Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke: More Bark than Bite
January 28, 2010
by Christian Butzek… 
Leaf Nation breathed a sigh of relief when Brian Burke was announced as the club’s new General Manager. The no-nonsense, straight-talking Burke was supposed to lead a turnaround for a franchise that’s been a smash at the box office but a bust on the ice.
Sports lawyer Gordon Kirke scoured the hockey world in search of a saviour for a franchise which last celebrated a championship in 1967. Kirke initially set his sights on Detroit’s Ken Holland, but his advances were rebuffed, so settled on Brian Burke, the man who many consider the best hockey mind in the game.
One year into his tenure, Burke has shown more bravado than good judgment, a flair for the coveted sound bite and a knack for showmanship.
In the off-season, he drew headlines with his headlines, vowing to pursue a deal for the Islanders first overall pick. “Whoever has the top couple of picks, we are going to go after them. We’ll immediately attempt to move up,” Burke said. “We’re going to talk to everyone between us and the first pick and see what the landscape is.”
Burke threw his colleagues a bone, dangling roster players and prospects to move up in the draft. But his fellow GMs wouldn’t bite, and he walked away from the draft empty-handed.
His lack of moves were a blessing. Rumours abound that Burke tried actively to peddle all-star defenseman Thomas Kaberle as part of a package only to be denied. Where would the hapless Leafs be had he succeeded in moving Kaberle, one of the game’s best puck-moving defensemen and the team’s leading scorer?
Burke abruptly signalled a shift in strategy. No longer would the Leafs build through the draft; instead, Burke would pursue proven, young talent. Phil Kessel, a speedy winger caught in a contract dispute with the Bruins, was identified as a future 40-goal scorer and worthy of an offer sheet.
The irony of such a tactic was apparently lost on Burke who two summers ago publicly skewered Edmonton’s Kevin Lowe for a similar move, calling Lowe “gutless” for signing Dustin Penner to an offer sheet with the Ducks up against the salary cap.
Throughout the summer, Burke sent Toronto sports fans scrambling for their dictionaries as “truculence” became the theme for the new-look Leafs. The off-season additions of Colton Orr, Grant Exelby, Mike Komisarek, and Beauchemin were supposed to make the Leafs tougher to play against.
Those moves raised eyebrows in Montreal where Bob Gainey and Jacques Martin questioned the Leafs physical approach. “It’s a little out of character to where the NHL is going,” Gainey said on the eve of the season.
Martin wasn’t much impressed either. “They have a new (defence) and a physical presence there, but you look at the first three lines and they don’t have any fighters there…you look at Detroit and Pittsburgh…they went to the Cup final (on skill, not fighting). That’s the goal, to win the prize,” he said.
Burke was adamant that he’d assembled a playoff calibre team. “We have higher expectations for this group. It’s not the same group. We’ve made some changes. It’s our goal and our intent to make the playoffs,” he said confidently. Four months later, the Leafs are third from the bottom with no first round pick.
Somewhere along the line, Burke made a gross miscalculation on the talent level of this team. Last year’s edition of the Leafs, defensive problems aside, scored in bunches. Part of Toronto’s offensive woes is the result of Burke dumping 20-goal scorers Dominic Moore and Nikolai Antropov at last year’s trade deadline.
Of course, the season didn’t start without another controversy landing on Burke’s lap. This time he was involved in a dust-up with Canucks GM Mike Gillis who filed tampering charges against Burke, who revealed the players involved in a potential Canucks-Lightning draft day deal.
Burke is no stranger to spilling the goods. Two years before, Burke drew Gainey’s disdain for disclosing the latter’s private discussions at the 2007 entry draft.
At the close of last season, Burke spoke with the media about what he called “Blue and White” disease, a term he used to describe players who had grown too complacent playing in Toronto. One wonders whether Burke confused “Blue and White” disease with “foot in the mouth.”
And so as the season inches forward, the albatross around Burke’s neck grows heavier with each Leaf loss. Has he indeed, unwittingly, dealt the first overall pick to the Boston Bruins? Worse still is the prospect that the Leafs flounder again next year and lose another top draft pick. But fate could not be so cruel as to deny the Leafs two first overall picks.
In a short span, the on-ice product has gone from bad to worse, thanks in no part to Burke’s moves, acquisitions, strategy, and approach. And with no draft picks, this year or next, the immediate future looks bleak.
