AUS Friday Night; Tigers and Varsity Reds Set For An Epic Battle in Fredericton

Jacob Kilpatrick has an AUS title in his sights after being named MVP this week.

(photo by Rob Blanchard)

by Bill McLean

AUS Men's Volleyball Championships Game 1- Dalhousie Tigers at UNB Varsity Reds

The champs are in tough against AUS MVP Jacob Kilkpatrick and the Reds at The Pit in Fredericton. The Tigers haven't been underdogs since Sander Ratsep's first year and are in serious trouble of having their consecutive championship streak of 24 snapped.

The match up in the middle of 6'8" Max Burt versus 6'9" Kilkpatrick will be stellar and could determine the outcome of the series. Game 2 goes in Halifax on sunday.

AUS Women' Volleyball Championships- Quarter Finals

#6 Cape Breton vs. #3 Dalhousie- Rick Scott's deep and athletic Tigers should have no problem with a re-building Capers team that only made the playoffs by virtue of hosting.

#4 St Francis Xavier vs #5 Moncton- The teams split their season series... an intriguing match up of the X-Women's height and les Aigles Bleus athleticism.

AUS Men's Hockey Quarter Final - #5 UPEI vs. #4 Acadia

Not often you have a conference quarter final featuring two teams that have been in the national rankings. Most AUS pundits are split on this series featuring the high scoring Panthers and the hard working, "steady Eddy" Axemen. Matt Carter leads a gifted UPEI group of forwards against an Acadia team that leads the conference in power play scoring.

Women's Hockey

Dalhousie (10-8-3) vs. Moncton (14-5-2) - Great match up of Jocelyn Leblanc vs. Marieve Provost. Provost is the CIS all time leading scorer, Leblanc will try to lead the offensively inept Tigers to a pivotal road win as the playoffs approach.

Saint Francis Xavier (20-0) vs. Mount Allison (9-10-1) - The X-Women have become an AUS juggernaut and should have no problem with a hard working Mounties team looking to pull the upset of the year.

Saint Mary's (8-11-1) vs. UPEI (3-14-4) - The defending champion Huskies had won 5 of 7 after christmas but have come back to earth with a three game losing streak. They'll have a good chance of getting back on track vs. the last place Panthers who have lost 11 of their last 12 and have been eliminated from playoff contention. With a win and a Mounties loss the Huskies could move to 5th place.

Sportstream.ca is the webcasting home of the Saint Mary's Huskies, Metro Marauders, Halifax Rainmen, and the Subway AUS Men's Basketball Championships. Follow us on twitter @_sportstream_ and check us out on facebook.

Sportstream Athlete Profile: Simon Farine of the Dalhousie Tigers

Simon Farine is a leading candidate for AUS Most Valuable Player this season.

by Armaan Ahluwalia

Simon Farine is dominating AUS basketball, the 5th year player at Dalhousie has the Tigers playing some of their best basketball late in the season. Farine is a solid player who has been crucial for the Tigers this year and In the Stands wanted to ask this AUS all-star a few questions.

Current Team: Dal Tigers

Height: 6’2″

Date of Birth: March 21, 1987

Where you are from: Toronto, ON

Position: Guard

Where you played High School/Club: Northern Secondary School

Favourite Player: Steve Nash

Favourite Team: Toronto Raptors

Player you model your game after: Combination of a couple: Steve Nash, Deron Williams, Derek Rose

How old were you when you started playing: 10

Why Basketball: I played a lot of sports growing up but always enjoyed basketball the most.

What is it like being a student-athlete at Dal: Its very enjoyable. I am able to balance basketball and school work.

Pre Game Rituals: Eat a banana right before every game .

Whats the most listened song on your IPod: CSNY – Suite Judy Blue Eyes

Why is the AUS so tough: Its filled with great players and the game is more open letting the players have more freedom than other areas of the country.

Best Player in the World: Lebron James

Dream Lineup, with you in it: Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Lebron James, Blake Griffin and myself.

Hobbies: Following all sports.

Best Skill: Being a playmaker

Area of your game that needs work: Everything

Favourite Coach and why: I have had a bunch of great coaches. John Campbell has coached me through my favourite and best years of my basketball career to date. And my father coached and taught me a lot of extremely valuable things and how to be tough.

How was it playing in the States: It was a good experience but the basketball and the school was not what I was hoping for and I wasn’t happy there.

What are your goals Short and Long term: Short Term are to win Nationals and graduate this year, while my long term goals are to play basketball professionally.

Favourite Movie: Gladiator

Role Model: My Parents

Most famous person in your cell phone: Taylor Prichard

One Crazy thing about you: I enjoy random bits of knowledge, including names of obscure actors.

Favourite Food: Sushi

Dream Vacation Destination: Spain

In your free time you are: Hanging out with friends.

IPhone or Blackberry: Blackberry

Armaan Ahluwalia writes for the Dal Gazette and www.1inthestands.wordpress.com. Follow him on twitter @therealbrindian.

Sportstream is the webcasting home of the Saint Mary's Huskies, Halifax Rainmen, Metro Marauders, and the Subway AUS Men's Basketball Championships. Follow us on twitter @_sportstream_ and join our Facebook page.

Silver and Bronze for NB on Day 3 of Canada Games

Andrew Brideau and Evan Brideau show their silver and bronze medal with Canada Games Mascots Sammi & Anni

by Joel MacDougall

It was successful day at the 2011 Canada Games for New Brunswick speed skating. Not only did their 3000 meter male relay team qualify for the finals on Thursday, but they put two athletes on the podium of the Men’s 500m event.

At first it seemed like Andrew Evans would be the only Maritime on the podium with gold medal winner Alexandre St-Jean from Quebec, as the tight race finished with Maxime Gauthier of Quebec in third place. Following the race however Gauthier was disqualified for a violation during the race, bumping Evan Brideau, aged 17, up into the bronze medal. Watch the full race below along with some of Evans and Brideau’s post-race celebration in front of very pro-New Brunswick crowd at the St. Margaret’s Bay Centre.

