It's Thursday

Happy Thursday to you and thanks for visiting. Here's what's happening....

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Today is June 30th, the 181st day of 2011. There are 184 days left in the year.

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Lightning re-sign Roloson for 2011-2012.

Rangers to play exhibition game in Switzerland.

NHL Network to air July 1st Free Agent Frenzy.

Seven-time All-Star Kariya announces retirement.

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Todays Birthdays: Actor Vincent D'Onofrio (Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Men in Black) is 52; former boxer Mike Tyson (The Hangover) is 45; actress Monica Potter (Parenthood, Con Air, Saw) is 40; singer Cheryl Cole (The X Factor, Girls Aloud) is 28; U.S. Olympic gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps is 26.

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Today is Leap Second Time Adjustment Day. (This is listed as an observance title only. Some years scientists do not make adjustments. But, if they do, then it's done on either June 30th or December 31st.)

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Draft a Rider Night another success.

Roughrider transactions - June 29th.

Visit the team's official website at http://www.riderville.com/.

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This summer, one person will get paid to live out what would be most travelers' worst nightmare: 80 days -- and nights -- stuck at the airport. Canada's Vancouver International Airport turns 80 in July, and to celebrate, the airport authority is holding a contest to pick one person who will live onsite for 80 days and create short daily videos, post updates on Facebook and Twitter and provide other reports about their experience.

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Zwelling: Inside Vancouver's football factory.

Lions renew commitment to winning in 2011.

Montreal Gazette -- CFL: A look at each team ahead of kickoff.

2011 CFL Schedule is here.

Donate to the Tony Proudfoot Fund.

Visit the leagues' official website, http://www.cfl.ca/.

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Auntie Dee Dee, more presents please!

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Today is National Bomb Pop Day. (Linky Link & Linky Link Again)

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ST PETERSBURG --  James Shields left with two innings to go on Wednesday and came away a 4-3 loser.

In the process, Tampa Bay's "Complete-Game James" saw his string of consecutive complete games snapped at three, thanks to a hanging curveball and not enough offense as the Reds took the rubber game of the three-game series in front of 25,968 at Tropicana Field.

Read the rest here.

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China announced plans to count panda droppings to determine the population of the endangered species. (I'll bet your job isn't looking so bad right about now.)

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CHICAGO --  To paraphrase the question that presidential candidates ask voters, are the Giants better off now than they were a year ago?

Mostly, yes, though Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs reminded San Francisco of the offensive flaws that have marred an otherwise impressive followup to last year's World Series conquest.

Read the rest here.

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Today in Elvis History:

1960 - The album "Elvis Is Back" hit #1 in the U.K.

1960 - The ablum "Elvis' Golden Records, Vol. 2" hit #4 in the U.K.

1962 - The Elvis Presley EP "Follow That Dream" hit #34 in the U.K.

1968 - Taping ended for Elvis Presley's first television special, "Elvis," at NBC studios in Burbank, CA.

2006 - U.S. President George W. Bush took Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on a private tour of Graceland. Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley were the tour guides.

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In Massachusetts David Pinkham was caught when police spotted him leaving Lawrence City Hall with a case of toilet paper. Security videos were used as evidence that he had entered the building empty handed before leaving with the case. Upon further investigation it was revealed that David had even more toilet paper --with six rolls hidden down his pants.

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Today in Beatles History:

1985 - John Lennon's psychedelic Rolls Royce was sold at auction for $2 million.

1989 - The surviving Beatles filed for an injunction against Dave Clark (Dave Clark Five) to prevent him from selling copies of the Beatles on "Ready Steady Go!"

1979 - The Wings single "Old Siam Sir" hit #35 in the U.K.

1979 - The Wings album "Back To The Egg" hit #6 in the U.K. and #8 in the U.S.

2006 - In Las Vegas, the Cirque de Soleil show "LOVE" officially opened at The Mirage Hotel.

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I think you'll agree we'll all be sleeping a little better tonight knowing that 51-year-old Green Mile actor Doug Hutchinson did indeed marry a 16-year-old. E! News obtained Courtney Stodden's birth certificate, which shows she was born August 29, 1994.

