It’s my Parting Shot for my Weekend Short Shots…..

A sad note to pass along on a Friday the 13th. It was tough news to read when I woke up early this morning to find out that Trev Yager had passed away yesterday. Trev had been battling with his health for quite a while, which was extremely sad to me because, for many years, one of the first people I’d see on a Saskatoon Blades’ game day was Trev Yager as he got ready to operate the video camera that the Blades and the visiting teams would use. Trev Yager always had a smile, a joke and that warm personality that made seeing him a highlight of the day! If the last name sounds familiar, in a contemporary sports and hockey way, Trev Yager is grandfather to budding N-H-L prospect Brayden Yager, who will proudly wear the Maple Leaf and represent his family at the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship. Deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Trev’s wife Marilyn, son Cam and his family and all who are related to, or knew Trev and cherished their time with him!

Friday the 13th can only get better, right?! Maybe the Blades, Moose Jaw and Lethbridge can all win tonight and Brayden gets the word, officially, that he is on Team Canada.

It was fun while it lasted, but I fear what we’re seeing of late is the way it’s going to be the rest of the way in the N-H-L when it comes to my favourite N-H-L team and one of my least favourite squads. The Winnipeg Jets are 6-8-1 since starting the season 15-1-0. They aren’t going to be a less than .500 team the rest of the way, but they’ll be hard-pressed to finish first in the Central Divison. Heck, they might even fall all the way to a wild-card playoff spot in the Western Conference! I hope not, but it wouldn’t shock me if it happened!

Then, there’s the Edmonton Oilers. The dreaded Oil have won four straight, and in impressive fashion, moving them into third place in the Pacific Division and only five points behind leading Vegas. Connor McDavid and company seem to have found their mojo from the post-season this past spring. I wouldn’t be surprised if they finish first in the Pacific Division and Western Conference! Again, I hope not, but it wouldn’t shock me if it happened!!

That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!