The BC Lions start play tonight in Regina to conclude week one of the CFL season. Please raise your Hand, if you feel (like me), less than excited about what is in store in 2009?

 

As a youngster, growing up in Winnipeg, I was a huge CFL fan. I worked all the Blue Bombers games as an usher, so I could watch without paying for a ticket. 

 

In the last 30 plus years, I have lived in BC and although I still take pleasure in the Canadian football game, it is getting less enjoyable. 

 

So, why am I losing interest? 

 

I think it begins with player identity. It is so hard to keep track of personnel due to all the changes.

 

For example, let us look at the B.C. Lions. 

Two-time defensive player of the year, Cam Wake, and running back Stefan Logan have departed for an opportunity in the NFL (can’t blame them) while slot back, Jason Clermont, a long time staple of the team, has moved to Saskatchewan. In addition, two-fifths of the offensive line and one-half of the defensive line have moved to greener pastures. In total, a minimum 12 veterans have bolted, including eight starters. I can identify with 5^th year quarterback Buck Pierce, long time wide receiver Geroy Simon and defensive end Brent Johnson, a two-time outstanding Canadian, but not many players after that.

 

Around the west, QB Henry Burris will once again lead Calgary. The defending champion Stampeders actually have few significant changes other than middle linebacker JoJuan Armour, recently released for “on-field incidents detrimental to the team” during training camp.

 

In Edmonton, quarterback Ricky Ray comes to mind right away but the next player that stands out is injury prone (do not say that to his face) running back Jesse Lumsden, who was in Hamilton last year.

 

In Saskatchewan, the first thing that catches my attention is GM Eric Tillman’s legal troubles. Yes, they have acquired Clermont, however, the person throwing him the ball is the less than legendary Darian Durant.

 

Now, switching to the East… Thank goodness, QB Anthony Calvillo has chosen to remain in Montreal. Yes, Kerry Joseph is barking out the signals in Toronto for an Argos team that ended last year losing
nine straight with Joseph in the doghouse. You are likely not being honest if you know that the starting quarterbacks for Hamilton and Winnipeg are Quinton Porter and the ever-dangerous Stefan Lefors, respectively. It is hard to believe that former Lions all-star pivot Casey Printers, cannot even land a job as a third-stringer.

 

In addition to the many player moves, check out the revolving door of Head Coaches. Although B.C.’s Wally Buono has nearly reached icon status, the other seven teams have little name recognition.

 

Mike Kelly in Winnipeg, Richie Hall in Edmonton, Bart Andrus in Toronto and Marcel Bellefeuille in Hamilton are in their first full season while Marc Trestman in Montreal, Ken Miller in Saskatchewan and John Hufnagel in Calgary are beginning their second year.

 

I know there are changes in the NFL as well, but if you analyze it closely, it is not even close to the CFL. Despite the merry-go-round, I remain a CFL fan and its entertainment brand, but my interest is diminishing.

 

 I am not big on predictions but a Grey Cup rematch (which seldom happens in the league) between Calgary and Montreal would appear to be the best bet since they are strong in two key areas- quarterback and “continuity”.

 

 

*

 

A final thought on the NHL Entry Draft… I really applaud New York Islanders GM Garth Snow for keeping their top pick confidential right until the announcement. I cannot remember the last time the fans watched in that much anticipation. It certainly added to the occasion, especially since the draft itself was not a memorable one.

 

Snow tipped his hand to no one (other than his inner circle), not even to the top three prospects. The media tried to get him to say something but could only garner the fact the team was not going to trade away the pick.

 

The Islanders made the right choice in taking London Knights centre John Tavares, but some pundits were convinced as the day drew closer that the pick was going to be Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman or possibly even Brampton forward Matt Duchene. I suggested last week it was going to be Tavares, but even I swayed with the commotion.

 

To me, it is similar to learning about a Christmas present before Dec 25 or determining the sex of your baby before birth, the anticipation is reduced. The Islanders may stink on the ice, and their franchise may be in disarray, but I am thankful for that little thrill they provided at the draft. One can only hope that a new trend has started.

 

 

 

Cam Hutchinson of the Saskatoon Star Phoenix

 

The Oakland As honored their 1989 World Series winning team last week. Mark McGwire declined to attend, although he was offered a chance to throw out the first syringe. Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)

 

So I was at the Mets/Cards game the other day when I realized that I'm not such a big baseball fan. Cause I do care if I never get back. Comedy writer Marc Ragovin of New York

 

A German equestrian rider was suspended after her horse tested positive for banned drugs. The horse was shocked blaming the test on a fertility drug commonly used by baseball players.Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)   Congress is going to look into Sammy Sosa's statements before the Committee in 2005. Sosa's lawyer is demanding a translator.

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