UFC 141 Predictions

UFC 141 Las Vegas

The Pay per view fight predictions:

Featherweight: Nam Pham (17-10) vs Jimy Hettes (9-0)

Hettes is the taller fighter and has the perfect 9-0 record with 9 submissions.

Hettes wins by submission

Light heavyweight: Vladmir Matyushenko (26-5) vs Alexander Gustafsson (12-1)

Gustafsson is the taller fighter and better striker, he has only one loss and a win would make him a top contender in this class.

Gustafsson wins by KO

Welterweight: Jon Fitch (26-3-1) vs Johny Hendricks (11-1)

Fitch is the veteran fighter, he is stronger and will be able to control the fight.

Fitch wins by decision

Lightweight Nate Diaz (14-7) vs Donald Cerrone (17-3-1)

Diaz is the taller fighter and is also the tougher fighter. Diaz will be able to stand and fight or take it to the ground.

Diaz wins by submission

Heavyweight: Brock Lesnar (5-2) vs Alistair Overeem (35-11)

Lesnar is back after a long lay off. This is Overeem's first UFC fight. Lesnar will be able to trade punches but will take down his opponent and over power him with the ground and pound.

Lesnar wins by TKO

UFC 141 Las Vegas: Preview

The Main Event: Brock Lesnar vs Alistair Overeem (heavyweight)

Brock Lesnar has not fought since loosing the UFC heavyweight title to Cain Velasquez back at UFC 121 on October 23, 2010.

Lesnar came down with Mononucleosis which stemmed from a more serious disease called diverticulosis, an intestinal disorder that required surgery to repair his colon. (He had shit leaking out of his colon and into his stomach causing severe pain in his abdomen).

Lesnar is now healthy and ready to begin a run and win back the UFC heavyweight title, but first he has to face Alistair Overeem .

Coming into this fight Lesnar said he didn't even know who Overeem was, yet Overeem is the favourite to win the fight? Lesnar at the press conferenve said, "I am the underdog with a big fucking bite".

To note, this is Overeem's first UFC fight, but he is a mixed martial arts veteran. Having fought in 69 fights in his illustrious career.

Overeem is the only fighter to hold multiple championship belts. Having won the K1 heavyweight, the Strikeforce heavyweight and recently being crowned the Dream champion.

Overreem is a striker, he throws devastating knee's and has won many of his fights in the first round by KO.

But I have Lesnar winning this one by tko with some serious ground and pound.

In the other main event, we have: Nate Diaz vs Donald Cerrone (Welterweight)

This fight is gaining a lot of hype because of an altercation that took place between the two fighters a few months ago. It was reported that at a UFC fight Cerrone went up to Diaz to introduce himself and Diaz (in other words) told him to go take a long walk off a short bridge.

Fast forward to today, there is no love loss. At the the press conference both fighters squared off for some pictures and Diaz knocked off Cerrone's cowboy hat and gave him a good shove. Cerrone looked pissed.

This fight is going to be a war. Both fighters like to fight from their feet.

I have Diaz winning this by submission (arm-bar)

John Fitch vs Johny Hendricks

This will feature two scrappers who can wrestle and use their fists. Should be an exciting tilt.

I have Fitch winning this one by KO

Concussions in the NHL

You are in the NHL.

Have you had a concussion: Yes / No (circle one)

How many guys do you think have had one?

I say 84 per cent.

That is a shot in the dark. Concussions are a hot debate.

I don't have to remind you that.

In tonights Boston Bruis at Ottawa Senators, both respective teams big names are both out with a concussion. Bruins Mark Savard, may never play again and has likely already retired. Now Ottawa's top-scorer Milan Michalek, is the second player to suffer a concusion while running into their own teammate. The other was leading scorer Claude Giroux. He is out indefinitely.

Sidney Crosby, came back for eight games but sadly is back on the sidelines, listed as day to day, with post-concussion symptoms. It is reported that he has skated but he is suffering headaches.

If you play in the NHL how do you protect yourself from a head injury?

The ice surface needs to be bigger. Guys are getting injured running into their own players. Big Zedeno Chara is out with a leg injury after running into his own player, hell, if he was of regular height and not 6'9'' he probably would of suffered a head injury on the play.

The players are too fast, they are getting bigger and the equiptment technology has become specialized players are like little missiles, launching themselves around on the ice.

But here is the thing, there is a need for more respect, repspect for each other.

The first thing I would do is make the rink bigger. Now I would either make it wider or longer and wider. Either would make a difference.

I doubt the owners or fans would want to see the rinks get longer. It may take away from offensive end play but with the removal of the red line and two line pass it likely wouldn't change the game.

Just as long as they don't go back to that clutch and grab. This isn't lacrosse. They game is exciting and fast, but it seems like its becoming so fast the players are accidentally running into one another more often.

How do you protect them?

A helmet just protects against skull fractures.

Fighting is only a little part of it and I don't think you can ever get rid of that and I don't wanrt to open that door.

There is that new study out there that is inspired by a woodpecker.

Players would wear a neck collars that hold's pressure on the jugular forcing more pressure and blood in the head. Th neck collar applies precise pressure on the neck, it re-creates the action of lying down, you get 30 per cent more blood inside your head. This pressure works to cushion the brain and keep it more stable when a players get hit in the head. It is the contact of the brain smashing into the skull that creates the traumatic brain injuries that force players see concussion symptoms.

Think of the collar working like an air bag in a car. When you slam into a wall at 80km/hr and your air bag goes off it lessens the impact, just like having the collar on puts more blood in the brain cushioning it from a more sever impact.

Does that feel good?

We'll have to see Dr. David Smith is trying to gain some design on this idea and possibly release a product that when combined with a helmet and mouthguard would dramatically prevent traumatic brain injuries.

I gotta go get some guitar strings before the store closes. I have a solo gig at Pappas Billiards Dec. 16th, 2011 @10:00vPM in Petereborough, On.

"Bones" Jones still the champ.

UFC 140 – Toronto Saturday Dec. 10, 2011

The Main Event

Jon “Bones” Jones vs Lyotto “The Dragon” Machida (Light Heavyweight)

So you know, Machida is a former Light Heavyweight Champion. Jones is the youngest UFC champion ever, has never been taken down and is on a five fight win streak.

Jones comes out crawling like a beast. They are on their feet. Jones jabs and Machida lands a kick to the leg.

Jones lands a leg kick himself and both fighters continue to circle as both fighters try to figure each other out.

Machida tags Jones with a strong kick to the body and then dodges a Jones kick and then counters and lands a left to the head and of Jones and sends him back-pedaling.

Jones is playing into the hands of Machida right now.

Round 1 goes to Machida.

They are scrapping now. Machida lands some punches and keeps Jones going backwards. Then Jones lands a right and scores the first take down of the fight. Jones lands an elbow and Machida is bleeding from a big gash on his forehead. The ref splits them up and a doctor looks at the cut.

The fight continues and Jones lands a big strike and Machida is in trouble Jones has him by the neck with a standing guillotine and Machida is out cold.

