UFC 125 Predictions
Frankie Edgar vs Gray Maynard
Prediction: Edgar
Chris Leben vs Brain Stann
Prediction: Leben
Thiago Silva vs Brandon Vera
Prediction: Silva
Nate Diaz vs Dong Hyun Kim
Prediction: Diaz
Takanori Gomi vs. Clay Guida
Prediction: Guida
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Marshall's Law
It appears the Saskatchewan Roughriders have found their man at Head Coach. Greg Marshall is believed to be named the Head Coach for the Riders as soon as next week.
A lot of people criticized Ken Miller's decisions as a Head Coach. And while Miller wasn't perfect, 2 straight trips to the Grey Cup he should be remembered as a successful coach. (If you think Miller was bad, I got 2 words for you Ray Jauch)
I really like the choice of Marshall.
The first reason I like Marshall, is because he's a player coach. Wherever Marshall has gone as a Defensive Coordinator in the CFL, he's had success. Saskatchewan in the 90's, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Hamilton all excelled with the tutelage of the former Ottawa Roughrider Defensive End.
Another reason I like Marshall as the new Head Coach is because he's a defensive genius. With Doug Berry as the offensive coordinator last year, it was big year for many Rider players on offence including Darian Durant. But the defence struggled a lot last year. The Riders need to be better defensively next year, and even though the Riders haven't added a player yet, the defence just got better.
If the Riders add Richie Hall as defensive coordinator, I think that the Riders came away with the possible answer to the Head Coaching position.
A lot of people criticized Ken Miller's decisions as a Head Coach. And while Miller wasn't perfect, 2 straight trips to the Grey Cup he should be remembered as a successful coach. (If you think Miller was bad, I got 2 words for you Ray Jauch)
I really like the choice of Marshall.
The first reason I like Marshall, is because he's a player coach. Wherever Marshall has gone as a Defensive Coordinator in the CFL, he's had success. Saskatchewan in the 90's, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Hamilton all excelled with the tutelage of the former Ottawa Roughrider Defensive End.
Another reason I like Marshall as the new Head Coach is because he's a defensive genius. With Doug Berry as the offensive coordinator last year, it was big year for many Rider players on offence including Darian Durant. But the defence struggled a lot last year. The Riders need to be better defensively next year, and even though the Riders haven't added a player yet, the defence just got better.
If the Riders add Richie Hall as defensive coordinator, I think that the Riders came away with the possible answer to the Head Coaching position.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
First Half Awards
With the Christmas Holidays almost out of the way, the second half of the SJHL season will begin shortly for the Estevan Bruins.
Looking back at the first half here are my picks for some awards through the first half of the season.
MVP- Troy Hunter. I went back and forth between selecting Hunter and Ryan Andersen. While Andersen has the edge in points, he also went through a cold spell at the end of December. Hunter has been probably the most consistent forward through the season for the Bruins. Unlike Andersen, Hunter has been playing with numerous linemates and has shifted from the wing to centreman. This award is far from being settled in the second half.
Honorable Mentions... Ryan Andersen, Mark Cross.
Top Defenceman- Joel Kot. Ty Ariss. Lucas Stubel. Obviously this award is very tough to decide, since all 3 guys bring a little something to the team. Kot is the offensive force that every team needs, as he has a good grasp of controlling the powerplay. His shoulder injury may hurt his chances in the second half. Ariss is solid both offensively and defensively. It seems like if Ariss has a good game the Bruins win, if he has an off night, the Bruins lose. And Stubel maybe the top defensive d-man for the Bruins. With the injury to Kot, he may have to take a bigger role offensively in the second half.
Rookie of the Year- Cole Olsen. We may see the best from Olsen in the second half, when the Bruins were rolling early in the year, Olsen was doing a solid job centering the third line. After a little funk through the end of November, Olsen seemed to find his stride on a line with Ben Findlay and Justin Waskewitch. That line may be the line that determines if the Bruins are a top 3 team, or a team that battles in the Survivor Series.
Honorable Mention- Josh Jelinski, Ryan Ostertag.
Looking back at the first half here are my picks for some awards through the first half of the season.
MVP- Troy Hunter. I went back and forth between selecting Hunter and Ryan Andersen. While Andersen has the edge in points, he also went through a cold spell at the end of December. Hunter has been probably the most consistent forward through the season for the Bruins. Unlike Andersen, Hunter has been playing with numerous linemates and has shifted from the wing to centreman. This award is far from being settled in the second half.
