A British Beginning

The story of the Stanley Cup had a modest and somewhat unexpected beginning. 1892, the trophy was born and christened after Lord Stanley of Preston, the Governor General of Canada. This illustrious trophy was not extravagant; it was acquired for ten guineas, translating to roughly $50 today. Lord Stanley was inspired to establish this award after witnessing an ice hockey match between two amateur clubs in Montreal. Struck by the players’ skill and enthusiasm, he envisioned a trophy fostering a spirit of competition in the burgeoning sport.

The Formative Years

In its infancy, the Stanley Cup was far from the high-stakes, big-budget spectacle that characterizes today’s National Hockey League (NHL). Surprisingly, the NHL didn’t exist until 1917, a quarter-century after the Stanley Cup’s inception. Initially, this prestigious trophy was awarded to the best amateur team in Canada, and challenges for the Cup could be issued by any team willing to vie for it. Teams from various leagues across North America began to vie for the opportunity to win this illustrious Cup, with some groups even crossing the Atlantic Ocean to compete and bring international acclaim to the competition.

Transformative Times

As the 20th century unfolded, the Stanley Cup underwent significant transformations, mirroring the growth and evolution of ice hockey itself. With the establishment of the NHL, the trophy gradually became the exclusive prize for the league’s champions, solidifying its status as the ultimate achievement in professional ice hockey. Unlike other sports trophies, which are crafted yearly, the Stanley Cup is unique. The names of winning teams are engraved directly onto its gleaming surface, ensuring every champion becomes an enduring part of its history.

Moments of Legend

The Stanley Cup has witnessed some of the most unforgettable moments in sports history. Whether it’s Bobby Orr soaring to net a championship-winning goal for the Boston Bruins in 1970 or Wayne Gretzky leading the Edmonton Oilers to multiple titles during the 1980s, this iconic trophy has stood at the epicenter of legendary milestones. Remarkably, the odds of predicting these legendary moments are not always in favor of the favorites, adding an element of unpredictability and drama to the sport. However, the Cup’s legacy isn’t solely built on triumphs but has witnessed its share of mishaps and peculiarities. From being inadvertently left on the side of the road to being repurposed as a flowerpot, the Stanley Cup has embarked on a colorful array of adventures that have only added to its charm and folklore.

The Living Archive

Today, the Stanley Cup stands as a living testament to countless athletes’ dreams, aspirations, and accomplishments. Unlike any other trophy in professional sports, it carries within it the engraved names of every team and player that has ever hoisted it, narrating a story perpetually etched in silver and steeped in history. As a new season dawns and the race for the next championship ignites, one thing remains constant: the memorable place of the Stanley Cup in the heart and soul of ice hockey. It’s more than a trophy; it’s a cherished relic that continues to unite generations of fans and players in their shared love for the game, making it a hockey holy grail.

The post The Tale of the Stanley Cup: From Humble Beginnings to Hockey Holy Grail appeared first on Sports News.

In anticipation of this momentous occasion, draft rankings have surfaced throughout the week. It’s recommended to check out orders from reputable sources such as The Victory Press, The Hockey News, and mock drafts provided by The Athletic, The Ice Garden, and The Hockey News to prepare for the unfolding drama this afternoon.

Here’s a quick rundown of the rules governing the draft and what fans can anticipate from the Ottawa team:

The Rules:

1. The draft will consist of 15 rounds, with 90 players set to be selected.
2. The selection order adheres to a snake draft format, which reverses after each round. This format offers teams like Ottawa, which has the second-to-last pick in the first round, the second pick in the second round, and so on.
3. A total of 268 players have declared for the draft, and you can find the complete list online.
4. In the inaugural draft, trades involving picks are not permitted. However, in the future, teams will have the option to trade picks.
5. The draft has no age restrictions, allowing players of all ages to participate. This year, the youngest player to declare is just 16 years old.
6. Current NCAA players are ineligible for the draft, but recent NCAA graduates, previously excluded from free agency, are eligible for selection. This could lead to some early-round picks.
7. While there may not be explicit rules against it, it’s unlikely that teams will employ the “draft and hold rights until they sign” strategy prevalent in men’s hockey. It seems that all drafted players are expected to play next season, given the team’s need to build their rosters from scratch.
8. Players must declare for the draft to be eligible for training camp invitations, making it impossible to skip the draft in favor of choosing their destination. After the draft, teams will have 18 players, leaving room for a few free-agent additions.
9. Players can apply for compassionate circumstances waivers, ensuring they can only be drafted by one team. While the list of applicants remains undisclosed, some players, such as Madison Packer, have publicly expressed their intentions to use this waiver to stay with specific teams. Teams might strategically employ these cases if a top player unexpectedly drops in the draft.

