Wednesday, January 25, 2012

De Paoli's Drive.... Suffers a Setback

Apparently working out when you're sick is the wrong way to go.

Started today at Nitro Gym with trainer Lindsey Smith today, I had a minor cold last week when we met and it in my mind it was just a minor cough a week later.

We warmed up I felt pretty good with a minor cough just to get the rust out in my mind did upper body work-outs and things were fine. Everything seems to be fine I was sweating bullets which is great but as I finished my workout there before moving on something didn't feel right. then did treadmill up hill on the max for 2 minutes... I know right? All of a sudden my stomach pretty much told me to shut it down I coughed profusely and actually threw up twice in the bathroom. Not good and the coughing was deep and phlegm was involved.

I don't smoke except the odd cigar but that has been a coons age since I did. Something was wrong I thought I was over my cold but it's back and it is pissed! So we had to shut things down till things get better. Lindsey is good at what she does, I want this crap to go away by Friday for the Wolverines game and so I can get at this hard with no setbacks and by today's workout I'm excited to get things done and getting better shape to show off what I can be and Lindsey will help me out greatly.

I Feel like Sidney Crosby, rearing to go then a little knock and I'm out, But... I will be back in a week! Oh did I say that out loud?

I have ate better which has benefited already don't feel as "fat" as I did before and it will get better.

Kind of repeating myself but with Neo Citron and Cold Medicine with cough control I think I can get away with it.

We'll get back at er ASAP and deflate the balloon. Thanks to all who are supporting me through this it will come!!

I'm Out!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

De Paoli's Drive.... In the Beginning

Here we go, Some of you may already know what's happening to me this year for the first while anyway... No I'm saving the environment or the starving children with Bono but I got challenged and a free membership along with a personal trainer through some sales at XM 105 FM and I'm doing "De Paoli's Drive"

Here's the break where the "Event" was announced
 De Paoli's Drive by gdp74

The Goal.... Is to have a better lifestyle or just have one, living in the radio life has taken a toll and I need to change some things... Am I drastically doing body building so I'm like every other guy? No just improving myself and getting rid of the beer belly and man boobs then going from there. I'm "Deflating the Balloon" first then adding helium instead of air.

I weigh 282 pounds... I thought I weighed 270 but nope thats gonna change I want to lose 32 pounds and be at 250 pounds trim then we'll build from there and want to drop a pant size or two I wear 38 waist jeans and 40 in dress pants... Dress pants are cut different go a size up, Ideally a 34 waist would be awesome but a 36 in jeans would be nice, 38's are loose on me but 36 is really tight so we'll see what happens.

Lindsey Smith is my trainer she's starting out in the biz her card is scanned on the banner of the blog hopefully get a better one soon.

No gonna lie I'm a little scared do this with all the stuff I'm cutting out which is all the good things that are crap but i figure are good so off it for a while then it will be moderation down the road...

I spent 209 bucks worth of food yesterday... Cried again but it's pretty good, stayed to the perimeter of the store and hopefully I can hang out there for the next 4 months.

Here's my cart at No Frills.... No I don't eat laundry detergent or drink Listerine.



I'll be discovering new stuff to eat soon as Lindsey is making me a meal plan and all that jazz so it's gonna be exciting and I be in a world of hurt soon but hopefully it will pay off, planning to go to Italy with my family and meet my old friends back where I went to school... Who knows I may snag a nice Italian girl back to Alberta! Maybe lets get me out of the way first.

Andrew Joseph will also document progress on his XM 105 FM Morning Blog at www.mytowntoday.ca

If you have tips or anything leave a comment or e-mail me at gino.depaoli@xm105fm.com or tweet me @gdp74

Here we go!!!

Wolverines Get Set for Last Northern Road Trip of Regular Season

If you hadn't noticed, the Whitecourt Wolverines are Playing their best hockey right now.

William Cloutier might get 20 goals by the end of January.... The Guy is a Beast.

The Wolverines had their way with the Beaverlodge Blades and Sexsmith Vipers this past weekend, everyone is chipping in on their roles for the home stretch of the season and I expect to continue this weekend up in FSJ and DC.

The French Connection Line of Dion Leblue, Jean-Marco St. Pierre and of course Cloutier have been outstanding, Leblue looks really good right now as a forward.

The Wolverine Originals Line of Brennen Romanovitch, Ryan Whelen and Zach Mills have chipped in in secondary scoring and I've really seen a jump in Romo's game since coming back from the game he is showing an edge on the ice, he's winning battles in the corners and has really come around, of course this is against the Huskies, Blades and Vipers we'll see what happens when they play Grande Prairie in a home at home next weekend.

The line of Riley Helleckson, Brandon Bodanek and Levi Cartwright has been an interesting story, Helleckson has continued to put up the points on the third line while the youngsters have brought a great source of energy, Bod's fight against Aaron Kenzie in Sexsmith was one of the best tilts I've seen in a long time, Mutal, Refs didn't break it up and that was that. The only thing is that they both got tossed from the game but I'm cool with that... FIGHTING BELONGS IN THE GAME!

The Line of Samuel Lauzon, Nick Bourgeois and Mitch Rose is tough with the way Mitch and Nick plays then you have the sniper along with the Cavalry in Lauzon who is under appreciated by opposing d-men in the league, he will score on you off to a great start and the story on Rose... He sleeps constantly on the bus and plays and sleeps again its interesting how he works but it turns into goals as he's cracked the 20 goal plateau.

Also want to congratulate Nick on his call up to Spruce Grove in their trip to Fort McMurray, didn't score any goals but the Saints did win in overtime, Not sure if he's sticking around for a couple more AP games with him, won't find out till the Bus pulls out of Whitecourt.

I've liked the balanced D pairings in the Wolverines all have really seen equal playing time it doesn't seem to matter what pairing Pierre-Luc Racette has sent out.

