The focus shifts to outdoor sports exclusively on this week's show. Maybe we can convince Mother Nature to lighten up by doing so! The show airs tonight at 9:00 and Saturday at noon on Access channel 7 in Regina. Here's the lineup:
Locker Talk Guests for April 29/14
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair
1. A preview of the 2014 Regina Thunder junior football club’s spring camp and Can-Am football exchange. Guest: Scott MacAulay (Head Coach).
2. A trio of players from the University of Regina Rams will take part in the annual CIS east-west all-star football game. Guests: Aaron Picton (Rams offensive lineman) & Addison Richards (Rams receiver).
3. The Film Room. Locker Talk sports movie reviewer Carlo Palazzo offers his thoughts on another cinematic classic. This time: Wimbledon.
4. A Regina-based national track and field coach returns to her roots to take over as head coach of the Excel Athletika track club. Guest: Carla Nicholls (Excel Athletika Head Coach).
5. A preview of the 2014 Regina Red Sox WMBL season. Guest: Rob Cherepuschak (Red Sox Director of Player Personnel).
6. The Blair Necessities. Mitch’s weekly sports commentary.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Thursday, April 24, 2014
For Pete's Sake - Sports Commentary
With the Scruffy one on the DL this week, I crafted this week's sports commentary for Locker Talk. For better or worse, the text is below:
These are heady times for Canadian sports fans, as our young athletes are making huge splashes in their respective sports these days.
Of course there’s hockey, where our men and women captured Olympic gold in Sochi this winter. We’re due at the World Junior Championships – overdue, really – but as long as we keep sending top prospects to the NHL each year, I’d say there’s no reason to push any panic buttons at this point.
Our minor baseball systems, including the one right here in Saskatchewan, are sending more kids each year to top U.S. college programs. Some of those youngsters, including Andrew Albers of North Battleford, are starting to appear on major league rosters. If we can just get Canada’s team, the Blue Jays, into the playoffs, things could get pretty exciting. And bring back the Expos, damnit!
Our grassroots football programs, led right here by Regina Minor Football, are getting better and better each year. Don’t believe me? Go check out a high school football game this fall, and compare it to the quality of play when we strapped on the helmets. The progression is amazing, and that’s why we’re seeing more and more Canadians playing at the highest levels – including Regina’s very own reigning Super Bowl champ Jon Ryan of the Seattle Seahawks.
Next it’s over to basketball, where as many as three Canadians could be taken in the top 20 of this year’s NBA draft. One of them, Kansas freshman Andrew Wiggins, may wind up being taken with the first overall pick. As these youngsters mature, along with a handful of young Canuck stars already in the Association, it makes a hoops fan salivate at the possibilities. I’m not suggesting an Olympic gold medal in basketball is around the corner, but a medal of some sort at the next games in Rio in 2016 is a definite possibility.
Soccer…not so much. But with the phenomenal growth of the sport at the grassroots level in every corner of this country, check out the WCP Cup currently underway in Regina for proof, surely improved results in international competitions are on the horizon. We can hope, anyway.
Young Canadian golfers, led by Weyburn’s Graham DeLaet, are poised to break through at the highest levels of their sport. I think we all agree it’s a matter of when, not if, for Delaet’s first victory on the PGA tour.
But, the sport where we’ve seen the most dramatic improvement in the past couple of years may very well be tennis. Yes, tennis. Not since the days of Carling Bassett and Helen Kelesi has a Canadian female caused the kind of stir on the pro circuit that Quebec’s Eugenie Bouchard is causing. Genie’s Army continues to grow in numbers at each stop on the tour, as the young Canadian collects fans, and ranking points.
On the men’s side, Ontario’s Milos Raonic is a legitimate world top ten player, and has a very real shot at making some noise at Wimbledon and the U.S Open this season. And of course there’s ageless veteran Daniel Nestor, who continues to pile up doubles titles at the ripe old age of 41.
Maybe most impressively, Bouchard and Raonic have recently led our national teams to impressive victories in Federation Cup and Davis Cup play. Believe it or not, but Canada is becoming an international mover and shaker in the sport of tennis. Love it!
What’s it all mean? Well, clearly good things are happening at the grass roots levels for all the sports I’ve mentioned – and we haven’t even touched on other summer and winter Olympic sports like snowboarding – hello there Mark McMorris!
