With a third of the season now complete, the B.C. Lions are finally starting to look like a possible Grey Cup contender.
The Lions (3-3) head into Friday’s home game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-4) still buzzing from a victory over the previously undefeated Calgary Stampeders last week.
An improving offence shows signs of getting even better as quarterback Travis Lulay returns to the roster after coming off the six-game injured list due to a shoulder that was slow to recover from off-season surgey. Lulay’s presence in a backup role adds strength to the quarterbacking position in case Kevin Glenn, the scheduled starter, continues his trend of hot-and-cold performances.
He fared well in wins over Saskatchewan and Montreal, but struggled in a loss to Winnipeg and then rebounded in a late comeback win over Calgary.
But Glenn, who has been the consummate professional while stepping into the fire with a new club and system, has not been entirely to blame for B.C.’s inconsistency. Although has already thrown nine interceptions after only being picked off seven times with Calgary last season, he had a ready-made excuse in a rebuilding, rotating and injury-riddled offensive line. But to Glenn’s credit, he chose not to use it, repeatedly stressing that it was up to him to “make plays.”
Now, with former NFLer Jemarcus Hardrick starting at left guard and rookie Canadian Hunter Steward at left tackle, Glenn is finding more time to throw. And, running back Andrew Harris, who leads the CFL in yards from scrimmage (722) and ranks first in rushing yards (381) and second in receiving yardage (341 yards), has received the blocks he needs to tear up turf.
“I think we started to solidify some things (on the offensive line), obviously, and then the last two weeks stayed consistent,” said Lions coach Mike Benevides after a walk-through Thursday. “Now, we’re at a place where, I think, Jemarcus (Hardrick) brings a level of physicality and athleticism inside right now that we can’t get the young guys to get to yet because they’re not healthy. And, Hunter (Steward) is playing outstanding ball.
“So I think we’re where we need to be in terms of personnel. We have to be better, we have to grow but, certainly, those guys have given us a chance to accumulate some yardage and also protect the quarterback.”
The offence should get better in the near future as the line continues to improve and Lulay returns to a starting role. If B.C.’s defence continues to perform as it has been and kicker Paul McCallum displays his usual consistency on field goals, the Lions should be much better off in the final two-thirds of the season.
“We’re growing, we’re getting better, but we’re not there yet,” said Benevides.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Whitecaps display strong belief in win over Sounders
The Vancouver Whitecaps made up for two sub-par games in 12 minutes Saturday.
Sebastian Fernandez scored the game’s lone goal in the 12th minute as the Caps down the MLS-leading Seattle Sounders 1-0.
Vancouver (6-3-7) ended a two-game winless while Seattle (11-4-2) suffered its first loss in four games.
But, as Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson indicated afterwards, the win was about more than three points in the standings. It was about belief – belief that the young Caps could compete with the best team in the league, even if it was missing five key players, including American international Clint Dempsey, to World Cup duty, yellow-card accumulation and injuries.
“The two halves were totally different,” Robinson said. “The first half, we were excellent in possession. Our passing movement was what I’ve been accustomed seeing in training (and) in the first 10, 12 games of the season – and the second half was just about all those things: grit, desire and heart.
“The reason I said Seattle are the best team in Major League Soccer before the game is because they hang in there even when things are going against them. They’re always there and they’re about, (despite) being one goal behind, and they’ve done that again today. We’ve gotta learn that as a young group. As I said to them, it’s not going to happen overnight. But with performances like this and learning situations like this, we’ll be better for it.”
With the win, the Caps also ended a two-game goal-less skid, after a 0-0 home draw with Montreal and a 2-0 loss in Colorado. Fernandez, a 24-year-old Uruguayan who is in his season with Vancouver, scored from about 30 yards out after taking a pass from Chilean midfield maestro Pedro Morales, who was at his sublime best.
"Pedro gave a good ball to me," the Spanish-speaking Fernandez said through an interpreter. "I turned with the ball and there was space. I've practised it in close. It was a good opportunity. I just tried to shoot."
But, ultimately, the game was about defence. While Seattle was missing Dempsey and Obafemi Martins, who shared fifth place in league scoring before Saturday’s games, the Caps were without (injured) top central defenders Jay DeMerit (ankle) and Andy O’Brien (hip).
However, Vancouver’s Johnny Leveron and Carlyle Mitchell delivered stellar performances in their place, while Steven Beitashour was his steady self at right back and Jordan Harvey stood out at left back with several blocked shots, tackles and interceptions.
"I think the guys were hungry," said Seattle midfielder Brad Evans of his team's effort. "It took us a little while to get in the game, and all it was in the first half was not holding the ball up front. It makes it difficult to play the way that we want to play, and get our forwards and outside wingers involved. It was a difficult day for us in the first 35-40 minutes. After that, I feel we settled in the second half, played much better challenging for balls.
"Obviously, the guys that were missing are game-changers, that’s why they’re (designated players) and that’s why they’ve played in World Cups and some of the biggest games. Obviously, you’re going to miss that quality, but that’s no excuse not to play your game and not to play the game the way it should be played. I thought that in the second half, we got a little ripping into and we came out much stronger."
After a dismal effort against Montreal in their last home contest, it looked like the Caps had consumed a steady diet of World Cup videos. The hosts’ passing was much more precise, particularly in the first half, and they played with a level of confidence at the back, sending the ball forward calmly so that Morales would work his major.
They also displayed a strong work ethic that will be critical heading into the second half of the season. With the one-month international transfer window opening Wednesday, changes are coming to Vancouver’s lineup, but moves – aside from expensive reserve midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker’s likely departure – will be kept to a minimum.
What you see of the club now is mostly what you’ll get, with the possible exception of a veteran world-class striker who can score consistently.
