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.
16 Jul 2007
11 Jun 2007
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.
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.
28 May 2007
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.
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.
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