Welcome to the 6th weekend of 2024. Thus far we have seen two teams switch leagues, one team acquire a starting quarterback when most everyone thought they already had one, and an indy wrestling company perform at Rogers Place. None of those were squares on my bingo card. Let's get into what's on tap for this upcoming weekend in our sports world outside the NHL club.
BCHL action
By BCHL action, of course I mean a look at the Sherwood Park Crusaders and Spruce Grove Saints schedule. For those unaware, these two teams along with the Brooks Bandits, Blackfalds Bulldogs and Okotoks Oilers have all moved to the BCHL. These clubs will now each play a 20-game schedule strictly versus each other under the BCHL umbrella. Game one of this 2024 season was last Friday with Spruce Grove defeating Sherwood Park.
This weeks action starts tonight with the Sherwood Park Crusaders hosting the Blackfalds Bulldogs. The promo for the game is the tested and true but new to the Cru toonie hot dog. The Cru host the Brooks Bandits on Friday. On Tuesday, a special matinee edition of Crusaders hockey will take place as "hockey hooky" is the theme of the day with Spruce Grove being the opponent.
The Spruce Grove Saints do not play at home this week although being in Sherwood Park on Tuesday is a short commute. The Saints are in Okotoks on Friday. A hockey club that struggled most of 2023, the Saints made a flurry of trade deadline moves that make them dangerous heading into this 20-game BCHL schedule.
Edmonton Oil Kings
The goal last week was to snap a losing streak against the rival Calgary Hitmen. On Friday the Oil Kings went from down 4-0 to sending the game to overtime to at least collect a point. No need to mention Sunday's game.
The Oil Kings are in the midst of a 5 game road trip that ends with them coming back to Rogers Place on February 17th for their version of "Superhero Night".
Top Talent Wrestling Show
The first show of 2024 for Top Talent Wrestling goes this Friday night at Midway Music Hall. The first show for this franchise was back on June 23, 2022 aptly titled "We're live Pal". Anchored on local stars like Harlon Abbott, Mitch Clarke and Ava Lawless, supplemented with stars like current champion Effy along with special guests such as Josh Alexander and Penta, Top Talent Wrestling earns their name.
More Tailgate Spots Coming
Tailgating has rejuvenated this fan's gameday experience...to the point of becoming a season ticket holder again. If you have been to an NFL tailgate, well, this experience is not there yet but adding more stalls is a step in the right direction.
If you are a first timer to a tailgate, knowing someone or having someone to look for is an immense help. Not every stall is there to get food or drinks from and that is okay. So many stalls are there to engage with you, whether it be food or drink or just celebrate fandom. We can all use a little bit more positivity in our worlds, Elks tailgates help with that.
CEBL, Stingers Update
When the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) was announced, one of the focuses was to give graduating University students a place to continue their careers in Canada. The Stingers have always had a connection with the Golden Bears. These players may end up leaving Canada to play, but heading into year 6, the CEBL continues to establish itself as a solid career choice.