The BCHL regular season has just passed the mid-way point, and the Interior Conference playoff race is practically over. Like last year, it appears the Quesnel Millionaires and the Merritt Centennials will miss the post-season. The discrepancy in this league between top and bottom teams remains an issue that needs to be addressed.

 

How can one not feel sympathy for the Millionaires who annually play the same role as the Detroit Lions? This will be the 6th consecutive season the Mills will not make the playoffs,  which speaks volumes about the organization; especially when only a couple of teams fail to qualify. In fact, in 2006-2007, Quesnel was the only team out of 17 not to play in the post-season. Moreover, the Millionaires missed the playoffs by 9 points last season, and this year they are 13 points behind the Spruce Kings who have three games in hand and hold the last playoff spot.

 

In the history section of the Millionaires team website the following commentary is posted: "It was tough in the beginning for the expansion Millionaires, but digging back into its winning tradition, the Millionaires began to build a foundation in the BCHL, a foundation that culminated in playoff appearances in 2000-2001 and 2002-2003. With those playoff appearances, a new tradition began, a tradition of winning in the BCHL. It's a tradition that promises fans the hardest working team in the BCHL, and one that harkens back to those early years of blood, sweat and tears."

Yes, once again, it states a “tradition of winning in the BCHL”. Okay, I understand that the Public Relations department needs to deliver a positive message of hope to loyal fans, however, let’s be realistic. If the Mills have started a winning tradition then I am interested in seeing how they interpret a losing tradition.

 

I guess the “blood, sweat and tears” really means pain (blood), more pain (sweat) and painful (tears). It certainly can't mean tears of joy.

 

Look, I'm really not criticizing this franchise; on the contrary, I am trying to emphasize the lack of competitiveness this team has displayed. Actually, one should give credit to this club for their fortitude and perseverance; especially after continual beatings.

 

Meanwhile, The Prince George Spruce Kings are certainly in no position to snicker at their so-called rivals 75 miles south on Highway 97. PG gets to play Quesnel more than any other club, yet they fall just one spot ahead of them in the standings, for a second consecutive season. Mediocrity seems to be the standard for the Spruce Kings, which is certainly nothing to be proud of.

 

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It's time for the CHL to pull the plug on the ADT-Canada Russia challenge. Each of the last six years, in November, a touring Russian junior team plays two games each against all-star teams from the Quebec, Ontario and Western Hockey Leagues. In the 36 games played, the CHL has 30 wins and just six losses, with two of those defeats in a shootout. Even more staggering is the fact the WHL has lost just one game over the entire series.

 

Even if the Russians fielded a better team, does anybody really care? This series may have been a novel concept in 2003, but the series or challenge has run its course. It's time for the WHL, as well as the two Major Junior Leagues in the East to go back to a more traditional all-star format. Hey, how about this? Have the Eastern Conference play the Western Conference at mid season in a one game shot with the winning Conference to get the extra home game in the league playoff final. Just think of how proud Bud Selig would be.

 

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Enough Brian Burke and Mats Sundin talk already. In both cases the amount of media exposure is overkill. I'm not sure Burke is the Leaf’s answer, but I am sure, he will not work miracles, in the short term. My goodness, the way the media has placed him on a pedestal, one would think he's the second coming of Sam Pollock.

 

In Sundin's case, the near daily updates, for the last six months, have been nauseating. It's clear he's not returning to Toronto and will be joining a contender likely this month. Okay now, can we all please take a Sundin break until he signs? Thank You.

 

 

“GM has split with pitch man Tiger Woods. Apparently Woods doesn't like to keep company with people out of his income bracket.” Comedy writer Jim Barach of WCHS-TV in Charleston, W.Va (http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.com/)

 

“Because of the economic slowdown and in an attempt to save money, General Motors is ending their endorsement deal with Tiger Woods. Although they were able to sign John Daly for a 12 pack and a plate of chicken wings.”NBC's Jay Leno

 

 “Apparently linebacker Anthony Pierce will now be testifying against teammate Plaxico Burress in his gun case. Burress thought Pierce had his back. This is what is known as blown coverage.”
Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)

“Did you hear about the new Plaxico Burress cocktail? Just one very expensive shot.”Janice Hough

 

“O.J. Simpson will continue to make about $20,000.00 a month while in prison. Upon hearing this, several Florida Marlins booked a weekend stay at the Palace Station Hotel in Las Vegas.”Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

“The Bulls' Derrick Rose needed 10 stitches to close a gash on his left forearm he suffered when he rolled onto a knife while eating an apple in bed. Turnovers continue to plague the Bulls.”Bill Littlejohn

 

“The bad news for Joe Sakic of the Avs is that he broke three fingers while trying to clear snow from his snowblower. The good news is that it wasn't running when he did it.”Bill Littlejohn 

“The world’s timekeepers announced they will be adding a leap second to the last day of the year.
 Fortunately for the NHL, the Dallas Stars and troublemaker Shawn Avery, it will be a very neat and clean second!”Comedy writer Jerry Perishohttp://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/

“Calgary Flames Jerome Iginla is being sued by a home builder who knows his case is flimsy but feels he needs to take a shot anyway. His lead witness is Sean Avery. The case is expected to go before the Crown as soon as Mike Holmes can render his opinion.”Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)