NBA
This wasn't supposed to happen, no one saw this coming, no one beats America's dream team (Golden State Warriors) even once, let alone three times. But it did happen and because it's being done by a team from a foreign country, a Canadian team no less, "them Yankees" plus the NBA are not very happy. When you think you own the game, like how Canada thought they owned the curling domain, you're not too happy when things don't go your way.
The Toronto Raptors are playing great basketball at both ends of the court and the entire nation is celebrating their journey as they make history. Very few pundits gave the team, whose reputation was to choke when the playoffs rolled around and the going got tough, but somehow they are finding a way to stick together and get the job done. They're up three games to two and will win it all at home in game seven.
NHL
In another incredible story, another fairy tale come true, the team that was in last place overall in January, the St. Louis Blues, are now one game away from winning the Stanley Cup. All good coaches preach a "never give up" philosophy for a reason and this truly exemplifies why. If the Blues want to win their first ever championship, 50 years and counting, they'll have to do it with a monumental effort, plus a little help from the officials.
Speaking of such, has there ever been a series in any sport in recent history where Stripes (refereeing) has been overall so brutal that it has actually affected the outcome of a series? Why does the league feel compelled to allow their officials to drastically change their standard of calling penalties, come playoff time? A standard that has always served them so well during the regular season. Defies logic!
NFL
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be hosting an NFL exhibition game on Aug. 22 at IGF (Investors Group Field) between Antonio Brown and his Oakland Raiders and Aaron Rodgers and his Green Bay Packers. This will provide NFL fans a great opportunity to see the American gridiron game first hand with some of their favourite players in tow. Tickets, priced between $85 - $400, are said to be moving briskly.
RBC Open
Rory McIlroy briefly flirted with golf history on his way to destroying the opposition at the RBC Canadian Open, his 15th PGA Tour title. He had an excellent chance to break 60 (8 under after 13 holes) but had to settle for a 61, faltering at the end. No doubt he, along with Brooks Koepka, will be one of the favourites at the U.S. Open that is currently underway at beautiful Pebble Beach.
SWBL
After the Oilers (3-4) travel to Oak River to play the Dodgers tonight, they are home for a double header Sunday, taking on the Hartney Hoppers at 1:00 and the Deloraine Royals at 6:00 before going to Elkhorn to play the Expos on Wednesday.
Until next time....
