7:09 - Finally I see something out of Black that I like - New D-man Jacob Chiblow. Very steady. Still 5-0.
7:11 - Cody Folstad too! He must be 20.
7:14 - Randy Fedler rips a slapper home to give White a 6-0 lead. Black still struggling defensively. Shay Neufeld assisted.
7:15 - Kyle Hall nets a greasy one for Black. Its 6-1. Shutout over for Birch.
7:16 - Still waiting for the first big body-check. Yawn.
7:20 - Team White gets their mojo back. Justin Lund scores, former North Star (Now SPHL pro in Columbus) Mitch Wall with the helper..
7:30 - Shay Neufeld scores again. Its 8-1 for White. 'Neuf' has been the best player on the ice.
7:35 - Game Over. My personal three Star Awards go to:
3) Jacob Chiblow (Black)
2) Nathan Tomac (White)
1) Shay Neufeld (White)
Friday, September 3, 2010
Live From Training Camp
6:15 - Team Black vs. Team White.
6:24 - Shay Neufeld with the first good chance of the game. Better save by goalie Tyler Cockburn.
6:27 - Graham Hildebrand's name was NOT on the training camp roster. Its okay though, he's got a knee injury. He is still very much a North Star.
6:28 - Shay Neufeld with a gorgeous setup to Carter Danczak. 1-0 White. So far Neufeld looks great.
6:31 - Blake Tatchell wraps it around, beats Cockburn. 2-0 White.
6:34 - Some gritty work in the corner by Tomac leads to a one-timer by Ryne Keller. 3-0 White.
6:37 - Kyle Birch looks incredibly poised and confident for White. Team Black are out of sync.
6:39 - Mitch Wall (who's just taking advantage of some ice time) got stoned by Cockburn on a breakaway. C'mon Wallsy, you gotta go backhand deke (Nipawin, playoffs, 2009). Haha.
6:42 - Shay Neufeld walks in alone and roofs one, glove side high. 4-0 Black. Who is gonna end this 0 for Black????
6:43 - Blake Tatchell, two-on-one with Morrissey. Tatchell buries, its 5-0 White. Clearly White has paid off the refs.
6:45 - Ken Oak and I agree that Andrew Peaychew (defenceman) needs to be considered, for his hair alone.Oh, and he is playing well for Team White still up 5-0.
6:54 - Period 1 is over and it was all about Team White. Neufeld, Tomac, Tatchell, Peaychew and Birch get a Gold Star from me.
6:24 - Shay Neufeld with the first good chance of the game. Better save by goalie Tyler Cockburn.
6:27 - Graham Hildebrand's name was NOT on the training camp roster. Its okay though, he's got a knee injury. He is still very much a North Star.
6:28 - Shay Neufeld with a gorgeous setup to Carter Danczak. 1-0 White. So far Neufeld looks great.
6:31 - Blake Tatchell wraps it around, beats Cockburn. 2-0 White.
6:34 - Some gritty work in the corner by Tomac leads to a one-timer by Ryne Keller. 3-0 White.
6:37 - Kyle Birch looks incredibly poised and confident for White. Team Black are out of sync.
6:39 - Mitch Wall (who's just taking advantage of some ice time) got stoned by Cockburn on a breakaway. C'mon Wallsy, you gotta go backhand deke (Nipawin, playoffs, 2009). Haha.
6:42 - Shay Neufeld walks in alone and roofs one, glove side high. 4-0 Black. Who is gonna end this 0 for Black????
6:43 - Blake Tatchell, two-on-one with Morrissey. Tatchell buries, its 5-0 White. Clearly White has paid off the refs.
6:45 - Ken Oak and I agree that Andrew Peaychew (defenceman) needs to be considered, for his hair alone.Oh, and he is playing well for Team White still up 5-0.
6:54 - Period 1 is over and it was all about Team White. Neufeld, Tomac, Tatchell, Peaychew and Birch get a Gold Star from me.
Training Camp is (Almost) Here!
