HOLY COW...HOLY COW...What is going on with the Tigers?
By Denny McLain
For In Play! Magazine
First let me say it is more refreshing and interesting that our Tigers are doing something positive for a change, catching the ball, throwing some strikes, and lots of other good things, including this Inge thing.
I know that it is early in the season and mediocre pitchers are less than mediocre in the early part of the season but Inge is hitting the ball and hitting it hard, with few exceptions. All of his hits have been hit hard, that is a good sign, not like they have been bloops all over the place. Brandon, whatever the hell you are doing don’t quit now, don’t change your underwear, eat whatever you’re eating and ride this roll for all it's worth!!
But let’s not get carried away either with thinking that they can win it all. That would be great considering that we need something for all of us to pull for at this time in our great state.
I recall after the ‘67 Riots; that is exactly what happened, the state and anyone else in the state of Michigan were pulling for "our Tigers" and who knows, maybe that is what we have today, that would be a welcome site since the past 2 years they have been almost playing triple AAA baseball.
Read Denny's blog
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
WINGS-JACKETS SERIES OPENS THURSDAY 16 AT JOE LOUIS ARENA
WINGS-JACKETS SERIES OPENS THURSDAY AT JOE LOUIS ARENA
Detroit, MI…The Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets will open their Stanley Cup Playoff Conference Quarterfinal series on Thursday, April 16 at Joe Louis Arena.
WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINAL
# Date Day Time Matchup Site TV
Game 1 April 16 Thursday 7:00 pm Columbus at Detroit Joe Louis Arena FSN, VS, TSN
Game 2 18 Saturday 7:00 pm Columbus at Detroit Joe Louis Arena FSN, TSN
Game 3 21 Tuesday 7:00 pm Detroit at Columbus Nationwide Arena FSN, TSN
Game 4 23 Thursday 7:00 pm Detroit at Columbus Nationwide Arena FSN, TSN
Game 5* 25 Saturday 7:00 pm Columbus at Detroit Joe Louis Arena FSN, VS, TSN
Game 6* 27 Monday TBA Detroit at Columbus Nationwide Arena FSN, TSN
Game 7* 29 Wednesday TBA Columbus at Detroit Joe Louis Arena FSN, VS, TSN
*-If necessary
Entire schedule
Detroit, MI…The Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets will open their Stanley Cup Playoff Conference Quarterfinal series on Thursday, April 16 at Joe Louis Arena.
WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINAL
# Date Day Time Matchup Site TV
Game 1 April 16 Thursday 7:00 pm Columbus at Detroit Joe Louis Arena FSN, VS, TSN
Game 2 18 Saturday 7:00 pm Columbus at Detroit Joe Louis Arena FSN, TSN
Game 3 21 Tuesday 7:00 pm Detroit at Columbus Nationwide Arena FSN, TSN
Game 4 23 Thursday 7:00 pm Detroit at Columbus Nationwide Arena FSN, TSN
Game 5* 25 Saturday 7:00 pm Columbus at Detroit Joe Louis Arena FSN, VS, TSN
Game 6* 27 Monday TBA Detroit at Columbus Nationwide Arena FSN, TSN
Game 7* 29 Wednesday TBA Columbus at Detroit Joe Louis Arena FSN, VS, TSN
*-If necessary
Entire schedule
Saturday, April 11, 2009
RED WINGS SIGN JOHAN FRANZEN TO ELEVEN-YEAR DEAL
RED WINGS SIGN JOHAN FRANZEN TO ELEVEN-YEAR DEAL
…Swedish Forward To Remain In Hockeytown Through 2019-20…
Detroit, MI… Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland announced today that the club has signed forward Johan Franzen to an eleven-year contract. In keeping with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed. The eleven-year pact represents the second longest deal in club history, just behind the twelve-year contract signed by teammate Henrik Zetterberg in January.
“We are thrilled that Johan will remain a member of the Detroit Red Wings” said Holland. “His production over the past year and a half, both regular season and playoffs, has been remarkable and we feel, at 29 years old, that he is just now entering the prime of his career. We look forward to having him as a part of our core unit in Detroit moving forward.”
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…Swedish Forward To Remain In Hockeytown Through 2019-20…
Detroit, MI… Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland announced today that the club has signed forward Johan Franzen to an eleven-year contract. In keeping with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed. The eleven-year pact represents the second longest deal in club history, just behind the twelve-year contract signed by teammate Henrik Zetterberg in January.
“We are thrilled that Johan will remain a member of the Detroit Red Wings” said Holland. “His production over the past year and a half, both regular season and playoffs, has been remarkable and we feel, at 29 years old, that he is just now entering the prime of his career. We look forward to having him as a part of our core unit in Detroit moving forward.”
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Tuesday, April 7, 2009
My Thoughts On This Year's Tigers By Denny McLain
My Thoughts On This Year's Tigers
By Denny McLain
Please someone please tell me where this "front office" of the Tigers was this past winter...again, where the hell is the pitching?
Do they not know what we know, or on the other hand, is the issue perspective players don't want what the Tigers are offering?
Did no one see what we all saw last year? Relying on the same ole, same ole guys wont get it done folks, I know one game does not make a season and I am underlining that but folks, did you see anything good in last nights season opener?
Read Denny's rant
By Denny McLain
Please someone please tell me where this "front office" of the Tigers was this past winter...again, where the hell is the pitching?
Do they not know what we know, or on the other hand, is the issue perspective players don't want what the Tigers are offering?
Did no one see what we all saw last year? Relying on the same ole, same ole guys wont get it done folks, I know one game does not make a season and I am underlining that but folks, did you see anything good in last nights season opener?
Read Denny's rant
Sunday, April 5, 2009
MSU Team On A Mission? Jim Calhoun Thinks So.
MSU Team On A Mission? Jim Calhoun Thinks So.
By: Michael Niziolek
After Saturday night’s 82-73 win for Michigan State, Connecticut Head Coach Jim Calhoun gave his assessment of MSU’s recent surge.
“They played special,” Calhoun says. “They have a cause. Anytime you have a cause, it's a great, great thing to rally people around. Tommy did a wonderful job with this team.”
Izzo talks eloquently about providing some hope for Detroit and Michigan, where the economic downturn has hit harder than most cities in the country, and Calhoun gave his fellow coach and friend credit for using the situation as a rallying point.
“I think that Tommy has done a masterful job of putting the woes of the auto industry and Detroit and Michigan on his back,” Calhoun explains. “I never thought they could do what they did to Louisville. I honestly mean that.”
Connecticut played three Big Ten teams in their regular season schedule and Calhoun thought those games would be a good measuring stick for how MSU might play on Saturday. Plus, his coaching staff spent a lot of time breaking down film of the Spartans’ regular season games. Calhoun admits neither was representative of the Michigan State team that took the floor at Ford Field.
Read more
By: Michael Niziolek
After Saturday night’s 82-73 win for Michigan State, Connecticut Head Coach Jim Calhoun gave his assessment of MSU’s recent surge.
“They played special,” Calhoun says. “They have a cause. Anytime you have a cause, it's a great, great thing to rally people around. Tommy did a wonderful job with this team.”
Izzo talks eloquently about providing some hope for Detroit and Michigan, where the economic downturn has hit harder than most cities in the country, and Calhoun gave his fellow coach and friend credit for using the situation as a rallying point.
“I think that Tommy has done a masterful job of putting the woes of the auto industry and Detroit and Michigan on his back,” Calhoun explains. “I never thought they could do what they did to Louisville. I honestly mean that.”
Connecticut played three Big Ten teams in their regular season schedule and Calhoun thought those games would be a good measuring stick for how MSU might play on Saturday. Plus, his coaching staff spent a lot of time breaking down film of the Spartans’ regular season games. Calhoun admits neither was representative of the Michigan State team that took the floor at Ford Field.
Read more
Final Four Fallout: Raymar Morgan comes up big
Final Four Fallout: Raymar Morgan Comes Up Big!
By: Michael Niziolek
Raymar Morgan's up and down season continued into this year's NCAA tournament, the junior forward was great in the opening round against Robert Morris College scoring 16 points on 50% shooting and five rebounds, but in the next three games he disappeared.
“It’s been a miserable month for him,” Izzo says. “Nobody is dodging that bullet. It’s been hard on him, hard on me, hard on us.”
Against USC, Kansas and Louisville he scored a combined seven points, picking up only three rebounds. His most notable play in the three Midwest regional games was suffering a broken nose against Kansas from his teammate Delvon Roe.
But his slump didn't stop his teammates from having faith in him….
And he rewarded them big time - he had the biggest post-season game of his career against Connecticut.
"I said Raymar was going to be the x-factor two days ago and he proved to be," Goran Suton says.
Morgan scored 18 points, had nine rebounds and tied an NCAA team record with five steals. He played 30 minutes on Saturday, the most he's played since MSU's game against Penn State in the middle of January.
For Suton though, Morgan's performance went beyond the box score…
Read more
By: Michael Niziolek
Raymar Morgan's up and down season continued into this year's NCAA tournament, the junior forward was great in the opening round against Robert Morris College scoring 16 points on 50% shooting and five rebounds, but in the next three games he disappeared.
“It’s been a miserable month for him,” Izzo says. “Nobody is dodging that bullet. It’s been hard on him, hard on me, hard on us.”
Against USC, Kansas and Louisville he scored a combined seven points, picking up only three rebounds. His most notable play in the three Midwest regional games was suffering a broken nose against Kansas from his teammate Delvon Roe.
But his slump didn't stop his teammates from having faith in him….
And he rewarded them big time - he had the biggest post-season game of his career against Connecticut.
"I said Raymar was going to be the x-factor two days ago and he proved to be," Goran Suton says.
Morgan scored 18 points, had nine rebounds and tied an NCAA team record with five steals. He played 30 minutes on Saturday, the most he's played since MSU's game against Penn State in the middle of January.
For Suton though, Morgan's performance went beyond the box score…
Read more
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
IVERSON DONE FOR THE SEASON!
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that guard Allen Iverson will miss the remainder of the season. The all-star guard missed 16 games between February 27 and March 28 after exiting a game at New Orleans with a sore back on February 25.
“After talking with Allen and our medical staff, we feel that resting Allen for the remainder of the season is the best course of action at this time,” said Dumars. “While he has played in our last three games, he is still feeling some discomfort and getting him physically ready to compete at the level he is accustomed to playing this late in the season does not seem possible at this point.”
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“After talking with Allen and our medical staff, we feel that resting Allen for the remainder of the season is the best course of action at this time,” said Dumars. “While he has played in our last three games, he is still feeling some discomfort and getting him physically ready to compete at the level he is accustomed to playing this late in the season does not seem possible at this point.”
read more
Monday, March 30, 2009
RED WINGS CAPTURE EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE CENTRAL DIVISION TITLE
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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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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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.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
2009 OHL Playoff Format
The 2008-09 Ontario Hockey League regular season schedule wraps up on Sunday March 15, 2009. All teams have between 8-10 games remaining heading into the final three weeks of the regular season schedule.
OHL Playoff Format
The top eight teams in each conference qualify for the OHL playoffs with the division leaders ranked one-two in each Conference.
In the first round of the playoffs, first place plays eighth, second plays seventh, third plays sixth and fourth plays fifth in each conference.
Teams are re-seeded within their conference after each round and the division winners are always ranked 1-2 within the conference as long as they progress. The champions from each conference play in the OHL Championship Series for the J. Ross Robertson Cup.
The OHL Playoffs are scheduled to begin on the Thursday following the conclusion of the regular season. The first round series must be completed within 13 days; the second round series also have 13 days to finish while the Conference Championships are 14 days in length. The OHL Championship Series is also 14 days in length.
Tie break info available here
OHL Playoff Format
The top eight teams in each conference qualify for the OHL playoffs with the division leaders ranked one-two in each Conference.
In the first round of the playoffs, first place plays eighth, second plays seventh, third plays sixth and fourth plays fifth in each conference.
Teams are re-seeded within their conference after each round and the division winners are always ranked 1-2 within the conference as long as they progress. The champions from each conference play in the OHL Championship Series for the J. Ross Robertson Cup.
The OHL Playoffs are scheduled to begin on the Thursday following the conclusion of the regular season. The first round series must be completed within 13 days; the second round series also have 13 days to finish while the Conference Championships are 14 days in length. The OHL Championship Series is also 14 days in length.
Tie break info available here
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Windsor Spitfires Win Historic Game
With tonights win over the Erie Otters by a final count of 8-2 tonight at the WFCU Centre the Windsor Spitfires achieved the following milestones:
- established a team record by winning 51 games, surpassing the 50 win total set by the 1987-88 Windsor Compuware Spitfires
- improved on their current team record 101 points with tonight’s win as the total now stands at 103 points
- clinched the Western Conference and OHL Regular Season Championship (Hamilton Spectator Trophy) as a result of tonight’s win and the London Knights 5-1 loss to the Brampton Battalion
Link to OHL Fan Forum
- established a team record by winning 51 games, surpassing the 50 win total set by the 1987-88 Windsor Compuware Spitfires
- improved on their current team record 101 points with tonight’s win as the total now stands at 103 points
- clinched the Western Conference and OHL Regular Season Championship (Hamilton Spectator Trophy) as a result of tonight’s win and the London Knights 5-1 loss to the Brampton Battalion
Link to OHL Fan Forum
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Wings To Open 09/10 Season in Stockholm, Sweden.
