On tonight's edition of Locker Talk on Estevan Access 7, I'm joined by the 2010 Male Athlete of the Year in Michael Bittman. Bittman excelled in both football and in lacrosse over the past year. I've coached Bittman over the last 2 years, and I can say he's a very deserving winner. Bittman is currently preparing for the University of Regina Rams football team which will go next weekend in Regina.
On the second half of the show, I'm joined by Brandon Flegel as we recap the Fundraising Dinner at Spectra Place last Friday, with the Maple Leafs President and GM Brian Burke.
---
It's opening day in the Majors. I say that with mixed reaction, while I'm happy Baseball is back, I think March 31 is a little early too start the season. I wish they would start the season a week later and schedule doubleheaders in June, July and August.
--
As a Calgary Flames fan you can imagine how disappointed I'm with the NHL saying Matt Stajan's goal was disallowed last night. I'm not sure why the referee was behind the net when the puck was being batted in, I thought the best position for the ref in that situation was beside the net.
On another Flames note, I'm happy to see Daymond Langkow is set to be in the lineup tomorrow night, this is truly one of the great comeback stories this season. Even if it only lasts 4 games.
---
I'll provide my thoughts on the SJHL Final tomorrow, glad to see Access is carrying the series. The one thing I'll predict about the series, it won't be a sweep either way.
--
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Baseball Predictions
Since the baseball season begins tomorrow, I thought I do what every broadcaster does at the beginning of the season, make predictions.
AL East
Boston
*NY Yankees
Tampa Bay
Toronto
Baltimore
AL Central
Minnesota
Detroit
Chicago
Cleveland
Kansas City
AL West
Oakland
Texas
LA Angels
Seattle
NL East
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Washington
Florida
NY Mets
Central
Milwaukee
*Cincinnati
St.Louis
Chicago
Houston
Pittsburgh
West
Colorado
San Francisco
LA Dodgers
San Diego
Arizona
Playoffs
AL
Minnesota over Boston
New York over Oakland
Minnesota over New York
NL
Philly over Cincinnati
Milwaukee over Colorado
Philly over Milwaukee
World Series
Philly over Minnesota
AL East
Boston
*NY Yankees
Tampa Bay
Toronto
Baltimore
AL Central
Minnesota
Detroit
Chicago
Cleveland
Kansas City
AL West
Oakland
Texas
LA Angels
Seattle
NL East
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Washington
Florida
NY Mets
Central
Milwaukee
*Cincinnati
St.Louis
Chicago
Houston
Pittsburgh
West
Colorado
San Francisco
LA Dodgers
San Diego
Arizona
Playoffs
AL
Minnesota over Boston
New York over Oakland
Minnesota over New York
NL
Philly over Cincinnati
Milwaukee over Colorado
Philly over Milwaukee
World Series
Philly over Minnesota
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Bruins Head Coach Search Update
Someone posted last week asking an update on the search for the Bruins new Head Coach/GM and possibly a profile on the candidates that are listed.There isn't much yet to report on the coaching search but I can provide what I know so far.
The application deadline closed last Monday and I'm told the Bruins got about 30 applicants for the job. There's a lot of interest in the job, and if you take a look at Spectra Place you would realize why a lot of people would want to be the next Head Coach and GM for the Bruins.
Some of the leagues where the Bruins drew some interest include the NCAA, some other leagues in the USA, some European League, AAA Midget Coaches, WHL Assistant Coaches, other Junior A league coaches and some SJHL Personnel.
So it's kind of hard to give a profile about the candidates when there is so many.
I know the Bruins organization would love to have the new Head Coach by next weekend's spring camp, but that won't happen. Expect the list to be shortened to about 5 or 6 by Spring Camp.
I'm expecting the hiring of the new Head Coach will take place at the end of April or the beginning of May.
I'm interested what direction the Bruins will take next season with their new Head Coach and GM. Hopefully next week I can provide a further update about search for the new Head Coach and GM.
The application deadline closed last Monday and I'm told the Bruins got about 30 applicants for the job. There's a lot of interest in the job, and if you take a look at Spectra Place you would realize why a lot of people would want to be the next Head Coach and GM for the Bruins.
Some of the leagues where the Bruins drew some interest include the NCAA, some other leagues in the USA, some European League, AAA Midget Coaches, WHL Assistant Coaches, other Junior A league coaches and some SJHL Personnel.
