UFC 165 Toronto Jones vs Gustafsson.

Another solid sports weekend is underway.
Did anyone catch that Jones vs  Gustafsson fight at UFC 165 in Toronto last night?
It was without a doubt the best fight I've ever seen.
The opening rounds were surprising as Gustafsson's took the fight to Jones, out boxing the champion and tagging with jab after jab, followed by upper cuts, hooks and haymakers.
Jones  a towering light-heavyweight has never faced a fighter as tall or with such a long reach as Gustafsson and he clearly this was his most difficult test as the fight went the distance.

The 6'5'' Sweede looked poised for an upset, taking Jones down to the mat for the first time in his career, while Jones's attempts for a take down Gustafsson were brushed aside.

Jones was likely losing on the scorecards after the first two rounds, as it was until the end of the third round, where he landed a spinning elbow to the side of Gustafsson's head, followed by a knee to the mouth and the big Sweede was in trouble but before the champ could undo any further damage, Gustafsson was saved by the bell rang. 

In the 4th round, the fighters exchanged blows and Jones began to enforce his will, utilizing his spinning elbow and forearm attack. Credit Gustafsson's toughness, he took a kick to the side of his head and somehow didn't go down.

This was a brawl, as both fighters were worn-out,  beaten and exhausted and by the fifth round, both were barely able to hold themselves up but somehow they both lasted.

Gustafsson looked like he was out of gas in the final round, sputtering around the cage, somehow he stayed on his feet. It is beyond any reason except for a strong will. He continued to exchange punches.

Jones had never suffered such a beating, and his face showed the damage. He looked like the elephant man, with his right eyes was swollen and leaking blood, and his mouth  so swollen he could barely speak in the post fight interview.

In the end, the judges ruled in a unanimous decision  for the champion Jones.

While the two fighters were waiting in the middle of the ring for the decision there was likely some doubt in Jones's mind and the belief in Gustaffson's  that he might be the new champ.

But like in baseball, where the tie goes to the runner,  in the UFC the same goes for the champion and Jones did more damage in the final rounds.

This fight will go down in history as the best title fight the UFC has ever seen.

Forget all the other contenders, there should be an immediate rematch.

Lowdown on the NLL Conference semifinals "Swarm kick out the Rock"

Click here to read- Lowdown on the NLL Playoff edition "Swarm kick out the Rock"

Week 16 Lowdown on the NLL

Click here to read Lowdown on the NLL Week 16" Evans wins scoring title"

2013 NLL awards predictions list: Shawn Evans MVP

Shawn Evans led the NLL in scoring with 112 points (Courtesy Facebook)

In the coming week the NLL will reveal their annual award winners but before that happens 21 SportsBeat wanted to weigh in and share who they thought the winners and honourable mentions should be.

After all we've had the chance to watch every game, every goal every whistle, right dow to every second of play. For this, a  big thank you, goes out to the NLL and The Lacrosse Network who joined forces to broadcast all games on Youtube--Just goes to show the Internet isn't just used for posting pictures of cats and appetizing plates of food.

Most Valuable Player

4th-Mark Matthews F-Edmonton Rush

Matthews is a shoo-in for the Rookie of the year and a top contender for MVP. He finished fifth in the league with 37 goals, along with 31 assists for 69 points. Matthews bears a resemblance to John Grant  Jr. in sheer size and strength. He can set a good pick and has an accurate outside shot.  He has has great vision of the floor and can feed inside and when he sets his mind to go to the net, you're not going to stop him one-on-one.

3rd-Garret Billings F-Toronto Rock

Billings had another solid season lead the Rock in points and hitting the hundred point mark for the second time in his young career. Billings finished second overall in points once again this season and was named the February player of the month. The cog in the Rock's offence, he helped lead the team to the Eastern divisional title.

Billings has scored scored 30 or more goals in his first four seasons. His mark of 30 goals this season is surprisingly a career low. He finished 12th overall in goals and second with 70 with assists. His 15 power play goals was equal to the leagues best, however, his team won just two of their final five games.

