Friday Follies

Santa's coming! Jeez, I better clear out some of these dark thoughts, lest I end up on the naughty list. Again.

• Sincere condolences to everyone at the Leader-Post, especially the newsroom crew, who lost another friend and colleague this week. This has been a tough few months for those folks.
• I'm looking forward to announcing the second annual Locker Talk Regina Athlete of the Year award winner on our first show of 2014 (January 7th). We've already made our choice. Any guesses as to who the worthy recipient is?
• Thank you to the Dallas Cowboys and Tony Romo for the early Christmas present last Sunday night. If the Packers don't sneak into the NFL playoffs, that comeback win will qualify as the highlight of the season!
• It'll be tough seeing Keith Shologan suiting up for Ottawa in the next CFL season, but the expansion draft would have been a complete sham if teams didn't have to give up any quality players.
• Next order of business for Brendan Taman and company: getting some of those 19 pending free agents to re-sign on the dotted line. Not all of them, obviously - but hopefully quite a few.
• I cannot wait to check out Anchorman 2. 
• It's time to get a jump on the New Year's resolutions, and drag myself back to the gym this weekend. 
• However, the healthy eating is going to have to wait a few more days. 'Tis the season, after all.
• Skinny knit ties are back in style. Further proof that I should have just hung onto my clothes from the 80s. 
• Well, the ties would still fit, at least!
• Does anyone else miss rugby pants? Yeah, me neither.
• In case I don't post anything between now and then (based on this year's track record, there's a really good chance of that!), have a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to touching base a little more regularly in 2014!

Locker Talk Lineup for December 17

Here it is, the highly anticipated Christmas Extravaganza episode of Locker Talk - an annual highlight of the programming schedule! The show aired last night, and will be repeated Saturday at noon - along with a few other times over the holidays. Enjoy!

Locker Talk Guests for December 17/13 – Christmas Extravaganza
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair

1. A mid-term report card on the performance of the athletic teams at the University of Regina. Guest: Dick White (Athletic Director). 

2. The Regina Riot is gearing up for a run at the Western Women’s Canadian Football League championship in 2014. Guests: Joe Hadesbeck (Team Manager) & Emma Hicks (Riot Linebacker). 

3. Patrick Palmer, Human Guinea Pig. This month, our intrepid floor director takes on the sport of wheelchair curling.

4. Stuck for Christmas gift ideas for that hard-to-shop-for sports fan on your list? Look no further! Guest: Trent Herda (Owner, Legends Sports Memorabilia).

5. Eng segment. Highlights from the 25th anniversary Balfour Classic high school basketball tournament. Reporter: Pete Paczko. 

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

7. Year in Review (panel). Our illustrious Locker Talk panel looks at the top local sports stories of 2013, and looks ahead to 2014. Guests: Patrick Palmer & Carlo Palazzo (Locker Talk correspondents).

Locker Talk Lineup for Dec 10

Here's the lineup for this week's show. It aired last night, and will hit the airwaves again Saturday at noon, only on Access channel 7 in Regina. Exclusivity!

Locker Talk Guests for December 10/13
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair

1.  A preview of the annual Balfour Classic high school basketball tournament. Guests: Glen Fekula (Tournament Chair/Balfour Senior Boys Coach), Mitch Jackson & Parker Toppings (Balfour Co-Captains). 2.  The University of Regina cheerleading team celebrates its fourth national championship in the past six years.  Guests: Thomas Rath (Head Coach), Carly Weisdeck & Alex Quigley (Cheerleaders). 3.   Locker Talk Fitness File. For December. With hosts: Daniel Ince & Michelle Espino. 4.  The Canadian Paralympic Curling Team visits Regina this week to take on Team Saskatchewan in a couple of exhibition games. Guests: Darwin Bender & Robert Capp (Team Sask). 5.  An update on preparations for the 2014 CIS women’s volleyball championships, hosted by the University of Regina. Guest: Sandra Morin (Event Chair). 6.   The Blair Necessities.  Mitch’s weekly sports commentary.

Monday Musings

What can I say, I've been a little busy! I shall attempt to blog a little more regularly, but I make no promises!