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Today in Sports History:

1962 - Los Angeles Dodger Sandy Koufax pitched his first no-hitter in a game with the New York Mets.

1970 - The Cincinnati Reds moved to their new home at Riverfront Stadium.

1978 - Willie McCovey hit his 500th career home run.

1984 - The longest professional football game took place in the United States Football League (USFL). The Los Angeles Express beat the Michigan Panthers 27-21 after 93 minutes and 33 seconds.

1994 - The U.S. Figure Skating Association stripped Tonya Harding of the 1994 national championship and banned her from the organization for life for an attack on rival Nancy Kerrigan.

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Today is National Hand Shake Day.

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Coming Up: 

Tonight --

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs 2:20pm EDT

Friday --

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Detroit Tigers 7:05pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs St. Louis Cardinals 7:10pm EDT

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Subway Jalapeno 250 at Daytona International Speedway 7:30pm EDT

Saturday --

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Detroit Tigers 7:05pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs St. Louis Cardinals 7:10pm EDT

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway 7:30pm EDT

Sunday --

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Detroit Tigers 1:05pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs St. Louis Cardinals 1:40pm EDT

Monday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins 2:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres 5:05pm EDT

Tuesday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins 8:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres 10:15pm EDT


Wednesday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins 1:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres 10:15pm EDT

Thursday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 7:05pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres 10:15pm EDT

Friday --
 
MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 7:05pm EDT
 
Nascar Nationwide Series -- Feed The Children 300 at Kentucky Speedway 7:30pm EDT
 
MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs New York Mets 10:15pm EDT

Saturday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 1:05pm EDT

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway 7:30pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs New York Mets 9:05pm EDT

Sunday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 1:05pm EDT

Izod Indy Car Series -- Honda Indy Toronto at Streets of Toronto 2:00pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs New York Mets 8:05pm EDT

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That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by, be sure to tell your friends about this blog. See you tomorrow.            

It's Wednesday

Happy Wednesday everybody. Here's what's happening....

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Today is June 29th, the 180th day of 2011. There are 185 days left in the year.

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Nieuwendyk thrilled about Hall of Fame nod.

Canucks unable to hold on to Ehrhoff.

Decision day has arrived for Jagr, Penguins.

Would Stamkos deal financially cripple Tampa Bay?

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Todays Birthdays: Actor/reality TV star Gary Busey (Celebrity Apprentice) is 67; actor and former congressman Fred Grandy (Gopher on The Love Boat) is 63; NASCAR driver Jeff Burton is 44; singer/TV personality Nicole Scherzinger (winner on Dancing with the Stars, on the upcoming The X Factor) is 33.

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Brian Ferlin - The Jacksonville native was drafted in 4th round of the 2011 NHL draft this past weekend and is now a Boston Bruin and will be attending Cornell University this fall.

Brian has trained under the Hockey International testing & development program since he was 11 years old and the hard work and long-term patience has proven to be the path for success.

Check out the pre-draft article below as well as visit the websites for more post-draft media video/audio clips (local papers, NHL).

23Jun (From PalmTreesandPucks)

Jacksonville native and Jacksonville Ice Dogs (now Tampa Bay Juniors) product Brian Ferlin could be the next Florida born and trained hockey players. The 19-year-old Ferlin, who also spent time in the Florida Junior Everblades youth program before returning to his hometown of Jacksonville, has spent the past two seasons playing in the United States Hockey League for the Indiana Ice.

The 6′ 2″ power forward, who is listed at 200 lbs. but will likely put on more weight even by next season, was ranked at the 152nd best North American Skater by NHL Central Scouting in their final 2011 rankings. He finished the season with 73 points (25 goals, 48 assists), 26 penalty minutes, and an impressive +26 rankings. His scoring numbers were good enough for 3rd in the league and become even more impressive when you realize that the USHL was mainly a goalie showcase this season.

Ferlin wants to continue to develop his play as a power forward but playing big, using his size and still having the necessary offensive ability. He’ll be working on that for at least this next season at Cornell University where he committed to play all the way back in summer 2009. He projects to be a late round pick.

