RED WINGS CAPTURE EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE CENTRAL DIVISION TITLE
Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings have clinched the 2008-09 Central Division title.
Detroit has now captured eight consecutive Central Division crowns dating back to the 2000-01 season. The Red Wings have also claimed 12 of the last 15. Two times during that span in which they failed to win the division, the Red Wings went on to win the Stanley Cup (1996-97 and 1997-98).
Detroit (49-18-9, 107 points) has six games remaining in the 2008-09 regular season. The Chicago Blackhawks (40-23-11, 91 points), currently in second place in the Central, have eight games remaining. Detroit holds the edge over Chicago in a tie-break situation (wins). All five teams in the Central Division currently hold one of the eight playoff spots in the Western Conference.
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Monday, March 30, 2009
TIGERS ACQUIRE JOSH ANDERSON FROM ATLANTA BRAVES
TIGERS ACQUIRE JOSH ANDERSON FROM ATLANTA BRAVES
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has acquired outfielder Josh Anderson from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for righthanded pitcher Rudy Darrow.
Anderson saw action with the Braves and Triple A Richmond during the 2008 season. In 40 games with the Braves, he batted .294 (40x136) with seven doubles, a triple, three home runs, 12 RBI and 10 stolen bases. Anderson hit .314 (155x494) with 25 doubles, four triples, four home runs, 40 RBI and 42 stolen bases in 121 games with Richmond.
“Josh is a young outfielder that has hit well at each level he has played,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “He has above-average speed that gives us a dimension on our club that we presently do not have.”
A fourth-round selection by the Houston Astros in the 2003 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, Anderson has hit .315 (64x203) with 10 doubles, a triple, three home runs, 23 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 61 games at the major league level.
Darrow saw action with both Double A Erie and Single A West Michigan in the Tigers organization during the 2008 season. He finished 1-1 with a 2.63 ERA (13.2IP/4ER) in 14 outings with Erie, while he went 4-2 with a 1.85 ERA (48.2IP/10ER) in 33 appearances with West Michigan.
Darrow’s contract will be assigned to Double A Mississippi in the Braves organization.
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DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has acquired outfielder Josh Anderson from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for righthanded pitcher Rudy Darrow.
Anderson saw action with the Braves and Triple A Richmond during the 2008 season. In 40 games with the Braves, he batted .294 (40x136) with seven doubles, a triple, three home runs, 12 RBI and 10 stolen bases. Anderson hit .314 (155x494) with 25 doubles, four triples, four home runs, 40 RBI and 42 stolen bases in 121 games with Richmond.
“Josh is a young outfielder that has hit well at each level he has played,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “He has above-average speed that gives us a dimension on our club that we presently do not have.”
A fourth-round selection by the Houston Astros in the 2003 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, Anderson has hit .315 (64x203) with 10 doubles, a triple, three home runs, 23 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 61 games at the major league level.
Darrow saw action with both Double A Erie and Single A West Michigan in the Tigers organization during the 2008 season. He finished 1-1 with a 2.63 ERA (13.2IP/4ER) in 14 outings with Erie, while he went 4-2 with a 1.85 ERA (48.2IP/10ER) in 33 appearances with West Michigan.
Darrow’s contract will be assigned to Double A Mississippi in the Braves organization.
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OHL Semi-Finals Spitfires vs Whalers Schedule
Windsor Spitfires to Face Plymouth Whalers in the Second Round of the 2009 OHL Playoffs(Windsor) The Ontario Hockey League today announced the dates for the second round matchups of the 2009 OHL Playoffs in the Western Conference. The Windsor Spitfires will take on the Plymouth Whalers in one half of the Western Conference Semi-Finals.
The schedule for all games in the series is as follows.
The schedule for all games in the series is as follows.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Pistons Decide on Rotation
By Steve St. Pierre
As expected, the Pistons brought back forward
Antonio McDyess in early Dec. after he cleared
waivers from the Denver Nuggets. Since then,
the coaching staff has used a number of different
starting lineups but appear to have finally settled
on one.