The GM renowned for his intellectual acumen and front-office skills has dug himself into a quagmire with the Kessel deal. Time will tell whether he can dig himself out.
Toronto International Boat Show Makes a Splash
January 9, 2010
More than 1,000 boats and hundreds of booths showcasing the newest boating products, accessories and services, will fill the Direct Energy Centre January 9-17, 2010 at the 52nd annual Toronto International Boat Show. With special deals on everything from canoes and cruisers to engines and electronics, plus the Discover Boating Centre, find out why life is better with a boat! Get ready for the return of everyone’s favorite show-stopper, The Lake, and find out why the Toronto International Boat Show is the ideal place to enhance any boating experience and kick off the 2010 boating season.
Pacquiao-Mayweather Jr.: Has There Ever Been a Fight Like This Before?
December 6, 2009
by Oliver Suarez… Although it is not etched in stone yet, the probability of the most anticipated fight since Oscar De La Hoya vs. Felix Trinidad happening is very good, according to recent reports.
There have been a number of great fights throughout the years, but few come close to the drama and storylines that this fight provides.
I can’t remember a fight of this magnitude, involving two fighters who are so different from each other in so many aspects. You have arguably the most arrogant and talkative fighter facing the most humble fighter in the sport.
Also, has there ever been a bout between the best defensive fighter and most feared offensive fighter who are both also considered as the best pound for pound fighter? The only matchup that might come close is the first bout between Ali and Frazier.
But was Joe Frazier considered the most feared and best pound for pound fighter at the time? George Foreman was probably feared more than Frazier as he was knocking guys out left and right during that time.
What makes the fight more fascinating is that this is not your typical fight between a pure boxer and a slugger. Both possess extraordinary athleticism and are complete fighters in their own way. It’s not a light hitting Pernell Whitaker against a slow Julio Cesar Chavez.
There is also a sense of irony when you analyze their career. Pacquiao keeps on surpassing all the expectations bestowed upon him and has arguably reached the greatness many expected from Mayweather. Mayweather’s career and greatness, on the other hand, seems to have reached a plateau because of the decisions he has made.
Just imagine the story lines preceding the fight. The 24/7 episodes might attract more viewers than most pay per view fights in recent years.
This matchup reminds me of a Rocky movie. You have an arrogant, flashy, and talented fighter going against a fighter who came from nowhere to achieve greatness that many did not expect from him. There’s no doubt that this fight will be talked about for years to come, even if it doesn’t live up to the hype.
Now let us analyze the popular opinions from both fighters’ loyal and boisterous fans.
The Myth:
Mayweather can only win via a decision.
The Fact:
Mayweather may not be a puncher of the caliber of Cotto or Mosley, but he does have some pop to go along with unbelievable hand speed. The main reason he hasn’t knocked out more people is because of his safety first style. If Pacquiao discounts Floyd’s power and becomes too reckless, then he might be a victim of his own medicine via a punch he didn’t see coming courtesy of Floyd’s lightning fast hands.
The Myth:
Mayweather can easily outbox Pacquiao all 12 rounds en route to a convincing decision victory.
The Fact:
It’s often stated that Morales’ win and Marquez’s competitive fights against Pacquiao provided the blueprint to defeat Pacquiao. But why has nobody beaten Pacquiao since the first Morales fight? Marquez and Cotto found success when they boxed from a distance and used their counter punching ability to control Pacquiao. Why couldn’t they sustain it for the whole fight?
It’s because Pacquiao’s improved his boxing skills and ring generalship tremendously since the first Morales fight. Pacquiao also forces his will on his opponents with his constant motion and fluid combinations from all angles.
Furthermore, he’s an unorthodox fighter whose offense is probably his best defense. He can punch on his toes and throw combinations while moving side to side or in and out. His fast twitch muscles in his legs also allow him to close the gap between him and his opponents quickly.
You think you’re at a safe distance, but then he hits you with his naturally loaded gloves and follows it up with a flurry. Mayweather may have faced fast fighters before, such as Judah, but none of them posses the quickness of Pacquiao.
All of this, combined with his incredible stamina, forces his opponents to become hesitant to pull the trigger and throw counter punches consistently. Even with his defensive skills and patented shoulder roll, Mayweather will definitely be forced to fight at some point.
The Myth
Mayweather can cruise to a victory by fighting the same way as he did against Marquez.
