Spirit Breaking

After a another slow start Team Canada beat Team Czech Republic 7 - 2 during the round robin of the 2011 World Junior Hockey Hockey Championship in Buffalo New York.

Although they won the game this could be a costly game for the Canadians as they lost 2 players to injury and 1 was assessed a match penalty in a questionable call in the second period. Despite that the schedule-maker is on Canada's side as their next game is against the weakest team in their pool.

The replay of the hit was shown several times. There is no doubt the Czech player was hurt but it appears to me that the hit was legal and clean. In fact they did not call a penalty until it was clear an injury had occurred. I believe we must protect players and especially their heads but you do not normally strap a player to a stretcher because they hurt their head or suffered a concussion. You use the backboard when there is suspected spinal cord damage or a potential to be injured in transport.

That was a hard hit. He was stopped in his tracks but it was completed within the rules.

As the game wore on it appeared that the wind was gone out of the Czech Republic's sails. They looked defeated with half the game to go. They could not muster much offence and were running around in their own end. To ensure a victory you must beat your opponents spirit and that is exactly what Team Canada did today.

Team Canada is rolling in Buffalo. I don't think I want to be on Team Norway tomorrow night.

Opener Win

After a timid start, Team Canada beat Team Russia 6 to 3 in their first game of the 2011 World Junior Hockey Championships.

As with any newly formed team, Canada had some nerves to start and ended up running around the ice. Once they got their wits about them they settled into a strong two way game. There were only a few moments that Canada didn't do what they were supposed to. This was a good thing as the Russians jumped on nearly every mistake made by the Canadians.

To be successful in the tournament, Canada will have to stick to their assignments and play in the system. This can be difficult in this event as this is the biggest stage these boys have played on in their career and their first real chance to become a household name in Canada. However, this team appears to be well coached and buying into the system laid out by the coaches.

I hope to see all the games this year and I hope to Canada win a lot of games in the tourney. They are off to a good start.

297

Tonight Brett Favre will not start at quarterback for the first time in 297 regular season games. His first start in this streak was in week 4 of 1992. That's 20 years.

That's 20 years of pro football.

That's 20 years of being the best quarterback on your team and healthy enough to play.

I have always been a fan of Brett Favre. He played football with reckless abandon. He always played it like a kid. He would make a play, probably something that shouldn't have happened, and he would smile. You could tell he enjoyed what he did. He wanted to win. He wanted to be a part of the team. After he through a touchdown he would sprint to the end zone to get in on the celebration.

Brett Favre was the NFL MVP. He won the Superbowl. He holds a lot of records. He was exciting to watch and never gave up.

He payed a big price with his body. He is going to have arthritis everywhere. When he gets older he will be sore. I don't think he would trade playing as much as he did for a pain free retirement.

Some say the streak will never be broken, some say it will. I don't think it really matters. I loved watching Brett Favre play quarterback.

The Patriots

I have never liked the New England Patriots. I'm not too sure why. It may the be the smugness that Head Coach Bill Belichik goes about his job. Maybe its because they just keep winning. Maybe its how they treated Drew Bledsoe so many years ago. I'm not really sure I just have never liked them.

Irregardless of if I like the Pats, I have to admit they are good at what they do.

A week ago they destroyed the Jets on Monday Night Football. The Jets are a good team. Next up they run the Chicago Bears into the snowy turf of Soldier Field. Again the Bears are a good team.

In this era, the Patriots seem to have figured out how to win. They change players and stay good. They don't get too old. The coach doesn't seem to get stale. It is a bit of an enigma in pro sports.

In an era of salary caps, and the cut-throat nature of pro-football the Pats seem to be able to put a great team on the field year after year. They are having another great season an will be in the playoffs once again.

I usually like teams that make an effort to be great. I believe if you do your best and your best is better than everyone else's best then you should be rewarded and admired. Despite all that, I still do not like the New England Patriots. I can't seem to get on the bandwagon. My mind understands how good they are but they have never captured my heart.

Maybe its the cold, calculating way they do their business. They are not an engaging team. They don't make it easy to like them. Having said that they are also not a hated villain. They are very neutral. They are the off-white of the NFL to me. It's almost like if no-one else steps up to win it all, we will just give the title to the Pats. Again, I know in my mind that is not the case. I know they work very hard, but I just can't seem to like them.

I know the New England Patriots are a great team. I just don't seem to like them very much.

Monday Night Meltdown

What was supposed to be the matchup of the year turned into a total dud. The Tom Bradey led New England Patriots defeated the New York Jets 45 to 3. This goes to prove no matter how much you hype up a game it will always be decided on the field.

It looks like the Jets were never in it. They could not move the ball and could not stop the Pats from doing whatever they wanted.

Mark Sanchez has the makings of a great quarterback. In time we will hold him up there with the best but on a cold night outside Boston he showed he still needs to learn more about playing in the NFL. Of course he didn't have the advantage afforded to Tom Brady. When he took over, nobody thought he would become the star he is. Having said that, he keeps going year after year.

It is the TV networks job to bring in viewers. In doing so, they need to hype up the game. Before the first snap this game deserved to be hyped. It just turned out to be a big snoozer. You can't win them all.

Tonight one team brought their best to play in front of the football watching world and one did not. Unfortunately it doesn't make for much of a game to watch.

Grey Cup Pick

So tomorrow evening the Montreal Alouettes will face the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 98th Grey Cup in Edmonton Alberta.

Although it will be chilly I don't think the weather will be a major influence on the game. A greater influence will be the last two weeks of football the teams have endured.

On semi-final Sunday the Riders were battling it out at Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field with the scrappy BC Lions. They did eventually beat the Lions in overtime in a hard fought game. That same day the Als were resting.

On Finals Sunday the Riders put together a come from behind win against the Calgary in a very cold McMahon Stadium. They definitely eared the victory and played hard for 60 minutes to get it. The Als had the game against the Argos pretty much wrapped up at half-time. They played just hard enough to ensure victory in the second half.

So if you look at it all the Riders may feel more comfortable out in the cold but I thing Montreal is healthier. They have not had to work nearly as hard but they arena very professional team and will be ready. The Riders will be ready but I'm not sure they will be able to overcome the nicks and bumps they have had to endure to get to the big game.

In the end you can't get the girl if you don't go to the dance and both teams will be there. I just think the Montreal Alouettes will be victorious in the end.

CFL Finals Sunday

Later today the participants for the Grey Cup in Edmonton will be determined. They will be two different games but winners will be declared.

East Division

In the confines of Olympic Stadium, the Montreal Alouettes will host the Toronto Argonauts. Although the Argos surprised the CFL by beating Hamilton last week they really have very little chance to beat the Als. Toronto doesn't have a strong quarterback and has won many of their games in despite of that position. The Als are good at everything. Without any factor from the weather, they will run over Toronto.