Runner up-Matt Vinc G-Rochester Knighthawks

This is a goalies league. There is no more valuable a spot than a great goaltender. In a one game playoff format you need somebody who can deliver a consistent effort. Vinc has the ability to single-handedly win games and he is a large reason for the Knighthawks success. The three-time defensive player of the week, leads all back-stoppers all the crucial goaltending categories, i.e., 662 total saves, a 10.17 GAA, .803 save percentage. The only thing holding Vinc back from an MVP vote is his 8-8 record.

MVP-Shawn Evans F-Calgary Roughnecks

Evans has had a career season, breaking the 100 point mark for the first time in his eight year stint. It's safe to say he's the premier setup man in the league, leading the league with 80 assists and 32 goals for 112 points. He set a new single game Roughneck scoring record, when he pumped home 13 points, on  four goals and nine assists against the Colorado Mammoth.

Evans scored 10 points or more on five separate occasions this season and has been atop the points standings for the majority of the year. He is a slippery player, who has a knack for drawing penalties and on top of that he's a small forward that can protect the ball and bounce off checks. He's also dangerous on the fore check, leading all forwards with 15 forced turnovers.

Rookie of the Year

3rd-Tyler Garrison D-Washington Stealth 

Garrison is hands down the best rookie defensemen in the game and has made the jump to the NLL look easy. He led all rookie defenders with four goals, nine assists for 13 points and leads all rookie defenders with 21 forced turnovers.

Runner up-Kyle Matisz F-Minnesota Swarm

Matisz is a force on the crease, the towering 6'5'' forward has a knack for finding the back of the net. He is second in rookie scoring with 29 goals and assists with 33. The lethal shooter has a .23 shooting percentage-the best amongst rookie scorers. A rare combination of size and speed Matisz can box out in front of the net and in the corners, scooping up 70 loose balls.

ROTY-Mark Matthews  F-Edmonton Rush

Matthews is one of those rare talents that only come around so often. The first overall draft pick has been an immediate game changer for the Rush. He set a new single season franchise record in Edmonton for goals with 38. He beat John Grant Jr.'s rookie scoring mark of 37 goals but fell short of   Gary Gait's all-time rookie scoring record of 47 goals set in 199-it was different game then.

Jordan MacIntosh has elevated his game (Facebook)

Transition Player of the Year
Andrew Suitor who suffered a season ending knee injury will likely miss the summer season as well. He gets an honourable mention here, as the prototypical transition man. The second year transition-man will undoubtedly have his name etched on this trophy several times and one they'll likely name the trophy after him. A player I regard as the best all round player in the game today, plays for a team that is built around this position. Minnesota at times better resemble a track team, gunning the ball up the floor. Several players from the Swarm could make the list, in fact two have.

4th-Tyler Hass T-Minnesota Swarm

Hass has size, speed and skill on both ends of the floor. The towering 6'6'' behemoth can run the floor, score and protect his net. Hass picked up 71 loose balls and is fifth with 23 forced turnovers to go along with eight goals and four assists.

3rd-Mark Steenhuis T-Buffalo Bandits

Steenhuis led the Bandits in scoring in back-to-back seasons in 09' and 10' but has now embraced a  new role as a defense first player. Steenhuis still has the ability to score but he's more looked on to rag the ball, scoop up loosies and play defence but he still finds the opportunity to take his man one-on-one to the net and score.

Buffalo has gone through a rough patch, loosing six consecutive games late in the year. It was likely a frustrating season for Steenhuis and company, but he still put up solid numbers scoring 12 goals on 62 shots, adding 25 assits, while picking up 65 loose balls and forcing 22 turnovers.

Runner up-Geoff Snider T-Calgary Roughnecks

Snider is hands down the best face-off man that lives. The right handed bruiser can handle himself on the floor and hold other teams accountable with his fists. With 210 face-off wins, that stat alone puts him into the debate, but compare that with his league hight 235 loose-balls, 17 goals and 11 assists, coupled with 27 forced turnovers, Snider is a dangerous player.

Winner-Jordan MacIntosh T-Minnesota Swarm

MacIntosh began the season going out the back door and once he finally found his scoring touch he started going out the front door. With Suitor's absence the brunt of the face-off duties fell on his shoulders and MacIntosh has stepped up his game delivering 240 face off wins. He also picked up 197 loose-balls and finished his sophomore season  27 goals and 28 assits.

