And So It Begins...

There's no doubt in my mind I'm one of the biggest hockey nerds there is. Yesterday I told a few people it was "Christmas Eve" for me, the day before the start of the season. I guess that would make today Christmas. I got some funny looks when I said that. But it's exciting... and I know if there's ever a September where I'm not looking forward to hockey... it's time to find something else to do with my time... I hope it never comes to that.

We're in Estevan tonight with with Melville's first action of the season on the radio. Pre Game Show starts at 7:20, Play by Play at 7:30. If you're a parent just logging in and you're not sure how to hear the game, head to our website at http://www.gx94radio.com/ and click on the Listen Live link. Even though we don't have the Terrier/Weyburn game, we'll be checking in and giving frequent updates. Big thanks to the bosses at GX94... I got a laptop this week, and I don't have all the programs installed I need to be able to record the game, get replays, etc yet (maybe by next week), but I'm hoping Estevan has wireless internet in their rink and we can get results on the air as they happen from Yorkton.

Ron Hextall was winning the poll by enough that I felt comfortable enough to take down the poll and get Ronnie all ready to go tonight. Hextall's in the system, I got over 7 minutes from him and hope you enjoy it after the second period. Ron joined me on the phone Wednesday from his office in Los Angeles, he's now the Ass't GM for the Kings, and THE GM for the AHL's Manchester Monarchs. I could have EASILY gotten 10 minutes, cut it in half and made 2 features with him... but we didn't even go into his NHL days that much, and just briefly touched on what he's doing now towards the end. Most of it is all about Melville and how it helped him get to bigger and better things, and also the influence it had on his son Brett, who played Junior 'A' with the Penticton Vees of the BCHL. Brett captained his team last year, led them in scoring with 72 points in 54 games, and the Vees won the BCHL title last year, losing to Camrose in the BC-Alberta Championship for the right to go to the RBC. First intermission, like last year, we'll have a "Player Profile". Haven't decided who I'm talking to yet... but most likely a vet. I'm also gonna spice it up a little this year... make half of it kind of a rapid fire/next question kinda thing, have a little fun with it. Woke up with a tickle in my throat today... coffee's helping... should be fine by tonight. Talk to you then! P.S... please tune in at 7:20 for the start of the Pre Game Show... GX Production wizard Chad Mikals put together what he calls a "B.A." (Bad-Ass) intro. New Metallica to start off the season!

Friday's Happenings

SJHL (5)
Melville Millionaires @ Estevan Bruins 7:20/7:30 GX94
Weyburn Red Wings @ Yorkton Terriers 7:30
Battlefords North Stars @ Kindersley Klippers 7:00
Melfort Mustangs @ Flin Flon Bombers 7:30 (MB time)
Nipawin Hawks @ La Ronge Ice Wolves 7:30

MJHL (2)
Dauphin Kings @ Selkirk Steelers 7:30 (MB time)
OCN Blizzard @ Winnipeg Saints 7:30

**The Swan Valley Stampeders and Wayway Wolverines meet at the Swan River Centennial Arena tomorrow to kick off their regular seasons.

East Central 9-Man Football Conference
Fort Qu'Appelle Marauders @ Yorkton Sacred Heart Saints 4:00
Melville Cobras @ Canora Cougars 4:00
Swan Valley Tigers @ Esterhazy Warriors 4:00

North East 9-Man Football Conference
Foam Lake Panthers @ Melfort Comets 4:00
Wynyard Golden Bears @ Nipawin Bears 4:00
Tisdale Tornadoes @ Humboldt Mohawks 4:00

East Central 6-Man Football Conference
Ituna Trojans @ Raymore Rebels 4:00
Preeceville Panthers @ Kelliher Cobras 4:00
Carrot River Wild Cat @ Porcupine Plain Bears 4:00
Southey Scremaing Eagles @ Hudson Bay Riders 4:00