West Division

Out on the very cold bald faced prairie the Calgary Stampeders will host the Saskatchewan Roughriders. It will be winter temperatures. The ball is going to be hard as a rock. Kicking and catching is going to be difficult and as such, the running game will make the difference. Both teams can run the ball. The Riders are not very good at stopping the run. I am sure they worked on it this week but most of their losses this year came due to not being able to get the ball back late in the 4th quarter, as their opponents ran it down their throats.

I realize I was not very good at picking winners last week but I hope this week will be a bit better, especially in the West.

0 For

Well I went 0 for 2 with my CFL Playoff predictions this week.

I can't comment on the East Division as I was driving for the entire game.

I did see the double overtime Rider win over the Lions. The Saskatchewan Roughriders did just enough to beat the BC Lions. Not one bit extra. They seem to be at the mercy of their opponents. They don't drive the play. If they play like this next week the Stamps will chew them up. Of course I didn't think they were going to make the Western Final so don't bet your house on my prognostication.

I will save my predictions for later this week, I need to hear who is healthy. I can't do any worse than this so I will try again.

Playoffs

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers did not make the playoffs but that doesn't mean we can't talk about them.

In the East division it's the Hamilton Tiger-Cats hosting the Toronto Argonauts. If both teams bring their A game, the Argos will get run over by Hamilton. The only chance Toronto really has is Chad Owens runs back a lot of kicks for touchdowns. He has been the only real game-changer for the boatmen this season. If the Ti-Cats can keep him in check and play like they can and often do play, they will win.

The West division is a little more interesting. The BC Lions will be visiting the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The Riders have not looked good since the Banjo Bowl. Their wins have been squeakers and they have not been competitive in a lot of games. If they can put together a good game they can earn a trip to Calgary but they are in for a fight. The Lions seem to have found themselves a bit as of late. If they can control the ball they have a real chance to win the game. If Coach Buono can get his team ready and they get an early lead, it will help them a lot.

So what do I think will happen.

The Ti-Cats will beat the Argos and the Lions will beat the Riders.

Not Road Warriors

With their overtime loss to the Edmonton Eskimos the Winnipeg Blue Bombers lose all their road games this year. It is a reflection of their season. They can't win close games and they can't win on the road. In football you have to be able to do both to be successful.

There are a lot of reasons the Bombers have not had a lot of success. They have started 4 quarterbacks this season. They are very young for a pro football team. They have a rookie head coach.

There are also a lot of things that look good for the future. They have one of the best receivers in the league. They have one of the best running backs in the league. They lead the league in sacks.

It has been a frustrating season for the fans, and probably for the team as well. They have a good foundation and as long as they let things gel over the next couple of years they will have a contender. The problem is in Bomberland the media and fans are starved for a championship and that has made them fickle. They want instant results. In football you don't get that.

There is one more game this year. It has no real meaning. I will be there and have a lot of fun while I am. Then there will be another long off-season. I hope they don't decide to blow up the team. A few tweaks is all it needs.

The Fat Lady Sang

Yesterday the any chance of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers going to the playoffs were destroyed with a 27-8 loss to the Toronto Argonauts. In addition to losing the game the Bombers also lost 2 more quarterbacks for the duration of the season.

I'm going to guess that any chance of posting a win is gone with 3 broken quarterbacks. The team has to go out and find 2 guys to suit up for the last 2 games. They won't know the system. They won't know the receivers. It doesn't look good.

At the start of the year everyone was worried that Buck Pierce would get hurt as he runs all over the field. Well, Buck got hurt twice in the pocket and the other 2 get hurt running around.

It's tough being a Bomber fan his year. Nothing has come easy and it's hard to have faith in the team. I realize it is a new coach with a young group. I realize things should get better in the future. I also seem to becoming less patient.

Next week the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will dress quarterbacks number 4, 5, and 6. That is never a good sign, for any team

Finding Themselves

Yesterday the Winnipeg Blue Bombers defeated the BC Lions 47-35 in double overtime. For the first time all season the Bombers managed to dig deep and win a close one. Beyond that they actually found a way to overcome a significant deficit. It's moments like this that bring a team together.

All season the Big Blue has fallen apart late even though they are putting up some excellent individual performances. Unfortunately, they had not been able to close out games. Now they know they can.

I'm not sure what the Bomber leadership was thinking starting Alex Brink so late in the season. At this point defenses are well oiled machines. Making your first start at quarterback is destined to fail. However, through all this they may have inadvertently rallied the offense around Steven Jyles. He proved he could engineer a comeback and the team played for him. Steven Jyles and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers may have turned an important corner. They may have come together as a team.

I'm not implying they are going on a huge winning streak but they know they can win late and they will want to keep it up. They will play for each other and try to win together.

The playoffs are still a longshot so it is probably not a Grey Cup year but if they keep the core together they should be able to make a run in a year or two and that would be great in my books.

A Can't Win Team

The BC Lions beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 16-14 in Vancouver.

The Bombers are a team that can't win. They can't win close games and they can't win on the road. If you can't do that in football you won't be very successful.

With this loss there is really no chance door the Big Blue to make the playoffs but when you have to start doing math and can't win close games or games on the road you have no chance.

I have been a Bomber fan all my life and I will continue to be forever but this is painful. Everyone says the team is headed in the right direction. Everyone, including myself think Paul LaPolice is the right man for the job. I think everyone should should expect more.

The team can make plays, great plays for big yards. The team can stop the opposition. The team can't win. In a profession where winning matters, that is not a good sign.

Unless the hand of God comes down and touches the Bombers, they are looking to next year. I hope they have learned a few things this year and I hope someday they learn how to win.

Bad Words

Today the CFL fined Winnipeg Blue Bomber Head Coach and some of the players for negative comments made about the officiating in last Fridays 's loss to the Montreal Alouettes.

I understand why the comments were made and why the CFL had to react as they did.

When you see the play that garnered the criticism it is easy to see how members of the Bombers may be upset. It's pretty clear it was a bad call. Instant replay was added to try and get the calls right but it's hard to say they did in this instance.

On the flip side the CFL had to take some disciplinary action. They have a duty to protect the integrity of the game and the league so when people step out of line they must face the appropriate consequences.

The root problem seems to be the performance of the CFL officials. I'm going to assume that they want to do the best job they can. Unless there is a conspiracy to help or hurt specific teams (and if there is, it is a sad day) no official goes out to make a bad call. Assuming this, why does there seem to be so many bad calls being made this year?

No matter how talented any official is and how hard they try there are going to be mistakes. Officials are human and humans make mistakes.

Possibly the CFL has not adequately prepared the officials form the job at hand. The league is prospering, there is probably money in the coffers to better prepare and train officials.

The first step is for the league to accept they have a problem. Hopefully this outburst by the Bombers sheds some light on this reality. They don't have to come out and air the laundry list of problems. They may want to state publicly what they plan to do to improve the overall quality, but the most important thing is they admit and accept they have a problem and start to deal with it.

Ultimately the CFL has a responsibility to protect the sport and the league. If they don't help their officials perform better at a very difficult job then they are not protecting what they should.