FOUR NHL TEAMS TO OPEN THE 2009-10 REGULAR SEASON IN EUROPE OCT. 2-3
“NHL Premiere 2009” Features Detroit Red Wings And St. Louis Blues Playing Two Games In Stockholm; Chicago Blackhawks And Florida Panthers Playing Twice In Helsinki
Third Consecutive Year NHL Starts Regular Season Overseas
New York/Toronto/Stockholm/Helsinki (February 19, 2008) – The National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), in cooperation with Live Nation Sweden, IMG Sweden and Harry Harkimo/Jokerit HC Oy in Finland, announced today that the Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers will open the 2009-2010 NHL regular season in Europe. The Blackhawks and Panthers will play home-and-home games Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, in Helsinki, Finland, at Hartwall Areena. On those same dates, the Red Wings and Blues will play a home-and-home series at Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden. Finland and Sweden are the top ranked countries in terms of overseas visitors to NHL.com.
LINK TO ARTICLE
“NHL Premiere 2009” Features Detroit Red Wings And St. Louis Blues Playing Two Games In Stockholm; Chicago Blackhawks And Florida Panthers Playing Twice In Helsinki
Third Consecutive Year NHL Starts Regular Season Overseas
New York/Toronto/Stockholm/Helsinki (February 19, 2008) – The National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), in cooperation with Live Nation Sweden, IMG Sweden and Harry Harkimo/Jokerit HC Oy in Finland, announced today that the Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers will open the 2009-2010 NHL regular season in Europe. The Blackhawks and Panthers will play home-and-home games Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, in Helsinki, Finland, at Hartwall Areena. On those same dates, the Red Wings and Blues will play a home-and-home series at Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden. Finland and Sweden are the top ranked countries in terms of overseas visitors to NHL.com.
LINK TO ARTICLE
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
BRIGHT SPOT ON THE 2009 LIONS TEAM
LIONS RE-SIGN K JASON HANSON AND G STEPHEN PETERMAN
Allen Park, Mich. - The Detroit Lions announced today that they have re-signed veteran K Jason Hanson to a four-year deal and G Stephen Peterman to a five-year deal. Both Hanson and Peterman were set to become unrestricted free agents on February 27. Additional contract terms were not disclosed.
Hanson (6-0, 190) signs a multi-year deal with the Lions to extend his 17-year career with the organization. As the longest-tenured player on the roster, the veteran kicker holds franchise records in points (1,747), field goals (406), extra points (529) and games played (271), and has handled both field goals and kickoffs in each of his 17 seasons.
Named to the Lions 75th Season All-Time Team last year, Hanson had a remarkable 2008 season as he lead the league with eight 50+-yard field goals to become the first player in NFL history to go eight-for-eight on 50+-yard field goals in a single season. His eight 50+-yarders (53, 51, 54, 54, 54, 56, 53 and 51 yards) also set a career and franchise single-season high. At Indianapolis (12/14), he set an NFL record by connecting on his 41st-career 50-yard field goal.
In Week 11 Hanson connected on two field goals of 38 and 40 yards respectively vs. Tampa Bay (11/23) and became only the sixth player in NFL history to connect on 400 career field goals. Hanson finished the season 21-of-22 (.955) on field goal attempts which ranked first in the NFL in field goal percentage.
LINK TO ARTICLE
Allen Park, Mich. - The Detroit Lions announced today that they have re-signed veteran K Jason Hanson to a four-year deal and G Stephen Peterman to a five-year deal. Both Hanson and Peterman were set to become unrestricted free agents on February 27. Additional contract terms were not disclosed.
Hanson (6-0, 190) signs a multi-year deal with the Lions to extend his 17-year career with the organization. As the longest-tenured player on the roster, the veteran kicker holds franchise records in points (1,747), field goals (406), extra points (529) and games played (271), and has handled both field goals and kickoffs in each of his 17 seasons.
Named to the Lions 75th Season All-Time Team last year, Hanson had a remarkable 2008 season as he lead the league with eight 50+-yard field goals to become the first player in NFL history to go eight-for-eight on 50+-yard field goals in a single season. His eight 50+-yarders (53, 51, 54, 54, 54, 56, 53 and 51 yards) also set a career and franchise single-season high. At Indianapolis (12/14), he set an NFL record by connecting on his 41st-career 50-yard field goal.
In Week 11 Hanson connected on two field goals of 38 and 40 yards respectively vs. Tampa Bay (11/23) and became only the sixth player in NFL history to connect on 400 career field goals. Hanson finished the season 21-of-22 (.955) on field goal attempts which ranked first in the NFL in field goal percentage.
LINK TO ARTICLE
Monday, February 16, 2009
PISTONS ACQUIRE CONDITIONAL 2013 SECOND ROUND DRAFT PICK FROM THE LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS IN EXCHANGE FOR ALEX ACKER AND 2011 SECOND ROUND DRAFT PICK
PISTONS ACQUIRE CONDITIONAL 2013 SECOND ROUND DRAFT PICK FROM THE LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS IN EXCHANGE FOR ALEX ACKER AND 2011 SECOND ROUND DRAFT PICK
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that the club has acquired a conditional second round draft pick in the 2013 NBA Draft from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for guard Alex Acker and its 2011 second round draft pick.
Acker, 26, appeared in six games with the Pistons this season averaging 1.5 points and 0.3 rebounds in 3.3 minutes per game. Drafted in the second round (#60 overall) in the 2005 NBA Draft, Acker played in five games during the 2005-06 campaign averaging 1.8 points and 1.0 rebounds in 7.0 minutes per game. He scored a career-high four points in a career-high 18 minutes at Milwaukee (4/17/06) that season. He spent the 2007-08 season overseas with FC Barcelona averaging 6.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 30 games.
Link to Pistons Fan Forum
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that the club has acquired a conditional second round draft pick in the 2013 NBA Draft from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for guard Alex Acker and its 2011 second round draft pick.
Acker, 26, appeared in six games with the Pistons this season averaging 1.5 points and 0.3 rebounds in 3.3 minutes per game. Drafted in the second round (#60 overall) in the 2005 NBA Draft, Acker played in five games during the 2005-06 campaign averaging 1.8 points and 1.0 rebounds in 7.0 minutes per game. He scored a career-high four points in a career-high 18 minutes at Milwaukee (4/17/06) that season. He spent the 2007-08 season overseas with FC Barcelona averaging 6.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 30 games.
Link to Pistons Fan Forum
Friday, February 13, 2009
In Play! Magazine and the Detroit Pistons have teamed up to bring you a special deal on tickets for select upcoming games. Click here.
Monday, February 9, 2009
QUICK, HOSSA AND GREEN NAMED NHL 'THREE STARS' OF THE WEEK
QUICK, HOSSA AND GREEN NAMED NHL 'THREE STARS' OF THE WEEKNEW YORK
(Feb. 9, 2009) -- Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick, Detroit Red Wings right wing Marian Hossa and Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green have been named the NHL's 'Three Stars' for the week ending Feb. 8.
SECOND STAR -- MARIAN HOSSA, RW, DETROIT RED WINGSHossa shared the NHL scoring lead last week with seven points (six goals, one assist), helping the Red Wings (35-11-7, 77 points) post four consecutive victories and move within two points of the first-place San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference standings. He notched a pair of goals in a 4-3 shootout victory over the St. Louis Blues Feb. 2, scored two more in a 5-4 win over the Phoenix Coyotes Feb. 4 and tallied the game-winning goal and one assist in an 8-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers Feb. 7. Hossa closed the week by reaching the 30-goal mark for the seventh time in the past eight seasons, scoring a key third-period insurance goal in a 3-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins Feb. 8.
Link to fan forum
(Feb. 9, 2009) -- Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick, Detroit Red Wings right wing Marian Hossa and Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green have been named the NHL's 'Three Stars' for the week ending Feb. 8.
SECOND STAR -- MARIAN HOSSA, RW, DETROIT RED WINGSHossa shared the NHL scoring lead last week with seven points (six goals, one assist), helping the Red Wings (35-11-7, 77 points) post four consecutive victories and move within two points of the first-place San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference standings. He notched a pair of goals in a 4-3 shootout victory over the St. Louis Blues Feb. 2, scored two more in a 5-4 win over the Phoenix Coyotes Feb. 4 and tallied the game-winning goal and one assist in an 8-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers Feb. 7. Hossa closed the week by reaching the 30-goal mark for the seventh time in the past eight seasons, scoring a key third-period insurance goal in a 3-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins Feb. 8.
Link to fan forum
Thursday, February 5, 2009
OHL to Present Annual Award in Honour of Mickey Renaud
OHL to Present Annual Award in Honour of Mickey RenaudWindsor, ON - The Ontario Hockey League and Windsor Spitfires today announced in a press conference prior to the 2009 Subway OHL All-Star Classic that a new league award will be presented annually in honour of Mickey Renaud.
The “Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy” will be presented each season to the OHL team captain that best exemplifies the character and commitment that Renaud displayed during his career with the Spitfires. The winner will be one of the 20 OHL member team captains and will be selected by a special media selection committee.
“The Ontario Hockey League is very proud to take this opportunity to honour the memory of a young man that meant a great deal to the league, the Spitfires and his community,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “Mickey set a very high standard for the commitment, character and community spirit that is necessary for a team captain and provides a great example for his peers.”
Link to article
PISTONS AND 97.1 FM THE TICKET SIGN BROADCAST AGREEMENT
PISTONS AND 97.1 FM THE TICKET SIGN BROADCAST AGREEMENT
Detroit’s Sports Station To Serve As Flagship Station For Club Beginning With 2009-10 Season
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons announced today that the club has agreed to a multi-year broadcast agreement with 97.1 FM The Ticket (WXYT) starting with the 2009-10 NBA season. Dan Hauser, Executive Vice President of the Detroit Pistons, and Debbie Kenyon, Senior Vice President/Market Manager of 97.1 FM The Ticket made the joint announcement. The club’s radio station network throughout the state of Michigan will remain unchanged.
“We are extremely excited about our new radio partnership with 97.1 FM The Ticket starting with the 2009-10 season,” said Hauser. “Their leadership position in the sports radio market as well as their strong FM signal will make Pistons basketball easily accessible for all Pistons fans in the metro Detroit area. At the same time we want to extend our appreciation to WDFN and their employees for their support of the Pistons over the past six years.”
Link to article
Detroit’s Sports Station To Serve As Flagship Station For Club Beginning With 2009-10 Season
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons announced today that the club has agreed to a multi-year broadcast agreement with 97.1 FM The Ticket (WXYT) starting with the 2009-10 NBA season. Dan Hauser, Executive Vice President of the Detroit Pistons, and Debbie Kenyon, Senior Vice President/Market Manager of 97.1 FM The Ticket made the joint announcement. The club’s radio station network throughout the state of Michigan will remain unchanged.
“We are extremely excited about our new radio partnership with 97.1 FM The Ticket starting with the 2009-10 season,” said Hauser. “Their leadership position in the sports radio market as well as their strong FM signal will make Pistons basketball easily accessible for all Pistons fans in the metro Detroit area. At the same time we want to extend our appreciation to WDFN and their employees for their support of the Pistons over the past six years.”
Link to article
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Red Bull Air Races Returns...To WIndsor This Time!
Red Bull Air Races Returns...To WIndsor This Time!
2009 RED BULL AIR RACE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP READY FOR TAKE OFF
World’s fastest motorsport announces pilots, locations and new race format
for 2009
Salzburg, Austria – February 3, 2009 – Fifteen of the world’s top race
pilots, including four rookies from four corners of the globe, will compete
in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in 2009, which will touch down
in six spectacular locations beginning with the traditional season opener
in Abu Dhabi on April 17 and 18.
The world’s most exciting motorsport will then move to North America for
races in San Diego, USA and Windsor in Ontario, Canada, before returning
back across the Atlantic to Europe for stops in Budapest, Porto and
Barcelona, marking a much-anticipated return to the enchanting Spanish city
on the Mediterranean.
2009 Red Bull Air Race World Championship – RACE CALENDAR
Abu Dhabi (UAE) April 17 & 18
San Diego (USA) May 9 & 10
Windsor, Ontario (Canada) June 13 & 14
Budapest (Hungary) August 19 & 20
Porto (Portugal) September 12 & 13
Barcelona (Spain) October 3 & 4
Link for more information on this great story
2009 RED BULL AIR RACE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP READY FOR TAKE OFF
World’s fastest motorsport announces pilots, locations and new race format
for 2009
Salzburg, Austria – February 3, 2009 – Fifteen of the world’s top race
pilots, including four rookies from four corners of the globe, will compete
in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in 2009, which will touch down
in six spectacular locations beginning with the traditional season opener
in Abu Dhabi on April 17 and 18.
