10 WEEKEND THINGS
1 – GREY CUP 2020: The CFL really did it up right with Thursday’s ground-breaking dual announcement that Saskatchewan will host the Grey Cup in 2020 followed by Hamilton in 2021. That appeases two franchises and must be a massive load off for CFL head office. For us business owners in Regina, it’s a HUGE bonanza! Kudos to everyone involved.
2 – EXCEPT THE ALOUETTES: Congratulations to everyone except Montreal, who bid to host a Grey Cup but was snubbed. Some asked where Thursday’s announcement leaves the Alouettes but the answer is right in front of your face. The Alouettes are a dumpster fire and changing their logo and jerseys isn’t going to change that.
3 – GREY CUP 2013: Heard Sportsnet’s Arash Madani saying there’s no way the 2020 Grey Cup could top what Saskatchewan did in 2013. WRONG! It’ll be bigger and better but ONLY if the Saskatchewan Roughriders are in it. 2013 was the biggest revenue-generating Grey Cup in history but we all know why it was, and it almost entirely came out of the pockets of Saskatchewanians. We were glad to pay it in exchange for the greatest day in Saskatchewan history. Now, could it happen again? More on that in a moment.
4 – THE PRESSURE IS ON: I see all the headlines blaring The Pressure Is On The Riders For 2020 and that’s the talk on coffee row too. But here’s a newsflash: New Roughriders GM Jeremy O’Day and Head Coach Craig Dickenson are in a massive pressure-cooker right now. Forget about 2020. At the moment their focus is on 2019 and Week 1 of this season. Does J.O. have to keep an eye on 2020? Of course. But this is different than the Regina Pats hosting the Memorial Cup in 2018. The Riders need to be in contention every year or someone will walk the plank.
5 – HAMMERIN’ HANK: CFL Hall of Famer-in-waiting and CTV analyst Henry Burris is finding out how much predictions can ruffle feathers. And, like me, he’s enjoying it immensely! This week Hank made his 2019 Power Rankings (based on free agency) and they look like this: 1-Winnipeg, 2-Edmonton, 3-BC, 4-Calgary, 5-Saskatchewan. Cue the outrage in the 306! However, at this time, I can’t say that I disagree with him. Sorry.
In order to avoid criticism you need to say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.
No thanks.
6 – J.O. AND DICKIE SHOW: Hopefully O’Day and Dickenson are somehow shielded from the glare of the Rider Nation but I somehow doubt they are. They’re both active in this community with varying roots and ties. But they’re best off to ignore the comments from people who want to judge their performance after just one month on the job. Particularly O’Day. And Dickenson hasn’t even coached a game with this bunch yet! This pair shouldn’t be judged until the completion of Year 2 of their regime, which coincides with the 2020 Grey Cup. I know most Rider fans can’t or won’t wait that long, but I will.
7 – THE BUZZ IN THE LEAGUE: The Grey Cup announcements were a nice distraction for the public from some other really important issues. Football people are wondering WTH is going on in Halifax, and why has the Schooners talk died? Touchdown Atlantic will be played on August 25 between the Alouettes and Argos, but where? And, how much is the salary cap going to go up in 2019 and who’s going to be the benefactors? Now with the Grey Cup announcements out of the way, these topics will take centre stage.
8 – CFL 2.0: At Grey Cup in Edmonton, Commissioner Ambrosie was clear that the CFL is in some rough waters but he seems to be captaining the ship out of them. At least, that’s what I see. However as far as the global expansion goes, the buzz in the league is that this is an excellent marketing tactic and if it simply results in CFL games being televised in Mexico and Europe, then it’s a win. But I’m hearing some of the other leagues and countries aren’t big on giving up their best players to Canada. Why would they be?
9 – FEEL THE RUSH: Thoughts from attending Friday’s 9-7 Saskatchewan NLL victory over Colorado at SaskTel Centre – 1) How is it that there are still some people who have yet to attend a Rush game? 2) Rush goalie Evan Kirk registered more hits than anybody else on his team! What a sport. 3) Lacrosse looks like a game that’s a helluva lot of fun to play. 4) What a great reason to go to Saskatoon. It would’ve been nice to stay overnight, but we had to get home. The Rush are home again next Saturday.
10 – RANDOM THOUGHTS: 2 games for McDavid is harsh but he’s had it coming. Take your medicine Edmonton, and move on. … After watching the Avalanche/Jets on Wednesday night, I’m convinced the Regina Pats would’ve won the Memorial Cup if Tyson Jost was in their lineup. A 3-0 loss to Acadie-Bathurst in the final wasn’t the Pats goalie’s fault. And what a dynamic player Jost is! … What are they doing right in North Battleford? – Robyn Silvernagle, Reuben Mayes, Brett Wilson. … It’s cute Silvernagle is wearing green Hillberg & Berk sparkleball earrings at the Scotties but I’ll be more impressed when Naaman Roosevelt wears them in a Rider game! … Sandra Schmirler is the greatest skip in Canadian female curling history. Period. Don’t care what anyone else says.
Y’er welcome,
RP
@rodpedersen
