McCullough Resigns With The Green & White

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today they have signed non-import linebacker Mike McCullough to a new contract. Financial details of the signing were not released.The Kingston, Ontario product has spent the last eight seasons with the Riders after being originally selected by the Green and White in the 3rd round (23 overall) in the 2003 CFL College Draft. In 2010, the 30-year-old played in all 18 regular season games where he had 29 defensive tackles, seven special team tackles, four quarterback sacks, three pass knockdowns, two tackles for a loss and one fumble recovery.In 140 regular season games played for the Riders, McCullough has tallied 143 defensive tackles, 86 special team tackles, 30 fumble recoveries and seven quarterback sacks.

McCullough was set to become a free agent in February, 2011.

Q & A WITH RIDERS GM

Here's our weekly update from Rider GM Brendan Taman from Wednesday morning's media scrum at Mosaic Stadium:

Q. How important is it to have re-signed Mike McCullough?

TAMAN: Very. He's one of the most important Canadians we have on this team. He does a lot of things on and off the team that are huge to us. He would've been a guy we'd have a hard time replacing.

Q. Is he the most under-rated guy on the team or even in the CFL?

TAMAN: I'm a little biased but I'd probably agree with you. I think he is. He's very, very special in what he does and doesn't get a lot of recognition. Mike's smart and he's a great team guy. He understands the team concept and that's what makes this team so good. You've got guys like him that buy into that so those two attributes are pretty special.

Q. How's the search for a new head coach?

TAMAN: We're pretty much the first phase. Now we'll sit down and go to the next phase which is narrowing it down to two or three people and bring them back over the next period of time. The challenge right now is Christmas, which is a special time. We're right in line with where we thought we'd be. It's going to take a little bit yet. I don't want to put a date on it but likely (the New Year).

Q. How many did you interview?

TAMAN: I don't want to get into numbers. We interviewed a lot, obviously. We want to get it down to two or three and see where it goes. The shortlist will get done this afternoon.

Q. Do you have a favourite?

TAMAN: Kenny and I have two or three guys we really like. To narrow it down to 'the guy', that's the challenging part. We'll have to do another set of questions and see where it goes.

Q. Are George Cortez and/or Tom Higgins on the list?

TAMAN: Well George is employed in the NFL and there was a notion we were waiting for the NFL season but that isn't true. Tom has made his interest known and we'll see where it goes. Anybody who's inquired into the job is a person of interest. Whether they make it onto the shortlist, we'll see.

Q. Is Bob Wylie in the mix?

TAMAN: Bob has made his feelings known.

Q. What are the factors to get onto the shortlist?

TAMAN: There are a lot of things that go into that. We've done a pretty thorough job with that with the questions we've asked. The ability to lead a team and carry on what we have going here is the simplest way I can answer that. That's not easy to answer in one little form. A guy that's going to win and knows this organization are the keys.

Q. Has your list changed from when you started?

TAMAN: Yah a little bit. There were some guys we were interested in that we scratched off due to their lack of interest or it didn't work out for whatever reason. And there are guys who've surprised us who've gotten into the process more than we thought.

Q. Are you interested in Scott Milanovich?

TAMAN: I thought we offered him the job? Scott was here this week and we had a really good visit and whether he gets to the shortlist, we'll see.

Q. What about all the speculation on this hiring due to blogs and so forth?

TAMAN: I don't worry about that. If I did I'd go crazy. I just do my job with Kenny and we'll see where it goes. The innuendos and rumours, I don't get it into it.

Q. Is the list two or three?

TAMAN: We've got two and we might get it to three. We'll discuss that this afternoon.

IS THIS THE END

The Minnesota Vikings payed honour to it's 50 greatest players as part of their 50th anniversary, and the game was even out doors at TCF Bank Stadium home of the U of M Gophers. That's where the good news ends for the once famed "Purple People Eaters". As the Chicago Bears hammered the Vikings 40-14 it what could have been Brett Farve's last game in his Hall of Fame career. Say what you want about Farve but the man is a warrior and nobody can take that away from him.

But for the first time in his career his age is showing his body just can't take the abuse that the NFL dishes out anymore. If Farve is too ride off into the sunset after this year he will go down as one of the greatest of all-times. Some say he should have never come back this year and maybe he shouldn't have but that is his call and nobody else. Brett has earned that after all the blood, sweat and tears he gave.

Thank you Brett for all the memories you have giving us over the years if this is it you will truly be missed.

team Canada played it's first pre-tournament game last night in Oshawa and they took apart Switzerland on the score board and along the boards and just beat the into the ground 8-0. This may not be a Canadian team with a Eberle or Hall. But this is a team through and through that will have to relied on each other and have scoring by all four lines. That's not to say that the team's before hand didn't have a solid team mindset but they had something this team doesn't and that's "Star Power". But with that said I still really like are chances of bringing home Gold and recapturing are place on top of the Junior hockey world.

Terrell Ownes will miss the last two games of the season with a torn meniscus in his left knee. Owens who is 37 years old finished the season 17 yards shy of joining Jerry Rice and Randy Moss as the only NFL players with 10 1,000 yard seasons. This also likely means his stay with the Cincinnati Bengal is over. If that's the case T.O is running out of bridges to burn.

That's all for now. Thanks for stopping by.

Police say the woman driving this car has horseshoes – lots of them.
Toronto Police said the driver ducked just in time as a utility pole rolled off a truck and pierced the front of the driver's side windshield of her 2010 VW Golf on Weston Rd. at Reuben Ave., just north of Wilson, early Monday.
The pole was being delivered to a stretch of Wilson Ave. for the replacement of poles rolled off a truck.
The woman wasn't injured and police are investigating.

IT'S A 60 MINUTE GAME NOT 52

I have never really liked the New York Giants but after yesterday even I have to feel bad for their fans. Watching their team somehow blow a 24 point lead i the last eight minutes of the game. But what really has to the icing in the cake with 12 seconds left in the game tied at 31-31 Giants rookie punter Matt Dodge didn't get the ball out of bounds, instead it went to the always dangoues Desean Jackson and he took it back 65 yards to seal New York's fate. Granted it wasn't all Dodge's fault he did have to reach for the ball after a high snap.

And let's not forget the Eagels were losing 31-10 so you can't put all the blame on Dodge who just like his name probably wanted to get into the Dodge to get the hell out of it.

Speaking of special teams mishaps. Jacksonville had their own with less than two left in the game and down by 3. They went for a short kick only too have the ball travel 6 yards before it was scooped up by Colts line backer Tyjuan Hagler and go 41 yards for the touchdown. All but putting Jacksonville's comeback hopes to bed.

Also how about New England Patriots offensive lineman Dan Connolly rumbling 71 yards down to Green Bay's 3 yard line. Which is the longest kick return ever by an offensive lineman. But that's not the only story of the game Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn making his first ever career start. In place of Aaron Rodgers who made the trip but didn't dress due to his second concussion.

Flynn played one hell of a game going 24 of 37 for 251 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Well outdoor football in Minnesota returns tonight as the Vikings are hosting the Chicago Bears. It should be a good game but from what I'm hearing the crowd could be better then the game itself. As Vikings fans are jacked to have this game outside at TCF Bank Stadium home of the Minnesota Gophers the University team. As the vikings still can't play in their dome stadium due to some of the roof giving in last Saturday from the weight of the snow.

And isn't it just fitting that the day the Vikings pay tribute to their 50 greatest players as part of their 50th anniversary.

The Washington Capitals were finally able to enjoy a win after a long 8 game losing streak.

Word out of Winnipeg is that Richie Hall is at the top of their list for the defensive coordinator's role.

The WHL brand is hurting right now if you look around the league attendance is down across the board. I don't know if it's the play of the game or people just don't have as much money to spend on extra things or a little bit of both. But it doesn't really matter what the problem is the league has too look into it and find a solution fast.

One thing I can think of is having every team play each other twice that means that every teams fans would get to see every team in the league. Every year not every other year. Which would be a very good thing for fans across the league.

The HBO series showing the Penguins and Capitals leading up to the Winter Classic is great TV and a must see.

So a Montreal newspaper is reporting that neither Doug Berry nor Richie Hall are in serious contention for the Riders head coaching job. Which is music to my ears.

The Regina Pats are proud to honour one of best players to ever put on a Regina Pats jersey. On January 14th the Pats will raise Mike Sillinger's number 16 to the rafter. But knowing as (Silly). Sillinger had a fantastic WHL career he is third all time in goals(178) third in assists(241) and second in points(419) in Regina Pats history.

Sillinger who played with the Pats from 1987 to 1991 he broke into the league as a 16 year old and was teamed up with Jamie Heward and Frank Kovacs to form the famous "pup line". All three of them went onto play in the NHL albeit Kovacs didn't have the career as both Silly and Heward had. Mike Sillinger said it was a dream of his to play for his home town team and now a another one will happen on January 14th.

For me this is great I looked up too these guys when he played I was just a kid. Silly as well as the rest of the Pats were my hero's. So on this night I wouldn't be surprised if I have wet eyes but I know I won't be the only one.

THE RIDERS NEXT COACH ??

So who will it be?

That's the question that Rider Nation is dying to know.

Roughriders GM Brendan Taman and Ken Miller VP have very big shoes to fill. Just in case you have been living under a rock or something Ken Miller who was the Riders head coach for the past three years. Step down so he can focus on being the VP for the Riders. The Riders have a few different people in mind.

Myself I'm hoping for either Scott Milanovich or Doug Berry. Taman has said that there is six names on the short list but wouldn't give names, which in this football mad City is probably the best. More to come.

So Team Canada's roster is set for the upcoming 2010 World Junior Championship. This is not a team with a Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall, or a John Tavares on it. It has hard nose players like Curtis Hamilton of the Saskatoon Blades, Carter Ashton(Tri City Americans) and Quinton Howden(Moose Jaw Warriors). But they still have talent albeit not the most flashy bunch Team Canada has ever put together, they will have to work even harder for everything they get at this years Championship.

But it will come down to how they gel as a team and if they outwork their opponents. Canada has four returning players from last year's team which suffered that gut wrenching heart breaking lose in overtime on to the pesky Americans. You know those four are going to plant it into the rest how bad it hurt, and to make matters worse it was on home soil. I can't wait for the game to get going on boxing day we play Russiawho also has some thing to prove.

The kid is magic.

For any of you who watched the Oilers game last night you couldn't help wonder how good they will be in 2-3 years. With guys like Eberle, Hall, Magnus Parrjarvi and Linus Omark the future looks bright for them. Eberle had 2 goals last night ,oving him into a tie for lead in the rookie scoring race. They are a fun team too watch and Oilers fans have a front row seat to the show.

All you have to do is sit back and enjoy, and wait for the day the cup come back to Edmonton.

So is Richie Hall still in the running to be the Riders next coach?

The Toronto Maple Leafs has a solid start last night in Calgary but 3 goals in 57 seconds in the 2nd preiod pretty much did them in. As the Flames would pick up the much needed win 5-2. I just don't know why Dion Phaneuf was booed none stop last night. From what I hear he was and is a good teammate a great locker room guy and he nerve asked for a trade out of Calgary.

So why all the boos?

There were some reports that he has a attitude and him and Iggy didn't get along. That they had a few punch ups in the locker room, but both players are saying no. Me thinks it's just some reporters trying to stir the pot.