Kevin Levesque and Cullyn Dunham have the defensive side covered not seeing a lot of offense but they will make it hard for teams to get around these two. Levesque had a couple of posts this weekend so maybe he's waiting to break-out.

Mason Lyle and Brandon Kunz, are kind of on the same spectrum of the more defensive oriented side of things but have done a very good job of pinching in at the right time to keep the puck going in the offensive side of things and I'll expect that this weekend in FSJ and DC as those teams are atrocious for clearing the puck.

Devin Rooks and Jesse Stymiest have been steady as well, Rooks hasn't done a lot wrong since starting to play in early December, Rooks could have been an Assistant or even Captain of this team with the fire in his eyes every time I see him it's intense like Horatio in CSI Miami! I can't really say much about Stymiest I think he's just waiting for the right moment to make that big play but he does like to join the rush hopefully he doesn't get burnt against a Kings or Navigators team.

Braeden Johnson and Carlen Lyle have done their jobs, Johnson is the MVP and will need to be in MVP form when they play Peace and GP down the stretch.

Should be a good weekend coming up the Huskies/Wolverines game will be at 8PM on Saturday on XM 105 FM and www.mytowntoday.ca following by the Sunday Dawson Creek game at 2PM

Tune in 8 games remain till the drive for 4 starts!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Team Canada 2014 as of 2012

It's almost 2 years away from the 2014 Olympics in Sochi Russia and it's time to make a prediction for the Olympic Team, Some returnees and new blood and surprises!

This roster does not include Sidney Crosby just cause of the recent events but obviously if he comes back he's an automatic don't need to explain myself there.

Forwards

Claude Giroux, Milan Lucic, Jeff Carter, Rick Nash, Jonathan Toews, Mike Richards, Steven Stamkos, John Tavares, Jordan Eberle, Eric Staal, Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Patrice Bergeron

New-comers: Giroux is obvious boy has hands and is clutch, Tavares can shoot from anywhere and score, he'll be big on the PP, Eberle, you just know something special is in him and should be well primed by 2014, Lucic, X-Factor and should give Ryan Miller nightmares, Stamkos is going to be playing sniper whoever is there, If Crosby is around lookout.

I debated on Bergeron but he'll be limited again but useful, you can say Getzlaf is struggling but he is still as good as ever and on the international stage he will shine with Corey Perry.

The line of Nash, Richards and Toews will shine again, Jeff Carter will get his chance to dawn the Red and White and be effective and Eric Staal will fill any role and bring leadership.

Defenseman

Shea Weber, Duncan Keith, Drew Doughty, Marc Staal, Brayden Coburn, Brent Burns and Kris Letang

This is going to probably change 4 times except the first three guys they are locks. Will Letang still be effective enough to crack the roster in two years, same for all these other d-men. Staal is almost a lock but health is hurting chances.

Goaltenders

Roberto Loungo, Marc-Andre Fleury and Cam Ward

These first are obvious locks in my mind the intangible will be Cam Ward but if Lou is turned down, Carey Price is there and there's your change... Unless there's a stud from the woodwork there's your four goalies.


Captains, There was 3 assistants in rotation in Vancouver

Assistants: Eric Staal, Mike Richards, Shea Weber

Captain: Jonathan Toews

Coaching Staff

HC Mike Babcock

Babcock looks like a lock, I just don't see any other veterans that fills the role, I see Ruff could be the man but he's never had a super talented team except his Presidents Trophy team in 06 just don't see it happening.

Let's hope Mike doesn't have Pat Quinn syndrome of 02 then crapping the bed in 06 in Turin.

Assistants: Barry Trotz, Lindy Ruff, Guy Boucher

Care to argue these 3? Boucher is intense and if things get heavy he's got the Lemaire trap in his back pocket, Trotz deserves his chance as he's paid his dues.

What would you do different?

e-mail your team to gino.depaoli@xm105fm.com or tweet me @gdp74

I'm Out

Sunday, January 8, 2012

The Drive for 4

Again I know what you're gonna say... Wow its been a while since early December actually and a lot has happened since.

The Whitecourt Wolverines have been on Extreme Make-Over Hockey Team Edition!

Richard Kazda is out as Head Coach, I feel jinxed as a Broadcaster, 2 seasons of Play By Play and two HC changes, as it's never easy to say good-bye to a coach and with that a friend on the road, I went through it last year with Darrell Mann of the Melfort Mustangs and we still remain close friends and hoping the same for Richie we had a beverage or two a couple of days ago as he packed up to move on.

There is a couple of job prospects for him on the horizon and I wish him well, thanks for everything Richie!

With that though as this game is also a business the Wolverines decided to make a change and brought in Stanley Cup Champion Norm Lacombe into the fold as well as Pierre Luc Racette and things seem business as usual last night in the 2012 opener for Whitecourt with an 8-1 win over Fort St. John.

Before I say anything the Husky play at the end of the game was classless and unnecessary in Wyatt Anderson's cross-check to the face of Dion LeBlue,  Dion didn't lose any teeth but did get a couple of stitches but in a 8-1 game and the puck is no where near the vicinity of LeBlue.... Skate away, If it's a scrap I'm not gonna call anybody out cause it's part of the game and it makes it a fair fight.

I'm curious about what the NWJHL will do for disciplinary action on that. Speaking of discipline Nick Bourgeois gets ejected for the second time this season this guy can be a great leader by example when he shoots the puck but unfortunately I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, he's got the "Gino De Paoli Passionate Italian/Irish Fire" I've got in trouble in the Sports World by not just accepting the ref's call and move on, I get this from my father and surprisingly my mother, An Irish and Italian mixed male that's 6'5 200 plus pounds=recipe for disaster sometimes! But Nick is a great player and just needs to cool it and score goals, you'll be set my friend! He did get 2 ten minute misconducts I'm not sure what the disciplinary committee will say for him.

On to the game, you could tell the Wolverines were getting everything back, there's the practice pace then going to game atmosphere, the crowd was electric at the SSC, new players, coach and attitude and that lead to a scoreless first.

