NFL POOL FINAL STANDINGS

1) Stefano: 44-24

2) Moe: 39-29

3) Producer: 38-30

4) Mr. Khan: 36-32

5) Mitch: 35-33

6) Matthew: 32-36

7) Sean: 28-40



DETROIT +7.5 @ GREEN BAY

SAN DIEGO +2.5 @ KANSAS CITY

CAROLINA +3.5 @ ATLANTA

CINCINNATI +2.5 @ PITTSBURGH



Matthew: DET SD, CAR, PIT
Moe: GB, SD, CAR, PIT
Producer: DET, KC, ATL, CIN
Stefano: GB, SD, CAR, PIT
Mitch: DET, SD, ATL, PIT
Sean: GB, SD, CAR, CIN
Mr. Khan: GB, ATL, KC, PIT

NFL POOL STANDINGS + WEEK 17 PICKS

Stefano: 41-23

Producer: 37-27

Moe: 36-28

Mitch: 34-30

Mr. Khan: 33-31

Matthew: 30-34


Sean C: 26-38



DETROIT +7.5 @ GREEN BAY

SAN DIEGO +2.5 @ KANSAS CITY

CAROLINA +3.5 @ ATLANTA

CINCINNATI +2.5 @ PITTSBURGH



Matthew: Det SD, CAR, PIT
Moe: GB, SD, CAR, PIT
Producer: DET, KC, ATL, CIN
Stefano: GB, SD, CAR, PIT
Mitch: DET, SD, ATL, PIT
Sean: GB, SD, CAR, CIN
Mr. Khan: GB, ATL, KC, PIT

NFL POOL STANDINGS + WEEK 16 PICKS

Stefano: 39-21

Producer: 34-26

Moe: 33-27

Mitch: 32-28

Mr. Khan: 30-30
Matthew: 30-30


Sean C: 23-37


KANSAS CITY +3.5 @ PITTSBURGH

INDIANAPOLIS +1.5 @ DALLAS

SEATTLE -6.5 @ ARIZONA

DENVER -3.5 @ CINCINNATI


Matthew: KC, IND, AZ, DEN
Moe: PIT, IND, SEA, CIN
Producer: PIT, IND, SEA, CIN
Stefano: PIT, IND, SEA, DEN
Mitch: PIT, IND, SEA, DEN
Sean: PIT, DAL, SEA, DEN
Mr. Khan: PIT, DAL, AZ, CIN

NFL POOL STANDINGS + WEEK 15 PICKS

Stefano: 37-19

Producer: 31-25
Moe: 31-25

Mitch: 30-26

Mr. Khan: 28-28


Matthew: 27-29


Sean C: 21-35



HOUSTON +6.5 @ INDIANAPOLIS

CINCINNATI -1.5 @ CLEVELAND

DENVER -3.5 @ SAN DIEGO

DALLAS +3.5 @ PHILADELPHIA


Matthew: HOU, CIN, DEN, DAL
Moe: IND, CLE, DEN, PHI
Producer: IND, CIN, SD, DAL
Stefano: HOU, CLE, DEN, DAL
Mitch: HOU, CIN, SD, PHI
Sean: IND, CLE, DEN, PHI
Mr. Khan: IND, CIN, SD, PHI

Montreal Alouettes lock up linebacker Chip Cox

The first big piece of the Montreal Alouettes free agent riddle has been solved with the re-signing of linebacker, Chip Cox to a three year deal.

Thus likely seeing him finish his career in the only uniform his has known.

For general manager, Jim Popp, it is a sigh of relief to have locked up a player who is arguably playing his best football in his career.

Cox, who will be 32 years old next June, will continue to bring the leadership role on the field. 

Still in his prime, and the way he is utilized in defensive system employed by Noel Thorpe, it is expected he will continue to put up high end numbers.

Once again history is being playing out by the Alouettes re-signing their own players before they ever delve into February's free agent market.

However, with Cox locked up, how much money will be offered to middle linebacker, Bear Woods? Woods is coming off his best season, but could Popp reward him based off of one season, or will this be an incentive laden contract?

Furthermore, the biggest piece is the future of S.J. Green. With this year's free agent market expected to be loaded with receiver talent, does this expedite the negotiation process on both sides?

Fascinating times has beckoned the Alouettes franchise. But for now, they're off to a great start with the Cox signing, and now with Green, and Woods due up in the pecking order. 

