If you're going to Kingston today to watch Bulls vs. Fronts, leave earlier than planned. Game time has been moved up one hour, from 7:30 to 6:30 p.m. so as to not conflict with start of Canada vs. Slovakia on TV at 9:30.
Go Bulls go.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Canada 6, Slovakia 5
After missing my Canada vs. Russia prediction by three goals -- I said 5-3, it was 7-3 -- I'm calling for a much closer contest with a pretty good Slovakian team which will play much tougher D than the Russians. Canada 6, Slovaks 5. Plus, the Americans will also qualify for the final, a rematch with Canada, where, as you know, it's always better to win the second meeting. Go Canada Go.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Canada 5, Russia 3.
Yes, you read it here first.
Tonight's final will be: Canada 5, Russia 3, which includes an empty-netter.
Luongo will be in top form and Canada will break open a tight game, late.
Watch for tomorrow's game recap.
Tonight's final will be: Canada 5, Russia 3, which includes an empty-netter.
Luongo will be in top form and Canada will break open a tight game, late.
Watch for tomorrow's game recap.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Miller Time for USA
If anyone else is in net for the USA Sunday night, Canada wins.
Big deal.
That said, the U.S. outplayed our guys in many areas of the game and looked more cohesive than our band of NHL all-stars.
Still, it all comes down to Ryan Miller, who stood on his head in the U.S. net and made Martin Brodeur, by comparison, look like a peewee house league dropout.
And, yes, I'm a Flyers fan, but I don't like Pronger on D anymore. Too slow, too lumbering.
Time for the young guys to take over.
Canada either uses this as motivation to cream the Germans and get back into the thick of a gold medal competition, or fold.
I predict the former.
Big deal.
That said, the U.S. outplayed our guys in many areas of the game and looked more cohesive than our band of NHL all-stars.
Still, it all comes down to Ryan Miller, who stood on his head in the U.S. net and made Martin Brodeur, by comparison, look like a peewee house league dropout.
And, yes, I'm a Flyers fan, but I don't like Pronger on D anymore. Too slow, too lumbering.
Time for the young guys to take over.
Canada either uses this as motivation to cream the Germans and get back into the thick of a gold medal competition, or fold.
I predict the former.
Tiger should get into acting
What a joke. The Tiger Woods "press conference" last week, that is.
I loved the headline in the Toronto Sun: "No Balls."
No kidding.
For one thing, I use the term "press conference" lightly because Tiger, true to his Teflon, corporate nature, invited only select members of the media and took no questions. It was strictly lob ball.
If he was indeed serious about coming clean -- no pun intended -- he would've face the music in a full-on, no-holds-barred presser.
Instead, the so-called public apology was contrived and contoured to make Tiger look as worthy of our sympathy as possible. (Did you wipe a tear from your cheek when he kissed his mommy? Or, puke.)
What a joke.
I don't give a rat's butt how many porn stars, waitresses or exotic dancers Woods has had an affair with. Who cares, besides his family and, of course, the all-important sponsors?
But these sappy and, really, stupid public apologies are just plain crap.
Especially when they're phony.
Poor Tiger. Boo-hoo.
Crying all the way to the bank.
I loved the headline in the Toronto Sun: "No Balls."
No kidding.
For one thing, I use the term "press conference" lightly because Tiger, true to his Teflon, corporate nature, invited only select members of the media and took no questions. It was strictly lob ball.
If he was indeed serious about coming clean -- no pun intended -- he would've face the music in a full-on, no-holds-barred presser.
Instead, the so-called public apology was contrived and contoured to make Tiger look as worthy of our sympathy as possible. (Did you wipe a tear from your cheek when he kissed his mommy? Or, puke.)
What a joke.
I don't give a rat's butt how many porn stars, waitresses or exotic dancers Woods has had an affair with. Who cares, besides his family and, of course, the all-important sponsors?
But these sappy and, really, stupid public apologies are just plain crap.
Especially when they're phony.
Poor Tiger. Boo-hoo.
Crying all the way to the bank.
Big week 4 Bulls
What started out as a great week for the Belleville Bulls ended with a thud in a 6-0 loss to Erie Saturday night at Yardmen Arena. Bulls had won 2 in a row heading into the game against a damn good Otters team that was coming off a 1-0 win over Missy and a 5-2 win at Ottawa.
Bulls host the Majors Wednesday, then have a home-and-home with Kingston Friday and Saturday.
