The Battlefords North Stars are pleased to announce that graduating forward Blake Peake (Lethbridge AB) has committed to AIC (NCAA Div I) for the upcoming hockey season.
Peake was named MVP of the 2009-2010 North Star's team, and was among the team leaders in points (65).
Peake was acquired by the North Stars in November of 2008 and immediately made an impact with the team. For his career, Peake played 148-games in the SJHL, scoring 43-goals and 69-assists.
American International College has recruited in the SJHL in past seasons, most
notably Jereme Tendler(Weyburn) a number of seasons ago. Peake, however, would become the only SJHL alumni on the current roster.
-------------
A tremendous accomplishment for a great hockey player. Watching Blake play the game was a treat, and I look forward to hearing good things down the road.
Peake will be my guest on Monday's edition of the CO-OP Leisure Time Sports Fix.
Don't miss it.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Tuesday Thoughts
Where do I even begin.
Last night's CO-OP Leisure Time Sports Fix was a ton of fun. My guests included: Rawlco Radio sports reporter Jamie Nye (Regina), Nashville Predators forward Wade Belak (North Battleford), and PGA Golfer Graham DaLaet (Weyburn).
Nye and I discussed the recent CFL draft and also dissected some of
the NHL playoffs, Belak provided some insight as to why he chose to resign with the 'Preds' rather than testing the free-agent waters, and DaLaet gave us a glimpse of what life on the PGA Tour is really like.
I greatly enjoyed all three interviews, and I say with the utmost honesty that I still get such a kick out of hosting the show each week.
--------------
I also had a chat with Battlefords North Star's assistant coach Blair
Atcheynum yesterday. The interview with 'Atch' will run next Monday night. Blair shed some light into the team's recruiting plans for this
off-season, and said many nice things about the community and the support that they provided for the team during this past season.
Rest assured that Ken Pearson and Blair Atcheynum have a plan in place, and are hell-bent on bring a championship banner back to the Battlefords.
----------------
Tonight the Dauphin Kings go head-to-head with the La Ronge Ice Wolves in a rematch from April's Anavet Cup series. The Wolves will no doubt be seeking a measure of revenge and would love to be the first team to hand Dauphin a loss at the R.B.C. By all accounts the action so far at the Royal Bank Cup has been dramatic and exciting. If you want some good R.B.C. coverage, check out the blogs from Bill Burfoot and Kevin Jeffery to the right of this one.
---------------
If you had told me that the Vancouver Canucks would split with the Chicago Blackhawks during the first two games of their division semi-final series I would have taken it, but I can't help but feel like
they let one slip away. The Canucks took an early 2-0 lead and then completely took their foot off the gas. The Sedins were invisible, Kevin Bieksa played his worse game as a pro player and the Chicago Blackhawks found their next gear and looked outstanding.
I can't say I'm shocked. Years of playoff failure have practically numbed me to this type of display. Here's hoping the Canucks can find their identity again and regain the series lead tomorrow.
---------------
Bill Lankhof wrote a very good piece in the Toronto Sun a few weeks ago about the Toronto Raptors and how they'll "Never Be a Winner" until something drastically changes within the organization. It's a very good read, and while I wouldn't classify myself as a Raptor fan or even a fan of the NBA for that matter - It is still well written and provides some
interesting perspective. Check out the article here:
http://www.prosportsdaily.com/comments/why-the-raptors-will-always-be-losers-355549.html
---------------
I would like to thank the many folks who have been praying for my Mom.
Today is the day when we learn more of the details and the extent of her cancer. Here's hoping that it's in an early stage, and can be eliminated quickly. To those who have sent e-mails and words of encouragement - I am very grateful and your friendship and support are greatly appreciated.
Expect more writing over the next few days and weeks.
Last night's CO-OP Leisure Time Sports Fix was a ton of fun. My guests included: Rawlco Radio sports reporter Jamie Nye (Regina), Nashville Predators forward Wade Belak (North Battleford), and PGA Golfer Graham DaLaet (Weyburn).
Nye and I discussed the recent CFL draft and also dissected some of
the NHL playoffs, Belak provided some insight as to why he chose to resign with the 'Preds' rather than testing the free-agent waters, and DaLaet gave us a glimpse of what life on the PGA Tour is really like.
I greatly enjoyed all three interviews, and I say with the utmost honesty that I still get such a kick out of hosting the show each week.