• People sure don't let a celebration linger in these parts, do they? The very night the Riders won the Grey Cup, people were phoning CKRM's call-in show expressing angst about next year's team! 
• Much of that angst surrounds the upcoming CFL expansion draft, and whether stalwarts Kory Sheets and Weston Dressler will be successful in their upcoming auditions for NFL teams.
• Sure, there are reasons to be concerned (including potential defections of assistant coaches who are wooed by other clubs), but I'm choosing to put some faith in the braintrust of Brendan Taman, Jeremy O'Day and Corey Chamblin. They've earned it!
• Who predicted Geroy Simon was going to be a factor in the Grey Cup? Well, I did. Check the tape!
• Oh look, the Ohio State Buckeyes soiled the sheets in a big game! Same as it ever was, same as it ever was...
• I may shift my college football allegiance. Stanford looks like a program I could get behind.
• I'm finding that the best way to get over the sting of a (very, very, very) disappointing RMF season is to start making plans for next year. Learn from your mistakes, or be doomed to repeat them.
• Well, that leads nicely to a look at the Toronto Maple Leafs! I came to the realization this weekend that the Leafs are trying so hard to be (and as a result, beat) the Boston Bruins, that they have no real identity of their own. I'll expand on this theory in an upcoming post.
• This year's edition of the Regina Pats deserves better fan support. I understand that some fans have become jaded about the product, but these kids deserve to play in front of bigger crowds.
• 2014 has the potential to be a year of tremendous change, both personally and professionally. That's the plan, at least! So feel free to flood my inbox with offers! :)

Just in time for Christmas!

I don't know, but I think this might be the new definition of bad timing! Really, really, really bad timing. (Dec 9 edit: Riders' online site was down, but is back up and presumably doing big business!)

No big deal for fans within easy driving distance of one of the retail stores, but I'm guessing there are some seriously ticked Rider fans in outlying areas this week!  Here's hoping the web store can be back up and running in time to meet the Christmas demand that's $urely out there.

Locker Talk Lineup for December 3

Our man Carlo fills the co-pilot's seat this week, as Mitch is away. If that's not reason enough to watch, what is? :)

Here's the lineup for the big show, airing tonight at 9:30 (note different start time) and Saturday at noon. If you miss both air dates, and forget to set your PVR, you can always check us out via Access' On Demand service. Lots 'o options!

Locker Talk Guests for December 3/13
Co-Host: Carlo Palazzo

1.   A legend of professional wrestling visits Regina's High Impact Wrestling fans on his farewell tour. Guests: Short Sleeve Sampson (Midget Wrestler) & Rex Roberts (HIW wrestler).  2.   A profile of the University of Regina women’s volleyball team. Guests: Desiree Ates & Michelle Sweeting (Captains). 3.   The Campbell Tartans celebrate a 5th straight city high school senior boys volleyball championship. Guests: Calvin Toffan (Head Coach), Ryker Toffan & Ryan Bryden (Players). 4.   Access 7 Sports Plays of the Month. For November. 5.   The Campbell Tartans celebrate a provincial championship in senior girls volleyball. Guests: Barry Leibel (Head Coach), Nichele Procyshyn & Brett Anderson (Players). 6.   Regina Water Polo (RWP) is gearing up for the 2014 winter season. Guests: Dave Boan (RWP President), Keara Boan & Steven Gloade (Players). 7.   The Film Room. Locker Talk sports movie reviewer Carlo Palazzo offers his thoughts on another cinematic classic from days gone by. This time: The League.

Locker Talk Lineup for November 19

It's our very own tribute to Grey Cup week and the Saskatchewan Roughriders on this week's edition of Locker Talk! The show aired last night, and will hit the airwaves again Saturday at noon. It's also available through Access' On Demand service. Enjoy!

Locker Talk Guests for November 19/13 - Grey Cup Special
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair

1.   There are only a handful of men that have won two Grey Cups as members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He’s one of them. Guest: Alan Ford (Former Roughrider player/general manager).  2.   Kory Sheets is darn good, but this guy is still THE MAN when it comes to Saskatchewan Roughrider running backs, and he’s a member of the 1966 championship team. Guest: George Reed (Riders legend). 3.   The Grey Cup memories and stories will be flowing with one half of Regina’s foremost father/son football/comedy act in the house!  Guest: Larry Mueller (Former Regina Rams player/coach). 4.   A Canadian Paralympian brings his message of determination and overcoming adversity to Regina audiences during Grey Cup week. Guest: Shayne Smith (Team Canada, wheelchair basketball). 5.   The Blair Necessities.  Mitch’s weekly sports commentary.  6.   Panel discussion – The hosts of Locker Talk combine forces with the In the Huddle hosts for a wide-ranging discussion of everything surrounding the 2013 Grey Cup. Guests: Rod Pedersen & John Lynch.

