tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49775103084254478052024-03-13T03:45:11.892-06:00Steiner's StallCraig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.comBlogger2219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-34023816471883753622018-10-25T00:18:00.000-06:002018-10-25T00:27:09.086-06:00Because Even 280 Twitter Characters Just Aren't Enough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've never been shy about being a sports and numbers nerd but the CFL's West Division standings and the rollercoaster ride of the Saskatchewan Roughriders specifically has brought my geek squad mentality to another level these last few weeks. I've actually never successfully used Microsoft Excel until this year at work for tracking monthly income and expenses and found it fun to play around, so I put the Grade 9 computer class tool to use for sports too, so I can see specifically the West Division standings and each teams' remaining schedules all in one easy spot.<br />
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I've also been a long-suffering Rider fan and come to expect the worst when the going gets tough, so I had very little hope that they'd go into Calgary and win this past Saturday. After their performance in Winnipeg seven days earlier, with Charleston Hughes staying home, being on the road in Calgary after the Stampeders put up a rare loss the week before, the cards were against them going in. With that recent downward momentum (one game, but a bad one), and Winnipeg on the upswing (slapped the Riders and Esks, were up big in Ottawa and pulled it out in overtime), I was starting to lean towards the Riders quite possibly dropping their final two games, the Bombers winning theirs and jumping into 2nd place.<br />
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With the Bombers on their bye week, the Rider win in Calgary already means the Bombers will be on the road IF they make the playoffs, as they can't finish any higher than 3rd. The only team standing between the Riders and home field are the BC Lions, their opponent this coming Saturday. Again, a hot opponent who won in Calgary two weeks ago and rolled past Edmonton last week. While the Riders need to lose their final game and BC needs to 'win out' in their final two, it's also not very far-fetched. The Lions have their destiny in their hands this week going head to head in Regina, and if they're successful there, they'll have Calgary at in BC next week, and they'd be facing a Stamps' team that's already clinched 1st (even if they lost in Winnipeg) due to the Rider loss, so the Lions would be at home against a team with nothing to play for. I really think a loss this weekend would send the Riders on the road, to BC for the West Semi. <br />
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If the Riders and Lions are tied at 11-7, the Lions get the tie-breaker, as long as they win Saturday's game by more than three (Riders won 24-21 in their only other meeting). If the Riders, Lions, and Bombers are ALL tied at 11-7 (yes it's possible), then believe it or not, the Riders would get 2nd. The tie-breaker in that case is head to head vs all teams who are tied. The Riders are 2-1 vs WPG, would be 1-1 vs BC, so 3-2 (.600%). BC would then be 1-1 vs SSK, 1-1 vs WPG (2-2 total, .500%), while Winnipeg would be 2-3 (.400%) and be 4th in that scenario.<br />
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It's a lot more simple if the Riders can just take care of business on home field, and with a 5-3 mark at home, they need to shine up that record a little. If they win, they lock up no worse than 2nd. By then they will know Friday's Calgary @ Winnipeg result, so if Calgary won, 2nd is the best the Riders can be. A Stamps loss and Rider win this weekend, then the Riders head into their Week 21 bye week where they'll watch the Stampeders in BC, and should Calgary inconceivably lose a fourth straight, the Riders & Stamps would both be 12-6, Riders with the 2-1 season-season tie-breaker, and hosting the West Final (with 22 days between games).<br />
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I know, you don't want two byes weeks back to back before a big West final. Sorry. If someone handed you a pen and blank standings and you could fill it out however you want and you don't put your team 1st in the CFL playoff format, you're crazy.<br />
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Route 1 to the Grey Cup (finish 3rd): Go to BC, win, go to Calgary, win (good luck)<br />
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Route 2 to the Grey Cup (finish 2nd): Host red-hot BC or red-hot Winnipeg, win, go to Calgary, win (possible, sure)<br />
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Route 3 to the Grey Cup (finish 1st): Win one home game. (Let Calgary host red-hot Winnipeg or red-hot BC and you play the winner at your place).<br />
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If you don't pick option 3, I don't know about you.<br />
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Let Naaman Roosevelt and Dan Clark get healthy and make the most of two weeks off.<br />
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Yes, odds are the West Final is in Calgary but everything's on the table.<br />
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I'm also really interested in what's going on in Winnipeg. Two or three (mostly one) of their fans drive me absolutely nuts on Twitter but more than that, the Bombers scare me. If Matt Nichols just doesn't screw things up, they've got Andrew Harris to run the rock when it's cold and an active defense led by Adam Bighill, and yes the 31-0 game is fresh in my mind. I'd rather not see them in the playoffs, I'd rather not see them go East and become the first West team to go to the Grey Cup. I'd be just fine seeing them miss, to quiet the peanut gallery but also keep a heckuva obstacle out of the picture. If they make the playoffs they can certainly win the Grey Cup. But they can miss and I'd even say there's a half decent chance. They've got Calgary Friday with the Stamps staring at a potential 3 game losing streak and a chance to clinch. Calgary doesn't want 1st coming down to Week 21 in BC and are they really going to lose three in a row? If the Bombers drop that home game, it gives the Edmonton Eskimos (bye this week) life - it would mean the Week 21 game, Winnipeg @ Edmonton, decide who goes East and who misses the playoffs. Edmonton at home, with a breath of life, with the Grey Cup at Commonwealth. <br />
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So Friday, do you hope for the Bombers so that the Riders keep the 1st place dream alive for at least one more day? Or do you pull for the Stampeders (who would clinch the division) to put the Blue Bombers on the ropes and force them to win in Edmonton or finish dead last at 9-9 (tied with Edmonton but Esks would have tie-break). Not sure I'll truly know how I feel until that game gets going. Either way that one turns out, it will ratchet up the drama for the next day and next week because it's the next domino to fall in this crazy West Division playoff picture.<br />
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Quickly about the Rider offense... first off how weird was it seeing a big-ish running back in Cam Marshall and a defensive halfback in Louchiez Purifoy returning kick-offs, and doing it well! They set up the Riders routinely at the 40-45, even in Stamps territory. We also saw some big YAC yards by Kyran Moore and Jordan Williams-Lambert in what were short-medium passes. My favourite part of the 29-point effort was that Collaros was throwing the ball on a rope, zipping it in there. His tosses have looked slow-mo for much of the year so that showed increased confidence by him on Saturday. The next interesting debate is at running back and I don't know how you take Marshall out after that one. He had 2 or 3 carries for 12-15 yards each, finished with 11-76 (6.9 avg). But my favourite Marshall play wasn't one of his runs or kick returns. It was a block that I didn't notice until re-watching the game. It was one of those late penalties that put the Riders in a 2nd and 16 while trying to drain the clock. The Stamps rushed six guys and an extra linebacker came around the left side of the O-line. Marshall was lined up to Collaros' right in the shotgun and he stepped to his left, pancaked the dude and Zach stepped up and found Williams-Lambert right at the stick.<br />
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The yards were great but this is why you just can’t take
<a href="https://twitter.com/Cam_Marshall32?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cam_Marshall32</a>
out of the lineup. <a href="https://t.co/L9JItv105h">pic.twitter.com/L9JItv105h</a></div>
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Craig Stein (@craigstein14) <a href="https://twitter.com/craigstein14/status/1055165729459396608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October
24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<br />Mason and Thigpen don't give you that dimension, and since they're both smaller faster backs, I wonder if one of them sits if all three are healthy, and with Thigpen giving you the versatility in the return game, Mason could be the odd man out, despite being the starter much of the year. Marshall's style just screams "playoff back" and the pass protection puts him over the top in my opinion.<br />
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Hey, have fun watching some football this weekend!</div>
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Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-41478153037107136552014-10-07T10:31:00.002-06:002014-10-07T10:45:22.593-06:00Who IS The Real Tino?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Despite reports that Darian Durant could be activated for the last game or two of the Saskatchewan Roughriders' regular season, let's face it, there's still a reasonable chance that it won't happen, and that the defending champs' playoff run will be on the shoulders of Tino Sunseri.<br />
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I think we all hope to see Durant's return, but only if he's indeed 100%, and not putting the remaining 4-6 years of his career in jeopardy by coming back too soon.<br />
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With Tino, we've seen glimpses that show us the Riders are still in good hands without Darian, and also glimpses that say, the Riders will finish 9-9 and lose the cross-over game.<br />
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His sample size is still small, but as of now, he's been lights out in the second half compared to the first, and better at home than away. He's also looked better coming off the bench than he has starting. He took over for Darian at half time in B.C., led them to victory in the second half. Took over for Darian at the Banjo Bowl, narrowly hung on for the win, entered the game for Seth Doege in the second quarter against Calgary on Friday, erased a 24-point deficit before losing on a late penalty and touchdown. Then there's the ugly - his two road starts, in Hamilton and Edmonton, where he led the Riders to a combined three points.<br />
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The comeback vs Calgary has us excited despite the loss, but I'm still even wondering if we're over-reacting. Really, the offence was effective on three series. Not to take anything away from an incredible stretch that saw him guide the Riders downfield for three consecutive touchdowns, ALL capped by successful two-point converts - but minus the interceptions, he didn't really do a whole lot more than Doege in the previous quarter and a half. The touchdown drives were also aided by inept tackling on Dan DePalma, and a pair of pass interference calls in the end zone. This was also against a defence that obviously softened up while protecting what was a three score lead, at one point. <br />
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STILL, give the guy credit for going down field. I'm not sure the first PI call on Dressler was a catchable ball, but the second one was a touchdown had Jamar Wall not jumped, screened, and knocked Weston on his back. You had to like the 57-yard bomb to Getzlaf, the three strikes to Swain over the middle, and a little bit of scrambling. He took off for 13 yards once before hook-sliding, which looked like vintage Darian from last year's WSF vs B.C. His other run, was 8.5 yards, in a case where 10 yards may have secured the win. At live speed, in the middle of the field, it's not like you can look at the sidelines and know where the yard stick is, but given that he started right at his 50, he likely knew that Calgary's 50 was where he had to get to. That play was one of the more scrutinized from that game, with some, including Sunseri, feeling he wasn't touched before sliding HEAD-FIRST, well across the Stampeder 50. No he didn't hook slide, which means he has to be touched in order to be down, but I think one of the Stamps' linebackers got a hand on him, as tough as it was to tell for sure. What you'd like to see in a desperate situation like that though, is the guy to drop his shoulder. Tino Sunseri's not going to run over Deron Mayo, but maybe staying on his feet an extra split second, and forward momentum of being tackled, gets you an extra yard and a half, or enough of it to bring up 3rd and less than a yard, and a sure gamble. <br />
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<i>*By the way, I love Corey Chamblin taking the bullet for not gambling, but it was 3rd and almost 2. They've been stuffed in that situation before, including on their third touchdown that took two cracks from the one, and even that was debatable that Messam broke the plane. Punting was the right call, I believe. The issue(s) was/were, Milo's very average 40 yard punt, the 14-yard return allowed despite a good 'directional' kick to the sideline, the defensive series that ensued, and, yes, eventually the illegal substitution call on Peters.*</i><br />
