RODSERVATIONS

ODDS N’ ENDS

1 – It’s been one week since Jeffrey L. Orridge stepped down as Commissioner of the CFL and the trail has already gone cold. Aside from the inevitable merry-go-round of rumours, no real credible name has been put forth as a replacement for Orridge.

I guess the major markets of the CFL are too wrapped up with the Stanley Cup Playoffs to give this story any coverage.

“It’s too soon for that,” advised one national reporter out of Toronto on Tuesday.

Says who?

If Roger Goodell resigned as NFL Commissioner, ESPN would have a list of a dozen candidates drafted by noon. Let’s get with it.

2 – Former Rider President Jim Hopson – the architect and oversee’er of the Decade of Decadence in Saskatchewan – replied via email to my question of whether or not he’s interested in the Commissioner’s job.

“Flattered to be mentioned as a possible candidate,” Hopson wrote. “But being realistic, I’m not sure the CFL governors would see a 66 year old retired guy as the answer.“

Dammit! I can’t tell if that’s a yes or a no.

Here’s another name not to be discounted: Brad Wall.

That rumour is out there.

Here’s another Brad: Brad Elberg. The CFL and Queens alumnus from Regina is a corporate lawyer splitting his time between Toronto and Regina and would be a perfect fit. There’s a groundswell of support for him growing.

3 – Other names which have come up in connection with the job include: TSN’s Duane Forde, Blue Bombers President Wade Miller, Rider Hall of Famer Scott Schultz (who turns 39 today) and Argos legend Pinball Clemons. Don’t forget two of the other names who weren’t successful two years when Orridge was hired: Tom Anselmi and Skip Prince.

Former Rider players Luc Mullinder and Mike Abou-Mechrek said on Monday’s SportsCage on 620 CKRM that the CFL is a far different league from the NFL, and a “Roger Goodell-lite” type isn’t necessary. They’d like to see a former player in the Commissioner’s chair (surprise, surprise).

I’m not sure I disagree.

I thought former Alouette Larry Smith did a remarkable job keeping this league alive during a tenuous time in the 1990s.

4 – To the Regina Pats, who are off to the WHL’s Eastern Conference Final against the Lethbridge Hurricanes. The ‘Canes finished off Medicine Hat in Game 7 of the semifinals Tuesday night by a 5-4 score in overtime. Either team would’ve given the Pats a good run, but the Pats-Hurricanes match-up is salacious. Lethbridge must feel they have some “unfinished business” after losing to the Pats in Round 1 last year, a series in which lots of bad blood was spilled.

“I’d prefer Lethbridge only because of the rivalry!” Pats goalie Tyler Brown cheerfully answered on Tuesday’s SportsCage. Now he has his wish.

5 – To the fans outraged by ticket scalpers for Round 3: You Snooze, You Lose. I’ve been warning Regina for months that they should get their tickets in advance because this is going to be a deep run. The longest in decades.

You should’ve listened. I bought my four packages weeks ago and now get to play God with whomever is looking for a pair.

6 – When my head hit the pillow after Game 7 of the Pats-Broncos game on Monday night, my ears wouldn’t stop ringing. The meter the Pats used hit 110 decibels and long-time arena staff said it’s the loudest the Brandt Centre/Agridome has ever been, save for the Justin Bieber concert a few years ago. The American Health & Speech Safety Association describes 110 decibels as “extremely loud”.

Thanks tips.

The crowd at the 2013 Grey Cup at Taylor Field registered 118 decibels, or the same as a jet airplane at takeoff.

Regina might be giving Winnipeg a run for its money for the country’s loudest fans.

The fact is, Reginans finally have something to cheer about.

What’s Winnipeg’s excuse?

7 – The ploy by Pats coach John Paddock to dress injured captain Adam Brooks for Games 5, 6 & 7 of the Swift Current series was sheer genius. Clearly the Pats Most Popular Player was nowhere close to playing since he never saw the ice in three consecutive elimination games, but his mere presence was obviously incredibly inspirational.

The Voice of the Pats Phil Andrews said on Tuesday’s SportsCage that Brooks is “close” to a return, and we could see him in Round 3.

8 – Pats fans – me included – were deliriously happy Monday night after the Game 7 win, with the fact the Pats are headed to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 1993. But a voice in my head reminded me as I was walking out of the Brandt Centre long after the crowd had left, “Act like you’ve been there before.”

I guess we can take the same advice we doled out on this blog to Oilers and Leafs fans a few weeks ago. But the fact is, for many of us, we’ve never been this far before.

9 – The WHL on Shaw crew will roll in to broadcast the Conference Final which means I’ll be bumped from the play-by-play chair. I was informed of the news on Tuesday, and offered another role on the broadcast.

Miffed? Not on your life. This type of thing happens in the NHL all the time and you have to park your ego at the door.

I got to call the first ever Game 7 in Agridome history on Monday night, and the Pats won.

I’m good.

Bring on the Hurricanes.

10 – Hockey fans are marvelling at how much “fun” the Stanley Cup Playoffs have been but rememember; Round 1 is always the best round in the NHL. However the storylines have been tremendous:

First and foremost, the games have been devoid of annoyingly lengthy video reviews and challenges. (Applause)

Where’s Ovie against Toronto? (The same place he always goes in the playoffs. Down his hole).

What happened to the Flames? (That franchise unfortunately won’t win a Stanley Cup any time soon, despite the tremendous experience, knowledge and talents of Burke, Treliving and Gulutzan).

What happened to the Oilers in Game 4? (It doesn’t matter. The 7-0 loss in San Jose means the same as a 1-0 loss. It’s over so move on and get ready for the next one).

These are just a few of the thoughts I’ve had. Now get out there and enjoy the hockey!

JOIN BRETT WILSON AND ME IN ESTEVAN MAY 3!