Spoetsnet is reporting that Mike Kelly. Yes the same Mike Kelly who was fired after only one year as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach. Yes the same Mike Kelly who was arrested for beating up his ex. Is on his way back to the CFL.

He is going to be the new running backs coach in Calgary. Oh joy. Hey Mike before you open your mouth and put both feet and legs in that hole. THINK!!!

T.O is at it again blaming the coaches the owner and just a complete jackass. For the Bengals laugher of a season. Cincinnati started off good 2-1 but since then their season has gone into the toilet losers of 10 in a row. And with no chance of the playoffs Owens was just a ticking time bomb and he finally went off. I like the guy but it's funny that no matter where he goes they can't win. Just something to think about.

So the City of Glendale is pretty much screwed when it comes to the arena where the Phoenix Coyotes play. They had a vote two nights ago on giving up another 197 million dollars just so the Coyotes will stay they voted 5-2 in favor. All this too only lose their team within the next five years. And yes it will be over that piece of crap's dead body Gary Bettman.

Who is to full of himself to admit that himself and the powers to be in the NHL that they made a mistake. HOCKEY IN THE SOUTH DOESN'T WORK!!!

Move the Coyotes and the Hurricanes, Panthers, Lightning, Tharsers to Canada.

PUT A TEAM IN QUEBEC CITY
PUT A TEAM IN WINNIPEG
PUT A TEAM IN HAMILTON
PUT ANOTHER TEAM IN TORONTO
PUT A TEAM IN SASKATOON

WHERE HOCKEY WORKS AND IS LOVED!!

TSN top 10 World Junior moments. Had Jordan Eberle's goal against Russia in Ottawa(2009) as the number 1 moment.

The Pats return to home action tonight against the Price Albert Raiders. This is the Pats last home game until after Christmas the Pats close out the first half of the season tomorrow in Prince Albert. And what a first half it's been but for all the wrong reasons. If your going tonight make sure to get a program so you can put a name to the new faces.

Man this city is full of bad drivers and the road conditions only highlights it even more.

The axe swinging in Edmonton continues this time it hit ageing quarterback Kerry Joesph. That now makes 5 players and 3 coaches who have been showing the door by new head coach Kavis Reed.

Oh yea almost forgot the SanFrancisco 49ers got beat up again 34-7 only this time it was the San Diego Chargers. Man I can't wait for the 49ers season to come to a end those who know me know I'm a die hard 49ers fan but I've had enough.

Well that's all I've got.

Q & A WITH CAPTAIN MITCHELL

The Regina Pats are back home and set to welcome the Prince Albert Raiders to the Brandt Centre Friday night at 7 p.m. on 620 CKRM. The Voice of the Pats Dan Plaster had this visit with Pats captain Garrett Mitchell today.DP:

The team earned three of eight possible points on the road trip but played well...

MITCHELL: Even if you go back to the Calgary game (an OT loss) our first period was great and we took the game over. We had a couple slips and they capitalized. I think in Red Deer the next night, it was one of our best games we've played as whole throughout the year. It's definitely coming. It's a huge learning curve with a lot of young guys but it's starting to come.

DP: Do you feel like an old man on this team now?

MITCHELL: I still think I'm a kid but I look around and since I was 16, I'm the only guy who's still here and there are only three guys from when I was 17. I'm an older guy now (19) and guys do look up to what we do. It's a good feeling.

DP: Has being a captain been difficult?

MITCHELL: I know for myself, my leadership is on the ice. Definitely in the room too, guys look at me and the older guys who've been around the league. I do see myself as a kid sometimes but in the big scheme of things I'm one of the older guys here.

DP: How beneficial has practice been this week with all the new players?

MITCHELL: Any time you add three new guys it's definitely a shock. They don't know the systems, schemes or what's expected. Another day of practice will be good for us and get ready for P.A.

DP: You're being asked about the trade deadline. Does that cross you mind?

MITCHELL: No. As a hockey player, moves are always going to happen. We can't control that as a player. You just have to do your job. I see myself as a Regina Pat as of now. I love the city and the team so we'll see where things take us.

DP: Have you been talking with the Washington Capitals about a contract?

MITCHELL: There's always talks going back and forth. I can't think about that too much. When you do think about it, you get in trouble. You need to think about what you're doing now. I try not to think about it too much.

DP: You've got three straight games against Prince Albert. Does it feel like a playoff series?

MITCHELL: Definitely. We look at is as we need the next two because of the points. That's where our focus is. We have to take the first one first, and then look towards the second one.

IS FANTUZ NFL BOUND

The Saskatchewan Roughriders slotback Andy Fantuz is auditioning for NFL teams this week.

Fantuz who lead the league in receiving yards in 2010, and was the first Canadian born player to do so since Calgary's Dave Sapunjis did it back in 1995. Fantuz also took home the CFL's Outstanding Canadian award in 2010.

Fantuz just finished up a work out with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday. And has another one planned with the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday. From all reports the work out with the teelers went well. Both sides left the work out feeling good with what they both saw. No contract was offered at this time.

If I was a betting man and if I was to place my money on Fantuz getting a NFL contract. I would say it would be Minnesota giving him one and not Pittsburgh. But Fantuz will have to start as a back up and work his way into the starting lineup. Which Andy is a very, very hard worker.

Some say nothing to worry about he is to slow to be a wide out and is not big enough too be a tight end. Yes he may not have blazing speed or be a typical tight end. But Andy is a big time player all he does is make plays and he can be relied on to come up big when the chips are down. Another thing he has going for him is he is a possion receiver and is a pretty big target still which quarterbacks love in the red zone.

And have you seen those hands?

He has some of the biggest hands I have ever seen.

So after Saturday when hes done with his work out with Minnesota. He will be just like the Riders and us fans sitting on pins and needles waiting to see what is going to happen. This die hard Rider fan who is also a big time Fantuz fan is tore between seeing him stay or seeing him hit the big time.

I would love too have him back but it's always good too see great thing happen to super people. Which make no mistake Andy Fantuz is world class both on and off the field.

TRADER LANG NOT DONE

The Regina Pats aren't done trading if the price is right.

Chad Lang has been receiving calls from all over the WHL about some of the vets. Guys like Jordan Weal, Captain Garrett Mitchell, 20 year old Colin Reddin, Damien Ketlo and defencemen Brandon Davidson, Art Bidlevskii. Lang has already said that it will take a sock-blowing offer to pry Weal away. Who the Pats hope to build a contender around.

I say hope because after all this is the same team that failed to do that around Jordan Eberel of all players. But in the wacky world of junior hockey anything can happen. It would be a hugh mistake if the Pats were to trade Weal.

I personal believe that even if a team is offering the best of the best.

WEAL HAS TOO STAY PUT!!!

Jordan will be back next year as a 19 year old and with the Pats having a young roster having a skilled vet like Jordan Weal on your side is very important. I could live without Mitchell not that I want to see him get traded. But if we can get a body plus a pick or two back for him it might not be a bad idea to pull the trigger on that one. With Art Bidlevskii again I believe the Pats have too hang onto him as he will be a key piece for the next few years.

But the rest Ketlo, Davidson, Blidstrand get them onto the first thing smoking. They are nothing but dead weight.

I guess only time will tell. But from now until Jan. 10 trade deadline it will be very interesting.

So stay tuned.

NOW I'M WORRIED

With Christmas vast approaching and the Pats sitting 21 of 22 teams. Since the playoffs is just a pipe dream which by the way this years team will do something that has never been done by a Pats team. What's that you ask? Well they will miss the playoffs making it three straight years in a row the Queen City kids will be the outside looking in.

Now that's still the feat to be in the league 90+ and this is the first time it will happen in their history. But that's not forget the last two this team missed the playoffs with the best junior player in the world on it's roster Jordan Eberle. As we know he has since left and is on to bigger and better things in the NHL, as I write this he sits 2nd in points(20) and 4th in goals(7) in rookie scoring.

But hes not here as sad as that is we have to move on.

The only thing that bug me is I would hear people say the Pats are young really young. Yes that may be true but they are not the youngest team in the league in fact not even in their own division. the Pats are the 2nd youngest in their division and 5th in the league. In fact the Moose Jaw Warriors who sit 16 points up on the Pats are the youngest not only in the division but the LEAGUE. After seeing that I did some more digging and broke down each teams roster and avg. age.

Brandon
16 old- 1 17 old- 7 18 old- 6 19 old- 6 20 old- 3 avg- 18.04

Calgary
16 old- 3 17 old- 5 18 old- 8 19 old- 5 20 old- 3 avg.- 18

Chilliwack
16 old- 2 17 old- 4 18 old- 10 19 old- 6 20 old- 3 avg- 18.2

Edmonton
15- 1 16 old- 1 17 old- 9 18 old- 6 19 old- 5 20 old- 3 avg- 17.9

Everett
16 old- 2 17 old- 5 18 old- 6 19 old- 7 20 old- 3 avg- 18.2

Kamloops
16 old- 3 17 old- 7 18 old- 9 19 old- 4 20 old- 3 avg- 17.88

Kelowna
16 old- 3 17 old- 6 18 old- 6 19 old- 6 20 old- 3 avg- 18

Kootneay
15 old- 1 16 old- 0 17 old- 5 18 old- 7 19 old- 6 20 old- 3 avg- 18.18

Lethbridge
16 old- 2 17 old- 5 18 old- 8 19 old- 6 20 old- 3 avg- 18.12

Medicine Hat
16 old- 2 17 old- 5 18 old- 6 19 old- 7 20 old- 3 avg- 18.17

Moose Jaw
16 old- 3 17 old- 7 18 old- 6 19 old- 3 20 old- 3 avg- 17.81

Portland
16 old- 3 17 old- 3 18 old- 11 19 old- 4 20 old- 3 avg- 18.04

Prince Albert
16 old- 2 17 old- 6 18 old- 4 19 old- 7 20 old- 3 avg- 18.13

Prince George
16 old- 2 17 old- 5 18 old- 10 19 old- 3 20 old- 3 avg- 18

Regina
16 old- 1 17 old- 8 18 old- 9 19 old- 4 20 old- 3 avg- 18

Red Deer
16 old- 2 17 old- 7 18 old- 6 19 old- 5 20 old- 3 avg- 18

Saskatoon
16 old- 3 17 old- 7 18 old- 4 19 old- 5 20 old- 3 avg- 17.9

Seattle
16 old- 3 17 old- 6 18 old- 9 19 old- 4 20 old- 3 avg- 17.92

Spokane
16 old- 1 17 old- 8 18 old- 7 19 old- 6 20 old- 3 avg- 18.08

Swift Current
16 old- 1 17 old- 7 18 old- 4 19 old- 9 20 old- 3 avg- 18.25

Tri City
16 old- 3 17 old- 3 18 old 6 19 old- 8 20 old- 3 avg- 18.21

Vancouver
16 old- 2 17 old- 7 18 old- 8 19 old- 6 20 old- 3 avg- 18.03

As you can see by my break down the Pats and their age group they are by far the worst team and coaching staff. I thought their might have been a light at the end of the tunnel but it looks like I was wrong. Hopefully with the trades Lang just pulled off and the trades to come this team will be back on track in a couple of years.

