It was a thrilling
conclusion to the Olympic Games as Team U.S.A. forced
overtime in the Men's Hockey Gold medal game. In the
end Canada took the gold on a goal by Sydney Crosby
as Canada defeated the U.S.A. 3-2. Crosby was
excellent for Canada but it was a total team effort and some
young stars emerged. 22-year-old Jonathan Toews
led team Canada with 8-points in the tournament and was +9
for the Games. 20-year-old defenceman Drew Doughty
was +6 for the tournament. Team U.S.A. played with
heart and provided entertaining hockey. Feel free to
do some posturing Gary Bettman (commissioner of the
NHL) but if NHL players are not part of the 2014 Olympics it
will be a shame. The hockey in Vancouver may have been
the highest calibre and most entertaining hockey ever
played. (Feb 28,2010)
It was a dominating
performance for Team Canada's Men's hockey team at
the Olympics defeating Russia 7-3 in the
quarter-finals Wednesday night. The Canucks led 4-1
after one period of play and 7-3 after two with no scoring
in the third period. A line with Michael Richards,
Rick Nash and Jonathan Toews were matched up
against Alexander Ovechkin and the Russian sniper was
held pointless and wasn't a factor throughout the
game. Sidney Crosby of Canada was held off the
score sheet as well but Canada's intensity and depth was too
much for Russia. Roberto Luongo started the
game in net for Canada and came through with some big saves
in the third period which should raise his confidence
level. Canada will play either Sweden or Slovakia in
the semi-finals on Friday night and Luongo may need to be
more of a factor in that game. Canada was focused,
intense and relaxed in their win over Russia. If they
can keep that up they will be a tough team to beat. (Feb 24,
2010)
Team Canada is 2-0
at the Olympic Games after defeating Switzerland 3-2 in a
shootout on Thursday night. Despite some reports, it
wasn't a bad game for Canada. The team failed to
capitalize on its scoring opportunities. Sidney
Crosby had a couple of chances in the second period and
was stymied by Swiss goalie Jonas Hiller.
Crosby had another opportunity in the second period and
elected to pass the puck instead of shooting. He did
come through with the lone goal in the shootout. Roger
would have given Mike Richards some time on the ice
in overtime. Roger is happy with the team selected but
wonders what Mike Green (Washington) or Brian Campbell
(Chicago) would have added to the back end when there was
more ice in overtime. The mobile defencemen may have
been able to set up a game winning goal to end the game
sooner. Canada's next game is Sunday versus the United
States. The winner in that game will get a bye to the
quarter-finals. (Feb 18, 2010)
Watch
a sample of Roger's work as the host of Toronto Marlies
hockey from the 2008/09 season.
Greg Gilbert is the only
player in NHL history to win a Stanley Cup with both New
York teams. Greg talks about getting called up from
junior hockey to play with the Islanders Dynasty in the
early 1980's. Greg
Gilbert interview.
Joe Paterson talks about
his days playing with Marcel Dionne and the Los Angeles
Kings. Joe
Paterson interview.
Jim Hughes returned to the
Marlies as an assistant coach after a stint as a head coach
in the KHL. Jim
Hughes interview.
Roger continues to produce
and Anchor First Local, a daily news and sports show
on Rogers TV in the region of Peel. He also hosts
Toronto Marlies television broadcasts. The Marlies
were eliminated in round one of the AHL playoffs.
Roger covered the
sidelines for the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL and also
provided play-by-play. Listen
to Roger's call of the highlights from a game
between Toronto and Edmonton in 2004.
It was a successful shoot
in Southern France. Wardell Productions
was on-site documenting the Brampton Concert Band's trip and
performance in La Croix Valmer Music Festival, Les Anches
D'azur in 2009. The band celebrating its 125th anniversary
performed three times and visited many sites including St.
Tropez, Cannes, Eze and Monaco.
Relax with this Festive Fireplace.
Remember
to check the ESPN Bottom Line at the bottom of
every page of rogerwardell.com. It'll give you up
to the second updates on all of the scores from the major
sporting leagues. Hey, why not check out the scores
from around the leagues while you listen to your favourite interviews.