POST DRAFT INTERVIEWS:

http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/local.aspx

http://video.bruins.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=119627


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Today is Waffle Iron Day.

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USA Hockey Players, Staff to Take Part
in 2011 IIHF Global Hockey Development Camp

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Three 15-year-old U.S. hockey players along with several USA Hockey staff members will take part in the 10th annual International Ice Hockey Federation Global Hockey Development Camp July 2-10 at the Sport Institute of Finland in Vierumaki, Finland.

More than 400 participants representing 50 nations will be taking advantage of this development and educational event for players, coaches, instructors, managers, administrators and directors. Among the camp's featured programs will be player development, coach development, officiating development, and Learn to Play instructor development. The camp will also include a skills competition.

Representing the United States as players will be Anders Bjork (Mequon, Wis.), of Chicago Mission Midget Minor; Josh Jacobs (Shelby Township, Mich.), who played for Compuware Midget Minor (Mich.) in 2010-11; and Blake Weyrick (Ojai, Calif.), who skated for Shattuck-St. Mary's (Minn.) last year.

Also taking part in the camp as mentors and instructors for the IIHF will be Jim Hunt, regional manager of USA Hockey's American Development Model; Matt Leaf, director of USA Hockey's officiating education program; and Kevin McLaughlin, USA Hockey's senior director of hockey development.


Barber Added to U.S. National Under-18 Team Roster

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Riley Barber (Livonia, Mich.) has been added to the U.S. National Under-18 Team at USA Hockey's National Team Development Program for the 2011-12 season, it was announced today.

"We are very excited to add Riley to our team for this year," said Danton Cole, head coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team. “Riley possesses the combination of skill, work ethic and character that will contribute greatly to our team.”

Last season, Barber skated full-time for United States Hockey League champion Dubuque Fighting Saints, tallying 14 goals and collecting 14 assists in 57 regular-season games. Barber also netted two goals for Dubuque in 11 playoff games en route to the Clark Cup.

Additionally, Barber helped the NTDP's U.S. National Under-17 Team capture the 2011 Vlad Dzurilla Under-18 Tournament title in Piestany, Slovakia, in February. In three games, he notched one goal and added an assist.

For the full U.S. National Under-18 Team roster, click here.

NOTES: USA Hockey's National Team Development Program will celebrate its 15th anniversary season on the ice in 2011-12 ... The NTDP is a member of the United States Hockey League, the only Tier I junior hockey league in the U.S.


USA Hockey Receives APEX Award for Publication Excellence
2010 USA Hockey Annual Report Honored

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Hockey's 2010 Annual Report received the 2011 APEX Award of Excellence in the Annual Report Design & Layout category.

Dana Ausec, USA Hockey's production manager, was responsible for the overall design of the piece.

APEX awards are based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content and the success of the entry - in the opinion of the judges - in achieving overall communications effectiveness and excellence. A total of 3,329 entries were evaluated in 130 individual categories.

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On this date in 1652, Massachusetts declared itself an independent commonwealth.

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Roughrider practice schedule through July 5th.

Cates holds off all comers (From rodpedersen.com)

Riders close to extension with Dressler.

Eat you Dari-o's: Durant gets own cereal.

Visit the team's official website at http://www.riderville.com/.

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Pope Benedict tweeted for the first time Tuesday. The 84-year-old pontiff tweeted: "Dear Friends, I just launched News.va. Praised be our Lord Jesus Christ! With my prayers and blessings, Benedictus XVI." News.va is the new Vatican news portal. The Pope tweeted using an iPad.

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Cohon: Welcome to the 2011 season.

Moffat: Als ready to go to work for three-peat.

Irving: Reason for optimisim in the Peg.

2011 CFL Schedule is here.

Donate to the Tony Proudfoot Fund.

Visit the leagues' official website, http://www.cfl.ca/.

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Oh boy! A Christmas puppy for my birthday!

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A poll by Men's Health names Lexington, Kentucky, as America's most sedentary city. (So don't expect it to give itself a standing ovation.)

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ST PETERSBURG --  Evan Longoria got his mind right and the Reds paid.