What to Expect from Ottawa:

Insiders suggest that the PWHL draft may strike a middle ground between the traditional women’s hockey format, where players control their destination, and the men’s hockey system, where teams exercise complete control. Compassionate circumstances waivers are expected to be used sparingly. It appears that the athletes are eager for this league to offer a truly professional experience, including the excitement of being drafted. However, teams are likely to consider players’ preferences regarding location when making selections.

With this in mind, Ottawa will likely focus on players with connections to the city or those who have expressed interest in joining the team.

Several players are expected to be off the board before Ottawa makes its first selection. For instance, Taylor Heise, a Minnesota native who played at the University of Minnesota last year, is all but guaranteed to be the first overall pick, heading to her home state of Minnesota. Although Toronto may not pick Alina Müller at second overall, it’s doubtful she will fall past Boston at third. The selections of Toronto (2nd) and New York (4th) will remain mysteries and may influence Ottawa’s choices.

Possible Targets:

The absence of Jamie Lee Rattray among Ottawa’s initial signings has led many to speculate that she may be a prime draft choice for the team. Given the snake draft format, with only two picks between Ottawa’s first two selections, they might choose another player at 5th overall if they believe Montreal won’t select Rattray, waiting until the second round to secure her.

Sophie Jaques, a college graduate and winner of the Patty Kazmaier Award as the college player of the year, could be a perfect fit for Ottawa. She’s a talented young defender and Canadian, a position Ottawa has yet to fill. While she seems like an ideal choice at 5th overall, her talent might make her a long shot.

Mock drafts have suggested Erin Ambrose as a potential 5th overall pick for Ottawa. Ambrose, one of Team Canada’s top defenders, is a bit younger than another notable name, Jocelyn Larocque, making her an attractive option.

The post PWHL Draft Primer and Open Thread appeared first on Sports News.

Sam Lafferty added to the Leafs’ success with a short-handed goal and an assist, while Maxi Domi and Kyle Clifford also found the back of the net. Matthew Knies contributed with a pair of assists, further bolstering Toronto’s preseason record to 1-1-1.

Buffalo’s defensemen Jeremy Davies and Henri Jokiharju managed to score goals for their team, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the impressive performance by Timmins and the Maple Leafs.

Timmins, at just 25 years old, has been a standout player in the preseason, amassing a total of two goals and four assists in only two games. It’s worth noting that Domi, a recent addition to the Maple Leafs, celebrated his first goal wearing the team’s colors after signing with them in July.

Martin Jones

Toronto’s goaltender thwarted 10 of the 12 shots he faced during the game.

Uukko-Pekka Luukkonen stood tall for Buffalo, turning aside 25 of 28 shots over two periods, before Michael Houser stepped in and made nine saves on 11 shots.

At 2:18 of the third period, Clifford skillfully redirected a cross-ice pass from Timmins past Houser to extend Toronto’s lead to 4-2.

Buffalo found their second goal of the game at 16:42 of the second period when Jokiharju’s point shot ricocheted off the post and into the net.

The Maple Leafs had already secured a 3-1 lead by the 14:06 mark, with Domi exiting the penalty box after serving a high-sticking minor to receive a pass from Timmins and capitalize on a breakaway opportunity.

The post Timmins leads Maple Leafs with four-point game appeared first on Sports News.

