Part 2 of Talking With Narco

Part 2

Talking With Narco Part 1

In a couple of weeks we will be celebrating Don Narcisse Day on Aug.12. This past April I had the chance to talk to the future hall of famer.

Here is Part 1 of the interview.

Pics From Spectra Place

Some pictures from the newest arena in Estevan. Spectra Place is set to host its first Bruin Game on Jan. 2 of 2011

Comeback Reflection

Hard to believe its only been a week since the Riders completed the Canada Day Comeback. 54-51 may soon become the regular season equivalent of 43-40 (89 Grey Cup score). Like the Grey Cup, the Riders made a big comeback in the end to win the game.
Call me crazy but I had no doubt that the Riders would come back. Maybe I have seen too many movies, or maybe because its just the nature of the CFL. The Green and White machine just would not be stopped. But I think the reason is simply the Riders offence, when your number 6th receiver is Jason Clermont, you have depth. Its going to be hard for defences to slow down the Riders offence. On the D yes they did let up 51 points to Montreal, but this is a unit that will need some time to gel. I still like their LBs and their secondary and in time I think the ends will pick up their play. We may still be talking about Chick and Baggs, but hopefully in the end we are talking about this team getting a Grey Cup.
Its only Week 2, but the 100th season is off to a great start.

Turning Over A New Season

So summer has officially begun and hopefully the rain can go away. Everywhere in Saskatchewan, the last couple of months have been nothing but disastrous for any outdoor team. Weather forecasters are predicting a dry summer and some cooler than normal temperatures, but not as bad as last year. So hopefully this means that means the provincial baseball teams can get their games. Especially since it has been nothing short of a terrible season weather wise.

Of course they are predicting some heavy rain for the fall, but don't worry, its football season. Nothing can stop football, unless its lightning and thunder.

Football Talk

Finally some live football action. It maybe only the preseason, but it was still great to be back at Taylor Field to see the first glimpse of the 2010 edition of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Some highlights of the game.

- If there was any doubt that Ryan Dinwiddie would be the backup, they were silenced on Sunday. Dinwiddie went 13 for 19 with 2 touchdown passes and seemed to be in sync with the rest of the offense. I thought that the backup QB battle would be one of the most interesting battles in camp, but with Dinwiddie's strong game, the release of Todd Reesing and the play of Cole Berequist and Kent Smith there should be no doubt that if Darian Durant goes down with an injury it will be the ex Bomber who will coming in, to take over the helms.

- The Riders receiving core should be the best one in the league 1-6. Prechae Rodriguez looked like he will be a huge upgrade for Gerran Walker, Weston Dressler looks like he has fully recovered from his leg injury and Jason Clermont seems poised to rebound in 2010 after a sub-par year. While we may not see the numbers like he put up in BC, Clermont should be more of a factor in 2010. And I didnt even mention the Riders other 3 Canadian superstars.

- Barrin Simpson will make an huge impact this season. Possibly motivated after a forgettable year in Winnipeg, Simpson looked like he was shot out of cannon on Sunday. The defense lost 3 big members from last season, but Simpson's leadership could aid the loss of Eddie Davis, Stevie Baggs and John Chick.

The Riders finish the preseason in Calgary on Sunday.

Over Already?

As each we approach the final week of the hockey season, I find myself asking one question...How many days until it all begins again? Being a play by play announcer of a hockey team you have to find a way to love hockey to death or else your job is just hell. And there is no doubt I love hockey to death.

A big reason why I am excited is because the potential of the Bruins team next season in Estevan. With the acquisitions of Joel Danyluk, and Ben Findlay from La Ronge and Devon Mitzner from Dauphin the Bruins have the makings of possible championship club, which would be a nice debut for the rink that is set to open up in the new year here in Estevan.

I can't wait til July..at least then I have some football to watch.

The Hot Stove Is Never Cold

It seems like there is so no such thing as an offseason anymore in the world of hockey. Yes there are no longer any games played on the ice, but with the constant rumors and speculation it seems there is more excitement in the summer than the winter.

Case in point with the Estevan Bruins. The team will be picking up 5 players in future considerations in deals with the SJHL champion La Ronge Ice Wolves, MJHL Champions and RBC Cup runner up Dauphin Kings, and the Battleford Northstars.

It is exciting to think that the Bruins will be adding 3-4 players who were playing in the RBC Cup this past month in Dauphin. Bringing in those players who will have a chip on their shoulders since they all came up short to the Vernon Vipers, will only help the Bruins squad.

Also congrats to former Bruin goalie Chris Neamonitis who has accepted a scholarship to Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. Nemo was the veteran presence at the end of the season, and provided the Bruins quality goaltending night in and night out. Congrats to Nemo!

Not Soon Enough

Is it ever too early to think about Rider season? Maybe the real question for me is, Do I have stop thinking about Rider season? With the NHL playoffs soon reaching it's final four, the CFL season is just around the corner.

How can any Rider fan not be excited for the upcoming season? Offensively the club just got stronger with acquisitions in Prechae Rodriquez, and Dominique Dorsey. On defense their were tough losses, but picking up Barrin Simpson should offset the loss in the middle, and it will be interesting to see who will step up on the D-End to replace the Chick-Baggs combo.

After talking to a few Riders this off season, you can tell the team is fired up and ready to go. And hopefully the team can cap off the fairy tale season with a Grey Cup win in Edmonton.

Bittersweet Time Of Year

Yes the NHL playoffs are here. Which is the best thing in the world, unless you are a Calgary Flames fan like me. Granted I might be spoiled since my team has been in the playoffs since 04, but still it sucks not being a 100 percent behind some team right now.
The games are faster, the hits are harder, the game just has so much intensity. There is nothing like the playoffs.

Now since the Flames are not in the playoffs. Who am I rooting for? Well I guess Washington and Buffalo. Washington because I am a OV8 fan. And I like Buffalo cause really has that city ever won a championship?

While its sad I cant crank out my Flames intensity this playoff, I am looking forward to 2 solid months of playoff hockey