Welcome back fans to your weekly Wednesday Edmonton Sports Update chatting about local teams and events not the NHL. Edmonton is a sports town, these articles look to focus on that statement. This week includes the twist of a CBC Gem premiere. Let's get down, let's get to down to business (did you sing that?)
Crusaders, Saints and Oil Kings oh my!
"Hockey is for everyone". It absolutely should be!
Judging by comment sections across the internet from any sports team trying to do a "pride night", it can be pretty easily inferred that there a block of people who do not want hockey to be for "everyone". Good on the Crusaders for being a voice in the fight against hate. A voice for inclusivity.
The Spruce Grove Saints finish out the February BCHL schedule hosting the Okotoks Oilers on Saturday the 24th then on Wednesday the 28th versus the Blackfalds Bulldogs.
The Oil Kings host "hockey hooky" today (Wednesday) versus the dastardly Calgary Hitmen. Maybe legions upon legions of youngsters spending their school day at Rogers Place will help the EOK snap their losing streak versus their southern rivals. After a quick trip down to Lethbridge, the Oil Kings host another edition of Family Fun Sunday when Wenatchee come to town. The Wenatchee Wild last season were the Winnipeg Ice. This will be the first meeting between the two clubs.
Love Pro Wrestling and Clandestine Wrestling Society
The last Thursday of the month, we're going to pretend the 29th of February isn't a thing, is always the Love Pro Wrestling, Clandestine Wrestling Society prequel to the LPW Friday night event. This Thursday's event has a special double feature added as it is the premiere of "Making Kayfabe: The Private Lives of Indie Wrestlers". Also included is a special Q&A session with director Omar Mouallem and the wrestlers featured in the film.
What will be the 20th consecutive sellout show, LPW 23 will put on a show sure to match what is arguably the greatest wrestling promo picture ever edited. No exaggeration in that statement.
Roller Derby
Pre-pandemic a sport that captured my attention was roller derby. Articles were written explaining key concepts such as "jammers" and "jams". Strategies for scoring like "piggybacking" and how to block with the rules stipulating you cannot use your hands to simply reach out and grab someone were covered.
Almost three years have past since those articles and roller derby is just now once again picking up steam. Learn to play spots are available. Check it out.
Edmonton Stingers
Visit www.thestingers.ca/coaching-clinic for full details about this fantastic opportunity to sit under the learning tree of a professional coach. Baker is the the all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, and steals for the U of A Golden Bears Basketball Club. He is also a 2-time CEBL Champion and the 2020 CEBL Canadian Player of the Year award. He has his Master of Coaching from the U of A.
Some Stingers player news broke yesterday as the Club announced Brody Clarke re-signed for 2024 season. It will be season number five for big number fourteen who averaged just over his jersey number to lead the Stingers in scoring last season. Stealing the popular football social media hashtag #isitjuneyet as we wait for the June 2nd Stingers home opener.
League1 Alberta Impact FC signing
"His name is Prince Amanda but he's the King of Clarke Field". That was a popular chant during his tenure with FC Edmonton. He is the second former Eddie to sign with Impact FC of League1 Alberta as he joins T-Boy Fayia. A league schedule for League1 should be coming soon as their schedule likely begins around Victoria Day.