Something to talk about

Almost forgot about having this blog....and since I really want to get back to my passion of journalism, I figured it was time to resurrect it.

To restart things, I will focus on some sports items that have come to forefront recently.

NHL Playoffs (aka terribly inconsistent officiating)

Most of my friends, plus a few others, know I am a fan of the Montreal Canadiens and they also know I have been officiating hockey for more than three decades. Now, I've normally stuck to backing up my officiating brethren as it is always easier to "ref from the stands." However, in recent years the standard of what penalties are called at the NHL level is as predictable as the weather in Alberta.

And this post-season it seems, the standard has gotten even further away from the path of consistency to the point where even well-seasoned former NHL referees such at Kerry Fraser and Paul Stewart have taken to their respective columns (and television spots on TSN for Fraser) to comment on just how far the stripes have strayed. Both men have, rightly so in my opinion, stated the problem isn't so much with the guys on the ice, but with the coaching and instructions they get from the NHL officiating brass.

Among the items that need to be remedied in order to bring the game back to some respectability are much better positioning, returning to letting the officials manage the game instead of reacting to what happens and having more veteran referees assist and train those coming up through the rank and file before throwing them to the wolves in the playoffs.

I personally know a number of the referees in the NHL and know they are among the top stripes on skates in the world. Unfortunately, they are being branded with the same brush for the missteps of a few far more junior officials, who will make mistakes but that shouldn't be doing it in the pressure-packed playoffs.

Here's hoping the criticism the NHL is receiving about this will resonate with the top brass and lead to some more consistency for the rest of this playoff run as well as changes to instruction, training and supervising in the seasons to come.

Picket lines vs running lines

The storyline has been building for last few months and blew up this week when talks broke off between the CFL and its players association. In fact, the crisis neared nuclear proportions (as one of the great CFL newspaper writers put it) when the league fired off an email to every player outlining their offer as the players' union was waiting at the bargaining table for a reply to their counter offer.

I won't go into the details of each sides offers - there are plenty of places to see that if you want it. What I will offer is that my opinion is in complete agreement with several other learned media that cover the CFL on a daily basis.

Both sides need to restructure their offers and meet in the middle somewhere before the start of the season (training camps are supposed to open on June 1st) is placed in jeopardy.

The players must lower their expectations on revenue sharing and not try to gain back everything and more that was lost in previous negotiations in one fell swoop. Meanwhile, the owners need to realize they are going to make healthy profits over the period of a new agreement even if they gave back a fair compensation to the players in recognition of their sacrifices during the lean years as the CFL struggled to stay alive.

Additionally, taking this fight public is already getting ugly as the divisions are already being created between fans and that can only hurt everyone when play eventually gets underway - whether it is postponed a bit this season or the worst case scenario happens and the 2014 season is lost.

Baseball is still relevant, isn't it?

Even though my favourite club hasn't been "a club" for quite a long time, I still enjoy the summer past-time and this season I was especially proud for one particular reason.

After several years of toiling in the minor leagues, a friend of mine became one of the very, very few Canadians to umpire in the major leagues when he was called from AAA to fill in on a crew for a three game series in the storied Dodger Stadium. Nnt only that, but got another honour (okay, maybe I'm the only one who is impressed with this fact) when the greatest baseball broadcaster ever, Vin Scully, put the spotlight him in welcoming him to the big stage.

By all accounts, my friend did a wonderful job on the diamond that included an appearance behind the plate in the final game of the weekend set. Can't help but feel Stu will be seeing more time on the big diamond this season and maybe a permanent spot next year.

As always...that is...just my observation.

Doggy days definitely

I'm not sure where this week went, but I'll bet it took off to the same place my brain did in this heat.
Anyway, I'm keeping it short again today as I get ready for tonight's game at Commonwealth. Suffice to say, I don't expect to see any miracles tonight, like BC losing.
Can't wait to see what the long weekend brings from the Esks management. Who will stay? Who will go? Here's hoping Ritchie stays and the others take a nice long walk.

Nothing really to report on the job hunt....it still goes, but promises to be looking up as many of the gigs I applied for had deadlines of today. Next week could be a good one, here's hoping.

And lastly, the whole city of champions chatter and arena/northlands debate can simply by chalked up to politics...there is a municipal election later this year and the names (and no-names) are working on their campaigns.
Here's what I hope happens -

1. Katz ignores everyone, gets the zoning and then builds his own rink to end this silly debate;
2. Northlands figures out they need to do some soul-searching so they can find their niche in this city again - plus changes the stupid fair (and those dumb commercials) to something that will attract people back (including those of us with families that can't afford to shell out the kind of coin they're asking);
3. The local media find something of substance to chase after instead of inane question about the slogan on the entrance sign being somewhat relevant;
4. That it cools off for me on the field at tonight's football game, that I don't fall on national tv and that somehow, some way, I find one of the Caramilk bar keys....

