/columns/120/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt Sports With Bryan Wyatt Mon, 21 May 2012 16:05:13 GMT 5 http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/209294/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Prediction-Kings-and-Rangers-will-battle-for-Cup After having some good success with first-round predictions, it all went out the window with my second-round choices. Los Angeles proved its victory over Vancouver was no fluke, dispatching the St. Louis Blues to the golf course in four games.  Phoenix continued to ride the goalie pads of Mike Smith to a dominating five-game win over Nashville. Martin Brodeur proved once again why there is a spot already chosen for him the Hockey Hall of Fame.  As he turned 40 during the series with Philadelphia, he also turned away enough shots for the New Jersey Devils to send the Flyers packing. And, the other Eastern series turned into a classic seven-game struggle, One of the big highlights in the series was Thunder Bay's Marc Staal's overtime winner in Game 5. On to predictions in the final-four phase of the post-season.   Although it would be great to see Taylor Pyatt bring the Cup back here, I think the L.A Kings are going to burst that bubble in Phoenix.   Mike Quick is showing why he is a Vezina nominee, and Kenora's Mike Richards is showing the Flyers made a big mistake trading him last summer. I like the Kings in six. In the East, the question is will the Rangers start showing some fatigue after back-to-back seven-game marathons.  They have the depth and solid netminding, but will have another tough opponent in the New Jersey Devils.  I like the Rangers in six, setting up an East-West coast battle for the Stanley Cup. Mon, 14 May 2012 09:22:45 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/209294/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Prediction-Kings-and-Rangers-will-battle-for-Cup http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/205827/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Predators,-Blues,-Rangers-and-Philly-will-advance Three seven-game series plenty of overtime and interesting upsets highlighted the opening round of the NHL playoffs.   And, unlike my result in the regular-season office pool, my playoff picks weren't all that bad (five out of eight) Behind the goaltending of Mike Smith, Phoenix eliminated the offensive-powered Chicago Blackhawks.  Next up are the Nashville Predators, which knocked off Detroit.  Look for this to be the battle of the netminders, as Pekka Rinne is every bit as a good as Smith.  Very hard to call, but I'm thinking Nashville wins in six. The other Western series features Kenora's Mike Richards and the Los Angeles Kings against the St.Louis Blues.  Here is a battle of two very-well coached teams, which play a defence-first game. I think the Blues D is better, so I like them in six. After being taken to the wall in the opening round by Ottawa, look for the New York Rangers to have learned a lesson. This is a solid team, plenty of depth and Braden Holtby's performance for the Capitals over Boston notwithstanding, Henrik Lundqvist is just the better netminder. I pick the Rangers in five.   The Flyers are flying high, and they should dispose of the Devils.  But, you can never rule-out future Hall of Famers in the playoffs.  Martin Brodeur was vintage in Jersey's double overtime game seven win over Florida.   Still, Claude Giroux is so hot, and so is the Flyers offence.  I'm taking Philly in six.  Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:19:13 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/205827/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Predators,-Blues,-Rangers-and-Philly-will-advance http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/202064/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/A-crystal-ball-and-the-post-season After one of my worst showings ever in the office hockey pool, I will still venture into the post-season prediction abyss with my first-round-choices.   The one positive about my favourite team's demise – the Montreal Canadiens – is I don't have to wrestle with my heart in playoff prognostications. In the East, the New York Rangers are for real this season.  Anchored by goalie Henrik Lundqvist, the Rangers are solid everywhere, and will be too much for Ottawa to handle.  I like New York in six.     My adage of not picking against the champion until it gives you a reason, is why I will take Boston over Washington in five.   Florida and New Jersey is an interesting series.  Even though the Panthers finished with 10 fewer wins, I'm taking them as an upset in six.    Finally, in the East, the battle of Pennsylvania could go the distance. I'm taking the Flyers over the Penguins in seven, allowing Sidney Crosby to perhaps suit up for Canada at the world championship. The West has some interesting series, and I look for the Canucks to use their depth in beating the Los Angeles Kings in six.  Jonathan Quick does have the ability to deliver a great playoff performance, and that could lead to a big upset over the Presidents Cup champions.   St. Louis has the best goaltending tandem in years and the Blues should ride this defensive wave over San Jose in six.   I like Nashville to beat Detroit, just because I think the Red Wings time could be nearing an end. Finally there’s a good local battle brewing featuring Taylor Pyatt of Phoenix against Patrick Sharp and the Blackhawks.  It will be the goaltending of Mike Smith that will advance the Coyotes to the second round in five.   Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:43:29 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/202064/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/A-crystal-ball-and-the-post-season http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/198493/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Playing-host-gives-North-Stars-a-second-chance Even though the Thunder Bay North Stars have been knocked out of the Superior International Junior League playoffs, they still have a chance to be a National champion.  That chance is awarded to the Stars because they are hosting the Provincial Junior 'A Tier Two championship tournament next month at the Fort William Gardens.  The Stars will put their game against the other championship teams from leagues in Ontario, including the eventual champion of the SIJHL. The second chance scenario is what used to happen years ago with the Thunder Bay Flyers.  They went on to win the Centennial Cup in the early ‘90s after losing out in the United States Hockey League post-season.    They did so after winning the Provincial Dudley-Hewitt Cup at the Fort William Gardens, the same event being hosted next month by the North Stars. It's been an up and down season for the junior team.   They responded very well with a late-season coaching change that brought former NHL player Lonny Bohonos to the helm.  But they ran into a buzz-saw in the semi-final, taking on the Wisconsin Wilderness.   The Dudley-Hewitt Cup hits the ice on April 17 to April 21. It will be a great event to close out the competitive hockey season in the city. Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:14:58 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/198493/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Playing-host-gives-North-Stars-a-second-chance http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/192692/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Wolves-season-wasn't-disastrous-by-any-means I admit some disappointment that the Thunderwolves didn't get to the OUA West final, to have a shot at getting to nationals.  But, I am not willing to throw the team under the bus wheels, like some fans seem to be  suggesting. I think fans have to look at the facts, such as the Lakehead finished only six points ahead of Windsor in the standings, basically a margin of three wins.  The two games in the regular season won by the Thunderwolves in November in Windsor, were by a total of three goals.  The first game of the semifinal series went to overtime, as did the final game at the Fort William Gardens.   The two teams were closer than most people wanted to believe, and when you add the factor of a very good goaltender (Parker Van Buskirk) it's easier to accept why the team came up a bit short. Look at the Thunderwolves regular season record, an impressive 19- 9.  Six of those losses came against McGill and Western, which consistently have been in the upper part of the top 10 all season -- both were No. 1 at some point in time.  And, I have been following the Thunderwolves for a long time on the road, and let me tell you that this season's Western squad is perhaps the best I have seen that school have. There is no question some things need to be addressed, such as taking unnecessary penalties.  Although, the penalty killing was a high-point all year, led by Andrew Wilkins who scored three short-handed goals in the playoffs. This was a very good team, and there are other very good teams in this league, more than there were in the first few years of the franchise.   Remember, they are students playing hockey, not hockey players going to school.  It's a big difference, and when I see players studying on road trips, I am very impressed with their dedication and perseverance.   Obviously the overall goal every year is to win, but it's not realistic to expect that will happen every year.   A 19-9 record in regular season and  a 3 -3 playoff record maybe wasn't enough, but certainly not a disaster Wed, 29 Feb 2012 01:34:17 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/192692/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Wolves-season-wasn't-disastrous-by-any-means http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/186821/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Canadiens-continue-clumsy-season This has been a tough year to be a fan of the Montreal Canadiens.   The best player on the team is all-star netminder Carey Price.  But the last time I checked, you don't win many hockey games if you don't score goals.   The offence has been dismal, one of the most unexciting, uninspiring teams to follow and watch in all the years I have cheered for Montreal (back to 1968).  The Canadiens have had their moments this season, but just no real consistency.  I don't think they will make the playoffs this season. This lackluster squad just doesn't even come close to the old fire-wagon hockey style of years gone by.  This one is more like the fire-truck has a flat, and is permanently parked. But, I am very excited about my other big favourite team – the Detroit Tigers.   The off-season signing of Prince Fielder makes up for the loss caused by the season ending injury to Victor Martinez. Combined with Miguel Cabrera, and up and coming offensive stars such as Austin Jackson and Alex Avila, there will be some fireworks in the Motor City this summer.  If Justin Verlander even comes up with just an above-average season, I think the Tigers have a shot to get back to the World Series in the fall. Looking forward to the start of baseball season, but then again, I always do. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:22:44 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/186821/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Canadiens-continue-clumsy-season http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/185138/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Wolves-headed-for-crunch-time The regular season is winding down for the Thunderwolves hockey team and a regular-season division title is not looking good at this stage of the game.   Back-to-back 1-0 losses over the past weekend to the division-leading Western Mustangs virtually wiped out the chance of taking first place in the OUA West.   The Wolves have six games to go, including two on the road in London against Western. The real battle for Lakehead now is for second, and a guarantee of home ice advantage in the first two playoff rounds.  