Friday, November 10, 2017

Greed, Greed, Greed

Guess the OHL's decision to approve the sale of the Belleville Bulls wasn't such a good decision.

It's only been 4 home games for the Belleville Senators, formerly known as the Binghamton Senators, but it's clear that Belleville, and the surrounding area, still loves and supports hockey. Their average attendance is close to 3900 out of a 4400 seat capacity in the recently renovated Yardmen Arena. If Belleville's old hockey team, the Bulls, still existed, the team would be about 8th overall out of twenty teams in average attendance.

Now, some might be asking why the Bulls left such a rich hockey market. After all, Belleville had played host to a hockey team for more than 50 years, dating back to the World Championship winning Belleville McFarlands in the fifties. Plus, the average attendance was about 3,000 for the Bulls in the old capacity of 3,500.(which is the number the Bulls owner, Gord Simmonds, stated they needed to have in order for the franchise to be viable). It's quite simple why they were sold. Greed overtook Simmonds, commissioner David Branch and the rest of the OHL, and as a result, the Bulls were sold for a generous sum of cash,left a 34 year history behind them and moved to Hamilton.

How's the team in Hamilton doing right now? Not too good. Attendance is barely reaching 2800 in the 8,000 seat FirstOntario Centre, and considering Hamilton is extremely bigger in terms of population compared to Belleville, that number is pathetic. Maybe it's time for new leadership in the OHl, as this decision has obviously not worked at all. Or, maybe the OHL needs to change it's focus with respect to teams. Money isn't everything, and if you get too greedy, decisions like this will hurt you in the long run, like the abomination that is in Hamilton right now.

Friday, October 27, 2017

The Leafs' Hot Start Put Into Perspective

The NHL season is just about one-eighth of the way through, and the Toronto Maple Leafs have got off to one of the best starts in recent memory. They sit second in the Atlantic division behind Tampa, and are top 10 in the whole NHL. This is a large part due to the exciting offence that has fuelled the Leafs almost every game. Gone are the days where the Leafs relied on a couple guys to score. The Leafs now have three full lines (possibly four if Mitch Marner remains on the fourth line) who can score and strike at any point to cushion leads, create comebacks, and conjure something out of nothing. However, there is one glaring issue that the Leafs need to fix, and that is the defence, particularly in front of the net. Frederik Andersen has played pretty well in his first couple of games. He's nowhere near the level that he was at during the latter stages of last season, but have faith, he'll get there, probably sooner than later. However, his goals against average is quite high, due to one reason. Tip ins, tip ins, and more tip ins, none of which are his fault. This is due to the fact that the Leafs can't seem to move players in front of the net. Sure, adding Roman Polak helps in that department, but the Leafs, as a defensive unit, need to step up and help Andersen out. You can't stop what you can't see, and if this problem isn't fixed, teams will be crashing the net more times than often this year. However, if they fix this problem, the Leafs will undoubtedly take a giant step in the right direction in their quest for success this year. But that's the only real issue this year. The Leafs are 2nd in their division, on top of Montreal (How many times has that been said in the last 5-10 years?). The net problems are issues that can be fixed, and will be fixed. Other than that, players and fans have to be pleased with the quality of the team around them. The Leafs have a good start to the year. Let's see if they keep it up.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Remembering Gord Downie

