Cougar Town: July 2009

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

The 2009 Canada Baseball Cup

The blogosphere has been painfully slow over the past few weeks, but all that means is that I have to take better intiative and blog about things that aren't neccessarily hockey-related.

Today I struck gold.

Those that know me, know that I love baseball "almost" as much as I love hockey. I've long been a student of the game, and many have even accused me of being "too American" because of this passion. Maybe it's only fitting that I received a phone call last week from Access Communications asking me if I'd be interested in doing the play-by-play for team Saskatchewan's games at the 2009 Canada Baseball Cup in Kindersley from August 5th - 9th.

This tournament showcases the very best ball players in Canada who are 17-years-old and under. Justin Morneau, Jason Bay, Eric Gagne, Jeff Francis, Russell Martin and Ryan Zimmerman are all players who have participated in this event over the years.

After many phone calls, I finally touched base with the Media Relations Director Lori Kelly (sp?) in Kindersley today, and she informed me that I'd be calling games on Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

The real kicker? I'm calling the Tournament championship game on Sunday at 7:30!

Click here for a complete schedule of games and times. I know for a fact that I'll also be calling the SK/PEI game on Thursday night, and the SK/AB game on Friday night. I also found out today that my pal from Wilkie, Joe Cey will be helping me call the action.

If you're looking for something to do, or somewhere to go next week, I urge you to come check out this event.

Game Tickets prices are as follows: Day Pass $10.00 or Week Pass $40.00 are now on sale. Out of town guests can pick tickets up at the gate.

Don't miss out on your chance to see Canada's future Big Leaguers duke it out in your own backyard!

I'll be updating the blog all throughout the event, and I'll start posting rosters in the days leading up to the tournament.

This is a huge thrill for me, and I'm thrilled to be given the opportunity to call ball!

Monday, July 13, 2009

Monday, July 6, 2009

Weekend Recap, and Sports Fix Summary

What a weekend!

My best friend Marcus came to the Battlefords on Thursday, and accompanied me and my crew to the Rider home opener. The game was a total laugher, but the good guys won and that's what counts. A lot of people know I'm a BC boy, and if often surprises people that I cheer for the Riders. I always tell them, "I never watched the Lions when I lived in BC. When I moved to Saskatchewan I never had a choice in the matter. The second I crossed that invisible line, I became a Rider fan and it's been a great ride. I will never jump ship now.

Highlights from the previous Thursday included: Carving my first ever watermelon helmet for my buddy Matt Ryan, creating Rider signs with the same Matt Ryan, going for an awesome walk with Marcus, and golfing an 84!

While I have a moment, I have to address one of the funniest things I've ever seen. I know that Matt will probably read this at some point, and I wouldn't be a true friend if I didn't razz him about his spelling faux pas. He made a sign to attract the attention of TSN. His sign read:

True
Sakatchewan
Nation

Guy was born and raised in Saskatoon and yet he forgets the "S" in SaSkatchewan! Priceless.

Friday was awesome. Matt, Marcus and I set out for Saskatoon at around 11:30 am, we met with Julie and the rest of our crew at arond 1:30 and then we set out for Regina. We arrived at around 4:30, checked into the hotel and immediately started celebrating our friend Michelle's birthday.

The game itself was incredibly loud, and I was elated to see the Riders win. I had a blast with Marcus, Matt, Julie, Kayla, Michelle, Steve, Kevin and Jaime. I can't wait to do that trip again with you guys. I really enjoyed your company.

Saturday our crew drove to Moose Jaw to check out the Moose Jaw tunnels. I LOVED THIS! Seriously, I was so stoked about the whole tour. The only letdown was the fact that the tour didn't seem long enough. I won't give any of it away in case you decide to make the trip to go see them, but I was hoping that a certain AC would have made an appearance.

Saturday night Marcus, Julie and I watched "My Best Friend's Girl." This flick is bloody funny. I would reccomend it to anybody. However if you're going to rent it from the local Movie Gallery you'd better be careful. All of the discs were remarkably scratched.

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Sunday was interesting. Turns out that Greyhound websites can't be trusted, and I ended up having to drive Marcus back to Saskatoon in order for him to grab a bus back to Brooks, AB. He left Saskatoon at 6, and he got to Brooks at 4:10 AM this morning. The guy is a total trooper and he went straight to work and did the morning show. You're a champ dude, and I had such an amazing time hanging with you this weekend. I just hope we don't have to wait another year and a half to do it again.

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Today was a good work day. I had a tremendous chat with Estevan Bruins head coach and GM Kerry Biette on the Sports Fix (Monday Night's at 8 on CJNB/CJNS). He was a first-time guest, and I didn't really know what to expect. He brought it, and brought it good! We talked for nearly 20 minutes, and truth-be-told we probably could have gone even longer.

He's a good hockey-mind, and I have a hunch that Estevan is going to be a team to be reckoned with next year down south. Bruin's forward Chad Filteau may be my favourite SJHLer not wearing a Battleford's sweater.

Other guests tonight included Rawlco Radio Rider reporter (lots of R's) Jamie Nye. We had a great chat about week one of the Rider season, and he spoke very candidly about certain elements of the club. I look forward to chatting with him again.

My third guest was the Co-Commissioner of the NSRBL Troy Sack. There's only about 10 days left in the regular season, and this season's playoff push should be intriguing to say the least.

Tonight has been really eventful. I barbequed some chicken for Julie and I, then we went and chucked a football for about half-an-hour. I kid you not, she can throw a football better than most guys I know.

Have a great week everybody, and as always, thanks for visiting.

North Star Award Winners (Part 2)

I know, I know. I promised an update last week. I'm still getting used to this blogging thing. The way I see it, I've got a ton of time to develop some consistency. But tonight I've got a ton to blog about!

Most Inspirational and Fans Choice - JOSH CLARE