HAPPY FRIDAY! May the force be with you:

* Never have I been so happy to see minus-17 degrees. That’s the forecast for the YQR today and it is a welcome break from the minus-40 we’ve been experiencing all week. Perhaps my power steering will work over the weekend.

* It will be minus-3 on Saturday, when we head down to Weyburn for the 10th annual Red Wings Sportsmans Dinner. The featured speakers are Hockey Hall of Famer Brad Park, Olympic gold medalist Catriona Lemay Doan and Rider tailback Wes Cates. There are only a handful of tickets left and you can get yours by calling the Red Wing office at 842-2212.

* Speaking of the banquet circuit, Lanny McDonald and Bob Poley were in Shaunavon last weekend raising money for the community. Talk about a gigantic pair of moustaches! In the live auction two Lanny jerseys went for $6100 and $4200 while a Bobby Orr jersey, donated by the Polecat, fetched $5500. We’ll see if Weyburn can top that Saturday night. I bet they can.

* As much as I told people all week not to let the weather get them down, I fell victim to it myself. It’s been a horrible week and I’m glad it’s over. However as frustrated as I was with Passport Canada this week, I must say the people at the Courthouse were bend-over-backwards accomodating when it came to getting the documents I need. Hats off to them. Today I’ll be back in the passport office for attempt #3 at renewing my child’s passport.

* Hamilton Tiger-Cats coach George Cortez will be the featured guest on Four Seasons Football Friday on the Sports Cage today on 620 CKRM. We’ll also be giving away another guest pass for two to the 4 Seasons Sports Cage Super Bowl party.

* Sportsnet’s Arash Madani reports George Cortez will hire Casey Creehan as his defensive coordinator and former Rider coach Jim Daley could find his way in to the mix somehow.

* I must say it was with a pang of disappointment that I learned of the release of Rider quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie. I never liked him as a Blue Bomber (thought he was too cocky), but when he came here I was immediately drawn to him. He fit this province and team like a glove. He was a locker room leader, a jolly good fellow, and will be missed. He may have had more success if put into a better position to be successful but now we’ll never know. If he does eventually get into coaching, I hope he winds up back here.

* There’s no reason not to go to tonight’s Regina Pats-Medicine Hat Tigers game in the Brandt Centre. The weather has broken, the Pats could use your support and they’re a fun team to watch. Game time is 7:00. 620 CKRM has the radio broadcast with Dan Plaster while Access 7 has the television broadcast with me. PVR it!

* People must really enjoy smoking to stand in minus-40 degree temperatures.

* You know how fascinated I am with the entertainment industry, particularly when it rolls through Regina. Specifically I’m consumed by what the artists demand in their rider. For instance, Alan Jackson needed steps only six inches high because his Wranglers were too tight to go up regular stairs. Katy Perry needed a glass door on her refrigerator. Some guys demand coke and hookers. Jerry Seinfeld wanted an entire theatre to himself to watch Rising of The Planet of The Apes at Normanview Galaxy. But not Larry The Cable Guy, who performed Saturday night under the orange top. All Larry wanted in his dressing room was pop, water and plenty of Skoal Berry. He was in the building 45 minutes before the show and out three minutes after.

* Today is the deadline for us to vote for CFL Coach of the Year. We have two votes and my first went to Wally Buono while the second went to Kavis Reed. What are yours?

* The poll is now closed for the Canadian Blog Awards 2011 Sports Blog of the Year. My fingers are crossed for this blog to win.

* Went to the movie The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo last night. That show was way, way, waaayyyy too disturbing for me. Put it this way; I’ve never actually seen a rape before my own eyes before. The story and ending are great, but don’t go if you have a queazy stomach. It’s a little much.

* Did you know Thursday was national POPCORN day? Southland Cinemas was giving away popcorn with the purchase of a drink. Who decides these things? In that case, today is national BLOG day! Please enjoy responsibly.

* Not since Clint Malarchuk had his throat slashed over 20 years ago did I wince so much at an on-ice incident as I did with Taylor Hall this week.

This photo of Taylor was tweeted by the Oilers PR staff. Frankly I would have expected the injury to be far worse but I can’t imagine how long it will be before he’s able to get a helmet back on. Poor guy.

* The NHL says it “encourages” helmets to be worn during warmups. TSN did a nice piece this week on how NHLers feel about not wearing helmets in warmups. The Wild’s Dany Heatley says “it’s cool”. Let me ask you this Dany — is that picture of Taylor Hall “cool”? It’s time for helmets to be mandatory in warmups.

* Dear Bad Guys: Please don’t steal our cars when they’re left outside running in minus-30 degrees. Remember when that happened last year to the Pats’ Shane Neigum? He ran into a 7/11, left his car running in the cold, and had it swiped. I’m sure he doesn’t have to worry about that in Ontario, California with the ECHL’s Reign. At least, that’s the last I’ve heard of where he is.

* It’s Don Hay Bobblehead Night tonight at the Pacific Coliseum as Hayzer’s Giants host the Everett Silvertips. I’m told they had to replace the initial order of Don Hay bobbleheads because they had a World Junior gold medal around his neck. Wouldn’t it have been easier just to paint the medal bronze?

* I have been swamped with requests from friends for NHL tickets. Let me please just say this one time: I don’t do tickets! I am not Ticketmaster. I particularly like the oft-used line “I’m willing to pay for them, I just wondered if you could line some up”. Then go to the box office!!

* The Global and CTV morning news shows have been the talk of the town since their launch in the late fall. You’ve got to wonder if it’s huring morning radio ratings.

* The Rogers and Blockbuster Video stores in town are boarded up (for the most part). They had a good run, but it’s over. You’ve got to evolve.

* It would appear Tuesday nights at 6:30 will be our regular NBA timeslot with insider Jeff Armstead. We’ve received plenty of positive feedback from listeners who feel it’s a nice change of pace from the regular football and hockey talk.

* My NBA teams are the Raptors #1, the Lakers #2 and the rest of the NBA #3. I follow the league fairly closely. Much moreso than MLB and the PGA.