Evans and Brideau kept the momentum rolling as they later joined their teammates for the Men’s 3000m Semi Finals. New Brunswick qualified for the finals by easily winning their race and will be joined by fellow Semi Final winners Quebec and Ontario. The team from Alberta also draws into the final on account of posting the next fastest time.

Other events on the day saw Courtney Shmyr of BC take hoe the gold in the Ladies 500m event. Quebec picked up another pair of medals by Cynthia Mascitto and Elisabeth Albert winning silver and bronze respectfully.

The top Nova Scotians were Elisabeth-Anne Roy (25th) and Tara Gowan (27th). Nova Scotia had no male competitors in short track speed skating.

In other news of interest from Day 3, Nova Scotia put in a valiant effort, but came out on the losing side of 5-4 shootout game against strong team from Quebec.

Joel MacDougall lives in Halifax and is the anchor of www.route19.wordpress.com. Follow Joel on twitter @jmdougall.

Varsity Reds Sweep Double Headers

Leah Corby scored 37 points in a two game set vs. the UPEI Panthers.

by Christopher Cameron

Entering the weekend just back of first place CBU, the Varsity Reds women’s basketball team got the job done at home, sweeping the UPEI Panthers with 90-66 and 98-78 wins.

With Megan Corby out of the line up, UNB showed they had the depth needed to pick up the wins, although UPEI did not make it easy.

In their second game of the doubleheader UPEI kicked off the game on an 8-0 run, with UNB bouncing back with some stellar play from Melissa Foster to close the gap.

A back and forth end of the first quarter saw UNB come out on top 30-21 in a high scoring first quarter.

The second quarter was more back and forth play as UNB struggled offensively and the Panthers found their stride of offense, opening up the quarter on a 5-0 run, dropping 20 points in the quarter. UPEI closed the gap to two points after the first half, with UNB barely taking a lead into the locker room 43-41.

After halftime a fiery Varsity Reds team came out of the locker room jumping out to a 10-0 run to kick off the quarter. Up 55-41, UNB’s quick start began to fall apart as the Panthers put a 10-0 run of their own together, closing the lead to one point with four minutes left in the quarter.

Leah Corby came through drained a pair of baskets for UNB to open up the Varsity Reds lead again, kicking off an 11-0 run before UPEI hit the final basket of the third, with UNB taking a nine point lead into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter the Varsity Reds edged out UPEI a back and forth quarter to finish the game with a 98-78 win.

Corby was named the player of the game for the Varsity Reds posting 19 points and two steals, while Amy Gough earned the title for UPEI.

Head coach Jeff Speedy was pleased with his teams play in the third and fourth quarters, especially a couple big stretches.

“There were stretches in the third and stretches in the fourth where for a couple minutes at a time we played really great defence, which allowed us to make a run,” said Speedy. “We talked at halftime that we thought we could score a lot, but we we’re going to be able to go on a run until we got some stops and allowed our defence to get us some easy baskets.”

Corby said that their main focus in the second half was defence and getting stops.

“I don’t know what we were doing wrong on defence,” said Corby. “We just tried to really focus in the second half on defence and getting stops because we know we can score, so we just had to get the stops in the defensive end.”

In their first game of the weekend UNB proved relentless in their attack with a strong first quarter, which saw them open up a 24-13 lead.

Their strong offensive pressure continued through the second half, outscoring UPEI 24-17 en route to a 48- 30 lead going into halftime.

After halftime the Varsity Reds came out, not letting up on the gas at all, scoring 24 points for the third straight quarter, taking a commanding 72-44 lead into the final quarter.

Losing their only quarter of the game, UNB saw UPEI outscore them 22-18 in the fourth, but it was a little late for the Panthers as they succumbed to the Varsity Reds offensive power, losing 90-66.

Claire Colborne led the team in scoring with 27 point with three rebounds, with Leah Corby being named the player of the game with 18 points respectively, seven assists, four rebounds, and three steals.

Next weekend UNB is home for their final home game in the LB Gym, taking on CBU Saturday.
Speedy says the team will take off tomorrow and begin to think about CBU on Monday.

“We have to get healthy,” he said. “We’ve got a bunch of people with the flu. I’m not going to

think about CBU until sometime on Monday. We’re going to take tomorrow off and start worrying about them on Monday.”

Christopher Cameron is the Sports Editor for The Brunswickan student newspaper at the University of New Brunswick. Follow him on twitter @ccam1988.

Mystics vs Tommies on Sportstream.Ca

The Tommies and the Mystics resume their heated rivalry this Saturday on Sportstream.

by Bill McLean

The Mount Saint Vincent Mystics and St. Thomas Tommies will renew their intense ACAA basketball rivalry this Saturday on sportstream.ca. Live coverage begins at 4:00 with the womens game followed by the men at 6:00 from the Rosaria Centre.

Mark Forward's Mystics came one win from a CCAA womens national championship last season and find themselves in another fight with the Tommies for first place in the conference. St.Thomas and MSVU have won the past two ACAA titles.

The Tommies will enter Saturday's match up undefeated and in first place with a record of 14-0. St. Thomas beat the Mount twice in Fredericton last month by scores of 71-59 and 54-39.

“After losing two up at STU early in the new year it will be extremely important for our confidence to respond in our gym with a win against the only undefeated team in our conference,” said Forward earlier this week. “For the Tommies it will be important for them to show us they can beat us in our own gym considering playoffs are at MSVU this year. It will be a battle.”

On the mens side the nationally ranked Mystics are undefeated and locked and loaded for another championship run. Rick Plato's troops have won five ACAA championships in a row. Coach Plato recently won his five hundredth game as Head Coach of the Mystics.

After winning four ACAA championships in five years from 2000-2004, the Tommies had hit hard times the past several seasons but have re-established themselves as an upper tier team this year with a record of 10-5, good for third place behind the Mount and Holland College.

The Tommies and Mystics have combined to win nineteen of the last twenty ACAA mens basketball championships.

Sportstream's Mavs Gillis will have the call from the Rosaria Student Centre.

