Hartley Miller's Slap -Shots August 31st Edition

By Hartley Miller

Hockey and American football seasons are on the horizon, thus marking the transition of summer sports, to those played in the fall and winter. For instance, the Prince George Spruce Kings have started their pre-season schedule while the Cougars begin play this long weekend. Meanwhile, the exhibition season is just wrapping up in the NFL.

There are two schools of thought on the importance of “winning” exhibition games. The first one is with no points, standings, or championships; the “W” is insignificant.

On the other hand, some sports enthusiasts argue that although results don’t officially “count”, it’s important to establish a winning attitude, right from the “get go”.  Some believe that a game is a game, and athletes, especially professionals, should always put their “best foot forward”, and try to win. Scotty Bowman once stated that “winning is contagious, but so is losing”. Therefore, one can say that in order to create a winning atmosphere it is crucial to attempt victory, in every game, regardless of the season.

I concur with the first philosophy. Although a score is kept, the result of an exhibition game means nothing. The main pre-season objective should be to evaluate talent, in game situations that provide prospects and “bubble” players a fair opportunity at earning a spot on the roster. Yes, veterans do need some playing time, but only to prep themselves for the regular season.

For those who disagree, I ask the following question: Would you rather earn a 5-0 record, in the pre-season and start the regular season 0-1, or compile a 0-5 mark in exhibition, but win your league opener? This is an easy question to answer, and I assume that over 99 per cent of sports fans agree in that they would choose a bad pre-season record, followed by the victory in game one of the regular schedule.

However, the pre-season is vital for the personnel trying to earn jobs. However, a majority of the veteran players (even if many coaches don’t want to admit it) have a spot locked up, regardless of their pre-season performance. So, human nature says that these vets won’t perform at 100 per cent, and will not put “everything” on the line.

On another note, at times, a series that is labeled as “exhibition” really isn’t one such as the Canada-Russia eight-game under-20 hockey challenge. Although nothing will match the 1972 Summit series between these two countries, this rivalry, although less emotional than past years, has its own unique focus, with more than bragging rights on the line. These kids may not be playing for a “Cup”, but don't be fooled with a ridiculous exhibition label when it comes to Canada against Russia in hockey.

Yes, it is the time for pre-season hockey, but I caution you not to read anything into the scoreboard results, particularly if your favorite team is doing very well. It’s a tease you can do without.

From the quote rack:

“The Rangers had more runs than a Kaopectate convention.” Kevin Karius of Global Edmonton, after the Texas Rangers scored 30 runs in a recent game against
the Baltimore Orioles.

“I feel like I'm married to Peter Pan."   Eileen Flynt, on her 59-year-old husband Mike, returning to the gridiron after a 37-year absence to play for the Sul Ross (Texas) State football team.

“Michael Vick pled guilty in hopes of a shorter sentence. Does this mean Falcons fans can plead guilty to buying season tickets in hopes of a partial refund?” Comedy writer Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California

“More information is coming out of the Michael Vick case. Apparently the dogs were loaded up on steroids and then taught to viciously attack their opponent’s throat. Oh, wait, sorry, that was Rosie O’Donnell.”  Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg

“Bengals coach Marvin Lewis had surgery on his ankle recently. Another Bengal, another ankle monitor.”  Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

“After seeing Rex Grossman fumble three times, throw an interception and rush for -1 yard in limited playing time, it's good to see he's already in mid-season form." Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/), on the struggles on the Chicago Bears starting quarterback in an exhibition game.

And in case you missed it:

Alter High School in Kettering Ohio has a 17-year-old girl (Holley Mangold) on its football team. She plays on the offensive line and tips the scales at 315-pounds. She can also bench press 260 pounds and squat 525.

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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