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<i>*Fun fact, Chris Milo hasn't attempted a place-kick (FG or convert) since overtime vs Ottawa Sep/21. The bad snap that he tried to punch through the end zone (and got Chad Rempel a new job), so who even knows where his confidence is now… he hasn't missed one or made one for three weeks!*</i><br />
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A successful 3rd down conversion probably secures the win and a shot at first place, so I see why Chamblin's upset at himself. Now, you can't argue that Calgary's locked up hosting the West Final. They're three up on Edmonton and have the tie-breaker with 4 games left. They're three up on the Riders with one head-to-head left. Riders would have to win that ROAD game by 8 or more, and get two more wins than Calgary does in the three other games. Not happening. The Riders are now playing for second place, and I believe have to beat Edmonton twice at home for the right to host, probably Edmonton again, in the WSF. The once 'gravy' looking cross-over scenario looks about as much fun as a root canal right now, to the point that I would now say that 3rd is a better spot to finish than 4th. And, my previous blog which guaranteed a Western cross-over, suddenly looks like less of a sure thing (but I still think it happens). <br />
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Did anyone really think the Riders would have a shot at 1st this season anyway? 2nd is still possible, and it's far from a guarantee they'll get a playoff game in Calgary, but I'll take our chances if they do. They're banged up too, especially at receiver. Cornish is on the limp again, and they've got questions at QB with BLM also not back yet. Watching this team have hissy fits with each other, Tate-Dickenson, Cornish-Tate, and… they probably don't play another meaningful game UNTIL the November 23rd West Final. They've got a bye-week coming up, followed by 4 games that shouldn't affect their positioning, followed by another bye. By then, if the Riders are still playing, they'll have the underdog role, and either a healthy Durant, or a Sunseri with half a season under his belt, and hopefully some positive momentum.<br />
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If we're still wondering who our starting QB is at that point, or who the real Tino Sunseri is, that won't be a game the Riders will be playing in. It's a good thing they've got four important games ahead (five including playoffs) to figure that out.Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-39276170512477236572014-09-25T22:41:00.002-06:002014-09-25T22:41:48.948-06:00BOOK IT: THERE WILL BE A CROSSOVER <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Call me Captain Obvious, but despite Week 13 in the CFL showing that the East Division indeed has a pulse, there's no way that three teams from that division are taking part in the playoffs.<br />
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There's a CFL podcast that's gaining some steam, called the Swag & Stagger Show. It's actually really well put-together. It features a pair of Bomber fans and a Stampeder fan, none of whom have a whole lot of love for the Saskatchewan Roughriders (understandably so), and all three are big time fans of the league who are all very well-spoken and knowledgeable about Canadian pigskin.<br />
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<a href="http://www.buzzsprout.com/12917/206894">CHECK THEM OUT</a><br />
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In addition to their weekly 45-ish minute banter session, they also do a separate one specifically for CFL Fantasy, and the www.fantaseh.ca site, which I've taken part in every year it's been out (and usually dominate :p)<br />
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These guys know their stuff, and rosters, but alarm bells did go off for me when they actually made an argument that the East Division is turning things around, and because they're now playing more in-division games, that there's a good chance they'll block a western cross-over.<br />
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I understand this argument may have come on the fly, and they sounded good making the argument, and maybe it was simply just done for argument sake, but it's just simply not happening.<br />
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I know us Saskatchewan folk have trouble with math, and counting (right?), but I think this math is pretty simple.<br />
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The top three teams in the East are tied with 4 wins each. The fourth place team in the East (B.C., currently), has 7. That means three teams in the East need to finish with at least the same amount of wins as the Lions (or whoever ends up 4th)… so they need three more wins that B.C. gets in their last 6 games. Odds are, the Lions aren't going to lose out (granted, they've got a tough schedule aside from Ottawa at home). Let's say they go a sub-par 2-4 down the stretch. That leaves them at 9-9. That would mean that THREE teams in the East have to go 5-1 in their last 6 games to tie the Lions. Because they play each other so much, it just isn't possible. <br />
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Taking this a step further, I believe the 3rd place team in the East that will be on the outside looking in will be Montreal. Their schedule's not bad. Five East opponents including two Ottawa, and home to the Riders (Riders don't usually perform well in these Sunday morning Eastern timezone games). I just think Hamilton's starting to roll with Collaros at the helm (and they actually have 7 games left, a game in hand on everyone), and once Toronto's healthy, Ricky Ray will have them in one of the top two spots. Montreal will likely be in the neighbourhood of 7-11, maybe 8-10 at best. If that's the case, B.C. needs two wins to stay ahead of them, or Winnipeg would need three.<br />
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Hey, maybe the Lions and Bombers hit the skids, and maybe Toronto-Hamilton-Montreal beat each other just the right number of times that they somehow all finish with 8 or 9 wins, but it's just way too many things that have to go right in the last third of the schedule. Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-64507519578249510622014-09-24T22:08:00.000-06:002014-09-25T23:01:36.827-06:00SUNSERI, RIDERS FIND SOME LATE MAGIC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In a dog-fight of a West Division, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, "basically," wrapped up a playoff spot with Sunday's nail-biting 35-32 overtime win over the Ottawa Redblacks. Yes, the Ottawa Redblacks, with a single win to their credit in franchise history. Took us to overtime. And probably should have won in regulation.<br />
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I say - basically - wrapped up a playoff spot… because the Riders (9-3), now have three more wins than the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6-6), and have the tie-breaker. So with six games left, the Riders could lose all of them (and that's not such a stretch right now), and that would force the Bombers to go no worse than 4-2 down the stretch. They have a similar schedule remaining to what the Riders have - West Division heavy. The Bombers also have not seen Calgary yet, and Edmonton just once (a lopsided loss at home early in the season). Even after a bizarre week that saw three Eastern teams beat their Western counterparts, it's still all but certain that the fourth place finisher in the West will indeed crossover into the East for playoffs. So, as long as you're not last, you're good to go. I don't think anyone truly WANTS that 4th spot, but hey once you're in, you're in. Say what you want about the weak sister East Division… good luck going out there two weeks in a row and think it's a cake walk straight to B.C. Place in late November. That said, 3rd place in the West would simply be a death wish - and I'm not trying to say 2nd, or hell, even 1st, is out of the question.<br />
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Had the Riders fallen to the REDBLACKS, I'd say let me be the first to slam the big green PANIC button. Seriously. A lacklustre 28-3 loss in Hamilton. Follow that with a loss at HOME to OTTAWA? All of a sudden you're looking at the final third of the schedule that reads Edmonton-Calgary-Montreal-Edmonton-Calgary-Edmonton. Show me a win on that schedule if you can't beat Ottawa at home.<br />
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Thing is, for a good chunk of that game, they played bad enough to lose to Ottawa at home, so why feel any more confident against the Caglary's and Edmonton's of the world?<br />
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I'm not sure. But winning breeds <i><b>confidence</b></i>, and for a game and a half, I saw a quarterback that had none. Zilch. Tino Sunseri's happy feet bounced around in the pocket, his eyes on the pass rush instead of his route-running receivers. He looked lost. I felt for the guy more than anything - he was put in a tough spot, but even Coach Chamblin flat out said, he thought Tino would have performed better than he did in Hamilton. <br />
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He had 26 yards passing in the first half vs Ottawa. That - I don't entirely put on Sunseri. He completed 3 of his first 4 balls, and was 5/9 in the half. That means, math scholars, that 9 passing plays were called in the first half. NINE. That's on George Cortez - he calls the plays. However in hindsight, the boring play calling of the first half almost seemed to set up some big plays in the second half. Sunseri handed the ball off every time in the first half, even with the REDBLACKS DE crashing down on every play. One of the first plays of the second half, he went around the edge himself for a nice gain. And the more he moved around, the more comfortable he appeared.<br />
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So if Sunseri can manage to pick up where he left off, and continue to gradually improve, there's less of a reason to believe the Riders are in serious trouble in the balance of their schedule.<br />
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A key point in the game that us Rider fans glossed over, but would be fuming had it happened the other way, was the Dressler punt return TD. Will Ford ran into punter Brett Maher and it wasn't called. It wasn't vicious, and maybe Maher tried to sell it - but there was contact - and I've seen a lot less contact than that get called (*Luke Tasker on Ricky Schmitt at the Grey Cup*). If that's called, you take 7 points off the board and the Redblacks get a first down. Totally different game. For what it's worth, there wasn't a lot if any contact on the PI call on Taj Smith that led to ball being placed on the 1, setting up the game-tying touchdown and 2 point conversion. Some iffy calls went the Riders' way on Sunday, no question.<br />
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Now, it's the by far the toughest third of the schedule, backup quarterback aside. How many can they win? I'd say 3-3 is realistic, if not a little far-fetched. The road games, at Edmonton, Calgary and Edmonton will all be tough. Home to Edmonton twice and Calgary once. If they can beat Edmonton twice, that should mean they'll finish ahead of Eskimos, and if they win 12 games, BC's not catching them. So, 3-3, if two wins come vs Edmonton should mean a home playoff game. More than three wins, and they're in the conversation to host the West Final. Not only tough opponents with a second string QB under centre, but the Riders also have short weeks three times during this stretch, including games five days apart twice (starting this Friday in Edmonton).<br />
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Weston Dressler and Tearrius George both played out of their minds Sunday. Ridiculous, really.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmUnP-DuPyA">WESTON'S CATCH AND RUN</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmUnP-DuPyA"><br /></a><br />
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Should be a wild finish…<span id="goog_1025895927"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1025895926"></span>Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-14776815505703766782014-07-19T22:17:00.002-06:002014-07-19T22:19:00.840-06:00REMEMBERING DONNA MOORE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anyone in the local sports circles, or really any circles, around Yorkton in the last few decades, likely knew Donna Moore. Because she was in the lives of so many, the sad news that she passed away this week travelled fast, and caught us all off guard.<br />
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Regrettably I can't make it to Monday's Memorial Service, so I thought I'd take a few minutes here to remember one of my truest friends in Yorkton.</div>
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First off, sports fans, think of the team you're the most "die-hard" about. Would you be able to be just a few feet from the action at every home game, but not actually be able to see the game? I know I couldn't. That's what Donna did. She was the Yorkton Terriers' #1 fan, and their top volunteer. Combining the two, she ran the gate to the main entrance at Farrell Agencies Arena, stamping hands, punching tickets, and making sure no one was sneaking in. And I pity you if you ever tried! She was maybe 10 steps from the ice surface, but from that vantage point, couldn't see the action. I asked her about that once and her response was "it's okay, I get to watch the third period from upstairs." She won the Volunteer Of The Year award at the Terriers' banquet a few years ago, and I know that wasn't the only time. I really wonder if/how many games she missed running that gate since she started. She was there game after game, year after year, for the 7 years I've lived here, and I'm sure many, many seasons before that.</div>
