THE MONDAY MORNING GOALIE

THE AFTERMATH

1 – I couldn’t decide who deserved top billing in this week’s MMG – the Regina Pats or Marks CFL Week – so I combined the two. Everyone connected with the CFL, as well as Regina’s major junior hockey team, can take a massive bow because last week around here was a major victory for all involved!

And in a lovely bit of cross-promotion, members of the Pats participated in CFL Week at Evraz Place while several CFL types ventured across to the Brandt Centre to check out the Pats’ two playoff wins over the Calgary Hitmen.

Nothing makes me happier than when everyone works together to achieve success.

2 – As far as the first-ever Marks CFL Week goes, the Jeffrey L. Orridge administration deserves a firm pat on the back for setting the bar amazingly high. Canadian football fans and CFL staff alike weren’t quite sure what to expect from this venture because it was the first of its kind but the planners knocked it out of the park. From the oodles of autograph opportunities with players and coaches, the wide array of interactive exhibits, the succesful Combine, Passing Showcase, and the VIP Hall of Fame Gala, CFL Week had it all.

Perhaps the best testament of its success is that no one seems to have any type of complaint.

3 – Of course the biggest topic coming out of Marks CFL Week is, where will next year’s be? After speaking with several CFL head office executives over the past several days, I’m fairly confident in saying no decision on that has been made yet. They just wanted to make sure this year’s extravaganza was a success, and they did that in spades.

But that hasn’t stopped the many rumours from flying around. Some suggest it’ll be in Winnipeg next year, while many say it’ll be back in Regina, and others are sure it’ll be in Ottawa. Again, I’m certain no one knows for sure as we sit here today.

The other fun notion being floated is to take the festival to the Maritimes or other non-CFL markets and show Canada what this league has to offer. None of that would hurt, and any extra exposure is a great idea.

One thing is certain: there’s a lineup forming to host the 2018 Marks CFL Week.

4 – The only thing I fear coming out of this event is that the CFL “goes away” until the 2017 Draft on May 7. BC Lions Head Coach & GM Wally Buono told reporters last week that the CFL needs to become a “12 month league” and clearly, I couldn’t agree more. That’s what I’ve been trying to do since the Riders’ season ended way back on November 5.

To me, the biggest difference between the CFL and NFL (other than salaries) is the money allocated to marketing and exposure. The “game” isn’t better in my opinion, and most CFL people feel the same way. But with ESPN beamed into my house, it’s hard not to notice that the NFL still accounts for at least 75% of the network’s coverage and this is the deadest time of their year.

Football will never top hockey in Canada, but it’s ridiculous to have zero profile for many winter months. For the CFL to remain visible through the off-season, they need the media to get on board and we are certainly more-than-willing to do our part.

Even if it’s Fake News, every click or eyeball helps.

Insiders are estimating the CFL’s pricetag to throw Marks CFL Week had to be into the millions so again we yell, “Bravo!” and recognize a job well done on the marketing front.

Regina was humbled and honoured to host the first one.

5 – The only complaint I had from the week – and it’s not even a complaint really – is that Wednesday’s announcement of the 2017 Canadian Football Hall of Fame induction class had a distinct “Calgary flavour” with the inclusion of Stan Schwartz and Kelvin Anderson.

Now, the long-time Stampeders executive Schwartz exudes class and Anderson was a nightmare to cover for a long time and both are Hall of Famers in their own right. This not to be seen as a slight on them.

However I’d have preferred to see Jim Hopson and Jason Clermont up on the stage at Mosaic Stadium’s AGT Lounge Wedneday night. Both of them are on the Hall of Fame ballot, so it wouldn’t have been a stretch and it would’ve garnered far more local media attention.

I know there are several who don’t agree with that stance, but I also know there are several who do.

6 – While the football types went gaga over the Combine results on the weekend, I just couldn’t get into it. Kind of like curling and Nascar, I tried, but just couldn’t get excited.

However as the Voice of the Tiger-Cats Marshall Ferguson said on Friday’s SportsCage, “What are we supposed to do … not do it?”

Of course Marshall was in town to provide the play-by-play of the Combine on CFL.ca, and his eyes lit up when talking about it. He was the perfect choice to be behind the mic along with Brodie Lawson, Davis Sanchez and James Cybulski.

It was also interesting to get Chris Jones’ take on the components of scouting prospects. He’s got it basically broken down into thirds: game film, combine results and the individual interviews.

Chris Jones on Saturday

7 – Chris Jones said the interviews are his favourite part of the Combine, and his staff asks a wide range of questions including, “What’s the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?”

How would YOU answer that that question?

For me, before my feet hit the floor each morning, I thank God for another day, count the first three blessings which come to mind, and think about what I’m looking forward to the most that day.

It works real well, and I don’t care who knows.

8 – Chris Jones also declined to answer any questions about Vince Young during his media availability on Saturday. I asked the Rider boss how Vince’s workouts are going in Austin but he advised, “I’d prefer to keep the conversation on the players who are here”.

Perhaps he’ll discuss it during his appearance on the SportsCage on Monday.

9 – If CFL fans didn’t know who Brodie Lawson was before this week, they do now. The host of CFL.ca’s live coverage and The Snap feature did a splendid job in Regina and gained thousands of new fans.

10 – Truth & Rumours: The Ottawa Sun’s Tim Baines Tweeted on Sunday that Henry Burris is poised to join the CFL on TSN panel this season … I’d also heard that former Argonauts GM Jim Barker may be offered a spot on the panel as well … Last week we’d mentioned that former star Rider defensive back Omarr Morgan was in town for CFL Week. The Leader Post’s Murray McCormick Tweeted that Omarr is scouting Southern California for the Roughriders.

11 – There’s a big shakeup to be announced on Scott Flory’s University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football staff. It includes the addition of former Rider Paul Woldu as a defensive assistant.

12 – Interesting tidbit from CFL Alumni Association President Leo Ezerins: In 2012 there were 33 former CFL players working in football operations in the League (coaching, management and scouting). However now in 2017, there are 60.

Obviously the addition of the Ottawa RedBlacks has something to do with that increase but clearly it’s a positive trend.

That includes the addition of former star Rider safety Tyron Brackenridge as an Assistant DB Coach on Corey Chamblin’s Toronto defensive staff. We plan to get T-Brack on the SportsCage this week to discuss last week’s hire.

13 – The Regina Pats have now won 10 in a row following a pair of playoff victories over Calgary in Games 1 and 2 on the weekend. They’ve outscored the Hitmen 10-3 and simply continued their dominant play into the postseason.

One hockey scout asked me on Sunday, “What deficiencies did you see in Regina’s game against Calgary?”

I had to say “none”.

Calgary will be looking to turn the tables as the series shifts to the Saddledome for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Thursday however if the Pats keep the pedal to the metal, this will predictably be a short series.

14 – And although both Friday’s and Saturday’s games were sellouts of 6,484, I feel like this city could be a lot more in love with the Regina Pats than they currently are. Perhaps Marks CFL Week stole a bit of their thunder but other than a few local sports bars, I don’t see any Pats signage up around town.

I expect that to change as the playoffs wear on and the snow melts.

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