And it’s starting to look like Round 1 will mean a date with either Laurier or Guelph – if they can hang on. After last weekend’s losses, their lead over Waterloo is down to two points. That means Lakehead still controls its own destiny in that race, but barely. For the men's basketball team, things look a lot better.   They scored two more wins at home over McMaster last weekend, and hit the road to Windsor this weekend.  It's likely the team will retain its No. 2 ranking when the weekly poll is released later today. Speaking of two, it's down the final dance in the NFL.   It’s two weeks until the Super Bowl, which will pit the New England Patriots against the New York Giants.  It’s Tom Brady against Eli Manning all over again, the same match-up that ended up spoiling the Patriots quest for a perfect season in 2008.   Don't look for the Giants to do it again; The Tom Brady tight-end show is on fire and next to Green Bay, the AFC champs are the strongest team New York will face in the postseason. Then again, the Giants did beat the Packers… Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:06:13 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/185138/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Wolves-headed-for-crunch-time http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/181938/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Predicting-2012 As the 2012 sports year is underway, here are some thoughts about how things may go over the next year. I will predict right now that the biggest story in hockey is going to be this ongoing problem with head injuries. Don't be surprised if sometime during 2012 a major marquee NHL player will have his career ended prematurely because of one.   And who knows what will become of Sidney Crosby? This is an Olympic year and that means there will be a heightened sensitivity toward stories about performance-enhancing drugs and other means of trying to use medical or scientific technology to get the edge.   For MLB players who used performance enhancing drugs, the discussion often revolves around not recognizing on-field accomplishments. When does this conversation end? Remember, the rules in baseball at the time were different, and the majors certainly benefitted from the 1998 Sosa-McGwire homerun race, and the 2001 Barry Bonds 73-homerun season.  Not to mention, the increased attendance through the late ‘90s in order to get fans to forgive and forget the ’94 labour stoppage.  And, is this the year we might see a National championship in hockey or basketball for Lakehead University?   Both the hockey squad and men's hoops team are enjoying very strong years, consistently ranked in the top 10.   Is 2012 to be the swan-song for the Border Cats?  Let's hope not.  Better yet, get out to some games this summer in the Northwoods League, you won't be disappointed.   Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:37:41 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/181938/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Predicting-2012 http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/180141/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Remembering-Don-Stokaluk Thunder Bay lost a well-known local sports figure just before Christmas.  I was among thousands saddened to hear of the sudden death of Don Stokaluk.   The man best known simply as The Fox amongst the tight-knit local golfing community, won four Strathcona Invitationals and countless other events over the years.  But aside from his skill on the greens, it was the way he treated people that made him stand out.  I had the chance to play alongside Don years ago at a media event connected to the Strathcona Invitational. Those who know me realize that I probably couldn't hit the side of a building with a golf ball if I was standing 50 feet from it. Don handled my non-expertise with the clubs with great humour. We had a very enjoyable time. It has been my pleasure to be asked each year by the Invitational committee to emcee a small dinner prior to the tournament, held to recognize all the past-champions. It’s a chance for this flogger to sit and chat with all the good golfers, like Don, a recent inductee into the Thunder Bay District Golf Hall of Fame. I have had the chance many of those years to enjoy the pleasure of his company. One of the highlights was when The Fox would deliver his list of people he likes and people he doesn't like. The regaling was done with his typical wit and good-natured style; it was always a fun-filled moment of the dinner. As we mourn his passing, we can all mark Don Stokaluk as someone on our own lists of people we like. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:39:50 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/180141/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Remembering-Don-Stokaluk http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/177079/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Wolves-look-to-stay-hot-in-second-half After starting with back-to-back losses at home to national finalist McGill, the Lakehead Thunderwolves have turned things around in a big way, winning 13 of 14 games.    A Fort William Gardens sweep last weekend over Laurier allowed the Wolves to close out the first half of conference play with a 13-3-0 mark at the Christmas break, and it looks like more of the same in the second half to come. The 2011-‘12 edition of the Thunderwolves have been fueled by a potent offensive attack.  Forward Matt Caria was lighting up the scoreboard – and leading the nation in scoring – before going down with an ankle injury that will likely keep him out until after the Christmas break. With Caria on the shelf, cue Adam Sergerie who has picked up a lot of the scoring slack, and first-year forward Mike Hammond. But Sergerie and Hammond aren’t alone, with several other players chipping in much more this season, including fifth-year forward Devin Welsh.  Alex Dupuis appears to have emerged as the No. 1 netminder, although rookie Jeff Bosch has shown some promise in a few starts.   And, as the second half approaches, another forward is being added to the mix. Six-foot-four forward Thomas Frazee comes here after a short-stint in the ECHL, and five years of major junior in which he was a teammate of Bosch’s for three of those – and a 30-goal scorer to boot.  He could be the type of forward the team has needed since Brock McPherson graduated last season. And he arrives just in time. It’s looking like a tough second half, with four games each against Western and Brock, and two with Waterloo.   But, it certainly seems right now that the latest edition of the Wolves, who take on Calgary this weekend in non-conference play at the Gardens, is looking very strong.    Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:04:06 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/177079/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Wolves-look-to-stay-hot-in-second-half http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/174590/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Verlander-a-deserving-Cy-Young-choice It certainly came as no surprise that Detroit Tigers right-handed ace Justin Verlander was the unanimous 2011 Cy Young winner in the American League. He captured the pitching triple-crown, leading the league in wins, strikeouts and ERA, much like Clayton Kershaw did. Kershaw on Thursday was rewarded with the National League Cy Young Award. I had the privilege of seeing Verlander first-hand this past summer on a visit to Comerica Park.   He was dominant against the Minnesota Twins, racking up his 18th win of a 24-win season. Verlander's performance highlighted a truly memorable experience for this lifelong fan of the Tigers. Another of my favourite teams is the Edmonton Eskimos, and whatever happens in the Western final against the B.C. Lions won’t take away from a great comeback season for the green and gold.  Finishing out of the playoffs last year, they totally turned things around in 2011.   Another football team that wears green and gold, although south of the border keeps rolling along too.   The Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers are undefeated, with Aaron Rodgers showing he is among the elite quarterbacks, if not the best this season, in the NFL.   I think the bubble will burst soon for the Pack. I can't see them running the table for an undefeated regular season. Being able to do that is a formidable task, which is why it hasn't been accomplished very often. Still with football, congrats to Seamus Postuma and Frank Pankewich, two former city high school standouts , who made the all-star grade this season in the OUA.     Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:52:51 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/174590/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Verlander-a-deserving-Cy-Young-choice http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/172495/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Cards-prove-"why-we-play-the-games" Tony La Russa goes out on a high note. Just days after the St. Louis Cardinals wrapped up the World Series, the No. 3 manager on the all-time wins list announced it was the end of the line for him.  Actually, La Russa made the decision retire in August, when the Cardinals were 10.5 games out of the playoff race. Another footnote to the Cardinals 11th World Series crown:  this will now be the standard in sports when having discussions or thoughts about a team being out of it. As former New York Mets manager Yogi Berra said in 1973, "It ain't over until it's over." Turning that message to other things, like the NHL season. If your team is well behind at Christmas, don't give up hope. I know I haven't given up on the Habs. And, how about the topsy-turviness this season so far.  Ottawa, Toronto and Edmonton are showing once again they are much better than many believed. And, then there's our Thunderwolves.  After a weak pre-season and two opening losses to McGill, there were many questioning the strength of this squad.  But they turned it around with six straight wins, and are now challenging for the West Division supremacy. All this reminds me of a saying from a former NHL player who told me once, "It's why we play the games." Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:10:10 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/172495/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Cards-prove-"why-we-play-the-games" http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/169348/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/World-Series-crown-in-the-Cards We’re down to the last hurrah of the long baseball season and in August who would have thought the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals would compete for the World Series title?   The Cards were 10.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the wild card race, but made a tremendous push in September and ended up taking the final National League playoff spot. Then the Cards took down the powerful Phillies in the NL Division Series and the hard-hitting, but poor fielding, Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Championship Series (a rematch, for those with long memories, of the 1982 World Series when the Brew Crew led by Cecil Cooper, Robin Yount and Paul Molitor, were in the American League).   The Rangers had a great year in 2011, despite the tragedy of a fan dying at one of their games, and surprised in a year when most experts figured the heavily bankrolled New York Yankees would emerge from American League.  But the Rangers clearly showed in the playoffs that settling for the title of 2010’s runner-ups just wasn’t good enough for Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz and company.   