Author Archives: Nels Ellis

Whitecaps Look To Bounce Back Against Timbers

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The Whitecaps season is in jeopardy and they desperately need a win tonight to keep their playoff dreams alive.

Lucas Cavallini | Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Lucas Cavallini is the Whitecaps leading scorer. He will need to step up big tonight for a Whitecaps win. Photo from here.

MLS recently announced they would be changing the standings to points per game to see who would compete in the playoffs. This means that despite having more points (24) and wins (8) than eighth place Colorado (19 Points, 5 Wins.) Vancouver sits just outside of a playoff spot due to their lower points per game (1.14 vs Colorado’s 1.27).

Vancouver suffered a 2-0 lose to Seattle on Tuesday. They will have a tough matchup against Portland, who has just won three in a row. Their last meeting didn’t go the Whitecaps way – the Timbers took the game 1-0.

A 2-0 defeat may look bad, but the score doesn’t tell the whole story. The Whitecaps defence held off Seattle until a Raúl Ruidíaz goal in the 54th minute ended the shutout. Nicolás Lodeiro got an insurance goal just six minutes later.

If the Whitecaps defence can play as well as they did last time they have a shot, but Vancouver’s offence will have to rise to the occasion. Goals have been an issue for Vancouver all season long. The ‘Caps are tied for the lowest scoring team in the West with only 24 goals. Vancouver’s net has been filled 43 times; the second most in the league.

After the loss to the Sounders, ‘Caps Couch Marcos Dos Santos was quoted saying “We have to move on, we’ll look at some things of this game but right now our ambition our work, what we want to put in effort, recovery, everything is for the Portland game.” Adding that the matchup against the Timbers “Is a crucial game for us as a club.”

With only two games in the season left to make the playoffs the Whitecaps will need to step up the scoring and shutdown their opponents. So far that’s proven to be a challenge, but it’s never too late… right?

 

 

 

Punk Rock Legend Honoured With Downtown Mural

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Kendall “Ken” Chinn otherwise known as Mr. Chi Pig, lead singer of punk rock band SNFU, is being immortalized in mural form

Mural of punk icon Chi Pig going up at Cambie Hotel | Regina Leader Post

Jameson Trenholm, close friend, holding up a photo by the half finished mural. Photo from here.

Kenn Chinn’s roots are in Edmonton where he was born and formed SNFU, but since 1990 he found a home in Gastown and was a regular at the Cambie bar.

Always himself and always unique. There was nobody like Chi Pig. Photo from here.

Jameson Trenholm, former bartender at the Cambie and close friend of Chinn’s, began the GoFundMe to paint the mural as a tribute. He raised over $5,000 from 109 people. Money not spent on the project will be donated to a foundation Chinn’s family is starting in his honour. The foundation will focus on mental health and addiction.

“When he passed, I thought holy smokes — we have to honour the Gastown and Vancouver and world legend,” Trenholm said.

The mural is being painted by artists Lacey Jane Wilburn and Layla Folkmann. Folkmann and Wilburn both hail from Edmonton and SNFU played big part in both their lives.

“We grew up as punk rock kids in the scene,” Wilburn said. Adding that “SNFU was one of those humongous moments, when we got to go seem them live.”

Wilburn and Folkmann hope to do some similar in Edmonton.

Friend’s remember Chi Pig as a humble man, a strong onstage character, and somebody who really stuck out. In a documentary based on his life Open Your Mouth and Say… Chi Pig ,Chinn spoke about growing up mixed race, gay, and with schizophrenia.

Chinn passed away at 57 in July after his health had begun to deteriorate. The punk rock singer had fallen victim to addiction especially hardcore drugs like crack and crystal meth. His addiction made him lose his teeth, become rail thin, and a whole host of other health issues.

Cement Mixer, a song released by Chinn the day he died, talks about having his body thrown in a cement mixer and poured around town to become a “dead man around town.”

The song concluded with “Goodbye to my friends, gonna miss you guys.”

 

Raptors Seeking Info On Terence Davis Charges

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Terence Davis impressive rookie season made him a fan favourite, but recent charges will definitely tarnish his reputation.

Should Terence Davis make the All-Rookie Team? | NBA.com ...

Terence Davis had an impressive rookie season, but recent charges but his career in jeopardy. Photo from here

The Raptors guard was arrested on Tuesday around 8:30 PM following reports he had allegedly assaulted his girlfriend. The New York Police Department says Davis got into an argument with his girlfriend, slapped her in the face causing a “substantial amount of pain” to her eye, and broke her screen when she grabbed her phone. According to the charges the woman’s son was next to her when she was struck, causing the child to fall.