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Our first verbal exchange happened just inside those doors, likely in October 2007, and my boss at the time, Lyle Walsh said, "someone wants to meet you." Having heard my first few Terrier broadcasts on GX, Donna, rather sternly, said, "I want you to be like Terry Struthers! And talk about apple pie!" Terry, as most or all of you know, did the games on GX before me for 20 years, and must have had a catch phrase like, "he put it top shelf where mama hides the apple pie," or something!</div>
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Let's just say our conversations only got smoother from there! But she did keep me on my toes and make sure I was doing my job. Her phone calls to my desk in the newsroom came, on average, weekly. It wasn't always just about the Terriers, or even hockey. </div>
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"What about that Balaberda kid from Esterhazy," she'd ask. "He won a gold medal in weight lifting."</div>
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"Yeah Donna I saw that, I had it on the air yesterday."</div>
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"AND…. You gonna interview him?"</div>
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Occasionally I would catch heck for talking too much about Melville, or heaven forbid, if I went 24 hours without updating this blog! </div>
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The most funny conversations were between her and Melville Millionaires' Coach/GM Jamie Fiesel. When we'd broadcast a Terrier home game, it was usually a Melville road broadcast, and I'd visit with the Mils' coaches and interview Jamie in the Gallagher Centre lobby, and Donna, always 2+ hours early, would pull up a chair right beside us. Feez loved to push her buttons, and she'd give it right back. For some reason I can't remember specific conversations right now, but listening to them go back and forth about the Terrier/Millionaire rivalry was hilarious.</div>
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I probably got to talk to Donna the most when I was covering Yorkton Cardinal games. I got to sit in the stands like everyone else, not in my own little booth like at the rink… and she rarely missed those games either. She'd be there with her hat and coffee in the same spot behind home plate, and we'd chat about baseball, the Riders, the upcoming SJHL season… my family, her family, summer holidays, anything and everything.</div>
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One of her funniest lines was at a Melville/Yorkton ball game at Jubilee Park. Millionaires Coach Garnet Keller came out of the dugout to argue balls and strikes with the ump. Garnet got tossed, and as he did, Donna stood up and yelled, "KICK HIM OUT! TYPICAL MELVILLE!"</div>
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Another time, one of the Cardinal batters got hit by a pitch, prompting Donna to scream at the pitcher, "HEY! YOU IDIOT!" She wasn't shy. And she was passionate about her teams I tell ya!</div>
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She was always front and centre, not just at games, but any events having to do with the Terriers or Cardinals, especially. Year-end banquets, the SJHL All-Star festivities when Yorkton hosted, Terrier Sportsman Dinners, the Terriers' 12-hour Season Ticket Blitz, etc, etc. Wouldn't miss anything like that, and that was all on top of working at SARCAN, where if I'm not mistaken, she was full-time until just a few years ago, before going to part-time, and retiring only very recently.</div>
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Remembering all these stories and how much of a fixture she was in the local sports scene, I'm honestly feeling really ashamed that I never had her on the radio. I bet she would have gone on if I'd ever asked, and done well. The stories and memories she could have told would have been fascinating for an intermission of a Terrier broadcast, and/or a sportscast. I'm really not sure why I wouldn't have thought of that, either live during a game between periods, or pre-recorded, or after she won Volunteer Of The Year. Definitely kicking myself about that.</div>
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The past 2+ years since I left the radio station, my conversations with Donna were certainly less frequent, but I'll really miss her smiling face at the games. I never made it through that gate without her stopping me to chat, and always appreciated our dialogue. She added me on Facebook and would always ask about my kids and say how much she enjoyed seeing their pictures.</div>
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If her parents and other family members happen to stumble across this, please know that Donna was one of the people who made me, an early-20's radio broadcaster feel welcome in Yorkton, and was just an all-around amazing person, fan, and friend. She'll be missed by many at the rink, at the diamond, and around town. In hindsight, it was even a little extra fitting that the Terriers captured their first ever National Championship this year, for their biggest fan. And now, she won't have to settle for just watching the third period of home games again. She'll have the best seat in the house, right from puck drop!</div>
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Miss you Donna!<br />
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<i><a href="http://www.christiesfuneralhome.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2609849&fh_id=14590">Donna's Memorial Notice</a></i></div>
Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-31546138744042120272013-09-11T00:18:00.001-06:002013-09-11T00:22:55.426-06:00Random Ramblings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tis been a while!<br />
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Since last time I mustered up a post, the Yorkton Terriers won an SJHL Championship, the Stanley Cup playoffs came and went, and so did summer.<br />
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Just figured instead of cramming thoughts on Twitter, I'd throw something together, and maybe sleep better tonight with my thoughts on paper (or a screen)!<br />
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- I'm past my one-year anniversary at DR Auto Extras. We had a very good summer for RV sales, despite winner hanging around well into April this year. Yes, things are slowing down a little now, but there are certainly deals to be had this time of year (so ya know, come see me!). Still enjoying the change, but always missing what I used to do, as I knew dang well I would. A gal I worked with at DR just took the receptionist job at GX and asked me about working there, and I couldn't think of a bad thing to say if I tried.<br />
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- My wife and kids were in Saskatoon for a wedding over September long, and went up a few days early. I painted a bathroom, and thought I was throwing in an old "mix CD" while I was working. Turned out it was 10 or so intermission 'features' I ran during my first season of broadcasting games, 2005-2006 at CKDM in Dauphin. Unreal to think that's closing in on 10 years ago! Jeez I was a young pup. Turned 19 the day that season started.<br />
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- My daughter Bailey turned 3 in May, and Kaiden will be 7 months this week. He's just started eating solid foods (well, mush), and is FINALLY starting to sleep all, or most of the night. Not that I know the difference... you think I was waking up with him??<br />
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- I'm like a little kid, as I think that it's '4 more sleeps' until the next Rider game. I heard the saying that there are 2 days in Saskatchewan. 1) Rider Game Day 2) Waiting For Rider Game Day. Ain't that the truth. What an eye-glazer of a Banjo Bowl, though. The Bombers deserved kudos, but as a Rider fan, I'm worried.<br />
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- I'm not worried because of how they played Sunday, losing to a 1-8 team. I'm worried because I truly believe this team, albeit 8-2, has played MAYBE 3 complete games this season, and I'd even say they haven't had a 'great' game since Week 4. Week 1 in Edmonton, they dominated start to finish, taking their foot off the gas only when it was well out of reach in the 4th quarter. They trailed Calgary by as much as, I think, 17-3 the next week, before storming back in the second half, and that's been the theme. They were okay in Toronto the next week, one of their more complete games, and then whitewashed Hamilton 37-0 at home the next week. I was there for that one, and even it was a slow start. If I'm not mistaken it was scoreless after one quarter, and 13-0 at half. At Hamilton, they were down early... at Calgary, turned the ball over on offense for the first time all season, on the first offensive series of the game, were down 7-0, and never got back into it... home to Montreal, absolutely should have lost, and would have had Calvillo played the whole game - needed an unprobable 2-minute comeback to steal it... at Edmonton, again, trailed early, Chris Milo had them up 12-10 at half, they made Mike Reilly look amazing, and won by a field goal... Labour Day, another slow start, down at half time, and then steamrolled them in the second half. And the Banjo Bowl was, well, the Banjo Bowl.<br />
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- Like Coach Chamblain says... you're not going to blow teams out every week. I get that. It's an 8-team league and it's competitive. But if you're a so-called elite team, why does take until halftime to get going? The experts say they 'wait to see what the other team's doing, and then adjust.' Again, if you're 'elite', then make them play YOUR game, make THEM adjust. They've got 8 tough games to go, and against Toronto, BC and Calgary especially, they can't expect to win by playing 30 minutes.<br />
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- I'm not of the one extreme of fans who thought everyone should be fired and Durant should be benched when they were 6-1 and Durant's TD-INT ratio was 17:0. However I'm not the sunshine and roses breed either, who thinks "as long as they win that's all that counts, who cares how they play!" Ultimately, I guess it doesn't matter a whole lot... you play for wins and losses, and playoff positioning. I just don't see Calgary losing a game they should win, meaning if the Riders don't beat them there in October, it'll mean 2nd place at best... and should they, say, win only 1 of their 3 meetings with BC (or, none)... that would likely mean NO home playoff game.<br />
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- Darian Durant IS the QB who can get this province their next Grey Cup. I sure hope it's this year. But stop calling for his head! I'd put Ricky Ray ahead of him (and he's hurt) this season, and that's it. Sure hope the fans don't end up running him out of town.<br />
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- I think it will take 14 wins to host the West Final, and with the team regressing lately, I just don't see them going 6-2 down the stretch to attain 14 W's. I wouldn't doubt they go 4-4 and finish 12-6. 12-6 will leave them 2nd with B.C. breathing down their necks. 3 BC's @ Calgary, vs Edmonton twice, vs Toronto, at Montreal. Are there 6 wins there? Sure could be, just not banking on it. It's a huge back to back weeks at home coming up, with the Argos here Saturday night and BC the following Sunday. Sweep those two, and top spot is more than realistic. I think they needed the loss in Winnipeg to wake up. Part of me also worried that they'll be stuck in mediocrity and lose some close games they were winning earlier..... or worse, that the Banjo Bowl could start a free-fall, a la last year (5 game skid around this time of the season).<br />
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- I feel like a Debbie Downer here, but I want this team to succeed as much (or more) as any other fan, and probably take it more seriously than I should. I've just always been cautiously optimistic. In my years as a Rider fan, there've been some lean ones (90's), and some close calls that almost rip a person's heart out (09). <br />
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- Last time I posted something, I said how pumped I was for Blue Jays baseball. What a disappointment. Can't tell you the last time I watched a whole game, or inning. Call that a bandwagon jumper, but they're still my favourite team, but if I'm going to spend 3 hours watching something, I'd like it to be relevant. I don't think there's any sense blowing it up. Anthopolous made the moves to go for it and we all thought he was a genious for it. Keep it together for another year at least, try to add a pitcher or four, and give the AL East a run. They've got the horses.<br />
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- I was at a wedding during the NHL Draft weekend, and I either forgot or never knew that the Toronto Maple Leafs sent picks to Chicago for Dave Bolland at the draft. I'm on Twitter, just about constantly, so I have no clue how I could have missed/forgot, but I did! Just today, the Leafs, finally worked something out with Kadri, too. So a team that struggled with depth at centre this time last year, can now throw out Bozak, Kadri, Bolland & McClemment on lines 1 through 4. I like that dynamic. No, there's no Crosby or Datsyuk or even Bergeron in that mix, but it's two who should clearly be in the top 6, and two can check and do a little of everything. Here's hoping they make it 2 straight years in the playoffs and maybe win a round (or more) this time.<br />
