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NHL season has international flavor with the 4 Nations Face-off as a Winter Olympics appetizer
Read full article: NHL season has international flavor with the 4 Nations Face-off as a Winter Olympics appetizerWhile a vast majority of the 1,312 NHL games through June will take place in North America, the spotlight this season is on international play.
Utah Hockey Club will be the name of the NHL team in Salt Lake City for its inaugural season
Read full article: Utah Hockey Club will be the name of the NHL team in Salt Lake City for its inaugural seasonThe NHL team that moved from Arizona to Salt Lake City will be known as the Utah Hockey Club during its inaugural season.
Coyotes' move to Salt Lake City elicits opposing responses in 2 cities
Read full article: Coyotes' move to Salt Lake City elicits opposing responses in 2 citiesNHL Commissioner Gary Bettman sat next to the former Arizona Coyotes owner in a downtown Phoenix hotel meeting room, trying to put a positive spin on the funeral for a franchise.
NHL has no appetite to expand playoffs beyond its 16-team tournament for the Stanley Cup
Read full article: NHL has no appetite to expand playoffs beyond its 16-team tournament for the Stanley CupThe NHL is the only major North American professional sports league that has not expanded its playoffs in recent years.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman calls on Jets, Winnipeg fans to find solution to falling attendance
Read full article: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman calls on Jets, Winnipeg fans to find solution to falling attendanceNHL commissioner Gary Bettman called Winnipeg a strong market where “hockey matters,” and said he believes the Jets' falling attendance will be resolved.
NHL to once again send players back to Olympics in 2026, but will arena be ready?
Read full article: NHL to once again send players back to Olympics in 2026, but will arena be ready?Italian officials want to hold the hockey games at brand new 16,000-seat arena in Milan (which is co-hosting along with Cortina d’Ampezzo), but in what’s become a theme of other construction efforts for the 2026 Games, the Italians are doing things at the last minute and better hope no delays occur.
Police apologize to woman at center of 2018 sexual assault case that has rocked Canadian hockey
Read full article: Police apologize to woman at center of 2018 sexual assault case that has rocked Canadian hockeyThe police chief in London, Ontario, has issued a public apology to a woman who says she was sexually assaulted by members of Canada's 2018 world junior team.
NHL to wait for 2018 Canada world junior sexual assault case to finish before considering next moves
Read full article: NHL to wait for 2018 Canada world junior sexual assault case to finish before considering next movesNHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says the league will wait for the judicial process to play out before making any decisions about four players charged in a 2018 sexual assault case in Canada.
NHL players are headed back to the Olympics in 2026 and 2030, cleared to play for 1st time since '14
Read full article: NHL players are headed back to the Olympics in 2026 and 2030, cleared to play for 1st time since '14NHL players are returning to the Olympics for the first time in more than a decade.
Where do things stand with the sexual assault case involving 2018 Canada world junior players?
Read full article: Where do things stand with the sexual assault case involving 2018 Canada world junior players?Four current members of the National Hockey League and a former NHL player have been charged with sexual assault.
Corey Perry joins the Oilers, is back in the NHL after the Blackhawks terminated his contract
Read full article: Corey Perry joins the Oilers, is back in the NHL after the Blackhawks terminated his contractThe Edmonton Oilers have agreed to terms with Corey Perry on a contract for the remainder of the NHL season.
NHL bringing 2024 draft to Las Vegas and The Sphere. League also says salary cap will rise in '24
Read full article: NHL bringing 2024 draft to Las Vegas and The Sphere. League also says salary cap will rise in '24The last centralized NHL Draft for the foreseeable future is going out with the glitz and bright lights of Vegas.
Player's death from a skate cut to the neck in England leads to more NHL talks on cut protection
Read full article: Player's death from a skate cut to the neck in England leads to more NHL talks on cut protectionThe death of American hockey player Adam Johnson from a skate blade to the neck has led officials in the NHL and other leagues to continue discussions about cut-resistant protection.
