Latest: /A\ Sports & The Hook

Chris Horodecki, Casino Rama Fight

From the latest radio show:

We're nuts. We've got the Jays to win 92 games in 2011 when the rest of the world has'em to finish 5th in the AL bEast. Why the Jays will surprise the baseball world with my bud from /A\ News, Brent Lale. Plus local baseball coach, Jeff Flesher in studio. Trevor Letowski of the Sarnia Sting, and MMA guru, Shawn Tompkins also drop in to chat. Fun stuff. Local stuff. Straight up.

Click to Listen: April 1st Radio Show on AM980

On the show, Leafs super prospect Greg McKegg. We talk about how his life has changed since being drafted by the embattled NHL club, plus find out why Greg could be off to the Memorial Cup this Spring with a ton of goals in his back pocket. Darren Thompson of the @owntheleafs checks in with details on how YOU can actually own the Leafs. He needs like thousands and thousands of people to get involved. He's certainly dreamin', but trying to make that dream come true. As well Alex Gasson of Adrenaline Training Centre with great news from the gym these days. All of his boys will be reppin' on the big stage.

Click to listen: March 25th Radio show on AM980

Me and Mark Hominick on UFC 129

More radio:

Joining me and co-host Craig Needles on the latest show, Patrick King of sportsnet.ca. Patrick gave us his take on the OHL playoffs and the Spitfires legacy as it winds down. Plus Jim McKellar of the London Knights on the late Luke Williams. Clayton Hansler of the Toronto Marlies checked in with details on what the AHL club is doing to attract new fans. Besides winning, of course.

Click to listen: March 18th Radio show on AM980

We know Montreal's outrage is self serving, but behind the bullshit there is a force worth respecting. My take, plus the legend, Bob Elliott on the Jays' chances in 2011. They're better than you've been thinking. Or told to think. Soon-to-be dad, Marc Kennedy (Alberta second) also drops in for some Brier conversation.

Click to listen: March 11th Radio show on AM980


Radio Show Opener


Leafbuzz on The Hook (w/Mike Augello)


Yates Cup cast - November 10


Brier story - March 11


From The Brier - March 11


Stangs Volleyball - March 11


Russians in the O - January 11


Troy Passingham - January 11


Brett Weir - February 11


Jeff Schiller - September 10

Listen now

The latest radio show

Guests:

Shi Davidi
CP
Jays

Jonas Siegel
AM640
Leafs

Patrick King
Sportsnet.ca
CHL

Shawn Tompkins
MMA Coach
Mark Hominick

It's over tonight, please

K -- I'm ready for the hockey season to end. Hawks in 6. Leafs in 2014.

Da Hook for this Friday... a mish mash of old and new. Mike Boothman, Brent Lale, Mike Augello, Devon Peacock and Michael Bate.

World Cup

Jays

Leafs

And the Bogey Golf Tour

Da Hook podcast page

I love vacation

Are the Jays teasing us?

It's hard to imagine this crew keeping this up for this entire season. Stranger things have happened, I guess? Like the Rays' 2008 run. But these Jays aren't those Rays. Are they? What should have opponents from New York to Kansas City, San Diego to Philadelphia shaking in their collective baseball boots, that fabulous four. Those starters. They're nasty. And if kept together for the next few, the best in the Bigs. An ultimate prowess that is under construction, and causing destruction for those who dare step up against them.

Gutsy win by the Jays on Saturday. Thing is, they'll need about 96 of 'em. So plenty of meat left on that bone. Totally worth chewing, especially for fans of the Jays and anything representing Canada's largest but losingest city. Hey, it's been while since something so uplifting has happened in a professional sports setting around here, I suppose it's a waste of time to fret any sort of potential doom around the corner. Best just enjoy it. Could end tomorrow? But maybe not. And that's what has many of us coming back for more.

All this about the Jays' starters, what about that starting whereeveryouwanttoplayhim, Jose Bautista? 18 jacks already? From a guy whose previous career best was 16? WTF? Is there a more exciting player in the game right now? I mean right now. Is there?

Thanks to our good friends who dropped by the radio show on Friday. Good friends, old and new.