TKO victory for Jones.

“Big Nog” Nogueira vs Frank Mir (Heavyweight)

SYN - Nogueira is a former UFC and Pride Heavyweight Champion. Mir is a two time UFC Heavyweight Champion and has already KO’ed Nogueira back at UFC 92.

Nogueira has Mir on the cage but Mir counters and takes him to the ground.

Both fighters are back on their feet. Nogueira lands a nice elbow and then a knee to Mir's head. Mir is in trouble. Nogueira looks to finish but Mir hangs on. Mir somehow swings around and has Nogueira in an arm-bar. Nogueria taps out and it looks and sounds like Nogueira's arm snapped, I believe Mir twisted and broke his arm.

Nogueira is still lying in the ring and medics are attending to him and Mir is doing the post fight with funny guy Joe Rogan.

“Big Nog” was lying in the ring for awhile after that and the doctors had to brace him.

Tito “Huntington Beach Bad-Boy” Ortiz vs Rogerio “Little Nog” Nogueira (Light Heavyweight)

Ortiz is a five time light heavyweight champion and this is his 26 UFC fight, the most all-time.

Ortiz comes out swinging and lands a big punch. Ortiz has him against the cage adf they are both exchanging punches and Ortiz is in trouble. Little Nog hits him and Ortiz hits the mat and Noguiera has him in full guard and continues to tee off on him. Ortiz is able to fend him off for little while. But the shots to the kidneys are too much and the ref steps in.

TKO for Nogueira in the first round.

Brian “Bad-Boy” Ebersole vs Claude “The Prince” Patrick (Welterweight)

Patrick is the Canadian.Patrick is on a 13 fight win streak. Ebersole is on a nine fight win streak.

Fighters are both looking for a takedown and they grapple against the cage (Fans boo early) Patrick gets the guillotine and he tries to choke him out but Ebersole is in no danger and Patrick abandons the guillotine. The fighters are back on their feet.

Ebersole pushes forward throwing punches and lands a good body shot. Fighters get tied up on the cage again. More grappling.

Fighters are trading some kicks and punches and they get tied up on the cage again.

Fighters break and Ebersole lands an elbow to the chin and the fighters grapple again. Both guys looking for the take down.

Nothing too exciting mid-way thru the second. Fighters grapple still and they get loose and trade some kicks and then they grapple some more.

Patrick does land a nice punch, the hardest shot of the fight, but this has been a seesaw wrestling match.

Ebersoke goes for the takedown and Patrick defends it but looses position and Ebersole gains top guard. Patrick does a nice job fighting off his back. Fighters get back to their feet and Ebersole takes Patrick back down to his back.

Ebersole has Patrick from the back side, but Patrick slips the hold and the fighters are back on their feet and grappling once more.

At this point the ref should separare them and just as I say that Patrick takes the choke position and tries to choke him out.

One minute to go and they are back on their feet throwing punches and knee’s . Ebersole dives for Patricks feet. I would give the decision to Patrick as he tried to make it more of a fight.

It goes to the cards, judges decide Brian Ebersole wins by split decision.

Chan “The Zombie” Sung Jung vs. Mark “The Machine” Hominik (featherwight)

Hominik is the Canadian. Hominik comes out swinging recklessly and leaves himself wideopen and Sung Jung makes him pay and lands a right hook right on the button that sends hominik backwards on his ass. Sung Jung pounces and referee Herb Dean calls it at just seven seconds into the fight. Sung Jung ties the fastest KO in UFC history.

Igor “The Duke” Pokrajac vs Krzystof “The Polish Experiment” Soszynski (Light Heavyweight)

This one ended early too 35 seconds in, with Pokrajac getting the knockout.

Prokrajac landed a strong left hook and then followed that with a strong right and he Soszynski falls backwards and gets labeled with a slew of lefts and right and it was all over.

Soszynski was slow to get back up. He got Knocked the “bleep” out.

Jared “The Messenger” Hamman vs Costantinos “Costa” Philippou (Middleweight)

Fighters are exchanging kicks and punches. Phillippou lands a couple strong punches and Hamman is hurt.

Phillipou has him on the ground and tries for a choke out.

Hamman is back on his feet and they are trading punches, phillipou lands a big punch and drops Hamman again and I don’t know how much more Hamman can take.

Phillipou gets the knockout with a nice left hook.

Dennis “Superman” Hallman vs John “The Bull” Makdessi (Lightweight)

Mardessi is the Canadian. Hallman brings it early.

Hallman has the back position early, this isn’t looking good for Makdessi.

Makdessi is holding on but Hallman is on top and pounding.

Hallman gets a rear choke and Markdessi taps out in the first round.

Walel “The Gazelle” Watson vs Yves “Tiger” Jabouin (Bantamweight)

Jaboin is the Canadian. Fighters exchange punches an Yves scores a take down.

Jaboin gives up a big advantage in reach to watson but he is patiently throwing jabs and waiting for an opening to land a big knocout punch.

Fighets stay on their fight, dancing in the middle of the ring, throwing a lot of kicks and punches.

Yves scores another takedown but Watson counters with the guillotine but Jabouin slips out of it just before the end of round two.

Both fighters are staning in the middle of the ring and trading more kicks and punches. At times it looks like more dancing than fighting.

Now Watson gets the top guard and is looking for a submission with a front choke and now Jaboin slips the choke and the fighters are back on their feet.

The fighters fnish in fine fashion and this one goes the distance.

Tough to say who gets the win but I would give it to Jaboin, narrowly.

Yves Jabouin wins it by split decision.

Bocek vs Nick “The Carny” Lentz (Lightweight)

Bocek is a Canadian from Toronto. Bocek gets a takedown but Lentz goes counters into a guillotine but Bockek slips out of it.

Lentz has been on a 15 fight unbeaten streak. Bocek has been on top guard the majority of the round.

Bocek fires a high kick that misses and Lentz goes for a take down and Bocke is able to defend that off and then fighters go down to the mat and Bocek goes back into top position.

Lents tried to lock in the guiloine again but Bocek shakes that off.

Bocek get the top position again early in the the third round. Lentz will have to establish some attack from his back but it’s looking like Bocek is in control of the ring.

They are back on their feet trading kicks and punches and then Bocek gets another take down.

Unanimous Decision for Bocek.

Rich Attonito vs Jake Hecht (Welterweight)

Attonito holds the ground and pound and keeps the position for the majority of the round. Hecht is fighting in his first UFC fight and looks to be getting bullied here.

Hecht gets in a big elbow to the back of Attonito’s head and Hecht is able to pound his way to a TKO victory.

Mitch Clarke vs John Cholish (Lightweight)

Mitch Clarke the first Canadian fighter looses to John Cholish at 4:36 of the second round. Cholish wins by TKO. He lands a strong jab on Clarke and then scores a take down. Clarke tries to slip out of the hold but Cholish gain back position and lands some a strong shot and keeps the pressure on with puhches and the referee steps in a puts an end to the fight. Mitch Clarke is a Saskatchewan.

