Wake Up with USC Sprinter Jennifer Mueller

We at T.O. Sports strive to bring you top-notch talent, not only from the professional world but from the collage ranks as well. Here you have one fast sexy sprinter, you better have eaten your cheerios or drank some bull to catch this girl. I like the wait and see approach, wait and see if they’re drunk then strike fast and take them to my room. We also have found out that Ms. Mueller is from New Jersey and she likes to watch the Food Network. Can you say Jell-O, a bathtub full of Jell-O, oh the things you can do with it!
Yes Jell-O, a totally under rated food source!, The things you can do with it!

Roughriders Have One Down, and One to Go!

NHL Millennium Megadraft: Round Two

by Josh Lewis… A few days ago, I brought you the first round of the NHL Millennium Megadraft, which is a reorganized collection of NHL draft picks between 2001 and 2006. The first round was comprised of players selected between first and fifth overall, thrown together into a ranked list of 30 players.

This time we’ll do the second round, which includes players drafted between sixth and 10th overall during the same time range.

Sadly, the second round of the Megadraft features just 29 players. The death of Vancouver defenseman Luc Bourdon in a motorcycle accident in May shocked the hockey world. Bourdon, who was selected 10th overall in the 2005 draft, surely would have ended up near the top of this list.

Here are the players who will make up Round Two of the NHL Millennium Megadraft:

2001: Mikko Koivu, Mike Komisarek, Pascal Leclaire, Tuomo Ruutu, Dan Blackburn

2002: Scottie Upshall, Joffrey Lupul, Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Petr Taticek, Eric Nystrom

2003: Milan Michalek, Ryan Suter, Braydon Coburn, Dion Phaneuf, Andrei Kostitsyn

2004: Al Montoya, Rostislav Olesz, Alexandre Picard, Ladislav Smid, Boris Valabik

2005: Gilbert Brule, Jack Skille, Devin Setoguchi, Brian Lee

2006: Derick Brassard, Kyle Okposo, Peter Mueller, James Sheppard, Michael Frolik

Now comes the hard part: ranking all 29 players in a new list. Once again, keep in mind that young players who haven’t yet established themselves will be ranked lower.

The List

31. Dion Phaneuf: No contest here. NHL’s best young d-man and future Norris winner.
32. Pierre-Marc Bouchard: Wild playmaker hit 63 points last year and climbing.
33. Milan Michalek: Physical winger had an off-year, but is still dangerous.
34. Mike Komisarek: Hard-nosed blueliner led NHL in hits last year.
35. Joffrey Lupul: Philly was perfect change of scenery for sniper; he is beginning to hit stride.
36. Pascal Leclaire: Had a breakout season with nine shutouts, but must avoid injuries.
37. Mikko Koivu: Saku’s brother starting to find offense; he is a strong two-way forward.
38. Ryan Suter: Edges out Coburn; he’s a two-way player becoming a mainstay on Preds blue line.
39. Braydon Coburn: Finally put it all together last season and has great offensive instincts.
40. Andrei Kostitsyn: Had a 26-goal, 53-point rookie campaign; there’s nowhere to go but up.
41. Peter Mueller: 54-point rookie year; big things in store for this ‘Yotes forward.
42. Tuomo Ruutu: Injuries have derailed progress for this former blue-chipper.
43. Scottie Upshall: Offense hasn’t translated to NHL, but energy sure has.
44. Rostislav Olesz: Struggling to find his offense, but is dripping with potential.
45. Ladislav Smid: Hasn’t been a standout in Edmonton, but he hasn’t been bad either.
46. Devin Setoguchi: Played 44 games last year, and didn’t look out of place.
47. Gilbert Brule: Struggling in a big way. Will be in tough for him to get big minutes in Edmonton.
48. James Sheppard: Didn’t produce much in rookie year, but Wild will develop him right.
49. Kyle Okposo: Five points in nine games last year for sniper.
50. Derick Brassard: Slick playmaker struggled in cameo last year, but impressed at AHL level.
51. Michael Frolik: Yet to see NHL, but loaded with offensive potential.
52. Boris Valabik: Towering Slovak got a cup of coffee last year; looks poised to grab full-time spot.
53. Jack Skille: 16 games with Hawks last year. He’s a gritty player that’s likely just a year away.
54. Brian Lee: Picked over Bourdon, Staal, and could crack roster this year.
55. Al Montoya: Dealt to Phoenix and is coming off a subpar year; his stock has fallen considerably.
56. Eric Nystrom: This defensive forward is having trouble making Flames. He played 44 games last year.
57. Alexandre Picard: He was picked far higher than his ranking; one point in 43 career games. May not make NHL at all.
58. Dan Blackburn: A promising career cut short by nerve damage in shoulder. 63 career games.
59. Petr Taticek: He played three games with Florida before being traded to Pens; he’s in Switzerland now.

