Monday, July 26, 2010

Stars Sign Forward from Eastern Canada.

The Battlefords North Stars have signed 1992 born forward Shayne Morrissey. Morrissey is from St. Johns, Newfoundland and brings more skill and upside to an already promising group of forwards.

Morrissey spent last season playing at St. Andrew's College in the Midwest Prep Hockey League. He scored 40 goals and 85 points in 61 games last year and led the MPHL's Northeast Division in scoring

Ken Pearson is pleased with the signing, and is excited to see how Morrissey fits into the fold.

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Another forward has joined the fray. Right now the Star's forward crop looks like this (assuming all are coming back):

Tony Oak (90)
Josh Daley (90)
Shay Neufeld (90)
Colin Phaneuf (90)
Nathan Tomac (91)
Blake Tatchell (91)
Brett Miller (91)
Boyd Wakelin (91)
Dane Muench (92)
Calder Neufeld (92)
Tim Rollins (92)
Kyle Hall (92)
Shayne Morrissey (92)
Tanner Schwab (92)


Lots of depth, and lots of flexibility moving forward. Star's fans should be really excited about that group.

Back At It.

Good evening!

I can honestly say that this past weekend was the most emotional weekend of my life. Mom's Memorial took place on Friday, July 23rd. Roughly 200 people gathered to say their fairwells, and now comes the tricky part: Moving forward and coming to grips with the fact that Mom is gone.

Today was my first day of work since the 15th and thankfully it was a busy one. There was lots of local stuff to discuss, and I'm happy to report that after no show last week, the Sports Fix is back in action tonight!

Guest one will be the head coach and GM of the Larry Wintoneak. Wintoneak will shed some light on the offseason to this point, and he'll also share his thoughts on the struggles and trials of last season. I don't want to spoil it, but I'll simply say that Wintoneak had a heck of a season last year, and was tested and stretched in more ways than I or you could possibly understand.

Guest two is the head-coach and GM of the Melville Millionaires, Jamie Fiesel. It's the first time that coach Fiesel has been a guest on the show, and frankly I'm amazed that it's taken this long. Who knew that all I had to do was call him on his cell, I'd reach him at his cottage! My conversations with coach Fiesel have always been pleasant, and this one was no exception!

I talked to Ken Pearson this afternoon briefly, and he hinted that some North Star news is coming our way soon! When I find out - You'll find out!

Short and sweet tonight, but that's alright! At least I'm writing again. There have been lots of kind e-mails, notes and messages sent to me - All of which I am very grateful for. I confess that I've been slow to respond, but I'm going to fix that this week.

Once again I appreciate all of the well-wishes and support, and I look forward to our next visit!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Heading Home.

My Mom Nikki passed away on Sunday afternoon at 4:45 local time at a Hospice in Ladner, BC.

I am typing this as I wait for my flight home. Her funeral is set for Friday, July 23rd and I will be returning to Saskatchewan on Sunday the 25th.

When my Mom was diagnosed with Abdomenal cancer in late April, we were told to prepare for this type of thing. As time went by her condition got notably worse, and when I went home again in Mid-June it was to say goodbye.

I'm not bitter. I'm not angry. But I admit that at this point I feel a great deal of sadness and frustration.

The past three days have had their ups and downs. I've done my best to surround myself with friends, and keep myself busy, and for the most part it has helped. I can honestly say that the situation would be far more devastating if not for the constant support that I've received from friends, co-workers and of course Julie.

The calls, messages and hugs have all been greatly appreciated. I know I may not always show it, but I am so grateful and inspired by all of your support.

I anticipate that the next handul of weeks will be the toughest. I realize that there is much to celebrate, and I hope that my family can find the appropriate closure sooner than later.

My Mom was an amazing woman who left her finger-prints on a lot of people's lives. Her memory will never die, and I am so thankful for the 25 years that I had with her.

I will miss her laughter, her attitude, her warmth and her support. I am blessed to have had her for a Mother.

