Monday Randoms

We're just about two weeks away (May 13) from the Broncos 20th Anniversary of their 1989 Memorial Cup Championship.

20 years since Tim Tisdale deflected home a point shot in overtime in Saskatchewan Place.

At the radio station, we are doing a few things to commemorate the feat which was the last time a Saskatchewan based team has won the Cup.

Personally, I'd like us here at the station (in conjunction with the Broncos) to organize a Memorial Cup party. We could take over one of the local pubs here in the city, have some featured guests and slap on the 1989 Memorial Cup final game between the Broncos and Blades on the big screens.

We can just go about our business with the game going on in the background as a way to turn back the clock 20 years. It may take some quick planning to pull it off on May 13th. Maybe we could host it as a way to kick-off this year's Hall of Fame Weekend in July?

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Former Bronco Zack Smith is back in the southwest after his first season of pro.

Smith put up 24 goals and 24 assists in his first season in the American Hockey League with the Binghamton Senators.

I tried calling Smitty all last week but his phone was going straight to voicemail. Turned out he pulled off an impromptu trip to Mexico and is now finally back home.

When I talk to him, I'll try and post some of his thoughts here on the blog.

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How about Mark Guggenberger in Kelowna? Back-to-back shutouts has him a win away from taking the Rockets to the WHL Championship series.

I'm planning on being in Calgary this coming weekend. Hopefully I'll catch one or two of the opening games from the 'Dome. They've yet to set the Calgary Hitmen home games because of the pending Flames schedule I'm guessing. I'm thinking games one and two will be either Friday/Sunday or Friday/Saturday.

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How about the Humboldt Broncos?

What a come back to win the Anavet Cup. After being down 3-1 in their series to the Portage Terriers, the Broncos won game five 12-2, then took game six in overtime leading to yesterday's dramatics...

The Broncos were down 4-1 in the third period in game seven and then it was rally time. A five minute powerplay saw the Broncos convert twice to bring them within a goal. Then, with 47 seconds left the tied it 4-4. Shortly into overtime the Broncos completed the comeback. Wow.

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NHL playoff observations....

-Despite not having any of the Blackhawks in my pool, they have become my favorite team to watch in the post-season.

Full of verve and energy the Hawks are led by several former WHL'ers - Cam Barker, Troy Brouwer, Dustin Byfuglien, Kris Versteeg, Andrew Ladd, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, are the ones I can remember off the top of my head. Throw in young stars Jon Toews and Patrick Kane and that is quite the group.

- I need the Sharks to keep going. With Travis Moen, Patrick Marleau and 1/3 of my pool invested, I need these guys to get past the Ducks.


One favorable thing about the Ducks moving on would be former Foley Crescent neighbor and minor hockey teammate Sheldon Brookbank getting to round two and continuing his chase for the Cup.

For all the abuse Sheldon took being the youngest of three brothers in the Brookbank basement I'm happy to see him flourishing.

- The most boring series? Carolina and New Jersey hasn't been all that interesting despite going seven games.

- I'm upset that Torts was suspended for game six of the Capitals/Rangers series. This is the playoffs! I was shocked to hear the NHL ruled that way. The league has to stick up for their personnel a little better than that.

- The more and more the playoffs continue, the more I'm disliking the Vancouver Canucks. Maybe it's the company I keep, maybe it's the fact they've battled the Dallas Stars in a few playoff wars in the past... I'm not sure.

Maybe it's because I don't think they're really that good. Granted, they have a goalie.

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Since this blog is read locally somewhat, I thought I would praise a few local businesses that have gone above and beyond lately. It's tough to find good service in this day and age but some kudos are in order.

Boston Pizza - last night our young waiter did a fine job despite our table of seven which included three kids two or under. The rest of the restaurant was packed too. The young man did a great job.

Culligan Water - Great customer service every day of the week. They put

Care Dry Cleaners - superb at both locations in the city and Bronco fans to boot.

Thanks.

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A neat story out of the Comp High School last night....

Saskatchewan Roughriders QB Coach Jamie Baressi spent some time last night working with Colts QB's Mike Nicholson and Josh Siemens.

On his own time, and asking nothing in return, Baressi came down and worked with the duo for a few hours. Good story. Thanks for the info BB.

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Speaking of the Comp, City Councillor Stacey Ellertson lobbed some pretty big shots in it's direction at City Council Monday according to the weekly Prairie Post paper.

Ellertson was referring to a rampant drug problem which he claims has taken over the school saying part of the problem is the local RCMP.

Ellertson has never shied away from a reporter - he loves to see his name in print and hear it on the radio. Now I'm blogging it. He must be in heaven.

It will be interesting to see where this goes.

From what I've been told, Ellertson is planning a run at the Mayor's chair next Civic Election.

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I'm planning a BC golf trip for later this summer. Is there any "must play" courses someone will vouch for? Lemme know....


Jon