The Fact:
If Mayweather thinks he can continue to throw only a few punches a round and potshot his way to a victory against Pacquiao, then he’s bound to be disappointed at the end as Pacquiao will win via a decision by outworking him. For Mayweather to defeat Pacquiao, he needs a multifaceted game plan, which might include being more aggressive and attacking Pacquiao at times to change the pace.
If he doesn’t, then Pacquiao can adjust and find his rhythm, which could spell disaster for Mayweather. He can’t rely on his defense alone, especially if he’s on the ropes, as Pacquiao will keep throwing punches and punish him unless he wants his shoulder roll to be called the separated shoulder roll at the end.
The Myth:
Pacquiao’s straight left will be as successful against Mayweather as it was against his past opponents.
The Fact:
Mayweather’s 5” advantage in reach, along with his defensive skills, will make it difficult for Pacquiao to land his patented straight left. De La Hoya enjoyed a reach advantage too, but he didn’t fight tall by not using his jabs enough and often fought looking like the hunchback of Notre Dame.
Mayweather has a great jab, and what cannot be overlooked is his ability to throw a punch while keeping his head back at a safe distance, which makes it hard for his opponents to counter him upstairs. Manny Pacquiao will need to use angles and throw more combinations to the body and then maybe follow it up with another flurry upstairs ala Aaron Pryor.
Prediction: I will hold my prediction until the contract for the fight is finalized and the specific date is set. Unbeknownst to some, Manny didn’t leave unscathed in his last fight. He suffered a few injuries such as a swollen hand and broken eardrum.
The tentative date of Mar. 13, 2010 for the fight may be too soon for Pacquiao’s injuries to fully heal. We also have to take into account that he is running for Congressman and will surely be busy campaigning.
Check out Oliver on his blog Sportz Hype Boxing
Leafs Can’t Cut It!
December 1, 2009
by Nadia Rosa Cescato… 
The Toronto Maple Leafs seem unable to string together three wins in a row, dropping a 3-0 game to the Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo goalie Ryan Miller was outstanding in his 15th career shut out. Leaf Komisarek returned after being off 8 games due to injury and in the second period Gunnarsson went off with what appears to be a serious shoulder injury. Tonight Toronto plays Montreal.
Canadian Ladies come out on top in the $100,000 CN FEI World CupTM Qualifier Grand Prix at The Royal
November 18, 2009
by Michelle Dunn… One year
ago tonight the anthem played for Individual Gold medalist Eric Lamaze,
and this year it played for his Olympic Silver medal team-mate Jill
Henselwood. She was a hair too fast opening night, and a hair too slow
the second night, but managed to get it just right tonight to win the $100,000 CN FEI World CupTM Qualifier Grand Prix
at The Royal Horse Show. Fellow Canadian and past Olympian Beth
Underhill picked up second and Ireland’s Dermott Lennon held on for
third.
Twenty-four horses started the class tonight, over
the extremely challenging course designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio of Red
Hook, New York. Just five were able to master the first round to
qualify for the jump-off, over a shorter but more challenging course.
D’Ambrosio most notably designed this year’s Rolex FEI World CupTM Final, in Las Vegas, USA.
“It was a real riders course,” said Beth Underhill following the class.
“It was very visual for the horses with lots of colour and you really
needed scope to get through the combinations. You had to be spot on –
the distances, angles and widths were tough.”
Both riders
agreed you had to know your horse and know going into the ring what
your strategy was going to be, if you were to elude trouble.
“You have to have enough experience to know what your horse does well,
and what he finds hard,” explained Henselwood. “I’ve known Bottom Line
for a long time, I’ve trained the owner Jenn Serek and the horse for
years. I know she’s naturally a little ‘hot’, and I know she needs a
mental re-group at spots on course. So I had to go inside to the second
jump or I was going to have another time fault!” she laughed, referring
to her opening weekend in the Canadian Championships.
“I
decided against going inside to the second jump,” said Underhill,
outlining why her strategy was opposite to that of Henselwood’s. “I
thought it was a bad decision for my horse because he tends to jump a
little high at times and not cover the width. I think going around to
the second fence just found me a better rhythm and better course
overall.”
Earlier in the evening, Greg Aziz and family, the
owners of Underhill’s mount Top Gun, were honoured in a special
presentation naming them the Jump Canada Owners of the Year. Aziz
bought his first show jumper in 1999 and has been an avid supporter of
Canadian equestrianism ever since. His Iron Horse Farm has also
supported youth agriculture at The Royal for many years.