2011 TEAM CANADA WORLD JUNIORS ROSTER

Goaltenders
Name/S/Ht./Wt./Born/Hometown/Club team/Pro Status

Olivier Roy/L/5'11/186/07/12/91/Causapscal, QC/Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)/EDM 2009

Mark Visentin/L/6'1/198/08/07/92/Waterdown, ON/Niagara (OHL)/PHX 2010


Defencemen
Name/S/Ht./Wt./Born/Hometown/Club team/Pro Status

Tyson Barrie/R/5'10/190/07/26/91/Victoria, BC/Kelowna (WHL)/COL 2009

Simon Despres/L/6'4/222/07/27/91/Laval, QC/Saint John (QMJHL)/PIT 2009

Calvin de Haan*/L/6'1/189/05/09/91/Carp, ON/Oshawa (OHL)/NYI 2009

Ryan Ellis*/R/5'10/184/01/03/91/Freelton, ON/Windsor (OHL)/NSH 2009

Brandon Gormley^/L/6'2/192/02/18/92/Murray River, PEI/Moncton (QMJHL)/PHX 2010

Erik Gudbranson/R/6'4/211/01/07/92/Orleans, ON/Kingston (OHL)/FLA 2010

Dylan Olsen/L/6'2/223/01/03/91/Calgary, AB/Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)/CHI 2009

ForwardS/Name/S/Ht./Wt./BornHometown/Club team/Pro Status
Carter Ashton/L/6'3/219/04/01/91/Saskatoon, SK /Regina (WHL)/TAM 2009

Casey Cizikas/L/5'11/191/02/27/91/Mississauga, ON/Mississauga (OHL)/NYI 2009

Brett Connolly/R/6'2/181/05/02/92/Campbell River, BC/Prince George (WHL)/TAM 2010

Sean Couturier/L/6'3/192/12/07/92/Bathurst, NB/Drummondville (QMJHL)/2011 Draft

Cody Eakin/L/6'0/187/05/25/91/Winnipeg, MB/Swift Current (WHL)/WSH 2009

Marcus Foligno/L/6'1/200/08/10/91/Sudbury, ON/Sudbury (OHL)/BUF 2009

Curtis Hamilton/L/6'3/202/12/04/91/Kelowna, BC/Saskatoon (WHL)/EDM 2010

Quinton Howden/L/6'3/192/01/21/92/Oak Bank, MB/Moose Jaw (WHL)/FLA 2010

Ryan Johansen/R/6'2/193/07/31/92/Port Moody, BC/Portland (WHL)/CBJ 2010

Zack Kassian/R/6'3/226/01/24/91/LaSalle, ON/Windsor (OHL)/BUF 2009

Louis Leblanc/R/5'11/181/01/26/91/Pointe-Claire, QC/Montreal (QMJHL)/MTL 2009

Brayden Schenn*/L/6'1/192/08/22/91/Saskatoon, SK /Brandon (WHL)/LOS 2009

Jaden Schwartz/L/5'10/184/06/25/92/Emerald Park, SK /Colorado (WCHA)/STL 2010

Head Coach: Dave Cameron (Mississauga St. Michael's, OHL)
Assistant Coach: Andre Tourigny (Rouyn-Noranda, QMJHL)
Assistant Coach: Ryan Huska (Kelowna, WHL)
Assistant Coach: George Burnett (Belleville, OHL)

Pats/ Blazers Trade

The Regina Pats have sent 20 yr old F Thomas Frazee to Kamloops Blazers for 20 yr old F Shane Neigum 17 yr old prospect Lyndon Martell and a 3rd pick in the 2010 Bantam Draft.



This is the Pats 2nd trade in the past 5 days. Last week the Pats sent Carter Ashton To Tri City Americans for 2 players and 3 draft picks. GM Chad Lang has the nickname "trader Chad" and he is living up to it. The Pats are in full rebuilding mode so all the young guys and draft picks they can get the better it is.

I wish both Carter and Thomas the best as they both head out West.

