last week that the mascot would go by the handle

OTTAWA -- The expansion Ottawa Redblacks have changed the name of their new lumberjack mascot after receiving some critical feedback on the original choice. The CFL team announced last week that the mascot would go by the handle of "Big Joe Mufferaw." On Monday, the name was changed to "Big Joe" in English and "Grand Jos" in French. "We unintentionally offended some with the original name and we sincerely apologize for that," said Jeff Hunt, the president of the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, which owns the Redblacks. "We hope to create a fan base that is unified in its support for the Redblacks and we will continue to strive to do our best in that regard." The team received a number of suggestions from fans before naming the mascot. Many wanted it named after late Ottawa storyteller Bernie Bedores character, which was inspired by Joseph Montferrand, a real-life Outaouais logger and defender of Francophone rights in the 1800s. However, critics felt that using the "Mufferaw" name was disrespectful. The team said it plans to continue to seek opportunities to welcome Francophone football fans from Gatineau, Que., and Eastern Ontario and engage the Francophone community with appearances by players and the mascot throughout the region. Big Joe Mufferaw was also immortalized in a famous song by Canadian country-folk legend Stompin Tom Connors. The Redblacks will kick off their inaugural season July 3 in Winnipeg. Their first home game is scheduled for July 18 versus Toronto. Cheap Washington Redskins Jerseys .com) - The Tennessee Titans agreed to terms with running back Jackie Battle on a one-year contract Friday. Jerseys From China . - The New York Rangers have momentum, a unified locker room and Henrik Lundqvist. http://www.cheapjerseystb.com/?tag=cheap...-ravens-jerseys. A strong fastball. A big, bending curveball that can buckle hitters at the knees. Against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, Elias put the entire package together against one of the leagues strongest lineups. Cheap Jacksonville Jaguars Jerseys . His team rose to the occasion Sunday with a 3-1 victory over Sweden in the bronze-medal game. "The sting from yesterday is not something we hid from or pretend didnt happen," Dineen said. Cheap Chicago Bears Jerseys . "I never commented to anyone that I wanted out," he explained. "My heart is with this group and making the playoffs." Kesler added that the rumours are "completely false" that he asked to be traded - recently or ever.With the NHL Draft coming up on June 27 and free agency opening on July 1, discussions between NHL general managers are already heating up towards a busy off-season. Each day, TSN.ca provides the latest rumours, reports and speculation from around the NHL beat. Plenty Of Interest in No. 1 According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, at least eight teams have shown interest in acquiring the first pick overall pick from the Florida Panthers. The list of teams includes the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs. Dreger also reports the Panthers plan on naming their new head coach by Monday at the latest. Also on the coaching front, some believe Willie Desjardins may have a choice between head coaching jobs in Pittsburgh and Vancouver but no final decisions have been made yet. Pivotal Times In Vancouver Ben Kuzma of The Vancouver Province writes that Ryan Keslers trade value appears to be more appealing for a team like the Anaheim Ducks than that of Jason Spezza. Not only does Kesler have two years left at $5 million a season and Spezza one year at $4 million, the Ducks will need the grit and defensive game that Kesler would bring to the tough Pacific Division. Kuzma adds that Kesler also led the Canucks with 25 goals, while Spezza had 23 goals in a "softer conference." Kuzma also writes that if the Senators are asking for a top-six forward, a top prospect and a first-round pick for Spezza, then Canucks GM Jim Benning can at least ask that much for Kesler. HHe thens writes that the St.dddddddddddd Louis Blues may interest Spezza because they would need help on their power play (worst during the postseason) and have assets that would interest the Senators. Kuzma adds that the Canucks wont get a Kesler-comparable in return in any trade scenario, but Benning could get a first-round pick and can offer up a centre and young wingers to help rebuild the Canucks. And if that happens before the draft, Kuzma specualtes that Vancouvers sixth overall pick can be in play to acquire Floridas first overall pick. Thats News To Tallon Miami Herald writer George Richards tweeted that Panthers GM Dale Tallon is refuting a report that defenceman Brian Campbell has asked for a trade. St. Louiss Big 550 KTRS host and CBS Sports Radio St. Louis contributor Andy Strickland reported Wednesday that Campbell - who still has two years left on his contract that pays him over $7 million a season - wants out of Florida. Done In Detroit Detroit Wings general manager Ken Holland confirmed to The Macomb Daily that veteran forwards Todd Bertuzzi and Mikael Samuelsson wont be returning next season. He added to the paper that as far as the rest of the unrestricted players go, the team will take a wait-and-see approach. "The other guys Im not sure," Holland told The Daily. "I basically told the other agents were not doing anything right now. Under the CBA on June 27, which is next Wednesday, we can start talking to potential unrestricted free agents. ' ' '