The second period, It was the Will Cloutier, Jean-Marco St.Pierre, Samuel Lauzon and Riley Helleckson show, Cloutier gets 2 points in his return to the Wolverines, St.Pierre was dangerous every time he had the puck for a four point night, Helleckson responded well with his drop to the third line and should get back two second-first line time next week. Everyone did their jobs for the Wolverines and that's what the organization wants, just specific job descriptions don't do anything less, seems easy but it's not.

Third period just turned into a nightmare for the Huskies as the onslaught continued with four more goals its gonna be an interesting ride in the next ten games before the post season.

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More Wolverines business, at the Norm Lacombe press conference early in the week, Wolverines President Brent Stark said simply, there's no excuses now. A direct quote from Brent that is Debacle Exclusive.... "We brought in a coach that has won every championship, if that doesn't get you fired up to play hard everynight I don't know what the @%#! will" Brent wanted me to put this in and of course me being me I love passion and what people truly want to say and Stark shows that everyday.

The team is excited but with the additions of St.Pierre, Cloutier, Lauzon, Dunham and apparently rumor has it another addition coming, who is gonna to be on the short end of the stick? 5 Wolverines were scratched last night so does a Rueker, Cartwright, Hodge, Thompson and Gann get a chance? we'll find out soon enough.

As for what kind of players St.Pierre, Cloutier, Lauzon and Dunham bring... St.Pierre reminds me of Pavel Datsyuk he always has the puck and doesn't give it up, fast and can pick the corner. He had one goal last night but I predict more goals then apples by seasons end.

 Lauzon is a quiet, under the radar guy that just is in the right place at the right time and he's the X-Factor on the ice he knows how to work and when he's gets in shape he'll be something else.

Dunham is 6'7 on D... what does he do? Shut Players down and could probably give Ivan Drago a run for his money!

Will Cloutier... Whitecourt do I have to explain this one? A very dynamic player and just has a great sense of seeing the ice and his players well makes everyone around him better, Oh and he won the scoring title last year!

Wolverines have a possible 20 points to earn from now till mid February so it should be interesting this coming weekend will be the chance to get the rust out and break things down as it's a trip to Beaverlodge Friday Night, not Saturday night as I said last night at 8PM on XM105FM and www.mytowntoday.ca and on Sunday afternoon in Sexsmith at 2 so busy times await in Wolverine land! Hop on it's gonna be fun as GM Joey Bouchard said to me last night via text.

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In the Hopper

- The Denver Broncos win the AFC West at 8-8, and people are shocked the division is won this way? I am a fan but that's a rough year but I believe in the luck for the Wildcard Weekend as the Seahawks did beat a good New Orleans team last year!

- The New York Giants look dangerous, next week in Lambeau will be a blockbuster!

-Can the 49ers keep up with Drew Brees and New Orleans next week?

- Four different teams have won the WJC the last four years, Unreal games and a great tournament of course it was failure for Canada not being in the Gold Medal Game but I guess you got to hear O' Canada in your last game of the tourny this time.

Got to see two games during the Christmas break both had Latvia and they played well against Switzerland but ran out of gas, I hope to go to a WJC hopefully not in North America I'd just like to be that random Canada fan in some european country celebrating a gold medal!

- Jarome Iginla scored goal number 500 last night good on him! Will he have 500 plus goals as a Flame at seasons end? My question for the Flames quest for the playoffs, is worth getting the 7th or 8th seed? Or start a re-build If Leland Irving can improve I got a feeling Miikka Kiprusoff would look awfully good somewhere for some great draft picks and prospects! I hope it doesn't happen but who knows.

- Is Sidney Crosby finished? Should Chris Pronger retire?

A challenge to Debacle readers.... Sidney Crosby was a lock as the captain for Team Canada at the Olympics in Sochi but now its not in stone with his concussion and maybe shortened career.

Who is on your roster right now for 2014? Is Toews the Captain? Iginla gonna make the cut? Loungo the starting goalie?

Let me know email me at gino.depaoli@xm105fm.com or tweet me at @gdp74

I'm Out!!!

Monday, December 5, 2011

Wolverines Sweep Dawson Creek

An interesting weekend for the Whitecourt Wolverines as they were looking for 5 straight wins and 4 straight wins when encountering Dawson Creek.

Arrived on Saturday Night in DC.... First I think that teenage series was full of crap as James Van Der Beek and Katie Holmes were no where in sight but I think Katie Holmes saw the Wolverines bus off in the distance and saw the look of death in Dion LeBlue's eyes when he is in game mode... scary.

The Saturday Night game was what I expected the Wolverines to do a 9-1 thrashing of the Canucks Ryan Whelen punched in 4 point included the Phantom Goal, Wheels quoted by saying it was the easiest of his career. A face-off in the offensive zone was won by the Canucks but a bounce off the boards hits the paddle of goaltender Tyler Doucet and trickled in, a lot of line shuffling was done by Richard Kazada going into this weekend as the December 1st cut down day saw many faces leave the organization. We'll get to that much later.

Brandon Bodanek saw a lot of ice time as he was with Riley Helleckson and Mitch Rose all weekend played very well, Rose and Helly have been great, The Status of Nick Bourgeois is a wait and see by the day as work commitments have held him back from quite a few games Bodanek can be that short term fix, Kirk Rueker notch a goal and an assist Saturday it was the youngsters getting a chance to shine against the Junior Canucks, the negative from this game was the fact that the boys couldn't give Carlen Lyle a shutout this weekend giving up a powper play goal late in the 3rd from Derek Freeman and you saw the frustration from everyone that really put a damper on the end of the game.

Off to what I predicted a 6-1 game on Sunday.... Sure didn't look that way for 40 minutes, a note going into this game Branden Kunz was suspended for fighting late in the 3rd period but he did come to the aid of Carlen Lyle who did come out of his net and was hit by Stuart Weaver, was pretty gutless on his part in a 9-1 game but maybe Carlen shouldn't have come out to play it, it's a hindsight 20/20 judgement call I'm not gonna get involved with this.

