Big Sports Moments 2011

Here is my PassItOnSports YouTube Year in review.


Sports provide us with so many emotions, sometimes elation, sometimes despair. We see amazing athletic moments, combined with terrible tragedies. I have compiled some things that have made an impact on me throughout the year. Have a look.

1/This first one may be much more impactful than any of us can imagine.
Sidney Crosby at the Winter Classic.

What is the future of Sidney Crosby?

2/ Green Bay Packers win Super Bowl

One of the very best teams ever!! (hard for a Viking fan to admit)

 

3/ Flying High at the NBA All Star game.

This guy has some hops. Keep an eye on Blake Griffith of The LA Clippers..

4/ Dallas Mavericks win NBA Championship

The best "team" won.

5/ Boston Bruins win Stanley Cup.

The best "team" won (again).

6/ Usian Bolt

I just love to watch him run.

7/ The Tragic Dan Wheldon Indy Crash.

 A really tough sport.

8/ Toronto Rock win Championship

Toronto does have a winning team.

9/ Japan wins Women's World Cup

A great victory for a country that had a tough year.

 

10/  PGA - The Fedex Cup

Bill Hass wins on miracle shot.

My personal favorite. 

11/ Just an amazing Athletic Play. Jerome Simpson.

That is fun!!

 

Canadiana

2011 Canadian Press Male Athlete of the Year - Patrick Chan

A great athlete.

The Canadian Press Female Athlete of the year for 2011 -  Jennifer Heil

 

An Inspiring Canadian and person.

Well, that's it....some of the things that made an impact with me....there is so many more ups and downs and incredible plays from the past year.....i could go on forever.

If you want to share your favorite sporting moment.........send me your youtube at info@passitonsports.ca

Happy New Year.

2012 is going to Rock!!

CLax Lacrosse Update.

I went to Oshawa to check out the New Canadian Lacrosse League (CLax) games that were played at the beautiful General Motors Centre this past Saturday. It was a triple header, with all six teams playing.
They were all exhibition games as the teams are juggling their lineups and tuning up for the regular season beginning in January.

The first game saw the Peel Avengers defeat the Iroquois Ironmen 11 - 8. I was not there for that game.

In the second game...I arrived with the score Durham Turfdogs 7 and the Oshwekon Demons 2, but the fast paced (fight filled) game, took a turn, and the Oshweken team came back to win 17-16 in a thriller.

The final game was dominated by the home team Oshawa Machine, who went ahead 4 - 0 quickly on the Brampton Inferno and it was really never close, with Oshawa winning 18 -10.

The interesting part of the game for me was of course the transition. I absolutely loved it. Lacrosse for me, has always been a transition game...and over the years it has all but been eliminated from the game. You have heard about me going on and on about how defense off and offense on and vice versa seems to be the norm now in lacrosse at most levels. Defensive specialists on when needed, and goal scorers out the other door...and as a coach, I get it....it works. As a fan I do not. It is boring to watch (for me) - you of course are entitled to your own opinion.

I would like to make an important point here. I am not an NLL hater, quite the contrary, I go to NLL game regularly, and will go again this year - always a great night...but being a fan, allows me to shoot my mouth off, and I have seen too many times, a player steal a ball on defense, that could have led to a 3 on 2 or 2 on 1, but instead, he throws it back to his goalie or something, there is a line change made, so the "better" skill players can come out to score. Boring.

At the Clax on Saturday night this is all but eliminated by a simple rule change. When the offense loses the ball, they have to change at their goalie side door. In other words...they can not run to the the closest door and send somebody out the other door, they must run to the farthest door to make a change....and if they do this, more often then not, they are beat, because the offense are already (or should be) up the floor.

This created numerous fast breaks, long passes 4 on 3's, 3 on 2's and 2 on 1's. We really enjoyed this part of the game. When the lacrosse ball is moving, that is when this game is at its best....running and passing is the game of lacrosse....you have heard the ads over the years...."Lacrosse...the fastest game on two feet".
It was old time, fast paced lacrosse. You really need to check it out.

As for the skill level, well, it is very early. I noticed a lot of the players were definitely squeezing their stick a little tight...which of course leads to poor passes, which of course is a problem.

I am going to offer a little advice for the CLax boys...and any other lacrosse players than want to listen. Lacrosse is all about ball movement...a good ball movement team is just pretty to watch. The problem is, in this era of Pro Lacrosse, with lacrosse tricks available on You Tube, it is kind of fun to be a bit of a "hot dog"....but the thing of it is...there are probably 5% of all players than can do an over the shoulder pass or shot with any skill or accuracy, the rest of the players....GIVE IT A REST. Seriously.....make a simple over hand pass into the players stick....it is all about completing the pass...and completing the play. I saw a couple of over the shoulder passes that went into the stands....no good....so stop it. (that means you too DJ.)    :-)

One of the most frustrating things for a coach is to work on a play that works perfect, except a bad pass or a bad catch, stops it. I watched the CLax guys in warm up, clearly have the skill...so when the game begins..remember to play within your own skillset, not something you saw on TV or You Tube.
(coaching lesson complete).