I know that this is primarily a sport blog, but today was an unfortunate day for many Tragically Hip fans, and quite frankly, the whole country, as Gord Downie passed away at age 53 after battling terminal brain cancer for more than a year. The whole country knew this was coming. When his doctor announced that the cancer wasn't curable, everyone knew he was going to die at some point. But in true Gord fashion, Gord decided he wanted to put on a cross-Canada tour with 18 shows in the span of 2 months last summer. Was it easy? By no means. Downie revealed in the documentary "Long Time Running"(which will be shown on CTV) that when he rehearsed, he couldn't remember the lyrics to the songs. Then there was all of the confusion and concern about whether he'd even make it through the tour. But despite all that, he pulled through, and gave the country the ride of a lifetime. I attended the August 16th show in Hamilton, and to give you an idea on the impact of the tour, nobody sat down, stopped cheering or stopped singing through a two and a half hour concert. To me, that's quite unbelievable. Aside from the whole farewell tour, Downie was a supporter of reconciliation for indigenous peoples, he was involved in environmental work, and he, along with The Hip, was a major influence on the Canadian music industry. But the one thing that Downie should be remembered by is that he wasn't a rockstar with a huge ego like many others in his industry,, nor did he get into any controversies. He was just a humble, normal guy- a true Canadian- that just happened to produce the soundtracks of hockey dressing rooms, summer, and all of Canada with The Hip. He, along with the Hip, were not big names in the U.S(aside from Buffalo), but you know what, that's kind of a good thing, because we can truly claim him as one of ours.

Rest in peace, Gord. The music you play, and your contributions to Canada will live on for generations to come.

"Music brings people together. So my function in anything I do is to help bring people closer in".
-Gord Downie.

Monday, October 9, 2017

The Importance of the Invictus Games

It has been more than a week since the 2017 Invictus Games concluded, and I'd like to elaborate on the importance of the games, aside from the competing. I assume that some people watched the Games, some people didn't, and some people chose to watch the closing ceremony only(Bruce Springsteen was performing, after all). But regardless if you watched it or not, watch the highlights of the games, and look at the athletes. These are not high performance Paralympians, or people that you would recognize at first glance. These are ordinary people who have suited up for their respective countries to keep us safe, and in doing so, have experienced an unimaginable hell through their injuries and possible post-traumatic stress disorder. Yet, here are these people, some with one arm, some with no legs, or some who are paralyzed- all doing athletic events with the capability of any high performance athlete. To see them compete is both amazing to see and inspiring. The importance of the Games is not on the focus of profit. The importance of these Games is to showcase the athletic ability of extremely brave individuals who risked their lives in the line of duty. The importance of the Games is to raise awareness about these individuals, so they may be supported. Finally, the importance of the Games is to thank these individuals. They put themselves in uniform to protect us, and we should be forever grateful. So, do yourselves a favour. If you haven't watched the Invictus Games, please do so. It's the least we can do to appreciate and thank those who served.

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Could 2017/18 Be The Year Of The Raptor?

Another NBA season is just around the corner, and once again, "Is it their year?" loftily hangs over the Toronto Raptors. The last 4 years of Raptor ball have been pretty good, to say the least. They've been top 3 in the East for almost 5 years, they've got a playoff streak of that same length, and they possess the best backcourt in their conference, and arguably the NBA. But in the NBA of the present, where super teams have become the norm, pretty good isn't good enough. The success they've had either flamed out in the playoffs, or when they've been good, they've been stopped short by some guy named LeBron James. Long story short, a team that could've gone to the Finals in another era has half a decade filled with close calls. But the landscape of the NBA has changed this year, mainly in the East. Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward bolted for Boston and Isiah Thomas was dealt to Cleveland along with the majority of the 2016/17 Celtics starting 5. Sure, those moves only total up to two, but it has evened up the NBA landscape by a little bit. So, what does this mean for the Raptors? For the pessimist, it means just another year, but for the optimist, it means that the Raptors could actually break through. With the Raptor core still intact, and a more even playing field, there is no super team other than Golden State. The East is up for grabs, and if the Raptors can pull themselves together, create some magic, and silence doubters, they may have a chance to pull together a deep playoff run. So once the season starts, everyone will still be talking about the Cavs, Celtics, Warriors, and Thunder, but the league may forget that there is a dark horse in Toronto waiting to strike. If they do, and with success, then 2017-2018 may be the year of the Raptor, and there will be no superteam in the East to overtake them.

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

A New Dawn: The Start Of A New Hockey Season

It's the start of September, the days are getting shorter, leaves are changing colour, and fall is about to begin. Sure, it's an important month for all of the above reasons, but September is the start of a brand new hockey season for minor and pro hockey teams all across the country. For me, it's one of the best times of the year, aside from summer, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The start of the season parallels to spring, in a way. Hockey arenas, no matter how old they are, always look squeaky clean. New ice has been installed, leaving a beautiful canvas of white ice and painted lines for players to skate on and refine their skills. Best of all, new sticks are often purchased, new jerseys are given out and new friendships are made between teammates. While that all sounds great, September is where the work starts. Coaches will use every opportunity they have in to push players to the limit. Practices may be painful and pre-season games will often look sluggish, especially if a team is made up of a majority of new players. But it is through this work, this never ending grind, that teams come together, and that can mean continued success moving forward into the regular season. Personally, I have gone through this whole process for more than a decade and I embrace it. I welcome not only the clean rinks, new equipment, and new relationships, but I also welcome gruelling two hour practices where your legs and quite frankly, your whole body, feels the strain of completing strenuous skating and battle drills. That may seem like a bit much to the average human being, but I'm a hockey player, and all hockey players love this time of year, no matter what level or age group. Bring it on, September. Let's play.

Thursday, August 31, 2017

A Year To Forget For The Blue Jays

The year of 2017 looked like clear skies for the Toronto Blue Jays. The team was coming off two straight American League Championship Series (ALCS) appearances, the pitching seemed to be peaking, and the red-hot offence was considered the best in baseball. Even with the departure of Edwin Encarnacion, the Jays looked like a team that could go into the playoffs, and possibly the World Series. But the skies were anything but clear for the Birds this year. Every position on the roster has been hampered with the nightmare known as the disabled list. That list has robbed the Blue Jays of grade-A talent, with the likes of star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, second baseman Devon Travis, and ace pitcher Aaron Sanchez gone for extended periods of time. However, that's not the complete list of players who have been injured. Jose Bautista, Russell Martin, Josh Donaldson, and Marcus Stroman were on the DL for short stints, but when they were injured, the Jays possessed gaping holes in their lineup, leaving utility players such as Ryan Goins and Darwin Barney to try and fill the holes once occupied with star power. Therefore, the offence is not red hot as it was in the past two years, and the pitching has struggled mightily, with the exception of starting pitcher Marcus Stroman and closer Roberto Osuna. Yet, here the Jays sit, with a record of 61-72, last in the AL East division, and more than 8 games back of a wildcard spot. The team may create a miraculous run to a wildcard spot, but it's highly doubtful, as the team has struggled to find consistency now and the majority of this year. Fans and analysts alike may think it's time for the team to sell at the conclusion of this season, but this team still can be competitive next year if the players are in good health. Maybe 2017 was just a year full of bad luck and misfortune, a year deserving to be thrown in the trash. However, this team is aging, and it realistically has one or two competitive seasons left in them. The championship window is closing for the Jays, and if 2018 is much like 2017, expect the future to be full of turbulence and rebuilding in Toronto.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Vacation Time! Thoughts On Nova Scotia

The season of summer is a time for relaxation and breaks from a busy lifestyle occupying most of spring, fall, and winter. In saying that, I'd thought I'd take a break from writing about sports, and write about a 12 day vacation I took in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia. I did all the touristy stuff that anyone might do, like eating fresh seafood, walking the coastline, and seeing ships, but the two main things that stood out to me were the ocean and the friendly people of the East Coast. Whether its looking at the waves crashing on the seawall, or daring to swim in the icy waters, the sea is quite mesmerising, and in a way, it's like a natural spa. On a day where almost nobody is on a particular beach, all you can hear is the wind, the gulls, and the waves rushing onto the beachfront. The sound of the waves clears your head, allowing time to move slower, and it gives a chance to appreciate the stunning scenery that is all around you, such as beaches, cliffs, and wildlife. This experience is truly like no other.

Moving on from the ocean, the people of the East Coast were a real treat. They didn't know me by name, but they always found away to greet me with open arms and say hello. Unlike my home province of Ontario, where the people might give bland greetings or could not care less who you are, Nova Scotians give a sense of belongingness to tourists. They have this wonderful ability to connect with random tourists such as myself and get a conversation going. I wish I could explain more in writing, but seeing these people is an experience that you need to take in yourself. Once you do, you will leave happier and with no regrets.

So when and if you get the chance, take advantage of the treasure that is Nova Scotia. It's simply another great piece of Canada that everyone needs to visit in their lifetime.

Thursday, July 27, 2017

A Look Ahead To Pyeonchang

It may seem like a long time, but the 2018 Olympics in Pyeonchang are only seven months away. Much of the talk surrounding the Olympics is on hockey, amidst the recent decision of the NHL deciding to not let their players participate in the Olympics. The NHL had stated that they did not see any benefit to the game if they participated. This decision caused backlash from fans worldwide and the NHLPA, who thought otherwise on the subject, stating that there is a benefit in going. Not doing so "impedes the growth of the game worldwide". Regardless, the decision of the NHL is final, and it means that fans will not get to see the big names participate, such as Crosby, Kane, Backstrom, Koivu, Tarasenko, and McDavid. The decision also hurts powerhouses such as Canada, Sweden, and the U.S, as they will not be able to select those big names. However, the players that do get to play are players playing on pro teams in Europe and players on two way contracts in the American hockey League. Despite the fact that the players aren't the big names that fans are accustomed to, 2018 Olympic Hockey may turn out to be exciting. For most of the players, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and wearing the sweater of their nation may raise their level of play. For the teams, this tournament will be about as even as it gets. Canada, the U.S, Russia, and Sweden are not stacked with players who can take over and change the game in an instant. This may bring opportunities for the smaller nations, such as Switzerland, Denmark, and Latvia to produce some upsets. But from an Olympic perspective, the 2018 Olympics will be as close as it gets to a hockey tournament full of "amateur" athletes, something that hasn't been in existence since the 1994 Olympics. Without pros, this tournament will hopefully capture the true spirit of the Olympics- athletes who are just happy to compete and represent their country. This tournament has a ton of potential to produce entertaining hockey, but questions will still remain up to the start of the tournament. Will the players be capable of playing good hockey? Did the NHL make a good decision, or a bad decision? Only time will tell.

Thursday, July 20, 2017

The NHL Offseason... So Far


Although the NHL offseason isn't quite over just yet, it is safe to say that the dust has settled on the big signings and trades. It's also safe to say that the league has been shaken up quite a bit, which allows for a bit of a recap. At the draft, the Vegas Golden Knights made quite a splash with a bounty of draft picks in the first and second round. Those picks not only drafted elite prospects like Cody Glass and Nick Suzuki, but it also strengthened the Knights future and chances of success. However, the success of the Golden Knights wasn't the only big news at the draft. Blockbuster trades were completed that sent shockwaves around the league. Artemi Panarin, Brandon Saad, Derek Stepan, Travis Hamonic, and Brayden Schenn were some of the big names moved. Furthermore, prospects like Gabe Vilardi and Timothy Liljegren, who were some of the big name prospects, slipped out of the top ten selections to Los Angeles and Toronto, respectively. After the draft, the week of July 1st made way for an open free agent market which allowed unrestricted free agents able to sign with whoever they wished. Most of the big names were gone on July 1st. Kevin Shattenkirk signed with the Rangers on a 26.8 million dollar deal, Alexander Radulov signed a 31 million dollar deal with Dallas, and Patrick Marleau went to the Leafs for 18 million. For Shattenkirk, this deal gives him no room for error. After a trade from St. Louis to Washington, Shattenkirk struggled and was demoted to the third pair. Shattenkirk needs to bring the game that made him successful in St. Louis in order to effectively contribute under the bright lights of the Big Apple. In the case of Radulov, all he wanted was success. After failing to achieve that in Montreal, Radulov accepted the offer of a team that has already gotten better with the acquisition of goalie Ben Bishop. Patrick Marleau's signing, however, was surprising, considering he had been with San Jose for more than 16 years. However, Marleau was quoted as saying that he liked the young group, and foresaw them as Cup contenders. For the Leafs, it signifies that they want to win after a hard fought first round loss against Washington. With the continued success of the Leafs young players, combined with a deep pool of elite prospects, the Leafs might be able to win more often this year and into the future, which could lead to a possible Cup victory. Each year, the NHL offseason, whether it is quiet or filled with deals, can always lead to big surprises. This offseason is no different, and the NHL community should expect to see a new and shaken up NHL among all 31 organizations come puck drop in October.