Defensive Player of the Year

The defensive award goes to the unheralded play of a specialized player who's play largely goes unnoticed but they usually draw the duty of shutting down the oppositions top players. 

4th-Brett Mydske D-Edmonton Rush

Mydske is a pure defender who can throw his weight around and pry the ball away from the offence. Mydske is second with 28 forced turnovers and has 72 loose balls to go with six goals and four assists.

3rd-Mike Grimes D-Washington Stealth

A hulking defender who can lay a heavy crosscheck. Grimes is a shutdown defender who can move the ball up the floor and jump in on the rush. He has eight goals and 12 assists to go with 95 loose balls and 14 forced turnovers. 

Runner up-Brad Self D-Rochester Knighthawks 

Self has embraced a purely defensive roll with the Knighthawks. The one time transition player has great awareness on the floor. He has a busy stick and can pick off and knock down passes better than most in the game. Paired with his tremendous breakaway speed self also posses a breakaway threat. He led all defenders in points with nine goals and 13 assists to go with 97 loose balls and 13 forced turnovers. 

Winner-Kyle Rubisch D-Edmonton Rush

Rubisch is a defensive force. He has the ability to make the big hit and scare offensive players away from the crease. A wily defender with a crafty stick, Rubisch led the league with 44 forced turnovers and 128 loose balls. He scored three goals on six shots and added eight assits.

Matt Vinc led all goalie with saves and GAA (Facebook)

Goalie of the Year

3rd-Aaron Bold G-Edmonton Rush

Bold has had another stellar season between the pipes and makes the big saves when he has to. He is third in wins with eight, third with a 10.62 goals against average and made 439 saves.

Runner up-Nick Rose G-Toronto Rock

Rose has been solid for the Rock and led the NLL with 10 wins. He also second in the league with 607 total saves and third in the league with a 10.61 GAA.

Winner Matt Vinc G-Rochester Knighthawks 

Vinc has consistently been the best goalie in the NLL. He's an excellent ball stopper and can throw a stretch pass like no other. Vinc leads is tops in all crucial goaltender categories, first with 662 total saves and holds a 10.17 GAA with a .803 save percentage. 

Coach of the Year

Runner up-Curt Malawksy HC-Calgary Roughnecks

Malawsky and the Roughnecks won the West division in dramatic fashion beating Edmonton in overtime in the final regular season game. They had the best power play in the league and showed great resiliency and fight, in their ability to overcome adversity and battle back to win several games in the fourth quarter. 

Winner-Troy Cordingly HC-Toronto Rock

Cordingly knows how to get the best out of his players because he holds everyone accountable. A verbose coach who isn't afraid of letting his players know what he's thinking. The Rock were the only team in the NLL to reach 10 wins and also the only team nought to lose back-to-back games.

Executive of the Year

Runner up-Bruce Urban Owner Edmonton Rush

Bruce is a hands on guy, one of the only owners to come up, shake my hand and introduce himself to the blog  and ask who I wrote for and what I thought of the game. That went a long way.

Winner Jamie Dawick Owner-Toronto Rock

Dawick built a practice facility in Oakville last year as a home base  for the Rock to practice out of. Dawick also hosted a couple preseason games there and has leased the space for other teams use and practice out of.

Couple that with his charity work for the Toronto Food bank and his laid back demeanor around the rink make him the shoe-in for the executive of the year.

Week 15 Lowdown on the NLL

Click here to read Lowdown on the NLL Week 15 "MacIntosh breaking out with NLL's Swarm"

Week 14 Lowdown on the NLL

Click here to read Week 14 Lowdown on the NLL "Self brothers back together in Rochester."

Week 13 Lowdown on the NLL

Click here to read Week 13 Lowdown on the NLL "Bandits sinking in the standings."

Week 12 Lowdown on the NLL

Click here to read the Lowdown on the NLL Week 12 - "Shawn Evans holds hot stick."

Grandma Audrey Hutchison: a wonderful woman

I am saddened to say My grandma Audrey Hutchison died suddenly this week at home in Peterborough, Ont. - She was 91.

Grandma Audrey was an incredible woman who loved sports, dogs (especially her Basset Hound Sam) and roast beef sandwiches with relish-A recipe I came to adore as well. It's funny I don't remember her eating one vegetable but she still had great eyes and good health till the end.