Onto Sunday's tilt, sloppy, sloppy turnovers in the Wolveriens own zone lead to quality chances for the Canucks but the play of Braeden Johnson was stellar, he did give me the gear for not giving him a start but he did get a honorable mention... I forgot to tell him that.

It was scoreless after one and not gonna lie it was a snoozer for me, didn't help i couldn't sleep till 2 in the morning the night before. But it was Ryan Whelen who has come into form with a great slap shot from the right circle to bottle it an make 1-0 Wolverines, but Brody Brewster would bounce back with a great individual effort to sneak one past Johnson late int he second to have a 1-1 tie into the third. Again TURNOVERS were the problem for Whitecourt, maybe showing some fatigue from the night before. But the third would be the rude awakening Whitecourt needed as Eaglesham's Brandon Bodanek would score the winner at 5:58 on a great feed from Riley Helleckson and an even better celebration, then the top line would take over as Riley would take a great no look feed, under three minutes later as you could see that play develop from a mile away and it was pretty!

Connor Tetlock would notch one late and that would make the final 4-1 for the Wolverines, the crew are now 16-5-0-1 and 2nd in the NWJHL standings going into this weekend's tilt with the Sexsmith Vipers.

Before we cue that up.... Kai Ohs, Mark Smith, Trevor Daynes, Nathan Hannah and Chad Mcleod-Borg were released on the December 1st cutoff day.... 17 players including two goalies played this weekend and that's how it's going to be until January 4th when some roster additions will be instated. What are they you ask? I do have an idea from Richard, Murray and Brent but will be keeping my lips sealed but one player that I can tell you that could be in the line-up this weekend with Sexsmith is Jesse Stymiest from Westlock, played here in the 2009/2010 season when Richard was first head coach and he brings a strong stay at home d-man that will help out the likes of LeBlue, Lyle, Kunz and Hodge for the time being and Devin Rooks could return to the line-up which would make sure the defense is in working order, In my mind you can dress three lines as long as you have a full d-core. Should be fun to watch.

Just have 3 games left in 2011, a home at home this weekend with Sexsmith then a great close to the season as Peace River visits the Scott Safety Centre. The radio station will not carry Friday's home game due to the company Christmas party but will be on the road to Sexsmith on Saturday 8PM, IF YOU READ ONE THING ON THIS BLOG MAKE IT THIS.... We have a new website launching tomorrow as its now www.xm105fm.com or www.mytowntoday.ca click on the links its a website 1000.... wait make that a billion times better then our old one and its really user friendly! Check it out, guys there's even a swimsuit girl of the day on it so there ya go!
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In the Hopper

The Denver Broncos are the AFC West leader for the first time since they started 6-0 with Josh McDaniels two seasons ago... Boy how times have changed, I said it last week and will say it again, Stats come later, winning comes first and Tim Tebow has done just that!

The Flames are 5 points out of a playoff spot in early December... CHILL OUT GUYS don't panic... yet

Wally Buono is stepping away for coaching, Goes out a winner and did it with class as always congrats Wally from one Italian to another Buono Fortuna!

19 days till Christmas, I have not started shopping and won't till December 15th, Radio pay what ya gonna do?

I'm Out!

Leland Irving Interview

The Pride of Swan Hills is on his way to the show.


Leland Irving who's been a stand-out in the Calgary Flames farm system with the Abbotsford Heat has paid his dues and with Henrik Karlsson going down with a sprained MCL will be backing up Miikka Kiprusoff tomorrow night when Calgary hosts Carolina and for the distant future.

It's a great step for Irving who was the first overall Pick in 2006 for the Flames, the former Everett Silvertip was the Heat's MVP last season sporting a 30-24-0-2 record while recording a league best 8 shutouts, he already has 3 this season with a 15-7-0 record with the Heat and will join teammates T.J Brodie and Joe Piskula on the main roster.

Irving has been bombarded by calls from larger media, family and friends but took sometime to talk to XM105 today and obviously he's excited.

 Leland Irving by gdp74

Good Luck Leland!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Wolverines Split Their Home At Home With JDA Kings

The Whitecourt Wolverines had a solid outing on Friday Night against Grande Prairie as they locked horns with the JDA Kings as what was dubbed the biggest weekend of the season so far for the 3 time NWJHL Champs.
At the Scott Safety Centre After a Wild First Period, (Probably the Best Play By Play Period of the Season) Devin Rooks in his second game of the season got his first goal on a bullet to make it 1-0 after one, Nick Bourgeois was ejected from the game early at the five minute mark for unsportsmenlike conduct.

In the Second saw a slower pace to the game as both teams were at war in the first, it wasn't till the 3rd where the dramatics started to fall as Mitch Rose would fire home a solid one timer feed from Riley Helleckson to get what was the insurance goal at the time for Whitecourt at the 13 minute mark making 2-0.

But cue the comeback as as three straight goals from Grande Prairie including Ryan Trudeau's GWG after a costly Wolverine turnover with under four minutes to go would be the breaking point for the Wolverines as the Kings scored 3-2 victory. Athabasca Native Carlen Lyle made 24 saves in the loss earning the game's third star. GP's Nolan Bowker was the hero keeping the Kings in it as he made 34 saves taking the first star of the game.

The Next Night at the Coca Cola Centre an exhausted Wolverines team would get a lucky break as a penalty in the first minute of the game and Zach Mills would bank a shot off Tyler Van Erve to make it 1-0 on the Barrhead Native's 8th of the season.

The pace to this game was turnover after turnover for the Wolverines but Braeden Johnson would be outstanding on this night for the Wolverines, alot of icing calls in the second lead the game to be once again the Wolverines getting a break as Zach Mills got his second of the night at the 9:52 mark to make it 2-0, but the Kings would rally, Corey Wansteeker would get his 19th goal of the season, his league leading goal would cut the deficit to one going into the third.