In Monday night's loss to the Reds, Longoria made an error and a baserunning blunder, which he referred to as mental mistakes. But Tampa Bay's All-Star third baseman recovered nicely on Tuesday night, hitting a walk-off home run against Logan Ondrusek to give the Rays a 4-3 win over the Reds with 20,894 watching at Tropicana Field.

Read the rest here.

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The Virginia constitution was adopted and Patrick Henry was made governor on this date in 1776.

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CHICAGO --  Unfortunately for the Giants, it remains a novelty when their offense emerges. Fortunately for them, their outburst Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs was timely.

Ryan Vogelsong fell short of his stifling standards, but the Giants compensated by thumping Cubs pitchers early and often to capture the opener of a day-night doubleheader at Wrigley Field, 13-7.

Read the rest here.

CHICAGO -- As a music enthusiast, Barry Zito knows all about the importance of recognizing the proper beat. Tuesday night, he picked up the Giants' rhythm without a hitch.

Contributing handsomely to the effort that lengthened the Giants' winning streak to a season-high seven games, Zito thrived in his first Major League outing since April 15 by working seven solid innings in San Francisco's 6-3 triumph over the Chicago Cubs.

The decision gave the Giants a sweep of their day-night doubleheader, combined with a 13-7 triumph in the first game. It was an unusually fruitful day for the Giants, who accumulated 30 hits while soaring 12 games above .500 (46-34) for the first time this season. 

Read the rest here.

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Today in Elvis History:

1956 - Elvis Presley rehearsed for his upcoming appearance on Steve Allen's TV show. On July 1, he sang the song "Hound Dog" to an actual basset hound.

1960 - Filming finished for the Elvis Presley movie "G.I. Blues."

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On this date in 1860, the first iron-pile lighthouse was completed at Minot’s Ledge, Massachusetts.

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Today in Beatles History:

1966 - The Beatles performed in Tokyo. About 500 police officers were needed to contain the crowd.

1982 - Paul McCartney's album "Tug Of War" was certified platinum by the RIAA.

1995 - A Pizza Hut commercial featuring Ringo Starr premiered on U.S. television. Starr was the drummer in a re-formed Monkees with Davy Jones, Mickey Dolenz and Peter Tork.

1998 - George Harrison announced that he had been receiving treatments for throat cancer. He added, "I'm not going to die on you folks just yet."

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A new survey on health care found that between 2005 and 2009, 5% accounted for 47.5% of all health care spending.

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Today in Sports History:

1897 - The Chicago Cubs scored 36 runs in a game against Louisville, setting a record for runs scored by a team in a single game.

1941 - Joe DiMaggio got a base hit in his 42nd consecutive game. He broke George Sisler's record from 1922.

1958 - Brazil defeated Sweden 5-2 in the World Cup. Pelé, at age 17, scored a goal in the game.

1998 - With negotiations on a new labor agreement at a standstill, the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced that a lockout would be imposed at midnight.

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A California man who went to court (in Shasta County) Monday for an appearance on a stolen vehicle charge was arrested later in the day for driving a stolen pickup.  He also had a suspended driver's license.

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Coming Up: 

Tonight --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Cincinnati Reds 12:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs 8:05pm EDT

Thursday --

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs 2:20pm EDT

Friday --

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Detroit Tigers 7:05pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs St. Louis Cardinals 7:10pm EDT

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Subway Jalapeno 250 at Daytona International Speedway 7:30pm EDT

Saturday --

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Detroit Tigers 7:05pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs St. Louis Cardinals 7:10pm EDT

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway 7:30pm EDT

Sunday --

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Detroit Tigers 1:05pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs St. Louis Cardinals 1:40pm EDT

Monday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins 2:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres 5:05pm EDT

Tuesday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins 8:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres 10:15pm EDT


Wednesday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins 1:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres 10:15pm EDT

Thursday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 7:05pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres 10:15pm EDT

Friday --
 
MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 7:05pm EDT
 
Nascar Nationwide Series -- Feed The Children 300 at Kentucky Speedway 7:30pm EDT
 
MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs New York Mets 10:15pm EDT

Saturday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 1:05pm EDT

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway 7:30pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs New York Mets 9:05pm EDT

Sunday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 1:05pm EDT

Izod Indy Car Series -- Honda Indy Toronto at Streets of Toronto 2:00pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs New York Mets 8:05pm EDT

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That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by, be sure to tell your friends about this blog. See you tomorrow.            

