My wife pointed out today that May has 31 days so last night our family didn't close out the month of May with fireworks (as referenced in the last point) unless you call a 2-1 Detroit win to go up 3 to 1 on Pittsburgh a fireworks display.
I'd say it was a display of poor coaching. I know Don Cherry said this after the game but it's something I've been harping at work since Game 1. Crosby has to play more. Way more. I also agree with Grapes on the poor decision of Therrien to play Malkin on the 5 on 3. That was a huge mistake.
Detroit has a chance to win the Cup on home ice in Game 5. I wonder who Scott Oake will interview in the celebration. Brad Stuart? Dan Cleary? I mean geez Scott, I know Detroit lacks Canadian content but could you mix it up a bit or maybe learn some Swede.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Ending May with Fireworks
The Sackville family took in our first Goldeyes game of the 2008 season last night. Rain earlier in the day and some ugly clouds kept attendance at the park down but it was still a lively crowd. The game started out a pitcher's contest but some big dude named Diaz for the Joliet JackHammers crushed a 3 run home run that broke the game open. The Goldeyes clawed back but after the final out the score was JackHammers 5 Goldeyes 3.
Here's a little rundown of my game observations.
Fastball away - Ball ONE
I just loved some of the names announced at the game last night. Baseball players, and especially minor league players have some of the best names. Here's a few I enjoyed.
Trino Aguilar
Fehlandt Lentini
Tydus Meadows
Ace Walker
Freddie Thon
Doc Brooks
Wally Backman Jr.
Slider inside - swing and miss - Strike ONE
Just like interesting names, minor league ball has some wild mascots. I think I once read that Goldie was a mix of Goldeye owner Sam Katz's favorite ball mascots especially the Philadelphia Philly. If you ever want to know what a mascot really is just ask a 2 year old. According the my 2 year old, Goldie is a bear. Some Internet research shows the JackHammers have a bear mascot as well.
* Jammer, the JackHammer mascot.Fastball away - foul out of play - Strike Two
I figure since the Northern League is only a six team league I should really get to know a bit more about each team and the city they are from. The teams that make up the Northern league are: Winnipeg Goldeyes, Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, Gary SouthShore RailCats, Kansas City T-Bones, Schaumburg Flyers, and the Joliet JackHammers.
Joliet is in Illinois. A city of 145 000 and considered one of the fastest growing cities in America according to the City of Joliet website. It is located about 1 hour southwest of Chicago and was the home of Joliet Prison, a state prison until 2004. The Joliet Prison is the basis of the fictional prison, Fox River, in the TV series Prison Break. That's all I've got for now. I've got an entire summer for the other teams.
Fastball high - Ball Two
Prior to the game the Goldeyes had a moment of silence for former Manitoba Moose and NHL prospect, Luc Bourdon. Bourdon was killed in a motorcycle accident on Thursday in New Brunswick. A sad loss. I thought it was a classy move for the Goldeyes to honor a fellow local sports star and to remind fans that tragedy hits everyone.
Change-up - swing in front, Strike Three on the Pancake Batter
The game started off with the JackHammer lead off hitter being named the designated Pancake Batter of the night. If the designated Pancake Batter strikes out then everyone in the ball park recieves pancakes (a coupon for the Pancake house). I love this gimmick. It draws major pitch by pitch attention when the designated Pancake Batter is at the plate. Last night the designated Pancake Batter lead the game off with a strike out and the fans went nuts.
To end the game the Goldeyes had a fireworks show that was almost worth the price of the ball ticket alone. Here's the Sackville Slugger watching the final innings and waiting for the fireworks to end the night....
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Couch Taps Out Home Brew for Second Win
Team Couch player/manager, Cooter sent another Couch ace to the mound in MARBLE league action last night. Herschel Bolstien III got his first start of the season and pitched out of early first inning trouble to lead Team Couch to it's second win of the season. A 16-5 victory over the expansion Home Brew squad. Bolstien attempted the complete game but a late rally by Home Brew forced BlackJack to come in for the save.
The win is the second in a row for Team Couch and sets a franchise best 2-1 start to the season. The bats came alive early in the game resulting in an early lead that was built on slowly throughout the contest.
Last night's game featured the debut of Steph. A free swinger at the plate and a creative fielder at second base. Steph made probably the first and only 4-1-3 put out in Couch history last night. The play was fun to watch but not something she plans on doing again. The timing of Steph's debut was fitting as Lan Lan pulled up at third base with a sprained ankle early in the game. She had just smacked a double and was advancing on the next hit when she injured herself. She was carried off by her husband, Cooter, somewhat romantically or maybe better described as awkwardly. She is listed as day to day. No word on Cooter's back this morning.