If you feel compelled, give your own Mom a hug or a phone-call. It's true that you never realize how much someone meant to you until they're gone. Don't take your family for granted,and make sure you love one another through thick and thin.

Thanks to all of you who have kept my family in your thoughts and prayers. I look forward to our future visits and interactions. As readers and friends, you all mean so much to me.

I'm about to board my flight. Let the celebration of life officially begin. I miss you Mom and I will forever hold you in my heart.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Odds and Ends.

First off, I want to start by teasing next Monday's edition of the Co-Op Leisure Time Sports Fix. My first guest will be the head-coach and GM for the Humboldt Broncos, Dean Brockman. Brockman is a four-time SJHL Champ (three as a head-coach) and is someone who I hold in the highest regard. His resume speaks for itself, but he's one of the most approachable, honest coaches in the biz, and I'm excited for the interview to run on Monday night.

As for my other two guests: I'm still efforting, but the second I learn more, I'll let you know.

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Today I chose my 40 regular season North Star's games to broadcast. Once it's approved by the GM and the Sales Manager, I will post it on the blog and the North Star's website.


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I'm not a huge fan of the NBA as it is, but you can add me to the long list of sports fans who will NOT be cheering for the Miami Heat hence forth. I just hate how 'watered down' the NBA is. It's mid-July, and I can already assure you that (barring a major upset) next year's NBA Final will feature the Miami Heat and the LA Lakers. All other 28 teams need not apply.

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It is with great sadness and frustration that I report that the situation with my Mom has taken a further turn for the worse. It is to the point where she's told my Dad that she's "ready to go" and everytime the phone rings, my heart quivers knowing that she could be leaving us any day now.

I'm not bitter, and I've come to accept the fate that awaits. I humbly realize that I'm not the first, nor the last who has had to deal with such painful circumstances. Regardless of that, it doesn't make the ordeal any easier to deal with. I went home three weeks ago to say goodbye, and while I was able to find peace in those moments, I still wouldn't wish that type of situation on my worst enemy (If I had one). Not five minutes will go by without thinking about her, and wishing for her pain and suffering to end.

I'm sure as time goes by and her fate reveals itself, I will be writing more and doing my best to deal with the hand that's been dealt.

To those who have kept my Mom and our family in your prayers, thank you. This situation has been difficult, yet there have been positives as well. I have been blown away by the tremendous friendship and support displayed by my friends (both in Saskatchewan and elsewhere). I realize I have not been entirely diligent with my responses to all e-mails and messages, but I hope you can understand that it's nothing personal and my Dad and I have taken great comfort in all of your support.

Our Mom's are to be cherished and honored. When she calls you, make sure you take the time to catch up, and never pass up the opportunity for another hug. I say this because I would do anyting for just one more with mine. I'll keep you posted.

Enjoy your weekend everybody. Cheers,

DO

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Stars Release Their Regular Season Schedule.

(All Games Times 7:30 unless otherwise specified)



Pre-Season Schedule
Away Home
Sept. 6 Battlefords North Stars @ Kindersley Klippers
Sept. 7 Humboldt Broncos @ Battlefords North Stars
Sept. 8 Kindersley Klippers @ Battlefords North Stars
Sept. 10 Battlefords North Stars @ Dauphin MJHL
Sept. 11 Battlefords North Stars @ Dauphin MJHL
Sept. 12 Battlefords North Stars @ Yorkton Terriers
Sept. 14 Battlefords North Stars @ Humboldt Broncos


Regular Season Schedule




Sept. 18 Kindersley Klippers @ Battlefords North Stars
Sept. 21 Humboldt Broncos @ Battlefords North Stars
Sept. 24 Battlefords North Stars @ Melfort Mustangs
Sept. 25 Melfort Mustangs @ Battlefords North Stars
Oct. 1 Weyburn Red Wings @ Battlefords North Stars
Oct. 2 Battlefords North Stars @ Kindersley Klippers
Oct. 5 Melfort Mustangs @ Battlefords North Stars
Oct. 8 La Ronge Ice Wolves @ Battlefords North Stars
Oct. 12 Battlefords North Stars @ Humboldt Broncos
Oct. 15 Battlefords North Stars @ Weyburn Red Wings
Oct. 16 Battlefords North Stars @ Estevan Bruins
Oct. 17 Battlefords North Stars @ Notre Dame Hounds @ 2:00 p.m.
Oct. 19 Battlefords North Stars @ La Ronge Ice Wolves
Oct. 21 Yorkton Terriers @ Battlefords North Stars
Oct. 23 Battlefords North Stars @ Humboldt Broncos
Oct. 27 La Ronge Ice Wolves @ Battlefords North Stars
Nov. 3 Battlefords North Stars @ Kindersley Klippers
Nov. 6 Nipawin Hawks @ Battlefords North Stars
Nov. 7 Melfort Mustangs @ Battlefords North Stars @ 2:30 p.m.
Nov. 9 Battlefords North Stars @ Estevan Bruins
Nov. 10 Battlefords North Stars @ Weyburn Red Wings
Nov. 12 Melville Millionaires @ Battlefords North Stars
Nov. 17 Battlefords North Stars @ Melfort Mustangs
Nov. 18 Estevan Bruins @ Battlefords North Stars
Nov. 20 Weyburn Red Wings @ Battlefords North Stars
Nov. 21 Flin Flon Bombers @ Battlefords North Stars @ 2:30 p.m.
Nov. 23 Humboldt Broncos @ Battlefords North Stars
Nov. 25 Battlefords North Stars @ La Ronge Ice Wolves
Nov. 26 Battlefords North Stars @ Nipawin Hawks
Nov. 27 Battlefords North Stars @ Flin Flon Bombers
Nov. 30 Battlefords North Stars @ Yorkton Terriers
Dec. 1 Battlefords North Stars @ Melville Millionaires

SJHL Showcase:

Dec. 3 Kindersley Klippers vs. Battlefords North Stars @ 5:00 p.m.
Dec. 4 Battlefords North Stars vs. La Ronge Ice Wolves @ 2:00 p.m.



Dec. 10 Notre Dame Hounds @ Battlefords North Stars
Dec. 12 Battlefords North Stars @ Humboldt Broncos @ 6:00 p.m.
Dec. 14 Kindersley Klippers @ Battlefords North Stars
Dec. 16 Flin Flon Bombers @ Battlefords North Stars
Dec. 18 Nipawin Hawks @ Battlefords North Stars
Jan. 5 Notre Dame Hounds @ Battlefords North Stars
Jan. 7 Melville Millionaires @ Battlefords North Stars
Jan. 11 Battlefords North Stars @ La Ronge Ice Wolves
Jan. 14 La Ronge Ice Wolves @ Battlefords North Stars
Jan. 15 Battlefords North Stars @ Notre Dame Hounds In Waldhein, SK
Jan. 18 Nipawin Hawks @ Battlefords North Stars
Jan. 20 Estevan Bruins @ Battlefords North Stars
Jan. 22 Battlefords North Stars @ Nipawin Hawks
Jan. 26 Yorkton Terriers @ Battlefords North Stars
Jan. 28 Battlefords North Stars @ Nipawin Hawks
Jan. 29 Battlefords North Stars @ Melfort Mustangs
Feb. 1 Battlefords North Stars @ Yorkton Terriers
Feb. 2 Battlefords North Stars @ Melville Millionaires
Feb. 9 Humboldt Broncos @ Battlefords North Stars
Feb. 11 Battlefords North Stars @ Flin Flon Bombers
Feb. 12 Battlefords North Stars @ Flin Flon Bombers
Feb. 15 Flin Flon Bombers @ Battlefords North Stars
Feb. 18 Kindersley Klippers @ Battlefords North Stars
Feb. 22 Battlefords North Stars @ Kindersley Klippers



What do you think? What game are you most looking forward too?

I'm going to get cracking on my broadcast schedule next week and hopefully something will be made official sooner than later!

Enjoy your long weekend!