Tonight's alright

The entire sports world sympathizes for Tigers' pitcher, Armando Galarraga, including a commissioner who's not prepared to make any changes, and of course the black wearing red faced gentleman who changed history. Galarraga hasn't yet been given credit for a perfect game, but he was given the keys to a 2010 corvette by the folks at General Motors. Imperfection on the bump and behind the wheel. Perfect.

What gets me about Jim Joyce, why he was so eager to call Jason Donald safe? Galarraga had just sat down 26 straight. Joyce should've have that "out fist" locked, loaded and ready to go.

This story isn't old. We'll talk about it tonight on Da Hook.

Also joining me:

NHL draft hopeful, Jared Knight
Ian Hunter of BlueJayHunter.com
Red Bull pilot, Pete McLeod

Hooking for more

Working on some good stuff for Da Hook, including more sponsorship and an interview with TFC midfield giant, Dwayne De Rosario. What is he, 2nd in MLS scoring? Dero's certainly one of Canada's all-time best. And would no doubt be one of the show's all-timers too. Wish me luck.

Incredible how at 31-22 the 3rd place Jays (in the East) would be leading 3 of 6 divisions in Major League Baseball as of right now. I'm telling ya, scrap the divisions.

Watch for a story on Bright Grove's newest pro golfer, Matt Hill tomorrow on /A\ News.

Back back and busy busy

More great guests will jam onto the Radio program on Friday..

Alex Gasson of Adrenaline Training Centre
Ryan Gauss of London City Soccer
Mike Boothman, a soccer expert
Mike Augello of Hockeybuzz.com
Brent Lale with updates from the Molson Pace

..looking forward to it.

Back in Biznass

It appears that... I'm finally good-to-go... back to work. Amazing how quickly time flies when you're stuck on the couch. It's already Wednesday. Tomorrow, I'll be on an aircraft bound for Brandon, Manitoba to catch the Spitfires most likely wrap up their 2nd straight Memorial Cup title. If it happens, it'll be my pleasure to witness.

The NHL should be really happy if things turn out they way they look to be turning out. Don't want to jinx it, but I'd be tickled too.

And hey, so much is being made over teams with about decent records going on long playoff runs. Again, and I've said this before, let this serve as inspiration to others, including the Maple Leafs that a lot can be done with a little. Think big, boyz.

Good luck to Devon Peacock who'll be filling in as host of Da Hook this Friday night on am980.ca.
London City Manager, Ryan Gauss, hockeybuzz.com blogger, Mike In Buffalo and myself will all be joining him.

Wedding Crasher

Me with the brother of the bride. A dynamic, disastrous duo

Yes, I attended a wedding over the weekend. And as you can see, YES I was totally "that guy". Too little food, and a wee too much beverage. As it all comes back to me 36 hours later the only real shame I feel is that I didn't make it onto the dance floor with my wife. I guess we could have tried, but the way things were rapidly developing (or deteriorating) thanks to the flow "proprietors choice", one of two unfortunate scenarios most likely would have unfolded. In fury over my state, Melissa might have mopped the floor with me. Or worse, mopped up after me. It was probably best we bailed before the real fun began. Ah, we're parents anyway. Early to bed. Early to rise. And on Sunday with a f***in' headache from hell. Hey, every wedding usually has one, and it was my turn to be him.

Congrats again to the amazing bride and groom. And Melissa, I owe you two now.

I'm thinkin' the Canadiens' improbable but impressive run ends tonight. I don't believe the Jays will suffer the same fate. Based on momentum, they've got a few more in 'em heading into Fenway this evening. Now, reading the Boston papers, you'd expect a Red Sox sweep of the Red Hotz was imminent (Boston has dominated Toronto of late). The idea: the Sox are going to leapfrog the Jays in the standings at some point, why not get that train in motion now. I don't disagree that'll happen, but not yet. The Jays are still too good at the moment. Good pitching and really good hitting will keep these guys competitive, standings wise, for at least another few weeks. More importantly, that very same blend of youth, resurgence and renaissance will make the Jays fun to watch for the entire season.

Grey Cup Champion, Andy Fantuz didn't make Friday's Radio show, but everyone else did. That includes Ryan Ellis, Mark Hominick, Jason Wyatt, Mike In Buffalo, and more. Have a listen...