The math now becomes a factor and depending on what happens to the Bulls over these 3 games, the playoffs could be history by Sunday.
Bulls host the Majors Wednesday, then have a home-and-home with Kingston Friday and Saturday.
The math now becomes a factor and depending on what happens to the Bulls over these 3 games, the playoffs could be history by Sunday.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Canada must accept full blame for luger's death
It's difficult to believe Canadian Olympic officials could actually limit the use of the luge facility at Whistler by foreign competitors prior to the 2010 Winter Olympics.
That's taking the Own The Podium program just a tad too far.
And, it probably cost a life when a Georgian luger was killed last weekend before the competition even started.
The COC should accept full responsibility and admit the error of their way. If any other host countries have been employing the same tactics prior to other Games, it must stop. Now.
That's taking the Own The Podium program just a tad too far.
And, it probably cost a life when a Georgian luger was killed last weekend before the competition even started.
The COC should accept full responsibility and admit the error of their way. If any other host countries have been employing the same tactics prior to other Games, it must stop. Now.
Bulls back in the hunt, but barely
A 4-2 home-ice win over the arch-rival Kingston Frontenacs last night at Yardmen Arena snaps a six-game losing streak (five in a row at home) and puts the Belleville Bulls, though barely breathing, back in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt.
Now six points out of eighth, Bulls must win six to eight of their remaining 11 games -- a tall order -- and hope the struggling Oshawa Generals (eight-game losing skid) and Sudbury Wolves (five losses in a row) keep on losing.
Bulls have home-and-aways remaining with Barrie and Missy, which will probably be losses unless both teams pull an Indy Colts and rest starters (unlikely) down the stretch. Therefore, Bulls have seven games to make the playoffs.
Osh and Sudbury have some tough tilts remaining too, and it's conceivable they could win only three games apiece down the stretch. Or less.
If that happens and Bulls win five, six or better yet, eight, they could make the post-season by two points.
Keep your calculators handy. Keep that pyramid under your bed. And keep the faith.
Bulls need to do everything right in the final few weeks of the season and pray, daily, at the altar of the Hockey Gods.
Now six points out of eighth, Bulls must win six to eight of their remaining 11 games -- a tall order -- and hope the struggling Oshawa Generals (eight-game losing skid) and Sudbury Wolves (five losses in a row) keep on losing.
Bulls have home-and-aways remaining with Barrie and Missy, which will probably be losses unless both teams pull an Indy Colts and rest starters (unlikely) down the stretch. Therefore, Bulls have seven games to make the playoffs.
Osh and Sudbury have some tough tilts remaining too, and it's conceivable they could win only three games apiece down the stretch. Or less.
If that happens and Bulls win five, six or better yet, eight, they could make the post-season by two points.
Keep your calculators handy. Keep that pyramid under your bed. And keep the faith.
Bulls need to do everything right in the final few weeks of the season and pray, daily, at the altar of the Hockey Gods.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Boys hoop playoffs
The Bay of Quinte boys basketball finals are Thursday at NCC and I like what they've done this year by holding championship matches in Tier I and Tier II divisions.
It gives other teams a chance to experience a title.
I recall watching the Bulldog Cup a few years ago, which is the consolation rugby tournament held for the teams who lose their quarterfinals and therefore don't advance to the Bay of Quinte tournament, and seeing the Moira Trojans win either the boys junior or senior title.
Judging by their reaction, you'd have thought they just won OFSAA.
But the kids had accomplished something. They'd won something. And it meant something.
Plus, the coaches later told me that title really helped build the team the following year with more kids coming out and returnees, who now had a taste of winning, wanting to climb the ladder to the Bay of Quinte tournament.
Good stuff.
It gives other teams a chance to experience a title.
I recall watching the Bulldog Cup a few years ago, which is the consolation rugby tournament held for the teams who lose their quarterfinals and therefore don't advance to the Bay of Quinte tournament, and seeing the Moira Trojans win either the boys junior or senior title.
Judging by their reaction, you'd have thought they just won OFSAA.
But the kids had accomplished something. They'd won something. And it meant something.
Plus, the coaches later told me that title really helped build the team the following year with more kids coming out and returnees, who now had a taste of winning, wanting to climb the ladder to the Bay of Quinte tournament.
Good stuff.
Slim, but ...
Yeah, I know. I pretty much wrote-off the Belleville Bulls in my previous Bulls blog, suggesting the final regular season date -- March 13 at Niagara -- will be the last game of the season, period.
In other words, no playoffs.