So it's kind of hard to give a profile about the candidates when there is so many.
I know the Bruins organization would love to have the new Head Coach by next weekend's spring camp, but that won't happen. Expect the list to be shortened to about 5 or 6 by Spring Camp.
I'm expecting the hiring of the new Head Coach will take place at the end of April or the beginning of May.
I'm interested what direction the Bruins will take next season with their new Head Coach and GM. Hopefully next week I can provide a further update about search for the new Head Coach and GM.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Opening of Spectra Place Recap
After a couple of days rest, I can finally add a little recap to the opening of Spectra Place on Friday. It was a special night, that was made possible by the special speakers.
Before the dinner, I had the chance to meet Brian Burke and take part in a little media scrum. Burke was very professional and was very accommodating to the media. During his speech at the dinner, Burke was very entertaining. He talked about the reason why he keeps coming back to Estevan. Burke answered some questions from the crowd which was pretty hilarious.
Dave Nonis also spoke and talked about his upcoming task as GM of the World Hockey Championship team for Canada.
It always great to speak with any members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and that was the case with Darian Durant and Gene Makowsky. I'm really excited to see what Durant does this season for the Riders, this could be a season where the MOP and Grey Cup come to Saskatchewan thanks to Durant.
I did have the chance to meet with Joe Bowen the MC of the evening and it was great to chit chat for a few minutes with the voice of the Maple Leafs. We sure had a nice discussion about unique broadcast accommodations.
Overall a great night and I was happy to be a part of it.
Before the dinner, I had the chance to meet Brian Burke and take part in a little media scrum. Burke was very professional and was very accommodating to the media. During his speech at the dinner, Burke was very entertaining. He talked about the reason why he keeps coming back to Estevan. Burke answered some questions from the crowd which was pretty hilarious.
Dave Nonis also spoke and talked about his upcoming task as GM of the World Hockey Championship team for Canada.
It always great to speak with any members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and that was the case with Darian Durant and Gene Makowsky. I'm really excited to see what Durant does this season for the Riders, this could be a season where the MOP and Grey Cup come to Saskatchewan thanks to Durant.
I did have the chance to meet with Joe Bowen the MC of the evening and it was great to chit chat for a few minutes with the voice of the Maple Leafs. We sure had a nice discussion about unique broadcast accommodations.
Overall a great night and I was happy to be a part of it.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Brian Burke, Darian Durant and Gene Makowsky
It was opening night for Spectra Place in Estevan.
The man of the night was Brian Burke. Everyone in Estevan got their money worth as we were treated to a very entertaining evening from Burke. Before the dinner, the media had the chance to interview Burke.
Also speaking at the dinner was Darian Durant and he also had the chance to meet the media.
And Regina-Dewdney Sask Party Candidate Gene Makowsky
The man of the night was Brian Burke. Everyone in Estevan got their money worth as we were treated to a very entertaining evening from Burke. Before the dinner, the media had the chance to interview Burke.
Also speaking at the dinner was Darian Durant and he also had the chance to meet the media.
And Regina-Dewdney Sask Party Candidate Gene Makowsky
Friday, March 25, 2011
Burke Opens Up Spectra Place
It's a very special day in Estevan as the brand new arena Spectra Place will hold it's first event today.
The Athletes of the Year Awards will be honored this afternoon at 2:30, which will feature Brian Burke, Dave Nonis and Joe Bowen from the Maple Leafs arriving on a helicopter.
Tonight will be the final fundraiser dinner for Spectra Place. The speakers will be Burke, Nonis, and Members of the 1961 Trail Smokeeaters. If you would like more information on the Smoke eaters I recommend checking out http://www.historicsmokeeaters.ca/smokeeaters_thirdperiod.html for a look at the history of the Smokeeaters.
Also speaking will be Darian Durant, and Jim Hopson from the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The dinner will feature the world famous live auctions in Estevan. Among the items that will be sold, include a brand new F150.
It should be an exciting and entertaining day in Estevan as we say Hello to Spectra Place.
The Athletes of the Year Awards will be honored this afternoon at 2:30, which will feature Brian Burke, Dave Nonis and Joe Bowen from the Maple Leafs arriving on a helicopter.
