FRIDAY COMMENTARY – TIS THE SEASON
(Listen daily for the Rod Pedersen Commentary on Cat Country 98, Rock 98.5 FM & LTD Radio)
A coupla three thoughts headed into the weekend:
#1 – It seems very strange to be headed into Canada Day long weekend and not have the Roughriders playing. Neither are the Stampeders nor Ticats.
The CFL decision-makers are taking a pounding for having three teams on a bye week during this sacred Holiday weekend but with attendance seemingly bouncing back up and TV ratings holding steady, I doubt they’re making any apologies.
As we said here last week, they never do.
#2 – Farrrrr more airtime was devoted this week to the NHL Draft & Awards in Nashville. At least it seems that way, although maybe I’m just following it far more closely now.
That suits me just fine.
However social media was rife with ridicule from media and fans that this year’s Draft was “boring”, since there were no trades during Wednesday night’s Round 1 and not many on Thursday’s Rounds 2 through 7.
Excuse me folks, but let’s not forget the reason for the season.
It’s called the NHL Draft, where players have habitually been selected since 1963. It’s not called “NHL Trade Week”.
And if you didn’t get enough craziness during the week, you assuredly will beginning Saturday when NHL free agency opens.
Even I’m getting into that one.
And #3 – Don’t look now but the Canadian Elite Basketball League is really taking off.
With the RP Show, we call the CEBL our “Start-up cousins” because we’re each in Year 5 and have supported each other along the way.
It’s a coast-to-coast pro basketball league and finally they’re getting some coverage in the mainstream, have a national TV deal, and are playing to sellouts and otherwise large crowds across the Prairies.
Give ‘em a follow and check ‘em out.
You’ll be glad you did.
That’s today’s Rod Pedersen Commentary
(The Rod Pedersen Show airs daily on Game+TV WQEE, Podcast & YouTube Live)
I had the opportunity to take in a CEBL game in Edmonton when they played Saskatchewan. I know not a thing about basketball and it was just an incredible spectacle. The athletes are amazing and it’s back/forth/up/down/speed/skill and it is like a party within a party. 2 hours flew by. I’ll say it again. When I tune into TSN and the presentation, packaging resembles a Saturday morning Stampede Wrestling low budget deal, but instead of Ed Whalen, you get a panel and broadcast team that look like they take turns impersonating Father Time. When the Commissioner and it’s one thing… Read more »
I wonder how much of hand TSN has in the game and TV Schedule of the CFL?
Re: CEBL, I’ve been following the Sea Bears here in Winnipeg and they have taken off. They have really carved out a following among younger people, especially the different ethnic communities that aren’t necessarily into hockey. The games are at the Jets’ home arena and they have a very big-time feel, the atmosphere is excellent. It helps that the team is amazing. The Sea Bears have a bright future in Winnipeg.
That’s exactly how I would put it. Different ethnic crowd, families. And just a party vibe. It’s youthful feel.
CFL 2023 schedule SUCKS BIG TIME!
No one cares about the Riders outside of 20000 people in Saskatchewan.. give it a rest Roddy.
Rubbee, you are absolutely correct, 100% correct!
Ruben I loved you on American Idol!!!!!
Thanks! It feels like yesterday when I was dominating Clay Aiken on stage.. good times.