Want to see a video of a perfect goal scorer...I got video of this little guy between periods at The CLax game...perfect finish.

On the whole, I was impressed on Saturday night, and I encourage you to check out a CLax game yourself.

Now of course, I am still frustrated why it is so difficult to get people to the games. remember my Blog called Be a Lacrosse Fan?  I made a point about Canadians talk the talk of loving lacrosse, but do not walk the walk.

There was a triple header this day. Three great lacrosse games. $2 to get in, so money was not an issue. What is it? What is the problem. We say we love the game. We say it is the greatest and fastest game on two feet....but the only way to make believers of us all, is to pack the venue. I really would love to figure this out.

Come on people support Lacrosse.

For tickets and schedule, go to www.clax.ca

Lou Marsh Award

 Patrick Chan wins Lou Marsh Award!!!

...and I know for a fact a lot of Canadians are thrilled, but no one more than my Mom.

Yes, my Mom has been following skating her whole life, and is the proudest Canadian I know. She reads my blog daily, and puts up with me spouting off about every sport all the while, ignoring her beloved sport, figure skating. I think that it is time for me to give her a moment in the sun.

The Lou Marsh Trophy, also known as the Lou Marsh Memorial Trophy and Lou Marsh Award is a trophy that is awarded annually to Canada's top athlete professional or amateur. It is awarded by a panel of journalists, with the vote taking place in December. It was first awarded in 1936. It is named in honour of Lou Marsh a prominent Canadian athlete, referee, and former sports editor of the Toronto Star. Marsh died in 1936 and the trophy was named in his honour.

This award can some be controversial as to who should win it. Some people think that an award like this should be for amateur athletes and some think it should be for simply the best athlete. (pro or otherwise).
Also, there is some thought that an individual is more deserving than someone from a team, which again is a matter of opinion.

This year was no different as there was definitely some difference of opinion on who should win.
There is one thing I know for sure though, and that is the great Canadian Athletes on the list for this years award were just that....GREAT.  Have a look at this great slide show from The Toronto Star.

The top contenders for this years award were –    world champion figure skater Patrick Chan -  world No. 1 ranked shot putter Dylan Armstrong - speed skating world champion Christine Nesbitt -  rider Eric Lamaze and the late Hickstead.

Keep in mind, these athletes are not just good at their sport, they are in most cases the very best in the world at their sport. Chan, Armstrong and Nesbitt take a back seat to no one. They are the best.

Other greats to win this award are Wayne Gretzky, Steve Nash, Mike Weir and Sidney Crosby....some pretty respectable names to say the least.

So Congratulations Patrick, well deserved for sure!!

I could go on, but I think today I will let you read an email form my Mom sent a couple of days before the Lou Marsh was decided.

Hi there.

Thought it is about time you did a figure skating blog. Just call Steven and he will explain it to you...I "Forced" him to watch it years ago.
Patrick Chan won Gold at The Grand Prix final held in Quebec City.This is NOT a "one weekend win". Many, many months of competition held in USA, Canada, Russia, China etc. with the top 6 competitors coming together in Quebec City to compete in this rigourous final.
Rosie Dimanno of the Toronto Star wrote a good article about it on Sunday.Patrick had made a comment after his win in China (his parents were born there). It caused a minor ruffling of feathers but I like Rosie's comments about this fine young man.
Rosie's Comment:
1.  Chan is a pleasure to watch and from her perspective,enjoyably forthright and NATURAL under the spotlight glare.
2.Honesty and frankness-is becoming a rarity in sports. It should be nurtured rather than condemned.
3. Rosie states.."Good Lord, think about the creepy places so many sports celebrities have taken us...from sex scandals, congressional hearings on steroid cheating to illegal back room dog fighting".

My comments:
I have watched this fine athlete over many years and I feel he is a TRUE CANADIAN super star!!He makes Canada PROUD.
Patrick will NEVER "haul in" the big $$$$ like the "so-called biggies" of Hockey, Baseball, Basketball and Football.He
IS an athlete who entertains and delights us.
Michael, aren't you glad I read your blogs?
Just "Food for Thought"
Mom

(thanks mom - well said)

Tim Tebow (aka) The Closer

Tim Tebow - Do you know him? Have you heard of him?

Tim Tebow is the quarterback for the Denver Broncos in the National Football League. He was drafted by Denver 25th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.

He played for the Florida Gators in college, and his claim to fame was the fact that he was know as a "double threat" - an opposition coaches nightmare...he can pass and he can run. How do you stop him?

Here is a list of awards in college.

Very impressive stats to be sure, but i know some of you may wonder why I am talking about him today.

Those of you that know me, know this. I love great athletes doing great things. I love to watch athletes that are at their best...and still do more. I enjoy a good sports story and even more, if you understand my philosophy of www.passitonsports.ca I love a "feel good" sports story.

Tim Tebow is smack dab in the middle of an incredible feel good sports story and that cool part is, you never know when it will end.