Tonight will be the final fundraiser dinner for Spectra Place. The speakers will be Burke, Nonis, and Members of the 1961 Trail Smokeeaters. If you would like more information on the Smoke eaters I recommend checking out http://www.historicsmokeeaters.ca/smokeeaters_thirdperiod.html for a look at the history of the Smokeeaters.
Also speaking will be Darian Durant, and Jim Hopson from the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The dinner will feature the world famous live auctions in Estevan. Among the items that will be sold, include a brand new F150.
It should be an exciting and entertaining day in Estevan as we say Hello to Spectra Place.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Locker Talk Preview
This week on Locker Talk I'm joined with Joel Danyluk and Lucas Stubel, as we take one final look at the season that was for the Estevan Bruins.
While the Bruins season ended sooner than they would like, there were plenty of great memories made this year in Estevan, as I talked to the veteran of 299 Junior Hockey Games in Danyluk and the homegrown product in Stubel.
The Bruins have been such a big help with Locker Talk over the last few months. I believe 12 different players from the Bruins team appeared as guests on the show. I never had a hard time getting the players to help me out with the show and help make it a success.
While the Bruins season ended sooner than they would like, there were plenty of great memories made this year in Estevan, as I talked to the veteran of 299 Junior Hockey Games in Danyluk and the homegrown product in Stubel.
The Bruins have been such a big help with Locker Talk over the last few months. I believe 12 different players from the Bruins team appeared as guests on the show. I never had a hard time getting the players to help me out with the show and help make it a success.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Oakes To Serve as Scout for World Junior A Championships
The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League is proud to announce Rick Oakes as the league’s scouting representative for the World Junior “A” challenge. Under this role, Oakes will work with NHL Central Scouting regional director Graham Tuer to identify players that will represent the league at the World Junior “A” challenge in future years.
Oakes, a Moose Jaw native, has been involved with the Estevan Bruins in a variety of roles over the past decade. He has also served as a scout for the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL and is heavily involved with minor hockey throughout Saskatchewan.
The World Junior “A” challenge is one of the newest events on the hockey calendar. It was established by Hockey Canada in 2006 to showcase the talent in Canada’s 10 Junior “A’ leagues. In its five year existence, Canada West has won gold twice and silver twice.
SJHL players that have represented Canada West in the past include 2010 St. Louis Blues 1st round draft pick Jaden Schwartz, Clarke Breitkreuz of the Yorkton Terriers and Andrew Bodnarchuk of the Humboldt Broncos. In all, the SJHL has been represented by 18 players, coaches and management over the short history of the event.
SJHL president Laury Ryan is pleased to have Oakes on board and believes this will be a win-win situation for everyone involved.
“We are pleased to have Rick on board,” Ryan states. “His past record indicates an eye for talent and I am sure his work will result in many deserving SJHL players the opportunity to wear the maple leaf and represent Canada in this international competition.
Oakes will speak with SJHL organizations and with their help, he will base a roster of players that will be invited to the 2011 Canada West camp. Dates for that camp and the 2011 World Junior “A” Challenge have not been announced yet.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tuesday Thoughts
--Back from a brief holiday. I was away from work since last Thursday, but anytime I spend 8.5 hours driving, I would hardly call yesterday a holiday, when will Winter end?
-- Not surprised Yorkton is leading 2-0, but surprised how convincing they won on home ice. If Yorkton wins again tonight, you might as well punch their ticket to the SJHL final.
-- Bauer Final is pretty much what I expected. I think the series will last 6 games.
-- Pretty heartbreaking being a Flames fan right now. They come from behind twice on the road in California and only come away with 2 points out of 4. With the Western Conference as close as it can be, there's no doubt those 2 extra points will hurt the Flames one way or another.
-- UFC. It's official Jon "Bones" Jones is for real. I can't believe how much he dominated Shogun on Saturday at UFC 128. At only 23, Jones is the future of the light heavyweight division, and I can see him go on a little run with the title. I don't think we will see a Jones-Anderson Silva fight for a long time.
Those are just some of my quick thoughts on what feels like a Monday morning.
-- Not surprised Yorkton is leading 2-0, but surprised how convincing they won on home ice. If Yorkton wins again tonight, you might as well punch their ticket to the SJHL final.
-- Bauer Final is pretty much what I expected. I think the series will last 6 games.