NHL issues updated theme night guidance, which includes a ban on players using Pride tape on the ice
Read full article: NHL issues updated theme night guidance, which includes a ban on players using Pride tape on the iceThe NHL sent a memo to teams last week clarifying what players can and cannot do as part of theme celebrations this season, including a ban on the use of rainbow-colored stick tape for Pride nights.
Coyotes say they've executed a letter of intent to buy land for a potential arena in Mesa, Arizona
Read full article: Coyotes say they've executed a letter of intent to buy land for a potential arena in Mesa, ArizonaThe Coyotes say owner Alex Meruelo has executed a letter of intent to buy a piece of land for a potential arena in Mesa, Arizona.
Why Marty Walsh left the Biden administration to run the NHL players' union
Read full article: Why Marty Walsh left the Biden administration to run the NHL players' unionMarty Walsh was less than halfway through his term in the Biden administration as labor secretary when the phone rang with an interesting opportunity.
Bettman: NHL still committed to keeping Coyotes in Arizona after arena referendum failed
Read full article: Bettman: NHL still committed to keeping Coyotes in Arizona after arena referendum failedCommissioner Gary Bettman says the NHL is still committed to Arizona after Tempe voters rejected a referendum for a Coyotes arena.
Boston Bruins hire firm to review player vetting process
Read full article: Boston Bruins hire firm to review player vetting processThe Boston Bruins have hired a law firm led by former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to review their player vetting process after signing prospect Mitchell Miller and then rescinding his contract offer.
Bruins' Neely: Team 'dropped the ball' in signing Miller
Read full article: Bruins' Neely: Team 'dropped the ball' in signing MillerBruins President Cam Neely says the team “dropped the ball” with its internal vetting of Mitchell Miller, ultimately leading to the decision to rescind its contract offer to the defenseman.
Manson scores 8:02 into OT, Avs beat Blues 3-2 in Game 1
Read full article: Manson scores 8:02 into OT, Avs beat Blues 3-2 in Game 1Josh Manson scored 8:02 into overtime, Darcy Kuemper made 23 saves in his return to the net from an eye injury, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the St. Louis Blues 3-2 in Game 1 of their second-round series.
Panthers rout Capitals 5-1 in Game 2 to even series
Read full article: Panthers rout Capitals 5-1 in Game 2 to even seriesAleksander Barkov and Carter Verhaeghe each had a goal and an assist and the Florida Panthers topped the Washington Capitals 5-1 on Thursday night to even their Eastern Conference first-round series at a game apiece.
Raanta, Hurricanes beat Bruins 5-1 in playoff series opener
Read full article: Raanta, Hurricanes beat Bruins 5-1 in playoff series openerSeth Jarvis and Nino Niederreiter scored second-period goals while Antti Raanta was strong in net to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Boston Bruins 5-1 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
NHL defends disciplinary decisions in Blackhawks scandal
Read full article: NHL defends disciplinary decisions in Blackhawks scandalCommissioner Gary Bettman is defending the NHL’s handling of disciplinary matters following an investigation into the Chicago Blackhawks over sexual assault allegations in 2010.
NHL Commissioner meets with Kyle Beach, offers league's help
Read full article: NHL Commissioner meets with Kyle Beach, offers league's helpNHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has talked to Kyle Beach about what the league can do to better protect its players after Beach said he was sexually assaulted by an assistant coach in 2010 and his allegations were largely ignored by the Chicago Blackhawks.
Blackhawks ask Hall of Fame to cover assistant's name on Cup
Read full article: Blackhawks ask Hall of Fame to cover assistant's name on CupChicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz wants the Hockey Hall of Fame to cover the name of an assistant coach on the Stanley Cup after he was accused of sexually assaulting a player during the team’s run to the 2010 title.
NHL not disciplining ex-Blackhawks GM for role in scandal
Read full article: NHL not disciplining ex-Blackhawks GM for role in scandalThe NHL has decided not to discipline a former Chicago Blackhawks assistant general manager for his role in the club's mishandling of sexual assault allegations made by a player in 2010.