Follow me on Twitter: MoeKhan19

Photo credit: Journal de Montreal

NFL POOL STANDINGS + WEEK 14 PICKS

Stefano: 35-17

Producer: 29-23

Moe: 28-24
Mitch: 28-24

Mr. Khan: 27-25


Matthew: 25-27


Sean C: 19-33


BALTIMORE +2.5 @ MIAMI

PITTSBURGH +3.5 @ CINCINNATI

KANSAS CITY +1.5 @ ARIZONA

SEATTLE +1.5 @ PHILADELPHIA



Matthew: MIA, PIT, KC, SEA
Moe: BAL, PIT, KC, SEA
Producer: MIA, PIT, KC, SEA
Stefano: MIA, CIN, AZ, SEA
Mitch: BAL, PIT, KC, PHI
Sean: BAL, CIN, KC, SEA
Mr. Khan: MIA, PIT, KC, PHI

NFL POOL STANDINGS + WEEK 13 PICKS

Stefano: 32-16

Producer: 26-22

Moe: 25-23
Mr. Khan: 25-23

Mitch: 24-24

Matthew: 23-25


Sean C: 17-31


Philadelphia +2.5 @ Dallas

Seattle +0.5 @ San Francisco

New England +2.5 @ Green Bay

Denver -1.5 @ Kansas City


Matthew: DAL, SF, GB, DEN
Moe: PHI, SEA, NE, DEN
Producer: DAL, SEA, GB, DEN
Stefano: PHI, SF, GB, DEN
Mitch: PHI, SEA, GB, DEN
Sean: DAL, SEA, NE, DEN
Mr. Khan: DAL, SF, GB, DEN

The top moments from 10 years of GamePoints with Matthew Ross on TSN 690 - Thank you!

In October of 2004, GamePoints began, the same month that the Montreal Expos had their last broadcast on then The Team 990. GamePoints is the station's longest running non full-time program. So it's akin to me either being one of the greatest AHL players ever, or a long time 5th line NHL player.

Thanks to all of the producers over the years, including: Dave Simon (first producer), Rod Francis, Tommy Ferino, Will Martinez, Trex Griffin, Marco Campagna, Sean Coleman, JC Godin, Jimmy Garoufalis, Eric Thomas, Jimmy Spencer, Steph Hamel, and many more...

Thanks to sub-hosts and co-hosts such as: Arash Madani, Sean Campbell, Dave Kaufman, Moe Khan.

Thanks to in-studio assistance from: Stefano Mocella, Metric Julie, Vinny Micheli, Erica Tadeo.

Thanks to regular guests such as: Jeff Erickson, Scott Cullen, Gabriel Morency, Dwight Walton, Tony Moss, John McMullen, Ray Callari, Dave Golokhov, Dave Pagnotta and many, many more.

Thanks to regular listeners over the years, including: Louis in Ville-Mercier, Devesh, Christos, Chris S., Ian Smith and many, many more.

Top 10 Moments:


1. Marriage proposal live on air (2005): I had my wife's best friend bring her in studio and I proposed live on air in February of 2005. The clip was replayed the following day on Melnick in the Afternoon.


2. Marty Turco bets with a fan, exclusive (2011): A fan at a Habs game bets with Blackhawks backup goalie in the stands, and then calls in after the game. He even sends us proof. The audio clip went viral via Puck Daddy and other sites. The NHL subsequently investigated.  


3. Arturo Gatti interview (2008): A year before his death, Gatti told us of plans to one day fight in Montreal, possibly at Olympic Stadium, and to also open a Montreal boxing school.


4. Realities of Sport Celeb Panel (2012): Talking about everything from drugs in sports to performance, in studio we had Meghan Agosta of Hockey Canada, Dwight Walton, Etienne Boulay of the Montreal Alouettes and minor league infielder Jonathan Jones of the San Francisco Giants organization.

5. Jose Canseco calls in (2011): Dave Kaufman sub-hosted and through interaction on Twitter, got Jose Canseco to call in.

6. Chad Johnson interview (2011): For the first time ever, Chad Johnson does a Montreal interview. Moe met Chad while he was in town filming a show and the result was a bizarre, low key interview, years before he ever thought of playing in the CFL.

7. Carey Price draft night exclusive (2005): Alongside Dave Kaufman, we were the first Montreal outlet to interview Carey Price on air.

8. Theo Fleury interview (2009): We had the first Montreal interview after Fleury's tell-all book came out.

9. Brandon London's Dad calls in (2013): Brandon London's Dad, a college football head coach, calls in to chat on air with show guest co-host Brandon London. Even Brandon's little brother makes a quick appearance on the show.

10. The Marathon (2007): I set the station record for longest hosting shift, with a 10.5 hour marathon Sunday show. It should have been for charity in retrospect, but in the end I asked Wayne Bews if I could do it on a lark and he said yes. The record stands to this day.

It's been a great ride and we hope it continues for another ten years. Thank you all for listening. 