Here is a brief synopsis for those of you that do not follow the NFL. The Denver Broncos started this season with 1 win and 4 losses. Not good. Enter Tim Tebow. He got his first start against the hapless Miami Dolphins, and they were winless...so this should be easy. But, this is pro football, nothing is easy and the Broncos found themselves down 15 - 0 with about 9 minutes left in the game. Well, something happened. Tebow led them back after tying the game with a 2 point convert...the Broncos went on to win in overtime. It was a crazy game...and he was just getting started.

The Broncos lost the next week to a solid Detroit Lions team, but since then Tebow and the Broncos have rattled off six consecutive victories.

The last 4 wins have all been amazing come from behind victories, all in the fourth quarter and all have had a heroic leader...Tim Tebow.

What makes this really special is how these wins are manufactured. I really have seen nothing like it. Tebow does nothing spectacular for most of these games...I would even say at some points he is even below mediocre. No excitement, just run of the mill plays..until the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter a switch seems to go off..click...and something happens.

He runs, he jukes, he throws, evades tackles...it is like watching a totally abstract unscripted combination of ballet and athleticism like you rarely see in any athlete. The other astonishing thing is how his entire team believe in him so much that they will do anything to make this happen. The entire team rises up to the highest possible level, and things begin to happen.

Last night in Chicago, same old story (it is unreal) - Denver down 10 - 0 with less the 3 minutes to go, and Tebow takes them down for a touchdown..10 - 7 Chicago leads..less than two minutes and Denver has no timeouts. Tebow gets them down the field...but they are forced to try a 59 yard field goal...can it be true? Don't forget the whole team rises up and the field goal is good. They go into overtime...Chicago marches down the field for victory....but...FUMBLE. A few plays later, another long field goal and Denver wins again. Hard to believe it. Really amazing story.

What makes this story so special for me is simply how this guy wanted to win so bad, that when it gets to crunch time, he elevates to a level few people ever get to. He is a genuine person, and has suddenly become a leader of exceptional quality. The Broncos are now 8 wins and 5 losses and in first place in their division.

I don't know when or where this story will end...but do yourself a favour and check it out before it does.

The Business of Sports

What a week. Shocking, interesting and disturbing....are some of the words I would use.
The amount of $$$$ we are talking about here are staggering.

Number 1 - The Sale of MLSE

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment has been sold.

This deal was a blockbuster to say the least...and I did not see it coming. The two partners are Rogers and Bell...corporate enemies, both competing for the same customers, both jockeying for your hard earned money...whether it is your TV, your phones or your Internet...they want your business.

Suddenly these two "enemies" are "partners" in a huge, shocking deal, purchasing the brand known as MLSE from the Teachers Pension Fund. They now are 75% owners, with Larry Tanenbaum owning 25%, and the new partners only had to pay $1.32 billion dollars. That's all. What a deal!!

The possibilities of media opportunities that is pairing can provide are absolutely mind boggling and it is really going to be interesting to see what happens.

I thought about what it would have been like to be in the meeting where the decision was made to make this purchase. I am sure at some point, someone would have said, what are the longtime future prospects like for MLSE....will there be a down turn in interest? I think we know the answer to that. The answer is a resounding NO! The addiction to the Maple Leaf brand is nothing short of astounding. Have a look at any bar on the night of a Leaf game...or look at the insane media frenzy surrounding the Leaf's after any event...practice, game...anything. The real obsession though take place down at the ACC. If you go into the Real Sports Bar, where the prices are ridiculous, it is lined up forever. If you are lucky enough to get into a game...you will be privileged to lineup for a beer and a slice of pizza for $16. That is one medium beer and a slice.

Oh yes, I think this insanity will continue to play out for a very, very long time.

Only two question remain. Will my cable bill go up? And the big one...Will we win the Cup....after all, that is all we care about.

Number 2 - The Los Angeles Angels

The USA has gone through some pretty tough times over the last few years, people losing their homes and jobs...and trying deperately to figure it all out.
Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson do not have this problem. Both players were signed to mega deals this week and the face of The Angels has been radically changed.

The deal with Pujols is for 10 years, includes a full no-trade clause and is worth between $250 million and $260 million, a source told MLB.com. Ken Rosenthal reported on MLB Network that the exact value is $254 million, which would place it second behind the record-setting 10-year, $275 million contract Alex Rodriguez signed with the Yankees in December 2007. Wilson gets five years and $77.5 million, with a full no-trade clause for the first two years and a partial no-trade clause (featuring eight teams) for the last three.  AMAZING MONEY. How ever will they pay for this? (sarcastic tone)

The Los Angeles Angels, following these huge signings,  have reached a lucrative long-term agreement with FOX Sports. The Los Angeles Times reported the pact is worth at least $3 billion for a length of 20 years. The deal has yet to be officially announced. Money...wow...where does it all come from.

The insanity of the money in these two deals are without description...but they are all made possible simply because of sports fans. We go to the games, watch them on TV, buy the merchandise, drink the beer etc. etc. ...and we do it with excess, year after year. We are the reason these deals can be made. Seems kind of funny to me somehow.

