It’s my Parting Shot for my reactions to the headlines in today’s Star-Phoenix Sports Section…..
First headline…Junior A hockey holding on tight in Saskatchewan. My reaction…and it is because of the communities and the people that reside in those communities who have a passion for the sport, for the S-J-H-L and their teams. And, it has very good and very solid leadership in Commissioner Kyle McIntyre, who is only two years into being on the job, but has embraced the media and broadcasting and social media and podcasts and has utilized many young men and women with that same passion for hockey that he and the communities have to keep the league in the minds of Saskatchewan people. I may be the voice of the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League, but I’ve never felt more of a connection to the S-J-H-L during my 30 years in the province, thanks to Kyle McIntyre and the league’s volunteer owners and workers! Let the B-C Hockey League go off on its own and think it’s something special, I applaud the S-J-H-L for knowing they are special and doing everything they can to show it off!
Next headline…Bedard among Calder nominees. Reaction…no kidding he is. Sure he missed a bunch of games with a broken jaw, but Connor Bedard is the next big-time player in the N-H-L behind Connor McDavid, plain and simple!
Last headline…Murray savours winning shot. Reaction…while you can score another massive moment for a Canadian playing and excelling in the N-B-A, as Jamaal Murray has for a few years now with the reigning champion Denver Nuggets, the next question that needs to be answered is about LeBron James’ playing future. He didn’t want to answer it within minutes of Denver eliminated his L-A Lakers – and I don’t blame him. But, at some point, 39-year-old King James is going to have to decided if he really wants to keep on going and play at least one season with son Brony – something I think he’ll do, despite having broken and eclipsed and set so many records in his illustrious career!
That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk in Moose Jaw…and it turned out nice again!…..