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- SJHL Pre-Season is in full swing, and I'm still doing my thing with the SJHL & Yorkton Terriers websites. There are three new coaches in the SJ this season (Estevan, Weyburn, La Ronge), so it could explain why we're not getting ALL game sheets from exhibition games. It's tough to get info, and I saw the diehards already have their annual "SJHL WEBSITE SUCKS" thread going on the fan forum. It's tough to get info this time of year. Most coaches don't want to tell us what rookies are good bets to make the team, and want things to play out through camp, and understandably so, and as mentioned, even game results aren't always sent in. It'll be better once the regular season kicks off Sep/19.<br />
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- I hunkered down and tried to work and sell as much as I could all summer, so I didn't really take holidays. Just a few days last week to help with harvest, and that was out of the blue. But I've got the next 2 weeks off. Heading to Minot with the family early next week. Never been there before, but we're staying at the Sleep-Inn with the Waterpark, Mall, etc. Any other Minot recommendations? I hear there's a good zoo, and have heard of some good places for grub. Looking forward to getting out of dodge. Not sure the last time we were out of the 'Yorkton-Farm-Saskatoon' triangle.<br />
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Well that was a good head-clearing session! If you're reading, and you obviously are if you can see this... thanks for stopping by!Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-49756302343099825632013-02-20T01:21:00.000-06:002013-02-20T01:48:37.684-06:00NEW ARRIVAL!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, I thought I'd click my hit counter and see if anyone's still stopping by... and, to my surprise, anywhere from 50-100 of you still are each day... I assume by accident??!<br />
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Just figured I'd toss on a pic of my TWO little ones. My wife and I, and Bailey welcomed our son, Kaiden John Stein on Tuesday, February 12th. He was 6 lbs, 12 oz, 20 inches long.<br />
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His big sister will turn three in May, and she absolutely adores him.<br />
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If you're wondering, YES... I absolutely miss my old job... and I told you I would before I even left. Playoffs are coming and I found myself looking at old playoff preview blogs tonight... I've definitely still got the itch, and probably always will.<br />
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But again, big picture, those two at the top of the screen are my whole world, and my career change has been very beneficial for them, and in turn, for me. Before Kaiden was born, I had Bailey in the hospital one night, and had to take the next day off to stay home with her. I would have been on a Kindersley/Battleford road swing had I still been at GX. And now that we have a terrible two and an infant at home... I really don't know how my wife would do it, basically on her own for the next few months.<br />
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AND, I do enjoy what I do now too. Definitely not the same rush or excitement every day, but it is a rush of a different kind, and I'm very much looking forward to DR Auto Extras Indoor Show at the Gallagher Centre Feb/23 - Mar/3. It kicks off our trailer season, and will hopefully have me busy!<br />
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No disrescpect intended to any other team, but I'd say there's about a 95% chance that either Yorkton or Melville will play in the SJHL final. They just really seem to be separated from the rest of the south right now. Estevan could be a sleeper and they're tough to figure out. Whoever comes out of the north will provide a stiff test, but the Mils or Terriers are absolutely in the mix to be heading to Nanaimo and even Summerside in the spring. I'll be a little jealous but a lot excited for the players and coaching staff if it happens!<br />
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While spending more time at home, I've come to love the NHL again. Purchased Centre Ice for the first time, haven't missed a Leafs' game, and am beyond pumped for Blue Jays baseball and CFL football.<br />
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Anyway, thought I'd check in! Might do it again in another 8 or so months!<br />
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SteinerCraig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-88659997761822975032013-02-12T15:43:00.000-06:002013-02-12T15:44:04.572-06:00<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoFuqmA0IPEl1V4VC0RX8Vx-5GYrQNYQlZXhS3tyUkHv9HU_K8xrVo4PknFZgg3qQRoFKhyJysfOprX2l28_2jqmLEZZkPkjoAQeJLIG7ffnCIGA6xFiQ1mIzHhJwheQPT88_-HRLg-BA/s1600/IMG_5886-744573.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoFuqmA0IPEl1V4VC0RX8Vx-5GYrQNYQlZXhS3tyUkHv9HU_K8xrVo4PknFZgg3qQRoFKhyJysfOprX2l28_2jqmLEZZkPkjoAQeJLIG7ffnCIGA6xFiQ1mIzHhJwheQPT88_-HRLg-BA/s320/IMG_5886-744573.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5844185388942627618" /></a></p>Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-81990666028830815342012-06-10T22:29:00.002-06:002012-06-10T22:40:51.128-06:00THAT'S IT, THAT'S ALL, FOLKS<a href="http://www.craigstein.blogspot.ca/2012/05/line-change-err-life-change.html">The career, and life change is now official.</a> I worked my last day at GX94 on Friday (June 8th), and spent a little time at <a href="http://drauto.ca/"></a><a href="http://www.drauto.ca/">DR Auto Extras</a> the last couple Saturdays, before starting full time on Monday (June 11th).<br />
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I'm excited for the new challenge, and once again want to thank all those who I've been in contact with over the years, doing what I was doing. Also a thanks to those who took time to comment, text, send letters, etc, with kind words and well-wishes... it means a lot. I'll miss so much about covering sports on the air, and will always keep a keen interest in the local sports scene around here, and would love to get involved in some capacity again, whether it be volunteering, PA announcing, coaching (when my kid(s) get older!), or... just being a fan.<br />
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I did keep my Twitter account, but changed the name from @GX94Sports to @Steiners_Stall. Expected to lose half my followers, but it's actually stayed pretty even (so far!).<br />
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I'm sure I'll get itchy fingers, especially when hockey gets back rolling, so I'll probably dabble with Twitter and the Blog when I feel like it... so check back when you please. It also sounds like I'll be continuing my duties with the SJHL and Yorkton Terriers' websites, so it'll be nice to 'stay in the game' that way too.<br />
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Thanks again!<br />
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SteinerCraig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-52875217325684067052012-05-29T10:28:00.000-06:002012-05-30T09:24:06.189-06:00LINE CHANGE... ERR, LIFE CHANGEMy feelings are definitely mixed when I say I'm leaving broadcasting after 8 wonderful years behind the mic.<br />
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Starting June 11th, I'll be heading to DR Auto Extras in Yorkton, where I'll work for Kevin & Cyndy Mundt, mainly concentrating on RV Sales, while also getting a grasp on other aspects of the store, as RV Sales is largely seasonal.<br />
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What it boiled down to, almost 100%, is that for 7+ months a year, I've been on the highway 3 or 4 nights a week, anywhere from North Battleford, to La Ronge, to OCN, to Winnipeg, to Estevan, and with a young family at home, I felt like I've been missing too much.<br />
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I came to GX94 BECAUSE I knew the load of games I'd get to do. I was single (engaged, not living in the same city as my fiance, now wife), and having kids felt like a long way away. Needless to say, priorities change when a little one comes into the picture, and I think they change for the better. It's not impossible to be a play by play guy and have a family, guys do it all the time. But in my case, doing almost only road games for four teams in two provinces, it meant I wasn't home a heck of a lot. I actually didn't spend that many nights in hotels, but I still wasn't home during waking hours a whole bunch.<br />
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A typical week would see me do a game Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. So... up early Tuesday, before my wife and kid. Go straight from my shift to wherever I was going that night. Home in the middle of the night... wife and kid are up and gone before I'm awake. I head into work around 10:00... go do another game, home late again, sleep late again Thursday. Probably see the family Thursday night... then up early Friday before them, and do it all again.<br />
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Calling hockey, that was the life! I loved it. It's all I ever wanted to do. But then I started learning about "firsts" my daughter did, via text. Maybe I was halfway to Portage, or on the bus to Kindersley. This past spring break, my wife and daughter went to Saskatoon as my wife had the week off, and I was doing games late in the regular season. I was on my way back from a game in Dauphin, about midnight, and I got a text from Carly that Bailey was in Emergency because she couldn't stop coughing and was having trouble breathing. She was treated for pneumonia in the middle of the night, everything ended up fine... but talk about a helpless feeling, and a guilty feeling.<br />
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That was one of the final kicks in the pants that it might be time to look elsewhere. It wasn't about me anymore, and I needed to be around more.<br />
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Another came when I arrived home at 4:00 AM after the my first playoff broadcast this season in OCN. Carly was still awake and couldn't wait to tell me she was pregnant with our second child. Then and there, I basically made up my mind that that would be my last playoff run I'd do on the air. Unfortunately, as I posted a while ago, we lost that little guy/girl to a miscarriage, but we still want to grow our family more, and give Bailey a little brother/sister that she was so excited to have.<br />
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I've poked my nose around a little bit in each of the last 2 or 3 summers to be honest. And, to tell the truth, I'm glad nothing came of it, because I was treated to some magical playoff runs since. But a couple summers ago, I was close on a sports-related Communications job, and had a phone interview with a Western Hockey League team, but missed out on both. I returned to cover the most exciting team I've had the chance to watch regularly, the 2010-2011 Yorkton Terriers. They also, narrowly missed out on their ultimate goal, with a Game 7 loss in La Ronge in the SJHL Final. Last summer, I was looking at trades (plumbing, electrical, etc), but just couldn't commit to making the change. <br />
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The opportunity with DR Auto Extras came out of the blue. I was recommended by a former co-worker, I had a short, informal interview, and accepted the job, all in a fairly short time period.<br />
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I've got some learning to do, but I'm confident I'll do it. Kevin & Cyndy are giving me a great chance to make a change and have what's important to me, and that's being at home more often. I'll be home for supper every night, and be able to put my daughter to bed every night, which is the best part of my day.<br />
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They're taking a chance on me, and I'm also taking a chance, leaving something I love and something that's comfortable, that I feel I can do consistently well. And as I look back on my broadcasting days, a LOT of people took chances on me, especially Allan Truman and Hector Paulhus in Dauphin.<br />
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I graduated High School in June of 2004, and after just over three months at WABC in Saskatoon, I was hired to do evenings and weekends at 730 CKDM in Dauphin, MB. I moved on Boxing Day, and started the following day. The Sports Director & Play by Play guy was a dude named Curt Solomon. He was incredible at his job, and was in his third season covering the Kings. I was often his board-op, and was stunned when I saw a job posting for his job at the end of the regular season. Curt was going back to Lethbridge, AB to continue his schooling.<br />
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In passing, a greener than green 18-year-old Craig told Sales and Operations Manager Hector Paulhus that, "I'd love to do sports, but don't think I could do Play-by-Play." Hector said "Hmm, that's intriguing, but yeah, we need someone for Play by Play for sure. I thought, "Okay, no biggie, PLENTY of chances like this will come along, right?" They hired someone, and for reasons I'm not positive of, things didn't pan out. I didn't know that, and my phone rang at my $300/month apartment on Main Street. It was Hector. "Hey Craig, do you wanna do sports at CKDM?" "What?" "Do you wanna do sports at CKDM?" "Uh... why what happened?" "The offer's there, take the day to think about it."<br />
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Again, I passively thought, "I'm young, there'll be other chances... might as well keep playing music from 5:00 - Midnight... wait, take it you idiot!"<br />
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Marched to the station, accepted it, got a $225/month raise, which blew my mind (that put me just over $1500/month), I wasn't expecting one at all, heck, I'd just got a raise for passing my three month probation!<br />