Early this season when the Pistons traded former
point guard and team captain Chauncey Billups
to the Nuggets for superstar guard Allen
Iverson, they knew it was going to be an adjustment
for everybody. After a handful of games,
the team determined that Iverson is better off
playing the off-guard position, paving the way for
second-year guard Rodney Stuckey to take over at
the point.
“I think (Stuckey) helps a lot,” Iverson says.
“The system runs a little smoother with him running
the point because that’s his natural position.
I get a chance to go back to play the two-guard
and get a chance to run up and down the court.”
Read more
As expected, the Pistons brought back forward
Antonio McDyess in early Dec. after he cleared
waivers from the Denver Nuggets. Since then,
the coaching staff has used a number of different
starting lineups but appear to have finally settled
on one.
Early this season when the Pistons traded former
point guard and team captain Chauncey Billups
to the Nuggets for superstar guard Allen
Iverson, they knew it was going to be an adjustment
for everybody. After a handful of games,
the team determined that Iverson is better off
playing the off-guard position, paving the way for
second-year guard Rodney Stuckey to take over at
the point.
“I think (Stuckey) helps a lot,” Iverson says.
“The system runs a little smoother with him running
the point because that’s his natural position.
I get a chance to go back to play the two-guard
and get a chance to run up and down the court.”
Read more
MSU Wants Final Four!
By Mike Niziolek
The Michigan State Spartans are going to the
Sweet Sixteen after a 74-69 win over tenth seed
USC, while the Michigan Wolverines are going
home after a loss tosecond seeded Oklahoma.
It was Michigan’s first tournament appearance
in a decade and the team’s first win since beating
Davidson in 1998. The loss does nothing
to dampen the resurgence they’ve had in Head
Coach John Beiliein’s second season.
Getting to the big dance was along-shot to start
the season and now they go back to Ann Arbor
with a first round win under their belt (62-59 victory
over Clemson). Manny Harris and DeShawn
Sims should both be back, meaning the Wolverines
could be primed for a run to the sweet sixteen
next year.
Read more
The Michigan State Spartans are going to the
Sweet Sixteen after a 74-69 win over tenth seed
USC, while the Michigan Wolverines are going
home after a loss tosecond seeded Oklahoma.
It was Michigan’s first tournament appearance
in a decade and the team’s first win since beating
Davidson in 1998. The loss does nothing
to dampen the resurgence they’ve had in Head
Coach John Beiliein’s second season.
Getting to the big dance was along-shot to start
the season and now they go back to Ann Arbor
with a first round win under their belt (62-59 victory
over Clemson). Manny Harris and DeShawn
Sims should both be back, meaning the Wolverines
could be primed for a run to the sweet sixteen
next year.
Read more
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Izzo...not just a “Good tournament coach”
Izzo...not just a “Good tournament coach”
By Drew Lane
Michigan has been blessed with more than its share of great professional and collegiate coaches. Bo Schembechler, Sparky Anderson, Scotty Bowman and Chuck Daly were outstanding people who won big for their programs. All of them struggled at certain points as well. Their strategies and styles were questioned. The passage of time makes the “downs” seem rather silly. All of them would probably say it just goes with the territory. Sometimes, it goes too far.
Michigan State basketball coach, Tom Izzo, has seen similar “ups and downs.” Just a couple of years ago, the debate began to stir up as to whether MSU basketball was an elite, top 10 program … or just another school typically found in the top 25. I thought the debate was ridiculous and offensive at the time. It looks even more foolish now.
Read more
By Drew Lane
Michigan has been blessed with more than its share of great professional and collegiate coaches. Bo Schembechler, Sparky Anderson, Scotty Bowman and Chuck Daly were outstanding people who won big for their programs. All of them struggled at certain points as well. Their strategies and styles were questioned. The passage of time makes the “downs” seem rather silly. All of them would probably say it just goes with the territory. Sometimes, it goes too far.
