FRIDAY SHOW RECAP

Episode #15 of The Rod Pedersen show featured a star-studded lineup! Joining Rod and Darren Dupont were Roughrider Hall of Famer and Sask Party MLA Gene Makowsky, Flames great Theoren Fleury, Hall of Fame Rider broadcaster John Frenzy, CTV Morning Live’s Darrell Romuld, Sportsnet’s Colby Armstrong and the Voice of the Saskatoon Blades, Les Lazaruk.

Here are some notes:

• The crew assessed Thursday’s 44-41 Roughriders loss at Ottawa. The general consensus was that the Roughriders performed more admirably than expected (particularly QB Cody Fajardo and his 360 yards & 2 TDs). The play of the defense is what will be under the microscope in the week ahead as the team prepares to host Toronto in Week 3.
• Regarding Rider DL Makana Henry’s out-of-bounds hit on Ottawa QB Dominique Davis, John Frenzy said Henry was “a victim” in the scenario. Rod felt the 15-yard penalty assessed at the time was adequate, and that CFL officials got it right. It was a penalty that proved costly to the Riders, and Henry will likely get a reprimand from his coaches.
• Makowsky was optimistic about the Riders given their showing in Ottawa. He said it’s still early and the team has some coming-together to do in all areas due to their rash of changes. He’s been impressed by the play of rookie OG Dakoda Shepley and admires his versatility. He said the difference between playing Right Guard versus Left Guard is akin to switching from batting right to left, and the challenges that would pose.
• Theoren Fleury came out guns a blazing’, calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “the stupidest man on the planet, along with several other political musings. Fleury proudly sported a hat which proclaimed “SASK MADE” and that he’s a proud Saskatchewanian, despite living Calgary. He said in his life he’s been a fan of the Stampeders, Roughriders and Blue Bombers.
• The guys previewed Canada’s Game of the Week in the CFL: BC at Edmonton Friday night and predicted it will be the CFL’S largest crowd of the season with Mike Reilly making his return to Commonwealth Stadium. Opinions were mixed on who will win.
• Colby Armstrong previewed this weekend’s NHL Draft and said it will be one of the strongest showings in years by the WHL. Armstrong joined the show from his son’s hockey practice in Florida. “Armdog” reflected on his Draft Day, going in the 1st round to the Penguins in 2001 when the Draft as held in Florida.
• Darrell Romuld marvelled at the popularity of The Rod Pedersen Show in Norway, and proudly pointed out his Norwegian heritage. He encouraged the Norwegian viewers to enjoy their Crum Cake and Lutefisk.
• Enjoy the weekend and we’ll see you Monday at 10:00 am MT on Facebook Live and RodPedersen.com! Past episodes are available in podcast form at the Listen Live link,.