Locker Talk lineup for December 21

Here's the lineup for the Christmas extravaganza episode of the big show. It airs tonight at 9 p.m. and Thursday at 6 p.m., and then will be repeated (frequently?) over the holidays on Access channel 7 in Regina. We'll be back with a brand new episode on January 11th!

Locker Talk Guests for December 21/10
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair

1. An update on the junior racquetball scene in Regina. Guests: Ross Richardson (High Performance Director, Racquetball Saskatchewan) & Zoe Hanson (2010 World Junior bronze medalist).

2. An update on the Regina Capitals, who are having a terrific season in the Prairie Junior (junior B) Hockey League. Guests: Rob Dowie (Co-Coach) & Ryan Husband (Capitals forward).

3. Our Man Carlo. Locker Talk movie reviewer Carlo Palazzo takes a look at another sports cinema classic. This time: Dodgeball.

4. A look ahead to the 2011 season for the Regina Red Sox baseball club. Guest: Bernie Eiswirth (General Manager).

5. A couple of local speed skaters are having terrific seasons. Guests: Kali Christ & Taylor Leugner (Speed skaters).

6. Media panel. A review of the highlights of the Regina sports scene in 2010, and some predictions for 2011. Guest: Derek Myers (Global TV Sports).

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

Friday thoughts

The last day before two weeks of holidays. It's amazing that I can form thoughts at all, so take what you can get:

• A big thumbs up to everyone at St. Gregory school for a stellar Christmas concert last night.
• Of course, the kindergarten munchkins stole the show (as they do every year), but the J-man's class did a pretty darn impressive dance number. My kid, the dancer. Who knew?
• I would have loved to congratulate him in person after the performance, but...that's another story.
  
• We have a lot of leftovers from yesterday's office Christmas party. Who's hungry?
• If there's a charity that wanted to pick up some of this stuff, I imagine that could be arranged.
  
• So, a Montreal newspaper is reporting that neither Doug Berry nor Richie Hall are in serious contention for the head coaching job with the Riders. Interesting, if true!
• I'm going to place my faith in the three wise men (Brendan Taman, Ken Miller and Jim Hopson) on this one. Seems appropriate, given the time of year!
• It looks as though the makeover of the Regina Pats is almost complete. Will it pay off? We don't know that until next year at the earliest.
• In the meantime, it'll be another season without a playoff berth. This has to be getting really, really old for season ticket holders.
• Dion Phaneuf doesn't deserve to wear the C for the Toronto Maple Leafs. There, I said it. Okay, typed it.
  
• Mind you, he is Brian Burke's type of guy. All bluster, with no substance. Or tangible results.
  
• I think we'll be announcing the winner of the first annual Locker Talk Regina Athlete of the Year on next week's show. It's an idea that's long overdue, in my opinion.
• "But hey, isn't someone else already planning to present an award like that?" True, but is there a problem with providing even more recognition for local athletes? The Oscars and Golden Globes seem to be able to coexist. I don't see a problem.

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

In the spirit of the season, here's a look at who has been naughty (and not in the fun way), and who has been nice over the past seven days.

Nice

• Locker Talk guests. Let's face it, people are very busy this time of year. We certainly appreciate it when folks take time out of their busy lives to talk sports on a local community channel tv show, especially at Christmas time.
• Paul Woldu. I may not be thrilled that the Montreal Alouettes have won the last two Grey Cups, but knowing this young man (from Regina, no less) is about to collect his second championship ring softens the blow a bit. He's a class act.
• Deja Vu. I made my first trip to this Moose Jaw eatery last weekend. The service and the food were excellent.
  

Naughty

• Sears Canada. The great treadmill saga continues. Six weeks and counting. Inept isn't even a strong enough word to describe the staggering, mind-numbing incompetence I've been subjected to.
• Sports message boards. They are overrun by the dregs of society, including the chronically bitter and the exceptionally unintelligent. And yet, I keep reading them. What does that say about me?
• Regina sports organizations (one rhymes with"Rats") that can't be bothered to return phone calls. Impressive? Not so such.

Want to add some names to either list? Go ahead, 'tis the season!

Ho Ho Ho...ly crap!

Apparently Santa needs to keep his medicine cabinet locked!

Forget about Rudolph, this is the guy I wouldn't want joining in any reindeer games!

Locker Talk lineup for December 14

Here's the lineup for this week's show, airing tonight at 9 p.m. and Thursday at 6 p.m. on Access channel 7.

Locker Talk Guests for December 14/10
Co-Host: Mitchell Blair

1. An update on preparations for the 2011 World Men’s Curling Championships in Regina. Guest: Derek Boe (Event Chair).

2. The Campbell Tartans celebrate a city championship in senior boys large schools volleyball. Guests: Calvin Toffan (Head Coach), Andrew Nelson & Jakaeden Frizzell (Players).

3. The University of Regina cheerleading team celebrates a gold medal performance at nationals. Guest: Thomas Rath (Head Coach).

4. A review of the first half of the athletic season at the University of Regina, and a look ahead to 2011. Guest: Dick White (U of R Athletic Director).

5. A Regina native celebrates a second straight Grey Cup championship. Guest: Paul Woldu (Montreal Alouettes defensive back).

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