The world’s most exciting motorsport will then move to North America for
races in San Diego, USA and Windsor in Ontario, Canada, before returning
back across the Atlantic to Europe for stops in Budapest, Porto and
Barcelona, marking a much-anticipated return to the enchanting Spanish city
on the Mediterranean.
2009 Red Bull Air Race World Championship – RACE CALENDAR
Abu Dhabi (UAE) April 17 & 18
San Diego (USA) May 9 & 10
Windsor, Ontario (Canada) June 13 & 14
Budapest (Hungary) August 19 & 20
Porto (Portugal) September 12 & 13
Barcelona (Spain) October 3 & 4
Link for more information on this great story
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Yzerman Graves Honourary Captains For 2009 OHL All-Star Game
Yzerman and Graves named Honourary Captains for the 2009 Subway OHL All-Star Classic
Wednesday January 28, 2009
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League in association with the Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club announced today that former Detroit Red Wings captain and current team Vice-President Steve Yzerman, with former Windsor Spitfires and New York Rangers star Adam Graves, will serve as honourary captains for the 2009 Subway OHL All-Star Classic.
The two will be present at ice level for the pre-game ceremonies on Wednesday February 4, 2009 at the WFCU Centre beginning at 7:00pm. Yzerman will be representing the Eastern Conference All-Stars, with Graves aligning with the home team Western Conference.
“The Windsor Spitfires are extremely proud to welcome Steve Yzerman and Adam Graves as honourary captains for the 2009 Subway OHL All-Star Classic” said Spitfires Vice-President and General Manager Warren Rychel. “Both gentlemen are very well known and respected throughout the Windsor community and it will be exciting for our organization and for our fans to see them on the ice for the ceremonies of this event” added Rychel.
Steve Yzerman played two seasons in the OHL with the Peterborough Petes from 1981-1983 before being drafted in the first round, fourth overall to the Detroit Red Wings in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. Yzerman played in 1,514 games over 22 seasons in the NHL with the Red Wings where he won three Stanley Cups. He was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the Playoffs in 1998. He ranks sixth on the NHL all-time points list with 1,755 career points including 692 goals (eighth all-time) and 1,063 assists (seventh all-time). Yzerman is the longest serving captain in NHL history wearing the “C” for the Red Wings for 20 seasons beginning in 1986-87 as a 21-year-old. On January 2, 2007, the Red Wings retired Yzerman’s number 19 to the rafters at Joe Louis Arena. Yzerman is currently the Vice-President of the Red Wings Hockey Club and General Manager of Team Canada’s 2010 Olympic Men’s Hockey Team.
Link to article for more details.
Wednesday January 28, 2009
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League in association with the Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club announced today that former Detroit Red Wings captain and current team Vice-President Steve Yzerman, with former Windsor Spitfires and New York Rangers star Adam Graves, will serve as honourary captains for the 2009 Subway OHL All-Star Classic.
The two will be present at ice level for the pre-game ceremonies on Wednesday February 4, 2009 at the WFCU Centre beginning at 7:00pm. Yzerman will be representing the Eastern Conference All-Stars, with Graves aligning with the home team Western Conference.
“The Windsor Spitfires are extremely proud to welcome Steve Yzerman and Adam Graves as honourary captains for the 2009 Subway OHL All-Star Classic” said Spitfires Vice-President and General Manager Warren Rychel. “Both gentlemen are very well known and respected throughout the Windsor community and it will be exciting for our organization and for our fans to see them on the ice for the ceremonies of this event” added Rychel.
Steve Yzerman played two seasons in the OHL with the Peterborough Petes from 1981-1983 before being drafted in the first round, fourth overall to the Detroit Red Wings in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. Yzerman played in 1,514 games over 22 seasons in the NHL with the Red Wings where he won three Stanley Cups. He was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the Playoffs in 1998. He ranks sixth on the NHL all-time points list with 1,755 career points including 692 goals (eighth all-time) and 1,063 assists (seventh all-time). Yzerman is the longest serving captain in NHL history wearing the “C” for the Red Wings for 20 seasons beginning in 1986-87 as a 21-year-old. On January 2, 2007, the Red Wings retired Yzerman’s number 19 to the rafters at Joe Louis Arena. Yzerman is currently the Vice-President of the Red Wings Hockey Club and General Manager of Team Canada’s 2010 Olympic Men’s Hockey Team.
Link to article for more details.
RED WINGS SIGN HENRIK ZETTERBERG TO TWELVE-YEAR DEAL
RED WINGS SIGN HENRIK ZETTERBERG TO TWELVE-YEAR DEAL
…Star Forward To Stay In Hockeytown Through 2020-21…
Detroit, MI… Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland announced today that the club has signed forward Henrik Zetterberg to a twelve-year contract. In keeping with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed. The twelve-year pact represents the longest deal in club history.
Zetterberg, 28, is currently in his sixth season in the National Hockey League. He has played all 400 games of his career in a Red Wings uniform. In 45 games this season, the star forward has collected 17 goals and 26 assists for 43 points. He has developed into one of the most dynamic two-way players in the National Hockey League. Last season, Zetterberg set new career-highs with 43 goals (5th NHL), 49 assists (21st NHL), 92 points (6th NHL) and 358 shots on goal (2nd NHL). He was also a finalist for the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward and won the 2008 Conn Smythe Trophy as playoffs MVP.
“Henrik is one of the world’s premier players at both ends of the ice” said Holland. “This is a tremendous commitment on the part of the organization as well as by Henrik. We feel he is moving into the prime of his career and is another key to ensuring the long-term success of this franchise. We are thrilled that a player we drafted and developed will play out his career in Detroit with this lifetime contract.”
Originally a seventh round selection (210th overall) of the Red Wings in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, Zetterberg led all rookies in 2002-03 with 22 goals and 44 points, and was named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team. He was also the runner-up for the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year (Barrett Jackman, St. Louis).
Link to article for more details on the land mark signing
…Star Forward To Stay In Hockeytown Through 2020-21…
Detroit, MI… Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland announced today that the club has signed forward Henrik Zetterberg to a twelve-year contract. In keeping with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed. The twelve-year pact represents the longest deal in club history.
Zetterberg, 28, is currently in his sixth season in the National Hockey League. He has played all 400 games of his career in a Red Wings uniform. In 45 games this season, the star forward has collected 17 goals and 26 assists for 43 points. He has developed into one of the most dynamic two-way players in the National Hockey League. Last season, Zetterberg set new career-highs with 43 goals (5th NHL), 49 assists (21st NHL), 92 points (6th NHL) and 358 shots on goal (2nd NHL). He was also a finalist for the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward and won the 2008 Conn Smythe Trophy as playoffs MVP.
“Henrik is one of the world’s premier players at both ends of the ice” said Holland. “This is a tremendous commitment on the part of the organization as well as by Henrik. We feel he is moving into the prime of his career and is another key to ensuring the long-term success of this franchise. We are thrilled that a player we drafted and developed will play out his career in Detroit with this lifetime contract.”
Originally a seventh round selection (210th overall) of the Red Wings in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, Zetterberg led all rookies in 2002-03 with 22 goals and 44 points, and was named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team. He was also the runner-up for the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year (Barrett Jackman, St. Louis).
Link to article for more details on the land mark signing
Monday, January 26, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
TIGERS AGREE TO ONE-YEAR DEAL WITH RHP BRANDON LYON
TIGERS AGREE TO TERMS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL WITH BRANDON LYON
Scott Williamson Signed to Minor League Deal, Invited to Major League Camp
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with righthanded pitcher Brandon Lyon. Additionally, the Tigers designated the contract of righthanded pitcher Eddie Bonine for assignment and agreed to terms on a minor league contract with righthanded pitcher Scott Williamson. Williamson received an invitation to major league camp.
Lyon saw action in 61 games with the Arizona Diamondbacks during the 2008 season, posting a 3-5 record, 4.70 ERA (59.1IP/31ER) and 26 saves. He fanned 44 batters for the Diamondbacks last season, while issuing only 13 walks.
“Brandon Lyon is a proven reliever at the major league level,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “Brandon will compete for the closer’s role this spring and we expect him to play a significant role on our pitching staff in the late innings.”
In seven seasons at the major league level with the Toronto Blue Jays (2001-02), Boston Red Sox (2003) and Diamondbacks (2005-08), he has compiled a 21-29 record, 4.46 ERA (416.0IP/206ER) and 51 saves in 309 appearances. Since the start of the 2005 season, Lyon was 12th among all National League relievers with 2.60 walks per nine innings. Lyon saw action in five games during the post-season with the Diamondbacks in 2007, fanning five batters in six scoreless innings of relief.
Link to article
Scott Williamson Signed to Minor League Deal, Invited to Major League Camp
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with righthanded pitcher Brandon Lyon. Additionally, the Tigers designated the contract of righthanded pitcher Eddie Bonine for assignment and agreed to terms on a minor league contract with righthanded pitcher Scott Williamson. Williamson received an invitation to major league camp.
Lyon saw action in 61 games with the Arizona Diamondbacks during the 2008 season, posting a 3-5 record, 4.70 ERA (59.1IP/31ER) and 26 saves. He fanned 44 batters for the Diamondbacks last season, while issuing only 13 walks.
“Brandon Lyon is a proven reliever at the major league level,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “Brandon will compete for the closer’s role this spring and we expect him to play a significant role on our pitching staff in the late innings.”
In seven seasons at the major league level with the Toronto Blue Jays (2001-02), Boston Red Sox (2003) and Diamondbacks (2005-08), he has compiled a 21-29 record, 4.46 ERA (416.0IP/206ER) and 51 saves in 309 appearances. Since the start of the 2005 season, Lyon was 12th among all National League relievers with 2.60 walks per nine innings. Lyon saw action in five games during the post-season with the Diamondbacks in 2007, fanning five batters in six scoreless innings of relief.
Link to article
Friday, January 23, 2009
SCHWARTZ HIRES SCOTT LINEHAN AS OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
HEAD COACH JIM SCHWARTZ HIRES SCOTT LINEHAN AS OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
Allen Park, Mich.—Detroit Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz has announced the hiring of Scott Linehan as the team’s new offensive coordinator. Terms of his contract were not disclosed.
Linehan joins the Lions coaching staff after spending the past three seasons (2006-08) as the head coach of the St. Louis Rams. He is now entering his eighth season as an NFL coach, going on 20 years of coaching experience.
As a first-time NFL head coach, Linehan quickly put his stamp on the Rams in 2006 via the ground game, giving the ball to RB Steven Jackson 346 times in 2006 – the most by a St. Louis player in 20 seasons. Jackson finished the year with 1,528 rushing yards (3rd, NFC), 105 first downs (1st, NFC) and 2,334 all-purpose yards (1st, NFL), earning his first-career Pro Bowl appearance. Jackson averaged 21.0 carries per game over Linehan’s three-year span with the Rams compared with 16.9 carries per game in 2005 and established himself as one of the NFL’s big running threats.
Other Rams saw career bests under Linehan. QB Marc Bulger passed for a career-best 4,301 yards in 2006, setting franchise records with a 1.4 interception percentage and 588 passing attempts. His 370 completions for 24 touchdowns were also second in Rams’ history. That season, WR Torry Holt and WR Isaac Bruce finished with 1,188 and 1,098 yards, respectively, combining for 167 pass receptions.
Link to article
Allen Park, Mich.—Detroit Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz has announced the hiring of Scott Linehan as the team’s new offensive coordinator. Terms of his contract were not disclosed.
Linehan joins the Lions coaching staff after spending the past three seasons (2006-08) as the head coach of the St. Louis Rams. He is now entering his eighth season as an NFL coach, going on 20 years of coaching experience.
As a first-time NFL head coach, Linehan quickly put his stamp on the Rams in 2006 via the ground game, giving the ball to RB Steven Jackson 346 times in 2006 – the most by a St. Louis player in 20 seasons. Jackson finished the year with 1,528 rushing yards (3rd, NFC), 105 first downs (1st, NFC) and 2,334 all-purpose yards (1st, NFL), earning his first-career Pro Bowl appearance. Jackson averaged 21.0 carries per game over Linehan’s three-year span with the Rams compared with 16.9 carries per game in 2005 and established himself as one of the NFL’s big running threats.
Other Rams saw career bests under Linehan. QB Marc Bulger passed for a career-best 4,301 yards in 2006, setting franchise records with a 1.4 interception percentage and 588 passing attempts. His 370 completions for 24 touchdowns were also second in Rams’ history. That season, WR Torry Holt and WR Isaac Bruce finished with 1,188 and 1,098 yards, respectively, combining for 167 pass receptions.
