I was called upon to introduce the speaker, sports columnist for the Globe and Mail, Bruce Dowbiggin. I was told not to do a typical introduction that drones on to seem like a second guest speaker (we all know those introductions and groan through them), but be short and sweet. And thus I was. For those not in attendance, I said, "Many of you probably read this columnist's rants, or hear him on the radio or see him on TV. If you have not yet had the pleasure, you will probably seek out his column or radio or TV show tomorrow after hearing him today. Here is Bruce Dowbiggin."

Bruce went on to thank us for the opportunity to speak to us and how his father had been a Rotarian back in Montréal (Where the RI Convention will be held this year. Are you registered?) where he grew up and was schooled. He shamelessly plugged his new book and past books and made sure we were all aware they were available for sale after the meeting and he would be glad to autograph them for people. He also donated a copy to the club for a Dutch auction. At the end of the meeting as the room cleared out, the audience was obviously enthralled with the presentation because there were very few if any books left on his table to autograph or sell.

Bruce spoke about his "rebirth" as a Westerner. He talked about how his friends back in Quebec and his peers in Ontario where he had worked for so many years were dumbfounded by his allegiance to Western Canada. He, his wife and family have truly become westerners and are proud to say so.

He regaled us with a reading from his most recent book about "Canadians cheering for the Ottawa Senators" in 2007 when they were the last Canadian team in the playoffs. It was a witty and hilarious satire on why we as Calgarians should jump on the bandwagon for Ottawa. Furthermore, he read the reply by Sheila Copps who was writing for the Ottawa Sun at the time and how she took everything (as usual) out of context. It was hilarious to hear.

Bruce then opened the floor to questions, as he knew there would be many. They ranged from the future of a salary cap in the league, to Iggy's role or reality in the dressing room, to the Dion Phaneuff trade and more. Again our speaker committee has outdone itself on arranging of speakers for the club this year.

As a background on Bruce here is what I learned about him as well. Bruce Dowbiggin's career is unmatched in Canada for its diversity and breadth of experience. His career has included successful stints in television, radio and print. A two-time winner of the Gemini Award as Canada's top television sports broadcaster for his work with CBC-TV, Mr.Dowbiggin is also the best-selling author of "Money Players" (finalist for the 2004 National Business Book Award) and his new book "The Meaning Of Puck: How Hockey Explains Modern Canada".

His ground-breaking investigations into the life and times of Alan Eagleson led to his selection as the winner of the Gemini for Canada's top sportscaster in 1993 and again in 1996. This work earned him the reputation as one of Canada's top investigative journalists in any field.

After starting in journalism as the Sports Editor of TV Guide magazine, Mr. Dowbiggin began his broadcasting career with CBC Radio in 1984 as the sports anchor for "Metro Morning" and "Ontario Morning". In 1985, he moved on to CBC-TV as the sports anchor for "The Six O'Clock News" and "CBC At Eleven" on CBC Toronto. In 1990, he moved to CBC Newsworld where he created and hosted a series of popular programs including "The National Sports", "Game Night" and "Sports Connection".

Dowbiggin anchored CBC Newsworld's coverage of the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics and the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria. In 1998, he was the anchor for CBC Radio coverage of the winter Olympics in Nagano.

In addition to his duties as a sports journalist and anchor, he has also contributed to "The National" and "The National Magazine" on CBC, 'The Journal", "CBC Midday", TVO's "Studio Two", CTV's "Canada A.M.", "Flames TV" and numerous other programs in Canada and the United States.

In 1996-97, Mr. Dowbiggin co-hosted "Double Play", a daily two-hour radio journal on The Fan 590 radio in Toronto. In 2006- 2007, he hosted the afternoon show on the Fan 960 in Calgary. He continues as a guest host on the Fan 960 Calgary. As well, he has hosted or contributed to a wide range of radio programs including "As it Happens", "Sunday Morning" on CBC Radio and Calgary Flames broadcasts in Calgary.

Mr. Dowbiggin joined the Calgary Herald in November 1998 as the Featured Sports Columnist. Since then, he has been a frequent contributor to CBC TV, CBC Radio, TV Ontario and other outlets. He was also the co-host of "The Things We Do For Love", a lifestyles documentary program on the Life Channel.

A documentary film version of his book "The Stick" was produced in 2004. Mr. Dowbiggin's writing career is varied and eclectic. He is the author of the book "The Defense Never Rests" for Harper Collins, an investigation of the NHL Pension Fund Scandal (1993). His next books were the bestsellers "Of Ice and Men" (1998) and "The Stick" (2001), both published by MacFarlane, Walter and Ross. "Money Players" (2003) and "The Meaning of Puck (2008) were both published by Key Porter books. He has also been a book reviewer for the Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail, and he has been published in newspapers, and magazines ranging from Maclean's to Toronto Life to Elm Street.

His writing also extended to the theatre. His play "Exact Change" was produced by the Tarragon Theatre (1977) and another work, "Cheating", was produced by The Buddies in Bad Times Theatre Group (1978). Mr. Dowbiggin attended the National Theatre School of Canada and worked with the Canadian Opera Company, the National Arts Centre, the Tarragon Theatre and the St. Lawrence Centre. His poetry and prose have also been included in several literary collections in Canada.

After several false stops and questions, Garfield Ganong thanked Bruce, awarded him with our world famous Boltman. As well, Mike Carlin conducted a Dutch auction raising $50 for the Mexico project though the donation of an autographed copy of Bruce's book. The winner was Verneil Martin!

reported by Brent Barootes