* The Raptors, by the way, have lost 6 in a row and are the lowest-profile team in the NBA. Have you noticed the teams with the biggest fanbases in sports are the ones which win the most? The Riders are the exception which proves the rule.

* We’ve also received a positive reaction to our increased curling coverage in the Sports Cage. Unfortunately Regina’s Derek Boe, whom appeared on the show on Wednesday and is our favourite in the SaskTel Mens Southerns, lost 10-6 to Langenburg’s Jeff Hartung in their opening draw Thursday night in Swift Current.

* What’s your favourite coffee shop? Mine has become the Tim Hortons in Harbour Landing, most days. That is, unless I’m at Gold’s Gym in which case I hit the Robin’s Donuts in Normanview. I wonder what Tim Hortons is paying Sidney Crosby to be their spokesman.

* Also, Tim Hortons needs to put those photos of Tim Horton back up in their donut shops. The girls in my family didn’t even know who Tim Horton was, or that he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

* A blog commenter wrote in this week to say the Riders should sign Terrell Owens. Unfortunately this week he signed with the Indoor Football League’s Allen (Texas) Wranglers, a team with which T.O. will also be part-owner.

* I’ve heard some absolutely disgusting redneck comments about the Rider coaching staff from several people around here the past few weeks. It’s embarrassing. Get with the times you guys.

* Today’s Press Box Sports Bar lunch buffet menu from Chef Trent:
Roast beef
Mashed Potatoes
Carrots and gravy
Penne pasta with a steak and mushroom sauce (hmmmmmm)
Terriyaki chicken wings
Caesar salad
Lemon chicken and rice
Pizza
An assortment of desserts

SEE YOU IN THE CAGE AT 5 AND ON ACCESS TONIGHT!
RP

* I’m starting to think I may be bad luck for the Regina Pats. Every time I go to their games, they lose. Last night the Queen City Kids spotted the visiting Saskatoon Blades a 5-0 lead and wound up losing 7-4. It was the Blades’ fifth consecutive victory and they served notice they’ll be a team to be reckoned with in the playoffs. As for the Pats, this team we’ve heard so much about, they looked pedestrian. Goalie Matt Hewitt had an off night and the Blades all but eliminated leading scorer Jordan Weal (who was held to one assist). A lot of their tactics against Weal were illegal but hey, it ain’t cheating if you don’t get caught. Here’s hoping for a better effort Wednesday when the Pats host Kootenay.

* It was a pleasure hanging out with the hockey types in the upper deck at the Brandt Centre. They included Todd Ripplinger, Cal Filson, Jamie and Blake Heward, Kurt Wickenheiser, Dustin Molleken, Johnny “What’s The Score” Kolonich and OBAMA!

* The crowd was pathetic. In a million years I’ll never figure out the Regina hockey fan. On Friday, I’m told, they were lined up out the box office doors to catch the Pats and the Victoria Royals. Last night you could pick your seat. What was the difference? NFL playoffs? Crappy weather? A West Conference opponent? You tell me why you did or didn’t go.

* While on an Edmonton radio show last week I was reminded of the emotional wounds the Regina sports fan has had to deal with over the past decade. Team 1260 radio host Dean Millard reflected upon the 2001 Memorial Cup and the Pats scoring on themselves in overtime of the semifinal, the 13th Man and Team Canada falling behind 6-1 to Russia in this year’s semifinal. Can you believe I was in the booth for them all.

* The thing which caught my eye the most over the weekend was The Hockey News’ annual Most Powerful People In Hockey list. At #1 is Sidney Crosby, a choice with which I beg to differ. The highest media personality in the list is Rogers Sportsnet President Scott Moore who’s at #32. TSN’s Bob McKenzie is #66. Other interesting selections are singer Carrie Underwood (Mrs. Mike Fisher) at #85 and CBC’s Elliotte Friedman at #88. It will make an interesting debate on the Sports Cage this week.

* All in all it was a great weekend….

Here’s Rider MVP Weston Dressler with my niece Sydney at the 4th Annual Milestone, SK Rink Sportsman’s Dinner. My brother tells me between $30,000 and $40,000 were raised between ticket sales, sponsorships and the jersey auction. Weston was kind enough to sign autographs and pose for pictures for as long as it took.

Of course Rider great Scott Schultz made his way down to the event as well. Provide the caption!

* Weston told the story about how there was a minimum weight requirement on his first ever minor football team in Bismarck, ND. You had to weigh at least 70 pounds. On weigh-in day, Weston wore his heaviest clothes and put rocks in his pockets but still came in at 62 lbs. He eventually got to play because his Dad was the coach and said he didn’t have time to coach if Weston couldn’t play.

* Speaking of fundraisers, we’ll be in Weyburn this Saturday for the Red Wings annual sports dinner. Guest speakers include NHL great Brad Park, Olympic gold medalist Catriona Lemay Doan and Rider tailback Wes Cates. There’s a limited number of tickets available. Call the Red Wings office at 842-2212 to get yours!

* A lot of Weyburn-area folk were plenty upset there wasn’t more local coverage of Graham DeLaet at the Sony Open in Hawaii after he led the pack by two shots with a smoking 63 on day one. Ummm, he finished tied for 29th. We’ll get excited when he’s in contention on Sunday. Or even Saturday.

* Heard on the weekend that John Ferguson Jr. will be the next GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

* It was a fantastic weekend of football but the best game of the weekend – by far – was Saturday’s 49ers/Saints clash at Candlestick Park. It was a thrill-a-minute while the Tebow/Brady clash was a letdown. Here’s a selection of funny comments on Twitter while the Patriots were rolling up a 35-7 halftime lead on their way to a 45-10 beatdown of the Broncos:

Daved Benefield: “Is it 12 midnight, because I smell pumpkin?”

ProFootballTalk: “Good thing the Broncos made their extra point or the final score could have been 66-6″

Rick Reilly: Jesus: “Wait. Isn’t the Broncos game on Sunday?”