"If we’re going to go with a young group of players, which we are, then one thing we can’t do is let other teams outwork us,” Robinson said. “The youth and exuberance and enthusiasm that young players have (must) be infectious all over the pitch.”
They were were Saturday, and Vancouver’s belief was also evident in all parts of the field. But that confidence will need to be prevalent often if the Caps are going to qualify again for the playoffs after missing the post-season in 2013, because the core of players will not change drastically.
“Get used to watching the young players,” said Robinson.
Notes: Robinson praised Reo-Coker, who was steady as a second-half substitute in what might have been his final game with the Whitecaps. The former English Premier League star is being paid $400,000 this season, but he does not play enough to justify that salary.
Follow me on Twitter @montestewart
Sebastian Fernandez scored the game’s lone goal in the 12th minute as the Caps down the MLS-leading Seattle Sounders 1-0.
Vancouver (6-3-7) ended a two-game winless while Seattle (11-4-2) suffered its first loss in four games.
But, as Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson indicated afterwards, the win was about more than three points in the standings. It was about belief – belief that the young Caps could compete with the best team in the league, even if it was missing five key players, including American international Clint Dempsey, to World Cup duty, yellow-card accumulation and injuries.
“The two halves were totally different,” Robinson said. “The first half, we were excellent in possession. Our passing movement was what I’ve been accustomed seeing in training (and) in the first 10, 12 games of the season – and the second half was just about all those things: grit, desire and heart.
“The reason I said Seattle are the best team in Major League Soccer before the game is because they hang in there even when things are going against them. They’re always there and they’re about, (despite) being one goal behind, and they’ve done that again today. We’ve gotta learn that as a young group. As I said to them, it’s not going to happen overnight. But with performances like this and learning situations like this, we’ll be better for it.”
With the win, the Caps also ended a two-game goal-less skid, after a 0-0 home draw with Montreal and a 2-0 loss in Colorado. Fernandez, a 24-year-old Uruguayan who is in his season with Vancouver, scored from about 30 yards out after taking a pass from Chilean midfield maestro Pedro Morales, who was at his sublime best.
"Pedro gave a good ball to me," the Spanish-speaking Fernandez said through an interpreter. "I turned with the ball and there was space. I've practised it in close. It was a good opportunity. I just tried to shoot."
But, ultimately, the game was about defence. While Seattle was missing Dempsey and Obafemi Martins, who shared fifth place in league scoring before Saturday’s games, the Caps were without (injured) top central defenders Jay DeMerit (ankle) and Andy O’Brien (hip).
However, Vancouver’s Johnny Leveron and Carlyle Mitchell delivered stellar performances in their place, while Steven Beitashour was his steady self at right back and Jordan Harvey stood out at left back with several blocked shots, tackles and interceptions.
"I think the guys were hungry," said Seattle midfielder Brad Evans of his team's effort. "It took us a little while to get in the game, and all it was in the first half was not holding the ball up front. It makes it difficult to play the way that we want to play, and get our forwards and outside wingers involved. It was a difficult day for us in the first 35-40 minutes. After that, I feel we settled in the second half, played much better challenging for balls.
"Obviously, the guys that were missing are game-changers, that’s why they’re (designated players) and that’s why they’ve played in World Cups and some of the biggest games. Obviously, you’re going to miss that quality, but that’s no excuse not to play your game and not to play the game the way it should be played. I thought that in the second half, we got a little ripping into and we came out much stronger."
After a dismal effort against Montreal in their last home contest, it looked like the Caps had consumed a steady diet of World Cup videos. The hosts’ passing was much more precise, particularly in the first half, and they played with a level of confidence at the back, sending the ball forward calmly so that Morales would work his major.
They also displayed a strong work ethic that will be critical heading into the second half of the season. With the one-month international transfer window opening Wednesday, changes are coming to Vancouver’s lineup, but moves – aside from expensive reserve midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker’s likely departure – will be kept to a minimum.
What you see of the club now is mostly what you’ll get, with the possible exception of a veteran world-class striker who can score consistently.
"If we’re going to go with a young group of players, which we are, then one thing we can’t do is let other teams outwork us,” Robinson said. “The youth and exuberance and enthusiasm that young players have (must) be infectious all over the pitch.”
They were were Saturday, and Vancouver’s belief was also evident in all parts of the field. But that confidence will need to be prevalent often if the Caps are going to qualify again for the playoffs after missing the post-season in 2013, because the core of players will not change drastically.
“Get used to watching the young players,” said Robinson.
Notes: Robinson praised Reo-Coker, who was steady as a second-half substitute in what might have been his final game with the Whitecaps. The former English Premier League star is being paid $400,000 this season, but he does not play enough to justify that salary.
Follow me on Twitter @montestewart
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Radim Vrbata looks foward to playing with Sedins
Radim Vrbata knows his life is about to become very different.
The new Vancouver Canucks winger is looking forward to playing in a hockey-mad Canadian market for the first time as an NHLer after signing as an unrestricted free agent following five seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes. He signed a two-year, $10-million deal as the Canucks continued a rapid rebuilding effort under their new regime.
"Obviously, it'll be a big change here, coming from Phoenix," he said on a conference call Thursday. "But I'll adjust. I just have to be myself."
By being himself, Vrbata, a 33-year-old Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic native, means that he must continue to score goals. He produced 20 goals and 31 assists in 2013-14 and has averaged 24 per season in his last six campaigns.
That goal average is not gaudy by any means, but it translates into scoring consistency in an era when snipers increasingly rare compared to decades gone by. Now, Vrbata must prove he can produce in a market where he will face much more media scrutiny and pressure than he did with the formerly struggling Coyotes franchise.
Vrbata described the chance to play in Canada as a dream come true, but said it was a "bonus" rather than a priority when he weighed offers from other clubs. He wanted to play for a good organization with good players.