May 7th Da Hook Podcast

Da latest

The closer the Canadiens get to the cup, the further away the Leafs get. Just feels that way. Hate to begrudge a rollin' squad and its excited fan base, but it's a challenge not to be envious right now. Still hope they're enjoying it.

On Da Hook Friday... mass amounts of excellence:

Andy Fantuz - Grey Cup Champ
Mark Hominick - Kick Ass MMA star
Ryan Ellis - Memorial Cup Champ
Mike Augello - Mr. Leafs
Jason Wyatt - PING club fitting guru

Da Hook Podcast

Da Hook (Surla Edition)

Mike Spence, nj, John Surla

Crazy show on a crazy Friday night in downtown London. Sur John, Spence, Jason de Vos, Mike Boothman, Mike Augello and Scott Monich all made time for the program. Mad respect to those who show us love.

Da Hook tonight

Brandon Prust (NY Rangers), Trevor Letowski (610 NHL games), Bob Bellacicco (Spits beat reporter), Andy Watson (UWO Athletics), Mike In Buffalo (Leafs blogger) and Devon Peacock (Great guy).

The fun starts at 8:00 on am980.ca

Kuestions for Kadri

It's all about Da Bruins... and beating'em Thursday night. Anywho, according to Nazem he was "depressed" when the Leafs sent him back to London this fall. By all indications he's loving life again, both on and off the ice. Hey, 20 goals and a date with the World Junior team in Saskatchewan? Does it get any better than that? It's good news for the Knights, Canada and ultimately the Leafs.

Naz talks about his demotion, his World Junior dreams and maybe just maybe... playing on a line with Phil Kessel one day... that's Friday, 8pm on Da Hook http://am980.ca/

What would it take

...for you to give up on your team? Do you have a breaking point, or is it unfathomable?

Call into the radio show 1.866.354.8255. We're on 5:30 at http://am980.ca/.

Yanks win, Leafs too

I'll say it again: The Yanks are going to win the World Series. The pieces have come together. Oh, and ARod's producing? Look da f*** out.

The Leafs are winners...at the box office. Winners? More like champions. The best. Number one, at making profit from a faithfully giving group (nation) of followers. They are the top ticket in the game. The top ticket package in the game. The priciest of the pricey. Wealthiest of the wealthy. The Leafs have it all covered...like their asses. All of that money made means they're clear winners at what EVERY NHL team would like to but few can: MAKE BIG MONEY. Congrats Leafs! We fill your account. You empty our hearts. Hey, what are passions for?

Anyway.. my radio show Friday night, The Hook, was a lot of fun, at least during the second hour. Adam Stern and Jess Bechard spent just about the entire 9 til 10 period with me talking baseball, the playoffs, etc. Lot's of fun, reflection, discussion. It's what I got into this radio thing for: moments like that.

We are the World Series predicks:

Adam: Angels
Jess: Yanks
NJ: Yanks

The first hour was okay, but it's just that my interview with legendary Hockey Night in Canada producer, John Shannon didn't go so well. He's been brought aboard as a consultant to help assist the improvement of OHL television broadcasts. I guess he didn't like the questions...he really didn't have much to say in response. He's big time, a well known individual. I may have been out of my league with John. He wasn't impressed. Oh well, keep trying I shall.

On Saturday's show:
Andrew Bucholtz, Mickey Donovan, Bob Bellacicco
Join me
5:30pm http://am980.ca/

60 plus, boyz

It's apparent. This team will be fun to watch. It'll also be a frustrating group to follow if it doesn't have enough in the tank to push for better through the latter portion of the game. They came out like world beaters, they closed out a beaten bunch. Hey, OT's get wacky, but the Leafs have to sense things are slipping towards the unpredictable and CALM IT DOWN. It's a crucial and necessary part of earning those extra points. They didn't do it on opening night, lost, with a point for effort, but must now move onto thinking of an upset in Washington. Hey, why not? It's a possibility with this team. Really, after just one game, 60 plus minutes, the ups, the downs, it's all possible in Toronto this season. Strap in folks, and prepare for just about anything.

Stars:

Price
Stajan
Metropolit (I grew up with the guy in Regent)

Jars:

Toskala
Gomez
Schenn

*I still can't wait until Tyler Bozak and Vik Stalberg are working together again. I think they were meant for each other.