Michigan State basketball coach, Tom Izzo, has seen similar “ups and downs.” Just a couple of years ago, the debate began to stir up as to whether MSU basketball was an elite, top 10 program … or just another school typically found in the top 25. I thought the debate was ridiculous and offensive at the time. It looks even more foolish now.
Read more
Monday, March 23, 2009
Spitfires’ Hall named Boston Pizza OHL Player of the Week
Spitfires’ Hall named Boston Pizza OHL Player of the Week
Monday March 23, 2009
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that forward Taylor Hall of the Windsor Spitfires is the Boston Pizza OHL Player of the Week for the week ending March 22. Hall scored five goals with four assists for nine points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-4.
Hall and the Spitfires opened up their first round playoff series with the Owen Sound Attack Wednesday night in Windsor with a 7-4 win. Hall assisted on two goals by Rob Kwiet including the game-winner and later added an empty net goal to complete his three-point game. On Friday night on the road in game two, Hall scored two goals including one on the power play late in the second period and the game-winner in the first minute of the third period. He also tallied an assist on the insurance marker and was named second star of the game in the 7-5 win over the Attack. The series shifted back to Windsor for game three on Sunday and Hall led the way offensively with two goals and one assist as first star of the 6-1 win over the Attack. The Spitfires lead the first round series 3-0.
Link to article
Monday March 23, 2009
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that forward Taylor Hall of the Windsor Spitfires is the Boston Pizza OHL Player of the Week for the week ending March 22. Hall scored five goals with four assists for nine points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-4.
Hall and the Spitfires opened up their first round playoff series with the Owen Sound Attack Wednesday night in Windsor with a 7-4 win. Hall assisted on two goals by Rob Kwiet including the game-winner and later added an empty net goal to complete his three-point game. On Friday night on the road in game two, Hall scored two goals including one on the power play late in the second period and the game-winner in the first minute of the third period. He also tallied an assist on the insurance marker and was named second star of the game in the 7-5 win over the Attack. The series shifted back to Windsor for game three on Sunday and Hall led the way offensively with two goals and one assist as first star of the 6-1 win over the Attack. The Spitfires lead the first round series 3-0.
Link to article
LIONS TO HOST PACKERS IN 70TH THANKSGIVING CLASSIC
LIONS TO HOST PACKERS IN 70TH THANKSGIVING CLASSIC
Detroit and Green Bay to play on Thanksgiving for 19th time
Allen Park, Mich. – The Detroit Lions’ 70th Thanksgiving Day Classic will feature the Lions hosting long-time rival Green Bay Thursday, November 26 at 12:30 p.m. ET. The Lions’ Thanksgiving Day game at Ford Field will be aired live nationally on FOX.
This year’s Lions-Packers game on Thanksgiving Day will renew a holiday rivalry that dates back to 1951. This year’s game marks the 19th time the Lions have battled the Packers on Thanksgiving, with Detroit holding an 11-6-1 (.647) advantage. The Lions have played Green Bay more than any other opponent in the Thanksgiving Day series.
Link to article
Detroit and Green Bay to play on Thanksgiving for 19th time
Allen Park, Mich. – The Detroit Lions’ 70th Thanksgiving Day Classic will feature the Lions hosting long-time rival Green Bay Thursday, November 26 at 12:30 p.m. ET. The Lions’ Thanksgiving Day game at Ford Field will be aired live nationally on FOX.
This year’s Lions-Packers game on Thanksgiving Day will renew a holiday rivalry that dates back to 1951. This year’s game marks the 19th time the Lions have battled the Packers on Thanksgiving, with Detroit holding an 11-6-1 (.647) advantage. The Lions have played Green Bay more than any other opponent in the Thanksgiving Day series.
Link to article
Monday, March 16, 2009
Knock It Off Martha Reeves!
Knock It Off Martha Reeves!
By Drew Lane
If you guessed from the title that this little rant might be about someone on Detroit’s City Council … you would then have a less than 50% chance of guessing who this would be about. I’ll narrow it down. It involves Jay Leno’s free gig at the Palace for unemployed Michiganders.