--------------
I also had a chat with Battlefords North Star's assistant coach Blair
Atcheynum yesterday. The interview with 'Atch' will run next Monday night. Blair shed some light into the team's recruiting plans for this
off-season, and said many nice things about the community and the support that they provided for the team during this past season.
Rest assured that Ken Pearson and Blair Atcheynum have a plan in place, and are hell-bent on bring a championship banner back to the Battlefords.
----------------
Tonight the Dauphin Kings go head-to-head with the La Ronge Ice Wolves in a rematch from April's Anavet Cup series. The Wolves will no doubt be seeking a measure of revenge and would love to be the first team to hand Dauphin a loss at the R.B.C. By all accounts the action so far at the Royal Bank Cup has been dramatic and exciting. If you want some good R.B.C. coverage, check out the blogs from Bill Burfoot and Kevin Jeffery to the right of this one.
---------------
If you had told me that the Vancouver Canucks would split with the Chicago Blackhawks during the first two games of their division semi-final series I would have taken it, but I can't help but feel like
they let one slip away. The Canucks took an early 2-0 lead and then completely took their foot off the gas. The Sedins were invisible, Kevin Bieksa played his worse game as a pro player and the Chicago Blackhawks found their next gear and looked outstanding.
I can't say I'm shocked. Years of playoff failure have practically numbed me to this type of display. Here's hoping the Canucks can find their identity again and regain the series lead tomorrow.
---------------
Bill Lankhof wrote a very good piece in the Toronto Sun a few weeks ago about the Toronto Raptors and how they'll "Never Be a Winner" until something drastically changes within the organization. It's a very good read, and while I wouldn't classify myself as a Raptor fan or even a fan of the NBA for that matter - It is still well written and provides some
interesting perspective. Check out the article here:
http://www.prosportsdaily.com/comments/why-the-raptors-will-always-be-losers-355549.html
---------------
I would like to thank the many folks who have been praying for my Mom.
Today is the day when we learn more of the details and the extent of her cancer. Here's hoping that it's in an early stage, and can be eliminated quickly. To those who have sent e-mails and words of encouragement - I am very grateful and your friendship and support are greatly appreciated.
Expect more writing over the next few days and weeks.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Some Personal News.
What an exciting time of year. We are a week away from the Royal Bank Cup, the NHL playoffs are in full swing, and the weather has been (for the most part) fantastic. But today, all of those things have taken a back-seat in my life.
I got a call this morning from my Dad informing me that my Mom has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. They got the news on Thursday after a CT Scan revealed cancerous spots in her stomach. A meeting has been scheduled for early May and shortly thereafter she's likely going to begin chemotherapy.
This isn't her first time down this road. A year ago she was diagnosed with cervical cancer, but she had a successful procedure and the harm was removed.
For cancer to reappear in her stomach comes as an obvious dissapointment to everybody involved. I confess that right now I'm filled with an enormous amount of emotion and all I want to do is fly to Vancouver and give my Mom a thousand hugs.
But the reality is that we are very EARLY in the process. We won't know until May how severe the cancer is, and right now under the circumstances she is pain free and is doing as best as one can. My parents have instructed me to stay positive, to keep living my life as I have been living and hopefully my Mom is a part of the 50% of folks who can endure this type of thing and survive it.
I write this on my blog with their blessing for a few reasons:
- Writing has become a great source of therapy for me over the past two years.
- If more people know, more people can pray and encourage.
- Sometimes we all need to be reminded about how fragile life is, and how quickly things can change. Last night I saw a great concert, watched my (second) favourite team ever win 7-2 in the Playoffs and yet I would trade all of that and then some to have my Mom cancer free.
My Mom's name is Nikki, my Dad's name is Martin and if you can find time in your day to throw up a quick prayer or two I would be forever grateful. I promise to keep you posted as I learn more. Our mothers are all the most beautiful ladies in the world, and here's hoping that My beautiful Mom will live for many, many more years.
Thanks for your time guys.
I got a call this morning from my Dad informing me that my Mom has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. They got the news on Thursday after a CT Scan revealed cancerous spots in her stomach. A meeting has been scheduled for early May and shortly thereafter she's likely going to begin chemotherapy.
This isn't her first time down this road. A year ago she was diagnosed with cervical cancer, but she had a successful procedure and the harm was removed.