The comment was applicable to both the Coyotes, who have had several challenges on and off the ice as well as a Canucks team that was comical, and often sad, under former coach John Tortorella and deposed general manager Mike Gillis last season.The Canucks missed the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons as Tortorella's antics (namely a suspension for trying to storm the Calgary Flames dressing room in January and several other questionable decisions) and the club's lack of depth (resulting from poor drafting and trades under Gillis) took their toll.
The juries (i.e. fans) are still out in both Phoenix and Vancouver, but Vrbata comment, and signing, are indications that the Canucks regaining some respectability under new president of hockey operations and general manager Jim Benning. Despite the fact that Linden and Gillis have not held the same posts with other NHL clubs, they have attracted top free agent talent in Vrbata and goaltender Ryan Miller and swung a Ryan Kesler trade to Anaheim that produced players (Nick Bonino and Luca Sbisa) for today and draft picks for the future -- among other highlights.
The sixth-overall selection of Calgary Hitmen winger Jake Virtanen, a prototypical power forward, was also an excellent choice. (He should easily recover from off-season shoulder surgery.)
Vrbata is looking forward to playing with Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who should recover from an injury-plagued season in which they took on more defensive responsibilities than usual.
"If you play with the Sedins, you know you'll get your chances," he said.
Benning sidestepped the question of whether he promised Vrbata that he would have a chance to play with the Sedins, saying that decision was ultimately up to new coach Willie Desjardins. However, Benning noted that Vrbata's presence gives the Canucks the option of moving Alex Burrows, who enjoyed considerable success with the twins before he had a goal-starved, injury-plagued 2013-14 campaign, to the second line.
Burrows, he added, can make the second line better.
"Now, we have depth at the forward positions where everybody can contribute to the team," said Benning.
Ultimately, the games on the ice will prove him right or wrong. But he made a good point as the Canucks prepare to battle in an an ultra-competitive Western Conference..
Last season, it was telling that the Canucks never recovered when journeyman forward Mike Santorelli was sidelined for the duration of a career year (28 points in 49 games) with a shoulder injury. The Canucks, Benning acknowledged, chose Vrbata, who has 215 goals and 249 assists in 796 career regular-season games, because they felt he was a better scorer than the younger Santorelli, 28.
Benning also acknowledged that the Canucks came to terms with Vrbata on the second day of free agency after some other potential deals didn't work out when the frenzy began July 1 after new rules allowed negotiations to begin a few days in advance.
Vrbata, who has a young family, said it was hard it was hard to leave Phoenix, but it was evident that the chance to play with the Sedins was a key, if not determining factor, in his decision.
"I feel when you have chemistry with somebody, that helps so much today," he said.
Notes: Vrbata has also played for Colorado, Carolina, Chicago and Tampa Bay. ... Santorelli signed a one-year, $1.35-million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. ... Vrbata played junior in Canada, with Hull (now Gatineau) and Shawinigan of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. ... Now that Kesler has left, Vrbata has a chance to retain No. 17 in Vancouver after he wore the same number in Phoenix. Such a move would only heighten comparisons between the two forwards. ... Benning will concentrate on re-signing the team's restricted free agents, including defenceman Chris Tanev, this week and then see how much money he has left for more UFAs.
Follow me on Twitter @montestewart
The new Vancouver Canucks winger is looking forward to playing in a hockey-mad Canadian market for the first time as an NHLer after signing as an unrestricted free agent following five seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes. He signed a two-year, $10-million deal as the Canucks continued a rapid rebuilding effort under their new regime.
"Obviously, it'll be a big change here, coming from Phoenix," he said on a conference call Thursday. "But I'll adjust. I just have to be myself."
By being himself, Vrbata, a 33-year-old Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic native, means that he must continue to score goals. He produced 20 goals and 31 assists in 2013-14 and has averaged 24 per season in his last six campaigns.
That goal average is not gaudy by any means, but it translates into scoring consistency in an era when snipers increasingly rare compared to decades gone by. Now, Vrbata must prove he can produce in a market where he will face much more media scrutiny and pressure than he did with the formerly struggling Coyotes franchise.
Vrbata described the chance to play in Canada as a dream come true, but said it was a "bonus" rather than a priority when he weighed offers from other clubs. He wanted to play for a good organization with good players.
The comment was applicable to both the Coyotes, who have had several challenges on and off the ice as well as a Canucks team that was comical, and often sad, under former coach John Tortorella and deposed general manager Mike Gillis last season.The Canucks missed the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons as Tortorella's antics (namely a suspension for trying to storm the Calgary Flames dressing room in January and several other questionable decisions) and the club's lack of depth (resulting from poor drafting and trades under Gillis) took their toll.
"Now, we have depth at the forward positions where everybody can contribute to the team."
- Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning on the signing of free agent Radim Vrbata and other recent moves
The juries (i.e. fans) are still out in both Phoenix and Vancouver, but Vrbata comment, and signing, are indications that the Canucks regaining some respectability under new president of hockey operations and general manager Jim Benning. Despite the fact that Linden and Gillis have not held the same posts with other NHL clubs, they have attracted top free agent talent in Vrbata and goaltender Ryan Miller and swung a Ryan Kesler trade to Anaheim that produced players (Nick Bonino and Luca Sbisa) for today and draft picks for the future -- among other highlights.
The sixth-overall selection of Calgary Hitmen winger Jake Virtanen, a prototypical power forward, was also an excellent choice. (He should easily recover from off-season shoulder surgery.)
Vrbata is looking forward to playing with Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who should recover from an injury-plagued season in which they took on more defensive responsibilities than usual.
"If you play with the Sedins, you know you'll get your chances," he said.