Some NHL, NFL, & UFC 140 in Toronto

NHL - The owners and board of governors met in California today. They are discussing division re-alignments and other things like goaltender protection. Any changes to league policy requires a two-thirds majority...Boring!

In the 72 hours that Bruce Boudreau was out of a job, there are reports out of Anaheim that he spent 1/4 of that time watching the A&E program Storage Wars. I love that show.

NFL - The Bills have been on a five game loosing streak and things don't look to be getting any better. As players are banged up the wheels seem to be falling off. They face the Chargers next week. The Bills take on Tebow and the Broncos on Christmas eve.

UFC - Mark "the Machine" Hominik will be taking to the ring in his first fight since he was severely beat-up by Jose Aldo in the feather-weight title match at UFC 129. Jose Aldo is regarded as one of the sports pound-for-pound toughest fighter. Hominik showed a lot of heart, but also wound up looking the elephant man with a hematoma the size softball on his forehead. The referee paused the action a few times to allow a doctor to look at his head, but the fight went on. I couldn't believe my eyes. This Saturday Hominik will be taking on Chan Sung Jung, the "Korean Zombie", I have Jung winning this one by a decision.

The main event will feature lightweight champion Jon "Bones" Jones vs former champ Lyoto "the Dragon" Machida. In his last fight Jones made mince meat of Rampage Jackson. Machida is coming off a convincing knock-out vs Randy Couture, where he connected with a standing jump kick to the chin. Machida lost his title to Mauricio Rua. Jones then beat Rua to become youngest fighter to win a UFC title. I got Jones winning this one by tko.

Hockey News: Pacioretty out 3 games

The low-down

I haven't had many good blogging days lately. I apologize to the readers, especially to Terry, Greg and Donny. I have been busy here with school and I had to handle some other business back home. That being my car breaking down and my dog needing surgery but I ran into a good mechanic at Bryan's Auto and they took care of both. Two -for- one special. All this back and forth from Peterborough to Toronto has done a number on my old car. The wheels just couldn't handle it. Apparently, the suspension gave-way. Just for an idea as to what was wrong. I would spin the steering wheel to turn a corner and it sounded like a rhinoceros roaring (ya ever heard one? reeeeeeeoonnnnnn!!!) The wheels felt as tho they were going thru a puddle of cement, just imagine that. I hate to admit it but my first car is breaking down. I got the suspension fixed, so i'm cruising. Who knows how long it will last. Hopefully until spring. I think maybe i'll get a motorcycle next.

Anyways, with all that said, I wanna put that shit behind me and get back to writing this blog.

On a brighter note, I had the opportunity this past saturday night to catch up with my girlfriends parents. Her father is a big Habs fan and so we all gathered round his new high-def/big screen T.V. and watched the Habs take on the Penguins. We had ate some ribs and drank some beer. "I don't know why they ever traded Halak" Nicole said. At that point the Habs had blown a 3-1 lead. Price was on his way to letting in another softy thru his legs to blow a 3-2 lead with five minutes left, sending the game into overtime. Kris Letang would get the eventual game winner. Coming back from an earlier injury. He had to leave the game in the third with a broken nose he received from a violent hit from Max Pacioretty. I was pretty impressed with Nicole, she made some good observations during the game. "Montreal look tired," she said. She was right. Montreal had just played four games in six nights and winning only two of their last five. "I still like Halak".

Back to the Pacioretty hit.

Pacioretty dropped Pittsburgh's Kris Letang with a devastating hit in the trolly tracks. Pacioretty was taking taking the body and Letang was uin a vulnerable spot, electing to take a shot, full well knowing Pacioretty was coming. I used to love these hits and as a player I prayed on guys like Letang making the mistake of lowering their head as they gain the zone. I am not surprised the league handed out a suspension. But I don't think it should of been three games for a first time offender. I do understand that these kind of hits are the exact type of hit that the the NHL are trying to wipe-out. Pacioretty got the book handed at him pretty good.

NLL/NBA/NHL

Big day in sports.

(In order of importance)

The NLL

The NLL and CBS announce a broadcast partnership that will showcase indoor box-lacrosse on CBS for the upcoming 2012 and 2013 season.

CBS are living the NLL a shot for two years. The NLL is made for TV sport. But many people don’t understand the game.

Lacrosse is easy. It’s a hybrid between basketball and hockey.

Like hockey there are big goalies, 5 players, lots of contact and in lacrosse there is more scoring.

Like basketball, there is a shot clock, the pick and roll and give and goes. But in lacrosse there is not 3 seconds in the key, instead you can cross check your opponent.

The NBA

Players have voted down the latest 50/50 offer from the owners. Who knows what will go down? Apparently the players union may dismantle. I don’t think we’ll have a season.

There will probably be players going overseas to play and I’m sure this is going to end up in court.

The NHL

Milan Lucic hit goaltender Ryan Miller outside of the crease and will not receive any further punishment from the 2-minute for charging he receive.

Buffalo is saying Miller has a concussion. Who knows how long he will be out of the line-up.

Miller was well outside of his crease when Lucic ran him over. But Lucic didn’t attack the head, he hit him shoulder to shoulder.

By rule, Goalie’s are not fair game, even if they leave the net.

However Goalies are limited to where they can touch the puck. They can no longer chase a puck into the corner and play the zone like a defencemen who can’t be hit.

So Miller leaves the crease to play the puck in the trolly tracks and he is leveled.

Should Lucic of been suspended? I say so, you can't hit the goalie and he drilled him.

I give Lucic a one game suspension for giving him da’business.

Bishops Baggataway Champions

The Bishops Gaiters defeated the Brock Badgers 11-6 today to capture their first Baggataway Championship and the first team from Quebec to ever win the cup.

Bishops got off to a great start, building a 3-0 lead after one quarter. Brock looked flat and the Bishops power play made them pay when they drew flag.

Brock regrouped and came out a battled their way back into the game outscoring Bishops 4-1 in that quarter. 4-4 at the halftime score.

Bishops got the scoring started in the third quarter and regained their lead. The teams battled hard in the third quarter. The action went back and forth. The teams traded goals for a while but Bishops would get the last laugh and take an 8-7 lead into the final quarter.

Bishops shut out Brock in the fourth quarter and scored three of their own. The Gaiters did a nice job of managing the clock and held on to win 11-6.

On the score sheet Josh Crone led the Gaiters with 2 goals, 4 assists and was named the MVP. 5^th year man and Bishops captain Mike Dube had 3 goals.

“We had a plan together, we believed in ourselves and just never gave up,” said Gaiters coach Rob Engelken. “They have worked hard for the last few years for this one, the guys wanted it and they got it done this year.”

For MVP Crone, “This has been five years in the making, three quarter finals, one semi-final and this is the sweetest way to go out.”

Dube was proud of the way his team battled. “Last night against Guelph it looked like it was all going down the drain, but we stuck with it, we listened to the coaches and somehow pulled it out. Were going to bring the party back to Bishops now.”

Brock defender Mark Farthing was disappointed things didn’t go their way. “We had trouble getting things started, we got down early. We battled but in the end it wasn’t enough, they were better today.”

