10 MORE CHRISTMAS THINGS

1 – WORLD J’S: It seems the folks around here are a tad slow getting the World Juniors vibe and perhaps that’s because there’s no south Sask products on Team Canada. Somewhere I saw that there are no Saskatchewan products on the roster however THAT IS WRONG. Lloydminster, SK’s Ty Smith of the Spokane Chiefs figures to be a big part of things for Canada when they open against the USA on Boxing Day around noon. Former Swift Current goalie Joel Hofer (who leads the WHL in GAA at 1.81 with Portland) is whom I’ll be watching the most.

2 – MORE CANADA: I tried to recall why I’ve drifted away from the World Juniors the past few years and then it dawned on me we’ve spent the past four New Years in the USA (Las Vegas, Phoenix, Manhattan and South Beach). Those are not WJHC hotbeds! However it’s great to get back in the swing of things and hopefully we can organize a few Watch Parties around here if Canada starts to do something special. Although it appears they’re in tough with the USA right off the bat.

3 – 2020: We’re a lonnnnnnng ways away from any meaningful CFL power rankings for this upcoming season because free agency is going to dictate so much. However you have to like what the Riders are doing – slowly chipping away at their free agent list with some key signings – and keeping the core together. Saskatchewan is becoming a preferred destination again, and that bodes well. Riders Grey Cup favourites?

4 – VERY WINNIPEGGISH: The ice has melted between the RP Show and Blue Bomber fans and that’s likely because Winnipeg ended the dreaded curse of #1990. They don’t have room in their hearts to be mad at anyone, and several fans even thanked me for having Bomber LB Adam Bighill on last week. (Thank Producer Clark for that). But this has to end! A love-in is no fun and is bad for ratings. At least they still loathe me in Hamilton and Calgary.

5 – HOW ABOUT DEM: Cowboys? Why hasn’t Jason Garrett been fired yet? Some of us fans of The Star are dreaming of a Coach/GM tandem of Urban Meyer (some say Lincoln Riley) and Troy Aikman, but it’s so unlikely Jerry Jones will ever relinquish control. As former NFL QB-turned-ESPN-analyst Dan Orlovsky said this week: “Jerry Jones loves control and power more than he loves winning”. That is a sickening situation, but is more prevalent in sports than you realize.

6 – MEDIA: My two favourite CFL blogs and favourite CFL podcast have gone dormant for the off-season. One of those is the weekly column by The Athletic’s Kirk Penton who has informed me from Kelowna that his column is “in-season only”. GREAT! So can I get 50% off my yearly subscription from The Athletic since Kirk’s column is the only reason I bought it???

Oh well. We here are content to cover the CFL year-round and still feel that’s what the league needs more than anything. Yes … anything. HYPE! As one of my writers said this week, “The off-season is almost more exciting than the season.”

7 – THIS IS OIL COUNTRY: I’m excited to get to Edmonton this weekend and see the Blue & Orange live and in colour against the Calgary Flames Friday night at Rogers Place (thanks Bell Media for the suite). At 20-16-4, the Oil is 2 points off the division lead and 10 points off the conference lead. With competent goaltending, this crew should be battling St. Louis for top spot in the West. But they’re not. If the Oilers commit to defense and a better work ethic – and allowing 20-25 shots against per night – they’ll have a chance. Let’s remember: we were all content with a playoff spot in Year 1 of the new Holland/Tippett regime. At the moment, everyone’s demanding perfection.

8 – OILERS NATION/RIDERS NATION: The two fanbases are eerily similar. They follow their team so critically and nitpick for any negative that they miss the enjoyment of the ride. Try looking for the good instead of the bad and see how much your fan experience improves! Everybody’s trying to find something good about the Coyotes while trying to find something bad about the Oilers at the same time. Yet they’re virtually tied in the standings.

9 – FEEL THE RUSH: A lot of fans went to their first Sask Rush game on Dec. 14 for the Holiday Party home-opener against New England. They came away wondering what all the hype is about as the Rush was crushed 12-8 in a game where the score flattered the losing team. In a case like that, you’ve gotta blame the players and not the marketing team. When the home team is losing 5-1 before the fans are finished their first beer, it takes ALL the energy out of the building. Hopefully they put up a better fight on Jan. 18 when the Colorado Mammoth come to town.

10 – RANDOM THOUGHTS: If everyone who says they’re worried about the financial future of junior hockey actually went to the games, then junior hockey would have no problems. … Overheard around the Christmas tree: “The Pats should make up a package for Cole Sillinger and give Medicine Hat whatever they want”. My response: Why would the Tigers trade the youngest Sillinger? He’s a generational talent and they are a Top 10 team in Canada. … At first glance it appears the Regina Pats are playing goalie Max Paddock too much but there are goalies in the East Division playing more. However it really appears the Pats are showcasing the 19-year old in advance of the Trade Deadline on January 10. If you were a contending team, would you take him? … Oh how’d love to read Gregg Drinnan’s insight at this time of year. … The Rush are welcoming Cody Fajardo to their home game on January 18 on Prairie Pride Night. The Rush continue to set the pace in marketing and game night production. … The surprise team of the SJHL season (in a good way) is the La Ronge Ice Wolves under first-year Coach/GM Kevin Kaminski. Way to go Killer! The New Year will be very interesting to watch in the SJ. They are well over half done the season! Get out and enjoy it. … I appreciate those who still send Christmas cards in the mail. Old school!

Merry Christmas,
RP
@rodpedersen