Honorable Mentions... Ryan Andersen, Mark Cross.
Top Defenceman- Joel Kot. Ty Ariss. Lucas Stubel. Obviously this award is very tough to decide, since all 3 guys bring a little something to the team. Kot is the offensive force that every team needs, as he has a good grasp of controlling the powerplay. His shoulder injury may hurt his chances in the second half. Ariss is solid both offensively and defensively. It seems like if Ariss has a good game the Bruins win, if he has an off night, the Bruins lose. And Stubel maybe the top defensive d-man for the Bruins. With the injury to Kot, he may have to take a bigger role offensively in the second half.
Rookie of the Year- Cole Olsen. We may see the best from Olsen in the second half, when the Bruins were rolling early in the year, Olsen was doing a solid job centering the third line. After a little funk through the end of November, Olsen seemed to find his stride on a line with Ben Findlay and Justin Waskewitch. That line may be the line that determines if the Bruins are a top 3 team, or a team that battles in the Survivor Series.
Honorable Mention- Josh Jelinski, Ryan Ostertag.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Perrault's Hits Helping Off the Ice
The Estevan Bruins Hockey Club is proud to announce that they, together with Packers Plus Energy Services, have created a partnership with the youth moral building charity “IMPACT SOCIETY”.
For every hit that Bruins Defenseman #4 Dominic Perrault makes on the ice during Estevan Bruins Home Games,Packers Plus will donate $75.00 to the Impact Society. Perrault stands at 6’3 and has a huge presence on the ice,being a force for the Bruins as an extremely strong open ice hitter.
“The Impact Society is a charity that has programs which help teens to become filled with confidence, hope,character, respect, and passion instead of fear, anger, or apathy. The Impact Society is one of Canada’s national centres of excellence for strength-based community development. The organization offers the first and only nationwide experiential-learning program that turns teachers, students, parents, even whole companies and other partners into everyday HEROES.”
The Estevan Bruins and Packers Plus will be donating to The Impact Society’s main program, HEROES™ with all money raised going back into our community with the goal to build the HEROES™ program right here in Estevan.
The Impact Society’s HEROES™ program has been credited with helping thousands of youth develop healthy behaviours and turn around many who are at risk, reducing crime & property damage, preventing suicide, developing positive role models, and improving family communication.”
“I am honoured to have been chosen as the Impact on Ice player and to be a part of this valuable program” said Perrault, “This is the Estevan Bruins opportunity to contribute to all at-risk youth right here in Estevan!”.
This program has been running with the Calgary Flames since October, 2009 with defenseman Robyn Regehr donating $75.00 to the Impact Society for each hit he makes, and Packers Plus Energy Services matching the donation. In total, Regehr and Packers Plus have donated $7000 to the Impact Society. Robyn and his wife Kristina are Honorary Co-Chairs of the Impact Fund Development Committee.
Perrault’s hits will be announced during the game, and will be tallied at the end of each home game. For more information, watch for the “Estevan Bruins Impact on Ice” web page to pop up at www.estevanbruins.com, where you will find links to the Impact Society’s Website, a tally as to how much money Perrault and the Bruins have raised, and a video message from Robyn Regehr himself. This page will be launched in January 2011.
For every hit that Bruins Defenseman #4 Dominic Perrault makes on the ice during Estevan Bruins Home Games,Packers Plus will donate $75.00 to the Impact Society. Perrault stands at 6’3 and has a huge presence on the ice,being a force for the Bruins as an extremely strong open ice hitter.
“The Impact Society is a charity that has programs which help teens to become filled with confidence, hope,character, respect, and passion instead of fear, anger, or apathy. The Impact Society is one of Canada’s national centres of excellence for strength-based community development. The organization offers the first and only nationwide experiential-learning program that turns teachers, students, parents, even whole companies and other partners into everyday HEROES.”
The Estevan Bruins and Packers Plus will be donating to The Impact Society’s main program, HEROES™ with all money raised going back into our community with the goal to build the HEROES™ program right here in Estevan.
The Impact Society’s HEROES™ program has been credited with helping thousands of youth develop healthy behaviours and turn around many who are at risk, reducing crime & property damage, preventing suicide, developing positive role models, and improving family communication.”
