This
Saturday, June 2nd, the Kansas City Command will take on the Utah Blaze
in an inter-division matchup. Kickoff from the Sprint Center is
scheduled for 7:00 PM CDT.
The
Command survived a back and forth battle against the Georgia Force
Saturday night winning 39-27 in front of 5,079 at Sprint Center and
giving the Command back-to-back victories. Command wide receiver, Jackie
Chambers had 8 receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown; and the
Command defense once again kept KC in the game holding Georgia at bay
scoring a single field goal in the fourth quarter.
Utah
will try to rebound after suffering a tough 64-61 loss at home to the
San Antonio Talons last Saturday night. The Blaze is still listed at six
in the Arena Football League Power Rankings.
It
will be strength-against-strength this weekend when the Blaze offense
meets the Command defense. Despite a less than stellar record, Kansas
City boasts one of the toughest defensive units in the League. The
Command owns the Arena Football League’s fourth-ranked scoring defense,
surrendering 50.5 points per game. The unit has been especially
effective against opponent’s passing attack, allowing just 245.4 aerial
yards per contest to place third in the AFL.
The
Blaze will head into battle with the League’s best passing offense.
With QB Tommy Grady at the helm, Utah has posted 323.0 passing yards per
game to rank first in the AFL. Grady continues to pace all Arena
Football passers in total offensive yards (3,674) and touchdowns (92).
The 6-7 signal caller has an array of weapons at his disposal led by WR
Aaron Lesue, who ranks first in the AFL in touchdown catches (41) and
second in receptions (104). If Utah can find a way to cut down on
penalties and turnovers, the Blaze will once again have an opportunity
to light up the scoreboard.
Utah
has faced its fair share of difficulties on defense, but has begun to
turn the corner under new Defensive Coordinator Rob Keefe. The unit
posted two stops against San Antonio last week by forcing the Talons to
turn the ball over on downs in the first quarter and recovering a fumble
early in the fourth. The Blaze will look to stifle a struggling Kansas
City offense that ranks last in the AFL in scoring (37.1 ppg) and total
offense (245.5 ypg).
The game will be broadcast on SportsRadio 810 WHB AM, Ustream.tv/kansascitycommand and KSMO-TV 62.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
KANSAS CITY COMMAND GIVE AWAY $5,000
There
were two big winners Saturday night at the Sprint Center. The Kansas
City Command put an end to the Georgia Force’s three-game winning
streak, beating the Force 39-27, and Doug Wanashko from Lee’s Summit won
five grand from the Command during the Cash Night halftime contest.
“I couldn’t believe it… it’s amazing,” said winning contestant Doug Wanashko after he knew he had won the $5,000. “I was going to give it (the money) to my wife initially on the field, but she said I could spend it however I want, so I don’t have any plans yet.”
Wanashko was one of four randomly chosen contestants (one from a local radio contest) that went on the field at halftime to participate in the cash contest. Contestants were each asked a series of Kansas City-based trivia questions and the contestant with the most correct answers was allowed to choose the corresponding number of boards, one board would reveal the $5,000 prize. Though Wanashko finished second in the trivia questions, he picked the correct board that revealed his winnings.
“It was lucky for me that the #5 (board) was still out there, George Brett has been a hero of mine so if the number five is ever out there for anything I always pick number five and that was the lucky number,” said Wanashko.
The KC Command host the Utah Blaze (6-4) Saturday, June 2 at 7 p.m. at Sprint Center and will feature the Mascot football game at halftime. The game will air live on Sports Radio 810 WHB, KSMO TV 62 and Ustream.tv/kansascitycommand.
“I couldn’t believe it… it’s amazing,” said winning contestant Doug Wanashko after he knew he had won the $5,000. “I was going to give it (the money) to my wife initially on the field, but she said I could spend it however I want, so I don’t have any plans yet.”
Wanashko was one of four randomly chosen contestants (one from a local radio contest) that went on the field at halftime to participate in the cash contest. Contestants were each asked a series of Kansas City-based trivia questions and the contestant with the most correct answers was allowed to choose the corresponding number of boards, one board would reveal the $5,000 prize. Though Wanashko finished second in the trivia questions, he picked the correct board that revealed his winnings.
“It was lucky for me that the #5 (board) was still out there, George Brett has been a hero of mine so if the number five is ever out there for anything I always pick number five and that was the lucky number,” said Wanashko.
The KC Command host the Utah Blaze (6-4) Saturday, June 2 at 7 p.m. at Sprint Center and will feature the Mascot football game at halftime. The game will air live on Sports Radio 810 WHB, KSMO TV 62 and Ustream.tv/kansascitycommand.
MAVERICKS REPEAT AS CHL’S FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR
The
Central Hockey League’s (CHL) 17th annual Spring Conference concluded
on Wednesday, May 23 at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas
with the league’s awards banquet honoring the top front office
executives and team achievements from the 2011-12 season. Earning more
than half of the awards, the Missouri Mavericks stole the show taking
home eight of the 15 awards announced including the CHL Franchise of the
Year (second straight season the Mavs have earned the league’s highest
organizational honor).
On the ice, the Mavs went all the way to the Turner Conference Finals before losing in seven games to the eventual CHL Champion Fort Wayne Komets. Missouri led the league with 19 sellouts during the regular season and their numbers in the areas of merchandising, corporate sales and ticket sales were honored throughout the evening as the best in the league.
Last season, the Mavs captured six awards giving them the repeat in the categories of Group Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year, Merchandising Franchise of the Year, Ticketing Executive of the Year (Ben Gaul) and Communications Executive of the Year (Patrick Armstrong) to go along with their back-to-back top franchise nod. The Mavericks have won the merchandising and group ticket sales awards in each of the past three seasons.
Additionally this year, the Mavs were declared the Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year and their team president, Brent Thiessen, was named the winner of the Brad Treliving Executive of the Year award.
The entire list of award winners is below:
Ralph Backstrom Soul of Service Award – Scott Plourde, Texas Brahmas
CHL Game Operations Franchise of the Year – Allen Americans
CHL Merchandising Franchise of the Year – Missouri Mavericks
CHL Community Relations Franchise of the Year – Quad City Mallards
CHL New Media Franchise of the Year – Wichita Thunder
CHL Broadcaster of the Year – Daniel Nieves, Rapid City Rush
CHL Communications Executive of the Year – Patrick Armstrong, Missouri Mavericks
CHL Corporate Partnership Team of the Year – Missouri Mavericks
CHL Group Sales Franchise of the Year – Missouri Mavericks
CHL Ticketing Executive of the Year – Ben Gaul, Missouri Mavericks
CHL Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year – Missouri Mavericks
CHL Most Improved Franchise – Allen Americans
CHL Leadership Award – Brad Fain, Arizona Sundogs
Brad Treliving CHL Executive of the Year – Brent Thiessen, Missouri Mavericks
CHL Franchise of the Year – Missouri Mavericks
On the ice, the Mavs went all the way to the Turner Conference Finals before losing in seven games to the eventual CHL Champion Fort Wayne Komets. Missouri led the league with 19 sellouts during the regular season and their numbers in the areas of merchandising, corporate sales and ticket sales were honored throughout the evening as the best in the league.
Last season, the Mavs captured six awards giving them the repeat in the categories of Group Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year, Merchandising Franchise of the Year, Ticketing Executive of the Year (Ben Gaul) and Communications Executive of the Year (Patrick Armstrong) to go along with their back-to-back top franchise nod. The Mavericks have won the merchandising and group ticket sales awards in each of the past three seasons.
