Bench Life Sports

Warriors, Spurs, Rockets and Jazz Move On: NBA Western Conference Playoff Recap and Round 2 Preview

Posted on May 1, 2017 by Brendan Ballantyne Leave a comment

The Recaps (1) Golden State Warriors vs. (8) Portland Trail Blazers: 4-0 Warriors There really isn’t too much to be said about this series. The Warriors were the Warriors and they blazed a trail through the heart of the Trail Blazers. It’s unfortunate that the Blazers found themselves shorthanded–with starting centre Jusuf Nurkic sidelined with a fractured leg–in a matchup that

Raptors vs. Cavaliers: Second Round Series Preview

Posted on May 1, 2017 by Thomas Waind Leave a comment

The Leafs are golfing and the Jays suck so I’m all in on the Raptors right now. In the first round the Raptors were finally able to eliminate a lower-seeded team in less than 7 games by beating the young Milwaukee Bucks squad in 6 games. This year’s edition of the Playoff Raps features a couple of shiny new pieces and a

Celtics, Wizards, Raps and Cavs Move On: NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Recap and Round 2 Preview

Posted on April 30, 2017 by Brendan Ballantyne Leave a comment

The NBA’s first round matchups from the Eastern Conference have officially been settled. Naturally, this would pose a good time to reflect on what transpired and look ahead to the next round. The most predictable first round playoffs in major professional sport turned out as predictable as always. This time around each higher seed in the Eastern Conference moved on.

Can Anyone Save the Cleveland Browns? NFL Draft 2017 First Round Review

Posted on April 28, 2017 by Cameron Burgess Leave a comment

The first round of the 2017 NFL Draft was Thursday night, and with the 1st overall pick, the Cleveland Browns are looking to find the player that can finally turn the franchise around. For a team coming off of a 1-15 season, the only place to go is up right? With picks at 1st and 12th, the Browns are hoping

Approaching this Leafs-Capitals Series with 2 mindsets: The Homer vs. The Buzzkill

Posted on April 13, 2017 by Thomas Waind Leave a comment

The REAL playoffs start tonight and I’m feeling pretty conflicted. While I’m ready to get on the hype train, the Leafs have crushed my spirits at every turn. Being a Toronto sports fan in general has made me a bit of a cynic and at the end of the day I have come to hate that about myself. I’d love to

2017 Toronto Blue Jays Season Primer

Posted on April 6, 2017 by Thomas Waind Leave a comment

Last year’s installment of my Blue Jays season primer was done through a “Plus Minus Predictions” feature. While the concept gave me good talking points to express my thoughts on the core of the Blue Jays roster, the conservative Steamer Fangraphs projections that I used left me making some pretty lame “cold takes” with every prediction given the “barring injury”

PHPA Feature: Alex Wideman

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Thomas Waind Leave a comment

Before interviewing Alex Wideman (younger brother of Senator’s defenseman Chris Wideman), I have to say that my familiarity with the ECHL was pretty minimal. After hearing Alex’s story, I have a much deeper appreciation for the league. Alex’s story of overcoming the obstacles that come with his small stature is pretty interesting. It especially hits home coming to a guy

Edwin is a Cleveland Indian… This sucks

Posted on December 28, 2016 by Thomas Waind Leave a comment

Well this sucks. ICYMI: An inside look at the fruitless negotiations between #BlueJays, Encarnacion https://t.co/kttkUljoZp Via @ShiDavidi pic.twitter.com/UQV8GIiqMA — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 24, 2016 My initial reaction to the news was one of doom and gloom. “Who are these clowns running the team?!” “Why doesn’t Edwin realize that no one will love him like Toronto?!” “NBA playoffs, MLB playoffs, MLB

PHPA Feature: Jeff Schultz

Posted on November 3, 2016 by Thomas Waind Leave a comment

Another interview in the books! Jeff Schultz is an awesome guy and he gave me plenty of great content for this article. Winning hockey follows this guy around: i.e. the powerhouse Washington Capitals, two-time Calder Cup champion and 2014 Stanley Cup champ. Below you can find my “10 rapid fire questions” segment. Some great answers given, but I must admit

PHPA Feature: Andrew Campbell

Posted on October 19, 2016 by Thomas Waind Leave a comment

Excerpt from PHPA Article “A lot has been made of the young, exciting Toronto Marlies. Run by Maple Leafs Assistant General Manager, Kyle Dubas, the Marlies are flush with dynamic prospects who are being groomed for the NHL, along with a mix of veteran talent. Last season’s Marlies were an offensive juggernaut, finishing atop the AHL standings with 114 points,