This
afternoon also saw the Grand Prix phase of the CDI 3* Dressage
presented by Dominion Regalia with 2008 winners Ashley Holzer and Pop
Art were once again at the top of the pack with a final score of
71.830, more than five points better than their closest rivals.
When asked about her short and long-term plans, Holzer responded: “My
total focus is on the FEI World Equestrian Games that will be held in
Lexington, Kentucky next year, nothing else.”
Her partner,
Pop Art is an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding that she imported
when he was six. ”It is a very special partnership,” Holzer enthused.
”He’s a terrific horse. In just over a year he has travelled to Hong
Kong, Florida, Las Vegas, New York, Hickstead and now Toronto.”
The hugely popular Freestyle to music headlines the Royal Horse Show Thursday evening, following the inaugural $50,000 Royal Team Challenge for International Jumpers.
This year’s Royal Horse Show continues all week with a full slate of International jumper classes including the $50,000 Weston Canadian Open
Friday evening. The event runs through November 15th. By the time the
competition ends, nearly $750,000 will have been awarded in prize
money, making The Royal the most prestigious and hotly contested event
of the season. For more information, media accreditation, live
webcasting, complete schedule, results and to purchase tickets, please
visit www.royalfair.org.
$100,000 CN FEI World CupTM Qualifier Grand Prix
Rider / Hometown / Horse / Faults:Time
1. Jill Henselwood / Oxford Mills, ON / Bottom Line / 0.00 : 36.35
2. Beth Underhill / Schomberg, ON / Top Gun / 0.00 : 37.86
3. Dermott Lennon / Ireland / Hallmark Elite / 0.00 : 39.36
4. Ljubov Kochetova / Russia / Aslan / 0.00 : 39.36
5. Charlie Jayne / Elgin, IL / 8.00 : 37.27
Attached Photo: Olympic Team Silver medalist, Canada’s Jill Henselwood took top spot in the $100,000 CN FEI World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix with Bottom Line.
Photos © Michelle C. Dunn 2009.
22nd Annual Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show
October 13, 2009
by Mike Blakoe…
Canadian Sport Film Festival
September 29, 2009
Just to let you guys know that the Sports Film Festival is about to start this Friday. This is the second year of the festival and I hear it’s bigger and better, just like South Park, The Movie. I posted the media release I received from them with more information… check it out! for more info check out their web site www.sportfilmfestival.ca
The Canadian Sport Film Festival is proud to announce the inclusion in its 2009 programme of a number of films that highlight the individual challenge of athletic accomplishment.
Paddling for a Cure
A day before one of the most popular athletic breast cancer fundraisers, the Canadian Sport Film Festival is featuring a remarkable group of women, striving to be active while battling a terrible disease. Pink Paddlers profiles a group of women in Singapore who form their own dragon-boat racing team – on the basis of medical advice from a Canadian doctor – to build both physical strength and communal bonds. The women of Pink Paddlers end up competing in the first-ever Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat World Championship. Screens with Long Distance.
>> It is expected that a Canadian competitor will be in attendance and available to the media.
>> Saturday, October 3, 4pm, Innis Town Hall: Pink Paddlers, Long Distance
Can-con: Two Canadian features presented in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada Mediatheque
From sea to shining sea, journeys across the breadth of Canada are the stuff of national mythology. For Mike Beauchamp it was one long bike ride, and far from romantic. The trials and tribulations of his journey are the subject of The Cross Canada Project, an intimate cinematic diary.
>> Director Mike Beauchamp is in New Zealand and unavailable, but another cyclist, Ben Verboom (www.cycletohelp.org), will be in attendance, talking about his experiences riding across the country for charity. He will available for media on Saturday.
Next, for a long time the only women in boxing rings were strutting around in bikinis announcing the next round. That isn’t true for Savoy Howe and the boxers at Toronto’s Newsgirls club. Punch Like A Girl profiles the variety of women who gravitate to the ring, from an amateur hoping for Olympic glory as a way to avoid deportation to the jazz pianist who claims to be Canada’s oldest amateur boxer.
>> The directors of Punch Like a Girl are tentatively scheduled to attend the screening.
>> Saturday, October 3, 1:30pm, Innis Town Hall: The Cross Canada Project, Punch Like A Girl
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