RUNNINGBACK AVG. LEADERS AFTER WEEK 5

1 Jamaal Charles, RB KC 6.5

2 Arian Foster, RB HOU 5.8

3 LaDainian Tomlinson, RB NYJ 5.7

4 Adrian Peterson, RB MIN 5.5

5 LeSean McCoy, RB PHI 5.4

6 Felix Jones, RB DAL 5.3

7 Tim Hightower, RB ARI 5.2

8 Ryan Mathews, RB SD 5.1

9 Fred Jackson, RB BUF 5.0

10 Ahmad Bradshaw, RB NYG 4.9

11 Brandon Jacobs, RB NYG 4.8

12 Ronnie Brown, RB MIA 4.7

12 DeAngelo Williams, RB CAR 4.7

13 Mike Tolbert, FB SD 4.6

13 Rashard Mendenhall, RB PIT 4.6

13 Darren McFadden, RB OAK 4.6

13 Peyton Hillis, RB CLE 4.6

13 Jason Snelling, RB ATL 4.6

13 Brandon Jackson, RB GB 4.6

13 BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB NE 4.6

14 Michael Turner, RB ATL 4.5

14 Shonn Greene, RB NYJ 4.5

15 Marshawn Lynch, RB BUF 4.4

15 Michael Bush, RB OAK 4.4

16 Chris Johnson, RB TEN 4.3

17 Justin Forsett, RB SEA 4.2

17 Ray Rice, RB BAL 4.2

17 Matt Forte, RB CHI 4.2

18 Ricky Williams, RB MIA 4.1

18 Steven Jackson, RB STL 4.1

19 Clinton Portis, RB WSH 4.0

19 Maurice Jones-Drew, RB JAC 4.0

20 Cedric Benson, RB CIN 3.9

20 Thomas Jones, RB KC 3.9

20 Fred Taylor, RB NE 3.9

21 Ryan Torain, RB WSH 3.8

22 Joseph Addai, RB IND 3.7

23 Willis McGahee, RB BAL 3.6

24 Jahvid Best, RB DET 3.5

24 Frank Gore, RB SF 3.5

25 Marion Barber, RB DAL 3.4

26 Beanie Wells, RB ARI 3.3

26 Jonathan Stewart, RB CAR 3.3

27 Pierre Thomas, RB NO 3.2

28 Chester Taylor, RB CHI 2.9

29 Knowshon Moreno, RB DEN 2.8

30 Cadillac Williams, RB TB 2.6

RUNNING BACKS YARDS LEADERS AFTER WEEK 5

1 Arian Foster, RB HOU 564

2Chris Johnson, RB TEN 485

3 Adrian Peterson, RB MIN 480

4 Ahmad Bradshaw, RB NYG 449

5 LaDainian Tomlinson, RB NYJ 435

6 Michael Turner, RB ATL 421

7 Rashard Mendenhall, RB PIT 411

8 Cedric Benson, RB CIN 406

8 Maurice Jones-Drew, RB JAC 406

9 Steven Jackson, RB STL398

10 Darren McFadden, RB OAK 392

11 LeSean McCoy, RB PHI 365

12 Ray Rice, RB BAL 363

13 Peyton Hillis, RB CLE 350

14 Jamaal Charles, RB KC 325

15 Frank Gore, RB SF 322

16 DeAngelo Williams, RB CAR 317

17 Matt Forte, RB CHI 300

18 Mike Tolbert, FB SD 292

19 Shonn Greene, RB NYJ 280

20 Joseph Addai, RB IND 278

21 Brandon Jackson, RB GB 252

22 Jason Snelling, RB ATL 244

23 Jahvid Best, RB DET 241

24 Tim Hightower, RB ARI 239

25 Thomas Jones, RB KC 236

26 Ronnie Brown, RB MIA 226

27 Ryan Mathews, RB SD 218

28 Justin Forsett, RB SEA 215

28 BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB NE 215

29 Felix Jones, RB DAL 197

30 Clinton Portis, RB WSH 195

31 Michael Vick, QB PHI 187

32 Ricky Williams, RB MIA 176

33 Cadillac Williams, RB TB 172

33 Brandon Jacobs, RB NYG 172

34 Marshawn Lynch, RB BUF 164

35 Fred Jackson, RB BUF 160

36 Michael Bush, RB OAK 157

37 Ryan Torain, RB WSH 156

RUNNINGBACK ATT. LEADERS AFTER WEEK 5

1 Chris Johnson, RB TEN 113

2 Cedric Benson, RB CIN 103

3 Maurice Jones-Drew, RB JAC 102

4 Steven Jackson, RB STL 98

5 Arian Foster, RB HOU 96

6 Michael Turner, RB ATL 93

7 Frank Gore, RB SF 91

7 Ahmad Bradshaw, RB NYG 91

8 Rashard Mendenhall, RB PIT 89

9 Ray Rice, RB BAL 87

10 Darren McFadden, RB OAK 85

11 Joseph Addai, RB IND 76

11 Peyton Hillis, RB CLE 76

12 Matt Forte, RB CHI 72

13 Adrian Peterson, RB MIN 70

14 DeAngelo Williams, RB CAR 68

14 LeSean McCoy, RB PHI 68

14 Jahvid Best, RB DET 68

15 Cadillac Williams, RB TB 66

16 Mike Tolbert, FB SD 63

17 Thomas Jones, RB KC 60

18 LaDainian Tomlinson, RB NYJ 56

19 Brandon Jackson, RB GB 55

20 Jason Snelling, RB ATL 53

21 Shonn Greene, RB NYJ 52

22 Justin Forsett, RB SEA 51

23 Jamaal Charles, RB KC 50

24 Clinton Portis, RB WSH 49

25 Ronnie Brown, RB MIA 48

26 BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB NE 47

27 Pierre Thomas, RB NO 46

27 Tim Hightower, RB ARI 46

28 Ricky Williams, RB MIA 43

28 Ryan Mathews, RB SD 43

29 Marion Barber, RB DAL 42

30 Ryan Torain, RB WSH 41

31 Willis McGahee, RB BAL 40

32 Knowshon Moreno, RB DEN 39

32 Beanie Wells, RB ARI 39

33 Chester Taylor, RB CHI 37

33 Marshawn Lynch, RB BUF 37

33 Felix Jones, RB DAL 37

34 Brandon Jacobs, RB NYG 36

34 Michael Bush, RB OAK 36

34 Jonathan Stewart, RB CAR 36

35 Correll Buckhalter, RB DEN 32

35 Fred Jackson, RB BUF 32

36 Jerome Harrison, RB CLE 31

37 John Kuhn, FB GB 29

37 Laurence Maroney, RB DEN 29

37 Chris Ivory, RB NO 29

38 Michael Vick, QB PHI 26

39 Fred Taylor, RB NE 25

40 Ladell Betts, RB NO 23

40 David Garrard, QB JAC 23

40 Matt Ryan, QB ATL 23

40 Donald Brown, RB IND 23

41 Kenneth Darby, RB STL 22

42 Aaron Rodgers, QB GB 19

42 Steve Slaton, RB HOU 19

42 Rashad Jennings, RB JAC 19

42 Javon Ringer, RB TEN 19

42 C.J. Spiller, RB BUF 19

43 Darren Sproles, RB SD 18

43 Joe Flacco, QB BAL 18

44 Vince Young, QB TEN 17

44 Bernard Scott, RB CIN 17

45 Mike Bell, RB PHI 16

46 Eli Manning, QB NYG 15

46 Derrick Ward, RB HOU 15

46 Mike Hart, RB IND 15

46 Josh Freeman, QB TB 15

46 Isaac Redman, RB PIT 15

46 Deji Karim, RB JAC 15

47 Shaun Hill, QB DET 14

47 Carson Palmer, QB CIN 14

47 Earnest Graham, RB TB 14

47 Jason Campbell, QB OAK 14

48 Jay Cutler, QB CHI 13

48 Le'Ron McClain, FB BAL 13

QUARTERBACK YARDS-GAME LEADERS AFTER WEEK 5

1 Philip Rivers, QB SD 352

2 Kyle Orton, QB DEN 347

3 Tony Romo, QB DAL 337

4 Peyton Manning, QB IND 322

5 Drew Brees, QB NO 282

6 Donovan McNabb, QB WSH 263

7 Eli Manning, QB NYG 260

8 Carson Palmer, QB CIN 257

9 Matt Schaub, QB HOU 247

9 Aaron Rodgers, QB GB 247

9 Alex Smith, QB SF 246

10 Shaun Hill, QB DET 244

11 Chad Henne, QB MIA 241

12 Matt Ryan, QB ATL 233

13 Sam Bradford, QB STL 232

14 Jay Cutler, QB CHI 228

14 Tom Brady, QB NE 228

15 Joe Flacco, QB BAL 223

16 Brett Favre, QB MIN 215

17 Josh Freeman, QB TB 206

18 Matt Hasselbeck, QB SEA 204

19 Michael Vick, QB PHI 200

20 Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB BUF 198

21 Mark Sanchez, QB NYJ 180

22 Bruce Gradkowski, QB OAK 177

23 Matt Cassel, QB KC 163

24 Jake Delhomme, QB CLE 162

25 Kevin Kolb, QB PHI 159

26 David Garrard, QB JAC 158

27 Vince Young, QB TEN 137

28 Derek Anderson, QB ARI 130

QUARTERBACK RATINGS LEADERS AFTER WEEK 5

1 Tom Brady, QB NE 109.0

2 Michael Vick, QB PHI 108.8

3 Philip Rivers, QB SD 105.4

4 Peyton Manning, QB IND 102.6

5 Jay Cutler, QB CHI 102.2

6 Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB BUF 99.9

7 Kyle Orton, QB DEN 97.8

8 Drew Brees, QB NO 95.7

9 Vince Young, QB TEN 95.1

10 Tony Romo, QB DAL 92.7

11 Mark Sanchez, QB NYJ 91.7

12 Aaron Rodgers, QB GB 90.7

13 David Garrard, QB JAC 90.1

14 Seneca Wallace, QB CLE 88.5

15 Matt Ryan, QB ATL 86.9

16 Matt Schaub, QB HOU 86.8

17 Chad Henne, QB MIA 86.2

18 Josh Freeman, QB TB 84.8

19 Kevin Kolb, QB PHI 84.2

20 Eli Manning, QB NYG 83.1

21 Donovan McNabb, QB WSH 81.9

22 Carson Palmer, QB CIN 78.3

23 Shaun Hill, QB DET 78.0

24 Jason Campbell, QB OAK 76.3

26 Charlie Batch, QB PIT 76.2

27 Matt Cassel, QB KC 74.0

28 Joe Flacco, QB BAL 72.1

29 Bruce Gradkowski, QB OAK 71.1

30 Matt Hasselbeck, QB SEA 70.7

31 Brett Favre, QB MIN 67.0

32 Sam Bradford, QB STL 66.5

33 Derek Anderson, QB ARI 59.5

34 Trent Edwards, QB BUF 58.3

35 Max Hall, QB ARI 57.6

36 Jimmy Clausen, QB CAR 52.2

37 Jake Delhomme, QB CLE 48.2

QUARTERBACK SACK AFTER WEEK 5

1 Jay Cutler, QB CHI 17

2 Matt Schaub, QB HOU 14

3 David Garrard, QB JAC 12

3 Kyle Orton, QB DEN 12

4 Donovan McNabb, QB WSH 11

4 Michael Vick, QB PHI 11

4 Philip Rivers, QB SD 11

4 Sam Bradford, QB STL 11

5 Brett Favre, QB MIN 10

5 Alex Smith, QB SF 10

5 Vince Young, QB TEN 10

5 Matt Ryan, QB ATL 10

5 Max Hall, QB ARI 10

6 Matt Hasselbeck, QB SEA 9

6 Eli Manning, QB NYG 9

6 Aaron Rodgers, QB GB 9

6 Jason Campbell, QB OAK 9

6 Derek Anderson, QB ARI 9

6 Chad Henne, QB MIA 9

6 Josh Freeman, QB TB 9

6 Jimmy Clausen, QB CAR 9

7 Drew Brees, QB NO 8

7 Shaun Hill, QB DET 8

7 Kevin Kolb, QB PHI 8

7 Matt Moore, QB CAR 8

8 Carson Palmer, QB CIN 7

8 Tony Romo, QB DAL 7

8 Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB BUF 7

8 Bruce Gradkowski, QB OAK 7

8 Trent Edwards, QB BUF 7

8 Mark Sanchez, QB NYJ 7

9 Seneca Wallace, QB CLE 6

10 Peyton Manning, QB IND 5

10 Tom Brady, QB NE 5

10 Joe Flacco, QB BAL 5

10 Dennis Dixon, QB PIT 5

11 Charlie Batch, QB 4

12 Matt Cassel, QB KC 3

QUARTERBACK INT LEADERS AFTER WEEK 5

1 Alex Smith, QB SF 9

2 Eli Manning, QB NYG 8

2 Sam Bradford, QB STL 8

3 Brett Favre, QB MIN 7

3 Shaun Hill, QB DET 7

4 Matt Hasselbeck, QB SEA 6

4 David Garrard, QB JAC 6

4 Carson Palmer, QB CIN 6

4 Aaron Rodgers, QB GB 6

4 Matt Moore, QB CAR 6

4 Joe Flacco, QB BAL 6

5 Todd Collins, QB CHI 5

5 Drew Brees, QB NO 5

5 Tony Romo, QB DAL 5

5 Matt Schaub, QB HOU 5

5 Derek Anderson, QB ARI 5

6 Jake Delhomme, QB CLE 4

6 Philip Rivers, QB SD 4

6 Bruce Gradkowski, QB OAK 4

6 Chad Henne, QB MIA 4

7 Charlie Batch, QB PIT 3

7 Donovan McNabb, QB WSH 3

7 Kyle Orton, QB DEN 3

7 Matt Cassel, QB KC 3

7 Jay Cutler, QB CHI 3

7 Matt Ryan, QB ATL 3

7 Josh Freeman, QB TB 3

7 Jimmy Clausen, QB CAR 3

8 Peyton Manning, QB IND 2