Kennedy’s Curse Continues, Suffers Yet Another Injury

by Adam Wright… In the WWE, I doubt that there’s another in the company with worse luck than Mr. Kennedy.

When he captured Money In The Bank at Wrestlemania a couple years ago, he had to relinquish it to Edge, due to an injury that put him out for months until he was drafted to RAW.

Upon his return, there were big plans for the Loud Mouth from Green Bay. It was expected that Kennedy himself would of been revealed as Vince McMahon’s illegitimate child. But, yet again, plans were changed because Kennedy was suspended in violation of the WWE Wellness Program.

After serving his suspension, he returned to RAW, but just managed to putter around. Fans were screaming to push this talent. Our prayers might have been answered when Kennedy was drafted back to his home…Smackdown!

Last week, we saw an incredible match-up between Mr. Kennedy and the U.S Champion Shelton Benjamin. Kennedy scored the non-title pinfall, which no doubt made him the No. 1 Contender for Benjamin’s title.

Cue the curse!

During a SD/ECW house show last Monday, Kennedy suffered a dislocated shoulder in a match against Benjamin. It is expected that he will be out of action at least a few weeks, depending an MRI.

This would mean their program will be put on hold, which means another missed opportunity from this very talented superstar.

Kennedy, on behalf on all WWE fans, we wish you a good and quick recovery.

Clipping The Wings Of Our Beloved Blue Birds

By Joshua Khan…

Let’s face it Jays fans, our team is dying.

Every year, we go through the same depressing stages of the MLB season. For the first 20 games, we’re literally pumped off cold brewskis, high off the smell of Pizza Pizza and bound determined that our team is going to win it all. But once the all-star break is about 25 games away, our cheery spirits are tortured like a 5-year-old gleefully ripping off a gummy bear’s limbs. That’s pretty much what we Jays fans experience for the rest of the season.

To be honest, I’m tired of cheering for this Canadian team. The Toronto Blue Jays are suppose to be winners, not hopefuls like our other major league teams. When Canadian sports fans give up on their native favourites, they turn to the boys of the summer, hoping they can rustle their feathers and cause some damage in the MLB. But all we’ve done in the past couple years is wait, and wait, and wait to see if the team can make the playoffs.

Waiting is for losers and benchwarmers; the Blue Jays organization needs to pull up their knee-high socks and start swinging at the team. Now some of you may say, let’s fire General Manager J.P. Riccardi. That is a very easy route that can be taken, but we’re going to have to go through our players first.

The following are “athletes” that should pack up their things:

- OF Shannon Stewart
- OF Brad Wilkerson
- OF Kevin Mench
- SS David Eckstein
- 3B Scott Rolen
- C Gregg Zaun

The three outfielders need to go; they’re washed up players who can’t provide a consistent effort. Gregg Zaun surprised us all (and even made me jump for joy and chug my beer) with a stolen base on April 9th against Oakland, but he’s pretty much useless. As for Eckstein and Rolen, they’re simply trade bait.

