10 THINGS FOR FAMOSO PIZZERIA
1 – THE BOYS ARE BACK: The Saskatchewan Roughriders broke camp in Saskatoon and are headed to Regina for a pregame walk-through at Mosaic Stadium on Thursday. 2018 Training Camp was a success. Chris Jones likes going to Saskatoon because it breaks up the monotony of the season. The Roughriders like it because Saskatoon is Rider Country. Win-win.
2 – #HUMBOLDTSTRONG: The Roughriders may have been uncomfortable with the national publicity they received for visiting Humboldt on Sunday, but that’s okay. It wasn’t self-serving. It was about Humboldt and getting some positive publicity for a community which has had the worst possible 2018. A win-win for everybody.
3 – LICK THE STAMPS: The Calgary Stampeders come to Saskatchewan Friday night for CFL preseason action (7:30 pm MT, No TV, 620 CKRM). It’s always a bonus when the final exhibition game is at home because the Rider starters generally play at least 3 quarters. There are plenty of areas to watch in this one: QB, RB, LT, DT, LB, S, CB, KR. Let’s play!
3 – NO TV: No one has properly explained how – in 2018 – a pro sports game is not available for viewing on TV or online. However it suits us at CKRM Radio fine because it’s our largest audience of the season and our advertisers are giddy. Therefore we won’t investigate it any further. But TSN is the CFL’s daddy and what they say goes.
4 – COACHES CAP: I expected Chris Jones to come out snorting fire when addressing the new salary cap for CFL coaches, and staff limitations. Quite the contrary. Jones told reporters he accepts the directive and that he “works for the CFL first, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders second”. Still, a whopping portion of Jones’ budget will be clipped and at least four of his coaches will be trimmed by next year.
5 – HANDY RANDY: Jones may have accepted the edict from the CFL Governors and Commissioner Randy Ambrosie, but he doesn’t have to like it. For a guy as loyal to his staff as Jones is, this has to smart. However Jones’ response this week shows the level of respect he – and all other CFL coaches – have for Ambrosie. Is this a popular move? NO. Is this move in the best interests of the CFL for years to come? YES.
6 – DA BOMBERS: We wait with baited breath – whatever that is – to learn the severity of Winnipeg QB Matt Nichols’ injury. The Face of the Franchise went down in a heap in Wednesday’s practice and no one wants to speculate how bad it is at this time. The Bombers’ season hangs in the balance and although it’s only June, an ACL tear could cost him at least half the season. As far as trading them Brandon Bridge goes, are you nuts?
7 – ALL CAPS: Does the Stanley Cup Final end Thursday night with Game 5 in Vegas? I sure hope not, but the Washington Capitals have had 3 days to daydream about winning the Cup and where they’ll tour it this summer. No matter who wins this series, the Cup is coming to Saskatchewan. The Golden Knights’ Brayden McNabb hails from Davidson while the Caps’ Chandler Stephenson is a Saskatoon product and Braden Holtby calls Lloydminster home. Win-win.
8 – BEAVERS PERFECT: The Weyburn Beavers are 3-0 on the season after a 7-3 victory over the Regina Red Sox (1-2) Wednesday night at Tom Laing Park in Weyburn. The two squads hook up again Thursday evening at Currie Field at 7:05 pm. The Red Sox feel their park is old but after visiting AAA parks in Arizona this winter, I’d put Currie Field up against most of them. Check it out tonight!
9 – MORE #HUMBOLDTSTRONG: From the SJHL’s AGM in Nipawin last week we learned that there will be a “dispersal” draft for the Humboldt Broncos this summer. That term isn’t entirely correct (a dispersal draft disperses players from a team that’s gone out of business), but it’ll work. When the format is decided upon in the next few weeks, it’ll look a lot like an expansion draft. Players are clamouring to play for the Humboldt Broncos. The franchise will indeed be back. Can you imagine that first game?
Incidentally, did you know the Swift Current Broncos and Humboldt Broncos had an affiliation way back when and that’s where the team name came from? That’s one of the many facts you’ll learn in our SJHL 50-Year History Book we’re working on.
10 – FEEL THE RUSH: It’s a one game, winner-take-all showdown for the NLL’s Champions Cup on Saturday at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon. The Saskatchewan Rush host the Rochester Knighthawks in the deciding Game 3 of the championship series. The timing is perfect! Riders Friday, Rush Saturday. I’m getting my tickets today. See you there!
Y’er welcome,
RP
@rodpedersen