It's here. Finally.
The Battlefords North Stars kick off their training camp this afternoon at 1:00. Once registration is complete, each team will take the ice for a 45 minute practice, and each team will then scrimmage in the evening. I plan on checking out both scrimmage (6:15 - 7:30 and 7:45 - 9:00) so feel free to stop by and check out the action.
------------
I spoke with Ken Pearson yesterday and here is a shortened transcript of our conversation:
DO: Why don't you first talk about the optimism amongst you and the rest of the coaches regarding training camp?
KP: We're excited to see how our players have responded during the offseason with some of their training, and how they've come back. It's just exciting to get back on the ice, something that everybody has waited along time for. I'm really looking forward to see how these teams compete this weekend.
DO: Were you pleased with your recruiting during the offseason?
KP: Obviously we won some recruiting battles, and lost some recruiting battles, but that's just the way it goes. For the most part we shored up some areas that we were concerned about. Obviously we're still going to have to wait on a few things with some kids away at Major Junior Camp. But the kids that we signed - We're really happy to have gotten them signed.
DO: What is the message going to be to the team tonight and through the weekend:
KP: We don't want guys going through the motions thinking that 'it's just the weekend.' If you wait for that to happen and you think you get a free pass to the pre-season, you're going to be in for a surprise. We want guys competing hard and we want guys working hard all weekend.
DO: How will this camp be different from years past?
KP: 15-20 year olds will all be thrown together in four teams instead of six. We're just going to go with four(teams). We think we're going to have a real competitive camp going that route. We're really happy with our young guys and I think it will give us an opportunity to measure where we are with our young guys and our old guys doing it this way.
---------------
Personally I'm going to focus my attention on the following:
1) The Goaltending Battle.
Perhaps the most intriguing question surrounding this team right now is whether both Graham Hildebrand and Kyle Birch will be in uniform come opening night. It's no secret that both goalies want to start, and (best case scenario) want to stay in the Battlefords. Personally I would love to see both stay, but this is a business, and Ken Pearson is certainly in a position of strength when it comes to a potential deal. The wild-card in this situation is 18-year-old goaltender Lukas McDonald. McDonald is one of several goalies trying to make Ken Pearson's decision even tougher. A strong camp from one of the rookie netminders may help sway Pearson's decision one way or another.
2) The Back-End.
It seems like every season the Stars enter training-camp with some big question-marks on defence. Cody Folstad, Woody Klassen and Dominic Perrault are locks but after that it's a complete crapshoot. Kolten Baptiste showed lots of promise last year, and could easily make this team with a good camp. Kyle Schmidt is at Calgary Hitmen camp, an certainly has the tools to be a defenceman in the WHL. Here's hoping that one or two defenceman can play their way onto this team through an impressive camp.
EDIT: Baptiste is indeed at camp with the OCN Blizzard. Thanks Stars123 for keeping me in the loop.
3) The Rookie Forwards.
Shayne Morrissey, Colin Phaneuf, Tim Rollins, Tanner Schwab, and Kyle Hall are all players that Ken Pearson feels can make this team. You would think that these five players have a 'leg-up' on some of the other rookies at camp. That being said, Pearson said yesterday that nobody's job is safe, and just because he signed these kids doesn't mean they get a free ride.
Morrissey, Phaneuf and Schwab will bring obvious skill to the table while Rollins and Hall should add some grit. It will be an important weekend for these five players in particular.
-----------------
I'm going to try and do some live blogging from camp tonight, but we'll see how it goes. Julie will also be taking some photos tonight, so you can anticipate some of those being posted before too long.
-----------------
Dane Muench has scored at least twice during Regina Pats' inter-squad games and has been skating on a line with fellow Martensville product Dominic Favreau and Devin Balness.
Again, I'm not there and I don't have a real 'leg to stand on.' But it seems to me that Dane is going to given every opportunity to make this team, and I'd be stunned if he didn't. It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Dane's, and I would instantly become a fan of the Regina Pats should he stick.