Another Road Loss

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers lost another road game to fall to 3 and 8 as they were defeated 17-13 by the Toronto Argonauts. Road wins are hard to come by in the CFL in 2010 with every team except the Edmonton Eskimos and BC Lions having a winning record at home. Overall, the home team is now 28 -16 overall to this point of the season.

The Bombers had a good first half, holding the Argos scoreless through the first 30 minutes. They did not fare so well in the second half. They gave up 17 points including an 80 yard punt return for a touchdown. They did have a late drive that was looking promising but were stopped on their second 3rd down attempt to gain over a yard.

The only real hope for the Bombers to make the playoffs is now through the crossover. They have lost the season series with both Hamilton and Toronto. However the BC Lions are not doing so well either so they are not out of it. To have any real chance the Bombers need to win on the road.

I think as an organization, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are headed in the right direction. They have purged their demons of the past. It is getting more difficult to wait for the winning to come back but if they can put a couple more wins on the board this year they will have something to build on next year.

Road wins are difficult to come by in the CFL, if you are the Winnipeg Blue Bombers it seems to be nearly impossible.

Faking It

Getting hurt sucks. I have done my fair share over the years. Broken bones, jammed fingers, pulled muscles, bloody noses, black eyes, bruises from a baseball. I have done all of it. Anyone who has played any amount of sports, has hurt themselves several times. It's part of the deal.

I don't like getting hurt so it makes me wonder why Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees pretended to get hit by a pitch last night.

Really. He was caught faking last night.

He may have thought he wouldn't get caught. Of course this is 2010. With high definition television you can see everything. So, if that was his thought process, he was off the mark there.

He may have thought he would garner some sympathy. High priced New York ball players don't even garner deserved sympathy from New Yorkers. So, if that was his thought process, he was off the mark there.

He may have thought the umpire would give him special treatment. Major League Baseball umpires are a tough lot. They officiate a game of high strung professionals. So, if that was his though process, he was off the mark there.

When it comes down to it, I have no idea why the mighty Derek Jeter would pretend he was hit by a pitch. He should be bright enough to know it wouldn't help him. He should have known the world would know it was faked or maybe not. Maybe he doesn't have the wherewithal to think of this on her own. In any event he made a bad move and he has to endure the fallout.

Go (Home) Riders

On a windy afternoon in Winnipeg the Winnipeg Blue Bombers improved to 3 and 7 by completely destroying the Saskatchewan Roughriders 31 to 2 in the 7th incarnation of the Banjo Bowl at CanadInns Stadium.

It is a little difficult for me to comment on the first quarter and the first half of the second quarter as I was forced to watch the game on the big screen in the end zone. My friend I was attending the game with left his wallet with the tickets in the car that dropped him off for the game. It took a while to get it dropped off. I missed the 61 yard run by Fred Reid and several other great plays.

From what I can tell is Bomber quarterback Steven Jyles made smart plays and distributed the ball well to various players on the Big Blue while Fred Reid ran with conviction through big holes made by the Offensive Line.

Where the Bombers really shone was on defense. They held the Riders two two single points. On a day where the wind was blowing at least 15 knots all game long they did not allow any running game to be established. The Blue Bombers kept Rider quarterback Darian Durant off balance all game long. The pass rushers and run stoppers were in the backfield all game long. When you are running for your life it's hard to be throwing for good yards.

With this win the Bombers are back in the hunt. Next week they face the Toronto Argonauts. If they win there they are only one game behind the Argos with a lot of football including a game against the Argos to come. The Bombers also have a game to go against the hapless Edmonton Eskimos and 2 games against the BC Lions, the team that is trying to keep the Bombers out of the crossover.

A big win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders has injected new life into the Big Blue. If they win the games they should over the remaining 8 games, the early season woes can be erased and a playoff appearance is very achievable.

Kickoff 2010

Later tonight the 2010 National Football League season finally kicks off. This league is very lucrative. They have found a way to fill stadiums and not have that revenue be particularly significant. They have managed to package the sport to be easily consumed by everyone for nearly no cost. In America all you need is rabbit ears to watch football all day on Sunday.

Football is not a game specifically designed for TV. The way they show the game you miss most of the play. The league has worked with the networks to package the sport so we want to watch it.

We don't see the receivers run their routes. We don't see how the defense sets up or reacts. Despite all that critical information we watch football.

Hockey translates to TV quite well but for some reason it cannot grab an audience like football.

It may be that every football game matters a lot. A couple of bad losses can put you out of the playoffs. A couple of unexpected wins can put you in. You cannot give up and cannot coast with a lead. One big play can turn a game around and you never really know what is going to happen.

This season there is no clear cut favorite.

There is a lot of parity in the NFL. It is hard to be great and average will not get you into the playoffs. A lot of good teams will not make it to the second season.

This year it will be exciting. New stars will emerge and great plays will be make.

I will be watching, will you?

Rivalries

Labour Day week-end means only one thing in the CFL. Traditional rivalries. My team, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are coming off their bye week to face the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who just came off a loss to the Edmonton Eskimos.

Rivalries are fun. It is easy to get up for a game against your arch-nemisis. It is fun to go into their stadium and be rowdy. It is fun to count to 13.

The city of Regina is only worth visiting on Labour Day week-end. The whole city is in party mode. There are jerseys everywhere. There is team pride bursting from every nook and cranny. The atmosphere in the stadium is electric. It has to be, the Riders play out of a terrible stadium. It has no modern conveniences. It has one corner cut off to allow a street to run by and it is is a rough part of town. It doesn't get any better than Labour Day.

I will be there with my Bomber jersey on cheering for the team that has won 10 Grey Cups and not taking any crap from any banjo picking' inbreds. That's how rivalries go.

Bombers Looked Good

Last night the Winnipeg Blue Bombers convincingly beat the Edmonton Eskimos 47 - 21 at CanadInns Stadium. The team looked good last night. They came out of the gate and manhandled the visiting Eskimos. 20 minutes into the game the Bombers had scored 23 points while their opposition had not made a first down.

Steven Jyles looked good as the Bomber quarterback but he has some good targets to throw to. Terrence Edwards is back to his old form and Terrence Jeffers-Harris is emerging to be a great talent for the Blue and Gold. This kid is big, strong, and very fast. He could make a lot of quarterbacks look good and is destined to do great things.

Up next for the Bombers is a tilt with the Calgary Stampeders. If the execution is there like it was last night the Big Blue will have another big win.

Bombers Drop Second Divisional Game

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers lost 28-7 to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last night in Hamilton. The Bombers were slow to be effective on both sides of the ball. Once they did get rolling Buck Pierce threw an interception in the end zone just before half-time. They looked better in the second half but were not good enough to defeat the Ti-Cats.

The Bombers were a victim of a bad call, but that was not the only problem they had last night. The biggest failure was the 13 penalties for 148 yards. You are not going to win many football games when you hand your opponents nearly a field and a half of free yards. The first Hamilton drive of the second quarter consisted almost entirely of penalty yards. I could have quarterbacked that drive.