Interesting Sports News

Sports, both pro and amateur, never cease to amaze me...and intrigue me...surprise me, and even shock me. Sometimes I like to talk about the odd ball thing that peak my interest. Here is this weeks installment.

1. Tiger Woods won a golf tournament on the weekend past. The media frenzy was disturbing to me to say the least. The "media/Tiger" love affair is back. He is back. He birdied the last two holes on Sunday and won. Wow ! Amazing.     NOT!!!!                                                                                                             -   Give me a Break!!! I mean really. What is the big deal? Do you realize that most golf tournaments during the year have 120 to 140 golfers in a full field. This past weekend in the big Tourney that Tiger won...there was a grand total of 18 golfers. 18 GOLFERS!! That's it!. Yes the field was strong, but only 18 guys? Settle down a bit. Let's see what 2012 brings...and a full field. Then we can talk.
2. The NBA is back. They start playing on December 25th. (that date rings a bell somehow) - oh, btw does Toronto still have a team? (ouch!)
3. For a fantastic holiday sporting event...don't forget the World Junior Hockey starts on December 26th....great tournament.
4. Lindsey Vonn won her fourth World Cup Ski race today (in a row) - impressive stuff.                  

         
                                  

           5. It is December 7th and Phil Kessel is still the leading point getter in the NHL.

   

I am just sayin' (again)

On a personal note...I am not the biggest Ron Wilson and Brian Burke fan, and I don't normally defend them....but....the Toronto media is out of hand. It is time to give it a rest. Please.

  6. Sidney Crosby is sitting out two games....fingers crossed.

That is my update for the week...and it is only Wednesday.

talk to you soon.

  

                         

'Tis the Season

Bought a Christmas Tree today. (am I allowed to say that?)

Yes I am....but let's face it "our holidays are changing".  (or are they?)

I actually find it interesting how people are getting so upset, because their "traditions" are being compromised.

For example:

• Merry Christmas? or Happy Holidays? or "Best of the Season"? Happy Hanukkah!
• Christmas Concert or Holiday Celebration.
• Christmas Tree or Holiday Tree.

There "seems" to be more rules surrounding this time of year. Where are these rules coming from. Are they real, or are they imagined.

Get this - I heard this week that Santa will not be at the Eaton Centre this year. Can it be true?!

Lately I hear people all over the place complaining how "their" traditions are being changed. Why are they doing this and why are they doing that. I find it interesting, and also a little bit disturbing.

ok, now to get up on my soap box and give my opinion.

I live in Canada. More specifically I live in the very best country in the entire world.

DO YOU THINK THAT IS A SECRET?!!

 No, it is not. A lot of people know that Canada is an amazing place to live. The secret got out a long time ago. Guess what? When people found that out, they wanted to move here. Go figure. When we hear about great restaurants or great movies or great vacation spots...we usually go if we can. If we like it...we go back.

Canada is all about immigration and has been for a very long time. People want to come here...and we want and need them to come. We are an incredibly culturally diverse country, and believe me, this is a good thing. But...(you knew this was coming)....but...some people seem to have an opinion that if somebody from another country comes to our country...then they should change.

I have heard this said many times. "you are in our country now, so you need to adapt to the way we do things, and believe what we believe".

Have you heard that? (or something like that?) Have you said that? It is a ridiculous statement. Look at it this way, if I decided to move to another country, for any reason...and I decided to live there...I would like to hold on to "my belief system", It is what I know. It is who I am.

Our schools and other institutions are faced with challenges that we never ever faced before. Not everyone celebrates Christmas. That is a fact. Don't get mad at that. Understand it. They are not trying to change the way you believe, they are trying to adapt to a new way of looking at things.

So Relax. Please!

Nothing has changed in my traditions. We put up the Christmas tree today, put out some lights and played some Christmas songs. It was a nice afternoon. It is our tradition.

Let others celebrate their traditions too. No matter where they are from.

Merry Christmas. ( I know it is early)

And just to make sure that this remains a "sports blog" - Guess what. Basketball is back. First NBA game is on Christmas Day. You have to love it. Ho Ho Ho.

Be A Lacrosse Fan

I love lacrosse. That is no secret. I love to play. I love to coach. I love to watch. Lacrosse is such a great game, and over the years the lacrosse purists have wanted fans to share our passion.

The frustrating part, for the most part is that “selling” our game to the non lacrosse people out there has not always been easy. Lacrosse people love lacrosse, but the problem is lacrosse people DO NOT fill lacrosse arenas to watch lacrosse. What is that you ask? – “What are you talking about Mike”? “We love to watch lacrosse”. Well, sorry to tell you, that is not the case.

Case in Point!

·         When you go to a Senior A lacrosse game in Ontario in the summer, is it sold out? No, it is not. Not even close. There is a smattering of loyal fans, family, friends and fans….but not many. Keep in mind that the players playing in the Summer League are for the most part the Pros that you watch in the winter. Weird, don’t you think?

·         In order to attract fans to the game we love, the rules have been “played” with. For example, probably the biggest change was the bigger nets. Wow. To me, that was a big mistake.