Link to article
2009 OHL All-Star Game Rosters Announced
Windsor, ON – The 2009 Subway OHL All-Star Classic will showcase 40 of the top players in the OHL with representation from each of the 20 member clubs. The event features a skills competition on Tuesday February 3, 2009, beginning at 7:00 pm with the game taking place Wednesday February 4, 2009, at 7:00 pm at the Windsor Family Credit Union Centre.
The 2008 event took place in Sault Ste. Marie with the Eastern Conference team victorious 8-7 in a shootout. Defenceman Bobby Sanguinetti playing for the Brampton Battalion and current NHL forward Steven Stamkos from the Sarnia Sting were named Players of the Game. Over the years the game has featured many players that have moved on to be NHL stars including Joe Thornton, Rick Nash, Jason Spezza, Eric Staal, and Patrick Kane.
The following are the rosters for the 2009 Subway OHL All-Star Classic:
Eastern Conference All-Stars
Goaltenders (2):
Thomas McCollum – Brampton Battalion
Mike Murphy – Belleville Bulls
Defencemen (6):
Calvin de Haan – Oshawa Generals
Julian Demers – Ottawa 67’s
Cameron Gaunce – Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors
Shawn Lalonde – Belleville Bulls
Alex Pietrangelo – Niagara IceDogs
P.K Subban – Belleville Bulls
Forwards (12):
Bryan Cameron – Belleville Bulls
Logan Couture – Ottawa 67’s
Corey Cowick – Ottawa 67’s
Stefan Della Rovere – Barrie Colts
Matt Duchene – Brampton Battalion
Evgeny Grachev – Brampton Battalion
Cody Hodgson – Brampton Battalion
Alex Hutchings – Barrie Colts
Zack Kassian – Peterborough Petes
Eric O’Dell – Sudbury Wolves
Eric Tangradi – Belleville Bulls
Ethan Werek – Kingston Frontenacs
Eastern Conference All-Stars Staff – Belleville Bulls
Head Coach – George Burnett
Assistant Coach – Jake Grimes
Trainer – Ryan Bennett
Equipment Manager – Matt Sands
Western Conference All-Stars
Goaltenders (2):
Andrew Engelage – Windsor Spitfires
Edward Pasquale – Saginaw Spirit
Defencemen (6):
John Carlson – London Knights
Michael Del Zotto – London Knights
Ryan Ellis – Windsor Spitfires
Mark Katic – Sarnia Sting
Dan Kelly – Kitchener Rangers
Jacob Muzzin – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Forwards (12):
Chris Chappell – Saginaw Spirit
Justin DiBenedetto – Sarnia Sting
Taylor Hall – Windsor Spitfires
Joey Hishon – Owen Sound Attack
Peter Holland – Guelph Storm
Nazem Kadri – London Knights
Philip McRae – London Knights
Greg Nemisz – Windsor Spitfires
Ryan O’Reilly – Erie Otters
John Tavares – London Knights
Chris Terry – Plymouth Whalers
Scott Timmins – Windsor Spitfires
Western Conference All-Stars Staff - Kitchener Rangers
Head Coach – Steve Spott
Assistant Coach – Troy Smith
Trainer – Dan Lebold
The following are the rosters for the 2009 Subway OHL All-Star Classic:
Eastern Conference All-Stars
Goaltenders (2):
Thomas McCollum – Brampton Battalion
Mike Murphy – Belleville Bulls
Defencemen (6):
Calvin de Haan – Oshawa Generals
Julian Demers – Ottawa 67’s
Cameron Gaunce – Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors
Shawn Lalonde – Belleville Bulls
Alex Pietrangelo – Niagara IceDogs
P.K Subban – Belleville Bulls
Forwards (12):
Bryan Cameron – Belleville Bulls
Logan Couture – Ottawa 67’s
Corey Cowick – Ottawa 67’s
Stefan Della Rovere – Barrie Colts
Matt Duchene – Brampton Battalion
Evgeny Grachev – Brampton Battalion
Cody Hodgson – Brampton Battalion
Alex Hutchings – Barrie Colts
Zack Kassian – Peterborough Petes
Eric O’Dell – Sudbury Wolves
Eric Tangradi – Belleville Bulls
Ethan Werek – Kingston Frontenacs
Eastern Conference All-Stars Staff – Belleville Bulls
Head Coach – George Burnett
Assistant Coach – Jake Grimes
Trainer – Ryan Bennett
Equipment Manager – Matt Sands
Western Conference All-Stars
Goaltenders (2):
Andrew Engelage – Windsor Spitfires
Edward Pasquale – Saginaw Spirit
Defencemen (6):
John Carlson – London Knights
Michael Del Zotto – London Knights
Ryan Ellis – Windsor Spitfires
Mark Katic – Sarnia Sting
Dan Kelly – Kitchener Rangers
Jacob Muzzin – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Forwards (12):
Chris Chappell – Saginaw Spirit
Justin DiBenedetto – Sarnia Sting
Taylor Hall – Windsor Spitfires
Joey Hishon – Owen Sound Attack
Peter Holland – Guelph Storm
Nazem Kadri – London Knights
Philip McRae – London Knights
Greg Nemisz – Windsor Spitfires
Ryan O’Reilly – Erie Otters
John Tavares – London Knights
Chris Terry – Plymouth Whalers
Scott Timmins – Windsor Spitfires
Western Conference All-Stars Staff - Kitchener Rangers
Head Coach – Steve Spott
Assistant Coach – Troy Smith
Trainer – Dan Lebold
Thursday, January 22, 2009
PISTONS GUARD ALLEN IVERSON NAMED ALL-STAR STARTER
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The NBA announced today that Pistons Guard Allen Iverson was voted as a starter for the Eastern Conference All-Star team after receiving 1,804,649 fan votes. He joins LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Dwight Howard and Kevin Garnett to round out the starting five for the East. The 2009 NBA All-Star Game will be played in Phoenix, Arizona on February 15 at US Airways Center, home of the Phoenix Suns.
“It's always an honor to be named an All-Star and it's a blessing to be in this league,” said Iverson. Being named an All-Star starter makes it that much more special. The fact that the fans have voted me onto the team makes this a great honor and it's truly appreciated.”
Iverson, the MVP of the 2001 and 2005 NBA All-Star Games, will make his 10th All-Star appearance, all as a starter, even though he did not play in the 2007 game due to an ankle injury. Named an All-Star as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets, Iverson now joins Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors, 76ers, Lakers), Moses Malone (Rockets, Bullets, Hawks, 76ers), Shaquille O’Neal (Magic, Lakers, Heat) and Jason Kidd (Suns, Nets, Mavericks) as the only players in NBA All-Star history to be named a starter as a member of three or more different teams. In the eight games played, Iverson has averaged 16.0 points, 6.6 assists and 2.8 rebounds. He scored an all-star-high 35 points in the 2003 game, scored in double figures in five of eight games and dished out 10 or more assists twice.
A 12-year NBA veteran, Iverson was acquired by the Pistons on November 3, 2009 in exchange for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb. In 40 games this season, he’s averaging 17.9 points, 5.4 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.60 steals in 38.4 minutes per game.
In Play! Pistons Forum
“It's always an honor to be named an All-Star and it's a blessing to be in this league,” said Iverson. Being named an All-Star starter makes it that much more special. The fact that the fans have voted me onto the team makes this a great honor and it's truly appreciated.”
Iverson, the MVP of the 2001 and 2005 NBA All-Star Games, will make his 10th All-Star appearance, all as a starter, even though he did not play in the 2007 game due to an ankle injury. Named an All-Star as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets, Iverson now joins Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors, 76ers, Lakers), Moses Malone (Rockets, Bullets, Hawks, 76ers), Shaquille O’Neal (Magic, Lakers, Heat) and Jason Kidd (Suns, Nets, Mavericks) as the only players in NBA All-Star history to be named a starter as a member of three or more different teams. In the eight games played, Iverson has averaged 16.0 points, 6.6 assists and 2.8 rebounds. He scored an all-star-high 35 points in the 2003 game, scored in double figures in five of eight games and dished out 10 or more assists twice.
A 12-year NBA veteran, Iverson was acquired by the Pistons on November 3, 2009 in exchange for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb. In 40 games this season, he’s averaging 17.9 points, 5.4 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.60 steals in 38.4 minutes per game.
In Play! Pistons Forum
Get Rid of Fan Voting!
Get Rid of Fan Voting!
Matt Dumouchelle
100.7 FM- The Rock
For In Play! magazine
One of my sports pet peeves is rearing it’s ugly head once again, and so early in the New Year.
I have said it a number of times on the show and I will say it again – fan voting should be eliminated.
The NHL All Star Game is Jan 25th in Montreal and of course, fans get to select the starters for both teams.
And wouldn’t you know it – half the starters for the East are Canadiens.
In the Eastern Conference, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are starting – as deserved. The other winger is Alexei Kovalev – a Hab.
Yup, no Alexander Ovechkin. And really, why should he be there – he’s only 2nd in the NHL in scoring and 1st in the NHL in goals scored.
If the NHL wants to market their product, how can they allow Alexei Kovalev be an all star starter over Ovechkin.
By the way, Kovalev isn’t even the leading scorer ON HIS OWN TEAM!! That is not an NHL All Star starter!
On defense is Montreal blue-liners Mike Komasarek and Andrei Markov. Ooo there’s a couple names that will make me click right in!
Markov is 5th in defenseman scoring, that’s fine – but Komasarek HAS 3 POINTS. THREE!! I’m more of an all star than that!
Catch the rest of Matt's rant
Matt Dumouchelle
100.7 FM- The Rock
For In Play! magazine
One of my sports pet peeves is rearing it’s ugly head once again, and so early in the New Year.
I have said it a number of times on the show and I will say it again – fan voting should be eliminated.
The NHL All Star Game is Jan 25th in Montreal and of course, fans get to select the starters for both teams.
And wouldn’t you know it – half the starters for the East are Canadiens.
In the Eastern Conference, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are starting – as deserved. The other winger is Alexei Kovalev – a Hab.
Yup, no Alexander Ovechkin. And really, why should he be there – he’s only 2nd in the NHL in scoring and 1st in the NHL in goals scored.
If the NHL wants to market their product, how can they allow Alexei Kovalev be an all star starter over Ovechkin.
By the way, Kovalev isn’t even the leading scorer ON HIS OWN TEAM!! That is not an NHL All Star starter!
On defense is Montreal blue-liners Mike Komasarek and Andrei Markov. Ooo there’s a couple names that will make me click right in!
Markov is 5th in defenseman scoring, that’s fine – but Komasarek HAS 3 POINTS. THREE!! I’m more of an all star than that!
Catch the rest of Matt's rant
Death of hockey player rekindles debate.
Death of hockey player rekindles debate.
Bob Bellacicco
"A" News-Windsor
For In Play! magazine
My heart goes to out to the family of Don Sanderson, the 21-year old Whitby Dunlops player, who succumbed to his injuries and passed away January 2nd. Sanderson was involved in a fight during a Major Hockey League Senior A game three weeks ago. He lost his helmet, fell and banged his head off the ice during a third period tussle.
The accident has rekindled the debate about fighting in the game of hockey. Some like it. Others don't. I watched a player on TSN say it's part of the game and a risk they take when getting involved.
The issue has been debated for years. Will this incident force hockey to react? I think more focus on safety will ensue but fighting probably won't be banned any time soon. It can't be. Don Cherry would lose his mind. Should fighting be outlawed? It's works in lacrosse but basketball and baseball players look like sissy's when they fight...or try to.
The games of Football and Rugby are more physical but their players don't fight. Why not? Can hockey be like those sports? Better yet, can hockey fans enjoy the physical part of the game without the fights? It works for football and rugby.
Your thoughts
Bob Bellacicco
"A" News-Windsor
For In Play! magazine
My heart goes to out to the family of Don Sanderson, the 21-year old Whitby Dunlops player, who succumbed to his injuries and passed away January 2nd. Sanderson was involved in a fight during a Major Hockey League Senior A game three weeks ago. He lost his helmet, fell and banged his head off the ice during a third period tussle.
The accident has rekindled the debate about fighting in the game of hockey. Some like it. Others don't. I watched a player on TSN say it's part of the game and a risk they take when getting involved.
The issue has been debated for years. Will this incident force hockey to react? I think more focus on safety will ensue but fighting probably won't be banned any time soon. It can't be. Don Cherry would lose his mind. Should fighting be outlawed? It's works in lacrosse but basketball and baseball players look like sissy's when they fight...or try to.
The games of Football and Rugby are more physical but their players don't fight. Why not? Can hockey be like those sports? Better yet, can hockey fans enjoy the physical part of the game without the fights? It works for football and rugby.
