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Last Word On Sports

Sports News Since 2011. Honestly.

Last Word On Sports Logo

Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Day: April 26, 2012

Attack on Joel Ward: No Room for Racism in NHL

Posted on by Michael Kovacs, ADMIN

In what can only be described as a hate crime, a group of Boston Bruins fans have made headlines for their outlandish remarks toward Joel Ward of the Washington Capitals via Twitter.

The incident stems from Ward’s goal that prematurely ended the Bruins season on Wednesday night. The attack, however, was aimed at the colour of the young Capitals forward’s skin.  Soon after the game, racist remarks were broadcast all over Twitter.  There were some who came to Ward’s defence, including Capitals owner Ted Leonsis in his blog (www.tedstake.com), and teammate Alex Semin.

Ward, a native of Scarborough, Ontario, is one of a small group of black hockey players in the NHL, and just the latest target of racism in the NHL. Earlier this season during a preseason game in London, Ontario, Wayne Simmonds was targeted with a completely unacceptable and unprovoked attack.  As he was taking a shootout attempt a fan threw a banana at the Flyer’s forward.

A second incident sparked a lot of controversy during a game between the Montreal Canadiens and Florida Panthers.  Kris Barch of the Panthers was suddenly handed a game misconduct, which fans later learned was as a result of a racial slur aimed at the Habs black blue-liner, P.K. Subban.  The offence got a lot of backlash aimed at the Panthers, and a great spotlight was cast on the NHL.  However, things reached a whole different level last night and today after the conclusion of the Caps – Bruins game.

When Joel Ward scored it was the highlight of his career, according to the native of Barbados.  But within a short time after the game, as he learned of the racist remarks aimed at him by Bruins supporters, that was all taken away.  The goal lost its lustre.  He was cheated out of one the greatest moments he will ever have, and that is just sad.

I don’t want to re-hash everything that was said about him.  I don’t believe in giving credence to a word I find completely offensive and an unacceptable part of today’s society.  I am not sure what can be done about this, other than making things miserable on Twitter for those offenders who hit way below the belt.  What I am willing to do is share some of the accounts involved, should you feel the need to voice your opinion.  Again, these are just some of the people involved in racist remarks toward Joel Ward:

@JThornberry23

@Flesher91

@Khal1013

@Mikeanzideo

@lake617

@GeraldHart635

@ThatDudeScogan

@RealSteezyDubz

@BradenAxtman

@patrice_g7

@BillyG_2

@CrispoCream

Hopefully sports fans can band together and stand up against racism in our game.  There is just no room for idiots.  Credit to Chirpstory (http://chirpstory.com/li/6781) for exposing these cowards who spew their vile hate speech behind the anonymity of a computer screen.

…and that is the last word.

Historic Fort Erie Race Track Celebrates its 115th Year

Posted on by Dwayne Edwards

The day is getting closer.  The 115th thoroughbred racing season at Fort Erie Race Track is only a couple of weekends away. Opening day at the picturesque track is Sunday, May 6 and the racetrack management and staff are excited for the great year ahead. With some new promotions, events, local musical talent at the “Tiki Bar”, and as always exciting live racing at the border oval, 2012 will be a year of celebration!

115 years of live racing, what an incredible feat, the history of Fort Erie Race Track brings back memories to last a lifetime. From the beginning when Ellesmere won the very first race on June 16, 1897 and EP Taylor introduced the Canadian Triple Crown in 1959, granting “The Fort” the second leg, The Prince of Wales Stakes.  Even the great Northern Dancer won his first race here in 1963.

In fact, many champions have competed here including, Dance Smartly, Izvestia, With Approval and the latest triple crown winner Wando just to name a few.

The track will be displaying memorabilia from the rich 115-year history of horse racing at Fort Erie Race Track on opening day and throughout the racing season.  There will be many events throughout the year, which will make a day at the races fun for the whole family. Not only is there the excitement of cheering on your favorite horse or getting your bet home, the track will also offer special events and promotion days.

On the day prior to the opening, Sat May 5th, is of course the Kentucky Derby Day.  To celebrate, at the Tiki Bar “Rhyme N Reason Bluegrass Band” will be performing live, and as always pari-mutual betting on the Derby and many other tracks.