Benning sidestepped the question of whether he promised Vrbata that he would have a chance to play with the Sedins, saying that decision was ultimately up to new coach Willie Desjardins. However, Benning noted that Vrbata's presence gives the Canucks the option of moving Alex Burrows, who enjoyed considerable success with the twins before he had a goal-starved, injury-plagued 2013-14 campaign, to the second line.
Burrows, he added, can make the second line better.
"Now, we have depth at the forward positions where everybody can contribute to the team," said Benning.
"I feel when you have chemistry with somebody, that helps so much today."
- New Vancouver Canucks winger Radim Vrbata on the chance of playing with Daniel and Henrik Sedin
Ultimately, the games on the ice will prove him right or wrong. But he made a good point as the Canucks prepare to battle in an an ultra-competitive Western Conference..
Last season, it was telling that the Canucks never recovered when journeyman forward Mike Santorelli was sidelined for the duration of a career year (28 points in 49 games) with a shoulder injury. The Canucks, Benning acknowledged, chose Vrbata, who has 215 goals and 249 assists in 796 career regular-season games, because they felt he was a better scorer than the younger Santorelli, 28.
Benning also acknowledged that the Canucks came to terms with Vrbata on the second day of free agency after some other potential deals didn't work out when the frenzy began July 1 after new rules allowed negotiations to begin a few days in advance.
Vrbata, who has a young family, said it was hard it was hard to leave Phoenix, but it was evident that the chance to play with the Sedins was a key, if not determining factor, in his decision.
"I feel when you have chemistry with somebody, that helps so much today," he said.
Notes: Vrbata has also played for Colorado, Carolina, Chicago and Tampa Bay. ... Santorelli signed a one-year, $1.35-million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. ... Vrbata played junior in Canada, with Hull (now Gatineau) and Shawinigan of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. ... Now that Kesler has left, Vrbata has a chance to retain No. 17 in Vancouver after he wore the same number in Phoenix. Such a move would only heighten comparisons between the two forwards. ... Benning will concentrate on re-signing the team's restricted free agents, including defenceman Chris Tanev, this week and then see how much money he has left for more UFAs.
Follow me on Twitter @montestewart
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Whitecaps-Impact draw pales in comparison to FIFA World Cup
Carl Robinson could not be accused of putting a positive spin on his team's performance Wednesday night.
The Vancouver Whitecaps coach was less than impressed with their showing in a 0-0 draw with the Montreal Impact on Wednesday night.
The sellout crowd of 21,000 went home unhappy, even though the Caps (5-2-7) remained unbeaten in eight games after struggling against the Impact (2-7-5), who share last place overall in Major League Soccer with Chivas USA.
"It wasn't very enjoyable watching it, was it?" Robinson asked rhetorically. "I didn't enjoy watching it, and I think the players didn't enjoy playing in it. Bad day at the office,l I think we call it, and take a point. I think we're happy for a point. They could have won it. I think we could have won it."
Robinson said the Whitecaps, playing their first game after the MLS break for the FIFA World Cup, did not play up to the standard that they have displayed this season. He is in favour of not playing any games during the World Cup, which is continuing. Watching this game after viewing the 0-0 draw between France and Ecuador earlier in the day was like going from a pro game to a high school contest.
Since there was little to talk about in the game, other than the outstanding goalkeeping of Vancouver's David Ousted, Robinson broached a couple of subjects that merit further discussion. He is in favour of MLS not playing any games during the World Cup, and that is an idea that should be seriously considered -- just to avoid negative comparisons between North America's top professional circuit and the rest of the planet.
The NHL takes a break during the Olympics for obvious reasons. Most of the top players suit up for their countries in the Games. The same would not be the case for MLS players, because relatively few get called up to their national sides.
"There's arguments from both sides -- I think there really is," said Robinson of the decision to halt or continue MLS games during the World.een gr "It's been great watching the World Cup. The players have enjoyed watching the World Cup. It's hard to get back (after the break.) That's the reality. Constantly training players during the break, come September (and) October, then they get tired, then you haven't given them enough time off.
"When you find the answer, let me know, because figure (the solution) out, let me know, because I'm sitting and trying to figure out what it is."
One solution to brightening Wednesday's drudgery would be to decide the game in a shootout. In other words: Penalty kicks.
As the World Cup and other international events show, there is no shortage of suspense when a game is decided, after extra time, by penalties. A shootout would add more drama to a sport that, outside of playoffs, still welcomes draws. Few, if any, other sports in the world still allow ties to count in the standings.
Soccer prefers to hang on to a tradition that is badly out of date. Players might hate shootouts, and reporters on deadline are not overly fond of them, but fans would welcome them, and they would make a difference in the standings, since soccer awards three points for a win and one for a tie. Keeping the points system the same, but giving a point to the losing squad, as in hockey, would be a positive move.
Unlike in hockey, if winning teams get three points and losers get one, shootout wins in soocer would enable teams to gain clear separation from their rivals and make a significant difference in playoff positions. The possibility of going to the shootout, and only getting one point instead of three, would also motivate teams to seek wins in regulation time.
If a shootout were available, Wednesday's snoozer at B.C. Place Stadium would have been easily avoided, and Vancouver Whitecaps fans would have gone home entertained.
The Vancouver Whitecaps coach was less than impressed with their showing in a 0-0 draw with the Montreal Impact on Wednesday night.
The sellout crowd of 21,000 went home unhappy, even though the Caps (5-2-7) remained unbeaten in eight games after struggling against the Impact (2-7-5), who share last place overall in Major League Soccer with Chivas USA.
"It wasn't very enjoyable watching it, was it?" Robinson asked rhetorically. "I didn't enjoy watching it, and I think the players didn't enjoy playing in it. Bad day at the office,l I think we call it, and take a point. I think we're happy for a point. They could have won it. I think we could have won it."