Your thoughts
Lions Defense vs Kansas City Defense...By The Numbers
Gunther Cunningham named Detroit Lions’ new assistant head coach & defensive coordinator by Head Coach Jim Schwartz.
Cunningham comes to the Lions from the Kansas City Chiefs.
So, how does the new defensive coordinator stack up against the coach he is replacing?
In Play! magazine breaks down the stats of the Defensives by game averages from the 2008 season and the numbers are strikingly eerie.
2008 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS DEFENSE
POINTS-27.5 (29th), YDS-393.2 (31st), PASS YDS-234.2 (28TH), RUSH YDS-158.9 (30TH)
2008 DETROIT LIONS DEFENSE
POINTS-32.3 (32ND), YDS-404.4 (32ND), PASS YDS-232.2 (27TH), RUSH YDS-172.1 (32TH)
Link to Lions Fan Forum
Cunningham comes to the Lions from the Kansas City Chiefs.
So, how does the new defensive coordinator stack up against the coach he is replacing?
In Play! magazine breaks down the stats of the Defensives by game averages from the 2008 season and the numbers are strikingly eerie.
2008 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS DEFENSE
POINTS-27.5 (29th), YDS-393.2 (31st), PASS YDS-234.2 (28TH), RUSH YDS-158.9 (30TH)
2008 DETROIT LIONS DEFENSE
POINTS-32.3 (32ND), YDS-404.4 (32ND), PASS YDS-232.2 (27TH), RUSH YDS-172.1 (32TH)
Link to Lions Fan Forum
LIONS HIRE GUNTHER CUNNINGHAM TO HEAD UP THE DEFENSE
LIONS HIRE GUNTHER CUNNINGHAM AS ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
Allen Park, Mich.— Detroit Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz has announced the hiring of Gunther Cunningham as the Lions’ assistant head coach/defensive coordinator. Terms of his contract were not disclosed.
Cunningham is a 40-year coaching veteran on the college and pro levels, including the past 27 seasons in the NFL. He has been a defensive coordinator in the league for 10 seasons and a head coach (Kansas City, 1999-2000) for two. Cunningham has also worked with linebackers and defensive linemen for 16 of his seasons in the pros. As a coach in the NFL, Cunningham has earned the respect of both his peers and players for his intense and straightforward approach to coaching. He is known as a strong motivator who emphasizes the importance of an aggressive and hard-hitting defense. Additionally, Cunningham also brings the elements of being a talented defensive teacher and tactician.
From, 2004-08, Cunningham served as the Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator during his second stint with the organization. In 2008, he also coached the team’s linebackers as the Chiefs’ defense began a transition with six new starters and endured numerous injuries throughout the season. From 2004-07, his imprint on the defense was prevalent in several areas.
Link to article
Allen Park, Mich.— Detroit Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz has announced the hiring of Gunther Cunningham as the Lions’ assistant head coach/defensive coordinator. Terms of his contract were not disclosed.
Cunningham is a 40-year coaching veteran on the college and pro levels, including the past 27 seasons in the NFL. He has been a defensive coordinator in the league for 10 seasons and a head coach (Kansas City, 1999-2000) for two. Cunningham has also worked with linebackers and defensive linemen for 16 of his seasons in the pros. As a coach in the NFL, Cunningham has earned the respect of both his peers and players for his intense and straightforward approach to coaching. He is known as a strong motivator who emphasizes the importance of an aggressive and hard-hitting defense. Additionally, Cunningham also brings the elements of being a talented defensive teacher and tactician.
From, 2004-08, Cunningham served as the Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator during his second stint with the organization. In 2008, he also coached the team’s linebackers as the Chiefs’ defense began a transition with six new starters and endured numerous injuries throughout the season. From 2004-07, his imprint on the defense was prevalent in several areas.
Link to article
SPARTANS BATTLE WOLVERINES TOMORROW AT THE JOE
SPARTANS BATTLE WOLVERINES TOMORROW AT THE JOE
…Shoot For A Cure Silent Auction Will Help Fight Children’s Cancer…
Detroit… Only one day remains before college hockey’s fiercest rivalry takes the ice when the Michigan State Spartans host the Michigan Wolverines at 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 23 at Joe Louis Arena (FSN-Plus).
The Spartans currently hold a 7-14-3 record (4-10-2-2 CCHA) and the No.8-ranked Wolverines are 16-8-0 (10-6-0-0 CCHA). Michigan looks to continue their winning streak having won their last seven games overall at “The Joe”. Michigan State will fight to close the gap in the teams’ all-time series at Joe Louis Arena with the maize and blue posting a 17-20-5 record over the green and white.
Fans attending Friday night’s match-up will have the opportunity to bid on an array of sports memorabilia through a silent auction to benefit “Shoot for a Cure”. Items include memorabilia autographed by former Spartans and Wolverines now playing professional hockey and other hockey items from teams throughout the NHL. The silent auction, sponsored by Michigan State, will take place on the Joe Louis Arena concourse through the end of the second intermission.
“Shoot for a Cure” was started by former Spartan and Detroit Red Wings draft pick Justin Abdelkader and current Michigan State senior Daniel Sturges and is currently in its second season. Every dollar collected through “Shoot for a Cure” goes directly to Cure Kids Cancer at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.
Be sure to always check out our fan fourms for your up to date sports news from around Windsor and Detroit.
Link to article
…Shoot For A Cure Silent Auction Will Help Fight Children’s Cancer…
Detroit… Only one day remains before college hockey’s fiercest rivalry takes the ice when the Michigan State Spartans host the Michigan Wolverines at 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 23 at Joe Louis Arena (FSN-Plus).
The Spartans currently hold a 7-14-3 record (4-10-2-2 CCHA) and the No.8-ranked Wolverines are 16-8-0 (10-6-0-0 CCHA). Michigan looks to continue their winning streak having won their last seven games overall at “The Joe”. Michigan State will fight to close the gap in the teams’ all-time series at Joe Louis Arena with the maize and blue posting a 17-20-5 record over the green and white.
Fans attending Friday night’s match-up will have the opportunity to bid on an array of sports memorabilia through a silent auction to benefit “Shoot for a Cure”. Items include memorabilia autographed by former Spartans and Wolverines now playing professional hockey and other hockey items from teams throughout the NHL. The silent auction, sponsored by Michigan State, will take place on the Joe Louis Arena concourse through the end of the second intermission.
“Shoot for a Cure” was started by former Spartan and Detroit Red Wings draft pick Justin Abdelkader and current Michigan State senior Daniel Sturges and is currently in its second season. Every dollar collected through “Shoot for a Cure” goes directly to Cure Kids Cancer at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.
Be sure to always check out our fan fourms for your up to date sports news from around Windsor and Detroit.
Link to article
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
LIONS HIRE GUNTHER CUNNINGHAM AS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
LIONS HIRE GUNTHER CUNNINGHAM AS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
Allen Park, Mich.— Detroit Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz has announced the hiring of Gunther Cunningham as the Lions’ defensive coordinator. Terms of his contract were not disclosed.
Cunningham is a 40-year coaching veteran on the college and pro levels, including the past 27 seasons in the NFL. As an NFL coach, he has served 10 seasons as a defensive coordinator and two seasons as head coach, and during his time in the NFL he has worked with linebackers and defensive line in 16 of those seasons.
He most recently served as the Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator from 2004-08, his second stint with the Chiefs’ organization. Cunningham served as assistant head coach/linebackers (2001-03) on Jeff Fisher’s coaching staff with the Tennessee Titans along with Schwartz. Prior to his stint in Tennessee, he was with the Chiefs for the first time as the team’s defensive coordinator (1995-98) and head coach (1999-2000).
Link to article
Allen Park, Mich.— Detroit Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz has announced the hiring of Gunther Cunningham as the Lions’ defensive coordinator. Terms of his contract were not disclosed.
Cunningham is a 40-year coaching veteran on the college and pro levels, including the past 27 seasons in the NFL. As an NFL coach, he has served 10 seasons as a defensive coordinator and two seasons as head coach, and during his time in the NFL he has worked with linebackers and defensive line in 16 of those seasons.
He most recently served as the Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator from 2004-08, his second stint with the Chiefs’ organization. Cunningham served as assistant head coach/linebackers (2001-03) on Jeff Fisher’s coaching staff with the Tennessee Titans along with Schwartz. Prior to his stint in Tennessee, he was with the Chiefs for the first time as the team’s defensive coordinator (1995-98) and head coach (1999-2000).
Link to article
Friday, January 16, 2009
NEW HEAD COACH-NO HEAD COACHING EXPERIENCE-SAME DETROIT LIONS ISSUES
NEW HEAD COACH-NO HEAD COACHING EXPERIENCE-SAME DETROIT LIONS ISSUES
Well Lions Fans we have a new Head Coach and his name is Jim Schwartz previously the defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans.
In my humble opinion the Lions were (still are) in need of a complete and serious overhaul from top to bottom and they need experience at the helm to do that.
So exactly how much head coaching experience does Schwartz have under his belt? ZERO!
That's right, our new head coach comes to us with no more experience at the helm then Marinelli did.
I am sorry for the pessimistic outlook but I don't see anything happening next season except maybe 32 loses in a row.
First we were treated by Mr. Ford to the promotion of the new Lions President Tom Lewand and then the promotion of the new General Manager Martin Mayhew, again we needed experience and what did we wind up with?
The pair; self admittedly an intrical part of the last eight years and a big part of the o-16 record in 2008, yet they are kept on...and bumped up as a matter of fact..
"Elevate and delegate" as they say. Oh yeah, there's another old saying, "We can't fire em...let's promote em and get them out of our department."
Link to article
Well Lions Fans we have a new Head Coach and his name is Jim Schwartz previously the defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans.
In my humble opinion the Lions were (still are) in need of a complete and serious overhaul from top to bottom and they need experience at the helm to do that.
So exactly how much head coaching experience does Schwartz have under his belt? ZERO!
That's right, our new head coach comes to us with no more experience at the helm then Marinelli did.
I am sorry for the pessimistic outlook but I don't see anything happening next season except maybe 32 loses in a row.
First we were treated by Mr. Ford to the promotion of the new Lions President Tom Lewand and then the promotion of the new General Manager Martin Mayhew, again we needed experience and what did we wind up with?
The pair; self admittedly an intrical part of the last eight years and a big part of the o-16 record in 2008, yet they are kept on...and bumped up as a matter of fact..
"Elevate and delegate" as they say. Oh yeah, there's another old saying, "We can't fire em...let's promote em and get them out of our department."
Link to article
Thursday, January 15, 2009
LIONS TO INTRODUCE JIM SCHWARTZ AS NEW HEAD COACH
LIONS TO INTRODUCE JIM SCHWARTZ AS NEW HEAD COACH
Statement from Lions President Tom Lewand
Detroit January 16, 2009
3:58 PM
"After an extensive search that included several highly-qualified coaches, we are thrilled that Jim Schwartz will become our team's head coach. Martin (Mayhew) and I believe that Jim's qualifications and vision will lead this organization on the field toward our goal of becoming a championship football team."
In Play! will have further details as they become available.
Link to Lions Fan Forum
Statement from Lions President Tom Lewand
Detroit January 16, 2009
3:58 PM
"After an extensive search that included several highly-qualified coaches, we are thrilled that Jim Schwartz will become our team's head coach. Martin (Mayhew) and I believe that Jim's qualifications and vision will lead this organization on the field toward our goal of becoming a championship football team."
In Play! will have further details as they become available.
Link to Lions Fan Forum
CABRERA NAMED ‘KING TIGER’ 2008 BY MAYO SMITH SOCIETY MEMBERS
Photo by Jack Rosenberg for In Play! MagazineCABRERA NAMED ‘KING TIGER’ 2008 BY MAYO SMITH SOCIETY MEMBERS
DETROIT -- Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera has won the 2008 King Tiger Award, given each year by the Mayo Smith Society.
Cabrera was the American League's home run leader in 2008 with 37, while he tied for the league lead with 331 total bases. He finished third in the league with 127 RBI, fifth with 75 extra-base hits and seventh with a .537 slugging percentage. Cabrera is the first Tigers player to lead the league in home runs since Cecil Fielder belted 44 home runs in 1991 to share the league lead.
Outfielder Curtis Granderson finished second and rookie righthanded pitcher Armando Galarraga finished third, in balloting conducted during the offseason by the Mayo Smith Society, the nationwide organization of Detroit Tigers fans. Outfielder Magglio Ordoñez and third baseman Brandon Inge also collected King Tiger votes.
Link to article
DETROIT -- Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera has won the 2008 King Tiger Award, given each year by the Mayo Smith Society.
Cabrera was the American League's home run leader in 2008 with 37, while he tied for the league lead with 331 total bases. He finished third in the league with 127 RBI, fifth with 75 extra-base hits and seventh with a .537 slugging percentage. Cabrera is the first Tigers player to lead the league in home runs since Cecil Fielder belted 44 home runs in 1991 to share the league lead.