Still, I'm taking St. Louis to win, as manager Tony LaRussa has all his players, including the hot-hitting Albert Pujols, the ageless Lance Berkman and the run-creation machine Matt Holliday, on the same page, I think their postseason roll will continue and they’ll capture their 11th World Series crown, their first since 2006. But baseball’s not the only sport on my mind these days. The chilly temperatures outside mean it’s hockey season, and the Lakehead Thunderwolves are in full gear now, after a slow start. The Wolves dropped a pair to McGill on home ice to start the season, but scored two impressive wins in Ottawa over the Gee-Gees this past weekend, winning 4-2 on Friday and 3-1 on Saturday.    From my observation, it looks like coach Joel Scherban and his staff have put together a solid team for this season, the two early losses to a top 10 team aside. The addition of netminder Jeff Bosch should shore up the goaltending, and he should form a nice tandem with the returning Alex Dupuis. The increased size and defensive skill on the blue-line is clearly apparent. Even though the scoring has been mainly done by the big line of Matt Caria, Ryan McDonald and Trevor Gamache, a leg injury to McDonald pushed Adam Sergerie on that line for the Ottawa series, and it paid dividends.   His veteran playmaking and scoring skill will be a bonus as he likely finds himself back on the second line.  And, third-year centre Andrew Wilkins looks like he could be ready to break out, with a pair of beautiful goals in the sweep.   This weekend the Thunderwolves are on the road to play the York Lions, and you can hear those games on Rock 94.   Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:33:10 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/169348/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/World-Series-crown-in-the-Cards http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/166438/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Wolves-hockey-ready-to-roll The puck is about to drop on another hockey season for the Lakehead Thunderwolves.   Coach Joel Scherban has had a busy off-season recruiting players. The team's early exit after only one round of the OUA playoffs was a bit shocking, since it was the first time the Thunderwolves failed to advance to the second round it its 10-year existence. But it did allow Joel to get a bit of a jump on the recruiting and soon we will see how his off-season work will pay off. Lakehead opened last Friday in a non-conference series with the traditionally strong University of Quebec at Trois Rivieres.   The first night was a bit of a letdown, a one-sided 5-2 loss, but the squad rebound nicely the next night, thanks to Mike Hammond's five-point effort, and the Wolves went on to a 5-1 win. The first regular season home game is next Friday against the powerful McGill Redmen.  This season also marks the 10th anniversary that I'll be on the road with the team, calling the play-by-play on CKPR radio. The first game of the new broadcast season is set for Friday, Oct. 14 in Ottawa against the Gee-Gees. An interesting point is that during my first season on-air the Thunderwolves advanced to the nationals in Fredericton, N.B. on a goal on an overtime goal scored by Scherban against the University of Toronto in the OUA wild card game.   This season also sees the OUA holding the wild card, meaning three teams from the conference will go to nationals, which once again are being held in Fredericton.   Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:33:16 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/166438/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Wolves-hockey-ready-to-roll http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/161980/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/One-of-the-best-times-for-fans- I love September.   The pennant races start to build in baseball, the NFL season begins,  hockey is set to return, high school sports are back in gear and university sports are right around the corner.  As always, it's going to be an exciting end to the major league baseball season.   The Yankees and Red Sox could slug it out until the final weekend for the East Division title, while Arizona looks to knock off the defending champion San Francisco Giants in the National League West.   As well, the jockeying for the end-of-the-season awards heats up.   I think Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers will win the American League Cy Young honours. He has been in quite a zone, and I had a chance to see that first-hand last month as my vacation plans had me in Comerica Park when the big, hard-throwing righty was racking up win number 18 against the Minnesota Twins. He's up to 21 now. The Blue Jays certainly have uncovered a diamond in rookie Brett Lawrie.  He has been very impressive since being called up, but I don't think he will have enough time to capture the league's rookie of the year award.  Former Northwoods Leaguer Curtis Granderson of the Yankees could be a favourite for the American League MVP.   He's up near the top in homers and RBI's, and leading in runs scored. And, then there's the NFL season. It's one of the toughest sports to accurately predict, due to the impact of injuries.  But with a labour deal in place between the players and owners, it should be another good exciting season on the field. And finally, there's hockey.  All of the summer campfire, golf course and fishing-boat talk is over now, and we get to see how teams will look as they all try to knock the Boston Bruins off the top of the mantel. I love the fall! Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:49:46 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/161980/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/One-of-the-best-times-for-fans- http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/158361/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Summer-time,-and-the-living-is-easy I'm sure glad the NFL and the players have settled their labour dispute and there will be a season.  It would have been a long winter without one. -- even though it's been a good start to the CFL season, especially if you're like me and cheer for the Edmonton Eskimos I've never been one to to bother trying to compare the two games.   I prefer to consider them as great products, each in their own right.  The games are different, as the rules require a different type of strategic thinking.   And, there are great athletes playing on both sides of the border.    We're into the dog days of the baseball season, the month of August where the divisional races start to get really cranked up.    It's also the time for me to take my vacation, so I won't be contributing anything new here until close to the end of the month.   By that time, we will be closing in on the start of the NFL,  training camps in hockey, Thunderwolves and high school sports just around the corner, and of course September pennant chases.   I do love the fall. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:21:28 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/158361/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Summer-time,-and-the-living-is-easy http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/156867/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Success-of-our-teams As hockey coach Joel Scherban continues to retool the Lakehead Thunderwolves during this off season, let's put our attention on two teams that are battling hard in their respective leagues right now. Coach Tony Colistro has once again put together a solid, competitive Thunder Bay Chill.  After an outstanding U.S road trip at the beginning of July, the Chill once again ended up clinching top spot in the Heartland Division.  The Chill are now on the road for the Central Conference playoffs this weekend in Michigan, with their first test being Chicago. The Border Cats have rebounded in the second half of the Northwoods League season, to be in the thick of the North division race.   Hopefully,  the success on the diamond will translate into more fans clicking through the turnstiles at Port Arthur Stadium for the remainder of the summer season.    Speaking of the Thunderwolves, Scherban has recruited nine players to add to his returning contingent this fall.   He has also made a big change in his coaching staff, as former NHL player, and AHL assistant coach Mike Busniuk has stepped up his role as an assistant coach.   It's hoped the Thunder Bay native's experience could be a tonic as the Wolves compete again this season in the OUA.  By the way, you will be able to catch all the exciting away-game action of the Thunderwolves on Rock 94, as I hit the road for my 10th season calling the play-by-play for the Lakehead University squad. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 07:46:30 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/156867/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Success-of-our-teams http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/153373/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Hockey-chat-for-the-campfire-season- The summer has already seen many major changes taking place in the NHL.   One of the biggest involved the Philadelphia Flyers, who shipped Mike Richards to the Los Angeles Kings.   Not only did they trade a skilled, two-way player, but the Kenora native was also the team captain.  It leaves the door open to possibly making Dryden defenceman Chris Pronger the new person wearing the ''C'' The acquisition of a player like Richards makes the Kings that much stronger, possibly even Cup contenders. Another Richards, Brad, (no relation) is headed to the Rangers.  He's the latest high-scoring forward to take the money and move the big lights of Manhattan.   The price was steep, $60 million over nine years, but he will put up the offensive production necessary in the Big Apple. Montreal was busy, signing power-forward Erik Cole away from the Carolina Hurricanes.  It was apparent in their first -round loss to Boston the Habs needed more strength up front.  Other moves of note, included the Leafs acquiring centre Tim Connolly from Buffalo,  future hall of famer Jaromir Jagr returning from Russia to play with the Flyers and of course the biggest change of all, hockey returning to Winnipeg. There are plenty of discussion points to keep you occupied while roasting marshmallows this summer.        Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:54:31 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/153373/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Hockey-chat-for-the-campfire-season- http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/148332/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/It's-the-final-countdown It's the final, a battle between the oldest American franchise and the third oldest Canadian franchise.   The last time the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup was in 1972, the second season of the Vancouver Canucks. The 2011 Stanley Cup tournament has come down to a battle of these two teams.  For the Canucks,  the third visit to the final.   But, this year's team also comes in as the best during the regular season,  sporting the league scoring champion and Olympic gold medallist netminder Roberto Luongo.   The Bruins match Vancouver's depth up front, and have  Zdeno Chara hulking on the blueline.  They also have a top-notch tender in Vezina-nominee Tim Thomas. The Canucks have made it to the final dance by first dispatching the defending champion Blackhawks, in a thrilling seven game series.   They followed that up with victories over Nashville and San Jose.   The Bruins lost their first two at home to Montreal, and then turned it on taking down the Canadiens in seven.   Boston then knocked of Philadelphia and Tampa.  It hasn't been an easy round for either team, and I don't think the Cup final will be.  Look for this to possibly go the distance, it should be a very good series.   