On an upside the special teams were much improved. They did not give up a touchdown on a kick return, especially a field goal, however they were never in a position to attempt a field goal. On the several punts they had improved coverage. That was definitely a positive in this loss.

Steven Jyles looked good in relief of an injured Buck Pierce. Hopefully the number 1 pivot will be able to return, but having a good number 2 is comforting.

The rookie receiver, Terrence Jeffers-Harris is a stud. He can run as fast as the wind, has good hands, and is strong. He will only get better as the season rolls on. The Bombers need to keep getting him the ball as only good things will happen.

At the end of the day the Bombers are 1-2 and need to win more football games. Maybe a Friday night romp against the Eskimos will bring back the winning.

Special Teams Are Not So Special

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers were beat by 2 points by the Toronto Argonauts. It was an exciting game but the Bombers were not very special on special teams.

The first issue was on the last play of the first half. It only resulted in a single point but that one point made the difference at the end of the game. If the Argos had not scored that point and the rest of the game played out, the Bombers would have been in a position to attempt a 2 point convert and force overtime.

The second and now a recurring issue, is a touchdown scored on a missed field goal. If the field goal attempt was good then there would have been no opportunity to return the kick. Alas it was missed so you have to cover. There are 2 possible options why they are having trouble in this area: scheme or execution. This is pro football so the scheme is probably ok so it must be an execution problem.

There is a big red target on the Blue Bombers field goal team. 2 weeks in a row they have given up touchdowns on missed field goals. A 10 point swing. Without that play the Bombers would have most likely won the game last night. I'm sure coach LaPolice will be working. Very hard to fix this problem. It cost him a win and if not fixed will cost him more wins.

Although still early with 16 more games to go, the Bombers will finish the week tied for 1st place in the East so they have not fallen behind but the wins need to be coming fast and furious.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers did a lot of things well last night but their special teams were short bus special.

Big Win For The Big Blue

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers started the 2010 campaign with an impressive 49 - 29 win over the much hyped Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Although there is room for improvement there is definitely indications a new and effective regime has surfaced in the river city.

Quarterback Buck Pierce played very well. He had poise an dame good decisions. He delivered the ball on time and on target. Running back Fred Reid had holes to run through and looked explosive. Wideout Terrence Edwards caught 2 touchdown passes and gobbled up the yards.

The defense was also impressive. Hamilton could not mount a consistent attack as their offensive line crumbled under pressure. Kevin Glenn was forced to make several miracle plays to keep the drive alive.

The weak area was on special teams. Two Ti-Cat touchdowns were scored on kick returns and 3 field goals were missed. If the Bombers were able to clean up those areas the score could have been 58 - 15. So those areas need to be worked on. The good part is with both the offense and defense clicking, there may be some time to clean up special teams.

The most important part of this win is how impressive new head coach Paul LaPolice is. He has built a team that works to it's strengths and can get up after they have been knocked to the canvass and deliver a much bloodier nose. This is a team that you can see believes in the system and the coach. They believe and trust each other. The big challenge is to keep this impressive machine rolling for the next 17 games.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are 1 - 0 and have sole possession of first place in the East. There is a long way to go but if they keep showing up and playing like they did last night there are going to be a lot of happy people in Bomberland.

It's Time!

The 2010 CFL season kicks off today. There have been a lot of changes throughout the league. As in every year there will be a surprise. I believe this year's will be the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. They may not go all the way but they will have a legitimate shot at it all.

The Mike Kelly era had a very similar feeling to the Jeff Reinbold. When they moved on the 'experts' did not expect too much from the Big Blue. Moving on from the Mike Kelly era the 'experts' once again don't expect much. That's fine. Championships are not won on the TV set, they are won on the field.

The Edmonton Eskimos are in a bit of disarray. Their defense gave up a lot of big plays. I'm not sure if having the head coach run the defense as well is the answer. I come from the belief that you find good people and empower them to do their job. Taking over and pulling double duty may pay off in the short term but usually unravels over time.

I can't see the Saskatchewan Roughriders doing as well this year as they did lat year. I think their biggest key to success was having Paul LaPolice as the offensive coordinator. He did so well he is now the head coach in Winnipeg. The 'Riders were so good because of their systems. They highlighted the strong points of their personnel. In doing that they won football games. I don't think they will be winning on Labour Day or in November this year.

The CFL season has the potential to be very exciting this year. Some things will go as predicted, some will not. I will be watching, a lot.

Fore!

I went on my first round of golf this evening. The course was in terrible shape, the Mosquitos were nearly overpowering, and we didn't keep score. Despite all that I played fairly well. I struck the ball well. I putted well. I did not chip well at all. If I can get my chipping back under control without ruining another part of my game I could have a good year on the links.

I know a lot of people say this but I do not golf as much as I should. Good golfing weather is also good flying weather. Since my employment includes a lot of flying it is easy to see the situation.

Golf is an interesting sport. If you are brave enough to attempt it and if you make one good shot, you will most likely play again.

It's easy to see why people like golf. It's an outdoor sport. It's a social sport. It's a lifetime sport. The challenge never goes away. For me it's a way to escape. I take off my watch, and put the phone in the bag. I head out and work my way around the course, challenging myself to be more accurate. Sometimes I do quite well, sometimes I do not.

I like golf. I like the challenge. If I had more time to golf in would even like my golf scores.

OK Leafs....

With the Chicago Blackhawks winning the Stanley Cup last night it a dubious distinction has fallen upon the Toronto Maple Leafs. They have gone the longest without winning Lord Stanley's Pail. To be honest the St Louis Blues and the Los Angeles Kings have been playing in the league as long as the Leafs drought has gone. However, the Kings have been to the finals once and the Blues have made it to the final round three times.

Since expansion in the summer of 1967, the Toronto Maple Leafs have not even played in the Stanley Cup Finals.

I don't know where to begin. For such a storied franchise in the heart of the biggest hockey market in the world, the Leafs have not held up their end of the bargain. I realize as people come and go the organizations should be re-evaluated but they did not look very good last year and there are not a lot of signs pointed to them doing much better next year.

Well there is one predictor of their performance. They have a loud GM who spouts off at a regular basis. Things haven't got better since Brian Burke has rolled into the Big Smoke. He says he has a plan and maybe he does, but he has a long way to go and has yet to impress me.

The Leafs have gone the longest without even making the finals, maybe they will turn it around but I don't see how they plan on doing that.

What A Finsh

In overtime, the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Philadelphia Flyers to win the 2010 Stanley Cup. This was a great game to end a great series to end a great playoffs.

This year the playoffs were compelling, exciting, and unpredictable. The unlikely runs by the Flyers to the finals and the Canadiens to the Eastern Conference finals could not have been predicted by anyone. The excellent young players that make up the Chicago Blackhawks have done it. They have won the trophy that everyone dreams of winning at least once.

I think the game of hockey is moving in the right direction. The on-ice product is best its been in a long time. It even looks like the league is re-evaluating where they want to have teams, but we will see where this goes.