Robinson said the Whitecaps, playing their first game after the MLS break for the FIFA World Cup, did not play up to the standard that they have displayed this season. He is in favour of not playing any games during the World Cup, which is continuing. Watching this game after viewing the 0-0 draw between France and Ecuador earlier in the day was like going from a pro game to a high school contest.
Since there was little to talk about in the game, other than the outstanding goalkeeping of Vancouver's David Ousted, Robinson broached a couple of subjects that merit further discussion. He is in favour of MLS not playing any games during the World Cup, and that is an idea that should be seriously considered -- just to avoid negative comparisons between North America's top professional circuit and the rest of the planet.
The NHL takes a break during the Olympics for obvious reasons. Most of the top players suit up for their countries in the Games. The same would not be the case for MLS players, because relatively few get called up to their national sides.
"There's arguments from both sides -- I think there really is," said Robinson of the decision to halt or continue MLS games during the World.een gr "It's been great watching the World Cup. The players have enjoyed watching the World Cup. It's hard to get back (after the break.) That's the reality. Constantly training players during the break, come September (and) October, then they get tired, then you haven't given them enough time off.
"When you find the answer, let me know, because figure (the solution) out, let me know, because I'm sitting and trying to figure out what it is."
One solution to brightening Wednesday's drudgery would be to decide the game in a shootout. In other words: Penalty kicks.
As the World Cup and other international events show, there is no shortage of suspense when a game is decided, after extra time, by penalties. A shootout would add more drama to a sport that, outside of playoffs, still welcomes draws. Few, if any, other sports in the world still allow ties to count in the standings.
Soccer prefers to hang on to a tradition that is badly out of date. Players might hate shootouts, and reporters on deadline are not overly fond of them, but fans would welcome them, and they would make a difference in the standings, since soccer awards three points for a win and one for a tie. Keeping the points system the same, but giving a point to the losing squad, as in hockey, would be a positive move.
Unlike in hockey, if winning teams get three points and losers get one, shootout wins in soocer would enable teams to gain clear separation from their rivals and make a significant difference in playoff positions. The possibility of going to the shootout, and only getting one point instead of three, would also motivate teams to seek wins in regulation time.
If a shootout were available, Wednesday's snoozer at B.C. Place Stadium would have been easily avoided, and Vancouver Whitecaps fans would have gone home entertained.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
NHL clubs give unsung coaches their big breaks
A good week for unsung hockey coaches got better Wednesday.
Mike Johnston became the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins after losing out to Willie Desjardins for the Vancouver Canucks coaching post. Both Johnston and Desjardins received NHL head coaching gigs for the the first time in their long and distinguished careers.
Ironically, Johnston, 57, got the Pittsburgh job because Desjardins, also 57, turned down the chance to tutor Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin et al.
More irony: Johnston and Desjardins are old friends. They worked together with the University of Calgary Dinos circa the the late 1980s while they were completing masters degrees in coaching science and social work, respectively, before going into coaching full-time.
Johnston, a Nova Scotia native, wound his way to Canadian college hockey, with the Camrose Kodiaks, and Canadian national team program, before moving on to assistant posts in the NHL with the Canucks and Los Angeles Kings. Seeking a head coaching job, he took over the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL, who were finalists in 2013-14 for the fourth consecutive season, and won the league title in 2012-13 while he was suspended because the league decided Portland had offered improper inducements to players and parents.
On Monday, after Desjardins' appointment was announced, Johnston and I spoke, and he talked as though he expected to return to Portland, because he preferred to be a head coach. But he obviously got the job he wanted.
Desjardins' first NHL job comes after his coaching journey began with waystops at the U of C, Japan, Canadian national team program and Medicine Hat of the WHL. In eight seasons, he guided the Tigers to a pair of WHL titles and a berth in the 2007 Memorial Cup final In the meantime, Desjardins served as an assistant and head coach with Canadian teams that won silver and gold in consecutive years at the world junior championships. Desjardins then spent two seasons as an assistant with the Dallas Stars before taking the helm of their Texas farm team because he preferred to be a head coach.
He led Texas to the AHL's Calder Cup title in the recently concluded season.
I've known Desjardins and Johnston for many years. Simply put, they are good people with outstanding hockey knowledge who have earned everything they have received the hard way. On first glance, they do not come across as typical coaches, because they appear friendlier than many peers who fit the bench boss stereotype better. However, they both know how to get players' respect and can lay down the law when necessary.
Desjardins is the opposite of former outspoken Vancouver coach John Tortorella, who was always good for a quote. But Desjardins, who admits that he doesn't like the spotlight, is still articulate, highly intelligent and willing to deal with media professionally.
The prediction here is that Desjardins will, ultimately, be a nice surprise for disgruntled Vancouver fans and prove his vow that the Canucks are "for real."
Johnston and Desjardins' hirings came in the same seven-day span that saw the Carolina Hurricanes give Bill Peters, 48, a former Detroit Red Wings assistant, his first head coaching gig after he spent more than two decades in lesser roles.
All in all, it's been a good week for unsung coaches as they finally get their big breaks in the NHL.
Mike Johnston became the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins after losing out to Willie Desjardins for the Vancouver Canucks coaching post. Both Johnston and Desjardins received NHL head coaching gigs for the the first time in their long and distinguished careers.
Ironically, Johnston, 57, got the Pittsburgh job because Desjardins, also 57, turned down the chance to tutor Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin et al.
More irony: Johnston and Desjardins are old friends. They worked together with the University of Calgary Dinos circa the the late 1980s while they were completing masters degrees in coaching science and social work, respectively, before going into coaching full-time.
