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HomeSportsHart AttackHARTLEY MILLER’S HART ATTACK – JANUARY 29, 2016 EDITION 560

HARTLEY MILLER’S HART ATTACK – JANUARY 29, 2016 EDITION 560

Matt Pearce was that special athlete that captains and/or coaches would want to pick first for their team.

In addition to excelling in football, basketball, rugby, track and many other sports, Pearce had a unique ability to lead, mentor and guide.

Yes, the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame member was talented in many areas, but topping his list was the joy of being a proud successful family man; as a dad to Tenley (20) and Colburn (15) and a husband to Sherrie.

Prince George lost one its good guys, a standout citizen who made a difference.

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Our community was hit hard when news broke on January 23rd that Pearce passed away suddenly.

He was just 48.

A Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 30th at 1 p.m at Westwood Church.

Being a former CFL player and a past president of the Prince George District Teachers Association, Pearce had a high profile in the city, but recognition was not something he desired.

As a teacher, most recently at College Heights Secondary, and a volunteer football and basketball coach, Pearce was highly motivated to provide a learning environment that would allow his students and players to blossom.

When the 6-foot-2 Pearce played with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1989 to 95), I interviewed him on several occasions for my radio sports talk show.

He was always co-operative, well-spoken and passionate with insightful answers.

Pearce was living his dream as a professional football player and was rewarded with a Grey Cup ring in 1990.

Born in Cranbrook in 1967, and moved to Prince George in 1970, Pearce will always be remembered for his athletic prowess and as a well-respected advocate, fighter, role model and supporter.

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Yes, Matt Pearce was the ultimate team player.

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With the NHL gearing up for All-Star weekend in Nashville, here are a few winners and losers as of the break.

MVP: Patrick Kane. The Chicago Blackhawks sniper is enjoying a 15 point lead (over Jamie Benn of Dallas) in the NHL scoring race with 73 points, including 30 goals in 53 games.

Top Goalie: Braden Holtby. In the highly competitive race for the Vezina, Holtby has won 30 of 38 games for the Washington Capitals (30-5-1-2) and has a sparkling 2.07 goals-against-average and a .929 save percentage.

Most overachieving team: Florida Panthers. Aided by a 12 game win streak, that ended Jan 11th in Vancouver, the 29-15-5 Panthers lead the Atlantic Division and are 2nd in Eastern Conference.

Most underachieving team: Anaheim Ducks. The 22-18-7 Ducks are 10th in the Western Conference after a first place finish last season. Anaheim is a still a good bet to make the playoffs.

Best Canuck not named Sedin: Jannik Hansen. The 29-year-old winger from Denmark leads Vancouver with a plus 16 rating. Hansen has 26 points, including 15 goals, for an offensively challenged team.

The Canuck needing to pick it up: Bo Horvat. Yes, Horvat has 22 points (9 goals) but he is 803rd out of 803 players in plus-minus with a minus 24 rating. Radim Vrbata isn’t far behind at minus 22. Ouch!

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From the Quote Rack:

Caitlyn Jenner is writing her memoir about her transition to transgender. It will probably be a case of “He said/She said.”

Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg

After the NFC championship game, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer tried to throw a tantrum, but it was intercepted.

Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com

New England Patriots QB Tom Brady will not be playing in Sunday’s Pro Bowl. Instead, he will be auditioning for a role in the remake of “Groundhog Day.”

Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver http://alwaysfunny.com/

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera reportedly bounces team coaching ideas off of and has discussions with his wife Stephanie, a former Washington Wizards WNBA coach and this would seem to indicate something similar to a Clinton Co-Presidency. Just hope for Stephanie’s sake, though, that she has a secure email site.

Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

I’m not saying Kobe Bryant being the leading vote getter for the NBA All-Star game is a joke, but even John Scott said he felt embarrassed by it.

Comedy writer Marc Ragovin

And in case you missed it:

ABC News reports a Huntington Beach pool and fitness facility has banned a local nudist group from working out naked. So much for hanging out at the gym.

Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com

Hartley Miller is the sports director and morning news anchor for 94.3 the Goat. He also is the 94.3 radio color commentator for P.G. Cougars home games. His column appears Fridays on myprincegeorgenow.com. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected]
Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller

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