NFL Pool Standings + Week 12 Picks

Stefano: 29-15

Producer: 24-20

Mitch: 23-21
Moe: 23-21
Mr. Khan: 23-21


Matthew: 21-23


Sean C: 15-29


Cincinnati +2.5 @ Houston

Arizona +6.5 @ Seattle

Miami +7.5 @ Denver

Baltimore +3.5 @ New Orleans



Matthew: HOU, SEA, DEN, BAL
Moe: CIN, SEA, DEN, NO
Producer: CIN, SEA, DEN, NO
Stefano: CIN, AZ, MIA, BAL
Mitch: HOU, SEA, DEN, NO
Sean: CIN, SEA, DEN, NO
Mr. Khan: CIN, AZ, MIA, NO

NFL Pool Standings + Week 11 Picks

Stefano: 26-14

Mitch: 23-16


Producer: 22-18


Moe: 21-19
Mr. Khan: 21-19


Matthew: 20-20


Sean C: 13-27



Buffalo +5.5 @ Miami

Philadelphia +5.5 @ Green Bay

Seattle +1.5 @ Kansas City

Detroit +1.5 @ Arizona




Matthew: BUF, PHI, SEA, AZ
Moe: BUF, GB, SEA, AZ
Producer: MIA, GB, SEA, DET
Stefano: BUF, GB, KC, AZ
Mitch: BUF, PHI, SEA, DET
Sean: MIA, GB, SEA, DET
Mr. Khan: BUF, GB, SEA, AZ

Gabriel Morency on Habs Slump, Expos Return, NFL Week 10

NFL Pool Standings + Week 10 Picks

Stefano: 23-13

Mitch: 20-16
Moe: 20-16
Mr. Khan: 20-16

Producer: 18-18

Matthew: 17-19


Sean C: 12-24



CLEVELAND +5.5 @ CINCINNATI

MIAMI +2.5 @ DETROIT

KANSAS CITY -1.5 @ BUFFALO

SAN FRANCISCO +3.5 @ NEW ORLEANS



Matthew: CLE, DET, KC, NO
Moe: CIN, DET, BUF, NO
Producer: CLE, DET, KC, SF
Stefano: CLE, DET, KC, NO
Mitch: CLE, DET, KC, NO
Sean: CIN, MIA, KC, NO
Mr. Khan: CIN, DET, BUF, NO

NFL Pool Standings + Week 9 Picks

Stefano: 21-11

Mitch: 18-14
Mr. Khan: 18-14

Moe: 17-15

Matthew: 16-16
Producer: 16-16


Sean C: 12-20



SAN DIEGO +2.5 @ MIAMI

ARIZONA +3.5 @ DALLAS

DENVER -2.5 @ NEW ENGLAND

BALTIMORE +0.5 @ PITTSBURGH



Matthew: SD, AZ, DEN, BAL
Moe: SD, AZ, NE, PIT
Producer: MIA, DAL, DEN, BAL
Stefano: MIA, AZ, DEN, BAL
Mitch: MIA, DAL, DEN, PIT
Sean: SD, DAL, DEN, BAL
Mr. Khan: MIA, DAL, NE, BAL

Gabriel Morency on NHL, NFL Week 8,

NFL POOL STANDINGS + WEEK 8 PICKS

Stefano: 19-9

Matthew: 16-12
Moe: 16-12
Mitch: 16-12

Mr. Khan: 15-13


Producer: 14-14


Sean C: 11-17



SAN DIEGO +7.5 @ DENVER

BALTIMORE +0.5 @ CINCINNATI

PHILADELPHIA +2.5 @ ARIZONA

INDIANAPOLIS -2.5 @ PITTSBURGH



Matthew: SD, BAL, PHI, IND
Moe: SD, BAL, PHI, PIT
Producer: SD, BAL, AZ, PIT
Stefano: SD, CIN, PHI, PIT
Mitch: DEN, CIN, PHI, IND
Sean: DEN, BAL, PHI, IND
Mr. Khan: DEN, BAL, AZ, PIT

NFL POOL STANDINGS + WEEK 7 PICKS

Stefano: 16-8

Matthew: 15-9


Mr. Khan: 13-11
Mitch: 13-11

Moe: 12-12


Producer: 11-13


Sean C: 8-16



CINCINNATI +2.5 @ INDIANAPOLIS


CAROLINA +7.5 @ GREEN BAY


NEW ORLEANS +2.5 @ DETROIT


SAN FRANCISCO +6.5 @ DENVER



Matthew: IND, CAR, DET, SF
Moe: IND, GB, NO, DEN
Producer: IND, GB, DET, DEN
Stefano: IND, GB, DET, DEN
Mitch: IND, GB, DET, DEN
Sean: IND, GB, NO, SF
Mr. Khan: CIN, GB, DET, DEN

NFL Pool Standings + Week 6 Picks

Stefano: 14-6


Mr. Khan: 12-8
Matthew: 12-8


Mitch: 10-10


Producer: 9-11
Moe: 9-11


Sean C: 5-15




Indianapolis -2.5 @ Houston


New England -3.5 @ Buffalo


Dallas +8.5 @ Seattle


NY Giants +2.5 @ Philadelphia





Matthew: IND, NE, DAL, NYG
Moe: IND, NE, SEA, PHI
Producer: IND, BUF, DAL, NYG
Stefano: IND, BUF, SEA, PHI
Mitch: IND, NE, SEA, PHI
Sean: IND, NE, SEA, PHI
Mr. Khan: HOU, BUF, SEA, PHI

