Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Tuesday Thoughts

-- This picture gives me a good laugh.

-- The NHL is coming back to Winnipeg, I had to laugh when Gary Bettman said now is the right time to head back to Canada. Wouldn't the right time have been right after the lockout. But it's happy times now that the NHL is coming back. I laugh how there's the same amount of Canadian teams in the NHL as result of relocation from Atlanta (Calgary,Winnipeg) as expansion (Vancouver, Ottawa). I consider the WHA teams and the original six to be non-expansion teams.

-- My first choice for the team name. Jets. Second choice, Jets. Third Choice Rebels.

-- Love the 2011 class of the Plaza of Honor. Corey Holmes was one of the most likable players in Roughrider history. I've gotten to meet Dan Rashovich a few times over the last couple of years and he's a great person to talk to. (He also has some great football stories to tell) Mike Saunders was a running back who came out of nowhere and really established himself as one of the Rider great running backs. Is it just me or am I getting old, cause it seems like yesterday all 3 were playing with the Riders.

-- Rejoice Rider fans, today is the final day of the offseason as rookie camp starts tomorrow. Finally non stop Roughrider talk. Can't wait for the debate if the Riders should keep a QB on the practice roster or not. (If you want my opinion just ask)

-- 11 runs was more than enough for Jo-Jo Reyes to get his first win in 28 starts or 3 years. Look on the bright side Jo-Jo, there's no way you'll ever approach that record ever again.

-- I've watched very little basketball this year, but I hope Dallas beats Miami. I'm just not a fan of Miami.

-- Tomorrow Junior A clubs can sign players to cards, and if the Bruins make some moves I'll let you know. Tomorrow I'll take a look at the Bruins recruiting class from 2010.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Q&A with Marco Ricci

The ECS Elecs Football team were scheduled to hold their spring camp this week, but due to the voluntary teacher strike, the Elecs won't be holding their camp this week. If there is agreement within the near future the Elecs may hold their camp before the end of the school year.

But it's still not too early to look ahead to the 2011 Elecs season which is shaping up to be their best ever. I had the chance to speak with Head Coach Marco Ricci as we recap the off season and look forward to the year ahead.


Sunday, May 29, 2011

Weekend Watching


-- Congrats to the St. John Sea Dogs claiming the Memorial Cup, with a 3-1 win over the St. Micheal's Majors in Mississauga. I think I watched bit pieces of each game in the tournament, but never really sat back and watched a whole game. I admit if Kootenay (or any WHL team) was in the final I would be watching the final.

-- Now the major talk in Junior Hockey will be who goes number 1. I remember having this discussion with former Bruins Coach Chad Leslie in January and I said Ryan Nugent-Hopkins at the time, and he would probably be the best pick. Except shouldn't the Oilers be thinking about their defence? I really think they should think about a trade, but I'm not a real expert on the affairs of the Oilers. (I cheer for the Flames)

-- Bruins forward Dylan Smith is becoming a two sport athlete. Smitty suited up for the Estevan Big Dogs of the Prairie Gold Lacrosse League and picked up a pair of goals in a 15-7 loss to the Yorkton Bulldogs. It was his first lacrosse game in a couple of years. AP last year Tanner Froese also plays for the Big Dogs, and I'm sure Froese will be a full timer next year with the Bruins.

-- I checked out UFC 130 and the undercard was pretty good. The main events not so much. I thought Roy Nelson would put up a better matchup against Frank Mir. Rampage battled a hand injury and wasn't able to finish Matt Hamill. If Rampage isn't seriously hurt, he'll likely meet Jon Bones in either September or October. If he's too hurt, it's anybody guess.

-- Jose Bautista has to be considered a lock for a starting spot for the All Star game right? If not, I think the Blue Jays marketing staff should be fired.


Saturday, May 28, 2011

UFC 130 Picks



Rampage Jackson vs Matt Hamill
My pick: Rampage

Frank Mir vs Roy Nelson
My pick: Nelson

Stefan Struve vs Travis Browne
My pick: Struve

Thiago Alves vs Rick Story
My pick: Alves


Brian Stann vs Jorge Santiago
My pick: Stann

Additional Thoughts:

This was a really stacked card when it was first announced with the Main Event of Gray Maynard and Frankie Edgar. Unfortunately both fighters are injured and will have to wait until at least September to complete the trilogy.

I think in the main event if Rampage wins, he'll be facing Jon "Bones" Jones in the fall. If he loses, well it's anybody's guess, but I'll say Lyoto Machida will get the next title shot.

If Roy Nelson wins his fight and Shane Carwin loses his match against Junior Dos Santos in Vancouver, than it will be Big Country vs Carwin later this year, at least that's what I think.

Usually The Ultimate Fighter is entertaining when there's one fighter I like to hate. But what happens when there's 2 fighters that I can't stand? That will be the case when Michael Bisping and Mayhem Miller face off in the next season in the Ultimate Fighter. I'm not sure who I'll be cheering for.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Friday Ramblings



-- There's nothing better in Hockey than a Game 7, especially with a chance to the Stanley Cup Finals on the line. Which team would the Canucks rather face? I think the Bruins would be a tougher matchup against the Canucks since they have more depth up front, a more solid defensive unit and better goaltending. I do think the Lightning have better special teams, and their top end players are better. Irregardless who wins, it's going to be the Canucks toughest matchup this post season.

-- Manny Malhorta's return from his eye injury is a great story. Will he play in the finals? I got the feeling it's one of those ace up the sleeves for the Canucks

-- Ben Findlay became the 4th Bruin player to commit themselves to post secondary school this offseason. I think there may be 2 more announcements in the soon future about graduating Bruin players.

-- Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz insists the incoming Winnipeg team won't be called the Jets. Count me as one of those guys who hope they don't call it the Manitoba Moose. There's just something weird about naming your NHL team after a AHL team. Especially an AHL team that was in town the year before.

-- CFL Football starts next week, and I'm excited about the Riders chances this year. Why do I like their chances? It's because of their two biggest offseason acquisitions in Greg Marshall and Richie Hall. The Riders D will be an improved unit this year.

-- So will the Riders specials team, but that's kind of obvious isn't it.

-- The big rumor for the Blue Jays this week is they are interested in Mets Shortstop Jose Reyes. I have my doubts about that. Yunel Escbobar is doing fine in the position, and while Reyes is a great player, I'm not sure I would pay a big money deal for a shortstop.

-- The Jays have some great pieces. Jose Bautista, Ricky Romero, Brandon Morrow, Kyle Drabek, Adam Lind and JP Arencibia form a solid core for the Jays, the problem is their depth. I think the Jays are going to be a threat in 2012, especially if MLB adds another team in the post season.

Happy weekend everyone

Bruins Hire Zahn


The Estevan Bruins Jr. A Hockey Club are proud to announce that they have added Cole Zahn, 25, to the Bruins coaching staff as the Assistant coach to the Bruins newly acquired Head Coach/GM Keith Cassidy.

Cole, originally from Bethune, played his Jr Career as a rock solid d-man for the Selkirk Steelers for three seasons from 2004 until 2007. Upon graduating from Junior hockey, Cole joined Cassidy on the coaching staff in Selkirk where he was the assistant coach for three seasons – including their 2007 trip to the Royal Bank Cup.

After his third season with Selkirk, Cole moved back home to Saskatchewan with his fiancĂ© Brittany Waldner, where he went to work as an instructor at a hockey training facility. At that time, he also became a regional scout for the WHL’s Vancouver Giants and is still scouting for them.

Cole and Brittany are thrilled to have the opportunity to become part of the Bruins family, and are looking forward to moving to the community in July after their wedding. "I am ecstatic that Cole has decided to become a member of the Bruins staff. As a coach and as a friend, I’ve always wanted to find an opportunity where he and I could work together again in a coaching capacity. Cole will be a huge asset to the Bruins organization both on ice with the players, and as an ambassador in the community. Cole is a quality individual, with great character and phenomenal work ethic. I am thrilled that he has agreed to work with the Bruins – and I am very much looking forward to Cole becoming a part of the Bruins family, and the community of Estevan." said Bruins Head Coach/GM Keith Cassidy.

The Estevan Bruins Hockey Club Staff and Executive are excited to see the positive outcome of
the Cassidy/Zahn partnership and look forward to the highly anticipated season in Spectra Place.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

130 Press Conference Highlights



Leading up to UFC 130 on Saturday, UFC President Dana White held a press conference leading up to the big event yesterday here are some of the highlights.

- Georges St. Pierre won't be on the December card in Montreal. I agree that this is the right move. Montreal and the rest of Canada has been called "the Mecca" of MMA fighting. I think it's time to prove it. There are plenty of great fighters in the UFC beside St. Pierre, Montreal shouldn't need St. Pierre on the card to sell out the card.

- Light Heavyweight Champ Jon "Bones" Jones next opponent will be determined after this weekend and it won't be Rashad Evans. This probably means if Rampage Jackson beats Matt Hamill on the weekend, then he'll get the next shot at the champ. If Rampage loses..it's anybody guess, but my guess it would be Lyoto Machida.

-- White updated on the condition on Brock Lesnar and said he's hoping he would be back in the Octagon by early next year. Speaking of Lesnar his biography Death Clutch was released on Tuesday. I was planning on picking it up and reading it on my flight to Vancouver for UFC 131, but now that Lesnar isn't on the card. I just might have to wait a little longer.

I'll be back talking MMA on Saturday with my picks for UFC 130.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Help Bring Sportscentre to Estevan



You can help the Estevan Football Family bring Sportscentre to Estevan with the Kraft Celebration Tour this summer. The tour will see TSN take their show on the road all across the country in August and along with Kraft donate 25,000 dollars to a worthy sports project in need of some funding.

Estevan Football is trying to raise funds so the High school team can finish their practice facility. The Minor Football Program will need some money to cover the damages to the facilities from the recent flooding at Woodlawn Park.

To help Estevan's cause, all you have to do is go online to the Kraft Celebration webpage and click on the Estevan Football page and leave a comment. There's 16 days left for towns to be nominated afterwards there's two rounds of cuts by Kraft and TSN. Two different cities in the province are selected and then the winning town will be selected by a national vote.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Findlay Heading South...Way South


Another former Estevan Bruin has found a new home for next season. Ben Findlay will be heading south and playing with the Arizona State University Sun Devils next season. Here is a little piece of an article from the Sun Devils website about the commitment from Findlay.

He’s been a name that ASU’s head man has looked to bring in since Spring. Mission accomplished. After originally joking around with his father about, “playing college puck at ASU,” Findlay and Powers began to talk. Once again, Powers was able to get his man. “In talking to other schools I found that most coaches seemed to be more concerned with just getting me to commit rather than actually talking with me and making sure I would be happy with everything the college had to offer. Coach Powers was the opposite, he took the time to make sure ASU would be right for me,” Findlay said. By reaching out to Findlay and making sure all of the pieces to his team fit, Powers landed a huge piece to solving his own puzzle. “Benny is coming in with very high expectations not only of himself but from me as well. He is a seasoned guy who can flat out fly and score tons of points. His eagerness to win and be a part of the championship culture that we are trying build has me really excited about him as a Sun Devil,” Powers said. Findlay is coming off of 96 points the past two seasons in the SJHL (Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League) for the Estevan Bruins.

I said throughout the season if there is one player who didn't get rewarded from his hard work, it was Ben Findlay. There were countless nights where Findlay would be the hardest working Bruin and would only be rewarded with a couple post shots.

Mind you Findlay did score the famous buzzer beater goal in Kindersley in November. Probably the most memorable goal I've ever called in the regular season. In the end I'm glad Findlay got rewarded for his hard work, and is now heading to a pretty good school. Best of luck to Finds.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

J-E-T-S..Jets,Jets, Jets


Stephen Brunt from the Globe and Mail broke the news tonight that the Atlanta Thrashers are going to be moving to Winnipeg.

Over the last few days there has been some debate about what to call the team. Personally I think there's only one choice. J-E-T-S.

I don't like the idea of calling the team Manitoba Moose since it would just seem awkward to have a recent AHL team playing in the NHL.

With a history that featured players like Dale Hawerchuk and Teemu Selanne, it seems like the only name you can call the Winnipeg team is the Jets

Chow New SJHL President


Source:SJHL.ca

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League is proud to announce the appointment of Bill Chow as the league’s new president.


The 52 year old Chow, who comes from Prince Albert, has worked with the Prince Albert Police Service for the past 29 years. He also has hockey experience having served as a scout in the Western Hockey League for the past 25 years, most recently with the Spokane Chiefs for 10 years.


“I am very excited at taking on this prestigious position,” Chow said. “The SJHL is a tremendous brand of hockey and it’s my intention to work with the 12 member teams to ensure that our League continues to be an innovator and the best junior “A” league in all of Canada. It will be a big year this season with two of our teams moving into brand new arenas and another team hosting the RBC Cup.”