It certainly will be a good way to put this hockey season to bed, and then we can focus our attention on the Border Cats and Chill seasons for the summer. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:02:58 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/148332/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/It's-the-final-countdown http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/146062/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/The-final-four-in-the-NHL It's now down to four teams left in the hunt for the Stanley Cup.   Two of the second round series were rather lacklustre, with the two Western semis creating the most interest.   After being taken to the mat in the opening round by Chicago, Vancouver had another tough time dispatching Nashville to the off-season.   And, the seven game barnburner between San Jose and Detroit was close to being a classic.  Look for the Sharks to have benefitted from that tough series with the boys from Motown as they will be ready to take on the Canucks.   Vancouver has had a great year, but its an overall consistency that has seemed to bog down in the post-season.   I'm thinking this has the makings of a real battle for the Western conference title, and I think the Sharks will prevail.   The Eastern face-off between Boston and Tampa could be just as good.   The Bruins are deep, and the Lightning is one of the hardest-working teams on the ice.  Goaltending is going to be the key, and I like Boston's Tm Thomas over veteran Dwayne Roloson. Three series left, until we have a new Stanley Cup champion,  and that means almost another month of hockey. Fri, 13 May 2011 10:39:41 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/146062/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/The-final-four-in-the-NHL http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/143864/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/A-great-opening-round,-let-the-2nd-round-start! What a ride the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs has been.   But, unfortunately all seven Thunder Bay players who started the post-season, are now on the outside looking in.    Patrick Sharp and Ryan Johnson and the rest of their Chicago Blackhawks team-mates saw their cup reign end in a dramatic game seven overtime win by Vancouver. The opening round also featured game seven thrillers between Boston and Montreal, Philadelphia and Buffalo, and Pittsburgh and Tampa.   Now, the second round starts, and look for the close battles to continue.   I like Vancouver to take down Nashville.   The Canucks had the Hawks by the throat at 3-0, and came within a goal of blowing it.  They will have learned from their mistakes, and should beat Nashville easier.  Detroit went through the opening round over Phoenix in a sweep, and the Red Wings will have a much tougher test against San Jose, although I expect them to make it to the Western final.  The Eastern series should be real corkers.   Boston against the Flyers, trying to avenge a devastating playoff loss to Philly last Spring.  And, the Washington Capitals against Tampa.     It pains me to do this, but I'm picking Boston to advance to play the Caps for the conference crown.    I went five for eight in my first round predictions.  Thu, 28 Apr 2011 10:36:35 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/143864/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/A-great-opening-round,-let-the-2nd-round-start! http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/141167/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/The-quest-for-the-cup-starts- It's here, Stanley Cup playoff time. The long NHL season is over, and now it's time for the long playoff run. The defending champion Chicago Blackhawks squeezed in on the final day to have a chance to defend their title.  But, they also draw the regular season champion Canucks, and I don't expect them to go very far.  This Canucks team is very balanced, and deep.  This could just be Vancouver's year.  Other first round predictions, I like San Jose over the the Los Angeles Kings, 50-goal shooter Corey Perry should power Anaheim past Nashville, and those who pick against Detroit anytime are treading water, so I expect the Red Wings to knock off Phoenix. In the East, Washington has been great down the stretch to take the conference regular season title, and I think the Capitals just have too much for the Rangers to contend with.  I think Ryan Miller could just lead Buffalo to a first-round upset over Philadelphia.   Tampa with the duo of Stamkos and St. Louis, could ice the Penguins.   And, the classic match-up of Boston and Montreal.   If the Canadiens can get some scoring to go along with the stellar netminding of Carey Price, this could be an upset.  But, the Bruins team has a lot of depth, and Tim Thomas has been oustanding.   Let the opening round begin! Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:56:23 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/141167/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/The-quest-for-the-cup-starts- http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/138189/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Get-behind-the-Cats- Calling Thunder Bay baseball fans.  You have a job to do this summer, support the Border Cats.   Our Northwoods League franchise needs and deserves support.   Owner Brad Jorgensen has been doing a good job operating this team, trying to ensure it stays here.   The two-time league champion Border Cats have been busy during the off-season in attracting players to come here and play for the summer.   Jorgensen had said after the last season, that his staff would be focusing on its task to increase attendance this summer.   If the Cats could somehow tap into the well that resulted in thousands taking in last July's World Junior Championship, this would go a long way to securing the future of the franchise.  Sadly, after that great event was there, the fan support didn't translate over to the remaining Border Cats regular season games. When you go to a Cats game, chances are you will be watching players that will one day play in the major league, which is sprinkled with Northwoods League alums.   It's an enjoyable way to spend a summer night at the Port Arthur Stadium.   And, as a community, we just can't afford to lose another sports franchise, because we didn't support it.  The Border Cats open the new season on the road, with the home opener set for  June 6th against Rochester. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 10:32:33 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/138189/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Get-behind-the-Cats- http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/136674/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Chara-should-have-been-suspended Quite frankly, i've really had enough of Don Cherry.     The last few years have seen the popular hockey analyst, spouting off about so many things other than hockey. That was annoying enough, to see anyone use a position on a broadcast such as Hockey Night in Canada to put forward his own agenda.   But, his comments on the Zdeno Chara incident have shown once again how he is missing the mark about what is going in the NHL.   He agrees with the league's decision not to suspend the hulking Boston Bruin defenceman for the hit on Montreal forward Max Pacioretty, even though the game official at the time issued a match-penalty.  A match-penalty is assessed because the play is deemed as an attempt to injure a player.  The word intent is the key here.  If the NHL wants anyone to have the ultimate regard for its on-ice officials, it needs to fully support those game decisions in its front office.    Any match-penalty should carry an automatic suspension, and then allow the league to determine what that length should be.   To assess nothing, what kind of message does that give anyone? Perhaps there are changes that should be made at the Bell Centre, and perhaps those would decrease the kind of injury that can occur to players.    It is very clear that when you watch the hit delivered by Chara, he was trying to drive Pacioretty through the boards to next week.  He may not have been trying to hurt him that much, but be clear that he was attempting to make the Montreal forward feel it.  The fact that the stanchion was there was not his fault, but it is his ultimate responsibility for what occurred as the result. Sun, 13 Mar 2011 13:12:52 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/136674/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Chara-should-have-been-suspended http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/134632/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/The-Thunderwolves,-what-happened? Since the Lakehead University hockey team playoff hopes were dashed in the first round,  I have been asked by many about what went wrong this season? The first half was very good, with Lakehead getting on a  winning roll and entering the December break in a solid position, still with a shot at catching Western Ontario for the divisional title.  But,  the start of 2011 wasn't favourable.  Injuries to key players such as Kris Hogg and Pierre-Marc Guilbault took their toll as did the five game departure of Jordan Smith and Matt Caria for the World University games.  Any team would have a hard time continuing to perform with that much offensive firepower out of its line-up.   The result was a team which struggled offensively in the second half, finally culminating in back-to-back shutout losses to Waterloo in the playoffs. I think just a lot of  tough breaks happened too close together, and it added up to be the perfect storm that tarnished what had looked to be a promising season.  But, I also believe that the players returning in the fall will be stronger for it, as they will want to erase the memory of the quick playoff exit.  They will be hungry and determined to not let that happen again.  There will be new faces with the departure of Smith, Brock McPherson, Kyle Moir, Andy Zulyniak and Pierre-Marc Guilbault.   I look for Joel Scherban and his staff to re-tool the team and rebound in 2011-12, in much the same manner as it did following a disappointing second round playoff exit in the season that followed being runner-up at Nationals in Edmonton in 2006. Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:49:50 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/134632/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/The-Thunderwolves,-what-happened? http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/130860/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Football-and-hockey-questions- The National Football League season is over, and the Green Bay Packers reign supreme.   An exciting finale with Super Bowl 45 in Dallas, as the storied franchise recorded its fourth Super Bowl title, with a 31-25 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Green Bay not only is the smallest market in the league, but it also entered the playoffs as the number-six seed in the National Football Conference, knocking off Philadelphia, Atlanta and Chicago to advance to the dance.   But, now that this season is over, the questions linger as to if there will be a next season.   The current agreement between the owners and players expires next month.   Speculation has been that the two sides are far apart on a new deal, and the possibility of a lockout exists.   There was a bit of good news that occurred on Super Bowl weekend, as the commissioner said the first meeting since November with the player's union was beneficial.  We can only hope that things will continue to move forward in a positive vein.   With football season over, we turn our attention locally to the Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey playoffs.  The team has stumbled its way to the finish line in the second half.   