Calling Canuck fans everywhere

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07/09/2010 - Toronto, Canada (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The word "frenzy" is often used to describe the NHL's free agency period, but sitting here today on July 9th, the word "flop" might be more appropriate in describing the excitement level amongst hockey fans.

In the first two days of free agency there were 52 new contracts handed out, and there have been only seven since.

It would seem that general managers are playing a waiting game, holding their cards close to the vest in order to see how the landscape will look once superstar Ilya Kovalchuk decides on a new home.

After the Russian sniper signs, effectively taking this year's stud off the market, one can expect the deals to start hitting the news wire at more of a brisk pace.

For now, it will be the smaller stories that get some attention, and the Vancouver Canucks are serving up some fodder for the hockey world in that regard.

It was announced earlier in the week that the Canucks would be partnering with Rogers Communications, Canada's largest cable and mobile phone provider, in a sponsorship deal.

By acquiring the naming rights to the team's downtown stadium on Tuesday, the concrete behemoth at 800 Griffiths Way, previously known as General Motors place, will now be Rogers Arena.

Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini and Rogers president and CEO Nadir Mohamed agreed on the 10-year deal that will not only result in the name change, but also some exploration into using the media giant to reach out to Canucks fans.

"We will partner with the Canucks to explore new and revolutionary ways to use wireless technology to engage Vancouver fans any time, any place," said Mohamed, who grew up a Canucks fan in British Columbia.

By the sound of it, some interesting new digital outlets could be developed to enhance the franchise's relationship with its rabid fan base.

The Canucks already have an extremely successful iPhone application on the market, showing how they value the opportunities to connect with people in this digital age. This new partnership is an expansion of that media savvy.

Rogers can add this relationship with the Canucks to their already-impressive resume in pro sports ownership, management and marketing.

The media giant also owns the Toronto Blue Jays franchise and their home turf (Rogers Centre), as well as the naming rights to the ATP pro tennis tour's Canadian pit stop the Rogers Cup.

On the hockey front, the Canucks have made some moves that should contribute to their on-ice success as well.

By signing free agents Dan Hamhuis and Manny Malhotra and trading for the Florida Panthers' Keith Ballard the Canucks have beefed up at both ends of the ice.

Hamhuis, 27, turned down more lucrative offers to play in his home province and will be the lynchpin of the defensive corps, while Ballard, also 27, will join Hamhuis among the top four on the back end and will be an injection of quickness and durability. The move to get Ballard could also allow the Canucks to explore the possibility of moving oft-injured defender Kevin Bieksa for some more scoring punch up front.

With the signing of Malhotra, the Canucks add a gritty third-line center who won more than 60 percent of his draws last season. The face-off specialist will take a leading role on the penalty kill that finished 18th in the league last year.

The Canucks have sent a strong message to the rest of the league, that they believe the window for a Stanley Cup is wide open.

And by partnering with Rogers, it looks like there will be even more ways for Canucks fans to enjoy the ride.

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Problem with Bears?

Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.

"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."

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Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.

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