Team Couch looks to build on it's 2-1 start next week. They may be without Jerry Can as JC is scheduled to depart to Afghanistan for a Nick Carter Spy novel type adventure. Either that or office/project management work in air conditioned quarters. Whatever role he fills he will take his Team Couch winning ways with him to do it.
The win is the second in a row for Team Couch and sets a franchise best 2-1 start to the season. The bats came alive early in the game resulting in an early lead that was built on slowly throughout the contest.
Last night's game featured the debut of Steph. A free swinger at the plate and a creative fielder at second base. Steph made probably the first and only 4-1-3 put out in Couch history last night. The play was fun to watch but not something she plans on doing again. The timing of Steph's debut was fitting as Lan Lan pulled up at third base with a sprained ankle early in the game. She had just smacked a double and was advancing on the next hit when she injured herself. She was carried off by her husband, Cooter, somewhat romantically or maybe better described as awkwardly. She is listed as day to day. No word on Cooter's back this morning.
Team Couch looks to build on it's 2-1 start next week. They may be without Jerry Can as JC is scheduled to depart to Afghanistan for a Nick Carter Spy novel type adventure. Either that or office/project management work in air conditioned quarters. Whatever role he fills he will take his Team Couch winning ways with him to do it.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
2007 Stanley Cup remake
Okay, this Stanley Cup final is looking a little too familiar. Are the Penguins trying to put on the same performance as Ottawa did last year in the final? Is this a CBC Stanley Cup 2007 remake?
It looks that way with Hal Gill playing the role of Wade Redden - a flat footed defenseman making sluggish plays. Then there's Gary Roberts starring as Chris Neil in the no talent "grinder" role trying embarrassingly to "get something going". But the real stars are Michel Therrien as the inept and confused Coach Murray and Evegeni Malkin as Jasson Spezza. The rising superstar that becomes overwhelmed and tanks the final playing out the final games no better than an ECHL call up would do. Don't miss the cameo by Mr. Invisible - Syd Crosby.
The Penguins aren't showing up at all. I'll give Detroit credit for playing sound hockey but it would be nice to see them face some adversity in the Cup final. I mean talk about a gift the Penguins are giving them. Don Cherry said it best when he described some of the Penguin play as "criminal" for NHL standards. It's not the first time the Wings have had an easy Cup final. 2002 - Carolina (4-1), 1998 - Washington (4 -0), 1997 - Philadelphia (4-0).
I don't have a favorite in this series to cheer for. I'm just hoping for a good series to be salvaged and for CBC to stop showing the goofy looking Ken Holland and his even goofier looking sidekick sitting so uncomfortably close in the sky box. If Detroit manages to score the first goal in Game 3 there won't be a series so I'll cheer for Osgood to shutout the Penguins the entire series and then have fun watching the critics try and describe his play. "Points for staying awake" was the last I heard on CBC when announcing his first star selection. He has 13 career playoff shutouts and is on the verge of 2 cup rings. What else does this guy have to do?
Let's get this thing over with and start NFL training camps.
It looks that way with Hal Gill playing the role of Wade Redden - a flat footed defenseman making sluggish plays. Then there's Gary Roberts starring as Chris Neil in the no talent "grinder" role trying embarrassingly to "get something going". But the real stars are Michel Therrien as the inept and confused Coach Murray and Evegeni Malkin as Jasson Spezza. The rising superstar that becomes overwhelmed and tanks the final playing out the final games no better than an ECHL call up would do. Don't miss the cameo by Mr. Invisible - Syd Crosby.
The Penguins aren't showing up at all. I'll give Detroit credit for playing sound hockey but it would be nice to see them face some adversity in the Cup final. I mean talk about a gift the Penguins are giving them. Don Cherry said it best when he described some of the Penguin play as "criminal" for NHL standards. It's not the first time the Wings have had an easy Cup final. 2002 - Carolina (4-1), 1998 - Washington (4 -0), 1997 - Philadelphia (4-0).
I don't have a favorite in this series to cheer for. I'm just hoping for a good series to be salvaged and for CBC to stop showing the goofy looking Ken Holland and his even goofier looking sidekick sitting so uncomfortably close in the sky box. If Detroit manages to score the first goal in Game 3 there won't be a series so I'll cheer for Osgood to shutout the Penguins the entire series and then have fun watching the critics try and describe his play. "Points for staying awake" was the last I heard on CBC when announcing his first star selection. He has 13 career playoff shutouts and is on the verge of 2 cup rings. What else does this guy have to do?
Let's get this thing over with and start NFL training camps.
Monday, May 26, 2008
2 Cup refill
I forgot about the Marc Andre Fleury fall during the intro of Game One. I guess it was an ominous sign for Fleury as he had a less than stellar Game One performance.
I just love the reaction by the Detroit fans/on-ice helpers.
Check out the fall.
Great sports bloopers week-end.