Johnston, a Nova Scotia native, wound his way to Canadian college hockey, with the Camrose Kodiaks, and Canadian national team program, before moving on to assistant posts in the NHL with the Canucks and Los Angeles Kings. Seeking a head coaching job, he took over the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL, who were finalists in 2013-14 for the fourth consecutive season, and won the league title in 2012-13 while he was suspended because the league decided Portland had offered improper inducements to players and parents.
On Monday, after Desjardins' appointment was announced, Johnston and I spoke, and he talked as though he expected to return to Portland, because he preferred to be a head coach. But he obviously got the job he wanted.
Desjardins' first NHL job comes after his coaching journey began with waystops at the U of C, Japan, Canadian national team program and Medicine Hat of the WHL. In eight seasons, he guided the Tigers to a pair of WHL titles and a berth in the 2007 Memorial Cup final In the meantime, Desjardins served as an assistant and head coach with Canadian teams that won silver and gold in consecutive years at the world junior championships. Desjardins then spent two seasons as an assistant with the Dallas Stars before taking the helm of their Texas farm team because he preferred to be a head coach.
He led Texas to the AHL's Calder Cup title in the recently concluded season.
I've known Desjardins and Johnston for many years. Simply put, they are good people with outstanding hockey knowledge who have earned everything they have received the hard way. On first glance, they do not come across as typical coaches, because they appear friendlier than many peers who fit the bench boss stereotype better. However, they both know how to get players' respect and can lay down the law when necessary.
Desjardins is the opposite of former outspoken Vancouver coach John Tortorella, who was always good for a quote. But Desjardins, who admits that he doesn't like the spotlight, is still articulate, highly intelligent and willing to deal with media professionally.
The prediction here is that Desjardins will, ultimately, be a nice surprise for disgruntled Vancouver fans and prove his vow that the Canucks are "for real."
Johnston and Desjardins' hirings came in the same seven-day span that saw the Carolina Hurricanes give Bill Peters, 48, a former Detroit Red Wings assistant, his first head coaching gig after he spent more than two decades in lesser roles.
All in all, it's been a good week for unsung coaches as they finally get their big breaks in the NHL.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Geroy Simon aims to run a club one day
Geroy Simon doesn't play football anymore, but he is still reaching for the top.
"In 10 years, I see myself as being the GM or president of an organization," Simon said Friday as the B.C. Lions announced he would be placed in their Ring of Honour on July 25, when he will also have his jersey retired. "I don't wanna sit here and say I'm gonna be a regional scout. I wanna be running the show somewhere."
Simon, the CFL's all-time leading CFL receiver, retired recently after the Saskatchewan Roughriders, with whom he won a Grey Cup last season, and Lions, with whom he played 12 seasons before being traded in 2013, opted not to re-sign him.
"Once their decision was made, I just made the decision to retire," he said. "I wanted to play, but I also didn't wanna play anywhere else but B.C. or Saskatchewan."
Simon chose to accept a front-office position with the Roughriders, welcoming an opportunity to learn all sides of the team's operations, from the gridiron to the balance sheets.
He will maintain his family home in the Cloverdale area of Surrey, B.C. He does not rule out the possibility of returning to the Lions fold one day in a coaching or management role.
"I don't hold any animosity," he said about not getting a (playing) contract from the Lions. "That takes more effort, to be mad or to hold a grudge. I move on. I'm looking forward to my next career, and I'm happy with my decision everything that's happened."
There was clearly no animosity Friday as Simon was welcomed back at a news conference like a long lost son. It was another unusual moment for Simon and the Lions and reminiscent of his January 2013 trade to Saskatchewan.
On that day, he put on a suit and attended a Lions news conference, sitting alongside general manager Wally Buono.
The Lions guru said it was "extremely important" for the Lions to be able to honour Simon, who won two Grey Cups with B.C.
"It was really a no-brainer to acknowledge Geroy for what he did on and off the field," said Buono. "It's something that we're excited to do."
It also shows that Simon, the Lions and Roughriders, who gave their blessing to the B.C. occasion, are willing to do things differently than many others -- something that should always be lauded.
"I wanna thank Geroy for making this (Ring of Honour event) happen, because it would have been difficult to deal with (he didn't make it happen)," said Buono.
The Lions GM said Simon was the best B.C. player that he ever coach and predicted he will get a shot at running a team someday.
"He was the kind of guy that responded well to the challenges," said Buono. "The thing about players is, you want them to be able to expand the expectations. When you're the No. 1 receiver year in and year out, there's a tremendous price to play, because everybody'a after you and try to get you, to make you stop, and Geroy overcame all that."
Buono said he is willing to be a mentor to Simon again, if he is willing.
"If he wants to learn from me, I'll be very happy to help him, because I'm not going to be doing this for the rest of my life, either," said Buono.
But it's evident that football will still be a big part of Simon's life for many years to come. Even though he won three Grey Cup titles as a player, he still covets winning it again in his current and future roles.
"I'm not done at all," said Simon. "I'm gonna win a few more."
"In 10 years, I see myself as being the GM or president of an organization," Simon said Friday as the B.C. Lions announced he would be placed in their Ring of Honour on July 25, when he will also have his jersey retired. "I don't wanna sit here and say I'm gonna be a regional scout. I wanna be running the show somewhere."
Simon, the CFL's all-time leading CFL receiver, retired recently after the Saskatchewan Roughriders, with whom he won a Grey Cup last season, and Lions, with whom he played 12 seasons before being traded in 2013, opted not to re-sign him.
"Once their decision was made, I just made the decision to retire," he said. "I wanted to play, but I also didn't wanna play anywhere else but B.C. or Saskatchewan."
Simon chose to accept a front-office position with the Roughriders, welcoming an opportunity to learn all sides of the team's operations, from the gridiron to the balance sheets.
He will maintain his family home in the Cloverdale area of Surrey, B.C. He does not rule out the possibility of returning to the Lions fold one day in a coaching or management role.