8 Tom Brady, QB NE 2

8 Seneca Wallace, QB CLE 2

8 Jason Campbell, QB OAK 70 2

8 Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB BUF 2

8 Vince Young, QB TEN 2

8 Trent Edwards, QB BUF 2

8 Max Hall, QB ARI 2

9 Kerry Collins, QB TEN 1

9 Kevin Kolb, QB PHI 1

9 Dennis Dixon, QB PIT 1

QUARTERBACK TD LEADERS AFTER WEEK 5

1 Peyton Manning, QB IND 11

1 Philip Rivers, QB SD 11

2 Tom Brady, QB NE 9

2 Drew Brees, QB NO 9

2 David Garrard, QB JAC 9

2 Aaron Rodgers, QB GB 9

3 Shaun Hill, QB DET 8

3 Eli Manning, QB NYG 8

3 Kyle Orton, QB DEN 8

3 Mark Sanchez, QB NYJ 8

4 Carson Palmer, QB CIN 7

4 Tony Romo, QB DAL 7

4 Matt Schaub, QB HOU 7

4 Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB BUF 7

4 Matt Ryan, QB ATL 7

5 Michael Vick, QB PHI 6

5 Alex Smith, QB SF 6

5 Vince Young, QB TEN 6

5 Jay Cutler, QB CHI 6

5 Sam Bradford, QB STL 6

6 Brett Favre, QB MIN 5

6 Joe Flacco, QB BAL 5

6 Chad Henne, QB MIA 5

6 Josh Freeman, QB TB 5

7 Matt Hasselbeck, QB SEA 4

7 Donovan McNabb, QB WSH 4

7 Seneca Wallace, QB CLE 4

7 Matt Cassel, QB KC 4

7 Bruce Gradkowski, QB OAK 4

8 Charlie Batch, QB PIT 3

QUARTERBACK LONGEST PASS AFTER WEEK 5

1 Jay Cutler, QB CHI 89

2 Drew Brees, QB NO 80

3 Carson Palmer, QB CIN 78

4 Shaun Hill, QB DET 75

5 Peyton Manning, QB IND 73

6 Bruce Gradkowski, QB OAK 70

7 Tony Romo, QB DAL 69

8 Mark Sanchez, QB NYJ 67

9 Seneca Wallace, QB CLE 65

10 Donovan McNabb, QB WSH 62

11 Michael Vick, QB PHI 61

11 Kyle Orton, QB DEN 61

12 Philip Rivers, QB SD 59

13 Jason Campbell, QB OAK 58

13 Joe Flacco, QB BAL 58

14 Vince Young, QB TEN 56

15 Jimmy Clausen, QB CAR 55

16 Eli Manning, QB NYG 54

17 Matt Hasselbeck, QB SEA 52

17 Dennis Dixon, QB PIT 52

18 Matt Schaub, QB HOU 50

19 Jake Delhomme, QB CLE 49

19 Sam Bradford, QB STL 49

20 Aaron Rodgers, QB GB 48

21 Charlie Batch, QB PIT 46

21 Tom Brady, QB NE 46

21 Chad Henne, QB MIA 46

21 Josh Freeman, QB TB 46

22 Matt Cassel, QB KC 45

22 Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB BUF 45

22 Matt Ryan, QB ATL 45

23 Alex Smith, QB SF 41

23 Kevin Kolb, QB PHI 41

24 Brett Favre, QB MIN 37

24 Matt Moore, QB CAR 37

25 Derek Anderson, QB ARI 35

26 Trent Edwards, QB BUF 31

27 David Garrard, QB JAC 27

QUARTERBACK YARDS-AVG AFTER WEEK 5

1 Phillip Rivers,QB SD 9.61

2 Jay Cutler, QB CHI 8.94

3 Michael Vick, QB PHI 8.32

4 Kyle Orton, QB DEN 8.14

5 Tony Romo, QB DAL 7.74


5 Donovan McNabb, QB WSH 7.74

6 Matt Schaub, QB HOU 7.52

7 Eli Manning, QB NYG 7.48

8 Tom Brady, QB NE 7.47

9 Peyton Manning, QB IND 7.45

10 Chad Henne, QB MIA 7.36

11 Aaron Rodgers, QB GB 7.34

12 Charlie Batch, QB PIT 7.18

13 Vince Young, QB TEN 7.13

14 Josh Freeman, QB TB 7.10

15 Drew Brees, QB NO 7.09

16 Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB BUF 7.00

17 Bruce Gradkowski, QB OAK 6.95

18 Seneca Wallace, QB CLE 6.93

19 David Garrard, QB JAC 6.80

20 Carson Palmer, QB CIN 6.63

21 Matt Ryan, QB ATL 6.58

22 Brett Favre, QB MIN 6.57

22 Joe Flacco, QB BAL 6.57

23 Alex Smith, QB SF 6.47

24 Matt Hasselbeck, QB SEA 6.46

25 Luke McCown, QB JAC 6.32

26 Shaun Hill, QB DET 6.31

27 Kevin Kolb, QB PHI 6.29

28 Mark Sanchez, QB NYJ 6.14

29 Matt Cassel, QB KC 6.13

30 Jason Campbell, QB OAK 6.09

31 Kerry Collins, QB TEN 5.96

32 Max Hall, QB ARI 5.88

33 Matt Moore, QB CAR 5.80

34 Sam Bradford, QB STL 5.71

35 Derek Anderson, QB ARI 5.70

36 Jake Delhomme, QB CLE 5.40

37 Jimmy Clausen, QB CAR 4.99

38 Trent Edwards, QB BUF 4.64

QUARTEBACK YARDS LEADER AFTER WEEK 5

1 Phillip Rivers,QB SD 1759

2 Kyle Orton, QB DEN 1733

3 Peyton Manning, QB IND 1609

4 Drew Brees, QB NO 1410

5 Tony Romo, QB DAL 1346

6 Donovan McNabb, QB WSH 1315

7 Eli Manning, QB NYG 1302

8 Carson Palmer, QB CIN 1287

9 Matt Schaub, QB HOU 1233

9 Aaron Rodgers, QB GB 1233

10 Alex Smith, QB SF 1229

11 Shaun Hill, QB DET 1218

12 Matt Ryan, QB ATL 1165

13 Sam Bradford, QB STL 1159

14 Joe Flacco, QB BAL 1116

15 Chad Henne, QB MIA 964

16 Jay Cutler, QB CHI 912

17 Tom Brady, QB NE 911

18 Mark Sanchez, QB NYJ 902

19 Brett Favre, QB MIN 861

20 Josh Freeman, QB TB 824

21 Matt Hasselbeck, QB SEA 814

22 Michael Vick, QB PHI 799

23 David Garrard, QB JAC 789

24 Bruce Gradkowski, QB OAK 709

25 Seneca Wallace, QB CLE 693

26 Vince Young, QB TEN 684

27 Derek Anderson, QB ARI 650

27 Matt Cassel, QB KC 650

28 Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB BUF 595

29 Kevin Kolb, QB PHI 478

30 Jimmy Clausen, QB CAR 454

31 Jason Campbell, QB OAK 426

32 Charlie Batch, QB PIT 352

33 Matt Moore, QB CAR 342

34 Jake Delhomme, QB CLE 324

35 Dennis Dixon, QB PIT 254

36 Max Hall, QB ARI 253

37 Trent Edwards, QB BUF 241

38 Kerry Collins, QB TEN 149

QUARTERBACK PERCENT LEADERS AFTER WEEK 5

1 Drew Brees, QB NO 71.4

2 Tom Brady, QB NE 69.7

3 Dennis Dixon, QB PIT 68.8

4 Tony Romo, QB DAL 68.4

5 Kerry Collins, QB TEN 68.0

6 Peyton Manning, QB IND 67.6

7 Jay Cutler, QB CHI 66.7

8 David Garrard, QB JAC 66.4

9 Kyle Orton, QB DEN 66.2

10 Aaron Rodgers, QB GB 66.1

11 Eli Manning, QB NYG 64.4

12 Chad Henne, QB MIA 64.1

13 Kevin Kolb, QB PHI 63.2

14 Seneca Wallace, QB CLE 63.0

15 Philip Rivers, QB SD 62.8


16 Matt Schaub, QB HOU 62.2

17 Alex Smith, QB SF 62.1

18 Matt Ryan, QB ATL 61.6

19 Michael Vick, QB PHI 61.5

19 Vince Young, QB TEN 61.5

20 Jason Campbell, QB OAK 61.4

21 Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB BUF 61.2

22 Shaun Hill, QB DET 61.1

22 Matt Hasselbeck, QB SEA 61.1

23 Max Hall, QB ARI 60.5

24 Josh Freeman, QB TB 59.5

25 Carson Palmer, QB CIN 59.3

26 Charlie Batch, QB PIT 59.2

27 Luke McCown, QB JAC 57.9

28 Joe Flacco, QB BAL 57.1

29 Sam Bradford, QB STL 56.7

30 Brett Favre, QB MIN 56.5

31 Donovan McNabb, QB WSH 56.5

32 Trent Edwards, QB BUF 55.8

33 Mark Sanchez, QB NYJ 55.1

34 Jake Delhomme, QB CLE 55.0

35 Matt Cassel, QB KC 54.7

36 Bruce Gradkowski, QB OAK 52.0

37 Derek Anderson, QB ARI 51.8

38 Jimmy Clausen, QB CAR 47.3

QUARTERBACK COMP LEADERS AFTER WEEK 5

1 Peyton Manning, QB IND 146

2 Drew Brees, QB NO 142

3 Kyle Orton, QB DEN 141

4 Tony Romo, QB DAL 119


5 Shaun Hill, QB DET 118

5 Alex Smith, QB SF 118

6 Carson Palmer, QB CIN 115

6 Philip Rivers, QB SD 115

6 Sam Bradford, QB STL 115

7 Eli Manning, QB NYG 112


8 Aaron Rodgers, QB GB 111

9 Matt Ryan, QB ATL 109

10 Matt Schaub, QB HOU 102

11 Joe Flacco, QB BAL 97

12 Donovan McNabb, QB WSH 96

13 Tom Brady, QB NE 85

14 Chad Henne, QB MIA 84

15 Mark Sanchez, QB NYJ 81

16 Matt Hasselbeck, QB SEA 77

16 David Garrard, QB JAC 77

17 Brett Favre, QB MIN 74

18 Josh Freeman, QB TB 69

19 Jay Cutler, QB CHI 68

20 Seneca Wallace, QB CLE 63

21 Michael Vick, QB PHI 59

21 Derek Anderson, QB ARI 59

21 Vince Young, QB TEN 59

22 Matt Cassel, QB KC 58

23 Bruce Gradkowski, QB OAK 53

24 Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB BUF 52

25 Kevin Kolb, QB PHI 48

26 Jason Campbell, QB OAK 43

26 Jimmy Clausen, QB CAR 43

27 Jake Delhomme, QB CLE 33

28 Charlie Batch, QB PIT 29

28 Trent Edwards, QB BUF 29

29 Max Hall, QB ARI 26

30 Matt Moore, QB CAR 25

31 Dennis Dixon, QB PIT 22

32 Kerry Collins, QB TEN 17

QUARTERBACK ATT LEADERS AFTER WEEK 5

1 Peyton Manning, QB IND 216

2 Kyle Orton, QB DEN 213

3 Sam Bradford, QB STL 203

4 Drew Brees, QB NO 199

5 Carson Palmer, QB CIN 194

6 Shaun Hill, QB DET 193

7 Alex Smith, QB SF 190

8 Philip Rivers, QB SD 183

9 Matt Ryan, QB ATL 177

10 Tony Romo, QB DAL 174

10 Eli Manning, QB NYG 174

11 Donovan McNabb, QB WSH 170

11 Joe Flacco, QB BAL 170

12 Aaron Rodgers, QB GB 168

13 Matt Schaub, QB HOU 164

14 Mark Sanchez, QB NYJ 147

15 Brett Favre, QB MIN 131

15 Chad Henne, QB MIA 131

16 Matt Hasselbeck, QB SEA 126

17 Tom Brady, QB NE 122

18 David Garrard, QB JAC 116

18 Josh Freeman, QB TB 116

19 Derek Anderson, QB ARI 114

20 Matt Cassel, QB KC 106

21 Jay Cutler, QB CHI 102

21 Bruce Gradkowski, QB OAK 102

22 Seneca Wallace, QB CLE 100

23 Michael Vick, QB PHI 96

23 Vince Young, QB TEN 96

24 Jimmy Clausen, QB CAR 91

25 Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB BUF 85

26 Kevin Kolb, QB PHI 76

27 Jason Campbell, QB OAK 70

28 Jake Delhomme, QB CLE 60

29 Matt Moore, QB CAR 59

30 Trent Edwards, QB BUF 52

31 Charlie Batch, QB PIT 49

32 Max Hall, QB ARI 43

33 Dennis Dixon, QB PIT 32

34 Todd Collins, QB CHI 27

35 Kerry Collins, QB TEN 25

36 Luke McCown, QB JAC 19

37 Matthew Stafford, QB DET 15

38 Josh Johnson, QB TB 8

39 Caleb Hanie, QB CHI 7

40 Tyler Thigpen, QB MIA 6

QUARTERBACK LEADERS AFTER WEEK5

PLAYER TEAM ATT COMP PCT YDS YDS/A LONG TD INT SACK RATE YDS/G

1 Tom Brady, QB NE 122 85 69.7 911 7.47 46 9 2 5 109.0 228

2 Michael Vick, QB PHI 96 59 61.5 799 8.32 61 6 0 11 108.8 200

3 Philip Rivers, QB SD 183 115 62.8 1759 9.61 59 11 4 11 105.4 352

4 Peyton Manning, QB IND 216 146 67.6 1609 7.45 73 11 2 5 102.6 322

5 Jay Cutler, QB CHI 102 68 66.7 912 8.94 89 6 3 17 102.2 228

6 Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB BUF 85 52 61.2 595 7.00 45 7 2 7 99.9 198