Grandma and Sam -1973
(She loved Basset Hounds)

In her earlier days, she owned a sports store here in downtown Peterborough called "Millard Sports." She shared many stories of local athletes who came through the shops doors. One of my favourite stories in particular was the day a young hockey player came in to get his skates sharpened and made the mistake of letting Sam the shop dog out the front door.

By the time Grandma realized Sam slipped out, she took off down the street but he wouldn't be seen. She said she kept the store open late that night, hoping he would come back but when it got too late she closed shop and went home, only to find Sam the basset hound had rumbled and bumbled 10 km's south to her home in the south end, because there he was, waiting for her at the backdoor when she got home.

Grandma loved watching sports and especially her grand kids. Around the rink she was known to our friends simply as Grandma.

She was a big fan of the Peterborough Petes and Lakers. She'd watch every game on TVCogeco. When I began doing colour commentary for the Laker this summer Grandma would stay up late and wait till I got home to tell me she had seen me on TV. She'd make a comment about  the game, pick out the turning point and tell me how good of a job I did.

It hurts to know she's gone and there are tears in my eyes as I write this.


She loved her three grandsons and granddaughter. She was a great supporter of us all.

When my father oversaw the Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Association, it was Grandma who chipped in and voluntarily washed over 500 kids sweaters every other week. I remember going into the basement and was amazed at all the assorted colours of jerseys drying in her basement.

When I got back into golfing this summer it was Grandma who would sit on the back deck and clean my clubs for me and sure enough my friends clubs as well. She enjoyed this.

I'll miss spending mornings with her sipping coffee and reading the story headlines from the Peterborough Examiner. She had a great sense of humour and would make funny comments about the stories with a laugh and slap of her knee.

Grandma loved to watch the Wheel of Fortune every week night and when I was home I took great pleasure in watching and playing along with her. It always surprised me at how quick she solved the puzzles and often times she would beat the competitors to it.

Grandma Audrey you will be missed, you were the families greatest supporter and our biggest fan. May you rest in peace. Your memory will live on forever.  Love, Jesse

Grandma and Max "Lunchtime" -2013

Week 11 Lowdown on the NLL w Josh Gillam

Click here to read Week 11 Lowdown on the NLL  in the Peterborough Examiner.

Scott Self traded to Rochester, joins his brother Brad

Lowdown on the NLL "trade special" Scott Self traded to Rochester Knighthawks at trade deadline. Click here to read the article in the Peterborough Examiner.

Week 10 Lowdown on the NLL

Lacrosse fans click here to read Week 10 Lowdown on the NLL - All the connections to the Peterborough Lakers.

Wire Magazine Sports

Here's my March 2013 focus on the Peterborough sports scene in The Wire Magazine (Click on image) 

Week 9 Lowdown on the NLL

Lacrosse heads! Click here to read my week 9 column "Lowdown on the NLL" on-line in the Peterborough Examiner.

Week 8 Lowdown on the NLL

Lacrosse fans click here - to read my weekly Lowdown on the NLL column in the Peterborough Examiner.

Rock vs Bandits this Thursday night.

There will be eight members of the Peterborough Lakers battling it out in a rare Thursday night NLL game.

The first place Toronto Rock (6-2) host the Buffalo Bandits (4-3) in a Eastern divisional showdown.  Both teams will be fresh coming off a bye week -- This is the first game back in Toronto for the Bandits  since the Rock knocked out of the first round of 2012 playoffs with a narrow 7-6 victory.

The Rock travelled to Buffalo in week 5 and beat the Bandits 14-12.

Goaltending will be the key to game. This is a highlight matchup of two of the games best ball stopped.  Anthony Cosmo has been a steady force for the Bandits and Nick Rose on the end has been the same for of the Rock.

Both teams defensively are strong and hold their opponents outside,  taking away the middle of the floor and they rely ont their goalies to stop the outside shots.

Nick Rose leads the NLL with six wins and has looked solid for the Rock postin.800 save percentage, the third best in the league. The veteran Cosmo has .753 save percentage and makes a case a the best goalie when he's on his game.

Penalty trouble has hurt the Bandits this season amounting to a couple blown leads and losses. The Rock's powerplay can be devastate their opponents--running close to the 60 per cent.