Amid scandal, Quenneville resigns as Florida Panthers coach
Read full article: Amid scandal, Quenneville resigns as Florida Panthers coachJoel Quenneville resigned as coach of the Florida Panthers on Thursday, two days after the second-winningest coach in NHL history was among those implicated for not swiftly responding to allegations by a Chicago Blackhawks player of being sexually assaulted by another coach during the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Quenneville's meeting with Bettman may decide Florida fate
Read full article: Quenneville's meeting with Bettman may decide Florida fateThe Panthers are rolling this season but coach Joel Quenneville being named in a report detailing how the Chicago Blackhawks mishandled sexual assault allegations that an assistant on his staff sexually assaulted a player during the team’s Stanley Cup run in 2010 could derail Florida's hopes.
Blackhawks GM resigns, team fined after sexual assault probe
Read full article: Blackhawks GM resigns, team fined after sexual assault probeFlorida Panthers coach Joel Quenneville says he'll meet with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Thursday to discuss his involvement in the Chicago Blackhawks’ sexual abuse scandal.
To jab or not to jab? Vaccinations still hot topic in sports
Read full article: To jab or not to jab? Vaccinations still hot topic in sportsSeveral months after COVID-19 vaccinations were made widely available in the United States, vaccination status continues to disrupt professional and college sports.
Jarry has 26 saves, Penguins beat Lightning 6-2 in opener
Read full article: Jarry has 26 saves, Penguins beat Lightning 6-2 in openerTristan Jarry had 26 saves, Danton Heinen and Brian Boyle scored early second-period goals, and the short-handed Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning 6-2 in the regular-season opener.
M Go Big: Led by Power, Michigan goes 1-2 in NHL draft
Read full article: M Go Big: Led by Power, Michigan goes 1-2 in NHL draftUniversity of Michigan dominates start of NHL draft with defenseman Owen Power and forward Matthew Beniers becoming the first teammates selected first and second overall since 1969.
NHL schedule will include break but no guarantee of Olympics
Read full article: NHL schedule will include break but no guarantee of OlympicsCommissioner Gary Bettman says the NHL schedule will include a break for the 2022 Winter Olympics even though there is no commitment the league's players will go to Beijing.
‘Tragic accident:’ NHL goalie dies from fall after fireworks mishap
Read full article: ‘Tragic accident:’ NHL goalie dies from fall after fireworks mishapColumbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died of chest trauma from an errant fireworks mortar blast in what authorities described as a tragic accident on the Fourth of July.
Vegas' Reaves suspended 2 games by NHL for hit vs. Avalanche
Read full article: Vegas' Reaves suspended 2 games by NHL for hit vs. AvalancheVegas forward Ryan Reaves was suspended two games by the NHL for his roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct on Colorado’s Ryan Graves during the Golden Knights’ 7-1 loss in Game 1 of their second-round series Sunday.
Blues hockey great Bob Plager killed in car accident
Read full article: Blues hockey great Bob Plager killed in car accidentFILE - In this Thursday, Feb 2, 2017 file photo, Former St. Louis Blues player Bob Plager waves to fans while speaking during a ceremony to retire his number before an NHL hockey game between the Blues and the Toronto Maple Leafs in St. Louis. Former St. Louis Blues defenseman Bob Plager was killed Wednesday, March 24, 2021 in a car crash in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)ST. LOUIS – Former St. Louis Blues defenseman Bob Plager was killed Wednesday in a car crash in St. Louis. “It is unimaginable to imagine the St. Louis Blues without Bobby Plager,” the team said in a statement. “He was an original 1967 member of the St. Louis Blues, but also an original in every sense of the word.