I just love the reaction by the Detroit fans/on-ice helpers.
Check out the fall.
Great sports bloopers week-end.
2 Cups of Hockey
This past week-end I went back to Brandon for my brother's birthday. We just got in a BBQ Saturday night before the first real rain showers of the season for southern Manitoba began. You could say the birthday had a baseball theme to it. I'm working on picture proof. Until then I can describe a few birthday gifts - baseball cards, Winnipeg Goldeyes t-shirt, Minnesota Twins BBQ cover. We also had plans for some BP but the rain didn't let up. Instead, we turned our attention to a few cups. 
updated: the proof is in the...well, cake.
Game One of the Stanley Cup finals - there was really only a small window of opportunity in the first period for the Penguins to take control of the game and that was on the power play. Once Detroit killed off the first period penalties and took the lead it was all over. Detroit was in cruise control the rest of the game. That's what you can do when you can skate, check, pass, and play your position. A pretty basic game plan but not many teams can do all four at once at a high level.
The second was on Sunday - the Memorial Cup - and only shortly after the game was decided the cup was broken in two pieces. Easily one of the funniest things I have ever seen on TV and a top 5 sports bloopers of all time. Before you check out the YouTube video you should know that the Spokane Chiefs won the Memorial Cup on skating, checking, passing, and playing their positions well. Sound familiar? I've got lots of Memorial Cup comments and memories but I'll save it for later...maybe when the Wheaties get there next year. So without further delay I'll send you off to YouTube (can't save the video here at work and upload straight to the blog) and the M-Cup drop.
updated: the proof is in the...well, cake.Game One of the Stanley Cup finals - there was really only a small window of opportunity in the first period for the Penguins to take control of the game and that was on the power play. Once Detroit killed off the first period penalties and took the lead it was all over. Detroit was in cruise control the rest of the game. That's what you can do when you can skate, check, pass, and play your position. A pretty basic game plan but not many teams can do all four at once at a high level.
The second was on Sunday - the Memorial Cup - and only shortly after the game was decided the cup was broken in two pieces. Easily one of the funniest things I have ever seen on TV and a top 5 sports bloopers of all time. Before you check out the YouTube video you should know that the Spokane Chiefs won the Memorial Cup on skating, checking, passing, and playing their positions well. Sound familiar? I've got lots of Memorial Cup comments and memories but I'll save it for later...maybe when the Wheaties get there next year. So without further delay I'll send you off to YouTube (can't save the video here at work and upload straight to the blog) and the M-Cup drop.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Looking ahead
1 - day until Game One of the Stanley Cup finals. I think the Penguins will find out how difficult it is to play in Detroit at the Joe Lou. Heck, it took Marty Turco something like 9 or 10 games to get his first NHL win there, didn't it? Marc Andre Fleury could be in for a rough start. So I think the Penguins get behind early in the series and I think Detroit has enough skill and experience to get a split on the road in games 3 and 4 and maintain home ice advantage postponing a Crosby Cup hoist until next year. Nicklas Lidstrom will earn MVP.
28 - days until the NHL Entry Draft. There is no suspense in the first pick. It will be Tampa taking Steve Stamkos. A late Oiler winning stretch ruined the chances of Brian Burke picking in the top 5 with the Dustin Penner compensation pick so I doubt Burke will rub it in Kevin Lowe's face when he selects at the spot received from the Oilers but you never know with the fiery Burke.
60 - days until baby number two for the Sackside. To be honest this is where my thoughts have been more recently. It kind of crept up on me. It may seem like a long time to you but trust me each day starts to feel like an hour. The name poll will close soon but my wife and I have a bit of a curve ball to throw out later. We are seriously considering using a family name combination from her father's lineage if we have a boy. Waverly Ryan stands as the name for a girl.
28 - days until the release of The Love Guru staring Mike Myers as a romance self help guru working to save the relationship of a hockey player and his girlfriend. It also stars Jessica Alba and Justin Timberlake and Verne Troyer plays Coach Chekov. Looks like a silly flop like the Austin Powers sequels but I'm a Myers fan and look forward to seeing it.
95 - days including long days with no air conditioning and babies crying all night before the release of Prison Break Season 3 on DVD. My brother got me hooked on the show with terribly cheesy acting, ridiculous story lines, and constant cliffhangers. Thanks a lot W. No, seriously, thanks.
half a day - until the week-end starts!
***If I was any kind of blogger I would have all kinds of links littered in this post so you could visit sites for more information but I'm lazy and I think you know how to Google.
28 - days until the NHL Entry Draft. There is no suspense in the first pick. It will be Tampa taking Steve Stamkos. A late Oiler winning stretch ruined the chances of Brian Burke picking in the top 5 with the Dustin Penner compensation pick so I doubt Burke will rub it in Kevin Lowe's face when he selects at the spot received from the Oilers but you never know with the fiery Burke.