Folks, we are producing great athletes in every corner of this country. And as our Canadian athletes shine on international stages, they inspire the next generation to reach even higher. Buckle up, and enjoy the ride!
These are heady times for Canadian sports fans, as our young athletes are making huge splashes in their respective sports these days.
Of course there’s hockey, where our men and women captured Olympic gold in Sochi this winter. We’re due at the World Junior Championships – overdue, really – but as long as we keep sending top prospects to the NHL each year, I’d say there’s no reason to push any panic buttons at this point.
Our minor baseball systems, including the one right here in Saskatchewan, are sending more kids each year to top U.S. college programs. Some of those youngsters, including Andrew Albers of North Battleford, are starting to appear on major league rosters. If we can just get Canada’s team, the Blue Jays, into the playoffs, things could get pretty exciting. And bring back the Expos, damnit!
Our grassroots football programs, led right here by Regina Minor Football, are getting better and better each year. Don’t believe me? Go check out a high school football game this fall, and compare it to the quality of play when we strapped on the helmets. The progression is amazing, and that’s why we’re seeing more and more Canadians playing at the highest levels – including Regina’s very own reigning Super Bowl champ Jon Ryan of the Seattle Seahawks.
Next it’s over to basketball, where as many as three Canadians could be taken in the top 20 of this year’s NBA draft. One of them, Kansas freshman Andrew Wiggins, may wind up being taken with the first overall pick. As these youngsters mature, along with a handful of young Canuck stars already in the Association, it makes a hoops fan salivate at the possibilities. I’m not suggesting an Olympic gold medal in basketball is around the corner, but a medal of some sort at the next games in Rio in 2016 is a definite possibility.
Soccer…not so much. But with the phenomenal growth of the sport at the grassroots level in every corner of this country, check out the WCP Cup currently underway in Regina for proof, surely improved results in international competitions are on the horizon. We can hope, anyway.
Young Canadian golfers, led by Weyburn’s Graham DeLaet, are poised to break through at the highest levels of their sport. I think we all agree it’s a matter of when, not if, for Delaet’s first victory on the PGA tour.
But, the sport where we’ve seen the most dramatic improvement in the past couple of years may very well be tennis. Yes, tennis. Not since the days of Carling Bassett and Helen Kelesi has a Canadian female caused the kind of stir on the pro circuit that Quebec’s Eugenie Bouchard is causing. Genie’s Army continues to grow in numbers at each stop on the tour, as the young Canadian collects fans, and ranking points.
On the men’s side, Ontario’s Milos Raonic is a legitimate world top ten player, and has a very real shot at making some noise at Wimbledon and the U.S Open this season. And of course there’s ageless veteran Daniel Nestor, who continues to pile up doubles titles at the ripe old age of 41.
Maybe most impressively, Bouchard and Raonic have recently led our national teams to impressive victories in Federation Cup and Davis Cup play. Believe it or not, but Canada is becoming an international mover and shaker in the sport of tennis. Love it!
What’s it all mean? Well, clearly good things are happening at the grass roots levels for all the sports I’ve mentioned – and we haven’t even touched on other summer and winter Olympic sports like snowboarding – hello there Mark McMorris!
Folks, we are producing great athletes in every corner of this country. And as our Canadian athletes shine on international stages, they inspire the next generation to reach even higher. Buckle up, and enjoy the ride!
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Locker Talk Lineup for April 22
Mitch is on the DL this week, so we'll have Arielle Zerr filling in as co-host. If that's not reason enough to tune in, check out the lineup of guests below! The show airs tonight at 9 p.m. and Saturday at noon.
If you miss it, you can always check it out, along with all our previous episodes from this season, through Access' On Demand menu. Heck, invite your friends over and have a Locker Talk party this weekend! That wouldn't be weird at all...
Locker Talk Guests for April 22/14
Co-Host: Arielle Zerr
1. A post mortem on the 2013-14 season for the Regina Rebels female midget AAA hockey team. Guest: Rob Harvey (Assistant Coach), Shelby Ballan & Allysa Hein (Rebels players).
2. From France to Regina – one man’s mission to make Saskatchewan a powerhouse in the sport of water polo. Guest: Cyril Dorgigné (Water Polo Saskatchewan Executive Director).