Additionally this year, the Mavs were declared the Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year and their team president, Brent Thiessen, was named the winner of the Brad Treliving Executive of the Year award.
The entire list of award winners is below:
Ralph Backstrom Soul of Service Award – Scott Plourde, Texas Brahmas
CHL Game Operations Franchise of the Year – Allen Americans
CHL Merchandising Franchise of the Year – Missouri Mavericks
CHL Community Relations Franchise of the Year – Quad City Mallards
CHL New Media Franchise of the Year – Wichita Thunder
CHL Broadcaster of the Year – Daniel Nieves, Rapid City Rush
CHL Communications Executive of the Year – Patrick Armstrong, Missouri Mavericks
CHL Corporate Partnership Team of the Year – Missouri Mavericks
CHL Group Sales Franchise of the Year – Missouri Mavericks
CHL Ticketing Executive of the Year – Ben Gaul, Missouri Mavericks
CHL Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year – Missouri Mavericks
CHL Most Improved Franchise – Allen Americans
CHL Leadership Award – Brad Fain, Arizona Sundogs
Brad Treliving CHL Executive of the Year – Brent Thiessen, Missouri Mavericks
CHL Franchise of the Year – Missouri Mavericks
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Command win Second Game In A Row, Defeat Georgia 39-27
Kansas
City Command survived a back and forth battle against the Georgia Force
Saturday night winning 39-27 in front of 5,079 at Sprint Center and
giving the Command back-to-back victories. Command wide receiver,
Jackie Chambers had 8 receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown; and the
Command defense once again kept KC in the game holding Georgia at bay
scoring a single field goal in the fourth quarter.
Georgia jumped on board first with a nine-yard touchdown to C.J. Johnson with 9:51 left in first quarter and the back-and-forth battle began. The Command responded by driving 40 yards, capped off with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Matt Gutierrez to stay even with the Force. The Command defense stepped up with a Bradley Chavez pick-six interception to put Command on top 13-7 with 3:41 left in first quarter. Command QB Matt Gutierrez finished the game with three touchdowns; rushing for another and was awarded the National Guard MVP of the game.
Offensive penalties by Georgia took two TD’s off the boards and KC took advantage to jump back on top 20-17 with 43 seconds left in first half with a 28 yard touchdown to Jackie Chambers. KC defense kept pressure on Force QB Kevin Eakin all night and forced a fumble to keep Georgia from scoring again before the half.
Despite third quarter ejections of KC linebackers Bradley Chavez and Tressor Baptiste, the Command and Georgia traded touchdowns and interceptions, keeping the game close and leading the fourth quarter as the decider.
KC wide receiver Keith Eloi found the end zone for the second time during the fourth quarter to put KC up 37-27 with 5:39 left. Diyral Briggs’ safety with 26 seconds left in the game secured the Command’s first home victory of the season.
The Command are back home at Sprint Center next Saturday, June 2 against the Utah Blaze at 7pm featuring the Mascot game at halftime.
Georgia jumped on board first with a nine-yard touchdown to C.J. Johnson with 9:51 left in first quarter and the back-and-forth battle began. The Command responded by driving 40 yards, capped off with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Matt Gutierrez to stay even with the Force. The Command defense stepped up with a Bradley Chavez pick-six interception to put Command on top 13-7 with 3:41 left in first quarter. Command QB Matt Gutierrez finished the game with three touchdowns; rushing for another and was awarded the National Guard MVP of the game.
Offensive penalties by Georgia took two TD’s off the boards and KC took advantage to jump back on top 20-17 with 43 seconds left in first half with a 28 yard touchdown to Jackie Chambers. KC defense kept pressure on Force QB Kevin Eakin all night and forced a fumble to keep Georgia from scoring again before the half.
Despite third quarter ejections of KC linebackers Bradley Chavez and Tressor Baptiste, the Command and Georgia traded touchdowns and interceptions, keeping the game close and leading the fourth quarter as the decider.
KC wide receiver Keith Eloi found the end zone for the second time during the fourth quarter to put KC up 37-27 with 5:39 left. Diyral Briggs’ safety with 26 seconds left in the game secured the Command’s first home victory of the season.
The Command are back home at Sprint Center next Saturday, June 2 against the Utah Blaze at 7pm featuring the Mascot game at halftime.
Friday, May 25, 2012
AMC, Cordish draw curtain on joint Downtown venture
A marquee match-up of AMC Entertainment Inc. and The Cordish Co. will come to an end, The Kansas City Star reports.
Gerry Lopez, CEO of AMC Entertainment, said a joint venture with Cordish to redevelop the Mainstreet and Midland theaters in downtown Kansas City will end. He said the move has been in the works for a while and could be completed in the next month.
Neither Lopez nor a representative of Cordish’s Kansas City Power & Light District would say what the split will look like.
The venture came into being as part of a revival of Downtown, involving a massive restoration of what had been the Empire Theater into the Mainstreet Theater and the renovation of the Midland Theater.
Gerry Lopez, CEO of AMC Entertainment, said a joint venture with Cordish to redevelop the Mainstreet and Midland theaters in downtown Kansas City will end. He said the move has been in the works for a while and could be completed in the next month.
Neither Lopez nor a representative of Cordish’s Kansas City Power & Light District would say what the split will look like.
The venture came into being as part of a revival of Downtown, involving a massive restoration of what had been the Empire Theater into the Mainstreet Theater and the renovation of the Midland Theater.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
KANSAS CITY COMMAND QB VOTED WEEK 11 MVP
Kansas City Command QB, Matt Gutierrez has been named the National Guard MVP of the Week as voted on by fans.
Gutierrez (6-4, 230, Idaho State) guided the Command to their first victory of the season in Week 11. He passed for 262 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for another in the team’s 43-37 win over Pittsburgh.
Gutierrez was traded to the Command on March 31st from the Arizona Rattlers and has thrown for 1,560 yards, 27 touchdowns and rushed for another three TD’s in just six games.
Other candidates for the award included Arizona QB Nick Davila and New Orleans QB Kurt Rocco.
The Command are home Saturday night at 7 p.m. (CT) to host the American Conference South leading Georgia Force (6-4) at Sprint Center. Saturday is CASH NIGHT AT THE COMMAND where one lucky fan will walk out $5,000 richer!
Gutierrez (6-4, 230, Idaho State) guided the Command to their first victory of the season in Week 11. He passed for 262 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for another in the team’s 43-37 win over Pittsburgh.
Gutierrez was traded to the Command on March 31st from the Arizona Rattlers and has thrown for 1,560 yards, 27 touchdowns and rushed for another three TD’s in just six games.
Other candidates for the award included Arizona QB Nick Davila and New Orleans QB Kurt Rocco.
The Command are home Saturday night at 7 p.m. (CT) to host the American Conference South leading Georgia Force (6-4) at Sprint Center. Saturday is CASH NIGHT AT THE COMMAND where one lucky fan will walk out $5,000 richer!
The Command Look To Start Winning Streak, Host Georgia On Saturday
The
Kansas City Command return home from a two-game road trip to take on
the Georgia Force Saturday, May 26 at 7pm at Sprint Center. The Command
(1-8) are coming off their first win of the season after defeating the
Pittsburgh Power 43-37 Saturday night at Consol Energy Center in front
of 5,062 fans. Georgia (6-4) is coming off a thrilling 58-55 win over
the Milwaukee Mustangs Saturday night.