 (but that is me)

So the thing that continually haunts me….I mean really it bothers me…how do you make fans fall in love with lacrosse to the same level that I love to play.

Let me re-word that. I love Lacrosse.  (I know I said that) – I have a passion for this game that is even hard to describe…so here is our challenge. How do we transfer our love for this game to a fan?

If the fans loved this game as much as I love to play this game…the arenas would not be big enough to hold the fans. Seriously. That is the solution. However, that is not the case…and the fans are not filling the arenas…not to capacity. I want capacity. The thought of capacity crowds excite me.

I was one of the coaches for The Brampton Excelsiors when we won the Mann Cup in 1992. It was a sudden death overtime victory where present Toronto Rock Coach Troy Cordinley scored a beautiful top corner goal and the capacity crowd in the “sweaty” over capacity arena went wild. I remember my brother-in-law (not a lacrosse player, but a big sports fan) said after the game to me that “that was possibly the best sporting event I have ever seen”.  That type of energy is what we need. How do we get there? That is the big question.

The crowds in the NLL have been solid, I would even say loyal…but they are not capacity…and I am greedy. I want capacity crowds. Athletes feed off of fans, and fans feed off of players…you all know the feeling I am talking about. Have you been to a sporting event that it felt “electric”? It is Crazy!

The Canadian Lacrosse League (known as CLax) is a new Professional Lacrosse League that begins play in January of 2012.

There are three venues, The GM Centre in Oshawa will be home to the Oshawa Machine and The Durham Turfdogs. The Brampton Powerade Centre will house the Peel Avengers and the Brampton Inferno. The Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Six Nations will be home for the Iroquois Ironmen and the Oshweken Demons.

This new league is trying something a little different, and that is what has me interested. CLax is creating an entire lacrosse experience. There is of course the Pro’s. These players did not make the NLL (yet) but the Lacrosse talent pool is huge…and these athletes will be quick, strong and fun to watch.

There is a Junior CLax League for players from 10 – 19 that will be able to “play like a pro” – same jerseys, same venues, it is going to be a lot of fun.

There is a Masters CLax League for players 22 and over that just want to have some fun. Same venue, following the Pro Game .  I am sure you know by now, I am the Commissioner of the new Masters League…and the main reason (aside from my love of the game) – is I believe in what the CLax Pro league is doing. There have been rule changes…but not really “new” rules…more like the “old” rules that are “new” again. The game will be fast…really fast….edge of the seat fast, and you don’t want to miss it.

Go to the CLAX website right now and order your tickets….and get ready for Lacrosse.

For Junior CLax contact Joel at jjohnson@clax.ca

For Masters CLax contact Mike at mike@passitonsports.ca

Websites.  – To order tickets or to sign up for leagues go to www.clax.ca  

Also there is Masters Registration at www.passitonsports.ca

Let's Be A Lacrosse Fan.

CLax Big News!!

Good day Everyone.

 

 

CLax (the NEW Canadian Lacrosse League) has announced a great addition the the season with the creation of the CLax Master's Lacrosse League...and guess who is commisioner. 

 

Yours Truly Mike McMillan has been named Commissioner of The New Exciting Master's League.

The New Master's League will be a 4 - 6 team league for players 22 and over with teams in Brampton and Peel playing out of the Powerade Centre and Oshawa and Durham playing out of the GM centre in Oshawa.

I am not sure how much you know about the new CLax league, but it is a new Pro league that has made some interesting rule changes. The funny thing is the rules are going "back" to the way we use to play in a way. There will be much less 5 men on and 5 men off (which is something that I think has slowed the game down) and there will be no moving picks or slashing off the ball. Promises to be a fast paced exciting game.

 

As a matter of fact they have a tremendous season ticket offer out right now. Follow your favorite team for only $75. Wow, that is a great price....works out to $5.77 a ticket.

They are also operating a Junior CLax league for players between 10 - 19 that will give the kids a "pro" experience. Great idea. Anyone interested in the Junior CLax for their kids...email Joel at jjohnson@clax.ca

Now, back to TheCLax Master's League will run from January to the end of March and will feature players like ex Toronto Rock Jim Veltman. Imagine yourself passing Jim Veltman the ball on a breakaway, and he shoots it wide. You get to trash talk him. (he might score though) add that to your lacrosse resume.

 

Should be a lot of fun.

 

•  A 12 game schedule that will see Masters playing after the Pro games, plus playoff participation in the Final Four Championship Weekend.
• We can Accommodate up to 6 Master's Teams - 15 players 2 goalies
• Weekend Game Nights - Friday's (10:15 - 11:15pm), Saturday's (9:15 or 10:15pm games) and Sunday (8:15,9:15 or 10:15pm games).
• Four 12 minute quarters - 5 minute overtime and shootouts, no sister kissers (ties)
• All venue floor time, referee costs and insurance as well as team t-shirts is covered in registration.

And here is the Big Plus!!!

A League pass to all Pro games including Final Four Weekend (a $300.00 value)

For more information and to register

please contact Clax Masters Commissioner Mike McMillan at mike@passitonsports.ca

 

It is a first come - first served, league. If you email me, I will send you a copy of the League Flyer and a registration form, otherwise, it will be available starting tomorrow on my website.