Sportstream.ca is the webcasting home of the Saint Mary's Huskies, Halifax Rainmen, Metro Marauders, and the Subway AUS Men's Basketball Championships. Follow us on twitter @_sportstream_.

Title Town Brings Lombardi Home

Aaron Rodgers was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing three touchdowns.

by Armaan Ahluwalia

The 2010/11 season is now finished and it was one to remember for the ages. The Green Bay Packers came out of Superbowl 45 victorious and brought home Vince Lombardi with a score of 31-25. Yes the small town of Green Bay in the State of Wisconsin, nicknamed Titletown is getting another trophy. The Packers became only the 2nd team in the history of the NFL win the Superbowl as the #6 seed and doing so in fashionable style.

They faced some tough opponents on the way to winning the 45th Superbowl. They started out by traveling to the city of brotherly love and beat a very good Philadelphia Eagles team, which many experts were picking to win the Superbowl. After defeating the high flying eagles they traveled to the hostile Georgia Dome to face the Falcons. Matt Ryan and his falcons the #1 seed were very comfortable playing at home due to their almost impeccable record with Ryan at QB. This would soon change as the young QB looked inexperienced and the Packers pounded the Falcons badly. They then made it to the championship game, where they would face the storied franchise #2 seed Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Even with this amazing rivalry which goes back to the early 20′s this was only the 2nd time that these teams met in the post-season. The Packers took care of the Bears with no problem and booked their ticket to the big game in Dallas, Texas.

Superbowl 45: The biggest news story following the game was that Christina Aguilera messed up the National Anthem. Or it was the commercials that did not receive the great credibility from the twitter fiends. But it was not the fact that Aaron Rodgers, Mike McCarthy and the Packers won a title. The game started out slow with the Packers and Steelers trading failed drives to start the game. The Pack finally broke the dead lock with a pass from Rodgers to Jordy Nelson for the score. When the Steelers had the ball they committed one of their first costly turnovers. Nick Collins picked off a pass that was going to Mike Wallace but was no where near him and Collins picked it off easily. He managed to take it to the house for a score to make it a quick 14-0. Going into the half the Packers added more points to their total to make the score 21-10 going into the half.

The 3rd quarter was dominated by the Steelers. They may have not dominated on the score but they dominated on the defensive side of the ball as they finally started getting to Rodgers. They were also to establish a running game which was led by Mendenhall. They managed to put up 7 points on the board to close the lead to 4. Rodgers and company snapped back into the game by driving down the field and putting up another score on a pass to Greg Jennings. That was Jennings 2nd touchdown of the night. The Steelers answered back with a touchdown drive of their own. Roethlisberger threw to Mike Wallace for a score, they went for the 2 point conversion and converted making the Packer lead only 3 points. The Packers knowing what they need to do, went out and did it. They drove down field, taking time off the clock and getting a crucial field goal. The Steelers had one chance to score with a drive, but failed on 4th down and lost the ball and the game.

Injuries were a huge part of this game as both teams lost crucial players through out the game. From the Steelers Emmanuel Sanders hurt his knee when he was slammed down on the tackle. He tried playing the following play, but came off and threw his helmet in frustration. He threw it because he knew it was serious, and he was carted off. The other big injury was McFadden who was pulled out, Nelson managed to score when William Gay was covering him. On the other side, Donald Driver was as he hurt his ankle and was taken out and never came back in. Sam Shields was another one who was injured but came back in the 2nd half after receiving treatment in the locker room. The most important injury during the game was Charles Woodson. He broke his collarbone during the 2nd quarter on a diving play to attempt the interception. At half time Woodson tried to address his teammates and tell them that he would not be able to continue on, but he was filled with emotion and was unable to finish.

What the Steelers did wrong: Turnovers killed the Steelers in this game. That was probably the biggest mistake that the Steelers made during this game and cost them the game. Big Ben made too many bad throws and had 2 INT’s, you rarely win a Superbowl game when you throw 2 INT’s. Also when the Steelers were driving down the field Mendenhall coughed up a huge fumble when the tide seemed to be favouring the Steelers. Their inability to hold onto the ball was crucial and made a big difference as the Packers capitalized on their turnovers. Going deep with Mike Wallace? Although Mike Wallace had 9 catches 89 yards and 1 TD he was not used as much as he should have been. When Sanders went down early, they relied heavily on him for short throws which did not do much. In the past few games they had thrown it deep to Wallace who is electric quick. This lack of going deep, caused little openings over the middle for the intermediate receivers who make their money when the middle is less crowded with the deep threat. Their inexperienced receiving core also made a difference in the end. Troy Polamalu? The defensive player of the year was very quiet. Usually Polamalu causes QB’s headaches trying to avoid him, but in this game he was quiet with only 3 tackles. Thats not really defensive POY play is it? Defensive Pressure anyone? The Steelers managed to get 3 sacks all game but had trouble getting to Rodgers in 3 of the 4 quarters. Rodgers is not a QB you want to have all day to pick you apart, cause he will. Stupid Penalties. The Steelers committed only 6 penalties for 55 yards, but it was the timing of these penalties which killed them. On their final drive the decent return back was cancelled because of a stupid push after the play was over. Silly penalties causes them problems as they continued to shoot themselves in the feet.

What the Packers did right: Aaron Rodgers, what more can I say about Rodgers. 304 yards passing, and 3 TD’s and 0 INT’s. Rodgers continued to pick apart the Steelers all night and remained calm through out as the game got close. Offensive Line. The Packers offensive line was key only allowing 3 sacks all game and giving Rodgers enough time to stand in the pocket. They did let Rodgers get hit a few times through out the game but against the Steelers defense its going to happen. Who needs the starters to win games? The Packers have been faced with injuries all year and this game was nothing different. They lost key players through out the game and plugged in players to go in a preform, and guess what they did. They were in fact key in the victory forcing big plays at key times and that is what wins games. Turnovers. Their ability to force turnovers was key in this game as they continued to force Big Ben into mistakes. Lets face it, if you turn over the ball you just can’t win games, plain and simple. Quick Start. Their quick start against a slow starting Steelers team was the difference. Their 14-0 first quarter start was huge because the Steelers brought the game back and without that they would have been in trouble.