Locker Talk Lineup for November 5

Here's the lineup for this week's spectacular spectacle, airing tonight at 9 p.m. and again Saturday at noon on Access channel 7 in Regina. Our undying gratitude shall be your reward for tuning in.


Locker Talk Guests for November 12/13
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair

1.   The Regina Thunder cap off the most successful season in team history with a national championship. Guests: Asher Hastings (Thunder Quarterback) & Chris Tunnicliffe (Thunder DB). 2.   The O’Neill Titans celebrate a 4th straight city 3A high school football championship. Guests: Kieran Forsberg (Titans LB) & David Singer (DL/OL). 3.   The Regina Speedskating Club is gearing up for the 2013/14 outdoor season. Guests: Lee Millar (RSS Membership Coordinator) & Brianne Cipywnyk (RSS skater). 4.   The LeBoldus Golden Suns celebrate a 2nd straight city and provincial 4A high school football championship. Guests: Danny Nesbitt (Suns MLB/OT) & Dylan Morin-Benson (Suns Safety). 5.   A preview of the High Impact Wrestling Rebellion card coming up on November 15th. Guests: Bull Bodnar & Jacob Creed (Wrestlers)  6.   The Blair Necessities. Mitch’s weekly sports commentary.

Locker Talk Lineup for November 5

Here's the lineup for this week's show, which hit the airwaves last night and will be rebroadcast Saturday at noon on Access channel 7. Also available through Access' On Demand service.

Locker Talk Guests for November 5/13
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair

1. The Stampeders celebrate a Regina Minor Football bantam division championship. Guests: Roger Arsenault (Head Coach), Kyle Borsa & Eric Arsenault (Players). 

2. A post mortem on the 2013 season for the University of Regina women’s soccer team. Guest: Bob Maltman (Head Coach). 

3. Access 7 Sports Plays of the Month. For October.

4. The Mustangs celebrate a second straight Regina Minor Football pee wee division championship. Guests: Steve Sombach (Head Coach), Jackson Sombach & Josh Donnelly (Mustangs players). 

5. There’s a new bench boss this season for the University of Regina Men’s basketball team. Guest: Steve Burrows (Cougars Head Coach). 

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

Locker Talk Lineup for October 29

No tricks, just treats, on this year's Hallowe'en extravaganza! Here's the lineup for this week's show, airing last night at 9:00 and again Saturday at noon - only on Access 7!

Locker Talk Guests for October 29/13
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair


1. The Regina Thunder football club captures the first league championship in franchise history. Next stop, the national final! Guest: Scott MacAulay (Head Coach).

2. A preview of the upcoming curling season, including the pre Olympic trials event in Kitchener in November. Guest: Amber Holland (Executive Director, CurlSask). 

3. A profile of the Extreme Hockey (Regina) Capitals junior B hockey club. Guests: Erik Knudson (Head Coach) & Taylor Frei (Assistant Captain).

4. The O’Neill Titans celebrate a city boys 3A high school soccer championship. Guests: Fitz Bramble (Head Coach), Kyle Gabriel & Jair Giraldo (Titans players).

5. The LeBoldus Golden Suns capture a fifth straight city girls 3A high school soccer championship. Guests: Karlen Herauf (Head Coach), Kristen Tocher & Olivia Bolen (Suns Players).

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

Locker Talk Lineup for October 1

Another award-winning episode of Locker Talk hits the airwaves tonight. This week's show features Mitch Blair and Phil Andrews as your genial hosts, as my RMF coaching duties require me to be on the practice field. So, maybe that's even more incentive for you to tune in! The show airs tonight at 9:00 and Saturday at noon. Here's the lineup:


Locker Talk Guests for October 1/13
Host: Mitchell Blair  Co-host: Phil Andrews

1.   A preview of the 2013 Regina Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Guests: Kelly Hamilton, Len Antonini (2013 inductees) & Darrell Davis (Hall of Fame Director). 2.   Locker Talk Sports Plays of the Month. For September. 3.   A Regina author examines the inordinate number of NHL players that our fair province produces. Guest: Darrell Davis (Author, "Fire on Ice: Why Saskatchewan Rules the NHL''). 4.   A profile of the University of Regina women’s hockey team. Guests: Kaitlyn Sherven (forward) & Kendra Finch (Forward). 5.   The Film Room. Locker Talk sports movie reviewer Carlo Palazzo offers his thoughts on another cinematic classic from days gone by. This time: For the Love of the Game. 6.   The Blair Necessities.  Mitch’s weekly sports commentary.

