10 WEEKEND THINGS
Taking shots …
1 – 306: While spending the first of many weekends at home, I thought I’d write a Saskatchewan-inspired weekend column. It’s brief – like most of my stays anywhere these days – but here it is. Please enjoy!
2 – THE DUKE: The Conexus Arts Centre was filled on Saturday for a wonderful memorial for our good friend Derek “Duke” Meyers, late of Midale, SK. The former geologist, sportscaster, model, politician and all around good guy passed away at age 45 and left behind a young family. Read that again! The man was a success at everything he did but as someone said on Saturday, the only thing he didn’t have was time.
Derek was eulogized by his brother Darcy, sister Brandi, childhood friend “Mess”, son Dane, family friend and business partner Mike Lee, and Premier Scott Moe. All their speeches were tremendous and Derek got the send-off he so richly deserved. A true one of a kind!
3 – #34: You’re wondering why there’s a photo of Roughriders great George Reed running with this column. I took that pic over a decade ago when the CFL Hall of Famer dropped by Rider practice to watch the team. Today’s the first time I’ve ever posted it.
On Saturday I walked into the Centre of the Arts with Roger Aldag, another Rider legend, and somehow the topic came up of “Who’s the oldest-living Rider?” Perhaps being at a memorial service had us all pondering these types of things. Anyway, we asked around and the best we could come up with was George Reed, born October 2, 1939 in Vicksburg, Mississippi. If anyone needs to correct us, please do! Mr. Vanstone?
4 – BECAUSE IT’S THE CUP: The Stanley Cup Playoff first round match-ups are set and here are the winning predictions: Boston/Florida (Bruins in 5), Toronto/Tampa Bay (Leafs in 7), Carolina/NY Islanders (Canes in 6), New Jersey Devils/NY Rangers (Rangers in 5), Edmonton/L.A. (Oilers in 6), Vegas/Winnipeg (Golden Knights in 6), Colorado/Seattle (Avalanche in 6), and Dallas/Minnesota (Wild in 7).
5 – STARS SHINING: The Battlefords North Stars are halfway to claiming their fourth SJHL championship, and third since 2017. They lead the Flin Flon Bombers 2-0 in the Canterra Seeds SJHL Final heading back to the Whitney Forum this week. Remember with the new Centennial Cup format, there is no regional “Anavet Cup” series anymore so whichever team wins its league, they advance automatically to the national championship. This year that tournament’s in Portage, MB next month. Regretfully the RP Show won’t be there but I’m not complaining as I’ll be back home in Florida with hopefully some NHL Playoff action to watch live! Go S-J.
6 – RUSH HOUR?: The Saskatchewan Rush fell to 6-10 in NLL play courtesy a 15-11 loss to Halifax on Saturday night at SaskTel Centre. Correct me if I’m wrong but the Rush are going to miss the playoffs again. It’s been a drastic drop-off for this franchise since it was purchased from the Urban family a few years ago.
7 – GO PATS GO: Yes the topics of discussion in my circle of friends this weekend ricochet’ed back and forth between Riders–>Pats–>Pats–>Riders–>Riders–>Pats. What’s the buzz? Well the Pats are for sale don’cha know. This last group (Brandt) paid $9-million for them eight years ago so don’t expect them to go for any less than that now. And why are they for sale? The team held onto Connor Bedard for too long and now is “going to be awful for 10 years!”
As for the fortunes of the 2023 Saskatchewan Roughriders, it’s pretty gloomy. At least, that was the talk in the circle I was in. I’m sure there will be plenty of debate over Coach Craig Dickenson’s comment to 3DownNation that the Roughriders are covered “ad nauseam”. Everything the Rider coach says is picked apart endlessly, and the fact is he’s right. That also doesn’t mean that it’s a problem.
8 – STRUDEL: Lost in the hubbub this week was the announcement that former Regina Pats & Saskatoon Blades Head Coach Dave Struch has been named Director of Hockey at Notre Dame College. Last season Dave was an assistant with Dennis Williams’ Everett Silvertips. What happened to Ethan Moreau, the former Oilers captain who was named to this post just last year? We’re getting to the bottom of it.
9 – RUBBER CHICKEN CIRCUIT: I’ll be back in the area next Saturday, April 22 to speak at the year end wind-up for the Southey Minor Hockey Association. The next weekend, Saturday, April 29, Ryan & Chris Getzlaf and I will be speaking at the Pense Celebrity Sports Dinner. For tickets, please DM me!
In between that, we’re moving into the glitzy new Ace Airport Casino and Hotel Clique for the RP Show beginning Monday on Game+ TV, WQEE and all major podcast platforms. Join us then — we’re very excited!
10 – RANDOM THOUGHTS: Don’t have time for those this week. Gotta hit the road!
Y’er welcome
RP
@rodpedersen
8) well I can suspect why the guy is not there. Following patterns the same reason the 4 guys before them are not there. A) It’s Wilcox Saskatchewan. Unless your in a witness protection program there is absolutely no reason to live there none. B) As an “outsider” moving into that town. Never mind the backstabbing it will be right in the forehead the guy will see it coming C) what is a spouse supposed to do for work? D) notre dame has not been “notre dame” for close to 20 yrs. The top guys now head to ushl or… Read more »
Used to ref and play against those guys at Notre Dame… Never had the same team twice… lots of moving players… Mostly European and Russian names so how could you really tell? They used to gain a lead and then the student timekeepers would the pucks on the gas heaters to make them to bounce for the other team to make passes! Very sly…
There are two former Roughriders that did come to mind; Jim Marshall (DE -1959) and Bob Ptacek (QB DB LB -1960 to 1965), both of which are about 85 years old. These two have a unique connection with coming to and leaving the Riders. Marshall played for the Vikings for many years after leaving Saskatchewan, and I noted his age while I was reading about him in conjunction with the recent passing of Bud Grant (his long time coach in Minnesota). Rod, you have started an excellent discussion topic. I hope more comments about old Riders are added here. As… Read more »
George Reed is not only my all-time favourite Roughrider, he’s my all-time favourite athlete in any discipline or sport!
I believe Wayne Shaw was born in Feb/39.
Great article as always Rod. Interesting how I can read two articles on your site – one written from an obviously very angry man Mr. Stackhouse.. and one from you. The first makes me angry just reading it, yours restores my confidence in optimism in both sports and life. Get rid of that other guy, please.