What we need are competitive players that can fill the positions that hurt us most: 3B and LF. Taking a look at who’s going to be a free agent after this season, the most probable (and realistic) choices for those two positions are Joe Crede and Pat Burrell. These players bring power, and that’s what the Blue Jays need right now because the AL East is growing and if we don’t take action, we’re going to be hiding in our nests.

Now if Toronto can’t get a big name in either position, then working with what we have isn’t such a bad idea. Marco Scutaro can cover third with his athletic ability and we can rotate young outfielders at the LF and DH positions.

“Who? Adam Lind and Matt Stairs?”

No, Adam Lind and Travis Snider. Yes, it’s time. We need to bring Snider aboard so we can see what he can do with this organization. A lot of fans may be sceptical about him, but the top prospect has the skill to hold down LF and round out the trio with Alex Rios and Vernon Wells. In regards to Matt Stairs, let him come off the bench. He was dangerous last year as a pinch hitter, batting .289 with 21 home runs and 61 RBIs in 125 games.

Like any Jays supporter would do, leave the pitching staff alone. If A.J. Burnett decides to leave, then we can trade for a decent pitcher or stick with what we have. Jesse Litsch has showed us he can pitch smarter than he looks and expect Casey Janssen to return fired up.

The only other thing we have to worry about is our health. If the team can stop being pansies and stay off the DL, then we’re fine. As long as we have a full team after the first 10 games, we should be able to make that long-awaited run.

But of course, the Toronto Blue Jays could mess everything up again. If this happens, then don’t expect me to cheer for them next season. The Home Opener is definitely an event I would like to attend, decked out in powder-blue retro form, but if the big birds clip our wings, I’m flying to a different nest.

In the Pocket - Minnesota Vikings

by Daniel Reiter…

The Brett Favre saga is still making media headlines in the NFL, but despite the fact that it is front and centre it is growing tiresome. Much like the Mats Sundin retirement situation in the NHL, which has been going on even longer, fans just want some resolution not more articles restating the same limited rumours and facts over again.

Well you won’t find that here. This week let’s take a look at the Minnesota Vikings, who seem to be the leading candidate for Favre if things don’t work out for him in Green Bay.

So the Vikings have had some contact with Favre, big deal, they didn’t break any rules.

What weapons do the Vikings have that will appeal to and compliment Favre?

For starters the Vikings had both the best rushing offense and rushing defense in the league last season. They averaged about 165 yrds/rush on offense and limited their opposition to an average of 74 yrds/rush on defense. Needless to say their rushing attack on both sides of the ball was stellar, which is a lot more than can be said for their passing game.

Offensively their passing was dismally ranked 28th in the league last year averaging only 171 yrds/game a full 100 yrds/game less than the Packers, who were ranked 2nd in passing. Obviously the never injured Brett Favre will make an immediate impact on this pitiful offensive passing game.

The Vikings have a slew of unproven receivers which is probably why they left the ball in the hands of their leading rusher Adrian Peterson last season. Given the potential change at QB some of these receivers could have a breakout season.

Small wide receiver Bobby Wade a 6 year veteran who has only had one season where he caught for more than 500 yards, has the potential for a significant turnaround with a good QB at the helm. His career receiving average is just below 12 yards/rec, which isn’t bad considering he has played for the Tennessee Titans and Chicago Bears through the first years of his career, traditionally rushing teams during his time with them.

Another deep target for Favre could be old teammate Robert Ferguson who played with Favre and the Packers for 6 of his seven career season before making his way to Minnesota. Like Wade, Ferguson has only had one season with more than 500 yards receiving, but boasts a career average of 13.3 yards/rec. Ferguson obviously wasn’t Favre’s favorite target while in Green Bay, but did reach some notable milestone’s while there including his first 100 yard game. He has also always been a leader on special teams.

If Favre does come to Minnesota it will certainly not be to sit on the bench as he will likely be replacing and mentoring Tavaris Jackson. Jackson had a notable 2007 season with wins over the N.Y. Giants and San Diego Chargers. In 2006 the Vikings were ranked 23rd in the league and after Jackson leading them through the 2007 season they jumped to 13th position. Although Jackson is a decent QB with the ability to run for TD’s as well as pass for them, the experience, savy, and leadership that Favre will bring to the team cannot be matched.