Locker Talk Lineup for September 24

Okay, I'm starting to think this blogging thing and I have run our course! We'll see. In the meantime, here's the lineup for this week's edition of Locker Talk on Access 7. The show airs tonight at 9:00 and Saturday at noon.

Locker Talk Guests for September 24/13 
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair

1.   The Regina Red Sox have tasked former manager Scott Douglas with leading the team back to the top of the WMBL standings in 2014. Guest: Bernie Eiswirth (Red Sox General Manager).  2.   The LeBoldus Golden Suns are trying to win back-to-back city 4A high school football championships. So far, so good. Guests: Blake Anaka (Running Back) & Matt Erichsen (Fullback).   3.   Looking to give your young basketball player an edge on the competition? Send them to the pound. The Doggpound! Guest: Adam Huffman (Owner, Doggpound Basketball Training Academy). 4.  The O’Neill Titans are gunning for a 4th straight city 3A high school football championship. Guests: Yol Piok & Kieran Forsberg (Titans Players).  5.  An introduction to the new hosts of the monthly Fitness File segment on Locker Talk. Guest: Daniel Ince (Personal Trainer) & Michelle Espino (Personal Trainer/Fitness Model). 6.   The Blair Necessities.  Mitch’s weekly sports commentary.

Locker Talk lineup for September 11

Okay, I'll admit I haven't done a stellar job of blogging lately. Life gets in the way sometimes. But, with the launch of a new season of Locker Talk on Access 7 tonight, what better time to jump back into the deep end? So, I humbly present to you the lineup for tonight's season premiere! This instant classic airs tomorrow night at 9 and Sunday at noon. 

Locker Talk Guests for September 11/13 – Season Premiere 
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair 

1. A preview of the upcoming prospects camp put on by the Regina Riot for aspiring female football players. Guests: Darren Fisher (Riot Head Coach) & Marcus Adams (Assistant Coach, Assistant GM). 

2. An update on the 2013 season for the Regina Thunder junior football club. Guests: Will Heward (Thunder receiver) & Brett Selinger (Thunder linebacker).

3. Looking to blow off some steam with some friends/co-workers? Need a spot for a team wind-up? n20 Paintball may be what you’re looking for! Guest: Fergus Earnshaw (Co-owner, n20 Paintball). 

4. Access 7 Sports Plays of the Summer. For July/August.


5. A profile of the University of Regina women’s soccer team, on the heels of the best season in team history. Guests: Molly Glass, Celia Michaud & Shayla Kapila (players).

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

Monday Musings

If I clear these thoughts out my head, maybe new ones will move in? Dare to dream!

• The Saskatchewan Roughriders are the greatest 2-0 team in the history of the CFL!
• I know it's been a lean couple of years in these parts, but people really need to cool it on the hyperbole. Yes, the Riders look good. But remember, the CFL season is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Remember, the B.C. Lions were 0-5 a couple of years ago before rebounding to take the Grey Cup.
• Having said (typed) that, the Riders do look good. The defense shut down Calgary in the second half Friday night, and the offense is starting to fire on all cylinders.
• Remember a couple of years ago when the Riders couldn't close out games in the 4th quarter? Now they can, thanks to a rebuilt offensive line and a workhorse running back in Kory Sheets.
• If Sheets continues his torrid pace, does he get a look in the NFL in the offseason? Possibly, but I wouldn't bet on an NFL team wanting to take a chance on a running back who turns 29 in the off-season. There are lots of younger and likely cheaper options down south.
• I'm not saying Sheets doesn't have the ability to play in "the show", I just think time may not be on his side. Which, quite frankly, is great news for the Riders!
• I can see why Saskatchewan Drive at Albert Street is considered Regina's most dangerous intersection. I was very nearly t-boned by a woman in a black Ford Escape who blew through a red light at 10 am on Saturday morning. Scary stuff!
• Jay Livingston must not be having the most enjoyable summer so far. The first-year skipper of the Regina Red Sox is seeing his team's dream of a third straight Western Major Baseball League championship fading quickly. 
• Mind you, the Sox are only 2.5 games off the pace in their division, so it's certainly not a lost cause! If the bats can get hot, and stay that way, a playoff berth is still within reach.
• Anderson Silva, what the hell were you thinking? The former UFC middleweight champ ran into karma - and a stiff left hand from challenger Chris Weidman - while prancing and preening around the octagon Saturday night. And that, boys and girls, is why Silva is now the former champ!