3. A preview of the 2014 Swervin’ Mini Indy Laps for Life charity fundraiser. Guest: Merv Armstrong (Organizer).
4. A preview of the 2014 Paul Woldu and Friends Football Camp. Guests: Paul Woldu (Rider defensive back) & Stan Van Sichem (Camp Co-Director).
5. A post-mortem on the 2013-14 season for the Traveland RV (Pilot Butte) Storm of the Prairie Junior Hockey League. Guests: Dale Lewgood (Team President) & Brady Anderson (Player).
6. For Pete’s Sake! Locker Talk weekly sports commentary, by Pete Paczko.
7. A preview of Spring Meltdown 2014, the star-studded High Impact Wrestling card coming up on Friday night at the historic Ballaton Ballroom. Guests: Robbie Gamble (Wrestler) & Rex Roberts (HIW Heavyweight Champ).
If you miss it, you can always check it out, along with all our previous episodes from this season, through Access' On Demand menu. Heck, invite your friends over and have a Locker Talk party this weekend! That wouldn't be weird at all...
Locker Talk Guests for April 22/14
Co-Host: Arielle Zerr
1. A post mortem on the 2013-14 season for the Regina Rebels female midget AAA hockey team. Guest: Rob Harvey (Assistant Coach), Shelby Ballan & Allysa Hein (Rebels players).
2. From France to Regina – one man’s mission to make Saskatchewan a powerhouse in the sport of water polo. Guest: Cyril Dorgigné (Water Polo Saskatchewan Executive Director).
3. A preview of the 2014 Swervin’ Mini Indy Laps for Life charity fundraiser. Guest: Merv Armstrong (Organizer).
4. A preview of the 2014 Paul Woldu and Friends Football Camp. Guests: Paul Woldu (Rider defensive back) & Stan Van Sichem (Camp Co-Director).
5. A post-mortem on the 2013-14 season for the Traveland RV (Pilot Butte) Storm of the Prairie Junior Hockey League. Guests: Dale Lewgood (Team President) & Brady Anderson (Player).
6. For Pete’s Sake! Locker Talk weekly sports commentary, by Pete Paczko.
7. A preview of Spring Meltdown 2014, the star-studded High Impact Wrestling card coming up on Friday night at the historic Ballaton Ballroom. Guests: Robbie Gamble (Wrestler) & Rex Roberts (HIW Heavyweight Champ).
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Locker Talk Lineup for April 15
Here's the lineup for this week's jam-packed show. It aired last night, and hits the Access 7 airwaves again Saturday at noon. And of course it's available on demand for those lucky Access customers who have that option!
Locker Talk Guests for April 15/14
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair
1. A preview of the 2014 Don Narcisse junior football camp and football gala. Guest: Don Narcisse (Rider great).
2. Golf course operators – and golfers - are counting down the days until the start of the 2014 season. Shouldn’t be long now! Guest: Bryan Raymond (Flowing Springs Golf Greens).
3. Regina’s World Class Players mini World Cup indoor soccer tournament celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Guests: Megan Cormier (Player – Team Germany) & Jordan Peto (Player – Team France).
4. Locker Talk Fitness File. With hosts Daniel Ince & Michelle Espino.
5. The University of Regina will host a charity basketball game this weekend, in support of a former Cougars star. Guest: Cymone Bernauer (Event Organizer).
6. Moose Jaw gets set to host the top midget AAA hockey teams in Canada for the 2014 Telus Cup. Guest: Chris Aparicio (Event Chair).
7. The Regina Riot women’s football team is kicking off a preseason road trip to drum up interest in other southern Saskatchewan communities. Guests: Darren Fisher (Head Coach) & Cassitee Criddle (Riot DB).
8. The Blair Necessities. Mitch’s weekly sports commentary.
Locker Talk Guests for April 15/14
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair
1. A preview of the 2014 Don Narcisse junior football camp and football gala. Guest: Don Narcisse (Rider great).
2. Golf course operators – and golfers - are counting down the days until the start of the 2014 season. Shouldn’t be long now! Guest: Bryan Raymond (Flowing Springs Golf Greens).
3. Regina’s World Class Players mini World Cup indoor soccer tournament celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Guests: Megan Cormier (Player – Team Germany) & Jordan Peto (Player – Team France).