Offense and defense contributed to the Kansas City Command notching their victory over Pittsburgh. Command QB Matt Gutierrez threw for 262 yards and 4TD’s, he also rushed for another. KC ’s Defense continued their dominant play holding Pittsburgh (2-8) to their lowest point total of the season.
Despite 14 penalties against the Command, the defense continued to keep KC in contention with DB J.C. Neal forcing his third fumble of the season, and DL’s Chris Lyle and Tommy Chavis each having fumble recoveries to keep Pittsburgh from pulling away.
Kansas City spread the ball around earning scores from four different receivers including former Power WR/QB Xavier Lee who rushed for a touchdown, and Olathe, KS native Anthony Parks earned his first career touchdown (27 yards). The Command offensive scored on 4 of 5 drives in the first half, their best offensive effort of the season.
Kansas City’s biggest lead of the season came with just 1:22 left in the fourth quarter when Command QB Matt Gutierrez connected with WR Armand Robinson for a 20-yard touchdown, putting KC up 43-34 and bringing Robinson’s touchdown total to seven in just three games.
Georgia is leading the American South Division and have won three in a row. The Force are coming off a narrow victory against Milwaukee in a Week 11 contest held at the Bradley Center. Georgia proved how resilient they are by overcoming deficits of 28-7 and 48-27. The victory was not secured until kicker Carlos Martinez nailed a 38 yard field-goal with 7 seconds left in the game.
The Force have never lost to Kansas City having won all three previous meetings with the (then) Kansas City Brigade.
The game will be broadcast on SportsRadio 810 WHB AM, Ustream.tv/kansascitycommand and
KSMO-TV 62.
Offense and defense contributed to the Kansas City Command notching their victory over Pittsburgh. Command QB Matt Gutierrez threw for 262 yards and 4TD’s, he also rushed for another. KC ’s Defense continued their dominant play holding Pittsburgh (2-8) to their lowest point total of the season.
Despite 14 penalties against the Command, the defense continued to keep KC in contention with DB J.C. Neal forcing his third fumble of the season, and DL’s Chris Lyle and Tommy Chavis each having fumble recoveries to keep Pittsburgh from pulling away.
Kansas City spread the ball around earning scores from four different receivers including former Power WR/QB Xavier Lee who rushed for a touchdown, and Olathe, KS native Anthony Parks earned his first career touchdown (27 yards). The Command offensive scored on 4 of 5 drives in the first half, their best offensive effort of the season.
Kansas City’s biggest lead of the season came with just 1:22 left in the fourth quarter when Command QB Matt Gutierrez connected with WR Armand Robinson for a 20-yard touchdown, putting KC up 43-34 and bringing Robinson’s touchdown total to seven in just three games.
Georgia is leading the American South Division and have won three in a row. The Force are coming off a narrow victory against Milwaukee in a Week 11 contest held at the Bradley Center. Georgia proved how resilient they are by overcoming deficits of 28-7 and 48-27. The victory was not secured until kicker Carlos Martinez nailed a 38 yard field-goal with 7 seconds left in the game.
The Force have never lost to Kansas City having won all three previous meetings with the (then) Kansas City Brigade.
The game will be broadcast on SportsRadio 810 WHB AM, Ustream.tv/kansascitycommand and
KSMO-TV 62.
Monday, May 21, 2012
It's Official: China's Wanda Group to Buy AMC Entertainment
I
know that this is not a sports story but it deals with a Kansas City
company and an indoor activity (attending movies) that I talk about in
my Weekend Preview
Under a deal that would create the world's largest cinema conglomerate, China’s Dalian Wanda Group Co., Ltd. will acquire AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
The transaction is valued at $2.6 billion. Wanda, based in Beijing, intends to invest up to $500 million in AMC strategic and operating initiatives over time.
“This acquisition will help make Wanda a truly global cinema owner,” Wanda Chairman and President Wang Jianlin said in a statement. “We share with AMC a passion for the growth of the worldwide movie industry.”
AMC, headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., employs about 18,500 people and owns 346 theaters. It is not believed the transaction will affect employment levels at the company.
“With Wanda as its partner, AMC will continue to seek out new ways to expand and invest in the movie-going experience,” AMC CEO and President Gerry Lopez said in a statement.
The transaction is pending closing conditions and regulatory approval from the U.S. and China. The move comes after a line of investments Wanda has made in the entertainment sector since 2005. The group says it has more than $1.6 billion invested in entertainment and cultural activities.
Under a deal that would create the world's largest cinema conglomerate, China’s Dalian Wanda Group Co., Ltd. will acquire AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
The transaction is valued at $2.6 billion. Wanda, based in Beijing, intends to invest up to $500 million in AMC strategic and operating initiatives over time.
“This acquisition will help make Wanda a truly global cinema owner,” Wanda Chairman and President Wang Jianlin said in a statement. “We share with AMC a passion for the growth of the worldwide movie industry.”
AMC, headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., employs about 18,500 people and owns 346 theaters. It is not believed the transaction will affect employment levels at the company.
“With Wanda as its partner, AMC will continue to seek out new ways to expand and invest in the movie-going experience,” AMC CEO and President Gerry Lopez said in a statement.
The transaction is pending closing conditions and regulatory approval from the U.S. and China. The move comes after a line of investments Wanda has made in the entertainment sector since 2005. The group says it has more than $1.6 billion invested in entertainment and cultural activities.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
The Command Get First Victory, Defeat Pittsburgh 43-37
Offense
and defense contributed to the Kansas City Command notching their first
victory of the season over the Pittsburgh Power (43-37) Saturday night
at Consol Energy Center in front of 5,062 fans. Command QB Matt
Gutierrez threw for 262 yards 4TD’s, and rushed for another, while KC’s
Defense continued their dominant play holding Pittsburgh (2-8) to their
lowest point total of the season.
“It feels great to finally get one,” said Command coach Danton Barto. It was ugly all the way to the end but we got the win we needed. It shows you a lot about the character of this team because 0-8 teams don’t find ways to win.”
Despite 14 penalties against the Command (1-8), the defense continued to keep KC in contention with DB J.C. Neal forcing his third fumble of the season, and DL’s Chris Lyle and Tommy Chavis each having fumble recoveries to keep Pittsburgh from pulling away.
“I’ve been saying all year our defense is pretty damn good,” said coach Barto. “On offense, we find ways to make mistakes but we rallied around each other and found a way. Our defense stepped up like it always does and we put it on them to win it for us.”
Backup QB, Derek Cassidy came in for the Power and threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to P.J. Berry on his first play of the game with 8:34 left in the second quarter. He also scored a rushing TD after a KC turned the ball over to start the second half. Cassidy finished with three TD’s, bringing his total to 14 touchdowns for the season.
Kansas City spread the ball around earning scores from four different receivers including former Power WR/QB Xavier Lee who rushed for a touchdown, and Olathe, KS native Anthony Parks earned his first career touchdown (27 yards). The Command offensive scored 4-5 drives in the first half, their best offensive effort of the season.
KC’s third quarter scoring woes continued as Pittsburgh’s defense stopped the Command on back-to-back drives to start the second half while continuing to put the ball in the end zone and going up 34-27 with 4:07 in third quarter. The Command scored their only third quarter offensive points at 1:21 to stay even with the Power at 34-34.