Jeff Fairholm: “Tebow may have God but New England has Brady and Gronk!”

Geroy Simon: “It was cool while it lasted. I doubt there will be a come back in this game!”

Me (@sportscage): “God just started the bus.”

Larry Mueller: “LOL your quote “God just started the bus” #tebow #bestoftheday LOL

Luc Mullinder: “Tim Tebow would dominate the CFL!!!” lol #fact

Jordan Sisco: “I don’t care. I still love #tebow”

***

* So the conference championship games go this Sunday with Baltimore at New England at 2:00 pm Sask time followed by the NY Giants at San Francisco at 5:30 pm. Come on, who doesn’t want to see a battle of the Harbaugh boys in the Super Bowl??

* It’s an interesting contrast of coaches still alive in the NFL playoffs. You’ve got the up-and-comers in Jim and John Harbaugh (San Franciso and Baltimore) and the crusty curmudgeons in Tom Coughlin (New York) and Bill Belichick (New England). We’ll soon find out whose method is best. I’m betting on the young guys.

* According to the USA Today this morning, CBS has asked Tim Tebow to be on their panel for this weekend’s games. They’re waiting to hear back from Tebow’s people.

* Today on the Sports Cage we will launch the Four Seasons Sports Palace Sports Cage Super Bowl party contest! Be listening for your chance to win a spot on the guest list..

* Are the Winnipeg Jets who we thought they were? They’ve had a tough go lately.

* Spotted together this week in Winnipeg: Marcel Comeau, Todd McLellan and Dennis Beyak. They’re all in the NHL now but they were all together with the Saskatoon Blades in the 80s. Todd’s father Bill pointed that out to me last night at the Brandt Centre.

* It’s time for goalies to stay in their nets. Each night we see highlights of goaltenders mishandling the puck. Stay in the cage and stop it.

* Not everyone was a fan of “Western Night” in the Saddledome on Saturday when the Flames hosted the L.A. Kings on “Battle of the Sutters” night. Sportsnet’s Ryan Leslie opined on Twitter “Isn’t Stampede enough?” The fact is every night is Western Night in Calgary. Maybe that’s why I feel so at home there!

* In our Titan Auto online poll regarding Andy Fantuz’s future, 46% of respondents think there’s no way he’ll re-sign with the Riders. 21% think he WILL be back while 31% are undecided. Again I say, who would do anything different if they were in Andy’s place? Yet, if he leaves, the venom directed at #83 will make the spat with Kent Austin in 1993 look like a kindergarten tiff. Sometimes common sense does not reign in the Rider Nation.

* Speaking of money, the Winnipeg Free Press polled agents for CFL quarterbacks and came up with a rough estimate of salaries. Here’s their list:

Anthony Calvillo: $400,000
Ricky Ray: $400,000
Henry Burris: $300,000
Darian Durant: $300,000
Drew Tate: $300,000
Steve Jyles: $250,000
Travis Lulay: $250,000

* If you’ll notice, absent from the list is Bomber QB Buck Pierce who’s due to become a free agent but is working on a new deal with Winnipeg. The Free Press reports the Bombers are offering Buck an offer of $150,000 with incentives which could get him up to $300,000. A low-ball? He took you to the Grey Cup! We’ll discuss this on the Sports Cage today with The Sports Doctor from Winnipeg.

* The Toronto Sun’s Steve Simmons reports former CFL quarterback Mike McCoy is due to become the next head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Simmons wrote on Saturday “McCoy played for new Hamilton coach George Cortez in Calgary and is currently Tim Tebow’s offensive coordinator in Denver. Cortez coached Aaron Rodgers while at the University of California. Rodgers is coached in Green Bay by former CFL star Tom Clements. Among others, Sgteve Sarkisian and Jeff Tedford, head coaches at major US schools, were former CFL backups and the recently fired Turner Gill was a CFL starter. Also from the list of former CFL QBs includes Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett who played for the Ottawa Rough Riders.

* The Associated Press reports David Lee has agreed to join the Buffalo Bills as the team’s quarterbacks coach, replacing George Cortez. Lee has 37 years of coaching experience and spent last season as Mississippi’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach (he was also a mentor to Kent Austin). He’s spent seven seasons in the NFL including a three-year stint from 2008-2010 with the Miami Dolphins.

* There are several candidates with CFL ties whom are linked to the vacant St. Mary’s University head coaching job, according to the Halifax Chronicle Herald. Names making the rounds include form Ticats assistant Dennis McPhee, former CFL and CIS assistant Perry Marchese, former CFL kicker Terry Baker, and former Eskimo Leroy Blugh.

* There are few things I hate more than traveling to east Regina on a Saturday.

* I admire a man who’s secure enough to wear a tracksuit in public.

Lasting memories from the 2012 WJHC before coming home and getting back on the football trail:

• 2012 will go down as the most successful World Juniors in history despite the fact Canada didn’t win gold. Why? Because if the reports I’m hearing are correct, Hockey Canada stands to earn $28-million from the event. If it’s true they made $15.9-million in Saskatchewan two years ago in smaller venues, then it’s not a stretch to assume they made $12-mill more here in Alberta. Well done. The Texas of the north.

• At some time our mind will drift to how Canada would have done against Sweden in the final. In my mind they had a team which could have beaten them, although Sweden was clearly a team of destiny. However there was plenty of blame to go around in the 6-5 semifinal loss to Russia. Sometimes it just isn’t in the cards. The country is proud of them for capturing bronze in a complete team win over Finland.

• It seems to me Hockey Canada is like its own NHL team. The massive ticket revenue, merchandise and all the rest of it makes them a massive machine. They sell their own TV and radio rights and operate on a grand level. It’s big-time. President Bob Nicholson is like the president of an NHL team. Classy guy.

• The 50/50 pots were mind-boggling. An LA Kings scout won an $86,000 prize in Edmonton. In Calgary for Canada’s semifinal game, the pot reached $225,000.