A minute and 15 seconds in the 3rd Nolan Trudeau would tie things of on a great feed from his brother Ryan Trudeau, Johnson had no chance on it, but as Richard Kazada put it, the hockey gods were on Whitecourt's side this night as an innocent clear would lead to Ryan Whelen getting a gifted bounce off the boards with his 9th of the season with 1:55 left in regulation sealing the Kings fate and the Wolverines would steal one 3-2 over Grande Prairie.

Braeden Johnson made 47 saves in the victory obviously getting the first star, Ryan Whelen getting the second star with his GWG and Zach Mills with pair got his 8th and 9th goals of the season earning the third star of the night.

The Wolverines will hit the road this weekend for two straight in Dawson Creek on Saturday and Sunday, Gametimes are 8PM Friday and 2PM Sunday, I will have the play by play action at those times on XM105.3 and xm105.com

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Kazada Suspended for 2 Games

A tough break for the Whitecourt Wolverines going into this weekend's affairs with the Grande Prairie JDA Kings.

Head Coach Richard Kazada has been handed down a two game suspension for not being able to control his team during Saturday's 9-1 win over Dawson Creek.


Forward Trevor Daynes left the bench to fight Braden Lazinchuk, that means he won't be behind the bench during the vital weekend against GP, that leaves Murray Summers, Tyler Stubbs and being told by Wolverines Vice President Marc Chayer, another coach might step into help out this weekend, I don't know if Richard is allowed to be in the dressing room in between periods yet I haven't seen a rule book on this so we'll go day by day here and hopefully I can get a hold of Richard today he is working now so he's a little tougher to get a hold of these days.

Daynes has been suspended for a pair of games as well.

Gametime SATURDAY is 8:30 at the Coca Cola Centre in GP and Xm Country will have all the game coverage as well as Friday at 8 at the Scott Safety Centre.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Wolverines Have Biggest Weekend to Date Coming Up!

The Whitecour Wolverines have blown out the competition this season... the problem is no wins against the Peace River Navigators and the Grande Prairie JDA Kings, but they'll get their chance this weekend against GP.

The team will have a different strategy this coming weekend, I won't reveal it for obvious reasons but it will be something that will throw the fast Kings team off guard and no its not the Snoozefest 1-3-1 trap. Watch for the big guns to have a huge role as Nick Bourgeois, Riley Helleckson and Mitch Rose will put up some numbers, that seems to be all Nick does, 11 points in 3 games with the Wolverines and a pleasure to watch, plays with an edge.

Ryan Whelen has stepped up his game in the past four games and has accepted any role Richard Kazada has thrown him into but being with Thompson and Mills has really been beneficial for him and he's starting to find his form.

The D-core has been lead by the 21 year olds in Mason Lyle and Dion LeBlue, yes they both have letter but it looks like they lead by example on the ice and have really rubbed off on Matthew Gann and Adam Hodge on the back end, Brandon Kunz out with a shoulder injury questionable for the weekend but I think he'll play, he has been Mr Consistent all season and don't see that slowing down.

The youngster have done their job too Kirk Rueker, Nathan Hannah, Levi Cartwright and Chad McLeod-Borg hard work is name of the game right now, this Wolverine team just needs more time and they do till December 14th to see their identity going forward.

Trevor Daynes left the bench and took on a Dawson Creek Canuck who went after a Wolverine player and absolutely dummied him, he'll be suspended for two games but.... here comes the Don Cherry Rant, Daynes could have watched and did nothing, but he is a tough guy with a bit of finish and can get the job done and with his fight earned the respect of his teammates and the teams in the league Trevor Daynes gets my tip of the cap you don't know many players who will jump the bench anymore in case they can't "Pat the Stats." There needs to be order on the ice and with the NWJHL's 3 fight then suspension rule we see too many cheap shots and beaking but no action, fighting has its place in hockey I'll defend it till the day I die. Way to be Trevor, RESPECT + (GTA San Andreas Feature)

Goaltending has been the best it can be Carlen Lyle the rookie is making it easy for Richard Kazada to pick a goalie and not rely heavily on Braden Johnson who has got all the losses against the Navs and Kings a tough pill to swallow already passing how many total losses he had last year.

I'm going to be fair I'm expecting a split series both teams are too good to lay down and get swept. I would be shocked if it was one sided.

Broadcast times this weekend are Friday at the Scott Safety Centre at 8 and the same goes for Saturday in GP, head to the rinks or listen to XM105.3 or xm105.com , we will have a new station website soon and the address will change but that will be made available when ready.

Should be a great weekend of Hockey with some good competition.

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In The Hopper

The Grey Cup goes this weekend, BC and WPG will be unreal and BC wins 44-37 in a Western Shoot-out the way it should be!

Will Henry Burris be a Calgary Stampeder next season?

The Flames will dominate the Blackhawks but Sh*t the Sheets against Columbus Yikes need some help

The Drayton Valley Thunder are starting to get going in the right track 14-11 now on the season 8 points back of Lloydminster in the AJHL North Division, Go see this team they continue to impress this broadcaster.

Tim Tebow has found a way to get the Broncos to where they need to be down the road, can they sneak into the AFC West... when Oakland is 6-4, I think so!

Has Patrick Waring thought of cheering for Eli Manning since Peyton can't stop the bleeding in Indy?

I saw the iPad commercial today where a Basketball Coach is using it to draw a play up in what I think is a time out... please let the world of coaching not settle to this... Get a Whiteboard and draw it up the way everyone else is, Does Coach K use one? I want to coach one day and this will be hard to do, Using technology at halftime I'm good with but just X's and O's on black marker would be nice!