Superbowl 45 will be in the record books as its now passed and the Packers are cemented in history as the Superbowl Champs. The Steelers had a great season, and fell one game short of ultimate glory for a 3rd time in 6 years. The Steelers could have won this game had they not committed so many turnovers, but that is still up for debate. Superbowl MVP went to Rodgers and now is a ‘winner’ and has emerged from the shadows of Brett Favre. Now that the season is done, its time to look forward to the CBA deal getting done or their will not be a season next year. Also coming up is the NFL draft which features some interesting talent.

Armaan Ahluwalia writes for the Dal Gazette and www.1inthestands.wordpress.com. Follow him on twitter @therealbrindian.

Sportstream.ca is the webcasting home of the Saint Mary's Huskies, Halifax Rainmen, Metro Marauders, and the AUS Men's Basketball Championships. Follow us on twitter @_sportstream_.

Derek vs. The Spread:Super Bowl Picks by the Pros

Steve Betts thinks the Packers edge on Special Teams will lead to victory in the Super Bowl.

by Derek Leblanc

For the last couple of weeks, I have been having a great time breaking the NFL postseason here on haligonia, but now it is time for the big game on Sunday between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers. While I may have my complete breakdown of the game, I thought it would be cool to ask other people thoughts for their Super Bowl picks, so me and Bill Mclean went through various contacts we have and were able to get some responses from journalists, broadcasters, musicians, athletics and others to give who should get it done. While we did have a few joke ones, it was great and I would like to thank everyone who helped out.

Gabe Morency (Co Host of Game Time Decisions on Game TV, Host of MMA Meltdown on the Fight Network/Sports Rage on www.morencysports.com)- For now I will say the Packers 34, the Steelers 31. I think it is going to come down to the last couple of minutes and somebody is going to make a big play. Rothlisberger legend will either grow with another drive or he will get picked off by Woodson or something. Someone will be a hero at the end of this game. You can make an argument for the over, the under, the Packers or the Steelers.
Note-Morency made this pick on Tuesday-To Check out his final pick go the morencysports.com on Sunday.

Chad Margulius (www.intheot.com)- Steelers 21-20. Mendenhall will pound the rock and chew up clock keeping Rodgers on the sideline for much of this game. Tomlin will find a way to outcoach McCarthy. And the Steelers like usual will come up with key big turnover at the most crucial part of the game.

TJ Grant (UFC fighter)-Gonna stick with Green Bay. Liked them coming into the season and here they are. It should come down to the last possession either way.
Cory Buckle (K-Rock News Editor, Fort McMurray, Alberta) - I think the Packers and the Steelers will play a fairly close game. Both teams rank very highly defensively. Rogers will step up after a rough game against the Bears and well Big Ben will be "Big" once again. I love his ability to run with the ball. The Steelers can't afford to simply mail it in after the first half if they have the lead. I predict a 23-17 game...Steelers bring home their 7th Championship.

Brodie Sanders (Maritimemmafans.com) - At first a lot of people were not sure about the Steelers making it to the Superbowl, but everyone was positive they would be seeing Green Bay there. Green Bay has seemed conservative in a few of their games and that is certainly no way to beat the Steelers. If Big Ben can find his receivers early on in the game I see no reason why the Steelers won't win by at least 10 and Big Ben will have his third Championship ring. I know a few Packers fans who would love to disagree with me.

Ryan MacDonald (Play by Play for CBU Basketball on caperstv.com/News reader for 101.9 The Giant, Sydney) - Definitely feeling a Pittsburgh win. I have no technical football reason why, other than a pure gut feeling. I'll take 28-21 Steelers. They just seem to be that annoying semi-dynastic sports team that people either love or hate, but always seem to find a way to win.

Troy Areseneault (guitarist Alert the Metic/Wheeler and booking agent for The Seahorse Tavern)-Green Bay.... Rodgers is nothing but class and deserves it!!! 20-14
Gary Whittaker (Host of the Franchise, TEAM 990, Montreal/The Weigh in on www.fightworld.tv)- GB 24 - PIT 17.Both have great D, but Rogers emerges from the shadow of Favre at QB and gets his first SuperBowl championship.

Ross Neilson (Musician)-I don't watch much sports stuff......BUT...I would totally go with the packers cause I love cheese and my bro is a packers fan so maybe he'd stop yammering about them if they win? Final score? Hmmm gonna go with 22-24 green bay.

Charlie A ‘Court (Musician) - I'm in the same boat as Ross but I'll take a stab at prediction. I'm going to say Green Bay comes from behind and scores a basket in the 9th inning to tie it with the Packers. It'll go to a shootout but in the end Packers win 30-Love. I've got a good feeling about this one.

Adam Reid (Actor/TV Host, http://www.adamreidonline.com)-Once in a generation, something happens that people know could possibly happen, don't believe will ever happen, but somehow it does. Most of course are right to be skeptical because after all who wouldn't be skeptical when a 6th ranked NFL team has to win all of its games on the ROAD to make it to the Superbowl. *cough*
Impossible Right....!? Impossible is sometimes misread. It really means, Im Possible. It means that anything is possible. Rogers believes it, the packers believe it, and I believe it.
Packers by 3-7 points at most for the most incredible win of a NFL team EVER in a superbowl and the hurdles they had to overcome to do it.

Ben Mills-(Halifax comedian) - Aaron Rodgers is supernatural in domes in the playoffs. The Superbowl is in a dome. It should be a high scoring affair with numerous deep attacks from both sides and occasional lapses in both secondaries. At the end the super slo-motion capture the obligatory shot of Rodgers staring upward into the confetti with Lombardi trophy in hand and MVP.

Keith Grienke (Owner/Editor www.topmmanews.com)- I have to take the Steelers. Their defense will overwhelm Rodgers and Roethlisberger will do enough and make few enough mistakes to win.

