The Denver Bronco's have managed to land the biggest free agent in the history of the NFL. Less than two weeks after being released by the only team he has ever known, Peyton Manning has decided he would like to join the Denver Bronco's and has instructed his agent to initiate negotiations on a contract with the defending AFC West Champions.
While the question of where Peyton will land has been answered, with this news come another question. What does this mean for the future of Tim Tebow? What it tells me for certain is that John Elway and the Bronco's management does not forsee Tebow as the answer at QB for the team who has been missing that franchise QB since Elway's retirement after back to back Superbowl titles. The fact that they are willing to bring in Manning who still has a number of questions surrounding his ability and conditioning following a fourth surgical procedure on his neck is all you need to know Tebow is done as a Bronco. So, who, if anybody wants Tebow and his wonky left arm, but an innate ability to win games? I can not really think of anyone in need of a QB, let alone somebody willing to take a chance on him. I would suggest that if Tebow does indeed land elsewhere, which is more than likely, he will not be a starter in his new home. The only teams I can think of who have questions at QB for next season are Miami and San Francisco, and Alex Smith will be the answer for one of them. Even then, I don't think either one brings in Tebow to run the show.
The question was posed on Twitter by Mitchell Blair as to who owns his CFL rights. I am not aware of who does but in a league with a bigger field, that left arm would not be successful in the Canadian game. Perhaps the sun is finally settling on a career that I never thought had a chance in the first place.
The Western Hockey League play - off's kick off this weekend, and without a doubt the best opening round series has the Moose Jaw Warrior's set to battle the Regina Pats. They had a very even season series, have despised one another for years, and should put on a pretty good show. I am not going to get into a ton of detail as to my thoughts on the WHL post - season but will conclude that I really would like to see the Kamloops Blazers come out of the west and see the East as being wide open. Edmonton may have been the best team in the league all season but let's not forget that this is just the second play - off berth for the Oil Kings. If you make me pick a final, give me Kamloops against Medicine Hat.
The NCAA touranment has eliminated 54 teams, leaving us with just the 'Sweet Sixteen'. My bracket was ruined Friday with my two National finalists, Michigan and Missouri BOTH losing. Not to mention Duke taking a first round exit for the first time that I can remember. Added to the confusion are key injuries suffered by both North Carolina and Kentucky. This tournament is far from over and I have no clue as to who, if anybody, has emerged as the favorite.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Just Cause.....
Not that I have anything particular to say but as I sit here waiting for my sister - in - law to finish up with her Badminton practice, I thought I would provide you with my views and opinions on an array of sports related topics.
* The Riders open Rookie Camp on May 31st. For those of you who are not mathematically inclined that is less than two months. The season itself kicks off in a little less than four months. I hear a lot of people talking about how this will be a difficult year for the Riders again. I know we aren't going to be the 'team to beat' but I have a lot of confidence in this group. The O - Line is much better which gives Darian more time to throw as well as open more holes for whoever it is we have in the backfield. My gut tells me that will be Brandon West but time will tell.
Sure, Andy Fantuz may be gone but I really think our receiving corps is still the envy of the CFL...Dressler, Getzlaf, Bagg (who it appears is finally healthy), Hill, and Wheelwright to name a few. You need to add to that list potentially names like Jordan Sisco and recently signed Justin Harper.
On defence, we have made some moves at the linebacker position hoping to replace the retired Sean Lucas and NFL bound Jerrell Freeman. Not to mention Michigan product Chris Graham is still here who had a great pre - season last year and played well in the middle at the end of last season.
While my predictions come later, I really and truly believe we have a play - off team in Regina this year. Only time will tell though.
* Calvin Johnson is one RICH man today. Megatron as he is referred to signed an eight year extension to stay in Detroit until the end of the decade. The Lions gave him $132 million reasons to stay in the Motor City, $60 million of which are guaranteed.
* What the NFL did to the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins last week is just wrong. In case you missed it, both teams have been told they have less money to spend in terms of salary cap over the next two seasons. Why? Not because they broke any rule that existed but rather because they 'front - loaded' too many contracts a few years back. This means a player was paid a greater percentage of their salary in the early years of their contract. So maybe a guy signed for $40 million, but the Skins chose to pay him $32 of that in the first three years and the last $8 in the final two. I don't see it as breaking any rules; I see it rather as a smart way to improve your football team while dealing with the salary cap. Apparently somebody didn't like it and the NFL agreed.
* The 'Bounty Hunting' issue that has come to a head in New Orleans, and now other NFL cities is despicable. I know football is a tough, physical, contact sport but providing financial incentives to hurt the opposition is wrong at so many levels. Gregg Williams, the Saint`s D - Coordinator at the time apparently has had this type of system im place for years with other teams. If you ask me, he should never be allowed to coach another game of football again, be it the NFL, NCAA, CFL, High School, nothing. As for the teams that it happened with? If you knew about it and never stopped it, penalties such as fines and loss of draft picks need to be dolled out.
* I can no longer stand to watch the NBA. Why you ask? They don't follow their own rule book. Travelling is against the rules in the sport of basketball yet every time a player takes it to the rack whether it be for a dunk or a lay - up they travel and it NEVER gets called. When the best players in the world are allowed to break the rules blatantly, that is just shameful.
* Speaking of basketball, the NCAA Tournament, better known as March Madness kicked off last night with two of four 'play - in' games. I love this tournamnet. It could be the best annual event in all of sports right now. 68 teams; one champion, one month. It is riveting, heart - breaking and exciting all in one. My bracket has been filled out and it has Michigan taking out Missouri in the Final. Maybe some wishful thinking, but who cares; GO MICHIGAN!
* While he probably never reads this, Graham Delaet, who happens to call Weyburn home and who humbled me on the links many times in the 90's had a ninth place finish at the Puerto Rico Open last week, and is back at it again this week at the Transitions Championship. This young man is the BEST Canadian golfer we have right now. His game has gotten better and better as the weeks have progressed and I have a feeling he is close to something big. All the best to you this week and this season Graham.
Later....
* The Riders open Rookie Camp on May 31st. For those of you who are not mathematically inclined that is less than two months. The season itself kicks off in a little less than four months. I hear a lot of people talking about how this will be a difficult year for the Riders again. I know we aren't going to be the 'team to beat' but I have a lot of confidence in this group. The O - Line is much better which gives Darian more time to throw as well as open more holes for whoever it is we have in the backfield. My gut tells me that will be Brandon West but time will tell.
Sure, Andy Fantuz may be gone but I really think our receiving corps is still the envy of the CFL...Dressler, Getzlaf, Bagg (who it appears is finally healthy), Hill, and Wheelwright to name a few. You need to add to that list potentially names like Jordan Sisco and recently signed Justin Harper.
On defence, we have made some moves at the linebacker position hoping to replace the retired Sean Lucas and NFL bound Jerrell Freeman. Not to mention Michigan product Chris Graham is still here who had a great pre - season last year and played well in the middle at the end of last season.
While my predictions come later, I really and truly believe we have a play - off team in Regina this year. Only time will tell though.
* Calvin Johnson is one RICH man today. Megatron as he is referred to signed an eight year extension to stay in Detroit until the end of the decade. The Lions gave him $132 million reasons to stay in the Motor City, $60 million of which are guaranteed.
* What the NFL did to the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins last week is just wrong. In case you missed it, both teams have been told they have less money to spend in terms of salary cap over the next two seasons. Why? Not because they broke any rule that existed but rather because they 'front - loaded' too many contracts a few years back. This means a player was paid a greater percentage of their salary in the early years of their contract. So maybe a guy signed for $40 million, but the Skins chose to pay him $32 of that in the first three years and the last $8 in the final two. I don't see it as breaking any rules; I see it rather as a smart way to improve your football team while dealing with the salary cap. Apparently somebody didn't like it and the NFL agreed.
* The 'Bounty Hunting' issue that has come to a head in New Orleans, and now other NFL cities is despicable. I know football is a tough, physical, contact sport but providing financial incentives to hurt the opposition is wrong at so many levels. Gregg Williams, the Saint`s D - Coordinator at the time apparently has had this type of system im place for years with other teams. If you ask me, he should never be allowed to coach another game of football again, be it the NFL, NCAA, CFL, High School, nothing. As for the teams that it happened with? If you knew about it and never stopped it, penalties such as fines and loss of draft picks need to be dolled out.
* I can no longer stand to watch the NBA. Why you ask? They don't follow their own rule book. Travelling is against the rules in the sport of basketball yet every time a player takes it to the rack whether it be for a dunk or a lay - up they travel and it NEVER gets called. When the best players in the world are allowed to break the rules blatantly, that is just shameful.
* Speaking of basketball, the NCAA Tournament, better known as March Madness kicked off last night with two of four 'play - in' games. I love this tournamnet. It could be the best annual event in all of sports right now. 68 teams; one champion, one month. It is riveting, heart - breaking and exciting all in one. My bracket has been filled out and it has Michigan taking out Missouri in the Final. Maybe some wishful thinking, but who cares; GO MICHIGAN!
* While he probably never reads this, Graham Delaet, who happens to call Weyburn home and who humbled me on the links many times in the 90's had a ninth place finish at the Puerto Rico Open last week, and is back at it again this week at the Transitions Championship. This young man is the BEST Canadian golfer we have right now. His game has gotten better and better as the weeks have progressed and I have a feeling he is close to something big. All the best to you this week and this season Graham.
Later....
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Random Rumblings
Prior to getting to what it seems most of my loyal followers come here for, the Riders, a quick thought on the yesterday's NHL Trade Deadline. Like always, the hype that is generated by this day was overwhelming, and like most years, it was highly disappointing. Rick Nash was not traded and essentially the biggest deal of yesterday was Cody Hodgson being sent to Buffalo for Zack Kassian in a move that the Canucks made obviously in an attempt to get bigger and stronger as they move forward.
Do you ever stop and think why there is so much hype which in turn leads to disappointment? It is because that is all TSN and Sportsnet have talked about seemingly since the moment the World Junior's ended in early January. They talk about it daily, analyzing potential deals, talking about salary cap, who needs what and so forth. At the same the fact that both of these networks devote eight hours of live coverage to this day essentially dooms it to disappointment. Honestly, watching James Duthie and the guys wait for the second trade of the day, a lull of two hours after the Canadiens shipped Kostitsyn to the Predators was painful and I truly felt for them as they sought to make live television entertaining.
At the end of the day, here is what stands out for me from yesterday's NHL movement or lack of:
* Clearly Rick Nash is playing out his days as a Blue Jacket. I thought GM Scott Howson threw him under the bus for telling the world that Nash asked to be dealt. At the same time, I think Nash is feeding the Blue Jackets fan a line by saying he only wants whats best for that organization. Clearly Rick Nash you want what is best for you, and to be honest, you deserve it after enduring nine years in Columbus.
* The Nashville Predators will be a force in the play - offs. They have great goaltending, a solid back end and the addition of Paul Gaustad provides them with a little more sand up front. If I am in the west I am hoping to avoid a date with the Predators.
Not a great deal new with the Riders short of a couple of signings today. Canadain FB Graeme Bell has re - upped with the Green and White. And a pair of import QB's were signed today, Drew Willy and COlt Brennan. While little is known about Willy by myself, I know quite a bit about Brennan. I tweeted earlier that in a pass first league, Colt Brennan has the potential to be good. He put up astronomically big numbers as a Senior at the University of Hawaii, throwing for 58 touchdowns. For those accomplishments he was a runner up for the Heisman Trophy. After NFL stops in Washington and Baltimore, he has been out of football for two seasons following a nearly fatal car accident. The kid can throw the ball and can read a defense, there is no denying that. What might hold him back is the same thing that help Todd Reesing back two years ago. He came as a much heralded pivot from the University of Kansas but he lacked the arm strength to make the cross field throw. Sure, Reesing was more of a mobile QB whereas Brennan is a pocket passer. While his arm might hold him back, it also might be the very tool to earn a spot on the Riders roster this season. Only time will tell.
