It sure is interesting how things can quickly change. In March, Mike Raimbault celebrated a national championship and a short time later, he announced his resignation.

Last Saturday’s breaking story that Raimbault was departing from his position as men’s Head Coach of the UNBC Timberwolves to guide the University of Winnipeg Wesmen will result in many ramifications and will certainly raise questions including:

 

·        Who will take over? 

·        Will the new person command the same respect as the man he is replacing? How will this decision affect the players, all of whom are eligible to return?

·        Will his exit mean some of the key players will follow suit?

·        Raimbault was a player’s coach who garnered their respect on and off the court. Canada West will announce next month whether they award a franchise to UNBC in its' league. How will the CIS interpret Raimbault’s decision?

 

Presently, the men’s basketball coaching position is vacant and in addition, the University has yet to hire an Athletics and Recreation Director since Len McNamara was unceremoniously dumped without cause last year. Who knows when that key position will be filled as UNBC continues to drag its feet on this matter.

 

I am not sure how hard the “bigwigs” tried to keep Raimbault at UNBC, but his loss will be substantial. His record speaks for itself. He took over a team that failed to make the playoffs and in two short years guided them to a national title with a blazing 25-1 record in his second year. It was not a fluke that he was CCAA Coach of the Year.

 

One certainly cannot blame Raimbault for his decision to return to his home province. He will get a second chance coaching in CIS and will no longer have to have a long distance relationship with his girlfriend who remained in Manitoba the past two years. As well, there are the financial benefits of a significant raise in pay.

 

Raimbault will be taking over a team that hit rock bottom this season as the Wesmen compiled a Prairie Division worst 1-19 record. Would he consider bringing some UNBC players with him to help shore up the Wesmen? "First and foremost I told them I would like them to stick together. I am not going to be approaching any of them to make the move but I guess if someone came with a passionate plea to me I would be a fool not to listen" stated Raimbault after landing the job.

It is ironic that the Brandon Bobcats also have an opening following the resignation of Keith Vassel. Just two years ago Vassel edged out Raimbault by a single vote as the selection committee was divided on who should take over the position. Raimbault, who is from Brandon, desperately wanted the job but after he was over looked he landed on his feet in Prince George, where he continued to build an impressive resume.

 

Raimbault not only understands the intricacies and strategy of basketball but also has a unique ability to teach, communicate, and interact with his players and assistant coaches. He also learns from them as he believes learning is a two way street. Yet, when the tough decisions are needed, Raimbault puts his foot down and his demeanor is clear as to who is boss.

 

UNBC can certainly boast about a terrific basketball season. If the Timberwolves are to continue to excel on the court it is imperative that the university place, a high priority on hiring a highly qualified proven men’s basketball coach and an athletics and recreation director.

 

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What will make this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs so intriguing is that there is no clear-cut favorite team. Detroit and Pittsburgh have met in the last two-Cup finals, but I certainly do not expect a three peat. The Penguins failed to win their division, likely are not as motivated and Evgeni Malkin has been an enigma. The Red Wings, for a change started the playoffs on the road (at Phoenix), with unproven goaltender, Jimmy Howard.

 

Several other teams, like Washington and Chicago and even Vancouver, certainly have concerns about their net minding.

 

Other clubs also have question marks. Teams like Phoenix, LA, Nashville, and Colorado in the west, and Ottawa, Boston, Philadelphia and Montreal in the east do not have the depth (talent?) to go the distance and hoist Lord Stanley's Mug. New Jersey and Buffalo lack firepower. Now, this leaves San Jose but its poor playoff history is well documented. See what I mean?

 

One can debate on whether it is good or bad for the league to lack a superpower. However, some teams (like the Sharks) have more to lose than others.

 

 

On opening day for the White Sox, a couple was found in a men’s restroom having sex. That is very unusual; in Chicago, if baseball fans want to get screwed, they buy tickets to the see the Cubs.

 

Comedy writer Jerry Perisho http://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/

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