Cheers/Jeers: Francouz has a week; CSU goes viral with schedule release

CHEERS | Pavel Francouz

What a week the Colorado Avalanche netminder had last week.

First, Francouz inks a two-year extension last Friday before completely dominating between the pipes in Southern California to the tune of his first career shutout and two wins.

Then, the second-year NHL goalie earned the league’s first star of the week for his efforts against the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings, wherein his gave up just one goal on 46 shots (including three saves made in a shootout against L.A.).

And finally, the NHL trade deadline didn’t bring upon his eventual replacement but instead a backup goalie to keep his bench spot warm until Philipp Grubauer’s return to the ice — that is, if Frankie surrenders the No. 1 role.

JEERS | Tim Tebow

On the surface, Tim Tebow opting to play for the Philippines during World Baseball Classic qualifiers next month is a feel-good story. Tebow’s parents were missionaries in the country before the family moved to Florida when Tim was 3 years old.

But what lingers is the same stink that follows Tebow around the Mets minor league system: Who isn’t getting his shot on the stage because a former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL flameout wants to live out his baseball fantasy?

At least Tebow will be playing for the country in which he was born, unlike, say, Colorado Rockies catcher Drew Butera, who played for Italy in 2017 while having been born in Evansville, Indiana. Or former Rockies infielder Daniel Descalso, who was born in Redwood City, California.

In fact, only eight of Italy’s 31 players were born in Italy — nearly as many players as countries represented on the roster (six).

CHEERS | CSU Rams football

Kudos to Colorado State University for taking a somewhat mundane yearly announcement and putting a fun spin on it while also leaning into Fort Collins’ fascination with fermentation.

The Rams posted to social media a video unveiling its schedule for next football season wherein mascot Cam the Ram opens a specially labeled bottle of beer with designs featuring CSU’s opponents.

» Sept. 5 vs. Colorado = Showdown Stout
» Sept. 12 at Oregon State = Beaver Dam Dunkel
» Sept. 19 vs. Northern Colorado = Farmer’s Tan Red
» Sept. 26 at Vanderbilt = Commodore Sailing IPA
» Oct. 3 vs. Fresno State = Bulldog Drool
» Oct. 10 vs. New Mexico = Lone Wolf Lager
» Oct. 24 at UNLV = High Roller Helles
» Oct. 31 vs. Wyoming = Hard Dirt Cider
» Nov. 7 at San Diego State = Beachcomber Blonde
» Nov. 14 at Air Force = Soaring Saison
» Nov. 21 vs. Utah State = Logan Lambic
» Nov. 29 at Boise State = Potato Juice

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