It's Thursday

It's Thursday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is September 20th, the 264th day of 2012. There are 102 days left in the year.

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NHL announces cancellation of preseason schedule through Sept. 30.

Mackinnon, Jones among top '13 prospects to watch.

Visit the official league website, http://www.nhl.com/.

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Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan left Spain on this date in 1519 to find a route to the Spice Islands of Indonesia. Magellan was killed during the trip, but one of his ships eventually made the journey.

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Steve Levy to Serve as Master of Ceremonies for U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Oct. 15 Lamoriello, Modano, Olczyk to be Formally Inducted in Dallas; Tickets Available COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Steve Levy, longtime ESPN SportsCenter anchor and hockey broadcaster, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 40th Annual U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner, Monday, Oct. 15, in Dallas, Texas . Levy, a New York native, will help to formally enshrine the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2012, including Lou Lamoriello, Mike Modano and Eddie Olczyk. "We're extremely pleased to welcome Steve back to host this year's U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner," said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. "It's one of the most anticipated events on the hockey calendar in our country each year and we're excited to have someone with not only great passion for the game, but knowledge of its history, serving as emcee of this wonderful celebration." Levy has been an anchor on SportsCenter for nearly 20 years, after first joining the ESPN stable in 1993. He also provided play-by-play for the network's coverage of the NHL from 1995-2004, as well as its broadcasts of the NCAA Division I Men's Frozen Four in 1998 and 1999. His hockey broadcasting background extends beyond the television studio, having produced and hosted a nationally syndicated show on NHL Radio Network (1988-89) and calling college hockey games for his alma mater, State University of New York at Oswego. The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Dinner & Ceremony, which will take place on the ice at the Plaza of the Americas in Dallas and the adjacent Dallas Marriott City Center, will also include the presentation of two other prestigious hockey awards. Murray Costello will receive the Wayne Gretzky Award, significant of major contribution to the growth and advancement of hockey in the United States by an international citizen. In addition, Bob Chase/Wallenstein and Dick Patrick will be honored with the Lester Patrick Trophy, an NHL honor representative of outstanding contribution to hockey in the United States. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit USHockeyHallOfFame.com. Notes: USA Hockey took over responsibilities for the selection process and induction event associated with the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006 and has staged induction ceremonies in Grand Forks, N.D., (2007), Denver (2008), Boston (2009), Buffalo, N.Y. (2010) and Chicago (2011). The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame was founded in 1973. To date, there are 153 enshrined members in the Hall. For information on the members of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, visit USHockeyHallofFame.com ... The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum, located in Eveleth, Minn., is open daily. For hours of operation and admission prices, visit USHockeyHallMuseum.com or call 800-443-7825.