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That was May 2005. I had some time to settle into the sports role before the 2005-06 season. In late August, the players started rolling into town. I was a 1986-born raw rookie broadcaster, and the Kings, coached by Doug Hedley (Marlin Murray was his Assistant) were a veteran-laden club, full of 20-year-olds, born in 1985. Their Co-Captain, and 5th year King, T.J. Warkentin, took me under his wing. I was too timid to approach these guys and T.J. made the effort to make me feel welcome and introduce me to some of the guys. Other 20's on that roster included Cory Baldwin, Jason Shaw, Joey Moggach, Tyler Harder, and goaltender Marc Lesage. I don't think I missed an on-ice session of Fall Camp. Couldn't believe I was going to cover this team for a living.<br />
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I went to the old MPB Arena, to watch some Parkland Summer Hockey League Games, and pretended to practice, sometimes in my head, sometimes out loud, but just couldn't get into it when it wasn't "real." I went into my first broadcast, Dauphin @ Swan Valley, on my 19th birthday, September 21, 2005, without a lick of experience under my belt.<br />
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We had no Pre Game Show. We had religious programming run right until game time, and my Op didn't time out right... as the program ended at about 7:33. I had a script I'd planned out at least a week in advance, and even though the first period was three minutes old, I let 'er buck, and read off my paper, about a minute, talking about Training Camp and stuff. Oh man. What else can go wrong? There was a terrible echo. Morning Show host Cory Noel, and Hector, were both back at the station. Hector turned on his radio at game time and heard Focus on the Family, and bolted to the station, and I think Cory was just always there. "Something's wrong, you sound like F***in R2D2" said Hector. Cory was guiding me through what button might be pushed that shouldn't be. Looking back, I think my headphones were just cranked too much. The headset I had back then, well, the earphones barely covered your ears, and hurt your ears, honestly. So you really had to crank it to hear the Op, and when your headphones are cranked, your mic picks up the sound and feeds back and I'm pretty sure that's what must have happened.<br />
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GX94's Terry Struthers and Danny Ismond were down to my right, calling the came for Swan. Little did I know I'd take the reigns from Terry, a 20-year vet, and end up working with Danny for 5 years. We've got kids around the same age and our families are good friends. All I really remember is that Terry really looked like he knew what he was doing... and he had two bottles of Pepsi.<br />
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Anyway, Dauphin product Jordan Pernarowski scored the first goal I ever called, and the Kings won that game 7-1.<br />
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I was pumped. I called a win. I didn't care that I sounded brutally awful doing it. And I did sound awful. I don't actually have any tape from my first season, which is disappointing, and a blessing. I remember doing games by myself, and when the whistle went, I wouldn't say a word until the puck was dropped again. Zero flow, very little excitement. I THINK it got better as that first season went on, but it was sure rough at the start. I remember getting an email from Joel Malchuk's dad late in the season saying I'd come a long way and he enjoyed listening. That sure meant a lot. Especially after watching myself get ripped to shreds on the message board all year!<br />
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The Kings finished first overall in the league that year. They lost the first two games of their series with the Portage Terriers in round one, but re-grouped and won it in 6. In the Sherwood Final, the Kings won Games 3 and 4 in OCN to grab a huge 3-1 edge coming home. OCN had almost all their key players hurt or suspended. Don Melnyk, Ryan Constant, Kyle Annesley, Matt Summers. They were ALL out for Game 5 in Dauphin (and there may have been more). The Blizzard greased out an ugly 3-2 win, got some guys back for Game 6, won 3-1 at home, and then 3-0 in Game 7 in Dauphin. I remember my humble self after Game 4 Googling directions to whatever rink the Winnipeg Blues played in at the time, because it was all but certain the Kings were off to the final against Ken Pearson's Blues, but it wasn't to be. Heck, I think I was even calling Battleford and Yorkton to see if they had an extra phone line for the Anavet Cup!<br />
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So that was a rough end to my first season... but the Kings would be moving into a new rink the following year, and despite losing a lot of key cogs, they had a good crop coming back too.<br />
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July long weekend, 2006, it's Simpson's (my hometown) homecoming. I got back to Dauphin after the weekend, and had an email from none other than Rob Carnie. <br />
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Everyone should know Rob Carnie. He was the voice of the Moose Jaw Warriors for 15 years, and after he passed the torch, remained at CHAB as the News/Sports Director. He was the most colourful radio play by play guy I've ever listened to, and really, one of the main reasons I got into the business.<br />
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I'd emailed Rob my resume, and an air-check, more to get feedback than to apply for a job. He was extremely helpful whenever I had questions, and I jumped out of my seat when I read, "Craig, things have "changed" here at Goldenwest Radio-Moose Jaw. I'd like to get in touch ASAP."<br />
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Voice of the Warriors Randy Merkley had resigned, and they were looking for a new Play-by-Play voice. Did I REALLY have a shot at my dream gig (Voice of the Warriors) at the age of 20, with one year under my belt??? As it turned out, no. But I ended up with the next best thing. James Gallo, who did colour for I believe 7 seasons previous, accepted the Play-by-Play job, and I was offered the Morning Sports / Colour Commentary position, and also covered a little news.<br />
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I felt that doing colour in the WHL got me closer to doing PBP in the WHL, than doing PBP in Junior 'A' did, and trekked it back to my home province in August of 2006.<br />
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One of my first days there, the Warriors had a press conference, announcing they'd signed their 1st and 2nd round draft picks... forward Justin Maylan and defenseman Kevin Smith. Walking into the old Crushed Can, where I'd watched countless Warrior games growing up, I couldn't believe that was now my job! I met Warriors' GM Chad Lang, Coach Steve Young, and Assistant Rene Lemire.<br />
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I was pretty green at colour, much like I was at PBP the year before, but again, got through a shaky start and got better. I learned a lot from James, and got to jump into his chair when he went down with an illness for a few days. The first WHL game I called (Play-by-Play)... Pats @ Warriors, at the Crushed Can. A 16-year-old Jordan Eberle led the Pats to a lopsided win, I think 6-2. And I can't forget to mention the goaltending matchup. Two California-born Italians... for what had to be the first time in WHL history... Joey Perricone vs Tommy Tartaglione. Perricone was the Warriors' #1 guy, while TT normally backed up Linden Rowat. Carns did colour. I'm not sure I really appreciated what I was doing that night, but I do now looking back. Pats/Warriors, in the rink I watched so many games growing up, with the guy I grew up listening to, doing colour WITH ME! I also did a three game swing with the club that weekend, to Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and Kootenay. I met Bob Ridley in Med Hat, a veteran of close to 40 seasons of Tigers hockey. I'd actually forgot a microphone to plug into my recorder for Pre Game Interviews. Bob lent me his, let me take it on the rest of the trip, and I mailed it back. Surely you know the Bob Ridley story. He's missed ONE Tigers' game in their existence, and he drives the team bus. What a trooper, and a down to earth guy. Curt Solomon, who I replaced in Dauphin, also did colour with me in Lethbridge, which was really neat. Also, during that week, the Warriors relieved Young of his duties and gave the reigns to Lemire.<br />
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Riley Holzapfel, Steven Gillen, Jordan Knackstedt... all were studs on that Warrior team. And on that bus trip, 16-year-old Travis Hamonic was in the seat behind me. He's now a regular on the New York Islanders blue line, and was a great, polite kid to talk to back then. I was also in the first media "scrum" with a young Quinton Howden, when the Warriors signed him after selecting him with the 1st overall pick in the 2006 WHL Draft. Two World Junior appearances and a 1st round Florida pick, Howden will be off to the pro ranks this coming season.<br />
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It was very cool to experience that league, but as the following season started, I caught wind of the opening at GX. I applied, and honestly, wasn't that interested! I thought I was in the right place for the time being... and if I had to go to Yorkton for an interview, probably wouldn't have bothered. But it happened that GX Morning Guy and Program Director Brad Bazin was in Assiniboia for the Southern Rebels Lotto, an hour south of Moose Jaw. I remember Clark Gillies was in Moose Jaw (his hometown) the day of my interview to promote an upcoming golf tournament he was starting, I believe. I was sent to the Golf Course to interview him, a little more than an hour before my job interview in Assiniboia, but of course I couldn't tell Rob Carnie what was up! I got to Assinboia about five minutes early, but finally found the rink about five minutes late. Golf shirt, khakis, really didn't think I wanted the job that badly!<br />
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But, looked at their broadcast schedule, liked the number of games, liked what Brad had to say, they gave me a little bigger salary, and in radio, a few hundred extra bucks a month is a lot! <br />
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So, for those reasons in part, I accepted the offer when it came a week or so later. I also felt I needed more game calling experience to get a WHL Play-by-Play job, and James was doing a great job in Moose Jaw, and he's still doing an outstanding job in Moose Jaw. So, I thought I should get more games under my belt, and surely that, with my year of experience in the WHL, would work to my advantage. Welp... five years and 400 games later, a couple close calls, but no dice. But still, five very, very exciting years, covering not one, not two, but four Junior 'A' teams in Eastern SK, Western MB at GX94.<br />
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I did colour for the first 5 games of the Warriors' 2007-2008 season before getting the gig at GX94. And I missed 10 or so broadcasts here at the start fo that season, as I got here in mid-October.<br />
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My second day on the job, myself and Blaine Weyland, now the voice of the Estevan Bruins, hauled the station vehicle cross-province to Battleford, for a Terriers' Battleford-Kindersley trip.<br />
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That was the second SJHL game I'd ever watched. The first, was the previous Friday night, when my dad and I checked out the Terriers home game against Melfort and left my mom to do most of my unpacking!<br />
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Going back to Play by Play was an adjustment, and once again, it took some time time to get back in the rhythm. Ed Zawatsky, Jamie Fiesel, Guy Vestby and Barry Butler all made it pretty easy and made me feel welcome.<br />
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My first year, one of the big memories was the Swan Valley Stampeders' young, up and coming team, NEARLY upsetting the eventual league champs in Round 1.<br />
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17-year-old Stephan Vigier scored on a short-handed breakaway in overtime to win Game 1 in Portage. He would score in overtime again in Game 6 to prolong the series. Devin Reinhardt opened the scoring for Swan early in Game 7, but the Stamps would lose 5-1.<br />
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I thought the team the Melville Millionaires had that year might have been the most talented Mils team I covered. Dion Campbell on one line, Kale Dolinski on another line, Levi Lind on another, Matt Kinnunen on another. They were deep. And, after appearing to be in good shape all series against Kindersley in the South Final, they let Game 5 slip away on home ice, and lost Game 6 in Kindersley in double overtime.<br />
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My second season, the Millionaires took me the furthest once again. They were given a scare by their rivals though. The Mils finished 2nd, one point back of Weyburn, and quite a bit ahead of 3rd place Yorkton. Melville won the first two games, but Yorkton rattled off the next three, including a double overtime winner from Corey Silverson in Game 4, and another OT winner from Derek Serdachny in Game 5. The Mils came from behind in the third period to win Game 6, and then won a lopsided seventh game. They had an incredible series with Weyburn in the South Final, winning Game 1 in overtime. Game 3 was one of the most fabulous finishes I've witnessed. Down 3-1 late, the Mils scored three times in 1:33 to win it in regulation. Logan Herauf potted the winner. Casey Dion scored on a seeing eye wrister from the point to win Game 4 in double overtime, before Travis Bosch posted a shutout in Game 6 to send the Mils to the final. They won Game 1 in Humboldt on Kale Dolinski goal with 16 seconds left. Game 2, they owned the Broncos almost from start to finish, outshot them heavily in period one but had just a 1-0 lead, and they went on to lose. They dropped Game 3 in OT in Humboldt... and Game 4 looked a lot like Game 2. Mils had the edge in play, but not on the scoreboard, and they then lost Game 5 by quite a bit.<br />