-----------------
We'll see you tonight.
The Battlefords North Stars kick off their training camp this afternoon at 1:00. Once registration is complete, each team will take the ice for a 45 minute practice, and each team will then scrimmage in the evening. I plan on checking out both scrimmage (6:15 - 7:30 and 7:45 - 9:00) so feel free to stop by and check out the action.
------------
I spoke with Ken Pearson yesterday and here is a shortened transcript of our conversation:
DO: Why don't you first talk about the optimism amongst you and the rest of the coaches regarding training camp?
KP: We're excited to see how our players have responded during the offseason with some of their training, and how they've come back. It's just exciting to get back on the ice, something that everybody has waited along time for. I'm really looking forward to see how these teams compete this weekend.
DO: Were you pleased with your recruiting during the offseason?
KP: Obviously we won some recruiting battles, and lost some recruiting battles, but that's just the way it goes. For the most part we shored up some areas that we were concerned about. Obviously we're still going to have to wait on a few things with some kids away at Major Junior Camp. But the kids that we signed - We're really happy to have gotten them signed.
DO: What is the message going to be to the team tonight and through the weekend:
KP: We don't want guys going through the motions thinking that 'it's just the weekend.' If you wait for that to happen and you think you get a free pass to the pre-season, you're going to be in for a surprise. We want guys competing hard and we want guys working hard all weekend.
DO: How will this camp be different from years past?
KP: 15-20 year olds will all be thrown together in four teams instead of six. We're just going to go with four(teams). We think we're going to have a real competitive camp going that route. We're really happy with our young guys and I think it will give us an opportunity to measure where we are with our young guys and our old guys doing it this way.
---------------
Personally I'm going to focus my attention on the following:
1) The Goaltending Battle.
Perhaps the most intriguing question surrounding this team right now is whether both Graham Hildebrand and Kyle Birch will be in uniform come opening night. It's no secret that both goalies want to start, and (best case scenario) want to stay in the Battlefords. Personally I would love to see both stay, but this is a business, and Ken Pearson is certainly in a position of strength when it comes to a potential deal. The wild-card in this situation is 18-year-old goaltender Lukas McDonald. McDonald is one of several goalies trying to make Ken Pearson's decision even tougher. A strong camp from one of the rookie netminders may help sway Pearson's decision one way or another.
2) The Back-End.
It seems like every season the Stars enter training-camp with some big question-marks on defence. Cody Folstad, Woody Klassen and Dominic Perrault are locks but after that it's a complete crapshoot. Kolten Baptiste showed lots of promise last year, and could easily make this team with a good camp. Kyle Schmidt is at Calgary Hitmen camp, an certainly has the tools to be a defenceman in the WHL. Here's hoping that one or two defenceman can play their way onto this team through an impressive camp.
EDIT: Baptiste is indeed at camp with the OCN Blizzard. Thanks Stars123 for keeping me in the loop.
3) The Rookie Forwards.
Shayne Morrissey, Colin Phaneuf, Tim Rollins, Tanner Schwab, and Kyle Hall are all players that Ken Pearson feels can make this team. You would think that these five players have a 'leg-up' on some of the other rookies at camp. That being said, Pearson said yesterday that nobody's job is safe, and just because he signed these kids doesn't mean they get a free ride.
Morrissey, Phaneuf and Schwab will bring obvious skill to the table while Rollins and Hall should add some grit. It will be an important weekend for these five players in particular.
-----------------
I'm going to try and do some live blogging from camp tonight, but we'll see how it goes. Julie will also be taking some photos tonight, so you can anticipate some of those being posted before too long.
-----------------
Dane Muench has scored at least twice during Regina Pats' inter-squad games and has been skating on a line with fellow Martensville product Dominic Favreau and Devin Balness.
Again, I'm not there and I don't have a real 'leg to stand on.' But it seems to me that Dane is going to given every opportunity to make this team, and I'd be stunned if he didn't. It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Dane's, and I would instantly become a fan of the Regina Pats should he stick.