 

              www.passitonsports.ca

 

and the CLax website

 

                www.clax.ca

 

 

I feel as though the concept of this league is totally in line with everything I know about lacrosse.

The sport that we love, and a league that includes kids, and Master's and offers a great brand of exciting lacrosse.

 

Don't miss it. Be a part of something really special.

 

                                 

 

CLax Master's Commisionner

Mike McMillan

Believe in Magic?

There is one thing I have learned over the years, in every facet of my life, and that is...have an open mind.
Do not be afraid to try new things, things you never ever thought you would try when you were younger.

My subject today is physical therapy, and the many different options available to you.

I have found that as many people that you ask about methods of healing, you will get that many different answers, so it is something that experience is definitely the best teacher.

I don't even want to get into the massive debate about  Western Medicine vs  Eastern Medicine. That is an interesting debate. I of course will be Sweden in this argument-- neutral, simply because, I have a good family doctor that I trust and rely on, plus I do use some alternative therapies that I have found success with.

I have played sports my entire life, and for the most part have been somewhat injury free...no horrible injuries that have sidelined me for a long period of time. However, as I occasionally check my driver's licence (your age is right on there my boss reminds me) and I get older, and continue to play sports, the injury situation seems to be escalating. I get calf injuries, achilles, groin, hamstrings, back, and now hip.
A physical specimen really.

Physiotherapy

I have been a physiotherapy supporter as long as I can remember, maybe because my Mom worked in the office for a clinic for a long time, but mostly because when I have had injuries in sports, I have gone to a physio and had success.
My most recent experience with a physical therapist is my friend Silvana Yee. As some of you know, she accompanied us to Manchester, England for the 2010 World Field Lacrosse Championships.
We played in the Grand Master's Division (45+) so Silvana definitely had her work to do...and what Ms. Yee did in England was nothing short of magic. Our team had a lot of injuries and for her to keep us on the field and competitive, was amazing.
Silvana works at Upper James Physio in Hamilton. Drop in for some "magic".

Chiropractor

At first I admit, I was not a big fan, all the back "cracking" and neck "twisting, can't be good for you. Well guess what, that is because I never went, I never understood what they did. I was very wrong.
For well over a year I had calf, hamstring and achilles problems, it felt like they were "pulls" but they came and went and always seemed to happen at the strangest time. Someone suggested I go to a chiropractor, and there was actually a new clinc, five minutes from my house. I met Dr. Julie C. Aucoin-Costanz, and she x-rayed my back, and in no time diagnosed my sciatica and started my treatment. One month later (and this was five years ago) I was better, and this problem has not come back. Was it magic?

Massage Therapy

If you have never had massage therapy, you have no idea what you are missing. A good massage therapist can do so much for aches and pains in your body. I once had a really painful calf injury, I went to a massage therapist. He asked me what my pain threshold was, and I said, pretty good. He said the deeper into the tissue he can get, the more he can help me. Well guess what? It hurt like hell, I was waiting for him to give me a bullet to bite down on, and a shot of whiskey. But...three sessions later, I was running again. Magic, no?

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, like most therapies, is not for everyone. I have talked to numerous people, for some it works, for others not. I can tell you, I am one of those that has tried acupuncture with great success. I am actually fascinated with it. For those of you that don't understand it, it is basically the art of inserting needles into pressure points in your body to relieve and control pain. If you have pain and have not been able to manage it, you may want to consider acupuncture. It truly is magical.

I am fortunate enough to have a great massage and acupuncture clinic within walking distance of my house. A husband and wife team (Bill and Lee Lee) - professional and effective team. They operate as Thomas Therapy and Rehab Clinic at 7-3375 Thomas Street in Mississauga. 289-997-5918.
 Give them a call and tell them Mike sent you.

It will be magical!

The Kid is back!!

Sid the Kid (Sidney Crosby) is back, playing for the first time in the NHL in 11 months.

He is playing tonight in Pittsburg against the New York Islanders.

There is a lot of buzz around the league, around the country, pretty much any where you go, they are talking about Mr.Crosby. I, for one, am thrilled to see him back. He is a superstar, and we need superstars in the NHL. I love watching sports, and if you know me, I have said many times, I love to watch athletes who are the very best at their sport.

When Sidney left the game with his concussion(s) last January, he was hot. He was putting up big numbers, and it was exciting. To top it off, nobody is really lighting it up the year. Phil Kessel is leading the league in goals and points, and has from the start of the year, almost 2 months.

PHIL KESSEL!! Not to malign Phil, but where are the Sedins? Alex Ovechkin? Nobody is dominating. We need someone to light it up.

Can Sidney do it? Will he be strong enough? Will he be mentally tough enough? Will he go into the boards with reckless abandon, or will he be tentative? All good questions, and only time will tell.