Cyril Lunney (Co-Host Breakfast Television)-Packers by 3

Kevin Northup (Weekend/Evening Announcer at CJLS the Wave, Yarmouth NS) - I think the Packers are going to win. Rodgers is really coming into his own, and Big Ben and the boys need to lose sometime in the Super Bowl... I'll say 28-18.

John Macneil (Colour Commentator for Eastlink Football) - Steelers 31 Packers 20. You can't give Dick Lebeau two weeks to prepare for a big game and not have him come up with a great defensive plan. Plus, Ben Roethlisberger is still trying desperately to prove to his teammates and the public that he is not a liability. My problem is that my heart is with Green Bay.

Steve Sarty, (Saint Mary’s Huskies Athletics Director)-I think it's Packers over the Steelers 28-21. Aaron Rodgers is the game MVP and Donald Driver scores the game winner.

Mavs Gillis (Voice of the Halifax Rainmen and Saint Mary’s Huskies on Sportstream Atlantic)-Steelers 28-24. Steelers have more experience than the Packers at the Super Bowl.
Garreth Macdonald, (CTV News Reporter)-31-24 Steelers. Polamalu has fantastic hair.

John Campbell (Head Coach of Dalhousie Tigers Men’s Basketball)-23-16 Packers. Big Ben throws an interception from the 35 yard line with time winding down.

Steve Sumarah, (Head Coach, Saint Mary’s Huskies football)-Steelers 21-17.Defensive play wins the game

Steve Betts (Sportstream Atlantic contributor and Colour Commentator for Dalhousie Tigers Hockey)- Packers by 10.Packers have better special teams, Pittsburgh due for a bad game.

Bill McLean (Voice of the Dalhousie Tigers, anchor of Sportstream Atlantic, and host of Bill McLean Sports Show on ckdu 88.1) -Packers 28-Steelers 24. Big Ben makes his first critical mistake in a Super Bowl that leads to a win for the Packers.

Avry Lewis McDougall-(Host, The Avry Sports Show, ustreamtv/channel/avryofedmonton)-give me 21-14 for the Packers. It’s going to be a smash mouth game. The Lombardi trophy comes home this year.

People who picked the Steelers to win-9
People who picked the Packers to win-15

Derek Leblanc is a sports writer and broadcaster in Halifax. Derek is a regular contributor to topmmanews.com.

Super Bowl Preview

Mike Tomlin of the Steelers will be coaching in his second Super Bowl.

by Armaan Ahluwalia

This is going to be one memorable Superbowl. With the teams which will be lining up this Sunday in Dallas for the 45th Superbowl, we are in for a treat. Both teams are rightly deserving for making it this far, as their seasons have been special. Superbowl 45 has some of the most storied franchises in NFL history.

Coming from the AFC, the Pittsburgh Steelers have won the Lombardi trophy a record 6 times. They have also had extreme success as of late making it to the Superbowl 3 times in the last 6 years. The NFC sends the Green Bay Packers who are no stranger to this game as their famous head coach’s name is on the Superbowl Trophy. Winning the Lombardi trophy 3 times and twice in the first years of the Superbowl. These teams do not lack All-stars, Hall of Famers, or Legendary Stadiums. This is a meeting of dominant and storied franchises and where else to meet but in a brand new billion dollar stadium in North Texas.

Pittsburgh Steelers: These steelers are lead by head coach Mike Tomlin and legendary defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. They managed to earn a birth in the big game after defeating the New York Jets in a dominating first half but fell apart barely able to hold on to the game in the final seconds. Don’t let that second half performance fool you, these steelers are legit. Their amazing record through out the season could have been better had Big Ben or Troy Polamalu not been injured.

Offense: Their offense is lead by troubled Ben Roethlisberger, who was suspended for the first 4 games of the year. He rebounded to come back and have a great season leading them to the final game. Rashard Mendenhall was a great power running back for them this year as he matches power and speed with a great balance. They have a solid receiving core which is lead by Hines Ward, the speedy Mike Wallace, Antwaan Randle El, and Emmanuel Sanders. Their offensive line has had troubles all year, but managed to grind out games. They are lead by rookie all-star Maurkice Pouncey who was injured during the Championship game and will not be playing in the Superbowl. This is a huge blow to Steelers as they have had so many injuries this year and this is another crucial one.

Defense: This is one of the best, if not the best defenses in the NFL. These guys carry the stereotypical Pittsburgh tag line ‘the steel curtain’. These guys coached by one of the greatest minds in the game has shown that they are for real. They play hard, physical and smash mouth defense. With so many all-stars and great players on this defense it makes it hard to get any yards against them. Casey Hampton, James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, James Farrior, Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor, and the list goes on and on. These guys are legit and have shut down so many offenses. LeBeau brings players from all over and creates pressure all around the QB confusing him.

Green Bay Packers: The Packers are lead by coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coach Dom Capers who has lead these Packers back to the postseason and a trip to the Superbowl doing in stylish fashion, beating the #3, #1, and #2 seed in order. Lead by MVP candidate Aaron Rodgers and a stingy defense which doesn’t get much credit these Packers have come out of the shadow that Brett Favre made. This team is on a hot stretch and is dangerous in every aspect of the ball.

Offense: This is clearly one of the best offenses in the league. Their ability to score loads of points, so fast is amazing. Lead by their All-Star QB Aaron Rodgers they lead a deadly attack. Rodgers ability to avoid the pressure as the pocket collapses is unreal. He reads defenses very well and has a cannon for an arm. Their running game was a concern at the beginning of the year as RB Ryan Grant went down early, and they scrambled to find a replacement. They found late round draft pick James Starks who has stepped in and dominated this postseason and has been crucial for the Packers ability to throw the ball successfully. They have Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones and Jordy Nelson catching the balls all day as Rodgers gets it to them. This is arguably the best receiving core in the league. Their offensive line has been solid as they have tried to rebuild it over the past few years and it has showed slowly.

