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

First headline…Whirlwind year for top Kraken prospect. My reaction…Caden Price’s story is very similar to that of his fellow Saskatoon product and Lethbridge teammate Brayden Yager! Both attended an N-H-L training camp for a second time, both suited up for Team Canada at the World Juniors and both were traded before the W-H-L deadline to the Hurricanes from the only Major Junior club team they had ever known! Such is life in the Western Hockey League! The Canes get Brandon in the first round of the playoffs, starting Friday. Lethbridge, along with Calgary and Medicine Hat, made conscious efforts – and trades – to upgrade their rosters with an eye towards winning a league title and maybe even a Memorial Cup – the first for the Dub since 2014 when the Edmonton Oil Kings prevailed! Stay tuned for the next two days of this commentary when I predict first round winners and the eventual Ed Chynoweth Cup champion!

Next headline…Home of Jessica honours Kraken coach with sign. Reaction…Why wouldn’t Rocanville honour Jessica Campbell with a “home of Jessica Campbell” sign?! The first female to be a full-time, behind the bench assistant coach in the N-H-L is worth shouting about from the mountains – of which there are none in Rocanville! But, you know what I mean!!

Last headline…Bichette looks to be back, Jays need a return to form from the big-hitting infielder after his “toughest” season ever. My reaction…The headline states the situation very well. After Toronto flamed out all over the place, again, when it came to signing big-name free agents, the Blue Jays need their somewhat aging, older veteran players to all come back with their greatest campaigns-ever! I think they have the starting pitching to do well, I’m just not sure about the bullpen and their production from behind the plate and at second and third base. I have a hard time believing the Jays can be a playoff team in the usually-stacked American League East Division!!

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