In the history of charitable events (which covers a lot of ground), I’m not aware of anyone ever complaining that the location of a free concert just wasn’t convenient enough to attend.
You’re number one, Martha Reeves!
What frosts my (expletive) even more is that Reeves used her “celebrity” to call Jay Leno and complain for not doing his free show in Detroit proper. According to Reeves, Jay said he will try to come back later in the year to do a show in Detroit. The way this was reported actually suggested Reeves had a point! Sadly, this forces me to take aim at a very generous person caught in the middle.
Link to article
By Drew Lane
If you guessed from the title that this little rant might be about someone on Detroit’s City Council … you would then have a less than 50% chance of guessing who this would be about. I’ll narrow it down. It involves Jay Leno’s free gig at the Palace for unemployed Michiganders.
In the history of charitable events (which covers a lot of ground), I’m not aware of anyone ever complaining that the location of a free concert just wasn’t convenient enough to attend.
You’re number one, Martha Reeves!
What frosts my (expletive) even more is that Reeves used her “celebrity” to call Jay Leno and complain for not doing his free show in Detroit proper. According to Reeves, Jay said he will try to come back later in the year to do a show in Detroit. The way this was reported actually suggested Reeves had a point! Sadly, this forces me to take aim at a very generous person caught in the middle.
Link to article
Saturday, March 14, 2009
DETROIT PISTONS MOURN THE PASSING OF OWNER WILLIAM DAVIDSON
The Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports and Entertainment mourn the passing of pioneer owner William Davidson.
The 86-year-old passed away at home on March 13, 2009 with his family by his side.
“The entire Palace family is mourning the loss of Mr. Davidson,” said Tom Wilson, President of Palace Sports and Entertainment and the Pistons. “He was truly a pioneer in so many ways. His legacy will live forever.”
Mr. Davidson owned the Pistons since 1974 and won three NBA Championships (1989, 1990, 2004), three WNBA Championships (2004, 2006, 2008) and one NHL Championship (2004). He became the first owner in sports history to win championships in three different professional sports leagues during the 2003-04 calendar year (NBA – Detroit Pistons, NHL – Tampa Bay Lightning and WNBA – Detroit Shock). In September 2008, Davidson’s contributions to the game of basketball were honored when he was officially enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
LINK TO ARTICLE
The 86-year-old passed away at home on March 13, 2009 with his family by his side.
“The entire Palace family is mourning the loss of Mr. Davidson,” said Tom Wilson, President of Palace Sports and Entertainment and the Pistons. “He was truly a pioneer in so many ways. His legacy will live forever.”
Mr. Davidson owned the Pistons since 1974 and won three NBA Championships (1989, 1990, 2004), three WNBA Championships (2004, 2006, 2008) and one NHL Championship (2004). He became the first owner in sports history to win championships in three different professional sports leagues during the 2003-04 calendar year (NBA – Detroit Pistons, NHL – Tampa Bay Lightning and WNBA – Detroit Shock). In September 2008, Davidson’s contributions to the game of basketball were honored when he was officially enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
LINK TO ARTICLE
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
24 Hour Hockey Game for the Assist Program
24 Hour Hockey Game for the Assist Program
On March 21, The Assist Program will be hosting a 24-hour hockey game at South Windsor Arena to raise money for the ASSIST program. This promises to be a fun family-oriented event for anyone who wants to help others enjoy the great game of hockey.
The format for the game is simple. Each team will face off for one hour in a refereed three-on-three game. Players will be provided with bibs upon their arrival. Scores will be kept for each game as well as a final tally for each side throughout the 24-hour period.
Link to details
On March 21, The Assist Program will be hosting a 24-hour hockey game at South Windsor Arena to raise money for the ASSIST program. This promises to be a fun family-oriented event for anyone who wants to help others enjoy the great game of hockey.
The format for the game is simple. Each team will face off for one hour in a refereed three-on-three game. Players will be provided with bibs upon their arrival. Scores will be kept for each game as well as a final tally for each side throughout the 24-hour period.