Sunday May 6th, opening day at The Fort, will be a button giveaway promotion as well an exciting card of racing!  Sunday May 13th, Mothers Day, has free autographs and photos from local jockeys and as tradition goes a little something special for the mothers in attendance.

With racing every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from May 6 – Oct 30, the season will be competitive as always and if last year was any indication the race within the races will be tight as well. Last year the leading jockey was Chris Griffith, but it was very close as the top three riders by wins were within five of each other and it came down to the last weekend for Griffith to secure the award. Kirk Johnson and Real Simard were second and third in the standings and this trio of riders are planning on another big season as they all have been riding at Woodbine this spring and are fit and ready to compete once again to earn top spot in the jockey standings.

The Hustle and Bustle of the racetrack is back in Fort Erie! The winter ghost town is starting to hit stride and people/race trackers are coming from all over the continent. Restaurants and other businesses are appreciating the added population to the Fort Erie community and everyone is praying for the government to come to their senses. The racetrack does need some assistance as it had for many years with the slots arrangement, and the town needs the racetrack as it had for the past 115 years. Hopefully the track can straighten out the thoughts of the government to continue on to 116 years and beyond. But this year is the time for Fort Erie Race Track to shine, just as it has for years and years before, because it has to – its back is to the wall.  It needs to regain its promise of an entertaining place to play, and even better place to work.

…and that is the last word.

NHL Draft Prospect Profile #21: Slater Koekkoek

Posted on by Ben Kerr

Drafted Number 10 Overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Our #21 rated prospect, Slater Koekkoek is a perfect example of the two big themes of this year’s draft class.  Koekkoek is yet another impressive offensive defenceman prospect, and he’s yet another high end prospect who has suffered with the 2012 Draft Class Injury Curse.  Before his injury Koekkoek was the clear leader on the Peterborough Petes defence, and it is obvious to all that the OHL club has greatly missed his services in the 2nd half of this season.  While his shoulder injury certainly effects his ranking, we still have Koekkoek as a prospect rated in the first round due to his impressive skill set and physical package that every NHL team covets.  Peterborough has long been known as a prospect factory producing more NHL drafted players than any other CHL team, and Koekkoek will continue the Petes tradition.

Defense
Born Feb 18 1994 — Mountain, ONT
Height 6.02 — Weight 183 — Shoots Left

2010-11 Peterborough Petes OHL 65 7 16 23 67 -29
2011-12 Peterborough Petes OHL 26 5 13 18 17 -7

Koekkoek is an effective offensive defenceman. His slapshot is hard and accurate, and Koekkoek understands the importance of keeping it low and on net. Koekkoek is also a very good passer, and his excellent vision helps him to quarterback the Petes powerplay.  He is a good puck handler, and has shown the ability to join the rush, and smart decision making to do it at the right times.  Skating wise, Koekkoek could use some work on his top end speed as it is merely average.  However his agility, balance, and lateral mobility are very good and will serve him well going forward.

Defensively Koekkoek is a physical presence.  He is a player who just loves to throw big body checks, and can strike fear into opponents coming down his side of the ice.  Koekkoek is also a willing and able shot blocker.  However, Koekkoek’s defensive game is far from a finished product.  He requires more work on his defensive assignments, and on his positioning in the defensive zone.  Koekkoek also needs to add muscle to his frame if he wants to be able to handle bigger forwards at the next level.  He’s got good height and a good frame, however he does need to work in the weight room in order to properly fill out, as he is currently very slender.

Koekkoek suffered a season ending shoulder injury in November.  It turns out that Koekkoek had a torn labrum which required surgery, and he did not play again.  At this time Koekkoek is still rehabbing and it is unclear if he will be ready to do the physical testing at the NHL combine on June 1st and 2nd.  A good showing could vault Koekkoek up the draft boards and he could certainly challenge guys like Codi Ceci, Olli Maatta, Matt Finn, and Derrick Pouliot, for a spot in the top 15.  However, if his rehab is behind schedule and his shoulder is not ready.  We could see him fall out of the first round.

While a lot will depend on Koekkoek’s recovery, and his progression once he does get back on the ice, we still feel Koekkoek has a very high ceiling.  He might be a bit of a work in progress, but if he can reach his potential, and polish his game, we’d compare Koekkoek to Zach Bogosian of the Winnipeg Jets.

… and thats the Last Word.