For cancer to reappear in her stomach comes as an obvious dissapointment to everybody involved. I confess that right now I'm filled with an enormous amount of emotion and all I want to do is fly to Vancouver and give my Mom a thousand hugs.
But the reality is that we are very EARLY in the process. We won't know until May how severe the cancer is, and right now under the circumstances she is pain free and is doing as best as one can. My parents have instructed me to stay positive, to keep living my life as I have been living and hopefully my Mom is a part of the 50% of folks who can endure this type of thing and survive it.
I write this on my blog with their blessing for a few reasons:
- Writing has become a great source of therapy for me over the past two years.
- If more people know, more people can pray and encourage.
- Sometimes we all need to be reminded about how fragile life is, and how quickly things can change. Last night I saw a great concert, watched my (second) favourite team ever win 7-2 in the Playoffs and yet I would trade all of that and then some to have my Mom cancer free.
My Mom's name is Nikki, my Dad's name is Martin and if you can find time in your day to throw up a quick prayer or two I would be forever grateful. I promise to keep you posted as I learn more. Our mothers are all the most beautiful ladies in the world, and here's hoping that My beautiful Mom will live for many, many more years.
Thanks for your time guys.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Food Poisoning In the Anavet Cup.
The Anavet Cup is all squared between the La Ronge Ice Wolves and the
Dauphin Kings, but a new development could delay the series.
The Winnipeg Sun reports that three members of the Dauphin Kings checked
into the Prince Albert hospital yesterday with severe cases of food
poisoning.
16 members of the Kings werre experiencing flu-like symptoms following
their post-game meal Saturday night in La Ronge. Even head coach Marlin
Murray was affected.
Game three of the series was scheduled for tomorrow night in Dauphin,
but the commissioner of the MJHL Kim Davis and SJHL Commissioner Laury
Ryan will make a decision today regarding Game Three and whether it will
be played or not.
Dauphin Kings, but a new development could delay the series.
The Winnipeg Sun reports that three members of the Dauphin Kings checked
into the Prince Albert hospital yesterday with severe cases of food
poisoning.
16 members of the Kings werre experiencing flu-like symptoms following
their post-game meal Saturday night in La Ronge. Even head coach Marlin
Murray was affected.
Game three of the series was scheduled for tomorrow night in Dauphin,
but the commissioner of the MJHL Kim Davis and SJHL Commissioner Laury
Ryan will make a decision today regarding Game Three and whether it will
be played or not.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Spring Camp Wraps Up
This weekend in the Battlefords, close to 50 North Star hopefuls took the ice for a weekend of drills and scrimmages at the North Battleford Civic Center. It was another successful spring camp, and North Star's coach Ken Pearson was pleased with what he saw.
After the final game this morning, Pearson spoke highly of the '92 born kids and said that they showed great effort throughout the weekend.
Pearson wouldn't single anyone out, but he said that the forwards as a collective did not dissapoint. North Star fans will be familiar with the likes of Tanner Schwab, and Calder Neufeld who both saw time time with the Junior A club this year.
The Battlefords Midget AAA Stars had a strong showing as Ryne Keller, Justin Lund, Colby Cave, Chad Tichkowsky and Jesse Gerbig were all forwards last year with the Midget AAA Stars.
Defensively we saw the likes of Kyle Schmidt, Kolten Baptiste perform well. Both will be expected to compete for a roster spot next year with the big club. Dillon Forbes and Mitch Gartner played with the AAA Stars last year, and didn't look at all out of place.
As for goaltending, only three were able to make it this weekend but all made an impression with the coaching staff. Lukas McDonald ('92 Swift Current Legionnaires) Blair Mahon ('94 AAA Stars) and Ryland Pashovitz ('95 Saskatoon Generals) saw a lot of rubber through the weekend.
Pearson also made sure to commend the 'out-of-towners' for not only braving the elements just to get here, but he said that they performed well and gave him something to think about.
Pearson's next objective is to continue recruiting for next season and soon he will be heading East to watch the Anavet Cup and Memorial Cup.
After the final game this morning, Pearson spoke highly of the '92 born kids and said that they showed great effort throughout the weekend.
Pearson wouldn't single anyone out, but he said that the forwards as a collective did not dissapoint. North Star fans will be familiar with the likes of Tanner Schwab, and Calder Neufeld who both saw time time with the Junior A club this year.