Take care all, have a great long weekend and may this monkey get off my back.

Too hot

Let's just say it's too hot to be indoors doing a blog....check back tomorrow.

What press conference??

From time to time, the classy Edmonton Eskimos organization shows me exactly why Danny Macoicca has ruined the once proud Hugh Campbell-operated club.
Today was another one of those times.
You must have heard by now about this afternoon's non-announcement press conference where Rick LaLecheur confirmed "everyone's job is not safe, including mine" after a dreadful 47-21 loss in Winnipeg on Saturday. Excuse me? But when did you call the media throng together to tell them and the fans what they already know - we suck and the only thing we MAY change is some players.
Note to LaLecheur - Everyone knows how bad you are...and the only thing fans want to hear about is if someone is getting turfed or if you have great new player signing.
Perhaps before the BC game on Friday, LaLecheur and Macoicca will hold another Captain Obvious sham and let fans know that the club will resign Jessie Lumsden so Ricky Ray will have another running option that won't get used in Strassers offensive (and yeah, it stinks too) scheme.
That isn't to say the offence is totally to blame - although when you think about how many more giveaways can the Esks hand to their opponents, you must admit it is almost all about them - Ritchie Hall needs to find a way to get a secondary that can cover AND tackle receivers as well as find some people to replace the pylons that are on kick cover special teams.
Sound like sour grapes? Nope, only a rant from someone that sees a lot of talent going to waste in an offensive (okay, already made that inferrence) scheme devoid of a running game, a defence that still isn't up to CFL standards and special teams that make the Argos of last year look like CFL champions.
With BC on the plate this week, the Esks have a lot to answer for and the fans will be looking for a few heads if the effort Friday matches what they have seen in the first four weeks.
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Well, back on the blog this week after some family time in addition to a bit of baseball umpiring on the weekend. I had planned to hit the Indy, but I couldn't pass up the chance to umpire in a peewee provincial championship in Camrose.
It was a wonderful, hot and sunny weekend where I caught up with some umpire buddies I haven't seen in a long time and meet a few new guys. The experience was made even better with a great host who treated us wonderfully. Even the family enjoyed things on Sunday - the kids said the water spray park was the best - as I work first base in the second semifinal and then got the plate for the final, a great honour for me since I hadn't work a game all season (due to a partial mcl tear in early May) until this tournament.
And the best thing was my kids yelling during the final - Go daddy's team, Go
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One last thing - I have to send out a few kudos to some friends out there that you should check out.
First is Rougeradio run by a fellow football official Jason Sperling. It may be internet radio, but the show has a great insight and some wonderful guests. A can't miss for CFL fans.
And secondly, a man who I hope to meet in person sometime soon, is Mitchell Blair (aka The Blair Necessities). I find his opinions a bit cheeky at times and other times way-out-there (and that's not because he's a Rider fan), but he's always informative and entertaining. It's too bad he's also out of the media (with the exception of guest hosting another friend's show on CKRM in Regina).

Well, that's for now. I've got a lawn that needs mowing and the rest of a beautiful day to enjoy with the family. Take care

Optimism

Today will be short...since it's mid-week and my brain has decided to take a bit of a holiday. For those of you that know me - you can stop laughing now.

Anyway, as the title states, optimism is reigning at my home right now.
We are optimistic I will find a job sooner rather than later, that we can confidently pay our present bills until that time, that the sun will shine long enough to get the entire lawn mowed, that the kids will get to enjoy the spray park again soon and that a phone call I recieved earlier today will at least provide another friend to bounce things off of - if not a job.

On the sports side, there are plenty of teams and people that need some optimism right now:

• the Eskimos are positive they can get a win on the weekend because they have improved their ball-carrying and their fourth quarter collapsing. Only thing they won't mention is the game is against a Blue Bombers squad that is nearly as hopeless as they are and are without a proven quarterback;

• Ilya Kovelchuk and the Devils believe they did the right thing and are optimistic their wildly outrageous and supremely idiotic 17 year-$102 million contract will eventually make the grade with the NHL. The only problem is that this contract is totally suspicious, underhanded and couldn't pass the mustard of the stink test with anyone with half a melon - of which the NHL office and any court should be able to muster up if this becomes a fight.

• Tiger Woods can still look forward to his weekly matching of the wits with other golfers on the PGA tour. He can also be positive that the more he loses, the less Elin gets to take what's left.

• Oilers owner, and I must admit is a bit of a bumbler when in the public eye, Daryl Katz is positive his complete turnaround on any number of issues behind the new downtown arena will win the day of the current Edmonton city council. Heck, his display today puts him right up there with most of them - who flip and flop more than a fish out of water. In the end, I think the arena gets built, Northlands is left on the outside, AEG comes in to operate the place at a huge profit for both the city and Katz, while the poor and those that are shut out of buying tickets now will forever be left out. That is, until they move to Winnipeg where the Jets will return to in the next couple of years.