The main focus of the inaugural summit is to tackle the root cause of many problems in hockey culture: toxic masculinity. According to Hockey Canada’s chief operating officer Pat McLaughlin, the forum is intended to challenge the narrow and harmful definition of what it means to be a man in hockey and how that affects the behavior and attitudes of players, coaches, officials, and fans. McLaughlin said that Hockey Canada wants to “get to the root cause of culture” and “make us incredibly uncomfortable” by confronting the issues head-on.

To guide the summit, Hockey Canada enlisted the help of Teresa Fowler, a hockey scholar with a Ph.D. in philosophy, curriculum, and learning. Fowler said that elite masculine hockey culture is deeply ingrained in Canada’s national identity and often excludes or marginalizes people who do not fit into its rigid norms. Fowler said that by starting with masculinity, the summit would also address other aspects of hockey culture that are influenced by systems of white supremacy, such as violence, discrimination, and abuse.

The summit comes when Hockey Canada faces intense scrutiny and criticism over handling several cases of sexual assault involving players involved with Team Canada at the World Juniors. In May 2023, it was revealed that Hockey Canada settled a $3.5-million lawsuit alleging a group sexual assault in 2018. Since then, more allegations have surfaced, leading to the resignation of Hockey Canada’s CEO and board of directors. A new board will be elected on December 17, 2023

Hockey Canada is not the only organization trying to change the toxic culture of the sport. The Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) arranged for every one of its teams to hear a presentation from Brock McGillis, one of the first professional hockey players to come out as gay. McGillis challenged the players to share their interests outside the “safe four topics” of conversation: hockey, women, sports, and music. McGillis said that most players are more inclusive than previous generations, but their language and behavior do not match their values.

The Beyond the Boards summit is a critical step for Hockey Canada to acknowledge and address the issues that affect the sport and its culture. By engaging with experts, advocates, and stakeholders from different perspectives and backgrounds, Hockey Canada hopes to create a roadmap for positive change that will make hockey more welcoming and respectful for everyone. McLaughlin said, “The time is now to put intentional efforts towards addressing these important issues.”

The post HOCKEY CANADA’S SEPTEMBER SUMMIT AIMS TO COMBAT TOXIC CULTURE OF THE SPORT appeared first on Sports News.

Under the watchful eye of Head Coach Andrew Brunette, the Predators are embracing a new philosophy that strongly emphasizes quickness and agility, a stark departure from their more conservative style of play in recent years under former Head Coach John Hynes.

The early stages of training camp have been marked by a noticeable uptick in intensity on offense. Players are getting accustomed to a more aggressive approach, and the emphasis on speed is evident in every drill and scrimmage.

Brunette, in particular, has expressed his satisfaction with the high energy and effort exhibited by the younger players in camp. These prospects are eager to make their mark and show they can keep up with the team’s new, fast-paced style.

The actual test of this philosophy shift will come in preseason doubleheader action against the Florida Panthers. With split squads taking the ice, it will be intriguing to see how Brunette divides up the players and how their newfound speed translates to game action against another NHL team.

Transitioning from a more conservative system to a high-speed one will inevitably come with challenges. Players will need time to fully grasp the new structure and adapt to the demands of their coaches. However, this change in philosophy signals a fresh start for the Predators and the potential for an exciting brand of hockey.

One particularly positive development in the training camp’s early days is the chemistry forming among key players. Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly, critical veterans, already show strong chemistry on the ice. As likely members of the top line, their partnership bodes well for the upcoming season.

Brunette has also noted improved chemistry among players with prior experience playing together, such as the line featuring Thomas Novak. Promising young talents like Luke Evangelista and Egor Afanasyev also capture the coaching staff’s attention.

“They brought the energy. There hasn’t been one kid that hasn’t worked extremely hard and as a coach, that is a good feeling.”

» Andrew Brunette pic.twitter.com/zMeVVPYQZU

— Bally Sports: Preds (@PredsOnBally) September 23, 2023

One player who has stood out in camp is Yakov Trenin, earning praise from Brunette as “the best player on the ice.” Trenin’s performance is significant as he reaches a pivotal juncture in his NHL career, potentially becoming a long-term fixture for the Predators.

The Predators have assembled a roster with the speed and skill required to excel in the NHL’s evolving landscape. The league now prioritizes quick transitions and generating scoring opportunities, a departure from the Predators’ more conservative approach in the past.

