Things That Make Me Go Hmm....

• I failed to mention on an early blog entry that the police in Rimouski are extremely proactive in making sure this tournament receives the respect it deserves. Our bus ride into the city from the airport Wednesday included a police escort. At every intersection, whether the traffic light was yellow or red, two police cruisers would promptly cut into the intersection, blocking all lanes to allow our bus to go through. It was awesome to watch, and made us all feel special as an honored guest in the community.
• Chris Savage was one of the referee`s that called game two of the Memorial Cup Saturday night. Savage, the Western Hockey League representative, is at his second M.C after getting the assignment in 2004. Savage was the referee when the Rockets won the cup against Gatineau. I will have an interview with Savage on our broadcast Monday afternoon.
• I find it interesting that the french radio broadcasters calling games at the Memorial Cup are dressed in jeans. It`s a small detail, yet it looks odd to me considering all radio broadcasters in the WHL are professional dressed when calling games, whether it be regular season or the playoffs. My theory is we (radio broadcasters) are an extension of the team we cover, and should take some pride in our appearance.
  
• As I was preparing or my opening broadcast Friday night, I couldn`t help but notice the panic on the face of the Quebec City radio broadcaster. His equipment wasn`t working, yet his phone line was active. What that means is his broadcast board malfunctioned. The problem was solved by using the road radio equipment of the Rimouski Oceanic.
• I ran into Ian Duval`s old billets from Calgary before Saturday`s game. Scott and Beverly Surridge had nothing but good things to say about `Duvy`. The interview with the likable couple will be airing during Monday`s broadcast.
• I thought it was a nice touch by the Windsor Spitfires to have the jersey of Mickey Renaud hanging on the wall behind their bench at the Memorial Cup. Renaud, the Spitfires captain last season, died after a seizure in February 2008. While Renaud`s jersey was hanging prominently behind the Spitfires bench at the start of Saturday`s game, it was promptly moved to the side, as to not cover up the signage that was strategically placed for national TV coverage.
• On my shuttle to the Colisee this afternoon I had the privilege of being accompanied by former Montreal Canadiens forward Pierre Mondou. I recognized him instantly in the lobby of our hotel as his hockey card is firmly entrenched in my head. Forget about memorizing time tables as a kid, memorizing hockey cards was my goal. I told Mondou that I have his hockey card, to which he replied, ``I guess I`m old``.
• Ok, my paranoia is starting to kick in. I`ve been told that both Rimouski and Drummondville players are suffering from some form of strep throat. That would be a broadcasters worst nightmare. Ok, laryngitis would be, but they are both bad. Let`s just say I haven`t been participating in finger food in the media room, for fear the virus is looming.
• Give the organizing committee here in Rimouski a high five for playing `Rocket` by Def Leopard every time the Rockets score. The song is used extensively at Prospera Place every time the Rockets light the lamp, and the added touch shouldn`t go unnoticed.
• This is the fourth Memorial Cup I`ve attended, and unless things go sideways fast, it`s the best I`ve ever attended. No, the hotel isn`t great and it`s not exactly party central, but it`s been a lot of fun. The people of Rimouski are top drawer, and the event is running like a well oiled machine. And if it`s not, they are hiding it well behind closed doors. In the past I would question awarding this tournament to a smaller center, yet now that theory has been put to rest. This community has one thing on their mind. The Memorial Cup is it!
• I received a nice e-mail from Dallas Texas today. A Dallas Stars fan is listening to our radio broadcasts over the Internet with interest considering Jamie Benn will be playing in that organization next season. The positive feedback was nice to hear.