Later.
Do you ever stop and think why there is so much hype which in turn leads to disappointment? It is because that is all TSN and Sportsnet have talked about seemingly since the moment the World Junior's ended in early January. They talk about it daily, analyzing potential deals, talking about salary cap, who needs what and so forth. At the same the fact that both of these networks devote eight hours of live coverage to this day essentially dooms it to disappointment. Honestly, watching James Duthie and the guys wait for the second trade of the day, a lull of two hours after the Canadiens shipped Kostitsyn to the Predators was painful and I truly felt for them as they sought to make live television entertaining.
At the end of the day, here is what stands out for me from yesterday's NHL movement or lack of:
* Clearly Rick Nash is playing out his days as a Blue Jacket. I thought GM Scott Howson threw him under the bus for telling the world that Nash asked to be dealt. At the same time, I think Nash is feeding the Blue Jackets fan a line by saying he only wants whats best for that organization. Clearly Rick Nash you want what is best for you, and to be honest, you deserve it after enduring nine years in Columbus.
* The Nashville Predators will be a force in the play - offs. They have great goaltending, a solid back end and the addition of Paul Gaustad provides them with a little more sand up front. If I am in the west I am hoping to avoid a date with the Predators.
Not a great deal new with the Riders short of a couple of signings today. Canadain FB Graeme Bell has re - upped with the Green and White. And a pair of import QB's were signed today, Drew Willy and COlt Brennan. While little is known about Willy by myself, I know quite a bit about Brennan. I tweeted earlier that in a pass first league, Colt Brennan has the potential to be good. He put up astronomically big numbers as a Senior at the University of Hawaii, throwing for 58 touchdowns. For those accomplishments he was a runner up for the Heisman Trophy. After NFL stops in Washington and Baltimore, he has been out of football for two seasons following a nearly fatal car accident. The kid can throw the ball and can read a defense, there is no denying that. What might hold him back is the same thing that help Todd Reesing back two years ago. He came as a much heralded pivot from the University of Kansas but he lacked the arm strength to make the cross field throw. Sure, Reesing was more of a mobile QB whereas Brennan is a pocket passer. While his arm might hold him back, it also might be the very tool to earn a spot on the Riders roster this season. Only time will tell.
Later.
Friday, February 17, 2012
And It Begins....
Essentially from this point until approximatley November, short of my job and my family, I will be consumed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. This will be the first of what you can expect to be dozens of blogs, discussions, rants and so on dealing with this great organization.
Unless you live under a rock you know CFL Free Agency started on Wednesday. At the same time, if you follow the Riders you know that many have been publicily calling out Brendan Taman as being a poor GM who has 'never signed anyone'. Well I would say after the first two days, Brendan Taman has been the most succesful GM in the league thus far. A glaring problem with the Riders in last years debacle was the O - Line. Marc Parenteau struggled with the simple things like snapping the ball, Makowsky and Goodspeed looked every bit like late 30 something's and the list goes on. By yesterday at noon, enter Dominic Picard from Toronto to replace Parenteau and Brendon Labatte from the Bombers, a guy who was as much coveted as Andy Fantuz was and continues to be. What makes the Labatte signing that much sweeter is ET and the Evil Empire was hot on his trail and never got it done. They also reportedly wanted Fantuz desperately but does not look like they will get him. As the magic run out for Eric Tillman.
The hot debate continues to be where Andy Fantuz will land. Rumor has it that it comes down to Hamilton and the Riders with Hamilton offering more money. At the end of the day, I would love to keep Fantuz as much as the next. However, at the same time the additions to the O - Line were far more important. I mean we can have the best receivers in the world but without any quality protection, how can Darian find them? Seriously, it is not like our receiving corps is weak without Fantuz. Time will tell; I am hearing early next week we will know as Fantuz is presently wrapping up a three week holiday in Africa.
On a side note, but no less important the Riders also brought in local product Paul Woldu from the Als. Woldu will provide some insurance on the corner and is an absolute beast on the teams. He will bring a lot of energy to an already much improved group led by Craig Dickenson.