I am not a Doctor, not sure if you knew that...so I really am not sure where Sid's "melon" stands right now, and what will happen if he gets hit. I have heard so many discussions about silly things (or maybe not silly)...but here goes:

•  Who will give Sid his first body check?
• If it is a cheap shot or head shot, how will the team react?
• Furthermore, how will the league react?
• More importantly, how will Sid react?
• Will he be the same athlete?

ok, my opinion?  Here we go.

Sidney Crosby is a phenomenal athlete and hockey player, and a great ambassador for this game. I personally think that after the Kid laces up his skates tonight, takes a couple of shifts to shake out some nerves, takes a couple bumps, makes and takes a couple of passes or shots....then all will be well. Seriously.

This is his game. He has played it since he could walk...(or skate). Athletes like this are rare, and you will see this over the next couple of weeks. The "old" Sid, is back...and I for one am thrilled.

Go Sid. Show them all. Just be yourself.

Canadian Pro Lacrosse

I am sure a lot of you know this by know, but if you do not, let me be the first to tell you, there is a new pro lacrosse league in Canada, and it is called CLax.

For now The Canadian Lacrosse League will be operating in Ontario only, involving 6 cities.
The teams are as follows:

There has been a lot of attempts at pro lacrosse over the years, dating back to the 70's. Some have worked, most have not. The NLL seems to be doing a decent job, however there are still some problems i have with it. CLax is a league I personally do not know a lot about, but I do have an opinion as to what I think about this new league.

Here are some thing I really like:

1. Two teams sharing one venue. Smart. For example Oshweken and Iroquois will play at Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Six Nations. Peel and Brampton will share The Powerade Centrre in Brampton and Oshawa and Durham will share the GM Centre in Oshawa.
2. Good people. Lacrosse names like Paul St. John and Jim Veltman can only be good for any lacrosse league.
3. Affordable. They have a season ticket deal going for $75 - awesome. They have a Triple Header in Oshawa on December 17 for $2. I have always said we need to get people to the games...take the opportunity and go.
4. Involve youth. CLax has a program where they have a mini-pro league with the kids...same venues, same uniforms, the whole experience of the pros. I love it.
5. Offense. For those of you that know me, you know I like offense, goals, shots etc. You know how I feel about the Pro lacrosse now. Remember my Blog in June? Pro Lacrosse. CLax is addressing some of my concerns with some cool rule changes. They are not allowing the 5 on 5 off on offense and defence...I really like that...and they are not allowing moving picks. The "cross check pick" and moving picks in the NLL I find ridiculous. Clax is also not allowing players cutting the middle to be crosschecked. Should be a really fast paced game. For all rules check out CLax Rules.

I am sure there are some you out there that can find some "cons" of CLax to my "pros" - but for now, I am all for it. From these eyes...Job well done. (so far)

Canadian Lacrosse League

Good Luck to all!

Golf is not Over

I am sure most of you know of The Ryder's Cup. A golf team event where the best golfers in the USA takes on the best golfers in Europe in a team format golf tournament. I love it.


 This week it is The President's Cup.

The President's Cup is happening this week in Australia at  The Royal Melbourne Golf Club. This is again the greatest golfers from the USA, this time competing against the best International Players in the world. The way this works is the top 10 golfers automatically qualify by points, based on their performance throughout the year and then the Captain's can pick two more players each to give them each 12 players.

The Captain for Team USA is Freddie (Boom Boom) Couples, one of my favorite golfers, a player that I think could easily be playing in this weeks matches and do well, but this time he is the leader.

Team International is being Captained by the incomparable Greg Norman, another of my favorite golfers.

Now for the teams.



I am not about to analyze these two teams, and tell you will win...but I will say this. There are a lot of really solid golfers in this group and I think this could be an incredible event to watch....and the good news is....wait for it.....You can watch it Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Prime Time. Does TV get any better than that? I have not even told Patti about this television viewing opportunity yet, but I am sure she will agree....this is going to be a great event.

For more on the format and times follow along on the PGA website.

p.s. I pick The Internationals to win.

Lest We Forget!

There is so much going on in the world...it has me perplexed. I understand some of it, I sort of understand some more of it, and then there are the things that I just don't get.

Let's start in reverse order.

Things I just don't get.

• occupyers (is that even a word?) I am not sure I get their point. Yes I too wish I was in the 99th% of wealth, but alas, I am not. I work hard, really hard, and my mind is always open to new ideas and opportunities, always hoping to sometime have it all. It has never once occurred to me to go to a city park and plop down a tent. I don't know why they are still there, they made some valid points...(I guess)....but it is time to leave.
• poppy box stealer's. - really, stealing poppy boxes?...hard to fathom for most....weird thing is, the cameras in stores these days are really getting a lot clearer....I just don't get why people don't know that.
• student rioters in State College,P.A. - if you are a Paterno fan, fine, but for students to violently protest the firing of a man who knew of a really pathetic deprived situation, and he said nothing about it? -Why are you protesting? I don't get that.

Thing I sort of get.

• I understand why Sidney Crosby and James Reimer are not playing. Sort of. I mean Sidney to a couple of nasty shots to the head and suffering from a concussion...but what is really going on? I want Sidney back, the NHL needs him. When will he be back?
• James Reimer? Weird, took a shot to the noggin, and that's it has not been back. Nobody is saying what is wrong. "upper body injury".Not even his Mom seems to know what is going on. Now that is secrecy. It is only hockey guys...just tell us, what is wrong?