Defense: This defense does not get a lot of credit. Even though they rank very high, they still don’t get the credit they deserve. Regardless, they have some amazing all-stars on the that side of the ball. Their 3-4 defense lead by mastermind Dom Capers has definitely helped. Their D-Line is lead by the freezer, B.J. Raji, who is eating up O-Lines all day. If you make it past the D-Line you have a ferocious Linebacking core which is lead by Clay Matthews, and A.J. Hawk. Their secondary is not too shabby either with Charles Woodson, Nick Collins, and rookie Tramon Williams.

Key Match-ups to watch: When the Packers have the ball. Aaron Rodgers vs. Steelers front 7. Can the front 7 get to Rodgers, and can they tackle him. That will need to be answered for the Steelers to come out with a victory. Also the Green Bay Receivers vs. Steelers DB’s. Green Bay’s Offensive X – Factor is RB James Starks. Pittsburgh’s Defensive X – Factor is Troy Polamalu. When the Steelers have the ball. Steelers O-Line vs. Green Bay front 7. The one tipping point for the Steelers is their offensive line, as they have had problems all year and especially as Big Ben spent a lot of time on the ground. If they Steelers can get a good push against Raji and the blitzing Matthews they should have a good chance. Steelers Offensive X – Factor is Heath Miller. Green Bay’s Defensive X – Factor is Clay Matthews.

Prediction: This game like I said is going to be tough, smash mouth, back and forth and close. These two teams have the chance to win the Superbowl simply because they are great teams with lots of talent. On the offensive side of the ball the Packers have the edge with a slightly more consistent QB, a great WR core and a solid O-line. The Steelers have a great QB who has 2 rings and a good running game and good receivers. The Steelers have the edge with the defense as they have so many all-stars and talent everywhere. The Packers have a great scheme defense with talent everywhere as well. The one thing that is the only huge difference between both teams is that the Steelers have a large chunk of the roster which has done this before, where the Packers only have 2 players who have been to the big game. I am going against the consensus and picking the Steelers. This game could come down to a last minute field goal, making the difference. I like Big Ben to get it done and with a solid defense to shut down Aaron Rodgers.

Pittsburgh 20 – Green Bay 17

Armaan Ahluwali writes for the Dal Gazette and www.1inthestands.wordpress.com. Follow him on twitter @therealbrindian.

Derek vs. The Spread: Superbowl

Big Ben's Super Bowl experience gives Pittsburgh the quarterback edge vs. Green Bay.

by Derek Leblanc

This is the moment that we have all been waiting for. The Green Bay and Pittsburgh Steelers will clash in Dallas on Sunday for the Super Bowl. While I can sit here and bore you with pre game talk I like to get down to business. I decided to break down each position on the field and see who has the upper hand come kickoff time.

Green Bay Packers (-2.5) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Quarterbacks
Green Bay-When trying to figure out who has the edge at quarterback going into super bowl 45, it is pretty even. Both team's starters are easily two of the best five quarterback in the league. With Green Bay, what can't you say about Aaron Rodgers that we have not seen in this postseason? He is basically taking this team and has a won three road games which is a feat in itself because the only other two in recent memory that have done it are Eli Manning with the Giants in 08 and the very qb he will face in Ben Roethlisberger who did it in 06. His rating is least in the 120 range in 3 of his 4 playoff games and even thou he had trouble last week against the toughest front 7 in the bears, he was still able to tackle down Brain Urlacher to save him from throwing a pick six. Plus with his scrambling, this will not be Rodgers only super bowl in his career.
Pittsburgh-While he may have his worse playoff showing in his career, Big Ben is clutch in the postseason. Over his career, he has gone 10-2 and has two super bowl rings to show for it and another win would give him a one way ticket to Canton, Ohio. We see what he can do in big pressure situations and is one of the best scramblers in the league but with how banged up his offensive line this season, he needs to be against this defense. Plus with playing teams like the Ravens twice a year, it has made this dude tough and can take a hit. In the one meeting he had against the Ravens, he suffered a broken nose and instead of getting it checked out, he got it popped back in and won the game for the Steelers. Hell he even fell off a motorcycle with no helmet and acted like it was nothing. He will not feel the pressure because of his past experience and with the various styles of receivers the team has, he can beat you in many ways
Advantage-While Rodgers does have the hot hand going into the game, i still have to lead with the Steelers for the better quarterback. Big Ben has gotten the Super Bowls and you should only play to do one thing and that is to hold the Lombardi trophy at season's ends.

Running Backs
Green Bay-While at the start of the season, they were set at the position with Ryan Grant, things can change in a flash. Grant went out the first game on the season against the Eagles and the Packers have had trouble filling the void that he 1200 yards he brought to the team. While they have one of the better fullbacks in the league in John Kuhn, he can only really help with pounding through a defensive line and can't get the big run. For most of the season, Brandon Jackson has been getting most of the carries, he has little success. The last couple of games of the regular season and part of the playoffs, James Starks have been able to give the team the help it needs to have a balance offense. While most people never heard of Starks till week 17, the former university of Buffalo star was the big reason why the team played in the international bowl back in 09. While the Steelers have the 2nd best rush defense of all time in stats, Green Bay will have try and find a way to have some success.
Pittsburgh-While the Steelers have their guy in the backfield with Rashad Mendenhall, people still think the rush is the weakest part of their offense. Mendenhall may not get the big name status like a Chris Johnson and Adrian Peterson; he quietly got third in rushing yards this season. If you want to look and see how well he really is, you have to look at his two games against the Jets this season. The Jets were 3rd in rushing yards allowed this season Mendenhall was the only person this year who could get over 100 yards in rushing against them. In week 15, he got 99 yards on 17 carries which was an average of 5.8 yards per carry. In the AFC championship he was basically the only person who could muster any good offense against the Jets going for 121 yards. While Isaac Redman has been good on third down situations for the Steel curtain, Mendenhall will be depended on big time if the Steelers want to win.
Advantage-While both team's rushing attacks were both ranked in the top five, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know the Steelers have the upper hand.