TSN’s Rick Westhead acquired the criminal complaint against Davis. The charges include assault in the third degree, criminal mischief, and endangering the welfare of a child. His court date is scheduled to be December 11th. Rick Westhead also reports that Davis has entered a plea of not guilty.

The Raptors plan to cooperate fully with NBA in it’s investigation into the matters. Stating “The Toronto Raptors take these issues very seriously, and we will fully cooperate and support the League in its investigation of this matter as we work to determine the appropriate next steps for our team.”

This isn’t the first time Davis has attracted controversy, but it is definitely the most serious. He showed up to the Orlando bubble wearing a mask with a hole in it after posting COVID conspiracy theories online.

Davis went undrafted and signed with the Raptors in 2019. The 23 year old drew attention from NBA teams after a strong showing at the NBA combine and at summer leagues in Las Vegas. He had an impressive debut season, playing a team high 72 games and making the all-rookie team.

Back in December 2018 G-league player Kay Felder faced similar charges and was cut immediately from the Raptors 905 team.

 

 

Canucks Resign Guillaume Brisebois, leaving two more RFAs

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Canucks GM Jim Benning made a minor league resigning today. Nothing too exciting, unless you follow the Utica Comets.

Depth defenceman Guillaume Brisebois returns to the Canucks. He will make $700,000 if he plays for the NHL, and $125,000 if he plays in the AHL. Decent money, he might actually be able to cover rent in Vancouver.

Brisebois was drafted in 2015. Photo from here.

The 23 year old put up four goals and 11 assists last year with the Utica Comets. He has yet to make an impact in the NHL, appearing for eight games in 2019 and putting up no points. Brisebois wasn’t selected to join the team in the Edmonton bubble, but he was invited to training camp in July.

The Canucks lost a few defencemen to free agency this year. Longtime Canucks Chris Tanev and Troy Stecher left this offseason. Tanev joining fellow former Canucks Jacob Markstrom, Josh Levio, and Louis Domingue in Calgary, while Richmond native Stecher took his talents to the Motorcity. Oscar Fatanberg also left the team, making a move to the KHL. 2016 fifth overall pick Olli Juolevi will likely take Fatanberg’s place, so Brisebois will probably take on a veteran role with Utica and serve as a depth player in the NHL.

Vancouver drafted the six-foot-two blue liner in the 2015 draft’s third round. The draft pick used to select him was acquired in exchange for goalie Eddie Lack.

The signing leaves two more restricted free agents. Defenceman Jalen Chatfield and winger Justin Bailey.

Bailey showed a bit of promise in the AHL, scoring a career high 47 points in 53 games. He’s bounced between the NHL and AHL during his five year pro hockey career. He has five goals and four assists in 65 games.

Chatfield scored a career low four points in 48 games with Utica.

These players likely won’t have a huge NHL impact, but can serve a use as depth pieces if they show promise.

 

 

What’s up with Vasily Podkolzin?

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Vancouver Canucks pick Russian forward Vasily Podkolzin ...

Vasily Podkolzin was drafted tenth overall in 2019. He is one of Vancouver’s top prospects. Photo from here.

Vasily Podkolzin was drafted tenth overall in 2019 by the Vancouver Canucks. Standing at 6’4 the Russian right winger adds talent and size. Lately his lack of production on the KHL’s St. Petersburg SKA saw his ice time shrink before being demoted the VHL, Russia’s version of the AHL.

Before the demotion Podkolzin had only scored one goal and three assists since the season had resumed following the COVID shutdown. Hardly the stats you’d expect from a blue chip prospect, especially one who is said to be a hard worker, giving it all on every shift.

So what’s been going on with him?

TSN’s Rick Dhaliwal spoke to Roman Rotenberg, General Manager of St. Petersburg.

“We are sending him to VHL to get ready for the National junior team, get in shape, work hard and become a leader.” Rotenberg said. Rotenberg added that he believes Podkolzin has a lot of potential, but he needs to work harder.

It’s also worth noting that Podkolzin is a teenager playing in a league of grown men so it makes sense he’d have a tougher time scoring points. Fatigue also might be playing a factor as prior to COVID Podkolzin was playing up to 25 minutes.

Rotenberg understands that Canadian hockey fans have high expectations, especially in a city like Vancouver. St. Petersburg’s general manager assures Canucks fans that they have nothing to worry about, it’s just a matter of maturing.

Podkolzin will soon be playing for the Russian National Junior team. There is a good chance he will be named captain by head coach Igor Larionov. If his time in the VHL pays off he will look to impress representing his country. Being captain of a national team is a big deal, but the pressure will give Podkolzin a chance to showcase his leadership abilities.

In the meantime, let’s lay off the kid a bit. He’s only 19 and has plenty of time to develop.

 

Oliver Ekman-Larsson would’ve gone to the Canucks, but why?