• So what’s next? The 2013 WJ’s will be in Russia and in 2014 they’ll be in Malmo, Sweden. After that it’s back to Canada but it’s anybody’s guess as to where.

• It’s odd to note that of all the major Canadian cities, Toronto is the only one to NOT have hosted the event. “And they never will,” chimed in Hall of Fame sportswriter Terry Jones of Edmonton. “They’re not even part of Canada and you can quote me on that!”

• My colour man Sam Cosentino said last night Toronto doesn’t deserve it, but will probably get it.

• Going to NHL cities might not be the best idea although it nets the most money. What you saw on TV was the height of the hype. Outside of the Saddledome and Rexall Place, there wasn’t a lot of hubbub. In non-NHL centres, it engulfs the town. I’ve seen enough to know. Winnipeg in 1999 was the best, and they weren’t an NHL city at the time.

• The player-of-the-game selections were the most mystifying and critiqued part of the tourney. There were some real head-scratchers. Apparently each team’s own officials selected their top player for each game.

• It is to laugh at the naysayers who said no one would be listening to our World Junior broadcasts on 23 radio stations on the Sportsnet Radio Network. Over the past two weeks I’ve heard from NHL Presidents, GMs and scouts and all kinds of WHL types who caught part of the broadcasts and all had nice comments. It was a career thrill for me.

• International hockey was a real foreign concept to me. Their rosters each game were somewhat cumbersome and not broadcaster-friendly. My Dad saved my bacon by printing off each team’s roster at home and faxing them to me. From there, I fashioned a more traditional lineup with scissors and scotch tape. Thanks Dad!

• Another shoutout goes to Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun, Jack FM Calgary and Hockey Night In Canada who went out of his way to recognize our efforts on the radio broadcasts throughout the tourney. Another classy guy.

• The funniest Tweet of the week came from our own Arash Madani after Canada’s 6-5 loss to Russia in the semifinal: “Time for a Summit.”

• The funniest line I overheard this week came from a drunkerd in a Saddledome mens washroom when Canada was down 5-1 after two to the Russians on Tuesday: “Eberle would’ve tied it up by now!”

• I talked to Ebs the next day and he chuckled. His Twitter (@Ebs_14) blew up when Canada lost. His 2009 heroics in Ottawa have gained even more infamy, if it was possible.

• It appears Jordan will lead the Oilers in scoring AGAIN. He’s magic.

• It was a nice capper for Canadian goalie Mark Visentin to get a shutout in the bronze medal game and to be named game MVP. What a flippin’ roller coaster that was.

• After watching hours of World Junior coverage, I ask you who’s the better colour man: Ray Ferarro or Pierre McGuire? They’re both fine gentlemen, but with distinctly different styles.

• I heard enough Regina- and Saskatchewan-bashing over the past two weeks to last a lifetime. That doesn’t sit well with me. #growup

• “Hayzer’s Team Canada” or “Hayzer’s Giants” doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue like “Hayzer’s Blazers” did. Still, Don Hay did a masterful job with Team Canada. I noticed how he kept everything 100% positive in the tourney and never called anyone out in the media. That’s the way you have to do it now.

• Even a linesman got a concussion this week. Remember linesman John D’Amico? It’s funny how there are more concussions now that everyone wears helmets than there were when nobody did.

• Hoo boy are they down on the Flames in this town!

• Apparently there’s some stuff going on with football? Fantuz with the Jaguars? Freeman with somebody else? I dunno. Time to decompress. It’s been a long 40 nights.

Late Monday night we returned from Phoenix with a big group of CKRM listeners on the first ever Marlin Travel Sports Cage Ultimate Sports Trip. Here’s a diary of how the weekend went:

• Our trip to Phoenix detoured through Minneapolis and good grief, was it cold there! Minnesotans are honourary Canadians to me, and very nice people.

• I’ll never understand why people seated in first class always look down their noses at you when you’re walking back to economy. 99% of them didn’t even pay for their own seat! The only guy who did is the old guy with the sweater wrapped around his shoulders.

• People who lean their seats back should be shot. Unless there’s a child behind you, don’t do it.

• Delta has wireless internet above 10,000 feet in the air for $10 per flight. WestJet and Air Canada get on it!

• We landed at 2:00 pm in Arizona and had two hours to race to the Native New Yorker sports bar to broadcast the Sports Cage. We had issues for the first 30 minutes so I joined John Lynch via cell phone. Then, we tried the ATM phone line instead of the bar’s fax line and it worked like a charm. Derek Meyers and I talked about absolutely nothing for the next hour but it was a blast and flew by.

• Friday night many guys in our group wanted to experience Hooters so we obliged. Good times.

• On Saturday we hit the Arrowhead Mall in Glendale for the day before the Flyers and Coyotes that night. Our cab driver had plenty to offer about the Coyotes, saying there’s a movement to rename the team the Glendale Coyotes or Arizona Coyotes. I suggested they find an owner first, rather than being run by the NHL.

• Jobing.com Arena was a fascinating place but quite disappointing in many ways. It’s clear the team is being run on a bare bones budget. The arena looks like a library from the outside. Most places have banners outside and plenty of signage, but not this place.

• Some sports marketer friends of mine in Canada asked me to take notes from the Coyotes game and report back what I saw. Quite frankly, there wasn’t much there. They were handing out Coyotes blankets at the door and giving away team t-shirts but you had to be an Arizona resident. Other than that, it was just like any other run-of-the-mill hockey game.

• I forgot how big Jaromir Jagr is. He’s huge. And still very good. Meanwhile Martin Hanzal of the Coyotes has to be the laziest, softest player in the NHL. I had to fight the notion to yell something at him. He’s that much of a liability.

• Capitalism is evident. You go to buy a beer and they say “want two?” or by a highball and they say “want a double?”. Then they wonder why there are fights in the stands in the third period. Oh well, at least they soaked the customers for as much as they could.

• The crowd was great. There had to be a good 12,000 on hand, with up to a third of them being Flyers fans.

• It was a good game and a fun night.

• Sunday however, was the mecca. Kickoff was set for 2:15 pm and we were at the stadium by 11:00 for tailgating. You saw some of the pictures above. It was jaw-dropping.

• It was more jaw-dropping to get inside and see the retractable roof was open. Again, amazing.

• As soon as you walked in, you got a free program which was about the nicest, most informative program I’ve seen in sports.

• It’s been many years since I got chills at a sporting event as a fan but my heart stopped when the announcer said in a deep, monotone voice, “Ladies and gentlemen, the Dallas Cowboys…..” and they strolled on the field for warmups as the crowd went nuts.

• It was estimated by locals that the crowd was made up of 70% Cowboys fans. They were as far as the eye could see.

• There was energy, and lots of tension in the stadium due to the clash of these two rivals.

• The Cardinals quadrupled their ticket prices for this game against Dallas. They do the same for other high profile teams, like Pittsburgh.

• The concessions were simple. Nachos, hot dogs and pizza. No frills. Just like this blog; do what you do, don’t get fancy, and do the best job of it that you can.

• The stadium is booked for 225 events yearly. We WILL have something nice and new in Regina which we can be equally as proud of.

• Of course most people know the field in Phoenix is natural grass which is on a tray which they move outside the stadium and into the sun for a few days each week. But did you know the turf is four feet deep?

• Three members of our group went on the stadium tour for $7 and told me this.

• As the Cardinals were introduced, with #11 Larry Fitzgerald last, they played an intro video which opened with this year’s team slogan WE DO THIS TOGETHER! If the Coyotes have a slogan, I didn’t catch it.

• 620 AM is the official voice of the Cardinals which obviously made me feel right at home. Except, it’s 24 hour sports radio. I still think that would fly in Regina.

• It’s a tight game and true to form, fights broke out in the fourth quarter. You could see it coming.

• The Cowboys even have their own chant. It goes “COW-BOYS … BOOM BOOM … COW-BOYS … BOOM BOOM”. That ticked off the Cardinals fans who admittedly, aren’t as passionate about their team.

• Of course, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett mismanaged the time clock in the last minute and his ill-advised timeout iced his own kicker, and cost the Cowboys the game. Garrett is getting roasted on the Dallas blogs for his rookie mistakes. It’s hard to argue.

• After the game we walked back to our hotel. It, Jobing.com Arena and University of Phoenix Stadium are all within a few blocks of each other in Glendale. It’s true, Glendale is the size of Regina with its own Mayor and police department.

• Speaking of, the cops were called to our hotel around midnight Saturday when a member of our group was attacked in the elevator by a naked man. Craig detained the guy, who had busted all the buttons in the elevator off in a drug-induced stupor, until the police came. By the time we checked out Monday, hotel staff said the guy was still in jail and all his clothes and ID were still in his room. Yowza. Something always happens with us.

• A group of local toughs sold us some Coors Light out of the back of their truck after the game. They were wearing outlaw bandanas over their faces. Duke Meyers went to hug one of them in a show of thanks and the guy jumped back, lifted his shirt and displayed his revolver. Yikes.

• There WILL be a second annual Marlin Travel Sports Cage trip but all Marlin manager Terry Kaszas will say is that it will be in the eastern time zone. He’s mentioned New York and Florida as possibilities. Are you interested??

RP

This topsy, turvy, rollercoaster of a 2011 Canadian Football League season came to a conclusion Sunday in Vancouver with a thriller of a Grey Cup. The B.C. Lions vanquished the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 34-23 before a sellout crowd of over 54,000 fans at B.C. Place.

And that was the feeling I got from a Roughrider perspective; finally it’s over. In a year which felt like two seasons in duration, this 5-13 campaign for Canada’s Team is finally behind us. It’s time to look ahead.

The next news you’ll hear from Riderville will be the hiring of a new head coach. There was a moratorium on any team announcements during Grey Cup week but the stadium was barely empty on Sunday when the news broke that the Toronto Argonauts have an agreement in place for Scott Milanovich to become their new sideline boss. You can scratch him off the Riders’ list, and you can also be sure he was on it.

General Manager Brendan Taman has been remarkably tight-lipped about the whole situation but his list of candidates is rumoured to be at seven or eight. The popular notion in CFL circles is that Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive coordinator will replace Ken Miller, making him the youngest coach in the CFL at 34 years of age. However anytime I’ve asked Taman if he has decided on a coach, he says no.

Taman and Chamblin worked together in Winnipeg and have a great deal of mutual respect for each other. And you can also be sure Taman won’t make this decision on a whim. He has just one year left on his contract so this is a pivotal move for all involved.

It’s also not a slam dunk either. Taman said there will be no announcement until at least Christmas and this is a thorough process which will also include talks with the Dickenson brothers, Dave and Craig, along with Richie Hall, Bomber defensive coordinator Tim Burke and a few others.

It’s also a critical off-season for Saskatchewan. The club is eager to prove that this dreadful season was just a blip on the screen, and not a sign of things to come. There are a dozen free agents left to sign and the club also holds the number pick in the CFL Draft. That needs to be a homerun too.

Not only Rider fans are pulling for this team to return to glory. The 2012 Grey Cup in Toronto has been a tough sell, we’re told, and organizers are hoping to see the Riders back in the big dance because that guarantees a successful Grey Cup.

The Roughriders are considered the heartbeat of the CFL and along with their struggles this season, TV ratings went down by as much as 30%. However this franchise has a lot of things going for it, not the least of which is the greatest fanbase in sports who stick with the team through thick and thin.

It will be very interesting to see how it all turns out.

EDMONTON — It was a heart-breaking end to a heart-breaking season for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Friday night at Commonwealth Stadium the Riders battled back late to tie the Eskimos 20-20 however a 27-yard field goal by the Eskimos’ Derek Schiavone with 42 seconds left provided the winning points. Rider kickoff returner Tristan Jackson fumbled the ensuing kickoff and the Eskimos took over at the Rider 16-yard line and Ricky Ray ground out the clock.