Kansas City’s biggest lead of the season came with just 1:22 left in the fourth quarter when Command QB Matt Gutierrez connected with WR Armand Robinson for a 20-yard touchdown, putting KC up 43-34 and bringing Robinson’s touchdown total to seven in just three games.
“It’s just one game so we have to enjoy it for a few hours and then get back in the film room and get back to work to see where we can improve and get ready for next week,” said coach Barto.
The Command are back home hosting the Georgia Force at 7pm Saturday May 26 at Sprint Center.
“It feels great to finally get one,” said Command coach Danton Barto. It was ugly all the way to the end but we got the win we needed. It shows you a lot about the character of this team because 0-8 teams don’t find ways to win.”
Despite 14 penalties against the Command (1-8), the defense continued to keep KC in contention with DB J.C. Neal forcing his third fumble of the season, and DL’s Chris Lyle and Tommy Chavis each having fumble recoveries to keep Pittsburgh from pulling away.
“I’ve been saying all year our defense is pretty damn good,” said coach Barto. “On offense, we find ways to make mistakes but we rallied around each other and found a way. Our defense stepped up like it always does and we put it on them to win it for us.”
Backup QB, Derek Cassidy came in for the Power and threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to P.J. Berry on his first play of the game with 8:34 left in the second quarter. He also scored a rushing TD after a KC turned the ball over to start the second half. Cassidy finished with three TD’s, bringing his total to 14 touchdowns for the season.
Kansas City spread the ball around earning scores from four different receivers including former Power WR/QB Xavier Lee who rushed for a touchdown, and Olathe, KS native Anthony Parks earned his first career touchdown (27 yards). The Command offensive scored 4-5 drives in the first half, their best offensive effort of the season.
KC’s third quarter scoring woes continued as Pittsburgh’s defense stopped the Command on back-to-back drives to start the second half while continuing to put the ball in the end zone and going up 34-27 with 4:07 in third quarter. The Command scored their only third quarter offensive points at 1:21 to stay even with the Power at 34-34.
Kansas City’s biggest lead of the season came with just 1:22 left in the fourth quarter when Command QB Matt Gutierrez connected with WR Armand Robinson for a 20-yard touchdown, putting KC up 43-34 and bringing Robinson’s touchdown total to seven in just three games.
“It’s just one game so we have to enjoy it for a few hours and then get back in the film room and get back to work to see where we can improve and get ready for next week,” said coach Barto.
The Command are back home hosting the Georgia Force at 7pm Saturday May 26 at Sprint Center.
Missouri Mavericks Extend Head Coach Scott Hillman's Contract
Missouri
Mavericks’ president and general manager Brent Thiessen announced
Friday the Central Hockey League (CHL) club has extended head coach
Scott Hillman’s contract for two more seasons. Hillman will guide the
Mavericks at least through the 2013-14 season.
Overall, Hillman has led the Mavericks to a 107-71-18 regular-season record in three seasons for a .592 win percentage, and the Mavericks have made the playoffs in each of their first three seasons. Missouri is also the only team in the CHL to have won a playoff series in each of the last three seasons.
“If you look at where we were in year one to where we are now, it was an easy decision to bring Scott back,” said Thiessen. “Our goal is to bring a championship to our great fans in Independence, and extending Scott’s contract is a step in the right direction if we want to reach our goals.”
The Mavericks are also coming off their best season in which the team went 39-21-6 for 84 points finishing tied for second place in the Turner Conference and just three points out of first place. Hillman, a native of LaSalle, Ontario, also guided the Mavericks to the team’s deepest playoff run this past year falling in game seven to the Fort Wayne Komets in the Turner Conference Finals, just one game short of the Presidents’ Cup Finals.
Prior to coaching the Mavericks, Hillman captured back-to-back championships with the Southern Professional Hockey League’s (SPHL) Knoxville Ice Bears. During his two seasons with the Ice Bears, his team compiled a record of 67-32-12 (.660), and he was named SPHL Coach of the Year in 2008-09.
Overall, Hillman has led the Mavericks to a 107-71-18 regular-season record in three seasons for a .592 win percentage, and the Mavericks have made the playoffs in each of their first three seasons. Missouri is also the only team in the CHL to have won a playoff series in each of the last three seasons.
“If you look at where we were in year one to where we are now, it was an easy decision to bring Scott back,” said Thiessen. “Our goal is to bring a championship to our great fans in Independence, and extending Scott’s contract is a step in the right direction if we want to reach our goals.”
The Mavericks are also coming off their best season in which the team went 39-21-6 for 84 points finishing tied for second place in the Turner Conference and just three points out of first place. Hillman, a native of LaSalle, Ontario, also guided the Mavericks to the team’s deepest playoff run this past year falling in game seven to the Fort Wayne Komets in the Turner Conference Finals, just one game short of the Presidents’ Cup Finals.
Prior to coaching the Mavericks, Hillman captured back-to-back championships with the Southern Professional Hockey League’s (SPHL) Knoxville Ice Bears. During his two seasons with the Ice Bears, his team compiled a record of 67-32-12 (.660), and he was named SPHL Coach of the Year in 2008-09.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Command Head to Pittsburgh, Look For Fist Victory
The
Kansas City Command travel to the Pittsburgh Power for the first ever
meeting between the two teams; Saturday May 19 at 6:30 p.m. (CT) at
Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh. The Command (0-8) are still looking
for their first victory of the season despite quarterback Matt
Gutierrez' season high performance (334 yards, 6 TD's) last Saturday
night when the Command fell to the Iowa Barnstormers 42-62 in Des
Moines. Recently acquired wide receiver Armand Robinson and Gutierrez
connected on four touchdowns and the Command were 5 for 5 in the Red
Zone, but four turnovers (3 INT's and one net recovery) put a stop to
three key drives.
"Two of...(the interceptions)...were ridiculous," said Command coach Danton Barto. "We tried to cut the guy, Matt throws it blind, it goes right to him. Then a guy tips a ball and it goes straight up. We've got to be more consistent on offense."
With less than :55 seconds left in the second quarter, Barnstormer defensive end Justin Mincey made a leaping interception off of Gutierrez and a 20 yard return for an touchdown. KC missed a 30 yard FG attempt with time left on the clock, and two plays later Iowa's Craig Camay kicked a league-leading 50 yard field goal just as time expired in the first half, contributing to 31 unanswered points scored against KC.
"We just seem to have a time frame in the game where we make mistakes and put ourselves in a hole we can't get out of," said Command QB Matt Gutierrez. "We can't give up points on offense is the bottom line."
The Command and Power (2-7) have both struggled offensively, though KC is only one of two teams in the league that has yet to score over 2,000 points in Total Offense (KC1814 through eight games & Orlando1733). Pittsburgh has lost four straight, losing two of those game by just three points (N.O. VooDoo 48-51 & Georgia Force 52-55).
Pittsburgh leads the league in Total Defense averaging 259.2 yards per game, and Passing Defense averaging 230 yards per game. KC is ranked third in Total Defense averaging 266.1 yards per game.
"Two of...(the interceptions)...were ridiculous," said Command coach Danton Barto. "We tried to cut the guy, Matt throws it blind, it goes right to him. Then a guy tips a ball and it goes straight up. We've got to be more consistent on offense."
With less than :55 seconds left in the second quarter, Barnstormer defensive end Justin Mincey made a leaping interception off of Gutierrez and a 20 yard return for an touchdown. KC missed a 30 yard FG attempt with time left on the clock, and two plays later Iowa's Craig Camay kicked a league-leading 50 yard field goal just as time expired in the first half, contributing to 31 unanswered points scored against KC.