-----------------
We'll see you tonight.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The Eve of Training Camp.
Battlefords North Stars Training Camp 2010 Schedule:
Friday September 3rd
Registration - 1:00 Civic Centre
2:00-2:45- Practice Team 1(Bagnell)
3:00-3:45- Practice Team 2 (Hendry)
4:00-4:45- Practice Team 3 (Clayton)
5:00-5:45- Practice Team 4 (Loughlean)
6:15- 7:30- Team Bagnell vs Team Hendry
7:45- 9:00- Team Clayton vs Team Loughlean
Saturday September 4th
10:00-11:15- Team Bagnell vs Team Clayton
11:30-12:45 -Team Loughlean vs Team Hendry
Break
2:00-3:15- Team Bagnell vs Team Loghlean
3:45-5:00- Team Clayton vs Team Hendry
Sunday September 5th
12:00 Access 7 Media Cup Team O’Connor vs Team Cey
*** Rosters will then be reduced for Rookie game vs Kindersley Monday September 6th in
Eston.
-------
I will post a full training camp roster once everything is made official. I can't even begin to describe how excited I am for tomorrow. I know I'm not alone.
-------
I want to give a HUGE shoutout to Martin Smith and his team at Access 7 for sponsoring the Access 7 Cup for Sunday's game. I think adding a trophy will only enhance the competitiveness of the event. As always, I'm excited to be a guest coach and here's hoping that I come out on top this year. Trent and I still haven't decided upon our wager yet.
-------
The Battlefords North Stars are holding their first annual Hockey Draft on October 16th at the Civic Center.
Its $500 per team, and a maximum of 30 teams are allowed to compete.
For more details you can call Marketing and Office Manager Alison Landry at 445-7827.
------
I'll be doing some live blogging from Training Camp tomorrow. I may throw something else on the blog today, but no guarantees. Thanks for reading and I'll see you all soon!
Friday September 3rd
Registration - 1:00 Civic Centre
2:00-2:45- Practice Team 1(Bagnell)
3:00-3:45- Practice Team 2 (Hendry)
4:00-4:45- Practice Team 3 (Clayton)
5:00-5:45- Practice Team 4 (Loughlean)
6:15- 7:30- Team Bagnell vs Team Hendry
7:45- 9:00- Team Clayton vs Team Loughlean
Saturday September 4th
10:00-11:15- Team Bagnell vs Team Clayton
11:30-12:45 -Team Loughlean vs Team Hendry
Break
2:00-3:15- Team Bagnell vs Team Loghlean
3:45-5:00- Team Clayton vs Team Hendry
Sunday September 5th
12:00 Access 7 Media Cup Team O’Connor vs Team Cey
*** Rosters will then be reduced for Rookie game vs Kindersley Monday September 6th in
Eston.
-------
I will post a full training camp roster once everything is made official. I can't even begin to describe how excited I am for tomorrow. I know I'm not alone.
-------
I want to give a HUGE shoutout to Martin Smith and his team at Access 7 for sponsoring the Access 7 Cup for Sunday's game. I think adding a trophy will only enhance the competitiveness of the event. As always, I'm excited to be a guest coach and here's hoping that I come out on top this year. Trent and I still haven't decided upon our wager yet.
-------
The Battlefords North Stars are holding their first annual Hockey Draft on October 16th at the Civic Center.
Its $500 per team, and a maximum of 30 teams are allowed to compete.
For more details you can call Marketing and Office Manager Alison Landry at 445-7827.
------
I'll be doing some live blogging from Training Camp tomorrow. I may throw something else on the blog today, but no guarantees. Thanks for reading and I'll see you all soon!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sports Fix Update.
Just learned that Flin Flon Bomber's head-coach and GM Mike Regan will be my third guest on the program tonight.
You can catch the entire show tonight at 8 on CJNB/CJNS or cjnb.com
You can catch the entire show tonight at 8 on CJNB/CJNS or cjnb.com
The Calm Before the Storm.