It's going to be hard for the NHL to live up to the show they put on this spring. There was a lot of excitement and I just wanted to keep tuning in. I watched games from Mexico, on airplanes, in bars, at home. I talked about it with a lot of people. I made predictions. some were good, some were not so good.

Congratulations to the Chicago Blackhawks, you are the champs. Enjoy it, next year everyone will be gunning for you, but that should make for another great season.

Barn Burner

The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 7 to 4 to take a 3 - 2 lead in the Stanley Cup Finals.

It was a wild game. The stars on the 'Hawks found their mojo. They played like they were in the first 3 series. Two obvious high sticking penalties were missed, one for each team. I guess you could say it evened out, however that is little consolation to the guys who got a hockey stick in the face.

We are now five games into the finals. The home team has won every game. If the Flyers want to win this thing, they have to win in Chicago, in game seven. They very well may do that. With the extra day of rest I see game six being very good.

Chris Pronger looked very ordinary tonight. He finished the game -5. It is never good when your best defenseman, who plays 30 minutes per game is on the ice for 5 more even strength goals against than goals for. If the Flyers want to make it to a game 7 and have a chance to play for a 35 pound trophy, he must play better.

This series has been great. You have no idea what each game will bring. I still thing Chicago will ultimately win it all, but the Broad Street Bullies will not go down without a fight. I'm sure there are two more games in Pronger's 35 year old legs, at least when the biggest prize is still available. The young talented team from the windy city are feeling it and if they can keep it going they can power through the energy brought on by God Bless America and finish it on Wednesday.

However, just like the rest of the playoffs in 2010, nobody knows for sure.

We Have A Series

Last night in game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals the Philadelphia Flyers convincingly tied the series with the Chicago Blackhawks. We are now assured to have at least 6 games. This has been one of the most exciting finals I can remember in a long time. The 'Hawks should have run over the Flyers and it looked like that may happen.

There seems to be a buzz around this series. It is probably a combination of two hockey cities in the finals and the NBA is doing the same old Celtics - Lakers final.

The teams have some characters on them. It's easy to get caught up in the extra story lines. The Flyers throwback to the 70's with God Bless America, sure gets the crowd going before the game. The organ in Chicago reminds us of a simpler time in hockey.

What is really making this series great is the complete effort put out by both teams. Whoever loses won't have lost due to a lack of effort.

So with three games to go a winner needs to be predicted. This is tough but I still think Chicago is going to win. I also think Jon Towes needs to shave off his beard. If you were in doubt it definitely shows off his Mennonite heritage. This is fine but it doesn't look too mean or scary, and I'm sure it doesn't strike any fear in Chris Pronger's heart.

The Teams Are Set

With the Philadelphia Flyers beating the Montreal Canadiens last night the teams for the Stanley Cup Finals are set. This is an interesting match-up. There are two cities that love hockey in the finals. The buildings will be rocking. It's going to be fun. Unfortunately the series doesn't start until Saturday but when it gets going, you better buckle up your chin straps.

I think the Chicago Blackhawks are going to win. I don't think it will be easy and the series will be long but they have so much young talent. Their skill and youth will serve them well. They will be able to recover quicker from a gruelling game and they were the first team to dispose of their opponents in the Conference Championships.

This is not saying the Flyers will not play well. They eliminated the pesky Habs who managed to beat the President's Trophy winners and the defending Stanley Cup champs. That is no easy feat and they should be commended but they are done. We have to look to the future.

I was surprised the Sharks did not win a game in the Conference Championships. They have the talent to win but they never seem to quite do as well as they should. This is also in the past and we must look to the future.

On Saturday, you better be ready because when they get going it will be a war. This is going to be a series to remember.

Those Pesky Habs Just Won't Go Away

The Montreal Canadiens just played Game 1 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals against the Philadelphia Flyers. They were not supposed to get out of the 1st round. They have gone to seven games in both of the 1st two series. They have looked really bad in some of their games including tonight. Despite all of that, they have knocked out the President Trophy winning Washington Capitals and the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

No matter how you look at it, they have been on a ride. On paper they should be the easiest team the Bleu, Blanc, et Rouge would face in the playoffs but, on paper they should have not even been playing by now.

Even before Game 7 of the last series it seemed very possible for the Habs to win. They stunk up the joint tonight but you know they are going to make some waves before this series is done. If you consider their playoff record is now 8 and 7, really they are not playing all that better than the regular season, they just have to make sure they win 4 before they lose 4 in each series they can keep going at this less than stellar pace, but a good enough pace to make it to the conference finals.

When it all shakes out, those pesky Habs just won't go away.

I'm Not a Habs Fan But This Is Getting Really Interesting

The Montreal Canadiens just beat the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins to tie the series at 2 games each. This team that no-one picked to do anything and most said they would be lucky to win two games, just won't go away. It's interesting and becoming the most compelling team in the playoffs. I don't know if they are going to win it all, but they are doing some interesting things.

They took the President's Cup winning Washington Capitals to seven games and beat them in the end.

They are tied with the defending champs.

They have been riding their goaltender's play.

It has been suggested that the Habs don't have a chance in their current series as the Penguins know how to win. I think the Bleu, Blanc, et Rouge are learning how to win very quickly. They came from behind and won tonight. At times they are handling their opponents well, however at times they are being handled quite easily too. The biggest thing is they won't go away.

I'm not a fan of the Montreal Canadiens but they are definitely making things very interesting.

Oh Those Habs

The Montreal Canadiens beat the Washington Capitals is Game 7 last night. I must say that is rather impressive. The Caps won the President's Cup. That is no easy feat. The Caps have a hockey sock full of offensive firepower and really they should have won. Alas, they did not.

As I was watching the last few games of this series it reminded me of 1986. A young goalie played much better than anyone expected and took an ok team all the way. At this point we don't know if Jaroslav Halak is the next incarnation of Patrick Roy, but he might be. If the Habs knock off the defending champion Pittsburg Penguins then we are onto something.

There is a long way to go before we put Halak on the pedestal that some other Montreal goaltenders have been put on but greatness has to start at some point. We may be witnessing a moment or this will be a one series wonder and the Habs will continue to fumble along, just good enough to make the playoffs but not making waves.

It must be tough playing hockey for that franchise. hockey is a religion in Montreal and if you can rise to the challenge you may reach sainthood for the bleu, blanc, et rouge. If you fail you will be run out of town. In time we will see where Jaroslav Halak.

Too Many Men....Really?

I have been watching a lot of playoff hockey this year. It has been exciting, with great plays, exciting finishes, and exceptional effort. There is one aspect that has left me scratching my head.

Why are there so many too many men penalties?

The line change is a procedure practiced in hockey from six years old and up. There is really only one way to do it. The player leaving the ice skates over to the bench and when he is within 5 feet the player coming on enters the play. It's not rocket surgery.

The NHL may be cracking down on it but once you know they expect you to follow the procedure, I'm sure any true professional will behave accordingly. You can make the argument that for the money NHL players are being paid they should be able to do the little things. I don't look at the money as an issue. This is about doing your job properly. The line change is one of very few things that the other team is not trying to directly stop you from completing.