60 - days until baby number two for the Sackside. To be honest this is where my thoughts have been more recently. It kind of crept up on me. It may seem like a long time to you but trust me each day starts to feel like an hour. The name poll will close soon but my wife and I have a bit of a curve ball to throw out later. We are seriously considering using a family name combination from her father's lineage if we have a boy. Waverly Ryan stands as the name for a girl.
28 - days until the release of The Love Guru staring Mike Myers as a romance self help guru working to save the relationship of a hockey player and his girlfriend. It also stars Jessica Alba and Justin Timberlake and Verne Troyer plays Coach Chekov. Looks like a silly flop like the Austin Powers sequels but I'm a Myers fan and look forward to seeing it.
95 - days including long days with no air conditioning and babies crying all night before the release of Prison Break Season 3 on DVD. My brother got me hooked on the show with terribly cheesy acting, ridiculous story lines, and constant cliffhangers. Thanks a lot W. No, seriously, thanks.
half a day - until the week-end starts!
***If I was any kind of blogger I would have all kinds of links littered in this post so you could visit sites for more information but I'm lazy and I think you know how to Google.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Couch Win! Couch Win!
On a very cold night at Blumberg, Team Couch evened up their record to 1-1 with a solid win. Cooter was on the mound and held Up in Smoke in check after the bats of Team Couch gave the southpaw an early lead. Blackjack came in relief late in the game to preserve the win for the save.
The game was a low scoring affair for softball. Team Couch pitching had probably a record high strikeout total. I lost track at 5. C-Foot was his usually Gold Glove self in center field shagging fly balls like it was soft toss. Despite his great catches the highlight of the game was on the last out. Up in Smoke was mounting a comeback and with runners on a monster fly ball was hit to the gap. Kapower appeared to have a line on the ball but was a step or two late. He extended his long arm and threw out his glove in pursuit of the ball and then seemed to extend his arm even further and made the running stretch catch. His reach would have made Inspector Gadget jealous. It was a remarkable play and sealed the victory.
Team Couch looks to go to 2-1 next week under the lights again. Hopefully the weather warms up.
The game was a low scoring affair for softball. Team Couch pitching had probably a record high strikeout total. I lost track at 5. C-Foot was his usually Gold Glove self in center field shagging fly balls like it was soft toss. Despite his great catches the highlight of the game was on the last out. Up in Smoke was mounting a comeback and with runners on a monster fly ball was hit to the gap. Kapower appeared to have a line on the ball but was a step or two late. He extended his long arm and threw out his glove in pursuit of the ball and then seemed to extend his arm even further and made the running stretch catch. His reach would have made Inspector Gadget jealous. It was a remarkable play and sealed the victory.
Team Couch looks to go to 2-1 next week under the lights again. Hopefully the weather warms up.
Monday, May 19, 2008
May Long Recap
What happened over May Long this year?
Big Brown won at Preakness making him only 1 win away at Belmont on June 7th for the triple crown.
Sydney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Eastern Conference title over the Philadelphia Flyers. Crosby and Company await the winner of Detroit and Dallas. Marty Turco won Game 5 in Detroit to force Game 6. That result will be in before the end of the week-end. Lidstrom and the Wings are confident they can win but you just can't let Marty Turco steal wins.
Russia won the Men's Hockey Championships over Canada with a 4 on 3 OT power play goal. Two controversial issues at hand. #1- Rick Nash was called for shooting the puck over the glass in his own zone - a somewhat questionable rule the NHL introduced a few years ago. #2 - the OT final was 4 on 4, a NHL regular season rule in place to get rid of ties. The NHL doesn't use it for the playoffs and there's a reason why - it's a gimmick! Pretty disappointing way to settle a World Championship.
I'm sure plenty other sports stories are worthy of mention but I was busy.....
HOT TUB - my wife's parents rented a hot tub that was on the back of a '60s fire truck. Pretty cool stuff.
POOL PARTY- the pool was opened but temperatures were still a bit mild so house coats for before and after were the fashion for some.
ROCK BAND - a really cool and fun game but nothing will EVER beat Baseball Stars for the original Nintendo - E-V-E-R!!
HOT DOG - I used to think I could eat a fairly big meal but my brother in law puts me to shame. He's also the real hot dog when it comes to roasting wieners.
Back to work soon for a short week then off to Brandon to celebrate my brother's birthday.
Have a good week.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Season Opener @ Blumberg
The 2008 Team Couch Softball season opened last night at the John Blumberg Softball Complex. It was a really nice evening for ball. Of course it was a few miles per hour too windy at times out at Blumberg but that's to be expected.