The silver lining in the game was that Rider Top Canadian Chris Getzlaf went over the 1000 yard receiving barrier making seven grabs for 131 yards and two touchdowns. Kicker Chris Milo was 2/2 on field goals. Adarius Bowman was the star for the Esks, with 226 yards receiving and a pair of majors.

The Eskimos clinched at least second-place in the CFL West at 11-7 while the Riders concluded the 2011 season at 5-13 and will miss the playoffs. Unfortunately they were unable to get a win for Ken Miller in his final game as head coach.

• Saskatchewan Roughriders
Player – Weston Dressler
Defensive – Jerrell Freeman
Canadian – Chris Getzlaf
Offensive Lineman – Chris Best
Special Teams – Chris Milo
Rookie -Craig Butler

The Roughriders held their second-last practice of the season on Tuesday as they prepare for their final game of the season Friday at Edmonton. Here are some notes:

- With the announcement of Ken Miller’s resignation as head coach and VP of Football on Monday, reporters were eager to discuss the vacancy with Miller’s staff. Defensive coordinator Richie Hall and Special Teams coordinator both said they would be interested in the opportunity if presented. Richie said his primary focus is Friday’s game but the entire staff is curious to see what lays ahead. He said he’s always interested in advancing his career but hasn’t put too much thought into it.

- Dickenson was asked if he’s ever dreamt about being a head coach, and the interview process. “We don’t dream too much in the Dickenson family,” Craig laughed. “We’re stuck in reality.”

- Miller talked about the maturation of kicker Chris Milo in his rookie season, and about him being named CFL special teams player of the week. He said he talked with Milo about staying relaxed and that perhaps the person who had the biggest impact was his wife Maureen who spoke to Milo about staying determined.

- Miller talked about starting Ryan Dinwiddie at quarterback in Edmonton. He said Dinwiddie is the furthest along in his preparation and that Cole Bergquist isn’t quite ready for the opportunity just yet.

- Dinwiddie had 53 yards rushing in Saturday’s 19-3 victory over Hamilton. He said mobility is key for quarterbacks in the CFL. He also said the opportunity to be a spoiler on Friday is exciting and they want to end the season on a winning note. Dinwiddie said the opportunity to be a starting quarterback again has him “excited about life”.

Something earth-shaking is about to happen in hockey. When teams pick up and move locations, it’s history-making and that’s on the horizon in the NHL, AHL and WHL. All at once.
There’s been plenty of speculation surrounding the Phoenix Coyotes-to-Winnipeg and where that leaves the AHL’s Manitoba Moose who call Winnipeg home. It appears one WHL team will be displaced, but it’s not from Saskatchewan.

Consider this text message I got on the weekend from an NHL team employee:

“Moose will move to abbottsford, the Baby Flames are moving to chilliwack, jets back in winnipeg. Parkers stay in Regina. End of story!”

So are we clear on that? If that’s to be believed, then where does that leave the Chilliwack Bruins? Well, likely in Victoria. And Chilliwack hockey fans can rejoice because they’re getting an AHL team with a natural rival just up the road.

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Of course here in Regina that leaves us in a familiar conundrum; the Parker Pats squabbling with Evraz Place over a new lease. The speculation over the weekend was not lost on Pats President Brent Parker who wrote on Twitter:

“@Patguy65: Despite rumours of AHL and relocation we are committed to signing a fair long term lease to stay in Regina. I hope the feeling is mutual!”

His Worship Mayor Pat Fiacco joined the Twitter party too, when I asked readers if they would support the AHL in Regina:

“@MayorFiacco: @sportscage Of course I would. I think Reginans would big time.”

In the end, it won’t matter because I believe the scenario outlined above is what’s going to happen. The AHL is not coming to Regina, or at least not anytime soon.

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Speaking of our fair Mayor, he’s holding a news conference Tuesday morning to discuss downtown redevelopment.

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Everybody loves rumours unless their name is involved in them. In the end, they’re harmless. Aren’t they?

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Three names I’ve heard linked to the SJHL President’s job: Dave Hunchak, Kelly McClintock and Rob Jamont.

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Did you notice how many of Jordin Tootoo’s teammates came to his defense or aid when he was boarded by Todd Marchant on Sunday?

Oh yah. None.

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These are the dog days of spring. Hosting a sports call-in show and/or writing a blog isn’t easy when all people around here want is football. Cranking out fresh material everyday is a struggle this time of year.

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Thanks to Rob Vanstone for the plug for the Sports Cage and Scott Schultz on the front cover of Saturday’s Leader Post sports section. Clearly he knows good radio..

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This media world is changing so rapidly it’s hard to keep up. Used to be, in the radio business, once you said something it was gone out of your mouth forever. Now, everything’s recorded and eventually winds up in Twitter or a message board. I’ve been caught several times and so was Sportsnet hockey analyst Doug McLean last week. He ripped his former team, the Florida Panthers, on Fan 590 and it ended up in the Miami Herald.

“Until they fix the whole operation, top to bottom, they have no chance at having any success,” McLean huffed. “I’ve followed it as close as anyone the past 15 years and it is a joke.”

Be careful what you say.

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The website www.reservationsforsix.com reports the Omaha Nighthawks have hired Greg Mohns as their director of player personnel. Mohns served in the CFL as head coach of the BC Lions and player personnel director of the Toronto Argonauts.

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Not everyone in Toronto is excited the Lingerie Football League is coming to town. Last week the LFL announced it’s putting down roots in Canada’s largest city and targeted further expansion to Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatchewan, Winnipeg, Montreal, BC, Hamilton and Ottawa.

However Ryerson University sociology professor Nicole Neverson told a Toronto newspaper the LFL objectifies women, exploits its unpaid athletes and is yet another example of the sports media complex which reinforces gender stereotypes constructed around heterosexual male desires.

To that I say … so what? If the LFL’s players had a problem with the league and what it stands for, there would BE NO league. It’s a victim-less crime.