• And lastly, Lebron, Wade and Bosh are optimistic they can win an NBA championship very soon. Meanwhile, everyone else is extremely confident that Kobe and the rest of the other clubs will be able to keep the Heat cool since there is only one basketball allowed on the court and the Heat trio won't be able to keep from fighting over who wants it more....allowing the other team the chance to score on the rest of the Heat no-names.

Well, like I said, short....lol...
Take care all.

The Five (six) W's

Yep, it's the weekend's who, what, where, when and why today.

WHO???
If you aren't a golf fan, you won't have a clue what I'm talking about.
Louis Oosthuizen cruised to a huge victory at the British Open Sunday - becoming the latest no-name on the PGA tour to make a name for himself this season.
Maybe instead of this being the Year the Tiger sacked himself - or should that be Just Club It - the 2010 golf season should be proclaimed the Year of the Who's it's. Hey, they may make a great Dr. Seuss book title. Only thing is, to make it child friendly we'd have to leave out any references to Lefty, tigers or John Daly.

WHAT?
Finally, according to the respectable Dan Barnes at the Edmonton Journal, common sense has prevailed in the childish power struggle over control of the Alberta Soccer Association. (check today's Journal for the indepth story)
Costly lawyers for both sides have worked out an agreement (yet to be finalized) on an interim group to run the ASA until the two bullies in this playground argument have their time in court and the dispute finally put to rest. The two sides are back in court this week, but it likely won't be settled soon.
As Barnes put it, the only real way to solve this is with an election of a new board - complete without the idiots (my word, not his) that were responsible for the current mess in the first place. None of the people on the board now should be allowed to run for fear of this happening again sometime down the road when one of them gets their nose bent out of joint because they didn't get their own way.
It might also allow for the ASA to keep some of the great staff, or attract new and qualified people, as they have lost several employees due to the power struggle.

WHERE?
Are the Eskimos when the fourth quarter starts??
That's the big question, which no one seems to have an answer for, about the Alberta capital's CFL squad so far this season.
The 0-for the season to date club has imploded the final quarter of each contest this year and have been out-scored 29-0 in that last quarter over the three games.
It hasn't helped that normally sure-handed receivers have dropped several balls that would have been touchdowns and fumble-itis seems to have hit others on the team.
While some sources in other CFL jurisdictions have heard rumours of Ritchie Hall being on the chopping block, I have yet to hear them in this area. And I don't think changing Hall would help one bit, since I believe it's a matter of personnel not strategy.
I'd say the one who needs to be changed, is the blame-it-on-anything-else-but-me general mangler (yes, I meant that). He ruined a good team when he coached and now he's doing it from upstairs.

WHEN?
Will this rain stop and I can get my lawn mowed, the kids to the spray park and a job for me?

WHY?
But you don't ask why? (lol...I love that commercial.)
Okay, for real, why can't people who say they love animals admit that if it wasn't for rodeos, zoos, aquariums and the animals shows that tour around....you would have no idea about what those animals were in the first place.
The reason many of these things came about was somewhat for fun (rodeos were an outlet for cowboys at the end of a hard work week) and for informing people about how intelligent the animals really are. Not like some of the nuts campaigning for 'animal rights'.
We still need these things, okay sure some of it's entertainment, but the other benefits I believe out-weigh the possible negatives.
Kids and even a lot of adults these days will never know what some of us that were brought up in a rural lifestyle 30-40 years ago. They will never experience, other that on a computer, what it's like to be upclose and personal with an animal.
These activities are the only way to make the public aware of what they are literally killing by further development and nature destroying way of recreation they persue without a care on their atv's, rv's and needless hunting.

Alright, that's it for now. Catch you all tomorrow.
And remember . . . that's just MY observation.

Have a great weekend

Starting today, I'll have my fill of football - on tv and on the field - plus spending time with the family and some friends while celebrating my 12th wedding anniversary. Here's hoping you all have as much fun as I will...and I won't even be doing any job searching the next couple of days so you know I will be enjoying things.
That being the case, I'll leave any of you readers (if there are any) with some thoughts and opinions to consider until I return Monday.

The same thing that occurred last season when the winless Eskies walked into Taylor Field (sorry, can't convince myself to call it anything but) and put the Roughriders on their butts won't happen this season. In fact, I'd be surprised if the Esks score more than 20 points tomorrow.
This season's Roughies won't take the Esks for granted (like they did last year) and Edmonton's lack of offensive (and it really is offensive, trust me) finish will hurt in what looks to be a poor weather game if the forecast I've seen is correct.
And no, Ritchie Hall won't be on the chopping block....you'll just see more players in and out in an attempt to find the right mix.
On another CFL note, Barker is beginning to find everything falling into place for the Argos. Calgary is no slouch (granted, they're over-rated too) and the boys in blue showed they have the skills and attitude to fight back and win a tough one in the final minutes. I'm thinking the East might be as tough this season as the West, so the third team in the West may have to look over their should this year, instead of the other way around.
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Okay, I know I wasn't going to dwell on hockey until at least September, but I have to weigh in on what the Oilers have gone and done with their coaching staff this week.
I'll acknowledge right now, I am not and never will be an Oilers fan (they came well after I had been indocrinated into Canadiens folklore, even though I grew up near here).
However, bringing in the likes of Steve "I like to score on my own team" Smith and the return of Kelly "Deja vu - where have I seen this before" Buchberger as assistants to Renney (after bumping Pat Quinn upstairs to a role with likely little to no input - a bad move IMO) will I believe further a similar attitude that persisted prior to the big supposed "change in direction" imposed when Pat and Tom were brought in to look after the young guys upbringing.
This move has all the imprints of Kevin "My look at the future take in the past" Lowe and not Steve Tambellini, as was supposed to be the case when Lowe said he would hardly be involved in the management decisions.
Oiler fans (of which one of my kids is - where did I go wrong?) better hope that Renney can get his assistants to follow his way of thinking and foster the attitude of the future instead of resting on the laurels of the past.
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My heart goes out to the four Fort Saskatchewan Minor baseball teams that will be participating in the provincial playoffs over the next two weekends.
From all accounts, the ones playing starting today may not get in their tournaments due to rain (which is falling today and forecast for Sunday). After such a short season, and dealing with Baseball Alberta's confusing and mostly insane tiering and schedule-making, here's hoping the teams can bring it all to a successful end.
I may have photos to run next week, depending on how things turn out.
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Despite the district that rules soccer in this neck of the woods and their bailing out of all provincials because the board's politics couldn't find the right butt to kiss, it's great to finally see the two ASA factions come to grips with the fact their power squabble was hurting the sport, and most of all the young kids, and let someone else run things while they fight.
As you may have been following with Dan Barnes in the Edmonton Journal, the ASA split has been running for months at a huge cost to both the ASA's bottom line and to the kids. Today it was finally announced that the two court filings - one from each side - have been adjourned until the middle of next week as the lawyers from each side work on an agreement to have an independent third party run the ASA until the dispute is settled one way or another.
It's great, since now that provincials that are left can be run without a debacle (unlike the ones earlier this month). However, it's still going to be a costly fight. Here's hoping the kids and parents don't get hit with an expensive price hike next year simply because the adults weren't the ones playing fair.

Okay, that's all from this side of the fence. Take care and have a wonderful weekend, regardless of the weather.

A taste of the good stuff

Good thing I took yesterday off unexpectedly, since there was nothing to write about anyway.
That said, today is another day and I have a few thoughts to express.

First off, it's looking Jim Barker has a lot of great elements come together quickly - meaning Toronto may actually have a reason to follow professional football for the next few years.
The best thing was they played a relatively decent team (okay, the Stamps over-achieved in their first two games) on a night where they was nothing going on and engineered a old-fashioned come-from-behind victory on home soil.
If that doesn't renew interest for fans that figured this to be another season of debacles, I don't know what will.
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Speaking of former Toronto professional sports franchises, the Blue Jays have taken more steps backward in their attempts to get more butts in the seats at the SkyDome (it's a lot easier than typing give-us-your-cash-or-we'll-hold-your-phone-and-life-hostage Centre).
They let Roy go without so much as a baseball, now they practically give away a wonderful shortstop.
It might just be me, but the Jays may want to rebuild using bricks and mortor instead of trying to selling the house and live in a barn that leaks.
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This just in . . . Sportsnet football analysts recant Eskimos Grey Cup prediction in light of results from CAT scans.
In other news, Bombers fans waken from drunken stupper and ask where Mike Kelly went.
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Can't believe the rain we've had here in the Alberta capital region of late. Make me remince about the storms I experienced while living in northeastern Saskatchewan.
The only difference is the trees here break branches, and it would where we used to live - if it had trees.

That's it for today.
I'm outta here, more job hunting awaits.

Revitalized

After nearly two years of bondage to a desk and computer, I have been released (unfortunately not of my own free will) and will now have time to devote to this long neglected forum of opinion, satire and thought-provoking commentary.
Okay, yeah right. You can all stop chuckling now. Yes, I'm now among those looking for a job in the less-than ideal economy which we call Alberta, but I'm also one of the fortunate ones that have seen some options open up that weren't available before.
Plus, beginning today, I will be providing regular updates to my blog on topics ranging from all things hockey to the woeful Eskimos as well as some local sports with photos. Heck, I might even get some friends to supply me some photos for the blog.
And now, down to business......

As you doubtless know already, the pundits at Sportsnet predicted the Esks would be in the Grey Cup. You also have seen them put up a horrendous effort against BC and then implode in the final 23 minutes last Sunday versus Montreal.
That has everyone I know wondering where those pundits had their heads when they made that decision.
My feeling, especially after witnessing up close and personal the loss on Sunday, is that the Eskimos atmosphere has to change and loosen up somewhat. They seem uptight and either far too focused or trying too hard, which causes mental mistakes - like the second interception Ray threw as he was about to be sacked.
If you don't agree, feel free to comment. And I may even agree with you too.
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I'm not sure what more has to be done, but the Edmonton Capitals presence around here seems to be non-existent. Lately, it could be the buckets of rain the area has received, but it could also be the lengthy stretches between homestands. I'm still planning on getting to a couple of games, but only when I can get back on my feet and have the cash to take the family.
On the other hand, I heard the Capitals are drawing 600 more per games than last season. It's good to see them making progress, but it could be better if they took time to help grow the game and their audience by reaching out to the youngsters outside the city limits. Fort Saskatchewan has seen huge growth this season in its numbers, something that could help both the Capitals and minor baseball if some more outreach were extended by the professional club.
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Speaking of my local sports organizations, Id like to thank everyone in Fort Saskatchewan for their support and kind words following by unexpected exit from the spotlight last week. It is all very much appreciated and I'll do what I can on my blog to help deliver things that may not make it out to the public.
I'm hoping that you continue to get at least some coverage in the local media, but with the way it looks that might be wishful thinking considering the situation.
Be seeing you out and about over the next while. And if you want to let me know about something, feel free to leave a comment or fire me an email.
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That's it for today, I'll be back tomorrow.
And as always . . . That is just an observation.

Hockey keeping up to date

Alright, every hockey fan knows that this sport has never really had words like revolutionary, with vision or, heck, even up-to-date associated with it.
It's been more like reactionary, dinosaur, molasses and - probably more appropriate - lack of will.
And once again, those less than complimentary phrases aptly describe the move by Hockey Alberta (plus the Saskatchewan Hockey Assn and soon to be Hockey Canada) a little more than a week ago to make it mandatory for coaches, trainers or any other volunteer that will be on the ice for a practice to wear a helmet. (In Sask, it's only a "recommendation").
This edict comes down a short time after a Midget AAA assistant coach died in Strathmore two weeks after getting hitting his head on the ice after another coach slipped and took him out. There was a second coach, in a different community, who also cracked his head on the ice last month, but is still alive to talk about it.
All of this comes on the heels of a coach in Calgary last year, who also hit his head on the ice, forcing Calgary Minor Hockey to make helmets mandatory.
This begs the questions: What took so long?
Well, that's easily explained - the thinkers and movers in hockey circles feel the game should never change unless it has too.
I take you back to the 80s when several players, at both elite and lower levels, were paralyzed or severely injured as a result of hits from behind into the boards. It took hockey adminstrators more than a year to come up with something to attempt to eliminate those kinds of hits from the game. Well, it hasn't worked too well, considering they are always talking about new 'education' plans to discourage the practice.
Then came the high hits and targetting of the head. Low and behold, Hockey Canada took two years to introduce a rule for that, but have done nothing to encourage the officials who actually call the game to make the call - most of the old guard referees hate it and therefore will substitute a different penalty, leaving the younger officials to think that it's okay not to call it.
What is it going to take to get hockey administrators, as well as coaches, players and officials, to be proactive in cleaning things up?
Another death? Perhaps another lawsuit, like happened in the 80s with the player from Langley?
Why is it that these serious incidents have to occur before hockey decides it's time to inch forward?
Change does come to hockey, eventually, but at what cost?
For the good of the game, there must be something done to get rid of the old-time thinking and search of real answers and solutions before another person ends up on a cold, metal table.

Less than triumphant return

I'll keep this short and not so sweet...
Posts to this blog will return on a weekly (or more) basis on whatever topic I feel like tackling at the moment.
In this opening salvo of the resurrection of the lowly sports reporter, the bane of the dreaded 'technology upgrade' has reared itself in my small bastion of deskdom.
At present, the slow and crashes more often that a kid learning to ride a bike computer I work with is in the process of being 'upgraded'.
And as usual, the 'upgrade' consists of its own hassles - mostly being a new publishing program (What the h e double hockey sticks is wrong with staying with Quark people???) that isn't compatible with the other computers in the place nor will it work with the ones prepress (that's another topic for another day) uses.
So, editorial currently has three paperweights worth about $15,000.
Well, at least I know where the cash for my raise went.
I know, as a sports guru I should focus on things like why the Esks still have the same head coach as last year's disaster (and the previous year as well) or that the Oilers should cut their losses and get rid of either Garon or Roloson or even dwell on the dweeb commissioner of the NHL (Nasty Hit League) advocating that players should continue to be allowed to destroy someones career by clobbering them into the boards or taking their head off.
That's tomorrow's project - for today, I lament the passing of an old way to report the news that should be the news.
I'm sure gonna miss my typewriter going ' ding '.
Oh, and I am the only one - aside from the vets that I saw at the Edmonton Indy - that does interviews with a notepad and shorthand, instead of relying on the new digital recording things?
As always, this is... just an observation.

Status update

Due to unexpected volume - who knew a city of 16,000 would have THIS much sports to cover? - this blog is being stood down until I can get some time later this summer to restart it.
I'm also hoping to create something - likely more local with the occasional rant of my choice - that can be as successful as a couple of other blogs that I really like.
May all of you readers (??) have a blast reading what will be coming down the pipe......

Jordie - I'm a sports guy, what's your excuse? - Dwyer

Soon back into the swing of things

Boy, talk about things happening all at once and throwing a wrench into my plans of a weekly update.
A family funeral, then a new job offer and the month long search for a new home to go with it made this blog the victim of a busy time for me. This may be the last post for a few more weeks, until I am settled in at my new place.
However, I do have a few pieces of information to spread....
First thing is that I don't like the new play-by-play announcer that the University of Saskatchewan Huskies have. There is no excuse for a station - that has covered the football team for years and did a job that a big-city station would envy - to tell fans they are keeping their original team in place despite a change in job for one piece of the puzzle and then pull the rug out from under them by replacing him with an unreasonable facimile. Heck, the guy is SOOOOOOOOOOO horrible that the broadcasts are nearly the worst in the entire CIS...the only thing saving it is the colour commentator. Still, it makes Mike in Regina and the crew from the U of M seem like they should be calling games for the NFL.
Next up on the platform, does anyone follow MLB anymore?? It just doesn't seem to be as exciting as it used to be, for me.
Finally, the NHL pre-season starts too eary (just two or three days of training camp and then they begin playing games??) and the new jerseys aren't very impressive for my liking. I mean really, who doesn't think it's only a ploy to make more money for the failing U.S. franchises?
Oh well, guess I should get packing, speak to you in a few weeks.

No shows make huge comment

Easily the biggest story in the sports planet is Barry Bonds and the statistic surpassing (call it what you will) shot this past week.
My opinion on this has not and will only change once the allegations (suspicisions, etc) are either completely disproven or (as is likely the case once he retires) he finally comes out (like Rose eventually did) and states he did it.
I still think that Hank Aaron is the real home run record holder and that Bonds - along with several other "sluggers" - took cheating to a new level of lowlessness several years ago. Then again, baseball seems like a sport that never really rebounded for me since the strike shortened season back in the 1980s. That left a very sour taste in my mouth and I really haven't followed the game too much after that.
Additionally, many of the players still act like little babies waiting for someone to tend to them hand and foot, while rubbing the wads of cash in everyone's face. Sort of like NFL football, but without the handguns.
Sticking with the grand game (CFL style that is), maybe it's time for the league to begin looking hard at video tape evidence of brawls and fights like the one last week between the Eskimos and Calgary.
One can be fairly sure that at least one or two camera angles caught exactly what went on in the trenches to start the incidient. And if it was indeed the "squeeze" being put on AJ Gass by a certain Stamps O-lineman (and the certain individual isn't even commenting on it, let alone denying it), then maybe the suspension should come to him and not Gass. Instead, Gass will play this weekend while he appeals his one game ban and a few others will pay off fines. Maybe someday the league will begin to be a bit more fair in its conclusions if it takes a better look at things.
Well, that's all for this time around....

Dog days of summer

After surviving the opressive heat and humidity that hasn't been seen on the Saskatchewan prairie in a long, long time, I decided that I should begin the month of August with a renewed effort to keep my "thriving" readership from starving for my commentary (or what passes as it anyway). It's been a fortnight (for my Canadian impaired friends that's two weeks) since my last post and I need to do a lot better in this department, especially since I have all the time in the world at the moment.
For those that don't know, I have been back in the market for a job since early May and - unfortunately - have had to turn down a few offers due to a lack of ability to survive (read - couldn't pay the exorbitant rents in Alberta on the salary, if that's what they call it, the company was putting forward).
That seems to be the biggest reason for the job hunt having to continue lately. Oh yeah, and the fact that I can afford to be picky right now. There has been no lack of interviews: several newspapers - both for editor, news or sports reporter positions - along with a couple of radio stations and a few posts on the "dark side". The majority have been in Saskatchewan, but there has been ones in Alberta, B.C., Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. I haven't really gone after anything further east, unless it was something that was very intriguing.
Once I figure out how to do it, I'll post some articles and photos I have kept from my career so far.
As for the rest of the time I have had off, I have spent much of it with my family - my wife and three children - who were sad to see my without a job, but extremely pleased that they can once again see me more than an hour at lunch and a few hours before bedtime a few times a week. That's the one thing that has been a blessing during this time - a chance to have kind of a vacation with the family, something that we have missed having for the past three years.
I really don't want it to end, but the oldest goes back to school in less than a month, so if I get a job soon it won't be like I'd be missing a lot more than if it happened a month or so ago. And this "break" has also helped me better appreciate the time I have been able to spend with the family, as well as knowing what I should do more of when I do get a job.
To end this post, I'll give "Just an observation" on a few things from the later part of July:

• As I was on my way back home this past Monday (July 30) and I began to hear reports of tornado sightings in an area that I could have been driving through - should I have choosen that route home - I was taken back 20 years to Black Friday. I had only 30-40 minutes earlier, driven through the area of Sherwood Park (AB) where the killer tornado of July 31, 1987 struck before it moved onto the trailer park. Hearing about a tornado nearby put me right back there and stirred up sights, feelings and memories that will never be forgotten. Also, being a volunteer firefighter now, gives me even more appreciation for what the rescuers had to do back then in the aftermath.
• The casual sports fan could soon become the amateur sports fan, as the gambling and drug abuse allegations combined with the overall apathy towards professional athletes as of late take its toll on several sports - ie: cycling, baseball, hockey, basketball....Maybe if fans weren't so interested in the everyday occurances of the athletes and more focused on just what went on in the games, then it would become a sport again -- instead of a soap opera.
• Is it just me or is everyone about sick of hearing about the spoiled Hollywood brats and supposed stars in every newscast during the day??

Okay, that's it for now....Everyone have a good long weekend and stay safe.

Opinions, Opinions, Opinions

I'm not sure how many people actually read this, but for those "few" that might, I apologize for the lengthy absence on this blog. I took a bunch of time off - for a variety of reasons that I won't go into here - and just decided that now is the time to return.
Well, now that that is out of the way, here's my take on a few of the interesting issues that I have noticed over the past month that I have been away.

Weird, wacky CFL
B.C., Saskatchewan, Toronto and Edmonton have gotten off to the starts that were expected of them - as has the continuation of the hapless Ti-Cats. But I can honestly say the dismal start of the Stamps is the most shocking thing to occur this season, followed closely by the mediocre performances from Montreal. As for Winnipeg, I'm not sure anyone knew what was going to happen there and now that they have created a kicker controversy, it might give the fans something to go and see.

What Cap??
With all of the free agent signings and the offer sheets (Hello, is anyone going to pick up that call from Kevin Lowe?) that were done in the past couple of weeks, does the NHL even have a so-called salary cap or is the league going to have to hire the IRS and the Canada Revenue Agency to sort through the legaleeze of the long-term, front loaded contracts to figure out if teams are contravening the cap? For me, the league needs to pair down the number of teams and bring up the talent level across the board OR fix the schedule to make things more interesting throughout the season, or else it will be another season of me catching the highlights on the news after I'm finished watching a local hockey game or the WHL on the dish.

Just an Observation (This was my column I had when I was still working the print biz).
As a sports official - several of them - it seems to me that both players and fans (along with some of my former colleagues in the media, whom should be ashamed of themselves) have taken things to a new level of despicable behaviour when it comes to questioning rulings and calls on the field of play - be it at the professional level or at little Billy's 6 & 7 year-old sports event.
Granted, officials are only human and will make mistakes, but whining and complaining (and several other things that have been done) about the situation to the point of looking ridiculous is just making things worse - for sports in general and for those just learning to love sports.
I'll continue this topic in my next post, but for now, those that get ejected from the stadium, thrown out of the game and suspended by the league or are charged criminally for their actions need to take a hard look at themselves and the impression they have left behind.

Now for something completely different

Well, my apologies to everyone out there that thought I knew what I was talking about regarding the Sens. Seems I totally over-estimated the (insane) nine day layoff between the conference finals and the Stanley Cup series, was grossly wrong about the Sens ability to shake off the Ducks defensive capabilities and missed the fact the Sens top line was due for a letdown.
So, what else is there to do, but admit defeat and give congrats to the Canadians that one it - especially the pair of Cranbrook boys - Scott and Rob - who I met a few times when I lived there.
Moving forward - literally - is next on the agenda for myself, as my time in Saskatchewan is nearly up.
A new challenge awaits me, the only thing to decide is which one of them do I pick?
So, this might be the last post for a bit, since packing and moving will likely be done by the end of the month.
I'll attempt to keep everyone updated on the progress and where exactly we will be going.
Here's hoping that all of you stay well, keep safe and most of all - don't believe a thing the government says....lol.
Be back once I get this packing tape off my fingers.

