Is it something in the water?

The Regina and Saskatchewan sporting communities have lost a third high-profile member in the past week!

Saskatchewan Soccer Association Executive Director Bjorn Osieck is leaving in July, to take on the head job with the B-C Soccer Association in Vancouver. For those who don't know, Bjorn has done a tremendous job with the SSA - restoring the organization's credibility in the wake of a fraud scandal involving his predecessor as E.D. He's also worked tirelessly to raise the profile of soccer in this province - not an easy task in the land of the Riders and junior hockey.

Best wishes to Bjorn and his family. They'll be missed.

I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired of saying goodbye to bright, energetic young people who leave this province for greener pastures. "Wide Open Future" indeed...

Update on #88

Almost forgot..........On SportZone this week Ivan Gutfriend discusses Matt Dominguez's rehab from that season-ending knee injury. Ivan says Matt's injured knee is almost back to 100% (makes you wonder why people thought he'd play in the playoffs last year), and his other leg - thanks to the rehab - is even stronger than ever.

Good news, I'd say!

Run the Table?

I'm happy to report the North Regina Little League White Sox (Senior Rookie A) won their season opener last night. I know this will come as a relief, and significant news for most people in the Western Hemisphere.

I'm proud to report the Sox were led defensively by 2nd baseman Jacob Paczko, whose solo put-outs in the field were reminiscent of a young Robbie Alomar. The old apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it?

Regina Loses a Good One

By now everyone has heard about Jeff Speedy leaving the U of R to coach his home province team at the University of New Brunswick. From a selfish perspective, I'll miss dealing with Jeff. He was very accessible, accomodating and an interesting interviewee.

From a basketball perspective, I suspect the Cougars will be fine. The U of R program has developed (especially under the guidance of Jeff and his predecessor Christine Stapleton) into one of the elite programs in the country.

I wish Jeff all the best. I guess sometimes it's possible to put family concerns first, without sacrificing your career goals. This looks to be one of those rare instances.

SportZone Scoop Du Jour

I promised not to let the cat out of the bag, but let's just say Ben Hebert wasn't the only guest on tonight's show who is leaving Regina. Details tomorrow.