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Year three was highlighted by the improbable run to the final by the Terriers, and a stacked Swan Valley team, that, had Dauphin not been hosting the RBC Cup, may have done some serious damage in the MJHL. The Stampeders scoring attack was led by Myles Stevens, Ryan Marshall, Chris Reimer, Shelby Gray, Darcy Riddell and Carter Selinger. Their back end was solid, with Paul Bonar, Dylan Trowell, Brent Wilson and Cody Straker. And, they bolstered their goaltending by acquiring Jayme Janzen from Wayway on December 1st. They got by Portage in five games, but Dauphin was just too much. The Stamps almost made a series out of it, after going down 3-0, including a 12-2 walloping in Game 3. They won Game 4 at home, and then lost Game 5 in Dauphin 3-2, and came dangerously close to tying it late. Meanwhile the Terriers recently handed the Head Coaching reigns to Trent Cassan late in the season. They finished 5th in the Sherwood Conference, and 10th overall in the 12 team SJHL. La Ronge, they were 4th in the Bauer, 7th in the SJHL. But wouldn't you know it, those two teams hooked up in the final. The Terriers upset Melville in the Survivor Series, rolled by first place Weyburn in five games, and then won an outstanding seven game series with Kindersley. Kevin Stringfellow scored in overtime in Game 7 to end it... a goal that still gives me chills when I listen back. They went on to lose the final in six games, also in overtime, to the Ice Wolves.<br />
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The Terriers and Ice Wolves both lost a lot of players from those teams that finished near the bottom of the 2009-2010 standings, but both would reload and finish first in either conference, and meet up in the final yet again. The 2011 playoffs were easily my most memorable, and a lot took place before the that final. The '8 seconds' game in Winkler. The Wayway Wolverines were down 3-1 with 8 seconds left in Game 3 of their series. Dave Williams scored from behind the net to cut it to 3-2, and off the faceoff from centre, Ryan Duhaime jammed in a Paul Vandevelde rebound at the buzzer. Shane Goodrunning scored early in overtime to cap likely the most amazing finish I witnessed in the hundreds of games I called. Swan Valley lost Round 1 to Portage, the eventual Anavet Cup Champs, in 6 games, with a pile of games going to overtime. Melville, with 4 remaining 20-year-olds, pushed an Estevan team with 9 overagers to the max 5 games in the Survivor Series, with all games decided by one goal, four of them in overtime, and the one that was in regulation, saw the Mils come from behind and win it with a minute left. Michael Rogoschewsky ended the longest game I ever called, late in triple overtime in Game 3 in Estevan, just after midnight. All that was before the Yorkton Terriers played a playoff game. They swept a tired Bruins team in Round 1, and steam-rolled Kindersley in the South Final, by a combined 24-4. Breitkreuz, Ciolfi, Buzzeo, Boyer, Eisenhut, Majkowski, Tendler, Remenda, Peters, etc... that was a stacked club. As I look back, it seems like most series that the team I covered lost, especially in finals and semi-finals... the key to the series was Game 5. That was definitley the case in this one. The Terriers had won Game 4 on home ice to tie the series, and led 2-0 and 3-1 in La Ronge in Game 5, before getting into penalty trouble. They gave up 4 PP goals, and lost 4-3. They also had a miraculous comeback in Game 6 at home, and an Eisenhut OT winner to send the series to seven... but before the Terriers knew it, they trailed Game 7 2-0... and while they did stop the bleeding, weren't able to get a lot of pressure on Adam Bartko, and they went on to lose 3-1.<br />
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This past season, I think you all remember because it just happened! Another Yorkton/Melville series in the SJ, and another Game 7 in the South Final with Melville and Weyburn. The Mils lost, and again, Game 5 was the pivotal one. Weyburn took the lead with under 2 minutes left. Ian McNulty tied it with just under a minute left. Coltyn Sanderson gave the Wings the lead again in the dying seconds... and the Mils actually JUST narrowly missed tying it right before the buzzer! Melville won Game 6 by a wide margin infront of a packed HCUC, but fell 2-0 in Game 7.<br />
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It's disappointing I never got the chance to call a league championship in my 8 seasons of calling hockey, but it's not like I'd ever hold that against the players... I'm just the radio guy! They gave it their all. A lot of close calls, that obviously stung worse for them and the coaching staffs. But belting out overtime winners in the playoffs is a feeling that will never be topped professionally for me, I know that.<br />
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I shouldn't even start naming names because it's impossible to mention everyone I'd like to thank.<br />
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But I've met life long friends at the rink, on the bus, and at the radio station these last few years.<br />
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I went to broadcasting school with Cody Glydon, and we worked together in Dauphin, and the guy was in my wedding party. My old roommates in Dauphin, Randel Mauricio and Perry Thiessen, I admit I've lost touch with a lot, aside from Facebook (congrats on tying the knot PT!). Lee (Davis) Guse in Moose Jaw remains one of my good friends to this day, and working with Rob Carnie was a thrill. Great boss, we somehow got a lot of work done while always having fun. He cracked the whip when he had to and still had everyone's respect, despite being a clown! In Yorkton, I lived with Trent Cassan for about a year when he moved to town as the Terriers' Assisant Coach, and Trent and I have become good pals. And there aren't two better guys to spend a road trip with than Jamie Fiesel and Don Chesney. Both guys are hilarious and have been amazing to deal with on a weekly, almost daily basis. And I've also learned a lot aside from hockey from guys like those two. I spent an evening at Feez's place until about 3:00 AM a few years ago where we talked about everything under the sun. He's a good guy. And Chez, while he puts a spin on life lessons that only he can, he actually makes a lot of sense once you stop laughing and think about what he says. Like, "Listen hummer, you pound the road all winter and good for you. Just make sure, when you DO get a night off... don't be goin' to the bar and shootin' pool with your buddies... you take your wife to the show or somethin'." And, "I've been in hockey for 40 years but I really don't know nothin' about it. But I DO know women, cuz I've been married to four of them." I also appreciated getting to know Guy Vestby and Dwayne Kirkup in Swan Valley, and Barry Butler and company in Wayway. Barry spends countless hours running the Wolverines, and running a farm as well. He's gotta be the busiest guy I know, while Danny McKay in Ochap can't be far behind. Those guys are constantly on the go, and all for the love of the game.<br />
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All my current and former co-workers at GX94 have been great to work with, no use rambling names! But the guys who did colour will definitely stick out. Blaine Weyland was a big help in my first season, and Clark Stork did most of three seasons, and probably well over 100 games with me, and we had a blast... and listening back to the 2011 final, I think we sounded pretty damn good together! Brendan Pawliw showed a lot of initiative and got involved on the broadcast this past season too. Clark, Blaine and Brendan would definitely be the three who did the most games with me, and there were others, too. At the rink, Donna and Norm in Yorkton, Jeremy in Swan, you guys/gals are my pals! Bob & Lila Walker in Swan, two of the nicest people you'll meet. Parents of players, are too many to name, but I appreciate all the conversations with those who took some time to talk. Other play by play guys around the league(s) have become good friends, too. Dan O'Connor is now in Prince George after 4 years in North Battleford, and he earned it, and has the ability to keep climbing the ladder. There are others who can do the same, too.<br />
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I hadn't written off my own chances, but I also have to consider that my wife went to University for five years, and was fortunate enough to get a full-time permanent teaching contract, straight out of school, with the Christ the Teacher Catholic School Division. Teachers make more money that radio guys, and took a lot more schooling too. So for me to just up and move, would mean she has to start applying for jobs again too, and possibly start subbing again, which would be very insecure, and would have no benefits with it, no pay over the summer, and no guaranteed position after maternity leave as we grow our family. Our parents are both just two and three hours away too, and the grandparents love being able to see Bailey any weekend they want, and we love having them so close, especially when daycare goes on holidays (like for the past two weeks). It might sound like sour grapes, and it's not like I was ever in position to turn down another job at a higher level, but at this point I would have to be very picky WHERE I go, and beggars can't be choosers.<br />
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There's a great job here waiting for someone. If you want to do a lot of games, I'm not sure there's a better Junior 'A' job in the country. With four teams, someone is always in the mix for a league title. I did an SJHL Sherwood Final every year with either Yorkton or Melville, and an SJHL Final in three straight years, and just barely missed four, and even five. I KNOW I'll miss it, but I HOPE I won't regret it... because I believe the time is right for a change, and that I'm doing it for the right reasons.<br />
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One of the sticking points for me when I was pondering a change, was, "So what was the point of these last 8 years then?" Well first off, you never know... I figure I'll be working for another 40 years... so who knows if broadcasting will come back into the picture. Second, I've met a lot of people and made a lot of local connections in five years... and that can't hurt when entering a sales position. And... hey, it was fun! Even though I'll be doing something else, this was a blast, and I wouldn't trade it, not a chance.<br />
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Thanks to all those who made my broadcasting years possible. Those who hired me, took a chance on me, worked with me. Players, coaches, managers, other staff members, volunteers. Listeners. Blog readers. This thing is now past 550,000 hits, and I've already had people asking if it will continue. Honestly, I'm leaning towards NO... just because I won't have access to players and interviews and recording equipment. But who knows. I'm not going to delete it... but it likely won't be very active, if at all. Who really wants to know what an RV Salesman has to say about sports? The two people I've asked that to, have both responded with, "I do!"<br />
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We shall see, but immediately my focus will be on learning my new career... and, I'm still here for a little while... so you haven't heard/seen/read the last of me yet!<br />
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Thank you all!<br />
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Craig Stein<br />
GX94 SportsCraig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-30226584381040159612012-05-28T11:38:00.002-06:002012-05-28T11:39:58.633-06:00MILS BASEBALL COACH BRIC STEED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The WMBL's Melville Millionaires will be coached by Bric Steed (Head Coach, pictured) and Brandon Jones (Ass't Coach) this season. Steed and Jones both coach in the college ranks in Paris, Texas, and made the trip from Texas to Saskatchewan over the weekend. I spoke with Steed this morning. Some iffy cell quality at times, but audio is good for the most part.</div>
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<br />Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-60623200059444664442012-05-26T19:59:00.000-06:002012-05-26T19:59:54.597-06:00STRUBLE/PATERSON TO SAIT<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span lang="EN-US"><i>(Courtesy Yorkton Terriers)</i><br /><br />The Yorkton Terriers are pleased to
announce that graduating twenty-year-old forwards Riley Paterson (Calgary, AB)
and Brent Struble (Wawota, SK) have committed to play for the SAIT Trojans
hockey program for the upcoming hockey season. The Trojans, based in Calgary,
play in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Both Struble and Paterson have been an
integral part of the Yorkton Terriers for the past three seasons, providing
admirable leadership on the ice and in the community as Captains for two of
those seasons.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Paterson played in 160-regular season games
with the Terriers over three full seasons. During that time he amassed 34-goals
and 32-assists while also playing in 40-playoff games. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">In the 2011-12 season Paterson served as