SJHL board of governors chair Rick Shultz is pleased to have Chow on board.


“We had many great candidates apply for the job, but in the end, the board and myself felt Bill had the best vision for the league.” Shultz said. “He recognized the challenges the league has going into the future, and as a board, we believe he had the best ideas to resolve the problems we face. We also feel his time with the Prince Albert Police Service will make him more than capable to deal with our member teams and other hockey-related bodies across Canada and expand the reputation the SJHL currently holds.”

Chow has signed a three year contract and takes over immediately from outgoing president Laury Ryan, who announced his resignation from the position after eight years on the job earlier this year.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Pics From the Pressbox of Spectra Place

The Wheeled B will be lighting up when the Bruins score next season






Yep fellow broadcasters you can see the press box in this rink



These pics were taken at the fundraiser dinner that was held a couple of months ago.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Changes to Madden Franchise


John Madden was a legendary football coach with the Oakland Raiders. He became one of the best color commentators in sports with CBS, Fox and NBC. But he might be most famous for his series of video games. And Madden 12 is shaping to be the best with their changes to the franchise mode.

Here is a list of some of the changes from IGN.com

Dynamic Player Performance: Player ratings fluctuate based on consistency and confidence.

Player Roles: More than 20 roles (Playoff Performer, Trench Warrior) affect player and team stats throughout the season.

The Pre-Season Matters: Start with 75-player roster and need to make cuts each week. Playing pre-season games reveals player ratings.

Scouting Reworked: Tiered scouting system reveals ratings tied to different events (college season, combine, pro day, individual workout).

Draft Class Improvements: Robust set of draftees built for 30 seasons of franchise. Teams draft based on their real tendencies.

Free Agent Bidding Wars: eBay style bidding against other GMs creates intense, rapid-fire free agent period that takes only a few minutes to complete.

Smarter General Managers: Better re-sign and cut logic. GMs make trades and sign free agents who fit their needs, with player roles factored in.

Coaches Matter: Coaches have small positive and negative impact on how players perform on the field based on their style.

Edit Any Player: Alter the ratings of any player — rookie, created player, or established veteran.

Change Teams: In any offseason, change control of which teams you run in Franchise mode.

Numerous Tweaks: Many other small tuning and additions are coming, including retirement logic, a more accurate salary system, fixes to the injured reserve system, better simulation stats, and more.


Guess I'll be heading to Wal-Mart in August.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Interview with Lucas Stubel

This past weekend Estevan native Lucas Stubel signed his scholarship with Briercrest College for next season and I had a chance to chat with the former Bruins defenceman this morning.


Stubel Heading To Briercrest

One of the most popular ex-Bruins player has found a home for next season.

Lucas Stubel is heading to Briercrest College in Caronport for next season.

Stubel, a homegrown product in Estevan had 7 goals and 8 assists this season with 106 penalty minutes.

He was also an assistant this season for the Bruins.

In his 3 years for the Bruins, Stubel had in total 10 goals and 29 assists with 193 minutes.

I did an interview with Stubel this morning, (he had to go to work before 8:00, in case you're wondering why he was up so early.) And I'll post it later this afternoon.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Final Four


The NHL is down to it's final four as the Conference Finals begin in Boston tonight.

In the East, I picked the Bruins at the beginning of the playoffs and I still like them today. The Bruins have a team that is built for the playoffs with a 4 line team that can crash and bang, a deep blue line and one of the best goalies in the game in Tim Thomas. I think the Bruins cleared a major mental hurdle when they beat the Philadelphia Flyers.

Everything is working for the Tampa Bay Lightning this post season. Their top end skill players like they were in 2004 (Martin St. Louis and Vinny Lecavalier) Steven Stamkos is looking like the Hart Candidate that he was early in the season, and Dwayne Roloson is looking it's 2006 all over again. Sean Bergenheim, Steve Downie and Dominic Moore is forming the classic third line that every Stanley Cup team needs.

I think the Krejci, Lucic and Horton line will be the difference in this series and will lead the Bruins to the finals.

Bruins in 6.


The Western Conference will feature two teams that have faced plenty of adversity this post season between the San Jose Sharks and the Vancouver Canucks.