The only explanation I can see is the players are being lazy on this fundamental procedure. I think if your team is accumulating too many men penalties then the players are not sticking to the system and doing their job properly.

Penalties in the playoffs can be very costly. Too many men penalties should not happen. Too many of these penalties will lead to a longer summer vacation and hockey players want the shortest summer vacation possible.

NHL Road Warriors

If the first night of the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs are any indication we are in for a good ride this year. All the so called experts are saying it is a wide open this year and tonight seemed to reflect that. All four games were decided by one goal. Three of the games were won by the road team. Tight games with surprise wins are what makes the playoffs interesting.

For this fan, the surprise of the night was how the Ottawa Senators made the defending champion Penguins look very ordinary. Crosby, Malkin et al were able to climb back into the game but they gave up way too much early in the game. Ottawa played like a team hell bent for leather and it just seemed like they refused to lose, even when the Pens poured it on late they didn't seem to have the gusto to get past the Senators. This is only game one of a best-of-seven but if you do it once you may be able to do it again.

The only home team to win was the Phoenix Coyotes. The so called experts are also picking their opponents to win the series. It has been a long time since Phoenix has even been in the playoffs. A good run will only help that franchise. I think this will be a series to watch. These teams are going to put on a war. It could be one of those last man standing events.

I don't know what tomorrow will bring but if tonight is any indication, it should be good. Real good.

NHL Playoffs 2010

It's time. After a gruelling 82 game schedule with a 2 week break for the Winter Olympics we are finally ready for the playoffs. Playoff hockey is much more exciting. The stakes are higher, failure is not kind in the playoffs. The scrutiny is much more intense.

I have no idea who will win but I know a few things will happen.

I think the San Jose Sharks will finally make a run. They may not win it all but they will have a playoff run worthy of their regular season record.

The Vancouver Canucks will not win the Stanley Cup. Their fans will riot in the streets when they once again do not win it all.

The Pittsburg Penguins will leave the playoffs on a bad defensive play. They will play great but have a slip up and good-bye.

I will enjoy watching a lot of hockey that matters.

Enjoy the playoffs and may the best team win.

What's Up With The Bomber's Coach

I haven't heard much from new Blue Bombers Head Coach, Paul LaPolice. I am just fine with that. Since I was old enough to understand, there have been 2 head coaches hired by the Bombers who have made a lot of noise immediately after being hired, Jeff Reinebold and Mike Kelly. We all know how well they did at coaching the Big Blue. They had good intentions but their execution was off. In a business that is all about performance that just doesn't cut it.

The current coach said one thing that matters to me. At the press conference when he was hired he indicated that the organization would be respectful at every level. Other than that, he hasn't said much.

I like this about him. I like that he is working a lot and talking very little. I like that it will be the performance on the field that he wants us to judge him on. I like that he sees his place and wants to do it right.

I do have to admit that as a staunch Bomber fan one of the best parts of the rival Saskatchewan Roughriders has come to Winnipeg, but that's just a bonus. Even if it is a rather good bonus.

A New Season

The game of baseball is often compared to life. At the pro level they play 162 games each season. That number of games takes luck out of the equation. If you are good, it will eventually show. If you are not very good that will become evident as well. Baseball is based on failure. 27 players must be put out on each team or the game will never finish. Baseball is not played with a clock. Your actions determine how long the game takes.

At the start of the season every team has hope. Every team has the same chance to win it all or lose it all. As with life, baseball is cruel and you are quickly put in your place. You are only as good as tomorrow's starting pitcher.

A pro baseball team normally plays 5 games a week. It is like many normal people's job. A player gets up everyday and heads to the ballpark. It is his office or factory. His output is excitement and drama, success of failure.

Baseball is a pastime. You don't get geared up for a game. You wake up each day thinking about it. It is always in the back of your mind. It has transcended just being a game. The ball cap has become part of what we wear. It is an accepted part of our society. Other sports wear the ball cap.

The baseball season has started. We will watch and comment and live the leisurely life, if only for a few days this summer.

The Final Four

I used to be a huge basketball fan. In the 90's the pro game was fast paced and exciting. It had colourful characters and some of the best players ever. Something happened about 10 years ago. The game slowed down and I lost interest. There are still some very good players and some exciting games but it is dominated by big guys banging down low. I don't blame anyone for this change. It probably gives you your best chance to win.

On the other hand, college basketball is still exciting. The players are not as big. There appears to be more passion, and the pace seems to be faster. Only the very best college players will ever play in the NBA, but that's ok.

I'm watching the Butler versus Michigan State semi-final game. This is what sport is supposed to be. This is a tight game and these kids are letting it all hang out. You know they will do whatever it takes to give their team a chance to win. The fans are nuts. They are cheering with reckless abandon. The coaches are animated and working as hard as they can to give their team a chance to win.

This will be the last game for the seniors on the losing team and the second last game for the seniors on the winning team. What an incredible way to wrap up your college career and maybe your basketball career. An international television audience and the opportunity to be the difference maker.

Collegiate sports are very important. They inspire and motivate the players and the student body. They bring pride to the institutions they represent. They make a difference. They show people why it is important to come through when people are counting on you and they show what happens if you don't hold up your end of the bargain.

I don't know what the rest of this tournament will bring but I can say for certain that some very special moments are made every year on the 63 games of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Tournament.

Big Things in Bomberland

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are getting a new stadium. This is not a surprise but is official. There are several reasons this is a good thing.

The old stadium is not in good shape. It's 2010 and a level floor should not be a luxury.

It's difficult to be a 1st class organization when you go to works in 4th class facilities.

The U of M will benefit significantly both through the constant publicity and economic spin-offs.

It is the right thing to do.

I am a huge Bomber fan and a University of Manitoba Alumni. I see great things for the future of this facility. It will create a new era of expecting the best for both organizations. No organization should settle for less than the best.

There will be criticism and detractors but those people often do nothing for their community so I'm not too concerned. I will be there when games are played and I can't wait.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are getting a new home and are moving to a great part of town.

Magical Madness

This week-end marked the beginning of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Tournament, aka the Road to the Final Four. These guys have it figured out. Let's get 64 deserving teams together for a single elimination tournament. It produces drama, excitement, and anything can happen. It makes people watch. It is fun.

For three week-ends at the end of March and the start of April we can be transported to a world where all that matters is heart. Where you have to play every second of every game with such effort and determination. It's moments like this that turn boys into men.

For all the pageantry and excitement the tournament can also be cruel. Half the teams will not win a game each year. Three quarters are done by the end of the first week-end. Failure is not rewarded in any way. The only way to keep playing is to keep winning. I think that finality is part of what makes this even so special.

This year there have been a lot of upsets. I have been watching a lot of basketball. There is such an energy to games in the tournament. There has to be. One loss and you have no chance to come back. With the nature of basketball, you just have to stay close and you have a real chance to win at the end.

The folks at the NCAA have got it right for this one. I like the tournament just the way it is and I hope they never change a thing.