Players like Novak, Evangelista, Cody Glass, and Philip Tomasino will play integral roles in this faster-paced Predators team, aiming to rectify their 28th-ranked scoring offense from the previous season. The success of Coach Brunette’s efforts to transform the group into a higher-scoring unit will undoubtedly be a focal point for fans and pundits alike as they look to provide solid support for goaltender Juuse Saros.

As training camp continues and the preseason games unfold, Predators fans eagerly await the start of the regular season, hoping to see their team thrive in this new era of speed and excitement on the ice.

The post Speed Takes Center Stage at Nashville Predators Training Camp appeared first on Sports News.

A Heartbreaking Turn of Events

On Saturday, during the second period of the Panthers’ match against the Sheffield Steelers, Johnson suffered a severe injury after colliding with a Steelers player. This collision prompted spectators to leave the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, and the game was immediately suspended. Tragically, it was confirmed on Sunday that Johnson had passed away at the age of 29 due to the “freak accident.”

Police Investigation Underway

South Yorkshire Police stated the incident, saying, “Our officers remain at the scene carrying out inquiries, and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing.” Sheffield City Council also cooperates with the investigation, expressing condolences to Johnson’s family, friends, and teammates.

Tributes and Grief Around the World

The ice hockey community and fans around the world have been deeply affected by Johnson’s untimely death. Fans have been leaving flowers outside the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, where the Panthers play. His fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, shared her grief on social media, posting, “My sweet sweet angel. I’ll miss you forever and love you always.”

In addition to tributes from fans and loved ones, Johnson’s former team, the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL), paid their respects. Before and during their game against the Anaheim Ducks, the Penguins and Ducks held silence and gathered at center ice to honor Johnson’s memory. Players from both teams wore unique ‘AJ 47’ decals on their helmets as a tribute to their former teammate.

Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan shared his thoughts, saying, “He was a great kid, a good player. Boy, he could skate. It was a privilege to be his coach. There are no words to explain how I feel about the whole circumstance. It’s just an incredible tragedy.”

A Commitment to Player Safety

In response to Johnson’s tragic death, the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), the governing body of ice hockey in England and Wales, released a statement outlining its commitment to improving player safety. The EIHA strongly recommended that players at all levels use a neck guard/protector during on-ice activities, with mandatory use starting after December 31.

The EIHA expressed that it is “unacceptable for any player to lose their life while playing sport” and vowed to conduct a thorough review of player safety equipment, guide continuous improvement, and preemptively address foreseeable incidents.

A Promising Career Cut Short

Adam Johnson, originally from Hibbing, Minnesota, began his professional career in the American Hockey League before progressing to the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He played 13 games across two seasons with the Penguins, scoring four points. Johnson also had stints in Sweden and Germany before joining the Nottingham Panthers for the 2023-24 season.

The tragic loss of Adam Johnson serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of player safety in sports and the close-knit community that mourns the passing of one of its own.

The post Investigation Underway After American Ice Hockey Player Adam Johnson Dies in Tragic Accident appeared first on Sports News.

The Social Media Frenzy

Twitter and other social media platforms have been inundated with discussions and debates about Connor Hellebuyck’s impending contract negotiations. Fans, analysts, and fellow players have all joined the conversation, adding their two cents to the ongoing debate.

Twitter User @PuckTalkExpress tweeted: “Hearing some absolutely wild rumors about Hellebuyck’s contract demands. Can anyone confirm if he’s really asking for $10 million a year? #NHL #HellebuyckContract”

Meanwhile, @TheGoalieUnion posted: “Regardless of the rumors, Hellebuyck is an elite talent. His value to the Jets is immeasurable. They should break the bank to secure his future. #GoJetsGo #Hellebuyck”

Hellebuyck Sets the Record Straight

Amidst the growing speculation, Connor Hellebuyck decided to address the situation directly. During a recent interview with a local sports radio station, he calmly and candidly discussed the swirling contract rumors and his approach to the upcoming negotiations.