“We came out a little flat but we kept battling,” said Justin Kennedy, Brock’s head “This weekend was a good test for the guys, it’s tough for the graduates, but for the young guys, they will learn and improve from this.”

In the 26-year history of the Canadian University Field Lacrosse League, Brock has won the title 18 times. This is the first time Bishops has won the title.

CUFLA SEMI-FINAL 1 & 2 - Results: BU vs BU

---------------Bishops vs Brock in the Baggataway Championship ---------------

Bishops came from behind to win their semi final game vs. Guelph and Brock is back in the finals, defeating McGill .

Game 1: Brock 13 def McGill 11

Game 2: Bishops 12 def Guelph 11

Both semi final games came down to the wire.

Bishops vs Brock

Exciting lacrosse games today.

Looking forward to the championship game tomorrow.

Consider this,

Both teams have go by BU, "let's go BU!" ..."who you cheering for foo?"

Both teams entered the tournament as the #2 seed from their respected divisons.

Best part: One team will win tomorrow.

Game time 1pm. (Remember to set clocks an hour)London, On - Western TD Waterhouse Stadium.

For those out of province CUFLA.CA is showing the game LIVE

---------- Preview-of-the Semi-Finals -----------

Semi final game 1 Brock vs McGill

Brock #2 seed from the west - Finished regular season 8-2

Strong team with deep roster, they have great depth at all positions. Long poles are strong and skilled, Brad Baker is one of the best defenders in the league. They have some veteran players who have major series lax-experience Mark Farthing from Peterborough a great long-pole and leader. Dustin Dunn plays in Brooklyn and brings an all-round. Brock has four players who reached double digit scoring. Their top scorers were Jordan Weedmark and Greg Davidson who both scored 22 goals. Craig England is at talented midfielder who plays Jr.A in Orangeville. Their freshman goaltender Cameron Watts might be the best goalie in the league.

McGill the #1 seed in the East - Finished regular season 9-1

must still feel like the underdog. But they have JJ Miller, the best faceoff-man in the country. Miller gives them a chance to win every game. McGill has their own freshman goaltender in Riley McGillis, he is already regarded as one of the top goalies in the league as well. McGill have a balanced attack, Alex Rohrbach put up 33 points and Ryan Besse and Leland deLangley both put up over 20.

This will be a big game.

Can I get some predictions?

Semi Final game 2 Bishops vs Guelph

Bishops #2 in the east - 9-1 record vs Guelph #1 west - 8-2 record

Bishops are a talented team they have tremendous depth. They are led by Josh Crone and Mike Dube. Their goaltending is strong.

Guelph has some depth as well. Eric Hubert led the team in points with 33 goals and 19 assists.

Looks like it will be a tight game.

Who do you have winning it?

#CUFLA - Quarter Finals

Brock defeats Carleton 13-7 and advance to play McGill at 6pm at Western stadium in the first semi-finals.

Bishops defeats Western 8-4 they will take on Guelph in following game, approx 7:30pm start.

It is going to be a big semi-final day tomorrow at Western.

Dress warm.

CUFLA Bagattaway Championships

The 2011 Canadian University Field Lacrosse Championships begins friday and runs till Sunday

Western University are hosting the tournament this year click to see Schedule.

Friday

Quarter finals, Brock are the #2 seed from the West - They will face Carleton #3 in the East 5pm.

Then winner will play McGill the #1 seed in the East in the semi-finals Saturday 6pm.

The other side, has the host Western#3 in the west vs Bishops #2 in the east 7:30pm (following Brock vs Carleton)

The winner will play Guelph #1 in the West in the semi finals saturday 8pm.

The Bagattaway Championships is Sunday 1pm at Western Stadium.

The game is being broadcast live on the net. Stay tuned for more.

Question for readers:

Who do you think will make it to the finals?

Did you know, in the leagues 26 year history, Brock University has won the most titles. Guess how many?(Answer Below)

Never has a team in the eastern conference won a title.

How will the East matchup with the west this year?

Does Western have a shot with Bishops?

Can Carleton make an up-set over Bishops?

McGill and Guelph are waiting in the wing.

Answer: Brock has won the title 18 times.

UFC 137 Results: Baby

Penn vs Diaz (Welterweight)

What a fight. It was toe-to-toe, a slug fest, a punch-up, a 2 man donny-brook. Both fighters would finish bloodied and battered.

Rd 1 (like all the rest), would showcase some strong boxing. Diaz and Penn both throwing punches. Diaz was using his reach to his advantage and thru combination punches to the head and the body and kept the pressure on BJ Penn. Penn stood his ground.

Rd 2 Diaz began wearing on his man landing good straight punches to the body and the going back to the head, Penn was stunned and Diaz was stalking. Diaz pushed Penn into the cage, Penn covered up and Diaz kept the pressure on. Penn was in survival mode, Diaz was looking to finish it. Penn hangs on, the bell rings end of rd 2.

Rd 3 Diaz lands a few hooks to the body. Both fighters are letting their fists go. This is a brawl. Both men are bloodied and they continue to exchange blows. Penn has a big heart, he ain't going down. Another fighter would of went down. The fight is over, it will go to the cards. But we know Diaz won.

Unanimous decision for Diaz

This would be it for Penn. He calls a quit to a long fight career that seen him hold a UFC Tittle belt in two different weight classes.

After the fight. In the ring is Joe Rogan interviewing in the ring and there is Diaz and his corner, dropping f-bombs, calling out St.Pierre, asking "where is that mother fucker?". If they wanted to know where George was, all they had to do was look ring-side, he was there, laughing it off. Diaz doesn't have the stuff to beat St.Pierre. But it should be a big fight at UFC Superbowl. Diaz will get his title shot. St.Pierre will be the best.

Kongo vs Mitrione (Heavyweight)

They spend the first two minutes dancing and justling, throwing nothing except a few feeler outers. The crowd recognizes their strentgh and somebody could land a haymaker, but they want to see a fight. The heavyweights get tied up on the cage. Ref breaks them up. Mittrione starts bringing the action forward to Kongo. They both trade punches. Fans are booing its the end of the round, the fans want more action.

Rd 2 They come out fighting now. Mittrione comes moving forward. Kongo is patient. Backs up. Both get in leg kicks and punches. Mittrione lands a nice uppercut.

Rd 3 Kongo lands a takedown. They wrestle and Kongo gets top position and delivers some ground and pound. Mittrione is bleeding above his eye. They stand up and Kongo takes him back down. Kongo keeps on the ground and pound.

Kong wins the Unanimous decision.

Roy "Big" Country vs Mirko Cro Cop (Heavyweight)

Big Country get's the tko in the 3rd round. Joe Rogan calls him fat again.

Nelson starts the fight with a take down. He tries to gain the advantage on the ground but Cro Cop holds his guard. They get to their feet. Cro cop lands a couple upper-cuts and they circle the ring trading punches.