Offensive Line
Green Bay-One year can make a difference and that is the case for the front five of the pack. In 2009, Aaron Rodgers was sacked more than any other quarterback in the league. While it taught Rodgers to scramble better this season, the team picked up there game and were able to make adjustments to make sure the franchise is on the field. While you read this you may think that the o line had trouble because Rodgers had concussions on two separate occasions against the Lions and Redskins. For both times, Rodgers had gone pass the line and ran when he could not fine an open target. While at the start of the year they had problems with false starts, especially in week three at Chicago, they were able to get that jump that they need.
Pittsburgh-While the Steelers had some problems last year when the lost standout Alan Faneca to the Jets via free agency two years ago., they were able to adjust but this season has been hard on the team because of the injuries. Flozell Adams will be looked upon to help lead this time. While he does bring 13 year career with him, his best days are behind him. The also lost rookie center Maurkice Pouncey suffered an ankle injury against the Jets, While he was still a rookie and learning on the job, he was a big help for Florida getting a BCS championship and for Tim Tebow being able to rush for as many yards as he do. While the replacements have been able to work short periods of times to help Mendenhall, it has taken a toll on big ben when in motion.
Advantage-While Adams veteran presence will be a help for the young Steelers. Green Bay has everyone on that line healthy that we know of because we know that players will play through the pain.

Receivers
Green Bay-What helps makes a quarterback great is the weapons that he has to throw to. With Aaron Rodgers, he has more than plenty to choose from. Lead by 12 year veteran Donald Driver, this team was one of the best this year in the air ranking them 5th overall in the regular season. While Driver is getting up there in years, he is showing he is like a fine wine and getting better with age. His number one spot has been taken over by Greg Jennings the last couple of season. He had a career year with new highs or trying in yards, yards per catch, touchdowns and longest receptions, so he will be a handful to for the Steelers secondary. Besides those two, they have some younger guys in James Jones and Jordy Nelson. Plus they still have tight end Donald Lee, while even thou he has been quiet in the playoffs; he can help the core with his blocking.
Pittsburgh-Now I said the Packers and Steelers are similar in a lot of aspects and the receiving core for the Steelers is the same. We have the one veteran who has been getting it done for years in Hines Ward. While Ward’s number were down this season, he is still a value for this organization and can step in when needed. The newer guy in Mike Wallace brings the deep ball threat that hasn’t been seen since Plaxico Burress. He had a great second season finishing 3rd in the AFC with yards and was top for with seven 100 yards games and 21 yards per catch. He will also be a handful this game with the Packers secondary. Also the Steelers still have Antwaan Randle El and another young stud in rookie Emannuel Sanders. At tight end Big Ben still has one of his favourite targets in Heath Miller.
Advantage-While this was a tough matchup to pick, I will have the give the edge to the Packers because there have a better depth chart in my mind the Steelers.

Special Teams
Green Bay-with special teams there are so many elements to look over. With their field goal unit, kicker mason Crosby may not be a top five kicker, he is reliable, He made 22-28 in the regular season, and playing in the Midwest, you know the wind can play a factor. On the kick return thou things are not that good, they were ranked in the bottom in both yards and yards per return, but with their offense, they don’t need that big run on either side of the ball. On the defensive side, punter Tim Masthay does not get to go out much so he will not be expected to play too much in the game.
Pittsburgh-With kicker Shawn Suiisham, he has been good for the most part since joining the team after they released Jeff Reed midway through the season. His career % is 80 over his career, but he has been well travelled throughout his career, so that could be saying something. On the punting, Jeremy Kapinos is not used much so he will probably be quiet in this game as well. On kick returns, they do have Randle El on the punting side and can make big plays any where’s because he played qb while in college. He will be seen on kick returns as well where the Steelers can make a big play or two when needed.
Advantage-While the most pressure for special teams is field goals, I will have to go with the Packers. They can change the game with that one play and either be an Adam Vinatieri or a Scott Norward/Ray Finkle for the movie buffs

Secondary
Green Bay-Whenever you think of the Packers secondary, you have to look at one person and that is Charles Woodson. The Michigan Heisman winner is the heart of defensive core and even got a second wind after a rough final two years in Oakland. He was the defensive player of the year last year and he has made the secondary one of the best in the league. They have Tramon Williams on the other side of the corner who has had big playoffs especially with the final pick against the eagles. In the safety position you have Nick Collins and Charlie Pepreh at safety to prevent the deep threat. Plus they have a future star in Sam Shields who has had a good rookie season and a big game against the Bears with two picks, a sack and a force fumble. He will be a great replacement for when Woodson calls it a career. They have an average of only giving up 212 yards in the playoffs and that is good considering when Matt Ryan and Michael Vick were two of three quarterbacks they faced.
Pittsburgh-The only things I have to say about the Steelers backfield on defense is 214.1 and 122.5. That is the average amount of yards they gave up in the regular season and postseason although the postseason stat of 122.5 was against the Jets and Ravens who don’t have elite quarterbacks. Either way we know what Troy Polamalu can do for the team and so does the associated press because he was named defensive player of the year earlier this week. Also with Ryan Clark, he can help in the deep threat. On the corners we have Bryant McFadden and one of the most underrated players in the league in Ike Taylor. While may not get the number of picks as to an Asante Samuel as an example, he is like a Darrelle Revis in which he is good guarding on one man coverage. They do have some depth as well like William Gay and Anthony Madison.
Advantage-Both teams have solid guys all over the secondary and both teams each have a future hall of famer in Woodson and Polamalu. I will give the edge to the Packers because I like the guys coming off the bench more than the Steelers. Note I do have a small bias because Woodson is Wolverine alum.