Outfielder Curtis Granderson finished second and rookie righthanded pitcher Armando Galarraga finished third, in balloting conducted during the offseason by the Mayo Smith Society, the nationwide organization of Detroit Tigers fans. Outfielder Magglio Ordoñez and third baseman Brandon Inge also collected King Tiger votes.
Link to article
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
2009 International Auto Show Sneak Peek
Dodge Challenger R/T
Chevy Camero
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Chevy Camero
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500In Play! magazine has some great photos of from the 2009 North American International Auto Show.
Take a sneak peek at the hottest sports cars at this year's show before it opens to the general public.
Many more photos are postedon our website photo gallery...just follow the link below.
All photos by Jack Rosenberg
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Details for 2009 Subway OHL All-Star Classic
Details for 2009 Subway OHL All-Star Classic
Spitfires Announce Special Details for 2009 Subway OHL All-Star Classic Events!
(Windsor) At a press conference conducted earlier today, the Windsor Spitfires and OHL All-Star Committee made several exciting announcements with regards to the 2009 Subway OHL All-Star Classic, hosted at the WFCU Centre from February 2nd – 4th, 2009.
Master of Ceremonies Steve Bell from AM800’s Morning Drive kicked things off by welcoming all guests attending today’s conference. Details for the star-studded Sun Life Financial All-Star Luncheon were then announced. The luncheon will be held on Wednesday, February 4th at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts. A seven-course meal will be served and the keynote speaker for the luncheon will be Ken Holland, Executive Vice-President and General Manager of the Detroit Red Wings. Tables are currently being sold to fans looking to attend the event. Each table will include an OHL All-Star player as well as a Sun Life Financial Ambassador. Trophies from the Hockey Hall of Fame including the Stanley Cup as well as OHL trophies will also be on display at the luncheon. Tables of eight can be purchased for $895 each or pairs of tickets are available at $295 by calling (519) 254-5000 ext. 200. Tables must be booked no later than January 21st.
Details for the OHL All-Star Skills Competition, Half-Time Show and participants for the OHL Alumni game were also released. The OHL All-Star Skills Competition will be held from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3rd at the WFCU Centre and will feature events such as the hardest shot competition, fastest skater, shooting accuracy, team relay race and a breakaway shootout just to name a few. The Half-Time Show will follow the skills competition from 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m, featuring feature local recording sensation Jody Raffoul, a pop-rock singer and songwriter who performs over 200 shows a year and has opened for many well known musical acts including Kid Rock, Nickelback, Collective Soul and most recently Bon Jovi.
Link to article
Spitfires Announce Special Details for 2009 Subway OHL All-Star Classic Events!
(Windsor) At a press conference conducted earlier today, the Windsor Spitfires and OHL All-Star Committee made several exciting announcements with regards to the 2009 Subway OHL All-Star Classic, hosted at the WFCU Centre from February 2nd – 4th, 2009.
Master of Ceremonies Steve Bell from AM800’s Morning Drive kicked things off by welcoming all guests attending today’s conference. Details for the star-studded Sun Life Financial All-Star Luncheon were then announced. The luncheon will be held on Wednesday, February 4th at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts. A seven-course meal will be served and the keynote speaker for the luncheon will be Ken Holland, Executive Vice-President and General Manager of the Detroit Red Wings. Tables are currently being sold to fans looking to attend the event. Each table will include an OHL All-Star player as well as a Sun Life Financial Ambassador. Trophies from the Hockey Hall of Fame including the Stanley Cup as well as OHL trophies will also be on display at the luncheon. Tables of eight can be purchased for $895 each or pairs of tickets are available at $295 by calling (519) 254-5000 ext. 200. Tables must be booked no later than January 21st.
Details for the OHL All-Star Skills Competition, Half-Time Show and participants for the OHL Alumni game were also released. The OHL All-Star Skills Competition will be held from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3rd at the WFCU Centre and will feature events such as the hardest shot competition, fastest skater, shooting accuracy, team relay race and a breakaway shootout just to name a few. The Half-Time Show will follow the skills competition from 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m, featuring feature local recording sensation Jody Raffoul, a pop-rock singer and songwriter who performs over 200 shows a year and has opened for many well known musical acts including Kid Rock, Nickelback, Collective Soul and most recently Bon Jovi.
Link to article
TIGERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH FU-TE NI ON MINOR LEAGUE DEAL
TIGERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH FU-TE NI ON MINOR LEAGUE DEAL
Lefthanded Pitcher Receives Invitation to Major League Camp
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms on a minor league deal with lefthanded pitcher Fu-Te Ni from Taiwan. Ni will be in major league camp with the Tigers this spring as a non-roster invitee.
Ni spent the past two seasons pitching for the China Trust Whales in the Chinese Professional Baseball League. In 2008, he finished 5-12 with a 3.34 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 145.1 innings pitched. Ni led the CPBL with 132 strikeouts in 2008. He finished 7-12 with a 3.53 ERA and 125 strikeouts in 122.1 innings pitched during the 2007 season. Ni finished third in the CPBL with 125 strikeouts that season, while he was eighth with his 3.53 ERA.
“Our personnel that have scouted Ni project him as a major league pitcher,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “The efforts by Al Avila (vice president/assistant general manager), Tom Moore (director, international operations), Kevin Hooker (pacific rim coordinator) and Allen Lin (Taiwan scout) have brought this well-scouted prospect to our organization. We are pleased to add Ni as we continue to expand our international scouting efforts.”
Link to article
Lefthanded Pitcher Receives Invitation to Major League Camp
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms on a minor league deal with lefthanded pitcher Fu-Te Ni from Taiwan. Ni will be in major league camp with the Tigers this spring as a non-roster invitee.
Ni spent the past two seasons pitching for the China Trust Whales in the Chinese Professional Baseball League. In 2008, he finished 5-12 with a 3.34 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 145.1 innings pitched. Ni led the CPBL with 132 strikeouts in 2008. He finished 7-12 with a 3.53 ERA and 125 strikeouts in 122.1 innings pitched during the 2007 season. Ni finished third in the CPBL with 125 strikeouts that season, while he was eighth with his 3.53 ERA.
“Our personnel that have scouted Ni project him as a major league pitcher,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “The efforts by Al Avila (vice president/assistant general manager), Tom Moore (director, international operations), Kevin Hooker (pacific rim coordinator) and Allen Lin (Taiwan scout) have brought this well-scouted prospect to our organization. We are pleased to add Ni as we continue to expand our international scouting efforts.”
Link to article
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Old Time Hockey Slowly Slipping Away
Gone are the days of Scotty Bowman telling reporters a player has a leg injury when it's actually his shoulder or that a concussion is really a pulled groin.
A new directive from the NHL states:
"Clubs no longer are required to disclose the specific nature of player injuries. Clubs are, however, required to disclose that a player is expected to miss a game due to injury, or will not return to a game following an injury. Clubs are prohibited from providing untruthful information about the nature of a player injury or otherwise misrepresenting a player’s condition."
Next thing you know there won't be any fighting in the game...oh, wait a minute.
Link to current issue of In Play!
A new directive from the NHL states:
"Clubs no longer are required to disclose the specific nature of player injuries. Clubs are, however, required to disclose that a player is expected to miss a game due to injury, or will not return to a game following an injury. Clubs are prohibited from providing untruthful information about the nature of a player injury or otherwise misrepresenting a player’s condition."
Next thing you know there won't be any fighting in the game...oh, wait a minute.
Link to current issue of In Play!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Click here for ticketsMonday, December 29, 2008
Rod Marrinelli Answers Tough Questions At Final Press Conference.
In Play! has a very interesting transcript from Rod Marrinelli's final press conference.
Find out what Marinelli says about...
-If 0-16 was too much of a loss for him to keep his job?
-What he would do differently if he got another head coaching job?
-Iif he's spoken to Matt Millen recently?
-If the 'losing culture' in this city as far as the expectation to lose was worse than he expected?
-What else was missing besides work ethic that caused this team to go 0-16?
-If he thinks he's leaving this team better than he found it?
Link to article
Don't forget to bookmark us for all our upcoming Detroit Auto show issue.
Find out what Marinelli says about...
-If 0-16 was too much of a loss for him to keep his job?
-What he would do differently if he got another head coaching job?
-Iif he's spoken to Matt Millen recently?
-If the 'losing culture' in this city as far as the expectation to lose was worse than he expected?
-What else was missing besides work ethic that caused this team to go 0-16?
-If he thinks he's leaving this team better than he found it?
Link to article
Don't forget to bookmark us for all our upcoming Detroit Auto show issue.
Three-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Katie Smith Honored As 2008 USA Basketball Female Athlete Of The Year
Photo by Brian St. PierreThree-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Katie Smith Honored As
2008 USA Basketball Female Athlete Of The Year
-- Smith Eligible For 2008 U.S. Olympic Committee SportsWoman Of The Year Award --
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 29, 2008) -- Katie Smith, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and co-captain of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team that captured the USA’s fourth consecutive gold medal, has been selected the 2008 USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year, USA Basketball today announced. As such, Smith will be nominated by USA Basketball for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Committee SportsWoman of the Year. The selection was made by the USA Basketball Board of Directors.
“This is a huge honor, it’s a surprise to me, but it’s very much appreciated,” said Smith. “There are so many bigger names, like Diana (Taurasi), Lisa (Leslie) winning her fourth gold, Tina (Thompson) putting up big numbers, it’s not that we’re not equal as players on the team, but in my career this kind of thing hasn’t happened a whole lot. I got what I wanted in a sense of being a part of those teams, winning gold medals and enjoying the overall experience. I love what I do and have enjoyed all my opportunities to represent USA Basketball. Obviously people saw that I cared, that I worked hard, and I appreciate that.
“What we always preach with USA Basketball is that it’s one team, one goal. It’s all about winning and doing whatever is needed, whether you play or don’t play, score or play defense. That’s what I tried to do throughout my USA Basketball days.
“This is a bonus and definitely a surprise, but very much appreciated. It’s neat to know that people do see what you do, the time you spend and the things you put into it. It’s not always about the flashy highlights, it’s the grunt work and a lot of us do that, from the players to the coaches and the staff. A lot of grunt work goes into what we do to be successful and it makes you feel good that people notice.”
Link to article
2008 USA Basketball Female Athlete Of The Year
-- Smith Eligible For 2008 U.S. Olympic Committee SportsWoman Of The Year Award --
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 29, 2008) -- Katie Smith, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and co-captain of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team that captured the USA’s fourth consecutive gold medal, has been selected the 2008 USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year, USA Basketball today announced. As such, Smith will be nominated by USA Basketball for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Committee SportsWoman of the Year. The selection was made by the USA Basketball Board of Directors.
“This is a huge honor, it’s a surprise to me, but it’s very much appreciated,” said Smith. “There are so many bigger names, like Diana (Taurasi), Lisa (Leslie) winning her fourth gold, Tina (Thompson) putting up big numbers, it’s not that we’re not equal as players on the team, but in my career this kind of thing hasn’t happened a whole lot. I got what I wanted in a sense of being a part of those teams, winning gold medals and enjoying the overall experience. I love what I do and have enjoyed all my opportunities to represent USA Basketball. Obviously people saw that I cared, that I worked hard, and I appreciate that.
“What we always preach with USA Basketball is that it’s one team, one goal. It’s all about winning and doing whatever is needed, whether you play or don’t play, score or play defense. That’s what I tried to do throughout my USA Basketball days.
“This is a bonus and definitely a surprise, but very much appreciated. It’s neat to know that people do see what you do, the time you spend and the things you put into it. It’s not always about the flashy highlights, it’s the grunt work and a lot of us do that, from the players to the coaches and the staff. A lot of grunt work goes into what we do to be successful and it makes you feel good that people notice.”
Link to article
LIONS FIRE COACHING STAFF!
October 2008 cover photo by Jack Rosenberg
WILLIAM CLAY FORD PROMOTES TOM LEWAND TO TEAM PRESIDENT AND MARTIN MAYHEW TO GENERAL MANAGER; ROD MARINELLI RELIEVED OF DUTIES AS HEAD COACH
Allen Park, Mich. - Detroit Lions Owner and Chairman William Clay Ford announced the following today:
-The promotion of Tom Lewand to Team President.
-The promotion of Martin Mayhew to General Manager.
-Rod Marinelli has been relieved of his duties as Head Coach.
Also the following assistant coaches will not be retained: Joe Barry (Defensive Coordinator), Mike Barry (Assistant Offensive Line) and Jimmy Lake (Secondary). The contract of Joe Cullen (Defensive Line) will not be renewed.
The team also announced that Jim Colletto has been re-assigned to offensive line coach.
Additionally, Dave Boller (Assistant Director of Pro Personnel) will not be retained.
We look forward to your comments in our Lions Fan Forum
Allen Park, Mich. - Detroit Lions Owner and Chairman William Clay Ford announced the following today:
-The promotion of Tom Lewand to Team President.