Too long to see Stanley

Talk about an eternity....having to wait a week to see someone play for hockey's holy grail.
If that wasn't bad enough, the final is being played between two teams that many hockey fans either detest - ie: if it quacks like a Duck, then the West would like it served on a platter - or couldn't really get into back a club that has, before this year, been nothing but a lame duck.
As a former member of the media (I may take a shot at the dark side, where the money lies), I see the Mug poking its head out of the sand, taking a look around and then in the end, heading north of the border.
The reason for this observation is two-fold:
Firstly, although eratic at times with a tendancy to lose his cool with the opposition, Emery has seen more work, more quality shots and has generally played better than the man that lost the Cup final a few years back. That isn't to say Emery might get frustrated with the constant barrage of Ducks flocking into his yard and messing with him, but the officials have been far more aware of that kind of interference (and calling it too) since the disgusting show made in the Nucks-Ducks series.
The other reason for making that Eastern team the pick to win - experience. What do I mean by that, especially since each team has but one player with a Cup ring?
The Sens have successfully navigated a variety of teams in their run up to this series.
NJ was a powerful defensive squad that was finally overpowered by a more offensive output from the folks from Ottawa.
And Buffalo saw the Sens not only match them in their scoring prowess, but defeat them using goaltending and - yes, I'll say it - superiour defense.
In the conclusion, Ottawa's steadier goaltending and consistency in putting the puck into the net using all four lines wins out over an as yet untested four line combination for those flying geese from southern Cal.
Sens win it at home in 6.
Back in a few days.

Unscheduled time out

It's been close to a month since my last post, which can be explained by only one thing - the fact my life took a time-out to enjoy some things with my family and take some time to myself.
The past two weeks of searching for a new job haven't been helping me either, in finding the time to keep up my blog as much as I would have liked.
However, that will change as of now, with updates coming every few days - or at least once per week, given the little time I do get to spend on the computer.
To those of you that read this little thing, get ready for a change in direction too. Since, with more time on my hands, I will now be able to delve into things more.
Look out, this Moose is on the loose.

Diving is not part of sports

Feigning, faking, falling way too easily, diving.
Whatever you want to call it - I call it crap and it has no place in any sport. OH, except for diving, lol.
The biggest culprit of this heinous crime against sport is soccer.
Another classic example of the ever-present 'soccer dive' came in this past weekend's home opener for Toronto's MLS club against Kansas City.
While TFC was pretending to be the Maple Leafs and still remain without a goal in four games, their opponent was busily engaging in antics that are reminiscent of the Laurel and Hardy pratfalls in their movies. Of particular note was the 'playing up' of an injury by the KC goaltender on a legitimate challenge outside the box.
That incident was just the worst one of the bunch, which consisted of at least four or five 'dives' by KC players in the first half. (I didn't watch the second half, as I had to have a nap.)
And this was just the latest, because fans and others have been complaining for the past few years about the 'actions' of players in UFEA games or the EPL or other European leagues.
But soccer isn't the only sport that sports the slogan - Come dive for us.
Hockey - particularly the NHL as of late - has been chastized for allowing the downhill slide into the debachary called faking.
Unlike soccer, where players seem to fall like a tree in a tornado at the slightest touch from an opponent, hockey players have become adept at biting their lips (or any other portion of their mouth, cheeks, etc) to draw blood at get a double minor or major for the penaltized player, dropping their stick and shaking or grabbing their hand/arm if they get a little wack or tug from a stick as well as falling to the ice in the fashion of a three-year-old learning to skate would do after attempt his first step on the ice with no support.
There are other sports that have similar troubles as well, but in the interest of your time and my fingers, I will stop at these two.
Now for the solution, it's easy - - Use the rule book to its fullest extent and eliminate the classless activity.
In soccer, referees need to be trained to start booking (yellow card for those not familar) players that feign any injury or perform any in-flight stunts. Only when this begins to happen in the upper echelon of the sport and in a consistent fashion, will this crime be gone for good. And any good soccer official can usually tell the difference, if not, then why are they there. As well, use the assistant's vision and allow them to help the referee on this call.
Now for the sport where I have officiated for 26 years - hockey.
The NHL has to crackdown and call the diving penalty on its own, no longer as an 'even up' call. Once you do that, players will stop this cheating and do what they are supposed to do - battle for space and the puck.
As for the fake letting of blood, it's hard for officials to know what the cause was, but maybe its time for one of the officials (now that there are four of them) to immediately skate to the player and make a check - instead of having the trainer reach the player first, giving the player time to create something.
The other thing is by getting officials from the lowest category on up to start calling this conduct and penalizing it as it should be - with an unsportsmanlike penalty.
Give the officials the tools to help get rid of it - - and then make them use it.