The Battlefords North Stars officially kick off their training camp on Friday. That leaves us with five more days to speculate and debate before all things become official.
Tonight we'll get an early glimpse of the upcoming season when I chat with North Star's President Ray Adelman. Adelman will be a first-time guest on the program, and together we'll talk about some of the finer points of last year, and tee up the 2010-2011 season. Adelman has worked tirelessly over the years behind the scenes to help bring this team back to respectability and I am looking forward to our conversation. You should too.
---
I hope that you can make it to the Black and White game on Sunday. The North Stars have wisely chosen to start the game at 12:00, giving people. a chance to also watch the Labour Day Classic which starts at 3:00. Last week I promised that I'd reveal a new 'nugget' of information regarding the Black and White game, and I still will. I'm just waiting for the official confirmation. I can confirm that Trent Cey will coach one team, and I will be coaching the other.
---
Lately a lot of people have been asking whether the SJ This Week will be running again this season. The answer is a resounding YES. Barring any last-minute chances, Martin Smith and I will be back hosting the program for a third straight year. I really enjoy co-hosting that program. I've taken some flak from fans over the years for some of my comments and opinions, but I enjoy the fact that I get to provide the 'color' on that show. It's always nice traveling to other rinks in the SJ and getting compliments about the program.
---
Right now I am in the midst of determining which members of the Battlefords North Stars are away at Western Hockey League camps. At this stage I'm aware of only two: Dane Muench (Regina Pats) and Kyle Schmidt (Calgary Hitmen). Muench scored a goal during an intra-squad game on Saturday and I'm thinking he's got just as good a chance as any to crack the Pats' roster. I really like Dane both as a player and as a person, and I'd love to see him back in North Star colors again. That being said. I sincerely wish him the best in Regina and I will be one of the first to call and congratulate him if when he makes the team.
As for Kyle Schmidt, I haven't seen him play a lot. But I do remember watching him at the North Star's spring camp, and he was easily one of the best players on the ice. Ken Pearson is very high on Kyle Schmidt, and for good reason: He was a third-round draft pick in the WHL, and I'd say has a fine chance of making the team in Calgary.
I will do my best to keep you updated on both kids and their status within their respective WHL training-camps.
---
Josh Lewis (Kindersley Clarion) is also a guest on the Sports Fix tonight. Lewis and I will discuss the rival Kindersley Klippers and what
will be expected from them this season. Lewis will also give us the latest details on the West Central Events Center, and when we can expect hockey to return there.
---
On a personal note: I'm starting with a trainer on September 1st. I'll be on a 10-week program designed to help me lose 25 pounds. The goal is to work-out at least four times a week with a food plan featuring a lot of veggies, chicken, and water. It's going to be tough, but I'm ready for the challenge.
---
Enjoy your Monday, and thanks again for reading. I'm looking forward to visiting with you at the rink in a matter of days.
Tonight we'll get an early glimpse of the upcoming season when I chat with North Star's President Ray Adelman. Adelman will be a first-time guest on the program, and together we'll talk about some of the finer points of last year, and tee up the 2010-2011 season. Adelman has worked tirelessly over the years behind the scenes to help bring this team back to respectability and I am looking forward to our conversation. You should too.
---
I hope that you can make it to the Black and White game on Sunday. The North Stars have wisely chosen to start the game at 12:00, giving people. a chance to also watch the Labour Day Classic which starts at 3:00. Last week I promised that I'd reveal a new 'nugget' of information regarding the Black and White game, and I still will. I'm just waiting for the official confirmation. I can confirm that Trent Cey will coach one team, and I will be coaching the other.
---
Lately a lot of people have been asking whether the SJ This Week will be running again this season. The answer is a resounding YES. Barring any last-minute chances, Martin Smith and I will be back hosting the program for a third straight year. I really enjoy co-hosting that program. I've taken some flak from fans over the years for some of my comments and opinions, but I enjoy the fact that I get to provide the 'color' on that show. It's always nice traveling to other rinks in the SJ and getting compliments about the program.