-The promotion of Martin Mayhew to General Manager.
-Rod Marinelli has been relieved of his duties as Head Coach.
Also the following assistant coaches will not be retained: Joe Barry (Defensive Coordinator), Mike Barry (Assistant Offensive Line) and Jimmy Lake (Secondary). The contract of Joe Cullen (Defensive Line) will not be renewed.
The team also announced that Jim Colletto has been re-assigned to offensive line coach.
Additionally, Dave Boller (Assistant Director of Pro Personnel) will not be retained.
We look forward to your comments in our Lions Fan Forum
Friday, December 19, 2008
Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Postponed for 2009
Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Postponed for 2009
December 19, 2008
Courtesy DBIGP
DETROIT, Mich. (December 19, 2008) - Officials for the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix announced today that the 2009 event will be postponed due to the difficult economic conditions prevalent in southeast Michigan and across the nation.
“The economic environment that our region, state and country faces, both today and in 2009, is difficult,” said Roger Penske, Chairman of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “It is unfortunate that we must postpone the 2009 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix as sponsorship opportunities and support has proven to be very challenging for the event in the near term.”
The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix has brought tremendous benefit to Belle Isle Park and to the region since the event returned world-class auto racing back to the Motor City for the first time in more than six years in 2007. Both the 2007 and 2008 races established themselves as one of Detroit’s most popular summertime events, featuring both the American Le Mans Series and the IndyCar Series.
Link to article
December 19, 2008
Courtesy DBIGP
DETROIT, Mich. (December 19, 2008) - Officials for the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix announced today that the 2009 event will be postponed due to the difficult economic conditions prevalent in southeast Michigan and across the nation.
“The economic environment that our region, state and country faces, both today and in 2009, is difficult,” said Roger Penske, Chairman of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “It is unfortunate that we must postpone the 2009 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix as sponsorship opportunities and support has proven to be very challenging for the event in the near term.”
The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix has brought tremendous benefit to Belle Isle Park and to the region since the event returned world-class auto racing back to the Motor City for the first time in more than six years in 2007. Both the 2007 and 2008 races established themselves as one of Detroit’s most popular summertime events, featuring both the American Le Mans Series and the IndyCar Series.
Link to article
Thursday, December 18, 2008
TIGERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH CATCHER MATT TREANOR
TIGERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH MATT TREANOR
Catcher Agrees to One-Year Deal with Club
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with catcher Matt Treanor.
Treanor saw action in 65 games with the Florida Marlins in 2008, batting .238 (49x206) with seven doubles, two home runs and 23 RBI.
“Matt is a quality back-up catcher at the major league level and a solid addition to our club,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “Addressing our catching situation was a priority for us this winter and we feel we have solidified that area by adding both Gerald Laird and Matt Treanor.”
In five seasons at the major league level with the Marlins (2004-08), Treanor has hit .237 (171x723) with 30 doubles, eight home runs and 70 RBI in 274 games.
Catcher Agrees to One-Year Deal with Club
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with catcher Matt Treanor.
Treanor saw action in 65 games with the Florida Marlins in 2008, batting .238 (49x206) with seven doubles, two home runs and 23 RBI.
“Matt is a quality back-up catcher at the major league level and a solid addition to our club,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “Addressing our catching situation was a priority for us this winter and we feel we have solidified that area by adding both Gerald Laird and Matt Treanor.”
In five seasons at the major league level with the Marlins (2004-08), Treanor has hit .237 (171x723) with 30 doubles, eight home runs and 70 RBI in 274 games.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
TODD JONES UNDERWENT SUCCESSFUL ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY
TODD JONES UNDERWENT SUCCESSFUL ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY
Retired Pitcher Had Tears in Rotator Cuff and Labrum Repaired
DETROIT – Former Tigers pitcher Todd Jones underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair tears in his rotator cuff and labrum on December 9, a procedure performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, AL.
Jones retired from professional baseball at the end of the 2008 season and upon returning home to Alabama he continued an extensive rehabilitation program on his shoulder before opting to undergo the procedure performed by Dr. Andrews.
Jones pitched for 16 seasons at the major league level, compiling a 58-63 record, 3.97 ERA (1072.0IP/473ER) and 319 saves in 982 appearances. He concluded his career with 235 saves during his time with the Tigers, the most by a single pitcher in franchise history.
More Tigers stories and blogs
Retired Pitcher Had Tears in Rotator Cuff and Labrum Repaired
DETROIT – Former Tigers pitcher Todd Jones underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair tears in his rotator cuff and labrum on December 9, a procedure performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, AL.
Jones retired from professional baseball at the end of the 2008 season and upon returning home to Alabama he continued an extensive rehabilitation program on his shoulder before opting to undergo the procedure performed by Dr. Andrews.
Jones pitched for 16 seasons at the major league level, compiling a 58-63 record, 3.97 ERA (1072.0IP/473ER) and 319 saves in 982 appearances. He concluded his career with 235 saves during his time with the Tigers, the most by a single pitcher in franchise history.
More Tigers stories and blogs
Monday, December 15, 2008
TIGERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH ADAM EVERETT
TIGERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH ADAM EVERETT
Shortstop Agrees to One-Year Deal with Club
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with shortstop Adam Everett.
Everett was limited to 48 games with the Minnesota Twins in 2008 due to two separate stints on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain and right shoulder tendinitis. He batted .213 (27x127) with two home runs and 20 RBI for the Twins.
“We are pleased to add Adam Everett to the Tigers organization,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “Improving our defense was a priority for our club this winter and we feel Adam is one of the top defensive shortstops in the game.”
A veteran of eight seasons at the major league level with the Houston Astros (2001-07) and Twins (2008), Everett has compiled a .976 fielding percentage at shortstop during his career. A first-round selection by the Boston Red Sox in 1998, he has hit .246 (558x2272) in 697 games at the major league level.
Shortstop Agrees to One-Year Deal with Club
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with shortstop Adam Everett.
Everett was limited to 48 games with the Minnesota Twins in 2008 due to two separate stints on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain and right shoulder tendinitis. He batted .213 (27x127) with two home runs and 20 RBI for the Twins.
“We are pleased to add Adam Everett to the Tigers organization,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “Improving our defense was a priority for our club this winter and we feel Adam is one of the top defensive shortstops in the game.”
A veteran of eight seasons at the major league level with the Houston Astros (2001-07) and Twins (2008), Everett has compiled a .976 fielding percentage at shortstop during his career. A first-round selection by the Boston Red Sox in 1998, he has hit .246 (558x2272) in 697 games at the major league level.
Monday, December 8, 2008
TIGERS ACQUIRE GERALD LAIRD FROM TEXAS RANGERS
TIGERS ACQUIRE GERALD LAIRD FROM TEXAS RANGERS
DETROIT December 8, 2008 - 2:05 PM- The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has acquired catcher Gerald Laird from the Texas Rangers in exchange for righthanded pitchers Carlos Melo and Guillermo Moscoso.
Laird saw action in 95 games for the Rangers in 2008, batting .276 (95x344) with 24 doubles, six home runs and 41 RBI. He hit .305 (25x82) with seven doubles, two home runs and 14 RBI in 21 games against clubs from the American League Central Division this past season.“
The Tigers organization is pleased to acquire Gerald Laird from the Texas Rangers,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “He is a solid addition to our club offensively, defensively and with his ability to handle a pitching staff at the major league level.”
Link to article
DETROIT December 8, 2008 - 2:05 PM- The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has acquired catcher Gerald Laird from the Texas Rangers in exchange for righthanded pitchers Carlos Melo and Guillermo Moscoso.
Laird saw action in 95 games for the Rangers in 2008, batting .276 (95x344) with 24 doubles, six home runs and 41 RBI. He hit .305 (25x82) with seven doubles, two home runs and 14 RBI in 21 games against clubs from the American League Central Division this past season.“
The Tigers organization is pleased to acquire Gerald Laird from the Texas Rangers,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “He is a solid addition to our club offensively, defensively and with his ability to handle a pitching staff at the major league level.”
Link to article
0-13 And The Lions Are Headed For The Record Books
0-13 And The Lions Are Headed For The Record Books
Well after another disappointing loss the Lions are no closer to winning "a" game than winning the Superbowl.
And by looking in the stands today it was evident that Lions fans are done spending their money on this football team for the rest of this season.
Things seem to be par for the course according to Coach Marinelli, in his opening statement at the post game press conference he says, "We played well for most of the game and when we had a chance and needed to stop them, we didn't get that done. So that kind of sums it up."
The Lions were within six yards of the goal line on three separate occasions and failed to score a touchdown. It seems that the redzone might as well be the twilight zone for the Lions offence...their inept attempts to finish a scoring drive are the hallmark of this team.
Marinelli feels the same way, "We had to get touchdowns I felt. In this league, when you've got a chance to get touchdowns, you have to get them and we were unable to do that." Marinelli goes on to say "I decided with the staff early in the week - I thought we did that at Carolina also. Once we crossed (mid-field) I wanted to go into fourth down mode because I felt going into the game we needed touchdowns big time. I didn't quite know how we were going to play defensively-we had some guys out still. It didn't work."
There was a bright spot though, and that is Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson.
Link to article
Well after another disappointing loss the Lions are no closer to winning "a" game than winning the Superbowl.
And by looking in the stands today it was evident that Lions fans are done spending their money on this football team for the rest of this season.
Things seem to be par for the course according to Coach Marinelli, in his opening statement at the post game press conference he says, "We played well for most of the game and when we had a chance and needed to stop them, we didn't get that done. So that kind of sums it up."
The Lions were within six yards of the goal line on three separate occasions and failed to score a touchdown. It seems that the redzone might as well be the twilight zone for the Lions offence...their inept attempts to finish a scoring drive are the hallmark of this team.
Marinelli feels the same way, "We had to get touchdowns I felt. In this league, when you've got a chance to get touchdowns, you have to get them and we were unable to do that." Marinelli goes on to say "I decided with the staff early in the week - I thought we did that at Carolina also. Once we crossed (mid-field) I wanted to go into fourth down mode because I felt going into the game we needed touchdowns big time. I didn't quite know how we were going to play defensively-we had some guys out still. It didn't work."
There was a bright spot though, and that is Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson.
Link to article
Friday, December 5, 2008
Avery Out $126,000 For 15 Second Outburst!
December 5, 2008
In Play! Magazine took part in teleconference today with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman concerning the six game suspension of Sean Avery for his comments in Calgary this past week.
When asked about how he determined the length of the suspension Bettman says, "It was the appropriate response."
Does Avery face more punishment from his team? Bettman says, "It's up to the Dallas Stars whether or not they suspend him further"
Bettman says the NHL does not tolerate this type of behavior and was concerned that parents of small children would have to explain to them what sloppy seconds means and this is not how the NHL wants to portray itself.
According to Bettman Avery has been warned several times by the NHL within the last year including Colin Campbell and Bettman himself!
While listening to Bettman it seems Avery is skating on thin ice with the NHL brass and the next incident could prove more costly than just six games, Bettman says "Players in this league are held accountable on and off the ice."
An ESPN reporter asked if this had been Avery's first offence would he still have received the six game sit down to which Bettman replied "He (Avery) was warned by the NHL twice already."
So where does this leave Avery now that he's in the limelight?
Bettman says "Avery will be held to a higher standard as a repeat offender."
Bettman says he found out about the Avery comments almost instantly. He has two monitors on his desk that are on constantly and that bad news travels fast.The Commissioner goes on to say, "Somebody in the office told me to punch this up (link) on my screen and that I wasn't going to like it."
Avery just signed a four year $15.5 million contract with the Stars this past summer so his current suspension (not including endorsement deals) breaks down to around $21,000 per game or $126,000 for his comment.
I wonder if it was worth it?
In Play! Magazine took part in teleconference today with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman concerning the six game suspension of Sean Avery for his comments in Calgary this past week.
When asked about how he determined the length of the suspension Bettman says, "It was the appropriate response."
Does Avery face more punishment from his team? Bettman says, "It's up to the Dallas Stars whether or not they suspend him further"
Bettman says the NHL does not tolerate this type of behavior and was concerned that parents of small children would have to explain to them what sloppy seconds means and this is not how the NHL wants to portray itself.
According to Bettman Avery has been warned several times by the NHL within the last year including Colin Campbell and Bettman himself!
While listening to Bettman it seems Avery is skating on thin ice with the NHL brass and the next incident could prove more costly than just six games, Bettman says "Players in this league are held accountable on and off the ice."
An ESPN reporter asked if this had been Avery's first offence would he still have received the six game sit down to which Bettman replied "He (Avery) was warned by the NHL twice already."
So where does this leave Avery now that he's in the limelight?
Bettman says "Avery will be held to a higher standard as a repeat offender."
Bettman says he found out about the Avery comments almost instantly. He has two monitors on his desk that are on constantly and that bad news travels fast.The Commissioner goes on to say, "Somebody in the office told me to punch this up (link) on my screen and that I wasn't going to like it."