“I’ve heard some of the ‘crazy’ rumors floating around, and I want to clarify my position,” Hellebuyck began. “I’m approaching this contract situation with an open mind. It’s not just about the financial aspect; it’s about finding the right fit for my career and my family. Winnipeg is where I’ve grown as a player, and I have a deep connection with this city and the fans. However, it’s also a business, and we’ll have to see how things unfold.”

Hellebuyck’s statement provided much-needed insight into his mindset. While he acknowledged the existence of wild rumors, he emphasized that his decision-making process would encompass multiple factors beyond just financial considerations.

Contractual Crossroads

Connor Hellebuyck’s current contract, which boasts an annual average value (AAV) of $6.167 million, is slated to expire after the 2023-2024 NHL season. Given his exceptional performance and status as one of the league’s premier goaltenders, it’s only natural that he’s in line for a substantial raise.

The rumors that have been circulating suggest that Hellebuyck might be seeking a contract in the range of $10 million per year. Such an arrangement would position him among the highest-paid goaltenders in the NHL, a testament to his stellar contributions between the pipes.

The Value Hellebuyck Brings

Connor Hellebuyck’s impact on the Winnipeg Jets extends far beyond statistics and contracts. He has been a pillar of strength for the team, consistently delivering standout performances in high-pressure situations. Hellebuyck has not only solidified his position as one of the league’s top goaltenders but has also played a pivotal role in the Jets’ competitive success.

His ability to steal games and provide stability in the crease has earned him the trust and admiration of his teammates, coaches, and fans. Hellebuyck’s presence is felt both on and off the ice, making him a cornerstone player for the Jets.

The Negotiation Dance

As the contract negotiations unfold, the Jets’ management and Hellebuyck’s representatives will engage in a delicate dance. Finding common ground that satisfies both parties will be essential. While Hellebuyck’s performance warrants a substantial contract, the team must also consider salary cap implications and its long-term financial strategy.

Connor Hellebuyck’s contract negotiations will continue to generate buzz and speculation on social media and among hockey enthusiasts. However, Hellebuyck’s message is clear: he’s approaching this pivotal moment in his career with an open mind. While the rumors may be wild, his commitment to finding the right fit for himself and his family remains unwavering. As negotiations progress, hockey fans around the world will eagerly await the outcome, hoping to see Hellebuyck continue to dazzle in a Jets uniform.

The post Despite ‘Crazy’ Rumors, Hellebuyck Keeping ‘An Open Mind’ with Next Contract appeared first on Sports News.

The NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) met with NHL officials on Friday in New York to discuss this matter. According to the NHLPA, an ongoing review process is in motion. In a statement released on Friday, the NHLPA stated, “During this meeting, we provided the NHL with an update on our ongoing review. We do not have any further comment at this time.”

As of now, the NHL itself has not issued an official statement regarding the situation, leaving the Columbus Blue Jackets and the hockey world in suspense just days before the opening of training camp.

John Davidson, the Blue Jackets’ President of Hockey Operations, spoke briefly, saying, “We’ve had discussions. We’re trying to digest things and go from there. There’s nothing further to say.”

The explosive allegations initially surfaced from Paul Bissonnette, a former NHL player and co-host of the “Spittin Chiclets Podcast.” Bissonnette cited an anonymous NHL player’s text message claiming that Babcock had gone through the photos on Blue Jackets players’ phones during individual meetings. This revelation sent shockwaves throughout the league.

Babcock’s hiring on July 1 had already raised concerns due to previous allegations of “bullying” behavior during his coaching tenures with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings. He mentioned that he had gained insights into personal interactions during his four-year hiatus from the NHL, especially during his one-season coaching stint at the University of Saskatchewan.

Hours after the podcast episode’s release, the Blue Jackets released statements from Mike Babcock and team captain Boone Jenner. These statements aimed to refute the allegations and provide context for the coach’s request to view players’ family photos or other significant images on their phones. The podcast had specifically mentioned Boone Jenner’s meeting with Babcock.

In response to the accusations, Jenner and Babcock contacted various media outlets to explain their side of the story and challenge the allegations. Paul Bissonnette and co-host Ryan Whitney, both former NHL players, stood by their accounts, insisting they had heard similar stories from numerous NHL players.