Lakers in the lineup for the Rock, is Scott Evans, Mike Hobbins and Chris White.

For the Bandits, Tracy Kelusky, Mark Steinhuis Chad Culp and Jimmy Purves. John Tavares remains a game time decision. He's been on the injured reserve since week five, missing the last three Bandits games with lingering leg injury.

Week seven Lowdown on the NLL

Click here to read my weekly column Lowndown on the NLL in the Peterborough Examiner.

Week six Lowdown on the NLL

Click here to read my weekly column Lowndown on the NLL in the Peterborough Examiner.

Have a listen to the Lowdown podcast below:

Week five Lowdown on the NLL

Click here  to read my weekly column "Lowdown on the NLL" in the Peterborough Examiner.

Have a listen to the Lowdown Podcast below:

NHL Jersey fouls

This blog is about sports!

And.... a new segment, called: Jersey Fouls

This Jersey Foul belongs to: Jeff Veillette

Jersey Foul: LUONGO Leafs sweater.

Why: This premature stamping could prove to be true but what if and Luongo goes elsewhere? Philly or...

At the end of last season it was wildly (not widely) rumoured that Luongo wanted to play in the Manatee state (Florida.)

Yeah, back in Florida.

But Luongo seems like the right fit in Toronto's...here's an over priced and and ripened guy, right near the end of his career.

Read the sentence below out loud (twice & with a French accent)

"I hate it here...we go to Flor-ee-da and get da' money"

-Denis Lemieux,  Slaphot.

Jeff Veillette, a self-describing "bad skater, egomaniac, sarcastic jerk, music snob, former fat guy, self-photographer, TTC knowitall, Luongo Leafs jersey owner, hockey blogger." As it reads from his bio on Twitter.

Veilette believes the Luongo trade to Toronto is going to happen. This jersey foul is his foreshadowing of what's to come.

The 21 year-old hockey blogger/writer challenged the Twitter-verse and promised if he received 250 retweets he'd buy a Luongo jersey by the day's end.

Check out his Tweet below.

Veillette received  490  RT's for his Luongo challenge and he was surprised by the reaction.
He stuck to his promise and skated with the jersey at the Harry Gairey rink at the corner of Bathurst and Dundas St.

Hey, Steve Farnham here is the #proof.

Jeff Veillette was skating and playing hockey in his new Luongo jersey.

 In the meantime, Veillette is following the AHL Marlies closely. You can find his writing here at the faceoffcircle.net

                           

Stealth upset defending champs in home opner

A quick game recap - in case you missed it.

The Washington Stealth upset the defending champion Rochester Knighthakws 13-12 in the NLL season opener  in Everett, Washington.

The lone game of the week (don't ask me why?) saw the Stealth build an early 3-1 lead.

Rhys Duch got the scoring started with an overhand blast that beat Knighthawks goalie Matt Vinc farside.

It didn't take the Knighthawks long to answer back as Johnny Powless finished off a cross crease quick stick.  Matt Beers and Cliff Smith got the next two goals for Washington.

It was all Rochester early in the 2nd quarter. Taking the lead after a three goal run, started by Joe Walters. Scott Campbell came in on a shorthanded breakaway and found the mesh, then  Mike Accursi scored on blast from the outside.

Cliff Smith answered back for the Stealth and then it was Brad Self and Cory Vitarelli chipping in to give the Knighthawks their first two goal lead of the game 6-4.  The Stealth wouldn't go away, getting late goals from Athann Iannucci and Smith to tie things at six to end the half.

Cory Vitarelli started the scoring in the third but the Stealth came right back, as Smith hit Dean Hill wide open inside and tied things at seven.

Cody Jamieson gave the Knighthawks an 8-7 lead, doing it himself. Circling across the top, splitting the defence and potting one top shelf from his wrong side in front of the net.

Washington's Lewis Ratcliff had been struggling offensively, firing some untimely shots and missing the net. But he warmed up late scoring to tie the game again at eight.

Vitarelli answered back getting his third of the game and giving the Knighthawks a 9-8 lead after three quarters of play.

Steven Keogh driblled one past Tyler Richards early in the fourth and the team traded goals,  Rhys Duch got his second for Washington and the same for Joe Walters of the Knighthawks.

