Wednesday Wake Up

Today is McHappy Day, $1 from the sale of every Big Mac burger, Happy Meal and coffee will go towards local children’s charities across Saskatchewan, including Ronald McDonald House. So stop by McDonald's in Moose Jaw!

 The Warriors and McDonalds have worked together on the Warriors/McDonald's Hospital Room and support the McKids club.  They do so much for the community here in Moose Jaw.  Owner's Doug and Marilyn Dooley are great people and hats off to all they do.   

The Kootenay Ice managed an overtime win over Portland last night in Cranbook.  The Ice have a 2-1 series lead-- game four goes tonight.  Joe Antilla was the OT hero for the Ice.  Goalie Nathan Lieuwen earned the first star going 34 for 36 in net. 

The Sharks couldn't get the job done in Detroit last night.  Game 7 goes Thursday in California.  The Red Wings have fought their way back after being down 3-0 in the series.  The Wings knocked in 3 goals in the third for the win.  Justin Abdelkader, 24 years old-- made the final minutes interesting taking a offensive zoning hold and giving the Sharks 2 minutes of 5 on 4.  You would have to think the momentum is in the Wings favor after last night but perhaps a hometown Sharks crowd can give the boys in blue an added boost. 

Team Canada will face the Russians in the quarter finals tomorrow at the World Hockey Championship as will Finland and Norway.  Team USA is playing the Czech's as I write this.  The legend Jaromir Jagr has two goals for the Czech's as they lead 2-0.  Sweden and Germany are the other game today. 

The Phoenix Coyotes look to be keeping their home in the desert for at least one more year.  The Glendale City Council has voted to pay the NHL $25 million in arena operating costs to keep the Phoenix Coyotes in Arizona for another season while the prolonged attempt to sell the troubled franchise goes on.The 5-2 vote on Tuesday night came a week after the league exercised its option to cash in $25 million (all figures U.S.) pledged by the city a year ago. 

Bad news for Winnipeg  who were hoping this would be their chance to bring the team back and many are reporting that although the team will remain their for the next NHL season, a plan to keep the team long term doesn't seem to be formulated. 

What is the deal?  Is hockey just not big enough in Phoenix?  I have mentioned it before, having visited Jobing.com arena in 2010-- the facility is incredible.  The party surrounding the arena with restaurants, shops and beautiful landscaping is second to none.  It was a bit of a treck from down town Phoenix to Glendale by cab was about 40 or so minutes.  Hopefully they can come with some way of attracting fans.  You would think now it will be a hot topic of those who don't agree with the $25 million price tag and will boycott the team.  The saga continues....  

Outside Jobing.com Arena

Twitter famed Canadian Paul Bissonette of the Coyotoes and former OHL player, tweeted "If we move i will carry that same loyalty right back across the border and embrace Winnipeg. Sincerely, your favorite 4th line duster." 

The Warriors are busy with Multiplex preparations and on the hockey side Spring Camp.  As mentioned before, the seats are in the arena and look great!  The suites are moving ahead with carpet and finishing details.  It is very exciting around here... everyday is one step closer to the new facility.  Fan's are going to be amazed at this place.... guaranteed.  New season ticket holders have been coming in and getting on the list to pick out seats and current season ticket holders are patiently waiting for their new seat assignments.  

Spring Prospects Camp is set for the weekend in June.  The Warriors draft picks in the recent Bantam draft will be in attendance along with many up and comers looking to earn spots on the Warriors roster.  Always exciting to see how the players have grown and improved after last year's spring and main camp.