National Team Development Program Weekly Update U18 Team Opens with Win Over Youngstown, Next Heads to USHL Fall Classic; U17 Team Tripped Up in Home Debut, Focus Turns to Weekend Tilts U18's HEAD TO USHL FALL CLASSIC: The U.S. National Under-18 Team travels to Sioux City, Iowa this week as it prepares for the United States Hockey League Fall Classic. Team USA will play three games in three days starting on Thursday, Sept. 20 when it takes on the Dubuque Fighting Saints at 8 p.m. EDT. The following night (Sept. 21), the U.S. does battle against the host Sioux City Musketeers at 8 p.m. EDT. Both Thursday and Friday's games will be held at the Tyson Events Center. On Saturday, the Under-18 Team wraps up its Fall Classic schedule with a match-up versus Sioux Falls at 12 p.m. EDT. Team USA and the Stampede will skate at the IBP Ice Center. U17's FOCUS TURNS TO WEEKEND TILTS: With its first game now in the books, the U.S. National Under-17 Team turns its attention to the LaSalle Vipers. Team USA will play host to the Vipers this weekend (Sept. 21-22) for two exhibition games at the Ann Arbor (Mich.) Ice Cube. Both games are set to start at 7 p.m. EDT. U18's OPEN WITH WIN OVER YOUNGSTOWN: Shane Eiserman (West Newbury, Mass.) had two goals and one assist and Hunter Miska (North Branch, Minn.) turned aside 26 shots as the U.S. National Under-18 Team opened the 2012-13 season with a 7-1 win over Youngstown on Sept. 15. The game was held at Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary's Athletic Complex in an effort to help fundraise for the local hockey association. Hudson Fasching (Burnsville, Minn.) and Tyler Motte (St. Clair, Mich.) contributed with a goal and an assist each in the victory. Team USA's special teams played a key role as two goals were tallied shorthanded and one was scored with the man advantage. U17's TRIPPED UP IN HOME DEBUT: Jack Eichel (N. Chelmsford, Mass.) notched two goals but the U.S. National Under-17 Team was tripped up, 4-3, in its home debut versus Youngstown on Sept. 16. The Phantoms struck first and then mounted a 2-0 lead midway through the game before Ryan MacInnis (St. Louis, Mo.) responded at 14:52 of the second period for Team USA. Youngstown regained the two goal advantage before Eichel tallied his first of the contest. The back-and-forth duel continued as the Phantoms scored at 8:12 of the third frame, with Eichel responding at 10:36. Team USA pulled its netminder in favor of the extra attacker, but could not find the tying goal. Edwin Minney(Wind Gap, Pa.) and Blake Weyrick (Ojai, Calif.) combined to make 42 saves for the U.S. in the loss. UNDER-18 TEAM NEWS/NOTES: The 23 players on the U.S. roster represent 11 different states. Michigan leads the way with five natives on the roster, while Minnesota boasts four and New York has three … A total of 19 members of Team USA have verbally committed to NCAA Division I schools … Of the 21 games against college opponents, 16 are against NCAA Division I schools, including four that finished the 2011-12 season ranked in the top 15 of the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men's College Hockey Poll (No. 4 University of Minnesota, No. 6 University of Notre Dame, No. 7 University of Michigan and No. 13 Cornell University) ... Don Granato will guide the U.S. National Under-18 team in 2012-13, after serving behind the bench for the Under-17 team last season. Nick Fohr will enter his second season as an assistant to Granato, while Josh Brown will serve as intern assistant coach for the first time this season ... The team's first collegiate game will come at the University of Wisconsin on Oct. 6, while its opening regular-season USHL contest will take place on Oct. 16 at home against Youngstown ... Team USA will serve as the host country in its first international competition of the season, as the 2012 Four Nations Tournament will be held in Ann Arbor, Mich., Nov. 6-11. In addition, the U.S. National Under-18 Team will compete in the 2013 Five Nations Tournament Feb. 5-10 in Jonkoping, Sweden. The season culminates with the 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation Men's World Under-18 Championship April 7-22 in Sochi, Russia. UNDER-17 TEAM NEWS/NOTES: The 22 players on the U.S. roster represent 13 different states. New York leads the way with six natives on the roster, while California, Massachusetts, Michigan and Minnesota boast two each … Joshua Wesley (Raleigh, N.C.) represents the first North Carolina native at the National Team Development Program, while Chris Wilkie (Omaha, Neb.) is the first from Nebraska ... A total of 14 members of Team USA have verbally committed to NCAA Division I schools … Danton Cole is in his third season at the NTDP and will serve as the head coach of the U.S. National Under-17 Team for the 2012-13 season, while John Gruden, who worked with the U.S. National Under-18 Team last season, will serve as assistant coach. Trent Palm will serve as intern assistant coach for the Under-17 Team ... The U.S. will compete internationally at the 2012 Four Nations Tournament Nov. 6-11 in Monthey, Switzerland; at the 2013 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Drummondville and Victoriaville, Quebec, from Dec. 29, 2012-Jan. 4, 2013; and at the 2013 Five Nations Tournament Feb. 5-10 in Jarvenpaa, Finland. For the complete weekly update, click here. ABOUT THE NTDP: In 1996, USA Hockey launched a revolutionary new initiative called the National Team Development Program, based in Ann Arbor, Mich. Currently in its 16th season of play in 2012-13, the goal of this full-time development program is to prepare student-athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. National Teams and success in their future hockey careers. Its efforts focus not only on high-caliber participation on the ice, but creating well-rounded individuals off the ice. USA HOCKEY AND THE INTELLIGYM: The U.S. National Under-17 and Under-18 Teams utilize The Hockey IntelliGym, a revolutionary software program that trains hockey sense. To learn more, visit USAHockeyIntelliGym.com. THE USHL AND FASTHOCKEY: Catch all of Team USA's USHL action on FASTHockey.com, the premier online destination for ice hockey fanatics from around the world. Visitors can choose from an incredible array of games from national governing bodies, conferences, leagues, teams, tournaments, and other events.

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Chester A. Arthur became the 21st president of the U.S. on this date in 1881. President James A. Garfield had died the day before.

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Stamps enter contest vs. Riders with time on their side.

Morris: Where does Elimimian fit in for the Lions?

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

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The Equal Rights Party was formed in San Francisco, CA on this date in 1884.

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Pedersen: Riders' latest loss a head-scratcher.

5-6 Saskatchewan's next action is this coming Sunday afternoon at 4:00pm EDT vs 7-4 Calgary, a team they lost to 41-38 in week #4. Catch the game on 620 CKRM with Rod Pedersen and Carm Carteri calling the action. The game can be seen in Canada on TSN and in the U.S. online at ESPN3.com.

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

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KDKA in Pittsburgh, PA, started a daily radio newscast on this date in 1921. It was one of the first in the U.S.

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Tampa Bay, FL. -- Dallas QB Tony Romo has had three strong games against Tampa Bay in his career but he is impressed by what he has seen from the Buccaneers' new defense.