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Rumours have been swarming around Oliver Ekman-Larsson for weeks now.

Coyotes' Ekman-Larsson on trade rumors: 'I never really ...

Oliver Ekman-Larsson is considered to be one of the top defencemen in the NHL today. Photo from here

Both the Bruins and Canucks were linked in talks for the 29 year old defenceman. The trade would’ve filled a hole for the Canucks. With Tanev leaving for the Flames and Fantenberg heading to the KHL, Vancouver will need a few new faces on their blue line.

The trade would’ve united Vancouver’s Swedish superstar Elias Petersson with his countries ice hockey captain. Ekman-Larsson and Petersson played together in 2019 World Championship. Alex Edler was also paired Ekman-Larsson for the Olympics in 2014 and 2017.

The asking price was reportedly a first round pick and a young defenceman. One of the rumours floating around was the Canucks would likely part 2016 fifth overall pick Olli Juolevi. The only catch would’ve been Arizona would need to take Loui Eriksson’s monster six million dollar a year contract. Vancouver can’t afford Ekman-Larsson’s eight million dollar contract and the six million dollar Swede. To make that work Vancouver would likely have to compensate Arizona with a little more because, let’s face it, Loui Eriksson doesn’t sweeten many deals.

Eriksson guilty of long-distance own goal in Canucks debut ...

Loui Eriksson scored an own goal in his debut with the Canucks. Legend. Photo from here

Twitter went wild with rumours, twelve year olds on Instagram spammed OEL with calls to join the Canucks, and armchair experts everywhere spent hours making videos analyzing what would happen.

Ultimately this deal never took place. Ekman-Larsson adressed the rumours in an interview with Swedish publication Hockey Svergie. “I have a no-trade/no-movement clause in my contract,I picked those teams because I didn’t want to stand in the way of the (Coyotes) in case they felt like they needed to move me. That’s the person I am. I put those teams there as alternatives, but I never really wanted to move.”

A rather anti-climatic end to weeks of rumours.

For now the Canucks will have to rely on their prospect pool or free agency to fill their blue lines needs.

Bruins Beat Canucks for First Stanley Cup Since ’72 - The ...

Sorry. Too soon? Photo from here

Maybe phone up Zdeno Chara? I’m sure he’d love to win another cup in Vancouver.

Whitecaps Fall 0-2 to Sounders

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Ali Adnan scored the goal of the week against San Jose… it’s just too bad he couldn’t repeat such a performance last night.

The Whitecaps found themselves unable to deliver in a big game. A win would’ve been crucial in helping the ‘Caps clinch a playoff spot, but instead they were blanked by the reigning MLS Champions.

Raúl Ruidíaz celebrates with Cristian Roldan. Photo from here.

It was their second match in four nights. Vancouver had made plenty of changes to their lineup after Saturday’s comeback win over San Jose. The change included adding seven Canadians to their starting XI, a club record.

At first the game seemed evenly matched. Seattle and Vancouver’s defences didn’t allow a single goal for the first half of the match. Vancouver’s defence held Seattle to just one shot on target and blocked another three in the first 45 minutes. The defence may have been clicking, but the offence as not: nobody was able to capitalize on an early goal.

Seattle came out of the halftime break much more aggressive. They pushed Vancouver and eventually broke through the defence to find a goal. It took 54 minutes, but Nouho Tolo spun an in-swining ball that Sounder star striker RuidÍaz put in the back of the net. Rudíaz would continue to be a thorn in Vancouver’s side, getting an assist on a Nicolás Lodeiro goal in the 60th minute.

The Whitecaps have two more games left to clinch a playoff spot. They will look to get a victory against their rivals the Portland Timbers on November 1st. Vancouver has been playing their home games in Portland’s Providence Park due to COVID, but will be anything but kind to their host as a win Saturday could mean a trip to the postseason. Vancouver is currently sitting at seventh in the Western Conference, the top eight teams make it in.

The ‘Caps last meeting with the Timbers ended in a 0-1 defeat. To avoid another loss they will have to play as if their season depends on it because…well… it does.

The 2020 World Series – “What were they thinking?”

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I’m sure you’ll be surprised to hear that the LA Dodgers, a big budget team of superstars, have defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, a team with one of the lowest MLB payrolls.

This was the Dodgers third World Series appearance in four years, and their first championship win in thirty two.

Tampa’s ALCS MVP Randy Arozarena gave his team an early lead with an early home run. From there 2018 Cy Young winner Blake Snell took over. Snell had a strong start but, in a move that will no doubt haunt the Rays, was pulled in the sixth inning by manager Kevin Cash. Snell had only allowed two hits and was pitching shutout.

A superstar being pulled out of a game for seemingly no reason? Man, when has that ever happened before?