US-Canada border decision looms in playoffs for NHL
Read full article: US-Canada border decision looms in playoffs for NHLAP Photo/Chris Seward)A year after the pandemic temporarily shut down the NHL, a handful of roadblocks remain to handing out the Stanley Cup again this season — including the U.S.-Canada border. The border remains closed to nonessential travel, an issue the NHL addressed before the 2021 season began in January by realigning its divisions. But the league has a decision looming on what to do when a Canadian team faces a U.S. opponent in the third round of the playoffs. Talks are ongoing with Canadian government officials, though nothing needs to be settled yet since cross-border play won't happen until mid-June. “We’ve got a little bit of time to deal with this,” Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said during a video interview Thursday.
ESPN, NHL announce comprehensive 7-year agreement
Read full article: ESPN, NHL announce comprehensive 7-year agreementPlayers stand on the ice during the playing of the national anthem before an NHL hockey game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Tampa Bay Lightning Tuesday, March 9, 2021, in Detroit. The NHL and ESPN are together again after announcing a seven-year agreement that also includes extensive streaming rights. “This is a win, win, win. ESPN will produce 75 national games per season that will stream exclusively on both ESPN+ and Hulu. Disney owns two-thirds of Hulu and has been offering packages that include Hulu, ESPN+ and Disney+.
AP sources: NHL reaches 7-year agreement with ESPN
Read full article: AP sources: NHL reaches 7-year agreement with ESPNFILE - National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman speaks to members of the media , Saturday, March 7, 2020, in Sunrise, Fla. The National Hockey League will be returning to ESPN beginning next season. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, file)The National Hockey League will return to ESPN beginning next season. ESPN started airing NHL games when it went on the air in 1979 by making deals with individual teams. It had the national NHL rights from 1985-88 and 1992-2004.
Avs beat Golden Knights 3-2 in delayed Lake Tahoe game
Read full article: Avs beat Golden Knights 3-2 in delayed Lake Tahoe gameVegas Golden Knights right wing Alex Tuch (89) races for the puck against the Colorado Avalanche during the first period of of Outdoor Lake Tahoe NHL hockey game at Stateline, Nev., Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli))STATELINE, Nev. – Nathan MacKinnon scored a dazzling goal more than nine hours after assisting on another to highlight a most unusual and lengthy outdoor game at Lake Tahoe that the Colorado Avalanche won 3-2 over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday. Although it’s fair to say that none of those had the picturesque setting of this rink located on the 18th fairway of a golf course on the shores of Lake Tahoe and surrounded by trees with snow-covered mountains towering in the background. Fleury made 36 saves for Vegas and fell to 0-3 in three career outdoor game starts. AdPART 1The Avs controlled the play under the sun, getting an early goal from Girard and outshooting Vegas 17-8 in the first 20 minutes.
Bright sun, poor ice delay outdoor NHL game at Lake Tahoe
Read full article: Bright sun, poor ice delay outdoor NHL game at Lake TahoeMembers of the Colorado Avalanche, in white, and the Vegas Golden Knights, red play during the first period of the Outdoor Lake Tahoe NHL hockey game in Stateline, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021. The NHL decided to halt the game Saturday afternoon because bright sun and temperatures hovering around freezing led to poor ice conditions that had players and officials repeatedly falling because of holes on the ice. We obviously didn’t want anyone getting hurt. The ice was great.”But the delay didn't alter Bettman's commitment to outdoor games, even in unconventional settings outside of a stadium venue like Lake Tahoe. Both teams were unable to practice on the specially built outdoor rink before Saturday's Vegas-Colorado game because of the ice conditions.
'Insatiable' Crosby hungry as ever as 1,000th game arrives
Read full article: 'Insatiable' Crosby hungry as ever as 1,000th game arrivesOn the eve of his franchise-record 1000th regular season game, the superstar looks just as dangerous as ever, with no end in sight. Crosby will cross another milestone Saturday night when he becomes the first Penguin to play in 1,000 regular-season games. Ad“He’s not ready to relinquish the best player in the game attribute or that he’s carried here for a decade-plus,” Sullivan said. The idea of Crosby playing with regularity again — let alone getting to 1,000 games — seemed improbable at best. AdStill, despite the constant setbacks, Crosby remained committed to both the short game and the long one.