We kicked off the season with a well played ball game but still came up short on the scoreboard. It was easily the best fielded infield defense in Team Couch history last night with Black Jack tossing a complete game and keeping the balls mainly in the infield and out of the swirling outfield winds. We had a least half a dozen cleanly fielded balls and accurate throws to first base for put outs. The first base rotation did a really good job of stretching for balls to beat out close plays. Once we get the rust off the bats we will start posting wins.
Plenty of fun for Nolan or "Scooter" (we all have clever or not so clever nicknames for ball on our slick uniforms - just like the big leagues). Scooter's job was to give high fives. Next week we play under the lights and since it's a late game he gets the night off.
We kicked off the season with a well played ball game but still came up short on the scoreboard. It was easily the best fielded infield defense in Team Couch history last night with Black Jack tossing a complete game and keeping the balls mainly in the infield and out of the swirling outfield winds. We had a least half a dozen cleanly fielded balls and accurate throws to first base for put outs. The first base rotation did a really good job of stretching for balls to beat out close plays. Once we get the rust off the bats we will start posting wins.
Plenty of fun for Nolan or "Scooter" (we all have clever or not so clever nicknames for ball on our slick uniforms - just like the big leagues). Scooter's job was to give high fives. Next week we play under the lights and since it's a late game he gets the night off.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Mother's Day Classic @ Fungoes
For Mother's Day my wife and I joined her parents and family at Fungoes family golf just outside of Winnipeg off Highway 59.
It was my son's first round of mini-golf. He had a great time but I'm not expecting a little Tiger out of this guy. In fact, he yelled "he shoots, he scores" more than a few times. I'll give him a break on that one because after all it is NHL playoff time.
Burtnyk podcast
Kerry Burtnyk speaks to Resby Coutts on thecurler.com's first podcast.
I would love a podcast from the curler.com reviewing the many team changes, comments, and predictions.
I would love a podcast from the curler.com reviewing the many team changes, comments, and predictions.
Holmgren wants a good Tight End
My brother got me into Fantasy Football about three years ago and that in turn got me hooked on the NFL and American football in general. I'm still learning about the game. Specifically the the offensive and defensive schemes. What's a Tampa 2? Nickel or Dime? West Coast or Pony Back?
It's articles like this one that helps me to understand some of the schemes and importance of certain positions in a particular scheme. Like the article points out, it also helps to understand Mike Holmgren's various shades of red and why he publicly scrapped his running game late last season.
It's articles like this one that helps me to understand some of the schemes and importance of certain positions in a particular scheme. Like the article points out, it also helps to understand Mike Holmgren's various shades of red and why he publicly scrapped his running game late last season.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Feathers and Wings
It appears the Penguins and Red Wings will meet in the Stanley Cup Final. Both teams are only 2 wins away from the Finals and have commanding 2-0 series leads. Anything can happen but it just seems only fitting that the best team over the last decade should be playing the team on course for being the best in the next decade.
If these two teams do collide in the Final let's hope it's a good series. Round One was exciting but lopsided series wins in Round Two and 2-0 starts in Round Three have meant a light playoff hockey schedule.
If these two teams do collide in the Final let's hope it's a good series. Round One was exciting but lopsided series wins in Round Two and 2-0 starts in Round Three have meant a light playoff hockey schedule.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Walchuk in at third. Smith sticks at lead.
Kerry Burtnyk announced his curling line-up for next year. Despite some Internet rumors of Don Bartlett playing lead, Burtnyk will stick with his front end meaning the only change will be at third where former Martin Vice-Skip Don Walchuk replaces Dan Kammerlock.
Burtnyk also plans on defending his Manitoba title but may have to find a Manitoba third to do it.
Check out the initial report here.
I'm okay with the Burtnyk announcement. I got caught up in the rumor about Bartlett and I should know better. I'm happy to see Burtnyk add Walchuk for the Olympic run but also satisfied he hasn't dropped out of the Manitoba curling picture as some Internet rumors were implying with the Bartlett rumor.
Okay, no more rumors here. If you want that check out curlingzone.
Carruthers needs to fill out his team with a second but other than that the big boys are all lined up for next season.
Gentleman, the off season is yours.
Burtnyk also plans on defending his Manitoba title but may have to find a Manitoba third to do it.
Check out the initial report here.
I'm okay with the Burtnyk announcement. I got caught up in the rumor about Bartlett and I should know better. I'm happy to see Burtnyk add Walchuk for the Olympic run but also satisfied he hasn't dropped out of the Manitoba curling picture as some Internet rumors were implying with the Bartlett rumor.
Okay, no more rumors here. If you want that check out curlingzone.
Carruthers needs to fill out his team with a second but other than that the big boys are all lined up for next season.
Gentleman, the off season is yours.