The other man in the pocket behind Jackon is Brooks Bollinger. Never heard of him eh? He is about as well known as Aaron Rodgers was a few months ago. Unless given the chance to have a breakout season on a team that will get him passing for at least 3000 yards Bollinger will likely be a career backup. He had one fairly big season with the N.Y. Jets in 2005 starting 9 games and passing for over 1,500 yards, but that is about it. Bollinger is a solid back up and will likely remain so in the even that Favre is brought on.

If Favre becomes a Minnesota Viking this season he will face the Packers in the first regular season game, which will likely be the most watched game in the first week of the season. Favre may or may not have bad feelings toward the Packers management and coaching staff, but Packer fans will certainly be torn between cheering for their beloved Green Bay team or their beloved former heroine QB.

Favre will undoubtedly improve the Vikings team in many ways and since everyone loves a great story wouldn’t it be historic if he led the Vikings to the NFC north title ahead of Aaron Rodgers and the Packers?

Quick note to Tavaris Jackson: You did attend the same high school, Sidney Lanier High in Montgomery, AL, as another Green Bay Packer legend Bart Starr, but that will probably not be enough to catapult you into the starting job if Favre is left in a basket on the Viking’s doorstep this season. You could pray for an injury or minor blowout to give you the chance to show everyone that replacing you with Favre was a mistake, but seriously Favre gets hurt as often as Chuck Norris – never.

10 Movies To Watch While Waiting On The Sundin Saga

by Bryan Thiel… Way back on Monday we found out that Mats Sundin was a little closer to making his decision on whether or not to come back to the NHL. We also found out that we was leaning closer to retirement than anything.

Now rather than take the advice of Steve Yzerman and Joe Nieuwendyk and keep playing if there’s doubt in his mind, Sundin decided to shy away from his August 1st deadline and keep churning the idea around in his mind.

Asking everyone who’s sick of this situation to raise their hand is redundant—especially since the first time I asked that, it led to Tim Hudson’s Tommy John surgery. Needless to say the Atlanta Braves pitcher is obviously very concerned  about Sundin’s decision, and his hand shot up so quickly it shredded his elbow.

Sidenote: I’d like to take a minute and say that this was not at all true. Tim Hudson’s favorite hockey player is Marek Malik, followed closely by Jody Shelley. I would now like to quote the movie Borat:…..NOT!!

Lame references to popular movies that I didn’t like aside, anyone who’s even seen the letters NHL is probably as sick of this as the continent of North America is about Brett Favre’s…er…situation.

So what do you do when you’re tired of all of the Sundin-Hype? The Swedish Mumbo Jumbo?

You watch movies—and just like Dane Cook says, no one doesn’t like movies.
So here you go: 10 movies you can watch while Mats Sundin makes up his mind…

1. I Am Legend: This one is a no-brainer. A movie about the supposed last man on Earth with an entire theatre-full of people enraptured by his every move and decision?
Put a hockey stick in Will Smith’s hands and all of the sudden you’ve got the Mats Sundin story—a man who’s just as careful about resuming his career as if he were the last man on Earth (or the last Swede playing hockey).

My advice? Go and get I Am Legend. At least it’s got zombies—which are a hell of a lot cooler than Bill Daly.

2. The Rookie: I’m a two sport kind of guy, plus it is baseball season, so why not go with a bit of a seasonal choice?

But if you’re not a baseball fan, this movie is still worth watching. Why? Because it features a 38 year-old guy who wants to get on to a professional sports team, not two 38 year-old guys, one of which who says he is retired and then comes back only to find his spot has been filled and whines his way out of town, and the other who still doesn’t know after five months.

That, and it’s a lot better than Disney’s latest romp in the sports world: The Gameplan.

3. Slap Shot: Anyone who argues this choice is definitely enjoying the Sundin Saga way too much.

Besides, it’s the last memorable thing (except Cars) that Paul Newman ever did. I think.

