At different times during the year, fans face the difficult choice of choosing from an extensive “sports menu”. The month of October provides the ultimate for the “sports restaurant” connoisseur. Major League baseball has started its playoffs with the World Series this month. The CFL is heading into its’ homestretch, while the NFL has just about reached the quarter-pole of its regular season. The WHL and BCHL have their seasons underway; the NHL starts for real this weekend in Europe while the NBA tips off this month as well. 

 

The buffet is ready; here are some quick hitters or pardon the pun “food for thought”: 

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I certainly don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade, but it’s far too early to assess the Prince George Cougars and the PG Spruce Kings. The Cougars are 3-1 and the Spruce Kings have a winning record after 10 games. Any logical sports fan will not be looking at any records or trends until at least a third of regular schedule is completed (24 games for the Cougars and 20 in the Spruce Kings case). After all, no hockey championship has ever been claimed in the fall. I understand that since neither club has produced a banner, fans want to get excited even though their current standings are insignificant. Please, it is great to be optimistic, but much more astute to be realistic; this will avoid major disappointment (again).

 

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Well, there’s nothing like desire, hustle and determination. Prince George Cougars’ Brian Matte is showing these characteristics, and much more. His story as a 20-year-old walk on in his hometown has been well documented, and is very impressive. Matte is demonstrating that he plans to make the most of his final and only year in major junior hockey. He has earned at least one point in each of the Cougars four games including the overtime game winning goal in Chilliwack. In addition, he has been superb in shot blocking, specialty teams and tenacity away from the puck. As long as he continues to take the approach that he has to prove himself each and every game, the Cougars and their fans will be more than happy to greet Brian with a glowing “welcome” Matte.

 

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Canucks GM Mike Gillis wanted Mats Sundin to have the “C” but when it became obvious he wasn't coming to Vancouver, the team went for plan “B” and named Roberto Luongo captain. Luongo will be the first goalie captain in 61 years but NHL rules prohibit him from wearing the “C”. The move is ridiculous and is an obvious attempt to boost Luongo's already massive ego. He won't be able to deal with officials on a nightly basis, won't take the ceremonial face-offs and some nights won't even play. Yes, he is a leader, but so is Martin Brodeur in New Jersey and he certainly doesn't need a title to prove it. 

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Are you ready for your hockey pool draft? There are many publications that will help in your preparation. If you are in a pool to win, not just for fun, keep in mind, always pick with your head, and not your heart. In other words, too many Maple Leafs will place you in the cellar. 

 

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The AL Central and the NL wild card races certainly contained its share of drama. Major League baseball has benefitted from doubling the amount of playoff teams from four to eight. However, there is no need to increase this total to 10 or 12 teams, like some have suggested. The current system is working so let’s not devalue the regular season by adding more teams. Sure the Yankees
compiled a better record in a tougher division than the Dodgers, but that is just sweet justice for Joe Torre. Yes, it’s been 15 years since the Blue Jays participated in the post-season, but their troubles (and teams like them) shouldn’t be a reason to invite more to the playoff “party”. 

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How are those coaching changes working out in the CFL? Both the Toronto Argonauts and the Hamilton Tiger Cats are 0-3 since making the panic move. This is yet another example of why firing the head coach in mid stream usually backfires. I don’t know about you, but watching Don Matthews and his Argos getting sacked each week is refreshing. It must make the Maple Leafs feel better that they aren’t the only sports team ridiculed in the most overrated city in the country.

 

 

“I have steak at home, why go out for hamburger?” The late (race-car driver/actor) Paul Newman when asked by Playboy if he was ever tempted to look elsewhere during his 51-year marriage to actress Joanne Woodward.

 

“The Detroit Lions released team president Matt Millen the only president with a lower approval rating than Bush.”Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/) 

“Bruce Springsteen will perform at halftime at the Super Bowl. Sports books and bookies immediately started playing 'Cover Me'.” Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

“Fat dolphins, unable to perform well at shows, have been put on a diet at a Japanese aquarium. But they are glad to get away from Bill Parcells.”Bill Littlejohn

“What a week last week for upsets. USC was upset by Oregon State, Georgia was upset by Alabama, Florida was upset by Old Miss. And then of course David Letterman was REALLY upset by John McCain.”Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)

 

“What’s the difference between a true Cubs fan and a bandwagon Cubs fan? The bandwagon fan is already planning to wear a “Cubs World Series 2008 shirt, the true Cubs fan knows the shirt will say “Wait until next October”.”

Janice Hough

“A suspicious looking box that was filled with hot dogs caused police to evacuate the Philadelphia Phillies baseball park. There's a twist. That usually doesn't happen until after the hot dogs are eaten.”Comedy writer Jim Barach of WCHS-TV in Charleston, W.Va (http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.com/)