Dynamic Tag Team of Curling
Daley Peters and Jason Gunnlaugson is the new dynamic MB curling duo to watch next season. Peters takes over for the departed Reid Carruthers while the front end remains in order.
A very interesting team to watch. I sure hope they secure a Safeway Championship spot and stick together long enough to put on a good show in Selkirk. I have my doubts that it can work but there's no denying the talent and potential for both players.
Carruthers lined up Shane Killgallen to play lead for his new team. Killgallen previously curled with Randy Dutiame and Mark Lukowich at the Brier. A good enough curler I guess but the new Carruthers team lacks the pop and excitement.
More shake-up should follow today with Burtnyk announcing his team at a scheduled press conference. The rumor is Burtnyk will announce Don Bartlett as his new lead. I can totally see this happening but if I'm Richard Daneault do I really want to curl with three guys only interested in one last crack at the bat for the Olympics and are these guys going to deliver? I hear there's a spot on the new Carruthers team.
A very interesting team to watch. I sure hope they secure a Safeway Championship spot and stick together long enough to put on a good show in Selkirk. I have my doubts that it can work but there's no denying the talent and potential for both players.
Carruthers lined up Shane Killgallen to play lead for his new team. Killgallen previously curled with Randy Dutiame and Mark Lukowich at the Brier. A good enough curler I guess but the new Carruthers team lacks the pop and excitement.
More shake-up should follow today with Burtnyk announcing his team at a scheduled press conference. The rumor is Burtnyk will announce Don Bartlett as his new lead. I can totally see this happening but if I'm Richard Daneault do I really want to curl with three guys only interested in one last crack at the bat for the Olympics and are these guys going to deliver? I hear there's a spot on the new Carruthers team.
Monday, May 5, 2008
We spend the summer with the top rolled down
Just like Marc Crawford not putting Wayne Gretzky's name on the shoot-out list in the '98 Olympics in Nagano, I had a brain cramp this morning when doing my marathon week-end review.
How could I forget the wedding social I attended at the Earl Grey Community Centre? It featured one of my all time personal highlight moments. The second to last song came on and it was the final slow song and it was SKID ROW - I Remember You. Awesome!! I danced with my pregnant wife and her prego belly to one of the best power ballads of all time to wind down the social. It likely won't happen ever again because - a. my wife and I don't plan on having another kid after this one and even if we do there's - b. I don't know any other Skid Row fan like HP that would put it as the closing slow song for a social.
The social also featured the best bride and groom to be "first" dance. A rock out fast number to -totally forget the name of the song/band - instead of the classic cheeseball slow song.
So you can include all of that into the week-end review.
How could I forget the wedding social I attended at the Earl Grey Community Centre? It featured one of my all time personal highlight moments. The second to last song came on and it was the final slow song and it was SKID ROW - I Remember You. Awesome!! I danced with my pregnant wife and her prego belly to one of the best power ballads of all time to wind down the social. It likely won't happen ever again because - a. my wife and I don't plan on having another kid after this one and even if we do there's - b. I don't know any other Skid Row fan like HP that would put it as the closing slow song for a social.
The social also featured the best bride and groom to be "first" dance. A rock out fast number to -totally forget the name of the song/band - instead of the classic cheeseball slow song.
So you can include all of that into the week-end review.
4OT Week-end Review
It was an action packed marathon week-end on the Sackside with all kinds of activities with friends and family. To post week-end thoughts into one post will be a challenge and maybe a marathon too...kinda like the Stars vs Sharks in Game 6 last night.
Let's drop the puck!
1OT - Resurfacing the curling scene - Here's the rundown. Carruthers joins Kammerlock leaving his old team without a skip (rumor is Daley Peters will be skipping). I think this is a stupid move for Carruthers. It has been suggested that tensions ran high last season and a change was in the works. It didn't sound that way when Carruthers gave his team the vote of confidence when the spot on Stoughton's team became available. Kammerlock must be really happy he has someone to play with. Now they will seek a front end. David Hamblin won't be on it because he bolted Team Axial for the Bohn twins. Dennis will play second and David Hamblin will play third. I think this is a good move for Team Bohn. They improve their team from last year and Hamblin brings experience, poise, intelligence and the touch shot to the runback double doubles. The friendly handshake and "good game" could be a little cold on the curling sheets this coming season with all the shake-ups.
2OT - The NHL final four is set. I went 4 for 5 last round only missing the Sharks who tanked in round 2 and spoiled yet another good regular season.
Detroit (1) vs Dallas (5) - The Wings haven't had much competition yet and/or have been lucky facing opponents with major injury issues. The Stars just seem to line up each night for Dallas.
Pick Dallas in 6
Pittsburgh (1) vs Philadelphia (6) - The Penguins have all the skill in the world but Philly has a balance of skill and grit. I think this will be a great series but it may a short one. Does that make sense? Sure it does, good games but Pittsburgh ends up on top too many times early for a long series.
