“A proven scorer could make the Canucks serious contenders given their stingy defence and world-class goaltending. Roberto’s been a good boy, so please send him a goal-getter.”
It may be cheesy and overdone, but it’s my last column before Christmas and here’s what I’d like to see Santa bring to the local sports scene on Tuesday.
For the Canucks:
A Shooter and An Advil
It’s no secret that Vancouver needs some help scoring goals, especially with Brendan Morrison set to miss two to three months after wrist surgery. Dave Nonis has said repeatedly that the offence needs augmenting, but he’s yet to find the right deal. A proven scorer could make the Canucks serious contenders given their stingy defence and world-class goaltending.
Roberto’s been a good boy, so please send him a goal-getter. As for the Advil, a healthy Kevin Bieksa and the aforementioned Morrison would only help the Canucks chances of making a deep playoff run this spring.
For the Lions:
That Lovin’ Feelin’
There’s no question as to who’s number one when it comes to talent in the CFL, even with Dave Dickenson departing. But a number of Lions’ players are on record as saying that Saskatchewan was a hungrier team in the playoffs last month, and that was the difference in the Western Final.
Now that the Leos have watched an opportunity to win back-to-back Grey Cups pass them by, they should have all the motivation they need to play up to their potential in 2008.
For the Whitecaps:
Scissors.
A giant pair of blades might be the only thing that allows the Caps to cut through all the red tape that City Hall keeps throwing up when it comes to approving that new soccer stadium.
The MLS is ready to come here, world class players like David Beckham give Vancity a glowing endorsement and both national team programs are pining to host more quality international matches on the West Coast.
The only thing missing? A proper venue. Still struggling with the concept, Mayor Sullivan? Google “gift horse + mouth.”
For VANOC: Earplugs
I understand not everyone wanted the Olympics to come here in 2010, but they’re coming. I like the fact that some of the more intelligent critics can act like a watchdog when it comes to keeping the spending provincial dollars, but let’s get behind this thing.
Most of us are already on board with hosting the world in two years time, and we’re inviting the rest of you to help make this event the best it can possibly be.
For the rest of you, I wish you a happy and safe holiday season. Feel free to celebrate with family and friends, but please plan for a safe ride home. See you in ’08!