“I am honoured to have been chosen as the Impact on Ice player and to be a part of this valuable program” said Perrault, “This is the Estevan Bruins opportunity to contribute to all at-risk youth right here in Estevan!”.
This program has been running with the Calgary Flames since October, 2009 with defenseman Robyn Regehr donating $75.00 to the Impact Society for each hit he makes, and Packers Plus Energy Services matching the donation. In total, Regehr and Packers Plus have donated $7000 to the Impact Society. Robyn and his wife Kristina are Honorary Co-Chairs of the Impact Fund Development Committee.
Perrault’s hits will be announced during the game, and will be tallied at the end of each home game. For more information, watch for the “Estevan Bruins Impact on Ice” web page to pop up at www.estevanbruins.com, where you will find links to the Impact Society’s Website, a tally as to how much money Perrault and the Bruins have raised, and a video message from Robyn Regehr himself. This page will be launched in January 2011.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Final Tuneup Before the Holidays
It's the final game for the Bruins before the christmas holidays and depending how the night's events unfold they could be sitting in either 2nd or 4th.
With 2 months remaining on the SJHL schedule, there is still plenty to be settled in the Sherwood Conference. You have to like the Bruins down the stretch to finish the year off. The Bruins are team full of veterans including Troy Hunter, Joel Kot, Joel Danyluk, and Ben Findlay who were in the RBC Cup a year ago. The Bruins also have a favorable schedule, with the majority of their games at the Civic Auditorium. The Bruins play well on the small surface at the Civic Auditorium and other teams seem to have trouble playing in the small surface.
The Bruins have the chance to go 500 through their toughest part of the schedule, and that is nothing to sneeze at. Especially with a couple of road games delayed, the Bruins have faced plenty of adversity in the first half of the season, which should only make them stronger in the second half.
With 2 months remaining on the SJHL schedule, there is still plenty to be settled in the Sherwood Conference. You have to like the Bruins down the stretch to finish the year off. The Bruins are team full of veterans including Troy Hunter, Joel Kot, Joel Danyluk, and Ben Findlay who were in the RBC Cup a year ago. The Bruins also have a favorable schedule, with the majority of their games at the Civic Auditorium. The Bruins play well on the small surface at the Civic Auditorium and other teams seem to have trouble playing in the small surface.
The Bruins have the chance to go 500 through their toughest part of the schedule, and that is nothing to sneeze at. Especially with a couple of road games delayed, the Bruins have faced plenty of adversity in the first half of the season, which should only make them stronger in the second half.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Finding the Rebound
I am going to go out on a limb and predict a Bruins over La Ronge win tonight. Why you may ask? I think it was because of their off day, yesterday.
It wasn't like the Bruins had a big strategy meeting yesterday, or spent hours and hours reviewing game film. Rather they just reversed their spirits.
They were obviously down when they lost a 2-1 lead in the 3rd period on Wednesday night in La Ronge. And it started to show early yesterday, but by the end of the day the team bonded and it seemed like the 3rd period collapse against La Ronge soon became a distant memory.
With the team looking like the confident bunch that started off the road trip, I think they have payback on their mind tonight, when they have their rematch with the Ice Wolves.
It wasn't like the Bruins had a big strategy meeting yesterday, or spent hours and hours reviewing game film. Rather they just reversed their spirits.
They were obviously down when they lost a 2-1 lead in the 3rd period on Wednesday night in La Ronge. And it started to show early yesterday, but by the end of the day the team bonded and it seemed like the 3rd period collapse against La Ronge soon became a distant memory.
With the team looking like the confident bunch that started off the road trip, I think they have payback on their mind tonight, when they have their rematch with the Ice Wolves.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Off Day
It was a tough start for the Bruins on their 4 game road trip up North. The game last night in La Ronge started with a 75 minute delay with the officials unable to make it in time for the game.
The Bruins still battled for a 2-1 lead after the first 40 minutes, but then the wheels came off for the Bruins. La Ronge would tie it up in the third, before exploding for 4 3rd period goals in a 2 minute span.
In a classy pre-game introduction, the crowd of La Ronge gave a loud ovation for Joel Danyluk, Danyluk with the Ice Wolves in their run for the SJHL championship. Ice Wolves Head Coach Bob Beatty said the community was very fond of Joel, and it was obvious last night. Even though Danyluk let in 7 goals, he still made 48 saves and played a great game, but he didn't get the result he deserved.
Off day today, before the Bruins face the Ice Wolves Part 2. And hopefully it likes the first 50 minutes of Game 1.
The Bruins still battled for a 2-1 lead after the first 40 minutes, but then the wheels came off for the Bruins. La Ronge would tie it up in the third, before exploding for 4 3rd period goals in a 2 minute span.
In a classy pre-game introduction, the crowd of La Ronge gave a loud ovation for Joel Danyluk, Danyluk with the Ice Wolves in their run for the SJHL championship. Ice Wolves Head Coach Bob Beatty said the community was very fond of Joel, and it was obvious last night. Even though Danyluk let in 7 goals, he still made 48 saves and played a great game, but he didn't get the result he deserved.
Off day today, before the Bruins face the Ice Wolves Part 2. And hopefully it likes the first 50 minutes of Game 1.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Up North
I'm currently settled in the Northern part of the province as the Bruins are ready to kick off a 4 game trip in La Ronge and Flin Flon tonight in La Ronge.
This trip is a real big measuring stick for the Bruin's season, and will go a long way to figure out where the Bruins finish in the standings.The Bruins begin the roadtrip 14 points back of Yorkton for top spot in the Sherwood. The Bruins do have 5 games in hand on the Terriers, but 4 of them will come off the board after this weeks road trip.
The Bruins were struggling heading into the showcase losing their previous 5, but emerged from the weekend in Weyburn with 3 points, but maybe more importantly the goaltending was solid. Not that Joel Danyluk or Shea Cooper were struggling badly, but with the team on the road for the next 4 games, playing against 2 tough teams, you are going to need solid goaltending, and both players played their best hockey over the last couple of weeks.
Tonight's game will be the first for Danyluk, and Ben Findlay back in La Ronge for the first time after winning the SJHL championship with the Ice Wolves. Even though they have gotten their championship rings and faced the Ice Wolves once in Estevan, I'm sure both players are going to have an extra jump in their games tonight.
This trip is a real big measuring stick for the Bruin's season, and will go a long way to figure out where the Bruins finish in the standings.The Bruins begin the roadtrip 14 points back of Yorkton for top spot in the Sherwood. The Bruins do have 5 games in hand on the Terriers, but 4 of them will come off the board after this weeks road trip.
The Bruins were struggling heading into the showcase losing their previous 5, but emerged from the weekend in Weyburn with 3 points, but maybe more importantly the goaltending was solid. Not that Joel Danyluk or Shea Cooper were struggling badly, but with the team on the road for the next 4 games, playing against 2 tough teams, you are going to need solid goaltending, and both players played their best hockey over the last couple of weeks.
Tonight's game will be the first for Danyluk, and Ben Findlay back in La Ronge for the first time after winning the SJHL championship with the Ice Wolves. Even though they have gotten their championship rings and faced the Ice Wolves once in Estevan, I'm sure both players are going to have an extra jump in their games tonight.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Kicking off the Showcase
Moments before the opening game of the SJHL Showcase for the Bruins, as they are set to take on the Melville Millionaires. The Bruins have gone 0-4-1 in their last 5 games. One thing I noticed in the last 5 games, I have been sick. Today is the first game where I've felt a 100% since the Bruins beat Kindersley, so hopefully the good luck karma rubs off on them today.
A familiar face in Melville's net, Alex Sirard. The former Bruin has gotten off to a 2-0 start since being picked up by Battleford. He is just one of the new Mils who will be in the their lineup since their last meeting with the Bruins back in October.
The Bruins welcome Cole Gibson and Matt Szpak in the lineup this afternoon. Gibson will be on a line with Troy Hunter and Chris Daniels. While Szpak will skate with Dominic Perrault on the blueline.
A familiar face in Melville's net, Alex Sirard. The former Bruin has gotten off to a 2-0 start since being picked up by Battleford. He is just one of the new Mils who will be in the their lineup since their last meeting with the Bruins back in October.
The Bruins welcome Cole Gibson and Matt Szpak in the lineup this afternoon. Gibson will be on a line with Troy Hunter and Chris Daniels. While Szpak will skate with Dominic Perrault on the blueline.
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