Friday, July 7, 2017

Do The Jays Still Have Life?


The 2017 campaign for the Toronto Blue Jays has been, for the most part, a season to forget. Unlike last year, injuries have plagued the Blue Jays’ top players, notably Josh Donaldson, Troy Tulowitzki, Devon Travis, and Aaron Sanchez. The offence, once heralded for its firepower and dangerous ability to strike at any moment is now riddled with inconsistency, with the exception of Justin Smoak. Troy Tulowitzki has yet to return to his consistent hitting ways that gave him success in Colorado, Donaldson has had a down year, and Kevin Pillar has fallen into a downward spiral since the start of June. The pitching staff of the Blue Jays could be one of the most dominant in the majors, if they were healthy. Instead, the Blue Jays have had to rely on starters from Triple-A Buffalo, and the quality of the bullpen has decreased, leaving Roberto Osuna as one of few consistent relievers on the Jays’ active roster. The inconsistency of the first 3 months of the season has fans and media alike questioning the ability of the Jays’ players and coaching staff. However, despite all the turbulence, the Jays are only four and a half games out of a wildcard spot, with the All-Star Break dead ahead. Despite the fact that this team has been playing average to mediocre, the Jays are not completely out of the playoff picture. Once the All-Star Break ends, fans and members of the Blue Jays will get a chance to see what this team is really made of. Can the flashes of brilliance, like the 18-2 win over Cincinnati, or a convincing win last night over the Houston Astros, who are the A.L’s best, become consistent? Can the Jays reach back and find the consistency of a well-rounded team that has, quite frankly, scared the rest of the league for the past 3 years? Or, will they continue their inconsistency, bad habits, and constant injury history? Only time will tell if the Blue Jays can return to form, but as of now, the team controls their own destiny, their future, and their playoff hopes for this year.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

The Importance of The Fourth Line and The Backup


During the end of the season and the playoffs, all the attention is focused on the NHL’s star players, and for good reason. How well they perform could determine if a team makes a playoff spot, or if a team advances through multiple playoff rounds. But, during this time, two things are often overlooked, and surprisingly, they are as important as the star players. Those two things are the fourth line and the backup goalie. The fourth line is stereotypically referred to as the “goon” line, however, that statement is completely false. The fourth line is used to give a team energy through physicality, speed, and a high-octane forecheck. All 3 members of the fourth line are not just there to give the star players a rest, they aim to play a solid 200 foot game and showcase their team’s depth of talented players. Take the Maple Leafs this year, for example. In their playoff push this year, their fourth line plays physical, injects energy into the Leafs, and they have the ability to put pucks in the net. Another position that is overlooked is the backup goaltender. Having a solid backup goalie does wonders for a team hoping for the playoffs. A solid backup provides stability, as the team knows that they have an excellent chance to win every game, no matter who is in net. A solid backup also instills confidence in a team. When the starting goalie needs a rest, or is injured, a team can count on their backup to provide solid wins for a game or two. The games may not seem like a lot, but to a team fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot, every point counts. It is historically proven that having a good fourth line, and a good backup in addition to star players produces deep playoff runs and championships. If a team produces these two things, they will not only showcase their depth, but they will be on everyone’s radar come playoff time.