"We just seem to have a time frame in the game where we make mistakes and put ourselves in a hole we can't get out of," said Command QB Matt Gutierrez. "We can't give up points on offense is the bottom line."
The Command and Power (2-7) have both struggled offensively, though KC is only one of two teams in the league that has yet to score over 2,000 points in Total Offense (KC1814 through eight games & Orlando1733). Pittsburgh has lost four straight, losing two of those game by just three points (N.O. VooDoo 48-51 & Georgia Force 52-55).
Pittsburgh leads the league in Total Defense averaging 259.2 yards per game, and Passing Defense averaging 230 yards per game. KC is ranked third in Total Defense averaging 266.1 yards per game.
May 19th Weekend Preview
The
main arena event this weekend is the Street League DC Pro Tour, a
two-day competition that kicks off at the Sprint Center Friday, May 18,
at 7 p.m. (ESPN2 broadcasts the final round Saturday night). This tour
features hometown favorite Sean Malto. To kickoff the event McFadden's
will be hosting a party for their Beer Mob members with guest Rob
Dyrdek. If you are not a member you can still attend and get your
membership at the bar.
The Command is on the road again. They travel to Pittsburgh as they try to get their first win of the season. The Power is not having that much better of a season than the Command, having only one victory to their credit.. The game starts at 6:30 pm and will be broadcast on WHB 810 AM & Ustream.
You can also take in the NBA & NHL playoffs. You can watch at home or head to your local watring hole to catch the games. The NHL is in the Conference Finals with the NY Rangers battling the New Jersey Devils (Since my Penguins are out of it I am rooting for the Devils since they used to be the Kansas City Scouts) to represent the East and the LA Kings taking on the Phoenix Coyotes to see who will represent the West. If you want watch the games in a more festive atmosphere head to The Blue Line Sports Bar in the River Market. At noon on Saturday they will have John-Scott Dickson and Simon Watson of the Missouri Mavericks appearing at the bar to watch the Rangers/Devils games.
If you are looking for more indoor activities to take in this weekend then head to your local movie theatre. then take in a movie. The Avengers doesn’t seem to be slowing down and is worth seeing. If you have already seen this movie don’t worry. We are in the summer movie season which means there is a big movie coming out almost every week. This week the big movie is Battleship. It is (very loosely) based on the board game of the same name. I was able to see an advanced screening and it has all the bells and whistles to keep teenage boys coming back to see it more than once. If you are a fan of the Transformers and G.I. Joe (which also has a sequel coming out this summer) movies then you will like action/SciFi mega movie.
Another activity for you can try is at Union Station. Checkout the Titanic Artifact Exhibit and maybe see Dark Matter Concert ‘Ascent”. You will be able to get a view of the state of Missouri that only the astronauts have been able to see. While you are in the area you should make the trek to the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial. The museum is a wonderful place for history buffs and right now you can also checkout "World War I All-Stars: Sports & the Inter-Allied Games" This exhibit explores the important role sports played during the Great War. More information can be found at the event website.
If music, art and culture is your thing then you need to head downtown this weekend. The P&L District will have their Downtown Art Annual Friday-Sunday featuring art from local, regional and national artists. For more information visit www.artfestival.com.
On Friday the master of intergalactic funk, George Clinton will be performing at Grinders. For prices checkout the CrossroadKC site.
If you are more subdued in your taste then Saturday there are two events for liking. The River Market is having the Wine Walk on Delaware and Ramsey Lewis will be performing and the Gem. If you plan it right you can participate in the wine walk and still catch the concert.
On Sunday The Pitch will be hosting the ‘Taste Of Kansas City’ at the P&L District. Six chefs will compete for the Golden Fork award and you can sample offerings from over 20 Kansas City restaurants. The event starts at 5:00 pm for those holding VIP tickets and 5:30 pm for general admission tickets. For tickets and more info call 816-561-6061 go to www.secure.pitch.com.
Have a great weekend.
The Command is on the road again. They travel to Pittsburgh as they try to get their first win of the season. The Power is not having that much better of a season than the Command, having only one victory to their credit.. The game starts at 6:30 pm and will be broadcast on WHB 810 AM & Ustream.
You can also take in the NBA & NHL playoffs. You can watch at home or head to your local watring hole to catch the games. The NHL is in the Conference Finals with the NY Rangers battling the New Jersey Devils (Since my Penguins are out of it I am rooting for the Devils since they used to be the Kansas City Scouts) to represent the East and the LA Kings taking on the Phoenix Coyotes to see who will represent the West. If you want watch the games in a more festive atmosphere head to The Blue Line Sports Bar in the River Market. At noon on Saturday they will have John-Scott Dickson and Simon Watson of the Missouri Mavericks appearing at the bar to watch the Rangers/Devils games.
If you are looking for more indoor activities to take in this weekend then head to your local movie theatre. then take in a movie. The Avengers doesn’t seem to be slowing down and is worth seeing. If you have already seen this movie don’t worry. We are in the summer movie season which means there is a big movie coming out almost every week. This week the big movie is Battleship. It is (very loosely) based on the board game of the same name. I was able to see an advanced screening and it has all the bells and whistles to keep teenage boys coming back to see it more than once. If you are a fan of the Transformers and G.I. Joe (which also has a sequel coming out this summer) movies then you will like action/SciFi mega movie.
Another activity for you can try is at Union Station. Checkout the Titanic Artifact Exhibit and maybe see Dark Matter Concert ‘Ascent”. You will be able to get a view of the state of Missouri that only the astronauts have been able to see. While you are in the area you should make the trek to the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial. The museum is a wonderful place for history buffs and right now you can also checkout "World War I All-Stars: Sports & the Inter-Allied Games" This exhibit explores the important role sports played during the Great War. More information can be found at the event website.
If music, art and culture is your thing then you need to head downtown this weekend. The P&L District will have their Downtown Art Annual Friday-Sunday featuring art from local, regional and national artists. For more information visit www.artfestival.com.
On Friday the master of intergalactic funk, George Clinton will be performing at Grinders. For prices checkout the CrossroadKC site.
If you are more subdued in your taste then Saturday there are two events for liking. The River Market is having the Wine Walk on Delaware and Ramsey Lewis will be performing and the Gem. If you plan it right you can participate in the wine walk and still catch the concert.
On Sunday The Pitch will be hosting the ‘Taste Of Kansas City’ at the P&L District. Six chefs will compete for the Golden Fork award and you can sample offerings from over 20 Kansas City restaurants. The event starts at 5:00 pm for those holding VIP tickets and 5:30 pm for general admission tickets. For tickets and more info call 816-561-6061 go to www.secure.pitch.com.
Have a great weekend.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Stanley Cups: Could The Bikini Hockey League Be coming To Your City
The idea of a bikini hockey league came to Tulsan Cary Eskridge back in 2004 when the National Hockey League lockout occurred. The lack of major league hockey left the media scrambling to fill the void of hockey news and fans looking for other forms of entertainment. Not a man to sit still, Eskridge started looking for ways to fill the void and that is when the idea of bikini hockey came to Eskridge’s mind.
But there was not enough time to react and make the dream a reality at that time. So the idea stayed on the back burner waiting for the right time. Well, that time has finally come.