It's Tuesday

Happy Tuesday everybody. Here's what's happening....

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Today is June 28th, the 179th day of 2011. There are 186 days left in the year.

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NHL Net-U.S. to air live HHOF inductee announcement.

O'Ree scores in NHL's effort to diversify hockey.

Bieksa agrees to five-year deal to stay in Vancouver.

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Todays Birthdays: CIA director Leon Panetta is 73; actress Kathy Bates is 63; former NFL quarterback John Elway (played only for the Denver Broncos) is 51; actor John Cusack (2012, Grosse Point Blank) is 45; dancer Lacey Schwimmer (So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars) is 23.

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Sixty Americans Selected
at the 2011 National Hockey League Entry Draft

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado – Sixty American players were selected during the 2011 National Hockey League Entry Draft in St. Paul, Minn., this past weekend, including five in the first round.

The 60 players chosen is the highest number of Americans selected in the NHL Entry Draft since a record 62 were picked in 2007.

Defenseman Jamie Oleksiak (Boston, Mass.), selected 14th overall by the Dallas Stars, was the first American taken in the NHL Entry Draft. J.T. Miller (East Palestine, Ohio), who played at USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, was taken with the next pick by the New York Rangers.

Eight players with ties to the NTDP, a member of the United States Hockey League, were chosen in the first two rounds of the NHL Entry Draft, including Miller, Connor Murphy (Dublin, Ohio/20th overall/Phoenix Coyotes), Tyler Biggs (Cincinnati, Ohio/22nd overall/Toronto Maple Leafs), Rocco Grimaldi (Rossmoor, Calif./33rd overall/Florida Panthers), Adam Clendening (Niagara Falls, N.Y./36th overall/Chicago Blackhawks), John Gibson (Pittsburgh, Pa./39th overall/Anaheim Ducks), Brandon Saad (Gibsonia, Pa./43rd overall/Chicago Blackhawks), and Matthew Nieto (Long Beach, Calif./47th overall/San Jose Sharks).

For the full list of Americans selected in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, see below.

NOTES: Twenty-five American players that played in the USHL in 2010-11 were chosen … Seventeen players with ties to USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program were selected … Eight American players who played NCAA Division I hockey in 2010-11 were drafted … Fifteen players who skated for high schools or prep schools in 2010-11 were selected … Players drafted represented 17 states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin … For a complete round-by-round recap of the NHL draft, click here … A total of 59 Americans were selected in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, with 51 in 2009, 46 in 2008 and a record 62 in 2007.