"I don't hold any animosity," he said about not getting a (playing) contract from the Lions. "That takes more effort, to be mad or to hold a grudge. I move on. I'm looking forward to my next career, and I'm happy with my decision everything that's happened."
There was clearly no animosity Friday as Simon was welcomed back at a news conference like a long lost son. It was another unusual moment for Simon and the Lions and reminiscent of his January 2013 trade to Saskatchewan.
On that day, he put on a suit and attended a Lions news conference, sitting alongside general manager Wally Buono.
The Lions guru said it was "extremely important" for the Lions to be able to honour Simon, who won two Grey Cups with B.C.
"It was really a no-brainer to acknowledge Geroy for what he did on and off the field," said Buono. "It's something that we're excited to do."
It also shows that Simon, the Lions and Roughriders, who gave their blessing to the B.C. occasion, are willing to do things differently than many others -- something that should always be lauded.
"I wanna thank Geroy for making this (Ring of Honour event) happen, because it would have been difficult to deal with (he didn't make it happen)," said Buono.
The Lions GM said Simon was the best B.C. player that he ever coach and predicted he will get a shot at running a team someday.
"He was the kind of guy that responded well to the challenges," said Buono. "The thing about players is, you want them to be able to expand the expectations. When you're the No. 1 receiver year in and year out, there's a tremendous price to play, because everybody'a after you and try to get you, to make you stop, and Geroy overcame all that."
Buono said he is willing to be a mentor to Simon again, if he is willing.
"If he wants to learn from me, I'll be very happy to help him, because I'm not going to be doing this for the rest of my life, either," said Buono.
But it's evident that football will still be a big part of Simon's life for many years to come. Even though he won three Grey Cup titles as a player, he still covets winning it again in his current and future roles.
"I'm not done at all," said Simon. "I'm gonna win a few more."
Friday, June 6, 2014
Herdman predicts Canada-U.S. Women's World Cup final in 2015
Usually, news conferences that include politicians, officials from a sport’s governing body and other dignitaries can get downright stuffy – quickly.
But, in a matter of a few minutes, Canadian women’s soccer coach John Herdman managed to make one unexpectedly special Friday. Never mind that this presser, at Terry Fox Plaza outside B.C. Place Stadium, was intended to promote the one-year countdown to the 2015 Women’s World Cup that Canada will host.
Herdman’s team will not be finalized for months, but he boldly promised that Canada will face its arch rival the U.S. in the final at B.C. Place.
“I’m predicting it,” he said. “If it doesn’t happen, I lose my job – but that’s life.”
That point alone was enough to make the presser interesting, but Herdman, an Englishman who guided Canada to a 2012 Olympic bronze medal after taking over the club’s reins in 2011, did not stop there.
“In one year’s time, this team will be ready,” he said. “Ready to do what? (Players) will be ready to make Canada proud, and that’s what we live for. We’ll be ready to make history. Ready to win the first World Cup from Canada. We’ll be ready to inspire new generations of female soccer players, just like we did in 2012. You imagine that opportunity. That gets us out of bed every single morning. Nothing else. I wake up at 5 a.m. every morning, because we’ve got that chance – and it’ll be one chance, because this isn’t going to come back in Canada for a while.
“And, everyone that’s involved in our sport knows that, or ought to. This is the time to do something special for women’s soccer, and you won’t get that chance again.”
Herdman vowed that the Canadian women’s team will be ready to connect the country again, just like it did in 2012, when a referee’s controversial decision ended its gold-medal hopes. As you might recall, Canada suffered a heartbreaking semifinal loss to the Americans after lobbying from U.S. star Abby Wambach, prompted the referee to award the U.S. a free kick because Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod was found guilty of holding the ball too long. The free kick led a Canadian hand-ball infraction in Canada’s penalty area, and a decisive American penalty-kick.
Herdman is ready for more moments – special or otherwise – that help the club bond with each other and other Canadians.
“Whether it’s referee decisions, whatever, we’ll laugh together, we’ll chew our fingernails together, and we’ll cry together,” he said. “And, hopefully, this time, they’ll be tears of joy.”
Standing and listening to Herdman as he spoke passionately during his speech and scrums later with reporters, one could not help but admire his chutzpah while contemplating many other thoughts. For instance, the Canadian squad was lucky that he chose not to put himself in contention for his native England’s women’s coaching job when it became available last year – much to the relief of Canadian captain Christine Sinclair.
Also, the hype that the presser created was more than a little interesting when you consider that it was a women’s sporting event being promoted. Pick another women’s team in any other sport but hockey, during or outside an Olympic year, that generates as much buzz as Canada’s women’s soccer squad. Herdman, with his enthusiasm and never-say-die attitude, has been largely responsible for the hoopla that has been building since Canada hired him after a disappointing early exit from the 2011 Women’s World Cup.
Last but not least, one could not help but be confounded by the hopes and dreams that the Canadian women’s team continues to inspire while the men’s squad, which has not qualified for the World Cup since 1986 and will be watching the upcoming Brazil World Cup with considerable envy, is languishing in the middle of nowhere. Canadian men’s coach Benito Floro, supposedly a Spanish legend has generated little, if any, buzz since he was hired in August 2013
The low-scoring men’s club has an extremely low profile in Canada, often training and playing friendlies against (ahem) juggernauts like Bulgaria and Moldava overseas. Identical 1-1 draws against those two nations this year are considered big rays hope for an eventual return to respectability. Now, contrast that outlook with Herdman’s expectations.
Floro has pledged to involve Canada’s three MLS teams, the Vancouver Whitecaps, Toronto FC and Montreal Impact, which are developing young domestic talent every day, in the national men’s development program. But, again, few, if any, strides appear to be occurring.