NHL takes big stride on data and analytics with AWS deal
Read full article: NHL takes big stride on data and analytics with AWS deal(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)The NHL is taking another step forward in data, analytics, and puck and player tracking. The league has reached an agreement with Amazon Web Services to put all its video and data on the cloud. AdNHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Amazon Web Services CEO Andy Jassy unveiled the deal on NBC Sports Network late Wednesday. Later this season, fans looking up stats on the NHL's website will get corresponding video clips and vice versa. “It kind of melts your mind with the number of opportunities that are sitting in front of us.”___More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
NHL revises virus protocols; Colorado is 5th team shut down
Read full article: NHL revises virus protocols; Colorado is 5th team shut downNew York Rangers coach David Quinn of the New York Rangers stands behind the bench during the team's NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, in New York. (Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo via AP)The NHL revised its virus protocols in a bid to keep the shortened season on track, but not before a fifth team was idled by COVID-19 problems. Hours after the league announced changes visible in arenas and important behind the scenes, Colorado joined the growing list of U.S.-based teams shut down for virus concerns. Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog joined teammate Tyson Jost on the league's COVID-19 unavailable list Thursday. Bettman said fewer than half the players in protocol have been because of a confirmed positive test and many of those were asymptomatic.
The Latest: NHL postpones Avalanche games due to COVID-19
Read full article: The Latest: NHL postpones Avalanche games due to COVID-19The Avalanche currently have two players on the league’s COVID-19 list: captain Gabriel Landeskog and forward Tyson Jost. AdThe Wolverines’ 13th-ranked women’s basketball team and highly competitive hockey squad also were cleared to enter their facilities. Michigan’s men’s basketball team is scheduled to play Feb. 11 at home against No. ___Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog, Buffalo defenseman Jake McCabe and Minnesota forward Nico Sturm were added to NHL COVID-19 protocol list. ___West Virginia is boosting home attendance to 2,800, or 20% of capacity, for the men’s basketball game Feb. 13 between the 17th-ranked Mountaineers and No.
Hockey Hall of Famer George Armstrong dies at 90
Read full article: Hockey Hall of Famer George Armstrong dies at 90The Maple Leafs confirmed the death Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, on Twitter. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)TORONTO, ONT – George Armstrong, who captained the Toronto Maple Leafs to four Stanley Cups in the 1960s, has died. His death was announced Sunday by the Maple Leafs, who said he died of heart complications, citing his family. “George is part of the very fabric of the Toronto Maple Leaf organization and will be deeply missed,” Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan said in a statement. “For 70 years, he represented his beloved Maple Leafs and the entire NHL with class and distinction as a player, coach, executive and ambassador.
Canes' season paused, while Caps play on without 4 regulars
Read full article: Canes' season paused, while Caps play on without 4 regularsFor Peter Laviolette, his Washington Capitals will keep playing for the next week without four prominent players who broke the rules. There's no indication the Capitals are being shut down, though they will have to play the next four games without captain Alex Ovechkin, No. The NHL defers to local authorities, and the minimum four games for the Capitals players relates to the District of Columbia's quarantine regulations. The Hurricanes have so far had three games postponed because of their outbreak and won't play for at least a week. I think that’s really what we’re going to find out.”___AP Sports Writers Aaron Beard and Stephen Hawkins contributed.
Carolina-Nashville 1st NHL postponement since season started
Read full article: Carolina-Nashville 1st NHL postponement since season startedThe NHL did not specify which team prompted the postponement, though four Hurricanes players were added to the COVID-19 list Tuesday. The NHL already postponed the start of the Dallas Stars' season after six players and two staff members tested positive for the virus. Hurricanes players Warren Foegele, Jordan Martinook, Jaccob Slavin and Teuvo Teravainen joined captain Jordan Staal on the unavailable list because of COVID-19 protocols. The teams aren’t scheduled to play again in Nashville until the end of the season with back-to-back games on May 7-8. Now the Predators, who gave players Tuesday off after the postponement, are scheduled to visit Dallas on Friday night for the Stars' season opener.