-- Pretty heartbreaking being a Flames fan right now. They come from behind twice on the road in California and only come away with 2 points out of 4. With the Western Conference as close as it can be, there's no doubt those 2 extra points will hurt the Flames one way or another.
-- UFC. It's official Jon "Bones" Jones is for real. I can't believe how much he dominated Shogun on Saturday at UFC 128. At only 23, Jones is the future of the light heavyweight division, and I can see him go on a little run with the title. I don't think we will see a Jones-Anderson Silva fight for a long time.
Those are just some of my quick thoughts on what feels like a Monday morning.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Saying Good-Bye
The 2010-2011 Estevan Bruins may have only lasted until the 2nd round, but this year's team was one the best teams I've ever been around. Every player was a great person and brought a little something to the team.
Over the last few days, the team has said good-bye to each other, and I just wanted to say a few things about the 9 20 year old players who are moving on from Junior Hockey.
#1 Joel Danyluk. Everywhere Danyluk goes, the community falls in love with him. When we went to La Ronge in December, the crowd gave Danyluk such a warm reception. At every public event the Bruins helped out with, Danyluk would always provide a helping hand. Danyluk is such a great character and Estevan was lucky to have him in town for one season.
#10 Ryan Andersen. The native of Wainwright will have the distinction of scoring the final Bruins goal inside of the Civic Auditorium, and the way the season unfolded it was kind of fitting. Andersen carried the team in October and November. Andersen is such a hard worker off the ice and it was a pleasure getting to know Andy over the last year and a half.
#19 Jonathan Ceci. He may have only been in Estevan for 2 months, but he was nothing but clutch in his time here. Ceci scored 2 shootout winners along with several final minute goals. It takes a kid with strong character to bond with a team in 2 months, and character is something Ceci holds.
#7 Ben Findlay. Findlay was one of the strong character players on the team. He provided one of the great moments of the season with his last second goal in Kindersley. In the final post game, Chad Leslie says Findlay would make a great coach someday. And I know after the game one of the things me and Finds talked about was how great of a coach Bob Beatty is. If Findlay chooses to take that route someday, I have no doubt we'll see him behind some great hockey team bench, I know first hand he can handle the media, he was such a great interview.
#21 Joel Kot. Unfortunately I don't think we seen the best of Kot this season in Estevan. Kot battled injuries all season. If Kot was healthy, the sky was the limit. But saying that, he did provide many memories on the ice, but more importantly there was more off the ice. Kot has a great personality and provided me some great laughs in the press box. I have no doubt Kot will be playing some University hockey this season.
#15 Troy Hunter. It's a shame we only got to see Hunter in Estevan for one season. I've been in Estevan for 3 years, and I've been lucky to deal with 3 great captains in Kyle Garagan, Colton McPherson and now Hunter. Hunter's play in the Survivor Series may have been the most dominating individual performances I have ever seen in Junior Hockey, Hunter took the team on his back and carried them. Hunter was a great leader off the ice and I thought he did a great job with the C. Hunter is one guy I can honestly say I've become friends with over the last year and I know he'll be playing hockey somewhere next year.
#8 Ty Ariss. One of the 3 year vets with the Bruins team. Ariss is a solid 2 way defenceman and provided some exciting moments over the years. He could score, make a defensive play and drop the mitts if needed. Ariss gave it his all in every game for the past 3 years, and it was a pleasure meeting Ariss over these last 3 years. Hopefully Ariss is playing some University hockey in Canada next season.
#18 Mark Cross. For the last 3 years it has been a pleasure getting to know Cross. In the 3 years I've gotten to know him he has been nothing but first class with me. He always provided me with a great conversation, and he always helped out his team. He was one of the best 2 way forwards in the SJHL and got rewarded already for his Junior play as he's heading to York University to play hockey next year. I can't imagine calling another Bruin game without Cross. It's been a pleasure watching Cross grow up over the last 3 years.
#17 Lucas Stubel. If there's anyone who defines being an Estevan Bruin, it's Lucas Stubel. Stubel gave his heart and soul for the Bruins team. Starting out as #8 d-man in his rookie year, Stubel worked hard on and off the ice over the last 3 years to become the player that he is today. Stubel was a great role model for any kid in Estevan who some day wants to play with the Bruins team. Stubel always helped me out when I needed something. Whether it was an interview, color commentary when he was hurt. It's been a treat getting to know Lucas and his entire family for the past 3 years, and I look forward to watching Stubel play University hockey in the future.