Avery just signed a four year $15.5 million contract with the Stars this past summer so his current suspension (not including endorsement deals) breaks down to around $21,000 per game or $126,000 for his comment.
I wonder if it was worth it?
Friday, November 28, 2008
Spitfires Announce the Opening of the WFCU Centre Arena Bowl
Spitfires Announce the Opening of the WFCU Centre Arena BowlWindsor Spitfires, PCR and the City of Windsor Announce the Opening of the WFCU Centre Arena Bowl
(Windsor) In a press conference conducted earlier today at Windsor Arena, the Windsor Spitfires, PCR and the City of Windsor announced that the arena bowl of the Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) Centre will be ready earlier than expected. Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis, City of Windsor Councillor Dave Brister, Paulo Collavino of PCR, Marty Komsa, President of WFCU as well as Windsor Spitfires President and Head Coach Bob Boughner were on hand to provide details for the opening of the arena bowl. The 302,000 square foot facility will be the largest recreation complex in Windsor and Essex County and will serve as the host site of all future Windsor Spitfire home games and several other entertainment events.
Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis was presented with the key to the WFCU Centre from PCR and the Windsor Spitfires announced the first game at their new home will be played on Thursday, December 11 versus the Belleville Bulls at 7:05 p.m. Spitfire season ticket holders can also pickup their season ticket booklets for games at the WFCU Centre starting Tuesday, December 2 at 10 a.m. at Windsor Arena.
Link to article
Monday, November 24, 2008
THE LIONS...WOE IS DETROIT by Drew Lane
The Lions...Woe Is Detroit.
by Drew Lane
for In Play! Magazine
Is it possible the Lions have reached an all time low in 2008? Occasionally, it is possible to look deeply into a roster destined to win two or three games and see a future based on young talent. Rookies often need to make their mistakes and “learn how to win.” This is not the case with this year’s model.
Remember Jimmy Johnson’s 1-15 Cowboys? Within a year it was not difficult to see a bright future. While the Lion’s of the Matt Millen era have fooled some, the present offers no hope for years to come. The defense is uncommonly bad, even by the Lion’s recent standards. They cough up big points early and if they need a late stand to seal the win … well, I don’t have to tell you.
It’s easy to lay it on Joe Barry but I won’t bother. Where are the promising young players years of early draft picks would normally yield? Ernie Sims has his moments but little else generates hope for a better day. A couple players have stood out as disappointments. Cory Redding signed a blockbuster contract two years ago that has yielded next to nothing. Leigh Bodden, who picked off six passes in Cleveland last year, has one of two Lion’s interceptions after nine games.
Searching the offense for future hope is equally dismal. This is an offense that has received seven first round picks in seven years, including some pricey early picks (two second picks, a third and a sixth). Comically, four of these are, or were, wideouts.
Calvin Johnson is the only one still around and undoubtedly will be the best. The other first round pick of this bunch still playing in Detroit is rookie Gosder Cherilus, who should have a question mark instead of a number on the back of his jersey. Pardon me for belaboring the obsession with wide receiver … but …a recent survey of NFL General Managers (Sports Illustrated) rated wide receiver as the second lowest priority position in round one, just ahead of punter.
Kevin Smith will not reach the heights of probably at least 10 to 12 running backs picked in the last three years. 2008 makes the second consecutive season with virtually no running game. This is unlikely to change without wholesale changes in the offensive line.
Shall we pile on by examining the quarterback situation?....
Link to article
by Drew Lane
for In Play! Magazine
Is it possible the Lions have reached an all time low in 2008? Occasionally, it is possible to look deeply into a roster destined to win two or three games and see a future based on young talent. Rookies often need to make their mistakes and “learn how to win.” This is not the case with this year’s model.
Remember Jimmy Johnson’s 1-15 Cowboys? Within a year it was not difficult to see a bright future. While the Lion’s of the Matt Millen era have fooled some, the present offers no hope for years to come. The defense is uncommonly bad, even by the Lion’s recent standards. They cough up big points early and if they need a late stand to seal the win … well, I don’t have to tell you.
It’s easy to lay it on Joe Barry but I won’t bother. Where are the promising young players years of early draft picks would normally yield? Ernie Sims has his moments but little else generates hope for a better day. A couple players have stood out as disappointments. Cory Redding signed a blockbuster contract two years ago that has yielded next to nothing. Leigh Bodden, who picked off six passes in Cleveland last year, has one of two Lion’s interceptions after nine games.
Searching the offense for future hope is equally dismal. This is an offense that has received seven first round picks in seven years, including some pricey early picks (two second picks, a third and a sixth). Comically, four of these are, or were, wideouts.
Calvin Johnson is the only one still around and undoubtedly will be the best. The other first round pick of this bunch still playing in Detroit is rookie Gosder Cherilus, who should have a question mark instead of a number on the back of his jersey. Pardon me for belaboring the obsession with wide receiver … but …a recent survey of NFL General Managers (Sports Illustrated) rated wide receiver as the second lowest priority position in round one, just ahead of punter.
Kevin Smith will not reach the heights of probably at least 10 to 12 running backs picked in the last three years. 2008 makes the second consecutive season with virtually no running game. This is unlikely to change without wholesale changes in the offensive line.
Shall we pile on by examining the quarterback situation?....
Link to article
Monday, November 17, 2008
Shock Win Third WNBA Championship in Six Years
Shock Win Third WNBA Championship in Six Years
By Steve St. Pierre
for In Play! Magazine
Despite playing through a season that included major and constant injuries, suspensions, trades and counting on rookies to carry their reserve unit, the Detroit Shock have won their third WNBA Championship in six seasons.
The Playoffs began with the Shock facing the Indiana Fever in a three-game series in which the Shock won in three games. Detroit then went on to play the New York Liberty in the Eastern Conference Finals, also winning that series in three games. Finally, they met the San Antonio Silver Stars in the WNBA Finals, a best-of-five series in which the Shock swept the first three games.
“(Our players) deserve all the credit in the world,” says Bill Laimbeer, Shock Head Coach and General Manager. “The performance we put on is quality of a (championship) team.”
“This is something that we play for all season,” adds sixth man Plenette Pierson. “This is something that you want in your career. We showed that when we play together and just did everything right, there was nobody that could stand between us.”
The Shock truly had everything going against them this season. Beginning with the starters, shooting guard Deanna Nolan played hurt the entire summer; point guard Elaine Powell missed 20 games with a foot injury; small forward Katie Smith played in the Summer Olympics in the middle of the season, having to make several adjustments both personally and professionally; and center Kara Braxton went from starting at the beginning of the season to being benched to rejoining the starters after power forward Cheryl Ford went down for a season-ending knee injury.
Link to article
By Steve St. Pierre
for In Play! Magazine
Despite playing through a season that included major and constant injuries, suspensions, trades and counting on rookies to carry their reserve unit, the Detroit Shock have won their third WNBA Championship in six seasons.
The Playoffs began with the Shock facing the Indiana Fever in a three-game series in which the Shock won in three games. Detroit then went on to play the New York Liberty in the Eastern Conference Finals, also winning that series in three games. Finally, they met the San Antonio Silver Stars in the WNBA Finals, a best-of-five series in which the Shock swept the first three games.
“(Our players) deserve all the credit in the world,” says Bill Laimbeer, Shock Head Coach and General Manager. “The performance we put on is quality of a (championship) team.”
“This is something that we play for all season,” adds sixth man Plenette Pierson. “This is something that you want in your career. We showed that when we play together and just did everything right, there was nobody that could stand between us.”
The Shock truly had everything going against them this season. Beginning with the starters, shooting guard Deanna Nolan played hurt the entire summer; point guard Elaine Powell missed 20 games with a foot injury; small forward Katie Smith played in the Summer Olympics in the middle of the season, having to make several adjustments both personally and professionally; and center Kara Braxton went from starting at the beginning of the season to being benched to rejoining the starters after power forward Cheryl Ford went down for a season-ending knee injury.
Link to article
The UFC Are The Kings Of Mixed Martial Arts Right Now.
The UFC Are The Kings Of Mixed Martial Arts Right Now.
By John Pollock
for In Play! Magazine
Whether you are a fan of the sport or not, when you hear the initials UFC, the images of fights, cages and the foul mouthed president Dana White instantly enter one's mind.
Today, the private company is believed to be worth well in excess of $1 billion under the ownership of Zuffa L.L.C., with interests in the company divided amongst White and casino magnates Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta. The company's worth is more astounding when one realizes that Zuffa purchased the company for a mere $2 million in 2001.
The UFC saw great success in the early 90s on pay-per-view as a spectacle sport with its mixture of fighting disciplines marketed as “Two men enter, one man leaves." Needless to say, there was no shame in its presentation.
Pay-per-view numbers aside, the UFC (then under the ownership of the Semaphore Entertainment Group or SEG) was thrown off pay-per-view through the lobbying of Arizona Senator and now Republican presidential hopeful John McCain. The company fell to such lows that when Zuffa came along with their $2 million offer, SEG was more than happy to cash out.
It was not a straight road to prosperity. Zuffa nearly sold the company after losses of $44 million over their first four years of operation from 2001 to 2004.
The saving grace for the company came in the form of a TV deal with Spike TV, the ballsy American cable network looking to compliment their prime property, World Wrestling Entertainment. With the blessing of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, Spike debuted “The Ultimate Fighter” on January 18, 2005.
Link to article
By John Pollock
for In Play! Magazine
Whether you are a fan of the sport or not, when you hear the initials UFC, the images of fights, cages and the foul mouthed president Dana White instantly enter one's mind.
Today, the private company is believed to be worth well in excess of $1 billion under the ownership of Zuffa L.L.C., with interests in the company divided amongst White and casino magnates Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta. The company's worth is more astounding when one realizes that Zuffa purchased the company for a mere $2 million in 2001.
The UFC saw great success in the early 90s on pay-per-view as a spectacle sport with its mixture of fighting disciplines marketed as “Two men enter, one man leaves." Needless to say, there was no shame in its presentation.
Pay-per-view numbers aside, the UFC (then under the ownership of the Semaphore Entertainment Group or SEG) was thrown off pay-per-view through the lobbying of Arizona Senator and now Republican presidential hopeful John McCain. The company fell to such lows that when Zuffa came along with their $2 million offer, SEG was more than happy to cash out.
It was not a straight road to prosperity. Zuffa nearly sold the company after losses of $44 million over their first four years of operation from 2001 to 2004.
The saving grace for the company came in the form of a TV deal with Spike TV, the ballsy American cable network looking to compliment their prime property, World Wrestling Entertainment. With the blessing of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, Spike debuted “The Ultimate Fighter” on January 18, 2005.
Link to article
Hocktoberfest...A Spooktacular Success!!!
Hocktoberfest...A Spooktacular Success!!!
By Bob Bellacicco
for In Play! Magazine
Two years of hard work paid off for the organizers of Hocktoberfest, the largest female hockey tournament ever hosted in Essex-County.
“We’re still in shock. The feedback we’re getting is positive. People are writing in thanking us for providing them with competitive games, great officiating and a great tournament overall. We’re beaming with pride and thanking everyone” says Cathy Murphy, one of the tournament organizers.
Murphy praised the co-operative effort put forth by the City of Windsor, Town of Tecumseh and the Town of LaSalle in providing arenas to accommodate the tournament. She also cited the help of a large group of volunteers.
“We sent out posters last year. 170 people signed up.” Murphy continues, “A lot of the people that came out to help weren’t even involved in hockey.”
“It was a huge step for women’s hockey and the area” says Murphy. “I think we’re going to see more teams on board. More Europeans that’s for sure. I’m looking forward to next year.”
Murphy says that plans for next year’s event began the day this year’s festival started. She estimates that the local economy received a 3.5 million dollar boost from the tournament.
Link to article
By Bob Bellacicco
for In Play! Magazine
Two years of hard work paid off for the organizers of Hocktoberfest, the largest female hockey tournament ever hosted in Essex-County.
“We’re still in shock. The feedback we’re getting is positive. People are writing in thanking us for providing them with competitive games, great officiating and a great tournament overall. We’re beaming with pride and thanking everyone” says Cathy Murphy, one of the tournament organizers.
Murphy praised the co-operative effort put forth by the City of Windsor, Town of Tecumseh and the Town of LaSalle in providing arenas to accommodate the tournament. She also cited the help of a large group of volunteers.
“We sent out posters last year. 170 people signed up.” Murphy continues, “A lot of the people that came out to help weren’t even involved in hockey.”
“It was a huge step for women’s hockey and the area” says Murphy. “I think we’re going to see more teams on board. More Europeans that’s for sure. I’m looking forward to next year.”
Murphy says that plans for next year’s event began the day this year’s festival started. She estimates that the local economy received a 3.5 million dollar boost from the tournament.
Link to article
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