NHL teams begin to unveil advertisements on helmets
Read full article: NHL teams begin to unveil advertisements on helmetsIn this image provided by the Washington Capitals, Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson wears a helmet bearing a Capital One logo during NHL hockey practice, Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, in Arlington, Va. (Zach Guerette/Washington Capitals via AP)There will be advertisements on NHL players' helmets this season as teams try to recoup revenue lost to the pandemic. The New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals and Nashville Predators became the first teams to unveil helmet ads Tuesday. “Of course, the teams are in a big hole,” Nashville chief revenue officer Chris Junghans said after the team announced its deal with Bridgestone. “So, they're looking for valuable, real valuable, tangible assets that will help us, guys like me, make partners whole. Each of the first three teams got a deal done with the company that sponsors the naming rights for its arena.
NHL, players finalize agreement for 56-game season in 2021
Read full article: NHL, players finalize agreement for 56-game season in 2021The National Hockey League and players reached a tentative deal Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, to hold a 56-game season in 2021, pending the approval of each side's executive board and Canadian health officials. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)Hockey is set to return Jan. 13 after the NHL and players completed a deal Sunday to hold a 56-game season that would include playoffs lasting into July to award the Stanley Cup. The league's Board of Governors voted to approve the agreement that was backed by the NHL Players' Association executive board Friday night. The NHL completed last season in bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton, Alberta, with players, coaches and staff isolated from the general public and virus-tested daily. In the three U.S. divisions, teams will play eight times against each other.
AP source: NHL eyes division play only; Sharks to Arizona
Read full article: AP source: NHL eyes division play only; Sharks to ArizonaFILE - In this March 12, 2020, file photo, goals used by the NHL hockey club Nashville Predators are stored in a hallway in Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)The NHL is preparing for a pandemic-altered regular season limited to divisional play while trying to determine if the league’s seven Canadian teams will be allowed to play in their country. The deal has already received support from the NHL Players’ Association, and features a 56-game regular season beginning Jan. 13. In an email to the AP, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly deferred questions to the Sharks regarding their status. As for the issues affecting the Canadian teams — Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver — Daly said they remain unresolved.
AP source: NHL players balk at changing CBA, league moves on
Read full article: AP source: NHL players balk at changing CBA, league moves onNHL players have balked at changing the collective bargaining agreement and the league is preparing to open the season Jan. 13 after starting training camp on New Year's Day, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Tuesday. “We are certainly continuing to work through all the issues we would need to resolve to start a season,” Deputy NHL Commissioner Bill Daly said. The league and union agreed to a CBA over the summer that included a 10% salary deferral for the 2021 season and a cap on money left in escrow. Players, however, did not want to renegotiate a deal that’s only a few months old. The league is planning to play between 50 and 60 games in the regular season before beginning the playoffs.
AP Source: NHL now focusing on mid-January season start date
Read full article: AP Source: NHL now focusing on mid-January season start dateTime is running short for the NHL to start its season on Jan. 1. Without going into detail, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told The AP “various similar concepts are being discussed” when asked about the 52- or 56-game schedule and mid-January start. Under a mid-January start date, players would have to begin reporting after Christmas, followed by a shortened training camp and preseason. The league initially considered having the season start in late November or early December, before pushing it back to Jan. 1. ___For more AP NHL coverage: https://apnews.com/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Bettman: NHL players have to decide to pay now or later
Read full article: Bettman: NHL players have to decide to pay now or later(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman warned players Wednesday they are likely going to have to pay one way or another to make up for the league’s projected lost revenue whenever the 2020-21 season gets underway. Speaking on a Sports Business Journal panel, Bettman stressed the NHL is not attempting to reopen the collective bargaining agreement some five months after it was extended. And that means players will have to bear the brunt of any shortfall to owners. “If we have to pay out lots of cash, two-thirds of which is going to come back to us, that may cause some stress,” Bettman said. The National Hockey League Players’ Association did not respond to a message seeking comment.