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Mario Annicchiarico of the Edmonton Journal reports former Eskimo assistant coach Kevin Strasser has landed the head coaching job with the Oregon City high school Pioneers. Strasser was an assistant there for two years before joining the CFL.

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The CFL’s Kissing Bandit Adriano Belli is still a free agent without a team. While he’s fielded offers from handful of teams including Hamilton, Belli insists his first choice is his hometown Argonauts. However his off-season career in the food industry is getting in the way.

“I’m still trying to figure out how I would juggle work and football,” Belli told the Toronto Sun. “The CFL has changed a lot the past 10 years. It’s a lot more competitive and it’s harder for guys to hold jobs during the off-season.”

That’s a shame because the average salary hasn’t increased a ton over the past 10 years to compensate.

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The Roughrider Pep Band is looking for new members for the 2011 season. They are looking for musicians who have experience with the saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba or percussion. Their first rehearsal is Monday Apr 25 at 7 pm at Eagles Club Hall. For information or to sign up, email riderpepband@accesscomm.ca.

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Don’t forget it’s all-you-can-eat soup and salad on Mondays at lunch for $7.99 at the Press Box Sports Bar. Tonight you can watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs all night and enjoy a rack of ribs for just $5.99. And every night it’s Regina’s lowest-priced domestic pints at just $5!

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Okay that’s all for today and tomorrow I’m off to Las Vegas for the annual Las Vegas Easter Showcase. All the info on that is at www.bigfoothoops.com. However I’ll be appearing on 620 CKRM’s Sports Cage live all week from Sin City so don’t you dare miss the show.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!
RP

My social studies teacher in elementary school once told us “Living next to the USA is like sleeping with an elephant. Every little move it makes, we feel it”. 30-some years later, the words of Edith Strand still echo in my ears.

She was talking about things like trade, the dollar, military actions and the like, but she darn sure wasn’t talking about the CFL and the NFL.

With the NFL headed to its first work stoppage since 1987, the news has barely caused a ripple in CFL waters. Sure the fans are running around asking all sorts of questions like ‘Can Fantuz come back to the Riders?’ or ‘How does this affect John Chick?’. It spurred me to do some investigating over the weekend to find out some answers.

I was glued to TSN’s The Reporters Sunday morning to see what they had to say about the lockout, but they barely touched it. It was almost like the topic wasn’t worth their time. So, nothing was learned there.

Next I shot off some texts and emails to CFL agents. I asked specifically ‘what does the NFL lockout mean to the CFL contractually?’.

“Nothing,” one CFL agent wrote back. “Everybody who is under contract remains so free agents could sign in Canada. But who would with no option window?”

Quite simply that means since Fantuz and Chick (and others like them) are under contract with NFL teams, they can’t go anywhere. Another source informed me that at SI.com is reporting locked out NFL players will be free to sign with other leagues such as the AFL and the UFL but the CFL is an unknown. Our league has instituted the “Ricky Williams Rule” where suspended NFLers can’t play in Canada, however no one’s sure if that extends to locked out players.

Another agent told me Sunday that the longer the NFL work stoppage goes, some players may look northward if they become strapped for cash. However the new CFL collective bargaining agreement will be a deterrent since there’s no longer an option year window to sign in the NFL. One agent told me the new CBA between the CFL and its players may come back to haunt the CFL.

So really all the lockout means to the CFL is increased exposure for the CFL in the United States. The NFL Network and rightsholders have hours of time to fill and will likely show CFL games. But really, that’s about it. They showed CFL games in 1987 during the last NFL strike but it was no financial boon for the CFL.

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So basically it’s business as usual for CFL types as we watch the battle south of the border. The frustration seems almost at its peak, yet we’re just getting started.

The Bengals’ Chad Ocho Cinco is one of many players reaching out to fans on Twitter:

“@ochocinco: As a player I apologize to fans that its even gotten to this point,I don’t blame u if you’ve no sympathy for either side during this debacle”

Friday’s union decertification and the subsequent lockout instigated this letter from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to fans:

“Dear NFL Fan,

When I wrote to you last on behalf of the NFL, we promised you that we would work tirelessly to find a collectively bargained solution to our differences with the players’ union. Subsequent to that letter to you, we agreed that the fastest way to a fair agreement was for everyone to work together through a mediation process. For the last three weeks I have personally attended every session of mediation, which is a process our clubs sincerely believe in.

Unfortunately, I have to tell you that earlier today the players’ union walked away from mediation and collective bargaining and has initiated litigation against the clubs. In an effort to get a fair agreement now, our clubs offered a deal today that was, among other things, designed to have no adverse financial impact on veteran players in the early years, and would have met the players’ financial demands in the latter years of the agreement.

The proposal we made included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference; guarantee a reallocation of savings from first-round rookies to veterans and retirees without negatively affecting compensation for rounds 2-7; no compensation reduction for veterans; implement new year-round health and safety rules; retain the current 16-4 season format for at least two years with any subsequent changes subject to the approval of the league and union; and establish a new legacy fund for retired players ($82 million contributed by the owners over the next two years).

It was a deal that offered compromise, and would have ensured the well-being of our players and guaranteed the long-term future for the fans of the great game we all love so much. It was a deal where everyone would prosper.

We remain committed to collective bargaining and the federal mediation process until an agreement is reached, and call on the union to return to negotiations immediately. NFL players, clubs, and fans want an agreement. The only place it can be reached is at the bargaining table.

While we are disappointed with the union’s actions, we remain steadfastly committed to reaching an agreement that serves the best interest of NFL players, clubs and fans, and thank you for your continued support of our League. First and foremost it is your passion for the game that drives us all, and we will not lose sight of this as we continue to work for a deal that works for everyone.

Roger Goodell”

We’ll discuss how the lockout affects the CFL on today’s Sports Cage on 620 CKRM from 4-6 pm.

