The Newsy Neighbour
January Issue #111
Article provided by:Jock Wilson of JockTalk
2016 was a memorable year in the wide world
of sports. Maybe not so much for fans of the Calgary Stampeders and the Calgary
Flames, but in general, it really was an amazing year.
New stars were born at the Rio Olympics
like Penny Oleksiak, Andre De Grasse and Calgary's own Erica Wiebe. We fell in
love with a new sport called Rugby 7's and tell me you didn't watch at least a
little beach volleyball?
The Chicago Cubs ended a 108 year
championship drought as they stormed back from a huge deficit to win the World
Series in dramatic fashion. While Cleveland fans were obviously disappointed
with the Indians, at least they were no longer labeled as a city of losers
thanks to LeBron James and the NBA Champion Cavaliers. It was the Cavs who
battled back from a 3 - 1 series hole to shock the Golden State Warriors. It
was Cleveland's first professional championship in 52 years.
2016 was Sidney Crosby's year! He was the
NHL playoff MVP leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Stanley Cup. He also
captained Team Canada to a win at the World Cup of Hockey where he was also
named the best player of the tournament.
In football, it was a storybook ending for
quarterback Peyton Manning as his last ever game in the NFL was a victory in
Super Bowl 50. 41 year old Henry Burris may have written the same script as he
found the fountain of youth in Grey Cup 104 against the Calgary Stampeders.
In golf, 2016 was the year for Dustin
Johnson. He shed the demons as he won his first ever major championship, the US
Open and he was also named the PGA player of the year winning the Vardon
Trophy.
Golf was a huge story in Calgary and
Southern Alberta. Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn won the CN Women's Open at
Priddis Greens as 2 million dollars was raised for charity.
However the biggest story was the Shaw
Charity Classic at Canyon Meadows. In a tough Alberta economy, the tournament
shattered its own record for charitable giving on the PGA Tour Champions. The
award-winning event raised over 5.2 million for 124 youth-based Alberta groups.
A star studded field of PGA Tour Champions
players, including Tom Watson, Bernard Langer, Colin Mongomerie, John Daly and
2016 champion Carlos Franco of Paraguay, combined to fire a total of 890
birdies during the three competitive rounds.
Yes, 2016 was a memorable year in the world
of sports, but unfortunately it was also a sad year. We had to say goodbye to
many sporting legends.
On June 3rd, the world mourned with the
passing of the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) Muhammad Ali. More than just a
boxer, Ali was one of the most significant and celebrated figures on the
planet. An inspiring, polarizing, controversial activist both inside and
outside the ring. He will always "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee."
7 days later, Gordie Howe, known as Mr.
Hockey because of his accomplishments and contributions to the sport he loved,
died on June 10th. He was 88.
In September, more sad news as we learned
of the passing of the China Clipper. The honourable Norman Kwong, a CFL legend
who played for the Calgary Stampeders and Edmonton Eskimos, and former part
owner of the Calgary Flames and the 16th Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.
Also in September, we said goodbye to the
"King". Arnold Palmer was one of golf's most popular stars and one of
the games most important trailblazers.
Mylan Hicks was not a legend in the
football world, but the tragic shooting death of the Stamps practice roster
player outside of a Calgary night club will forever be remembered as one of the
top stories in 2016. Dying in the arms of teammate Jerome Messam, it was a
senseless act that united a team and a city.
So now that 2016 is in the books, what can
we look forward to in 2017?
Will the Calgary Flames return to the NHL
post season party? Can the Calgary Stampeders keep the core together and take
another run at a CFL championship in Ottawa?
In my opinion, the biggest stories to watch
will be away from the field of play.
Former Calgary Police Chief Rick Hanson is
the chair for the 2016 Olympic bid exploration committee. His committee has
been tasked to create a Master Hosting Plan, which will provide an analysis of
the capital and operating costs for hosting the games. An interim report will
be presented to City Council this month and a final report in July.
Depending on the outcome of this report,
the city will decide whether or not to proceed with an Olympic bid.
Not surprising, chatter has been very quiet
on the Calgary Flames new arena and stadium complex, "Calgary Next." Calgary
Sport and Entertainment President and CEO Ken King has been very clear that the
Olympic bid and Calgary Next are not connected. However, an Olympic bid will
certainly not hurt the team's chances of getting some new, much needed
facilities. As I have said all along with the Calgary Next project, I may not
be in love with the location, but I certainly like the vision. Here's hoping
2017 will bring us a little clarity on Calgary Next or the city's plan B to
build a new arena on the Stampede Grounds and major upgrades to McMahon
Stadium.
If Calgary Next is put on the shelf for
plan B, I will not be surprised if we get good news on a much needed field
house in our city. Funding is in place and this has been flagged as a priority
by the city. It only makes sense to put this new facility by the University of
Calgary.
One comeback story I am looking forward to
seeing in 2017 is that of speed skater Denny Morrison. The three time Olympian
narrowly survived a motorcycle crash in 2015 and a stroke in 2016. Morrison is
rounding into form and just may be able to compete for Canada at the World
Sprint Championships, hosted by the Olympic Oval on February 25 and 26.
I hope you have a great 2017 and thanks for
reading the Newsy Neighbour.
About Jock Wilson:
Jock has been involved in the Calgary sport media scene for over 30 years. He hosts the
Calgary Stampeder football broadcasts on Newstalk 770 and is the host of
Sportstalk from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
Email: jock@am770chqr.com
Twitter: @sportson770
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