Taking Note

Chris Erskine, in the Los Angeles Times: “A recent poll found that 110 per cent of Canadians are still confused as to why Gov. Schwarzenegger carried an Olympic torch. In California, that number was slightly higher.” . . . Here’s Erskine, after the 2010 Olympic Winter Games’ closing ceremonies: “So pristine, this Vancouver — so backward and podunky — that it doesn’t even have a freeway running through it. In fact, I’ve gone three weeks without seeing a freeway. You have no idea what that is like till you experience it firsthand.” . . . The best part about Olympic hockey is that it brings the late Herb Brooks back into the conversation. The man who guided the U.S. to the Miracle on Ice really was one of hockey’s good guys. . . .
And here’s comedian Argus Hamilton: “Vancouver residents got rave reviews for their Olympic hospitality. They love to give directions. They say if you see the mountains you’re facing north, if you see the ocean you’re facing west, if your car just got stolen you’re in Surrey to the east, and if you see people without health care waving handguns, you’re in the States.” . . . Headline from TheOnion.com: High-fives abound in NBC control room as camera catches another athlete crying. . . . “I guess if I had to put a bet on it, I’d say the NHL won’t play there; I’m not sure they want to close down the season again.” That’s Walter Bush, USA Hockey’s chairman of the board, talking with Charlie Waters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press about the chances of the NHL freeing up players for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. . . . Only the NHL would consider cheating its fans out of an experience such as the one we just witnessed in Vancouver. . . . Of course, this all wouldn’t just be another bargaining chip for the next go-round between the NHL and NHLPA, would it? . . .
Was it painful to go from Olympic hockey to the NHL trade deadline, or what? I counted at least 13 experts, along with host James Duthie and anchor Darren Dutchyshen, in the TSN studio, all of them analyzing the impact the trading of Dustin Boyd to the Nashville Predators will have on NAFTA, while the rest of us were pleading for more poker. . . . Bob Florence, a friend who works in the sports department of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix, needs our help. Florence, a mild-mannered 50-year-old who is one of the most-talented and best human beings on the face of our planet, was severely beaten while walking home from work in downtown Saskatoon a week ago. If you can find a moment to have a thought for him, it would be appreciated. . . . Mike Lupica, in the New York Daily News: “I don’t really understand network ratings, but by now it seems that whatever kind of ratings the Olympics get, we’re supposed to think they’re some sort of epic triumph.” . . . One more from Lupica: “Years ago, it was supposed to be just another funny line from the great Dan Jenkins when he said that the only things that could stop Tiger Woods were injury or a bad marriage. Yeah. Funny, huh?” . . .
Greg Cote, in the Miami Herald: “A new Golf Digest piece on Tiger reveals that those calling him over the past few months have included President Obama and Bill Clinton. Conversations were private, so we can only assume that Obama called to offer support and that Clinton called to borrow a few phone numbers.” . . . What’s this I hear about the Kamloops Black Sox taking a one-year leave of absence from the Okanagan Major Baseball League? It seems there may not be enough players in the neighbourhood to field a team for the upcoming season. . . . Meanwhile, in Florida, Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland suffered a broken toe when one of his feet was run over. Steve Schrader of the Detroit Free Press has an idea who did it: “The Canadian women’s hockey team, joy riding on a Zamboni.” . . .
TRU men’s volleyball coach Pat Hennelly served a suspension Friday so he missed the WolfPack’s Canada West semifinal match in Edmonton. Not a good sign on the eve of CIS Nationals being held right here in River City next week. . . . The anonymous emails and faxes have started to arrive and that can only mean one thing. Yes, the stuff appears to be hitting the fan in the KMHA again. This time it appears to have something to do with bodychecking at the house/recreational level, and it seems one of the directors dared to offer an opinion so it’s off to the discipline committee with him. . . . The more things change. . . .
In Philadelphia, Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino is known as the Flyin’ Hawaiian. And you bet that he knows all about outfield prospect Tyson Gillies, who is from Kamloops. Here’s Ryan Lawrence of the Delaware County Daily Times: “Victorino conceded that new outfield prospect Tyson Gillies is faster than him . . . but he’d step on the line and race if called upon.” . . . Gillies hit a solo homer off Toronto lefty David Purcey on Friday as the Phillies fell 14-9 to the Blue Jays. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reported that “Gillies decided against a typical home run trot, opting instead for an all-out sprint around the bases.” Gillies finished 2-for-2 with two RBI and two runs. . . . Organizers of the 2010 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships, which wind up here today, should all take bows for a job well done.
Gregg Drinnan is sports editor of The Daily News. He is at gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca and gdrinnan.blogspot.com. Keeping Score appears Saturdays.