Tiger is Coming Back

Well its no secret that Tiger Woods is returning to golf at the Masters. It has been talked about and debated since he released a statement though his webpage. I for one am pleased that he is coming back. Not because I want to see him play, but because he owes golf a debt.

The man is extremely rich. He is rich because he can play golf very, very well. If it were not for his golfing abilities, Tiger Woods would never have received all the endorsements. In these times of economic challenges, which happens to coincide with several sponsorship renewals on the PGA Tour. Currently the only consistent draw on the tour is Tiger.

No Tiger, no money.

I realize he is a bit of a sideshow act but, if he isn't drawing people the tour could be in real trouble. There is no heir apparent. There is no one to look to today in golf that could pick up the torch and carry the tour. Tiger is it.

He has a responsibility to leave the sport in better condition than when he arrived. Golf has treated him well and he must do the same. Not returning to golf would be the most selfish act he could have done. It is good to see that Tiger is coming back. I know he is going to make a dump truck load of money and he will continue to benefit from golf but it is the only way that he can keep it going until the next one comes along.

Where Were You?

I was upstairs in the lounge of the Fort Garry Curling Club in Winnipeg MB. My weekly Sunday curling game ended a mere 30 minutes before the puck was dropped. That's ok though, its where I spend most of my Sundays in the winter.

The Men's Hockey Gold Medal Game of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games was one of those moments. Not just because it was hockey, there was a lot more to it.

There is the obvious point. Canada won. They beat the USA after the result was reversed in the Preliminary round. The Americans were the toughest test for Team Canada and they were overcome.

The game was won in overtime. There is something to be said for the old street hockey line, 'Next goal wins!' It was true yesterday afternoon. The puck goes in the net and the game is over. There is no count down, there is no singing, only tension followed by jubilation.

Sidney Crosby scored the goal. He has been anointed by Canadian hockey to carry this country's hopes and dreams. He is expected to be one of those guys like Gretzky, Lemieux, Howe, or Orr. He is it. By scoring that goal he has reached a place in hockey lore. No trophy can surpass the game winning goal, in overtime, of the gold medal game of the Olympics in your own country.

This was the 14th Gold Medal for Canada in the 2010 Winter Olympics. Not only is that the most Golds ever for a host nation in the Winter Games it is the most Golds ever by any nation in the Winter Games. It capped off a fine showing by a great nation while the world watched. It moved Canada up not only in hockey prowess but in overall sporting prowess. It made a difference.

There will be comparisons to the '72 Summit Series. I was not alive yet to see that historic match-up. I have heard from those who were around when it happened that nothing will ever top it. That may be true and I don't want to dispute it. That is, has, and always will be a moment in time. But for a generation of Canadians, February 28, 2010 will live on as one of the greatest moments in Canadiana. It is a national coming together, a shared experience of tension and exuberance. Many years from now when I'm sitting around at the Legion, I will still remember that moment and where I was when that goal was scored, and you will too.

Vancouver 2010

Ok, so Canada did not win more medals than the rest, however Canada did win more events than the rest. I never thought that not winning enough Bronze medals would be an issue. Today I don't believe it is. Every athlete that came to our great land to compete came to do their best. They all tried. Some succeeded, some failed, but they all lived the Olympic dream.

I am still amazed at the humanity of the entire games. The victories and failures played out on peoples faces is why the Olympics is so special. You don't do this stuff every day. You don't understand what the athletes and coaches really go through. Neither do I, but I do see it played out on their faces and in their effort. Sometimes they do well and sometimes they do not. All the time they produce drama. They make stories. They make you proud, no matter what country you come form.

Olympic games are expensive. Olympic games are worth the expense. It is worth it to see people be great. It is worth it to inspire others to be great. It is worth it to cheer on those who win and those who don't.

There are a lot of people who are against the Olympic games. I hope those people are unhappy for all their days ahead. If it wasn't for this movement, the world would be a much more bleak place.

I enjoyed the games a lot. I will remember that hockey game today, but I will also remember Jon Montgomery winning Gold in a sport I really knew nothing about, and he grew up a block away.

Big Canadian Day at the Olympics

In anything you do there are great days. Today was one of those days for Canadians at the the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. A plethora of medals and a big hockey win can make for a great day.

When you think about international hockey the best match-up you can put together is a Canada - Russia game. All the way back to the '72 Summit Series it has generated some of the games that define the game. Today was not that day. Canada laid a serious smack down on the Russians. The Canadian Men's Hockey Team came out with a mission and a fire in their belly. They made the Russians look bad. They made the Russians look slow. They made the Russians look sloppy. they made the Russians look like they didn't care. We all know the Russians cared. They love hockey as much as Canadians do. They are very good at it but tonight they were very ordinary.

Clara Hughes won another medal today. I cannot imagine attempting the 5000m and forget about doing well it. She did it again adding a Bronze to her collection. She has won several medals and added to her total. She is a great athlete and a great Canadian. Oh, and she is from Winnipeg. I just had to throw that in.

After a disqualification of the Koreans Canada won a Silver Medal in the the Short Track 3000m Relay. I don't know too much about Speed Skating but Canada seems to be good at it. The sport was invented in Quebec so you figure Canadians should have a pretty good understanding of it.

Quite possibly the most impressive result of the day was Canada winning Gold and Silver in Women's Bobsleigh. With two entries and finishing one - two I think that is pretty much owning the podium. All I know about this sport is push hard and go fast and as far as I can tell that's what they did.

Canada is not done yet. There will be a medal in Women's Hockey. They are playing in the finals so they are winning a medal. Both the Men's and Women's Curling teams are in the semi-finals. Four teams left fighting for three medals. I'd say there is a good chance there. The courageous Joannie Rochette is currently third going into the Ladies Free Skate. Finally there is also what many consider the crown jewel. The Canadian Men's Hockey Team is in the semi-finals so there are four teams sorting out three medals. In this case it is Gold or bust.

There are other athletes out there that have opportunities to win as well. As their chance to shine comes up they will do well and hopefully some will walk away with the hardware. However, for this day an amazing showing by Canadians will be remembered and relished.

Own the Podium?

As I am writing this Canada has 6 Gold, 4 Silver, and 1 Bronze medal in the 2010 Winter Olympics. I know it will change before it is all over. The Canadian Women's hockey team will do no worse than silver and I'm sure there will be more.

There has been a lot of talk about how the Americans are well ahead in the medal count and there is no way Canada is going to catch them. There is a lot being said how Canada is not going to own the podium. If you look at it Canada is doing very well at winning events. 6 Gold medals is only one behind the Americans and the Germans. 6 Gold medals is more than total medals won by the Chinese to this point. Where Canada is falling down is in the Bronze. Canada is not doing a very good job at coming in 3rd.

If you program intended to develop elite athletes is not producing its fair share of 3rd place finishes, I think you are doing ok. If 55% of your medals are Gold and you are in the top 5 in the games, I think you are doing ok.

If you look at the total medals won it isn't what the program was hoping for. But I don't know anyone who competes at that level, going out for anything less than Gold. If you are 2nd in the games for Gold medals won, you are doing what is expected.

