Stoffel Vandoorne says he is undaunted by the challenge of partnering Fernando Alonso at McLaren next year as it will be a positive learning experience.Reigning GP2 champion Vandoorne has been confirmed alongside Alonso next year, with Jenson Button dropping back into an ambassadorial/reserve driver role. Despite it being ten years since his last world championship Alonso is widely regarded as the most complete driver on the grid -- but Vandoorne is relishing the opportunity to drive with the Spaniard.I think its something positive for me to race alongside Fernando, he said. Everyone obviously knows his qualities, hes a double world champion and a lot of people see him as one of the toughest drivers to beat. So I think its positive for me to come in and be his team-mate.Obviously well try to beat each other, thats normal because were racing drivers. But as well we have to make sure we push the team forward for next year. Were making big progress now and hopefully next year we can make another big step.Now his 2017 seat has been confirmed Vandoorne says he has been seeking out whatever advice he can get from McLaren.Asked if he was getting impatient waiting for 2017, he said: Yeah kind of, but I think also it is a good opportunity for me to have everything prepared very well for next year. The decision came quite early and Ive had a lot of questions for the team in the week after the decision and now every day there are bits I think about and speak to the management, speak to the engineers.Its good for me to spend time here at the weekends as well to make me feel comfortable. Whenever I have a question I can just go up and talk to them. Nike Free Nz Online . The Olympic champion curler and TSN curling analyst immediately went online to look at the Halls long list of honoured members. Thats when the enormity of the honour sunk in. Cheap Nike Free Wholesale . But now that hes in the NHL, the Calgary Flames centre showed big improvement in that department by scoring the winner in the eighth round of a 5-4 shootout victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Monday. http://www.cheapnikefreenz.com/ . Louis Blues. Shane Hnidy joins Brian Munz for the broadcast on TSN 1290 Radio at 7pm ct. Cheap Nike Free Nz Sale . The Canadian squad, skipped by Jennifer Jones of Winnipeg, got on the board first with two in the second end, and followed that with two more apiece in the fourth and sixth ends. Wholesale Nike Free Nz . Terms of the deal were not immediately available. The 26-year-old finished last season with Clevelands Triple-A affiliate in Columbus after signing with the Indians in August. Minnesota Vikings right tackle Phil Loadholt?informed team officials Monday that he will retire.Sources said Loadholt decided to retire due to soreness in his surgically repaired Achilles tendon and other aches and pains. Loadholts injuries have taken a toll on a player who signed a $25 million extension in 2013.This chapter in my life is closing and I look forward to seeing what the next one brings. Ill always love this game and the opportunity to do something I dreamed about since I was seven years old. But, my body is telling me its time to hang up my cleats, Loadholt said in a statement released by the Vikings.Loadholt becomes the 14th NFL player 30 years of age or younger to retire this year.Loadholt, 30, missed the entire 2015 season due to a torn Achilles tendon, which he suffered during the second preseason game. His last regular-season game as a Viking was on Nov. 23, 2014. He missed the final fivve games of that season due to a torn pectoral muscle.ddddddddddddBefore the veteran offensive lineman dealt with injury issues the past few years, the 2009 second-round pick had played in 67 straight games from Week 6 of the 2009 season through Week 9 in 2013.When you think of the Vikings you think of players like Phil Loadholt. He carried himself as a professional and gave his all for his teammates. Phil will be a Viking for life. He was a great player and a better person. We wish him and his family all the best, Vikings owner Mark Wilf said in the statement.Earlier this year, the Vikings signed former Cincinnati Bengals starting right tackle Andre Smith to compete for a starting job against Loadholt. Smith, 29, signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with $1 million guaranteed. ' ' '