What have we lost...Stu Foord. Sad to see him go but wasn't really utilized all that much with the exception of Special Teams, and with three new backs being brought in to go with Brandon West, the writing was on the wall for STUUUUUUUUUU!.
Lastly, a Roughrider Press Conference at 10:30 this morning will prsumably announce the retirement of Gene Makowsky. A great Rider two years ago, it's his time to walk away. Let's face it, the O - Line needs to get younger and faster and with the two additions to go with the kids already around from last year, Geno would struggle to make this team anyways.
Have a great weekend.
Unless you live under a rock you know CFL Free Agency started on Wednesday. At the same time, if you follow the Riders you know that many have been publicily calling out Brendan Taman as being a poor GM who has 'never signed anyone'. Well I would say after the first two days, Brendan Taman has been the most succesful GM in the league thus far. A glaring problem with the Riders in last years debacle was the O - Line. Marc Parenteau struggled with the simple things like snapping the ball, Makowsky and Goodspeed looked every bit like late 30 something's and the list goes on. By yesterday at noon, enter Dominic Picard from Toronto to replace Parenteau and Brendon Labatte from the Bombers, a guy who was as much coveted as Andy Fantuz was and continues to be. What makes the Labatte signing that much sweeter is ET and the Evil Empire was hot on his trail and never got it done. They also reportedly wanted Fantuz desperately but does not look like they will get him. As the magic run out for Eric Tillman.
The hot debate continues to be where Andy Fantuz will land. Rumor has it that it comes down to Hamilton and the Riders with Hamilton offering more money. At the end of the day, I would love to keep Fantuz as much as the next. However, at the same time the additions to the O - Line were far more important. I mean we can have the best receivers in the world but without any quality protection, how can Darian find them? Seriously, it is not like our receiving corps is weak without Fantuz. Time will tell; I am hearing early next week we will know as Fantuz is presently wrapping up a three week holiday in Africa.
On a side note, but no less important the Riders also brought in local product Paul Woldu from the Als. Woldu will provide some insurance on the corner and is an absolute beast on the teams. He will bring a lot of energy to an already much improved group led by Craig Dickenson.
What have we lost...Stu Foord. Sad to see him go but wasn't really utilized all that much with the exception of Special Teams, and with three new backs being brought in to go with Brandon West, the writing was on the wall for STUUUUUUUUUU!.
Lastly, a Roughrider Press Conference at 10:30 this morning will prsumably announce the retirement of Gene Makowsky. A great Rider two years ago, it's his time to walk away. Let's face it, the O - Line needs to get younger and faster and with the two additions to go with the kids already around from last year, Geno would struggle to make this team anyways.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 3, 2012
What's that Smell???
I am not going to do anything to belittle the performance of Edmonton's Sam Gagner last night. He did something only thirteen players had done before him in the history of the league. At the same time his eight point night tied an Oiler record for most points in a game with a couple of fellows you may have heard before; Paul Coffey and Wayne Gretzky. A great night for a guy who has struggled to find his place with the Oilers this year, and as an Oilers fan I hope this is the break out performance he needed. While he might not have another eight point night again, the way he played last night was something to watch. He was quicker to the puck, stronger on the puck and hands down the best player on the ice.
HOWEVER, the performance was tainted for me by TSN who chose to name him the 1st, 2nd and 3rd star of the game. Was he that much better than all the other players on both the Hawks and Oilers last night? No..he wasn't. Lost in his performance were solid efforts by both Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall, each of whom had a goal and three apples. While it is only half of an eight point performance, four points is also a very good night in the best league in the world.
Don't get me wrong, Gagner was awesome last night but to name him the three best players on the ice..well that is just a little bit ridiculous if you ask me. Gord Miller...shame on you.
HOWEVER, the performance was tainted for me by TSN who chose to name him the 1st, 2nd and 3rd star of the game. Was he that much better than all the other players on both the Hawks and Oilers last night? No..he wasn't. Lost in his performance were solid efforts by both Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall, each of whom had a goal and three apples. While it is only half of an eight point performance, four points is also a very good night in the best league in the world.