Special Congrats to my former Sports Director Darryl Skender who is doing something that is tough to do, I know this to an extent to be closer to home/family and still do what I love. Leaving his post at CK750/CJVR in a Royal Bank Cup season, to do to better his family's lives for the future and moving to BC and making the shoreline safer, Darryl All the Best for Elsa, Joey and yourself. Enjoy the coast and leave the frigid Saskatchewan Winters. I'm sure Jimmy Buffet will be blasting the whole move down to the coast! All the Best.

Christmas is 33 days away are you done or started shopping yet?

I'm Out

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Wolverines Overlook

Good Day All,

It's been a while on the blog front a lot has happened since the last time I wrote something. The NWJHL is back and some surprises early, The Wolverines are not on top currently third at 3-3 and The North Peace Navigators are 6-0 while the Grande Prairie Kings are 5-0 and have wins over the Wolverines.

It's not a rebuilding year in Whitecourt, It's a reloading season and the team is still putting bullets into the chamber to identify themselves, The losses to PR were interesting, the home opener should have gone to overtime but a bad bounce and the Navs win with 3 seconds left that's just hockey and the 8-4 loss came via the bad bounce Whitecourt was down one before a point shot went off a Navigator making it a 5-3 game with 5 minutes to go in the second. 

The loss to the Kings this past weekend was just a young team not getting a break, It seems to be the story any team I've broadcasted for in the past they seem to have bad luck hopefully that stops soon.

The Wolverines have a home at home against Beaverlodge who have started the season 0-5 and have given up the most goals in the league including an 18-0 loss to the Navs last weekend.

Scoring needs to be by committee and right now just one line has been on the score sheet for the majority with Riley Helleckson, Brenden Romanovitch and Mitch Rose they've been fantastic so far Rose and Helleckson near the top in team scoring and Zach Thompson still leads in points but has cooled off after a good two weeks.

Braeden Johnson has done his job in between the pipes along with rookie Carlen Lyle but it almost seems Johnson is trying to do too much out there with puck handing and it has bit him once against Peace River and could have easily happened previously. 

Again at 3-3 there's no need to panic there's plenty of games left (I say the same for my Calgary Flames) Apparently there's rumors that Will Cloutier is gonna be back at Christmas that can't be confirmed or denied and apparently the Wolverines might be bringing in some new players but we'll know when I hear or with the case of Trevor Daynes see it on the roster sheet and quickly research his stats previous. 

This team has room to grow and will get better expect Zach Mills, Ryan Whelen and Mark Smith to get bounces their way and things will be better I promise but Peace River is looking good they seem to be the favs to win the league but until Whitecourt is not in contention which won't happen for a while they are the team to beat in the NWJHL. 

XM 105 has the weekend set with the Beaverlodge Blades tomorrow at 8PM and Saturday at 8PM n Beaverlodge tune in or go to www.xm105.com 

--------------

New Business

A three way tie for third in the west in the CFL... Great showdown last weekend between CGY and BC 
I think the Leos are the favorites to win it all right now they look good, The Tabbies are kicking themselves for trading Arland Bruce he is unreal, attitude or no attitude, to my Saskatchewan friends please don't read this but Overachievers for the past 3 seasons better luck next year, I still feel bad for Greg Marshall shouldn't have been canned.

NHL season is back!!!! The Leafs are 2-0 hmmm how long will she last? I couldn't even tell you who's gonna be the team to beat right now its early and bizarre.

NFL, Tim Tebow get his chance, I was hoping Brady Quinn but anything is better then Kyle Orton. Philadelphia is more a Get "Cream" ed Team unreal I think the Packers and Lions will duke it out for the NFC and how about the Buffalo Bills could they make the playoffs for the cursed city of sport I hope they do.

That's it for now see ya at the rink.

I'm Out!

GDP

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

People Do Read My Tweets

Good Day All,

Hockey is pretty much here, all the WHL camps are well underway and Junior A, Camp for the Whitecourt Wolverines goes this weekend at the Twin Arenas in the Scott Safety Centre.

 The 3 time NWJHL Champs will be on the ice on Friday from 5 PM till 10, Saturday 8:30 to 5 and Sunday a morning session along with the Black and Gold game, followed by the Spruce Grove Saints taking on the St.Albert Steel at 2PM for an AJHL Exhibition game.

Just curious if maybe one of those teams find a home at the Scott Safety Centre next season.

Now on to something that's NHL related, Yes I am a Flames fan so the Langkow trade wasn't surprising to lower cap space, I'm just curious on what or who will be signed/traded to the Flames as the cap space keeps getting greater and greater inbetween. I really don't care for Lee Stempniak at all, any Maple Leaf garbage can go away... that includes Stajan and Hagman.

I don't think Stempniak will have the numbers like he did with the Yotes a couple of years ago. I liked Langkow, he actually is the best centre Iginla has played with and that's kind of sad when you think about it.

But... I took who I'd want to wear the Flaming C instead of Lee and that's Paul Bissonnette yes Biz Nasty, could you imagine if he was in a Canadian market he'd be more of a sensation. He might have the most jersey sales in Calgary if he came the other way.

Here's the tweet I wrote and the next day it made a section of the Calgary Sun, I want to thank Darrell Romuld of CTV Lethbridge/Calgary for taking a picture of this it's awesome.

http://yfrog.com/j2rbcnj


That's all for now

I'm Out!!!

Monday, August 22, 2011

I'm Back!!!!!

Who were you expecting? Someone else?


To put a long story short I'm now in Whitecourt Alberta.... Gino is home Baby!!!! Well closer to home, I do live in Oil Country but hey I leave Saskatchewan and the Riders are 1-7.  Mission Accomplished?

I made the transfer within my company to Whitecourt in the summer to work with the Whitecourt Wolverines of the NWJHL, Yes it's junior b and you're probably wondering why would I turn down a SJHL gig? To answer many questions yes I did turn down the North Battleford job. To put those comments to rest.

