Blogs and Columns

Carl Robinson deserved a proper send-off from TFC

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:29:43 -0500

And then there was one.

Toronto FC's decision to release veteran Welsh midfielder Carl Robinson means that there is only one player, captain Jim Brennan, remaining with the Reds who played in the team's very first game against Chivas USA in April of 2007.

Robinson is currently on trial in New York where he hopes to earn a contract with the Red Bulls. If he does catch on in the Big Apple, Toronto will receive compensation (in the form of draft picks) but would still be on the line to pay a portion of his salary for the upcoming season.

Getting serious about headshots starts now

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:13:23 -0500

Olympics, trade deadline, now … headshots.

As the NHL’s general managers converge on Boca Raton, Fla., we’re going to find out if the promises made back in November were an actual breakthrough or just lip service. It sure seemed like the group wanted to eliminate “blindside” collisions while keeping aggressive, but clean hits as part of the game.

Thanks to Matt Cooke, whose destruction of Marc Savard was eerily similar to Mike Richards/David Booth, there will be a lot of emotion surrounding this debate.

Winning formula determined by trades, team philosophy

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:27:21 -0500

This whole trade deadline thing just keeps getting bigger with more media coverage every year.

We at the CBC and Hockey Night in Canada just finished an entire day dedicated to the day’s transactions. Not only did our crew report on the trades, we also analyzed every move made by the teams.

Tthe Washington Capitals and Calgary Flames were the two teams that intrigued me the most. Both teams added players based on their respective team’s philosophy. In other words, they added what they felt they needed to win the Stanley Cup.

Five questions: Montreal’s relative deadline inactivity, Olympic hangover

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:06:36 -0500

Here's how it works. You submit a question and Guy will provide the answer to five of them every week. It's that simple. That means your question may not make the final list, but there is nothing stopping you from submitting more than one! You can send your questions to CBCHockeyOnline@cbc.ca or post a comment in the field below.

Here are today's questions:

Olympics reinforce value of talented defenceman

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:24:43 -0500

First off, I want to commend all the residents of beautiful B.C for doing such an outstanding job hosting the Olympics. With the world (as many as three billion pairs of eyeballs) watching, you guys nailed it!

Is anyone taking the Sens seriously?

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:50:32 -0500

Read up on the latest tidbits and trends as Hockey Night in Canada’s play-by-play voice Jim Hughson takes you behind the scenes and into the game.

This week's work: Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa Senators: March 6, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT (CBC, CBCSports.ca).

The Price of Pride and Performance

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:12:55 -0500

The news that the Canadian government will extend its commitment to high performance sport is welcome indeed.

National pride requires an investment.

While we all reveled in the performances by this country’s athletes at the home Olympics, it’s safe to say there will be more moments to enjoy in the future.

Canadian women deserve praise for gold

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:29:55 -0500

Be proud of Canada’s women’s hockey team – and their Olympic gold medal in Vancouver.

A big year ahead for Canadian soccer

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:11:59 -0500

It’s OK to jump on football’s bandwagon in a World Cup year. If you want to drive around with a flag of choice adorning your vehicle, honking your horn in pride and celebration, I have no problem with that (on the understanding you don’t honk outside my house at two in the morning or behind me at a red light). It will be a memorable year, not only in South Africa, but also in our own backyard.

Opportunity knocks for Senators

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:03:53 -0500

The Ottawa Senators began their Olympic hiatus as one of the hottest teams in the National Hockey League.

After a 14-2 run through the latter part of January until the February break, the red hot Sens pulled themselves out of the battle for the eighth and final playoff spot and into a race with Buffalo for the Northeast Division lead. By giving themselves some breathing room they avoid the playoff jockeying that will occupy the last 19 games of the season.

TFC's poor defending cause for concern

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:09:16 -0500

Reading too much into pre-season results can be a dangerous thing. On many occasions, teams I have played on have gone on to have successful seasons after poor performances and surprising losses during pre-season.

From a player’s perspective, pre-season is all about getting your match fitness and ensuring that you are in peak condition when the season gets under way. Results are always important, but building up an understanding with your teammates takes precedence when there are no points at stake.

NHL must go to Sochi in 2014

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:34:01 -0500

Well, the fans have spoken. The ratings for the Olympic hockey games – especially the gold medal showdown – mean that the NHL must go to Sochi, even if a majority of the owners would rather be waterboarded.

Communicate – don't bellyache

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:35:38 -0500

It was two in the morning. Any hope of a solid night’s sleep was over. I fumbled for my dressing gown in the darkness and gingerly made my way downstairs to the kitchen. I filled the kettle and reached for the remote. Half an hour’s channel surfing would surely dull my senses enough to allow a return to the bedroom.

Congratulations to Christine and the CBA conundrum

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 06:29:45 -0500

Canadian women’s national team star Christine Sinclair set not one, but two remarkable milestones this week. She is now the most capped player in Canadian soccer, with 133 games to her credit, and she also reached the 100-goal mark for the national team.

In true Canadian fashion, Sinclair deflected the praise for her remarkable achievements:

Five questions: Canadian goaltending, advice on beating Russia

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:59:42 -0500

Here are today's questions: