Calgary Stampeders

How Low Can It Go?

TORONTO (Sep. 22) — Not much about the deterioration of the Toronto Argonauts surprises me anymore, but I admit to gasping at the announced attendance–figure for Friday night’s home game against the Grey Cup–champion Calgary Stampeders. Apparently, 9,819 souls made… Read More

Offer–Sheet All About Timing

TORONTO (July 27) — If you’re surprised that a rival National Hockey League team has not yet presented an offer–sheet to Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner, consider this: “July 1st isn’t the right time to make such a move,” a… Read More

The Leafs Will Stand Alone

TORONTO (June 9) — Let me begin today by going out on a limb and suggesting the Toronto Raptors will not lose three consecutive games to the Golden State Warriors. Though our city has seen its share of sporting collapses,… Read More

Andersen Situation Double–Edged

TORONTO (Jan. 6) — Pending the outcome, it could be a blessing or a curse that largely impacts the Maple Leafs this season. By tomorrow night (Monday), Frederik Andersen will have accrued 15 consecutive days of rest in the middle… Read More

The Argos Cannot Be Revived

TORONTO (July 21) — The Toronto Argonauts have expired. Stick a fork in them. Offer up the Lord’s Prayer. Say Kaddish. Whatever you prefer. But, just know, this football team is the equivalent of Dead Men Walking. As I forlornly… Read More

Leafs Should Go For The Jugular

TORONTO (Feb. 17) — As the Toronto Maple Leafs soar through the most stellar and meaningful hockey at this juncture of a season in 25 years, there remains the urge from within to allay expectation. To fundamentally minimize a remarkable,… Read More

Calgary: “Not Toronto Again!”

TORONTO (Nov. 28) — Two nights after enduring one of the most excruciating losses in its professional sports history, the city of Calgary welcomes a team from… Toronto. That’s right, the Maple Leafs invade the Scotiabank Saddledome later tonight, 48… Read More

Leafs Look Bewildered

TORONTO (Oct. 31) — While watching the Maple Leafs get stunningly out–played by the San Jose Sharks in northern–California Monday night (the 3–2 final score did not reflect the lop–sided essence of the match), it occurred to me that the… Read More

The FAN–590 is 25 today

TORONTO (Sep. 4) — The names have changed with ownership and the unquestioned priority of television over radio — from CJCL AM–1430 to The Fan–1430; The FAN–590; Sportsnet Radio The FAN–590 and, today, Sportsnet–590 The FAN. What will never change… Read More

A Question Ignored

TORONTO (July 31) — With Leafs Nation ominously assuring itself that all draft components will remain in place beyond 2019, and media wondering if the addition of Patrick Marleau indicates the club is “going for it” now, here’s a question… Read More

Is Holden For Bozak Worthwhile?

TORONTO (July 26) — It’s no secret in National Hockey League circles that the New York Rangers are looking for a center; the Toronto Maple Leafs a defenseman. The Rangers are apparently dangling 30–year–old Nick Holden while the Leafs may… Read More

Just Imagine If…

TORONTO (July 24) — Only once in the modern history of the Maple Leafs has a coach changed the position of an established star in the National Hockey League. The result was four Stanley Cup championships in a six–year span.… Read More

The Nylander vs. Marner Argument

TORONTO (July 9) — It’s a subject that has the most fervid Leaf supporters in denial. Yet, there’s virtually no way around the fact that one of William Nylander or Mitch Marner will be traded before the hockey club can… Read More

Where Are The Big Sticks?

TORONTO (Apr. 16) — As is common in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Maple Leafs–Washington series will likely be determined by goaltending. And, there is virtually nothing to choose from between Frederik Andersen and Braden Holtby after two games —… Read More

Could Argos Give Hufnagel The Key?

TORONTO (Jan. 24) — I had a swirl of mixed emotion this morning when the Toronto Argonauts announced the firing of long–time general manager Jim Barker. Part of me was upset for one of the genuinely nicest people I came… Read More

Nothing But Vault

By HOWARD BERGER TORONTO (Mar. 30) — Thowback Thursday’s and Flashback Friday’s, so popular among the Facebook crowd, have nothing on me. Particularly when I open the Berger Vault — decorative name for a metal–plated trunk with cedar–wood lining that… Read More

Leiweke Is Nobody’s Fool

By HOWARD BERGER TORONTO (Sep. 15) – The dictionary draws a bold line between the definition of a “fool” and the act of being “foolish.” A fool is a “silly or stupid person.” A foolish individual “shows a lack of… Read More

Maple Leafs Contented and Chirpy

By HOWARD BERGER VANCOUVER (Nov. 2) – I had a wonderful time here yesterday, covering hockey practice at Rogers Arena early in the afternoon; writing a story on James Reimer for the National Post later in the day and hooking… Read More