Rd 2 Nelson lands a big haymaker but then Cro Cop turns and lands a big punch and then tee's off on Nelson with some combination punches. Nelson is bloody. Nelson recovers and scores a takedown and establishes side control. Nelson ties up Cro Cop. He has his arm tied up with his legs and has his other arm with his right, leaving his left to pound a defenseless Cro Cop who is saved by the bell.

In the 3rd, Nelson lands a big straight right over the top, that sends Cro Cop backwards. Nelson takes Cro Cop to the ground and has him swarmed. Nelson tee's off on the back of Cro Cop and the ref stops the fight.

Curran vs Jorgensen

Rd 1 Jorgensen scores a take down and tries to get full control, Curran fends off the attack. Ref stands them up. Curran lands a strong punch and Jorgensen again goes for the take down.

Rd 2 Curran looks to continue to press the fight on his feet, he throws a couple punches that connect. Jorgensen goes at Curran and grabs him around the head, looks for a standing choke. Curran break free. Jorgensen gets another take down. Curran slips and tries a guillotine but Jorgensen slips that.

Rd 3 Jorgensen looks to keep the fight standing up, but is actually timing another take down. Jorgensen lands a punch and Curran is bleeding from the nose. This is a very close fight. They keep it on their feet.

Jorgensen wins it by Unanimous decision.

Roop vs Hioki

This one ends up as a split decision. But I would of given it to Roop.

Hioki has Roop on the cage. Roop turns Hioki around and they continue to jostle against the cage. Hioki scores a take down and gains side control. Can't establish any ground and pound nor a submission hold. Roop gets up and throws a couple strong rights before the bell.

They begin the 2nd on their feet. Roop lands a punch kick combination. Hioki takes him down and gains full guard. Hioki looses the guard but slips over to side guard and then back into full control. Roop has a good guard but is unable to break out of the guard. With seconds to go Roop breaks and jumps to his feet and fires some major haymakers but doesn't connect.

Rd 3 Roop comes out and tries for the take down, he gets Hioki down but they both get back up to their feet. Hioki then tries the take down, Roop defends that and Hioki forces him against the cage.

The bout goes the distance and the judges declare it a split decision. I would of given the decision to Roop.

Great fight between Elliot Marshall vs Brandon Vera

This one goes the distance. Vera has the better 1st round, landing a solid body kick and ties Marshall up again the cage and score a leg sweep take down. Vera tries to gain position on the ground but Marshall fends it off. The ref stands them up with a few seconds left in the rd. In the 2nd round Marshall sticks a hook on the chine on Vera. Vera is stunned and looks in trouble but Marshall can't take advantage.

Vera pins Marshall back up against the cage. Fights are both back on the ground. Marshall tries for an arm-bar but Vera slips out.

The fight goes the distance. I would call it a draw but Vera wins by Unanimous Decision.

Cerrone vs Siver

Donald Cerrone lands a leg kick to the inside and then tags Siver with a kick to the head that stuns him. Cerrone jumps for chance to finish him but Siver puts on the seat belt and ties Cerrone up.

They stand up, Siver got his breath back an then Cerrone goes back to the inside leg kick and then drills siver with a jab that stuns him again

This time Cerrone is able to take Siver down and apply a rear naked choke and Siver taps out.

UFC 137 - Penn vs. Diaz

UFC 137 - No St.Pierre but Plenty of good fighters!

George St.Pierre was supposed to fight Nick Diaz for the Welterweight title but because Diaz failed to comply with UFC media rules - Dana White rescheduled the main event and made BJ Penn a replacement for St.Pierre. So maybe if Diaz wins this one and complies with all press event rules, he'll get the title shot.

Main Event: BJ Penn vs. Nick Diaz (Welterweight)

BJ Penn (16-7) Nick Diaz (25-7)

Former Lightweight Welter Champ Strikeforce Welterweight Champ

Nicknamed "the Prodigy" WEC Champ

Jiu Jitsu Jiu Jitsu/Boxing

I have Nick Diaz winning this one by submission: Armbar

Kongo vs Mittrione (Heavyweight)

Cheick Kongo (21-2) Matt Mittrione (5-0)

KO power KO Power

Can take a punch Strong Kicks

Likes to bring it Likes to bring it

This will be Mittrione's toughest test. It's going to be an extremely exciting fight. Two big guys who like to bring it. Tough one to predict, but I have Kongo winning it.

Mirko Cro-Cop vs. Roy Nielson (Heavyweight)

Mirko Cro-Cop (26-7) Roy Nielson (15-6)

Grand-prix winner 2006 Winner season 10 Ulitmate Fighter

I've got Roy Nielson winning this one by KO.

Bills vs Redskins in Hogtown

Bills/Redskins on the wrong side of the border

Looking forward to the Bills/Redskins game this Sunday at the Skydome in beautiful downtown Toronto. As the game is a day before Halloween I do expect to see a lot of costumes. Myself, i'll be dressed up as my favourite book character, the slippery and elusive, "Where's Waldo?"

As my father and I are longtime Redskins fans were looking forward to the chance to them play probaly our 2nd favourite teamthe Bills. Washington and the Bills are both dealiong with a bit of an injury bug. My boy Chris Cooley is still on the IR for the skins. I was looking forward to shouting Cooley! after each slug of beer.

This is a big sports weekend for my father. He's golfing Friday, he'll be at the leafs vs Pens Saturday (hopefully Crosby is in) and then of course he's there with me Sunday for the pigskin classic.

Let's look at the details of the game.

The Bills are coming off a loss to the Giants and a bye-week. They have a 4-2 record and are showing promise of making the playoffs for the first time since the 90's.

The Redskins started out strong and at one time were leading the NFC East, but have been slidding and sit 3rd with a 3-3 record. They look to be going the wrong-way and will likely miss the playoffs. There is the quarterback change. Grossman is out Beck is in. You know things aren't going good when you have to switch quarterbacks and its not due to injury.

Injuries: The Bills and Redskins are banged up.

For the Bills, Shawn Merriman was put on the IR (likely out for the season) Left tackle Demetrius Bell is injured and so is his replacement rookie Chris Harriston. The plan is to move Andy Levitre to left tackle from guard and backup Chad Rinehart will replace him at left guard.

The Redskins, are without Cooley for the rest of the season and the same fate for RB Tim Hightower both were placed on the IR. Former Bill London Fletcher who hasn't missed a game in 14 years might be out with a hamstring injury. Wideout Santana Moss is out with a hand injury.

I have the Bills winning this one, they are favoured by 5 points. The Bills are considered the home-team but I expect to see a lot of Redskins fans on hand.

World Series

Texas are back in the World Series again

MLB Playoffs

The Detroit Tigers fend off elimination tonight as Verlander pitches 7 3/4 innings as the Tiger defeat the Rangers 7-5. Cruz made it interesting in the 7th, drilling his 5th homer of the series.

In the 6th Detroit combined for some history, as they hit for a "natural-cycle" as Rayburn singled, Cabrera doubled, Martinez tripled and Young hit a home-run deep to the left.

Rangers lead series 3-2

The Brewers win it by a score of 4-2 and tie the series at 2 games apiece.