Link to details
Friday, March 6, 2009
RED WINGS MOURN THE PASSING OF COLLEEN HOWE
Detroit, MI…The Detroit Red Wings mourn the passing of Colleen Howe, Mrs. Hockey, wife of Red Wings great, Gordie Howe. Colleen passed today at the Howe’s home in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan following a courageous battle with Pick’s disease, an incurable neurological form of dementia. She was 76.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Gordie, Mark, Marty, Cathy, Murray and the entire Howe family,” said Red Wings owners Mike and Marian Ilitch. “Colleen was a pioneer hockey wife and hockey mom and devoted her entire life to the betterment of the game. She will be sincerely missed by us and all who knew her.”
Funeral arrangements are to be announced.
More on the story
“We extend our deepest condolences to Gordie, Mark, Marty, Cathy, Murray and the entire Howe family,” said Red Wings owners Mike and Marian Ilitch. “Colleen was a pioneer hockey wife and hockey mom and devoted her entire life to the betterment of the game. She will be sincerely missed by us and all who knew her.”
Funeral arrangements are to be announced.
More on the story
Engelage Chases Most Wins in a Season
Photo by Jack RosenbergEngelage Chases Most Wins in a Season
March 6, 2009
Andrew Engelage of the Windsor Spitfires is one win away from tying the single season record for most wins by a goaltender.
The current record of 45 was set by Steve Mason in the 2006-07 season with the London Knights. On March 5, in a win over Sault Ste. Marie, Engelage won game number 44 on the season which ties Adam Dennis who accomplished the same mark in 2005-06 with the London Knights.
Engelage, a 20-year-old from Oshawa, ON, has an outstanding record of 44-4-0-1 this season with five shutouts. The Spitfires have five games remaining in the regular season.
March 6, 2009
Andrew Engelage of the Windsor Spitfires is one win away from tying the single season record for most wins by a goaltender.
The current record of 45 was set by Steve Mason in the 2006-07 season with the London Knights. On March 5, in a win over Sault Ste. Marie, Engelage won game number 44 on the season which ties Adam Dennis who accomplished the same mark in 2005-06 with the London Knights.
Engelage, a 20-year-old from Oshawa, ON, has an outstanding record of 44-4-0-1 this season with five shutouts. The Spitfires have five games remaining in the regular season.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
LIONS REACT TO COAST GUARD CALLING OFF SEARCH FOR NFL'ERS
DETROIT LIONS REACTION TO NEWS THAT COAST GUARD WILL CEASE SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS FOR COREY SMITH, WILL BLEAKLEY AND MARQUIS COOPER
"Today's news is a sobering reminder about how truly precious and fragile life can be. We will continue to pray for a miracle, though we fully understand and respect the decision of the Coast Guard.
"We were thrilled yesterday with the news of Nick's rescue, and it gave all of us hope that Corey, Will and Marquis would also be found alive.
"While we still have that hope, we have begun to cope with the grim reality of this sad and tragic situation.
Link to article
"Today's news is a sobering reminder about how truly precious and fragile life can be. We will continue to pray for a miracle, though we fully understand and respect the decision of the Coast Guard.
"We were thrilled yesterday with the news of Nick's rescue, and it gave all of us hope that Corey, Will and Marquis would also be found alive.
"While we still have that hope, we have begun to cope with the grim reality of this sad and tragic situation.
Link to article
Granderson Announces Scoring For Schools Initiative
Curtis Granderson Announces Scoring For Schools Initiative To Raise Money For Inner City Schools
Detroit, Mich. – Detroit Tigers star center fielder Curtis Granderson has announced a new fundraising initiative for his Grand Kids Foundation called Scoring For Schools, which will help raise money for Michigan’s inner city public schools.
Individuals or companies will be able to donate money for every run Granderson scores during the 2009 regular season and playoffs. Those donating can spend as little as one cent for every run Granderson scores. Registration information can be found online at www.CurtisGranderson.com or www.GrandKidsFoundation.org.