Pick Pittsburgh in 5
30T - Special Olympics & Wine festival - This year my friends hosted a wine tasting evening on the week-end of the Winnipeg Wine Festival. It was a fantastic evening with close friends, great wine and tasty food. It conflicted with the wine festival but we knew that in advance. In each of the past few years we have supported the Wine Festival and Special Olympics. I think it's one of Winnipeg's premiere events of the year and it's for a good cause. I have to say I much rather enjoyed tasting wine in my friend's basement though. Everyone did a great job selecting wine and presenting it to the group and my friends were the perfect hosts as usual. During the evening we began making plans for a trip to Brandon, MB to play the Special Olympic softball Comets, coached by my brother. We will pass the hat around at the ball diamond to support the Comets. You see, Special Olympics doesn't lose out on us skipping the wine show and it's more than a monetary donation. We provide some tune up games and get to know some players as well. So the evening was win win all around. I gotta brag here...I've got really good friends. I just wish they would let a dude off the hook for not wearing a collared shirt.
4OT - Friday Night Lights every night - My wife and I picked up FNL Season 2 this week-end. We watched the first two episodes last night when we finally had some down time with the Prince of Sackville sacked out. The first two episodes left me confused, frustrated, annoyed, excited, uncomfortable, and it was awkward. So, since it's a high school tv drama the show has either done a perfect job of making you feel the lives of the characters or it just sucked and is an example of tv writers jamming the season premiere and follow up episode with loads of story lines then using the middle of the season to sort it all out. Basically they put all their bait out in 2 hours to hook you in. Time will tell which it is.
I'm done. Just like Thornton and the Sharks.
Let's drop the puck!
1OT - Resurfacing the curling scene - Here's the rundown. Carruthers joins Kammerlock leaving his old team without a skip (rumor is Daley Peters will be skipping). I think this is a stupid move for Carruthers. It has been suggested that tensions ran high last season and a change was in the works. It didn't sound that way when Carruthers gave his team the vote of confidence when the spot on Stoughton's team became available. Kammerlock must be really happy he has someone to play with. Now they will seek a front end. David Hamblin won't be on it because he bolted Team Axial for the Bohn twins. Dennis will play second and David Hamblin will play third. I think this is a good move for Team Bohn. They improve their team from last year and Hamblin brings experience, poise, intelligence and the touch shot to the runback double doubles. The friendly handshake and "good game" could be a little cold on the curling sheets this coming season with all the shake-ups.
2OT - The NHL final four is set. I went 4 for 5 last round only missing the Sharks who tanked in round 2 and spoiled yet another good regular season.
Detroit (1) vs Dallas (5) - The Wings haven't had much competition yet and/or have been lucky facing opponents with major injury issues. The Stars just seem to line up each night for Dallas.
Pick Dallas in 6
Pittsburgh (1) vs Philadelphia (6) - The Penguins have all the skill in the world but Philly has a balance of skill and grit. I think this will be a great series but it may a short one. Does that make sense? Sure it does, good games but Pittsburgh ends up on top too many times early for a long series.
Pick Pittsburgh in 5
30T - Special Olympics & Wine festival - This year my friends hosted a wine tasting evening on the week-end of the Winnipeg Wine Festival. It was a fantastic evening with close friends, great wine and tasty food. It conflicted with the wine festival but we knew that in advance. In each of the past few years we have supported the Wine Festival and Special Olympics. I think it's one of Winnipeg's premiere events of the year and it's for a good cause. I have to say I much rather enjoyed tasting wine in my friend's basement though. Everyone did a great job selecting wine and presenting it to the group and my friends were the perfect hosts as usual. During the evening we began making plans for a trip to Brandon, MB to play the Special Olympic softball Comets, coached by my brother. We will pass the hat around at the ball diamond to support the Comets. You see, Special Olympics doesn't lose out on us skipping the wine show and it's more than a monetary donation. We provide some tune up games and get to know some players as well. So the evening was win win all around. I gotta brag here...I've got really good friends. I just wish they would let a dude off the hook for not wearing a collared shirt.
4OT - Friday Night Lights every night - My wife and I picked up FNL Season 2 this week-end. We watched the first two episodes last night when we finally had some down time with the Prince of Sackville sacked out. The first two episodes left me confused, frustrated, annoyed, excited, uncomfortable, and it was awkward. So, since it's a high school tv drama the show has either done a perfect job of making you feel the lives of the characters or it just sucked and is an example of tv writers jamming the season premiere and follow up episode with loads of story lines then using the middle of the season to sort it all out. Basically they put all their bait out in 2 hours to hook you in. Time will tell which it is.
I'm done. Just like Thornton and the Sharks.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Fish Win
Maybe I won't be forcing the ball glove on Nolan just yet.