Randy Wolf redeemed himself with the win tonight after getting lit up for 7 runs in 3 innings vs Arizona in game 4 of the divisional series

-Yesterday-

Baseball begins at 4:30pm. Ok I guess that gives me time to watch Spongebob Square-pants.

The Detroit Tigers come back last night and win a big game at home, and get back in their series with Texas. Texas lead the Alcs 2-1. Game 4 is rain delayed in Detroit, right now.

The Rangers Win a close one tonight - it had to go to extra innings and in the 11th Jose Cruz knocks out his 4th home run of the series, a 3 run shot, and the Rangers get a 7-3 win. Cruz also gunned down the Tigers Napoli at home plate with a cannon throw from the outfield to preserve the lead - Cruz is the easy MVP right now.

St.Louis and Milwaukee go tonight, that series is even 1-1. Carpenter is back on the mound for St.Louis and Milwaukee reply with Yonani Gallardo.

St. Louis hold on for a 4-3 win.

No more pre-season NHL - Stop the insanity!

The NHL regular season is upon us. Thank god.

But here (listed below) are my NHL Predictions!

But first, Hear me out!

I am going to get all bitchy-complainy like Andy Rooney
Who else is so tired of the pre-season? All the coverage, and talk on the radio and tv about the games and insights and who is in and who is out. They sports networks have gone overboard. They are giving the pre-season training the same focus as the regular season and I couldn't tell you who half the guys are who are trying out. Too much talk, too many games pointlesss games and too many suspensions.

I know the NHL is trying to crack down on hits to the head and change the culture. But I am so sick of hearing about about Shannahan, the shenanigans and the video suspensions. Give it a rest. The media is covering suspensions like it were the trade-deadline. "Suspension Watch 2011". I am going to puke. At this rate I may not even watch a regular season game. (We'll see)

What else can I say? Crosby is still out and nobody knows when he'll be back. It seems doubtful that even Crosby knows, when he'll be back. I still drafted Crosby 2nd round in my fantasy-hockey pool (then immediately he was placed on my injured reserve list and I picked up Tyler Ennis)

I wont lie. I am looking forward to the NHL kick-off this tHursday night in Toronto. There is no better kick-off than the Leafs at home vs. the Habs. I predict Montreal will defeat Toronto 4-2. P.K Subban will score the first one and Eric Cole will score one as well. (Does anyone out there have a ticket to the game?)

Here are my Predictions for the regular season and my Stanley Cup final preditction:

East Division: 1) Montreal 2)Boston 3)Washington 4)Philadelphia 5) Tampa Bay 6)Pittsburgh 7)Buffalo 8)Carolina

West Division: 1)Vancouver 2) San Jose 3)Anaheim 4) Detroit 5) Los Angeles 6) Nashville 7)Chicago 8)St. Louis

Montreal will win the Cup over Anaheim.

NFL

The Undefeated:

Buffalo Bills 3-0

Detroit Lions 3-0

Green Bay Packers 3-0

Looking at week 4:

The Bills are at Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are 1-2.

The Lions are at Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys are 2-1, they defeated the previously undefeated Washington Redskins this past monday night.

The Packers are at home vs. Denver Broncos. The Broncos are 1-2.

Predictions: I like the Packers at home and Buffalo on the road to remain undefeated.

UFC Baby

Jon "Bones" Jones finishes "Rampage" Jackson by submission in 4th round with a rear naked-choke. Jones successfully defends his UFC Light Heavyweight title for the first time since defeating "Shogun" Rua for the to gain the title. Next to contest for the belt will be Rashad Evans.

US OPEN FINALS

Tennis - US Open

Men's Final -- The #1 in Tennis player in the world is Novak Djokovic. Say it, Djokovic, Djokovic, Djokovic, Djokovic! This time, say it again, out loud!

Did you raise your arms, and say it?

No?

Well that is Ok. Djokovic is fun to say and he is fun to watch.

It is almost scary how good Djokovic is. He won the US Open and he did it in 4 sets, defeating Raphael Nadal in the reigning US Open champ. Djokovic was in control early-on. Winning the first two sets 6-2, 6-4. But the games were long. It was a battle. The third set needed a tie break and Nadal found a way to win it 7-6. Djokovic composed himself and took a medical timeout before winning the 4th set 6-1. The games averaged an hour a set and the 4th took 42 minutes. Djokovic gavr credit to Nadal. "everytime I play him it's a challenge".

Djokovic had to beat Federer in the semi finals and takes home. Rafael Nadal won the tournament last year. Djokovic takes home $1.8 million for winning the title.

Women's Final

Serena Williams lost the women's US Open to Samantha Stosur. Williams lost her cool and went after the Chair Umpire this time. Following a shot Williams shouted "oh yeah" just as Stosur was preparing a return and the Chair Umpire made a call of and awarded Stosur the point. Williams called the Chair Umpire a "Hater" and suggested she was "ugly on the inside". This is classic material. We'll see this running alongside other meltdowns, like those of McEnroe, Courier and the other young spoiled American Roddick. Stosur crushed Williams in straight sets 6-2 and 6-3. The Tennis Association fined Williams $2,000 dollars, leaving the runner up with $898,000 US Open prize. I would of fined her $10,000 - what a baby. Stosur grabs the same purse as Djokovic 1.8

Canadian Sports News

Mann Cup - The Brampton Excelsior win the Mann Cup in 5 games over the host Langley Thunder. After loosing game one 11-3, the Excelsiors have gone on to win 4 in a row, 9-4, 8-7, 5- 4. and 6-3.

Baseball - The Blue Jays are sitting one game above .500 after winning their last two series over the Red Sox and most recently the Orioles, the Blue Jays are 74-73 on the season with 15 games remaining and they are they are 12.5 games back of 2nd place and 15 from the Yankees who sit in first place in the American league East. The Tampa Bay Devil rays are 3.5 games back of the Red Sox for the wild card spot. The Red Sox host Tampa this weekend in a 4 game series. This could get interesting down the stretch for these two teams.

Thursday September 6/2011

Lacrosse - The Langley Thunder and Brampton Excelsiors are all tied up at 1 win apiece in the 2011 Canadian Mann Cup Championships. Alex Turner for Langley is leading the Mann Cup final with 7 points. Dan Dawson had 5 assists in game 2 for Brampton. He missed game 1.

Baseball - The Blue Jays are on a 2 game win streak defeating The Red Sox 11-10 and 7-4, they won the 4 game series 3-1 losing the second game 14-0 after winning game 1 by a narrow 1-0 score. The Jays are again .500 even with 72 wins and losses. They are 5-5 in their last 10 games and take on Baltimore tomorrow 7pm. Jose Bautista has 40 Homers for the league lead.

Basketball - The Canadian Men'a Basketball team were competing for a spot in the Olympics for London 2012. They Lost to Argentinia and then needed to beat Peurto Rico to stay in good standing, but they lost a close one. They defeated Uruguay but then lost to Panama and failed to make the Olympic tournament. Head Coach Leo Routins has stepped down as Coach of the team after the loss to Panama. Routins had been coaching the National team since 2005.