Things I totally understand.

• This is November. However, for some people it is Movember...which for those of you that don't know is a fundraising project. Men who participate shave on the 1st day of Movember and for the rest of the month work on their moustaches, all the while raising vital funds and awareness for men's health, specifically prostate cancer. My Dad had prostrate cancer along with Alzheimer's when he passed away. My brother Steve and my son Stuart are both participating, they are on Team ZimMo Canada. If you wish to have a look at their 'stache and even donate to the cause got the the Movember Website and search out their team.
• Remembrance Day. November 11, 2011. Take a moment to remember the men and women that gave their lives so that we can live ours, with freedom and dignity. Thank You so much.

Sports Update

I am sure a lot of you are up to date on the sports news that is going on, but I like to make sure you are tune with the Right Stuff.

1/. Did you know what The Baggataway Cup is, and if you do, did you know it is happening this weekend in London, Ontario? The Baggatawy Cup is awarded annually to the Canadian University Men's Field Lacrosse Champion. Last year's champion was McMaster, but this year they did not make it to the championship weekend.
Last night Brock defeated Carleton by a score of 13 - 7 and will play McGill in the Semi-Finals @6pm, Saturday Nov 5th.
Also Bishop's defeated the home team Western 8 - 4 and will now face Guelph in the other semi @8pm, Saturday Nov 5th.

Good Luck boys!!

Click to follow weekend. 

2./ The Minnesota Vikings -

My team. I consider myself brave to put that out there. But I am not shy. The Viking are horrible this year, and have caused me years of stress and heartbreak. The Vikings have been to the "big show" 4 times and lost. Even worse than that was the Brett Favre interception a few years back against New Orleans. That just hurt. However, I soldier on, knowing (hoping) that next year is the year. The vikings need a new stadium...have a look at their promo video...makes you want to wear purple don't you think?   New Stadium.

3./ While I am pushing "my" teams......



                                                            I am just saying.



4/. Steve Williams - ex caddie of Tiger Woods, present caddie of Adam Scott.
Last night he made a statement in front of a lot of people in Shanghai at an awards ceremony. He was asked about his first tournament with Adam Scott in Akron, Ohio, with Tiger in the field. His answer was "My aim at Akron was to shove it right up that black a**hole," said Williams.
The entire room was shocked. I am shocked. Why do people in the limelight continually do things to sabotage their own careers. Steve Williams has made millions off of Tiger....and continues to make money with Adam. He has it all. (he had it all)
Well, in my opinion...not any more. Adam Scott should fire him....and nobody else dare pick him up.
He is done. Maybe other people can learn from this...and maybe my Mom was right when I was growing up....she always said (you may have heard this) "If you don't have something nice to say about someone, than say nothing at all".
She's a smart one, that Mom of mine.

Wow - I have a dilemma.

So....here is the short story. I went to see the doctor today. He had a look at some xrays from last week and turns out I have "moderate" osteoarthritis in my right hip. Oh boy...here we go.

What is Hip Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, is caused by the wearing away and eventual loss of cartilage in a joint. Cartilage is a firm, pliable material that covers the ends of bones. Its purpose is to cushion any impact on the bones and to prevent them rubbing directly on each other - bone-on-bone.

Without getting too complicated here...my layman terminology is my hip and leg hurt...and I whine a little more than normal (some of you might not even notice the difference).

Of course, here is my dilemma. I like to play sports. I love lacrosse and basketball....apparently these are not great sports for this type of injury. My doctor recommends swimming and Pilates...(....help!!)

The doctor told me it is up to me now. I can try to strengthen the muscle around my hip, extending the "life" of my hip. I could lose some weight (how dare he!), and I should think about what sports I am playing. The next step will be "severe" osteoarthritis...and obviously at some point surgery is an option.

Why don't we skip hip surgery and go right to removal of my heart...because that is what it would feel like to stop playing sports that I love. OK, maybe I am being over dramatic...we all have to "retire" at some point. (don't we DJ?) - I just don't want to, not yet anyway.

I guess I could change the way I play, maybe I will stop coming back on defense, save some wear and tear that way....and in basketball, maybe I will shorten my 4" vertical leap to a 2" vertical leap....little things like that.

On the plus side....

•  My brother Steve works for Zimmer Canada, specializing in hips and knees and I am sure he can offer some helpful advice. He has already made a commission off of my Mom and Dad, and our buddy Mark, I would love to contribute to his winter vacation in Jamaica.
• My son is also in the business....however he is in Thunder Bay...and maybe I will let him get a little more experience before I make that flight.
• I am hoping that by the time I need a hip, perhaps Zimmer will develop some sort of new "SuperHip" and I can be the ProtoType Guy...I could play sports forever.....Yahoo!!!

Zimmer Hip Replacement

Think about it...I would love to hear your advice...but today's blog is done, after all it is Monday night....I am off to basketball. (I will be careful).