Hartley Miller's Slap-Shots, November 3rd Edition

Friday, November 03, 2006 03:45 AM

Thin Ice: When the third period of the Prince George Cougars-Everett Silvertips game was postponed until Feb 27th because of unsafe ice conditions there were a lot of upset folks, especially the Cougars organization. The ice at the CN Centre has quickly developed a reputation as among the worst in the WHL. However, Cougars Business Manager, Brandi Brodsky, was pleased the City took responsibility and will be offering a compensation package. "The City is now handling it in a very humble, very professional manner, and we are extremely grateful that they are taking this situation seriously. We have already come up with a few long term strategies that we will do jointly with the City, to ensure that the ice is monitored continuously, going forward", said Brodsky.

It’s unfortunate that two long-term City of PG Employees lost their jobs following the incident. City of Prince George Manager, George Paul, confirmed that Diane Rogers, CN Centre and Community Arenas Manager, and Phil Beaulieu, CN Centre Manager, are no longer employed by the City, but
he would not comment whether they were dismissed just because of this incident.

Director of Leisure Services, Tom Madden, also sidestepped the question when he said, "Well it’s certainly related to how we put our -- prepare the ice and how we put down the logos on the ice and how we prepare for games and all those kinds of things, so it’s the responsibility of the people in charge of our facilities so that happens in a desirable fashion."

I believe that something had to be done, but dismissing two well liked people seems very harsh. I assume this decision was based on more than one incident. I certainly hope Rogers and Beaulieu were not made scapegoats by their superiors. If so, "the buck" should stop at a higher level.

In-House Accountability: Former PG Cougars Coach Mike Vandekamp delivered a strong statement when he scratched 20-year-old scorers Brett Robertson, and Jared Walker in the 2-0 victory over Saskatoon. When asked to justify this bold move Vandekamp responded by saying it was because of "in-house accountability issues". Furthermore, when pressed on the matter Vandekamp said he was "not happy with the team (following the 6-game road trip) and a message had to be sent". Both players returned to the lineup the next night, but the lingering effects of the move should be felt for the rest of the season.

PG Super Bowl: High school football has made tremendous strides in PG. This was the first year that the Powerade High School Football League moved from the spring to the fall season. College Heights has bragging rights after outscoring Duchess Park (14-7) for its third straight title. However, to reach the next level, league organizers should consider a couple of suggestions: First, change the date of the championship game to earlier in the month, which will increase the chance of better weather. Last Friday’s final at Masich Place was played under wet, cold conditions. It makes more sense to play the game on a Saturday, or Sunday afternoon, in Mid October.
Second, why would the organizers showcase the final game on the same night that the PG Cougars and Spruce Kings are playing? It’s not hard to see that the majority of their (high school football teams) audience attends their respective schools. However, when the Cats and Kings are playing most of these fans will choose hockey.
Well, in a week where the kids were trick or treating, one friendly and curious little ghost was busy spooking the sports world. And you know what? I didn’t even need a costume!

From the quote rack:

"The freak show formerly known as Mike Tyson hit Youngstown, Ohio, in the opener of his world boxing tour. Tyson, trying to box out of a financial hole, says he’s even considering fighting a top-ranked woman fighter. Great, It’s just I’m not sure Belinda Stronach can fit him into her busy schedule."

Bill Lankhof of the Toronto Sun

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"Golfer Michelle Wie has a new agent. She makes millions of dollars, is beautiful and has never won a tournament. Apparently Wie is Hawaiian for "Kournikova"

Comedian Jim Barach

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"Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart is the father of a bouncing baby boy---I hear they recovered the poor kid in the end zone for a safety."

Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California.

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"The good news? Lyons has been asked to announce Mel Gibson’s softball games."

Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg, after broadcaster Steve Lyons was fired by Fox-TV for racially insensitive comments on the air.

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"Here’s to you ... Misses Robinson."

Headline in England’s Daily Express, after goalie Paul Robinson let an easy back pass from a teammate get past him for an own goal in England’s 2-0 soccer loss to Croatia. ---

And in case you missed it:

Golfer John Daly, in his new book, says he drinks up to 15 cans of Diet Coke a day, eats 15 to 20 packs of peanut M&Ms during a round and smokes two packs of cigarettes per day. But let’s give him some credit; after all, he has resisted buckets of ice cream and the always popular boxes of HO HO’s.

And how was your week?

Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97fm. He also writes for the PG Free Press. Send along a quote, note or anecdote to hmiller@94xfm.com

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