NFL Pool Standings + Week 5 Picks

Mr. Khan: 12-4

Stefano: 11-5

Matthew: 9-7
Producer: 9-7

Mitch: 8-8

Moe: 7-9


Sean C: 2-14



Houston +4.5 @ Dallas

Baltimore +3.5 @ Indianapolis

Arizona +7.5 @ Denver


Cincinnati -1.5 @ New England




Matthew: HOU, IND, DEN, CIN
Moe: DAL, BAL, DEN, NE
Producer: DAL, BAL, AZ, CIN
Stefano: HOU, BAL, DEN, NE
Mitch: DAL, IND, AZ, NE
Sean: DAL, IND, DEN, NE
Mr. Khan: DAL. BAL, AZ, CIN

NFL Pool Standings + Week 4 Picks

Stefano: 9-3

Mr. Khan: 8-4

Matthew: 6-6
Producer: 6-6

Moe: 5-7
Mitch G: 5-7

Sean C: 1-11





Carolina +3.5 @ Baltimore


Buffalo +2.5 @ Houston


Philadelphia +4.5 @ San Francisco


New Orleans -2.5 @ Dallas






Matthew: CAR, HOU, SF, DAL
Moe: BAL, BUF, SF, NO
Producer: BAL, BUF, SF, DAL
Stefano: CAR, HOU, PHI, DAL
Mitch: BAL, HOU, PHI, DAL
Sean: BAL, BUF, PHI, NO
Mr. Khan: BAL, HOU, SF, DAL

Gabriel Morency on Adrian Peterson, NFL

NFL Pool Standings + Week 3 Picks

Stefano: 6-2
Matthew: 4-4
Mr. Khan: 4-4
Moe: 4-4
Producer: 4-4
Mitch G: 3-5
Sean C: 1-7





San Diego +2.5 @ Buffalo

Green Bay +1.5 @ Detroit

San Francisco -2.5 @ Arizona

Denver +4.5 @ Seattle



Matthew: SD, GB, SF, SEA
Moe: BUF, GB, SF, SEA
Producer: SD, GB, SF, SEA
Stefano: SD, DET, SF, SEA
Mitch: SD, GB, SF, SEA
Sean C: BUF, GB, SF, DEN
Mr. Khan: SD, DET, AZ, SEA

Gabriel Morency on Ray Rice, Roger Goodell, NFL

NFL Pool Standings + Week 2 Picks

Stefano: 3-1
Matthew: 2-2
Mr. Khan: 2-2
Moe: 1-3
Sean C: 1-3
Mitch G: 1-3
Producer: 0-4




Detroit +2.5 @ Carolina

Atlanta +5.5 @ Cincinnati

Chicago +6.5 @ San Francisco

Philadelphia +3.5 @ Indianapolis



Matthew: CAR, CIN, SF, IND
Moe: CAR, CIN, SF, PHI
Producer: CAR, CIN, CHI, PHI
Stefano: CAR, CIN, SF, PHI
Mitch: DET, ATL, CHI, PHI
Sean C: DET, ATL, SF, IND
Mr. Khan: CAR, CIN, SF, IND

Gabriel Morency on Michael Sam to Dallas, Super Bowl XLIX Pick

Jonathan Crompton on Alouettes beating Ottawa

Matt Cauz on GamePoints Aug 31

Rich Griffin on Blue Jays Collapse, 1994 Expos

Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann on Broncos Offseason Stories