Linebackers
Green Bay-While Polamalu may have won defensive player of the year, he only beat Clay Matthews by two votes. Matthews came out big this season with 13.5 sacks in his second season. He has also a big help on the line backing core this year and has taken a leadership role. Before the season, the Packers lost Aaron Kampmann to the jaguars and then in week four they lost Nick Barnett for the season so he come on to do what he can to help the Packers get to Dallas. He still hasn’t done it by himself thou, he still has AJ Hawk and Desmond Bishop with him in the middle Frank Zombo on the outside. The thumbs up does have to do to Dom Capers. While his head coaching career was not the best, he knows how till run a defense and with all the problems they had this season, he will get some bonus money.
Pittsburgh-The line backing core can be a nightmare for the packers and you have to think that the offensive line will be having nightmares about James Harrison. The former defensive player of the year has made a bigger name for himself this season but with mixed emotions. He has received a number of fines this year that totalled over $200 000. While there was a hit or two that deserved it there were plenty that were not. Ever since the Brady rule came in after 2008 season, you can’t play smash mouth football and that is what Harrison does. He easily could have played with Jack Lambert and the Steel curtain defense of 70’s. He will not care this game and he will do what he can to win this game. He will not be alone. He has James Farrior and LaMair Woodley with him that can also do some damage. They do some good secondary guys with Larry Foote and Lawrence Timmons they can come in a special different situations. While they can be a problem for the offensive line they will make sure the Packers running game weaker than it already is.
Advantage-With the way the both teams can hurt you up the middle, Pittsburgh’s guys can have no problem putting someone on a stretcher.

Defensive Line
Green Bay-With the Packers they have a solid front three and can create turnovers when they need to. A prime example was in the NFC championship against the Bears when nose tackle B.J Raji was able to get an interception and score the game winning touchdown to get them to Dallas. They do have some solid guys like Ryan Pickett, Cullen Jenkins on the starting line and have C.J Wilson on the bench if one of the guys would go down. They can have a big game because of the injuries on the Steelers offensive line and have only given up 69 yards a game in the postseason.
Pittsburgh-While the names on the Steelers front three may not be household names in the NFL. They can get the job done. While they may have not gotten the sacks, they sure as hell can stop the run. During the regular season, the Steelers held opponents to fewer than 65 rushing yards per game and only letting Patriots running back Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis gain over 87 yards. There hasn’t been much difference in the playoffs as they have just allowed only just over 52 yards a game. That is impressive when you’re facing the like of the Ravens and the Jets. This front three this season will go down as one with the 2000 Ravens and the 85 Bears for the best run defense of all time. Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel will lead the way and force Aaron Rodgers to throw the ball a lot on Sunday.
Advantage-I don’t even have to explain why the Steelers are better.

Final outcome-While breaking everything down I think we are going to see a tight defensive game. I think the Packers will get some turnovers over a weak Steelers offensive line and win the game 23-20 and cover the spread.

Derek Leblanc lives in Halifax and covers Mixed Martial Arts for Topmmanews.com.

Rainmen Defend Homecourt With Two Solid Wins

by Peter Clarke

THE GIST OF IT

Coming off of some major changes within the organization, the Rainmen dominantly defended their home court last weekend.

Rainmen put exclamation point on Maritime rivalry

The Rainmen put together a strong performance on Saturday against their East Coast rivals, the Saint John Millrats and recorded the 97 to 84 win.

The game didn’t seem so strong at first, however. Up until the two-minute mark, either team had managed to put together more than a few successful possessions.

Things picked up in the second quarter especially for the Millrats who outscored the Rainmen 30 to 23. They could not carry that success into the second half though and the Rainmen completely took over the game.

Halifax beats Rochester, makes posters

The Rainmen capped their weekend with their second win in less than 24 hours by beating the Rochester Razorsharks 111 to 97.

Halifax put together a monster 37 point first quarter and made the Sharks look very inept. They continued to outscore them all game long except for the fourth, but at the point it was essentially garbage time for the Rainmen.

With the two wins at home the Rainmen are tied for second in the league at 6-2 with the Quebec Kebs whom they play this weekend.

WHO DID IT

Marshall Brown had a big weekend for the Rainmen and led the way with 20 points and eight rebounds versus the Millrats. Josh Dollard followed him with 16 and seven and hit a three-pointer. The Rainmen also got big time contribution from Tajaun Porter who shot 4-of-7 from the three-point line and racked up 14 points. Taliek Brown was consistent as usual scoring 13 and dishing out eight assists.

Against the Sharks, Mike Mercer led the Rainnmen with 22 points and seven rebounds from the shooting guard position. Marshall Brown continued to dazzle the home fans with 21 points, which included a monster one-handed dunk over several Rochester players. Taliek Brown notched a double-double 15 points and 11 assists.

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE

The Rainmen have been moving along rather nicely as of late. The offense in fast and clicking, especially now under coach Mike Evans.

Unfortunately though a prospect could be leaving. Former NBA player Kirk Snyder has reportedly been looked at to join a team in China, which has seen several NBA players, join its profession league, including former Knicks star guard Stephon Marbury. He would make substantially more money overseas and Andre Levingston has given his blessing for Snyder to whip himself back into shape and make the journey.

It’s a shame because it would have been a great story for Halifax to have him rebuild his career here and make his way back to the NBA.

That is the kind of situation (knock-on-wood) that would make a case for Halifax to be the home of an NBA D-league team, which if you’re watching it on TV looks like they get less fans in the stands the Rainmen.

That is all hypothetical though.

In the real world, the quality of Rainmen basketball is much better than it was last year and I think the credit can be almost solely placed on the shoulders of Taliek Brown.

Brown is a great all-around point guard and a quality leader on the court. His passing helps get every player on the roster involved and he can score and get to the line when he needs to as well.

Halifax didn’t have that last year, as their two frontline guards, usually just played isolation basketball and ball movement was kept to a minimum.

Yes, people like flash when they watch basketball. Dunks and trick-layups fill sell seats, but so does smart, fundamental basketball – and that is what the Rainmen have been moving toward since Brown put on the jersey.

HECKLER’S ROW BURN OF THE WEEK

“DAVIS HUNGRY. NOW DAVIS TIRED!” – said to Razorsharks forward Lorenzo Davis who took a shellacking from the costumed comics.


Peter Clarke lives in Halifax and can be followed on twitter @rainmenblogger. Check out his website at http://rainmen.kingsjournalism.com/.