Bulls began the week eight points out of the playoffs and on a six-game losing streak with a dozen games left including doubles with Barrie (loss, loss) and Missy (loss, loss).
Still, optimism reigns. At least for a while.
The good news is Oshawa and Sudbury, both eight points ahead of Belleville, have lost eight and five in a row, respectively.
In other words, if those two teams continue to spin out of control in their current losing streaks and Bulls can manage to stop theirs and put a few wins together, well, maybe, just maybe, the playoffs can be attained after all.
Remember. Back in September, I said Bulls would make the playoffs on the last day of the regular season.
It could still happen.
I'll take them over Kingston tonight at home, and that might be enough to kick-start a last-ditch drive for eighth place.
Go Bulls Go.
In other words, no playoffs.
Bulls began the week eight points out of the playoffs and on a six-game losing streak with a dozen games left including doubles with Barrie (loss, loss) and Missy (loss, loss).
Still, optimism reigns. At least for a while.
The good news is Oshawa and Sudbury, both eight points ahead of Belleville, have lost eight and five in a row, respectively.
In other words, if those two teams continue to spin out of control in their current losing streaks and Bulls can manage to stop theirs and put a few wins together, well, maybe, just maybe, the playoffs can be attained after all.
Remember. Back in September, I said Bulls would make the playoffs on the last day of the regular season.
It could still happen.
I'll take them over Kingston tonight at home, and that might be enough to kick-start a last-ditch drive for eighth place.
Go Bulls Go.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Women's Olympic hockey a joke
And remember, this is coming from a guy who has 3 daughters ... all of whom play hockey, which I greatly enjoy watching them do.
That said, Olympic women's hockey stinks.
The early rounds are an utter joke with Canada and the U.S. kicking the beejezuz out of sorry squads from Switzerland, Slovakia and Upper Mongolia for all it matters.
Sure, sure. I heard Canada captain Hailey Wickenheiser say the other day that it's no different from the early days of the men's Olympic hockey tournament. You could look it up. She's right.
However, compared to the poor countries in women's hockey, the men's game became competitive on a much broader scale much more quickly. And, at any given Olympics, 6 different teams could win the men's gold medal.
Here's an idea.
Have Olympic qualifying rounds the year before the Winter Games, then invite only the top two women's teams -- Canada and the U.S. -- who would spend a week playing a best-of-5 series for the gold medal.
The bronze? Who cares.
On another note, how about a medal for fourth place? Aluminum? Copper? Platinum???
That said, Olympic women's hockey stinks.
The early rounds are an utter joke with Canada and the U.S. kicking the beejezuz out of sorry squads from Switzerland, Slovakia and Upper Mongolia for all it matters.
Sure, sure. I heard Canada captain Hailey Wickenheiser say the other day that it's no different from the early days of the men's Olympic hockey tournament. You could look it up. She's right.
However, compared to the poor countries in women's hockey, the men's game became competitive on a much broader scale much more quickly. And, at any given Olympics, 6 different teams could win the men's gold medal.
Here's an idea.
Have Olympic qualifying rounds the year before the Winter Games, then invite only the top two women's teams -- Canada and the U.S. -- who would spend a week playing a best-of-5 series for the gold medal.
The bronze? Who cares.
On another note, how about a medal for fourth place? Aluminum? Copper? Platinum???
Season ends March 13 -- period.
The Belleville Bulls host the Kingston Frontenacs Wednesday night and will try to snap a six-game losing streak including five straight losses at home.
The big ice is supposed to be an automatic advantage for Bulls who have lost 11 one-goal decisions on the Olympic-sized pond.
Not.
Barring some kind of miracle, Bulls will miss the playoffs for only the third time in franchise history and the first under the stewardship of GM-coach George Burnett.
Still, things should be better next season with several decent youngsters entering their sophomore campaigns and Bulls picking in the top 4 of the 2010 OHL draft where I'll fall off my chair if they don't go for a bona fide scoring forward. (Remember the time-honoured adage, you can teach a scorer to play defence but you can't teach scoring.)
As mentioned in this space earlier, it will be a mighty interesting off-season in Bulls land. For one thing, Burnett must figure out who will play with the incredibly talented Richard Panik next season. He sorely needs the right linemates to shine. Watch for Burnett to make a deal -- or 3.
Those of us who cheer, support or cover the Bulls should take solace in the fact, with the impending early spring, that we have enjoyed 3 straight trips to the conference finals.
We are, after all, spoiled.