I never thought I would write about how Canada is not producing enough Bronze medals but if you want to own the podium you need a lot of medals in every colour.

Jon Montgomery Wins Gold

Last night Jon Montgomery won gold for Canada in Men's Skeleton at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. It was the first gold medal won by a Canadian in Whistler. It was an exciting moment for all Canadians. It was a bit more exciting for me.

I have a few things in common with Jon Montgomery.

We both grew up in Russell Manitoba and we both graduated from Major Pratt School. I was in the Class of '95 he was in the Class of 97. We grew up less than a block apart. I lived on the corner of Parkview Blvd and Memorial Ave. He was almost a block north on Memorial. His mom was the real estate agent the handled all the purchases and sales of houses my family lived in when we lived in Russell. We lived in a few. His dad was a principal for many years and returned to teaching for the last few years. He taught me Grade 10 Geography and Grade 11 History. His dad and my dad were members of the Lions Club in Russell at the same time. So there were a few things in common growing up.

I never expected anyone I knew growing up to win an Olympic Gold Medal in any sport. Russell Manitoba is a small town. There were more people in my first year intro Psychology class in university than there were in the high school portion of Major Pratt. It's a rather small pool to pick from.

As I watched the coverage last night there were a few things that struck me.

I was amazed at how elated but respectful Jon was during the several interviews he gave. He complimented the other sliders and clearly explained what is so great about sport. I was overwhelmed at how much the crowds embraced a small town boy from Russell Manitoba. I was happy to see someone I grew up with succeed. I was very impressed with his dad saying, "When you start something you finish it, and tonight Jon finished it!" Those are words to live by if you ask me.

I don't know a lot about Skeleton. Really all I know is you go head first and really fast down an ice track. I do know that I am a proud Canadian and feel that pride swell every time a Canadian wins a gold medal, but last night I felt just a bit more pride since it was that goofy guy that grew up just down the street that won a gold medal. I will most likely never win an Olympic medal. I'm 33 and not good enough at any sport. I think its probably ok to live vicariously though a guy from my home town.

Congratulations Jon Montgomery on your Gold Medal.

Tiger's Words

In the middle the Olympic Winter Games Tiger Woods gave his first press conference since the incident. He spoke for quite a while. He admitted he was wrong and asked to have his family left out of what he did. He did everything you are supposed to do except tell us when he is returning to Golf.

I understand that he needs time to learn how to behave properly. I know his view of reality was distorted and he needs to realign with the rest of us. Having said that, I believe Tiger Woods has a responsibility to Professional Golf and the PGA Tour to return to playing golf as soon as possible. Everything he has originated out of playing golf. He has taken so much over the years. His fortune is based on him golfing. I understand he will benefit from going back but there are so many people relying on his star power to run the golf machine.

At the end of the day, professional sport is entertainment. People pay (directly or indirectly) to see the best in the world do what they do. It is no secret that more people watch golf when Tiger plays. Not a few more, a significant number more. Like every sport, Golf needs as many spectators as it can get. Golf needs Tiger Woods swinging clubs.

Because of everything that Tiger Woods has taken from Golf, he must give back as soon as possible. Anything else would be disrespectful.

Here We Go

We are well into the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Canada is winning medals. Canada is winning hockey games. Canada is winning curling games. It's hard not to get addicted and watch. It's hard not to get addicted and cheer.

The organizers are having a few problems but any undertaking of this size will have some of that. It appears that things are going pretty well. The people have shown up. The events are happening. It looks like the atmosphere is magical.

I like sport. I like patriotism. I like the idea of the Olympics. Coming together for a peaceful reason and competition is great. Trying to be stronger, faster, and higher is epic.

I only see things getting better from here on out. More medals will be won. More stories will be written. More moments will be made. I know I will never compete in an Olympic event. I hope some day to attend some Olympic events but until that day I am going to enjoy the games because it is impossible not to. I hope everyone else does too.

Olympic Spirit

I am rather excited for the 2010 Winter Olympics. They are about to begin. I know not everyone is a fan of the Olympics but I am.

The Olympics are something special. For 16 days the world comes together in sport. I know, that's the party line.

The Olympics remind us that there is more to sport than pro sports. It reminds us of a lot of people who train and compete in sports that we don't see on a regular basis. It reminds us of our national pride. It reminds us we can come together in peace.

So why do we need to be reminded of this stuff?

Olympic campaigning can be a very challenging and rewarding journey. It can define a person and set them up for great successes in the future.

Everyone should feel good about where they come from. Although fleeting at times, an Olympic medal can rally a nation. It can make you remember what is great about your nation. It can stimulate national pride.

I know that the Olympics are not without controversy. There are always protests and security has become a major part of the games, but how many other events is every country welcome and most show up. It is amazing just to think about it.

I know that not everyone likes the Olympics, but I do.

Superbowl XLIV Predictions

Nothing like a championship game to bring out the prognosticators. I will jump on this bandwagon and give my two cents.

Sunday night the New Orleans Saints will face the Indianapolis Colts in Miami for the biggest prize in football. The game features two exciting offences run by two great quarterbacks. There will be offence. A lot of points will be scored. Since so many points will be scored its probably coming down to which defence can make some stops. Both offences have multiple weapons. Both offences can score from anywhere on the field. Both offences make defensive coordinators quiver in their boots. The defence that can get it done a bit of the time will win the game for their team.

When I try to pick a winner I try to find something that sets one team apart. In this case it is Dwight Freeney of the Colts. If you have never watched him play, Freeney is an undersized Defensive End who plays on the right side of the defensive line. He is fast and strong. he can blow past the best left tackles in the game. He is a difference maker. He also has a torn right ankle. Reports are that his ankle is over 50% torn. A bad right ankle while playing on the right side is a bad combination. He is currently listed as questionable. If he does go I can't see him playing like he normally does and I think that is the difference maker.

I predict the Saints to win the next Superbowl. Dwight Freeney will not be giving Drew Brees fits all day long so the Saints will be able to move the ball.

Well, we will all know if I was right by bedtime on Sunday.

My Streak is Over

I curl two games a week when both my games are on. In January I played five games in total. In January I won five games in total. I was 5-0 for 2010. Today that streak came to the end. I lost my game by one point on the last shot of the game. We didn't have last rock. We forced our opponents to make a good shot to win and they did. It was a good game overall.

5-1 in 2010 is still a good record and since I curl for fun and exercise it is a real good record. In the fall of 2009 I was only on the winning end once, and tied twice. The remaining games were losses. Recreational sport is a lot more fun when you win. It is more fun when you believe you have a real shot at winning. It is more fun when you are making the team work hard and they are making you work hard.

When I curl for fun I believe that you try your best on every shot and if you don't make it, you move on to the next shot. You try your best and what happens happens.

I never expected to win every game to the end of the curling season. It is was inevitable that a loss would come my way. I believe I have a chance to win any game I'm in and that makes it a lot of fun to go and chuck large pieces of granite at people's ankles.