Don't get me wrong, Gagner was awesome last night but to name him the three best players on the ice..well that is just a little bit ridiculous if you ask me. Gord Miller...shame on you.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Head Scratcher....
I tend to stick with the professional sports on this blog, but today was the WHL trade deadline and was left scratching my head and wondering....
Why did the Regina Pats do what they did? They not only chose to keep Jordan Weal but at the same time were what you would refer to as 'buyers'. They picked up Martin Marincin from the Prince George Cougars. In return they sent a forward to the Cougars as well as some bantam picks, a 1st, a 2nd and a 4th. So here are my questions:
Do the Regina Pats really think they are going to make a run at the WHL Title this year? Next year? I don't see them being anywhere close to an elite team in this league. So WHY give up the future (the picks to PG along with the kids and picks they would have gotten for Weal) for this? Seriously this could truly backfire on GM Chad Lang.
Secondly, the Pats know have 8 defencemen on their roster, 9 if you include Tyler Bortsmayer who is playing in the SJHL and could be called up at anytime. Not only that but their back end was pretty good to start and probably didn't need to be tinkered with. If they are going to make a run, what they needed was some front line scoring to take some of the pressure off of Jordan Weal. That never happened, and come play - off time, stick one of those diggers out there to make Weal's life miserable and who is going to put the puck in the net for the Pats? I mean honestly, I thought the bad decisons of this organization would have disappeared as quickly as Brent Parker stepped down as GM. Oh well...if I were a Regina Pats season ticket holder..I would not by happy. While it is okay to be optimistic, far too often the Pats think they are on thr brink of greatness...only when the definition of greatness is a fifth place finish at best and with any luck possibly a second round of play - off's.
One more note about the trade deadline...Brett Connolly who played with Team Canada at the WJHC and up to that point played the entire season in Tampa Bay had his rights dealt from Prince George to Tri - City for get this....three draft picks including a first and a second. Is it just me but is that basically like Tri - City just giving up picks for nothing. Look...if Brett Connolly was going to play in the WHL this year Tampa would have sent him down before he played ten games at which point they are not required to pay the entire year of his NHL salary. Do you honestly think Steve Yzerman and the Lightning want to pay this guy $900, 000 to play in the WHL the remainder of the year? I would think not.
Surprisingly enough, really the only team I see as a contender who made a substantial move was the Brandon....doesn't change my pick to win the league. I will take the Kamloops Blazers to host the Ed Chynoweth trophy this season. Go Blazers!!!!
Why did the Regina Pats do what they did? They not only chose to keep Jordan Weal but at the same time were what you would refer to as 'buyers'. They picked up Martin Marincin from the Prince George Cougars. In return they sent a forward to the Cougars as well as some bantam picks, a 1st, a 2nd and a 4th. So here are my questions:
Do the Regina Pats really think they are going to make a run at the WHL Title this year? Next year? I don't see them being anywhere close to an elite team in this league. So WHY give up the future (the picks to PG along with the kids and picks they would have gotten for Weal) for this? Seriously this could truly backfire on GM Chad Lang.
Secondly, the Pats know have 8 defencemen on their roster, 9 if you include Tyler Bortsmayer who is playing in the SJHL and could be called up at anytime. Not only that but their back end was pretty good to start and probably didn't need to be tinkered with. If they are going to make a run, what they needed was some front line scoring to take some of the pressure off of Jordan Weal. That never happened, and come play - off time, stick one of those diggers out there to make Weal's life miserable and who is going to put the puck in the net for the Pats? I mean honestly, I thought the bad decisons of this organization would have disappeared as quickly as Brent Parker stepped down as GM. Oh well...if I were a Regina Pats season ticket holder..I would not by happy. While it is okay to be optimistic, far too often the Pats think they are on thr brink of greatness...only when the definition of greatness is a fifth place finish at best and with any luck possibly a second round of play - off's.