“I am calling on the entire state of Michigan to get involved with this initiative,” Granderson said. “I always tell people that every dollar can make a difference, and this is a chance to prove that. I know
Detroit, Mich. – Detroit Tigers star center fielder Curtis Granderson has announced a new fundraising initiative for his Grand Kids Foundation called Scoring For Schools, which will help raise money for Michigan’s inner city public schools.
Individuals or companies will be able to donate money for every run Granderson scores during the 2009 regular season and playoffs. Those donating can spend as little as one cent for every run Granderson scores. Registration information can be found online at www.CurtisGranderson.com or www.GrandKidsFoundation.org.
“I am calling on the entire state of Michigan to get involved with this initiative,” Granderson said. “I always tell people that every dollar can make a difference, and this is a chance to prove that. I know
the economy is tough, especially in Michigan, but if even just half of the state donated a penny for every run I score, imagine the difference we could make in our state’s schools and educational system. It’s extra incentive for me to go out there and help the Tigers win games this year.”
Sunday, March 1, 2009
STATEMENT FROM THE DETROIT LIONS
“We are closely monitoring the Coast Guard reports involving a missing fishing boat off the Gulf Coast of Florida.
“We have been informed by the Coast Guard that one of the passengers is Corey Smith, who played for the Lions the past three seasons.
“We will continue to gather more information, while maintaining constant communication with the Coast Guard and local Florida authorities.
“First and foremost, however, is that our thoughts and prayers are with all the passengers, their families and all those involved in the search efforts.
“We will provide further updates when more information becomes available.”
As a courtesy, we are also providing the following press release that was distributed by the United States Coast Guard earlier today.
CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Coast Guard continues its search for four missing boaters about 50 miles west of Clearwater Pass Sunday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Fla., received a call at about 1: 30 a.m., Sunday, reporting that four friends, Victor "Marquis" Cooper, Nick Skyler, Corey Smith and William Bleakley did not return from their fishing trip as expected. The four boaters left at about 6:30 a.m., Saturday, from the Seminole Boat Ramp in Clearwater Pass, in a 21-foot center console boat.
A Coast Guard 47-foot motor-life boat crew from Station Sand Key, Fla., HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and C-130 Hercules fixed-wing aircrews from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, and the Coast Guard Cutter Crocodile are searching a 750-square mile area west of Clearwater Pass for the missing boaters. An Urgent Mariner Information Broadcast (UMIB) is also being transmitted on marine VHF radio channel 16.
If anyone has any information regarding this case they are asked to call Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg at or by marine VHF radio channel 16.
“We have been informed by the Coast Guard that one of the passengers is Corey Smith, who played for the Lions the past three seasons.
“We will continue to gather more information, while maintaining constant communication with the Coast Guard and local Florida authorities.
“First and foremost, however, is that our thoughts and prayers are with all the passengers, their families and all those involved in the search efforts.
“We will provide further updates when more information becomes available.”
As a courtesy, we are also providing the following press release that was distributed by the United States Coast Guard earlier today.
CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Coast Guard continues its search for four missing boaters about 50 miles west of Clearwater Pass Sunday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Fla., received a call at about 1: 30 a.m., Sunday, reporting that four friends, Victor "Marquis" Cooper, Nick Skyler, Corey Smith and William Bleakley did not return from their fishing trip as expected. The four boaters left at about 6:30 a.m., Saturday, from the Seminole Boat Ramp in Clearwater Pass, in a 21-foot center console boat.
A Coast Guard 47-foot motor-life boat crew from Station Sand Key, Fla., HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and C-130 Hercules fixed-wing aircrews from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, and the Coast Guard Cutter Crocodile are searching a 750-square mile area west of Clearwater Pass for the missing boaters. An Urgent Mariner Information Broadcast (UMIB) is also being transmitted on marine VHF radio channel 16.
If anyone has any information regarding this case they are asked to call Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg at or by marine VHF radio channel 16.
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