Eskridge has an extensive hockey background and feels now is the time to finally breathe life into his long-time dream. Eskridge has a background in video production and has also owned inline hockey leagues on and off for the past 20 years and believes the Bikini Hockey League could bring back the popularity and awareness of inline hockey to the mainstream and introduce new fans to a great sport.
Starting next month, Eskridge will start filming the pilot of a reality TV show that
revolves around a bikini hockey league. But many are asking, “why Tulsa?” Why not a larger sports market such as New York or Los Angeles where more fans and potential participants can be reached?
League owner Cary Eskridge feels Tulsa is a good location for many reasons. Tulsa’s
central location is one factor. “You just have to look at other major sports that have come to Tulsa,” said Eskridge. “One of Tulsa’s biggest events on a national scale is the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals held every year at the QuikTrip Center. Many thought it would never work when it started more than 25 years ago and now Tulsa is one of the biggest reasons that event works here.”
Eskridge has spent a lifetime promoting hockey in the Tulsa area and knows this market. Tulsa’s central location will reduce travel time and more importantly reduce production costs that would be enormous in major markets. Professional hockey has been played in Tulsa since 1928 and is a big part of Tulsa’s sports history. Eskridge is ready for Tulsa to take the next step.Eskridge told FOX Sports, "We have several different networks that are interested already. We're not able to say who right now, but we feel like this could truly be compelling and interesting. There's always a storyline with girls being from different areas of the country and the different personalities."
Number #1 draft pick? Has to be Paulina Gretzky. Or maybe not. But if this takes off - the league could travel through all the empty NHL arenas.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Frustration Continues For Command, Lose To Barnstormers 62-42
Despite
wide receiver Armand Robinson’s four touchdown catches for the Kansas
City Command, their struggles continue as they lost their eighth
straight game Saturday night 42-62 against the Iowa Barnstormers at the
Wells Fargo Arena in front of 7,962. Iowa quarterback JJ Raterink threw
for 253 yards and six touchdowns, and rushed for one more to put an end
to Iowa’s three-game losing streak. “It’s a tough loss,” said Command
coach Danton Barto. “Matt, statistically had his best game with passing
and touchdowns (334 yards for six TD’s), but the key thing was three
interceptions that stopped three drives. We just can't get over the
hump. It's two or three drives every game that's killing us and keeping
us out of games."
Raterink connected with four different receivers for touchdowns lead by Jesse Schmidt who had nine receptions for 11 yards and 3 TD’s and helped the Barnstormers get back on track to a 4-5 record.
The Command took the lead on an eight yard touchdown pass to Armand Robinson with 5:05 left in the first quarter, but two early Command turnovers (fumble and net recovery) gave the Barnstormers opportunities to score on their next two possessions resulting in a 17-7 to end the first quarter. Robinson was the leading receiver of the game with 13 receptions for 143 yards and four touchdowns. Barnstormer defensive end Justin Mincey’s leaping interception off Gutierrez and 20 yard return for an Iowa touchdown gave the Barnstormers a 31-21 lead and kicker Camay scored a 50 yard field goal just as time expired in the second quarter to give Iowa a 34-21 lead going into halftime.
Iowa kept their momentum going to start the second half, scoring on their first drive to take a 41-21 lead with 11:29 left in third quarter. The Barnstormers defense intercepted Gutierrez for the third time and quickly scored to go up with 10:21 left in the third quarter. Four Command turnovers (3 INTs, 1 net recovery) plus Iowa’s consistent scoring helped the Barnstormers maintain a lead throughout the entire second half.
Regarding KC’s offense, “they’re getting it,” said Barto. “We’re trying. Armand Robinson had a great game. Our young players are starting to make plays, we’ve just got to be more consistent. It’s maddening because we work on it every day, but it’s just part of being young.”
Raterink connected with four different receivers for touchdowns lead by Jesse Schmidt who had nine receptions for 11 yards and 3 TD’s and helped the Barnstormers get back on track to a 4-5 record.
The Command took the lead on an eight yard touchdown pass to Armand Robinson with 5:05 left in the first quarter, but two early Command turnovers (fumble and net recovery) gave the Barnstormers opportunities to score on their next two possessions resulting in a 17-7 to end the first quarter. Robinson was the leading receiver of the game with 13 receptions for 143 yards and four touchdowns. Barnstormer defensive end Justin Mincey’s leaping interception off Gutierrez and 20 yard return for an Iowa touchdown gave the Barnstormers a 31-21 lead and kicker Camay scored a 50 yard field goal just as time expired in the second quarter to give Iowa a 34-21 lead going into halftime.
Iowa kept their momentum going to start the second half, scoring on their first drive to take a 41-21 lead with 11:29 left in third quarter. The Barnstormers defense intercepted Gutierrez for the third time and quickly scored to go up with 10:21 left in the third quarter. Four Command turnovers (3 INTs, 1 net recovery) plus Iowa’s consistent scoring helped the Barnstormers maintain a lead throughout the entire second half.
Regarding KC’s offense, “they’re getting it,” said Barto. “We’re trying. Armand Robinson had a great game. Our young players are starting to make plays, we’ve just got to be more consistent. It’s maddening because we work on it every day, but it’s just part of being young.”
Thursday, May 10, 2012
The Command Travel To Iowa To Take On The Barnstormers
The
Kansas City Command visit the Iowa Barnstormers for an Arena Football
League Central Division match-up this Saturday, May 12 at 7:05pm at
Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. The Command
(0-7) failed to capitalize on another strong defensive performance against San Antonio last Saturday, falling to the Talons 41-31. The Barnstormers (3-5) dropped their third straight game over the weekend, losing on the road to the Chicago Rush 61-50 Sunday afternoon.
The Command held a fourth-quarter lead for the first time this season and maintained a 31-27 advantage until the Talons scored 14 points in the final 3:57 to win by 10.
The Command defense played arguably their best game of the year, holding San Antonio to just 41 points and 231 yards of total offense. DB Sergio Gilliam had two interceptions in the game and earned the AFL’s Riddell Defensive Player of the Week award.
The offense for the Command continued to struggle, especially early and late. Kansas City got just three points out of its first three possessions and was shut out in the fourth quarter for the third time in seven games. The last three Command drives resulted in a missed field goal, lost fumble and turnover on downs.
Iowa is coming off a tough four-game stretch in which they played arguably the four best teams in the National Conference. After beating Arizona 56-54, Iowa lost three straight to Utah (63-62), San Jose (76-33) and Chicago (61-50). The San Jose game was notable for the fact the Barnstormers failed to score in the second half after trailing just 41-33 after two quarters. Six Iowa possessions ended with and interception, a fumble and a remarkable four turnovers on downs.
Last week Iowa led 28-24 at the half and 42-38 late in the third quarter, but after scoring touchdowns in each of their first six possessions, the Barnstormers scored just one TD and gave up a safety and two turnovers on downs the final four times they had the ball.
The Barnstormers quarterback is JJ Raterink who started the first 13 games of the 2011 season for the Command before getting traded to Chicago. Raterink threw for 358 yards, four touchdowns
and no interceptions against the Rush on Sunday.
The Command and Barnstormers faced off for the first time last year and met twice, with the home team emerging victorious in both contests. The first-ever Kansas City Command victory came in last season’s home opener on April 9 against Iowa 62-48. Bradly Chavez and Bret Smith each had three TD receptions for KC. Iowa won 48-40 on July 9 in Des Moines. Smith had his second big game against the Barnstormers, catching 12 passes for 156 yards.