---
Right now I am in the midst of determining which members of the Battlefords North Stars are away at Western Hockey League camps. At this stage I'm aware of only two: Dane Muench (Regina Pats) and Kyle Schmidt (Calgary Hitmen). Muench scored a goal during an intra-squad game on Saturday and I'm thinking he's got just as good a chance as any to crack the Pats' roster. I really like Dane both as a player and as a person, and I'd love to see him back in North Star colors again. That being said. I sincerely wish him the best in Regina and I will be one of the first to call and congratulate him if when he makes the team.
As for Kyle Schmidt, I haven't seen him play a lot. But I do remember watching him at the North Star's spring camp, and he was easily one of the best players on the ice. Ken Pearson is very high on Kyle Schmidt, and for good reason: He was a third-round draft pick in the WHL, and I'd say has a fine chance of making the team in Calgary.
I will do my best to keep you updated on both kids and their status within their respective WHL training-camps.
---
Josh Lewis (Kindersley Clarion) is also a guest on the Sports Fix tonight. Lewis and I will discuss the rival Kindersley Klippers and what
will be expected from them this season. Lewis will also give us the latest details on the West Central Events Center, and when we can expect hockey to return there.
---
On a personal note: I'm starting with a trainer on September 1st. I'll be on a 10-week program designed to help me lose 25 pounds. The goal is to work-out at least four times a week with a food plan featuring a lot of veggies, chicken, and water. It's going to be tough, but I'm ready for the challenge.
---
Enjoy your Monday, and thanks again for reading. I'm looking forward to visiting with you at the rink in a matter of days.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Thursday Thoughts.
Eight days. Can you believe it? Training camp begins in eight days, and it's safe to say that the emotional roller coaster has already started moving.
For Ken Pearson, this will be a pivotal camp and a telling season. In just two seasons he has transformed a five-win team (in 07-08) into a championship threat - And now it's time to crank it up a notch.
I'll be very interested to speak with Pearson after the first day of camp and ask him about the 'message' of camp. If the Ken Perason era has taught us anything it is that nobody will have a free-ride. Any veterans who feel like they can coast through camp will be in for a rude awakening.
Here's the thing though: For the first time in my four years of covering the team, I am hard-pressed to think of any veterans who are 'on the bubble.' I am of the opinion that the all of the returning players will make this team if they want to.
Without naming names, I can cite at least four examples from previous seasons where second-year players did not make the final roster due to a
poor training camp. Here's hoping that this year is different.
-----------------
I want to wish a hearty congratulations to CJNB's Cody Nickolet. Nickolet will be leaving our radio family in mid-September to take over the color-commentary duties for the Saskatoon Blades. Cody did a brilliant job with color commentary last season for our broadcasts, and I wish him all of the best in Saskatoon. Our loss is truly their gain. Congratulations pal - This is well deserved.
That being said - Matt Ryan will be my main-man this season for color. Matt is a total pro, and loves this team so much. His energy on the radio is contagious, and I am blessed to share the booth on a regular basis with him. Not a day goes by where Matt and I don't communicate our mutual excitement for the upcoming season and the broadcasts.
-----------------
As usual, the Annual Black vs. White game will be taking place on Sunday, September 5 at 12:00 noon from the Civic Center. I confirmed with coach Pearson yesterday, and I will be one of the coaches for that game. I imagine that Battlefords News Optimist sports reporter Trent Cey will oppose me again. Team White (coached by Trent) defeated Team Black (coached by me) last year 10-9 in O.T. and I'm anticipating a much different result this time around! I've coached in two of these games, and I have a record of 1-1.
Trent and I will have to discuss our wager for this year. I've also heard that there could be a new 'wrinkle' in the game this season. That's all I can say for now.