The Canucks have been able to make it past the first 2 rounds without much production from the Sedins. Ryan Kesler took control of the Nashville series, but the back end of the Canucks have been the reason they've made it through 2 rounds. The blue line of the Canucks made Roberto Luongo's life much easier in the series with the Preds. The defence is going have to come huge against the Sharks.

The Sharks overcame a big mental hurdle with the Game 7 win over the Wings, and Patrick Marleau stepped up finally in a big game. The Sharks may have the most firepower with any team left in the playoffs. I think they easily have the best group of top 6 forwards. Anti Niemi has proven last year wasn't a fluke as he made it deep into the playoffs for the second straight round.

I think if this series is full of 2-1 games, the Canucks will take it with their superior blueline, but if this series is full of goals then I like the Sharks. Something tells me this series will feature more offence.

My pick Sharks in 6.

Bruins vs Sharks in the finals? I would watch it, mind you I would watch a Tampa Bay vs Vancouver final as well.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Tuesday Thoughts



The off season is underway in Junior A Hockey scene across Canada and over the next week I'll take an early look at the 2011-2012 Estevan Bruins. Like many teams in the SJHL, this season will be about "reloading" since the Bruins are losing 9 20 year old players.

Some of the Bruin players are preparing for some off season camps. Right now Dylan Smith is competing in a prospects tournament in Boston. Smitty was at a Red Sox game last week and I sent him the message he should throw a slice of pizza at someone. He replied that no one was in front of him since he was sitting right behind the dugout. (Tough life eh!)

Eric Baldwin and Ryan Ostertag are also set to head to Boston this summer.

Another Bruins scholarship is going to be announced this week.

The Humboldt Broncos have begun preparing for the 2012 RBC Cup, and their fall training camp will be interesting, I heard there could be upwards of 32 Junior Experienced players in camp. (That's either WHL or Junior A experience) I think it's obvious the Broncos are the favorites, but that's why they play the games on the ice.

I'll make my picks for the Conference Finals later this week. Isn't it amazing the depth the Boston Bruins have? Tyler Seguin the 2nd overall pick has been a healthy scratch this playoff, but will step into the lineup this weekend for Patrice Bergeron.

Hopefully the new stadium proposal goes through for the Minnesota Vikings. I'm not Vikings fans, but us Canadian NFL fans need some teams close to the border. Especially since getting a ticket at Lambeau Field is near impossible.

Did anyone take Doug Ford seriously when he said the New Orleans Saints were one of the teams Toronto was looking at relocating. I don't think we'll see the NFL in Toronto for a long time. The Jets will be back in Winnipeg before that happens. (I know that's a safe bet.)

The main event for UFC 130 of Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard has been postponed with both fighters suffering injuries. At least it sounds like they'll face each other in the fall so it doesn't sound long term, but it's disappointing to hear another champion fight is delayed right after the injury to Jon "Bones" Jones.

Did anyone see the Maxim Top 100 list. I don't have a problem with the 100 that were selected, but I do with a couple that weren't selected. Blake Lively would easily make my top 10, and probably my number 1 pick didn't even make the list. Kate Upton. I would be shocked if she's not next year's Swimsuit Covergirl for Sports Illustrated.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Bittman Makes Thunder


Another football player from Estevan will be moving on to the next level. Michael Bittman attended the Regina Thunder camp this weekend and has been asked to join the team in the fall.

Bittman has had quite the spring, first being named Estevan's Male Athlete of the Year, being named the first Estevan player to play in the Senior Bowl this month and now a spot with the Thunder.

A few more players from the ECS Elecs are trying out for some football teams including Logan Senchuk who is waiting to hear back from the Thunder after his tryout this past weekend

Weekend Watching



It's officially draft season. The NFL draft was last week and this past week it was the WHL Bantam Draft, and the CFL Canadian Draft.

I always tune into the WHL draft mostly to see if there's a kid that I actually know, and it didn't take me long to find a name that I remembered. The 8th overall pick went to the Prince Albert Raiders and they selected Humboldt native Reid Gardiner. Gardiner was born in Prince Albert, but spent all of his hockey years in Humboldt. This is what Raiders Head Scout Dale Derkatch said about picking Gardiner. "We are very happy to have a local boy from Humboldt who was actually born in Prince Albert. He is a natural goal scorer and has a small town Saskatchewan type work ethic. We are excited to have him on board.”