In all the lead changed back-and-forth five times. The biggest lead of the game for both sides was a narrow two goals.

Rochester had an 11-9 lead late,  until Washington went on three goal run, with goals from Duch his third. Ratcliff scored his second and rookie Mitch McMichael picked up a juicy rebound to pot his first career goal and give the Stealth a 12-11 lead.

Stealth captain Kyle Sorensen took a penalty late and Rochester's Johnny Powless made the Stealth pay with in a behind the back shot and tying things at 12.

Athann Iannucci saved his best for last, springing thorugh two Knighthawk defenders and finding some room on the crease, for the game winning goal.

Iannucci looked as though he was in the crease but the officials reviewed the goal and determined he the ball was released before he fell in.

Notes: The game was clean with no rough stuff and only two penalties aside.

There were several lead changes throughout the game.

The attendance was reported at 7,023 fans.

21 Sports-Beat player of the game was Washington forward Rhys Duch with the hat-trick and three assists. Honourable mention to Cliff Smith who also had the hat-trick.

NLL week one preview

The NLL is set to kick off their 27th season this Saturday and lacrosse fans everywhere (with Internet access) can get in on the action.

The NLL along with the Lacrosse Network have agreed to broadcast all 2013 regular season games live at Youtube.com/tln How do you like them apples?

There is hope, perhaps given the NHL lockout fiasco. The NLL can gain some new fans. At least give some sports fans something to go along with their beer.

Lacrosse in many ways is just like hockey. The two sports share many similarities, from the goalie and out. The easiest way to look at lacrosse is to imagine a hybrid of hockey and basketball together. You have the physicality and contact of hockey combined with the skill and grace of basketball and  what you end up with is a game that is dubbed, the fastest game on two feet.

It's true the NLL is still a niche sport, but those who know it;  love it. Still the game of lacrosse has been growing on both sides of the border and a large part of that has been the coverage of the NLL.

But with only the lone game and in Washington, where the game won't air until 10 pm eastern time, the league has dropped the ball on what should of been a handful of back-to-back games.

The NLL should of used all their resources, pulled some strings and started the season earlier to make up for the lack of the NHL and tap into some new fans who are hungry for competition.

All in all it will be OK. I just want to see some competition.

Week one features a great match up between the defending champion Rochester Knighthawks and Washington Stealth.

The Knighthawks have improved their roster this off season, acquiring Dan and Paul Dawson and a 1st round draft pick in 2016 from Philadelphia. Gone is Paul Rabil who wanted out of Rochester, along with Jordan Hall, Joel White, Rob Campbell and a future pick in 2014.

It gets better for Rochester. As Casey Powell, arguably the best American born lacrosse player in the world is back after spending last season reporting and calling NCAA and NLL games on CBS.

The Knighthawks don't have a weak spot, they still have Cody Jamieson, Cory Vitarelli, Craig Point and Joel Walters on offence.

On the back end, Paul Dawson will help strengthen the core of, Sid Smith, Rory Glaves and speedster Brad Self. Not to forget the man in between the pipes, Matt Vinc; who is one of the games best goalies.

The Stealth look to rebound after a tough season, where they finished last in the league in 2012. Their head coach Chris Hall is back behind the bench after taking a leave of absence midway through the year to battle cancer. The Stealth who won the Champions Cup in 2010 and lost in the final in 2011 were in tough without their head coach, who is back and ready to lead then team.

Offensively the Stealth look strong. Their big three, with Rhys Duch, Athan Iannucci and Lewis Ratcliff will be tough to handle. Iannucci and Ratcliff have built up a special chemistry from their WLA championship season with the Langley Thunder and Duch is one of the games most lethal scorers.

On the defensive end they are led by newly appointed captain Kyle Sorensen and Mike Grimes. They are two big bodied defenders anchor the defence and are a force in front of the net; but they can both move the ball up the floor and help the transition game.

Note: TSN2 will be broadcasting 10 Rock games this season - click here for more.

Toronto Rock goalie Nick Rose is up for the challenge

Nick Rose has worked hard to get to where he is and now he's a starting goalie in the NLL...click here for more

Nick Rose makes a stop on NLL's all-time leading scorer John Tavares. (Courtesy)