----------------
So far I've found the current poll question to be rather intriguing. It comes as no surprise that Brett Miller is leading, and Matt Spafford and Andrew Dommett are still battling for second - But I'm curious to know what 'OTHER' players you feel will be candidates for league leader.
Some other names that come to mind are Josh Daley, Dane Muench, Braudon Adamyk, John Calkins, Justin Buzzeo, Deven Stillar, Marc-Andre Carre, Shawn or Rodney Cowie and Taylor Duzan. Did I miss anybody?
-----------------
Josh Lewis is the latest SJHL media member to create a blog. He's the sports reporter for the Kindersley Clarion paper, and in my opinion does a GREAT job! You can find the link to his blog on the right side of mine. I urge you to check it out because he truly knows his stuff.
I've made it no secret that I expect big things from Kindersley this season, and if you feel the same, this is a blog that you'll need to check and read regularly.
------------------
Are you going to Bridgefest this weekend? If so, I'll see you there. Thanks for reading, and as always your insight and comments are appreciated.
For Ken Pearson, this will be a pivotal camp and a telling season. In just two seasons he has transformed a five-win team (in 07-08) into a championship threat - And now it's time to crank it up a notch.
I'll be very interested to speak with Pearson after the first day of camp and ask him about the 'message' of camp. If the Ken Perason era has taught us anything it is that nobody will have a free-ride. Any veterans who feel like they can coast through camp will be in for a rude awakening.
Here's the thing though: For the first time in my four years of covering the team, I am hard-pressed to think of any veterans who are 'on the bubble.' I am of the opinion that the all of the returning players will make this team if they want to.
Without naming names, I can cite at least four examples from previous seasons where second-year players did not make the final roster due to a
poor training camp. Here's hoping that this year is different.
-----------------
I want to wish a hearty congratulations to CJNB's Cody Nickolet. Nickolet will be leaving our radio family in mid-September to take over the color-commentary duties for the Saskatoon Blades. Cody did a brilliant job with color commentary last season for our broadcasts, and I wish him all of the best in Saskatoon. Our loss is truly their gain. Congratulations pal - This is well deserved.
That being said - Matt Ryan will be my main-man this season for color. Matt is a total pro, and loves this team so much. His energy on the radio is contagious, and I am blessed to share the booth on a regular basis with him. Not a day goes by where Matt and I don't communicate our mutual excitement for the upcoming season and the broadcasts.
-----------------
As usual, the Annual Black vs. White game will be taking place on Sunday, September 5 at 12:00 noon from the Civic Center. I confirmed with coach Pearson yesterday, and I will be one of the coaches for that game. I imagine that Battlefords News Optimist sports reporter Trent Cey will oppose me again. Team White (coached by Trent) defeated Team Black (coached by me) last year 10-9 in O.T. and I'm anticipating a much different result this time around! I've coached in two of these games, and I have a record of 1-1.
Trent and I will have to discuss our wager for this year. I've also heard that there could be a new 'wrinkle' in the game this season. That's all I can say for now.
----------------
So far I've found the current poll question to be rather intriguing. It comes as no surprise that Brett Miller is leading, and Matt Spafford and Andrew Dommett are still battling for second - But I'm curious to know what 'OTHER' players you feel will be candidates for league leader.
Some other names that come to mind are Josh Daley, Dane Muench, Braudon Adamyk, John Calkins, Justin Buzzeo, Deven Stillar, Marc-Andre Carre, Shawn or Rodney Cowie and Taylor Duzan. Did I miss anybody?
-----------------
Josh Lewis is the latest SJHL media member to create a blog. He's the sports reporter for the Kindersley Clarion paper, and in my opinion does a GREAT job! You can find the link to his blog on the right side of mine. I urge you to check it out because he truly knows his stuff.
I've made it no secret that I expect big things from Kindersley this season, and if you feel the same, this is a blog that you'll need to check and read regularly.
------------------
Are you going to Bridgefest this weekend? If so, I'll see you there. Thanks for reading, and as always your insight and comments are appreciated.
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