Quick Bruins Update

I know a couple of weeks ago I promised some Bruins news, and other than spring camp it's been quiet in Bruins land.

I can offer an update on one front. I did get confirmation from one Bruins player yesterday, that he will be playing CIS Hockey next season. I rather wait until the news release came from the Bruins or the University in question before I post a name on here, but let's just say this player was a true leader for the team this past season.

Another Bruins player told me that he may also be heading to another CIS school but it wasn't a done deal yet so I won't drop any hints yet.

But hopefully by the end of the week I can give official news, rather than these wink wink type rumors.

Trip Down Memory Lane

It was a trip down memory lane during the Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks game today. When Pierre McGuire was talking about Anaheim Ducks defenceman Sheldon Brookbank, Pierre remarked that Brookbank played with the SJHL's Humboldt Broncos, play by play man Chris Cuthbert that recalled his days as the voice of the Yorkton Terriers from 1979.

Cuthbert remarked that Humboldt had quite the old arena, but their newer arena was very nice. That old arena Cuthbert was talking about the was the Leo Parker arena. It's been over 15 years since that rink was torn down, but I still have plenty of great memories of the old arena. It was the first place where I played hockey, and the majority of younger hockey was played in the old arena.

Since the arena was torn down, the Leo Parker became a parking lot for the High School. And now the site has recently became a new apartment building.

It was a nice trip down memory hearing about the old Leo Parker rink.

Playoff Thoughts

-- The playoffs are underway and while nothing has been settled in the first round some teams are already in danger of falling out of the playoffs.

-- The Washington Capitals have been the most impressive team in the postseason if you ask me. The Capitals have gone from a entertaining run and gun team, to a solid 2 way team. Michal Neuvirth has been solid in net for the Capitals and has matched Henrik Lundquist of the Rangers. I also think the best move during the trade deadline season was the Capitals acquisition of Jason Arnott. Arnott has been the solid number 2 center the Caps have been looking for the last couple of seasons.

-- The Canucks have looked good against the Blackhawks. The Canucks have just been faster and have outhit the Hawks through 2 games. I think the Hawks need to become a more grittier team if they want a shot of beating the Canucks. It just seems like Chicago is missing guys like Dustin Byfuglien, Kris Versteeg, and Adam Burish. The physical, gritty guys that made things tough for the Canucks. If Chicago doesn't win the next 2 games, they're finished in my eyes.

-- Can I change my Coyotes-Red Wings pick? Phoenix has just looked flat way too much in their series with the Red Wings. To beat the Wings, the Coyotes need to play 60 minutes, not 20-30. And wouldn't it be ironic if the Coyotes final game as the Phoenix Coyotes is a first round loss to the Red Wings, since the Winnipeg Jets last game was a first round loss to the Red Wings.

Spending the Summer with Brock and Junior

The UFC is set to invade the Rogers Arena in Vancouver on June 11, and while there's no championship bout, the Main Event will feature the biggest draw in the UFC in Brock Lesnar against Junior Dos Santos in the battles of the coaches in the reality show The Ultimate Fighter.

I've been a UFC fan for about 10 years now, but I have never been to a live UFC event ever. But that's going to change as I got my ticket purchased and I'm heading to Vancouver in June to see the battle of 2 of the top heavyweights in the world.

I admit, I am a huge Lesnar fan, I find him to be an amazing athlete. The guy was Division 1 Wrestling champion, Pro Wrestling Champion, a failed NFL tryout (but he made Madden 05 so was it a failure really? lol) and now former UFC heavyweight Champion. The guy might be a heavyweight size but moves around like a welterweight.

Dos Santos has never been beaten in the UFC, and was originally scheduled to fight Cain Velazquez in Toronto at UFC 129, but Velazquez was injured pushing back a title fight until the fall. Unlike Rashad Evans who waited on a title shot (by the way, Evans still hasn't received his shot) Dos Santos has stepped up and taken the fight with Lesnar to prove he's the number 1 heavyweight in the world even if this means he won't get his title shot. I admit I'm rooting for Brock, but I have nothing but respect for Dos Santos.

So 8 more weeks until UFC 131, and I can't hardly wait.

Locker Talk Preview

This week on Locker Talk I'm joined with Bruins forward Dylan Smith.

Me and Smitty take a look back at the Bruins Spring Camp this past week. Smitty was one of the instructors for the Bruins Spring Camp along with Eric Baldwin, Ryan Ostertag, Shea Cooper and Lucas Stubel. We talk about the players from Spring Camp who we can expect to see back in the fall.

We also take a look at next season.We talk about the potential top line next season for the Bruins is Smith-Cole Olsen-Michael Hengen. We talk about who might wear the C for the Bruins, and what the Bruins chances will be next season in the Sherwood Conference.

We ended off the show talking about the NHL playoffs.

Locker Talk can be seen 6:30 every Thursday on Access 7 in Estevan.

Playoff Picks

16 teams are now chasing to grab a kiss with Lord Stanley. There's nothing better than playoff hockey and this post season should deliver some more memorable moments. Here's my predictions.

East

Washington over NY Rangers in 6. I can't see the Caps losing in the first round again.

Buffalo over Philly in 7. Yep upset. An injured Chris Pronger scares me about Philly. I think Miller is this years Halak.

Boston over Montreal in 5. Boston is built for the playoffs. Carey Price has to steal the series if the Habs want a shot.

Tampa Bay over Pitts in 7. No Crosby.No cup for Pittsburgh

West

Vancouver over Chicago in 5. I just think the Canucks are too fired up for the Hawks.

San Jose over LA Kings in 6. Pavelski and Couture are the 2 best players in San Jose in my mind.

Pheonix over Detroit in 7. It's been 23 years since the Jets/Coyotes won a series..the skid is over.

Anaheim over Nashville in 6. The Ducks just have to much firepower in my eyes.

2nd rd.

East

Washington over Buffalo
Boston over Tampa Bay

West

Vancouver over Phoenix
Anaheim over San Jose

Conf Finals

East
Boston over Washington

West
Anaheim over Vancouver

Finals

Anaheim over Boston

Conn Smythe Pick: Ryan Getzlaf

Another Ring For Bob

First off I want to congratulate the La Ronge Ice Wolves on winning the SJHL championship. I'm really happy that Bob Beatty won another championship. I've known Bob since he took over the head coaching job in Humboldt, and I know first hand how great a coach he is. I've talked to players who played under him in Humboldt and La Ronge, and I have never heard a player said a bad thing about him.

In my mind Bob is the best coach in the SJHL, (Dean Brockman is a very close second) and really I think if Bob wants to move on to the WHL, then some team has to give him an opportunity.

Hats off to Trent Cassan and the job he did with Yorkton. He was my pick for coach of the year. (And yes the media gets to vote on that award)

Tuesday Thoughts

In a strike of scheduling genius..(or just dumb luck) The SJHL championships will wrap up in La Ronge tonight as the Terriers and Ice Wolves meet in Game 7. This is one of the best SJHL finals in recent memory, although I still might rank the 2008 final with the Humboldt Broncos and Kindersley Klippers slightly ahead now, although that Game 7 didn't have much drama. It should be an entertaining series finale at the Mel.

Starting tomorrow you can say my television plans will be booked as the NHL playoffs kick off. Even when my team (the Flames) don't make the playoffs, I still get excited for the playoffs. It seems like the first round is the round where we'll see the triple overtime games and there should be plenty of 7 game series. I'll post my picks tomorrow.

It was cool hearing the Clermont interview on Rod Pedersen's SportsCage yesterday. I was more than happy to help provide some listening material for the Rider faithful. Clermont was a very classy act along with Getzlaf and Dominguez.

That's it for today, one more sleep everybody.

More Good News for Estevan Football

On the heels of Estevan's football fundraiser dinner on Saturday, there's plenty of more good news from the gridiron in the Energy City.

Zach Rensby was one of 2 players from the ECS Elecs who tried out with the University of Regina Rams football team this past weekend. After a successful weekend Rensby has been asked to join the Rams football team.

Rensby has played Defensive End, Offensive Tackle, Linebacker and Full back in 2 years of high school football, and will be playing defensive end in the post secondary level.

Michael Bittman also tried out for the Rams team, and while he didn't make the Rams team. I'm sure we haven't seen the last of Bittman in football. He'll be trying out for other football teams like the Regina Thunder.

Jason Clermont, Matt Dominguez and Chad Leslie Audio

As promised before last night's Estevan Fundraiser Dinner the local media had the chance to meet with Jason Clermont, Chris Getzlaf and Matt Dominguez. Here's the interviews with Clermont and Dominguez.

As well at the conclusion of the Bruins spring camp I had the chance to speak with former Bruins Head Coach Chad Leslie.


Jason Clermont




Matt Dominguez




Chad Leslie