Given the many months that it took to hire Floro after Canada’s humiliating 8-1 loss to Honduras in World Cup qualifying, it appears that the men’s program, known for turf wars between soccer’s provincial and national governing bodies, is still in disarray. On the other hand, it seems like the sport’s poohbahs have left the women’s program alone – and it has flourished.
Of course, this is a grand simplification. Canada Soccer puts considerable resources into the women’s program, which has few professional players at its disposal due to limited funding for those assigned to fledgling National Women’s Soccer League teams. (The Canadian, U.S. and Mexican federations pay the salaries of players that they assign to NWSL teams.)
However, when it comes to soccer in Canada and its troubled history on the men’s side, perception is everything. As was clear Friday, John Herdman is creating a positive and highly meaningful image for the women’s program that will remain for decades to come. The men’s team? Not so much.
Sooner or later, the prediction is here, the search will be on for another national men’s coach, and Canada Soccer officials can only hope that they find another one like John Herdman.
In other words, it will be a long time before any Canadian men’s coach dares to predict that his team will win a World Cup.
But, in a matter of a few minutes, Canadian women’s soccer coach John Herdman managed to make one unexpectedly special Friday. Never mind that this presser, at Terry Fox Plaza outside B.C. Place Stadium, was intended to promote the one-year countdown to the 2015 Women’s World Cup that Canada will host.
Herdman’s team will not be finalized for months, but he boldly promised that Canada will face its arch rival the U.S. in the final at B.C. Place.
“I’m predicting it,” he said. “If it doesn’t happen, I lose my job – but that’s life.”
That point alone was enough to make the presser interesting, but Herdman, an Englishman who guided Canada to a 2012 Olympic bronze medal after taking over the club’s reins in 2011, did not stop there.
“In one year’s time, this team will be ready,” he said. “Ready to do what? (Players) will be ready to make Canada proud, and that’s what we live for. We’ll be ready to make history. Ready to win the first World Cup from Canada. We’ll be ready to inspire new generations of female soccer players, just like we did in 2012. You imagine that opportunity. That gets us out of bed every single morning. Nothing else. I wake up at 5 a.m. every morning, because we’ve got that chance – and it’ll be one chance, because this isn’t going to come back in Canada for a while.
“And, everyone that’s involved in our sport knows that, or ought to. This is the time to do something special for women’s soccer, and you won’t get that chance again.”
Herdman vowed that the Canadian women’s team will be ready to connect the country again, just like it did in 2012, when a referee’s controversial decision ended its gold-medal hopes. As you might recall, Canada suffered a heartbreaking semifinal loss to the Americans after lobbying from U.S. star Abby Wambach, prompted the referee to award the U.S. a free kick because Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod was found guilty of holding the ball too long. The free kick led a Canadian hand-ball infraction in Canada’s penalty area, and a decisive American penalty-kick.
Herdman is ready for more moments – special or otherwise – that help the club bond with each other and other Canadians.
“Whether it’s referee decisions, whatever, we’ll laugh together, we’ll chew our fingernails together, and we’ll cry together,” he said. “And, hopefully, this time, they’ll be tears of joy.”
Standing and listening to Herdman as he spoke passionately during his speech and scrums later with reporters, one could not help but admire his chutzpah while contemplating many other thoughts. For instance, the Canadian squad was lucky that he chose not to put himself in contention for his native England’s women’s coaching job when it became available last year – much to the relief of Canadian captain Christine Sinclair.
Also, the hype that the presser created was more than a little interesting when you consider that it was a women’s sporting event being promoted. Pick another women’s team in any other sport but hockey, during or outside an Olympic year, that generates as much buzz as Canada’s women’s soccer squad. Herdman, with his enthusiasm and never-say-die attitude, has been largely responsible for the hoopla that has been building since Canada hired him after a disappointing early exit from the 2011 Women’s World Cup.
Last but not least, one could not help but be confounded by the hopes and dreams that the Canadian women’s team continues to inspire while the men’s squad, which has not qualified for the World Cup since 1986 and will be watching the upcoming Brazil World Cup with considerable envy, is languishing in the middle of nowhere. Canadian men’s coach Benito Floro, supposedly a Spanish legend has generated little, if any, buzz since he was hired in August 2013
The low-scoring men’s club has an extremely low profile in Canada, often training and playing friendlies against (ahem) juggernauts like Bulgaria and Moldava overseas. Identical 1-1 draws against those two nations this year are considered big rays hope for an eventual return to respectability. Now, contrast that outlook with Herdman’s expectations.
Floro has pledged to involve Canada’s three MLS teams, the Vancouver Whitecaps, Toronto FC and Montreal Impact, which are developing young domestic talent every day, in the national men’s development program. But, again, few, if any, strides appear to be occurring.
Given the many months that it took to hire Floro after Canada’s humiliating 8-1 loss to Honduras in World Cup qualifying, it appears that the men’s program, known for turf wars between soccer’s provincial and national governing bodies, is still in disarray. On the other hand, it seems like the sport’s poohbahs have left the women’s program alone – and it has flourished.
Of course, this is a grand simplification. Canada Soccer puts considerable resources into the women’s program, which has few professional players at its disposal due to limited funding for those assigned to fledgling National Women’s Soccer League teams. (The Canadian, U.S. and Mexican federations pay the salaries of players that they assign to NWSL teams.)
However, when it comes to soccer in Canada and its troubled history on the men’s side, perception is everything. As was clear Friday, John Herdman is creating a positive and highly meaningful image for the women’s program that will remain for decades to come. The men’s team? Not so much.
Sooner or later, the prediction is here, the search will be on for another national men’s coach, and Canada Soccer officials can only hope that they find another one like John Herdman.
In other words, it will be a long time before any Canadian men’s coach dares to predict that his team will win a World Cup.
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