Monday, April 3, 2017

The Final Stretch


It’s that time of year again for fans of professional hockey. The regular season is winding down with just a few games to go and the playoffs are right around the corner. For some fans, their team is eliminated by this time, they want the season to end, and they want to get to the draft lottery in the hopes of a high pick. However, fans whose team is in a playoff position, or fighting for one, are in a completely different situation. Every game played by their team means something to their playoff hopes. The fans do not miss a minute of those remaining games, and during those games, hearts will be broken or dreams will be realized. Regardless if you are in either situation, the best thing about this time is that it’s exciting, and almost anything can happen. Not even the best sports analysts today can predict the final standings in this stretch of games. Sure, there will be some teams that finish in a high playoff spot as usual, but there will always be the teams who inspire all fans as they try and fight, tooth and nail to get into the playoffs, while keeping in mind that standings could change every day. This final stretch of games also builds anticipation for exciting playoff hockey. Anticipation about who’s going to win, who will rise to the occasion in every gruelling series, and who will be the Cinderella story. This is what the final stretch brings to the table, for players and fans. Players love to play for something that matters, while fans treat this period of time as the most wonderful time of the year. When the weather warms up, the games get better, and it’s something that the whole hockey world will happily watch or play any chance they get.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Going All In: NHL Hockey In Las Vegas


On November twenty-second, 2016, Las Vegas was granted an NHL franchise for next year over Quebec City. The NHL’s decision sparked both controversy and excitement among the hockey community, but some fans are still wondering “Is this worth the risk”?
This issue can be divided into two basic sections: the good side of this decision and the bad side of this decision. Let’s start off with the good side. Vegas is arguably one of the most recognizable cities in the United States, and it’s quite appealing to most people. Despite the fact that Vegas has not had a rich history with hockey, the enticing appeal of the city itself could attract big name free agents to the team, if the team starts to be successful. Another good thing is the healthy economy that is in Nevada, where Vegas is located. According to a 2016 report from CNBC, Nevada’s unemployment rate has been its lowest in eight years, and job growth is increasing. A healthy economy could mean that more people in Nevada will be able to buy tickets and merchandise which translates to profit for Vegas. This could also benefit the NHL, as there is a huge potential for their newest team to make money because of the healthy economy. The bottom line is; if Vegas makes money, the NHL will be happy, and they will most definitely be successful.

Now let’s move on to the bad side. Vegas doesn’t have a long hockey history unlike most NHL teams. This will mean that fans who are watching hockey for the first time might not know what is happening. Not having a long hockey history also means that Vegas lacks the pedigree of teams like Montreal, Pittsburgh, Chicago, New York, and Toronto. Vegas also likes winners, which is bad news for the new NHL team. As an expansion team, they will be made up of low second to third line players. Vegas will struggle to produce wins. This predicted struggle could mean less interest from fans and people in general. Less interest means less fans in the seats, and less money in the bank. Failing to produce wins also makes it a less likely decision for players to choose when they become free agents.

In order for the “Vegas gamble” to work, Vegas must make strides on and off the ice. On the ice, they need to make good draft decisions to get the best players, and try to scrounge up as many wins as they can. The front office must try to make Vegas appealing to players as a free agent destination. Furthermore, Vegas must try and grow the game in Vegas and the state of Nevada to those unfamiliar with hockey through initiatives like low ticket prices and new hockey arenas.


Ultimately, if the NHL thinks that Vegas is a city worthy of a team, then Vegas must be doing something right. However, only time will tell if they are successful and they make profit to prove to the NHL that Vegas is committed to being in the NHL for a long time.