*Kadri opened the scoring for the Knights in Sarnia on Thursday. London beat the Sting 4-3. The Leafs 7th overall pick in June is shooting for 100 points in Junior this season. More with Naz on "The Hook with Norman James", Friday, 8PM at http://am980.ca/.

Da Hook is cookin'

Nazem Kadri of the Knights/Leafs
Josh Foster of the Stangs/Marauders
Mike Meyers of Tavares/John
UWO Football tickets of won/to be

Leafs post talk, homecoming build-up and more. That's why you muss join uss...
Friday 8:00pm at http://am980.ca/.

Oh, have I mentioned that I think "Young Tom" should wear the Leafs' C?? I'll have to explain.. Listen to "The Hook with Norman James".

Show me da tix

I love giving stuff away. Congrats to Rob White. He listened to the Hook and won tickets to tomorrow's Redskins/Lions game, the 20th straight loss for the Detroit footballers.

Thanks to Charles Patterson, friend of the Hook.

As well...

Shoutouts to Mickey Donovan, Julian Sanchez and Daniel Erlich. All stopped by the show on Saturday.

Donovan was there, in Guelph, for Saturday afternoon's soon-to-be legendary showdown between the Stangs and Gryph's. Western won by the skin of it's teeth. Check the highlights somewhere, anywhere. Trailing by a point, Michael Faulds loses the handle on the ball with seconds to go, only to have Nathan Riva recover it. That set up Darryl Wheeler's game winning field goal. Riva guested on the program on Friday. So did Justin Dunk, Guelph's superstar QB who looked like he was ready to jump off a bridge at the end of Saturday's affair. You could feel his hurt. He thought he had it. What was almost his first win over those bastards from Western in over two years became yet another defeat at their dirty hands, and one that stings even more considering his Gryphons had game in their favour until that final, awful second.

Oh well, there's a winner and a loser in just about everything we do. Guelph should be proud of it's efforts on Saturday. And hey, if it plays like that over the final 4 games of the regular season, 3 wins are probable. Then so is a berth in the playoffs where revenge and yet another crack at the mighty Mustangs can be had.

Dunk - A Quarterback, had more yards rushing than anyone on the field.
Faulds - A legend, broke the OUA record for completions.
McCory - A linebacker, actually scored a touchdown

With Dunk at the helm, Guelph's last win over Western, 31-17 on Sept 22, 2007 at TDW Stadium (Week 4 of the season). The two clubs would meet again later that fall in the Yates Cup.

Here's hoping

... for a good game between old rivals, Mike Faulds and Justin Dunk. Faulds might be the better brain, Dunk the better body. I think the CFL would be better off with both of them. Oops! There I go dreamin' again.

Nathan Riva, Dunk and Mike Hayes joined me on the radio show Friday as we again celebrated all things local football. We also speculated on Nazem Kadri's future, again. We talked, he scored...again. I still believe he should spend another season with the Knights.

Leafs looked good in Detroit. 5-4 viktors in the breakaway bonanza. The kids, man... the kids. Vikor Stalburg is the fastest guy on the ice, already. And that John Mitchell is something else. He's one of the smartest players on the ice, already. His shootout winner appeared too easy. But that's the skill talkin'.

Kudos to Mike Hutchinson. His 34 save shutout, his first win, first goose egg as a Knight. London 3-0 winners over Mississauga.

Roy Halladay, thanks for the memories. Congrats on the great finish in Toronto. Congrats on the possibilities, finally, that lie ahead for you.

Listen to the Hook Saturday, 5:30 for your chance to win Detroit Lions tickets. We're giving away a pair of tix to Sunday's game at Ford Field. Keep these digits handy: 1 866 354 8255. If you wanna win'em you'll need'em.

Peace.

Tonight's show...

Lozza football..

CIS player of the week, Nathan Riva, Hec Crighton candidate, Justin Dunk.... and Mike Hayes, head coach of the Lucas Vikings.

We'll also be talking Nazem Kadri. Should he stay or should he go? I'm torn to tell you the truth.

Plus what's Gretzky doing? His legacy as a player... amazing. His legacy as a coach... sucks. It's all about the choices he we make, man.

Listen at am980.ca tonight at 8.