Matt Snyder on MLB Pennant Races

Sean Menard on 'The Perfect Storm' Documentary

Jay Jaffe on MLB Pennant Races

John Hoven NHL Offseason

Gabriel Morency Aug 20

Matt Cauz on Blue Jays losing ground, Argos fan base, weak CFL East

Tweet 10 Ways to make Baseball Games Shorter

Gabriel Morency on Becky Hammon, Eugenie Bouchard, PK Subban

Jeff Erickson Fantasy Football Draft Advice

Jay Jaffe of Sports Illustrated on MLB waiver deadline and Tim Raines

Gabriel Morency responds to Whitlock, Dungy comments

Dwight Walton responds to Jason Whitlock comments

Roy Bergerman on Little League Baseball Canada

Brian Compton on offseason NHL News

Gabriel Morency on Erin Andrews, World Cup winner and Jays

Gabriel Morency on Brazil vs Germany, NBA Free Agency

Tweet 10 Reasons the A's are moving to Montreal

Alexis Brudnicki on GamePoints Rendez Vous

Gabriel Morency on Wimbledon, World Cup Quarters

Dwight Walton NBA Free Agency

Lyra Pappin on Genie Bouchard in Wimbledon Final

1996 Grey Cup Eskimos vs Argonauts Useless Moment

Alouettes Cheerleader Director Annie Larouche GamePoints Rendez Vous

Gabriel Morency on WNBA, World Cup, Alouettes

Joe Yerdon recaps NHL Free Agency

Who the Habs next captain should be

Dave Pagnotta on Habs Free Agency Moves

Ray Callari and Alex Agostino on Canadians in Baseball 1

Laurent Duvernay Tardif on transition to NFL

John Hoven NHL Free Agency

Gabriel Morency World Cup and NHL Awards

Alouettes Season Opener Preview

Great Useless Moments: 1981 NLDS Game 1 Larry Parrish Pop-up

Matthew Cauz on Blue Jays losing Bautista and Lawrie

Ryan Fitzpatrick wins Texans staring job

Andrew Bucholtz of Yahoo Sports on CFL Season 2014

Gabriel Morency on World Cup prop betting, CFL Preseason

Montreal Alouettes Preseason 2014 + Tweet 10

Brandy Starr GamePoints Rendez Vous

Gabriel Morency CFL Preseason

Didier Ormejuste on CFL Labour Deal, Alouettes Training Camp

Matthew Cauz on Blue Jays, Wine

Montrealers Outdoor Sports Stories

Gabriel Morency on NHL, NBA Finals and Bills new ownership

Alana Bonner GamePoints Rendez Vous

Dave Pagnotta on 2014 Stanley Cup Final

Sara Diamond sings Canadian National Anthem

Sara Diamond on Habs Playoff games, advice from Ginette Reno

Baseball Prospect Jean-Francois Garon

Barry Bloom on MLB Midseason

Natalie Carlino on GamePoints Rendez Vous

Gabriel Morency on NBA and NHL Conference Finals

Matt Cauz on Habs vs Rangers, CFL Draft

Joe Yerdon on NHL Conference Finals

Gabriel Morency Habs vs Bruins pick and NBA Playoffs

Shawn Hutcheon Habs vs Bruins Game 7 Preview

Max Lamarche CAN-AM Baseball

Ralph D Russo on Michael Sam being drafted

Brandon London on his offseason training

Andrea 'Skelators' on GamePoints Rendez Vous

John Hoven on Kings vs Ducks and changes for Sharks

Gabriel Morency on CBC, Habs vs Bruins, NBA

Jimmy Murphy Habs vs Bruins

Eric Wilbur of Boston Globe on Montreal vs Boston series

Matthew Ross speech from the Montreal Baseball Project Gala honouring the 1994 Expos

The following is my speech from the March 29, 2014 Gala that honoured the 1994 Montreal Expos, as put on by the Montreal Baseball Project:

Bon soir. first I want to thank the Montreal Baseball Project, the Montreal Board of Trade, Ernst & Young and BCF for their tireless and ongoing efforts to bring baseball back. 

In the fall of 1993, when I was 15, the Expos finished the season on a torrid pace, narrowly missing the promised land. It created a ripple in the Montreal sports scene, a real curiosity. But with the Canadiens still ruling as the reigning NHL champs, Nos Amours were still a distant second fiddle among my peers. It wasn't cool to wear Expos hat or shirts. 

And then 1994 happened. By June, it was hard to ignore the special feeling that was beginning to grip the city. All of a sudden, not only were the Expos cool, but they IT! Teens were staying out late and going to the Big Owe on school nights, and the once skeptical guy next to me in homeroom now had a Larry Walker jersey. 

And then it happened, the season was gone and so too was the magic. Or was it? 20 years later, the story of the 1994 Expos has reached mythical proportions. They are the James Dean of baseball history, having died young and never reaching full potential. 

But out of this unfulfilled season has risen immortality. Much like the spirit of Gary Carter, it's something that both the Montreal Baseball Project and ExposNation have and will continue to draw on.

A full 20 years after the 94 Expos were beginning to light the fire of sports fans  in this city, if today's pre-game reaction at Olympic Stadium was any indication, I think it's safe to say they have helped to make the game cool again in Montreal. 

From the bottom of mine and my committee's hearts, merci beaucoup.  

Gabriel Morency on Donald Sterling, NBA, NHL

Shawn Hutcheson previews Habs vs Bruins Playoff Series

Eric Macramalla on legal options following Donald Sterling comments

Matt Cauz on Raptors vs Nets, Blue Jays

SJ Green Discussing Alouettes 2014 Offseason

Gabriel Morency on Habs sweeping Tampa, Raptors

Joe Yerdon on Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round

John Hoven on Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference First Round

Gabriel Morency on Habs, Raptors and Chad Johnson

Dave Pagnotta previews Stanley Cup Playoffs

Could the Vanier Cup be a success in Montreal

This fall, the 50th edition of the Vanier Cup is coming to city of Montreal and is set to be played at Percival-Molson Stadium on the McGill campus. 

This is big news in the CIS circles, however, could this occasion be a success in a cosmopolitan city that has a lukewarm passion for CIS football.

Already CIS is a bit behind the eight-ball in announcing their signature game set to be played in less than eight months time. A lot of work needs to be done.

In order for the Vanier Cup to be successful, Montreal mayor Denis Coderre, the Montreal Alouettes, and CIS committee will need to go full out in promoting this event. Billboards, strategic signage within Quebec university campuses, and constant television/radio promotions have be to  visible in a community that is hockey mad.