I can't thank the Bruins enough for all the help they provided me over the past year. They always helped me as a broadcaster and I'm happy to call them friends. I look forward to seeing some of the guys in the summer, but more importantly for a lot of these guys, I can't wait to see them on the ice again.
Over the last few days, the team has said good-bye to each other, and I just wanted to say a few things about the 9 20 year old players who are moving on from Junior Hockey.
#1 Joel Danyluk. Everywhere Danyluk goes, the community falls in love with him. When we went to La Ronge in December, the crowd gave Danyluk such a warm reception. At every public event the Bruins helped out with, Danyluk would always provide a helping hand. Danyluk is such a great character and Estevan was lucky to have him in town for one season.
#10 Ryan Andersen. The native of Wainwright will have the distinction of scoring the final Bruins goal inside of the Civic Auditorium, and the way the season unfolded it was kind of fitting. Andersen carried the team in October and November. Andersen is such a hard worker off the ice and it was a pleasure getting to know Andy over the last year and a half.
#19 Jonathan Ceci. He may have only been in Estevan for 2 months, but he was nothing but clutch in his time here. Ceci scored 2 shootout winners along with several final minute goals. It takes a kid with strong character to bond with a team in 2 months, and character is something Ceci holds.
#7 Ben Findlay. Findlay was one of the strong character players on the team. He provided one of the great moments of the season with his last second goal in Kindersley. In the final post game, Chad Leslie says Findlay would make a great coach someday. And I know after the game one of the things me and Finds talked about was how great of a coach Bob Beatty is. If Findlay chooses to take that route someday, I have no doubt we'll see him behind some great hockey team bench, I know first hand he can handle the media, he was such a great interview.
#21 Joel Kot. Unfortunately I don't think we seen the best of Kot this season in Estevan. Kot battled injuries all season. If Kot was healthy, the sky was the limit. But saying that, he did provide many memories on the ice, but more importantly there was more off the ice. Kot has a great personality and provided me some great laughs in the press box. I have no doubt Kot will be playing some University hockey this season.
#15 Troy Hunter. It's a shame we only got to see Hunter in Estevan for one season. I've been in Estevan for 3 years, and I've been lucky to deal with 3 great captains in Kyle Garagan, Colton McPherson and now Hunter. Hunter's play in the Survivor Series may have been the most dominating individual performances I have ever seen in Junior Hockey, Hunter took the team on his back and carried them. Hunter was a great leader off the ice and I thought he did a great job with the C. Hunter is one guy I can honestly say I've become friends with over the last year and I know he'll be playing hockey somewhere next year.
#8 Ty Ariss. One of the 3 year vets with the Bruins team. Ariss is a solid 2 way defenceman and provided some exciting moments over the years. He could score, make a defensive play and drop the mitts if needed. Ariss gave it his all in every game for the past 3 years, and it was a pleasure meeting Ariss over these last 3 years. Hopefully Ariss is playing some University hockey in Canada next season.
#18 Mark Cross. For the last 3 years it has been a pleasure getting to know Cross. In the 3 years I've gotten to know him he has been nothing but first class with me. He always provided me with a great conversation, and he always helped out his team. He was one of the best 2 way forwards in the SJHL and got rewarded already for his Junior play as he's heading to York University to play hockey next year. I can't imagine calling another Bruin game without Cross. It's been a pleasure watching Cross grow up over the last 3 years.
#17 Lucas Stubel. If there's anyone who defines being an Estevan Bruin, it's Lucas Stubel. Stubel gave his heart and soul for the Bruins team. Starting out as #8 d-man in his rookie year, Stubel worked hard on and off the ice over the last 3 years to become the player that he is today. Stubel was a great role model for any kid in Estevan who some day wants to play with the Bruins team. Stubel always helped me out when I needed something. Whether it was an interview, color commentary when he was hurt. It's been a treat getting to know Lucas and his entire family for the past 3 years, and I look forward to watching Stubel play University hockey in the future.
I can't thank the Bruins enough for all the help they provided me over the past year. They always helped me as a broadcaster and I'm happy to call them friends. I look forward to seeing some of the guys in the summer, but more importantly for a lot of these guys, I can't wait to see them on the ice again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)