Cortez Climbs on Board

George Cortez has been named the Offensive Coordinator of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Cortez comes on board after one year as the head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.  The tabbies led the league in many offensive categories last year - they just couldn't stop anybody.

This is a pretty impressive addition to the staff.  Under Cortez, Henry Burris has played the best football of his career - first in Calgary, then last year in Hamilton.

Last year's OC Bob Dyce remains with the team.  Head Coach Corey Chamblin will meet with the media this afternoon to explain how that all shakes down.

Locker Talk Lineup for January 15

Another star-studded lineup of guests (I certainly wasn't referring to the hosts!) for this week's edition of Locker Talk on Access 7.  The show will air in dazzling technicolour tonight at 9 p.m. and Saturday at noon. Tune in, and you'll understand what the cool kids are talking about down at the malt shop tomorrow.

Locker Talk Guests for January 15/13
Co-Host:  Mitchell Blair

1. Members of the Regina Riot women’s football team are working out in preparation for the upcoming WWCFL season. Guests: Darren Fisher (Head Coach) & Aimee Kowalski (Riot Quarterback).
    
2. A preview of a long track speed skating competition hosted by the Regina Speed Skating Club this month. Guests: Gail Horst (Club President) & Bill Christ (RSSC Coach).
    
3. Fitness File. Locker Talk fitness guru Trevor Folgering is here to help you stay on track with your New Year’s fitness resolutions.
    
4. An introduction to the new head coach of the Regina Red Sox baseball club, the two-time defending Western Major Baseball League champions. Guest: Jay Livingston (Red Sox Head Coach).
    
5. A preview of the January 18^th Darkness Falls card put on by High Impact Wrestling in Regina. Guests: Joey Vendetta & Brett Evans (Wrestlers).
   
   
6. The Blair Necessities.  Mitch’s weekly sports commentary.

Under the A for Eberle

Former Regina Pats star Jordan Eberle has been named an assistant captain by the NHL's Edmonton Oilers. The Oil are going with a young leadership group in support of captain Shawn Horcoff, as the other A will alternate between Nick Schultz (the pride of Strasbourg!) and Taylor Hall.

Congrats to Ebs!

Locker Talk Lineup for January 8

You know, I really should get back to blogging at least semi-regularly. Is it too late to make that a New Year's resolution?

In the meantime, here's the lineup for this week's show - our first of 2013. It airs tonight at 9:00 and Saturday at noon on Access channel 7 in Regina.

Locker Talk Guests for January 8/13 Co-Host: Mitchell Blair

1. The Pilot Butte Storm are in a familiar place – atop the standings of the PJHL’s South Division. Guests: Taylor Clark & Casey Pirio (Storm players).

2. An introduction to the new head coach of the Regina Thunder junior football club. Guest: Scott MacAuley (Thunder Head Coach).

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

4. The presentation of the first annual Access 7 Locker Talk Regina Athlete of the Year award. The winner: Kelly Wiebe (U of R cross country/distance runner)

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

Dickenson Moves On

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are in the market for a new special teams coordinator, after the abrupt resignation of  Craig Dickenson.  Dickenson has dramatically improved the Riders special teams units over the past two years, leaving some big shoes (cleats?) to fill.  He says he's leaving because of a scheduling conflict with an offseason commitment.

I wonder if one of the Riders two defensive backs (Barron Miles and Richard Kent) coaches will be asked to take over special teams? Stranger things have happened. Including have two defensive backs coaches on the roster!