The Battlefords Midget AAA Stars had a strong showing as Ryne Keller, Justin Lund, Colby Cave, Chad Tichkowsky and Jesse Gerbig were all forwards last year with the Midget AAA Stars.
Defensively we saw the likes of Kyle Schmidt, Kolten Baptiste perform well. Both will be expected to compete for a roster spot next year with the big club. Dillon Forbes and Mitch Gartner played with the AAA Stars last year, and didn't look at all out of place.
As for goaltending, only three were able to make it this weekend but all made an impression with the coaching staff. Lukas McDonald ('92 Swift Current Legionnaires) Blair Mahon ('94 AAA Stars) and Ryland Pashovitz ('95 Saskatoon Generals) saw a lot of rubber through the weekend.
Pearson also made sure to commend the 'out-of-towners' for not only braving the elements just to get here, but he said that they performed well and gave him something to think about.
Pearson's next objective is to continue recruiting for next season and soon he will be heading East to watch the Anavet Cup and Memorial Cup.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Happy Birthday Sports Fix
The CO-OP Leisure Time Sports Fix turns Two tonight!
The Sports Fix was started two years ago, and has run every week without fail since. Tonight we're celebrating the show's birth with three big-named guests!
Guest One:
***Photo courtesy of CANADA.COM***
Riders GM Brendan Taman.
Guest Two:
***Photo courtesy of CANADA.COM***
Hockey Canada President - Bob Nicholson
Guest Three:
***Photo courtesy of THESTAR.COM***
Toronto Blue Jay's Infielder John McDonald.
---------------------------------------
Catch the show in it's entirety starting at 8:00 CST on CJNB/CJNS and www.cjnb.com.
The Sports Fix was started two years ago, and has run every week without fail since. Tonight we're celebrating the show's birth with three big-named guests!
Guest One:
***Photo courtesy of CANADA.COM***
Riders GM Brendan Taman.
Guest Two:
***Photo courtesy of CANADA.COM***
Hockey Canada President - Bob Nicholson
Guest Three:
***Photo courtesy of THESTAR.COM***
Toronto Blue Jay's Infielder John McDonald.
---------------------------------------
Catch the show in it's entirety starting at 8:00 CST on CJNB/CJNS and www.cjnb.com.
Spring Camp Details and More.
The Civic Center will be a busy place this weekend as the Battlefords North Stars are holding their annual spring camp on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here is a tentative schedule put forth by coach Ken Pearson earlier this morning.
Battlefords North Stars Spring Camp Schedule
Friday April 9th
Registration
3:00-4:00 Civic Centre
4:00-4:45- Practice Team 1
5:00-5:45- Practice Team 2
7:00-8:30- Team 1 vs Team 2
Saturday April 10th
10:00-11:15- Team 1 vs Team 2
1:00-2:00 Practice Team 2
2:45-3:45 Practice Team 1
6:30-8:00 Team 1 vs Team 2
Sunday April 11th
10:00-11:30- Team 1 vs Team 2 for the Jackson Jug
-----------------------------------
The coach and I had a good conversation today. He's excited about this year's Spring Camp and he feels like there could be a handful of players in the Battlefords this weekend who can draw into the lineup next year and be impact players.
Pearson also mentioned that he's going to paying extra attention to the defensemen at camp. It's no secret that the Stars have only three eligible blueliners who could return, so there will be a great opportunity for some younger d-men to come into the Battlefords and impress.
Pearson also mentioned that the exit meetings with the current players went well, and he hopes that they learned something from their early exit. Both Pearson and the players still feel like they deserved better against the Ice Wolves.
--------------------------------------------
Speaking of the Ice Wolves. Dustin Stevenson signed an NHL contract with the Washington Capitals yesterday. It's a three-year entry level deal which will likely see Stevenson play somewhere in their minor system next year.
Stevenson was a tower of strength for the Wolves during their series victory over the North Star's, and I certainly wish him all of the best.
Short of Brady Wacker, I think Stevenson is the best defenceman I've seen play in the SJHL in my three years of covering the league.
---------------------------------------------
Care to share any predictions with the La Ronge/Yorkton series? I'm predicting La Ronge in six. I normally hate to predict, but in this case I'm going to go with the team that knocked the North Star's out. Sorry Steiner, I know you'll understand!
