What’s the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking:
1
The Western Hockey League has a colorful three-decade history of major junior hockey in Portland.
Four years ago, the Winterhawks future in Portland seemed at risk. Then Canadian businessman Bill Gallacher bought the franchise, re-invigorating a once-proud franchise.
We cannot help wonder if that relationship will last.
The penalties the league threw at Portland this week seem ridiculously harsh to us — assuming the rules violations the Winterhawks have admitted to are the entire story.
We have no special insight into how Mr. Gallacher feels about his team being fined $200,000 and losing the services of head coach and general manager Mike Johnston for the rest of this season. Gallacher has made few public statements in the four years he has owned the Winterhawks.
We do know that Gallacher has pledged $10 million toward a pending major renovation for Veterans Memorial Coliseum. That is evidence of his commitment to Portland and the WHL.
Still, we cannot help wondering if this week’s developments won’t severely sour Gallacher’s passion for the WHL.
2
Fifth graders around the country are pretty excited about this prospect.
Nebraska and Oklahoma will renew one of college football’s greatest rivalries for two seasons.The schools announced Thursday they have signed a contract that will have the Cornhuskers and Sooners play in 2021 in Norman, Okla., and in 2022 in Lincoln, Neb. Both games will be in September.
Who knows? Maybe one of those Evergreen Bulldogs Pop Warner players will be showcased not only this coming week, but in a September week come 2021.
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