GLASGOW -- The Loch Ness Monster, tartan-clad bagpipers and giant pieces of shortbread took the place of footballers on the Celtic Park pitch as the Commonwealth Games began with a celebration of Scottish mythology and exports on Wednesday. Scotland is hosting the 20th edition of the games for former British colonies as its own future as part of Britain could be coming to an end. With an independence referendum coming on Sept. 18, the issue of Scotlands national identity is in sharp focus, and organizers made light of perceptions of the country with a self-deprecating start to the games opened by Queen Elizabeth II. There was singing on whiskey barrels, the giant rubber Loch Ness Monster and a giant haggis on the pitch during the rapid, often chaotic "Kingdom of the Scots" opening sequence. After rock star Rod Stewart performed at the home of his beloved football club, Scottish champion Celtic, there was a rendition of "Mull of Kintyre" from Susan Boyle, the church volunteer whose soaring voice turned her into an overnight reality TV star. But after the athletes from the 71 Commonwealth countries and territories completed their parade onto the pitch, the ceremony took on a sombre tone as the stadium fell silent to mark the Malaysian Airlines crash. Around a third of the 298 victims were from the Commonwealth. Malaysian athletes also donned black armbands to remember their 44 compatriots who died when the jet was shot down over Ukraine. The games was officially opened by the Queen after cycling great Chris Hoy, Britains most decorated Olympian, handed over the baton which has travelled throughout the Commonwealth since starting a relay at Buckingham Palace last year. The 88-year-old monarch showed her lighter side when Hoy and Prince Tunku Imran, president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, struggled to retrieve the message from the baton she left in it. When the note was finally recovered, the queen flashed a smile and held her arms out aloft before revealing its contents. The Queen, who is facing the breakup of Britain if Scots vote in favour of independence, reminded the Commonwealth of "our shared ideals and ambitions as a diverse, resourceful and cohesive family." "Together, you all play a part in strengthening our friendships in this modern and vibrant association of nations," she added. The ceremony used the power of the Commonwealth to appeal to the philanthropy of its members by promoting UNICEF inside the stadium and on the global TV feed. The childrens charity raised more than $4 million in donations through text messages within an hour from U.K. text messages alone. Canadas flag bearer Susan Nattrass, a seven-time world champion in trap shooting, waved the Maple Leaf as she marched, clad in a kilt, ahead of her teammates. The Canadians, wearing red and white jackets over red plaid pants, entered Celtic Park to Arcade Fires "Rebellion (Lies)" and a loud roar from the fans. Canada is fielding a team of 265 athletes -- its largest team for a non-home Commonwealth Games -- and it hopes to climb back onto the overall podium after finishing fourth at the Games four years ago in New Delhi, India. Chantal Petitclerc, former Paralympic star and Canadas chef de mission at the Games, was one of six athletes who carried in the Commonwealth Games flag. The others were Kenyan runner Kip Keino, Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Scottish judoka Graeme Randall, Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe and Malaysian squash player Nicol David. Tyler Toffoli Jersey . - Because they didnt go into Beast Mode, the Seattle Seahawks found themselves in Spin Mode. Kyle Clifford Jersey . - Pete Rose didnt want it to be about him, not on a day when four new members were elected to baseballs most exclusive club. Trailing by a goal after 20 minutes of play, Joe Pavelski responded with three goals and an assist as the Sharks snapped a two-game losing skid with a 5-2 victory over the struggling Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. Tanner Pearson Jersey . Spezza scored a power-play goal with 5 minutes left and Stephane Da Costa had the other two goals to lead the Ottawa Senators to a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night. Derek Forbort Jersey . -- Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana agreed Tuesday to a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles as he tries to come back from the second major operation on his left shoulder.OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators have a big week ahead and cant get caught up dwelling on one game — even if its against former captain Daniel Alfredsson. The Senators will face Alfredsson for the first time Wednesday since the 40-year-old chose to leave Ottawa and sign with the Detroit Red Wings as a free agent this past summer. Alfredssons decision came as a shock to many, and while fans might still be reeling, the players say theyve moved on, adding Wednesdays game in Detroit is more about two points on the road and beating a division rival than facing a former teammate. "Its more (weird) for him," said new captain Jason Spezza. "Were used to seeing one guy move on and play for a different team and play against teammates youve played with. It will be different because its Alfie, but I think it will be harder for him playing against Ottawa because its the only place hes ever played." Senators coach Paul MacLean has great memories from his own time in Detroit, where he served as an assistant coach to Mike Babcock. But as far as hes concerned, this is just one more game on the schedule. "Were just going there to play the Red Wings," said MacLean. "Thats all my focus is on is were playing the Red Wings. Thats a big enough task in my book. "They have lots of good players. Daniel is one of them so our focus is on the Red Wings and how they play as a team, not one guy." MacLean has reason to worry. Going into Mondays games, the Red Wings led the Atlantic Division, with Alfredsson putting up one goal and nine points through his first nine games. Meanwhile, the Senators were sixth. Senators tough guy Chris Neil says it will be a little strange to see Alfredsson in a different jersey, but says he wont get any special treatment. If the opportunity to finish a check on Alfredsson arises, he wont think twice. "At the end of the day hes just on another team," said Neil, who spent 11 seasons with Alfredsson.dddddddddddd "Its not like hes not our friend, but youve got to go out and play hard against him. For us we want to get the two points and thats the bottom line. Its no different than playing other friends on other teams." While the Senators seem to have adjusted to life without Alfredsson, there is perhaps no one who misses him more than Erik Karlsson. The Senators defenceman lived with Alfredsson and his family as a rookie and the two Swedes were extremely close. "Its been very different," Karlsson said. "Hes been here as long as Ive been here and longer than that as well. Its just something that you were used to and someone you were used to having around all the time. Its different, but its going well. Im still a happy guy and even though I miss him were still talking every once in a while so its all good." As for facing his former mentor, Karlsson doesnt anticipate it being as big a deal as many are making it out to be. "Its going to be different in a way, but I think once the game starts its not going to be on anyones mind its going to be like a regular game. Maybe if we see him before the game and after its going to be a little bit weird, but once the puck drops I think its going to be just like normal." Alfredsson had a great deal of influence on the franchise and the community and Neil understands the emotional impact the former captains departure has had, but he says everyone needs to move on. "The city of Ottawa is going to miss him and as teammates of his for so long we miss him too, but he turned the page. Weve got to turn the page too," he said. "You dont dwell on it, you just go out, focus on the task at hand and thats to beat the Detroit Red Wings." 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