I made the move to be closer to home and to develop my skills with a few more games to get to the next level of hockey calling and I'm doing it with the guidance of Neil Shewchuk who's groomed some pretty good guys in the past including Darren Millard and Roger Millions and has worked with Peter Loubardias and R.J Broadhead, so I'm ready for the challenge and ready to work a full hockey season and get involved with a team that has been one of the best in Junior B in the country.

3 Straight League titles and just waiting to get to the Keystone Cup in Saskatoon this year with this reputation the Wolverines have had I cannot expect anything else and there's always talks of the AJHL coming to Whitecourt everyday rumors keep coming I'll believe it when I see it.

I want to say thanks to the Melfort Mustangs, Nipawin Hawks and Humboldt Broncos with putting up with me this past season I wish the franchises the best of luck and I will be keeping an eye on the league still.

There's some great guys in this league for play by play Dan O'Connor (Now Voice of the Prince George Cougars and Congrats Dan-O it couldn't happen to a better guy best of luck to the Cougars except when they play the Hitmen!)

Craig Stein, this guy does 4, Count em 4 teams and so many games he might be the most dedicated broadcaster in Saskatchewan by a long shot and a class act, Thanks Steiner for allowing me to be the voice of the Melville Millionaires for one game against Melfort it was fun and weird at the same time.

Rob Hart, Voice of the Bombers and great guy you could sit down and talk to about anything advice or hockey, Rob I love your dedication and we will cross paths again my friend thank-you for that epic weekend at the Showcase in Weyburn.

Brenden Ullrich, You're a beauty enough said keep doing what you're doing I wish we could have worked together more but it never worked out in our skeds.

Daniel Fink, Enjoy your time in LA calling a championship your first season, Keep it up big guy and Go Stamps Go.

Mitchell Blair, A beauty and a guy you can call anytime for advice, a laugh, a beak about the Stampeders sucking or clever tweets, Scruffy I'm gonna miss you the most we will cross paths again no matter what happens in our paths!

Of course I want to thank the CK750/CJVR Newsroom for all their contributions and guidance Darryl Skender keep calling those Huskies to get your Vanier Cup Game! Have fun at the RBC Cup (his third BTW) Cam Lee, News Director thanks for everything!

I want to also thank Al Montgomery at the MBC (Mustang Broadcasting Network) he is the best webcaster in the biz and he always made coming to the games at the Palace a pleasure and of course always having a great BS session I won't forget those ever Al you're one of a kind and a great volunteer for the Mustangs!!

And the Coaches for the Mustangs, Hawks and Broncos.

Dean Brockman and the crew, A tough challenge awaits you this season you will be a force with your dedication to hockey, I enjoyed our one roady we got this season the laughs and the respect you showed for me I'm forever grateful best of luck to you Dean, Murray and Tim get it done!

Doug Johnson, We both did our first SJHL games at the same night in La Ronge in the crappiest broadcast booth ever ( Sorry Dan) I ripped my pants, the Hawks fell to the Ice Wolves that day but you are a great young coach that is taking the Hawks in the right direction and you will make noise this season don't let anyone else say otherwise. Thank-you for those extended visits in the office after games to vent and talk about everything. All the best to you Doug and new assistant Chad McLeod.

Cory Unser, I miss you buddy thanks for everything you've done and allowed me to be part of your crew in Melfort, Enjoy your Wedding in October I believe to Nicole miss ya Cory hopefully we'll meet up again!

And last but not least Darrell Mann for all the great times on the ice and off I want to thank-you for everything from giving me hell on a play by play call or getting me involved with the community your family opened your home to me on a few occasions I wish all the best for you,  Kim, Kacie and Morgan. You are a great coach and we will hear your name again Manner thanks for everything!

All the players that have facebooked, tweeted and texted me you guys are what we say on the ice... BEAUTYS you guys made it possible.

So I say here we go I'm here in Whitecourt committed and ready to go... DROP THE PUCK

Stamps 5-2 Baby Enjoy! The Debacle Returns with a bang



Take Er Easy

GDP

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Meet Chad MacLeod


Ok, Maybe not the best picture I could find of Hawks new Assistant Coach Chad MacLeod but I do have the full interview just welcoming him to the Hawks and the League and the comments from him I guarantee you'll enjoy especially Leafs fans.


Happy Saturday!!!

I'm Out

GDP


Friday, June 10, 2011

Mustangs Swing Deal With Nipawin

Gavin Holcomb has made his first moves as a General Manager for the Melfort Mustangs.

I spoke with Gavin early this afternoon and talked about how things have been going since he was first hired 6 weeks ago.


 GAVIN HOLCOMB by gdp74

Here's some stats on the 20 year old from Prince Albert


Tash had 9 Goals and 7 Assists for the Black and Gold along with 57 PIM in 57 games and 9 Goals and 9 Assists in 56 games in the 2009-10 Season and played Triple A for the Prince Albert Mintos he'll join Brant Henry-Norton of Prince Albert also a former Minto teammate.

As for Ty Morgan for the Mustangs he had been playing Triple A for the Calgary Buffaloes and it's a great program so definitely some talent coming over for the Mustangs.

I'll have the full Welcome to the SJHL Interview with new Assistant Coach Chad MacLeod tomorrow.

Time for a Drink and some Golf!

I'm Out

GDP

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Spencer Mault Back To The AJHL

The Melfort Mustangs have started their offseason with a trade to Grande Prairie sending Corman Park's Spencer Mault to the Storm for what I assume is future considerations or straight cash.


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There has been no sign of the trade to GP on the AJHL website or SJHL so not sure if this is in stone or something needs to be settled but there's a story on the Storm website that you can see here.

Mault had 6 goals and 9 assists in 27 games for the Mustangs this past season and had a goal and an assist in 8 playoff games.

If this is true losing a good 19 year old kid with a great attitude and a great person in the locker room, Good  Luck with the Storm Spencer!!!

I had heard this rumor all day and tried to confirm it with Gavin Holcomb today, he has been busy and tough to get a hold of hopefully we'll get something tomorrow.