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Some random thoughts before some important community notes:

- Manitoba’s Jeff Stoughton will represent Canada at the Ford World Mens Curling Championships in Regina. He beat Ontario 8-6 in Sunday’s Brier final in London, Ontario. Stoughton is a class guy and will represent Canada well. It will be an exciting 10 days.

- It’s all-you-can-eat soup & salad lunch day the Press Box Sports Bar today. Check it out!

- The Roughriders are in search of a new public address announcer. Due to time and family commitments, Evan Bray is stepping down after 13 seasons.

- Lethbridge Hurricanes coach/GM Rich Preston was fined $750 and suspended a game for his tirade in Kelowna last week. Several people have asked what his punishment is, so there ya go.

- People say they’ve seen members of the Sutter family in town and it’s fueled speculation they could be in line to purchase the Pats. Sorry to burst your bubble, but some Sutters actually live here. The others were simply here visiting.

- The Pats’ next game is tomorrow night at Swift Current on 620 CKRM.

- So glad the time changed overnight Saturday. Now our favourite TV shows and sports broadcasts come on an hour earlier. Did you know Hawaii and Arizona don’t change time either?

- I saw a book in Chapters called “The Art of Scouting”. Don’t buy it. Scouting is a gift which you either have or you don’t.

- I also saw the popular handbook “Wedding Speeches & Toasts” in Chapters. If you’ve been asked to give one at a wedding this summer, pÍck up a copy of that book and decrease your stress. It’s one of the handiest/best books ever written.

- I’m also reading the book “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind”. Maybe I’ll be a different person when I’m done. Lord knows I have plenty of room for self-improvement.

- Speaking of books, “Green Magic: Canada’s Team Wins The 2007 Grey Cup” is now a best-seller! Talks are underway with another publisher about a re-print and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I’ll finally be able to fix the typos and minor ommissions from the first run. What a blessing!

- Interesting note: my brothers and I were pallbearers at my Uncle Harry’s funeral on Sunday. He was buried with his feet to the east, as is the Christian custom. Did you know this?

- Are you interested in becoming a billet for the Regina Red Sox? Read on:

The Red Sox play approximately 42 games in 90 days, half of these on the road.

 The principal role of the host family will be to provide accommodation. With the players at the field so much of their days and playing such an aggressive schedule, accommodation is first and foremost. The player will need to be provided with a bed or suitable sleeping accommodation, ensuring the player’s privacy.

 Make the billets feel at home and inform them of your house rules, including telephone and computer usage, food, guests and visitor rules, etc.

 To a lesser degree, host families will be expected to provide meals. Provide billet with three nutritional meals per day – you are not required to prepare the billets meals however you must ensure there is food for the billet to prepare himself should he need to make his own meals

 To the extent host families can assist with transportation (for example, dropping a player off at the clubhouse) that would be helpful but is not required. We do not recommend you lend out your vehicle to your player.

 Laundry facilities must be provided – you are not required to do his laundry for him

 Host families are not permitted to organize unofficial parties or outings without the permission of the team officials

 When your player is out it is courtesy for him to advise you of his whereabouts and expected time of return. A curfew could be implemented by the coaching staff which as a host family you are obligated to support

 Do not lend your player money

 Confirm any medical conditions, allergies, food restrictions, etc. with your player.

 You will be compensated $400 per month and provided with season tickets to all Red Sox home games. If there are any budding baseball stars in the family, Red Sox players also serve as excellent mentors and coaches for some informal instruction in the back yard. Any host family preferring to donate their hospitality for the short summer season, will receive our sincere gratitude

 We will reimburse you to have a long distance package added to your monthly telephone bill during the players’ stay to avoid incurring long distance charges.

 You will be required to accommodate a home visit prior to approval of application.

We hope this information will help to make the billeting of a player an enjoyable experience, and again thank you for your assistance.

If you have any questions or concerns, host families are advised to contact the Billet Coordinator:

Billet Co-ordinator:
Nancy LeGard
545-9973 (home)
539-6082 (cell)
Email: bnlegard@sasktel.net

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The Water Warehouse presents the 2011 Regina Red Sox Dinner & Auction
Saturday, April 2, 2011 at the Turvey Centre Featuring Former Major Leaguer Rick Cerone

The Regina Red Sox have a long and proud tradition of baseball in Regina.

Along with playing as a catcher for 18 seasons in the Majors, Rick Cerone has served 5 years as a Baseball Analyst for the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees. Stories will certainly abound. Bring your questions as there will be a question & answer opportunity.

The success of the Red Sox is not possible without the support of the business community. Your business can be involved by supporting the Red Sox through sponsorship, purchasing a corporate table of 8 at a cost of $480, tickets for $60 each and/or by donating to our auction.
The Board of Directors thank you for consideration and continued support.
In the near future, I will be in touch with you to discuss your support.
Sincerely,

Gary Brotzel
Team President
gbrotzel@sasktel.net

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PLEASE SUPPORT THIS STEAK NIGHT!

In Memory and Support of Reid and Tanis Rib Night

Tanis and Reid were happily in love for the past 7 years. They had gotten engaged in early December and had planned their wedding for October 1st. It all changed on February 4th when Reid had decided to go out to their beloved cabin for a couple nights of snowmobiling. Tragically, Reid was killed that night in an inexplicable snowmobiling accident. The loss of Reid has been tremendously painful for all of those whom loved him. In celebration and loving memory of Reid and in support and love for Tanis, the Press Box is hosting a rib night on Friday, March 18th, 2011.

All of the proceeds will go to Reid’s fiancée, Tanis, to help her financially during this time of grief, sadness and unexpected change.

Tickets – 25.00
Includes ribs, rice, salad, drink.

Tickets can be picked up at:
Krazy Kiley’s (2220 Dewdney Avenue) or arrangements can be made by calling 533-6250; 530-3663; 789-2513

If you are willing and able to make donations to a silent auction, please call 530-3663. It will be greatly appreciated.

For more information check out http://rodpedersen.blogspot.com/ or Facebook event page “In Memory and Support of Reid and Tanis Rib Night”