The Game will be broadcast on WHB 810 AM & Ustream
(0-7) failed to capitalize on another strong defensive performance against San Antonio last Saturday, falling to the Talons 41-31. The Barnstormers (3-5) dropped their third straight game over the weekend, losing on the road to the Chicago Rush 61-50 Sunday afternoon.
The Command held a fourth-quarter lead for the first time this season and maintained a 31-27 advantage until the Talons scored 14 points in the final 3:57 to win by 10.
The Command defense played arguably their best game of the year, holding San Antonio to just 41 points and 231 yards of total offense. DB Sergio Gilliam had two interceptions in the game and earned the AFL’s Riddell Defensive Player of the Week award.
The offense for the Command continued to struggle, especially early and late. Kansas City got just three points out of its first three possessions and was shut out in the fourth quarter for the third time in seven games. The last three Command drives resulted in a missed field goal, lost fumble and turnover on downs.
Iowa is coming off a tough four-game stretch in which they played arguably the four best teams in the National Conference. After beating Arizona 56-54, Iowa lost three straight to Utah (63-62), San Jose (76-33) and Chicago (61-50). The San Jose game was notable for the fact the Barnstormers failed to score in the second half after trailing just 41-33 after two quarters. Six Iowa possessions ended with and interception, a fumble and a remarkable four turnovers on downs.
Last week Iowa led 28-24 at the half and 42-38 late in the third quarter, but after scoring touchdowns in each of their first six possessions, the Barnstormers scored just one TD and gave up a safety and two turnovers on downs the final four times they had the ball.
The Barnstormers quarterback is JJ Raterink who started the first 13 games of the 2011 season for the Command before getting traded to Chicago. Raterink threw for 358 yards, four touchdowns
and no interceptions against the Rush on Sunday.
The Command and Barnstormers faced off for the first time last year and met twice, with the home team emerging victorious in both contests. The first-ever Kansas City Command victory came in last season’s home opener on April 9 against Iowa 62-48. Bradly Chavez and Bret Smith each had three TD receptions for KC. Iowa won 48-40 on July 9 in Des Moines. Smith had his second big game against the Barnstormers, catching 12 passes for 156 yards.
The Game will be broadcast on WHB 810 AM & Ustream
May 11 Weekend Preview
Well
beginning this weekend we head into the slow period for Arena Sports
KC. Indoor soccer season was over a while ago and hockey season ended
for this area a little over a week ago. Sp right now we only have the
Command to satisfy our arena sports craving. So I thought I would also
start recommending some other indoor activities you might want to try on
the weekends.
As far as sports, the Command travel to Des Moines to take on the Iowa Barnstormers on Saturday night at Wells Fargo Arena. The Command are winless so far this season but will look to get on the winning track against the Barnstormers. The game starts at 7:00 pm and will be broadcast on WHB 810 AM & Ustream.
You can also take in the NBA & NHL playoffs. The NHL is benefitting from the alliance with NBCUniversal. Every single playoff game is on NBC Sports Network, CNBC & the NHL Network. You can watch at home or head to your local watring hole to catch the games. If you want to catch the NHL in a great atmosphere head to The Blue Line Sports Bar in the River Market. It is Kansas City’s only hockey themed bar and has great food. I recommend the Wrist Shot Wrap or the KC Blades BLT.
On Saturday The Midwest BBQ Institute will host the "Festival of Smoke". This is a full-day festival of superlative smoking & glorious grilling education. It will be held from 8:30 to 3:00 at The Culinary Center of Kansas City and across the street under the Downtown Overland Park Clocktower.
Festival Highlights:
If that is not to your liking then take in a movie. I recommend The Avengers. This is a movie the whole family can enjoy. It has some great action for the kids (and the kid in all of us) and some nice humorous moments to break up the tension. It has to be doing something right since it has already made over $650 million worldwide. If you are looking for something a little more mature there is the comedy, The Five-Year Engagement or the mystery, The Raven
Sunday is Mother’s Day and there are several places around the metro area that offer special brunches. I suggest Granite City Food and Brewery. The brunch is extensive and they have some of the best cinnamon rolls you have tasted. There are three locations in the KC area. You can find the exact locations at their site.
Also next week is American Craft Beer Week? To do so properly, you must drink beer — in great quantities. Start the week off right with the 75th Street Brewery’s Tastes of the Regions Beer Dinner (520 West 75th Street) at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 15. The five-course dinner includes shrimp and grits paired with Coney Island albino python and pheasant stuffed with persimmons and morels, with the Nebraska Brewing Co.’s Melange A Trois. Dinner costs $50 ($45 for mug club members). Call 816-523-4677 to reserve a spot.
So have a great weekend and all you mothers have a great Mother’s Day.
As far as sports, the Command travel to Des Moines to take on the Iowa Barnstormers on Saturday night at Wells Fargo Arena. The Command are winless so far this season but will look to get on the winning track against the Barnstormers. The game starts at 7:00 pm and will be broadcast on WHB 810 AM & Ustream.
You can also take in the NBA & NHL playoffs. The NHL is benefitting from the alliance with NBCUniversal. Every single playoff game is on NBC Sports Network, CNBC & the NHL Network. You can watch at home or head to your local watring hole to catch the games. If you want to catch the NHL in a great atmosphere head to The Blue Line Sports Bar in the River Market. It is Kansas City’s only hockey themed bar and has great food. I recommend the Wrist Shot Wrap or the KC Blades BLT.
On Saturday The Midwest BBQ Institute will host the "Festival of Smoke". This is a full-day festival of superlative smoking & glorious grilling education. It will be held from 8:30 to 3:00 at The Culinary Center of Kansas City and across the street under the Downtown Overland Park Clocktower.
Festival Highlights:
- “CCKC PIG-OFF” - A culinary “throw-down” where our own Culinary Center Chefs show off their butts (pork butts that is!) and you get to vote for the best butt.
- FREE Culinary Demonstrations throughout the day (with drawings for free MBQI classes)
- Tastings of Butts and Other BBQ Delicacies
- Live Music
- Chef-Prepared BBQ Dishes Available for Purchase
- “Make Your Own Rub” Interactive Station
- Boasting
- "The Smokin' Schoolhouse Bar" featuring BBQ-appropriate beverages
- Healthy Debate (Wood, charcoal, pellet or propane? Rub vs. sauce?)
- "Ask-a-Chef"
- Tomfoolery
- Drawings & Give-Aways of Valuable (and not-so-valuable) Prizes
- Bakesale (proceeds donated to charity) run by our Junior Chefs Academy
If that is not to your liking then take in a movie. I recommend The Avengers. This is a movie the whole family can enjoy. It has some great action for the kids (and the kid in all of us) and some nice humorous moments to break up the tension. It has to be doing something right since it has already made over $650 million worldwide. If you are looking for something a little more mature there is the comedy, The Five-Year Engagement or the mystery, The Raven
Sunday is Mother’s Day and there are several places around the metro area that offer special brunches. I suggest Granite City Food and Brewery. The brunch is extensive and they have some of the best cinnamon rolls you have tasted. There are three locations in the KC area. You can find the exact locations at their site.
Also next week is American Craft Beer Week? To do so properly, you must drink beer — in great quantities. Start the week off right with the 75th Street Brewery’s Tastes of the Regions Beer Dinner (520 West 75th Street) at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 15. The five-course dinner includes shrimp and grits paired with Coney Island albino python and pheasant stuffed with persimmons and morels, with the Nebraska Brewing Co.’s Melange A Trois. Dinner costs $50 ($45 for mug club members). Call 816-523-4677 to reserve a spot.