In 2008, the Canadians managed to make it to the Beijing Olympics. The Americans won gold in 2008. At the Athens games in 2004 Argentinia took home the Gold for their first time. Canada's best finish was Silver in 1936. James Naismith, a Canadian invented the game in 1891.

Lakers Beat out By Excelsiors

The Brampton Excelsiors are the new Ontario Major Series Lacrosse Champions. They defeated the Lakers in game 6 by a score of 9 to 7.

Brampton's Zac Greer rose to the occasion beating his man to the net and getting Brampton on the scoreboard. Then McClure creates space and fires one past Angus Goodleaf from the shooter position for a 2-0 lead. Shawn Evans rolls up to the shooter position and finds John Tavares across the floor who drills home a goal to get the Lakers on the board. Brad Self is then on the attack and dips under a defender and finds himself all alone on Anthony Cosmo and goes cross crease and puts one in low-side to even the game. Zac Greer would give Brampton the lead again, as he splits two defenders and sneaks one over the shoulder of Goodleaf. The Lakers then find themselves short-handed. But with the shot clock winding down, Scott Self steps up one his man and forces a loose-ball nearer centre floor and Steve Toll picks it up and races in on Cosmo and beats him low to even the game at 3-3. The Laker then find themselves with a 5-on-3 opportunity as Shawn Evans draws a holding call while ragging the ball and then a high stick call on the next possession. The Lakers couldn't beat Cosmo on the Power-play and the score remains tied 3-3 after one.

In the 2nd, the Lakers come out firing but again can't beat Cosmo. It would be Brampton who score first on the extra-man its Bender who fires one in from the top to give the Excelsiors the lead. The Lakers would respond, as Chris White who would go in on a 2-on-1 and fire a no-looker top shelf to tie things at 4-4. The Lakers would score again, as Gavin Prout would intercept a Dan Dawson pass and go the distance and give the Lakers their first lead of the game. Dawson would make up for the turnover, as he gets behind the Lakers defence and burns one over the shoulder of Goodleaf to tie things at 5-5. Brampton would take the lead back, as Joe Resataris threes the needle with an underhand ringer, that would give the Excelsiors a 6-5 lead after 2 periods.

Geoff Snider gets the scoring started in the 3rd, taking a loose-ball in for a breakaway and beats Cosmo low stick side to tie it at 6-6. Then McClure gives the Brampton the lead as he fends off a check and bounces one thru Goofleaf. Zac Greer would finish the hat trick while finishing a nice passing play with a slider from the top left that goes top shelf. Then Joe Resetartis would give Brampton their biggest lead of the game dragging the crease. Down by 3 with 4 minutes to go, the Lakers best player of the play-offs,Tracy Kelusky would get them back within 2, picking up his own rebound and putting one over a fallingcCosmo. The Lakers would pull the goalie in favour of the extra attacker, but like a lot of their possessions they would force shots and too many times they would miss the net.

Lakers lose at home in Gm 5

Lakers Struggle at Home

The Brampton Excelsiors take a 3-2 series lead, defeating the Lakers handily on the road for their second victory in a row in Peterborough. The Lakers defence couldn't get things sorted out and the Excelsiors offence chased Lakers goalie Angus Goodleaf from the net twice.

Can Brampton win 3 in a row on the road in Peterborough? Time will tell, the Lakers will play back to back games at home because of an OHL scheduling conflict. If the Lkaers can win at home they will force a seventh and final game.

The Exlcelsiors picked apart the Lakers tonight. The Lakers defence couldn't hold out the Excelsior offence and Goodleaf had an off night, letting in 7 goals in the 2nd before being pulled for back-up Pat Campbell.

For the Lakers they didn't look shaken they looked flat. Game seven's have become a regularity in the playoffs for them, it seems they have a pension for the dramatics. Continuosly letting a series go to 7 games. This trend goes back to the 201 playoffs, where all series went 7 games prior tothe Mann Cupp. After a lame performance tonight the Lakers will look to battle back and win game 6 at home.

The Lakers had the lead after the first period. The Excelsiors however exploded in the 2nd period to outscore the Lakers 8-1. John McLure led the Excelsiors 2nd period scoring run, putting one in right off the face-off. Then moments later it would be Mike Hominuk scooping up a rebound on the door step and firing a backhand over the shoulder of Goodleaf to tie the game at 3-3. They would take their first lead of the game shortly after that, as Brendan Doran would elect to hold the ball on a 3-0n-2 and walk-in and beat Goodleaf with a clean shot over the shoulder. McLure would then score again, this time he jumps all over juicy rebound on the goal line and drops the ball into the wide open net. Then its Dan Dawson feeding Carter Bender across the floor who goes five-hole. Brampton would score 5 straight goals in just over 7 minutes. Finally Brad Self snaps the streak, getting the Lakers back on the board with a nice turn around goal in transition, leaving the Lakers down 6-4. Brampton would answer right back, as Zac Greer would restore a 3 goal lead, skipping a bouncer past Goodleaf. Tracy Kelusky cut the lead back to 2, creating space one on one and stepping back and firing an outside shot past Anthony Cosmo that beat him on the far side. But McLure would get his 3rd of the period for Brampton, taking his man one on one and winning the battle down low driving one past Goodleaf.

The Lakers would pull Goodleaf in favour of Pat Campbell. Then, Kelusky sets up behind the net and finds Cory Vitarelli out front and Vitarelli doesn't miss from that spot. But againm the Excelsiors get that one back shorthanded Dan Dawson is left all alone and puts one top shelf past the shulder of Campbell and after 2 it is 9-6 in favour of the Excelsiors.

The Lakers struggled on defence and couldn't recover in the 3rd. Goodleaf was back in the net and the Excelsiors start right where the left off, as Zac Greer blows an outside shot past Goodleaf and into the back of the net. Then Kyle Neufeld gives Brampton an 11-6 lead with his first goal of the playoffs and first of the season. Goodleaf was pulled again. McLure would get his 4th goal of the game and Brampton's 3rd straight to start the period and it looked all but over from then on. However, the Lakers down by six goals come back and score 4 straight to get within two goals. Peterborough pull the goalie for the extra attacker and Brampton win the face-off and score on the empty net. The Lakers face-off man Sean Thompson would score one with a few seconds to go to make it a 13-11 final. But it was little too late.

The Excelsiors scored first, but it was a shot Goodleaf saved and the ball bounced in the crease off one of his own defenders and into the net. After that the Lakers scored 3 goals to take a 3-1 after the first. Kelusky would again get the Lakers scoring started. Mark Steenhuis was back in the line-up and scored the Lakers 2nd goal, giving them the lead. The Kyle Sorenson scores one shorthanded from just over half, its a beauty that fools Cosmo. But that would be their only lead of the game.