We had an exchange about what type of hat he was wearing. It was a Winnipeg Goldeyes hat but he said he was wearing a "Canada" hat. We had an argument about it before his mom dropped him off for daycare. It was intended it to be a teasing/playful argument but he snapped because he's two and then I got upset because I act like I'm two sometimes. So I tried to tell him there was fish on his hat and that meant Goldeyes not Team Canada. His mom ended the ordeal and took him off for daycare. Well, another dad commented on his hat this morning. Here's how it went down:
Ava’s Dad: Nice baseball hat Nolan.
Nolan: Is not baseball… Fishy!
Ava’s Dad: Oh ya… it is a fishy on there.
Nolan: Ya… Fishies. Not Canada, not baseball. (Shaking head)
I guess the two year old wins this round.
We had an exchange about what type of hat he was wearing. It was a Winnipeg Goldeyes hat but he said he was wearing a "Canada" hat. We had an argument about it before his mom dropped him off for daycare. It was intended it to be a teasing/playful argument but he snapped because he's two and then I got upset because I act like I'm two sometimes. So I tried to tell him there was fish on his hat and that meant Goldeyes not Team Canada. His mom ended the ordeal and took him off for daycare. Well, another dad commented on his hat this morning. Here's how it went down:
Ava’s Dad: Nice baseball hat Nolan.
Nolan: Is not baseball… Fishy!
Ava’s Dad: Oh ya… it is a fishy on there.
Nolan: Ya… Fishies. Not Canada, not baseball. (Shaking head)
I guess the two year old wins this round.
Ocho Stinko
Bengals fans are trading in their Chad Johnon jerseys.
There's a good chance #85 doesn't play another game in Cinci. Too bad because he is such a good talent and was at one time a fun sideshow to watch.
There's a good chance #85 doesn't play another game in Cinci. Too bad because he is such a good talent and was at one time a fun sideshow to watch.
MAY
May has arrived!
That should take care of the Winter season. Someone suggested snow is on the way this week-end but I refuse to believe that and will not check the weather network to confirm the report.
The May poll closed and the one or two readers that visit here want to enjoy grass instead of snow so that has to happen.
My son is enjoying his new bike and is ready to get a crash course in baseball. He's only 2 and a half but after seeing Daniel Cook struggle to catch a ball on TreeHouse this morning I figure Nolan can do about as good now so no sense waiting anymore.
That should take care of the Winter season. Someone suggested snow is on the way this week-end but I refuse to believe that and will not check the weather network to confirm the report.
The May poll closed and the one or two readers that visit here want to enjoy grass instead of snow so that has to happen.
My son is enjoying his new bike and is ready to get a crash course in baseball. He's only 2 and a half but after seeing Daniel Cook struggle to catch a ball on TreeHouse this morning I figure Nolan can do about as good now so no sense waiting anymore.
Looking ahead to epic playoff match-up
The Flyers and Penguins are about to collide in the Eastern Conference Finals. Both teams have a commanding lead on their opponents in Round Two. A Penguins vs Flyers match-up could end up being the best series of the entire playoffs. Here's a few reasons why:
1. Pennsylvania State rivals
2. Young guns of NHL - Malkin and Crosby vs Carter and Richards
3. Hired guns - Penguins paid a big price for Hossa at the deadline. The Flyers started earlier signing Briere, Hartnell, Biron and Timmonen in the offseason last year.
4. Quebecois goalies - Biron vs Fleury
5. Giant Defenseman - Orpick and Gill vs Coboryn and Hatcher
6. Avoidance meets destiny - The Penguins did not want to play the Flyers in round one and tanked the final game of the season to get an easier match-up vs the Sens. The Flyers know this.
That's from the top of my head so I can only imagine other story lines that have developed over the course of the season and playoffs between these two teams.
I must admit I have been pretty uninterested in Round Two of the Cup Playoffs but should the Penguins play the Flyers I won't miss it.
1. Pennsylvania State rivals
2. Young guns of NHL - Malkin and Crosby vs Carter and Richards
3. Hired guns - Penguins paid a big price for Hossa at the deadline. The Flyers started earlier signing Briere, Hartnell, Biron and Timmonen in the offseason last year.
4. Quebecois goalies - Biron vs Fleury
5. Giant Defenseman - Orpick and Gill vs Coboryn and Hatcher
6. Avoidance meets destiny - The Penguins did not want to play the Flyers in round one and tanked the final game of the season to get an easier match-up vs the Sens. The Flyers know this.
That's from the top of my head so I can only imagine other story lines that have developed over the course of the season and playoffs between these two teams.
I must admit I have been pretty uninterested in Round Two of the Cup Playoffs but should the Penguins play the Flyers I won't miss it.
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