So have a great weekend and all you mothers have a great Mother’s Day.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Sergio Gilliam Named AFL’s Riddell Defensive Player Of The Week
Kansas City Command defensive back Sergio Gilliam has been named the Riddell Defensive Player of the Week in the Arena Football League, the League office announced Tuesday. Gilliam intercepted two Aaron Garcia passes, broke up two others and registered four tackles in the Command’s Saturday night loss to San Antonio.
“They beat me a little earlier (in the game),” Gilliam said of his performance against the Talons. “But in this type of game you have to have a short memory. I got another chance to make a play to help my defense. I saw the ball in the air and I was at the right place at the right time twice.”
“We’re happy for him,” Coach Danton Barto said. “He’s played at a high level and so has the whole defense all season. It shows the defense is still playing hard despite the adversity we have faced as a team.”
Saturday night was the second time this season Gilliam has tallied two interceptions in a game. He also had two picks against San Jose and returned one of those for a touchdown.
Gilliam now has five interceptions on the season, tied for fifth-best in the AFL. His 70 interception return yards is ranked seventh in the League. He ranks third on the Command with 22.5 tackles.
The Command play this Saturday, May 12 at 7pm on the road against the Iowa Barnstormers. The game will air live on Sports Radio 810 WHB and on the web at Ustream.tv/KansasCityCommand. The Barnstormers are 3-5 after a 61-50 loss Chicago Sunday.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Command Fall Short Once Again, Losing to San Antonio 41-31
The Kansas City Command fell to the San Antonio Talons 41-31 Saturday night in Arena Football League action in front of 6,342 fans at Sprint Center. The loss drops Kansas City to 0-7 on the season while San Antonio improved to 5-3.
Quarterback Matt Gutierrez threw for 230 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions but did lose two costly fumbles. Armand Robinson and Marcus Barnett each made their Command debuts tonight and led the KC receiving attack. Robinson finished with eight catches for 96 yards and a score. Barnett had five grabs for 89 yards and a TD. Sergio Gilliam was named Ridell Defensive Player of the Game after picking off two Aaron Garcia passes.
Garcia threw for 231 yards and five touchdowns. Jomo Wilson, just back from injured reserve, was Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game after catching 10 passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns.
The Command will next play Saturday, May 12 at 7pm on the road against the Iowa Barnstormers. The game will air live on Sports Radio 810 WHB and on the web at Ustream.tv/KansasCityCommand. The Barnstormers are 3-4 and play tomorrow afternoon against Chicago.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Media Game Rosters Announced
The Kansas City Command are excited to announce the lineups for tomorrow night's flag football showdown between KC metro area media personalities! The coaches for the contest are both former Kansas City Chiefs players, receiver Eddie Kennison and linebacker Shawn Barber. Nearly 20 television, radio and internet personalities are scheduled to appear.
On Team Kennison:
Jay Binkley, (Sports Radio 810 WHB)
Josh Looney (KC Chiefs)
Steve Serrano (Mix 93.3)
Kyle Kurtz (Mix 93.3)
Nima Shaffe (KCTV 5)
Chris Suchan (KCTV 5)
Michael Coleman (KCTV 5)
Joshua James (Q104)
Fake Ned Yost (Blogger/Podcaster)
Fred Liggett (KPXE-TV)
And on Team Barber:
Nick Wright (610 Sports - KCSP)
Nick Vasos (Fox 4)
Bill Hurrelbrink (Fox 4)
Kris Ketz (KMBC 9)
Tony Lorino (99.7 The Point)
Alan Shope (KCTV 5)
Blaise Labbe (KCTV 5)
Ian Labbe (KCTV 5)
Miguel Ramirez (Univision)
Chad Grammer (KDKD-FM)
The game will take place at haltime of the Kansas City Command versus San Antonio Talons Arena Football game at Sprint Center, scheduled for 7pm. Fans can buy tickets at the door or call 855-KC-ARENA (522-7362) to see their favorite personalities in action!
San Antonio Talons vs Kansas City Command Preview
The
Kansas City Command return home from a three-game road trip to take on
the San Antonio Talons Saturday, May 5 at 7pm at Sprint Center. The
Command (0-6) are still seeking the team’s first win after dropping a
63-46 contest at Tampa Bay Monday night. San Antonio (4-3) is coming off
a thrilling 56-55 win over the division-leading Chicago Rush Saturday
night.
The Command were within three points early in the fourth quarter but Tampa Bay exploded for 35 points in the period to pull away late, despite taking just four offensive snaps. The Storm scored on a kick return, a net recovery and a fumble recovery.
Looking beyond the surface of Tampa Bay scoring 63 points, the Command defense played well. 21 Storm points came via special teams and a defensive score. Tampa Bay scored six offensive touchdowns, but two were set up by short fields from a turnover and an onside kick recovery. Kansas City’s defense stopped the Storm five times, including forcing two turnovers.
San Antonio never led Chicago until scoring with 1:22 left in the game. In a back-and-forth battle, the game was either tied or a 7-point Rush lead except for two brief 14-point Chicago leads in the first half. The Rush broke a 49-49 tie with 6:03 left but the PAT was blocked allowing San Antonio’s subsequent TD to put them up by one. The Rush had plenty of time to regain the lead, but from San Antonio’s 13-yard line with 7 seconds left, Chicago QB Russ Michna was forced to scramble and time elapsed before he got out of bounds. Officials reviewed the play to consider adding time back to the clock but ruled the game had ended with the Rush at San Antonio’s 3-yard line.
The Command and Talons have met twice, with each team winning on the other’s field last season. The Command had their most thrilling victory of the season in Tulsa (the Talons moved to San Antonio in the offseason), winning 40-38 on a Bradly Chavez TD reception on the last play of the game. The Talons won 71-55 at Sprint Center in the season finale for both teams.
The Command were within three points early in the fourth quarter but Tampa Bay exploded for 35 points in the period to pull away late, despite taking just four offensive snaps. The Storm scored on a kick return, a net recovery and a fumble recovery.
Looking beyond the surface of Tampa Bay scoring 63 points, the Command defense played well. 21 Storm points came via special teams and a defensive score. Tampa Bay scored six offensive touchdowns, but two were set up by short fields from a turnover and an onside kick recovery. Kansas City’s defense stopped the Storm five times, including forcing two turnovers.
San Antonio never led Chicago until scoring with 1:22 left in the game. In a back-and-forth battle, the game was either tied or a 7-point Rush lead except for two brief 14-point Chicago leads in the first half. The Rush broke a 49-49 tie with 6:03 left but the PAT was blocked allowing San Antonio’s subsequent TD to put them up by one. The Rush had plenty of time to regain the lead, but from San Antonio’s 13-yard line with 7 seconds left, Chicago QB Russ Michna was forced to scramble and time elapsed before he got out of bounds. Officials reviewed the play to consider adding time back to the clock but ruled the game had ended with the Rush at San Antonio’s 3-yard line.
The Command and Talons have met twice, with each team winning on the other’s field last season. The Command had their most thrilling victory of the season in Tulsa (the Talons moved to San Antonio in the offseason), winning 40-38 on a Bradly Chavez TD reception on the last play of the game. The Talons won 71-55 at Sprint Center in the season finale for both teams.
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