I'm Out

GDP

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Nipawin Hawks Making Changes

The Nipawin Hawks have almost been as busy as the Humboldt Broncos this off-season trying to rebuild/reload the franchise.

A new assistant coach will beside him this coming season as well as a new captain will lead the Black and Gold. I spoke with Doug yesterday afternoon and here's the full interview.

 DOUG JOHNSON by gdp74

Just a few stats on Williamson and Peterson.



SEASONTEAMGPGAPTSP/G+/-PPGSHGGWGGTGPIM
2010-2011Bonnyville Pontiacs551124350.60302038
2009-2010Bonnyville Pontiacs302680.30100024
CAREER TOTALS  851330430.50402062



No Picture for Williamson But here's his stats from the past AJHL Season

SEASONTEAMGPGAPTSP/G+/-PPGSHGGWGGTGPIM
2010-2011Bonnyville Pontiacs391560.20100031
CAREER TOTALS  391560.20100031


Both Williamson and Peterson played their Triple A for the Prince Albert Mintos this looks like a good deal for the Hawks in a two for one deal.

I wish Tanner all the best of luck in Bonnyville as he goes into a tough division in the AJ but he will excel there Tanner probably could have more points this season had he not ran into his injuries at Christmas but really came on strong after the trade deadline, Good Luck Tanner!

Meet Coach McLeod, This is the only picture of him I could find hopefully it's him!

I saw where this picture came from on a Tulsa Rampage Forum and it showed of what I thought was a camp or maybe a vigorous practice and the goalies were puking so The Black and Gold will probably have an intense workout ahead of them this year.

 If he's good with goalies watch Brody Hoffman and Stephen Klein to prosper this season.


That's it for now for the Hawks as Doug said in the interview there is a couple of trades in the works as always we'll have you covered. 

Well it's time to hit the Golf Course,

I'm Out!

GDP

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Finally!!!!! Hockey has come back to WINN-IPEG!!!!

A great announcement from Manitoba as NHL Hockey in Winnipeg is back!!!!

The official announcement came down this morning and if you're Canadian Hockey fan I hope you watched it.


It's funny the ever resilient NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was late for the conference he said he was in a teleconference but I think he was crying with a powder blue Atlanta Thrashers Ilya Kovalchuk jersey admitting defeat finally the good people of Winnipeg and Canada for that matter have knocked him down a "PEG",

Now if we can get Phoenix to Quebec City we'd be in business. I wonder if Gary shows up for the season opener in the MTS Centre and doesn't get tarred and feathered it would be a sight.

Now my involvement with this I am planning unless under usual circumstances will be riding shotgun with Branden Crowe down the Trans Canada Highway to the MTS Centre for the NHL Season Opener in Winnipeg, Branden a Manitoban himself has been gitty as a school girl all day and actually woke me up this morning when he was making breakfast full of excitement got love the moxie on this kid.

All I have to say is thank-you True North Sports Entertainment for bringing a team back where it belongs and to Gary Bettman.... well you probably know I'll let the the Winnipeg faith answer this one. "Who's Your Daddy??

Will the Winnipeg franchise be the Jets? or something new we'll find out soon enough. Either way it's a great day for hockey!!!

Monday, May 30, 2011

Zach Johnson Commits to Minot State

One of the SJHL's nicest and toughest players this past season is heading south to continue his hockey career.

Former Mustangs Zach Johnson will be a member of the Minot State University Beavers this fall after committing to the club a couple of weeks ago.

 For the Beavers they've picked up a a great kid with an come to work attitude and brings a positive outlook into the dressing room and probably one of the hardest working players out there in Junior A.

There's many stories about this kid in the gym he's freak as far as I can see compared to my workouts.... speaking of which I really need to get back in there.

Without further adieu the newest member of the Minot State Beavers.



Johnson or Johnny as he was known with the Mustangs had a short SJHL Career but the made the most of it, I wish you all the best Zach in the coming years with the Beavers, couldn't have happened to a better player and hey hopefully we'll talk to you again when the college season begins.

Here's Johnson's Stats from the past season

Regular Season

54 GP, 4 G, 6A, 10 PTS, 94 PIMS

Playoffs

8 GP, 1 G, 8 PIMS

Knock em out Champ!!!

On other notes could the NHL be in Winnipeg and Gary Bettman admits failure tomorrow??? There's a doings a foot in Winnipeg that may say it is. Check out Branden Crowe's blog he's got you covered.

www.bjcrowe.wordpress.com

Thursday, May 19, 2011

SJHL Names New President

We now know who will be running the show for the SJHL at least for the next little while here's the media release from today's announcement.


The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League is proud to announce the appointment of Bill Chow as the league’s new president.


The 52 year old Chow, who comes from Prince Albert, has worked with the Prince Albert Police Service for the past 29 years. He also has hockey experience having served as a scout in the Western Hockey League for the past 25 years, most recently with the Spokane Chiefs for 10 years.


“I am very excited at taking on this prestigious position,” Chow said. “The SJHL is a tremendous brand of hockey and it’s my intention to work with the 12 member teams to ensure that our League continues to be an innovator and the best junior “A” league in all of Canada. It will be a big year this season with two of our teams moving into brand new arenas and another team hosting the RBC Cup.”


SJHL board of governors chair Rick Shultz is pleased to have Chow on board.
“We had many great candidates apply for the job, but in the end, the board and myself felt Bill had the best vision for the league.” Shultz said. “He recognized the challenges the league has going into the future, and as a board, we believe he had the best ideas to resolve the problems we face. We also feel his time with the Prince Albert Police Service will make him more than capable to deal with our member teams and other hockey-related bodies across Canada and expand the reputation the SJHL currently holds.”


Chow has signed a three year contract and takes over immediately from outgoing president Laury Ryan, who announced his resignation from the position after eight years on the job earlier this year.


President Chow will be at the league meetings in Nipawin on June 2nd till the 4th should interesting to see what comes up.