NHL jersey launch creates buzz with season 6-plus weeks away
Read full article: NHL jersey launch creates buzz with season 6-plus weeks awayThe NHL on Monday displayed a new jersey for each of its 31 teams, looking to create some buzz at a time when there are no games. The league and players are still targeting a Jan. 1 start for the 2021 season, though there's plenty of uncertainty about when and where fans might be able to attend. These “reverse retro” jerseys were several years in the making but are being launched at a time that's usually hockey season and while revenue is being lost without ticket sales. “It’s creating buzz and noise in the marketplace where normally we would be having games going on,” said Brian Jennings, NHL chief brand officer and senior executive vice president. It has created a level of interest in the NHL when the return of games is at least six weeks away.
Bubble hockey champions: Tampa Bay Lightning win Stanley Cup
Read full article: Bubble hockey champions: Tampa Bay Lightning win Stanley CupThe triumph of winning the NHL championship in a bubble was certainly no less sweet for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He played 964 regular-season and 137 playoff games to get to this point, losing in the final twice before. Tampa Bay had Point and No. Coach Jon Cooper thought the attitude needed to change from wanting to beat every opponent 9-0 because that’s not realistic in playoff hockey. ... Alexander Volkov made his NHL playoff debut for Tampa Bay, which also saw Patrick Maroon become just the eighth player to win the Cup in back-to-back seasons with different teams (St. Louis).
NHL officials acknowledge long road to successful resumption
Read full article: NHL officials acknowledge long road to successful resumptionNHL officials acknowledged Friday there is a long way to go before celebrating hockey's return during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teams must submit rosters and full 52-person traveling parties Friday and travel to the hub cities of Toronto or Edmonton, Alberta, on Sunday. The quicker turnaround time and the availability on testing is not subtracting from the publicly available testing, Meeuwisse said. Mayer believes individual player demonstrations may happen organically; members of the Maple Leafs have worn Black Lives Matter shirts at their practice facility. More to come on that, but it is something that of course were talking about incorporating.___AP Hockey Writer John Wawrow contributed.
NHL, players take collaborative approach in bid to resume
Read full article: NHL, players take collaborative approach in bid to resumeIt was a recognition by both sides that we were being confronted with an incredibly difficult, a novel, unprecedented situation. Less than three weeks before NFL training camps are set to open, the league is experiencing push-back from its players on whether to play preseason games next month. Major League Soccer has had two teams already withdrawing from competition because of the number of players testing positive for the coronavirus. I think Don and I both recognize labor peace was something we couldnt even quantify how important it was, Bettman said. The new labor agreement also addressed players demands to gain a post-career subsidy for health care.
NFL commissioner Goodell encourages team to sign Kaepernick
Read full article: NFL commissioner Goodell encourages team to sign KaepernickFILE - In this Dec. 12, 2018, file photo, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a news conference in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)Roger Goodell would like to see Colin Kaepernick back in the NFL this season. The NFL commissioner said during ESPN's The Return of Sports special on Monday that he is encouraging teams to sign the 32-year old quarterback, who hasn't played the past three seasons. If he wants to resume his career in the NFL, then obviously its gonna take a team to make that decision. I hope were at a point now where everybodys committed to making long-term, sustainable change, Goodell said.
NHL players not rushing back to rinks for voluntary skates
Read full article: NHL players not rushing back to rinks for voluntary skatesNHL players could start participating in voluntary small-group workouts, and teams began opening their training facilities Monday. Players learned Thursday training camps can open July 10, pending an agreement on returning to play later this summer. Now, the players are expected to trickle back in preparation of the resumption of the season. Players started skating by the handful this week in places like Boston, Chicago, Toronto, Pittsburgh, Columbus and Edmonton, while some teams waited to open their doors. Veteran Nashville general manager David Poile said that while almost a dozen players remained in the area, the NHL has instructed teams not to ask or encourage players to show up because this stage is voluntary.