Read the rest here.

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The first Cannes Film Festival premiered on this date in 1946. The original premier was delayed in 1939 due to World War II.

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Let's go home Daddy.

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Let's see, what's on the agenda for today....Washing dishes and bringing Jimmy home from school. How 'bout you?

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St. Petersburg, FL. -- The darnedest thing happened Wednesday night, the Rays started hitting -- and they never stopped. Powered by a 15-hit attack, the Rays snapped their four-game losing streak as they cruised to a 13-3 win over the Red Sox before 12,708 at Tropicana Field.

Read the rest here.

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On this date in 1946, WNBT-TV in New York became the first station to promote a motion picture. Scenes from "The Jolson Story" were shown.

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San Francisco, CA.-- Welcome to the party, Pablo Sandoval. While numerous Giants have taken turns occupying center stage, Sandoval has mostly remained out of the spotlight. But the switch-hitting third baseman proved Wednesday that he remains capable of dynamic performances by hitting his first home run since July 8 in the Giants' 7-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies.

Read the rest here.

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The TV show "Letter to Loretta" premiered on this date in 1953. The name was changed to "The Loretta Young Show" on February 14, 1954.

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Today in Elvis History

1949 - Elvis Presley and his family were accepted into the Memphis Housing Authority property called Lauderdale Courts. On November 17, 1949, they were evicted because they made too much money.

1980 - The eight-album boxed set "Elvis Aron Presley" hit #27 in the U.S.

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Jimmy Stewart debuted on the radio western "The Six Shooter" on NBC on this date in 1953.

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Today in Beatles History:

1964 - After a charity show that finished their U.S. tour, the Beatles appeared on the "Ed Sullivan Show."

1966 - George Harrison went to India for his first visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

1969 - Associated TV bought control of the Beatles' music publishing company, Northern Songs, for a million pounds.

1972 - Police found cannabis growing on the farm of Paul and Linda McCartney.

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"You'll Never Be Rich" premiered on CBS-TV on this date in 1955. The name was changed less than two months later to "The Phil Silvers Show."

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Today in Sports History:

1876 - Candy Cummings (Hartford) pitched two complete games in one day. He won 14-4 and 8-4.

1902 - Jim Callaghan pitched the first no-hitter in Chicago White Sox history.

1927 - Babe Ruth hit his 60th home run of the season. He beat his own record of 59 that he set in 1921.

1955 - Ernie Banks (Chicago Cubs) set a major league record with his fifth grand slam of the year.

1968 - Denny McClain (Detroit Tigers) became the first player to achieve 31 wins in 37 years.

1973 - Willie Mays announced that he would retire at the end of the season.

1973 - In an exhibition tennis match, Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in three straight sets. The event is viewed as a milestone in women's sports.

1981 - Marcus Allen (USC) rushed for 274 yards and scored two touchdowns in a 21-0 victory over Indiana.

1982 - The NFL Players Association announced that a strike would begin at the completion of the Packers-Giants game on Monday night.

1984 - Pete Rose (Cincinnati Reds) recorded his 100th hit of the season. It was the 22nd consecutive season he had recorded at least 100 hits in a season.

1985 - Tommy Kramer (Minnesota Vikings) threw for 436 yards and three touchdowns. The Vikings lost to the Chicago Bears 33-24.

1986 - Tony Gwynn (San Diego Padres) stole five bases in one game against Houston.

1987 - Walter Payton scored his 107th touchdown to break the NFL record held by Jim Brown.

1993 - John Carney (San Diego Chargers) kicked six field goals to extend his consecutive field goal streak to 29 straight games. The Chargers beat the Houston Oilers 18-17.

1998 - Cal Ripken, Jr. (Baltimore Orioles) ended his record streak of playing in 2,632 games. He had played in every game since May 30, 1982.

2002 - Tom Gamboa, coach of the Kansas City Royals, was attacked by a man and his son while he was standing near first base. The two fans were arrested and charged with battery.

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"The Cosby Show" premiered on NBC-TV on this date in 1984.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Boston Red Sox 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Colorado Rockies 3:45pm EDT

Friday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays 7:10pm EDT

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

Junior Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors Empire South and EJHL South at Jr. Bruins Showcase TBA

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Kentucky 300 at Kentucky Speedway 3:00pm EDT

College Football -- Oregon State Beavers at UCLA Bruins 3:30pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres 9:05pm EDT

Junior Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors Empire South and EJHL South at Jr. Bruins Showcase TBA

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway 1:00pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays 1:40pm EDT

CFL Football -- Saskatchewan Roughriders vs Calgary Stampeders 4:00pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres 4:05pm EDT

Junior Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors Empire South and EJHL South at Jr. Bruins Showcase TBA

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That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by, I hope that you'll do so tomorrow too. Thanks again!