4. Locker Talk Fitness File. With hosts Daniel Ince & Michelle Espino.
5. The University of Regina will host a charity basketball game this weekend, in support of a former Cougars star. Guest: Cymone Bernauer (Event Organizer).
6. Moose Jaw gets set to host the top midget AAA hockey teams in Canada for the 2014 Telus Cup. Guest: Chris Aparicio (Event Chair).
7. The Regina Riot women’s football team is kicking off a preseason road trip to drum up interest in other southern Saskatchewan communities. Guests: Darren Fisher (Head Coach) & Cassitee Criddle (Riot DB).
8. The Blair Necessities. Mitch’s weekly sports commentary.
Tuesday, April 08, 2014
Locker Talk Lineup for April 8
Has spring finally sprung? In celebration, we've put together a star-studded lineup for this week's show, including Olympians, World Series and Super Bowl champs! Here's the roster:
Locker Talk Guests for April 8/14
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair
1. The celebration is still on for Regina’s first ever Super Bowl champion. Can the Seahawks make it two in a row this season? Guest: Jon Ryan (Seattle Seahawks punter).
2. A preview of the 2014 Regina Minor Football season. Registrations are pouring in! Guest: Kelly Hamilton (RMF President).
3. Former MLB star Jose Canseco visits Regina for the annual Regina Red Sox sports dinner.
4. A pair of Regina-based Olympians returns to town to help train the next crop of world-class speed skaters. Guests: Kali Christ & Marsha Hudey (2014 Olympians – speed skating).
5. A preview of the 2014 Credit Union Queen City Marathon. Registrations are pouring in for this one too! Guest: Shawn Weimer (Race Director).
6. The Blair Necessities. Mitch’s weekly sports commentary.
Locker Talk Guests for April 8/14
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair
1. The celebration is still on for Regina’s first ever Super Bowl champion. Can the Seahawks make it two in a row this season? Guest: Jon Ryan (Seattle Seahawks punter).
2. A preview of the 2014 Regina Minor Football season. Registrations are pouring in! Guest: Kelly Hamilton (RMF President).
3. Former MLB star Jose Canseco visits Regina for the annual Regina Red Sox sports dinner.
4. A pair of Regina-based Olympians returns to town to help train the next crop of world-class speed skaters. Guests: Kali Christ & Marsha Hudey (2014 Olympians – speed skating).
5. A preview of the 2014 Credit Union Queen City Marathon. Registrations are pouring in for this one too! Guest: Shawn Weimer (Race Director).
6. The Blair Necessities. Mitch’s weekly sports commentary.
Tuesday, April 01, 2014
Locker Talk Lineup for April 1
Here's the lineup for this week's show. It airs tonight at 9:00 and Saturday at noon on Access channel 7 in Regina. Watch for a pretty important announcement regarding the future of the show's hosts towards the end of the broadcast!
Locker Talk Guests for April 1/14
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair
1. A Regina-based CFLer continues his recovery from a serious injury, and ponders his pro football future. Guest: Stu Foord (CFL running back).
2. The Campbell Tartans celebrate city and provincial high school (Girls 5A) basketball championships. Guests: Christina McCusker & Kelsey Schmidt (Tartans players).
3. Access 7 Sports Plays of the Month. For March.
4. A preview of the 2014 Baseball Regina season. Guest: Leo MacDonald (Baseball Regina Board of Directors).
5. The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame jumps into the digital age in a big way. Guests: Trent Fraser (SSHOF President) & Linda Burnham (Inductee & board member).
6. The Blair Necessities. Mitch’s weekly sports commentary.
Locker Talk Guests for April 1/14
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair
1. A Regina-based CFLer continues his recovery from a serious injury, and ponders his pro football future. Guest: Stu Foord (CFL running back).
2. The Campbell Tartans celebrate city and provincial high school (Girls 5A) basketball championships. Guests: Christina McCusker & Kelsey Schmidt (Tartans players).
3. Access 7 Sports Plays of the Month. For March.
4. A preview of the 2014 Baseball Regina season. Guest: Leo MacDonald (Baseball Regina Board of Directors).
5. The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame jumps into the digital age in a big way. Guests: Trent Fraser (SSHOF President) & Linda Burnham (Inductee & board member).
6. The Blair Necessities. Mitch’s weekly sports commentary.
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