Affected by numerous injuries, and the departure of two of the top players Matt Caria and Jordan Smith to take part in the World University games in Turkey, the Thunderwolves sputtered down the stretch and at one point had lost four straight.    Playoffs start next week, where and against who will be determined after Lakehead completes its regular season this weekend in Waterloo. Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:46:59 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/130860/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Football-and-hockey-questions- http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/128714/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Super-Bowl,-all-stars-and-curling The end of the football season will feature two of the oldest franchises in the NFL.   The Green Bay Packers won the NFC title, beating Chicago handily and the Pittsburgh Steelers captured the AFC title with a five-point win over the New York Jets. Both Super Bowl teams  feature solid defences and strong quarterbacks, the Packers slinging out Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers leaning on Big Ben Roethlisberger. It should be an excellent finale to the season, with interesting historical overtones. The Packers franchise won the first two Super Bowls and the Steelers franchise, with six has won the most in NFL history. For me, the interesting point here is that two teams from small-market cities are battling for the NFL title. If the same scenario occurred in Major League Baseball, likely both teams would have been out of the running early in their seasons.  Take a look at the Milwaukee Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates if you don't beleive me. This is definitely something that shouldn't be forgotten by both the NFL players and owners as they start the process of negotiating a new collective agreement. This weekend's NHL all-star game features a new twist this season.  This is really nothing new, as the league has re-vamped the mid season format numerous times.  The new format  has two captains, Thunder Bay's Eric Staal and Detroit's Niklas Lidstrom, picking players like they might have done back in their pond-hockey days.   Will this generate more interest in the game? It remains to be seen, but in my opinion, the NHL all-star game is only interesting if you are watching it live. And, the Ontario women's curling championships are on this week.  Thunder Bay has a 30 per cent chance of having a team advance through the provincials to get to nationals, with Krista McCarville, Ashley Kallos and Marlo Dahl competing in the 10-rink field.  McCarville is the two-time defending champion and has won four of the last five provincial titles. Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:15:06 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/128714/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Super-Bowl,-all-stars-and-curling http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/125756/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/A-look-back-at-2010 It was another great sports year in Thunder Bay.  The highlight had to be the World Junior Baseball Championship, which straddled the end of July and beginning of August.   Fantastic crowds packed the Port Arthur Stadium and fans were treated to some outstanding baseball.  Hats off to the organizers who had the vision to put on this event, starting with Warren Philp. Another fabulous event was the national university hockey championship, better known as the Cavendish University Cup.  Although host Lakehead had a much better showing than the previous year, and also earned its spot in the six-team tournament as the OUA West champions, the Thunderwolves came up a bit short in a quest to make it to the final. The Thunder Bay Chill enjoyed another great year on the pitch, winning their division. After a few consecutive years of success, it's now become what fans expect to see when they come out to Chapples Field to watch the Chill. Congrats as well to the Thunder Bay Midget Queens, winning the Esso Cup and bringing home a national championship. There's also the LU men's basketball team, who made the Final 8, much to everyone's surprise. In the global spotlight, hockey players Eric Staal and Haley Irwin won gold medals at the Olympics, and of course Patrick Sharp hoisted the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks.   In all, it was a really good year for sports in Thunder Bay, and I'm looking forward to 2011. Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:28 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/125756/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/A-look-back-at-2010 http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/123012/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Lamenting-our-sports-past A couple of weeks back, the Westgate Tigers played in Toronto against Sault Ste. Marie in the Northern Bowl.  And,  just a few days ago, I happened to run into a former high school football player, who ended up playing for the old Thunder Bay Giants.  You are probably wondering why I'm mentioning this.   The two football events, just reminded me about how much I enjoyed the days of covering the old junior football team.   It also got me to thinking about what other sports events, particularly during the fall and winter that we used to have in the city, that I miss. One near the top of the list is the former Sun-Life Grand Prix of curling held at the Port Arthur club.   This event brought some of the best men's and women's curling teams in the country here each November.   It was the first time I had the chance to watch the late Sandra Schmirler's championship rink.   It was very well-run event, and when it ended, left a void in the local curling calendar. I miss the Royal Canadian Legion's Sports Celebrity Dinner.  Each February, the organizers successfully brought some top big names in sports for 50 years  to entertain us.   The first chance to meet baseball Hall of Famers Brooks Robinson and Lou Brock.   Along with other big hockey stars such as Steve Shutt, Frank Mahovlich and Gerry Cheevers.  It sure made the cold days of February seem just a bit more palatable. Speaking of an even that high-lighted winter, was when Big Thunder was the site for a stop on the World Cup ski-jumping tour.   Another fabulous event, gone by the wayside.  What all this adds up to is the old saying ''you don't know how good something was, until it's gone.  and by that time it's too late.'' Tue, 07 Dec 2010 08:56:37 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/123012/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Lamenting-our-sports-past http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/121295/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Final-thoughts-on-baseball-season No question that the Baseball Writers of America have made the right choices for their most valuable player awards.   Toronto's Joey Votto had big numbers in all of the Triple-Crown categories, hitting .324 with 37 homers and 113 RBI. He also was the key contributor to the Cincinnati Reds making the postseason for the first time since 1990. Votto's win makes him the third Canadian player to capture the top award, after Larry Walker, who did it with Colorado in 1997 -- and will be on the hall-of-fame ballot for the first time in January -- and Justin Morneau, who won it in 2006 with the Minnesota Twins.  In the American League, the voters again picked a player who led a team into the postseason, over a 50-homer-plus player in Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays.   Josh Hamilton was the main offensive force for the eventual American League champion Texas Rangers.  His .359 average, 32 homeruns and 100 RBI were numbers very worthy for the award. Here's the interesting thing:  these two players were teammates in Cincinnati, playing together in 2007, albeit briefly toward the end of the season. So the post-season awards are done and all fans get to do now is think about the 2011 season, with a little free agency thrown in to spice up the winter layover.    Speaking of baseball and next year, the Northwoods League has now announced its 2011 schedule. The Border Cats will open on the road in Willmar June 1, with the home opener set for June 6 against Rochester.   Thu, 25 Nov 2010 01:26:59 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/121295/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Final-thoughts-on-baseball-season http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/120139/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/The-Price-is-right- It may be early, but it also might be time to stop the debate on whether the Montreal Canadiens made the right move in shipping Jaroslav Halak off to the St. Louis Blues.    Carey Price has been lights out for the Canadiens lately, and Tuesday night turned aside 41 Philadelphia shots for a shutout. It appears he may have finally regained the confidence he exhibited just a few seasons ago, but had seen it slip away last season. While Price will continue to be the dominant goaltender in Montreal,  the role which Thunder Bay's Alex Auld has as his back-up is also important. In Auld the Habs have a dependable player to spell off Price every once in a while, a goaltender who knows what is role is, and isn't going to upset the overall team chemistry.   I'm hoping to see the Canadiens against Buffalo next Saturday night when I travel with the Lakehead Thunderwolves (7-4-1) to Montreal for a two-game series against Concordia. It will be our final broadcast for 2010 on Rock 94. The road season will resume in mid-January with a trip to London against Western. Last weekend the Thunderwolves two-game sweep saw the scoring spread around. It was  a solid effort to win the overtime game on Friday, and they followed that up with an impressive performance on Saturday night. With four games left in the first half of the conference season -- including two at home this weekend against surprising Nipissing -- Lakehead is well-poised to perhaps hold down second spot in the division. Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:45:18 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/120139/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/The-Price-is-right- http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/118232/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Closing-thoughts-on-2010-baseball-season- The 2010 Major League baseball season is over, and if you are a fan of the San Francisco Giants then it's time to celebrate.  It's the first World Series championship for the storied franchise since it moved to the west coast in 1958. That's a long drought for the Giants, one of the original National League teams, not unlike the Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup win a  few months ago, ending a 49-year dry spell. Like the last Giants team that won a title in 1954, this year's club did it with pitching.   They had solid starters, a deep middle bullpen and anchored by a dominant closer. Mix in some timely offence, and you have the ingredients for a winning team, at least in today's era.    This season saw a pitching comeback, prompting some to refer to it as the new year of the pitcher.  Texas also had a good mound staff, but it was the Rangers offence which powered the league pennant win over the defending champion New York Yankees.  So, this is the question to ponder as the winter hot-stove league fire starts to be stoked by baseball fans.   Will the pendulum stay poised in favour of pitching in 2011?    Don't get me wrong, I love offence. I think most fans do. But the basis of baseball has been, and always will be defence. Why? Because it's the only major sport where the defence starts with  the ball. Perhaps the days of inflated offensive figures is over for a while, and baseball is back to those times where each run just seems to matter a bit more. You know what this is more like?  