Americans Selected in the 2011 National Hockey League Entry Draft

Rd. Pick Name NHL Team 2010-11 Team (League)
1 14 Jamie Oleksiak Dallas Stars Northeastern University (HEA)
1 15 J.T. Miller New York Rangers U.S. National Under-18 Team (USHL)
1 20 Connor Murphy Phoenix Coyotes U.S. National Under-18 Team (USHL)
1 21 Stefan Noesen Ottawa Senators Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
1 22 Tyler Biggs Toronto Maple Leafs U.S. National Under-18 Team (USHL)
2 33 Rocco Grimaldi Florida Panthers U.S. National Under-18 Team (USHL)
2 34 Scott Mayfield New York Islanders Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
2 36 Adam Clendening Chicago Blackhawks Boston University (HEA)
2 39 John Gibson Anaheim Ducks U.S. National Under-18 Team (USHL)
2 43 Brandon Saad Chicago Blackhawks Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
2 47 Matthew Nieto San Jose Sharks Boston University (HEA)
2 60 Mario Lucia Minnesota Wild Wayzata (Minn.) High School
2 61 Shane Prince Ottawa Senators Ottawa 67's (OHL)
3 64 Vincent Trocheck Florida Panthers Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
3 66 T.J. Tynan Columbus Blue Jackets University of Notre Dame (CCHA)
3 70 Michael Paliotta Chicago Blackhawks U.S. National Under-18 Team (USHL)
3 72 Steven Fogarty New York Rangers Edina (Minn.) High School
3 73 Keegan Lowe Carolina Hurricanes Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
3 75 Blake Coleman New Jersey Devils Indiana Ice (USHL)
3 82 Nick Shore Los Angeles Kings University of Denver (WCHA)
3 83 Andy Welinski Anaheim Ducks Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)
3 91 Kyle Rau Florida Panthers Eden Prairie (Minn.) High School
4 95 Robbie Russo New York Islanders U.S. National Under-18 Team (USHL)
4 97 Josiah Didier Montreal Canadiens Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL)
4 98 Mike Reilly Columbus Blue Jackets Shattuck-St. Mary's (Minn.)
4 99 Reid Boucher New Jersey Devils U.S. National Under-18 Team (USHL)
4 101 Joseph Labate Vancouver Canucks Holy Angels (Minn.) High School
4 104 John Gaudreau Calgary Flames Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
4 107 Colin Jacobs Buffalo Sabres Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
4 110 Michael Mersch Los Angeles Kings Univ. of Wisconsin (WCHA)
4 112 Garrett Noonan Nashville Predators Boston University (HEA)
4 116 Colin Suellentrop Philadelphia Flyers Oshawa Generals (OHL)
4 121 Brian Ferlin Boston Bruins Indiana Ice (USHL)
5 128 Seth Ambroz Columbus Blue Jackets Omaha Lancers (USHL)
5 129 Blake Pietila New Jersey Devils U.S. National Under-18 Team (USHL)
5 130 Tony Cameranesi Toronto Maple Leafs Wayzata (Minn.) High School
5 131 Nick Seeler Minnesota Wild Eden Prairie (Minn.) High School
5 133 Sean Kuraly San Jose Sharks Indiana Ice (USHL)
5 134 Shane McColgan New York Rangers Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
5 135 Troy Vance Dallas Stars Victoriaville Tigers (QMJHL)
5 137 Alex Lepkowski Buffalo Sabres Barrie Colts (OHL)
5 151 Rob O'Gara Boston Bruins Milton (Mass.) Academy
6 154 Edward Wittchow Florida Panthers Burnsville (Minn.) High School
6 161 Stephen Michalek Minnesota Wild Loomis-Chaffee (Conn.)
6 163 Matt Mahalak Carolina Hurricanes Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
6 170 Chase Balisy Nashville Predators Western Michigan University (CCHA)
6 171 Max McCormick Ottawa Senators Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
6 177 Travis Boyd Washington Capitals U.S. National Under-18 Team (USHL)
6 178 Adam Wilcox Tampa Bay Lightning Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)
7 187 Aaron Harstad Winnipeg Jets Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)
7 189 Patrick Daly New Jersey Devils Benilde-St. Margaret's (Minn.) High School
7 190 Garret Sparks Toronto Maple Leafs Guelph Storm (OHL)
7 194 Colin Blackwell San Jose Sharks St. John's (Mass.) Prep
7 196 Zac Larraza Phoenix Coyotes U.S. National Under-18 Team (USHL)
7 197 Brad Navin Buffalo Sabres Waupaca (Wis.) High School
7 198 Colin Sullivan Montreal Canadiens Avon Old Farms (Conn.)
7 199 Alex Broadhurst Chicago Blackhawks Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)
7 203 Max Everson Toronto Maple Leafs Edina (Minn.) High School
7 204 Ryan Dzingel Ottawa Senators Lincoln Stars (USHL)
7 207 Garrett Haar Washington Capitals Fargo Force (USHL)

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Today is National Columnists Day.

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Pedersen: Roughriders still have issues.

Rider DB Eddie Russ proving to be a true returner.

Riders struck a fine balance on cutdown day.

Visit the team's official website at http://www.riderville.com/.

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ON DVD TODAY _ The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Extended Edition + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]; Warrior's Way (Dong-Gun Jang, Kate Bosworth); Hell's Kitchen: Seasons 1-4; Law & Order Criminal Intent: Season 6; Rizzoli & Isles: The Complete First Season.

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2011 Pre-season CFL power rankings.

