10 WEEKEND THINGS

Taking Shots …

1 – GREEN & WHITE GAME: It seems as if Saturday’s Roughriders Green & White Scrimmage at Mosaic Stadium would’ve been deemed a success if they simply came out of the game injury-free. However, not so. I’m told non-import defensive back Jacob Janke (York) was hurt in the dolled-up practice, and defensive lineman Tim Williams (Alabama) has been added to the Injured List as well. Other than that, the storylines were a lack of touchdowns, interceptions galore, and Jon Ryan still has a booming leg. The highlight was seeing the Roughriders back on the field.

2 – ATTENDANCE: Leader Post sports columnist Rob Vanstone reported the attendance for the G&W game was 2,882. This, after it was announced the attendance capacity would be limited to 5,000. (I thought all provincial restrictions were lifted and the stadium would be full this summer? Clearly I’m missing something. Please fill me in). Maybe people didn’t go because they feared the 5,000 limit would be reach. Maybe people were like me and were warned this was nothing more than a practice, so they begged off. Either way, that attendance tally is a tad low for this football-crazed province. Sports fans are clearly flocking to the gates in the USA but it may end up being a different story in Canada. We’ll see!

3 – GET KRAKEN: The NHL’s expansion Seattle Kraken got themselves a heckuva defenceman in Ryker Evans of the Regina Pats with the 35th overall selection in this weekend’s NHL Entry Draft. The 19-year old Calgary product is a junior hockey version of Ray Bourque (*junior hockey* version I said), who tallied 28 points in 24 games in the Regina bubble season and also had a 12-game point streak at one point. In all the WHL saw 33 players drafted which is the highest total of any league. Still the kings of NHL player development.

4 – MUNZIE: In case you missed it, Humboldt product and NHL, AHL, WHL & SJHL broadcasting alum Brian Munz was appointed this week as the Director of Broadcasting & Communications for the WHL’s Winnipeg ICE. Brian is already providing NHL-calibre media relations and news releases and in less than a week, has taken WHL info to a whole new level. *It’s never a bad idea to hire someone to do media relations who’s actually been on the receiving end of media relations*. Y’er welcome. The Dub is an outstanding league and Munzie’s welcomed back with open arms after a long stint in the NHL and AHL!

5 – OLYMPICS: Enjoying the Olympics? I am, and Canada has its first medal of the Tokyo Summer Games. The women’s 4-by-100 freestyle relay team of Penny Oleksiak, Kayla Sanchez, Margaret Mac Neil and Rebecca Smith finished second in the event. And one of the things I love the most are the interviews. One Canadian athlete broke down on Saturday when asked what she thought of during her match. “My mom,” she choked. Her mother had run her to karate practices since she was 9 years old. “I’m 32 now, so do the math,” she smiled. It’s a stark contrast from what we’re used to seeing in pro sports.

6 – FOR INSTANCE: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported this week Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers turned down a contract extension offer which would’ve made him the highest paid player in the NFL. As it is, the 16-year veteran is slated to earn around $14.5-million this season with a $6.5-million bonus. However he feels he’s been mistreated by the Packers and isn’t expected to show up for training camp when it starts this week. RP Show NFL analyst, and former Rodgers teammate, Tori Gurley expects Rodgers will not be on Green Bay’s roster in Week 1, September 12 at the Saints.

7 – CFL ON TSN: You knew it was going to be an inside job. On Thursday TSN announced its broadcast crews for the 2021 season and longtime panel host Rod Smith will be moving into the play-by-play chair vacated by Chris Cuthbert. It wasn’t entirely clear but judging by the wording of the new release, it seems Rod Black will be become the #1 playcaller. Kudos to former Ticats voice Marshall Ferguson, who appears to be the only new personality in the lineup. It’s a highly-coveted role and TSN personalities James Duthie and Jermain Franklin had expressed interest on the RP Show for the position. Smith’s baritone delivery and knowledge of the game (he was a lineman at Queen’s) makes him ideal for the job. Now let’s go!

8 – FOR SALE: A former Roughrider Grey Cup champion contacted me about selling this diamond-studded Josten’s pendant from the 2013 CFL championship. The player purchased it for his wife, but she’s never worn it. It’s identical to the top of a Grey Cup ring, and the same size (roughly 2″ X 1 1/2″). He’s asking $5,000 or best offer. Please DM me on social media if you’re interested!

9 – FEAR THE FANG: In case you missed it, the Saskatchewan Rattlers won’t be posting a winless season after knocking off the Guelph Nighthawks 86-83 Thursday evening in Southern Ontario. That was the first win for interim coach Connor Dow and improved their record to 1-9. The Rattlers are on the road again Monday at the Ottawa Blackjacks and you can watch the game on CEBL+, CBC Gem or Twitch. I’m still wondering how the CEBL can afford to keep the Rattlers on the road for a week at a time with no fans, but apparently I’m the only one!

10 – RANDOM THOUGHTS: I don’t believe Saturday’s scrimmage was the most-anticipated Green & White game in Rider history. To me it was 2017 when Vince Young suited up in Green & White. SMF Field in Saskatoon was filled beyond capacity (at least five deep around the end zones), and a lot more than 2,882. … Colour me NOT shocked that a news report says Reginans consume more Dairy Queen Blizzards than anywhere else in Canada. … Might I suggest a Dad’s Oatmeal Cookie Blizzard? … How about a Dad’s Goodie Ring Blizzard? … Kudos to Regina’s Cole Sillinger for being selected 11th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in Friday’s Round 1 of the NHL Draft. … Watching that Draft always reminds me of my Dad, who attended 26 of them as a scout for the Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars. He’s never far from my mind. … The #1 story in the CFL right now seems to be the injuries to veteran players. However if “soreness” is the worst Bo Levi Mitchell, Matt Nichols, Michael Reilly and Andrew Harris will experience over a month-long training camp, then the CFL can count its blessings. …. Kickoff the 2021 CFL season in style with Hall of Famer Jim Hopson and me at the inaugural Green & White Luncheon at Crave Kitchen & Wine Bar on August 6! The decorated Roughriders President and I will be hosting a Hot Stove to talk all things Saskatchewan football. You can purchase your tickets here – https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/green-white-lunch-tickets-160981304415

RP
@rodpedersen

(Photo: Duane Leicht)