(Riders defense doing a drill at main camp)

It’s my Parting Shot for my reactions to the headlines in today’s Star-Phoenix Sports Section…..

First headline…Is there any room for Roughriders’ rookies?, Lack of openings a positive for team, but not newcomers, Darrell Davis writes. My reaction…the Saskatchewan brain trust better hope that the young Rider hopefuls that started rookie camp today don’t read newspapers or on-line newspapers – or that they view newspapers like Donald Trump views C-N-N as being fake news! I’ve taken to defining off-season moves by the Green and White two ways. Veteran players, be they free agents or re-signing, I actually say they’ve signed with the Riders. Rookies are just committing to coming to training camp. In my mind, most of them will just end up being cannon fodder or tackling dummies as the vets round into form!!

Next headline…Saskatoon Blades, minor hockey are on the clock. Reaction…by the time this commentary plays again during the 5 o’clock information package on CJWW, Penticton will have revealed their initial 20 picks of today’s Expansion Draft. League finalists Medicine Hat and Spokane don’t have to give up a player until their season is done. Those 20 teams involved today are crossing their fingers – as well as toes and eyes – that the Vees don’t take someone left unprotected that teams were hoping would slip by unnoticed! There’ll be some trades to that end, including one that I sort of expect will involve the Saskatoon Blades! As for the Prospects and U-S Priority Drafts, the latter selections are more important this year after the N-C-Double-A rules changed regarding eligibility!!

Last headline…Saskatoon Hilltops ready for a restart, Football squad looking to avenge upset loss to Regina in 2024 conference final. My reaction…the secondary headline tells the tale more than the primary one! In speaking with head coach Tom Sargeant this week, losing to the Thunder doesn’t sit well. And, even if the Toppers aren’t as old and experienced as in the last few years, finishing as the runner-up in the Prairie Football Conference isn’t okay!!

That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!