The big ice is supposed to be an automatic advantage for Bulls who have lost 11 one-goal decisions on the Olympic-sized pond.
Not.
Barring some kind of miracle, Bulls will miss the playoffs for only the third time in franchise history and the first under the stewardship of GM-coach George Burnett.
Still, things should be better next season with several decent youngsters entering their sophomore campaigns and Bulls picking in the top 4 of the 2010 OHL draft where I'll fall off my chair if they don't go for a bona fide scoring forward. (Remember the time-honoured adage, you can teach a scorer to play defence but you can't teach scoring.)
As mentioned in this space earlier, it will be a mighty interesting off-season in Bulls land. For one thing, Burnett must figure out who will play with the incredibly talented Richard Panik next season. He sorely needs the right linemates to shine. Watch for Burnett to make a deal -- or 3.
Those of us who cheer, support or cover the Bulls should take solace in the fact, with the impending early spring, that we have enjoyed 3 straight trips to the conference finals.
We are, after all, spoiled.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Countdown to Vancouver 2010
The Winter Games start Friday in Vancouver.
Canada has won more medals in each succeeding Winter Olympics since Calgary so optimism reigns in B.C. that our athletes will surpass even the record 24 medals won in Turin in 2006, including seven gold.
One event, however, that I can't wrap my brain around in the Winter Games is snowboarding, which was thrown in by money-hungry Olympic big wigs a few years ago just to attract a younger crowd that perhaps they hadn't been drawing before.
I'll watch snowboarding in the Olympics when skateboarding makes its debut in the Summer Games.
I also think for biathlon, where they cross-country ski and then shoot at targets, they should have live targets. Maybe ship out some o' them dang coyotes from Prince Edward County.
Go Canada Go.
Canada has won more medals in each succeeding Winter Olympics since Calgary so optimism reigns in B.C. that our athletes will surpass even the record 24 medals won in Turin in 2006, including seven gold.
One event, however, that I can't wrap my brain around in the Winter Games is snowboarding, which was thrown in by money-hungry Olympic big wigs a few years ago just to attract a younger crowd that perhaps they hadn't been drawing before.
I'll watch snowboarding in the Olympics when skateboarding makes its debut in the Summer Games.
I also think for biathlon, where they cross-country ski and then shoot at targets, they should have live targets. Maybe ship out some o' them dang coyotes from Prince Edward County.
Go Canada Go.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Home sweet home? Not
The Belleville Bulls lost their fourth straight home game, 6-3 to Ottawa Wednesday night at Yardmen Arena.
Some good news, the power play worked after firing blanks for the four previous games and team captain Luke Judson ended a five-game point drought with his team-leading 20th goal of the season.
Still, I lost count how many odd-man Ottawa rushes were allowed by the Bulls, including two breakaways in the first period -- they scored on both.
Ottawa led 3-0 on a dozen shots and chased rookie netminder Tyson Teichmann to the bench (he could've sued his teammates for non-support). Anthony Peters didn't fare much better in that department.
It was a fun game to watch, though: wide open, loose, back-and-forth, lots o chances. Just the kind of game Bulls GM-coach George Burnett hates this season because he doesn't have the horses, yet, to play that way.
Best quote from George: "We played like we weren't worried they might score."
Which, of course, they did. Six times.
Bye-bye playoffs.
Oh well, the kids will be even better next season, Bulls might get the first overall pick in the OHL draft (please let it be a high-scoring forward) and Burnett can be counted on to make some moves to bolster the attack.
That's gotta be the plan. Right?
Some good news, the power play worked after firing blanks for the four previous games and team captain Luke Judson ended a five-game point drought with his team-leading 20th goal of the season.
Still, I lost count how many odd-man Ottawa rushes were allowed by the Bulls, including two breakaways in the first period -- they scored on both.
Ottawa led 3-0 on a dozen shots and chased rookie netminder Tyson Teichmann to the bench (he could've sued his teammates for non-support). Anthony Peters didn't fare much better in that department.
It was a fun game to watch, though: wide open, loose, back-and-forth, lots o chances. Just the kind of game Bulls GM-coach George Burnett hates this season because he doesn't have the horses, yet, to play that way.
Best quote from George: "We played like we weren't worried they might score."
Which, of course, they did. Six times.
Bye-bye playoffs.
Oh well, the kids will be even better next season, Bulls might get the first overall pick in the OHL draft (please let it be a high-scoring forward) and Burnett can be counted on to make some moves to bolster the attack.