I’ll be honest: I don’t really follow his career that closely.

4. Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story: First of all, this movie features two actors—Jason Bateman and Rip Torn—that are great in their own regards. I think that Bateman is one of the most underrated actors out there today, and Rip Torn has one of the best names ever (although a lady named Pascale Clapp—her name makes me smile too).

Aside from that, Dodgeball is a great story, especially if you think of as the Maple Leafs upcoming season. A small-time team (ok…not a very good start) that no one likes (getting better) is composed of a Pirate (This could have been Darcy Tucker), an annoying teenager (Luke Schenn?), Jamal Mayers, a flukey, middle-aged whipped dude, some strange lanky guy, and possibly a fearless leader (if Sundin comes back). This team takes on the world despite everyone laughing at them, and surprises people all the way to the finals…..

Or the Leafs will give up six goals in the first period and a half of every game this season and Dodgeball will be my movie of choice to watch when that happens—either way it helps you forget about Sundin.

5. Batman: The Dark Knight: Alright, if you haven’t seen this movie then I’m very hardpressed to know why. Even if you don’t like Batman, the special effects, the explosions, and the skin-melting goodness are enough reasons to see this movie anyways. (I’m about to SPOIL SOMETHING extremely HUGE in the following paragraph. If you’ve seen it then you can read. If you plan on seeing it….DON’T READ. I implore you.)
*****************************************************************

Another great reason? The lead female role actually dies. How cool is that? Granted it’s Maggie Gyllenhaal, but no one every does something like this in film. What made it even better though is that the Joker was able to exploit Batman through his female counterpart, but actually make him PAY for his feelings. Ok, back on topic.
*****************************************************************
Ok, everyone can come back now.

Anyways, for those of you who haven’t seen it yet, get off TSN and ESPN for a couple of hours. I promise, nothing is going to happen while you’re gone ok?

6. The Bucket List: This one doesn’t have any real sports jokes tied to it (unless I was going to say that retiring from the NHL and NFL were on the bucket lists’ of Mats Sundin and Brett Favre), but it’s really a good movie.

It follows Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson (two extremely gifted actors) as they travel together accomplishing things they’d like to do before they die. What makes this movie really interesting is how the two different walks of life that their characters come from is portrayed. Great film.

7. Robot Chicken: Ok, so it’s not really a movie, but still—a series of 15 minute shorts of grown men playing with action figures is a great way to spend an afternoon…at least better than refreshing the Toronto Maple Leafs website every fifteen minutes.

That, and if you go out and buy a bunch of McFarlane figures, you could stage your own NHL episode of Robot Chicken where his fellow players force Mats Sundin out of retirement! Hilarity ensures tongiht at 9pm Eastern/8pm Central on the Comedy Network!

8. What Women Want: First of all, I’ve never seen this movie, so no one say anything. Second of all, it’s got Mel Gibson in it, but as far as I know he doesn’t kill anyone—a slightly different role for him right?

What really intrigues me about this movie, is the fact that Mel can hear what women are thinking. Which got me to wondering: What if we could hear what these athletes are thinking.

Maybe Brett Favre is saying to himself “If I just play a few more years I can become the spokesman for Motrin: Arthritis Pain.” Maybe Mats Sundin is wondering “How many more years do I have to play before I can afford to buy IKEA?” Meanwhile Mike Tyson is walking around somewhere wondering why people can’t take him seriously as a person.

Go figure.

9. The Godfather Series: There’s not much I can say about this films: They’re amazing.

That, and by the time you finish all three, Mats Sundin will have probably made his decision.

10. Living Next Door to Alice by Smokie: Granted that this is a music video, and the original isn’t that funny, but there’s a little bit of a contemporary version out that you can find that will make your day.

Because TOsports.ca is a family network, I can’t tell you the words or anything, but if you’re 16 or over, go to this youtube video, and just listen. You’ll laugh and forget about all these damn ‘retirements’.

After all, laughter is the best medicine isn’t it?