---------------------------------------------
You want great insight into the Championship series? Check out 'Steiner's Stall' to the right on this blog. He calls the action for Yorkton on GX 94.
The Ice Wolves have a 'Player Blog' link on their website, but nobody is writing on it. Somebody from MBC needs to step up and blog this series!!!
---------------------------------------------
What about the NSRHL Final? Paradise Hill and St. Walburg are tied 2-2 heading into Game Five tomorrow night.
I won't be predicting that one, but I encourage you to do so if you feel compelled!
--------------------------------------------
A quick golf note:
The North Battleford Golf and Country Club is open for business as of Saturday. You can book a tee time by calling 937 - 5653. No carts though, so you'll have to walk the course! Dana Johnson is a big North Star's fan and a fantastic guy. Go check out the course if you haven't done so already.
The Jackfish Lodge Golf Course opened last Friday and carts are good to go. Kyle Kellgren is the Pro-Shop Manager at Jackfish, and he also bleeds North Star black. You want scenic? You can't go wrong with the Jackfish Lodge. Call the course at: 386-2800
----------------------------------------------
Make sure you listen to the two-year anniversary edition of the Sports Fix tonight at 8 on CJNB/CJNS.
Battlefords North Stars Spring Camp Schedule
Friday April 9th
Registration
3:00-4:00 Civic Centre
4:00-4:45- Practice Team 1
5:00-5:45- Practice Team 2
7:00-8:30- Team 1 vs Team 2
Saturday April 10th
10:00-11:15- Team 1 vs Team 2
1:00-2:00 Practice Team 2
2:45-3:45 Practice Team 1
6:30-8:00 Team 1 vs Team 2
Sunday April 11th
10:00-11:30- Team 1 vs Team 2 for the Jackson Jug
-----------------------------------
The coach and I had a good conversation today. He's excited about this year's Spring Camp and he feels like there could be a handful of players in the Battlefords this weekend who can draw into the lineup next year and be impact players.
Pearson also mentioned that he's going to paying extra attention to the defensemen at camp. It's no secret that the Stars have only three eligible blueliners who could return, so there will be a great opportunity for some younger d-men to come into the Battlefords and impress.
Pearson also mentioned that the exit meetings with the current players went well, and he hopes that they learned something from their early exit. Both Pearson and the players still feel like they deserved better against the Ice Wolves.
--------------------------------------------
Speaking of the Ice Wolves. Dustin Stevenson signed an NHL contract with the Washington Capitals yesterday. It's a three-year entry level deal which will likely see Stevenson play somewhere in their minor system next year.
Stevenson was a tower of strength for the Wolves during their series victory over the North Star's, and I certainly wish him all of the best.
Short of Brady Wacker, I think Stevenson is the best defenceman I've seen play in the SJHL in my three years of covering the league.
---------------------------------------------
Care to share any predictions with the La Ronge/Yorkton series? I'm predicting La Ronge in six. I normally hate to predict, but in this case I'm going to go with the team that knocked the North Star's out. Sorry Steiner, I know you'll understand!
---------------------------------------------
You want great insight into the Championship series? Check out 'Steiner's Stall' to the right on this blog. He calls the action for Yorkton on GX 94.
The Ice Wolves have a 'Player Blog' link on their website, but nobody is writing on it. Somebody from MBC needs to step up and blog this series!!!
---------------------------------------------
What about the NSRHL Final? Paradise Hill and St. Walburg are tied 2-2 heading into Game Five tomorrow night.
I won't be predicting that one, but I encourage you to do so if you feel compelled!
--------------------------------------------
A quick golf note:
The North Battleford Golf and Country Club is open for business as of Saturday. You can book a tee time by calling 937 - 5653. No carts though, so you'll have to walk the course! Dana Johnson is a big North Star's fan and a fantastic guy. Go check out the course if you haven't done so already.
The Jackfish Lodge Golf Course opened last Friday and carts are good to go. Kyle Kellgren is the Pro-Shop Manager at Jackfish, and he also bleeds North Star black. You want scenic? You can't go wrong with the Jackfish Lodge. Call the course at: 386-2800
----------------------------------------------
Make sure you listen to the two-year anniversary edition of the Sports Fix tonight at 8 on CJNB/CJNS.
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