It's like the Northwoods League style, where the Border Cats have already committed to come back for 2011. As our lust for the high-scoring, long-ball dominated game diminishes,  perhaps people will develop that same appetite for the way the game should be. Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:13:08 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/118232/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Closing-thoughts-on-2010-baseball-season- http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/117040/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Texas-vs.-San-Francisco It is time for the World Series!   The San Francisco Giants are taking on the Texas Rangers. The Giants are looking for their first title since 1954, when the team was still in New York. Texas has never been in the series, having entered the American League as an expansion franchise in Washington in 1961. The Senators moved to Texas in 1972, where they promptly put in one of the worst seasons in baseball history.  But this fall, the Rangers have been fabulous. They've got an offence led by league batting champion Josh Hamilton and sluggers Nelson Cruz and Vlad Guerrero.  The pitching of Cliff Lee has been extraordinary.   The Giants have strong pitching, anchored by two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum, and the guy with the worst beard in sports, closer Brian Wilson, who has been dominant out of the bullpen. I think it will be a good series to close the season, and I like Texas to take it, probably in six games. And, as we enjoy it, let's all think about getting out to support the Border Cats next summer in the Northwoods League.  Owner Brad Jorgenson is going to work hard off the field this winter to try to encourage more fans to take in the great product at the Port Arthur Stadium.  He says the average attendance needs to increase from the 650 average this past season to closer to 1,000.  This is excellent baseball, with numerous players in the majors having played in this league in the past -- including former Cat Matt Mangini, who debuted with the Seattle Mariners in September.     Let's have a great end to the major league season, and good springboard to a successful 2011 Northwoods League season for the Border Cats as well. Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:20:55 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/117040/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Texas-vs.-San-Francisco http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/113787/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/On-the-road-with-the-Lakehead-Thunderwolves The Lakehead Thunderwolves head off on their first road trip of the 2010-11 Ontario University Athletics hockey season with three points out of a possible four in their opening weekend.   They turned around defensively on Saturday night, cutting the shots on goal nearly in half from their 5-4 loss the night before as they scored a 7-3 win over Waterloo.  Coach Joel Scherban's team sets its sights on the Windsor Lancers, a team winless in their first two games.    This also marks the return of Thunderwolves Hockey on Rock 94.  Once again this season, I will be travelling with the team to bring you all the excitement of OUA hockey when the T-Wolves are away from home.  This ninth season of calling the games will see us carrying 13 regular season broadcasts, plus the playoffs. It also will see us take a trip to Montreal at the end of November, for a series with the Concordia Stingers.  And, due to scheduling this season, the Western Ontario Mustangs won't be coming to Thunder Bay, but we have two games circled on our schedule in early January in London that you will hear on Rock 94. New to the program this year, a feature called ''Thunderwolves Insider'' by reporter Zahir Muslun.   The popular Off the Boards intermission feature is being done this season by reporter Gilles Gallant.   Our first broadcast on Rock 94, or www.rock94.com   hits the airways with the pre-game show this Friday at 7:15 p.m.     Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:38:07 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/113787/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/On-the-road-with-the-Lakehead-Thunderwolves http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/112241/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Baseball---post-season- The long major league baseball season is over, and now it's time for the postseason.  October looks to be a very exciting month.  Six of the eight teams in the playoffs are original franchises, though not all are still where they started. The Atlanta Braves originally began in Boston  with a stop in Milwaukee in between, and the Minnesota Twins began as the original version Washington Senators.   The Texas Rangers were the second Washington Senators that started 1961, moving to the Lone Star State in 1972. This was a great season, the pendulum continued its swing back to the centre.   Pitching was much better, as evidenced by the number of 1-0 games, the highest in years.   Former Blue Jay Roy Halladay didn't miss a beat moving to the National League, winning a league high 21 games for the Philadelphia Phillies.  He will probably rack up the Cy Young award in the senior circuit. The Blue Jays had an 85-77 record, better than most thought they would.  The emergence of Jose Bautista, who hit a league-high 54 round trippers, and the team hitting 257 dingers, was a big part of the equation. .  Some good young arms on the staff, and its possible the Jays could only be a a few players away from being a serious contender in 2011. Here's my bold predictions:  Look for Tampa and San Francisco to end up battling it out at the end in the World Series.   However it turns out, there are few things better in sports than baseball in October. Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:59:45 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/112241/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Baseball---post-season- http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/110298/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/2010-Honour-Roll- It is time this weekend for one of the highlights of the yearly sports calendar in Thunder Bay. The 2010 class is officially inducted in the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. This year four athletes and two builders will be honoured.   Leading the way is former NHLer Greg Johnson. Johnson skated for a dozen years in the show, making his mark as captain of the Nashville Predators. He also was a junior hockey star in the city, and represented his country on the world stage several times, including winning a silver medal at the 1994 Olympics. Former two-time world curling champion Al Hackner, already in the hall as a member of championship teams, earns his own spot as an athlete. Former Olympic freestyle skier Dave Walker, and championship BMX rider Jay Miron round out the honoured athletes. In the builder category, NCAA winning coach George Gwozdecky earns his spot. After playing junior hockey here, he went on to great success behind the bench for several U.S. college teams.  And, the person who spearheaded the development of the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame almost 30 years ago, Fred Bragnalo, will get his rightful spot as one of the builders of sport in Northwestern Ontario.  It's another well-deserving class added to the ranks of the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame.   Sat, 25 Sep 2010 04:17:12 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/110298/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/2010-Honour-Roll- http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/108857/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/An-exciting-September- The 2010 Major League baseball season is winding down, and there are some great divisional races.  It is looking as if Minnesota has just about locked up the American League Central, with a big six-game edge on Chicago heading into this week. New York and Tampa look like they might fight it out for the Eastern title right down to the final weekend. That's also the case in the East and West divisions in the National League.   The Phillies and Braves battling hard, with Philadelphia obviously showing the benefits of acquiring all-star pitcher Roy Oswalt from Houston at the deadline.   The San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres are in a tough battle out west, with the teams in a virtual dead-heat starting this week. And, don't count out Colorado. Behind the hot-bat of Troy Tulowitzki, the Rockies have reeled off a great run, to get within distance of both the West title and the wild-card race.   It does look though that the triple-crown chase by St. Louis star Albert Pujols is over. The slugger might end up winning both the homerun and runs-batted-in titles, but not the batting crown. The last National Leaguer to win the triple crown, Hall of Famer Joe (Ducky) Medwick of the Cardinals in 1937. Besides Pujols and Colorado's Carlos Gonzalez,Canadian Joey Votto of Cincinnati had a decent run at the triple as well. It's shaping up to be another great October postseason.   Wed, 15 Sep 2010 19:37:40 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/108857/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/An-exciting-September- http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/107526/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Equation-=-new-arena-minor-pro-hockey-returns- It sounds great, a new multi-purpose arena, and a return to minor pro hockey for Thunder Bay.   The Ice Edge group, which includes Thunder Bay investors Keith McCullough and Anthony LeBlanc is in the process of trying to acquire an expansion franchise in the ECHL.   But, they also made it quite clear, it is only a possible with a new arena built to replace the aging Fort William Gardens.  We had a pro team centred out of the Gardens for most of the '90s.  The Thunder Hawks, and then Senators won several Colonial Cup championships in the Colonial League, and also the United Hockey League.  The impact of the extremely low value of the Loonie, combined with the physical restraints on seating in the Gardens eventually resulted in that team being sold off to US investors.   Over the last decade, hockey fans have had their appetites whetted with a success Lakehead University Thunderwolves program, and also the Tier-Two Superior International Junior League.  There is no doubt that a minor pro team in the ECHL would be a step-up.  The question is, are we finally ready as a community to put the Gardens to rest, and move on to a modern facility?   It's interesting this comes about, as we prepare for the 2010 Municipal election.   Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:09:53 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/107526/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Equation-=-new-arena-minor-pro-hockey-returns- http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/105280/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/The-Chill-had-a-hot-summer Another season for the Thunder Bay Chill has come to a close.  But, unfortunately the team came up a bit short in the championship game of the Premier Development League, losing 4-1 to the Portland Timbers U23 squad last Saturday. A redcard infraction levied against midfielder Rafa Heck early in the contest proved just too much for the Chill to deal with.   Playing short for almost the entire game, they kept pace and entered the half tied 1-1.  But, the second half saw Portland score three to put the victory away.  Even though the sting of losing the championship game is still there, the Chill, under coach Tony Colistro have a lot to be happy about in 2010.  