Our Man Carlo. Locker Talk sports movie reviewer Carlo Palazzo is back to offer his thoughts on a sports cinematic classic. This time: Space Jam.

5. (pre-taped) Canadian Olympic soccer star Kaylyn Kyle visits the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in Regina. Reporter: Mitch Blair.

6. The ladies of Queen City Roller Sports are gearing up for another season of exciting roller derby action. Guests: Jodi “D'Ablo” Barber & Keely “Stabitha” Tyler (Queen City Roller Sports).

7. The Blair Necessities. Mitch’s weekly sports commentary.

The Guessing Game

With two high profile resignations in Regina coaching ranks this week, maybe it's time for a little speculation.

Now that Justin Eiswirth has stepped down, we can ponder who might replace him as manager of the Regina Red Sox.  As two-time defending Western Major Baseball League champs, the Red Sox gig would be attractive for a lot of people.  I think it's safe to say the organization wants someone who will continue building on the foundation that's already in place, and ideally that candidate should be from the Regina area. Former Manager Rob Cherepuschak should be at the top of the list, although I suspect he isn't ready to consider a return to that role yet.  One of the assistant coaches (Kent Morrison, Josh Hughes or Nathan Bourassa) could be next in line. Or, how about Mitch  MacDonald? The Red Sox slugger was virtually a player/coach the past few years anyway, so it wouldn't be a huge leap. I could see it happening.

The Regina Thunder junior football club is in the market for a new head coach, following Erwin Klempner's resignation. Klempner spent seven years building that program, but could never get past the Saskatoon Hilltops in the playoffs. Mind you, who can? I think the list of internal candidates is topped by two names - defensive coordinator Shawn McCall, and special teams coordinator Scott McCauley. McCauley is a former Thunder player, and is considered one of the rising young stars on the local coaching scene. Personally, I'd be surprised if  Campbell Collegiate head coach Ryan Hall wasn't in the conversation as well.

I assume we'll hear the outcome of both hiring processes by Christmas at the latest.  Should be interesting!

Locker Talk lineup for October 23

Change is the operative word in local sporting circles today. Red Sox manager Justin Eiswirth is stepping down, after leading the Sox to a second straight WMBL championship. I've also caught wind of a shakeup in local amateur football circles that may raise a few eyebrows. More on that later.

In the meantime, thanks again to Arielle Wood for filling in with Mitch as hosts of Locker Talk in my absence the past few weeks. Now that my RMF coaching duties are fulfilled, it's time to get back into the studio. So, here's the lineup for this week's show. It airs tonight at 9 p.m. and Saturday at noon and 3 p.m.

 Locker Talk Guests for October 23/12
Co-Host:  Mitchell Blair 

1.  A recap of the Prairie Junior Football Conference final between the Regina Thunder and the Saskatoon Hilltops. Guest: Camille Lagimodiere (Thunder Receiver).   
2. Outgoing Mayor Pat Fiacco reflects on how the local sporting landscape has changed over the past 12 years. Guest: Pat Fiacco (Regina Mayor). 
3. A Regina men’s touch football squad captures a third straight silver medal at the national championships. Guests: Deron Kuski & Reilly Kuski (Megalomania touch football club). 
4. Looking for a great way to keep your young football player in shape, and get them ready for next season? Get them into wrestling!  Guest: Leo McGee (Head Coach, Cattown Wrestling Club, U of R Cougars). 
5. U of R Athlete of the Month. Reporter Arielle Wood interviews the University of Regina’s Athlete of the Month for October, and the U of R Rams starting quarterback. Guests: Joey Dwyer (Rams DB) & Marc Mueller (Rams QB). 
6. The Thom Trojans celebrate a successful high school football season, and look ahead to the playoffs. Guests: George Heuk (Assistant Coach), Eric Wood (MLB) Dryden Kemp (LB/RB) & Atlee Simon (RB/LB). 
7. The Blair Necessities.  Mitch’s weekly sports commentary. 
   
   Note: Don't be surprised if the Thunder announce a coaching change in the next day or so, ending Erwin Klempner's tenure as head coach. Hope I'm wrong, but my spidey sense is tingling big-time about this one.

Locker Talk Lineup for October 16

Before we begin, a little local sporting news to pass along. Condolences go out this morning to Don Pankewich, the long-time general manager of the Regina Capitals Junior B hockey team. Don's brother Terry - who was also very involved with the Capitals - passed away the other day.

Also with the Capitals, the team has parted ways with second year bench boss Sandor Jerkovits, despite opening the season with a 4-1 record.  The ever popular philosophical differences are responsible. The head coaching gig with the Caps has been a real revolving door in recent years.

Locker Talk Guests for October 16/12
Hosts:  Mitchell Blair & Arielle Wood

 1.   A profile of the Regina Rebels female midget AAA hockey club. Guests: Bob Brennan (Assistant Coach) & Melissa Murray (Defenceman).

2.   The Cardinals celebrate a Regina Minor Football atom division championship, knocking off the previously unbeaten Thunderbirds.  Guests: Ryan Katchuk (Head Coach) & Spencer Morrison (Player).

3.   Locker Talk Fitness File.  Our resident fitness guru Trevor Folgering has some advice on getting yourself on the road to a new, and healthier, you!

4.   Preparations are well underway for the 2013 CIS women’s basketball championships, to be held at the University of Regina.  Guest: Dean Kleisinger (Tournament Committee Chair).

5.   The Blair Necessities.  Mitch’s weekly sports commentary.

Locker Talk lineup for October 2

 Another week without yours truly in the host's chair. You're welcome! The show aired last night at 9 p.m., and will repeat Friday at 8:30 p.m. and Saturday at noon.  Here's the lineup:

Locker Talk Guests for October 2/12
Hosts: Mitchell Blair & Arielle Wood

1. A preview of the 2012 Regina Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Guests: Doug McCaw (2012 Inductee) & Darrell Davis (Nominating Committee Chair).

2. A profile of the University of Regina cross country team. Guests: Karissa LePage (4th year runner), Iain Fyfe (5th year) & Adam Strueby (1st year).

3. Access 7 Sports Plays of the Month. Local sports highlights from the month of September.

4. The Regina Riot women’s football team gets set to hold a fall football camp for aspiring female players. Guests: Darren Fisher (Head Coach) & Megan Jalbert (Receiver).

5. The Blair Necessities. Mitch’s weekly sports commentary.