Friday Thoughts

Here's what I think, in the final hours before the Saskatchewan Roughriders' home opener:

• The Riders need to score early, before Calgary's defense gets any sort of momentum going. The Stamps D is tough, athletic and fast.
• I expect the Stamps will look to get the ball out of Drew Tate's hands quickly, anticipating a big pass rush from the Riders. Look for Tate to try to hit Nik Lewis on crossing routes, before going deep to Maurice Price.
• And then there's Jon Cornish. As he goes, so goes the Stamps offense, I think. The Riders have improved their team speed on defense, and their d line has been significantly upgraded with the additions of John Chick and Ricky Foley, so this will be a match-up to watch tonight. 
• I'm really looking forward to seeing what sort of offensive game plan OC George Cortez has designed for tonight. He might very well be the Riders' most significant off-season acquisition!
• After last night's loss, I think it's safe to say the days of the Montreal Alouettes dominating the east division with impunity are over - at least for now.
• Don't look now, but the Winnipeg Blue Bombers look pretty good. Mind you, Buck Pierce is still healthy. How long can that possibly last?
• GM Dave Nonis is doing some serious tweaking to the roster of the Toronto Maple Leafs. I really hope Jonathan Bernier is the real deal in net. 
• Dave Bolland was a nice pick-up, but he by no means addresses one of the Toronto's biggest gaps - the lack of a dominant, high-scoring first line centre.
• Meantime, the Leafs have re-signed Regina-based centre Tyler Bozak and power forward David Clarkson. I still think Bozak might be better suited to a role on the second line, but Nazem Kadri has that spot sewn up, so it's back to the first line for "Flowzak", he of the 80s vintage hockey hair!
• Less than two weeks to go until summer holidays. Rarely have I been so ready for a break!
• And when the J-man and I return from our annual southern Ontario pilgrimage, it's right into football season. Imagine my delight to find out the bantam Sun Devils will have a 225 lb lineman at our disposal. 
• Then imagine my reaction when I found out we have a kid that tips the Toledos at 310 lbs! This is gonna be fun...

Locker Talk Lineup for June 25

It's the final show of the season! On last year's season finale, Mitch and I were roughed up by a couple of local pro wrestling goons, as part of a hostile takeover event. So of course we've invited High Impact Wrestling on for tonight's show. What could possibly go wrong?

Assuming we survive, we'll be back on the air after Labour Day. In the meantime, here's the lineup for this week's show:

Locker Talk Guests for June 25/13 – Season Finale
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair

1. Dozens of Regina athletes are getting set to represent our province at the 2013 Canada Summer Games. Guest: Lorne Lasuita (Team Sask Chef de Mission).


2. Patrick Palmer, Human Guinea Pig. Our intrepid, if not intelligent, assistant tries his hand at another death-defying sport. This month: Mini Indy kart racing.

3. Access 7 Sports Plays of the Month. For June.

4. These are heady times at High Impact Wrestling. The Regina-based organization has launched a second promotion (Wildside), and is gearing up for the annual Pile O’ Bones Rumble in July. Guests: King Kash (Wrestler/Promoter) & Robbie Gamble (HIW Heavyweight Champ).

5. Our hosts don’t just talk about sports, they walk the walk too! On our season finale, Pete and Mitch risk life and limb to tangle with a couple of seasoned veterans in the sport of lawn bowling.

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

Friday Thoughts

Just, you know, putting these out there:

• There's considerable angst in Rider Nation about last night's 24-23 exhibition loss to the Calgary Stampeders. Rider Nation needs to relax a little.
• Granted, there is plenty of room for improvement, but the CFL season is a marathon, not a sprint. The key is to be the best team in November, not June.
• If would help if somebody steps up and hits the occasional field goal, though!
• The defense definitely has big-play potential. For, and against!
• On offense, there is some work to be done. The offensive line is a work in progress. The interior of the line seems solid, but the tackles had a tough night last night.
• Reports say Geroy Simon - who didn't catch a pass last night - was limping after the game. I really hope his last season in B.C. wasn't the start of his body betraying him. Sooner or later, time catches up to everyone. 
• Head Coach Corey Chamblin and crew have some tough decisions to make prior to tomorrow's roster deadline. How gut-wrenching must it be to have to tell a young man his football dream is over? Granted, it's worse for the player hearing that news!
• We had some serious rainfall in Regina yesterday, but nothing like our neighbours to the west are experiencing. I don't feel entitled to complain about a little water in my basement after seeing the flood damage in Alberta.
• So Lebron and the Miami Heat won their second straight NBA title last night. I sort of figured the Spurs were done after blowing that late lead in game six. 
• I wonder why the NBA isn't a bigger deal in Canada? Likely because the Toronto Raptors have been a non factor since Vince Carter was patrolling the hardwood for them. Too bad.
• You'll be reading about the RMF bantam Sun Devils in this space a fair bit between now and mid October. I think we might be in a position to make some noise this season. Sure hope so, anyway!
• Considering the amount of rainfall we've had this week, how plentiful will the mosquitoes be around here in a week or so? Shudder.

Locker Talk Lineup for June 18

It's our second last show of the season! We'll enter our annual summer shutdown after next week's show, but we've got plenty of good stuff to cover between now and then. This week's show airs tonight at 9 p.m. and Saturday at noon. Here's the lineup:

Locker Talk Guests for June 18/13
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair

1. A preview of the 2013 Regina Thunder junior football training camp. Guest: Scott MacAulay (Head Coach).

2. A preview of the 2013 Jon Ryan kicking camp and first annual charity golf tournament. Guest: Jon Ryan (Seattle Seahawks punter).

3. The Film Room. Locker Talk sports movie reviewer Carlo Palazzo is back to offer his thoughts on another cinematic classic. This time: Benchwarmers.

4. The head coach and general manager of the junior B Pilot Butte Storm lands the top job with the SJHL’s Estevan Bruins. Guest: Chris Lewgood (Bruins Head Coach/General Manager)

5. The sport of cricket is growing in popularity in Regina, and across Saskatchewan. Guests: Mike Sharma & Prakhar Shrivastava (Saskatchewan Cricket Association).

6. A preview of the 2013 Swervin’ Mini Indy “Laps for Life” charity fundraiser. Guest: Merv Armstrong (Organizer).

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

Monday Musings

Apologies in advance if these thoughts seem a little more water logged than normal! Could somebody turn off the water now?

• Some interesting things happened Friday night, while the Saskatchewan Roughriders were edging Edmonton 31-24 in CFL action.
• Rookie pivot Tino Sunseri showed remarkable poise under pressure, in leading the Riders to the 4th quarter comeback win. 
• I don't think Sunseri is ready to challenge Drew Willy for the back-up spot, but he's solidly entrenched as #3 on the depth chart now.
• Unless DeDe Dorsey shows something spectacular against Calgary Thursday night, the Riders might be well advised to keep looking for a backup to Korey Sheets at running back.
• The Riders' inability to run the ball against the Eskimos concerned me. The pass protection was solid, though.
• This is going to be the most aggressive defense we've seen in years around here.
• They'll make big plays for sure. The flip side of that coin is that any mistakes by the defense will result in big, big plays by opposing offenses. Live by the sword, die by the sword.
• Place kicking is a concern. Right now, I don't know if Chris Milo or Brody McKnight is in the lead in that competition. Neither has been overly impressive.
• How was your Father's Day? Mine was celebrated a day early, but no complaints.
• The boy and I checked out the new Leopold's Tavern on the weekend. I really like the vibe in that place, and the enormous, cheesy nachos didn't hurt either!
• Only two episodes left until Locker Talk shuts down production for the summer. I know, I feel your pain. We'll be back in September, though. Promise.

Rider Cuts

The following roster moves have been announced by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. As suspected, rookie Tino Sunseri supplanted second year pivot Levi Brown as #3 on the depth chart with his performance in Edmonton Friday night.

RELEASE:

Import             QB      Levi Brown
Non-Import    LB       Aaron Crawford
Import             WR      Phillip Livas
Import             LB       Anthony Heygood
Import             RB       Stephfon Green
Import             DB       Chip Vaughn
Import             DL       Kenny Rowe
Non-Import    DL       David Rybinski

TRANSFER:

Non-Import    OL       Patrick Neufeld (9-game injured list)
Non-Import    LB       Mike McCullough (9-game injured list)