Oh yeah…. Photo credit

Snell said he felt “definitely disappointed, upset.” at the decision but also added that “I’m not going to question him (Cash), he’s a hell of a manager.”

Snell was replaced by Nick Anderson, who allowed a double from Mookie Betts. Betts’ double would start a sequence that led to two quick runs.

The surprises didn’t end there. Justin Turner was also removed mid game after his COVID results came back positive.

Justin Turner (Beard, backwards cap) sits with his team for the championship photo. Photo credit

Hm. Maybe it’s the angle but it doesn’t look like Turner is social distancing in that photo does it?

Turner is facing harsh criticism from baseball fans and the media. MLB put out a statement saying “While a desire to celebrate is understandable, Turner’s decision to leave isolation and enter the field was wrong and put everyone he came in contact with at risk. When MLB Security raised the matter of being on the field with Turner, he emphatically refused to comply.”

Snell getting pulled early, a COVID positive Justin Turner celebrating with his team, the 2020 World Series will be remembered for making millions of fans scratch their head and say “What were they thinking?”

Remembering David Braley – BC Lions Owner

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BC Place was glowing orange last night in memory of a CFL great.

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David Braley, BC Lions owner and former Conservative senator, died peacefully yesterday at his home in Burlington, Ontario. He was 79.

Lions Owner David Braley celebrates winning the Grey Cup with his team in 2011. Photo from here.

“David has been a proud and fiercely loyal owner of our team, a champion of the Canadian Football League, and a leader for whom his love of our game and our country went hand in hand and spanned decades,” Rick LeLacheur, BC Lions President, said. “We share our deepest condolences with his family, friends, and admirers.”

Braley owned two other CFL teams in his life; The Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Toronto Argonauts. From 2010-2015 he owned the Lions and Argonauts at the same time, before selling the Argos to Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.

Braley saw his teams hoist the Grey Cup four times – three with BC and one with Toronto. At the time of his death he was the longest-serving active owner in the CFL.

Braley was hospitalized in 2016 with a foot infection related to diabetes. In 2017, he had begun to seek out potential buyers for the Lions with his health in decline.

“One of his final acts of devotion to Canadian football was a clear expression of his desire that the stability of our club be maintained through a smooth transition following his passing,” said LeLacheur. “We will work closely with David’s estate to follow that plan.”

Braley was appointed to the Senate of Canada on May 2010 to represent Ontario. His political career was short-lived, as he stepped down three years later without stating a reason.

Braley will also be remembered for his generosity, donating over $125 million in his lifetime.

Last year he was named an officer of the Order of Canada. One of our country’s highest honours.

Braley belongs to three hall of fames: Canadian Football Hall of Fame (2012), McMaster Sports Hall of Fame (2007) and Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame (2006).

He will be remembered as someone with a deep love for Canadian Football, and as someone who was always looking to grow and expand the CFL.

Whitecaps face Sounders tonight in a must win game.

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Two bitter rivals face off tonight in what is sure to be an exciting game. Photo from here.

The Vancouver Whitecaps will look to get their fourth home win in a row tonight in what will be a tough matchup against their Cascadian rival the Seattle Sounders.  Seattle has gotten the best of Vancouver in four of their last five matchups.

If the playoffs began today Vancouver and Seattle would face each other in a Western Conference first-round matchup. Vancouver will need step up scoring as they’ve haven’t managed more than one goal on Seattle in any of their last five games. The Whitecaps are a measly 1-3-0 when only scoring once. All eyes will be on Lucas Cavallini who has scored three goals in his last four games, including a pair in a 2-1 win over Las Angeles FC.

Cavallini, who’s playing his first year with the Whitecaps, also leads the team in shots on goal with fifteen.

Whitecaps fan are likely a little nervous; as Seattle’s leading scorer Raúl Ruidíaz returns after making a recovery from COVID-19. Ruidíaz is also third highest scorer in the MLS with nine goals in thirteen games.

Vancouver is currently seventh in the Western Conference, but a victory tonight could see them climb to fifth, owning a tiebreaker (wins) over Minnesota United FC. The top eight teams make the playoffs, so a win here could help them feel a bit more secure.

The Whitecaps came back from a 1-0 deficit on Saturday to win 2-1 against the San Jose Earthquake. The Sounders’ last game resulted in a 1-1 draw against the Portland Timbers on Thursday. Seattle is 0W-1L-2D in their last three games. Vancouver is 2W-1L-0D

“We’re going to push and try and have this team pushing to the end because we want to stay here.” Said Whitecaps coach Marc Dos Santos. “Although we miss our families, we want to stay here after the regular season to play in the playoffs.”

Will the Whitecaps finally get the best of Seattle? Or will the Sounders complete their season sweep? Tune in at 7pm tonight to find out!