I never could have imagined how important an early season 2-0 Prince George Spruce Kings victory (last Friday) in Merritt against the perennially lowly Centennials means to a hockey team. It certainly came at the “Wright” time as Alex Wright, recently cut by the Spokane Chiefs, sparkled with 33 saves to earn the shutout. The Spruce Kings are off to a very slow start (again) with a 1-and-4 record; however, it certainly beats 0-and-5.

 

A team never wants to hit a panic button so early into a 60 game BCHL season, but losing often early can become contagious and snowball. Already we have seen the effects with players coming and going, particularly at the key goalie position.

 

Just 669 fans watched the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 7-6 victory over the locals at the Coliseum (Sunday), a number that I am sure, raises concern among the Kings’ brass. The Spruce Kings have lost all three of their home games by a combined score of 24-11. Yikes!

Yes, the season is just 1/12 complete, but the indication is “here we go again”; with early projections indicating PG battling Quesnel, Williams Lake and Merritt for a playoff spot. Of course, things can quickly turn around. For the Spruce Kings sake, they better.

 

 

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The Prince George Cougars rebounded nicely in their opening home weekend against the Spokane Chiefs.

 

In game one, a 6-3 Spokane victory, the Chiefs displayed their dominance outshooting the hosts 52-23. Perhaps, it was nerves, but the Cats failed to score in four lengthy two-man advantages in the game.

 

However, as often is the case, in a doubleheader, the team losing the first game starts the next game with more determination. The Cougars never trailed in a 2-1 victory as Alex Rodgers scored two ½ minutes into overtime, as finally the power play clicked. Four PG residents played for the Cats in game two (Brett Connolly, and defencemen Garrett Thiessen, Daniel Gibb and Tyler Miller), a team first.

 

I thought the top line of Rodgers, Connolly and Marek Viedensky looked quite impressive in both games. James Priestner was sharp in goal with 35 saves, a day after he stopped 46.

 

It is far too early to assess any hockey team in late September. Remember last season? Yes, the Cougars started 6-1 and we all know where they ended up.

 

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Whether the Cougars win or lose, the teams’ attendance figures will be under scrutiny. On opening night, the announced crowd was 4,985. Although this sounds promising, keep in mind, the Cougars’ brass gave away several hundred tickets. In game two, 2552 spectators attended the game, which is just over half.

 

It looks like the Cougars are following in the Spruce Kings mould of handing out free tickets. There
are pros and cons with this strategy, a catch 22 situation, if you will. On one hand, you want people in the building, but on the other hand, it is a business and there are bills. In addition, why should someone buy a season ticket, if many of your buddies are able to land complimentary seats?

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Ok, let's make no mistake about this; Dany Heatley is the clear-cut winner with his summer long battle against the Ottawa Senators. Yes, he took a huge public relations hit, but he got what he wanted. Going to San Jose to play with Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and the rest of the regular season power Sharks is certainly more attractive than a sentence to Edmonton.

 

To be honest, in an effort to avoid a circus like atmosphere at training camp, the Senators had to deal him, even though the package of Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo that went to Ottawa wasn’t of equal value.

 

Although, in theory, players like Heatley do not earn a “bigger than the team” status, the Heatley case proved that a superstar could indeed be in charge and the organization can do little about it.

 

Yes, in the “real world”, there are businesses where the employee has the power over the employer. Does that seem right to you?

 

 

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Don’t you feel a lot better knowing that BC Lions’ head coach, Wally Buono is the CFL’s all-time winning coach rather than Don Matthews? Buono is likeable, emotional, and classy. Right after the B.C. Lions 23-17 victory over Toronto, Buono wanted to downplay the record 232nd victory in a 19-year career with B.C. and Calgary, and talk about his Mom, who is battling Alzheimer’s disease in Montreal and his deep religious beliefs. He also mentioned that his long-time friend Matthews and how much admiration and respect he has for him. I guess that makes one.

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, fans felt a little cheated because the Yankees advertised it as Glove Night. 
Conan O'Brien of NBC, on the news that there are complimentary prostate exams at Yankee Stadium.

The season finale of “America’s Got Talent” was Wednesday night (Sept 16). The New York Mets were nowhere near the place. Comedy writer Jerry Perishohttp://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/

Mets tickets are now being offered on Stub Hub for less than a buck. Man, they have become the .99 cent store of baseball. Comedy writer Mark Ragovin of New York

 

 

This year’s U.S. Open will be remembered in part because of all the pictures of a child running around the court. And besides Serena Williams, Kim Clijster’s daughter was also pretty cute. Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)

 

For the first time, a woman is in charge of the U.S. Army's school for drill sergeants. The Associated Press reports she can dress anybody down with a "sharp phrase and a withering look." But enough about Serena Williams for this week.
Cam Hutchinson of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix

Ray Romano is set to star on a Golf Channel reality show. Yeah, it's called Everybody Loves Tiger. Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

A shocking report from Health officials warns Canadian kids will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. They go on to say if they cheer for the Toronto Maple Leafs, at least it will seem like an eternity. 
Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)

 

Former Major Leaguer Lenny Dykstra is pawning his World Series Trophy and ring after declaring bankruptcy. Apparently, they are being bought by the Cubs to show their players what the items actually look like. 
Comedy writer Jim Barach of WCHS-TV in Charleston, W.Va (http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.com/)

Jay Leno of NBC, on having technical difficulties.