It captured first spot overall in the Heartland Division, and then on they're home field took the Central Conference title.  Individually, it was another fine season for Brandon Swartzendruber.who led the PDL scoring parade.  Gustavo Oliveira was also a major contributor, leading the league in assists. It was a team that had no shortage of scoring power, but playing short in the final they just couldn't generate enough offence to take the title home.   Off the field, the Chill also enjoyed another fine season.   Attendance was good at Chapples Field, and for the first time the team had a chance to host the four-team Central Conference title.  Things are definitely continuing to look bright for the Thunder Bay Chill.   Sat, 14 Aug 2010 11:39:02 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/105280/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/The-Chill-had-a-hot-summer http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/103922/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/The-highlight-of-summer-2010 For a week-and-a-half, a global sports spotlight shone on our city.  And, thanks to the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, we delivered a fabulous World Junior Baseball Championship.  From those who handled much-higher than expected ticket sales, without a computerized sales system, to the people who drove around athletes for 10 days, to the volunteers who sold 50-50 tickets in the jammed stadium stands, to everyone who made sure the players from other parts of the world were just made to feel like home over their 10 days here.  Yes, the championship was a great success.  At the gate, an estimated 50,000 took in the games at the Port Arthur Stadium  and Baseball Central. The city hasn't seen crowds like that since the days of the Whiskey Jacks in the early '90s. On the field, the games were first-rate, filled with great tension and excitement, especially over the last two days at the stadium. Unfortuately Team Canada came up a bit short, but can take some satisfaction knowing that the team that knocked out its gold medal chance, Chinese-Tapei, ended up as the overall champion. Reps from the other countries, along with the Interational Basball Federation officials,  say the event here was perhaps the best ever.  It makes us feel proud to live in Thunder Bay, and makes us want to think of hosting a similar event in the future. Well done everyone! Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:49:02 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/103922/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/The-highlight-of-summer-2010 http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/103252/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/A-great-event! Those who shared the dream of having the best junior-aged baseball players in the world come here must be very pleased. The 2010 World Junior Baseball Championship is moving along exceptionally well. The only major glitch was something out of the organizers' control, the off-again, on-again saga of the Venezuela squad. Attendance has been fabulous, and the committee now expects to possibly hit 80,000 total by the time the final pitch is thrown.   In fact, attendance at the first two Canada games reminded me of the old pro Whiskey Jack days of the early nineties. Those who have worked tirelessly for the past number of years to make this event memorable should be exceptionally proud.  To the countless number of volunteers who consistently step up to the plate every time we have major events in this city, a special thanks as well.   Without their efforts, we wouldn't be enjoying some of the best baseball this city has ever had during the summer months. This has been a superb job, very well done.   Another event for our city to be justifiably proud about.       Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:25:54 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/103252/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/A-great-event! http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/102332/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/The-new-Year-of-the-Pitcher During the Major League all-star game, there were comments made referring to this season as the Year of the Pitcher.  It's because some of the stats recorded in the first half have been truly impressive, starting with Colorado's Ubaldo Jimenez racking up 15 wins.   Other hurlers having a great first half;  Tampa's David Price; the Cardinals Adam Wainwright and Florida's Josh Johnson. Two-time Cy Young champ Tim Lincecum of the Giants is also putting up good numbers again, and of course there is Washington's new phenom Stephen Strasburg. It could end up being one of the best years for starting pitchers in many seasons.  But how does it compare to 1968, the original Year of the Pitcher?  Denny McLain of the Detroit Tigers won 31 games for the eventual World Series champions, the first to do so since Dizzy Dean did it for St. Louis in 1934. No one has come closer than 27 wins since.    Over in the National League, St. Louis Cardinals starter Bob Gibson had one of the greatest seasons of his Hall of Fame career,  setting the modern day record with an ERA of 1.12.  Other great hurlers who put up super numbers in '68 include San Francisco's Juan Marichal, Cleveland's Luis Tiant, Baltimore's Dave McNally, and Don Drysdale of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who set a record, tossing 58 consecutive scoreless innings, a mark beaten decades later by fellow Dodger Orel Hershiser. The summer of 1968 was also marked by one of the most anemic offensive years in the modern game. For example Carl Yastrzemski of the Boston Red Sox led the American League in batting at a paltry .301.   That is not the case this season, as several players are having super seasons at the dish. And several teams are on track to score 800 runs. But, at this point of the summer, it looks as if this year will see the pendulum swing back in favour of pitchers, and that hasn't been the case for some time. Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:24:18 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/102332/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/The-new-Year-of-the-Pitcher http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/100946/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Look-who-played-here-before Baseball fans have a great chance to see players who will one day star in the majors.  The best junior-aged players on the planet will be in Thunder Bay later this month for the World Junior Championships. The tournament begins July 23. This event has been the result of years of hard work by a group of dedicated volunteers.  The first pitches came 10 years ago.   Organizers got the ball rolling toward this year's event by staging a mini tournament featuring the Canadian and American national junior teams. In case you didn't notice at the time, let me refresh your memory of who played at the Port Arthur Stadium at the time. On the Canadian team was a catcher from Quebec who now plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Russell Martin.   On Team USA were former Blue Jays pitcher Brandon League and Detroit Tigers hurler Jeremy Bonderman.  Oh, and behind the plate was none other than reigning American League MVP and three-time batting champion Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins. The event was popular so organizers duplicated it in 2002. Current major leaguers on the USA roster that summer include Ian Stewart, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Delmon Young, Lastings Milledge, Ian Kennedy and Chad Billingsley. So, as you can see, there will be players performing during this month's World Junior Baseball Championship who will one day be in the major leagues, quite possibly stars.      Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:50:41 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/100946/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Look-who-played-here-before http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/99723/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/It's-July-and-the-Chill-are-red-hot The Thunder Bay Chill look as if they could get back to the top of the heap in the Premier Development League this season.  Coach Tony Colistro's troops have just returned from an exceptional road trip through the United States, during which they won all five games.   It gives the Chill a record of 10-1-1 in the Heartland Division. That is good enough for a 10-point margin over both Rochester and Des Moines. The Chill now have a well-earned couple of weeks off, as they get ready to close out the regular season with back-to-back series against Colorado and Rochester. It's looking good right now that the Chill will be back in the post-season hunt in the league.   Games at Chapples Field are set for the weekends of July 16 and 23, a great chance to get out and watch a team that just might have what it takes to win another championship.   Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:28:56 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/99723/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/It's-July-and-the-Chill-are-red-hot http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/99027/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Scoreboard?--What-scoreboard? We are fortunate to have a team such as the Border Cats.   A chance to see future major leaguers as they develop in an exciting, competitive college-player league.   Since the team first stepped onto the Port Arthur Stadium field, many players have showcased their skills for baseball fans in Thunder Bay.  Players that for the most part, come from the United States.   Their opponents also come from there, as do some of their fans, and pro scouts. It's a good stadium for this kind of baseball, with one major exception, the scoreboard.  Once again this year, fans have try to decipher that left-field scoreboard, with so many burned out lights it resembles the Russian alphabet with ones looking  like sevens. In my opinion, this is just not acceptable.   And, here's the kicker.   The scoreboard has TBay-Tel written all over it, which probably makes many think it's the responsibility of the phone company;  our city-owned company which prides itself on being on the ''leading edge.''   Here's a suggestion. Someone at TBay-Tel should get on one of those TBay-Tel phones, make a call, and demand whoever is responsible for that scoreboard to fix the lights, and remove what really is an embarassing sight.     Wed, 30 Jun 2010 07:43:32 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/99027/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Scoreboard?--What-scoreboard? http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/98674/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/World-Cup-needs-video-replays- No doubt they will be talking about this almost all summer.  England lost in the round of sixteen elimination Sunday at the World Cup to Germany 4-1.   But,  before the first half ended, the Lions had scored what video-replays clearly showed was a goal, but the on-field officials didn't see it that way.   That kept England behind 2-1, and in the second half Germany pulled way for the win. And,  then in the Argentina-Mexico game, videos clearly showed Argentina's first goal came with a player offside.   But,  the refs on the field, missed that, and the goal counted.   The powerful Argentines then defeated and knocked out Mexico 3-1.   So, with the world watching this spectacular event, two key plays in big matches clearly showing missed calls,   it's probably time to use intsant replay.   In my opinion, failure to do so,  damages the integrity of such a fabulous competition.        