So... Now What?

That's the question as soon as I'm done broadcasting hockey every spring.

I think I forget every year just how much everything slows down once it's all done, and this year, it all came to a screeching halt.

I'm on the go anywhere between Kindersley and Winnipeg for 7 months, and now I won't have to look at a station vehicle or bus again for a while. I also don't want to look at another fast food burger, or pasta, or pizza, or touch pop for a looooong, long time!

It's tough when it ends. Somehow this season felt a little easier, maybe because it wasn't the league final. But it still sucks. When Melville walked into Weyburn and won Game One 7-1, things looked promising that I'd have a 4th straight SJHL Final on the air. Credit the Wings, they buckled down and really tightened up the rest of the series.

My favourite comeback at the office when people say, "What are you gonna do with all your spare time now?" is "I'm gonna work as hard as you work all year!"

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Melville's banquet is tomorrow (SAT) night at the Horizon Credit Union Centre Convention Centre, or, the HCUCCC. Cocktails at 6:00, Supper at 7:00. $25 for adults, $10 for kids under the age of 12.

I was stressing at first, because I didn't think I had a lot of material. Especially considering I went on ONE overnighter with the Mils, and didn't go on the bus once during playoffs. Usually I just tell stories from the road, and they're usually hilarious. Just ask the Terriers and John Odgers. But, I think I've come up with a few good nuggets. My goal is always to make them laugh at the start, and after the meal, and sprinkle in other things throughout as time allows.

I could do Play-by-Play for a listening audience of a million and not be the least bit nervous. Excited, pumped, but not nervous. Public speaking... whole different animal. As much as I enjoy it once it starts, and greatly appreciate being asked... I usually dread it until the night starts, and then it's all good! That's why making people laugh early helps! No crickets tomorrow I hope.

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Terrier goaltender Dawson MacAuley is up with the Medicine Hat Tigers for playoffs. They have two healthy goalies ahead of him, but Dawson practices and travels with the team. He said watching Tigers' F Emerson Etem rack up 12 points in a four game sweep of the Saskatoon Blades was pretty special.

"He creates something out of nothing all the time. I've never seen anyone dominate and take a game over like he can. He can literally put the team on his back and lead them to victories."

Unless the Regina Pats rattle off three straight wins, Medicine Hat will face Moose Jaw in Round 2, and that would mean Brandon heads back to Alberta to face the first place Edmonton Oil Kings. If the Pats come back, it would be Edmonton/Regina, Moose Jaw/Brandon.

Also, if Moose Jaw wins tonight, it would mean 7 of the 8 first round WHL series' ended in 5 games or less. 5 of them finished in sweeps.

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It's an exciting time right now for former Wayway Wolverine Sean Collins.

Collins just wrapped up a four year division one college career with the Cornell Big Red, and has now signed a 2-year entry level pro deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who drafed him in the 7th round of the 2008 NHL Draft.

He's already reported to the Blue Jackets' AHL Affiliate, the Springfield Falcons, and is expected to make his pro debut tonight in Bridgeport. They play three game in three nights this weekend, and Sean says he'll have time for an interview Monday!

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That makes it three interviews Monday I'm really looking forward to. Along with Collins, I'll be chatting with former Yorkton Terrier teammates, who are going head to head in the NCAA Frozen Four Semi-Finals on Friday.

Greg Coburn and Michael Trebish were teammates for two seasons, including my first year here in 2007-2008.

Coburn plays for Union College, while Trebish is in his final year with the Ferris State Bulldogs. Justin Buzzeo, another former Terrier, is in his Freshman year at Ferris.

Union and Ferris State meet in one semi-final in Tampa Bay, while Boston College and Minnesota play in the other.