It’s my Parting Shot for my reactions to the headlines in today’s Star-Phoenix Sports Section…..

First headline…Dickenson named Stampeders assistant coach, Former Riders boss to handle Calgary special teams for brother Dave. My reaction…I can’t say this move surprises me, especially when Stamps’ G-M and head coach Dave Dickenson brought older brother Craig in before last season as a senior consultant to him – after Craig had been let go by the Riders following back-to-back 6-12, non-playoff campaigns in 2022 and 23. That soured him in the eyes of Rider Nation, which is understandable, but Craig Dickenson did lead Saskatchewan to the C-F-L’s West final in 2021 and – in my humble estimation – was saddled with poor player management provided to him and a series of injuries that throttled the Roughriders’ ability to be competitive in both 22 and 23! Besides, Craig Dickenson is a nice man and that needs to count for something in today’s world!!

Next headline…Canada juniors relying on late bloomer Cowan, Leafs prospect rides 56-game point streak in the O-H-L. Reaction…that 56-game point streak mention is impressive to be sure. But, he’s from Ontario and a Toronto N-H-L hopeful that draws the attention of Eastern Canada media, especially the media from the Centre of the Universe! To me, Team Canada’s success is still going to be tied to how head coach and Ontarian Dave Cameron uses and realizes how valuable the eight W-H-L players are going to be to achieve returning to the gold medal podium in Ottawa!

Last headline…Jets’ signing of He and N-H-L first. My reaction…okay, it is true that Kevin He is the first Chinese-born player to sign an N-H-L contract. But, let’s not go overboard on this. As much as I’m a Winnipeg product and the Jets are my N-H-L team, I’m not blind to the fact that Kevin He and his family moved to Canada when he was six years old and that pretty much all of his minor hockey and development happened here and not in China! The day that a player makes the N-H-L after being born, raised and receiving all or most of his hockey development in China will be big news – much bigger than this – to me!!

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