As the newest franchise in the NHL gets ready to hit the ice this fall, the Vegas Golden Knights are definitely and quickly taking on a strong Brandon Wheat Kings presence with a heavy dose of Wheat King alumni. We already have WK owner Kelly McCrimmon serving as assistant GM, then there's former WK coaches Mike Kelly and Bob Lowes in as asst. coach and Director of Player Personnel respectfully, former WK captain Ryan Craig recently retires from playing to join the staff as an asst. coach and finally, the team's first player signing was Reid Duke, who played for the Wheat Kings.
It's a small world isn't it? So remember to not to burn those bridges as you
Two of North America's four major sports leagues crowned their champions this week and in both cases the favourites came through big time. First we had the Pittsburgh Penguins winning the Stanley Cup, their second in a row and their fifth in franchise history. And once again they were led by Sid the Kid (Crosby) who won the Conn Smythe trophy (MVP) for the second consecutive year with his terrific overall play. Is there anything left in hockey he hasn't won? Trivia time, name the only two other players to win back to back Conn Smythe trophies?
The Golden State Warriors have captured their 2nd NBA championship in 3 years by beating the same team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, that beat them last season. Not only that, amazingly they went the entire playoffs losing only a single game (16-1) which in itself is amazing. In many peoples' eyes, winning the rubber match elevates the Warriors to the same level as Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls and Magic Johnson's L.A. Lakers. It's hard to deny that comparison especially when you compare wins, dominance, star power and championships. KD, Curry and Thompson rank right up there with MJ, Pippen and Rodman.
The 117th U.S. Open golf tournament is currently being played at Erin Hills in Wisconsin and if you want to see the best golfers in the world whine and cry, watch when they slice or hook a shot into the deep rough, it is absolutely brutal. The fescue grass is knee high and very thick and only the players who stay out of it have a chance to take home first prize. Look for the power hitters, like Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Adam Scott or Rory MclLory to have an advantage over their competitors.
Now that Rafael Nadal has won 15 tennis majors, (2nd most), including his most recent 10th French Open at Roland Garros, should he not be ranked as one of the best ever? Only the great Roger Federer has won more (18), so Trivia #2, who did Rafi pass?
Don't look now but CFL football is peeking right around the corner. All nine teams are heavy into their camps and each have played an exhibition game. The Blue Bombers are having a very competitive competition in most positions which will only help them in the long run. In the CFL, you live and die depending on your quarterback and the Bombers are no different with Matt Nichols, who should be at the top of his game.
If anyone wants to watch some excellent fastball being played, may I suggest making a trip into the Wheat City this Tuesday (20th) to see New Zealand's Under 20 men's team play an exhibition doubleheader against the La Salle Bullets. The team from Down Under is on tour and will play various tournaments in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.The games will be played at the Simplot Millennium Park starting at 7:00 p.m.
Congratulations goes out to Megan Nahachewsky and Amy Lewis, who played well enough at Team Manitoba's volleyball tryouts to earn a spot on the provincial Under 16 team. Skill, hard work, dedication and attitude always win out.
Trivia answers, Mario Lemieux and Philly goaltender Bernie Parent. Trivia answer #2, "Pistol" Pete Sampras. Until next time....