That means having key CIS public relations people involved that know the Montreal area such as McGill's own Earl Zuckerman, and Montreal Carabins Benoit Mongeon. These two are the best at what they do, and would be key additions in raising the profile of this game. Moreover, McGill University as a whole will do a fantastic job in making sure their student body, and alumni know about this crown jewel of an event.

This year's playoff rotation will have the RSEQ taking on Canada West, and OUA battling AUS. It is imperative the right match-up occurs for this event to be successful.

Now, on paper a Calgary-Western battle would look appealing, but could it fly in Montreal. From a local standpoint, if defending champions Laval, Montreal (who literally play on the other side of the hill), or host site McGill were to make it to the big game it would generate an increase in ticket sales.

It is hard to imagine smaller communities from outside the province of Quebec traveling in droves to Montreal. Are hotels planning to block off section of rooms for traveling parties coming to this game?

Aesthetically, it would be an eye sore if only a few thousand show up particularly if a RSEQ team is not involved. As one football representative who has a strong pulse on the community told me over the weekend, the organizing committee needs to get as many minor football programs to attend. Instill the idea of the next generation of kids playing in this game in the near future.

At the same time, with the Vanier Cup essentially going head to head with Grey Cup weekend in Vancouver. The CIS could be staring at an abyss of national media coverage considering all eyes will be on Canada's biggest signature game on the other side of the country. Furthermore, if the Alouettes were to make it to the big game, it could result in the top local media personalities covering the game in Vancouver.

At the end of the November, Montreal weather can be unpredictable where a snowstorm could happen, or simply it is bitter cold. Organizers need to hope it is a nice, comfortable day for the fans to enjoy the game.

Finally, if the Vanier Cup goes head to head with a Montreal Canadiens home game it could mean trouble. Historically, the Canadiens will play a bulk of home games at the end of November before their predominant road schedule in December. If the Canadiens happen to play the Toronto Maple Leafs, or another big name NHL team, it could pose problems from the attention being directed towards the hockey team than the game itself.

There are a lot of moving variables in this project. It is a big leap of faith for CIS to give the 50th edition of this game to a city that has never been a part of the rotation.

Now the hard work begins for the committee in making this a successful event.    

Follow me on Twitter @MoeKhan19

Photo credit: Edmonton Journal

Dominic Therrien on how a MTL Downtown Ballpark could be funded

Dave Pagnotta on Canucks firing Gillis, Habs

Gabriel Morency April 9

CM Punk Pipe Bomb Compilation

The Habs MUST Trade for Evander Kane

Jeff Erickson on Fantasy Baseball

Potential Alouettes 2014 starting lineup for week one

With about two months until training camp for the Montreal Alouettes, it is not too early to start projecting what their starting lineup could be when they begin the season in Calgary on June 28th.

Offense

QB: Troy Smith: Going into camp, Smith will be given the first shot to convince the coaching staff he is the man to replace retired Anthony Calvillo. However, it shouldn't surprise anyone if the Alouettes take a long look at Ottawa REDBLACKS pivot Kevin Glenn as an insurance policy.

RB: Brandon Whitaker: This is a big year for him, as the last two years were marred by injuries. Could "2-Way" rekindle the form he had in 2011 in being one of the dangerous players on the field? If not, Tyrell Sutton will be hot for the starting position.

WR: S.J. Green: Without question, the most dangerous receiver on the roster.

WR: Duron Carter: Comes from a strong family tree, he showed why he will be on a NFL roster in 2015. He has plenty of room to grow in honing his skills before he jumps to the next level.

WR: Jamel Richardson: "Optimus Prime" has looked crisp in his videos he's posted up on social media in rehabbing his 2013 season ending injury. Team him with Carter and Green it is a nightmare for the opposition.

WR: Brandon London: For now, he gets the last spot. 2013 was a tough year, but head coach Tom Higgins loves big receivers which could bode well for London.

OT: Josh Bourke: Alouettes re-signed one of their cornerstones. It’s very rare to find a non-import who 

can dominate the most important position on the field.

OG: Scott Flory: With Flory being named CFLPA president, the transition has already started with him to ride off in the sunset. Keep an eye at this position if he stays or goes. See Ryan Bomben as potential replacement.

C: Luc Brodeur-Jourdain: Continues to be the central rock of the offensive line.

OG: Kristian Matte: Could this be the year where he becomes a mainstay on the Alouettes offensive line? He will face a lot of competition.

OT: Jeff Perrett: Continues to be the good soldier, this could be the year where he will be a mainstay starter.

Non-Import player rotation: Dave Stala: Second go around with the Alouettes. Was he brought in to give incumbent Eric Deslauriers competition?

Defense:

DE: John Bownman: Unquestionably the leader of the defense, he is in the prime of his career, hoping to keep the Alouettes defense a force.

DT: Scooter Berry: Coming off a season ending knee injury, he was a force inside.

DT: Alan-Michael Cash: A strong season, continues to get better each day.

DE: Aaron Lavarias: The Alouettes’ hardest worker who has constantly harassed the opposing quarterback. Going into year two should make him more refined.