7 Kyle Orton, QB DEN 213 141 66.2 1733 8.14 61 8 3 12 97.8 347

8 Drew Brees, QB NO 199 142 71.4 1410 7.09 80 9 5 8 95.7 282

9 Vince Young, QB TEN 96 59 61.5 684 7.13 56 6 2 10 95.1 137

10 Tony Romo, QB DAL 174 119 68.4 1346 7.74 69 7 5 7 92.7 337

11 Mark Sanchez, QB NYJ 147 81 55.1 902 6.14 67 8 0 7 91.7 180

12 Aaron Rodgers, QB GB 168 111 66.1 1233 7.34 48 9 6 9 90.7 247

13 David Garrard, QB JAC 116 77 66.4 789 6.80 27 9 6 12 90.1 158

14 Seneca Wallace, QB CLE 100 63 63.0 693 6.93 65 4 2 6 88.5 139

15 Matt Ryan, QB ATL 177 109 61.6 1165 6.58 45 7 3 10 86.9 233

16 Matt Schaub, QB HOU 164 102 62.2 1233 7.52 50 7 5 14 86.8 247

17 Chad Henne, QB MIA 131 84 64.1 964 7.36 46 5 4 9 86.2 241

18 Josh Freeman, QB TB 116 69 59.5 824 7.10 46 5 3 9 84.8 206

19 Kevin Kolb, QB PHI 76 48 63.2 478 6.29 41 2 1 8 84.2 159

20 Eli Manning, QB NYG 174 112 64.4 1302 7.48 54 8 8 9 83.1 260

21 Donovan McNabb, QB WSH 170 96 56.5 1315 7.74 62 4 3 11 81.9 263

22 Carson Palmer, QB CIN 194 115 59.3 1287 6.63 78 7 6 7 78.3 257

23 Shaun Hill, QB DET 193 118 61.1 1218 6.31 75 8 7 8 78.0 244

24 Jason Campbell, QB OAK 70 43 61.4 426 6.09 58 2 2 9 76.3 142

25 Matt Cassel, QB KC 106 58 54.7 650 6.13 45 4 3 3 74.0 163

26 Joe Flacco, QB BAL 170 97 57.1 1116 6.57 58 5 6 5 72.1 223

27 Alex Smith, QB SF 190 118 62.1 1229 6.47 41 6 9 10 71.6 246

28 Bruce Gradkowski, QB OAK 102 53 52.0 709 6.95 70 4 4 7 71.1 177

29 Matt Hasselbeck, QB SEA 126 77 61.1 814 6.46 52 4 6 9 70.7 204

30 Brett Favre, QB MIN 131 74 56.5 861 6.57 37 5 7 10 67.0 215

31 Sam Bradford, QB STL 203 115 56.7 1159 5.71 49 6 8 11 66.5 232

32 Derek Anderson, QB ARI 114 59 51.8 650 5.70 35 3 5 9 59.5 130

33 Jimmy Clausen, QB CAR 91 43 47.3 454 4.99 55 1 3 9 52.2 91

QUARTER BACK RATINGS LEADERS AFTER WEEK 4

PLAYER TEAM ATT COMP PCT YDS YDS/A LONG TD INT SACK RATE YDS/G

1 Peyton Manning, QB IND 172 120 69.8 1365 7.94 73 11 1 4 112.2 341

2 Tom Brady, QB NE 122 85 69.7 911 7.47 46 9 2 5 109.0 228

3 Michael Vick, QB PHI 96 59 61.5 799 8.32 61 6 0 11 108.8 200

4 Mark Sanchez, QB NYJ 103 60 58.3 711 6.90 67 8 0 5 105.3 178

5 Philip Rivers, QB SD 141 88 62.4 1328 9.42 59 9 4 8 102.8 332

6 Drew Brees, QB NO 160 118 73.8 1131 7.07 80 7 2 7 102.4 283

7 Jay Cutler, QB CHI 102 68 66.7 912 8.94 89 6 3 17 102.2 228

8 Kyle Orton, QB DEN 175 118 67.4 1419 8.11 61 6 3 11 96.4 355

9 Aaron Rodgers, QB GB 122 84 68.9 940 7.71 48 8 5 5 96.3 235

10 Matt Schaub, QB HOU 130 86 66.2 1037 7.98 50 7 4 11 95.6 259

11 Vince Young, QB TEN 71 47 66.2 511 7.20 56 4 2 7 94.3 128

12 Tony Romo, QB DAL 128 88 68.8 940 7.34 63 4 2 1 93.9 313

13 Matt Ryan, QB ATL 149 93 62.4 978 6.56 34 6 3 8 86.5 245

14 Chad Henne, QB MIA 131 84 64.1 964 7.36 46 5 4 9 86.2 241

15 Donovan McNabb, QB WSH 121 70 57.9 958 7.92 62 3 2 6 84.7 240

16 Josh Freeman, QB TB 83 49 59.0 544 6.55 46 4 2 6 84.6 181

17 Carson Palmer, QB CIN 158 94 59.5 1078 6.82 78 5 3 7 82.7 270

18 Seneca Wallace, QB CLE 85 52 61.2 554 6.52 65 3 2 4 82.2 139

19 Eli Manning, QB NYG 132 85 64.4 1005 7.61 54 5 6 9 81.2 251

20 David Garrard, QB JAC 96 61 63.5 611 6.37 26 6 5 10 80.7 153

21 Matt Cassel, QB KC 77 42 54.5 494 6.42 45 4 3 2 75.4 165

22 Bruce Gradkowski, QB OAK 95 52 54.7 695 7.32 70 4 4 7 74.7 232

23 Sam Bradford, QB STL 158 92 58.2 944 5.98 49 6 6 10 72.3 236

24 Matt Hasselbeck, QB SEA 126 77 61.1 814 6.46 52 4 6 9 70.7 204

25 Joe Flacco, QB BAL 145 83 57.2 920 6.35 40 5 6 4 70.5 230

26 Shaun Hill, QB DET 161 97 60.2 991 6.16 75 5 7 7 70.2 248

27 Alex Smith, QB SF 151 93 61.6 920 6.09 41 3 7 8 66.1 230

28 Brett Favre, QB MIN 97 60 61.9 597 6.16 33 2 6 6 60.4 199

29 Jimmy Clausen, QB CAR 69 34 49.3 393 5.70 55 1 2 4 59.6 98

30 Derek Anderson, QB ARI 112 58 51.8 644 5.75 35 3 5 9 59.5 161

Pats vs Blades

Regina, Saskatchewan – The Past will have their final preseason home game tonight at 7pm at the Co-operators Centre, hosting the Saskatoon Blades.

The Regina Pats are coming off back to back losses last weekend to the Brandon Wheat Kings. It looked like it was going to be a good weekend on Friday night with an early 3-0 lead only to see the Wheatties come all the way back and win 5-4 in overtime. Brandon kept the momentum going 24 hours later with a 7-3 home win.

Home and home...again:
This week will be the final two games of the preseason for the Regina Pats and for the third straight week, it will be a home and home set with an Eastern Division opponent. Tonight, the Saskatoon Blades come to town with the final preseason game coming Saturday night in Saskatoon on 620 CKRM

Before the Pats season opener I will have a break down of the WHL and my thoughts about the Pats this season. I will also have a brand new blog just for the Pats and hockey talk. This blog is not going to die either.

Eskioms Major Announcement

It appears Eric Tillman will be announced as the next General Manager of the Edmonton Eskimos at a news conference in the Alberta capital this morning. Should the Riders have kept him? That will be the topic on today's Sports Cage this afternoon from 4-6pm, plus we'll have a visit from TSN's Duane Forde.

Bloggers Note: I will have more about this after i simmer down a bit. Those who know me, know how I feel about this. I will say this so far it's a complete joke Tillman is back in the CFL. More later

Taman And Hopson

Roughrider GM Brendan Taman spoke to the media today about the release of WR Prechae Rodriguez, the placement of KOR/PR Dominique Dorsey on the 9-game injured list and where the team's going from here:

TAMAN: Prechae just, for whatever reason, didn't work out. He didn't have the confidence of our staff. I talked to him last night and this morning and came to the conclusion that he wasn't in our plans going forward. We'll give Cary (Koch) a look and go from there. Dominique has battled through a few things. Obviously he didn't perform very well last week and we finalized that we weren't going forward with him either. He had a hamstring and a dislocated finger so we basically wrote him off for the year and we'll go from there. We'll give Weston Dressler a look there this week and go from there.

Q. Is it dangerous having Dressler return kicks?

TAMAN: I watched Winnipeg use their best DB there all game last week. I don't think they worried about it so I don't know if we will.

Q. Did Dorsey dislocate his finger in the game?

TAMAN: It was Labour Day, but it's no excuse.

Q. How disappointing is it since they were brought in with much hype this off-season.

TAMAN: It was very disappointing. Dominque, I don't know where his ability went, but we didn't see it this year. He's as disappointed as anybody and we all are. Those things happen. You can't foreshadow what's going to happen over the course of a season.

Q. Are you bringing Ryan Grice-Mullen in?

TAMAN: I talked to a lot of people over the course of the day but he's not here right now. I hope he's on a plane coming here. Without a return game succeeding very well, we needed to look at that. He'll go on the practice roster and we'll go from there. But he hasn't been signed.

Q. Does Hugh Charles get on the roster?

TAMAN: That's a possibility.

Q. Are you contemplating any other moves?

TAMAN: You're always contemplating moves and looking to get better. Our offensive line's been in a state of flux and with Joel Bell still there, we're looking at bringing one of those guys in. You could say we are.

Q. Is this a wakeup call for the team?

TAMAN: I don't believe it's a wakeup call. Guys aren't performing well and you've gotta make changes. I don't think it's a message or anything. If it's construed as that, so be it. I don't believe in that but when guys don't perform, you have to make changes.



Rider President Jim Hopson spoke about the hiring of Eric Tillman as GM of the Eskimos today:

HOPSON: Eric is a skilled, successful, experience GM in this league and his track record speaks for itself. The Eskimos obviously needed someone of his calibre and he was the best available and a good fit. I predicted there was a chance of this when they let Danny Macocia go. Good for Eric, good for his family and we wish him well. Just not when they play the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Q. The Eskimos didn't mind his legal problems, why did the Riders?

HOPSON: Our situation was entirely different. We've been living in that whole situation for a year. Eric was the person who resigned and we accepted. I think the circumstances are similar but at the end of the day, different. I think he deserved the opportunity.

Q. What do you say to those that think Eric could turn this team around better than the current regime?

HOPSON: You're only as good as your last game and we were pretty bad in our last game. There's no getting away from that and certainly our fans have become accustomed to success. Eric was a big part of that and the bar is high. They want us to win and we want to win. I've great confidence in Kenny and Brendan and the football team that we have here but clearly we have to get better. I believe we will. It's a natural reaction to how we've played in a few recent games but it's the still the same group of guys who got us to the Grey Cup last year. We've got a great core hear, but Kenny and Brendan have decided to make some changes. That's their job and I have every confidence that they'll continue to do that.

Davidson Going To The Oilers

Brandon Davidson was drafted in the 6th round 162 overall by the Edmonton Oilers.

Weal A King

Jordan Weal was drafted in the 3rd round 70th overall by the L.A Kings.

Michalek Tears ACL, Done For Playoffs

Milan Michalek will require season-ending surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee he suffered in Game 1 on Wednesday in Pittsburgh.
Michalek was playing with a partially torn ACL from an injury he sustained on March 18 in Atlanta. He tore the ACL completely late in the second period of Wednesday's game.
Michalek will have surgery in two weeks when the swelling goes down. He is expected to make a full recovery and be available for training camp in September.

Ebs Named East Conference Player Of The Year

The Regina Pats are proud to announce that Jordan Eberle has been named the WHL East Conference Player of the Year. Eberle goes up against Vancouver's Craig Cunningham for the league award, the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy, later this month.The only other Pats to be named league MVP are Dennis Sobchuck, Doug Wickenheiser and Josh Harding.

(Bloggers note) And he should win the League as well.

Armstead's Rider Days Are Done

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today they have officially released import kick/punt returner Jason Armstead. "We had talked to Jason in the recent past and told him he was released from the team," stated Head Coach and Vice President of Football Operations Ken Miller. "At that time we had no prior knowledge of his unfortunate legal troubles." Miller explained that the team had not yet made his release public as they were working behind the scenes to assistant him in trying to acquire a roster position with another team within the CFL. "This is an unfortunate situation for Jason, but at this time he is no longer a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders," concluded Miller. "We do appreciate what he contributed to the team last season and wish him well in his future." Armstead re-joined the Riders for the remaining 11 regular season games and playoffs of the 2009 season.

(Bloggers note) I Think this is a very bad move by the Riders, and just hope it doesn't come back to bite us in the ass. Thank You Jason for all your hard work both on and off the field.

WHL Conference Final Previews

Calgary, AB -- The quest for Western Hockey League supremacy and a chance to join the Brandon Wheat Kings and compete in the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup in Brandon, MB, continues as the 2010 Husky WHL Eastern Conference and Kal Tire WHL Western Conference Championship series’ begin on Friday, April 16. For the second straight season, the Husky WHL Eastern Conference Championship series will feature a battle between the Calgary Hitmen and the Brandon Wheat Kings.The Hitmen won last year’s Conference final meeting, defeating the Wheat Kings in four straight to advance to the 2009 WHL Championship series, which they would lose to the Kelowna Rockets. The Memorial Cup host Wheat Kings will be looking for revenge as they continue their quest to get to the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament through the front door as WHL Champs.The Tri-City Americans will be facing off against the Vancouver Giants in the 2010 Kal Tire WHL Western Conference Championship series, marking the first playoff encounter between the two franchises.The Americans won the U.S. Division and Western Conference regular-season titles, and have carried their strong play through the first two rounds of the post-season. The Giants, winners of their fifth straight B.C. Division crown, have plowed through the first two rounds of the playoffs, thanks to a dynamite offense, and find themselves in the Western Conference final for a second straight year.Here's a look at the Husky WHL Eastern and Kal Tire WHL Western Conference Championship series’. Also attached.

HUSKY WHL EASTERN CONFERENCE(1) CALGARY HITMEN vs (2) BRANDON WHEAT KINGS

2009-10 regular-season record: (W-L-OTL-SOL, PTS)Calgary: 52-17-1-2, 107pts

Brandon: 50-18-1-3, 104pts

2009-10 head-to-head record: Calgary: 1-3-0-0, 2pts

Brandon: 3-0-0-1, 7pts2009-10

head-to-head top scorers:

Calgary: Kris Foucault 4gp-2g-2a-4pts
Tyler Shattock 4gp-2g-2a-4pts

Brandon: Matt Calvert 4gp-5g-1a-6pts
Scott Glennie 4gp-2g-4a-6pts

The Calgary Hitmen and the Brandon Wheat Kings meet up in the post-season for the fourth time in six seasons, and for the second consecutive year in the WHL Eastern Conference final. In 2009, Brett Sonne and the Hitmen beat Brayden Schenn and the Wheat Kings four games to none in the Husky WHL Eastern Conference Championship series.The Hitmen are making their fourth consecutive appearance in the Eastern Conference final, having lost to Medicine Hat in 2007 and Lethbridge in 2008, then defeating the Wheat Kings last season. The Hitmen have had a tougher road to the Husky WHL Eastern Conference Championship series this season than they did last year when they swept their way to the 2009 WHL Championship series.

After a hard-fought, come-from-behind seven-game first round series win over the Moose Jaw Warriors, the Hitmen needed six games to tame the Medicine Hat Tigers in the second round. Offensively, the Hitmen have enjoyed balanced production, with 14 different players having scored through the first two rounds and seven players who have at least four goals in the post-season. While stars like Brandon Kozun, Joel Broda and Tyler Shattock continue to produce, it’s been the likes of Cody Sylvester, Kris Foucault and Jimmy Bubnick who have helped spread out the scoring. Defensively, the Hitmen have tightened up since the opening round, and allowed only 14 goals in six games versus the Tigers.

They will need to be at their absolute best to slow down the Wheat Kings’ lethal offense. Staying out of the penalty box will go a long way in keeping the goals-against down versus Brandon. Martin Jones has not had to steal any post-season games for the Hitmen, so far. However, he will likely be called upon to come up big on more than one occasion versus the Wheat Kings.

The Wheat Kings are making their second consecutive appearance in the Husky WHL Eastern Conference Championship series, having swept the Swift Current Broncos in the first round before handling a very strong Saskatoon Blades team in six games in the second round. Throughout the regular season and the playoffs, the story for the Wheat Kings has been their dynamic and dangerous offense. Having led the WHL by a good margin in goals-for during the regular season, the Wheaties are averaging 4.3 goals per game in the playoffs and appear, at times, to be able to score at will. The team boasts six players who are averaging a point per game or better in the post-season, and they own a power play that is operating at a 30.0 per cent clip through 10 playoff games.

Up against a tough Hitmen defense, the Wheat Kings will need to use their offensive depth to keep up their high-scoring ways. Defensively, the Wheat Kings have allowed an average of three goals per game in the post-season. Fortunately, they’ve been able to outscore their opponents more often than not. Penalty killing has been a strength for the Wheaties in the playoffs, as the team owns the best penalty killing success rate of any team still in the playoffs.

They will need to maintain their strong PK to nullify Calgary’s potent power play. Jacob DeSerres has been in net for seven of the team’s eight playoff victories. Like Calgary’s Martin Jones, DeSerres has not had to steal a win for the Wheat Kings, so far. Yet, he’s managed to do what he has needed to in order to get the victories.

Series Schedule#1 -
Brandon @ Calgary; Friday, April 16 (7:00pm MT)
#2 - Brandon @ Calgary; Saturday, April 17 (7:00pm MT)
#3 - Calgary @ Brandon; Tuesday, April 20 (7:00pm CT)
#4 - Calgary @ Brandon; Wednesday, April 21 (7:00pm CT)
#5 - Brandon @ Calgary; Friday, April 23 (7:00pm MT)**
#6 - Calgary @ Brandon; Sunday, April 25 (6:00pm CT
7 - Brandon @ Calgary; Tuesday, April 27 (7:00pm MT)****
- if necessary

KAL TIRE WHL WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) TRI-CITY AMERICANS vs (5) VANCOUVER GIANTS

2009-10 regular-season record: (W-L-OTL-SOL, PTS)Tri-City: 47-22-1-2, 97pts

Vancouver: 41-25-3-3, 88pts

2009-10 head-to-head record:

Tri-City: 4-0-0-0, 8pts

Vancouver: 0-3-0-1, 1pts

2009-10 head-to-head top scorers:

Tri-City: Brendan Shinnimin 4gp-4g-3a-7pts
Adam Hughesman 4gp-2g-5a-7pts

Vancouver: James Henry 4gp-0g-4a-4pts
Neil Manning 4gp-2g-1a-3pts

The Vancouver Giants and Tri-City Americans meet up for their first ever playoff series.The Americans are making their second appearance in the Kal Tire WHL Western Conference Championship series in the last three years, having defeated the Chilliwack Bruins in six games in the opening round before downing the defending WHL Champion Kelowna Rockets in five games in the second round. The Americans have averaged 3.64 goals per game through the first two rounds of the playoffs, which is the lowest offensive output of the four remaining teams. However, they have plenty of speed, skill and depth up front, with 14 players who have found the back of the net through 11 games.

Having owned the second-best power play during the regular season, the Ams hope to take advantage of a Giants’ penalty killing unit that has struggled during the playoffs. Defensively, the Americans have allowed the fewest number of goals of any of the remaining teams. Yet, the Ams have yet to face an offense as dangerous as that of the Giants. Tyler Schmidt and the Ams’ defense corps will need to find a way to slow down Vancouver’s red-hot trio of Craig Cunningham, Brendan Gallagher and Lance Bouma if they want to move on. Netminder Drew Owsley has been impressive through 11 playoff contests, posting a solid .930 save percentage and a 2.23 GAA.

Owsley also enjoyed success versus the Giants during the regular season, winning all three of his starts and posting a .923 save percentage in the process.The Giants are making their second straight appearance in the Kal Tire WHL Western Conference Championship series, having swept the Kamloops Blazers in the first round before toppling the Portland Winterhawks in six games in the second round. Offensively, the Giants have been on fire, scoring an average of five goals per game through rounds one and two. The team boasts eight players with 10 or more points in the post-season, and five players with five or more goals.

Craig Cunningham, Lance Bouma and Brendan Gallagher have been near unstoppable in the playoffs, combining for 23 goals and 51 points in 10 games. They will be charged with trying to break through a solid Americans’ defense and the goaltending of Drew Owsley. Defensively, the Giants have allowed an average of 3.6 goals-against per game in the post-season. Having faced two strong offenses in Kamloops and Portland, the Giants will now have to find a way to contain the tremendous speed and skill of the Americans.

Improving upon their 68.2 per cent penalty killing success rate will be crucial for the Giants to have a chance to beat the Americans. Goaltender Mark Segal may not have the numbers that his counterpart, Owlsey, boasts. However, Segal has found a way to get the job done when it comes to putting up wins. The 18-year-old faced plenty of rubber versus the Winterhawks, and saved his best performance for the team’s series-clinching Game 6 win.

Series Schedule (All Start Times Local)
#1 – Vancouver @ Tri-City; Friday, April 16 (7:05pm)
#2 – Vancouver @ Tri-City; Saturday, April 17 (7:35pm)
#3 – Tri-City @ Vancouver; Tuesday, April 20 (7:00pm)
#4 – Tri-City @ Vancouver; Thursday, April 22 (7:00pm)
#5 – Vancouver @ Tri-City; Saturday, April 24 (1:00pm)**
#6 – Tri-City @ Vancouver; Monday, April 26 (7:00pm)**
#7 – Vancouver @ Tri-City; Tuesday, April 27 (7:05pm)****
- if necessary

Are They ? Or Arne't They?

It must be April and NHL Playoff hockey, because why else would the Sharks being playing so badly. Year after year the Sharks continue to show there true colors. How can a team with so much talent, play so badly come playoff time? To many passengers I guess, yes I know it was only one game but it was a very long one for the Sharks and their fans. The Avs controlled the game from start to finish and could have won it by alot more than just by 1 goal.

Before the series started I took the Sharks in 6, but if they play the same way tomorrow that pick looks to be out the window. So with that said are these the same Sharks that choke every season, or can they finally get over the hump and win it all? I don't think they have to bring home Lord Stanley to keep this team together. But they do have to get to the final. Or I can see management tearing it up and starting all over again.

The Sens came into Pittsburgh looking for a split, and now they have a chance of being up 2-0 going home. I don't see that happening but I also didn't see Ottawa beating Pittsburgh last 5-4 so you never know .

The Phoenix Coyotes are up 1-0 in the best of 7 against Detroit as they beat the Wings 3-2. I still see the Wings winning the series and they did play good last night and with a couple of bounces they would be up 1-0. But the Wings will regroup and take game 2 on Friday night. Jimmy Howard in net??? Really? Sure leave the guy on the bench who has back stopped you to two straight league finals. I'm thinking Babcock will put Osgood in on Friday. Right?

Now as for the only game I had right last night The Philadelphia Flyers were winners 2-1 over the New Jersey Devils. I also picked the Flyers to win the series, they have had the Devils number all season and I don't see that changing and time soon. I t won't be easy for the Flyers as the Devils are not just going to roll over and hand it to them. I see New Jersey winning game 2, but with games 3 and 4 in Philly.

I see the Flyers winning both at home and then finishing it off in game 6 at home.

I know there has not been alot of blogging lately, but it's just I really haven't had much to say. But will try to blog more. Thanks for reading.

ttyl

2010 Stanley Cup Quarter Finals Western Conference

(1) San Jose vs (8) Colorado

* If Necesary




Game 1 Avalanche at Sharks Wednesday, April 14 9:30pm CBC
Game 2 Avalanche at Sharks Friday, April 16 9:30pm CBC
Game 3 Sharks at Avalanche Sunday, April 18 8:30pm CBC
Game 4 Sharks at Avalanche Tuesday, April 20 9:00 CBC
Game 5 Avalanche at Sharks Thursday, April 22 9:30pm CBC *
Game 6 Sharks at Avalanche Saturday, April 24 TBD CBC*
Game 7 Avalanche at Sharks Monday, April 26 TBD CBC *



San Jose Sharks



Regular Season Record: 51-20-11, 113 pts

Head-to-Head Record: 2-2

Last Stanley Cup Win: Never

Last Stanley Cup Final Appearance: Never

Last Postseason Appearance: 2009

Players with Stanley Cup Rings: Dan Boyle, Rob Blake, Kent Huskins, Niclas Wallin


GP,G,A,PTS,+/-,PPG,SHG,GWG,PIM,SHOTS,PCT,ATOI

Joe Thornton/79/20/69/89/17/4/1/2/54/141/14.18/19:51

Patrick Marleau/82/44/39/83/21/12/4/6/22/274/16.06/21:12

Dany Heatley/82/39/43/82/14/18/1/9/54/280/13.93/20:13

Dan Boyle/76/15/43/58/6/6/0/3/70/180/8.33/26:12

Ryane Clowe/82/19/38/57/0/2/0/2/131/189/10.05/17:10



GP,GA,GAA,SA,PCT,SO,ENG,W,L,OTL,MOI,ATOI

Evgeni Nabokov/71/170/2.43/2168/.922/3/0/44/16/10/4194/59:04

Thomas Greiss/16/35/2.69/399/.912/0/0/7/4/1/782/48:54



Colorado Avalanche



Regular Season Record: 43-30-9, 95 pts

Head-to-Head Record: 2-2

Last Stanley Cup Win: 2001

Last Stanley Cup Final Appearance: 2001

Last Postseason Appearance: 2008

Players with Stanley Cup Rings: Milan Hejduk, Adam Foote (2), Stephane Yelle (2)



GP,G,A,PTS,+/-,PPG,SHG,GWG,PIM,SHOTS,PCT,ATOI

Paul Stastny/81/20/59/79/2/9/0/2/50/199/10.05/21:23

Chris Stewart/77/28/36/64/4/3/0/5/73/221/12.67/16:41

Matt Duchene/81/24/31/55/1/10/1/2/16/180/13.33/17:43


Milan Hejduk/56/23/21/44/6/8/0/4/10/153/15.03/19:01

TJ Galiardi/70/15/24/39/6/2/1/3/28/120/12.50/18:10



GP,GA,GAA,SA,PCT,SO,ENG,W,L,OTL,MOI,ATOI

Craig Anderson/71/186/2.64/2233/.917/7/0/38/25/7/4235/59:39

Peter Budaj/15/32/2.64/386/.917/1/0/5/5/2/727/48:30

I pick the Sharks in 6 games.



(2) Chicago vs (7) Nashville

* If Necessary


Game 1 Predators at Blackhawks Friday, April 16 7:30pm TSN2
Game 2 Predators at Blackhawks Sunday, April 18 7:30pm TSN
Game 3 Blackhawks at Predators Tuesday, April 20 8pm TSN
Game 4 Blackhawks at Predators Thursday, April 22 7:30pm TSN2
Game 5 Predators at Blackhawks Saturday, April 24 TBD TSN *
Game 6 Blackhawks at Predators Monday, April 26 TBD TSN *
Game 7 Predators at Blackhawks Wednesday, April 28 TBD TSN*


Chicago Blackhawks



Regular Season Record: 52-22-8, 112 pts

Head-to-Head Record: 4-2

Last Stanley Cup Win: 1961

Last Stanley Cup Final Appearance: 1992

Last Postseason Appearance: 2009

Players with Stanley Cup Rings: Andrew Ladd, John Madden (2), Tomas Kopecky



GP,G,A,PTS,+/-,PPG,SHG,GWG,PIM,SHOTS,PCT,ATOI

Patrick Kane/82/30/58/88/16/9/0/6/20/261/11.49/19:11

Duncan Keith/82/14/55/69/21/3/1/1/51/213/6.57/26:35

Jonathan Toews/76/25/43/68/22/9/1/3/47/202/12.38/20:00

Patrick Sharp/82/25/41/66/24/4/2/4/28/266/9.40/18:07

Marian Hossa/57/24/27/51/24/2/5/2/18/199/12.06/18:43




GP,GA,GAA,SA,PCT,SO,ENG,W,L,OTL,MOI,ATOI


Cristobal Huet/48/114/2.50/1083/.895/4/0/26/14/4/2731/56:54

Antti Niemi/39/82/2.25/936/.912/7/0/26/7/4/2190/56:09



Nashville Predators



Regular Season Record: 47-29-6, 100 pts

Head-to-Head Record: 2-4

Last Stanley Cup Win: Never

Last Stanley Cup Final Appearance: Never

Last Postseason Appearance: 2008

Players with Stanley Cup Rings: Jason Arnott



GP,G,A,PTS,+/-,PPG,SHG,GWG,PIM,SHOTS,PCT/ATOI

Steve Sullivan/82/17/34/51/2/5/0/4/35/152/11.18/17:55


Patric Hornqvist /80 /30 /21 /51 /18 /10 /0 /8 \40 /275 /10.91 /15:41

Martin Erat /74 /21 /28 /49 /-7 /5 /0 /2 /50 /168 /12.50 /17:59

Jason Arnott /63 /19 /27 /46 /0 /6 /0 /3 /26 /216 /8.80 /18:41

J Dumont /74 /17 /28 /45 /8 /3 /1 /3 /20 /112 /15.18 /14:46

GP,GA,GAA,SA,PCT,SO,ENG,W,L,OTL,MOI,ATOI

Pekka Rinne/58/137/2.53/1541/.911/7/0/32/16/5/3245/55:57

Dan Ellis/31/77/2.69/848/.909/1/0/15/13/1/1714/55:18

I pick the Blackhawks in 4 games.


(3) Vancouver vs (6) Los Angeles
* If Necessary

Game 1 Kings at Canucks Thursday, April 15 9pm CBC
Game 2 Kings at Canucks Saturday, April 17 9pm CBC
Game 3 Canucks at Kings Monday, April 19 9pm CBC
Game 4 Canucks at Kings Wednesday, April 21 9pm CBC
Game 5 Kings at Canucks Friday, April 23 9pm CBC *
Game 6 Canucks at Kings Sunday, April 25 TBD CBC*
Game 7 Kings at Canucks Tuesday, April 27 TBD CBC*

Vancouver Canucks

Regular Season Record: 49-28-5, 103 pts
Head-to-Head Record: 3-1
Last Stanley Cup Win: Never
Last Stanley Cup Final Appearance: 1994
Last Postseason Appearance: 2009
Players with Stanley Cup Rings: Mikael Samuelsson, Brad Lukowich

GP,G,A,PTS,+/-,PPG,SHG,GWG,PIM,SHOTS,PCT,ATOI

Henrik Sedin/82/29/83/112/35/4/2/5/48/166/17.47/19:41

Daniel Sedin/63/29/56/85/36/8/0/8/28/225/12.89/19:08

Ryan Kesler/82/25/50/75/1/12/1/5/104/214/11.68/19:37

Alexandre Burrows/82/35/32/67/34/4/5/3/121/209/16.75/17:51

Mikael Samuelsson/74/30/23/53/10/7/0/4/64/219/13.70/17:10

GP,GA,GAA,SA,PCT,SO,ENG,W,L,OTL,MOI,ATOI

Roberto Luongo/68/167/2.57/1915/.913/4/0/40/22/4/3899/57:20

Andrew Raycroft/21/39/2.42/438/.911/1/0/9/5/1/967/46:03


Los Angeles Kings

Regular Season Record: 46-27-9, 101 pts
Head-to-Head Record: 1-3
Last Stanley Cup Win: Never
Last Stanley Cup Final Appearance: 1993
Last Postseason Appearance: 2002
Players with Stanley Cup Rings: Justin Williams, Sean O’Donnell, Fredrik Modin, Rob Scuderi

GP,G,A,PTS,+/-,PPG,SHG,GWG,PIM,SHOTS,PCT,ATOI

Anze Kopitar/82/34/47/81/6/14/1/2/16/259/13.13/21:47

Stephen Weiss/80/28/32/60/-7/12/0/2/40/180/15.56/19:59

Drew Doughty/82/16/43/59/20/9/0/5/54/142/11.27/24:58

Nathan Horton/65/20/37/57/-1/7/2/4/42/159/12.58/20:53

Dustin Brown/82/24/32/56/-6/7/0/3/41/248/9.68/19:15

GP,GA,GAA,SA,PCT,SO,ENG,W,L,OTL,MOI,ATOI

Jonathan Quick/72/180/2.54/1927/.907/4/0/39/24/7/4258/59:08

Tomas Vokoun/63/157/2.55/2081/.925/7/0/23/28/11/3695/58:39

I pick the Canucks in 7 games.


(4) Phoenix vs (5) Detroit
* If Necessary
Game 1 Red Wings at Coyotes Wednesday, April 14 9pm TSN
Game 2 Red Wings at Coyotes Friday, April 16 9pm TSN
Game 3 Coyotes at Red Wings Sunday, April 18 2pm TSN
Game 4 Coyotes at Red Wings Tuesday, April 20 5:30pm TSN
Game 5 Red Wings at Coyotes Friday, April 23 9pm TSN*
Game 6 Coyotes at Red Wings Sunday, April 25 1pm TSN*
Game 7 Red Wings at Coyotes Tuesday, April 27 TDB TSN*

Phoenix Coyotes

Regular Season Record: 50-25-7, 107 pts
Head-to-Head Record: 2-2
Last Stanley Cup Win: Never
Last Stanley Cup Final Appearance: Never
Last Postseason Appearance: 2002
Players with Stanley Cup Rings: Mathieu Schneider, Ilya Bryzgalov

GP,G,A,PTS,+/-,PPG,SHG,GWG,PIM,SHOTS,PCT,ATOI

Wojtek Wolski/80/23/42/65/21/2/0/5/27/195/11.79/18:44

Shane Doan/82/18/37/55/3/5/0/4/41/234/7.69/19:09

Matthew Lombardi/78/19/34/53/8/4/0/2/36/174/10.92/17:56

Lee Stempniak/80/28/20/48/0/9/1/2/26/212/13.21/17:19

Radim Vrbata/82/24/19/43/6/7/0/4/24/266/9.02/16:13

GP,GA,GAA,SA,PCT,SO,ENG,W,L,OTL,MOI,ATOI,PIM

Jason LaBarbera/17/33/2.13/459/.928/0/0/8/5/1/927/54:34

Ilya Bryzgalov/69/156/2.29/1961/.920/8/0/42/20/6/4084/59:11


Detroit Red Wings

Regular Season Record: 44-24-14, 102 pts
Head-to-Head Record: 2-2
Last Stanley Cup Win: 2008
Last Stanley Cup Final Appearance: 2009
Last Postseason Appearance: 2009
Players with Stanley Cup Rings: Pavel Datsyuk (2), Henrik Zetterberg, Brian Rafalski (3), Johan Franzen, Nicklas Lidstrom (4), Nicklas Kronwall, Dan Cleary, Valtteri Filppula, Tomas Holmstrom (4), Kris Draper (4), Brett Lebda, Andreas Lilja, Brad Stuart, Kirk Maltby (4), Aaron Downey, Drew Miller, Jason Williams, Brad May, Darren Helm, Chris Osgood (3)

GP,G,A,PTS,+/-,PPG,SHG,GWG,PIM,SHOTS,PCT,ATOI

Pavel Datsyuk/80/27/43/70/17/9/0/3/18/203/13.30/20:20

Henrik Zetterberg/74/23/47/70/12/3/0/6/26/309/7.44/20:04

Nicklas Lidstrom/82/9/40/49/22/5/0/1/24/194/4.64/25:25

Tomas Holmstrom/68/25/20/45/5/13/0/5/60/131/19.08/15:48

Todd Bertuzzi/82/18/26/44/-7/4/0/4/80/216/8.33/16:46

GP,GA,GAA,SA,PCT,SO,ENG,W,L,OTL,MOI,ATOI

Jimmy Howard/63/141/2.26/1849/.924/3/0/37/15/10/3740/59:22

Chris Osgood/23/63/3.02/561/.888/1/0/7/9/4/1252/54:26

I pick the Red Wings in 6 games.