Notably, Boone Jenner was not alone in asserting that the allegations were exaggerated. Johnny Gaudreau and Zach Werenski, fellow Blue Jackets players, echoed Jenner’s sentiments.

Mike Babcock was observed watching the Blue Jackets’ opening game at the Traverse City NHL Prospects Tournament, which the team won 7-3. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen and other top officials from the organization were also present.

The Blue Jackets are scheduled to undergo medical evaluations on Wednesday and begin their training camp on Thursday in Columbus. However, the resolution of the Babcock situation remains uncertain, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the team’s preparations for the upcoming season.

As the hockey world eagerly awaits the findings and recommendations from the NHL and NHLPA inquiries, the Columbus Blue Jackets and their fans are left in suspense, hoping for clarity before the season kicks off.

The post Columbus Blue Jackets Await NHL, NHLPA Findings on Mike Babcock Phone Privacy Issue appeared first on Sports News.

1. Folarin Balogun bids farewell to Arsenal after an eight-year association with the club.
2. The 22-year-old striker, who recently had a successful spell at Stade de Reims, scoring 22 goals last season, makes a return to Ligue 1 by signing a five-year contract with Monaco.
3. Arsenal secures a £34m transfer fee for Balogun, with an additional 17.5 percent sell-on clause included in the deal.
4. Despite his promising talent, Balogun did not make a competitive appearance for Arsenal this season, following his return from the Reims loan.
5. He faced strong competition in the Arsenal forward lineup, with players like Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Kai Havertz, and Leandro Trossard ahead of him in the pecking order.

We’ve signed Head Coach Sheldon Keefe to a multi-year contract extension.

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) August 30, 2023

Maple Leafs’ Recent Performance:

• The Toronto Maple Leafs finished the previous season on a strong note.
• They secured the second position in the Atlantic Division with an impressive record of 50 wins, 21 losses, and 11 ties.
• The team also achieved a significant milestone by winning their first playoff series since 2004, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning.
• However, their playoff journey was halted in Round 2 when they were swept by the Florida Panthers.

Keefe’s Gratitude and Commitment:

• Sheldon Keefe expressed his gratitude for the privilege of coaching the Maple Leafs.
• He conveyed his excitement about continuing to work towards the team’s ultimate goal.
• Keefe acknowledged the support from the organization and its leadership, emphasizing their commitment to team success.

The contract extension of Sheldon Keefe reflects the Maple Leafs’ dedication to building a competitive team under his leadership.

It is a two-year extension for Sheldon Keefe https://t.co/2d27igF3xj

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 30, 2023

The post Maple Leafs sign ‘top coach’ Sheldon Keefe to two-year contract extension appeared first on Sports News.

The Edmonton Oilers’ Redemption Story

While my 2023 Stanley Cup prediction didn’t pan out, I’m doubling down on the Edmonton Oilers for the 2024 season. Here’s why.

A Partnership Destined for Glory

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl: The New Generation of Greatness

The Oilers’ dynamic duo, McDavid and Draisaitl, are poised to emulate past legendary tandems. Learn why this partnership is a key factor in their quest for the Cup.

A Burning Desire for Victory

Draisaitl’s Determination and McDavid’s Leadership

Discover the fierce determination that fuels Draisaitl and McDavid as they channel their frustration into a relentless pursuit of a Stanley Cup championship.

A Showdown for the Ages

Edmonton Oilers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: A Dream Stanley Cup Final

Could this be the year for a historic showdown between the Oilers and the Maple Leafs? Explore the potential epic battle between these two storied franchises.

Canada’s Cup Aspirations

The Possibility of the Stanley Cup Returning to Canada

Canada has been longing for a Stanley Cup win. Will this be the year it finally returns to Canadian soil? Explore the implications for hockey fans north of the border.

Projected NHL Standings for the 2024 Season

Here’s a division-by-division breakdown of the projected standings for the upcoming season. Playoff teams are highlighted in bold. Let’s see where your favorite team ranks in the race for the Stanley Cup.

The post Predicting where every NHL team finishes in 2023-24 appeared first on Sports News.