November 8, 2008

From Linda:

Hey John...good job on your website! Now, if I may quote you..."Ever since I watched the BC/Stamps game my heart has been up in my throat. This game is going to be a battle and I wouldn't want it any other way." It is going to be a battle John...But, I also have the Highest of confidence in the Riders as Pros, and durability, as I'm sure all of the CFL does now, as compared to the beginning of this season when a few (Un named) were having their doubts about this team compared to last year...HA, THE TEAM showed them AND the 13th MAN! KUDOS Good Luck, God's Speed, and Good Health!!!

Linda,

Thanks for sharing your thoughtd about the season and the 13th man. I love your confidence and from what I have seen, heard, and personally beleive I think the rest of the province shares your confidence as well.

Thanks for the Luck

John Chick



From Jim:

As a former Saskatoon resident and a lifelong Rider fan (as well as my wife and 2 Alberta born kids now grown up) we will be bringing out our a Rider gear as we do every game and cheering as hard as we can. Rider Nation occupies a unique place in Canadian sports lore and its people such as yourself John that make it a the envy of the league, even if they won't admit it. Keep up the great work, stay healthy and know that there is a great deal of Rider Pride in Cowtown! Thanks Jim

Jim,

Thanks for your support and for stickin with the Riders while living in Calgary. Thats part of what makes this team so unique and their fans the Best in the CFL. We look forward to our games in Calgary because of fans like yourself. It's as close to a home game, away from home, that you can get.

Thank You!

John Chick

From Ryan:

Hi John...glad to see you back. Congrats on the Home Playoff. How do you feel about the genuine fans of The Riders being screwed out of tickets to the game by them being available only on line allowing scalpers to eat them all up...and now they are on the web going for two, three, four and five times face value?

Ryan,

Thanks for visiting the site and for the welcome back. It sure feels good being back out there. The playoff ticket situation is a difficult one. It's not right of those people who are strictly buying the tickets to scalp them. However, you have to look at it from the perspective of the ticket sales office. How can they judge who is a genuine fan, Saskatchewan is full of them, if they were to turn anyone away that could be just as bad. I wish there was a better method for the die hards to be guaranteed a spot at the game, but where ever you are on game day we still need your support.

Thanks

John Chick

From Bob:

I admire your talent! Back in the 1970's the riders had a defensive end named George Wells. He was our QB sack leader. He got the majority of his sacks by doing a 360 degree turn. He used his back against the offensive lineman and it worked great. The only way the other teams could stop him was by in practice having a defensive lineman copy George Wells' move. This gave the offensive lineman enough experience to slow George Wells' sack totals. John, I wonder if you have tried a 360 degree as George Wells had great success with this move? It could be a suprise move that BC Lions would not expect from you. Good luck on Saturday!

Bob,

Thanks for your admiration and wishes for Saturday's game. We call certain moves like the one that you are talking about certain names. That specific move is called the spin move. I usually attempt it 1-2 times a game but it certainly isn't one of my best moves. It is a move that I would like to continually perfect and a move you should look for on Saturday.

Enjoy the game!

John Chick


From Jesse:

Hey John cool site. awsome to have you back I really think you bring a huge dimention to our already steller D. anyway just wondering which tackle in the league do you have the most trouble with (who in your opinion is the best)and also what offensive players on opposing teams give you the most trouble (qb's, running backs, or lineman) thanks for your time and good luck vs. BC this weekend I'll be cheering u guys from section 28 Peace

Jesse,

I have always felt the best tackles in the league against my style of play over the past two seasons were Edmonton's. The other obvious answer to who one of the players that give any team troubles is Henry Burris. He has played outstanding this year and is the biggest all around threat with his feet and his arm.

Thanks for the visit and the questions

John Chick

From Mark:

John: As someone whose parents both had diabetes I appreciate all the work you do for the cause. As a season ticket holder you have quickly become one of my favorite Riders. Aside from any on field accomplishments what you can be most proud of is the way you conduct yourself in the community. I am very pleased that guys like yourself and Weston Dressler are from towns with in reasonable driving distance from here so that their families get to witness the atmoshere of Rider Nation and the fan support for you themselves. They must be very proud in what you do on and off the field. Hopefully the experience remains positive for you and you become a Rider for Life.

Mark,

Thank you very much for all of your appreciation of my work on and off the field. The fight for a cure for diabetes is one that can't end until there is a cure. It is a very managable disease as a responsible adult. But, when children have to deal with a disease like this it almost unbarable as any parent can imagine. My biggest fear is that I may have a child with diabetes. I want to do everything in my power so that they have a solution or at least the best available care when and if that happens.
As for my parents they are die hard rider fans already. They have been up to a majority of the home games this season and as you know I didn't get to play in most of them. I hope things continue to work out so that I can be here for along time. My family and I love it here and look forward to raising our kids here.

Thanks for all your comments!

John Chick


From Jeff Hoult:

Hey John, I am glad you are back for the playoffs. A few questions, one what was the problem with the d-line not getting any pressure on the QB's for most of the season? I know that you were hurt but even the games you had been back the QB's from the other teams seemed to have all day to throw. Second aren't you glad that B.C is coming to our turf this time instead of us having going there all the time?

Jeff,

It would always be nice to have more pressures no doubt about it. One thing that you have to remember is that teams are used to the pressure that this defense has been giving for years and many have gone to throwing quick passes against us. Also, in my recelection as I look back through the season it seems to me like our defense has had some pretty harsh hits on many of the QB's in the league. In the last two games specifically all I remember is Ricky Ray running for his life and Kerry doing what he does best and eluding many great pressures.
In regard to your second question it is always much better to play at home especially with fans like the Riders. Keep your eye out for the pressures that Pierce and Jackson will face on Saturday.

Thanks for your questions

John Chick


From Curtis:

Hello John. Just wanted to send you a quick message congratulating you on this great new Rider website! It gives us diehard fans another source of ongoing Rider updates. I'll be checking regularly. Not only that, it provides an unexpected source of connection. I was shocked to log on this week and see a message posted from one of my all-time best buddies, Dwayne Perreault, who moved far far away a long time ago, and who I've completely lost track of. But the blog can be a link, because we still both love the Riders! Hey, Dwayne... how are you doing? Email me sometime... it's my full name, first & last, at yahoo.ca! Curtis

Curtis,

Thanks for your comments on the site. I hope that you come and visit again.

John Chick


From Ryan & Raelyne:

Hey John. Great site! Just wanted to wish you all the best for the game on Saturday. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the Riders! Give BC's offense all you got buddy! Best wishes, Ryan & Rae

Ryan and Rae,

Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated. Well give it everything we got.

Thanks for everything!

John Chick

From Quincy:

hi john i just wanted to say thanks for responding to us fans anyway keep up the good work and go riders. P.s what is your favorite NFL team


Quincy,

Hey, it's a great way for me to stay connected also. As far as the NFL is concerned, I grew up a Bronco's fan so I'll still follow them a bit. Other than that I just love watching football and love a good game. Especially the rivalry's.

Thanks!

John Chick


From Jeanna:

Hey John, contratulations on a great year with the Riders. Everyone in Rider Nation loves you- but I'm just curious, how long do you plan on playing for the Riders? If another team is interested in having you, will you make the switch? We're all hoping you'll become a Rider vetran. Good luck on Saturday!

Jeanna,

I'm a Rider and hope that I have that opportunity for along time. Thanks for the wishes on Saturday's game and for being fans.

Come back and visit!

John Chick