LB: Chip Cox: The CFL defensive player of the year in 2013.  At age 31, in the prime of his career he could put up stronger numbers in his second year under Noel Thorpe's system.

LB: Kyries Hebert: He had a strong 2013 season. He will turn 34 during the season; could he still continue to dominate?

LB: Marco Brouillette: With Shea Emry now in Toronto, it’s time for Brouillette to take over a position he has been groomed for.

CB: Geoff Tisdale: A solid signing by Jim Popp in 2013, he will man this position in 2014.

HB: Billy Parker: At 33, Parker has defied father time, and continues to be a force playing a tough position.

S: Mike Edem: Naturally gifted, Edem enters his second season where Thorpe could ask more from him. Physically gifted, once he masters the mental game, he should be fine.   

HB: Jerald Brown: See Billy Parker assessment.  Brown continues to defy the odds by being a mainstay in the Alouettes secondary.

CB: Ed Gainey: Showed why he is one of the underrated players on this squad. His versatility makes him appealing.

In-play rotation: The Alouettes have gone retro with their signings, keep an eye on Jermaine McElveen, a big body who adds depth to the defensive line.

Follow me on Twitter @MoeKhan19

Photo credit: CTV News

Gabriel Morecy on Expos and Blue Jays vs Mets Games

Tim Raines after Jays vs Mets Game

Who could the Montreal Alouettes be targeting at the CFL Draft

With the CFL Combine now in the rear view mirror for all nine teams, management will now reshuffle their draft deck in the lead-up to the May 13th draft in Toronto.

Given their strong drafting history and sitting comfortably with the fourth selection, what could general manager Jim Popp and the Montreal Alouettes be looking at as they embark on the new chapter of the franchise sans Anthony Calvillo?

Many CFL pundits believe this isn't a deep draft, and is top heavy along the offensive and defensive lines in this class. Locally, there is a good crop of Quebec talent that will be available.

Here are a few names the Alouettes could have on their radar when it is their time to make their first selection:

David Menard, defensive end, Montreal: Menard has the ability to play multiple positions along the line. Arguably the toughest and nastiest player, who faced constant double teams in the RSEQ. Menard had a solid weekend at the CFL Combine where he put up great individual numbers (33-reps on the bench), and did well in the one-on-one drills. Given that Alouettes defensive coordinator, Noel Thorpe coached Menard with the Carabins, he has first-hand knowledge of what he brings each game. More importantly, he adds non-import depth to this group position.

QuinnSmith, defensive line, Concordia: Smith's stock has skyrocketed from the CFL Combine. He has the ability to play in the middle of the line in a 3-4 front and as a defensive tackle in a 4-3 front, plus he showed off some iron man skills in taking reps as an offensive guard which has made him an intriguing prospect. Some CFL pundits predict that Smith could be selected in the first five picks. The Alouettes have seen Smith play for many years in their backyard. Since he has been coached by former Alouettes players in Bryan Chiu and Shawn Mayne, it will enable them to get first hand information on how he is as a player.

Laurent Durvernay-Tardif, offensive tackle, McGill: There’s no doubt the McGill product will be in an NFL camp this summer. From speaking to an NFL source, there is a stronger belief that he will be drafted than be signed. Thus, enhancing his chances of potentially sticking on an NFL roster. The Alouettes are not shy in the late rounds by taking a flyer on players who are in the NFL and may never ever step foot on a CFL field (see Phillip Blake, and Vaughn Martin). Having a first-hand close up of his games, if the NFL does not work out for him, he could be the team's future right tackle in giving the best non-import tackle duo along with Josh Bourke. Let's not forget, he has an excellent academic record and can fall back on his degree if football doesn't work out for him.

Linebackers: With the loss of Shea Emry via free agency to the Toronto Argonauts, it has created a small hole with their non-import talent at that position. The Alouettes were fortunate enough to have had Emry man a position normally occupied by an import player. Could Popp win the lottery twice by unearthing another non-import star? Keep an eye on Simon Fraser Clan, Casey Chin, and the Stingers own Travis Bent. Chin is a wild card player. He did very well in the combine testing and one-on-one drills. Some might view him as smallish, but he is a thumper that can bring the pounding in a hit. Bent's stock has risen, winning an opportunity from the Montreal regional combine to attend the Toronto event. Universally, Bent has been on the CFL radar since coming out from the Toronto area high school system. Even though he played on an 0-8 Stingers team in 2013, it has not deterred the CFL scouts from looking at his skills for the next level. Let's not forget in 2013 that former Stingers player Kris Robertson went through the Quebec City regional and earned himself an invitation for the CFL Combine where he ended up being a second round selection for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.  Bent has a chance to hear his name being called early in this draft.

Follow me on Twitter @MoeKhan19

Photo Credit: University of Montreal

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Hey Habs fans, STOP whining about PK Subban's Olympic ice time

It's been a while since I've written an actual blog post on this site. But, in light of the incessant, unpleasant and tiring bitching moaning about PK Subban, I felt compelled to 'unlazy' myself for a few minutes and vent.