The reason I know Gardiner is because his dad Shaun was my high school Gym teacher, Football coach and later coaching colleague. I think the last time I talked to Reid was when he was in Grade 2 or 3, (boy time flies) and if Reid is like his Dad, his dream is to play in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The CFL Draft was yesterday and the Riders selected a pair of Ontario kids in the 2nd round with Craig Butler and Matt O'Donnell. I enjoyed the fact TSN broadcasted the first 2 rounds of the draft, I think the next step is to showcase more CIS games, whether it's TV or even webcasts, people would probably care more about the draft if they know the players that are being picked.

I love the trade for former U of S Huskie Graeme Bell, Bell was brutally attacked with a baseball bat in Saskatoon in 2007 and would recover and return to football in 2009. Such a great story.

The Pembroke Lumber Kings pulled off the upset and captured the Royal Bank Cup with a 2-0 win over the Vernon Vipers. Now the offseason begins and expect some trade announcements in the coming days especially with Melville and Humboldt. The Bruins might be making some minor deals in the coming weeks, but don't expect major announcements like last summer.

I'm still thinking a Canucks-Sharks West final, but if they would both lose Game 6 on the road, it sure would make things interesting for Game 7. And I'm sure the Bruins and Lightning don't mind the extra wait.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Locker Talk Preview

This week on Locker Talk, CJ1280's Brandon Flegel stops by as we talk water, snow, floods and all the other reasons sports are being delayed this spring season.

We also talked about the biggest UFC crowd in Toronto and recapped the biggest event ever as Georges St. Pierre defeated Jake Shields to retain his Welterweight Title, we discuss about Mark Hominick's courageous battle against Jose Aldo.

We also discussed if the MMA craze will last into the distant future.

Locker Talk can be seen weekdays on Estevan Access 7, Thursday at 6:30, and Saturdays 12:00.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Meet New Bruins Head Coach and GM

The Estevan Bruins will be holding a meet and greet this afternoon with their new Head Coach and General Manager Keith Cassidy.

From 3:00-4:00 at the Spectra Place front lobby, fans are encouraged to stop by and chat with the new Head Coach of the Bruins.

Cassidy will discuss his experiences in hockey, some of his plans and expectations for the Bruins this season.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Weekend Watching




The biggest crowd in UFC history was treated to a pretty solid card, although many people weren't happy with the main event where Georges St Pierre won by decision over Jake Shields. It wasn't fight of the night, but GSP proved he's the best fighter in the Welterweight division even if he doesn't finish his fights with a submission or knockout.

What's next, many are hoping for a superfight against Anderson Silva, but if Nick Diaz is able to cross over into the UFC then I think we may see our first UFC vs Strikeforce Champion fight.

Fight of the Night was Jose Aldo's decision over the hometown hero Mark Hominick. Aldo dominated Hominck for 4 rounds, as shown in the second picture Hominick was in pretty bad shape. But the native of Hamilton battled back in the 5th round to almost pull off one of the biggest comebacks ever. Even though Hominick didn't get the win, I don't think we heard the last of him in the title picture.

Randy Couture career is over after the incredible front face kick from Lyoto Machida. I thought if Couture could've pulled a win he might have returned, but after last night's knockout, Couture is heading into the sunset. No doubt it's been quite a ride for Couture. I wonder who Machida will face next since Rashad Evans is facing Phil Davis later this summer.

I think Toronto was treated to a great card, and think we will see return of the UFC within a year or so. And I expect the main event won't feature GSP, just a hunch.

In the NHL a little surprised that San Jose leads Detroit 2-0, but if I've learned over the years never count out the Red Wings and never assume the Sharks are in control until they win the series.

Pekka Rinne has been the best player in the 2nd round, and the only reason the Nashville and Vancouver series is 1-1.

Martin St. Louis has been playing like a MVP this playoffs and Vinny LeCavalier has been playing like a former number 1 pick, imagine how good Tampa Bay would be if Steven Stamkos gets back to his early season form.

Thanks to the NFL Network I watched too much of the NFL Draft. Teams who I think who are a better team after this weekend, Detroit, Baltimore, and Houston.

I thought the 49ers did okay and I'm looking to see Colin Kapernick at QB in a couple of years, but I got the feeling Alex Smith will be the starter for the team next season, which might not be a bad thing with Jim Harbaugh as his new Head Coach.