That's gotta be the plan. Right?
Monday, February 8, 2010
One-goal losses will haunt Bulls
The drive to make the playoffs, more like a crawl, actually, is looking bleak for the Belleville Bulls.
At this point, so late in the season and so far behind, the math ain't lookin' too good for the Brahmas.
And, if indeed the club misses the playoffs for only the third time in franchise history, and the first time under the tutelage of GM-coach George Burnett, it will be because of blown one-goal decisions.
After a tough 5-4 loss to Guelph Saturday night, Bulls had been in 24 one-goal hockey games, losing 14.
If they had won even half of those games, a playoff spot would be within their grasp.
Scoring goals must be a priority next season. Or finding more people who can do that, to be exact.
At this point, so late in the season and so far behind, the math ain't lookin' too good for the Brahmas.
And, if indeed the club misses the playoffs for only the third time in franchise history, and the first time under the tutelage of GM-coach George Burnett, it will be because of blown one-goal decisions.
After a tough 5-4 loss to Guelph Saturday night, Bulls had been in 24 one-goal hockey games, losing 14.
If they had won even half of those games, a playoff spot would be within their grasp.
Scoring goals must be a priority next season. Or finding more people who can do that, to be exact.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
As predicted, Saints win
As predicted in this space Friday night, the New Orleans Saints defeated the Indy Colts for the Super Bowl championship Sunday night in Miami. And, it was a turnover by Mr. Perfect -- Peyton Manning -- that decided the outcome.
It says here the Football Gods were angry with Indy for sitting its best players late in the season to rest for the playoffs instead of going for a perfect regular season. They don't like that. It's called, bad karma.
Who dat?
It says here the Football Gods were angry with Indy for sitting its best players late in the season to rest for the playoffs instead of going for a perfect regular season. They don't like that. It's called, bad karma.
Who dat?
Friday, February 5, 2010
Saints a sentimental pick
I'm picking the New Orleans Saints to win Sunday's Super Bowl for a few reasons. Sure, the usual stuff, team of destiny, rising from the flood waters of hurricane-ravaged city, breath of fresh air with Drew Brees at QB, all-around threat in Reggie Bush, excellent coaches, solid D, etc.
Sure, you gotta admire Peyton Manning because the guy is just so damned good but I'd like to see him lose this one, please.
Also, I hated how Indy benched their starters late in the season, compromising the entire playoff system and insulting their fans. Fate decrees that should come back to bite them in the ass.
I've been to the Big Easy a couple of times, back in 1978 and later in the mid- to late-1980s to play rugby. In fact, playing for a touring side out of Ottawa called the Rock N Roll Rebels, I was part of a Mardi Gras rugby tournament championship team, defeating the St. Louis Bombers in the final.
Neat story, that. The sponsor of the team was the Anhauser Busch beer guy for his part of the city and he took us to a nearby bar after the final and told the bartender to keep serving us free product as long as we were there. "You beat my boys," he said. "So, I gotta take care of you."
Anyhoo, Saints had 39 takeaways on D during the regular season and 7 so far in the playoffs. That's my key stat.
No, Manning isn't likely to turn the ball over much. If ever. But ...
Saints 45, Indy 39 in a CFL-style shootout.
Sure, you gotta admire Peyton Manning because the guy is just so damned good but I'd like to see him lose this one, please.
Also, I hated how Indy benched their starters late in the season, compromising the entire playoff system and insulting their fans. Fate decrees that should come back to bite them in the ass.
I've been to the Big Easy a couple of times, back in 1978 and later in the mid- to late-1980s to play rugby. In fact, playing for a touring side out of Ottawa called the Rock N Roll Rebels, I was part of a Mardi Gras rugby tournament championship team, defeating the St. Louis Bombers in the final.
Neat story, that. The sponsor of the team was the Anhauser Busch beer guy for his part of the city and he took us to a nearby bar after the final and told the bartender to keep serving us free product as long as we were there. "You beat my boys," he said. "So, I gotta take care of you."
Anyhoo, Saints had 39 takeaways on D during the regular season and 7 so far in the playoffs. That's my key stat.
No, Manning isn't likely to turn the ball over much. If ever. But ...
Saints 45, Indy 39 in a CFL-style shootout.
Tick, tock, tick, tock ...
... that's the sound of the clock running out on the Belleville Bulls, 3-2 losers in Ottawa Friday night and moving ever farther away from a playoff spot. Better effort, closer score, same result. Hoping for better things tonight when they host Guelph.
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