Rod Pedersen Interview

In the years since I started this blog, I've met, and talked to, some great individuals, either athletes or broadcasters. One of said persons is Rod Pedersen, voice of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Regina Pats. I even found myself listening to Pedersen's call when his Riders won the Grey Cup last year, instead of watching the game on CBC.

He keeps a daily blog at It is a hit among Canadian sports fans, and I invite you to read it, as well.

This is my second interview with Mr Pedersen, a year and a half after the first.

JK: You knew Kerry Joseph in his days as a rider, including a MOP last year, what's up with him now? Now he's a back-up for the Toronto Argonauts? Do you see this as a short-term move or will Kerry's days in the CFL be numbered after "The Don's" latest move?

RP: I think Kerry's one of the greatest guys I've ever known in sports but I had a feeling he'd struggle in Toronto without the guidance of Kent Austin. He's obviously a quality player, but he was put into an awkward position with the Argos right off the bat. He may be regretting asking for a trade, but probably not when he looks at his bank statement!

JK: Last year's Riders Head Coach Kent Austin is now the Offensive Co-ordinator for the Ole Miss Rebels. They're 2-1 this year, and Kent will face his first big challenge in a few weeks, against the #5 ranked Florida team. Do you think Kent'll be up for the challenge in the rigorous NCAA season, after his Grey Cup ring last year?

RP: Kent wanted that challenge of the NCAA. His season in Oxford, MS has already been a success when you consider what they did last year (0-8) in the SEC. Kent will win no matter where he goes.

JK: The Giants just dealt fan favourite Mitch Czibere to your Regina Pats, what have you seen from Czibere in his first week or two as a Pat, and how shall he contribute this year?

RP: It was a great trade for the Pats. I don't know how the Giants feel about it. The Pats needed a veteran centre like that and he's been great. He's playing in all situations and playing valuable minutes.

JK: Speaking of the Pats, how do you feel they'll do this year?

RP: The Pats are going to have a great year. They're exciting, they're fast, and that sounds just like their coach (Dale Derkatch) did when he played. I expect they could win a few rounds this year.

JK: Many hockey fans from across the country were expecting you to be one of the top candidates for the HNIC job, doing either the Eastern or Western game each week. Were you disappointed not to have been chosen, or is sticking with Regina sports in your best interest for the time being?

RP: I was actually stunned at first because they had put out the call for resumes and I even talked to CBC executives. I got Bob Gainey and Les Jackson to call on my behalf, but it didn't seem to matter. Maybe there's a chance down the line. Everything happens for a reason so we'll see.

I love what I do in Regina but the immense workload is getting to be a little too much to handle.

JK: If I understand correctly, you have a book coming out in the next week. What's the book on, and how can fans buy a copy?

RP: It's called "Green Magic -- Canada's Team Wins The 2007 Grey Cup", so the topic is self-explanatory. It's basically an inside account of what went on with the franchise between their two Grey Cups of 1989 and 2007. It's packed with colour photos from the season last year and it's a pretty good memento of a very special year.

It can be purchased at www.lulu.com or in the Rider Store at Mosaic Stadium.

JK: Growing up in Saskatchewan, with no NHL team, do you expect one to be considered in the next few years, either from re-location or expansion?

RP: I thought there might be a chance down the line of Saskatoon getting a team but now I'm not so sure. That's a decade away if not more. I'd be equally as happy if Winnipeg got their's back because they deserve it.

If the six Canadian NHL teams sell 80% of the league's tickets, that tells you something. But it'll take an awful lot for the Atlanta Thrashers to move to Saskatchewan.

JK: With the NHL in mind, who's your favourite club?

RP: I was a diehard Oilers fan till August 12, 1988. That day they traded Gretzky and I turned my back on them. I was team-less for two years until by Dad got hired as a scout for the Minnesota North Stars in 1990 and I've cheered for them ever since.

JK: Finally, if you could call the games for one other sporting team across the world, besides the Riders and Pats, who would it be?

RP: I would be pleased and proud to call games on radio for any NHL team. That's been my lifelong dream.

Again thank you so much to Mr Pedersen, and check out his blog, which now has a link on the right-hand side of the blog.