Spott is a tell-it-like-it-is guy, something a co

TORONTO - Its been a frustrating ordeal that has taken up the better part of two seasons, and involved more than dozen pairs of skates.But finally, Kevin Reynolds believes its over. Hes found a pair of skates that fit.And now the 24-year-old from Coquitlam, B.C., heads into next weeks Canadian figure skating championships in Kingston, Ont., more confident than hes been in ages, and with his eyes on capturing his first national senior title.I want to be able to show that I can be back in competitive shape, and Ive done everything that I can, and whatever happens at the national championships, whether its good or bad, Ill know I put my utmost effort into it, Reynolds said on a conference call Friday.Reynolds skate issues began early last season, when he couldnt find a pair of boots that properly fit his uniquely shaped foot: very narrow at the heel and wide in the front. He went through nine pairs of boots last season, four in the off-season. He finally gave up counting.So after having to withdraw from both Skate Canada International and the NHK Trophy, he switched his focus to other brands of boots, trying the best model available in every brand until he found one he liked.Which brand he chose, he preferred not to say Friday. Hell talk about that after the Canadian championships.But the new boots have allowed him to train hard for a solid four to five weeks, which is more than hes managed in almost two seasons.To be able to train my programs, to be able to train the quadruple jumps every day, and gain some of the consistency back, its really helped my confidence, and Im looking forward to putting things out there again, Reynolds said.In nine Canadian senior championships, Reynolds has won a bronze medal, and finished with silver medals the last three seasons behind Patrick Chan. But Chan, an Olympic silver medallist and three-time world champion, is taking this season off to ponder his competitive future, and Reynolds said a national title would be the perfect way to mark his 10th appearance in the event.Among the other skaters eyeing the national title: 16-year-old Nam Nguyen, who won last years world junior championships. Reynolds said his small amount of decent training isnt the ideal preparation for the Canadian championships.Ive had to compress a whole years training into four or five weeks, he said.But being able to finally compete in a boot that fits, and wont break down after a couple of weeks of training — a secondary issue hed been encountering — has been a massive weight lifted.(The lack of confidence) was more of an issue heading into the national championships and Olympic Games last year, because I had never dealt with something of this magnitude before, Reynolds said. But it has been ongoing for so long that Ive really become almost accustomed to it, that things have not been as consistent as Id like, and Ive just had to fight through it, and do the best I can.Coming off a fifth place finish at the 2013 world championships, Reynolds had high hopes for last season. But after helping the Canadians win silver in the first ever team event at the Olympics in Sochi, the skater known for jumping ability stumbled to a 15th place finish in the individual event. Heartbreak and frustration would follow him into this season, as he pulled out of both Skate Canada International and NHK Trophy because of lack of preparation and a sprained ankle he suffered that he partly attributes to his ill-fitting skates.It was a very difficult decision for me (to withdraw from the two Grand Prix events), because I had felt like I had let people down that had supported me, and not only that but I couldnt believe at that point that the issues I had been dealing with had continued on for so long, Reynolds said.Ive had so many people helping me out, I just want to give back a little bit to all the people who have sacrificed their time and effort to try and help me along the way. Toby Alderweireld Jersey . The win puts Arsenal four points clear of Everton in fourth place with two games to play in the Premier League, a position which would qualify the club for Europes top competition for the 17th straight year. Son Heung-min Hotspur Jersey . 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Sharapova had a much easier time earlier in the day with cooler conditions and took full advantage in 6-1, 7-6 (8-6) win over Frenchwoman Alize Cornet, while Radwanska had to rally for a 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Lucas Moura Jersey . David Perron had a career high four-point night with two goals and two assists as the Oilers experienced an offensive explosion, blasting the Columbus Blue Jackets 7-0 to record a rare home win for their second victory in a row.TORONTO - After the Toronto Maple Leafs fired coach Randy Carlyle, general manager Dave Nonis handed the reins to assistants Peter Horachek and Steve Spott for the time being. Heres a look at some of the potential candidates to take over on a full-time basis, either soon or after the season:Pete DeBoerFired as coach of the New Jersey Devils on Dec. 26, DeBoer could fit right in with what the Maple Leafs want to do as far as improving puck possession. DeBoer has a relationship with Spott and winger David Clarkson from the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League and is considered a Brendan Shanahan guy.Mike BabcockBabcock is under contract with the Detroit Red Wings until the end of this season, but that hasnt stopped the speculation about the NHLs best coach going elsewhere. Reportedly interested in becoming the highest-paid coach in the league and running a winner, Babcock would have to weigh those things if considering the Leafs.Dan BylsmaFired by the Pittsburgh Penguins after another disappointing playoff exit, Bylsma is a players coach who would be very opposite of Carlyle. Bylsma won the Cup in 2009 after taking over for Michel Therrien and can at least be part of changing the culture with a new team.Todd McLellanThe San Jose Sharks off-season circus has given way to a pretty good hockey team. But if the Sharks fall apart in the playoffs again, McLellan could be out of a job and instantly becomes a top candidate. Had McLellan been fired seven months ago, the Leafs mightve parted ways with Carlyle to get him then.Peter HorachekHorachek ran the first practice of the post-Carlyle era and could be running the show in the interim as Leafs brass decides what to do. Horachek was the interim coacch when the Florida Panthers fired Kevin Dineen last season.dddddddddddd The Panthers didnt give him the chance, but the Leafs just might.Dale HunterMark Hunter was recently hired as the Maple Leafs director of player personnel and could be an NHL GM of the future. If that future is in Toronto as a replacement for Dave Nonis, Mark could hire his brother Dale, who had a short stint with the Washington Capitals. Remember, Shanahan is a London Knights product.Steve SpottSpott is in first season as an NHL assistant and would have to be considered a long shot. But he enjoyed success with Kitchener and then the AHLs Toronto Marlies in reaching the conference final. Spott is a tell-it-like-it-is guy, something a core of stars on their third coach could use.Paul MacLeanThe 2013 Jack Adams winner as coach of the year was fired by the Ottawa Senators in early December, not because he had become bad at his job but that his attitude had changed. MacLeans tactics, like Carlyles, may be outdated, but he can motivate a group as a fresh voice if called upon.Kevin DineenDineens time with the Panthers didnt work out so well, but that may have been a product of a group not yet ready to win. Hes on Joel Quennevilles staff with the Chicago Blackhawks this season and may be ready for another head job soon. Dineen is from Toronto and a young up-and-comer.Dallas EakinsEakins was the hottest coaching candidate two summers ago when the Edmonton Oilers hired him. The former Toronto Marlies coach couldnt get the Oilers turned around and paid the price by getting fired last month. Eakins may be destined for an assistant-coaching job first before getting another shot at running a team.---Follow @SWhyno on Twitter ' ' '