the Terriers team captain where he scored 17-goals and 17 assists. He was
received the teams Most Popular player award and the Coaches Award.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Struble suited up for 134- regular season
games with the Terriers over three full seasons where he scored 40-goals and
added 75-assists in his career. He also played 27- playoff games during that
time.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">In the 2011-12 season Struble served as an
Assistant Captain for the second consecutive season. He registered 14-goals and
30-assists to go along with a team leading plus-38 rating. In 5 playoff games
he also led the Terriers in scoring with 7-points in 5-games played. At the
Terriers year-end awards banquet Struble was named both the teams Playoff MVP
as well as the regular season MVP.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The Yorkton Terriers wish to congratulate Riley
and Brent and wish them the best in their academic and athletic endeavors at
SAIT.</span></div>Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-38749409500452847422012-05-23T07:03:00.001-06:002012-05-23T07:08:25.966-06:00TRUDEAU TAKEN IN USHL DRAFT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Melville Millionaires' forward Russell Trudeau was taken in the 7th Round, 91st overall by the Sioux Falls Stampede in Tuesday's United States Hockey League draft.<br />
<br />
USHL teams can have only two imports (non-Americans) on their rosters, but very few Canadians were taken in the draft, and if Russell wants, probably has an above-average shot at making that team. Not everyone who gets drafted goes down there, and the Mils would still own his Junior 'A' rights should he go down there and have it not work out.<br />
<br />
Blake Voth was cut by Muskegon of the USHL early last season, while a few years back, goalie Matt Weninger also had Omaha send him back to Kindersley, before being traded to Flin Flon.<br />
<br />
It's also worked out for a few local players in recent years... with Jaden Schwartz being the most prime example. Schwartz was also a 1st round NHL pick, but he led Tri-City (USHL) in scoring in his second season down there. Former Swan Valley Stampeder Stephan Vigier played two seasons in Sioux City before taking a scholarship at Northern Michigan. Former Dauphin King Bryn Chyzyk played this past season in Fargo, and has now commited to North Dakota.<br /><br />Trudeau scored goals at a torrid pace after coming to Melville from Steinbach (MJHL) in early November, and ended the season with 29-goals and 54-points in just 42 games. The '93-born Trudeau still has two seasons of Junior eligibility left.<br />
<br />
Estevan D Austin Yano was also taken in the later rounds of the USHL Draft.Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-66495317451147996712012-05-22T18:59:00.000-06:002012-05-22T19:02:07.358-06:00TERRIERS LOOKING FOR A TRAINER<div align="left" class="Paragraph SCX83478650" paraid="1505788047" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, "Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span class="TextRun SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br />The Yorkton Terriers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) are seeking an individual to serve as the teams Trainer/Equipment Manager commencing for the 2012-13 hockey season. The successful applicant must be a team-oriented individual who is outgoing, organized and willing to work closely with the coaching and medical staff to serve the players needs. The position requires strong organizational and communication skills with a positive attitude. The individual will also be required to travel with the team to all road games; travel expenses will be covered by the team. </span><span class="EOP SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="Paragraph SCX83478650" paraid="170025349" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, "Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-US"></span><span class="EOP SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-US">Job duties include, but are not limited to:</span><span class="EOP SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div align="left" class="SCX83478650">
<ul class="BulletListStyle1 SCX83478650">
<li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 48px; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCX83478650" paraid="965352141" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, "Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-US">Management and repair of players equipment</span><span class="EOP SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<span class="ListGhost SCX83478650"></span></li>
<li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 48px; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCX83478650" paraid="367608743" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, "Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-US">Game day setup of dressing room and team equipment</span><span class="EOP SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<span class="ListGhost SCX83478650"></span></li>
<li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 48px; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCX83478650" paraid="1961627657" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, "Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-US">Skate sharpening and laundry</span><span class="EOP SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<span class="ListGhost SCX83478650"></span></li>
<li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 48px; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCX83478650" paraid="1844551052" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, "Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-US">Working closely with Medical Staff to attend to and assess player injuries and </span><span class="TextRun SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-US">rehabilitation</span><span class="EOP SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<span class="ListGhost SCX83478650"></span></li>
<li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 48px; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCX83478650" paraid="1843114432" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, "Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-US">Maintaining an inventory of both hockey and medical supplies within a budget</span><span class="EOP SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<span class="ListGhost SCX83478650"></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div align="left" class="Paragraph SCX83478650" paraid="413164887" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, "Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-US"></span><span class="EOP SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-US">Interested applicants are asked to outline their qualifications. Salary will be based on experience and certification. Those interested are asked to forward a resume to:</span><span class="EOP SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div align="left" class="Paragraph SCX83478650" paraid="1339836997" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, "Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-US"></span><span class="EOP SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="Paragraph SCX83478650" paraid="964773174" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, "Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-US">Trent Cassan, Head Coach/ Associate General Manager</span><span class="EOP SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div align="left" class="Paragraph SCX83478650" paraid="1382875571" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, "Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-US">E-mail: </span><a class="Hyperlink SCX83478650" href="mailto:coach@yorktonterriers.com" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCX83478650" style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: underline;" xml:lang="EN-US">coach@yorktonterriers.com</span></a><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-US"></span><span class="EOP SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-US">Phone: (306) 783-4077</span><span class="EOP SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-US">Fax: (306) 782-4633</span><span class="EOP SCX83478650" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-888274096622142992012-05-17T09:08:00.001-06:002012-05-17T09:18:43.287-06:00MITCHELL TO FINISH MJHL CAREER IN SELKIRK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After three seasons with the Swan Valley Stampeders, Brendan Mitchell will finish up his junior career closer to home, with the Selkirk Steelers.<br />
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The 1992-born defenseman from Stonewall heads to the Steelers, to finish off the trade that brought 1993 F Dylan Favell to Swan at the trade deadline.<br />
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<iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats_small.php?player=70544" width="100%" height="145" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe>Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-77234868035405063542012-05-16T12:26:00.002-06:002012-05-16T12:27:29.104-06:00VIRDEN OIL CAPITALS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoPT5T6gJ8GNqpyJzE_UDC1r2Oupw9WtGklh95nFf_rZN3J4tg1CcA7kSD7Lzchsy-xBmUCV3X6KSCYQP4EyTlWVy3dQfQSCLuXKbJZnrxKPHKPM5r7dbysoVILs6a4K4MPkW7DFC3SaX/s1600/oilcaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoPT5T6gJ8GNqpyJzE_UDC1r2Oupw9WtGklh95nFf_rZN3J4tg1CcA7kSD7Lzchsy-xBmUCV3X6KSCYQP4EyTlWVy3dQfQSCLuXKbJZnrxKPHKPM5r7dbysoVILs6a4K4MPkW7DFC3SaX/s400/oilcaps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Love the sweater. Not sure on the name, but we'll all get used to it!Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-15962604293638674782012-05-15T10:45:00.000-06:002012-05-15T10:45:48.201-06:00PRAIRIE FIRE LOOKING FOR A COACH<b>Melville Fox FM Prairie Fire President Gary Campbell.</b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzBpVh7YV6ML3iS44cV8RMr0Tec76T74WDaTPYdwoDSt5KhMTJFLhEgzue22bWe6aKKE9t3HH-BP1GLxCTTlQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-85835777394732490682012-05-14T10:04:00.001-06:002012-05-14T10:37:16.522-06:00A BLOG, FOR A CHANGE!Well, before everyone stops reading for good, I thought I should wake this blog up a little.<br />
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A lot has happened in the sporting world lately, but not a lot directly affecting me, or GX... it's been quiet locally, so the blog has been too.<br />
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I haven't taken any vacation days since my Play by Play season ended, but it always feels like vacation when my hours and miles hit a sharp decline like they do this time of year.<br />
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So far, plans are to take the first week of July off and spent part of it in Edmonton. I think it was three years ago that myself, news man Randy Atkinson, and salesmen Doug Jonassen and Ron Hana shared a big win in the Rider Lotto. We had four tickets, and one of them won Season Tickets, and another won a Caribbean Cruise. Obviously there was no way to share a two-person cruise between four people, so the travel company out of Regina was kind enough to value it at $5000 and give us each $1250 travel vouchers to use however we like, and that will cover 3 nights at one of the fancier rooms at Fantasyland at West Ed, and waterpark passes. I think Ron went to Vegas, Randy just went to Mexico, so Edmonton might seem a little boring, but I don't think we're going too far anytime soon with a 2-year-old at home! We'll be leaving her with one or both sets of grandparents though, first time for more than a day.<br />
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The little monster turns 2 on Friday. Crazy!<br />
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I don't want to put this on a public site but will anyway. I put it on Facebook and Twitter about a month ago that my wife and I were expecting again, but unfortunately my wife had a miscarriage a couple days later. I'm still given congratulations almost daily, and people shouldn't feel bad for that, it's just a lot harder to make something like that public than it is to announce happy news. The first day or two afterwards were awful, but we've accepted that it must have happened for a reason, and hopefully we'll get to make another exciting announcement at some point (but probably not as early next time!). To honour the little guy/girl, we started sponsoring a little boy in Bolivia through World Vision. His name's Samuel Fernandez. Bailey calls him "Sammy" and loves the picture of him on the fridge.<br />
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<br />
Anyway, sports.<br />
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Big congrats to Coach Danny McKay and Team Saskatchewan, who won a 5th consecutive National Aboriginal Hockey Championship, with a 5-1 win over Alberta in Saturday night's final. Manitoba captured bronze to make it a prairie sweep of the podium.<br />
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Dano was my roommate for all the Kindersley and La Ronge trips during the 2010 and 2011 SJHL Finals when he was Assistant Coach of the Terriers. Definitely a class act and great to see him find success. Sounds like he's leaning towards stepping aside from Team Sask, now that the "Drive For Five" is complete, is isn't completly shutting the door at this point.<br />
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Other locals on that team include Terrier forward and Kamsack product Kailum Gervais, Harvest goalie Teryn Phaneuf, and Kirk & Ethan Bear from Ochapowace. Ethan was a 2nd round pick of the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL Draft this month, and was one of the youngest players there.<br />
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Danny took time to talk this morning.<br />
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<br />
The Penticton Vees are RBC Champs after a 4-3 win over the Woodstock Slammers in Sunday's final in Humboldt.<br />
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I took in the games last Saturday and Sunday, and considered a return trip for the playoff games, but it was far too nice outside and my wife put me to work. I got to work soil and water plants/grass, and weed, while she moved some old bedding plants around and planted some new ones. Honestly, best weekend I've had in a long, long time. It was great to be outside and enjoy the weather, and have some family time. I actually watched little or no hockey all weekend.<br />
<br />
I caught the end of the third period and overtime of the Humboldt/Woodstock Semi online, and the third period of yesterday's final on TV.<br />
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The hockey was amazing. Clearly all five teams were there for a reason. There WERE a few iffy calls in the tournament, and they went for and against different teams at different times. I thought the refs looked bad giving Penticton defenseman Kyle Beaulieu 5 and a game for a hit on Andrew Johnston, when Johnston came back and scored on that powerplay. But, they had no way to know how serious it was at the time when they made the ruling. Then in the semis, it was Humboldt getting the short end. They also lost Nathan Hudema for a five and a game call (I didn't see it and still haven't). And, had a goal disallowed that appeared to cross the line upon video review on TV. That made the OT loss that much harder to swallow for the Broncos.<br />
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And, in the final, Woodstock defenseman Jake Logan was called for tripping, about 30 feet from the puck. Penticton scored on the powerplay in the final minute of the third period and now they're RBC Cup Champs. I hate seeing tight games, especially championships, decided on the powerplay, especially late, but it was a preventable infraction by Logan (who was the first player I noticed in last Saturday's round robin game against Humboldt, he's an absolute beast on skates). It was an intentional trip, and kinda selfish given the time and place. Still, it's not one you often see called, in that time and place.<br />
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A good Twitter debate was going on last night between Battlefords North Stars Voice Mike Feeney, and pretty much everyone else! Mike believes a penalty's a penalty, regardless what game it is, what time of the game, the score, and the team. Most others feel they should "let the boys play."<br />
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At the time, I was thinking "that's a weak call late in a tied championship game."<br />
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Really, I think Mike's right, but the standard has been set by most officials, that they "put the whistles away" in a tight third period, or in overtime, unless you're taking away a scoring chance or injuring someone. We're not used to seeing that call made, but it doesn't mean it wasn't the right one necessarily.<br />
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So with that, another Junior 'A' season is over, and as great a job as Humboldt did hosting, there are a couple of pretty attractive travel destinations next year, as the Nanaimo Clippers host the Inaugural Crescent Point Western Canada Cup, with two teams going cross-country to Summerside, PEI for the 2013 RBC Cup. All I know is I've never been that far west, or anywhere near that far east! Let's make it happen, someone!<br /><br />---------------<br /><br />- The Melville Fox FM Prairie Fire of the SFAAAHL are looking for a new coach. I interviewed Prairie Fire President Gary Campbell over the weekend and will post it later this week.<br /><br />- It's baseball season! We're looking at doing a WMBL "Game of the Week" involving the Yorkton Caridnals and/or Melville Millionaires this summer. Not for sure yet but sounds like it'll happen.<br /><br />The Langenburg Indians are back in the South East Senior Baseball for the first time since 2004, and won their first game of 2012, 8-6 in Swan River on Sunday<br /><br />- The Yorkton Bulldogs lost two close ones over the weekend to kick off the Prairie Gold Lacrosse League season. They fell 9-8 in Estevan on Saturday, and 8-6 at home against the Saskatoon Smash on Sunday.Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-55366214362571513802012-05-09T08:41:00.001-06:002012-05-09T08:41:43.715-06:00DRIVE FOR FIVE: Perfect Round Robin Has Team SK in Drivers' Seat<div style="text-align: left;">
With a 4-2 win over British Columbia last night, Team Saskatchewan finished the round robin at 3-0 at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Saskatoon. The beat Manitoba 7-5 and Atlantic 11-2 on Monday.<br /><br />They'll take on Northwest Territories in the Quarter-Finals tonight (WED) at 7:00.<br /><br />Saskatchewan's looking for their 5th straight Gold Medal at the event.<br /><br />Coach Danny McKay has been there for all five tournaments, and he took some time to talk this morning. McKay is the current Coach/GM of the Ochapowace Thunder, and a former Assistant Coach of the Yorkton Terriers.</div>
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<br />Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-57380993158415396462012-05-04T10:19:00.002-06:002012-05-04T10:19:30.459-06:00LOCAL WHL DRAFT PICS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXnmzZwMhRUhd6BH_zfBk6B3Mho6NNcmSmkfhumdZSgy9mMw1mS3xN_BczPFnsVdRzf8y34Y2R-v30FngzILYNxRtmZeLi0W6Ab_R8cQSHaMlF9hJoY19XIf9vJ459l72YS9GAH92eoMn/s1600/whl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXnmzZwMhRUhd6BH_zfBk6B3Mho6NNcmSmkfhumdZSgy9mMw1mS3xN_BczPFnsVdRzf8y34Y2R-v30FngzILYNxRtmZeLi0W6Ab_R8cQSHaMlF9hJoY19XIf9vJ459l72YS9GAH92eoMn/s1600/whl.jpg" /></a></div>
The following local-area Bantam-aged players were selected in Thursday's Western Hockey League Bantam Draft.<br /><br />Ethan Bear (Ochapowace) 2nd Round, 25th overall - Seattle<br />
Dakota Boutin (Moosomin) 3rd Round, 50th - Brandon (Melville 'AA')<br />
Rykr Cole (Moosomin) 3rd Rd, 63rd - Regina (Melville 'AA')<br />
Chance Patterson (Foam Lake) 5th Rd, 107th - Edmonton (Yorkton 'AA')<br />
Rylee Zimmer (Russell) 5th Rd, 109th - Regina<br />
Donovan Neuls (Grenfell) 8th Rd, 157th - Seattle (Melville 'AA')<br />
Matt Kustra (Yorkton) 8th Rd, 167th - Prince George<br />
Tyler Kreklewich (Melville) 9th Rd, 179th - Seattle (Melville 'AA')<br />
Connor Odelein (Quill Lake) 9th Rd, 189th - Saskatoon<br />
Drew Litwin (Wynyard) 11th Rd, 231st - Regina<br />
Evan Werle (Langenburg) 11th Rd, 232nd - Brandon<br />
Turner Ottenbreit (Yorkton) 12th Rd, 261st - Saskatoon (Yorkton 'AA')Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-5123148114569413832012-05-03T10:05:00.000-06:002012-05-03T10:05:15.467-06:00REVENGE FOR ROBBIE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Last season, Robbie Ciolfi watched the La Ronge Ice Wolves parade around with the SJHL Championship trophy, after a Game 7 loss as a member of the Yorkton Terriers. This time, Ciolfi and the Humboldt Broncos knocked out La Ronge with a first round sweep, before eventually hoisting the Canalta Cup, and the Anavet Cup. Now, it's on to the RBC Cup starting this weekend in Humboldt.Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-52619381411927606722012-05-02T10:18:00.001-06:002012-05-02T10:18:32.360-06:00MARSHALL LOOKS TO FINISH WITH ONE MORE TROPHY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Former Swan Valley Stampeder, and Anavet Cup MVP Ryan Marhshall's getting set for the RBC Cup, which starts Saturday in Humboldt.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxkyWZHZjk6GtGp9eCF3sO5FJyOvlcc5LMqqFkiZoFtqacs1emzkhStg7ni4tff04umK9_rslLsf-K5JkZeqQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-48482980509818219452012-04-30T10:13:00.000-06:002012-04-30T10:14:51.278-06:00DURANT HEADLINED 6th ANNUAL FOOTBALL NIGHT<br />
Darian Durant was the keynote speaker for the 6th Annual Football Night in Saskatchewan on Saturday at St. Mary's Cultural Centre in Yorkton.<br />
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Durant followed the likes of Kent Austin, Ken Miller, George Reed, Weston Dressler and Wes Cates, in speaking at the annual sold-out event.<br />
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Some of Durant's quotes from his speech included:<br />
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"This might sound selfish to some extent, but I haven't worn my 2007 Grey Cup Ring one time. I was the third string quarterback, and when you're not playing, you don't REALLY feel part of a championship. It's my goal to bring another Grey Cup to Saskatchewan as the starting quarterback, and not being satisfied with the '07 Championship just drives me that much more to get another one."<br />
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"I nearly gave up football in 2006. I started out as the fourth string quarterback, I was active one week, practice roster the next. I ended up third string, Marcus Crandell got hurt, Steven Jyles got hurt, I came in, won some games, then I broke my ribs. They brought in Michael Bishop, and I assumed I'd have my job back when I got healthy, but they decided to stick with Michael Bishop. As an athlete, that's one way you absolutely hate to lose your job is by injury."<br />
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"I'm so happy to have a contract extension. Best fans in the land. This is the best place to play in the CFL, hands down."<br />
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"I was told I was too small. When I was released by the Baltimore Ravens, Coach Brian Billick told me I was too small to play the QB position in the NFL."<br />
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"After these mini-camps this week, I really feel like we're going to be the best team in the league again this season. Last year was tough, but it might have been what we needed to get back to the top." <br /><br />I had a brief chat with Darian at the end of the night:<br /><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxWGvJzrYt1OsDXwbme89YE1vwalrHrpIf2wVF4XUlT4o4ySmb4ba0CwGCpWPSzzscfBToFHuBLvKWF1uFYFQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-50409767105225419202012-04-29T22:07:00.001-06:002012-04-29T22:22:13.169-06:00BRONCOS WIN ANAVET / RBC SCHEDULE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(Picture courtesy Facebook)<br /><i><b><br />Former Swan Valley Stampeder Ryan Marshall named Anavet Cup MVP, scoring 9 points (6g-3a) in seven games. The Humboldt Broncos beat Portage 4-0 in Game 7 on Sunday.</b></i><br />
<i><br />(From www.sjhl.ca) </i><br />
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The Anavet Cup is in Saskatchewan to stay. <br />
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The Humboldt Broncos wrapped up the final Anavet Cup Championship with a 4-0 win over Portage in Game 7.<br />
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Andrew Johnston scored twice, while Taylor Johnson and Ryan Marshall added the others. Marshall, the former MJHLer was named the Anavet Cup's MVP, with 6 goals and 9 points in the seven game series. <br />
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For Matt Hrynkiw, it was his second straight series clinching shutout. After blanking Weyburn in Game 6 to secure the SJHL Canalta Cup, Hrynkiw stopped all 26 shots he faced in Game 7 of the Anavet. Shots were 34-26 for the Broncos. <br />
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Credit the Terriers, who lost the first three games of the series, only to storm all the way back with three straight one-goal wins to force a seventh and deciding game. <br />
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For Humboldt, they knew they'd be in the RBC Cup all season, but won their way there, and will enter the national tournament through the front door. <br />
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The Broncos and Terriers will both be at the RBC Cup, and be joined by the Penticton Vees, Soo Thunderbirds, and Woodstock Slammers. <br />
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The RBC Cup in Humboldt starts on Saturday, May 5th. Humboldt will take on Woodstock that night, while the Vees and Thunderbirds will kick off the event on Saturday afternoon. <br />
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<b>RBC Cup Schedule<br /><br />Saturday, May 5</b><br />
Soo Thunderbirds (Central) vs Penticton Vees (Pacific) 3:00<br />
Humboldt Broncos (Host) vs Woodstock Slammers (East) 7:30<br />
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<b>Sunday, May 6</b><br />
Soo Thunderbirds (Central) vs Portage Terriers (West) 3:00<br />
Penticton Vees (Pacific) vs Humboldt Broncos (Host) 7:30<br />
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<b>Monday, May 7</b><br />
Woodstock Slammers vs Portage Terriers 7:30<br />
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<b>Tuesday, May 8</b><br />
Humboldt Broncos vs Soo Thunderbirds 3:00<br />
Penticton Vees vs Woodstock Slammers 7:30<br />
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<b>Wednesday, May 9</b><br />
Portage Terriers vs Penticton Vees 7:30<b><br /><br />Thursday, May 10</b><br />
Woodstock Slammers vs Soo Thunderbirds 3:00<br />
Portage Terriers vs Humboldt Broncos 7:30<br />
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<b>Saturday, May 12</b><br />
Semi Final #1 2:00<br />
Semi Final #2 6:00<b><br /><br />Sunday, May 13</b><br />
Championship TBDCraig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4977510308425447805.post-15540120384282091992012-04-27T07:52:00.000-06:002012-04-27T07:52:35.058-06:00SEVERSON WINS BRONZE AT U18's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Craig Steinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02183671303553071256noreply@blogger.com1