Mon, 28 Jun 2010 06:24:35 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/98674/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/World-Cup-needs-video-replays- http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/97029/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/A-longer-NFL-season- Do you play in a weekly NFL pool, where your picks are added up throughout the season?  If you do, have you ever thought to yourself, I wish the season was a couple of weeks longer, that way I might make the winner's circle?  Well, it's possible you may get that wish.  The league is looking at extending the regular season by two games.  It would cut the preseason by two games, and add those weekends to the regular schedule.   Please do so.  Is there anything more boring, and uninspiring than watching preseason NFL games?  There is nothing at stake, zero tension, and the starters don't even play the full game.   The CFL did the same thing several seasons ago, going to an 18-game schedule, and with positive results.  Eighteen games in the NFL season would greatly add to the league's overall revenue base.  And, it would do away with those mind-numbing, meaningless games that the networks have opted to televise the last few years.   Besides that, it will make everyone's pool-playing much more interesting.           Thu, 17 Jun 2010 22:44:50 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/97029/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/A-longer-NFL-season- http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/96449/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/World-Cup-fever It's been an exciting start to the 2010 World Cup, the first time the best in soccer have played the event in South Africa.  Thirty-two countries compete in eight four team divisions in the opening round.  Although there is no Canadian team, many fans here choose to adopt a team of their ancestral homeland. That means in Thunder Bay, you will notice many wearing the colours of the Italian team, or waving the Italian flag over the mext month.  I'm not really cheering for any country, rather just enjoying the world-class compeition, which like the Olympics only happens once every four years. What country are you adopting in the 2010 World Cup, and why?      Mon, 14 Jun 2010 07:52:39 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/96449/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/World-Cup-fever http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/95466/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Hockey-season-about-to-end- We have finally reached the end of the road in another lengthy National Hockey League season.  And as fans of the champion will revel in the victory over the next few months, most of the rest of us will start pondering what lies ahead. There are a number of major question marks, like what does Montreal do about its goaltending conundrum? Do they keep Jaroslav Halak or Carey Price, or do they try to hang on to both? I think the Habs would do best to try to retain both of their young goalies. It has become very clear that you need to have depth in nets if you are going to be a champion. At least that way, they have a chance to clearly assess the strengths and weaknesses of both.  I liken the scenario to when the Oilers had Grant Fuhr and Andy Moog.  It took a bit of time for Fuhr to really take over the starting job, although he entered the league with great fanfare.  When he finally did assume the mantle, the Oilers became champions.  Anyway, summer nights on the deck, walking on the golf course, or sitting around the camp-fire are great breeding grounds for discussions about what could happen in the new season.  What are you thinking about during the NHL off-season?       Tue, 08 Jun 2010 22:18:08 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/95466/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Hockey-season-about-to-end- http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/94975/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Umpire-made-mistake,-but-Bud-blows-it! I was never a big proponent of using video replay to determine calls in sport.  But, after a few instances in this year's Stanley Cup playoffs, I think i'm having a change of opinion. There can be no denying the fact that technology has really put officiating in all sports under a very powerful microscope.   So, when the replay shows it, and then the umpire admits his mistake after, what should be done? Wednesday night, Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga was about to enter the record book with a pefect game.   The last Cleveland batter was awarded a single, even though he was clearly out.  The umpire later confessed his mistake. Enter baseball commissioner Bud Selig.  He has the ''ultimate power to make decisions in the best interests of the game.''   The play in the game turned out not to have an impact on the outcome, only whether the feat of a throwing a perfect game would be recognized.   If the game had continued, and Cleveland came back to win, then there really isn't a debate.    That wasn't the case Wednesday night.   Selig has the power to over-turn the umpire's decision, and could do so without affecting the result.  He has chosen not to, in spite of the fact the baseball world all knows what happened, and knows a huge mistake was made.  The popularity of the game has flourished under Selig's watch, but allowing this to happen in my opinion could tarnish the Major League's integrity.  It's true the umpire made a mistake, mistakes happen.  But in my opinion, Bud Selig really blew the call.       Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:27:23 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/94975/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Umpire-made-mistake,-but-Bud-blows-it! http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/94360/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Play-Ball! The 2010 Northwoods League season starts this week for the Thunder Bay Border Cats.  After a disappointing season both on and off the field, the Cats have made some big changes this season.  Most notably, they are much more Canadian than in the past, with eight players from this side of the border on the roster. Last season the Cats endured, as we all did, a rainy and cool start to the summer.  Hopefully, that won't be the case this spring.   It's essential as the hope is to increase attendance this season. As well, we may see the first former Border Cat to make a major-league debut sometime this summer.  Two of the most prominent are having good seasons in AAA ball in the Pacific Coast League.  Matt Mangini pays for Tacoma, a farm team of Seattle, and pitcher Matt Camp is with the Cubs' affiliate in Iowa. The majors are sprinkled with former Northwoods League players.  Andre Ethier of the Dodgers, Juan Pierre of the White Sox, Ben Zobrist of Tampa are the ones who spring quickly to mind.   But all it means is when you plunk down your cash to see the Border Cats,  you may just be seeing some future major league players. Play Ball!  And I'll see you at the Port Arthur Stadium.       Tue, 01 Jun 2010 08:18:55 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/94360/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Play-Ball! http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/93766/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Final-Dance-in-the-NHL It's down to two teams, and at stake is hockey's ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup. One thing for certain, we will see the famous silverware trotted back to Northwestern Ontario over the summer.  Thunder Bay's Patrick Sharp and his Chicago Blackhawks, which includes Fort Frances born defenceman Duncan Keith are up against the Philadelphia Flyers, or should I say  "Team Northwest Ontario.'' Led by captain Mike Richards of Kenora, future Hall of Fame defenceman Chris Pronger of Dryden, Sioux Lookout blueliner Ryan Parent, and Claude Giroux of Hearst, the Flyers have surprised many by making it to the final. It should be a good series.  Both teams have excellent on-ice leadership. Richards and the Hawks' Jonathan Toews were Olympian team-mates. Both squads have netminders who have really stepped up their play this spring. And, both teams have good scoring depth, and great home-crowd fans. Before I venture forth with my final ''bold'' prediction for this hockey season, I just want to say I hope it's a great series, worthy of a champion. The Flyers have made believers of many in the way they handled Montreal, which ealrier ousted the defending champion Penguins.   The Blackhawks have a chance to end the league's longest running cup-drought, as the last time Chicago tasted the championship champagne, Bobby Hull and Glenn Hall were the stars in 1961.   Take the Hawks to win in six, and don't be surprised if it goes the distance. And,  if that happens we can  look forward to Patrick Sharp bringing the Cup to the Bay over the summer. Thu, 27 May 2010 14:08:18 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/93766/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Final-Dance-in-the-NHL http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/93120/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/A-new-Cats-season- Once again in Major League baseball, the start of inter-league play part of the schedule.   It means that players in each league will have to get used to ''different rules'' for a while.   Since the American League teams adopted the designated-hitter in 1973, big league baseall is the ''only'' major sport that actually operates with some of its team playing different rules. Now, the D.H has proved very popular over it's nearly four decades of use.   The Northwoods League is just one of many minor loops that use it.   But one new thing that's happening this season for the Border Cats, the end of games with a number of teams.  Expansion has prompted the league split into two divisions, eliminating inter-locking play.  The Cats will only play against teams from Minnesota, meaning less travel. However, the real bonus of this could be establishing some rivalries, something I believe this league has lacked since it started.   I think this will be a good improvement in the league. And getting back to the majors, count me as one who would prefer not having inter-league play, and restoring that symmetrical schedule the American and National Leagues always used to have.             Fri, 21 May 2010 08:30:01 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/93120/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/A-new-Cats-season- http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/92817/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Stanley-Cup-musings- There is a very good chance the Stanley Cup could be making another trip to Northwestern Ontario this summer.  The Flyers are up 2-0 over the Canadiens  in the Eastern final.  That's  good news for Kenora's Mike Richards, Dryden's Chris Pronger and Sioux Lookout's Ryan Parent, and  tough sledding for Montreal's Tom Pyatt of Thunder Bay.   The other Thunder Bay player still in the hunt for the silverware is Chicago's Patrick Sharp.   The Blackhawks are up 2-0 in the Western final as they head home to host San Jose for the next two.   The Hawks also have defenceman Duncan Keith, who was born in Fort Frances.   Still a long way to go in the playoffs, although several players who ''cut their minor hockey teeth'' in this area, are getting a bit closer to realizing that ultimate Stanley Cup dream.    I think Chicago will end up in the final,  it's going to be exceptionally hard for the Sharks to come back and win two in the Windy City to even the score.   But, the other series is still a long way from being decided.  The Habs will be back on the home ice, and don't be surprised if they win the next two to deadlock things with Philly.   Wed, 19 May 2010 08:13:37 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/120/92817/Sports-with-Bryan-Wyatt/Stanley-Cup-musings-