Road to the Show Part 2: John Surla.

2011 CFL Schedule is here.

Donate to the Tony Proudfoot Fund.

Visit the leagues' official website, http://www.cfl.ca/.

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Whatever it is, I like it!

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One out of every 10 people in the entire planet is now on Facebook. If that doesn't sound like a lot, keep in mind that that there are currently more than 7 billion people in the world.

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ST PETERSBURG --  What seemed like a statistical fluke to begin the season is becoming more alarming by the game.

Fresh off scoring nearly seven runs per contest during its six-game road trip, Tampa Bay's hitting woes at Tropicana Field continued as it fell, 5-0, to Cincinnati on Monday night in front of 19,891.

Read the rest here.

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On this date in 1778, Mary "Molly Pitcher" Hays McCauley, wife of an American artilleryman, carried water to the soldiers during the Battle of Monmouth and, supposedly, took her husband's place at his gun after he was overcome with heat.

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CHICAGO --  The San Francisco Giants, off yesterday, are back in action this afternoon with a doubleheader at the Chicago Cubs. I Game One, Ryan Voglesong starts for the Giants, Doug Davis for Chicago. First pitch is at 2:20pm EDT. In Game Two, Barry Zito toes the hill for San Francisco, Rodrigo Lopez for the Cubs. First pitch is at 8:05pm EDT.

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Today in Elvis History:

1973 - The album "Elvis - That's The Way It Is" was certified gold by the RIAA.

2004 - SIRIUS, a satellite radio provider, announced the launch of Elvis Radio. The radio channel debuted on July 2.

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The U.S. Congress made Labor Day a U.S. national holiday on this date in 1894.

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Today in Beatles History:

1991 - "Paul McCartney's Liverpool Oratorio" debuted at the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool.

1999 - George Harrison disclosed that he had a cancerous lump removed from his neck the previous summer.

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Last year, during the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, there was a lot of confusion as to whether the athletes could tweet, blog or otherwise use social media. This time around, at next year's London games, those athletes will have all but free rein. The International Olympic Committee, which governs the Olympics, has posted a new set of social media guidelines for athletes. The biggest part? Tweet away.

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Today in Sports History:

1971 - The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the draft evasion conviction of Muhammad Ali.

1997 - Mike Tyson was disqualified for biting Evander Holyfield's ear after three rounds of their WBA heavyweight title fight in Las Vegas, NV.

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In an appearance on a British TV show Monday to discuss his latest film, Larry Crowne, Tom Hanks may have prematurely spilled the beans on a fourth Toy Story movie. When asked if there will be a Toy Story 4 for his granddaughter to see, Tom replied, "I think there will be, yeah. I think they're working on it now."

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Coming Up: 

Tonight --

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs 2:20pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Cincinnati Reds 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs 8:05pm EDT

Wednesday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Cincinnati Reds 12:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs 8:05pm EDT

Thursday --

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs 2:20pm EDT

Friday --

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Detroit Tigers 7:05pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs St. Louis Cardinals 7:10pm EDT

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Subway Jalapeno 250 at Daytona International Speedway 7:30pm EDT

Saturday --

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Detroit Tigers 7:05pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs St. Louis Cardinals 7:10pm EDT

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway 7:30pm EDT

Sunday --

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Detroit Tigers 1:05pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs St. Louis Cardinals 1:40pm EDT

Monday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins 2:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres 5:05pm EDT

Tuesday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins 8:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres 10:15pm EDT


Wednesday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins 1:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres 10:15pm EDT

Thursday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 7:05pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres 10:15pm EDT

Friday --
 
MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 7:05pm EDT
 
Nascar Nationwide Series -- Feed The Children 300 at Kentucky Speedway 7:30pm EDT
 
MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs New York Mets 10:15pm EDT

Saturday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 1:05pm EDT

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway 7:30pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs New York Mets 9:05pm EDT

Sunday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 1:05pm EDT

Izod Indy Car Series -- Honda Indy Toronto at Streets of Toronto 2:00pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs New York Mets 8:05pm EDT

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That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by, be sure to tell your friends about this blog. See you tomorrow.