To be clear, I am a fan of PK Subban. I enjoy watching him play with the Montreal Canadiens and I think he's a special player. However, don't shoot me, but I don't think he's the best player in the NHL. In fact, I don't even think he's the best defenceman in the NHL. I know, sacrilegious, right? Shame on me. Where do I get off?

The...um....people that keep taking to social media and talk shows to complain about PK Subban not playing at the Winter Olympics are, well, wrong, and viewing these games through red, white and blue beer goggles. These...um...fans are not seeing things through clears eyes and it is my sheer duty as a level-headed commentator to point it out.

Here are the facts. I know that Habs fans don't always like to deal in REAL facts, but I'll spew them anyway.

1. Team Canada's defence has more goals than its forwards, and it's not even close. Exactly why would they need another offensive defenceman in the lineup?

2. With Weber, Doughty and Pietrangelo all playing EXTREMELY well and lining up on the right side, why would it make sense to dress and play PK Subban on the right side?

3. PK Subban NEVER takes a regular shift on the left side, so why would you want him in the lineup, on the world's biggest stage, trying to adapt to playing left D, when you have elite left D-men who can get the job done?

4. Why would you need to dress Subban as a 7th D just for the power play? Are Weber and Doughty's bullets from the point, not to mention PP goals, not good enough for you? Plus, it's not like any team gets more than 2-3 power plays a game anyway.

5. This argument that no GM in the NHL would take Vlasic or Hamhuis over Subban is absurd and shows the ignorance of some ...um...observers. No team on the planet would want 6 offensive defencemen on the blue line. You need a mix of defensive D and offensive D. Therefore, with the amount of goals already coming from the D, and with Canada giving up the least amount of shots against per game in the tournament, why would you want to remove any of the current D from the lineup?

6. If there were two minutes left in the game, and the score was tied, who is most likely to pick up a penalty? Weber, Doughty, Pietrangelo or Subban? Right or wrong, refs picking on him or not, you know that the answer is Subban. So why would you want him in the lineup over any of those other D?

I am not a PK Subban hater. But I am a Mike Babcock decision lover. I am also someone who believes in rooting for Team Canada no matter what. So instead of lamenting how Subban, of Toronto, is not in the lineup, maybe Habs fans could root and celebrate players like Vlasic, of Montreal.

But alas, any Habs fan reading this through their red, white and blue goggles will simply read that I am a racist or a PK hater. Sigh, a lost cause.

Enjoy the rest of the games, everyone. Go Canada!

Matthew Ross will be on TSN 690 this Sunday, right after the Hamilton Bulldogs game, until 8pm. 

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Where do the Concordia Stingers stand with their coaching search?

Congratulations Concordia Stingers. You have completed the 90-day challenge, however, with no results to show for it.

As this program approaches the 100th day in their search for the next football head coach, where do they stand now in this process? It seems like they have taken the American Idol approach in filtering out all the contestants, but I wonder if William Hung applied for the job.

Two weeks ago, five names were revealed by various media outlets ranging from Jacques Chapdelaine, Bryan Chiu, Peter Chryssomalis, Mickey Donovan, and Marc Loranger. It appears this list has dwindled down to a two horse race.

To be a fly inside the complex walls, where multiple football sources have told me that the apple of their eyes was Jacques Chapdelaine who now has been offered the same position with Simon Fraser University.

No question, this procedure has worn out even the general CIS football fan. How can a once proud institution have regressed to this point? Even the Catholic Church took a mere two weeks in naming Pope Francis as their leader and his job has a bit more importance in the world.

Whomever assumes this coaching position, is three years away from being competitive. This is due to their poor recruiting classes they had in the last few years where the current cupboard is bare of talent. Unfortunately, former head coach Gerry McGrath didn't leave much for the next hire to work with.

The longer this course goes, the more likely this Stingers program will continue to be viewed by outside observers in a different light. 

If the "knights of the roundtable" (their decision makers)  believe they have their candidate in-place, they can no longer wait. They need to proceed along in allowing the next head coach to name his staff, implement his systems, and start recruiting for 2015.

It’s only February, but 2014 is already heading into the abyss. The team will attempt to be competitive but in reality the Stingers are building for 2015. The next head coach will be given a clean slate to start building the team in his vision. That starts by weeding out the excess fat in 2014.

As ironic as it is, it seems like the Stingers roster is in salary cap hell, but these players are not being paid. This season will be a long, drawn out painful process, but those players who buy in will do what is needed by being the building blocks.

As the Stingers attempt to build something for the future, it is somewhat depressing to Concordia fans knowing their first preseason game is against their city rival Montreal Carabins. Even though this game means nothing in the standings, it could get ugly by the coin toss.

Finally the next hire needs full autonomy in running this ship. If there are any influences from those who may hover over this program, it could very well stagnate this excavation.

It just seems like Hung's hit song has more relevance than the Stingers at the present moment.  

Follow me on Twitter @MoeKhan19

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