One more note about the trade deadline...Brett Connolly who played with Team Canada at the WJHC and up to that point played the entire season in Tampa Bay had his rights dealt from Prince George to Tri - City for get this....three draft picks including a first and a second. Is it just me but is that basically like Tri - City just giving up picks for nothing. Look...if Brett Connolly was going to play in the WHL this year Tampa would have sent him down before he played ten games at which point they are not required to pay the entire year of his NHL salary. Do you honestly think Steve Yzerman and the Lightning want to pay this guy $900, 000 to play in the WHL the remainder of the year? I would think not.
Surprisingly enough, really the only team I see as a contender who made a substantial move was the Brandon....doesn't change my pick to win the league. I will take the Kamloops Blazers to host the Ed Chynoweth trophy this season. Go Blazers!!!!
Monday, January 9, 2012
I am Back....
It has been a while since I have blogged. Rather than try to explain my absence, know only that I will try my best to blog more regularly in the New Year. I realize that all five of my followers yearn for my knowledge and insight so I will provide it as necessary.
Let's start with the topic of choice most days on this blog...the Riders. We are now preparing for the free agency season to start in February 15th as a coaching staff is now in place. Rather than get into a long winded spiel about what I like and dislike about each member of Cory Chamblin's staff I will say this...he brought in young new faces to replace the old boy's club. He kept only two coaches from last years staff, Craig Dickenson and Richie Hall, both of whom I see as being worthy of another season in green and white. The more I hear and read about Chamblin the more I am excited for the season to start...the fact that he was able to put a staff such as this together speaks a lot about him and the respect he has of others within the coaching fraternity.
Free Agency starts in February as has been stated and that is always a finger crossing period. Will Andy Fantuz leave? Well the choice is his but bringing in Khari Jones and Jason Tucker is a tremendous addition to Darian Durant and the offense in general. In saying that I would think we have as good a chance as any to retain Andy's services. Other than that, I will just throw this out there...Justin Hickman is a FA this year....is it possible he follows his old DC to the prairies? Would sure help us out a lot. Offensive Line is a glaring need and these is a local grown product from Weyburn who if the NFL doesn't pan out is a great lineman in this league...Brendan Labatte would be a huge upgrade over now MLA Makowsky. As far as who we sign and who we lose; that's not my doing and regardless of what I think or hope, what will happen will happen but I still anticipate the 15th of next month.
On to the NFL and what a ridiculous OT rule the apparent greatest league in the world has adopted. While the NFL has the most talented players in the world, you have to wonder who is making the rules. Case in point, one play into OT yesterday and the Pittsburgh Steelers season is over. I am in no way, shape or form a Steeler fan but that is brutal the way it ended. Essentially their season is over because they lost a coin toss. A good analogy would be an extra inning game in baseball where the visiting squad hits a homerun in the top of the inninng..Game Over; or a shootout in hockey in which Team A scores on their first shot and that's it. Come on NFL...be like the CFL and NCAA where at least you get an opportunity to match your opponent. I can only hope that the Superbowl is not decided that way.
Speaking of Superbowl, is anybody going to touch New Orleans???? And what IF Tim Tebow takes out the Patriots???? I love the playoffs.
The NHL is our final stop today and Brad Marchand had a hearing with the NHL over a hip check on Sami Salo which led to a concussion. While the check has been brought into question, I can't help but yell when I hear Canucks bench boss Alain Vigneault go off about how Brad Marchand is going to get hurt if he continues to play like that. How can this guy say that without looking down his bench at two of the biggest jabroni's in the league (yeah I used the word jabroni) in Maxim Lapierre and Alex Burrows. While Marchand is at least willing to back up his actions, those two clowns just talk and talk but never answer the bell. Now those are two guys who are about due to have their rectums handed to them on a platter. Not condoning the Marchand hit, just saying Alain Vigneault can't point the finger at somebody who is twice the player those two clowns are.
Lastly the WHL trade deadline is tomorrow. Will the Regina Pats do the right thing and trade Jordan Weal? The Pats are going nowhere in the post season and they could get a lot in return for Weal. Two years ago they dropped the ball by keepign Jordan Eberle and Colten Teubert only to finish eighth and lose in the first round. That put that club back three years. They had a jackpot coming in return for Eberle by what I hear and balked. If they don't trade Weal this year they may as well just admit to their fan base that they are fine with being irrelevant for the next half decade. That is the way things go in Junior Hockey...take advantage of things when you can because you know there will be lean years, but you accept that. Unfortunately for Pats fans upper management always sees the glass as half full when the rest of us can see it is half empty.
Have a good one,
HM
Let's start with the topic of choice most days on this blog...the Riders. We are now preparing for the free agency season to start in February 15th as a coaching staff is now in place. Rather than get into a long winded spiel about what I like and dislike about each member of Cory Chamblin's staff I will say this...he brought in young new faces to replace the old boy's club. He kept only two coaches from last years staff, Craig Dickenson and Richie Hall, both of whom I see as being worthy of another season in green and white. The more I hear and read about Chamblin the more I am excited for the season to start...the fact that he was able to put a staff such as this together speaks a lot about him and the respect he has of others within the coaching fraternity.
Free Agency starts in February as has been stated and that is always a finger crossing period. Will Andy Fantuz leave? Well the choice is his but bringing in Khari Jones and Jason Tucker is a tremendous addition to Darian Durant and the offense in general. In saying that I would think we have as good a chance as any to retain Andy's services. Other than that, I will just throw this out there...Justin Hickman is a FA this year....is it possible he follows his old DC to the prairies? Would sure help us out a lot. Offensive Line is a glaring need and these is a local grown product from Weyburn who if the NFL doesn't pan out is a great lineman in this league...Brendan Labatte would be a huge upgrade over now MLA Makowsky. As far as who we sign and who we lose; that's not my doing and regardless of what I think or hope, what will happen will happen but I still anticipate the 15th of next month.
On to the NFL and what a ridiculous OT rule the apparent greatest league in the world has adopted. While the NFL has the most talented players in the world, you have to wonder who is making the rules. Case in point, one play into OT yesterday and the Pittsburgh Steelers season is over. I am in no way, shape or form a Steeler fan but that is brutal the way it ended. Essentially their season is over because they lost a coin toss. A good analogy would be an extra inning game in baseball where the visiting squad hits a homerun in the top of the inninng..Game Over; or a shootout in hockey in which Team A scores on their first shot and that's it. Come on NFL...be like the CFL and NCAA where at least you get an opportunity to match your opponent. I can only hope that the Superbowl is not decided that way.
Speaking of Superbowl, is anybody going to touch New Orleans???? And what IF Tim Tebow takes out the Patriots???? I love the playoffs.
The NHL is our final stop today and Brad Marchand had a hearing with the NHL over a hip check on Sami Salo which led to a concussion. While the check has been brought into question, I can't help but yell when I hear Canucks bench boss Alain Vigneault go off about how Brad Marchand is going to get hurt if he continues to play like that. How can this guy say that without looking down his bench at two of the biggest jabroni's in the league (yeah I used the word jabroni) in Maxim Lapierre and Alex Burrows. While Marchand is at least willing to back up his actions, those two clowns just talk and talk but never answer the bell. Now those are two guys who are about due to have their rectums handed to them on a platter. Not condoning the Marchand hit, just saying Alain Vigneault can't point the finger at somebody who is twice the player those two clowns are.
Lastly the WHL trade deadline is tomorrow. Will the Regina Pats do the right thing and trade Jordan Weal? The Pats are going nowhere in the post season and they could get a lot in return for Weal. Two years ago they dropped the ball by keepign Jordan Eberle and Colten Teubert only to finish eighth and lose in the first round. That put that club back three years. They had a jackpot coming in return for Eberle by what I hear and balked. If they don't trade Weal this year they may as well just admit to their fan base that they are fine with being irrelevant for the next half decade. That is the way things go in Junior Hockey...take advantage of things when you can because you know there will be lean years, but you accept that. Unfortunately for Pats fans upper management always sees the glass as half full when the rest of us can see it is half empty.
Have a good one,
HM
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