The Lakers were without Geoff Snider, they missed his presence on the face-offs and in the defensive end. Snider was playing in the Major Lacrosse League Championships with the Hamilton Natioanls. Brampton were without Joe Walters, Sandy Chapman, Jarret Davis and Kyle Rubish. Brampton did have their captain Dan Dawson back in the line-up and he dialed in 5 assists to go with his one goal. Anthony Cosmo looked good and held off the Lakers early on-slaught and remained steady all game.

Lakers - Excelsiors: Game 3

3rd Period - The Excelsiors outscored the Lakers 6-2 in the third period. Kyle Rubish got things started for Brampton scoring 16 seconds into the period. Brampton would score 2 more and take a 9-8 lead. Brad Self would score two of his own and restore the Lakers lead but Brampton would get the last laugh scoring another 3 straight and winning the game 12-10

2nd Period - Lakers get back on the power-play early and John Grant Jr finds the top corner with a well placed shot from the top. The Lakers have scored 3 straight and all on the PP. Cory Vitarelli restores the 2 goal lead taking a pass out front from Shawn Evans who does his best Gretzky impersonation from behind the goal. A Laker breakdown on defence and Frank Resetaris takes a give and go feed and stands alone out front and beats Goodleaf. Brampton go back on the power-play. Lakers coach Batley gets in the ear of the official and a 2 minute bench minor assessed. But Brampton take a penalty themselves and its some more 4-0n-4 lacrosse. With the period coming to an end. The Lakers have a the ball and Batley calls a timeout to draw up a play for the last shot. The play worked and Shawn Evans get his 4th goal of the game and the Lakers take a 8-6 lead into the 3rd period.

1st Period - Geoff Snider wins the opening draw. Lakers move down the floor and Shawn Evans takes it to the front of the net and beats Anthony Cosmo over his left shoulder and the Lakers are up early. A minute later, its Tracy Kelusky who beats Cosmo with an underhand shot from the outside and the Lakers have a 2 goal lead. Brad Self motors the distance of the floor and fires a shot that just beats Cosmo but referee Williams waved it off and said "No goal"!

Brampton cut the lead to 2-1 as Mike Kirk bounces one past Angus Goodleaf. Less than a minute later the Excelsiors tie it up as Frank Resetaris scores on the cross crease pass. Then the Excelsiors take their first lead of the game as Joe Resetaris bounces one past Goodleaf. Resetaris had a chance to make it a 2 goal lead but bounces one off the post that beat Goodleaf.

The Lakers get the first power-play of the game. What began as a 5-0n-4 the Lakers then get a big chance with a 5-0n-3. Shawn Evans gets the ball at the top and ties the game, as he fakes and waits and then sends a rocket thru the legs of Cosmo. The Lakers take the lead with some nice ball movement. John Grant Jr goes cross crease to Kelusky who gives a no-look pass across to John Tavares who has the entire net.

Brampton get an opportunity on the PP but fail to convert. Scotty Evans had a chance on a beauty effort inside after dragging his way thru the middle and passed few checks, he is alone in front but Cosmo throws up his shoulder to steal one. The Lakers go into the 1st intermission with a 4-3 lead. Brampton then go on the power-play but it is Shawn Evans who takes a long pass from Daryl Gibson and scores on the short-man, putting one over the shoulder of Cosmo. Brampton go back on the power-play as Kyle Soreson takes a selfish slashing penalty right in front of referee Gardonio and Mike Hominuk scores for Brampton on the 5-0n-3 power-play. The Excelsiors get back to back goals on the power-play and its Kevin Ross who scores to bring Brampton within one goal.

=======

Game 3 back in Peterborough - Both teams have opened the series with a win at home.

Out for The Lakers is Mark Steenhuis

In for the Lakers is Josh Wasson

Out for Brampton are Dan Dawson and Zac Greer

Keys to the Game:

Lakers need to stay out of the Penalty box, the Excelsior scored 3 on the PP in game 2

Excelsiors need to gain the momentum and keep the ball on offence

Major Series Finals Game 1

The Lakers defeated the Brampton Excelsiors in sudden death double over-time. It was Tracy Kelusky who ended the game with a beautiful side arm back hand from the left shooter position. Kelusky finished the night with 3 goals and 1 assist.

It was Kelusky who finished the scoring and also got it started. For much of the first period it looked like the teams were a little hesitant, they were feeling each other out. It was a little bit sloppy and there were many turnovers both ways. Many people in the stands were wondering where John Grant Jr was and would he make a late appearance on the bench. There were some new faces in the line-up, but familiar names like Wasson-McQuigge and Turner Evans (up from the Jr Lakers).

The scoring begun midway into the first Kelusky scoops up a wide shot off the back boards near the crease and dips and dives to put one into the goal and puts the home team on the board first. Soon after, the Lakers would go on the short-man but it is Shawn Evans who picks up a loose ball in the defensive end and goes the distance on the breakaway making a nice fake that fools Anthony Cosmo. The Lakers do not stop there, as Brock Sorenson finds the loose ball and catches the Brampton bench sleeping and high steps his way to the net on a partial breakaway and scores to give the Lakers a 3-0 lead. Shawn Evans would get the ball in the corner and work his way to the net, he puts one past Cosmo but the referee whistled it down as he had a foot in the crease. But Shawn carried his momentum and barged into goalie Anthony Cosmo. The play draws a crowd and Shawny sits down for a 2 minute goalie interference call. A little more pushing and shoving ensues and the fans are treated to some 3-0n-3 lacrosse.

To the 2nd, it is the Excelsiors who get on the board first. Just over a minute in Zac Greer picks up the loose ball and walks in and riffles one past Angus Goodleaf. But the Lakers wont be long getting it back, 6 seconds later, off the face-off Geoff Snider wins the draw to himself and marches down the floor and goes back hand top shelf, for a beauty goal that would restore the Lakers 3 goal lead. But Brampton would not give up without a fight. Frank Resetaris would line one up from the top right to cut the lead to two. Then Zac Greer who would get his 2nd of the game on the power-play. Kelusky would get one more on the power play and its 5-3 Lakers. But Brampton would come back and score 2 more goals to tie it a five and at the end of the 2nd the Excelsiors had outscore the Lakers 5-2 that period. As one fan put it, "the Lakers were getting a little loosey-goosey" my interpretation is they were a little too docile and lacked intensity and he was right, I had to agree.

In the 3rd period, Cory Vitarelli would give the Lakers back the lead, with anice shot from the slot on a perfect pass from Turner Evans, who would have 3 assists in his Lakers playoff debut. Brampton would answer back with a goal by Joe Resetaris. The two teams would trade goals. Scotty Evans for Peterborough and the best name in lacrosse Carter Bender would answer for Brampton. After 3 periods, we would need Overtime, as it remained tied at 7-7.

In Over-time, Gavin Prout would score first for the Lakers (I don't know why he doesn't get the ball more?) and shortly there after Bender ties it up again for Brampton. Thus after 10 minutes of over-time we would need sudden death. In the final frame, it was the courageous one, Tracy Kelusky, with 1 second remaining on the shot clock, would take the pass from Turner Evans and fire a side arm back hand from high on the left side that snuck past Cosmo. Another highlight goal by Kelusky and the Lakers win game 1.